Undercover Justice
The continuation, with chapter 3
And now, chapter three.
Chapter Three
“So what’s this Kennecot like?” Hart asked as she took another sip of coffee.
“Manipulative, controlling, belittling and condescending. He owns pretty much everything here,” Lita replied with a curl of her lip. “He apparently has more money than God. He’s bought up businesses that were faltering, started others and convinced some business people to leave town if they threatened his livelihood.”
“You mentioned something about that earlier. How are so many here in such a tight grip?”
“He listens, or pays people to do it for him. He seems to know about everyone’s weaknesses, and eventually, he uses it to get what he wants,” Emmett said.
“What if someone doesn’t have anything of value to him?”
“Oh, eventually, they will.” Lita shook her dark head. “Thank the heavens he doesn’t live here full time. It’s bad enough he’s come back now.”
“Perhaps it would be best if you don’t give me that tour of the town while he’s here then,” Hart said.
“You may be right. Do you read?”
“I do.”
“There’s a shelf of books inside beside the door. Help yourself to any of those to pass the time today. I have to see to something, excuse me,” With a tight smile that did not reach her eyes, Lita rose and went inside the cabin.
“Was it something I said?” Hart asked Emmett.
“No, she’s getting ready for tonight,” the soft-spoken man replied. “Kennecot owns the clinic. Lita has always had to fight for respect as a doctor here, and one day, he threatened to shut the clinic down unless she agreed to be with him for what he called a ‘date night’ every time he came to town. My guess is that she’s deciding what dress to wear. She hates doing this, but she knows that if she refuses him, he’ll shut the clinic down, and maybe do worse.”
“So she’s…” Hart began.
“Whoring herself so that the people of this town can have medical care? Yes,” Lita spoke harshly from the doorway. “It’s not something I’m proud of Hart, but it has to be done.”
Hart stood as quickly as she was able to and turned to face Lita. “I’m not making any judgements here, Ma’am. It’s not my place. I think you’re very courageous doing what you can to keep the peace here.”
Lita’s features softened. “Thank you. What we really need is a federal marshal to come in here and convince Kennecot to leave. But since that won’t happen, I’d better make sure my dove grey dress is clean,” Lita turned away and went back into the cabin.
Hart sat back down with a sigh.
“Welcome to Kennecot, Hart,” Emmett said quietly. “Land of hostages and dust.”
“Why don’t you and your sister leave?”
“He’d never allow that. The last folks to do that, he hunted them down and hung them as an example to the rest of us, right on the main street. The whole family. Parents, kids, even the dog.”
“Sadistic bastard. Sounds like he needs to learn he’s not God.”
“Know anyone strong enough to do that?”
Hart was silent.
“Yeah, me neither,” Emmett said before rising and leaving the porch.
