Phule’s Paradise by Robert Asprin

“Captain Jester.”

“Jonesy.”

The two men eyed each other with open wariness. Neither offered to shake hands.

“Jonesy, here, is visiting us from … I guess you’d call it one of our sister organizations.” Maxine smiled. “His superiors have expressed an extreme interest in how you and I manage to work out our differences.”

The Oriental gave a small movement of his shoulders. “I’m afraid, Captain, that curiosity is only natural for those in our line of work. Should we ever find ourselves-how should I put this?-in a similar relation to you that Mrs. Pruet is, I trust you will accept that there would be no personal rancor involved. I’m sure that, if anyone, you would understand that business is business.”

“Of course,” Phule answered through tight lips. “In return, might I suggest that you inform your superiors, from me, that if they choose to visit Lorelei to witness our methods firsthand, I will do my best to see they are treated with the same hospitality as we have shown Mrs. Pruet and her organization?”

Jonesy’s eyes flickered slightly.

“I’ll be sure to do that, Captain,” he said with a small bow. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, they’re holding a seat for me at one of the tables.”

“I don’t think he likes you, Captain,” Max said softly as they watched the Oriental walk away.

Phule smiled humorlessly. “I think I can live with that. Then again, I don’t think he was particularly happy with you, either, for singling him out that way.”

Maxine gave an unladylike snort.

“Believe it or not, Mr. Phule, the possibility of Jonesy’s associates appearing on Lorelei is even less appealing to me than it is to you. Besides, as I said earlier, `honorable enemies and dishonorable friends.’ I considered it a matter of courtesy to make you aware of what you might be up against someday.”

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