tary and always knew more about what I had on the
docket than I did. Her inquiries as to my schedule were
usually made out of politeness or to check to be sure I
wasn't doing something undignified before ushering a
client into the office.
"The Great Skeeve will see you now," she said, ges-
turing grandly to her charge. "In the future, I'd suggest
you make an appointment so you won't be kept waiting."
4 Robert Asprin
The Deveel Bunny was introducing seemed a bit slimy,
even for a Deveel. His bright red complexion was covered
with unhealthy-looking pink blotches, and his face was
contorted into a permanent leer, which he directed at
Bunny's back as she left the room.
Now, there's no denying that Bunny's one of the more
attractive females I've ever met, but there was something
unwholesome about the attention this dude was giving
her. With an effort, I tried to quell the growing dislike
I was feeling toward the Deveel. A client was a client,
and we were in business to help people in trouble, not
make moral judgments on them.
"Can I help you?" I said, keeping my voice polite.
That brought the Deveel's attention back to me, and
he extended a hand across the desk.
"So you're the Great Skeeve, eh? Pleased to meet
you. Been hearing some good things about your work.
Say, you really got a great setup. I especially like that
little number you got working as a receptionist. Might
even try to hire her away from you. The girl's obviously
loaded with talent."
Looking at his leer and wink, I somehow couldn't
bring myself to shake his hand.
"Bunny is my administrative assistant," I said care-
fully. "She is also a stockholder in the company. She
