“I don’t get it,” I frowned. “What’s going to happen to a Mob-protected business?”
“We are,” Aahz grinned.
“What our strategist is trying to say,” Chumly supplied, “is that the best defense is a good offense. Not terribly original, but effective nonetheless.”
“You’re darn right it’s effective,” my mentor exclaimed. “Instead of us defending against the Mob, we’re going to start a crime wave right here at the Bazaar. Then let’s see how good the Mob is at defending against us!”
Chapter Sixteen:
“It’s always easier to destroy than to create.”
– ANY GENERAL, ANY ARMY, ANY AGE.
“HEY, Guido! How’s it going?”
The big bodyguard spun around, scanning the crowd to see who had hailed him by name. When he saw me, his face brightened.
“Mister Skeeve!”
“Never expected to run into you here!” I lied.
From Gus’s description, I had known that both Guido and his cousin Nunzio were part of the Mob’s contingent at the Bazaar. This “chance meeting” was the result of nearly half a day’s worth of searching and following rumors.
“What are you doing here?” he asked confidentially. “Shopping for a few little items to wow ’em with back atPossiltum?”
“Just taking a bit of a vacation. That new queen and I don’t get along so well. I thought things might ease up if I disappeared for a while.”
“Too bad. If you was shoppin’, I could line you up with some ‘special deals,’ if you know what I mean.”
“You guys are really moving in, then?” I marveled. “How is it going? Any problems?”
“Naw,” the bodyguard bragged, puffing out his chest. “You was right. These Deveels are like shopkeepers anywhere. Lean on ’em a little and they fall in line.”