Page 170 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Not new,” the cat countered stiffly. “Not really.”
“No? Well, good. You probably needed reminding.” HarmoniousStarmark, for the voice could belong to no other, gently said, “Nothing is lostforever.”
The conversation faltered, and when Hisoka spoke again hesounded weary. “So you can substantiate George’s claim.”
“His sire never stole from mine. That much I know.” The doghesitated. “What Idon’tknow is whether it’s wise to leave the Junzi. You’veseen the risk reports.”
Joe couldn’t help smiling. He’d forgotten himself … and hisaudience. But this was a safe place for secrets. Especially since Kip’s nap wasprobably the three-day variety.
“Remote. Warded. Secret. Surrounded.” Hisoka soundedpleased. “The Gentleman Bandit will not claim this prize.”
“Is that what we’re calling him?”
“Or her. And there’s no harm in letting Sinder have his wayin small matters.”
Harmonious chuckled.
They exchanged a few murmurs that Joe couldn’t make out.
So they’d been checking out Grandad’s story. That was fine. Neithersounded like they were searching for evidence of past misconduct. It had almostsounded like Hisoka was looking for something else, something lost.
“You certainly have a way with animals.”
Joe was more used to attracting Ephemera than the Five. Andhe suspected the latter were more difficult to tame. Especially this one. “He’sa person, same as you.”
“And he’s in an enviable place,” said Hisoka.
“We all are.” Joe forced himself to relax into the tree athis back. “I won’t leave this place, even for you.”
“I know better than to ask it.” Hisoka chose a seat nearby.
Joe focused all his attention on Kip, who twitched a foot inhis sleep. Silences had never bothered him, and this one was peaceful.
“Are you wearing something around your neck?”
“No. Nothing.”
Hisoka’s focus narrowed. “There’s something there, over yourheart.”
Was he picking up on the seals? That shouldn’t be possible.Joe brushed self-consciously at the front of his overalls, only to realizesomethingwasthere. Kip’s new favorite trick. “Just some acorns.They’re probably warded.”
“Ah. So that’s it.” Hisoka’s gaze lingered on the sleepingsquirrel for a while. “About Harmonious. He can’t speak of Wardenclave to anybut the Five, but he wanted to reassure you. I reminded him that a secret thatmust not be told … could still be overheard.”
“I figured.”
“This treeisn’tfrom Wardenclave.”
“Nope.”
“Joe, do you know where Biddie’s seed came from?”
“Lisbet was born with it.”
Hisoka asked, “And … before that?”
“Does it really matter? Or are you just curious.”
“I won’t know until I know.” He showed his palms. “How farwill you trust me?”
