Changing Her Ways (Closed)

[momoftwins13]

Lydia Johnston
Age: 23
5'3, 120 lbs, long golden blonde hair, bright green eyes framed by thick lashes

Lydia threw her saddle onto the back of her prized buckskin mare, Delia and began to tighten all of the belts and buckles. Next her bag was placed upon the horse's back, right before she agilely pulled herself up. Mounting a horse was second nature other. She had been riding since she could sit a saddle with either her father, or brothers, and then by herself.

She glanced over at the shack where her family was sleeping right now. All except her father who stood in the doorway with his burly arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face.

"You ride away, you ain't welcome back, girl" he growled at her.

She smiled sadly at her father.

"Sorry daddy... But this life isn't what I want" she said quietly, before turning the mare away and trotting her down the dirt road in search of somewhere to turn over a new leaf.

******
FIVE DAYS LATER

Lydia reined Delia in at the top of the hill which overlooked a dusty little town she heard was called Stone Creek. It seemed like a quiet little town, somewhere she could live a peaceful life.

A few towns back she had stopped and bought a few new items of clothing... The dresses weren't fancy, just regular calico ones, but they were better than the men's clothes she wore when riding with her father and brothers.

The outlaw life. It wasn't what she wanted. She was tired of running from the law, tired of watching her brothers and their gang members get mowed down by bullets time and time again, just tired of the lifestyle completely.

With that thought she nudged Delia with her heels an rode down into the town she hoped would be her new home.

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

Randy Brandon took note of the girl on the buckskin horse ahead of him, that long blonde hair stood out in the sunshine. He let himself imagine what she might look like beneath that calico dress, but not for long, it was rude at best. She did manage a horse like she knew what she was doing, he noticed, and became somewhat more legitimately curious about her, all the more in that she appeared to be headed for Stone Creek.

Randolph Brandon was Marshal of Stone Creek, population six hundred, more or less, and growing. The railroad was headed through here, and there was an agent already in town, trying to buy up land for the right of way. This would be a boon, no doubt, but it was already causing no end of problems.

He nudged Butterscotch's sides a little bit, and the horse, perhaps as anxious to get home as he was, trotted a bit faster. They wouldn't quite catch up with the rider ahead of them this way, but they would be arriving at Jed's livery stable at about the same time. The marshal would like to get a closer look at this visitor.

Randy was a fairly tall man, just over six feet, with brown hair, combed across his forehead and thick enough that it tended to mess up easily, which is part of why he usually wore a hat; the burning sun in these parts was another good reason. His square jaw was cleanshaven, and he wore a cotton button-up shirt with a dark blue plaid pattern tucked into his jeans, along with a brown leather vest and that silver star badge. At 25, he was the youngest marshal in the territory, but his reputation with the gun, and his acquaintance with the governor, had been more than enough to land him this job nearly a year ago now.

He swung down from Butterscotch, and patted the horse as he took him by the reins. He let the lady deal with Jed before he did, a good excuse to wait, watch, and listen.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia rode Delia through town in search of the livery. It wasn't hard to find and soon she was dismounting and an older gentleman approached.

"Good day ma'am," he said in greeting. "Haven't seen you around before. You knew to these parts?"

Lydia flashed her smile at him. That smile had been used dozens of times before in order to distract men while her daddy and brothers robbed them blind without them even knowing until it was too late.

"Hello" she replies. "My name is Lydia John-, uh, Lydia Jones" she amended quickly. "And yes this is my first time here. I'm hoping to find a room to board and a job". She turned to her buckskin. "This here is Delia, how much will it cost for stall for her?"

The man named Jed gave her a fee which she paid before thanking him and turning to leave.

"Ahhh, Marshall, good to see you today sir!" She heard Jed say. Lydia quickly looked behind her and caught sight of a big, extremely handsome man atop of his horse, swinging down to the ground. Her heart started beating double time. The last thing she needed was to run face to face with a lawman on her first day in town.

Quickly he ducked around a corner and walked briskly down the street. She was in search of a boarding house and job. That shouldn't be too hard to find.

**Six Hours Later**

Lydia sat down on a bench warily and sighed.

It was harder than she thought for a lady to find a job around here. And finding a boarding house was next to impossible. She let her head fall back in frustration and closed her eyes. Now what was she going to do!?

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

The worst of the day's heat was over, and Randy dropped off the letters he'd answered after his return off at the post office, which was also the general store. It was time for supper, so he walked down Main Street in the direction of McCoy's Saloon. There were four saloons in town, but only McCoy's had a decent cook.

The sun was almost down, but there was still plenty enough light to see the girl in the calico dress sit down on that bench, her posture suggesting that she was tired. And the light gleaming off that hair, which had drawn his eye in the first place, reminded him who this lady was.

He approached without saying anything from a distance, knowing that the soft sound of his spurs would be enough to tell her that someone was coming. As soon as she looked up, he called out, "Miss Jones, isn't it? How are you finding your first day here in Stone Creek?"

It was really the best look he had had at her face, and, sure enough, she looked just like she did on the poster.. well, not really. The poster didn't begin to do her justice, and those green eyes were endlessly more vivid. He blinked a moment, and then remembered to smile. It was a friendly smile.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia heard the jingle of spurs coming down the wooden sidewalk and glanced that way. She sat up straighter when she saw who it was. The Marshall. SHIT, she thought. He came right up and addressed her by her false alliance.

"Uh, yes sir," she said, standing gracefully. "Stone Creek seems like a wonderful little town. There seems to be a lacking of boarding houses and jobs for a lady, however" she said, smiling politely back at him. "You're the Marshall right?" Even though she knew the answer already.

He really was a handsome man, with that powerful body and square jaw. His hair made her fingers itch to run through it. She shook those feelings off. Stupid feelings to be having for a Marshall when she was almost certain she had a bounty on her head.

"I was just about to go get something to eat" she said, hoping to beat a hasty retreat an avoid any more conversing with the Marshall of the land.

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

Randy's face broke out into a smile. "You were? How.. felicitous, because I was just going to get some supper myself."

He took a step closer, and she could now see his eyes, sheltered by the brim of his hat, more clearly. They were a familiar shade of green, very much like her own. A sheer coincidence, but not one to forget.

"I do a lot of traveling myself, on public business," he said, more quietly, since they were closer now. "I know how expensive it can be. I also know the best place to eat in Stone Creek. So, Miss Jones, would you be kind enough to allow me to buy you dinner? I'd like to get to know you better, and I might well be able to help you find a job, and someplace to live."

He fixed his eyes on hers as he finished, "I have a feeling that you're just the kind of woman I'd like to see settle here in Stone Creek. Both beautiful and interesting. Will you join me?"

He knew the effect that he had on some women. By no means did it work on all of them, but he found himself hoping that Lydia would respond to it. She was going to be dangerous, but he meant it when he said that he hoped that she would settle here.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia's face must have fallen a bit when Randy asked her for dinner. The last thing she needed was to spend that much time with an officer of the law... But if he could help her find work and a place to stay he might be of great use. Plus it was a free meal and her funds were limited...

Forcing a nervous looking smile, Lydia nodded. "I'm certain that would be wonderful Marshall... Uh... You haven't told me your name, sir" she said.

Two ladies in fancy dresses were passing by on the wooden sidewalk at that time, waving fans in their faces and casting sidelong glances in their direction.

I hope she doesn't think she will get her claws in the Marshall, one told the other. Look at that dress. Why she would hardly be worth a second look if he has any smarts. He needs someone with better class such as your daughter Abigail. I would want him for my Carolina if she weren't already set to be married to Mr. Thompson from the bank. Why, that Marshall is so young and handsome, he could have ANYBODY he chose.

Lydia felt her blood boil and her face heat with anger. Just because she didn't have some fancy ass dress didn't mean she wasn't worthy of anybody. Damn those high society snobs.

"Maybe you shouldn't be seen having supper with me" she said. "It might ruin your reputation".

 

[tcost]

"The name's Brandon, Miss Jones," the marshal returned, sweeping off his hat and into a bow. "Randy Brandon, if you're feeling familiar. Pay them little heed, they don't know any better yet, most of the people here don't keep up with eastern fashion they way that you clearly do. I may not have many smarts, but I do travel more than most people in Stone Creek, so I do know what's in style. And don't let this turn you against Abigail, when you meet her. She's a nice girl."

He spoke quite loudly enough to be overheard, and annoyed the two women just as much as he had intended to. "So," he went on, no longer paying the passing women any further heed, "if you're still willing to be seen in public with a man who hasn't any smarts, would you please accompany me to dinner, Miss Jones?"

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia smiled at the way Randy Brandon addressed the two ladies who had passed. He very obviously made them angry and it secretly pleased her. She nodded and allowed Randy to escort her into the restaurant were several pairs of curious, gossiping eyes turned their way.

They sat at a table in the back corner, semi secluded from every one else. Lydia looked over the menu and decided on a chicken platter that didn't cost very much comparatively to everything else.

She was at a loss as to what to talk about with a Marshall of the law. She was the opposite end of the spectrum! "Marshaling must be interesting work" she finally said quietly as they waited for the waitress to come take their orders. "Do you enjoy it?"

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

"There are parts I enjoy quite a bit," Randy returned, "but, even though it's highly exciting, I'd just as soon pass on the getting-shot-at part. Especially with the punks who want to challenge me to a gunfight just because I'm the law here. Sooner or later, one of them will be faster than I am. So this isn't something I want to go on doing forever. But I enjoy the traveling, I enjoy protecting people, and feeling like I'm contributing something to the town that almost nobody else here could give them."

As he spoke, he mostly watched her eyes, but also her hands. He had this impulse to reach out and take one of her hands, but then again he wanted to touch any given part of her, too. He had been right, earlier on, that she was not just an attractive woman, there was something about her that drew him to her. Plenty of girls in a town this size had made it plain that they liked the marshal, and he liked several of them right back; Abigail was one of them. Maybe it was partly because Randy knew that Lydia was dangerous herself, and surely it was partly just because she was put together so very nicely, but he already knew that tonight he was going to have a hard time getting to sleep while thinking about her.

"So, where have you looked for a job? I promised to help you, and I meant it. One way or another, I will get you some kind of job by this time tomorrow. And if we can't get you anyplace else tonight, you can sleep in the jail, and I'll give you the keys to your cell, so you know that you can keep me out. Not that I'd force myself on you in any case. But, this way, you will know."

 

[momoftwins13]

She avoided his eyes when he spoke of protecting people. She was ashamed that he had been one of those people he had protected others from before. She could never let anyone find that out. Not only would it ruin her chances of turning over a new leaf but she would probably be arrested and possibly hanged for her crimes... She could never risk that.

Lydia was taken aback when he offered to let her sleep in the jail. Not only was it improper it was the last place on earth she would want to stay. Surely it wouldn't do anything for her reputation among the society ladies there in Stone Creek... Not that she gave a damn... But it might harm her efforts in finding a job and a respectable place to live.

"Mr. Brandon," she addressed him quietly. "While I'm sure your jail is, well, comfortable enough, I'm quite positive those arrangements would be frowned upon and deemed improper among society".

She imagine staying the night in the jail with Randy Brandon. Gorgeous Marshall Randy Brandon. She was not a virgin... The outlaw life didn't heed to those kind of society rules, and she knew she was an attractive woman. Several of her fathers past gang members had called upon her but only one had she thought was the one and given her virginity to. And then he had been shot in a robbery gone bad and that dream was gone forever.

No, she wasn't a virgin. So she knew what could happen behind the closed doors of that jail if she were to stay with him. Very improper things indeed the thought brought a smile to her pretty face.

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

Randy nodded, this was more or less the answer he had expected -- but oh, he liked the way that Lydia was smiling at him.

"We couldn't assume that no one would notice, I agree," he told her. "I can get Mr. McCoy, here, to provide you a room, if you can pay for it. If you can't, I can get him to provide you a room anyway, but I would have to call in a favor. And I will do that, if you like."

Scotty McCoy chose that moment to deliver the marshal his steak, and the lady her chicken. Randy made cheerful noises at their host for a moment, until he went away again. As the meal went on, Lydia may have noticed that Scotty never seated anyone else very close to the two of them.

"To go back to what I was saying before -- don't make up your mind about staying here tonight quite yet, though. I want to show you something I have back at the office. There's a fireplace there, and I have something that I want you to see me burn. Because I want you to stick around here, Lydia. I want you to stick around here very much."

He stretched forward his hand, palm up. No one could see them back here. He hoped that she would take the hand he had presented to her.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia smiled when Randy offered to get her a room that might even if he had to call in a favor. She wondered briefly why he was so willing to help her, someone he barely even knew. Automatically she had a distrust of the law, stemming from 20+ years of running and hiding from it. It made her wary of Randy Brandon...

Their food came and Lydia tasted it. It was delicious. The chicken was moist and flavorful and the veggies cooked to perfection. Randy chatted with these who had brought their food while Lydia quietly ate.

I have something that I want you to see me burn. Because I want you to stick around here, Lydia. I want you to stick around here very much."

Lydia felt her cheeks go pink as her eyes darted to those strikingly green ones of his. Slowly she licked her lips and nodded. "I will come with you" she said quietly. He had his hand stretched out towards her, palm up. Lydia hesistated for a moment. She shouldn't be doing this. He was the last person she could trust...

As if on its own accord, her small hand reached out and laid upon his much larger one. A tremor ran through her body at the touch. God, but she wanted to trust him. No man had ever made her feel so jittery and giddy before... Why did it have to be this man?! A Marshall of all people?

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

Randy closed his eyes for just a few seconds as he concentrated on the feel of her hand in his. So light, so soft to the touch. And this was just her hand! Imagine the softness of some of her other parts..

He took a breath again, and opened his eyes. "It's so forward of me to do this," he said softly. He had to deal with brutes and murderers all the time, it was so nice to be able to talk to someone using this tone of voice, it was a relief, a balm all in itself. He knew who she was, and still she had this effect on him. What the hell; this had never happened to him before. Let it happen now, come what may, and be grateful for it.

He moved his thumb slightly, so that the rounded tip of it rested gently on the top of her hand. And then, after a moment, still with their eyes locked on one another's, he started rubbing the tip of his thumb back and forth across the skin of her hand, pushing lightly in, pulling back out again. It was lovely, but it was also lewd.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia's heartbeat raced in her chest. The way he was holding her hand and rubbing his thumb across it was indecent. She knew enough to know that any public display of affection was frowned upon- especially upon two people who were not married or even courting!

But then again, when had she ever gave a damn about society before?

She had to care about society now. She was trying to reform from her old ways of crime and indecency. Being caught in this situation wouldn't help that quest any. Reluctantly she pulled her hand away, her eyes downcast at her plate.

"I can't here" she said softly. "It's improper... Right?" She asked, hesitantly, wishing she were wrong about societal expectations because at the point she wanted nothing more than to have his touch upon her once again...

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

Randy nodded. "Of course, it's improper," he replied, quietly again, but his smile was simultaneously warm and roguish. "That's at least a little bit of why it's so much fun. But it would still be great, wouldn't you agree, even if propriety were no consideration?"

He challenged her, just like that. She could disagree and they would both know it was a lie, but it would be a signal that he should back off, if a very polite one. If she agreed, it was a very strong encouragement.

"I told you that this was the best place in town to dine," he said, in a somewhat louder voice, but still one meant just for her. It just lacked the hint of being clandestine that his earlier whispers had had. "If it weren't, I'd suggest that we leave right now. But we should both do justice to this excellent food. We may want the energy later on."

Randy was a little afraid that he was going too far now, assuming too much and risking putting Lydia off. Never in his born days had he behaved like this before. It was a liberating experience.

Despite his words, he set his utensils down and placed each elbow on the tabletop, folded his hands, and rested his chin on them. He just smiled and -looked- at her, and in his mind he took a good guess about what that calico dress concealed. All of a sudden, he liked calico better than he ever had before.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia was a bit affronted by this mans casual attitude towards sex. Was she somehow going off the vibe that she was sexually open? If so she needed to figure out how to stop it.

"Mr Brandon, may I ask why it is you seem to think that I'm ok with the suggestions you are making to me?" She finally asked, not answering his questionable comments one way or the other.

"I may not be from a town quite as large as this one, but I'm pretty sure even here it is considered disrespectful to make those kind of insinuations to a lady".

To a passerby it may sound like a reprimand that she was giving to Randy... But only he could see her face. He could see the fierce challenge in her eyes; the playful smile upon her mouth.

Screw society, she thought. They're no fun.

She finished eating her dinner, for the TASTE, not the energy as Randy has suggested so lewdly. When she was done she eaited for him to settle up the bill and stood.

"You said you have... Something to burn?" She asked, her curiosity obviously peaked by his comment earlier. "I'd like to know what that something is, if that's ok?"

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

That smile so belied Lydia's words that Marshal Brandon's eyes crinkled up a bit, and he was near to beside himself in whimsy. His hat was sitting on the table next to him, so he did not need to doff it as he put one hand flat over his heard and replied, still in that calm, quiet voice, "Miss Jones -- if I have in any way offended you, I sincerely apologize. I never wished to be disrespectful to you in the least." Which was completely true; if he had misjudged Lydia in this, he owed her a whopping big apology.

When she asked that final question, though, his expression sobered up. "It's a poster, with a drawing, but one that must have been made from a description rather than by an eyewitness, because it's a very poor likeness. The woman depicted is nowhere near as beautiful as the actual subject is -- you'll see, before I burn it. I've had no occasion to show it to anybody else, and now I want to make doubly sure that no one else ever does. Some woman named Johnston with a price on her head. I should write to the territorial attorney and let them know that she's dead, and will never trouble anyone that way again."

Once again, with his palm up, he extended his hand to Lydia.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia felt all of the blood drain from her face and swayed a bit, catching a hand on the edge of the table.

"You... Uh... Johnston" she stuttered. Her expressive eyes became wary and she backed up a step, apparently ready to flee. "You know" she said flatly. She had known she shouldn't trust this marshall... He had known all along who she was.

"You know who I am" she said again... "So why have you not taken me away in shackles? I know what the posters say. They say wanted for murder". Her chid lifted in a stubborn glare. "I never murdered anyone. I never assisted in a burglary where anyone was murdered. I did help my family rob innocent people and for that I will apologize... But I've learned the error of my ways. I left them days ago to start a new life where Nobody would know me. This is where I chose but apparently I should have traveled farther..."

Her mind was racing. She had to get away, so she turned and slipped out the nearby back door, aware of Randy on her heels. Suddenly she spun on him.

"If you know who I am," she accused, "why are you going to burn my poster and show nobody? Or is that just a ploy to get me to your jail?"

True fear shone in her eyes as she stared at him in the dark alley behind the restaurant. She didn't know whether to stay, walk or run away...

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

"Think about what you're saying, Lydia," Randy replied, still quietly but fiercely all the same. "I could have gotten you to my office, where the jail is, without having alluded to that poster. You would have come along with me, and you know it. But I wanted to be honest with you. That is the only reason I can imagine why I should have mentioned it before we were there."

He moved slowly, reaching out to place one hand on her shoulder, lest she flee again. "If I wanted to arrest you, I wouldn't have approached you this way. I could have done this out on the street with a dozen people around, where you couldn't have gotten away from me. But, no. I spoke to you in a public place, but still somewhere where we could talk without being overheard. All chosen to make you feel as comfortable as possible."

He stepped closer, and brought his free hand to her side. "Why do you think I want to keep people from knowing about that poster, Lydia? Let me make that as plain as day."

That was when he kissed her. For as long as she was going to let him continue.

 

[momoftwins13]

His serious tone caught Lydia's attention and made her stop backing away from him. She listened intently to his words. What he said sounded true enough, but she had an incredibly hard time erasing that doubt from her mind. She had been raised to distrust the law on sight and now she was supposed to just trust this Marshall who knew he was wanted...?

His hand came up to her shoulder and he moved closer. Lydia stood her ground and looked up into his stunning eyes, nearly melting at the look there. He moved closer again and placed his other hand on her hip.

"Let me make that as plain as day."

And then he kissed her. It was unlike any kiss she had ever experienced.. Deep and passionate, enough to make her forget those worries and step closer, her body pressing flat against his. Her own arms came up and wrapped around his neck in an effort to bring them closer together.

The kiss continued until several men walked by on the boardwalk laughing raucously and when they spotted the couple in the dark alley kissing passionately try whistles loudly and made catcalls, causing Lydia to step back quickly, embarrassed.

She stood there staring at Randy, her eyes shadowed with lust, desire as confusion. She wanted him badly but knew she shouldn't... "Randy, I..." She paused unsure of what to say.

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

When Lydia pressed against him, Randy's arms went around her. He held her just as tight as she had cleaved to him. They seemed to fit together very well.

"I shouldn't have done that here, outside, Lydia," Randy told her. "But it seemed the only way to make things clear to you. Come on, we have something to burn. And more than that to do in private."

Once more he stepped closer, and took her right hand with his left, if she would let him. He kept the fight hand free just in case those catcallers turned rowdy, and he needed his gun.

 

[momoftwins13]

Randy took her hand in his and they headed off in the direction of what she assumed was the jail. They had to pass by one saloon on the way and she saw the cat callers standing outside.

"Hey look!" One shouted. "It's them lovey-birds from back in that there alleyway". He spit a wad of tobacco on the ground in front of him. His companions all chuckled amongst themselves.

One looked up and grinned. "Hey it's the Marshall! Hey Marshall where'd you get that piece of ass? She's fine! She a new girl at Tilly's?" He drawled, mentioning the local whorehouse.

Lydia's spine went straight and she glared at the man who had made the comment. She briefly thought for a moment that she could probably outgun the drunken slob... But she was turning over a new leaf.

Instead, she merely stayed silent by Randy's side. The men weren't acting violent.. They just seemed to be rowdy assholes who had drank a little too much that night and had big mouths.

 

[tcost]

The Marshal.

"While you are correct that she is fine, you need a lesson in manners, sir," Randy replied, his voice nearly a growl. "She's not one of Tilly's. You mistake yourself. So.."

With his left hand still in Lydia's, he took a quarter-step toward them, and raised his right hand in a fist; neither of them would think that he might be going for his gun. "Give the lady an apology, or get ready to learn that lesson the hard way, mister."

It became clear that neither of the two men were willing to get into a fistfight with Randy Brandon. They slunk away without an apology, but Randy decided not to press that point.

"Come on, honey," Randy muttered. "Let's get inside and out of sight."

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia wasn't used to having a man fight her battles for her... It was a strange feeling. It made her feel both protected and yet vulnerable. Not being able to stand up and fight for herself was frustrating but she knew that it was not ladylike to do so ... So she couldn't.

Randy beckoned her to follow him and she did quietly. When they got to the jail they immediately went in, like he said, and got out of the public eye. He walked over to his desk- she assumed to find her poster.

"Randy?" She questioned. "Why are you doin this? Why aren't you calling me out in public and arresting me?" She had to know. "You're risking your reputation as a man of the law by doing this... If people find out..." She stopped talking, assuming he knew the consequences of his actions.