The Devil You Know - Episode X

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode IX Videl informs Barney that he has discovered Barney’s deception.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Wait, are you saying if you beat the Devil you have to work for the Devil?” Barney asked.

“Not quite,” replied Videl. “I’m saying, you beat the Devil you become the Devil.”

Barney was stunned. He was certain he had misheard Videl.

Videl continued, “Throughout the ages, many men and women have assumed the role of the Devil. You’ll just be another in the line of succession.”

“I never agreed to this,” complained Barney.

“It was implied when you opted to craft your own agreement.” Videl flipped the pages of the guidebook. “It’s in here.”

“That’s not fair. I didn’t know it existed.”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Because I didn’t know.”

“No one can possibly know everything where the Devil is concerned. In all that literature you consulted, did you read anything that indicated anyone has ever won? You may have beaten me . . . but you did not win!”

“I won’t do it,” Barney avowed.

Videl nodded knowingly. “Oh, at first you’ll try to shirk your responsibilities; we all did. But, trust me; it’s not a viable option.” Videl paused and shuddered. “The pain will be excruciating.” He lowered his voice, “It’s like nothing you’ve ever imagined. The more you fight, the more intense the agony.

“Eventually, you’ll immerse yourself in the . . . role. Each new soul decreases your pain and increases your pleasure until you’ll manage to relegate thoughts of your former life to the depths of your unconscious mind. You’ll revel in your conquests until you become wholly and solely the Devil.

“But the desire to return to a normal human lies at the periphery, waiting for that moment of reclamation. I’ve been watching you for a very long time, Barney. I knew you had the potential to be my One when you acquiesced to Dirk so easily.” Videl nodded his head. “It was time.”

“But,” stammered Barney, “I’m a child; an innocent.”

“Ha, young you may be but”—Videl’s eyes widened—“innocent you are not.”

“I’ve never harmed anyone,” said Barney.

“What about Dirk and his friends? You never once considered their fate.”

“That was you.”

“At your behest.” Videl pressed, “Do you care about their families’ anguish? Their friends? You never asked what happened to them.”

“I’ve been busy with school; I didn’t even go home for the summer; I’ve been out of touch.”

“Excuses. Truth is, you don’t care. You got what you wanted and everything else be damned. You will make a fine successor.”

Barney’s shoulders slumped. He hadn’t given a thought about Dirk or his friends. That doesn’t make me . . . evil?

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Barney hardly noticed that Raz walked past Videl and took up station to Barney’s right, a few paces behind. He wouldn’t have even noted the handoff had he not felt a slight tingle travel from his hand though his entire body when his fingers wrapped around the guidebook’s binding.

He felt dampness on his hand; the snow was falling and the wind picked up as the temperature dropped. The winter thaw ended as abruptly as it had begun.

Pain began to radiate through Barney’s body as Videl strode away. He watched each step until Videl wasn’t even a pinprick on the horizon. He waited for a flash of light or a puff of smoke but it never occurred; Videl just disappeared and Barney knew it would be forever this time.

END – THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

Barney was so close to attaining his dream but when you play with fire… well, you know the rest.

Did you enjoy The Devil You Know? Please, let me know what you think.

The Devil You Know - Episode IX

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VIII Barney seals the deal with Videl and enrolls at M.I.T.

Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path…

Barney heard from behind, “Pretty proud of yourself?”

He smiled. He had been expecting this visit. “Yeah.” He turned to face Videl. Raz stood behind the Devil to the right.

“Still wearing the sunglasses,” purred Videl.

“Figured I’d be seein’ you,” quipped Barney.

“Did, huh?”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“When did you figure it out?”

“This morning. When Raz brought it to my attention. I,” Videl paused, “realized things were going to change. That little caveat you buried in the EEA . . . magnificent!”

Barney stood a bit more erect; his shoulders pushed back. “I know, I wrote it!”

Videl hummed briefly. “So you’re enjoying school.”

“I’m not treated like some freak of nature here. I’m able to concentrate on my studies. I’m triple majoring.”

“A triple major,” Videl nodded appreciably. “Impressive. It would have been interesting to see you accomplish that feat.”

“Of course I’ll accomplish it,” Barney sneered. “I have a four-point-oh.”

“You had a good run here. You got to experience what you always longed for; that’s more than most people three times your age can say.”

Barney stepped closer to Videl, “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but I won; you lost. Go away!”

Videl chuckled. “You are so naïve. Do you think you’re the first person to beat the Devil?”

“What are you babbling about?” Barney widened his stance.

Videl exhaled slowly and smiled. “People have been making deals with the Devil for centuries. Napoleon, Hitler, Madoff; they all had one thing in common; they thought they could outsmart Beelzebub.

“But,” Videl paused to reflect. He pressed his palms and fingertips together and tapped the outside of his index fingers against his lips. “Every couple centuries, there comes someone who actually does it.”

“It sounds like you’re happy you lost,” said a confused Barney.

“Happy?” started Videl. “I’m ecstatic. I’ve been doing this for a very long time.” He sighed.

“So, you’ve been a good little soul snatcher. Hooray for you.” Barney twirled in index finger. “What’s your point?”

“You’re bright; I suspect you’ll figure out the rules quicker than any of us.”

“Rules?”

“Yes, rules. I have to do everything in my power to collect souls to keep the fires of Hades burning. My staff and I scour the earth for souls. Once they’re identified, I close the deal. I have no choice.

“It’s all in here.” Videl held up an ancient looking book.

“What’s that?” asked Barney.

“This?” Videl held the text in an outstretched hand. “This is the guidebook. A few centuries ago, I stood where you are, on the cusp of greatness. I had grand aspirations. I was an accomplished violinist. I practiced and practiced but my skills only allowed me to get so far. I had about resigned myself to that fact when I met a woman who promised me everything. I didn’t like the deal she offered, so I convinced her to let me write my own. It was . . . brilliant; I was brilliant.” Videl stared into space, lost in a momentary reverie. “That’s the way it works.”

“Wait, are you saying if you beat the Devil you have to work for the Devil?”

END – EPISODE IX

In next week’s finale we discover Videl’s true intent. Is Barney as smart as he thought?

The Devil You Know - Episode VIII

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VII Barney constructs a contract that he believes will allow him to get what he wants without giving up his soul.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

He turned to find Videl, attired in a black suit, standing in the center of the bathroom. Behind him another man stood to his right. Slight of build and several inches shorter than Videl, the other man had thinning grey hair combed straight back. A leather briefcase dangled from his left hand.

“What’s with the shades?” queried Videl.

“Like ’em?”

“Not particularly.”

“I don’t want anyone reaching into my inner spirit. Who’s he?” Barney nodded at the briefcase bearer.

“That’s Raz. He’s my legal counsel.” Videl smirked.

Barney chuckled. “Legal counsel? What do you need a lawyer for?”

“To be sure everything conforms to convention. It’s not as if there aren’t an abundance of barristers where I come from. Do you have it?”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Barney handed the flash drive to Videl who passed it to Raz who plugged it into an electronic tablet. An awkward silence followed as Videl’s attorney reviewed the electronic document. Finally, Raz handed the tablet to Videl.

“Well,” he demanded. Raz uttered a sound that was barely audible. Videl’s eyes widened, “Really?” he said to which Raz blinked once.

“Impressive,” stated Videl. “Raz says it’s the best EEA he’s ever seen.”

“You got all that from a grunt and a wink?” Barney raised an eyebrow.

“It was a very meaningful grunt. He wants me to offer you a job.”

“Think I’ll pass,” said Barney. “Do we have a deal or not?”

“I prefer to look my clients in the eye when I consummate a deal.”

“Do we have a deal or do I walk?” countered Barney.

“Not much for small talk. Fine, we have a deal.” Videl pressed his thumb against the tablet’s screen and handed it to Barney. Before he signed, Barney scanned the document to ensure Videl had not made any alterations. Satisfied, he applied his thumbprint to the appropriate spot and handed the tablet to Videl who handed it back to Raz.

“We’re done?” queried Barney.

“We’re done,” replied Videl. “See you in 80 or 90 years.”

Barney turned for the door. “Not if I see you first,” he quipped. He didn’t expect a reply; he knew Videl had already vanished.

***

It was an unseasonably warm February morning. New England had been in the grasp of a Nor ’Easter that was predicted to last a few more days. However, Boston had been spared. While the majority of New Englanders were cursing their decision to live in the North East, Beantown was enjoying seventy-plus-degree weather. Forecasters were at a loss to explain the phenomenon.

Attired in baggy cargo shorts, a tee and sandals, Barney lagged behind a pack of students making their way to morning classes. He was lost in thought as he strolled along the path. Edward Witten’s most recent revelation regarding String Theory swirled through his mind. Barney had been on the M.I.T. campus for a little more than a year. On a daily basis, he interfaced with people of equal intellect and no one made fun of him or bullied him; he was living his dream. In all his nearly twelve years, he had never felt so stimulated.

From behind he heard, “Pretty proud of yourself?”

END – EPISODE VIII

Barney thought he was rid of Videl. Come back and find out what Videl is angling for.

The Devil You Know - Episode VII

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode VI Videl agrees to allow Barney to craft an Even Exchange Agreement.

“I’ll tell you what. I like you, so I’ll give you one week to draft an acceptable agreement. If you haven’t done so by then, you will sign this.” Videl held up the electronic tablet and extended an index finger into the air. “One week….”

And then Videl was gone.

A week wasn’t much time. Barney studied literature, opera and movies that pertained to dealings with the Devil. He ascertained that the Devil had high intellect and immense linguistic prowess. No atrocity was too heinous if it helped him achieve the Devil’s goals.

Barney read the Essentials of Contract Law and consulted the online Harvard Law Library. He barely ate. He didn’t sleep; he focused on creating the perfect contract.

His newly transformed mother knocked on his locked bedroom door and begged him to get out for fresh air. “You need to relax, Honey.”

“This will determine my future,” he said.

“Nonsense, you’re ten.”

Eventually she gave up and left Barney to draft his contract. On the seventh day, bleary eyed but relaxed, Barney pushed back from his desk. He was certain he had done it; he had written an EEA that would grant him everything he wanted, less any of the ghastly consequences. He was going to do what no one else had ever done; he was going to beat the Devil.

***

Barney got to school early. He had no inkling where the meeting would take place. He had a copy of the EEA on his thumb drive and another on the hard drive of his laptop.

The atmosphere at the school was muted. It had been a week since Dirk and his cronies had been seen. The boys’ parents had pooled their resources, offering a substantial reward for any information leading to the safe return of their children. Barney had a fleeting moment of guilt when he saw the tear-stained face of Dirk’s mother on television.

Law enforcement personnel postulated that the teens had left school grounds in Dirk’s Land Rover, since it had not been found on the Goethe campus. The missing Land Rover could not be located. Barney wondered what Videl had done with the jocks. Not that he cared. He decided they probably got what they deserved.

Barney made for a restroom. The moment the door closed behind him he noted a silence. The clamor of Goethe High did not penetrate the stillness of the bathroom. He opened the door a fraction and

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

was hit by a wave of heat. He reached into his pocket and donned a stylish pair of mirrored sunglasses. He turned to find Videl, attired in a black suit, standing in the center of the bathroom. Behind him another man stood to his right. Slight of build and several inches shorter than Videl, the other man had thinning grey hair combed straight back. A leather briefcase dangled from his left hand.

END – EPISODE VII

Barney’s got the EEA … will Videl be satisfied? Only way to find out is come back next week.

The Devil You Know - Episode VI

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode V Videl informs Barney that he can guarantee that Barney will attend M.I.T. When he gets home from school, Barney finds Videl and his mother together in the living room.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Celebrating, silly,” sang Mary. “Mr. Videl, your new school administrator, stopped by this afternoon. Looks like you’re going to M.I.T. I already signed the consent form. Come sit with me and have a glass of sparkling cider.”

Barney gave a blank stare, but sat next to his mother on the couch.

“I didn’t do anything to her,” Videl swore the next day.

“There’s something different about her. She has a new look in her eyes.”

“Yes, Barney, I imagine there is. The eyes are the windows to the inner spirit. I reached through that window and reignited a passion that years of single motherhood had extinguished.” Videl tapped his left breast, indicating the permission slip was in an interior jacket pocket. “She signed. Now we just need you to sign the EEA.” He pulled a small electronic device from another pocket and proffered the screen toward Barney. “Just put your thumb print right there.” He pointed to a spot on the screen.

“I know better than to sign anything without reading it first.”

“What’s to read?” asked an exasperated Videl. “It’s all very boilerplate stuff. Substitute a name and a request, yada yada.”

Barney shook his head. “Not signing ’til I read.”

“Fine.” Videl handed the device to Barney who scanned the document, muttering the occasional “Tsk” or “Hmph” or “No way.”

“You’re joking, right? Where’s the real EEA?” asked Barney.

“That is the actual EEA,” growled Videl.

“I’m not signing that piece of crap,” laughed Barney. “Near as I can tell, there are so many loop holes, I’d be lucky if I even got within a thousand miles of Massachusetts, never mind M.I.T. I could write a better contract,” challenged Barney.

“You, a ten-year-old,” sneered Videl.

“A ten-year-old with an IQ of 198, third highest of all time,” countered Barney.

“Well,” Videl hesitated, “it’s highly unusual.”

“I’m not usual,” stated Barney.

“That you are not,” replied Videl. “I’ll tell you what. I like you, so I’ll give you one week to draft an acceptable agreement. If you haven’t done so by then, you will sign this.” He held up the electronic tablet and extended an index finger into the air. “One week.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.” Barney glanced in the mirror. “Where do I meet you?”

There was no reply.

“I really wish he’d stop doing that,” Barney muttered to the empty room.

END – EPISODE VI

Barney seems so close to attaining his dream. Will he be able craft an EEA that Videl will buy into?

The Devil You Know - Episode V

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode IV Videl explains the difference between the soul and the human spirit.

“Those tales of human souls suffering an eternity in Hell are just myths perpetuated by religious leaders to keep the flocks in line. It’s true that human spirits have descended into Hades; but those belong to humans unfortunate enough to lead”—Videl gently rocked his head from side to side as if it were on a pivot—“less than exemplary lives.”

Artwork credit: Matt Ryan

“What’s to stop you from reneging on any deal and just snatching my soul?” challenged Barney.

Videl sighed. “I have to abide by certain rules. I cannot snatch a soul unbidden. There are protocols to follow, which is why I require the client to willingly donate their soul. This is facilitated by an EEA—Even Exchange Agreement.”

“Okay.” Barney paused. “I know what you want. What do I get?”

“I can guarantee that you will not have to endure another minute in this school and you will attend M.I.T.,” said Videl.

“You said attend M.I.T. I want to enroll and graduate from M.I.T.”

Videl raised an eyebrow and seemed reflective. “Fine, you’ll attend and graduate from M.I.T. All you have to do is sign an EEA and”—he waited a half beat before continuing—“being a minor, get your mother’s signature as well.”

Barney let out a long exhalation. “Even if I were to agree to your deal, my mom never would.”

“Well, don’t be too hasty. I can be very persuasive.”

“I don’t want her hurt.”

“I will not harm your mother in any fashion,” avowed Videl. “Now, go about your day and we’ll finish our business later.”

Barney turned and placed his hand on the door handle. “I’ve still got to face Dirk.”

“He won’t be an issue. Consider it a show of good faith,” said Videl.

“Him you can hurt.” There was no reply; Videl had vanished. Barney hesitated a moment before slowly opening the door. He stared at a row of lockers. He stepped into the hall and realized he was across from his own locker, his jacket still in a heap on the floor. He spun around but there was no sign of a bathroom door, only a solid string of lockers.

The rest of his day was a fog as Barney struggled to make sense of his encounter with . . . with what? he thought. Do I honestly believe I met the Devil?

Nonetheless, his day proceeded without incident. Videl stayed true to his word; Barney did not see Dirk or his boys anywhere. In fact, no one had seen them since they had chased after Barney.

Barney arrived home from school that afternoon and entered through the kitchen, as he always did, expecting to find a snack set out by his mother. However, today the kitchen was empty.

“Mom,” he called.

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

He heard a lilting reply from a woman’s voice that sounded very much like his mother. “Bar-ney! I’m in the living room.”

When Barney had left for school that morning, his mother looked her usual self: hair in a tight bun on the back of her head, a white blouse buttoned to the neck, a skirt hemmed just below the knees, and a pair of sensible loafers. But, there reclined his mother, hair cascading about her shoulders, blouse loosened three buttons, shoeless, feet propped on the coffee table.

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“Celebrating, silly,” sang Mary. “Mr. Videl, your new school administrator, stopped by this afternoon. Looks like you’re going to M.I.T. I already signed the consent form. Come sit with me and have a glass of sparkling cider.”

Barney gave a blank stare, but sat next to his mother on the couch.

END – EPISODE V

Mom seems to be on board but can Barney trust Videl? Come back next week, same bat time same bat channel.

The Devil You Know - Episode IV

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode III Barney learns the true nature of the mysterious Videl.

This is nuts. There’s a logical explanation, he thought. I’m knocked out. Yeah, that’s it. Dirk beat me into a coma and I’m in a hospital bed.

“You aren’t in a hospital bed,” stated Videl.

Barney screamed. “Get out of my thoughts.”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“Not my fault,” countered Videl. “Normally humans’ thoughts are a closed book, but when you’re under extreme duress, all that changes. Your acute emotional outburst is like a beacon, a beacon I can’t ignore, a beacon drawing me to you.”

Barney trembled. This is scientifically impossible. “This is an illusion. I don’t know how you’re doing it, but given enough time I could figure it out,” he reasoned.

Videl crossed to Barney and said, “Need more proof?” Before Barney could react, Videl snatched Barney’s spectacles and smashed them.

Barney’s voice went up an octave. “What did you do? How am I supposed to see?”

“You don’t need them,” said Videl.

Barney hesitated. He looked around the room. For the first time in his short life, his vision was perfect. He began to consider the possibility that Videl was telling the truth. “So what do you want from me?”

“You’re the genius, figure it out.”

Barney hesitated. “My soul . . . you want my soul. In what universe would I ever agree to do that?”

Videl leaned against the sink and crossed his arms over his chest. “You called me. You said you’d do anything to get out of this school.”

“Almost anything,” said Barney, “but I never spoke it aloud.”

“Intent’s the same. Look,” pressed Videl, “you’ve got something I want and I can provide something you want. Everybody wins.” Videl paused and exhaled slightly. “Do you believe in God?”

The question was unexpected and it puzzled Barney. Religion hadn’t been much of a presence in the Midas home. His mother had never taken Barney to Sunday school, catechism or any religious function. He realized he didn’t know if he was Christian, Jewish... Am I an atheist? he pondered.

To Videl he asked, “What does it matter?”

“It doesn’t. But if theology were the issue; if”—Videl made air quotes—“dealing with the Devil goes against your religious beliefs, I can understand your angst.

“However, you need to understand that humans mistakenly equate the human soul with the human spirit. It is the spirit that houses the human consciousness, not the soul. The soul isn’t the manifestation of some religious tenet, it’s just an energy force”—Videl emphasized—“the generator of the human body and as such contains a reservoir of energy and we both know energy can be neither created nor destroyed. It can only be transformed from one state to another.”

Videl continued, “There is no connection between the consciousness and the soul. The soul’s just a vast store of potential energy that cannot disappear— Videl mouthed POOF—“just because the human body has ceased to function. It is this energy that we harness and refine to keep the fires of Hades aflame.

“Those tales of human souls suffering an eternity in Hell are just myths perpetuated by religious leaders to keep the flocks in line. It’s true that human spirits have descended into Hades; but those belong to humans unfortunate enough to lead”—Videl gently rocked his head from side to side as if it were on a pivot—“less than exemplary lives.”

END – EPISODE IV

Ya gotta admit, the guy is smooth, but can he convince our little genius? Check back next week.

The Devil You Know - Episode III

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode II Barney escapes the jocks’ wrath and meets a janitor who says he can help Barney get to MIT.

***

“But, your mom won’t let you go.” Videl looked at the ceiling and tapped his chin with his index and middle fingers. “What would you say if I told you I could help you with that?”

“You’re just a janitor,” scoffed Barney.

“You, of all people, should know looks can be deceiving. Let’s, for the sake of argument, say I have . . . connections.”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

Videl extended a hand and helped Barney to his feet. He guided him to a sink and stood behind him. Barney set his glasses on the porcelain, rinsed his face and patted his cheeks dry with a paper towel. He looked in the mirror and inspected his blurry reflection. He squinted but didn’t see Videl’s image in the mirror. “Where’d you go?” he queried.

“Right behind you,” purred Videl.

Barney turned and there stood the fuzzy janitor, less than two feet away. He spun and checked the mirror; no Videl. He nearly poked out an eye fumbling to put on his glasses. With his eyesight restored, he gazed in the reflective glass but saw only himself.

“What’s going on? How’re you doing that?”

“I’m not doing anything. It’s the natural order of things. I don’t have a reflection. I don’t cast a shadow and I cannot be captured on film.”

“That’s impossible! There’s a scientific explanation,” reasoned Barney.

“Not everything can be explained,” countered Videl.

“Really?” Barney turned his back against the sink. “So what are you, a vampire?” His query dripped with sarcasm.

“There are no such things as vampires,” said Videl. “What I am is the one who can make all your dreams come true.”

Barney scoffed. “And you think Dirk is overreaching. You’ve got a nice little God complex going there.”

Videl chuckled. “Not God, definitely not God; quite the opposite.”

“Oh, what then, the Devil?” asked Barney. I’m clearly conversing with a person who should be on antipsychotics, he thought.

“Ding, ding, ding,” chimed Videl. “Give the lad a prize. Tell him what he’s won.” Videl wrapped his right arm around Barney’s left shoulder and pulled him tight to his body. Barney twitched but was unable to wriggle loose. Videl waved his left hand in a grand gesture. “That’s right, Boy; I’m Satan, Beelzebub, Old Cloots. And I’m here to grant you whatever your heart most desires.” He paused for effect. “You want M.I.T. You got M.I.T.”

“You’re nuts! Let me go.” Barney squirmed, but Videl had his arms pinned to his sides and he lacked the strength to break free. “Help, help me,” he yelled.

“Scream, yell, do whatever you want, no one will hear you,” goaded Videl. “You want to leave?” He relaxed his grip on Barney.

Barney rushed for the door and yanked it open. Before he could take another step, he was hit with the heat of a thousand blast furnaces. Confused, he slammed the door shut. That much heat, would at the very least, cause the door handle to glow red hot, but it was cool to the touch. He cracked the door but the heat was so intense, he could only keep it open for a brief second.

This is nuts. There’s a logical explanation, he thought. I’m knocked out. Yeah, that’s it. Dirk beat me into a coma and I’m in a hospital bed.

END – EPISODE III

Is Barney dreaming? Only Patrick Duffy knows for certain. See you next week.

The Devil You Know - Episode II

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: In Episode I our genius Barney gets accosted by the star quarterback who insists Barney must rewrite an essay for him or suffer ill effects.

***

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“You understand I expect you to write a kick-ass essay? Triple A-plus. But first you need to learn a lesson.” Dirk patted Barney’s cheek.

At that moment, a flock of cheerleaders glided past and Beefie loosened his hold on Barney, just enough so he could slip from his coat. As soon as his feet touched the floor, Barney sliced through the tree trunks and dashed down the hall. He ran twenty feet before Dirk and company realized what happened and initiated pursuit.

Barney panicked. He knew he was in for a beating once they caught him. The lockers whizzed past as his legs churned. The Tweedle Trio was gaining. He turned down an unfamiliar hall and darted into a boys’ bathroom. He leaned against the door, face beet red, hair matted with sweat, his breath coming in short spurts. It was quiet; he had eluded his pursuers; for the nonce.

Once he was certain he was safe, he staggered to a stall, dropped to his knees and emptied the contents of his belly into the bowl. He grabbed a hunk of toilet paper, wiped his mouth and flushed the toilet. He sat curled up against the stall wall, contemplating his next move.

He had never run from Dirk. He was fairly certain he was only forestalling the inevitable. I’m gonna get my ass kicked. I’d do almost anything to get out of this school, he thought.

“Well, you can’t sit there all day.”

Barney started; positioned in the stall opening was an immaculately dressed janitor. Black wingtips polished to a mirror finish, razor sharp creases on his overall pants and sleeves, the name Videl stenciled in blazing red letters above the left breast pocket.

“Get up. I need to work on the pipes.” His voice was silky smooth with a sinister edge.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” Barney whispered.

“Most people don’t,” replied Videl. Barney remained silent. Videl continued, “So, you’ve got a bully gunning for you.”

“What’s makes you say that?” asked Barney.

“Please. You’re holed up in a bathroom, puking your guts out and shakin’ like a lost soul on the river Styx. You’re certainly hiding from something.”

“You don’t know anything,” snapped Barney.

“I know you’re an only child. Your father left on the day you were born and you fantasize that he’s Stephen Hawking. You want to attend M.I.T. but your mother doesn’t want her little boy clear across the country all alone.

“Hell, it was a struggle for her to let you attend high school. And, to top it off, you’re being terrorized by a guy with delusions of stardom. ’Bout sum it up?” finished Videl.

Barney stared at the stranger for a moment, “You don’t know what it’s like to be the smartest person in the room, everywhere you go. No one around here takes me serious because I’m only ten.” He paused as he pondered the magnitude of this statement. “My guidance counselor, Mrs. Flurice, says she has contacts at M.I.T. She says I’d live in a supervised dorm; I’d be well cared for.”

“But, your mom won’t let you go.” Videl looked at the ceiling and tapped his chin with his index and middle fingers. “What would you say if I told you I could help you with that?”

END – EPISODE II

What is Videl planning? Would you trust him? Please return next week and find out.

The Devil You Know – Episode I

WHAT’S GONE BEFORE: Welcome to the first episode of The Devil You Know. The Devil You Know is based on a play I wrote in 2009 which was put up at The Drama Studio in Springfield, MA in February, 2010 as part of the 8th Annual Winter Shorts.

***

“Midas!”

Barney rested his forehead against his locker. How he had come to detest the sound of his own name.

“Midas!

It was not spoken with the nurturing tone used by his overprotective mother or the pseudo intellectual prater of his physics teacher. When spoken by Dirk Ness, star quarterback, team captain and homecoming king, it took on a malevolence that set Barney’s heart racing, caused his palms to sweat and led to the formation of little droplets of perspiration atop his upper lip; he became powerless.

Dirk’s assault on Barney had become a daily ritual since Barney’s first day at Goethe High School. Dirk had decided the ten-year-old genius was his ticket to straight A’s and a college football scholarship. So every morning for the past three months, Barney expected a visit. At first he resisted, but that only led to more pain. Barney reasoned it was just easier to do the jock’s homework.

Dirk, his entourage in tow, adjusted the cuffs of his letterman jacket, pushing them away from his wrists ever so slightly. With each step, Dirk cracked a knuckle as he approached Barney. Three huge teenagers, who comprised three-fifths of the team’s offensive line, formed a wall of beef surrounding Dirk. The goon squad was never far from his side. Barney supposed, and rightfully so, that the Tweedle Triplets imbued the quarterback with a sense of omnipotence.

Barney rocked back from his locker and turned to face his tormentor. He noted that Dirk carried a fistful of crumpled papers and suspected he was disenchanted with the content. Dirk towered over Barney, his chest resting against the ten-year-old’s head. Barney could feel the vertebra of his neck crack as he lifted his chin to peer over the top of his glasses at Dirk’s face. He was thankful his poor eyesight made it impossible to see the anger in Dirk’s eyes. The Beef Brothers stood so close that Barney felt like he was in a vise; boxed in, nowhere to run.

Dirk crushed the papers against Barney’s forehead. “B-minus, Midas, B-freakin’-minus. I told you I needed an A an’ this definitely ain’t an A. What happened to that golden touch, Genius?”

“I . . . don’t . . . know,” stammered Barney. “I . . . I tried my best.”

Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan

“You tried your best? Damn it, Midas, I need an A to stay on the team. If I’m not on the team I don’t get scouted, I don’t get scouted I don’t get a scholarship, I don’t get a scholarship I don’t get into college and I can kiss the NFL goodbye. Is that what you want, Midas, to keep me out of the pros?”

Barney lowered his gaze, his voice barely a whisper, “No.”

“Lucky for you I got a chance to bring up the grade.” Dirk nodded, and Beefie One grabbed Barney by the back of the jacket collar and lifted him to Dirk’s eye level.

“You understand I expect you to write a kick-ass essay? Triple A-plus. But first you need to learn a lesson.”

END – EPISODE I 

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of The Devil You Know and will return next week for Episode II. Please share your thoughts; I welcome the feedback.

An Interview with Matt Ryan of Free Lunch Comics

Next week, I will begin a 10-week serialization of my short story The Devil You Know. It will be enhanced with custom-designed artwork, courtesy of Matt Ryan, President of Free Lunch Studios and Free Lunch Comics in Granby, Connecticut. Matt is an awesome artist and I highly recommend you check out the official Free Lunch website.

© Free Lunch Studios

Matt co-owns Free Lunch Studios with Writer/Publisher Steve Kanaras. Matt and Steve produce comics and strips of their own and for other companies. They offer freelance services in art, graphic design and writing, and teach classes and workshops at their Granby office. They also conduct a traveling lecture series called Comic Construction.

Free Lunch has six active physical and digital titles: Bigger, Only in Whispers, Beyond the Kuiper Belt, Chip N Fish, My 24 Hour Books, Junk Food.

Matt obtained an Associate Degree in Visual Fine Arts, (with a touch of Graphic Design) at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, CT. He has been interested in comic books since the third grade. He’s a big Conan … [the Barbarian] …fan and he loves comics that are unapologetic about their content. Matt was kind enough to sit down with me and talk about his career and Free Lunch.

Derek Egerton: How did the studio come into being?

Matt Ryan: Years ago, we used to distribute Bigger mini comics to try to get gigs [and] show our work. We used to be in Simsbury, CT. Same business model but nowhere near as successful. I didn't have the business experience or resources I do now.

DE: Were you trying to fill a void?

MR: Definitely wanted to make a creative, educational and friendly business environment for fans, businesses and families that believe/love comics and cartoons.

DE: Why Free Lunch?

MR: Every class we teach in the medium of comics on the weekends...[we provide] free lunch for the students! Yes, it's awesome.

DE: How do advertise your services?

MR: We go to local comic shows and events as well as use the Patch.com sites when we update our weekly strips. We have a variety of blogs and Facebook pages along with www.freelunchcomics.com.

DE: What inspired you to teach?

MR: I love sharing my passion with kids of all ages! Today, I was teaching how to draw zombies and we were taking turns acting like them! Brainnnssss!

DE: Who were your mentors?

MR: I learned SOO much from my first boss out of college, Mark Lewis. Great guy, great work ethic, great sense of humor. Love the guy.

DE: Would you share a success story of one of your students?

MR: I have a few gems I'm very proud of. I love seeing the progress of students. My favorite moment was awarding an arts scholarship to one of my students while I was president of the Granby Artists Association. She's our intern currently and I was able to get her an exclusive meeting with a claymation superhero (which happens to be her major).

DE: How do you determine what is going to become a comic?

MR: We have done team and singular efforts. I feel like we each have something to contribute to make a complete vision...sometimes I get the bug to do some world building, so if time allows...I'll try to squeeze something out during my free time. (Ha!)

DE: How do you determine the success of a release?

MR: By the reaction of the reader. My favorite thing is to watch someone read Junk Food strips...the payoff is so quick! They get the joke-they laugh! I love it. The books...it takes longer. I love being harassed by people who read one issue and can't wait for the next...I keep good secrets!

DE: You lamented that ten years ago the comic industry changed to a specialty market. What did you mean by that? Do you think comics books are becoming a lost medium?

MR: No. I believe it's changing. You used to be able to get comic books anywhere. Those days are gone. The way you get comics anywhere now is through the web. It's a very exciting time.

DE: You told me watching Twin Peaks is a rite of passage for your interns. Why?

MR: Perfect excuse to watch it again! We love that stuff! It's funny, weird and scary. Not too many shows like that.

DE: If you weren’t working at Free Lunch what would you be doing?

MR: Planning my escape.

Follow the Free Lunch blog at freelunchstudios.blogspot.com. Like their Facebook pages here.

And don’t forget to check out my 10-part short The Devil You Know, featuring artwork by Matt Ryan starting July 24th, 2013.