Page 112 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Security?” she whispered to Joe, who guided her into linefor food.
“Seems so.”
How could he be so blasé about something that looked likehonest-to-goodness magic? And then there were the greetings still beingexchanged by the Amaranthine. It was like a meeting of dignitaries—local andforeign. But Joe seemed more interested in the selection of pizzas.
Kip caught her attention then, not on purpose, but simplybecause she’d been watching Ismal so closely. So when Kip strolled over, spokea few words, and began helping the man, there was no discounting the obvious.His sigils were brighter, more intricate, and often spun off into space ratherthan affixing themselves to the walls. Kip wasn’t human. He never had been.
Joe slid pizza onto her plate. “Grandad’s pretty excited.That’s Argent Mettlebright’s mom.”
She’d recognized Lady Estrella’s clan name, of course, andassumed she was related to the Spokesperson for the fox clans. Estrella chattedeasily with Cyril, who looked out of place, yet right at home in theirsmall-town pizzeria.
“Worlds collide,” she murmured.
“They connect,” countered Joe.
“In surprising ways.” Tami turned her attention back to Kiponly to catch his wistful glance.
She thought she understood. They’d missed their chance totalk. She’d guessed he was Amaranthine by association. Kip probably would haveliked to tell her his secret personally instead of having the truth made plainby circumstances out of his control.
Remembering the gestures he’d coached her through back whenthey first met, Tami carefully worked through her repertoire.We’re good,right? No worries, friend. Take it easy. Everything’s fine.
Kip’s expression softened, and he offered a solemn wink.
Everything was fine.
Doon-wen and Kip rearranged tables so they formed asquare in the center of the room. When Tami tried to sit with Joe, Melissastopped her, explaining, “This is a formal meeting, so you need to remain withyour escorts. Although, technically, you’re theirs.”
“I don’t know what to do. Are there protocols to follow?Rules or etiquette?”
Her cousin smiled. “Doon-wen and Cyril have the authorityhere and will act as hosts. All you really have to do is eat pizza and answerany questions directed specifically to you.”
Ash already sat at the table, and when she came around, hegave the chair next to his a little push and pat. “Saved you a spot.”
“Apparently, I’m your escort for the evening.”
He turned his wrist and placed an upturned hand under hisheart. “It is an honor.”
“Very authentic.”
Ash rolled his eyes toward Cyril. “My manners areexcellent,if a bit rusty. I don’t need them to unstop toilets.”
She was a little startled by his obvious calm. But maybe sheshouldn’t have been. “You understand all this?”
He tugged her chair a little closer to his. Fishing in thepocket of his jeans, he came up with a slim rod of blue crystal, pale as iceand etched with symbols. “This was meant for later, but it’ll come in handynow.”
Placing the stone on her palm, he covered it with his own.Sandwiched between them, the crystal shivered with a faint note, almost toohigh to hear.
And then it stopped.
Something had happened, but nothing had changed. Tamiwhispered, “Well?”
“That’s done it,” said Ash at a more moderate level. “Thisstone can ward conversations, making them private. When we use it like this, wecan talk without being overheard, even by the sharpest ears.”
His courting gift.
“It’s safe to talk?” she asked.
“Yep.” He tangled his fingers with hers. “You should eat,though.”
