Page 13 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Then janitorial services is represented.” Another stepdown.
She countered, “You can balance his enthusiasm withcaution.”
“I’m not really a committee kind of guy.”
“But you’re not opposed to bringing Amaranthine into theopen in Archer? Or in Fletching, for that matter?”
He hesitated. “That’s a funny way of putting it.”
Tami tried to explain how her perspective had shifted. “Whatif we’re not just helping our kids understand and appreciate another culture.What if we’re making our home the kind of place where Amaranthine can liveopenly?”
Easing up a rung, he sat on the top of his stepladder. “That’sidealistic.”
“I’ll admit, I went into this hoping to upgrade ourclassrooms and add programs, but I don’t think Spokesperson Twineshaft is that shortsighted.We have a chance to make a difference on the national level. Maybe evenworldwide.” Tami’s resolve took shape even as she spoke the words. “I wantpeace. Let’s give it a place to take root. That way, it can grow.”
“Twineshaft will back you.” He cocked his head to one side.“But have you considered the consequences of letting him use this place?”
She straightened in her chair, responding to his stern expression.“In which area?”
“The most important one—the kids.” He spread his hands wide.“Do you have a contingency plan for the reporters, the camera crews, thecuriosity seekers, the paparazzi, the protestors? There are plenty of peoplewho want to throw obstacles in front of your ideals. Are you ready for bombscares and vandals and every fanatic eager to make headlines?”
Doubts spun queasily in her stomach. Tami didn’t want tothink that the worst could happen, but it was her responsibility to plan forit. “This needs to be a safe environment for our teachers, for the children.But I’m not sure it’s sending the right message to immediately put up a fence.”
“Agreed. But I’m not thinking about chain link or barbedwire.” He rested his chin on folded hands. “Betweeners know how to be subtle.Get some of their reavers in here to ward the grounds.”
“They can do that?”
“Cinch.”
“And it would do the same job as a fence?”
He fingered a band of leather at his wrist. “Barriers aren’tshowy, but they get the job done. People won’t fuss, but the kids will be safe.”
Tami was impressed. “How do youknowall this stuff?”
He missed a beat. “Television.”
She supposed that was possible. Plenty of people were asfascinated as Grandad in all things Amaranthine. “Reavers and wards. I supposeI could contact the county offices.”
Nodding toward her desk, he asked, “The papers that heraldbrought … did they include a contact person? Might be quicker to work through them.”
“You’re right!” Tami was already riffling through stacks,searching for the reaver assigned to work with her, the other two principals,and Dr. Bellamy. “I should bring this up to the others, too. They may need totake similar measures.”
“There you go.” He stood and descended, quickly collapsing hisladder. “You’re all set.”
“Wait!” Tami hurried around her desk and offered her hand.“I’m Tami.”
“You’re Principal Reaverson.”
Resisting the urge to peek at his nametag, she asked, “Andyou are?”
He hesitated, as if trying to remember his name. “I go byAsh.”
“I go by Tami.”
Ash ignored her hand. “If you insist.”
“Andyou’re on my committee.”
