I knew that even before we reached the front door. The sidewalk was lined with

those little stuffed beanbag animals you see in gift shops. There were miniature

lions, pigs, dragons, hydras, even a teeny Minotaur in a little Minotaur diaper.

Judging from their sad shape, the beanbag creatures had been sitting out here a

long time — since the snow melted last spring at least. One of the hydras had a

tree sapling sprouting between its necks.

 

The front porch was infested with wind chimes. Shiny bits of glass and metal

clinked in the breeze.

 

Brass ribbons tinkled like water and made me realize I needed to use the

bathroom. I didn't know how Ms. Castellan could stand all the noise.

 

The front door was painted turquoise. The name CASTELLAN was written in English,

and below in Greek: Aioucr|Tf|q cpponpion.

 

Nico looked at me. "Ready?"

 

He'd barely tapped the door when it swung open.

 

"Luke!" the old lady cried happily.

 

She looked like someone who enjoyed sticking her fingers in electrical sockets.

Her white hair stuck out in tufts all over her head. Her pink housedress was