Page 87 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Three days.” Jiro turned, and his forehead bumped Kip’schin. “Umm … tomorrow’s Sunday.”
“Could be worse. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Temperatures dropping. Threat of freezing rain. Beenpicking like crazy since yesterday morning,” he reported in a sleepy voice.“Late apples are all in. Kinda worried about the maze, though.”
Kip couldn’t help smiling. “You’re a farmer for sure. Cropsand weather. Work with me here! What did I miss?”
“Ash was here.”
He stopped chaffing. “Was he?”
Jiro’s hand found Kip’s chest, but he didn’t push him away.“He came looking for you.”
“When was this?”
“Friday. After work.” He was more awake now. And strugglingto know where to put his other hand. “He knew you were here. I guess I smelledlike squirrel.”
Kip took Jiro’s floundering hand and guided it around hiswaist. “My bad. Should have warned you about scents. Was he upset?”
“Concerned. Careful.” Jiro’s scent changed. “I did what yousaid.”
“Me?”
Jiro’s tone gentled. “You said they should talk, so I madeAsh wait and brought Tami to him.”
Oh. That.
Kip swallowed hard. “How’d that go?”
“Good, I guess. He makes her happy.” The mood shiftedsuddenly, leaving Kip rather queasy, and Jiro murmured, “Promise me something?”
“What do you need?”
“You’re Tami’s friend.”
“Sure am.”
Jiro begged, “Don’t let her be sad about me.”
“Whoa, now. Back up.” Kip eased his arm under Jiro’sshoulders, which was much more comfortable. “Why would she be sad?”
“Nobody thought to tell us that Tami will live as long asBiddie.” His voice wavered slightly. “I won’t.”
Kip pulled him close. Sadness keened through the soulhidden behind his wards, a lonesome song that tugged at his heart.
“Promise me?” Jiro repeated. “You can make sure she won’tmiss me.”
Right then, Kip would have done anything to drive awayJiro’s worries. Make any promise. Do something reckless.
“Did you know …?” Kip began, speaking slowly at first. “Eversince the waning of their years, humans have always wished for more. That’s whythe old groves are gone. Our trees were ravaged by those seeking the very lifeyour sister’s found.”
“Like the fountain of youth.”
“That’s the idea.” Kip stroked Jiro’s hair. “If peoplethought it was possible, they’d pay anything, promise anything. Maybe doanything, even something selfish and terrible.”
Jiro’s face lifted. “Is Biddie in danger?”
“Possibly. That’s why George wants our wolves and Jiminy’swards. That’s why most people—even Amaranthine like me—think the old songs arenothing more than stories.” Kip chose his next words with care. “We keepcertain secrets to protect ourselves. I can use one of those secrets to giveyou what you want.”
