Steve McHugh - Born of Hatred

"Oh, I'll be long gone."

The sheriff turned to leave and I stopped him. "Nice gun," I said making the sheriff turn back toward me. His deputies were nervous, apparently it was the topic that no one wanted to talk about, even more so than what had happened at the ranch or fort.

The sheriff removed the silver army colt from its holster and turned it left and right allowing me to get a good look. "It should be a pair, but that little bastard you helped stole the other one. He didn't mention it at all, did he?" he asked in a very nonchalant manor.

I shook my head. "He never said anything; he was unconscious when I left him at the fort. If I'd known he'd stolen from you, I'd have taken it back. Maybe you should contact the fort, ask them if they can take a look for you."

The sheriff went back to being concerned. I guessed that the fort and the sheriff didn't have the best relationship, but I didn't want to press further. I wanted to take a bath and leave his presence as quickly as possible. Hell, I wanted to leave the whole damn town, but I needed to do something before I left.

"Well, maybe I will. I want that gun back." He glanced back at his deputies. "I'd best leave you to it, but don't let me hear you've caused trouble. I won't be having that in my town."

"Of course, I promise to behave." I gave him my best smile of pure innocence and watched the sheriff and his cronies walk back out into the night. The music and rowdy behaviour started slowly, like a tiny flake of snow turning into an avalanche by the time it hits the bottom of the mountain. Within moments the room was back to its previous noise level with only the occasional glances my way.

"I thought you were going to push him too far," the bartender said.

I grabbed the bottle of scotch. "Are my bath and room ready?"

The bartender nodded and pointed toward the women at the bottom of the stairs. "Fell free to pick any of the girls there. They're all more than capable of giving you the evening of your life."

I doubted he'd have said the same thing if he'd been aware of how old I was, but instead I thanked him and told him maybe later. As I reached to the stairs, the blonde girl who had been talking to the bartender approached me with a smile on his lips and a wiggle on her hips.

"I'll show you the way," she said with a sly grin. "Follow me, darlin'."

I did as I was told and she led me up the stairs and down a long winding corridor with over half a dozen doors. Occasionally, I caught the sound of a moan or grunt, but we'd moved past before it felt like I was being too much of a voyeur.

The young woman led me up another set of stairs and onto a second landing with even more doors. She opened the one furthest from the staircase and allowed me to walk inside. "If you need anything, just shout." She winked and closed the door, leaving me alone in the spacious room.

The first thing I noticed was that the decor was actually tasteful. Someone had spent a lot of money on a large bed and there were lots of paintings on the walls, some of which were of a risque nature. They'd certainly decorated for the clientele.

I walked over to the large steel tub in the corner of the room which was full of water. Rivets had been carved into the floor to allow any water to run out onto some guttering outside. The tub was certainly big enough for two, and steam lifted off the water's surface. I didn't bother resisting the temptation to place my hand inside to feel the heat.

I shook the water off my hand and grabbed two towels off a chest of drawers, placing them beside the bathtub. After another drink of the excellent scotch, I placed the bottle on the table next to me.

I removed my coat, laying it over a clothes-horse and unclipped the knife belt which I wore around my waist, placing it over the coat. The six, small silver throwing blades that it held were a last resort weapon. Something I only really kept wearing for the comfort of knowing that they were an option available to me.

When I'd finished removing my clothes, placing them on the bed, I lowered myself into the steaming hot water with an audible sigh. "It's been far too long," I said as the water ate at the knots on my shoulders.

I let the water go to work and revelled in the relaxation that washed over me, even if I knew it wouldn't last. I'd give it an hour from the second I stepped into the room. Maybe less, depending on how nervous they were at my unannounced appearance.

I reached into the nearest coat pocket, removed a small pocket watch and opened the front to check the time. I'd been in the bath for nearly twenty minutes. I had a little longer. I replaced the watch and orange glyphs lit up along my arms, my fire magic heating the water to near scolding temperature.

It was only a few minutes later when the door knocked. Apparently they were very nervous.

The girl on the other side didn't wait to be invited and just opened the door, stepping into the room with purpose. Long dark-red hair flowed freely over her bare, pale shoulders. She was petit, but curvy and she removed her purple corset, exposing large, firm breasts before allowing the clothing to fall to the floor with a flourish. "Would you like some company?" Her voice was warm and inviting.

I smiled, mostly because it's always nice to have a stunning, and naked, woman asking if you want company, but also because she was almost my perfect woman. Red hair, short and curvy.

"Feel free," I said with a wave of my hand.

She removed her tiny knickers and dropped them at her feet before stepping into the tub and making herself comfortable.

"So, can I ask for your name?" I requested.

"Stephanie," she said and rubbed her foot up against my groin, which sprang to life in an instant.

I forced myself to move her foot. Shooting myself would have been easier. "Do you mind if we just relax first?"

"Not at all," she said with a smile. "Turn around and I'll rub your shoulders."

I did as I was told and moved until my back was facing her. She grabbed me and moved me until her breasts were pressed up against my back. The feeling of her erect nipples against my back stirred me back to action and I had to remind myself that fun probably wasn't going to be on the menu.

Stephanie began working the knots out of my shoulder as she spoke. "I saw you talking to the sheriff."

"He was just checking out the newcomer," I said. "Probably understandable."

The movements stopped slightly. "So you're staying?"

"Wasn't planning on it. I plan on having a sleep and then leaving in the morning."

"It can be dangerous walking around these parts at night. I didn't even see you wearing a pistol."

And it begins. "Don't like pistols. They're inaccurate at any meaningful distance and up close, I can do just as much damage with a dagger."

Stephanie pushed me forward. "Let me get out of the bath so I can get your neck properly. I'll get back in after."

I moved forward and, true to her word, Stephanie stepped out of the bath without bothering to dry herself with a towel. I had to force myself not to watch her dripping wet body as she walked behind me and started rubbing my neck. "Are you enjoying the Scotch?"

"It's excellent." The bottle was nearly half empty, and had absolutely no effect on me.

The neck rub lasted for a few seconds until I felt something cold and sharp against my neck.

"Well, this took longer than expected."

"What?"

I looked up at her and smiled. She pressed the blade of the knife against my throat further. "What are you so happy about?"

"You're naked, holding a knife against me. It's sort of silly. You could have just come in shooting, or, indeed, waited until I was asleep and then did it. I assume whoever sent you here is really fucking nervous."

"You don't know anything. It's people like you who have to be removed to protect us all."