I walked into my offebuilding, the coffee to go in my right hand, a big folder in my other hand. I hated Wednesday mornings. Everyone seemed rather pleased with the workweek halfways over, but somehow for me Wednesdays are always days filled with agony.
As I walked through the rotating doors and past my receptionist I found a well dressed, but uncomfortable looking man waiting in front of the elevator. "Morning" I growled to him and he almost jumped out of his skin. "Oh, yes hello. You starteled me. Sorry!"
"Are you here for an appointment or are you looking for something else?" As we stepped into the elevator I took a long hard look at this young man. "You don't look like you're from around here. Tell me child, what is your name?"
"Oh ehm wow. I haven't been asked that in a long time. People always avoid talking to me or already know who I am.. Anyways I am Loki and... "Loki?" I exclaimed, "the trickster god? Finally you're here. Honestly You are one of the last gods I thought would come to this company. Don't worry child I will take good care of you."

I chugged away the rest of my coffe as the elevator reached my floor. I ushered Loki into my office and motioned him to take a seat opposite to me. I put the folder back into its place on the shelf and took a seat my self. I leaned back in my chair and crossed one leg over the other.
"Soooo Loki, tell me exactly what I can do for you" I asked with a smirk on my face. I already had the perfect job for him but clients always felt better when they could voice their opinions and wishes.
"Well as you probably know, I ehm..." he stuttered, "I have been loosing followers for centuries by now. And well my ability to shapeshift... kinda stopped working..." My chin droppped, maybe this would be harder than expected. "But I am here to try and get back on track. I have been kind of just fucking around and traversing in the bad parts of the world... You know..."
"Well first of all, thank you for your honesty. It is highly appreciated. Second of all, such a shame that your shapeshifting doesn't work anymore. Have you really tried everything to make it work again?" I asked. I could tell he was annoyed at that question and snapped at me "Uh no actually I haven't tried at all. In fact I just haven't done it in a while and have forgotten how to do it" "Sarkasm is still working I see. Okay forgive me that question. Well how about your trickery. Are you still as nimble and stealthy as the legends say?"
His head perked up at that question and he said "Yes I still have all the tricks up my sleeve. I can decieve even the most doubtful in the world."

I slammed my hands on my desk as I stood up. "Excellent. I think I have the perfect job for you. You may even gather a following and many will look up to you. However we will have to change your name." Loki too jumped out of his chair, excitement blazing in his eyes "Oh yeah? Who will I be?" I pointed my finger at him in an extravagance motion "You, my child, will be know as Harry Houdini the best magician in the history!"

I open the door to find the sherrif from the nearest village and some guards outside.

"Good sir we are here to take you to the Lords castle. You will have a trial where it will be determined if your crime deserves death"

"Uhh I'm sorry, what crime did I commit?" I stutter. I look back into my house, my pregnant wife still sleeping in bed with our firstborn daughter.

"It appears that you are the root of our current lack in taxes" he handed me a letter. "Here is a letter informing your family of your situation and whereabouts. Now If you would please come with us without resisting"

Confused I take the letter and step back into the main room. "One moment please". I walk over to my wife and stroke her hair while I press a kiss on her forehead. "Darling i have to go somewhere, but don't worry about me. I'll leave this letter explaining everything hopefully."

I grab my coat and put on my shoes before I exit my house. The guards move out of my way as I step towards the carriage. The sherrif one step behind me grabs my wrist and pushes me toward it.

"Careful!" I exclaim while I stumbled forward. "Would you please explain what I did to the taxes? Im just really confused. I have always paid my due on time. And while I couldn't really sell any of my crops yet I have not slacked off!"

"Oh you know what you did, alright" the sherrif hissed, "You tought these wretched monsters how to be civilised. And now they are giving away food and cloths to our village, for free! Can you imagine that! Noone is paying any taxes. Everyone eats like kings!"

"Oh wow that... truly sounds... horrible, trechearous even" I can't help but smile. My hopes are only for my unusual friend to take car eof my family for me.