Asmodeus grinned at the sound of a familiar voice, finishing his glass in a single swallow, and returned it to the low table. “They say variety is the spice of life, and if yours is the wallet, why not the better spice? Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the seats across from his. Turning, he signaled to the bartender. “A fine bottle for a fine lady,” he called out.
Turning back to face his guest, Asmodeus leaned back heavily on the cushions, letting himself see her through half-lidded eyes. Ordinarily Asmodeus would work his wiles on any shapely lady who crossed his path, but there was something decidedly professional in his dealings with Colette. There was something there akin to the love of a sibling; just as strong, with a wholly sinless aim. “My dear, Colette, you’ve finally arrived. I was beginning to worry; been here long enough to enjoy a bottle, but I could do with another. Some show you put on tonight; real responsive crowd and real big wallets, too. Now don’t look at me like that. You know I pinched a few purses for the good of the circus; the money’s already with tonight’s income.” Asmodeus followed Colette’s raised eyebrow with a sly wink. She knew full well of his habit of working the crowd in his own unique way, but still saw fit to probe his hypothetical morality.
A waiter stopped at the table, producing a fine bottle of wine and two glasses. After the usual pleasantries with the wait staff, Asmodeus poured the two glasses, closed his blue eyes, and held his glass to his nose to enjoy the bouquet. “The others must be out and about the town tonight,” he said, as if from a dream. “They haven’t arrived yet, and I’m sure Mary must be having a crack time with the ladies, bless her.”
As the night deepened, more customers had been appearing through the curtains at the far end of the den; eager faces looking forward to the night’s distractions. Asmodeus took a sip of wine, opened his eyes, and caught sight of the trio of ladies that had most recently entered. A flash of gold, like a prow cutting the waves, navigated through the crowd to the bar. As she turned towards him, Asmodeus caught sight of fair skin, bordered by silk, receding into a dark chasm that set his hands to quivering. Alexandra had arrived.
Smoothing back his brown locks, and flipping his top-hat neatly on his head, he shot Colette a wicked grin. “Showtime.”
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