MINE by Anita Skibski

MINE

Anita Skibski

Synopsis

In a sleepy coal town in 1950's Kentucky, the line between what belongs to him, and what does not begins to blur for wealthy mine owner, TJ Thomas. TJ has no children and a busy wife. His wealth does not fill the emptiness in his life.

Ruby Davis is the stunning young wife of Henry, TJ's best friend and employee. Ruby believes that land and a home are the only real security in life.

TJ promotes Henry to a new position that keeps him from home a great deal, but rewards him with a free company house.

TJ is drawn to Ruby's beauty and educated manner. When a man from town tries to rape Ruby in Henry's absence, TJ intervenes and protects her. He has the man beaten.

When TJ accidentally sees Ruby bathing, it is more than he can resist. He follows her to the schoolhouse and seduces her. Like Bathsheba, Ruby is overwhelmed by the powerful TJ, and her emotions are confused.

Ruby's resulting pregnancy sets TJ on fire with excitement. Henry comes home, and is delighted by the pregnancy, until he realizes something does not add up.

TJ sends Henry to a dangerous mine, and the tunnel floods as TJ anticipated. Men die. In her terror that Henry has been killed, Ruby loses the baby. Henry's son convinces TJ to save Henry. Henry has realized that TJ is responsible for Ruby's broken spirit. He hits TJ and drives away defiantly in TJ's new car.

The Davises leave town, Henry forgives Ruby, and Ruby realizes that there are kinds of security that do not involve deeds. TJ realizes he cannot have everything in the world that appeals to him. And that if he tries to buy it, sometimes the price will be too high.