Hardland by Ashley E. Sweeney

Author:Ashley E. Sweeney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press

THAT NIGHT, THE TALLEST OF the three lodgers stretches his legs out onto the low table between the sofa and the fireplace at Jericho Inn. He tilts his head back and exhales a halo of smoke. The other two, one noticeably shorter than the other, argue over cards.

Ruby sweeps through the parlor and gathers dirtied glasses. Virgil limps through the sitting area and enters the small bedroom off to the left. “’Night, Virge. And I’ll be saying my good nights to you fellas, too,” Ruby says. “Breakfast’s at eight.”

“You wouldn’t know where we might find some ladies?” the shorter man asks.

“None to be had here, if that’s what’s you’re asking. No lady guests, either,” she says. “So don’t go getting any ideas.”

“That sheriff fella suggested Judd’s,” the taller man says. “Why don’t you boys head over there?” He motions toward the door. “I’ll help the little lady with the mess and be right behind you.”

“That’s no concern of yours,” Ruby says. Little lady, really? Again? “Been doing this for years without as much as a lick of help. If you boys are headed to Judd’s, bring your key. About to lock up now.” The two other men crash out the door, still arguing.

“Just thought you might want some company,” the taller man says.

“Not needed,” Ruby says. She uses her rear to push open the parlor door and heads for the kitchen through the dining room, now set for breakfast. Depositing dirty glasses on the counter, Ruby wipes her hands on a towel.

A strong hand grabs her shoulder. “Jerusalem!” Ruby jumps. She turns to see the tall man bumped up behind her. “Get your hands off me,” she says.

“I’m in the mood for some company.”

Ruby shoves his hand away. “Won’t have none of that here.” She tries to wrench away, but he pins her to the counter.

“On your knees,” he says.

Ruby glares at him through slit-like eyes.

“Wouldn’t want something happening to your boy, the gimpy one, would you? Saw that he works the post office alone.”

“You filthy cur.” Ruby claws at the man’s shirtsleeves. “Step back and we’ll forget this conversation ever happened.”

He tightens his grip on Ruby’s shoulders. “I said, on your knees.” He slaps Ruby square across the face.

Stunned, Ruby dabs her face. Her lip is bleeding and her face stings. “Damn you.”

The man shoves Ruby to her knees as he opens his trousers. “You know what to do. We’ll call it a deal. Nothing will happen to your boy.”

Ruby is squeezed now between the man’s legs and the cabinet. Unable to budge, she glares up at him. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn’t I? I hear your sheriff friend is out of town.”

Ruby scowls.

“Do we have a deal?” The man leers over her. “Wouldn’t want to read about your boy in the papers.”

Ruby doesn’t budge.

“I said now, whore.” He cuffs the top of Ruby’s head.

Ruby takes his member in her hands and stifles the urge to jerk it from his body.

“Wasn’t looking for a hand job.” He shoves his pelvis toward her face.

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