Emma K. Thomas

“Stevie pointed away from the castle, towards the old main road. ‘Pistol, go!’ The dog took three, slow steps and stopped. He looked over his shoulder at her, eyes doleful. She repeated the command, putting all her authority into her voice. ‘Go!’ The dog trotted reluctantly off. She knew that he would not go far.

The smoker said, ‘A well-trained dog.’ He touched one of her breasts tentatively, plucking at her nipple, and smiled when it hardened. ‘Don’t worry. We won’t tell your old man.’

She said, ‘My husband’s a killer.’

The smoker nodded. ‘Aren’t we all?’ He put his knife against her neck and tugged the jacket from her arm. ‘Bob, do us a favour and grab her gun, will you please?’

The bull took the gun from her. Stevie saw other soldiers watching them from the encampment. It would not be long before they built up the courage to join them.

The smoker said, ‘Bob will give it back to you when we’re through.’

Stevie knew then that they would kill her to ensure no reprisals.”

From No Dominion by Louise Welsh.

Published by John Murray.