Phule’s Company by Robert Asprin

“We’re using the penthouse at the Plaza as our headquarters while we’re in the settlement,” Phule said, scribbling quickly on a page in his notebook, which he tore off and tossed onto the chief’s desk. “That’s the number, in case you don’t have it already. If I’m not there to take your call, someone will who can relay the information to me immediately.”

Goetz made no move to pick the note up, but rather scowled at the Legionnaire.

“Excuse me for pointing out the obvious, Captain,” he said levelly, “but weren’t you just telling me I wouldn’t have any trouble out of your crew? If that’s the case, why are you so all fired eager to be sure we know what to do when we arrest one of them?”

“I believe I said I didn’t expect there’d be any more trouble than usual,” the commander corrected. “I’m not trying to kid you that there won’t be any trouble, Chief. We both know there’s bound to be some incidents once in a while. I’m just trying to establish a rapport between us to ease things when and if anything does happen.”

“Well, when and if anything happens, you can rest assured that …”

The phone on the desk exploded with sound, interrupting the chief in midsentence. Frowning, he snatched up the receiver.

“Goetz. What’s the … I see. Well, put him on.”

The chief’s eyes sought and held Phule’s as he smiled into the phone.

“Chief of police … Yes, sir … I see … Just a moment. “

Covering the receiver with one hand, Goetz leaned back in his chair and smirked at the Legionnaire in his office.

“What do you know, Captain? It seems we have an incident, as you put it, already.”