“. . . Of course,” Aahz yawned, “there’s no guarantee they won’t be back tomorrow.”
That stopped the delegation in their tracks.
“What? But you said…”
“Face it, gentlemen. Right now, the only thing between the Mob and the Bazaar is the Great Skeeve here, and once he leaves …”
The Deveels exchanged glances. “I don’t suppose you’d consider staying,” one said hopefully.
I favored him with a patronizing smile.
“I’d love to, but you know how it is. Expenses are high, and I’ve got to keep moving to eke out a living.”
“But with your reputation, clients will be looking for you. What you really need is a permanent location so you can be found.”
“True enough,” Aahz smiled. “But to be blunt, why should we give you for free what other dimensions are willing to pay for? I should think that if anybody could understand that, you Deveels would.”
“Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter,” the lead spokesman sighed, pulling up a chair. “Okay. How much?”
“How much?” Aahz echoed.
“Don’t give me that,” the Deveel snapped. “Innocence looks ridiculous on a Pervert. Just tell us what kind of retainer would be necessary to keep the Great Skeeve around as the Bazaar’s magician in residence.”
Aahz winked at me.
“I’m sure you’ll find his fee reasonable,” he said. “Well, reasonable when you stop to think what you’re getting for your money. Of course, the figure I’m thinking of is just for making the Bazaar his base of operations. If any specific trouble arises, we’ll have to negotiate that separately.”
“Of course,” the Deveel winced.
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