Page 169 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“No, but I do have something to share. It’s not the samekind of secret as Kip’s, and it’s not the same kind of secret as Ash’s. But Ithink it’s just as wonderful.”
“As wonderful as antlers?”
“Yes.”
“Aa wonderful as antennae?”
“Yes.”
“As wonderful as red hair?”
“Yes.”
“As wonderful as a tail?”
“Yes.”
“As wonderful as wings?”
Tami laughed and asked, “Mr. Peck, are you stalling?”
“Sorry. Go ahead.”
“We wanted to share our good news with all of you first,because we’re counting on our hometown’s support. Ash has asked me to marryhim, and I said yes.”
Under cover of all the confusion, Flootie commandeered themicrophone. When she could make herself heard, she said, “Idohope youcan handle at least one more Amaranthine today. Because Ash and Tami have gotthemselves a top-notch go-between, and he’s here to make his first officialstatement on their behalf.”
Argent stepped out from behind the curtain. Taking his placeat the fore, he offered a series of genteel nods and gracious bows until theroom began to settle.
Flootie beamed approvingly at the crowd, then spoke for allof them. “Welcome to Archer, Lord Mettlebright. We’re delighted to have you.”
FORTY-NINE
Eavesdropper
Biddie was in full bloom on the summer afternoon when Joeoverheard something that probably wasn’t meant for his ears. Not that he wastryingto eavesdrop. This was his farm. This was his favorite spot. And he didn’tdoubt that Amaranthine ears were keen enough to pick up the lazy drift offingers through fur … and the deep breathing of the squirrel draped bonelesslyacross his lap.
Which meant that he wasmeantto hear theconversation that pretended to be private.
“So this is her!” The voice was new to the farm, yetfamiliar.
“Why the sudden change of plans?”
That was Spokesperson Twineshaft. He’d turned up—unannouncedand under the radar—a few days ago, escorting Isla. Or vice versa. Schoolstuff, mostly. But wedding stuff, too. Turns out, Isla was the cat’s apprenticeand a diplomaticwunderkind.
Voices carried clearly. Hisoka, who liked to be calledSensei, asked, “Are you here at your sire’s behest?”
“The idea,” came an injured grumble. “I’m atyours,if anyone’s. Why would you think otherwise?”
“There are ties to Wardenclave.”
A skeptical snort. “Most reavers in this part of the worldcan claim ties to Wardenclave. Are you angling for something, old friend? Youknow I prefer plain speaking.”
Joe cringed. This was very bad acting.
Hisoka asked, “Does this variety of tree grow in Wardenclave’sgrove?”
“No, this is a new scent.” In a softer tone, he added,“Pleasant surprise, really. There are not enough new things in the world.”
