"Nice!" Maria couldn't help but grin widely. "I thought that sounded kinda funny. Dunno what kind of demon would offer me that kind of deal, but the reading I've done on 'em says a lot of 'em like being tricky. It's important to be thorough, Mom says." She paused. "Though Dad says maybe not so thorough that you lose track of the situation. But still."

She cocked her head to one side. "That the kind of thing you run into out there? I've heard a lotta stories from Mom and Dad and Aunt Lupe and everyone about family adventures, but they never talked about you." Maria glanced briefly at Aunt Lupe, who merely smiled back at her. She seemed to have relaxed, leaning against one arm of the chair.