Page 124 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Juuyu rested his hands on Akira’s shoulders. “Yes.”
Argent offered a succinct report, during which Akira studied the floor.
“Let me get this straight,” said Sinder. “The Gentleman Bandit is your father-in-law?”
Argent’s brows arched. “In your estimation, that is the most salient point?”
“What can I say? I like the human-interest angle.”
Hallow stepped forward. “So we have two things our thief wants.”
“We do,” agreed Argent.
“Either—or both—would allow us to reset our trap.”
Juuyu silently agreed. If they wanted to reclaim the two Junzi that had already been stolen, they needed to catch their thief.
“Then the thing I need to know is ….” Hallow’s gaze flitted briefly to Akira before he asked, “Which of them are you willing to risk?”
From the direction of the door, a softly dismayed warble alerted Juuyu to a fresh complication.
Suuzu was here. Suuzu had heard.
And Suuzu wouldn’t understand.
FORTY-THREE
Prioritizing Claims
The stricken look on Suuzu’s face had Akira stumbling over encumbered feet in his hurry to get to his best friend. Geta were a pain. But Argent caught Akira’s arm. It saved him from hitting the floor, but it also prevented him from reaching Suuzu.
“Juuyu, this would be a good time,” Argent said smoothly.
And then Suuzu was caught. Juuyu steered his brother back out the door, though Suuzu was trying to pull away and the last look he cast over his shoulder was desperate.
Akira tried to follow, but fanning tails surrounded them. He was mad enough to bat through them, manners be damned, but Argent startled him by pulling him into an embrace.
“Before you go to him, we must come to an understanding.” Argent’s voice was frustratingly calm.
“Suuzu needs me.”
“He does. But he is not the only one.”
Akira confined his protest to a small twist and a grumbled, “Suuzu comes first.”
“An understandable sentiment. Until you consider the urgency with which you are needed by several others.”
“Others?” Akira looked down at his costume and asked, “Do you mean Tabi-oji?”
Argent inclined his head, but he had his own list. “Juuyu’s team needs you. Boon needs you. Inti needs you. Kyrie’s and Mercy’s siblings need you. For that matter, I need you, since my plan hinges upon your participation.”
“But Suuzu’s here now.”
“And in the least danger.” Argent leaned back to look him in the eye. “I am not diminishing his need for you. He is here because I cannot ignore his claim. But with your help, we could end all of this.”
Akira pulled off the wig. “The thefts?”
“There is far more at stake than the Junzi. If you cooperate with my small scheme, you will help Boon out of a difficult position. You will provide Inti with a way of escape. You will make rescue possible for a large number of missing crossers. You will fulfill Tsumiko’s wish to bring home more of Kyrie’s half-siblings. And you may be able to locate Naoki Hajime.”
