Page 55 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Akira blandly pointed out, “It’s a straight line.”
“You were paying attention!” With exaggerated patience, the dragon asked, “Did you notice the name of this street?”
“Mainsail.”
“And the name of the street where we’re staying?”
“Jacaranda Court.”
Raising both hands, Sinder said, “And don’t hate me, but … how’s your battery life?”
Akira checked. “Ninety-three percent. Is that it?”
“With that, we’re both in the clear. And there’s our way in.”
Colt lifted a hand in greeting, and they jogged to meet up.
“You’re late.”
“Would you believe fog?” Sinder mumbled. “So, where does he want me?”
“There’s a table ready,” said Colt.
Sinder grimaced. “Did Juuyu have to do it?”
“I took care of it for you.”
He fluted softly. “Thanks for covering my ass.”
Colt rested his hand atop Sinder’s head for a moment, then moved on. “Once you’re settled, I’ll go back, let Antigone feed me, and escort Portia to the conference room where the Lockets are set up. Do you happen to know if she requires any special equipment?”
While Sinder answered, Akira drifted apart. It wasn’t that they seemed to be discussing top secret stuff. He just wanted to look around a little. The museum lobby was huge and high, and it echoed with the voices of people wearing different uniforms.
Two restaurants anchored either side. But most of the noise was coming from the direction of an information desk, where a group of children milled together. Akira ambled closer, surprised by how much he missed the sound of kids. He’d have to send a bunch of pictures today for the crossers back home.
This looked like a school group.
He wished they could take Stately House’s crossers out like this. Maybe someday it would be safe to do so. But Argent was really good at indulging the many children who wore his crest. Over the summer, they’d laid tracks for a private railroad, and plans were in the works for a small theater that would double as a lecture hall.
All of the sudden, Akira realized that one of the adults escorting the children wore the traditional capelet of a snake clan. This school must be part of Sensei’s integration program.
Akira formed his hands into one of the more subtle greetings. The kind that allowed you to quietly declare yourself as a Betweener.
She noticed the courtesy and returned it, adding a blessing.
He probably had a silly grin on his face.
Now that he was closer, he could see what had the children so excited. This was also something familiar, because Stately House was home to several large felines. A huge lynx sprawled in front of the information desk, and a handwritten sign with bold lettering announced:
My name is Tuft.
I am Kith.
Yes, you may touch.
Please, be gentle.
Akira repeated his greeting for Tuft’s benefit, and the big cat’s ears angled his way.
