Page 75 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
This is safer, but not the most secure
I must choose my words carefully
Both there?
Yes.
A former sensei dropped by
Argent said, “That would be the midwife.”
Tsumiko knew about the lady from the horse clans. Sansa spoke of her with deep affection. A mentor, but almost like a mother. “Do all reavers form close ties with their teachers?”
“Hardly.” Traces of pride seeped into Argent’s tone. “Neither your cook nor your chauffeur have ever wallowed in mediocrity. They distinguished themselves early.”
“Are they … important?”
“To many. Yourself included.”
Michael’s texts came in short bursts.
Rilka came under escort.
We have a lofty guest.
The loftiest.
“Give that to me.” Argent plucked the phone from Tsumiko’s hands.
She let it go but whispered, “I want to see.”
He cooperated, angling his body so she could follow.
Stop dithering, boy
Was he looking for me?
No, my friend
But he is too close for calls
Grooming in the next room with nephew
But that’s another story
Stick to this one.
Tsumiko asked, “Who’s there?”
“Hisoka Twineshaft.”
“The internationally recognized leader of all the Amaranthine clans is at our house?” At his flat look, Tsumiko whispered, “But why?”
“Based on Michael’s keen grasp of the mundane, I can only assume he is there to avail himself of Stately House’s superior bathing facilities.”
Tsumiko gravely said, “I hope you put out the nice towels before we left.”
Amusement flickered across Argent’s face, and the phonepinged anew.
