Tamiko and the Two Janitors by Forthright

Author:Forthright [Forthright]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twinkle Press
Published: 2019-07-21T18:30:00+00:00

THIRTY-TWO

Freezing Rain

Kip woke to the sound of rain rattling against glass. Stretching and scratching, he sat up and studied his surroundings. Long sleeps always left him sluggish. Where …? Not home, but safe. He could feel the reassuring strength of his own wards. Then he spotted Jiro, curled up under a quilt on the floor. And the stockpiled snacks crammed against the wall.

What a trooper.

A quick scamper to the bathroom. A few extra sigils for the door and floor. Then Kip scooped up Jiro and tucked him into his own bed, crawling right in after him. The man squinted groggily, but he couldn’t have been seeing much in the dark. Rubbing at cold arms, Kip muttered, “I’m the worst houseguest ever. Total bed hog. And you’re freezing.”

“Kip?”

“How long was I out?”

“Three days.” Jiro turned, and his forehead bumped Kip’s chin. “Umm … tomorrow’s Sunday.”

“Could be worse. Tell me what’s going on.”

“Temperatures dropping. Threat of freezing rain. Been picking like crazy since yesterday morning,” he reported in a sleepy voice. “Late apples are all in. Kinda worried about the maze, though.”

Kip couldn’t help smiling. “You’re a farmer for sure. Crops and weather. Work with me here! What did I miss?”

“Ash was here.”

He stopped chaffing. “Was he?”

Jiro’s hand found Kip’s chest, but he didn’t push him away. “He came looking for you.”

“When was this?”

“Friday. After work.” He was more awake now. And struggling to know where to put his other hand. “He knew you were here. I guess I smelled like squirrel.”

Kip took Jiro’s floundering hand and guided it around his waist. “My bad. Should have warned you about scents. Was he upset?”

“Concerned. Careful.” Jiro’s scent changed. “I did what you said.”

“Me?”

Jiro’s tone gentled. “You said they should talk, so I made Ash wait and brought Tami to him.”

Oh. That.

Kip swallowed hard. “How’d that go?”

“Good, I guess. He makes her happy.” The mood shifted suddenly, leaving Kip rather queasy, and Jiro murmured, “Promise me something?”

“What do you need?”

“You’re Tami’s friend.”

“Sure am.”

Jiro begged, “Don’t let her be sad about me.”

“Whoa, now. Back up.” Kip eased his arm under Jiro’s shoulders, which was much more comfortable. “Why would she be sad?”

“Nobody thought to tell us that Tami will live as long as Biddie.” His voice wavered slightly. “I won’t.”

Kip pulled him close. Sadness keened through the soul hidden behind his wards, a lonesome song that tugged at his heart.

“Promise me?” Jiro repeated. “You can make sure she won’t miss me.”

Right then, Kip would have done anything to drive away Jiro’s worries. Make any promise. Do something reckless.

“Did you know …?” Kip began, speaking slowly at first. “Ever since the waning of their years, humans have always wished for more. That’s why the old groves are gone. Our trees were ravaged by those seeking the very life your sister’s found.”

“Like the fountain of youth.”

“That’s the idea.” Kip stroked Jiro’s hair. “If people thought it was possible, they’d pay anything, promise anything. Maybe do anything, even something selfish and terrible.”

Jiro’s face lifted. “Is Biddie in danger?”

“Possibly. That’s why George wants our wolves and Jiminy’s wards.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.