ANMELDENSandwiched between two police officers, Reuben crossed the room to the door. He abruptly stopped when he reached the door and turned around, his gaze darting past the police officers to land squarely on me.His lips parted and moved to form a few soundless words. I could read his lips well enough to know that he'd said, "Just you wait."After that, Reuben was led out the door.Silence suddenly filled the office. I padded to the window and peered at the scene downstairs.Reuben was stuffed into the backseat of the police cruiser, the door slamming shut with a firm, final thud. As he stared out at the office building, I wondered if his gaze was fixed on the very window where I stood. I wondered if he felt even a flicker of remorse. The police started the car and drove out of the plant entrance. It wasn't long before they disappeared out of sight.I spun on my heels and took in the plant that had once been full of Reuben's intimidating presence. A long sigh escaped me.This messy
I asked, "Who hit you?"Lily shook her head and tried to close the door.I put my hand against the door to keep it open. "Was it Mr. Smith?"Tears poured down Lily's face at once, but she shook her head vehemently.I knew she was scared. Her parents were farmers back home, and she'd come out to work to pay for her younger brother's tuition. She dared not defy Reuben.I started seeking out the female workers and had them open up to me. I told them I had evidence against Reuben that would help with their cases.They were terrified at first and avoided my gaze, but that was until Francine stepped forward to take my hand. She said, "I trust you, Connor."Marie was the second to nod.She'd stamped her thumbprint on the hospital bill as proof that Reuben had used the loan as leverage to coerce her.Lily hesitated for a while, then finally fished out a small recording pen from the pocket of her fitted jacket. She'd secretly recorded evidence of Reuben verbally harassing her in the co
I began to tune in to Reuben's movements over the following days.He'd leave the office at 5:00 pm sharp every day. I followed him carefully and watched him pull out of the plant area, but instead of going home, he had the car stop across the street from a motel in town.I bought a bottle of water from the convenience store across the street, pretending to check my phone while keeping my gaze fixed on the motel entrance.Half an hour later, I saw Francine enter the motel. She walked slowly with her head hung.After paying for my water, I trailed Francine. I saw her go up to the third floor and into Room 307. I hovered at the end of the corridor, staring at the door.About an hour later, Reuben came out of the room. He was straightening his clothes, and he wore a satisfied smile.Ten minutes passed before Francine emerged from the room. Her eyes were red, and her steps were unsteady.I waited until she'd gone downstairs before I caught up to her."Francine!" I called out after h
"No way, no can do. Not tonight. Let's reschedule," I said.But Francine had already slid her fingertips under my shirt, her voice as soft and sweet as cotton candy. "Come on, it won't take long… Mr. Smith's just left. No one will see us."I swallowed, the familiar heat returning to its slow, electric crawl under my skin. But I could still hear Reuben's voice in my head and see the gaze he'd leveled on me earlier.I'd better wise up and stay in line.I quickly shoved Francine away. "Go back to your dorm for now. I promise I'll do you that favor tomorrow night."Only then did she disgruntledly leave my dorm. As I watched her luscious silhouette drift away, my urges crested like a tidal wave.The next morning, I was at my post by the workshop entrance, taking the workers' attendance. The ladies walked past me with their heads down and shadows under their eyes.Francine yawned and nearly tripped. I caught her in time, though my hand accidentally brushed against her bosom."Had a r
In what could only be described as wretched timing, my phone rang at that precise moment. What a buzzkill. I wondered who would call me now of all times.I declined the call without checking the caller ID, but that didn't stop my phone from ringing. The relentless buzzing was getting into my head.Anyone who was getting hot and heavy with their wife or partner would have their mood instantly ruined by an unwanted, unexpected phone call.I had no choice but to answer the call. Frankly, I'd be better off if I hadn't, because my heart plunged to my stomach when I realized it was Reuben on the other line.He thundered as soon as I picked up, "Connor! Aren't you done checking the dorms? Do you have any idea what time it is?"A chill skittered down my spine as I quickly lied, "I-I'd finished the rounds."But Reuben snapped, "Finished your rounds, my ass! I'm in your dorm right now. Where the hell are you?""Y-You're at my dorm? I'll be right there.""Hurry up! I swear to God, if yo
Francine walked up to me at that moment and protested, "Mr. Warden, you know only women work at this plant. We don't have a single thorn among us roses. What's wrong if Ellen wants to blow off some steam with this?"I gave an exasperated shake of my head and said, "I know women your age have stronger urges, but Mr. Smith made the rules, and they're final. My hands are tied, too."Ellen reluctantly withdrew the toy, which glistened with moisture. My very bones began to itch at this sight, and my groin felt swollen and aching.Women their age were supple goods, alright. They were practically sopping wet.Just then, Francine gestured to my groin and exclaimed, "Wow, Mr. Warden! What are you packing down there? It's bulging!"I looked down and immediately blushed. I wore loose shorts that did little to hide my erection, which had now formed a tent at my groin.With the way the four women were gawking at me, I felt like I was walking down the streets buck-naked. Who knew I'd make such







