My mind ran in circles, the hamsters trying their best to keep up.

“What’s in it for me?” he repeated.

“Your ass is what’s in it for you. Maybe you no speakie engrish, but I didn’t think it was all that hard a concept to grasp.”

Marcus growled and stepped forward. Baalth waved him back.

“Oh, I understand all right,” he countered. “I just don’t see anything in it for me. Asmoday is just one demon amongst thousands gunning for me.” He tapped the folder. “You haven’t given me anything I didn’t already know. So, why should I step up and fight Asmoday when I can step aside and let you do all the work then clean up the mess afterwards?”

I have to admit, he had me stumped. Despite all the time I’d spent around demons, it never ceased to amaze me just how low they’d stoop to come out on top. “I’ll keep Scarlett off your ass,” I blurted out, my brain finally engaging.

Baalth just laughed. “You plan to do that already. You can’t have her waging war on me because you need Page 31 me at full strength to fight Asmoday.”

I muttered a few unkind words under my breath. It only made Baalth smile wider and Marcus turn a deeper shade of red. “What’s it gonna take to get you onboard, you know, considering it’s your life on the line and all?”

“It’s all of our lives, Frank,” Baalth corrected.

“You keep forgetting I’m a demon. I have no problem with Armageddon coming to pass. It’s a minor inconvenience, all things considered.”

Even though I knew he was lying, it wasn’t in my best interest to call him on it. “Fine. So, what do you want?”

“I’m thinking a favor, to be collected at a later date.”

Damn demons. It’s always about the favors. Spend enough time around these guys and you’ll owe them your nuts, if you’re lucky. “I don’t think that’s gonna work. I guess we’re done.” I turned and stormed toward the door.

“Such theatrics. I’m sure we can work something out, Triggaltheron.”