There was nowhere else to go. I put on a confident, unconcerned expression.
"The bats," I explained. "I'm not a big fan of bats."
His eyes twinkled with delight, and he burst out laughing. It rang around the room, just like my cry had done before, and the bats dispersed once more.
"And I guess you're wondering why we shackled you so tightly?" he added.
"Well, the chain to the ground is a little excessive," I responded.
“Wonderful!” he exclaimed, laughing once again. I couldn't figure it out, and I began to believe Mr. Paul was a madman.
"If anyone else had been in this apartment, they would have only seen the ropes that bound the wrists and feet. The charming chain on the floor and my spiritual sentinels on the roof are only visible to the truly gifted! You have a lot of potential, y
