“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” said Mr. Babylon. “Just make sure the box remains closed.”

Coop sat and stared at his drink. He didn’t like anything about the setup. In his mind, he went over the obvious dangers of the job versus his options. It didn’t take long. Even with a thousand dollars in his pocket, his list of options was very short.

He said, “How much does the job pay?”

“Two hundred thousand.”

“And another hundred thousand if we do it before the new moon.”

Mr. Babylon nodded and said, “I can make it more if that would help.”

“Really?” said Morty.

“That’s all right,” said Coop. “We’re not greedy. You offered a hundred and we’ll take it.”

“Wonderful. Honest men indeed.”

Coop drained the bourbon and set the glass down on a coffee table. “The new moon is only three days off, so we’re going to have to work fast. We’ll need information. Blueprints. Layouts of spells and wards. Regular security and the hocus-pocus kind. Probably some equipment, too.”

“Naturally, I’m willing to pay your expenses, as long as they’re reasonable,” said Mr. Babylon.

“Reasonable. Of course,” said Morty.

Mr. Babylon reached around and took a green folder off a table behind him. He held it out for Coop. After his last encounter with a green folder he wasn’t thrilled to take it. But he did.

“Here’s some of what you asked for,” said Mr. Babylon. “Plans, lists of employees, the sorts of enchantments my competitor is partial to, those sort of things. If you need more let me know.”

There was a knock at the door. Morty jumped. Mr. Babylon got up and let in the waiter, who rolled in a room service cart.

“They’re fast with the food around here,” said Coop.

Mr. Babylon glanced at him as he signed for the steak. “They are for me.”

The waiter put the signed receipt in his pocket and went to get the first tray. When he saw the remains of the steak, he took a step back and carefully used a napkin to put the silver serving dome back over the melted meat. Mr. Babylon graciously held the door open for him as he pushed the cart out with his fingertips.

“I think that’s it for now, gentlemen,” he said. “I didn’t get to sample my previous meal and now I’m famished.”

Coop and Morty got up and headed for the door. Mr. Babylon walked the other way.

“Sure. Enjoy your dinner,” said Coop.

“Enjoy your thousand dollars,” said Mr. Babylon. “Maybe we’ll play William Tell again sometime.”

“Just let me know in advance next time. And bring your wallet.”

Coop didn’t bother waiting for a reply. Mr. Babylon was already cutting into his steak. He and Morty let themselves out.

When they were in the elevator, Morty let out a long breath and laughed nervously.