Page 9 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
With two minutes to spare, Candor pulled up in front of the Amory Fine Arts Center. “I’ll hang out in that lot over there until you’re ready to head back,” he said. “Moving forward, it’ll probably be simplest to take the trolly. Though rental bikes are also a cinch.”
“Understood.”
Juuyu strode to the doors, which were not yet locked. He stopped inside and forced himself to focus, to take in all the details he would have otherwise intentionally tuned out. Because this was the reason he’d been chosen by Hisoka Twineshaft. This was his task. His contribution to the team.
Three sets of double doors, facing south onto Mainsail Street.
Spacious lobby. Ticket windows straight ahead.
Planters with live trees—predominantly ficus and palm.
Banners advertising current and upcoming displays.
Gift shop. Two clerks. Two customers ringing up.
Plentiful seating. Mostly café tables. Six lingering guests—two couples, two individuals.
Restaurant to the right—Masterpiece Sandwiches. Two workers at the counter. Three people in line, all wearing museum uniforms. Departing staff getting dinner to go?
Coffee shop to the left—Brew & Bubble. Three workers. Four customers waiting to pick up orders. One at the register, chatting with a barista.
Juuyu would post Sinder here for a few days, let him sort out the employees and regulars.
He passed through an archway flanked by mosaic columns. The next room was really more of a courtyard since it was open to the elements. High overhead, a dome of metal mesh and mirrors kept birds at bay. Wards were also in place. Juuyu recognized Argent Mettlebright’s handiwork.
Additional seating, umbrellaed tables and memorial benches.
More trees, all palms, these set directly into the soil.
Central fountain topped by bronze statues of four figures.
An emergency exit, facing west onto Neptune Street.
A silver-haired security guard perched on a stool beside the entrance to the museum proper. He was a reaver, battler class, which simplified matters. Juuyu’s name was on his clipboard. The man stood and took a respectful posture, signaling welcome before waving him through tinted glass doors.
Another lofty, echoing space, this one with glass elevators, balconies, and display cases on every side. Guests could access every gallery from this central point. Pacing slowly across tile floors—black granite with a multicolored sparkle additive—Juuyu noted every skylight, sprinkler, and the ring of track lighting oriented on a luminous glass installment, all in the shades of a blue-green sea.
To his relief, this portion of the museum was fully enclosed. A controlled climate. A quantifiable, defensible space. Hallow would be pleased.
Now what?
No sign of guests.
No sign of guards.
No sign of a greeting.
Juuyu was checking the time again when he caught a flash of movement in his periphery. An enormous lynx swayed toward him on silent paws. Her green eyes glittered with intelligence … and authority.
Taking a receptive stance, he declared himself. “Juuyu Farroost. I am expected.”
She nosed his forehead, wheeled, and walked away, stubby tail flipping in a follow me fashion.
A hushed hall led to offices and conference rooms, one of which had been taken over by the newly appointed security team. Its leader stepped forward, palms up. Juuyu took in every detail.
Battler. Middle-aged. Well-armed. Well-muscled.
Short blonde hair. Wideset blue eyes. Tanned and freckled.
