I bet you say that to all the ghouls

 

     He pointed to a vellum document, held a quill pen out to me, and grinned.  “Sign here.” 

      His smirk made my veins feel as though I’d plunged into a winter lake.  “I don’t think so.”

     “It wasn’t you, who only moments ago, swore you’d sell your soul to finish writing your books and have them published?”  His eyes glowed red.

     “Well, I may have said it, but I certainly didn’t mean it.”  I willed my heart to stop its wild rampage in my chest.  “Who the heck are you anyway?”

     “I’m not the devil if that’s what you’re wondering.  I’m one of his lowly ghouls, a minor minion.  However, if you sign here…”  He held out the document again.  “Your wish will be my command for the minimal price of one soul.”

     “No sale buddy.”

     “Don’t be so hasty.”  He sighed and leaned against the doorway.  “Here’s how it goes, Toots.  If I go back without my quota, I have to face the music.  That music is horrible.”

     “Tough, as far as I’m concerned…”  I stood and placed my hands on my hips.  “You can go to hell.”

     With those words, a clap of thunder rocked the house and the ghoul disappeared.