"The Black Sapphire" was a concept that Ruth toyed with for a few years. She studied dialect to help enhance one of the main characters, "Mattie." In the story, an unsolved crime shows its ugly face when Detective Adam Reynoir starts investigating. Mattie, the home's housekeeper, and her son, Jarell, decide that they are going to continue staying in the home, even after the dismembering murders have been cleaned up. As the story unfolds, Mattie takes Detective Reynoir on a tour of the home, trying to get him to understand in her way that the murders were no accident. \Mattie's life revolves around her son, Jarell. When more incidents happen, Reynoir finally understands why Mattie professes her faith so much in front of everyone, no matter what. Living on the edge of greed will indeed, find you empty handed. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.