Braxiatel winced, putting his hands over his ears and taking a step back. Volume was reduced over distance, after all. Usually, anyway. He said, "Yes, Bernice. I realise that we generally assume that Peter got his glass prison-shattering scream from his father's side, but I'm really beginning to reconsider that assessment. I don't think either of us want Ms Jones coming in here and asking us what's going on, do we? Now, if you'll just calm down, I can explain everything."

And he thought Darkel gave him a headache.