Deals with the Devil

Medvedev Dmitriy: http://www.proza.ru/2013/07/10/1275


A middle aged man walked into the commercial agency “Dealing with the Devil”, and sat down a bit shyly onto the edge of a leather chair facing a young man wearing stylish glasses.

“I’m really glad to welcome you into our office!” The youth offered his hand cordially for a shake. “I’d be delighted beyond words to help in solving any problem you might have. Have no doubt, our corporation is highly respectable, the prices are quite reasonable and no client leaves unpleased.”

“Yes, sure…” The visitor muttered a bit unsurely, and loosened his tie knot.

“Water?” The agent offered helpfully, and without waiting for the reply headed to the cooler. “It’s a bit hot here, but it can fixed easily.”

“No, thank you,” the visitor refused. “I’m just feeling not quite comfortable in here…”

“You shouldn’t,” the company representative smiled broadly and set a single-use cup of water on the table. “We’re all just small cogs in a large international holding. In other words, think yourself as entering a common public assistance service. As the saying goes, Hell is down below, the Satan won’t show, pardon the pun.”

The man coughed and sipped from the offered cup.

“I’m here on another question. To be more precise, my request is a bit unusual…”

“We fulfill practically any requests,” the agent notified him proudly. “Health for you and your dear ones, business prosperity, skills and talents… But what’s there to talk about? Have you ever heard Saveliev’s violin? He’s now a world-class talent, an unsurpassed master of bow and strings! And last years’ Miss Universe, do you know her? She’s from our town as well, just yesterday stopped by… and that other guy, one of our own as well… The skilled chemist, who got the Nobel prize this spring… A Genius! And why do you think?”

“Yes, indeed, I know Alexander as well,” the client added. “But that’s not the issue… Then again, that’s what the whole matter is about…”

“Oh, it’s nice to see the rumors run ahead of the official campaign,” the young man broke in and leaned back in his chair. “Well, our agreement is a standard one, so you can read it even before you state the nature of your deal. And if everything fits, we can sign the papers even today.”

With those words he pulled several text-covered papers from a drawer and offered them to the potential client. The man took the pile mechanically, but immediately laid it on the table.

“I’m about Saveliev… More exactly about all you’ve mentioned… and not just them…” The shy buyer started again.

“I hope that you don’t wish for their contracts to be annulled?” The youth grew wary and fixed the glasses on his nose. “In our facility it’s just impossible.”

“Surely not,” the visitor let out a breath and finally gathered himself and spoke with much greater confidence. “Actually, I’m just as much of an agent as you are, but in the charity organization “God’s Blessings”. And I’m ready to sign anything, just so your office will stop taking the credit for our achievements and the achievements of our clients.”