American Cocktail
Copyright© 2021 by Zipper
Chapter 7
The following day was one of the most traumatic in Lewis Denton’s life.
He looked at his watch, which told him he only had a few minutes before he was due to walk down to the compound, where all those on Ranchos were assembled; to witness a punishment flogging. Obitty had briefed him chapter and verse on the protocol and procedure to be taken.
He was not given to drinking in the day but the prospect taking place, drove him to take another large slug of South African Rum.
Lewis placed the glass down as the liquor burnt into his throat and for a moment the thought of his wife Shelly in England came to mind. How far away that world seemed today.
Then he put on a pair of buckskin gloves and walked out of the house and into the blinding sunshine.
After the trauma of the girl’s death the night before, Laura, Lewis and Obitty had held a crisis meeting. It was to decide on the steps that should be taken to bring the mining camp under control.
Although the girl’s death had not been the first sex crime at the camp, the nature of it had nonetheless caused outrage. It came mostly from those not living in the miner’s accommodation blocks.
These were the hardworking loyal families, who had children of their own on the camp. They were up in arms for justice to be served on the perpetrator! And it was they who knew exactly who was to blame!
When Lewis and Obitty had spoken with them, it was the traditional kind of punishment that most demanded from their new Boss-man.
Laura agreed with Obitty, that unpleasant as it was, it was essential that Lewis stamp his authority on the community and endorse the punishment in the clearest manner.
As he approached the compound, the buzz of the gathering increased.
Obitty was stood next to the leaning palm-tree, holding a flogger, and Laura was stood beside him. Both were formally dressed for the event.
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