When the drunken, raging pirate burst into the peaceful bed-and-breakfast, the patrons fled their meals for safety.

The inkeeper, however, knew that customer service comes first. Even pirates need a place to stay, and money is money.

He managed to say, “Greetings! How may—” before the cutlass took his head.

Brandon King is a volunteer for Leading Edge Magazine, an awesome sci-fi/fantasy publication that will publish and/or edit your short stories, poems, or artwork.

This story is a finalist for the Audience Choice Award and the Grand Prize.