In the Land of the Long White Cloud

Paul upped the ante. “She didn’t tell you that she did it with him. But I saw it!”
    Sideblossom’s interest was aroused. “What did you say? Your sister’s not a virgin anymore?”
    Paul shrugged. The word “virgin” did not mean anything to him.
    “Ask her yourself,” he said. “She’s in the barn.”

    John Sideblossom found Fleurette in Niniane’s stall, where the girl was just considering what her best course of action would be. Should she simply drive Niniane outside? Then there was the danger that she would not run from the stables at all but stay close to the other horses. Maybe it would be better to ride her away and put her up in a paddock farther away. However, that seemed risky, as she would have to find her way back on foot, past all the outbuildings, which were stuffed full of the search party’s drunk recruits.
    Still contemplating her options, she scratched her horse under its forelock and spoke to it. The other horses suddenly got excited, and Gracie sniffed at the straw. With all that going on, it escaped Fleurette’s attention that someone was quietly opening the door. By the time Gracie became aware of what was going on and started barking, it was too late. John Sideblossom was standing in the stable aisle smirking at Fleurette.
    “So, little girl. At night we sneak out to the stables, eh? I’m surprised to run into you here alone.”
    Fleurette was frightened and moved instinctively behind her horse.
    “These are our stables,” she replied bravely. “I can be here whenever I want. And I’m not sneaking around; I’m visiting my horse.”
    “You’re visiting your horse. How touching.” Sideblossom stepped forward. His approach reminded Fleur of a predator slinking up to its prey, and that dangerous spark was in his eyes again. “Didn’t have any other visits in mind?”
    “I don’t know what you mean.” Fleurette hoped her voice sounded firm.
    “You know very well what I mean. You play the innocent little schoolgirl who promised herself to a young buck, but in reality, you’ve been rolling in the hay with him already. Don’t bother denying it, Fleurette. I have it from reliable sources, even if I didn’t catch you
in flagrante
today. But you’re in luck, sweetheart. I take used goods too. In fact, I don’t care much for coy prudes. It’s just troublesome to wear them down. So no worries, you can wear white at the altar. But I can have a little foretaste, can’t I?”
    In a single motion, he pulled Fleurette out from behind the horse. Niniane spooked and fled to a corner of the stall. Gracie began to bark.
    “Leave me alone!” Fleurette yelled, kicking at her attacker, but John Sideblossom merely laughed. He pushed her against the wall of the stall with his powerful arms and smothered her face with his lips.
    “You’re drunk; let me go!” Fleur tried to bite him, but John’s reflexes still functioned perfectly despite all the whiskey. He jerked back and slapped her in the face. Fleur fell backward out of the stall and landed on a bale of straw. Sideblossom was on top of her before she could get to her feet.
    “Now let’s see what you have to offer.” Sideblossom ripped her blouse open and admired her still slight breasts.
    “Lovely…just about a handful!” Laughing, he reached for her. Fleurette tried to kick him again, but he laid his leg over her knee, holding her down.
    “Now stop romping around like an unbroken horse. Just let me…” He was looking for the fastener to her skirt, which he did not find right away on the tailored riding dress. Fleurette tried to scream, and bit him on the hand when he covered her mouth.
    “I like it when a woman keeps her temper in check!” He burst out with laughter.
    Fleur sobbed, and Grace barked hysterically. Then a sharp voice pierced the tumult in the stables.
    “Let my daughter go before my temper gets away from me!” Gwyneira stood in the door with a rifle in her hand, which she held aimed at Sideblossom. Fleur recognized Andy McAran and Poker Livingston behind her.
    “Now, now, easy, I…” John let go of Fleurette and held up his hands in a gesture of defeat.
    “We’re going to have a talk in a moment, Mr. Sideblossom. Fleur, did he do anything to you?” Gwyneira asked as she handed Andy the gun and took her daughter in her arms.
    Fleurette shook her head. “No. He…he just grabbed me. Oh, Mummy, it was horrible!”
    Gwyneira nodded. “I know, dear. But now it’s over. Go into the house