8
The Spriggan shook his head furiously. The twins waved their hands in the air and mouthed the word, no. Max put up a hand to calm them, then opened the door and let Basil in. He peeked out into the hallway to make sure Birdie was nowhere in sight before closing and locking the door.
Basil stepped into the room and, shyly, lifted a hand in greeting. He shifted his feet nervously. “I, um,” he began. “My sister won't open her door and there was the scary lady.” His voice trailed off.
Max stood behind Basil and watched the Spriggan slowly back away from the boy. Basil did not notice.
“C-Can I stay with you?” he asked.
Max wasn't sure what to make of Basil, but his curiosity got the better of him and he placed a hand on Basil's shoulder. “You can hang with us,” he said.
Tommy's eyes bul
