Page 107 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira started to shake his head, but he hesitated. “I mentioned places I visited on the way over to the Amory or on my way back here. Like Dinky’s. Oh! I showed him a picture of me with Rafter.”
“Got it!” Denny held out his hands for the petals. “I’ll just turn these over to Bavol, then give Rafter a heads up.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What for? You shared some things with a friend. Perfectly natural.”
“But … he turned out to be the thief.”
Denny’s expression softened. “He’s more than that, isn’t he?”
“He’s not after me. He wants the Junzi. And my dad, who might actually be my mom.”
With a low chuckle, Denny said, “Every family has its quirks, and he’s a grand one. I’d love to know how he’s pulling this off. But it’s clear he can’t find you behind our barriers, so stay put.”
“Tabi-oji wouldn’t hurt me.”
“Agreed. But he’ll figure out soon enough that he’s outmatched, and that can change a fellow’s priorities.” Denny backed toward the door. “Argent wants you safe, so that’s my priority. Keep in mind, there’s someone else who’s eager to reach your side. For their sake, keep to quarters.”
He meant Suuzu.
Though Akira was still confused about what to do with what he’d learned about Tabi-oji, he was as sure as anyone could be about Suuzu. “I promise.”
While he munched his way through the rest of the doughnut holes, Akira texted Tsumiko.
Argent told you why he’s on his way here?
I was shocked to see you with Uncle.
Is Tabi-oji really part of our family?
When I was little, I called him Haji-oji.
He was always around,
All times of the day or night,
Like he belonged.
He *did* belong.
To us.
How was he connected to Dad?
Naoki
Best friends or maybe lifelong friends.
They fit together in a comfortable way.
What about our mother?
I really don’t remember her.
There are no pictures of her?
None.
