Sten had no objections at all.
The Eternal Emperor reverently dusted off the bottle, popped it open, then poured two healthy drinks. Mahoney picked up one. Looked at it suspiciously.
"Scotch again, boss?" he wanted to know.
"Yep. Except this time it's the real stuff."
"Where from?"
"I ain't saying."
Mahoney took a sip. Gagged.
"What the—?"
The Eternal Emperor beamed. Took a big slug. Rolled it around his mouth, savoring it.
"Just right," he said.
Filled up his glass again.
"You took care of everything? On the Sten matter?"
"Just like you said, boss."
The Emperor thought a minute.
"Let me know how he works out. I think that Sten is a boy to watch."
"He sure is, boss. He sure is."
Mahoney forced himself to finish his drink. And then held out his glass for more. In his job, you made sure you always kept the boss happy.
And the Eternal Emperor hated to drink alone.