Page 140 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Caught up in his contemplations of filberts and filching andfamilial affection, he didn’t pay any attention to the customers in the littleline of booths along the wall. Not until one of them stood and stepped into hispath.
Kip didn’t know him—at least, he didn’t know his scent—butthere was something about his smile. He scrambled for some clue to the naggingcertainty that he’d seen the young man before.
He was quite … picturesque.
Tyrone would probably have raved about the silk count in hissuit, the exotic origin of every dye used in his artfully selected accessories,and the audacity required to carry it all off. Giuseppe would likely go onanother Regency kick. Faisal would probably steal his pants, if only to get atwhatever was on the end of his watchchain. Cyril would—quite predictably—adoreand adopt him on sight. And then it occurred to Kipwherehe’d seen thenew poster boy for Find Me.
In Jiminy’s room.
Or more accurately, on Jiminy’s direct line to StatelyHouse.
The French butler’s smile was triumphant. “Found you!”
Kip hadn’t asked to be found. “Aren’t you supposed to be inJapan?”
“His lordship fancied a trip.”
At the front counter, Uncle Denny was on alert for trouble.And eavesdropping shamelessly. Kip made a covert sign—this goes no further.
His uncle acquiesced with ill-concealed curiosity and asingle demand—leave the nuts. But it was the sympathy in his gaze thatset Kip’s hairs on end. This must be how Tami had felt when Lady Mettlebrightshowed up at school—caught, trapped, and traitorous.
Abandoning his harvest, Kip steered the butler out the doorand into the alley. “Why is Lord Mossbernehere?”
“He isn’t. Which is why I’m here. I can identify you.”
Kip’s dread mounted. “Who’s looking for me?”
“Silly question. I am Lord Mettlebright’s man.” He linkedarms and leaned in. “I’m Jacques, by the way.”
“Why is Argent Mettlebright looking for me?”
“Who can say? He did not.” Jacques was all soulful eyes andsoft pout. “His silences are a burden I must bear.”
Kip couldn’t sense a threat, but that didn’t mean it wasn’tthere. Foxes could mess you up. If he was going to get a clue tohislordship’s intentions, it would have to come from Jacques. “You work forArgent?”
“When at home, I am the family butler. When traveling, I amLord Mettlebright’s valet.” With obvious pride, he added, “I keep himpresentable.”
That was surprising. And kind of funny. “He can’t keephimself presentable?”
“Mon dieu, you have no idea.” Jacques rolled hiseyes. “He is hopeless.”
With little else to go on, Kip was studying scents andimpressions. The man was pleased with life, proud of himself, and overflowingwith ardor for the fox lord. His flirting had a teasing, almost self-mockingquality, utterly lacking in intent. Something else was missing, too. “You’renot a reaver.”
“You’re not wrong.” His hand hooked one of Kip’s beltloops.“Where do you keep your tail?”
He chuckled. “You’re very comfortable with closeness.”
“Naturellement. Stately House is overrun with crossers,and I am the little beasts’ favorite uncle.” Jacques exasperation was heavilylaced with fondness. “We have a squirrel, you know. Little hellion.”
“A crosser?”
“He’s not a red. Did you know gray squirrels have grayfreckles?”
“Yep.” Kip was tempted to drag Jacques to school with him.Ash was missing out.
“Still in nappies, and into everything. We should foist himon you. If you’re half as much trouble, you probably deserve each other.”
Kip went very still.
