The stage is lit so darkly as to be nearly pitch black. Only the actors are visible, and only in silhouette. The second character wears glasses, which should, as much as possible, reflect light off of their surface.

1st PERSON: (almost derisively, mockingly) So that’s all there is to it?

2nd PERSON: That’s all there is to it.

1st PERSON: Liar.

2nd PERSON: (stepping back a few feet and bowing) Please, sir, you offend me with your accusations.

1st PERSON: Go die in a well.

2nd PERSON: (stands up from bowing) Ah, but sir, gracious sir, you know that is quite impossible for me.

1st PERSON: Quite. (Pause) So what do you want from me?

2nd PERSON: I want you to take the deal.

1st PERSON: No, that’s not what you want from me! You unfeeling, ignoble…

The FIRST PERSON turns away from the second, repulsed, and walks upstage. He sits and lets out a long sigh.

FIRST PERSON: So this is hell. I’d never really felt it until now. All the fires and the guts and the shrieks, they did nothing to me.

SECOND PERSON: (Putting his arm across the first’s shoulders) Yes, hell can have that effect on poor creatures like you. Mm, there, isn’t that better? But I promise things will get better for you. I’ll make things better for you. I could give you back your old life—your job, your position, your influence, everything. All I need you to do is—

FIRST PERSON: (Rising) Shut up! Shut up, shut up shut up! I will do nothing for you, you hear me? And guess what? No one else around here is interested in you either.

SECOND PERSON: Oh, I much doubt that. Your temptations got you here in the first place. But if I can’t get you, I’m sure I could just leave you trapped in that chamber where I found you—

FIRST PERSON: Why, you—

SECOND PERSON: —And find a more willing participant. Someone more desperate, with less scruples about this whole mess. I can just imagine how well you’d like that. (Pause)

FIRST PERSON: So if—if—I accepted, what would you need?

SECOND PERSON: Oh, not much. A death here or there, nothing too flashy. An anchor for my soul, of course. Your undying devotion to me and my work. Oh, and maybe put in a few good words for me with the Big Guy, am I right? Come on, you know I’m funny.

FIRST PERSON: Jokes grow cold in hell.

SECOND PERSON: Hey, hey, spoilsport. Why you gotta bring the down the party, man? You’ll get yours too, I toldja. I’ll invoke one of your friends here, he gives you a body, and you go right on living like the Devil never gave you the wildest ride of your existence.

FIRST PERSON: You disgust me.

SECOND PERSON: Oh, don’t be like that, Mephisto. Not when where about to become partners. Alright? So let’s shake on it, pally, and get your demon power workin’ again.

The first person stares at the hand hesitatingly.

SECOND PERSON: S’matter, don’t like being called that name anymore? I thought you fallen angels were so proud of coming up with your own names (sudden burst of laughter). But seriously pal, enough beatin’ the dead sinner. You gonna take my deal? ‘Cause if not, I’ll find somebody else. Everybody’s got somethin’ to give, old boy. And tonight, it’s your soul.

The FIRST PERSON looks back on the outstretched hand, then gingerly, he takes it. The SECOND PERSON shakes it vigorously, bone-crushingly, and the two walk down stage. The lights disappear completely.