Myth 08 – Myth-Nomers by Aspirin, Robert

I had learned my lesson. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more

waiting around for them to end their discussion.

“I’d like to buy that green magik bag, the small canvas

one,” I said, bursting into their conversation in mid-sen-

tence.

“All right.”

The salesman I had first spoken with was halfway to the

display before I realized what he was doing. Now that I had

his attention, my normal shopping instincts cut in.

“Excuse me. I’d like a new case rather than the floor

display… and is there any chance you have it in black?”

The salesman gave me a long martyred look.

“Just a moment, I’ll have to check.”

He went slouching off while his partner began wandering

aimlessly through the section straightening displays.

“If you don’t mind my saying so, Skeeve, I think you’re

pushing your luck,” Kalvin observed.

“Hey, it’s worth asking,” I shrugged. “Besides, however

inconsiderate the help is, this is still a store. There’s got to

be some interest in giving the customer what he wants.”

Fifteen minutes later, the salesman still hadn’t reappeared

and I found my temper was starting to simmer again.

“Um … is it time to say ‘I told you so’ yet?” the Djin

smirked.

Ignoring him, I intercepted the second salesman.

“Excuse me, how far is it to the storeroom?”

Robert Asprin

46

“Why do you ask?” he blinked.

“Well, your partner was checking on something for me,

and it’s been a while.”

The salesman grimaced. I

“Who? Him? He’s gone on break. He should be back in

an hour or so if you’d like to wait.”

“What??”

“I suppose I could go look for you, if you’d like. What