Page 45 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Even if your sister has a soul to out-dazzle the stars, there’sno chance of that.” Jiminy patted his shoulder. “From what I recall of treelore, your sister and her twin cannot be apart for long. In fact, most build ahome within easy reach, directly under the canopy if possible. I don’t doubtthat Biddie will be happiest if a little cabin or cottage wa– ”
“Wait! Twin?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Jiminy paused in the process ofpacing off the base of the tree. “From what your grandfather shared, Biddie’struetwin was your grandfather’s sister, who died young. The sibling bond has passedto Tami, who’s become tree-kin in Lisbet Reaverson’s place. What I’d like toknow is how a family with even the most tenuous of ties to an ancient grovemanaged to vow out. I can’t emphasize enough the secrecy surrounding ….”
But Joe wasn’t listening anymore.
If Tami was Biddie’s twin now, what did that make him?
Melissa came clean. Although sheapologized for neglecting to mention her true status as a Betweener, she triedto emphasize their familial connection and its attendant concerns. She evensketched a little family tree to show how closely they were related.
“The Elderbough Initiative?” Tami asked. “As in SpokespersonAdoona-soh Elderbough?”
“Yes, although it was proposed by her son Naroo-soh.”Melissa searched their faces. “Wolves are protective of their packmates, so itmade sense to him that reavers look to their own. In America, this has been thebest way to locate—and protect—unregistered reavers.”
Uncle George’s gaze was too keen by far. “Protect them fromwhat?”
“I … really couldn’t say.”
Uncle Abel indicated Biddie. “Did you know this wouldhappen?”
“No!” Melissa shot a pleading look in Tami’s direction. “It’sbeen a complete surprise. A good one, but really kind of crazy. People likeBiddie are sort of like fairy tales. I didn’t even realize Amaranthine treeswere real, but I’ll do everything I can to protect you until better helparrives.”
Tami laughed a little. “I’m glad I’m not the only one out ofmy depth here.”
Melissa smiled gratefully. “I’d feel better if I could checkthe perimeter again, and I’ll compare notes with Reaver Foster. Tami, I thinkyou should return Biddie to her tree. That way, she’s inside Jiminy’s wards.Everyone else can go on with business as usual.” Running through a mentalchecklist, she added, “Don’t tell anyone aboutanything—the tree, thechild, the wards, the wolves, and the fact that some of you may be unregisteredreavers.”
Everyone was nodding. And then Tami gave a strange,strangled little moan of dismay.
“What?” Melissa asked.
“Her tree.” Color drained from Tami’s face. “I posted scansof the leaves to an online forum.”
NINETEEN
Better Together
Over the course of the day, Tamiko’sharrowing dread faded into qualms that she did her best to rationalize away. Itwas no use worrying. She’d used the school’s computer. She hadn’t posted anypersonal information. All she had to do was wait for afterhours, drive down towork, log into that dratted forum, and erase her post, her scans, and heraccount.
Meanwhile, clouds rolled in and a steady drizzle kept allbut the hardiest customers from visiting Red Gate Farm. Tami spent most of theday huddled under an umbrella among the roots of Biddie’s tree, chatting withthe girl and watching Joe help Jiminy arrange and rearrange stones around therim of the hollow.
Jiminy seemed cheerful enough. Joe was distracted. And eachtime Melissa passed through the oak glen on her patrol, she was all business—clippedand conscientious.
After the first couple hours, Tami was chilled through andantsy. She’d missed a staff meeting, and Flootie must have had to rescheduleher appointments for the day. And there were still forms to file with theOffice of Ingress in advance of the warding.
“Miss Reaverson?”
She stirred and looked up into Jiminy’s smiling face. “Yes,Reaver Foster.”
“I’m nearly finished with the fine-tuning, but it seemsyou’re throwing off my balance.”
Tami looked between him and her brother, who was pinched andpale. Joe only offered a shrug. It was hard to follow much of what the youngerman said, especially when it came to the mythical intricacies of sigilcraft.
“If I may be so bold,” said Jiminy, “that’s an interestingnecklace you’re wearing.”
She touched the stones hidden by three layers of thickclothing. How had he known they were there?
“Purple, I gather. All shades. Good size.Excellentquality.” Rubbing his fingertips together, he asked, “Might I have a look?”
