Page 134 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
His gaze swept over them, leaving Tami feeling uncertainabout her clothing choices. But also with the distinct impression that she’dmet this young man before. Only she couldn’t think where.
Kip elbowed him. “Manners, Tyrone.”
He made that little avian flourish with his hand under hisheart, then presented both palms to Tami. “It is a distinct pleasure to finallymeet you, Principal Reaverson.”
When she returned the greeting, he gathered her handsbetween his, giving them a gentle squeeze. Happiness shone in tawny eyes, whichshould have been a clue, but it was his smile that gave him away. Tami blurted,“You look like Cyril!”
“I should hope so. Tyrone Sunfletch. My father speaks highlyof you.”
His son. Another member of the pheasant clan. Tami was sodelighted, she didn’t really register the fact that he’d ushered her inside,where two more very pretty shop boys waited to be introduced.
“Try to keep it short,” urged Kip.
Ignoring him, Tyrone steered Tami into the waiting embraceof a deeply tanned Amaranthine with long, sharp features and eyes of such avivid shade of electric blue, you had to assume he wore colored contacts.
“This is Faisal. Peacock clan. While we mostly deal insecondhand treasures, any of the firsthand designs we sell are his.”
Faisal kissed her cheeks and sniffed her hair. “You’ve beenin Ash’s arms. Lucky girl.”
Tyrone’s hands settled on her hips as he stole her back froma regretful Faisal. Tami checked to see how Ash was dealing with all thesecasual intimacies. Far from annoyed, he was watching the whole thing with afond smile.
“And here is Giuseppe. Dove clan. He excels in personalstyle. When he creates an ensemble, it is an expression, a statement, a work ofart!”
Giuseppe seemed barely out of his teens, rakishly thin andresplendent in creams and corals. Without a word, he bent to kiss her foreheadand drew her hand into his.
Again, Tami checked to see if Ash had a problem, but he waswholly unperturbed. She ventured, “Are these your friends?”
“Family.” Ash came unhurriedly to her side and messed upGiuseppe’s pale hair. “I’m not the only one Cyril fostered. These are mybrothers.”
Kip cleared his throat. “And this is Melissa. Are we donehere?”
Tami wavered between embarrassment and indignation. Whyweren’t they giving her cousin the same affectionate treatment? She asked, “Youalready know each other?”
“No.” Melissa was completely unfazed. “Work keeps me busy. Ihaven’t been here.”
Glancing to Kip for help, Tami asked, “Why are the greetingsdifferent?”
He nudged Faisal, who fluttered a hand, showing offmanicured claws. “Firstly, because Melissa is wary of us. Secondly, because sheis armed. Butmostlybecause Jiminy wouldn’t like it.” He rolled hiseyes and drawled, “Wolves.”
Tami understood, then. And judging by the fresh color inMelissa’s cheeks, she did, too.
Somehow, when Tami exited Find Me, it was with ashopping bag under her arm. “Should I be accepting things from your brothers?”Tami whispered.
“Whatever’s in there, it’s probably perfect for you. Go backto shop anytime.” Ash slipped his arm around her waist and casually added, “Putit on my tab.”
“You have a running tab at a boutique?”
“Tyrone’s been my tailor for more than a century. EverythingI wear has to be adapted.” Ash patted the front pocket of his jacket. “Theyloaded me down, too. Your next three courting gifts will be tokens that they’vechosen.”
“Is that usual?”
“That’s what they tell me.” Ash nodded to himself. “It feelsright, so I think so.”
Tami quickly lost her sense of direction. Kip led themthrough a tile-lined tunnel, up a concrete stairwell, along empty hallways, andpast a series of fur-draped alcoves. The whole while, he was spinning outsigils, which she assumed were keeping their presence a secret.
When they finally stopped before an ordinary door, it wasMelissa who said, “This is it.”
Kip hesitated, then eased back a step. “You all go ahead.I’ll just run down, order our coffees, raid the bakery case.”
