Page 36 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Jiminy wryly asked, “You didn’t like my list?”
Michael hesitated. “As Argent pointed out, we’re testingyour grasp of the basics, not your ingenuity … impressive though it may be.Now,rest.”
“I’ll catch a nap soon,” he promised. “Thanks,First-sensei.”
“Until next time, Kourogi-kun.”
Jiminy signed off, then stood to stretch. Normally, he wouldhave had to content himself with training under whatever ward was close. TheEmergence had revolutionized the In-between, making technology—and overseasapprenticeships—safe. With the danger of accidental outing over, reavers couldconnect freely.
“An appropriate challenge.” Jiminy yawned and stretched anddouble-checked the time.
He usually grabbed a long nap after sessions with hismentor, but he’d barely make it through his rounds before his shift started. Along shower and a large coffee would have to see him through.
The reaver girl was back.
Rook had warned Jiminy off, so he watched her from a safedistance. Miss Armstrong, battler class, was taller than average, but not somuch that her height made her stand out. If anything, she was blending in morethan a newbie should. She worked carefully, quietly, and with a seriousness thatwould probably endear her to Doon-wen.
Her blonde hair had been hacked short, fanning out aroundher head in disobedient waves. He had to wonder how her hair found the courageto appear in her mirror in such an unruly state. Did she disapprove of itscarefree nature as much as she disapproved of him?
Jiminy had begun a private tally of stern looks. He’d earnedfour already, and he hadn’t even clocked in.
Leaning against the back counter, sipping an extra-strongcoffee, he contemplated her nose. How did someone who never cracked a smile getaway with such a pert nose? Its slight upturn belonged with someone sassy orplayful. Yet Melissa worked in silence, keeping entirely to herself. Well,almost.She’d made one remarkable exception.
Rook.
Many young women were taken by Rook, but this was the firsttime Jiminy had ever seen Rook take back. The wolf was all soft smiles andfleeting touches and subtle shows of consideration. Most human girls would havebeen flattered or flustered, for he was as attentive as a suitor, but Melissaseemed to understand that his interest wasn’t pursuit.
She was being treated as pack, and Jiminy would have lovedto knowwhy. But Rook had warned him off.
It was strange, being on the wrong side of Rook’sconsiderable protective streak.
Why her?
Jiminy poured himself a second cup and pondered thepossibilities, only to be caught looking. That earned him his fifth stern lookof the morning. He was still paying for that disastrous first impression.
“Good morning, Melissa.”
“Good morning, Jiminy.”
Oooh, he liked that. More than he probably should, since shecouldn’t grasp the significance of using his nickname. Rather than beembarrassed by the handle, Jiminy had embraced it so fully, they’d put it onhis name badge. It was part of his identity within the pack, an endearment thatmeant he belonged.
Most co-workers and customers shortened it to “Jim,” but notMelissa. She determinedly granted him the full measure.
Did she like it? Did she pity him?
She was wholly immune to his usual arsenal of winks andsmiles. Every other girl who frequented their shop could be depended on toreact, but Melissa was calm, cool, collected … and disappointing. Not that hewas discouraged.
Today, he’d coax for lesser prizes. Like eye contact.
He sidled up to her and said, “I could teach you.”
Melissa’s grip shifted subtly on her broom, no doubtreadying it as a weapon.
“I know all about wolves and pack life.” Jiminy pointedlytook a receptive stance, yielding the initiative to her. “I could teach you howto respond to Rook.”
“I don’t need you. Rook can teach me.”
“That’s true.” He nodded even as he countered, “But it wouldmake a pleasant surprise.”
