Chapter 4

With the deal sealed, Ben turned to the five women, his gaze steady. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice firm. They followed him out of the warehouse, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the dusty streets of Lawless Ridge. The town was quiet, the darkness of the night offering them a small measure of cover as they made their way to the hotel.

The hotel was a ramshackle building, one of the few with a second floor. Ben led them up the stairs to his small, barely furnished room. It was clean, though, a stark contrast to the rest of the town’s squalor. He unlocked the door and gestured for them to enter, keeping a watchful eye on the street below.

Once inside, he turned to the women. “You all need to clean up,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “There’s a bathhouse in the back. Take your time, but be quick. We’ve got a lot to do tonight.”

The women exchanged glances, then followed his gaze to the bathroom. They moved as one, the chains around their ankles clanking in unison. Ben watched them go, his heart heavy with the weight of their suffering. He knew they were counting on him, and he wasn’t about to let them down.

Once the door clicked shut behind them, he turned to the window, peering out into the night. Lawless Ridge was a cesspool, a place where the worst of humanity had come to play out their depraved fantasies. But Ben had a plan, a way to bring a little bit of justice to this godforsaken town, he will sacrifice a little of his money and they will sacrifice something that god has given.

He waited, his mind racing with strategy. Each of these women had a role to play in his grand scheme, and he had to make sure they were ready. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, he heard the sound of the bathroom door opening, and the women shuffled out, their bodies cleaner but their spirits still bruised.

“Line up,” Ben barked, his voice brooking no argument. They complied, their eyes downcast, their nakedness a stark reminder of their vulnerability. He walked along the line, his eyes assessing them, looking for the fighter in each one of them.

First was Goldie, trembling slightly, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope. He stepped in front of her, his gaze never wavering. “You’re safe now,” he said, his voice a gentle promise. “I need you to be strong.” With a swift movement, he sliced through the chains around her ankles, the metal links falling to the floor with a clatter.

Next was Mattie, whose haughty demeanor had been all but erased by her time in the cage. Ben approached her, the knife in his hand a silent testament to his intent. “You’re with me now,” he said, his voice firm. “You’ll do as I say.” He cut through her chains, and she stepped back, her eyes never leaving his.

Lois ‘Odd Stick’ Flowers was last in line. Ben could see the fiery determination in her gaze, the unspoken challenge. He stepped closer, his eyes lingering on her bruised and beaten body. “You’re a survivor,” he murmured, his voice filled with respect. “We’re going to need that spirit.” With a flick of his wrist, he freed her ankles from their metal bonds.

The women looked at each other, their fear slowly morphing into a flicker of hope. Ben knew that hope was a dangerous thing in a place like Lawless Ridge, but it was also a powerful weapon. He turned to the fourth woman, Beulah, whose name he hadn’t yet spoken. Her eyes were downcast, her body trembling with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Catharine was last. Her body was a canvas of bruises and anger, but Ben could see the strength in her posture, the resilience in her gaze. “You’re a tough one,” he murmured, admiration in his voice. “We’re going to need that.” He sliced through her manacles, and she rubbed at her wrists, her eyes never leaving his.

“Now,” Ben said, his voice a mix of command and comfort. “I need to check you all over for injuries. You know the drill.” He gestured to the bed, and the women slowly began to strip, their movements mechanical, as if they’d done this a hundred times before.

Their clothes and underwear fell in a pile at their feet, a testament to their degradation. Ben’s heart clenched at the sight, but he kept his face impassive. “Good,” he said, his voice clipped. “Now, let’s get rid of these.” He picked up the discarded garments, his eyes sweeping over them, noticing the tears and stains. “They’re not worth anything anymore,” he murmured. “We’ll burn ‘em.”

He lit a match, the flame flickering in the dim light. The women watched as he tossed the clothes into the fireplace, the fabric catching alight with a hungry crackle. The smell of burning fabric filled the room, a symbol of their freedom. “From now on, you’re not property,” Ben said, his voice firm. “You’re my partners.”

They stared at him, their eyes wide with shock. “What do you mean?” Goldie asked, her voice trembling.

“Exactly what I said,” Ben replied, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. “I want to free all the prisoners from the auction. This town, it’s a stain on the earth, and I aim to wipe it clean.” His voice was firm, filled with a conviction that seemed to echo in the small, cramped room.

The women exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of hope and skepticism. “How do you plan to do that?” Catharine asked, her voice still laced with the defiance she’d shown in the cage.