Page 36 of Midnight with the Devil

“Will your father die?” Lionel steepled his fingers and peered at her over the tips of his fingers.

“Yes.” She held her breath, terrified of the answer.

“No, he won’t die. Mr. Star admits that his attention can wander. Over the years I’ve worked as his counsel, I’ve been able to guide him toward a rule that contracts cannot be broken based on whims. If there is one thing he understands and supports, it’s rules.”

“But he’s…you know…isn’t he supposed to be all about breaking rules?” Diana couldn’t see Lucien playing by any rules.

“From what I understand of Mr. Star’s situation, he doesn’t mind rules and fairness. Strange, I know, but it has to do with the cosmic balance. The light and the dark are bound by equal rules.”

“My dad is safe, even if the devil—I mean Mr. Star—loses interest in me?”

“Yes. He won’t break his promise,” Lionel reassured her. “Did you have any other questions?”

Diana nodded. “I do.” One question had been oddly burning into her mind on the way over to Lionel’s office. “What happens if I miss a Friday? Not by my choice, but if something happens to keep me from coming against my will?”

“Like having an unavoidable conflict?”

“Yeah.”

“You will need to reach out to Mr. Star and explain your situation. Another day may be negotiated, but there’s no guarantee. I will of course be happy to speak with him on your behalf should a situation arise. I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to see an attorney to represent you if you want the contract analyzed. Of course, that may be difficult given Mr. Star’s identity and the nature of the contract. I represent Mr. Star’s interests, not yours, however I do attempt fairness as much as possible. I’d be happy to speak to anyone you hire for representation.”

“Thank you. I can’t really afford an attorney right now. My father’s medical bills wiped me and my mom out financially.”

“I understand completely. Well, as I said, you may come to me at any time. Do you have any other questions?” Lionel asked.

“No, that’s it I think.” She stood up, and Lionel shook her hand again.

“Just call or stop by if you have any other questions.”

“Thanks.”

As she left the attorney’s office, Diana felt for the first time that she had a chance to control the situation. If she made herself too easy, if she made him think she was no longer a challenge, he might leave her alone and look for more interesting girls to pursue. It was clear he wanted a challenge, and if she no longer was one, then he would let her father live and let her go back to her normal life and she’d… Diana cleared her head of the thought of never seeing him again. He was the devil; she needed to pursue this loophole in their contract and go free. She couldn’t allow herself to think of anything else.

She had a barbeque with her parents that afternoon but she knew she had just enough time to squeeze in a visit to Amara. She arrived on street with the Occultist’s Apothecary shop around lunchtime. She parked her car and went inside. Amara was standing by the window hanging a collection of crystals connected by brightly colored strings to what looked like talismans from various cultures. The afternoon sunlight was caught in the crystals and fractured into shafts of multicolored light that danced along the bottles of ingredients and the books that filled the shelves. The sight was spellbinding.

“Diana!” Amara greeted her warmly and set the extra crystals on a nearby table.

“Amara.” Diana suddenly had the urge to hug this woman. She was the only person who understood what Diana was going through.

“Come, child.” Amara chuckled and opened her arms.

Diana rushed to hug the other woman tight. She didn’t mind that Amara had called herchild. The other woman was probably only ten years older than her, but it sounded like a sweet endearment.

“You’ve changed,” Amara murmured as they let go of each other. The beautiful black woman cupped Diana’s chin and studied her face closely.

“Changed?” Diana swallowed hard. That didn’t sound good at all.

“Yes. There’s a glow around you.”

“A glow? Not a shadow?” she asked as Amara waved her to the back of the shop.

“Let me read your leaves again.” Amara poured a cup of tea, and they sat down at the table.

“What did you mean about a glow?” Diana took a long gulp of her tea. It tasted like a soft chamomile and velvet.

“A glow is like an aura, but purer. Auras reflect moods, so they are always temporary. A glow is permanent. It has to do with one’s being, not one’s mood.”

“But…shouldn’t I be shadowy or something?”

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