“Well, hell,” Cletus protested, “they saw Mulcie’s gangs fixing the road. If Rafe and them extra-extrapopulated that dope to figure out the truth, why blame me?”
“We’ll forget it,” Nick said, vastly relieved to believe his scout had not betrayed him. “I have a job for you. I’m going to Moscow and I want your help. Light out as soon as you can. Requisition as much gold as you can handle by the usual translation method, and include a sack of polished diamonds and rubies. I’ll tell Mammon it’s okay when I arrange for my own supply.”
“Okay, boss. Where do we meet? And what am I supposed to look like, and do?”
“Make yourself bellhop size and register at the Droshky Hotel as Prince Navi from Baghdad with fifty Persian oil wells to sell. Let ’em see your gold and jewels. And, remember, you’ll account for any dough you toss away to women and bribes. Get going!”
Nick could see into the near future, at least, and he chuckled after Cletus vanished through the wall. “The little devil doesn’t know what’s in store for him.”
In the throne room, sage old Beelzebub sat at the right of His Majesty’s chair; huge Moloch with his evil grin and snaggle teeth, at the left. Tall, prissy Azazel, always acting important, planted Satan’s flag and then sat down at a table opposite wide-shouldered Mulciber and handsome Belial. Charter members all of the original organization booted out of Heaven some eighteen million years ago when Nick’s first but not last rebellion flopped.
After the customary ritual of renewing their vow to get back to Heaven, the gang sat down. Nick rapped the arm of his throne and glared at Chemos, the lustful one.
“Cheme,” he said, “if you will quit flirting with Astarte, The Board will take up business.”
Belial snickered when the culprits’ red faces grew even redder, and after a wink at the court wit, Nick went on: “I intend to take off for Moscow after a quick look about with Mulcie and Belial. Incidentally, my compliments on the good work you did on the road.”
“Egad, boss,” Moloch complained, “why can’t you stay home more and line things up for us?”