In Which We Finally Meet the Ringmaster

   He stumbled out of the reptile tent and almost into the arms of Whitechapel Fred. Whitechapel grabbed him before he could break free. "You came! And here I thought you would double-cross me."
   Hoell shrugged out of his grasp. "My loyalties did start to drop when you sent your ghouls after me."
  "Yes, well, times are tough everywhere. Can't trust anyone. Especially you, my friend. Give me the box."
  "Maybe I lost it."
  "Now is not a good time to get tough with me, jazz man. You know what I am capable of."
  "I know." Hoell pulled out a grubby drawstring bag, unwrapped what looked to be a small shaving brush, bristles stiff and ancient. The handle was simple twine wound around the top. "I was prepared for that."
  Whitechapel blanched for a second, then his face split into an evil smile. He pulled a dirty .38 from his pocket, rested it beneath Hoell's chin. "I admire your lack of imagination. Fortunately we make our own hoodoo here. Give me the box."
  Hoell didn't move. "What good will it do you? You've let it rest this long. You're owed nothing."
  "Nonetheless. He will look with favor on his servants."
  "Be a stretch where you're concerned."
  Whitechapel jerked him closer, gouging the barrel into his throat. "You have no idea what he can do. You don't know what he's capable of! They say if you meet him at the crossroads, when the moon is high, he can give you the world!"
  "The world will always come with a price, Mr. Whitechapel. You should know that." From out the night strode a tall figure in a swallowtail coat. Beside him was the Asian girl from the diner, sans the glasses but still in the hat and peacoat. The tall man bent his face to light a cigar, match light flashing across his face like a flicker of the devil's lightning. Whitechapel let the gun drop to his side.
  "Dr. Rhodius!" he hailed. "I knew that you had come. I have brought what you desire."
  "Pray tell," the tall man said, focused on the cigar.
  "I have kept it safe in your absence, guarding it for your return! My servant has brought it tonight."
  "Your loyalty has been noted. Hand me the item, Mr. Whitechapel, and you may go."