Page 111 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“We planned to takeyouhere,” said Kip, pulling Coachinto an open space.
Their dinner date. With all the excitement, she’d completelyforgotten.
“You don’t like pizza?” Ash gently disentangled her ruffledhair. Travel by jeep had left her somewhat windblown.
Ricky’s Roadhouse was Archer’s best—and only—pizza place. Astaple of her childhood, but probably not up to international standards. Still,she smiled and said, “Everybody likes pizza.”
“Exactly,” said Kip. “If they’re going to horn in,then they’re just going to have to eat where the locals eat.”
Kip waved at Ismal, who looked to be on high alert, as ifthe locals might be staging an ambush. Or at the very least, a protest. Arno’santlers were back in hiding, and Estrella no longer looked Amaranthine.
Inside was dim, and off to one side was a long room withdozens of old arcade games, pinball machines, and an ice hockey table. Blinkinglights and a tinny chorus of sound effects had been coaxing quarters from kidsfor decades.
“Welcome,” said a waitress wearing a t-shirt with a tuxedofront printed on it. “How many?”
“Reaverson party,” announced Kip. “We have a reservation.”
“Oh!” She ogled the group with interest, then singled outTami. “Didn’t see you there. Come on back!”
As they filed through, Rick Junior called a greeting fromthe pass-through to the kitchen. “Hey-o, Tami. Back room’s all set for you.Give a holler if you need anything.”
Twice, Tami stopped to greet others she knew. Friends andneighbors. All curious about her guests. And about this year’s corn maze. Andabout the selection of Rivven teachers for their schools.
She didn’t mind. This was familiar territory. Both thepeople and this place.
The back room wasn’t decorated any different than the restof the restaurant—plastic red and white checked tablecloths, matted low-pilecarpeting, red glass candleholders, and stained-glass swag lamps over thetables. But the staff had pulled together several tables along one wall, andthey were filling up fast with pizzas.
“Since when does Ricky’s offer a buffet?”
Kip grinned. “They don’t. I ordered ahead.”
“All this for us?” she protested.
“Don’t underestimate Kip’s appetite.” Ash hooked his armthrough hers, and she could feel the brush of a wing against her back.
“We’ll have help.” Kip’s gaze flew to the door. “And properrepresentation.”
No kidding.
Doon-wen Nightspangle cut an imposing figure in athree-piece suit. His glasses gleamed as he took in the room and its occupants.Cyril Bellamy strolled in next, closely followed by Melissa.
She ignored the Amaranthine stand-off, hurrying instead toTami. Pulling her into a fierce hug, Melissa whispered, “Everything’s fine.Better than fine. They can help.”
Tami sagged against her. “I didn’t mess up?”
“Well, maybe a little. But it’s going to work out.”
Kip tapped their shoulders and cheerfully said, “Addedreinforcements. Local representation. Times three.”
Tami swiveled in time to see Grandad walk in, followed byher dad and Joe.
Her brother immediately veered her way, and she nearlycollided with him in her need to connect.
“Hey,” he said. That was all. Yet it calmed her.
“This is it,” announced Kip. “All present and accountedfor.”
Ismal immediately began warding the room. Not with stones,as Jiminy had done with the oak glen, but with strange, shimmering symbols hedrew on the walls with his finger.
