Page 51 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Rubbing a thumb across his fingertips, Juuyu forced himself to face this problem one step at a time. “Bring in the janitorial crews. The air ducts will have to be cleansed. I also want air filtration devices in every wing.”
Colt said, “I’ll inform the director and make those arrangements.”
Juuyu turned to Mirrim. “Induced sneezing can help with the pollination. Baths and a thorough brushing. Once Tuft and Lash are coherent, I would like their version of events.”
Mirrim said, “A Kindred from our enclave can be here in an hour at most to confer with them. Would you like to be there?”
“I would. In the meantime, clean up.”
“On it.”
As soon as she was gone, Colt touched his elbow. “Addendum, acting leader.”
In response to the sudden formality, Juuyu withdrew a slim rod of crystal from his pocket and proffered it on his palm. Their handclasp triggered a simple ward that would keep their words between them.
“There are two other possibilities, assuming the pollen belongs to an Amaranthine tree.”
Juuyu appreciated Colt’s discretion. While Mirrim and Magda knew details about the Rogue and the Gentleman Bandit, they probably weren’t aware of Zuzu’s presence in Beacon. More than likely, they weren’t even aware that the most valued pollens in the In-between came from Amaranthine trees.
“Anyone who lives in a grove could have access.” Colt smiled wryly. “Or anyone who finds an orphan tree.”
Akira was already awake and texting friends when Sinder opened the door and quietly asked, “Want to come to work with me?”
“The museum?”
“The Amory Fine Arts center qualifies as touristy. There’s a trolly ride involved, and I hear the gift shop is nice. Plus, you’ll get to see an elite taskforce in action. And I’ll buy you lunch.”
“What about Moon?” Akira was all wrapped up in the wolf’s embrace.
“Hallow will take the next shift.” Sinder trilled soothingly as he lifted Moon’s arm, giving Akira room to scoot free. “Don’t worry. We’ve been taking care of each other for a while now. The trust is real.”
“I’d like to see the museum. Will it be safe?”
“Should be.” Sinder steered Akira into the main room. “We’re dealing with a sneakthief. They’re not likely to cause trouble in the middle of a busy day. I got the grand tour yesterday, so my main job today is people-watching.”
Akira checked his phone. “How much time do I have.”
“Plenty. An hour, more or less. We’ll have breakfast with the ladies, then catch our ride into Beacon.”
Hallow was just coming in from the shower out back and offered a drowsy smile. Their palms met in passing, and the bat crosser murmured, “Enjoy your day, Akira.”
“Rest well.”
“I always do when Moon’s here.” Hallow arched his brows at Sinder. “Remind Portia that she doesn’t know you when Colt brings her around later.”
“I will,” promised Sinder. Though once they were out the door and aiming for breakfast, he smugly added, “Not that she’ll see me.”
“Is this a covert operation?”
“You bet. Are you up for it?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Akira was halfway up the stairs to his room before it occurred to him to wonder where Juuyu was. Probably already at the museum. He was halfway out of his clothes before he realized that he wasn’t alone in the bathroom. “Zuzu?”
“You didn’t come to bed last night.” She folded her arms and pouted. “Fumiko waited and waited.”
“I slept in the guesthouse. We told everyone about it at dinnertime. Remember?”
