Judgment II: Mercy (20 page)

"England is the land of corporal punishment, after all. I could thrash her all day and I doubt anyone would notice or care."

"When will she be released?"

"This afternoon maybe. Tomorrow's more likely." Shipe shook his head.

"You don't have to leave Judgment, you know," Tane said.

"The problem has been resolved. I'll be meeting Buchanan tomorrow to give him Mahogany."

"Buchanan?" Shipe grunted. "Didn't he kill the last one you sold him?"

"He's so pleased that I'm giving him a second chance that, unlike her predecessor, Mahogany will likely live a long and miserable life in his tender, loving care. She thinks it's so bad here, but she has no idea how much worse it can be."

"Don't ask me to feel sorry for her," Shipe said. "She could use the education."

"I could use your expertise right here. As I said, you don't need to leave."

"I'm old, and I don't care about the job like I used to."

Shipe held out his hand, palm up and waited. "Besides, you just want to get out of paying me."

After a moment, Tane sighed and handed Shipe a check.

"Your percentage of the sales on every girl you've ever trained."

Shipe looked at the sum. "I want my things, too."

"As soon as I get an address, I'll ship them to you."

182

Judgment II: Mercy

by Denise Hall

Mercy had three candies in her mouth when Tane turned to her. She did her best to flatten her cheeks and look a little less greedy, but he still smiled knowingly as he approached the side of her bed. When he bent down, she had to struggle to swallow what was in her mouth before he kissed her. He lay his hand between her legs and she felt a delicious warmth unfurling in the pit of her womb.

"Take care of him, Mary Blackwell," he said as he straightened back up.

And she and Shipe said in unison, "Mercy."

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