Question H

[Jonetta]

Bazzle’s continued susceptibility to lice prompts Tom to take him into his home. However, he keeps his distance by having him be part of the staff. What did you read into how Tom handled the boy?

[Anita]

Bazzle was working his way under Tom's defenses. Having him be part of the staff kept him at a distance.

[Sharon]

Bazzel was important to Tom, but he didn't know how to handle him. It was obvious that Tom thought that he was giving Bazzel a better life. He also thought that his staff was better equipped to show Bazzel the ropes.

[Jonetta]

At this point, Tom was definitely connecting to Bazzle and seeing a part of himself in the boy. I think he needed to keep him at arms length based on his own experience with his mentor. He didn’t want Bazzle to believe he was part of the family, as he had erroneously done.

[Robin]

I agree. Tom wanted to help Bazzel and give him a better life, but he didn't want the kid to think that Tom was family. Tom wanted it clear that Bazzel worked for him, just like Mr. Paxton did to Tom.

[Karen ♐]

Yes. Tom wanted to be a help to Bazzle but he didn't want to get to close.