Chapter 5

Ben’s boots echoed through the hallway as he descended the stairs, the sound of his departure leaving a heavy silence in its wake. The women slowly began to dress, pulling on the clean clothes he’d provided. The fabric was rough and unyielding, but it was a stark contrast to the tattered rags they’d worn in the cages.

Lois picked up a shawl, wrapping it around her shoulders. It was the first time she’d felt the warmth of fabric in days, and it brought a small measure of comfort. They were free, but they were still trapped, forced to play a part in Ben’s dangerous game.

The smell of fresh paint and sawdust greeted Ben as he stepped outside into the unforgiving sun. The house he had in mind was a few blocks away, a building that had seen better days. It was a symbol of hope in a town ruled by despair, a place where they could rebuild their lives.

The Victorian-style facade of the house, though in need of a good cleaning, was still striking. Intricate carvings adorned the aged wood, and the stained glass windows gleamed with a dull sparkle, hinting at the secrets they had witnessed. The two-story structure had a presence that spoke of the town’s forgotten grandeur, a stark contrast to the surrounding decay.

Ben approached the tavern, the sign above the door creaking in the wind. He could almost hear the laughter and clinking of glasses from the past, the sound of a time when the house had been a bastion of comfort and camaraderie. The ground floor was exactly as he remembered, a cozy space that could easily be transformed into a sanctuary for those seeking refuge.

Climbing the grand staircase, Ben felt the weight of his plan settling on his shoulders. The second floor had been remodeled into a series of small, intimate spaces, each with its own door leading to a personal hell for those who had been trapped there. The walls whispered of fear and pain, of lives broken and bought. It was here that Ben would establish his base of operations, turning each room into a beacon of hope and a trap for the corrupt men of Lawless Ridge.

He could see the potential in the disarray, the possibility of redemption amidst the ruins. The plush fabrics and velvet curtains that once caged the women could now offer them a stage to perform their roles in his elaborate scheme. The opulent chandeliers would cast a flattering light on their faces, drawing in the unsuspecting customers who sought to indulge in the town’s darkest vices.

The house had been a prison for so long, but Ben was determined to give it new life. With the gold coins in his bag, he could afford the renovations and the bribes necessary to keep their operation under the radar. It was a gamble, a dangerous dance with the devil, but one he was willing to make for the sake of justice.

As he stood at the top of the stairs, looking over the rooms that would soon be their battleground, Ben felt a renewed sense of purpose. These walls had witnessed so much suffering, but they would soon echo with the cries of victory. “This,” he said, his voice whispers resonating in the quiet hallway, “is where I start the justice revolution in Lawless Ridge.”

Herman ‘Muscles’ Burks looked Ben up and down, his beefy arms folded over his chest. The giant of a man was a stark contrast to Ben’s diminutive stature, but the glint in the midget’s eye spoke of a fierceness that belied his size. “What’s a little man like you want with a place like this?” Herman sneered, his voice a low rumble.

Ben’s expression remained stoic, his eyes unblinking as he met Herman’s challenge. “I’ve got gold,” he said simply, patting the bag at his side. “And I’ve got a plan that’ll make you a wealthy man.”

Herman’s sneer morphed into a greedy smile. “Well now, I’m all ears,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. The sun cast long shadows across his face, making him look even more intimidating.

“The price is 1,000 gold coins,” Ben said, his voice firm. “And I want it cleaned up, the furniture restored, and the rooms fixed up. I’ve got a business venture in mind that’ll bring in more gold than you can count.”

Herman ‘Muscles’ Burks looked skeptical, his beady eyes narrowing as he sized Ben up. “What kind of business?” he asked, his tone gruff.

Ben leaned in, his voice low and confidential. “The kind that brings in high rollers from all over the territories,” he murmured. “The kind that makes a man like you very, very rich.” He allowed a knowing smile to play across his lips, hinting at the secrets he held.

Herman’s eyes lit up at the mention of wealth, his greed overshadowing any suspicion he might have had. “What’s the catch?” he asked, his voice a gruff rumble.

“No catch,” Ben replied, his smile widening. “Just a simple transaction. You give me the house, and I give you the gold.”