Page 133 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Joe lifted his hand. “We met Argent Mettlebright’s mother.”
Melissa raised her hand as well. “I’m friends withAdoona-soh Elderbough’s youngest son.”
“I sort of met Lord Mossberne once, but I don’t exactly havehis number.” Kip casually added, “But Idoknow a guy who has a directline to Stately House.”
“Jiminy.” Melissa’s eyes were wide. “When Uncle George askedhim to drop names, he mentioned both Mettlebright and Elderbough.”
“We need to talk to Jiminy.” Tami’s excitement was mounting.
“Who wants coffee?” asked Kip. “I’ll spring for doughnuts.Or a pie. Actually, I think this is more of a carrot cake occasion.”
“At this hour?” Tami checked the time. “And on a schoolnight?”
Kip took to coaxing. “Founders is always open. And there’sthe time change to consider. It’s morning in Japan.”
Tami looked to Ash, who nodded. “Let’s go.”
“I’ll drive.” Bounding to his feet, Kip swept into a bow.“Your Coach awaits.”
Since Joe volunteered to stay back with Biddie, theywere back down to four when Kip hustled them along a back-alley to a servicedoor standing in the illumination of a dim bulb. Tami craned her neck, tryingto figure out where they were. “Is this Founders?”
“Not quite,” said Kip. “This place is next door.”
Ash groaned. “Is thisnecessary?”
“Quickest way. Or did youwantDoon-wen breathingdown your neck when you invite an outsider to meddle in what he willundoubtedly considerhisbusiness.”
Ash groaned again.
Tami asked, “Where are we?”
“Isn’t this the used clothing store?” asked Melissa.
“Yep. It’s called Find Me,” said Kip, rapping lightly on theheavy metal door. “And it’s another way in.”
“You planned this,” grumbled Ash.
“I certainly did.” Kip grinned at his best friend. “Calledahead and everything. We’re expected.”
Ash turned to Tami and grimly said, “I apologize inadvance.”
“For what?”
Kip didn’t give him the chance to answer. “True story. FindMe is the most popular clothing store on campus. Small label. Handmade. Highend. Upcycled. Utterly unique. And budget-friendly for your average collegestudent. Butnobodygoes into this place without support.”
Tami was already smiling. Kip’s stories were always funny.“Why’s that?”
“If you enter without backup, rumor has it that their verypretty shop boys will corner you in the changing room.” Kip played up thedrama. “None who’ve survived has left unchanged.”
Ash snorted. “Only because they’re wearing their purchases.”
“Hey,” argued Kip. “I’ve been the cornered one, and it wascertainly an experience. They’re brutes.”
The door swung open, revealing a young man whose trousersand fitted vest gave him the air of a haberdasher. He even had a tape measurecasually draped around his neck With a coy smile, he inquired, “Who’s a brute?”
“Faisal and Giuseppe held me down, while you tweezed myeyebrows.”
“Pish tosh. They grew back. But what’s this?”
