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I feel someone touch my shoulder, then a strange sensation around my body. When I blink, I find myself once again in front of the man of the hour—or should I say month—in his office.

Immediately, I hiss, “You asshole.” He moves to sit on the chair by his desk and gestures for me to do the same. I sit down and glare at him.

“Welcome back, Ms. Parker. It’s always a pleasure to see you. How was your vacation?” He smirks as he sits back comfortably in his chair with his arms crossed, and adds, “Would you like to extend it?”

I can’t stand to look at him, so I jump up from the chair and pace around the room attempting to convince myself that I’m here. I’m okay. The time loop is over.

I shudder at the thought of going back. Is this what everyone in Hell goes through? A torture especially designed for them? I need therapy after that experience. So much therapy. I wonder if they provide those services here. I hope it’s a part of the benefits package.

I draw in a deep breath and whirl around to face him.

“You’ve made your point. But did you have to leave me there for a month?” I yell that last word because I’m beyond angry. I was ready to agree to his terms ten days in.

Mr. Reaper deliberately takes a sip of his coffee. How nice that he is enjoying a beverage when I’m five seconds away from a complete mental collapse. He places the cup back on the desk and looks at his simple silver watch.

He finally speaks, “You were there for five minutes. It felt like a month because time goes slower there.”

My jaw drops open and I sit there stunned, letting what he said soak in. I blink. I blink again. Then, I completely lose it.

“Five damn minutes?” I shriek. I walk over to his desk, lean over to get only inches away from him and point my finger in his face. “Thirty seconds would’ve been more than enough, but you chose to leave me there for five minutes, knowing the time difference!”

He sighs in annoyance. “Sit back in your chair and stop talking, or I’m sending you back. This time, it’ll be for an hour. In case you aren’t good at math, that would make it a year for you.”

I instantly close my mouth and sit down, folding my hands in my lap. I learned the hard way that he means what he says. I may be stubborn, but I’m not all the way stupid.

“Ah, look how obedient you are now. All it took was a trip to Hell.” He smirks at me. “Now, let me tell you why I need a lawyer. The Reaper’s Court, which is our version of the human’s judicial branch, filed a charge against me for breaking some rules that I didn't mean to break. This charge is serious and can lead to a severe punishment for me if I lose. That’s where you come in. You need to make sure I do not lose.”

He opens a black folder on his desk and pulls out some papers. “While you were away on vacation, I drafted a simple contract. This contract is non-negotiable. It basically says that you will represent me in Reaper’s Court.”

He lays out the contract in front of me with a black ink pen. Without any hesitation, I pick up the pen, flip to the end of the contract and scrawl my name on the line above my printed name. I place the pen back on his desk and make eye contact with him.

“Kind of feels like I sold my soul,” I say.

He tilts his head, concern washing over his face. “Maybe you did. But now I’m questioning if you’re a good lawyer. You didn’t even read the contract.”

My eyebrows tug together. Is he serious right now? Last time I said no, he gave me a non-refundable first-class ticket to Hell.

“You just sent me to Hell for saying no. I’m stubborn, but I am in no way stupid. Plus, you said it’s non-negotiable, so why does it matter if I read it or not?” I don’t agree to be his lawyer, he sends me to Hell. I agree to be his lawyer, he questions my competence.

He points to a highlighted section. “Read this first section, at least.” I look at where he pointed and begin to read aloud.

“Joyce Parker, professionally known as a Lawyer, (hereinafter “Party B”) agrees to represent Aiden Kim, professionally known as a Grim Reaper, (hereinafter “Party A”) in all disputes brought forth against him by Eden.” Okay, so far that’s expected. Also, his name fits him. Easily rolls off the tongue. Aiden Kim. Now, that’s a name. Not freaking Richard.

I continue reading. “This Agreement shall become effective upon signatures by the Parties and remain in effect for three months or the successful completion of trial—" Hold the damn front door. Three months? This could go on for three months?

I look up from the contract. “You mean to tell me, I must be your attorney for three months or until the trial is finished? Why that long? Also, is that Hell Standard Time or Eastern Standard Time?” I have to ask about the time because, as I’ve recently learned, it makes all the difference.

He chuckles. “It’s normal time, Ms. Parker. It is three months because I do not know how long this could take. Our court is backed up on cases since it’s new. So, you will help me with my case, but you are free to help other people too. But continue reading. You didn’t get to the good part.”

I narrow my eyes at him because what does he mean ‘the good part’. I look down at the contract and continue where I left off.

“…remain in effect until three months from the effective date. Party B herein agrees to Party A’s right to terminate contract if Party B loses Party A’s case. In the event the contract is terminated by Party A for the reason previously stated, Party B will go straight to Hell—"

I stop reading and lean back in my chair. I maintain eye contact with him.

One second goes by.

Two seconds.