Free The Devil and Danielle Webster by Cynthia Cross

grid.”
    Doug’s face crumpled.  He looked near tears.  “I
want to say goodbye to Tina.”
    “Just don’t sign any papers,” I warned him, “or Tina’s soul
will be up for grabs as well.”
    The nondescript man looked offended.  “Nothing further
from my mind,” he insisted.  “If you want your wife, no
problem!”

Chapter
5 – The Exorcist
 
 
    “I guess that means I’ll be meeting the famous Tina,” I
said.
    “Tina will get us out of this mess,” Doug said with
endearing, if misguided, faith.
    “Let me just check my cell,” I said.  “Maybe Jill got
up to use the bathroom during the night.”
    “Well, if she did, wouldn’t that all be erased now?”
    “My cell says 5 AM.  Look, a text from Jill!”  But
as I looked, the text faded and disappeared.  My cell now said 2 AM.  Same night.   Again.  
What was this, night four?
    The Devil looked apologetic.  “This has to stay off the
time grid,” he said.  “Trust me, you want it that way.  Otherwise
you’ll have relatives report you as missing persons, and kids being
unattended.”
    “Must be something in it for you,” I said.  “And don’t
look at me with those reproachful eyes.  You know already that you’re not
to be trusted.”
    “Where’s Tina?” Doug asked nervously.
    “Slight delay, nothing to concern yourself with,” the Devil said.  “She’s packing, or taking care of the kids, I
believe.”
    If there was going to be even a minute’s respite, I was
going to grab my chance.  “I’m getting dressed,” I announced.
    “Please,” Doug said.  “Try to wear something without
food on it.”
    I flounced into the bathroom of my hotel room with my
handbag and cell.  I tried texting Jill again.  The time was 2:15
AM.  When did I text her before, 2:00?  “Jill, just get up to pee,” I
said aloud.  I called Patty again.
    “What are you doing calling me?” she said. 
    “I thought you’d want an update.”
    “Update on what?  It’s 2 in the morning.”
    “Oh, no!   This really is
Groundhog Day.  You don’t remember our conversation about the Devil taking
my soul?”
    “What?”
    “Patty, I don’t have much time.  I’m stuck in a time
warp or something, and I’ve sold my soul to the Devil.  For
a night with Doug Morris.”
    She was laughing.  “Only you,
Danielle.   So how’s the night with Doogie going?  I thought you hated his guts.”
    “I do hate his guts.  This is going to be the fourth
night we’re stuck with each other, and we may be stuck forever.”
    “So help me understand.  Has he been lusting for you,
lo these many years?”
    “No,” I admitted, “I was the one who wished for him, but
just for tonight.  And it’s just the worst thing ever.”
    “Danielle, do you need me to call the police or
something?” 
    “That won’t help,” I said worriedly.  “I tell you what,
go back to sleep for now.  I might need you in a couple of hours, so get
some sleep while you can.”
    “Does the Devil have your signature on paper?”
    “Yes,” I admitted.
    “ Geeeeez .   Call Jill.”  
    “I’ve been texting her.”
    “Call her.”
    “I have more faith in texts, where Jill’s concerned. 
I’d better go, Doug’s wife will be here any minute.”
    Patty started laughing again.  “A
ménage à trois !   Perfect!  Wish I
were there!”
    “Really?   Because
I might be able to arrange that, but maybe not tonight.   Time might
roll back and restart at 2 AM, and then you won’t know what I’m talking about,
again.”
    “Don’t let that worry you, sis.  If you need me, I’m
here for you.  You can always explain when it’s convenient.  I’ve got
your back even if I don’t have the back story!”  She laughed at her wit
and we hung up. 
    Patty.  I felt comforted having talked with her
again.  She was right.  She didn’t need the back story; she’d be
there for me.  But what could she do?  She’d threatened once to kick
a guy in the balls for me