Myth 18 - MythChief Asprin, Robert (urban books to read TXT) 📖

the crew was when I stopped by that I realized how it must look. It never occurred to me that I was potentially setting up in competition to

M.Y.T.H., Inc.'s operation. That was never my intention."

“Yeah. Well, I don't think you have to worry about that anymore,” Aahz said with a smirk. “I've set them straight on that score. There's no way you're competition to us.”

Something inside me went a little dark at that last com-​ment. I took a sip of wine to give myself a moment before responding.

“How did you convince them of that?” I asked. “Just out of curiosity.”

“Well, first of all, I pointed out that you'd never deliber-​ately do anything to hurt us,” Aahz said. I nodded agree-​ment. “Then again, there's the difference in the scope of our operations. I mean, you may be the Great Skeeve, but you're still only one person ... two and a half if you count Bunny.”

“Thank you, Aahz,” Bunny said, dimpling and giving him a mock curtsy.

“Oh, I don't know,” I said, refilling my goblet. “We've been doing all right so far. We've only been in business for a little while, but we've already handled a couple clients' problems for them.”

“Good for you,” Aahz said, lifting his goblet in a small toast.

“And you're right. We've been careful not to step on M.Y.T.H., Inc.'s toes.” I smiled. “We've even managed to send a little business their way. Nothing I couldn't handle, you know, but I'm keeping to the terms of my new opera-​tion.”

“Oh you have, have you?” Aahz said, setting his goblet down with a click on the chair arm. “Sent us some jobs you weren't interested in, is that it? Too easy for you? Or taking pity on the folks you left behind?”

“Hey, Aahz,” Bunny said, stepping forward. “It's no big thing, really.”

“I wouldn't say that,” Aahz said, staring at me. “Even while he's trying to get his own new business launched, the Great Skeeve is careful to make things as easy as he can for his old crew. No, Bunny. I'd say that is a big thing.”

“I figured it's the least I can do,” I said, staring back at him. “After all, they're my oldest and best friends . .. even when they don't act like it.”

“Skeeve...” Bunny said, but Aahz rolled right over her.

“Well, maybe they're a little unsure about how to act,” he said, “after their 'best friend' walked out on the busi-​ness and left them to twist in the wind.”

“At least I told them up front what I was doing and why,” I snarled. “I seem to remember someone who walked out on everyone without a word and went back home to Perv. I had to hold things together then!”

Aahz tensed and opened his mouth to speak, then hesi-​tated.

“You're right, Skeeve,” he said, finally. “I'm in no posi-​tion to be critical. I will say this much, though: you can forget about walking on eggshells around us. I don't think you would be much competition for us, even if you tried. Especially not at your current level of powers.”

“Says the one with no powers at all,” I shot back. The words hung in the air.

“So, this isn't really about the team at all,” Aahz said softly, even dangerously. “You're still trying to protect your old partner. Well, I'll tell you something, kid, powers or not, I can still perform as well or better than anyone else . . . including you! Outperform them, even.”

“And exactly how are you measuring performance?” I said through gritted teeth. “How have we always measured it?” he said with a fierce smile. “Who can earn the most?” “That sounds like a challenge.” I said.

“Does it?” Aahz said, innocently. “All right. Have it your way. It's a challenge. The one who takes in the most money will take over the leadership of M.Y.T.H., Inc. The others will go along with whatever I commit them to. What do you say?”

“All right,” I said, clapping down my own goblet. A few drops splashed. I thought I had drunk all of the contents, but it was half-​full. “Starting tomorrow. The first two cli-​ents that come in. You take one, and I'll take the other. We'll toss a coin to see who gets the first and who gets the second. Then we'll see who 'performs' the best. I'll show you I belong back in M.Y.T.H., Inc.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Aahz growled.

“You got that, Bunny?” I asked. “The first two clients tomorrow. Winner take all.” “I got it,” she said, emotionlessly. “I'll see you tomorrow,” Aahz said, and swept out. “I really don't believe that,” I said, looking after him. “Frankly, neither do I,” Bunny said. Something in her voice caught my attention. “C'mon, Bunny,” I said. “Did you hear what he said to me?”

“Sure,” she said. There was a pitying expression on her face. “He said that he's missed you and wishes you well, to a point where he's gone to bat for you with the old team.”

I blinked.

“When did he say that?” I asked. “Right after you told him how much you've missed him and still need his praise and approval.” I shook my head. “Now, I know i didn't say that.” She looked at me.

“No. You didn't,” she said, and walked out.

Myth 18 - MythChief

TWELVE

“I've always believed in 'winner take all.'” L. CIPHER

The first client to walk in the door. I sat at my desk, drum-​ming my fingertips. I was still kind of smarting from the confrontation but more determined to succeed than