Page 74 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Mine.”
He cocked his head to one side. “I must confess, I have never heard of the Zuzu dynasty.”
She dimpled and said, “My given name is Kazuki.”
Juuyu riffled to the last picture she’d brought out, which was certainly Zuzu as a child. Her name was spelled with the kanji for “one tree.” Something that belatedly brought a fresh detail into focus. “Fumiko is an artist?”
“Sometimes.” Zuzu’s expression turned wistful. “She put away her paints when Soren died.”
Birds were stirring even before the sky began to lighten, which hastened Juuyu’s steps toward the guesthouse. “Sinder, I need some things.”
Turning from his computer, Sinder beamed at him. “Thank all four winds. Work! Does this mean we have a lead?”
Juuyu eased into an apologetic posture. “Can you find a listing of the moon calendar used by the packs?”
“The Seven Score Moons? Easy. Want me to print it out for you?”
“Please.”
“Is this relevant to the case?” Sinder’s look was knowing.
“I need it in regards to a side project.”
“Fumiko’s chronicle?”
Juuyu cautiously inclined his head. He probably shouldn’t be using their resources for what amounted to a personal matter.
Swiveling to face his computer screen, Sinder typed and clicked as he said, “Zuzu’s beyond excited. It’s all she could talk about this morning.”
“She was with you?”
“For a while. She likes to watch me fish.” The printer whirred to life. “Seems they don’t get many dragons in these parts. Mostly seals. And the odd comet.”
“Comet?”
“So she says.” Sinder folded his hands behind his neck. “Sashimi for breakfast? Or Colt and Hallow are conspiring to do a fry-up on the beach after the changing of the guard.”
“Who will be with Moon?”
“My turn. At least until Hallow is sated and sleepy.” Hopping up to pull a short stack from the printer tray, Sinder said, “Speaking of which … you’re going to be late. Akira’s an early riser now that he’s no longer jetlagged.”
“Thank you.” Juuyu skimmed the listing. “Seven score. The packs actually mark time via 140 unique moons?”
“It’s actually 144 if you add in the migrating moons. But who’s counting?” Sinder made a face and pointed to the door.
Akira stood there, barefoot and wearing a hoodie over his pajama pants. His hair was a mess. Juuyu was already preening away his bedhead before murmuring, “I apologize. I am late.”
“It’s no big deal. I’m early. And Zuzu knew where you’d be. Everything okay?”
“Nothing to worry about,” Sinder promised. “Juuyu was just giving me some things to do.”
Juuyu inclined his head. “There was one other thing. It has come to my attention that Fumiko is an artist of some talent. However, the only supplies I found during my review of the contents of her home were unusable. Creative occupation might improve her mood. Find out if she would like new paints and canvases?”
Akira raised his hand. “I know where there’s an art store. It’s close. I passed it on my way to the museum yesterday.”
Sinder raised his hand. “You were at the Amory yesterday?”
“Sure. I had lunch at Masterpiece Sandwiches.”
