Chapter 9

As they ventured deeper into the mine, the sounds of labor grew louder, the echoes of picks on rock and the groans of the overworked miners filling the air. The guard led the way, her eyes sharp and alert, her rifle at the ready. Ben could feel the hostility from the other guards, their eyes following him like vultures waiting for their moment to strike.

They found Billy in a dimly lit corner, his body slick with sweat and his eyes sunken with exhaustion. The sight of them brought a spark of hope to his face, quickly followed by fear as he recognized the mine’s guards. Ben stepped forward, his voice firm and reassuring. “It’s alright, Billy,” he said. “Your sister sent us. You’re comin’ with us.”

The other miners stopped their work, watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and dread. Ben knew that any misstep could lead to a full-blown uprising, or worse, a massacre. He kept his hand on his Colt, ready to draw at a moment’s notice. “You got five minutes to get your things,” he told Billy. “And tell the others to keep their heads down.”

Billy nodded, his eyes never leaving Ben’s. He knew that if he didn’t move fast, their cover would be blown. He grabbed his meager possessions and followed Ben and The guard out of the mine, the weight of the world seemingly lifted from his shoulders. The cool night air hit them like a slap in the face, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the mine.

As they approached Lady Luck, Ben turned to the guard. “Thank you for your help,” he said, his voice a mix of sincerity and steel. “You’ve done the right thing.”

The guard nodded, his expression unreadable. “Ain’t no good leavin’ innocents to suffer,” he muttered before disappearing into the night.

Ben and Billy mounted their horses, Billy’s eyes wide with wonder at the sight of ‘The Blossom’ in the distance. “What’s that?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and disbelief.

“That’s your ticket out of here,” Ben said, a grim smile playing on his lips. “A place where you’ll be safe, and where your sister is waiting for you.”

They rode through the quiet streets of Lawless Ridge, the sound of their hooves echoing off the saloons and brothels. The town was asleep, the only signs of life the occasional drunken stumble or a soft whisper from an open window. As they approached ‘The Blossom’, Ben could see the warm glow of candlelight spilling out onto the porch. The sight of it brought him a sense of comfort and determination.

Once inside, Ben led Billy to a small but well-appointed room. “Rest here,” he instructed. “You’ve earned it.”

As Billy lay down on the clean bed, Ben couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. He had made good on his promise to Sophia and Lucille. But his work was far from done. With a stealthy step, he made his way to the hallway, pausing outside each of the women’s rooms to listen. The sounds of their evening routines filled the air: soft whispers, the rustle of fabric, and the occasional giggle. He had to ensure that their cover remained intact, that each of them was playing their part in this dangerous game.

Peeking through the crack in Goldie’s door, he saw her sitting at her vanity, her back to the mirror. She was carefully applying makeup, her expression intense with concentration. Her lingerie, a deep crimson that matched her painted lips, laid discarded on the bed, a stark contrast to her pale skin. She was the fiercest of the bunch, and Ben knew she’d be the first to jump into battle if the need arose. He watched for a moment longer, admiring her strength, before moving on.

Next was Lois’s room. The door was slightly ajar, and he could see her standing by the window, her naked body silhouetted against the moonlit sky. Her hands were on her hips, and she was speaking to someone outside, her voice low and urgent. Ben’s eyes narrowed, and he strained to listen, but the words were lost to the whispers of the desert night. As he watched, she leaned back, revealing a figure standing just out of view. He stepped back, his heart racing. Was she talking to a customer? Or could it be someone else, someone who threatened their operation?

Moving down the hall, he stopped at Beulah’s door. It was closed, but he could hear the faint sound of sobbing from within. Concerned, he pushed it open a crack. She was huddled on the bed, her face buried in her pillow. Ben’s first instinct was to go to her, to comfort her, but he knew he couldn’t. Not now. Not until he knew for sure that she was fine. He closed the door softly, his heart heavy with the burden of his suspicion.

The next door was Mattie’s. She was standing by the window, her silhouette framed by the moonlight. He could see her profile, her full breasts and the curve of her hips. But there was something off about the scene. The way she talked, the urgency in her voice, it didn’t sound like she was with a customer. Ben stepped closer, his heart racing. Who was she talking to? He had to find out.