[ WP ] `` I 'm in the market for miracles . ''

`` I ai n't Billy Crystal, son. I do n't exactly keep em on tap.'' 
 
 `` But it's coming.'' 
 
 He nods. 
 
 `` So it is, and a lot of people are gon na get hurt. More'll die. Sufferin' like ya ca n't describe. Shame of it is that so many of'em chose it. Eyes open. They did n't have to. Far as upstairs is concerned, that's a fair play. They'll save ya, but not from yourself.'' 
 
 `` Neither will you.'' 
 
 `` Oh?'' A level look. 
 
 `` And you're not exactly batting for their team.'' 
 
 `` Well. Ai n't this a turn? Been a while since someone with a clue was desperate enough to come to me for help. You know I do n't work for free? You familiar with my rates?'' 
 
 `` Immortal soul? Firstborn child? Contract in blood? That sort of thing?'' 
 
 He spits, and then grins wryly. 
 
 `` Naw. Do n't believe them damn, useless stories.'' 
 
 `` What then? For this I'd pay gladly.'' 
 
 `` I know you would, son. I know.'' A shake of the head. `` No. Got no use for either souls or brats. Payment'll be this: sometime down the road, you got to make a choice. Could be simple. One day you see me, an' I might ask'chocolate or vanilla?' You answer yer fancy. Do that for me three times and we're square.'' 
 
 `` But it probably wo n't be that easy.'' 
 
 `` Might. Might not. Might be'pick who dies'. Wo n't matter what you pick, just that you pick at all. You understand, son: you take my help and there's no backing out. Down payment'll be the choice take the offer. And these choices, they'll be *powerful*. And bindin'. You'll choose. You'll have to.'' 
 
 `` Why?'' 
 
 `` Son, there's a lot more to that question than ya think it is. Some free advice: stick to one miracle a day.'' He looks at me slyly. `` So we have a deal?'' 

