"Oh--no, no," Claudia insisted, trying too late to look like she simply couldn't put Billy out like that. The obvious force of her reluctance had her hesitating, trying to explain it, mouth open while she felt for the words, and felt only that she didn't have much reason to lie, "My uncle might see you. He'd be a real fool about it, bringing me home in the middle of the night like that. Best stay clear of him." She didn't appear to be having much trouble managing the weight of several volumes anyway, though she did glance around for somewhere soft to throw herself and her illustrative guides for the next few hours.