Page 154 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Joe cleared his throat. “I like Kip.”
“Who doesn’t?” asked Ash. “He and I have been keeping eachother’s secrets for a good long while. Even longer than we’ve been janitors atLandmark.”
“How long’s that been?” Kip asked, as if he didn’t know.
Tami had to appreciate the way they played off each other.It was kindergarten orientation all over again.
Ash stole a look in Grandad’s direction. “Hit our eightiethanniversary a few years back. Hoping to make it an even century if they’ll keepus around.”
Dad was tapping his fingers on the table, the way he didwhen figuring in his head.
“You know,” said Tami. “Landmark Elementary hasalwaysbeen fortunate in the custodial department. Dad, by any chance, do you rememberwho had that post back when you were attending?”
He rubbed at his chin, his eyes never leaving Kip’s face.“Haven’t thought of it in years, but sure. Hard to forget Mr. Reynard, thejuggling janitor.”
Kip did a little smile-and-wave.
Dad’s eyes cut to Ash, then back to Tami. “But therewasanother one. Are you saying …?”
“Grandad?” prompted Tami.
He was silently shaking his finger at Kip, a crooked smileon his face.
Once more Kip raised his hands, as if to repeatguilty ascharged.
Joe asked, “Who was he then, Grandad?”
“Back in my day, it was Mr. Redman, the janitor who alwaysspoke in puns.”
Ash groaned.
Kip shrugged.
Joe demanded fur.
Tami coaxed for feathers.
Mom kept slipping into Japanese.
Dad ordered pizzas.
Melissa scooped ice cream.
And Grandad—for the first time since the Emergence—missedhis weekly documentary, the nightly news, and theRivven Report. Withoutcomplaint.
Tami knew without a shadow of doubt that she was goingto make a difference. On her own, that difference probably wouldn’t haveextended beyond her hometown. With Cyril’s help, they’d pushed change all theway to the county lines. Now, Argent would make sure one small town girlachieved national—and international—coverage.
“Having second thoughts?” asked Ash.
“No.” She sagged further down into Coach’s back seat. Kiphad gone on ahead with Joe. She’d begged for five more minutes. Twice.
“What’s on your mind?”
“You.”
His arm slid around her waist, and his lips brushed hereyebrow. “If that’s the case, then why do I have you worried?”
“I’m not Kimiko.”
