Page 43 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
EIGHTEEN
Protect What’s Precious
Tami hung back, holding onto Biddie as if she were theonly sure thing left in the world. Which shouldn’t be possible, since the girlwas so far outside her realm of experience. But they’d become tangled togethersomehow, and Tami wanted nothing more than to keep her close and keep her safe.
“I want wards,” said Grandad.
“You shall have them,” said Jiminy, touching the map. “But aproperty this size can’t be warded in one go. I’ll need a little time. And alittle help.”
“What sort?”
“Woodacre ring any bells?”
Grandad nodded slowly. “Nice folks. Nearby?”
“Near enough.” Jiminy circled the oak glen with a finger.“Here first. Pushing outward once I have more anchors.”
Tami knew about wards. On Ash’s recommendation, she’d requestedthem for the school. Reavers from the Office of Ingress were scheduled for Landmark’sinitial installation.
All of the sudden, she realized that Joe was standing alonein the far corner. Why was he there when she was here?
“Joe,” she murmured.
Biddie turned her head. “Joey-boy.”
Tami crossed to him, and his arm eased around her. Sheleaned into his side and searched his face. Without words, she asked him whatwas wrong.
He shook his head and tightened his hold.
Their grandfather thumped the table. “How much authority doyou have?”
“I’m not sure.” Jiminy spread his hands wide. “Some, Ithink. I have friends with friends.”
“Drop a name or two,” challenged Grandad.
“Mettlebright. Elderbough.”
Tami was stunned. Two of the Five?
But her grandfather’s expression was bland as butter. “A bitfar afield to be much usehere.”
Jiminy looked away, then looked back. “I was raised bywolves.”
Several emotions flickered across Grandad’s face. “There’s apack that close?”
“I really couldn’t say.”
“And normally, I wouldn’t press.” Leaning forward on hisfists, the old man asked, “Would your leader consider sending us an allotment?They’d be welcome—Kith or Kindred. Safe behind your wards.”
The young reaver’s calm gave nothing away. “To what end?”
“I know what we have, and I know what she’s worth.” Grandaddrew himself up. “I propose an alliance between the Amaranthine and theReaverson family. Red Gate Farm should become an enclave.”
The last place Joe wanted to be wasalone with the reaver, but it made the most sense for him to serve as Jiminy’sguide. Joe knew the orchard and its boundaries better than anyone. He eyed thereaver’s rolling case and offered, “I could bring the small tractor.”
“No, thank you. I’m wary of thevibrations, and it’s really best if I walk the boundaries before I set thebarriers.”
Joe asked, “Isn’t it heavy?”
