Page 110 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
She drew a blank, but only for a moment. It was the nameshe’d used when signing onto the arborist’s forum.
“Might we have a private word, Miss Reaverson?” askedEstrella. “We’ve come a long way.”
Tami’s smile faded. What should she do? Call Cyril? Try toget ahold of the Nightspangle pack? Reeling through options and theirviability, she slowly said, “Thank you, Harrison. I’ll take it from here.”
“If you’re sure.” He didn’t move to go.
“Head on home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Slipping his phone from his back pocket, the eagerly asked,“Could I get a picture first?”
Tami tucked her chin to hide her smile. He was justsoHarrison.
“Arno cannot, butIshould be delighted.” Estrella insinuatedherself into Harrison’s side and posed for the selfie. Tilting her head at asaucy angle to put one pointed ear on full display, she looked every inch avixen.
Harrison excused himself with a dazed wave.
Ismal moved to close the door behind him, but a booted footprevented him. A freckled hand closed around the door’s edge, slowly pushing itwide, despite Ismal’s resistance. Kip’s expression was neutral, which Tamifound a little scary. Ash shouldered past him and took her arm, tugging her tothe corner opposite Ismal’s post.
“This is unexpected.” Kip tipped his head to one side. “Whatbusiness do you have with Bellwether Enclave?”
Arno’s confusion was apparent, and he looked to hiscompanions for help.
“Undisclosed urban enclave,” supplied Ismal.
“Not to those who call it home,” Kip countered. “Or to thosewho live under its protection.”
“Our information came throughunusualchannels, andit is far from complete.” Estrella’s fingers flicked her shoulder in a gestureTami recognized. “We had cause to believe Miss Reaverson might be unregistered… or at least ignorant.”
“Both,” Tami admitted. “Or Ineverwould have postedthose pictures.”
Ash’s arm slipped around Tami’s waist, and he said, “Thisis our territory, and you are guests. Bring your manners, and we’ll show ours.”
Kip still seemed angry. “Even an under-the-table meeting hasto have equal sides.”
“Granted.” Estrella lowered her gaze, but her tone hadclipped edges. “But do you boys realize what’s at stake?”
Ash and Kip traded looks, and Tami realized they had no ideawhat was going on. They’d jumped in blind. She blurted, “It’s okay. She’ssafe.”
“She?” Arno practically pounced on the word. “You’veverified that the tree is female?”
Tami nodded, but she wasn’t sure how much more she shouldsay.
“May I ask how?” He was practically trembling withexcitement.
Kip gave a little nod and pulled out his phone.
Relaxing into Ash’s stalwart presence, Tami smiled. “We knewBiddie was a girl because she was naked when my brother found her.”
“Afemale!” The Silverprong clansman babbled toEstrella in another language.
The fox lady laughed and patted his arm, then sought Tami’sgaze. “This isexcellentnews. And she is safe, the tree and her twin?”
Tami slipped her hand into Ash’s and said, “Completely.”
Kip flashed a grin that was much more usual and pocketed hisphone. “All set. Who wants pizza?”
“Here?” Tami whispered. “Are you sure this is the rightsort of place to be taking important people?”
