Christy had opened up a small shop selling pastries and baked goods. She was proud of her little store, admiring the rows of cakes, cupcakes, fresh baked breads, and other items. It was about a week after her first day that a rather unusual customer stepped through the door. He was a tall fellow in a long tan trench coat. He leaned over near the register to look over some of the good Christy was selling.
"I'll take a chocolate frosted cupcake," he said. He stood up straight after making his decision.
"Okay," Christy replied, "That'll be two dollars please." She went into the display case and put a chocolate cupcake into a small container for him. She handed him the container, and he immediately opened it and began eating.
"Um," Christy said looking around nervously, "You need to pay for that first."
He ignored her and finished eating the cupcake before responding. "Consider it quality assurance," he replied, "I wanted to make sure it was worth the money." He then took two dollars from his wallet and handed it to her. His eyes watched closely as she put it in the register.
Christy felt herself becoming nervous in his presence. "Is there anything else you need?" she asked.
"You have a very lovely little shop here," he said as he walked around the store, looking it over intently.
"Thanks," she said.
"This neighborhood can be a little rough though," he explained, "If you were to give me a little cash now and again, I'd be happy to keep an eye on the place and make sure no one messes with it."
Christy felt her heart beating faster. "I don't think that is necessary," she replied, "Everyone around here seems super nice."
"Well seeming and actually being are two different things," he said walking back over to the register. He extended his hand past the counter, indicating he wanted to shake her hand. "I'm Spencer by the way," he said.
"Christy," she said. She took his hand, and he shook it forcefully.
"If you change your mind let me know," he said.
Two days later, Christy came in the morning to her store and saw the window smashed in. She started to cry as she looked inside and saw the store in ruins.
"That is a shame," a voice said behind her.
She turned around and saw it was Spencer. "I see those thugs really did a number on your store here," he said walking up to her and patting her back.
"It was you, wasn't it?" she asked looking up at the tall fellow.
He cast an ugly, angry look down at her. "That is a very serious allegation to make with no proof," he said fiercely, "It's not one you should make against a regular customer. Especially one that wants to help you out."
"Help me how?" she asked. She sat down on the curb, looking defeated.
Spencer knelt down beside her. "I got a few guys who owe me a favor," he explained, "They'll fix up your place in no time for free. On top of that, I'll even keep an eye on the place like I said I would, for a weekly fee of course."
Feeling like she had no choice but to make a deal with the devil. Spencer called in his favors, and the shop was good as new in less than a week. He also began coming in on a weekly basis to collect his fee and a free chocolate cupcake. Christy continued to suspect Spencer was behind the damage to her shop. No one else in the neighborhood seemed like the type to do it. She also noticed that customers would inexplicably leave the shop or avoid coming in if they saw Spencer.
Spencer had become more friendly towards Christy after the initial incident. He would attempt to joke around and make conversation with her. She always responded with short, closed answers. She didn't want to interact with him more than necessary. She also noticed the way he would stare at her. She could feel his eyes studying the physical characteristics of her body. He seemed like a wolf preparing to strike a lamb.
One Friday, Spencer came through the door to collect his weekly fee. Christy had been nervous. A lot of bills became due all of the sudden, and she didn't have the money to pay Spencer at the moment. She asked, "Is there any way I can pay you in a couple of weeks?"
Spencer closed his eyes and shook his head, feigning disappointment. "I suppose you could so long as you don't mind being without my protection for a couple of weeks," he replied.