Page 151 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Juuyu stepped forward, barely clinging to calm. “Tabigarasu found the enclave?”
“I’m not sure found is the right word,” said Jiminy, whose posture wobbled into something vaguely apologetic. “Fumiko let him in.”
FIFTY-TWO
Taking Sides
Juuyu was a mess. He must have looked it, too, because when they reached Jacaranda Circle, Argent signaled for assistance. “Do not let him inside until he calms.”
Argent went on ahead, icy calm and perfectly poised.
Buzz and Rafter pulled Juuyu aside.
“Hey, now. Hey, now,” Rafter soothed. “Take a few deep breaths and chill. Nobody expected this, but nobody’s come to harm.”
“He is here?”
“The tree guy? Can confirm.”
Juuyu wanted to barge past, find Fumiko, and reassure himself. “She let him in?”
“To the library,” clarified Rafter. “They’ve been catching up. Seems they’re old friends from way back. Before my time, so that’s a looong ways. This’ll be something to add to the ladies’ chronicle.”
As far as Juuyu knew, nothing in Fumiko’s collection had pointed to a connection with any other tree, let alone this one.
Buzz took to kneading Juuyu’s palm. “How are your personal wards? Up to the task? There’s fresh pollen in the air.”
Juuyu swiftly inventoried his personal wards and bolstered his defenses, well aware that these two were trying to distract him. And that it had worked. For the first time, it occurred to Juuyu that whenever duty called him away from Fumiko, these two would be part of the reason she and Zuzu remained safe and happy.
Adjusting his posture, Juuyu asked, “What do you know?”
“He wants to talk,” said Rafter. “Time for some dialogue, you know?”
Buzz countered, “Fumiko wants to talk. And your lady has the leverage.”
“What do you mean?”
Rafter and Buzz traded a long look. “Couldn’t really say,” said Rafter. “Be a shame to spoil the surprise.”
“Peace,” said Buzz. “The sisters have things well in hand.”
“Calm enough to check it out?” asked Rafter.
Juuyu signaled a sharp affirmative and conferred with his pocket watch.
Buzz touched his cheek, searched his eyes, and smiled. “Cleared up something beautiful.”
“You got this,” agreed Rafter, who didn’t let him go until they’d bumped fists.
In the reading area at the center of the library’s main floor, couches and chairs stood in clusters. Juuyu’s attention immediately soared to Fumiko, who sat beside the Gentleman Bandit, her hands around one of his. They were relaxed. She was safe.
Forcing himself to take in the rest of the room, Juuyu inclined his head toward Diva, the only other seated person. From a deep leather chair, she seemed to preside over the gathering. An understandable attitude since they were in her territory.
The she-bear acknowledged him with a sedate smile.
Juuyu had to wonder why she was so pleased.
Both Thunderhoof brothers had taken a traditional stance, kneeling on either side of the sofa Fumiko shared with the elusive tree. At first, he thought they were poised to intervene, which would have been futile, given the nature of trees. But a distant memory from a long-ago Song Circle surfaced, and Juuyu was able to interpret their intent.
