Chapter 23

Their journey to the sheriff’s office was a silent one, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on their shoulders. The moon cast a pale glow over the town, a stark contrast to the warm, golden light spilling from the windows of the office. Ben felt a pang of regret as he led them inside, knowing that this place had once been a symbol of fear and oppression. Now, it was a beacon of hope in a town desperately in need of change.

The office was sparse, but it had a sturdy table and a few chairs, which had seen better days but were still serviceable. Ben helped the two women sit, their legs shaking beneath them. He could see the terror etched into their faces, a stark reminder of the horrors they had endured. Lady Maud was pushed into a chair on the opposite side of the table, her wrists bound with rope. She glared at them, her full lips pursed in a silent protest.

Sly slammed his fist onto the table, making the lamp rattle. “You know what you’re facing?” he snarled, his eyes boring into Lady Maud’s. “Years, maybe a lifetime, in a cell so small you’ll forget what the sky looks like.”

Lady Maud’s façade of defiance cracked, a tremor running through her body. “Please,” she whispered, her eyes wide with fear. “I’ll do anything. My women need me in my brothell...”

Her words trailed off as she took in the unyielding expressions of Ben and Sly. They had seen the worst of humanity in Lawless Ridge, and she knew she was no exception. Ben leaned in, his eyes piercing hers. “We’re not here to negotiate,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You’re going to tell us everything you know about the human trafficking operation.”

Lady Maud swallowed hard, her eyes darting from Ben to Sly and back again. She knew they weren’t bluffing. They had the power now, and she was just another player in their game. “I don’t know much,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I can tell you where the next auction is.”

Sly leaned in, his eyes boring into hers. “Tomorrow,” he said, his voice a low growl. “You’re going to take us there.”

Lady Maud’s heart raced in her chest, but she nodded, the fear in her eyes giving way to a flicker of hope. “Yes,” she whispered. “But you have to promise me one thing.”

Sly leaned closer, his eyes cold and unyielding. “What’s that?”

“Spare my girls,” she pleaded, her voice a desperate whine. “They’re just doing what they have to, to survive. They’re not part of this.”

Sly’s gaze softened, but only slightly. “If they’re not involved in the trafficking, they’ve got nothing to fear,” he assured her. “But if any of them are, they’ll face the same justice as you.”

Lady Maud nodded frantically, her chest heaving with relief. “They’re not,” she insisted. “They’re just ... working here.”

Sly’s eyes narrowed, his grip on the ropes tightening. “We’ll see about that,” he said, his voice filled with skepticism.

The telegram clattered onto the desk, the message clear and concise: “Sergeant Tyller, Crookedhill Fort. Urgent. Arrive at dawn. Human trafficking operation exposed. Require military assistance. Lawless Ridge in chaos. Sheriff Sly.” Ben watched as Sly rolled the paper up and secured it with a piece of twine, his movements swift and sure.

Five minutes later, the answer message had been read and digested, the gravity of the situation setting in like a lead weight. “They’ll come at the morning,” Ben said, his voice tight with tension. “We need to get everyone ready.”

Sly nodded, the cigarillo clenched between his teeth. “We’ll need to coordinate with Tyller,” he said, his eyes gleaming with determination. “The element of surprise is crucial.”

Ben turned to the two women, their expressions a mix of fear and hope. “You’re coming with me,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “To the Golden Ranch. You’ll be safe there.”

The women looked at each other, then back at Ben, their eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” Henrietta whispered, her voice trembling.