46 Red Cat reached down and picked her up off the
floor like a child's doll. One hand went about her neck. His grip was
like a steel vice. Shy Fox rushed forward, pried the fingers loose, and
dragged the woman away.
47 "Within a week," insisted Red Cat, "I could have one-hundred
witnesses. How many girls have run from this house because you put your
hands on them? If I asked don't you think they'd speak?
48 I could put you out with nothing, you've defiled your body.
According to The Law that ended our contract, but we don't want a
scandal. So you'll live out your days in comfort, not in some sewer.
Get her out of here before I kill her! You know where to take her."
49 Shy Fox and the guard dragged the woman away. The guard got an
escort and took her to the house The First Speaker used for guests
until other arrangements were made. Red Cat went over to Thorn Blossom.
"I'll
cut down on my drinking," he promised, "I'll be home with you more.
I'll stop going to the houses. Things will be better, I promise!"
50 She took his hands and held them to her face. "As long as you know,"
she wept, "that I did not lie. As long as you know that I am a woman.
Your belief in me is all I ask. If you change, I will not love you
anymore, but I will be prouder of the man I love."
51 Red Cat took her in his arms. "I don't deserve you," he laughed, "I
never have. That's why I cherish you all the more."
52 They went to her room and talked of other things, of pleasant days
that they both remembered until sleep gently took their worries.
53 Red Cat's first mate was burning with anger and hate. She sought
revenge, and she knew of the perfect way to get it. The following day
she made