story-time-with-han

[story-time-with-han]

Chapter 2: A New Way of Living

Date: 5 June 1898 - Journal entry of Lee Edward Walton

Things aren’t so bad having her, Jessamine, along. The past couple weeks in my journey west it’s been nice to have company. Makes me wonder why I’ve been travelling alone for so long. She’s intelligent and energetic, more so than some of the ladies my old gang used to bring about, and she’s lovely… Very Lovely… Still, she makes camp feel like home. She seems to hold some dark secrets within her person. Not that I am a saint, I just wonder what she could be hiding. Why does she carry iron, and why is she so far from home?

We stopped off about five in the evening on our way to Tombstone where he had some business and decided to make camp. I jumped off the wagon eager to stretch my legs. We’d been travelling on and off for about three weeks.

“Goodness! It feels as though we’ve been on the road forever.” I exclaimed, I couldn’t help but notice him smile watching me pat his horse. He climbed down from the seat disappearing from my view as I continued to talk to the horse.

“Odin you handled that so well, you’re such a good boy.”

“Jessa, if you wanna start I’ll help you set up before I run to the station to pick up some things.” He called over from the back of the wagon. I hurried over setting my satchel off the side. We set up his old military cover tent and the cots first, always need shelter first and foremost. As he pulled out a crate, I’m assuming his weapons chest and let Odin off the reins, I went to start a fire.

“Lee? Do you suppose you could bring this for repairs if possible?”I walked over to him, revolver in hand.

“Where’d you come across this? It’s a wonder you haven’t gotten hurt yet.”

My brow creased and I saw red with anger until he interrupted. “The hammer is damaged and this thing looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned in months.” I sighed and then looked away.

“It’s my father’s gun. I stole it before I left. I didn’t know what kind of people I’d come across so I figured I’d need it.” My voice got lower, upset at the thought of what had transpired in my past, but quickly changed my demeanor so he wouldn’t catch on.

Lee looked back at the gun, then up at me before chuckling to himself.

“I can certainly see what I’ll be able to do for you. But for now let’s finish making camp.”

Looking back up at him I smiled and continued on with my work. I was smiling so much I didn’t pay attention, tripping and stumbling over my skirt a little. I grabbed a bit of rope from the wagon and tied it up so I could easily move about. After an hour of setting up we sat down by the fire, I pulled two tin cups out of the tent and decided to brew us some coffee. Lee told me then that he would be going out to the trading post not far from where we were so he could get some supplies, and that he wouldn’t be gone more than an hour or two.

“Okay, in the meantime I can make us a meal and keep things tidy.” I beamed at the idea that I’d be useful to him in the ways of making him comfortable and keeping him fed.

So he saddled up, strapping a rifle to his back. As he climbed into the saddle I strutted over and placed my hand on his knee.

“You come back safe now. You hear?”

He laughed, “Miss I won’t be gone long. I promise.” I thought I saw him blush a little as he turned his face away from me. The sky turned from a lovely mix of pink and orange to dark blue hues as he rode away. I stood watching until his silhouette disappeared on the horizon.

I went to work as soon as I lost sight of him. Digging through our provisions I managed to find just enough for tonight's meal, just a simple stew, but hearty for sure. The sun had long set when I finished. I checked the pocket watch in my satchel, 8 o’clock. The stars began to peek out from behind small bursts of clouds and a full moon overhead. The lonesome cry of coyotes rang in my ears, they were not far away and began to worry. I went to the wagon to see what I could find weapons wise. Picking up a rolling block rifle in my hands, it seemed useful. Looking around there lay a bandolier with ammo off to the side. I picked up the bandolier, running my fingertips along the dark, soft worn leather.

“Well… I don’t think he will mind if I borrow these.” I muttered to myself. Suddenly there was a thundering of hooves coming up close, I ducked down in fear. They stopped right in front of our camp. There were at least 3 disembodied voices all belonging to men, They started to circle the camp shouting and cursing.

“Marshal! Marshal you here?” A deep, raspy voice called out. Another one in a nasally tone “I don’t think he’s here. Let’s move on.” I ducked down as far as I could go in the wagon and covered myself with a wool blanket. Scratchy as all hell but I needed some sort of cover. The third voice called out a little further away from the first two, I could barely make out what he said but his voice sounded belligerent as if angry with Lee. They circled the camp once more, coming close to the wagon. I held my breath, fearful they would find me.

“Where could that bastard be!?” The first voice shouted. Then they rode off fast, yet still frightened I stayed under the blanket for a while longer until I deemed it safe.

“Shit… Not worth that trouble…” I mumbled to myself as I climbed out of the wagon. I stepped lightly over to the fire to check the stew I made when Lee came riding back up. He smiled and waved so I ran over.

“Thank goodness you’re back, there were some men here looking for you and-” He put his finger to my lips and shushed me. I crossed my arms, squirming a little.

“Jessa, listen to me. Those men are rangers, word is starting to get around that I’m traveling with you and they’re here to find out why. Did they see you?” I was more frightened now by his voice. He kept it hushed and stern. I shook my head no, taking a sharp breath and looking up at him. He let me go quickly, sheepishly looking at the ground. Then he noticed the leather bandolier and rifle strapped to me and his tone softened, a smile breaking out across his face.

“What in God’s name are you doing with those?” He shook his head at me and I let out a laugh looking down blushing hard. I swear if my face were any redder, my cheeks would be tomatoes.

“Well I, I heard coyotes. I figured if they came close I might be able to scare them off.” I shrugged. It was silent for a moment until Lee gave a boisterous, full laugh, so much so that I laughed along with him. It felt nice to laugh this way.

After taking the saddlebags off his horse he walked over to me and sat down by the fire and I handed him a dish. “Eat up, you look absolutely starved.” I smiled at him turning to prepare my own plate. He chuckled a little.

“Jessamine I’ll eat when I know your plate is done as well.” he quickly replied. So I finished filling my plate with the little bit I felt like eating and sat down beside him, uneasy for some reason.

“There.” I remarked with a small laugh, “now you can go on ahead and eat.” I jokingly nudged him. We sat in silence for a few moments while we ate, he served himself another helping before setting his plate off to the side.

“Jessa, I got you something.” He reached into one of the bags that he'd grabbed off the saddle and pulled out something wrapped in linens.

“What's that?” My nose scrunched up in confusion as I took it in my hand and slowly unwrapped the package. I was taken by surprise by what lay in the wrappings. A blackened steel Navy Revolver in a black leather holster. A small gasp escaped my lips, my fingertips running along the engraved barrel. He asked me if I felt alright. My eyes burned a little, becoming wet with tears. I turned so he couldn’t see.

“Lee I am more than alright. This is, this is amazing.” Shaking from happiness, I could barely contain my smile. I felt glad to have this, instead of my father’s old gun. He smiled as well,

“I know it’s not your old mans but I just thought having something of your own would make you feel safer,” he lowered his voice immensely, “it would make me feel better too, knowing you’re safe if I'm not around.” I looked up at him, he was staring at me with a solemn frown. Concerned, reaching for his hand again but quickly pulling away before I did. I assured him I could take care of myself. He stared at me, such a longing in his eyes.

Here comes that silence again, swallowing us up with no end in sight.

“Thank you, so much. This really means a lot to me.” I murmured, trying to keep from crying further. Weary, shaking my head I stood up and headed for the tent. He called my name again. “I have something else for you.” I looked back and he held tightly to another parcel, this one had a brown paper wrapping and twine rope tying it up. I sat back down, my cheeks getting hot again even though I sat nowhere close to the flames. His cheeks flushed a little as well as he handed me this second gift.

“Why are you doing all of this?” I asked meekly, “we barely know each other.”

He didn’t answer, he just handed me the package and smiled again.

“Just open it.” He playfully remarked, brushing the hair from my face. There was that feeling again, the heart racing and the nervousness around him. God, I am such a fool to feel this way about a practical stranger still. I slowly unwrapped the paper, trying not to damage it as I could use it for something else.

Gasp

“Lee, oh my goodness…” Out from the packaging, a red poplin dress. I ran my fingertips along the smooth fabric, admiring the shiny black buttons. “It’s beautiful, I don’t believe I’ve ever had such a lovely dress.” Almost speechless and shaking again, how could this be happening to someone like me?

“Try it on then Jessa, I hope it fits well.” His eyes shone in the firelight with such an excitement that I felt couldn’t be contained. I stood up, making sure not to touch the fabric to the ground and went to the tent, closing the flaps of it behind me.

I laughed to myself, such lovely gifts from a lovely man. It seemed I could be the luckiest girl in the world to be with him at this time. He was shuffling about the camp cleaning. Slipping out of the current dress I was wearing, glad to be rid of that thing for a moment. It still smelled to me of the smoke and liquor of that old saloon. I once again stroked the new dress, feeling the softness of the fabric and admiring the color. Such a beautiful garment, I wanted to just hang it up and admire it forever. Lee called out from outside the tent.

“Everything okay? Do you need any help?” He chuckled. I started to laugh again.

“You just mind your business, mister, I’ll be out in a moment.”

I slipped the dress on over my head, buttoning each button slowly up to my neck. I struggled for a minute pulling my hair out of the collar and had to redo my braid before opening the tent up.

“Lee?” I stepped out into the night air, “what do you think?” I adjusted the long skirt and looked up at him playing with the end of my hair. He fell back against the wagon in surprise, giggling and I walked over and hesitantly took his hand.

“Jessamine, you look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.” I’d never heard his voice so light and airy. Every little bit of happiness swelled up inside of me, I couldn’t help but stare at him though. The fire light made him seem so ethereal. He spun me around as if we were dancing, I felt so comfortable with him at this moment.

How wonderful this new adventure was turning out to be.

[story-time-with-han]

CHAPTER 1 : COME WITH ME

“Oooweee lookee there!” exclaimed some of the other girls. They all seemed excited about it as they smeared on their lipstick and rouge. Buncha clowns they are. I looked around to make sure they weren’t paying attention as I slipped my revolver into my garter, just for safekeeping. I never went anywhere without it, this place was a lot tougher than home. Just then I heard Claire behind me.

“Jessamine!” Her bright, penetrating voice called out, I swear even a canary couldn’t make a tone that high pitched. “Jessa honey could you be a dear and lace me up?” Her big blue eyes batted at me as she gestured to her corset. I begrudgingly complied. “You know Claire, you gotta start doing this yaself.”

She turned and smiled at me, “Jessa you do it best though! You always get me just where I wanna be.” Her sing-song voice made me melt, she knew I’d do anything for her being that she is my only friend. A couple of us made our way downstairs, the bar smoky and dimly lit. I could still see everything around me. My hand gently glided along the dark hardwood counter admiring the smooth finish. I looked around at the men playing poker at equally dark tables and some lounging on the velvet covered seats. Hushed, I leaned over and asked the tender for a drink. He sneered at me but gave me the whiskey begrudgingly. I picked up the glass and began to walk away taking a sip, the bitter taste of earth and wood filling my mouth. Settling myself by the front window, my usual spot, Claire ran back up to me and I saw in her face that something wasn’t right. She seemed panicked, as though she had seen a ghost. I asked her what the trouble is. She then revealed to me quietly that one of the patrons that had been staying in one of our nicer rooms got rough with her. I was about to turn and say something to him when someone new walked in and caught my eye. My face became warm and I knew my cheeks were turning red.

Claire nudged me, “Jessa, you alright?” My voice trembled, “I just, I’ll be right back.” She looked at the man as well, then shoved me towards him with a small smile.

The stranger walked over to the bar and ordered a drink, I stepped close and I came up behind him. I knew he’d never been in our bar before. I calmed my voice and asked him if I could help him out, knowing that tonight was my last chance to do some actual work before the boss, Jeb, shipped me off to the end of the line. I took the leap.

“I suppose you could help me miss.” His voice gravelly as he grabbed my arm, I froze for a moment as he pulled me closer, asking me for a dance. I obliged after I caught a glimpse of a shining badge from under his jacket. US Marshal it read. As we made our way to the center of the floor he started questioning me, a hushed whisper right in my ear, “What can you tell me about the man there in the corner?”

“Not much to tell, he showed up a few days ago. Been spending most of his time drunk and roughing up some of the other girls he’s been paying for. Got my friend over there pretty shaken up.” I murmured. He didn’t seem moved by my statement but his next words had me scared.

“He’s an outlaw, and a nasty one at that. I’m here to take him down.” He stared at me with such sternness that for a moment I stood paralyzed. Something about those eyes��� mesmerizing. They were such a deep brown, like a dark wildflower honey. I stared at him, feeling strangely comfortable with my hand in his. The owner stared at me from behind the bar as I leaned in close to this lawman, letting my lips graze his cheek. As the pianist finished his set, the marshal turned, backing me up close to the bar. He softly spoke in my ear. “You’re a lovely dancer, miss…” He returned the favor, allowing his lips to gently glide across my neck before he released me. He sat back down in his seat, facing away from me so I walked away. Claire saw me and took my hand leading me towards the back of the bar.

“Oh Jessa honey, he is handsome! What happened do tell.” Still her bubbly self no matter what. I smiled, taking the cigarette she lit for me.

“Claire, he's very gentle, and he’s a good dancer. I think he might want me. Did you see how close he held me ?” I gushed, a strange feeling albeit, I never felt like this towards the men before. Our gossip was cut short by that outlaw, grabbing me by the elbow hard.

“I think I deserve a dance too, don’t you think little lady?” I winced as he dragged me across the floor, my skin burned as though there were a fire in his harsh grip. He yanked me close to his body, the smell of the beer on his breath turned my stomach. I looked out of the corner of my eye trying to find the Marshal. The outlaw, whom I figured out his name had been Cullen, judging by his gang in the corner shouting that at him, placed his hand on my chin forcing me to look back at him.

“You do not look away from me. Got it?” He started to reach his hands up my back, he began trying to loosen my corset. I felt too afraid of him to fight back. His gang hollered in the background trying to get him to keep going.

Suddenly, everything went silent, even the piano.

“I think it’s time you let her go.” I heard the voice before I saw his face, but I knew immediately that the Marshal had come to my aid. He repeated himself as Cullen turned, drawing his pistol and placing it against my ribs.

“I think you don’t have an idea of who you’re talkin’ to.” I closed my eyes, this had to be it. I would die, sure as the day is long. As the lawman’s voice stayed calm, Cullen’s voice became harsher, and louder with every word. I kept trying to get away but his hand at that point had been tightly gripped around my throat.

“I know full well who you are, and you’re going to release her and come with me.” I looked over at the marshal, trying to swallow but Cullen’s grip tightened. The marshal’s hand poised, ready to draw when the outlaw pointed the gun straight for his head. This handsome lawman would meet his demise…

Cullen staggered out a laugh. “ I know you. You’re that Marshal from Austin. Walton’s the name right? Ain’t you the one who turned in his brothers for his freedom. A coward amongst men.” As his bellowing laugh echoed through the bar, I saw my chance to try to escape him. Grabbing his tie I yanked on it hard, pulling his head down enough to force him to release my throat. As he stood back up straight I heard his gun cock aiming towards me.

Quick as that hammer dropped I landed on the hard wooden surface, nearly striking my head against the bar. A bullet nearly grazed my shoulder and buried itself in the floorboards behind me. I closed my eyes tight, awaiting the killing shot. *BANG*

The scent of burnt gunpowder filled the air and I slowly opened my eyes. There stood the marshal with his hand outstretched to me. I didn’t know what had happened until I saw Cullen’s body on the ground. His gang all looked at the marshal and at each other wonderin’ what to do next.

“If y’all want to live your lives in peace, I suggest ya git goin’.” Stated the marshal sternly. Quick as a whip they all ran out of the bar taking Cullen’s body with them. I took his rough hand in mine and stood up. As I opened my mouth to thank the marshal for saving my life, Jeb ran up hollerin’.

“Mister, I don’t know who ya are, nor do I care. But thank ya. I kindly thank ya, that sumbitch has been torturing us for days now. Whatever ya need just ask. A room, a girl, anything you please.” he exclaimed, shaking his hand, then he shot a nasty look to me. “And you missy! You had better be thanking this gentleman for saving your life.” The man looked at Jeb trying to calm him down, “now now sir, don’t you worry this little lady will do just fine for me, if you can get me a room ready.” He kept his voice calm, eyeing me the whole time.

“Girl, you go on now and get the room nice and set for him and make sure you are on your best behavior. No funny business, you remember what waits for you if you don’t comply this time.”

“Yessir Jeb, I’ll do my best.” My cheeks became hot again, a sense of nervousness and dread came over me as I quickly ran up the stairs avoiding eye contact with everyone, until Claire grabbed me outside of the room I was heading into. “Jessa, honey, you don’t have to do this…” I shook my head and pulled my arm from her grip, “I can do this Claire, just go take care of the other patrons and you watch out for ya self darling.” I looked up at her and smiled, she kissed my cheek and flounced away.

A few moments later I came back downstairs, the air still heavy with the smell of blood and gunpowder. It made me nauseous. The man stood still and almost stone like talking to Jeb, I listened closely.

“Now you sure I can’t do anything else for you, maybe a different girl? That one there is trouble.” Jeb grumbled, I knew he had been talking about me.

“No, thank you. I do believe she will do just fine for me.” The monotone of his voice made me shiver. I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Sir,” my voice trembled, hands shaking and sweating “I have everything prepared for you, if you are ready.” He smiled at me and stood up. “Thank you miss, I’ll meet you up momentarily” He began to walk away and I turned to follow when Jeb grabbed my shoulder violently , almost dragging me to the ground and pulled me back close. “Make sure you do what you’re paid to do slut” He sneered into my ear. I quickly ran up the stairs and opened the door for the man.

“Let me take this.” I gently grabbed his jacket and hung it up on the post before turning back to him. He didn’t seem too bothered by me. I went to grab the collar of his shirt and he took hold of my wrist, his face right in mine.

“Tell me about yourself, where ya from? How did you end up in a place like this?” He hammered me with question after question. Worried, I lied.

“My name is… Mary. Yes Mary. I’m from Saint Louis, moved further west as a child. My parents both passed away and I needed to make some money.” my face grew pale. My lying skills are not very good, even as a child I could never lie.

He studied my face and my eyes shifted around back and forth. He smirked at me and lowered his voice

“Now miss, I know who you are, changing your hair color don't fool me none, you can’t change your face. Lying to me does you no good either.” He pulled a poster from his satchel with my photograph on it, when my hair was still light red. I read the poster that contained a price and details of a theft in an old ink scrawl, demanding I be brought to my father with a promise of payment upon my return. I suddenly feared this man, my blood ran cold and a dizziness came over me.

“You ain't gonna take me back, are ya?” I questioned, thinking of how I could escape him. He shook his head and sat me down beside him on the bed.

“My name is Lee Walton. I’m a Marshal sent here for that outlaw, but also I’ve been looking for you, since I saw this poster last year. I haven’t directed to do so, but your father has a large sum of money for anyone who brings you back. I don’t know the details, I don’t know what you’ve done, but with a price like this for a petty theft it can’t be good. I cannot in good conscience bring you back there, and I won’t let that happen. I need you to just trust me.” He seemed sincere in a way, almost as if he really was trying to help me. Yet, I protested.

“No, I don’t know you, you come in here, shoot up the place, and now you’re telling me you want to protect me?” Just then, I heard Jeb at the door, Lee immediately shushed me and put his hand over my mouth

“Everything alright up here? She ain't giving you any trouble is she?” Lee became serious, his brow furrowed, lips curled up in a half sarcastic smile .

“No sir I should say not. She’s absolutely perfect, now if ya don’t mind-” He got interrupted by Jeb apologizing. His footsteps faded as Lee turned back to me.

He took my hand and held it tight.”Miss, please. I implore you to just trust me.” His sun weathered face went from hard to almost solemn. By this time, night had completely fallen. I stood up and went to the bedside table to light the lamp

“What do you propose then.” I remarked. A strange, silly part of me hoped he would ask me to come away with him. I knew though that this handsome gentleman would never want a girl like me hanging around. My back was facing him, but I suddenly felt arms around my shoulders and he turned me around to look him in the eyes.

“I’ll settle for some faith that you perhaps have a plan, maybe your real name.”

“It’s Jessamine… Jessamine O’Connor.” I whispered to him. He looked me in the eyes and smiled. Never have I seen such a lovely shade of brown. Undoubtedly he began pondering what to say, so I pulled away from him.

“Mister, I have a job to do… So what is it I can do for you?” I inquired, he sighed then chuckled.

“Well, ‘spose you could get me another drink and help me relax a little.”

I smiled, “That’s no trouble at all.” I stepped out of the room and heard him thank me just as I shut the door. My cheeks flushed once more as I continued down the hallway. When I went round the corner to the stairs I felt a twinge of pain as my arm had been grabbed, hard. I heard Jeb’s gruff voice.

“What do you think you’re doing here? You’re supposed to be doing your job!”

I tried to explain but I only could stammer, attempting to plead with him.

“Jeb please I… I am doing my job. He…” But before I could answer fully he backhanded me. The strike of his hand against my cheek left a blistering feeling to my already red face. I blinked back the tears welling up in my eyes. He continued on spitting at me his anger, finger in my face looking ready to hit me again. Then I saw Lee come out of the shadow behind him.

“We don’t have a problem here, do we?” Lee’s voice was low, enough to put the fear of God into Jeb, who very meekly replied that there had been no issue at all. “Good, then get.” he said. Jeb shot me a nasty look then stormed off.

I looked down at the ground for a moment before thanking Lee for ridding me of that bastard. He very gingerly put his hand out and lifted my chin up, inspecting my now bruising face. He gently ran his thumb over the mark left behind. I turned away and went to finish what I had been asked to do. Lee stood at the top of the stairs watching me.

“You don’t have to put up with that kind of treatment.” He muttered, not realizing I could still hear him. I ignored his comment and went behind the bar to grab a bottle of whiskey, then I took him by the hand and led him back to the room.

When we got behind the closed door of the room I sat down in the chair in the corner of the room facing the window turning on the lamp on the wall. Lee took a sip of the whiskey and then handed me the bottle, I looked at him for a moment before drinking some and handing the bottle back.

After almost an hour of drinking with him, I finally broke the silence that seemingly swallowed the room.

“What do you want? I've been with you since you got here. I had a job to do and I haven’t done it.” He looked up at me, his eyes weary.

“I don’t know,” He laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, “but I would like you to come lay with me for a while.” I was stunned by the gentleness in his voice, as if pleading with me. I stood up from the chair and sauntered over to the bed, sitting down beside him. He turned over to face me and took my hand in his. I smiled for a moment until he pulled me down to lay beside him, his warm breath on my neck.

“You’re drunk.” I mumbled. He chuckled and pulled me even closer.

“Yes.. I do believe I am..” He turned me over to face him, brushing my hair out of my face.

Another brief silence took over as we stared at each other, as if we were trying to read a book. His coarse hand came up resting on my cheek and I saw his gaze drift from my eyes down to my lips and back again.

“What is it?” I inquired, feeling shaky and nervous, holding my breath as if it would somehow help me. He ran his thumb over my lips and then leaned in before I could protest. How fleeting. An actual kiss, I couldn’t recall ever having one before? It seemed as if my entire world had just changed with this one solitary action. What is this feeling? Lust? Love? I couldn’t fight it, I kissed him back, trembling, but I did it. I knew in the morning this would all be over, he would continue on his way and I would live my life here. Yet, just for this single moment in time, this lawman was mine and mine alone. Even in his drunken state.

His hands ran down the laces of my corset, kissing my lips, face and neck over and over. Every touch feeling like fire, hands going anywhere they wanted. Under my skirt, my chemise, everything. I melted in his arms, his unbuttoned shirt revealing tanned skin and light scars. I didn’t care to ask at the time what they were from, all that mattered to me? Him. He hoisted me up onto his lap, letting me look down upon his weary face. What happened after, a blur of darkness and whiskey soaked silence.

The night passed us by quickly, it felt as though I had gotten stuck in a dream. I woke up to the sound of him getting dressed, seemingly just before dawn.

“How long will it take you to get all your things?” He asked, his eyes were gazing upon the wall and his pocket watch. I looked over at the window, the sun hadn’t even peeked over the horizon yet, and I sat up in bed pulling the blanket up over what I then realized was my bare chest. I was stunned into silence at the previous night's activities.

“I can leave with just the clothes I have here. I don't have much…Why?” my voice stuttering and jumpy. Lee smiled and sat down on the bed pulling on his boots.

“Come with me. I’ll take you away from here.” He looked back at me, inspecting the bruise on my cheek once more then pulling his hand away quickly as though he were embarrassed. I on the other hand felt elated, I could have screamed with joy, a small smile broke out across my face. I grabbed my clothes and started to pull them on quickly. He saw the revolver on the table and turned to look at me puzzled. I just shushed him and told him I would tell him later. Lee nodded in acknowledgment and shut off the lamp as I finished putting my shoes on. Scared and not knowing what awaited us, yet exciting to be starting a new adventure, we slipped down the back steps outside and quickly got on our way in the early morning light

[story-time-with-han]

The Marshal : A Red Dead Fanfiction

The Marshal is the story of Jessamine O’Conner, a young woman from the plains of Oklahoma and her travels with a US Marshal and the gang they create together known as The New Austin Rangers.

The stories, the tragedy and love, facing the end of the Wild West, and the world as they know it.