The Devil in the Den

Although darkness already appeased the hour, the gray clouds can be seen in the overcast matte of the heavens. The chimes will rest now. Neil cleaned the whole counter and started to lock the displays in their position. The tranquil atmosphere somehow gave Neil rest from the tiresome day. He went inside the utility room to prepare his things for home. Just as he was about to zip his backpack, he heard the sound of the chimes. This time, it was mellow and serene. It was queer but comforting. After a few seconds, it was followed by a slight clicking of a doorknob. Neil paused for a while then he went on. He closed the door of the utility room then he ran his hands on the counter. Dust. How can I ever get rid of these?

Neil shrugged the heaviness away and started to towards the door. When he passed by his uncle's office, he heard muffled sounds. It was as if his uncle was talking to someone. Neil cannot contain his curiosity anymore so he took the most impulsive step he has ever done in his whole life, twisting the knob to his uncle's office. He left the door ajar only almost half an inch open. What he saw surprised him. The office was actually empty with only a furnace and a table, which obviously, was Uncle Pat's. Although he cannot get a clear view of the office' interior, he listened to the mysterious sounds.

"You ungrateful old man!" Neil was sure that it was Mr. Espina' s voice.

"My deal is finished."

"No! You think you can trick me into believing that this place has enough money to run on its own?"

For the first time, Neil could sense a slight apprehension in his Uncle Pat's voice. "I can't afford your services anymore, you know that. My nephew will take over this place but he will not go into my kind of business."

"Oh you are wrong, Pat, he will." Mr. Espina's voice became softer and more eerie.

"No! He will not buy souls for you!"

"You think you can repel me with your pathetic dust or your chimes? It's already a done deal."

"I take it all back! Get all the money you offered me and leave! I don't need it anymore!" Uncle Pat's voice cracked.

"You have signed the contract, this office is for the business, and you are mine." Mr. Espina advanced towards Uncle Pat. Neil's hair started to rise up. He cannot contain his dread of the whole scenario.

"Get away from me!"

Neil closed the door. His fear stimulated an uncontrollable beating of his heart. He had to get out of the place. He grabbed his bag and rushed towards the door. He could have sworn he heard his uncle call his name, but nothing could stop Neil from running out of the place. When he opened the main door of the store, the chimes gave a loud tinkling sound and from where he was situated, he heard his uncle call his name. He closed the door and ran towards the dark and almost unlighted street.

The devil in the den has paid a large price for his immortality.