Bernie's Bargain.

A tale for Halloween. Bernie can beat Death if he has all his facts right - but has he missed something? One trivial detail?

You wouldn't think it to look at him, but H.K. Hillman is a Doctor. Not 'the' Doctor, just 'a' Doctor, and not the medical kind. The scientific kind.
This is why writing takes so long. He is obliged to check facts even in fiction. It's in the scientist blood.
Speaking of blood, most of his tales are intended to keep you awake at night, when you're alone in the dark. If this happens to you, please spare a thought for the author who has to think these things up.
Alone. In the dark.