Page 17 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“That’s just it, Argent. Sansa’s been watching her. Miss Tsumiko’s not only incredibly powerful, she’s shown signs of increasing sensitivity.” Michael gripped his shoulder. “She knows what you’re doing.”
“Unlikely,” he scoffed.
“On the contrary, she’s letting you bedevil her.”
Argent searched Michael’s face. “Why would she do that?”
“Has she ever ordered you to do anything?”
“No.”
“Do you know why?”
Argent hesitated. As Michael had said, Tsumiko’s behavior was outside his realm of experience. “No.”
Michael went on as if lecturing a child. “Miss Tsumiko may have inherited you, but she doesn’t treat you like a possession. However, she’s taken responsibility for you.”
“There is little difference.”
“There is!” Michael reined in his frustration and took a different tack. “Did you know that Miss Tsumiko was a teacher at Saint Midori’s?”
“No.” Argent’s eyes narrowed. “Why doyouknow?”
“Do you really think Mrs. Eimi would choose her successor without consulting your ward?” Michael grimaced. “I was concerned, so I placed several calls. I spoke at length with people who knew her character.”
“Tsk. You like gossip.”
“It was for a good cause,” Michael said with a faint smile. “As you know, the alternatives were … unpalatable.”
Argent conceded the point with a curt nod.
“Miss Tsumiko took care of the children in the boarding school. Many were rich girls whose parents had no time for them. Others were orphans who’d never known a parent’s care.” Michael cleared his throat. “The sisters I spoke to all mentioned Tsumiko’s patience. She’s used to dealing with childish behavior.”
The point was made, and Argent didn’t like it.
Michael asked, “Will you stop this nonsense?”
“The doorways are safe,” Argent said archly.
“That isn’tanykind of promise, but itisa start.” From an inside pocket, Michael produced a long envelope bearing the crest of the Twineshaft clan. “Shall we move on to other problems?”
Argent’s stomach plunged. “He responded?”
“Not exactly.” Gesturing down the hallway, Michael said, “I’d feel better if we discussed this in my office.”
TWELVE
Into the In-between
Tsumiko hadn’t explored the gardens or grounds, so she was grateful when Sansa began with the front lawn and spiraled outward. From Stately House’s southern face, Tsumiko spied a glass enclosed conservatory. “I haven’t seen an entrance to that yet.”
Sansa said, “Argent has it hidden.”
“Why?”
“He hides that place from all of us. He has few retreats.”
“I guess I’ll have to wait until he invites me in.”
