Page 93 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Cedric rode in front with his driver, hidden away behind a glass partition. Without the need to keep him apprised, Stewart slipped into Japanese. Once in a while, he hesitated, searching for the proper word or phrase. At such times, he reverted to English so Argent could supplement an explanation that felt more and more like a confession.
Stewart’s restless fingers tapped and twisted, only stilling when he gripped his knees, knuckles white.
“Have you finished with the inanities?” Argent inquired.
The man looked ill.
With a softtsk, Argent reached across Tsumiko, taking Stewart by the chin, forcing the man to look at him. He growled, but she thought not threateningly. If anything, the vibrations held a note of comfort. To her surprise, Stewart understood the intent. Had Argent soothed away this man’s fears before, perhaps when he was a boy?
Argent said, “You are safe, Stewie. Your lady is safe. And my lady wants to ease your suffering. Spill the secrets before you sink deeper into despair.”
“Can you help us, Argent?”
“Who can say?” Patting Stewart’s cheek, Argent sat back. “Begin with the procurement of your bride.”
“Kyoko.”
She seemed to be a safer topic, for Stewart relaxed enough to smile. “Grandfather is the one who did all the research. He became an amateur genealogist in order to track down someone suitable. He found Kyoko at university, offered her a scholarship to transfer here. She came.”
“An arranged marriage?” asked Tsumiko.
“No, no. Not at first. She was a humanities major, specializing in folklore. Cedric wanted her for himself, academically speaking.” Stewart’s gaze dropped. “I married her … after.”
“After what?” she pressed.
Stewart took a deep breath. “There was an unfortunate incident involving one of Grandfather’s research teams. He’d pieced together enough clues to believe there were creatures like Argent living in secluded places. Rallying an expedition based on local stories of dragons, they planned hikes into the hills, through moors. It was a lark—camping with a bit of myth-busting thrown in.”
His voice shook. “Jacques was going to go along, but Grandfather didn’t want him distracting the team. It’s a good thing, too. All of the men died. Brutally.”
“Only the men?” asked Argent.
“Yes.” He glanced uncertainly at Tsumiko. “The next part may be too scary …?”
“Go on,” Tsumiko said. “Tell us so we’re prepared.”
“They found bodies—pieces of bodies, really—scattered through a shallow valley. It wasn’t until the investigators finished gathering that they realized both women were missing. Searches were mounted, but nothing came of it. We gave them up for dead … until the Emergence. Cedric demanded the case reopened, and the Rivven sent in their hunters.” Stewart twisted the slim silver band on his ring finger. “The wolves found her, brought her back. She’s been in my care ever since.”
Argent’s fingers drummed the side of his leg. “As a patient or as your wife?”
“I can only offer her a husband’s love and support.” Stewart lowered his voice. “Her nurse is one of your people. She’s been very kind.”
Tsumiko asked, “Weren’t you planning to introduce Kyoko to Aunt Eimi?”
“Yes.” An apologetic glance. “Grandfather insisted we try, but I don’t think they would have let us leave. Kyoko’s meant to be in hiding.”
“A protection program?” Argent asked lightly. “So she can testify against her attacker?”
Stewart nodded. “They also don’t want word to leak out. If the details were made public, it might cause a panic. People need to believe the inhuman races are all safe and nice.”
Tsumiko said, “Most are.”
“Yes. Most,” Stewart murmured. “So we are being hidden from the exception. Because he hasn’t been caught, and if he finds out about Kyoko …. I’ve been warned that he might try to take her back.”
“Why?” she asked.
“She’s carrying his child.”
. . .
