LatinosUSA

Henry Bennington stifled a yawn. He didn’t mind the early hours so much. What he did mind was that his life did not turn out the way he planned. At sixty years old, he was still a chef at the local diner. His dreams of owning a restaurant and receiving the James Beard Award faded over the years.

He unlocked the back door of Joe’s Grille at four o’clock in the morning. As he entered the storage room and flipped on the lights, something in the shadows caught his eye. He immediately stopped in his tracks. Henry’s heavy-set stature and rough appearance would make any attacker think twice.

“You better show yourself!” he called out. His heart raced. It was a long time since he used his large hands in a fist fight.

With no response or movement, he slowly made his way into the restaurant’s kitchen. Instantly, the lights above the enormous stovetop flickered on.

It was then he saw the tall stranger. The man was lean and dressed in an impeccable black suit. His peppered hair and beard were groomed to perfection. The intruder’s face bore few wrinkles, yet it was obvious he was about the same age as Henry.

“What do you want? The restaurant does not open for another two hours. And how did you get in here?”

Sweat lined Henry’s brows. He felt faint. His eyes burned from fatigue. What was happening to him? “Alright, fella, time to go. Move it, or I’ll call the police. I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

Henry fiddled with his baggy pants pocket and yanked out his cell phone.

The intruder pointed at Henry’s phone. Immediately, the phone glowed. A burning sensation seared into his hand.

“What the…?” Henry dropped the phone. It clattered on the stained linoleum floor.

“Henry, I am truly sorry. But I need your full attention.” The stranger moved closer.

Henry stepped backward. “Who are you?” whispered Henry.

The mysterious man exhaled. “It does not matter who I am, Henry. All that matters is what I can do for you. Now that I have your attention, I would like to discuss a proposition. One you will not want to turn down.” The man flashed a smile.

A shiver ran down Henry’s spine. Something felt off about this stranger. But he was drawn to what he had to say.

“You’ve failed yourself, Henry. And it’s not because you do not have the skills to become a great chef. It is because you don’t know how to use those skills to promote yourself and excel in culinary society. I want to offer you…your dream. And in return, when the time arrives, you will give me your soul…willingly. It’s as simple as that.” The odd man looked about the dingy kitchen.

Henry swallowed. “How…?” Was this guy crazy? Or was this all just a dream?

“It’s either yes or no. I will not bore you with the details. I am offering you a chance at a life you’ve only dreamed about, but you feel you truly deserve.”

“My soul…” Henry’s heart raced. “Are you…” He did not bother to finish. Becoming a renowned chef was beyond his wildest fantasies.

The man’s long arm extended. “Do we have a deal, Henry?”

Henry stared at the man’s outstretched hand. He slowly reciprocated the gesture.

“Yes…we have a deal.” And when the two men shook, Henry’s life changed forever.

~~

Ten glorious years passed. Henry Bennington became one of the most prominent and well-respected chefs across the country. With a contract forthcoming from the Food Network Channel for his own culinary show, his lifelong dreams were fulfilled.

The meeting with the producer was prearranged. Henry felt a tad nervous thinking about hosting his own show.

As he stepped into the vacant elevator, a tall man slipped inside right before the steel doors closed. Henry barely gave the stranger a glance.

It wasn’t until the man spoke that Henry knew exactly who he was and why he stood next to him.

“Hello, Henry. It’s been a few years.” The stranger turned his head and smiled. It was the same man who promised him the world many years ago.

“It’s…you! What do you want?” His stomach churned. Sweat beaded across his forehead. For a moment, he thought he might pass out.

“Now, Henry. We made a deal…remember? A glorious life in return for your soul. I am here to collect my part of the deal, Henry.” The stranger chuckled.

Suddenly, the elevator jerked to an abrupt stop. Henry grabbed the metal side rails. His heart pounded inside his chest. Pain radiated up his spine into his head.

“No!” screamed Henry as he grabbed his skull with trembling hands. “I’m…not finished.” His knees buckled as he collapsed to the floor. The elevator doors opened.

“You’re finished now.” The mysterious man tilted his head and smiled. He then stepped over Henry’s lifeless body and disappeared down the dark corridor.

~~

Michelle Ward struggled with the worn briefcase as she walked swiftly to the entrance of the University of Athens. She arrived early each day because her dedication to academia went above and beyond. Not that it did her any good. Once again, she was passed over for tenure for less educated male colleagues to receive such a high honor.

The cramped, dingy office smelled of old books and regret. Often, Michelle regretted staying at such a small institution. But she honestly thought in the long run it would suit her academic needs and life goals.

As Michelle hung her short jacket on the back of the door, she noticed movement in the shadows. Startled, she abruptly stepped back into the wall.

“Hello, Michelle,” came a deep male voice. “I’m here to make you a proposition and a deal you cannot refuse.”