Page 98 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Isla piped up. “Lapis, he says he needs advice on a delicatematter.”
The dragon turned away, and dark blue hair swayed acrossmost of the screen. “Whose advice?” he inquired.
“Naturally, I assumed Papka.”
“If Kip was in need of a ward, young Mr. Foster could surelyaccommodate him.” Turning back to the screen, Lapis anticipated his answer bystating, “Argent is unavailable.”
“Gotcha. Sorry to interrupt. I should probably be ….”
Lapis held up a finger. “Isla, my dear girl, yield yourplace to me. Kip and I need a few minutes alone. Jacques, if you would be sokind?”
The butler murmured something in French, blew Kip a kiss,and strolled off screen. Isla took a little longer, needing to gather up herbooks and papers. She smiled brightly and offered a gesture that was purewolvish—I’m glad our paths crossed.
Kip grinned and answered in kind.
Then it was only Lapis, who took the time to arrange himselfbefore the camera. The dragon lord’s hands flashed through a series of sigilsthat Kip recognized. He was securing additional privacy on his end. Gratefulfor the courtesy, Kip mirrored his actions.
Lapis dipped his head approvingly … and waited.
Not the audience he’d been hoping for, but Lord Mossbernewas one of the Five. He probably knew stuff. Kip blurted, “How can I bind mylife to a human’s?”
Delight suffused the dragon’s face. He leaned forward. “Youhave found a lady to love?”
“W-well ….”
“And she returns your affection?”
“We’ve come to an understanding. Of sorts,” Kip hedged.
Lapis tilted his head, as if trying to hear what was leftunspoken. Gently, he asked, “Is she a reaver?”
Gesturing surrender, Kip admitted, “He’s unregistered.”
Rather than off-put, the dragon seemed intrigued. And hisgaze drifted out of focus. Finally, he flicked his fingers. “Any other fascinatinglittle complications I should be aware of?”
With a weak laugh, he confirmed Lapis’ suspicion. “I’mKith-kin.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Keeper
Promptly at seven fifty-five, Tami nudged Joe andwhispered, “Will you keep Biddie with you for a while?”
“Something up?” he asked.
“A friend promised to stop by.”
Her brother’s eyes drifted out of focus for just a moment ortwo. Nodding once, he sat up a little straighter, kissed the top of her head,and murmured, “He’s a keeper.”
“He told you?”
Joe gently disentangled Biddie, who draped against Tami likea sleepy kitten. “That he’s a keeper? Nope. That’s just what I think.”
“That he’s a crosser.”
“Sothat’sit.”
“You didn’t know?” Tami was sure Joe had known. Why elsewould he insist on that first meeting in the haymow?
