The Fine Print

Mary Parker-Denison was by most people's measure a successful woman; a top-of the-line corporate lawyer, much in demand, insanely well paid; Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, all familiar residents in her closet; brand new porsche SUV, waaay bigger than last years; 60 ft yacht in the bay; nice apartment, no scratch that, really, really nice penthouse apartment overlooking the city; a stock portfolio her parent's could never have dreamed of; holiday homes both in Vail and The Bahamas.

She had it all, and was, in fact, at that very moment wondering what to get next, or whether or not there was anything else to get. "Is that it?" she thought, "have I got everything there is to get?........did I win?" She laughed out loud, of course she'd won, just look at the outfit she was wearing. You don't get to wear Dior originals unless you've won.

The bulk of her clients were large corporations: Smith and Wesson, Esso, Philip Morris, the list was endless; when you wanted a contract written, or shredded, she was the one you went to. If only people read the fine print, she thought, she'd be out of a job. Her last case, settled just yesterday, had netted her nearly 7 million dollars, thanks to a cunningly worded clause buried in the depths of the document, but she was at a loss as to what to do with the money. Maybe another house? France? Italy? Maybe another car? A bigger one; she liked the look of the new Suburban, and it was huge.

She pulled herself away from the possibilities, called up her diary on the computer screen and frowned, reaching immediately for the intercom on her desk, "Joanna, come in here please."

"Yes Mary?" her chief secretary stood in front of the desk, still in awe of the fact that she was working for a living legend and actually allowed to call her by her first name.

"Why is there only one appointment in my diary for today, and who is this Mr. Jones? Sprint? Who are they?"

"You specifically told me to make that appointment, and to keep the rest of the day free, only yesterday. Sprint is your mobile phone provider."

"I did no such thing. Why would I want to see my mobile phone provider?"

"But you did, I clearly remember." Nearly in tears now, she'd be fired and never work in a law office again, she knew it. Mary Parker-Denison had ruined more careers than she'd had Frapuccinos. "And Mr. Jones is waiting in the foyer."

Mary remembered no such thing, but she had had rather a lot to drink after the conclusion of yesterday's case, and was, in any case feeling exceptionally well disposed to the world in general, deciding to cut her secretary some slack for once.

"Well I suppose you'd better show him in. I'll give him five minutes. In the meanwhile, get started on the Philip Morris notes, I'll want them after I've dealt with the mysterious Mr. Jones."

Mr. Jones turned out to be an extremely well-dressed, attractive young man who looked hauntingly familiar, she just couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Do I know you Mr. Jones?"

"Yes Mary I think you do."

"I can't think where from. Did we work on a case together?"

"We've worked on many cases together Mary."

"I'm sure I would have remembered if that was true." She was sure she recognised him from somewhere but where? "Now what can I do for you Mr. Jones?"

The young man extracted a large document from his briefcase. A very nice briefcase, even nicer than her own, she'd have to remember to ask him where he got it after this was finished.

"First of all, is this your signature?" he said, opening the documents at the last page.

She inspected the signature. "It would certainly seem so."

"In that case, I've come to collect payment as agreed."

"Payment, what payment?"

"I draw your attention to clause 23.201(4) (a)."

"What?"

'Here." he flipped through the document and handed it back once again.

"I can't read that. Its too small."

"Allow me." he said, passing over a large magnifying glass.

Mary read the fine print.

23.201.4 The Client warrants, represents and undertakes to the Devil that:23.201.4 (a) upon completion of the agreement and the resolution of all the sub-clauses and indentures (see 20.666.1 and 19.666.2) they (the Client) shall voluntarily, and of their own free will give up their Soul to the Devil for Eternity.

"I represent the Devil in this matter and I'm here to collect. We concluded our part of the bargain yesterday."

"But this is ridiculous, I hadn't read that. Nobody reads the fine print."

The young man smiled, but his eyes stayed lifeless.

"I know."