Val watched the back of his head moving away as he scurried along the sidewalk. She turned her attention back to the kindly old man.

“It’s not the money, I . . . I just don’t think I’ll be here very long.”

“Here in Niagara Falls?”

She was about to say “on Earth,” but stopped herself. “Yeah, here in Niagara Falls.”

“You don’t like it here?”

“I don’t belong here. There’s somewhere else I need to be.”

He nodded. “Homesick. I understand completely. If you would like the job for as long as you’re here, I would certainly be willing to work something out.”

“Why are you doing this? Offering me a job?”

“Because I am in need of a maid. And you are here. Perhaps you’d like to go back to wherever you’re staying and give it some thought?”

She almost smiled at that, but then realized that it wasn’t very funny. “I don’t have anywhere to stay.”

“No?” He appeared to mull over a thought. “Well, you are welcome to use one of my rooms for as long as you care to. Like I said, there are plenty available. Freshen up. Change your clothes.” He crooked his eyebrow again at her choice of wardrobe.

She pulled the small amount of T-shirt material down as far as she could. “Would you believe me if I told you I didn’t have any clothes?”

She waited for the inevitable questions that she was certain she wouldn’t be able to answer properly. Why don’t you have anywhere to stay? Why don’t you have any possessions . . . suitcases . . . friends . . . family? But he didn’t ask any of that.

“I see,” Barlow finally said. “Then perhaps, if you agree to work for me for a while, I can arrange a small advance on your first paycheck. Help to get you settled? How does that sound?”

Frankly, it sounded too good to be true to her. Was he a demon? She eyed him warily. Is this how they approached to try to lure her to Hell?