Page 158 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Flootie uttered a reverent, “Would you look at that?”
Having never seen Faisal without his disguise in place, Tamiwas similarly awestruck. The irises of Faisal’s eyes had darkened to brown, whileall of the blue they’d once contained had migrated into his hair, which had thesame lavish, shifting sheen of peacock feathers.
“Gosh,” said Harrison.
“That’s all? Have I rendered you insensible?”
“Maybe a little. I mean … gosh.” Harrison earnestly asked,“Is there an appropriate way to ask an avian if they want to be friends?”
Faisal slipped a finger under Harrison’s bowtie and gaveenough of a tug to bring the clerk closer. “Is there an inappropriate way toask a human if they want to be friends?”
“Oh.” Harrison smiled. “I guess the question’s silly eitherway.”
“But the underlying sentiment is flattering.” Faisal added,“Nice tie.”
Ash cleared his throat. “Introducing you to Faisal wasn’treally the point to bringing everyone here.”
“Oho?” Flootie’s gaze swung to Tami. “There’s more?”
Tami said, “We wanted to tell you first.”
“You’reengaged, aren’t you!” She pointed toHarrison. “Didn’t I tell you? Let me see the ring!”
Ash held up a hand.
Flootie chortled in delight. “Sheaskedyou?That’s adorable!”
“Hold up.” Kip, who’d been shooting longing looks at thebags of food, said, “There’s more to that more. And I’ll go first.”
Harrison immediately frowned. “You’re not …quitting.”
“I don’t ever want to leave.” Kip boosted himself to a seaton the table. “I love it here. Landmark is my home, and you guys are myfamily.”
“Here, here,” agreed Flootie, lifting her water bottle.
Tami raised the tree hugger mug, matching the heartfeltsalute.
“Okay, so, this is kind of nerve-wracking. C’mere,Harrison.” Kip beckoned with both hands. “Help a guy out.”
Harrison stepped right up, and Kip took his hand. Tamirecognized the gentle press of knuckles into Harrison’s palm. It was the sameway Ash had first revealed his claws to her.
“Oh, man,” Harrison whispered.
“Technicallynot.” Kip smiled crookedly. “Sorry,friend.”
Harrison said, “Flootie, he’s trying to tell us he’s nothuman.”
“Saints above!” She lunged up and bustled over. “What areyou even saying?”
Tami had never been more proud. They always talked aboutLandmark as family. In moments like this, her staff proved it.
“Kip, you rascal!” exclaimed Flootie. “How long have youbeen hiding.”
“Long while now.” Kip’s eyes were suspiciously wet. “Iremember when you moved to Archer.”
The woman gawked. “That was forty years ago!”
“Can we see?” asked Harrison. “Is it all right to ask?”
