Page 148 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Tsumiko found it difficult to reconcile the lofty personages who regularly made the evening news with the people currently making themselves at home in Stately House. They smiled less but laughed more. Jibed and jostled instead of politely waiting their turn. And deftly inserted themselves into the day-to-day running of the household. It was surreal, seeing Harmonious Starmark emptying trash bins while Hisoka Twineshaft pared apples for pies.
But these were good signs. Probably.
At the very least, Tsumiko felt that these eminent world leaders were serious about helping Argent. But despite their solemn promise, the Five—or more accurately, the Four—hadn’t reallyaccomplishedanything. Except to accept their hospitality for an unforeseeable future.
“Is this really okay?” Tsumiko whispered to Sansa.
The woman passed along Kyrie and lifted Lilya from her bassinette. “How do you mean?” she asked, also in an undertone.
They were all the way upstairs, but Tsumiko wasn’t entirely certain they couldn’t be overheard. She gently jostled her little one, coaxing a burp. “It’s been two days already. Don’t these people have more important things to do?”
Sansa smiled and shook her head. “Sensei would not be here if we were not important to him.”
That wasn’t quite what she meant. “Spokesman Twineshaft obviously cares about you and Michael, but Argent and I are virtual strangers. Why is he dedicating all his resources to our problem?”
“Sensei sees backward and forward. A clear, vast picture.” Sansa stroked her daughter’s cheek. “No one else dreamed of an Emergence, yet all the world now shares his hope. If Sensei is here, you have become part of his dream. This is good, yes?”
Tsumiko shifted uncomfortably. “So he’s helping us because he wants to use us?”
“Our teacher is both diplomat and strategist. He will smile and he will scheme, but his ambitions are not for himself.” Sansa calmly repeated, “This is good, yes?”
“Maybe,” she conceded. “But how does Spokesman Twineshaft decide what’s good?”
“Sensei has always welcomed questions.” Sansa’s eyebrows rose. “Ask him.”
. . .
Tsumiko couldn’t bring herself to question Hisoka Twineshaft. Her questions all tasted too much like doubt, so she kept them to herself. Or tried to.
Argent had once told her that Amaranthine could smell a lie. Was it any wonder they could also sniff out suspicions and secrets? Hisoka found her in Michael’s study, which wasn’t as impenetrable as she’d hoped, since he strolled through the wards as if they didn’t exist. Tsumiko wanted to call for Argent. She wanted to run and hide. She wanted to avoid this conversation, and she wasn’t even sure why.
“I apologize,” he said, backing up a step. “Is this a bad time?”
Tsumiko stared fixedly at the book she’d been indexing, the latest volume in the vast pile of research into the various forms of Amaranthine bonds. Pulling it closer, as if to shield herself, she waited to see what he might say. But when she finally dared to glance up, Hisoka was gone. And she was relieved.
But also ashamed. And unable to focus. Tsumiko migrated to the shelves, pushing books into neater arrangement like a fussing phoenix. When a hand settled lightly on her shoulder, she flinched.
“Are you all right?” Michael turned her to face him, holding her at arms’ length as he searched her face and exuding fatherly concern. “You haven’t been yourself. Did something happen?”
“Did Hisoka-sensei send you?” she asked bitterly.
“Not in so many words. But with Sensei, the smallest gestures speak volumes.”
There was so much she didn’t understand about Argent’s people. And ignorance frightened her.
“Look at me, young lady.”
The unfamiliar note of authority startled Tsumiko, and she met Michael’s gaze.
He said, “Sansa and I adore our Sensei, and it’s been a distinct pleasure mingling with the clan leaders, but I will make myself clear. You areours. And as family,youare first in our thoughts and our priorities.”
“Thank you.”
“I may be the chauffeur, but I’m currently the closest thing you have to a mentor. So take advantage. Pick my brain. Raise your concerns. Ask my advice.” Michael gave her shoulders a small squeeze. “Talk to me, Tsumiko.”
“Why did the Four really come?” she asked. “Nobody ever cared that Argent was suffering here for ages and ages, but suddenly, he’s prized and needed.”
Michael hesitated. “I would be flattering myself if I said Sensei came for my sake. He wouldn’t say he needs Argent if that weren’t so. But Hisoka Twineshaft kept me close, and my cares often became his concern. Sensei promised to help, and here he is.”
