The Lawman and The Bankers Daughter (closed)

[momoftwins13]

Lydia Simpson

Lydia grew up living the privileged life. Born to a mother who died during childbirth, Lydia was the only child of Lionel Simpson. Doted on from birth, a constant, happy, reminder of her mother, and the love her father had harbored for the woman, Lydia never wanted for a thing in her entire life.

And yet, even though incredibly spoiled, somehow she still managed to grow up with a kind, caring demeanor that drew people to her like no other. She was friendly to everyone and mean to noone. In her mind every person was exactly that- a person. And everybody deserved respect and a gentle word now an then.

Much to her rich father's dismay, as a child Lydia would often journey to the poor side of town and play with the "riffraff" down there only to be chastised when she got back for socializing with "unkempt people like that".

What Lydia never knew, growing up in a large southern mansion, with all the money she could ever want, was how her father had come across his first fortune. Very few people knew that.

As a young man just starting out on his own, her father had fell into ranks with a vicious gang; a gang known for murdering people, train robberies, shoot outs... But a gang that also almost always came across fortune. One train robbery had been particularly lucrative for Lionel. It had also been an eye opener when he saw five of his comrades mowed down by bullets.

He had taken his share of the fortune and split. He had then proceeded to build an empire with his brilliant, analytical mind. During the civil war he managed to stay home due to the 3 banks he owned.

Lydia was nerve affected one way or the other by the war. To her it was merely something terrible people talked about. She never had experienced any of it firsthand.

Lydia's life story "tragedy" came when her father decided to open a bank up out in western territories. That meant he- and she consequently- had to travel and live out west for a number of years until he got it well established.

Leaving her comfortable mansion, and large city comforts was something Lydia despised doing but she did. And she learned to tolerate the small dusty town they came to reside in. But she still missed her southern home and visited regularly.

She was traveling back to the little western town where her father was, after visiting her home in the south. She was completely unaware of the turmoil her father was experiencing as he had had contact from two old gang members from his past.

Their demands: they needed funding or they would reveal to all how Lionel had made his fortune. That would ruin him. Possibly have the law come after him. everything he could not have happen.

But Lydia was blissfully unaware of it all as she sat in the luxurious box car of the train she was on; chugging back out west. All was right in the world for her. She sat there, reading her dime novel, enjoying the gentle swaying motion of the train and the rhythmic clacking of its wheels on the rails.

It was a full train; nearly every seat taken except a few sparse ones including the one next to her. The conductor announced that soon they would be arriving at their next stop... Only ten more to go, she thought to herself sarcastically. Lord but it was a long trip.

 

[Lazorrath]

For you listening intro pleasure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO1SGvFSgZQ

The sun was starting to rise over the Colorado mountains, the cold crisp winds starting to be replaced by the warmth of a fresh day. The cold winds were retreating early this year as the Spring began to take reign. The larks were already flying towards the promise of warm summer, seeking reprieve from another unforgiving winter. Their black plummage with the light touch of morning dew ruffling through their wings, the flock was flying through Kansas at the moment as the sun came over the Rockies. An eye barely twitched as the first light caught him in the eye, he beat the sun again in a race. He always did there was no time for rest and no time worry. He had a train to catch.

An Appaloosa stallion rode through the morning hard and fast making its way to station 300 miles west of the Kansas/Colorado border. Each hoof cleaved into the ground leaving its signature over the damp plain; its black pearled eyes focused in the only direction it never needed. The horse showed no sign of surrender as the cool air was met with its warm breath; the sun met a black belt at first, with a white pelt and black spots followed on the back side of the horse. Between those black eyes a splotch of white went over its right eye; and a silver mane brushes against the arms of its rider.

The stallions keeper clung tight to the reigns as he rode in perfect unison with that horse. Rarely did a pair of black boots with long spurs have to remind the horse of the hurry they were in. Long strong legs strained against the brown leather to keep him steady. White knuckled hands gripped around the compacted leather reign, a long jagged scar traveled from the knuckle to his wrist. The rider wore a sun bleached tan jacket with a "V" of metal buttons going down the leather. The glint of the sun was soon blocked out by a long brim black hat to keep his sights clear. Around his waist was leather belt with sewn in pockets at his right hip was black revolver, its trigger filed and clean as whistle.

A stern unmoved face rode against the chilled winds that were finally warming up, the beard he'd been growing for the last few years finally paying off. Nolan E. Dewitt was almost there now as he could see the smoke of his train not far in the distance. He knew starting early would give him the time he needed; especially when he was reminded of a slight yelp that came from behind him.
Nolan barely turned his head to see the hogtied man with gag in his mouth. The man wreaked of liquor, blood and somethings that should never be said. The man wore a tattered shirt and roughed up pants; his eyes white as if he had seen a ghost. The last thing he remembered was a woman in knapsack...now he woke up to haunting blue eyes that reminded him, he is very much back in Kansas.

Nolan and his convict soon came upon the hub town created as a favored stopping point for travelers trying to make there way to California. The dirt and grime on his face blocked out by a thick wool scarf around his throat during his ride. He reached up to tighten it a graze of his finger reminding him of old scars; he couldn't help but tighten it up again. His goal was simple straight to the sheriffs office on the corner of Durlin Street. Soon enough the sight of fresh budding bushing and trees was replaced by street signs, saloons and the scent of the incoming train. A slight twitch and shiver went over Nolan as he looked to the railway.

The black and white stallion soon came to a halt to a building made out of mud and stone. The jail was never a more welcome sight, it would be Nolan's last bounty if God was willing...at least for a few days. A weathered man with a bush salt and pepper beard and stash was waiting outside. A smile on his face when Nolan jumped off his horse; the Appaloosa stallion didn't move only its head gave a shake as it freed trapped dew drops in its mane.

The weathered sheriff raised a hand and it was met with the strong grip of Nolan hand still warm from the reigns. The sheriff gave a smile that you could only tell as from his raised mustache. "I thought you said you were gonna beat the sun."

Nolan didn't miss a beat "Told ya I would beat the train, never made a promise against the sun in my life and don't intend to now. Especially if I get you up with morning for once." The sheriff chuckled and soon dragged the convict to the ground with a cloud of dust. The old man pulled out an envelope three hundred dollars fresh from the bank. Nolan jumped back on his horse and closed in to grab the envelope.

The sheriff pulled the money back for a moment. "We could use a man like you out here Nolan. You could stare down the devil if he was in your way. Few men I know who can boast that."

"Got places to be...and things to take care of. Been doing this for too long already." Nolan replied and with a reach grabbed the envelope. He knew his man, no need to count it.

"You always got work here in case the gold bug runs out. Always money in this town." The old timer said pulling a out a metal chain with a hoop around it for his new inmate.

Nolan nodded and quickly turned his horse around. "Don't give a damn about money Fred. That's for family men." With a burst of strength with a quick command from Nolan, the stallion burst forward to the train station. He was cutting it close for his own comfort. He knew his ticket was already waiting for him and it didn't take long for him to settle his horse at the back of the train and make his way first class....first time he had been on a train in years, or first class for that matter.

He knew enough to know he was under dressed and pat off the dust off his pants. He looked up from himself to meet the judging eye of the ticketmaster. A rough fellow with a pointy mustache who gave a look to the young man fresh from the trail. Nolan had just ridden for days on horseback and he wasn't in a mood for judgement. A cold look from his blue eyes hastened the ticketman's work ethic until he saw the weapon on his belt. By the time the plump fellow looked back up Nolan already moved his jacket open; the badge of a U.S. Marshall for the Western territories. Nolan wouldn't wait another moment as the ticketman held his breath; Nolan could smell the whiskey on his breath.

Passing through the narrow halls of the cars he came to seating area. A collective raise of eyebrows came from the room. Nolan didn't give them a second thought as he looked around saw the few empty spaces. As his eyes looked the closest one was beside a young woman with fair skin and beautiful brown hair; it took him by surprise. Made him have to clear his thoughts and remind himself he could relax just for a little while. His demeanor softened slightly as a small smile crept to his face.

"Pardon me miss, is this seat taken?" Though he seemed weathered his voice gave him to have hint of youth. Nolan had seen a lot in 29 years, he wondered sometimes if he wanted to see more. He asked with a pleasant tone giving himself a quick reminder of manners and etiquette. If she would have him, he would gladly take a seat beside her. Funny normally he wouldn't care who he sat beside; her form was so pristine and clean. He couldn't help but fear getting dirt on her dress and offending the young woman.



http://i2.listal.com/image/1392491/600full-3:10-to-yuma-screenshot.jpg

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia was deeply involved in the novel she was reading. The train began to slow for its arrival in Colorado. Steam hissed, brakes squealed, and the passengers on board lurched a bit as it slowed and finally came to a halt in the little town. Several people stood and gathered their things before making their way off of the train. Several others stood and walked off to apparently stretch their legs.

Lydia merely glanced without interest out the window. She had no desire to leave the train and walk outside. It was merely another dusty town among many. There were still many miles between her and the town where her father and she now resided. There would be many, many more little dusty town along the way.

Looking back down at her book, Crime and punishment, Lydia heard passengers begin to board the train. Some new faces and some of the same old ones she had been seeing throughout her trip. She absentmindedly smoothed the hem of her impeccable peach colored dress as she read another page.

When she first heard the voice speak from beside her she glanced up with her ever present and ready, friendly smile. She was surprised, to say the least, when she saw the dusty state of the man's clothes and the unkempt manner of his hair and beard but the smile remained firmly intact. He was certainly underdressed compared to other travelers in first class, but that meant nothing to Lydia.

"Good morning," she said cheerfully. "Please have a seat." She closed the book, dog-eating a page so she would be able to find her place again when she was ready. She gestured to the seat beside her. "You look trail weary" she commented softly. From somebody else the comment might have been offensive but coming from bailey's soft voices and her innocent looking face, it was obvious that she meant it merely as a sentiment; an observation.

"My name is Lydia Simpson" she said, holding out a tiny hand for him to shake, unconcerned with the dirt that marred his skin and clothes. It made no matter to her. "Where are you headed?"

 

[Lazorrath]

Her reaction was divine in nature, he always caught the subtleties in a person's face. There would be a twitch in the eye or an attempt to hide the curl of the lip. Just a pristine smile stared back into his blue eyes, it caught him off his guard. As he learned to read a face he knew how to keep his intact, and a slight curl of a smile grew on his face. Though a cool and calm demeanor stayed over his face; a part of him felt guilty for sitting beside the young woman. His woes washed away looking upon her smile. Nolan couldn't help but take a look around feeling this might be some sort of trick.

"A much appreciated gesture." His voice gave away a sign of heritage, southern was in the man's blood that was for sure. A silvery smokey tone rode on the voice of a man who had not slept in a day. He held himself quiet well for the deeds that were done. The women's harmony and soft tone easily helped the man to relax a bit more him. Her intention and caring was like an aura that tried to consume you; like the water of a warm bath.

"Weary...I have not yet begun to tire myself out." He spoke with a humorous chuckle at the end of his words. He reached up to remove his hat as a low sigh left his lips. It felt good to finally sit down and relax for the time being after the week he had. If God would let him, perhaps the next week would find some rest. After he removed his hat a handkerchief seem to materialize before him to wipe of some of the sweat and grime from the mornings ride. Nolan felt better already.

He saw the young woman raise her hand was not shy to give her full name. She now had his full attention as he put away the handkerchief and his eyes focused on hers. Though it was her last name that truly caught his attention and his mind raced for a moment. Though his smile never faded. "Ms. Simpson...I'm Nolan, Nolan Dewitt and it is a pleasure to make your aquaintance" His hand reached out though he reserved himself to a proper handshake she could feel the strength and course nature of his hands. The top of his right hand bared a long scar that traveled to the top of his wrist.

"I am on my way to Durango, Colorado. I have a meeting with an...old friend of mine I knew from some time. " He thought over his words carefully. It was bizarre of the odds that he would be on a train with someone related to the man he had been in contact with. She had to be his daughter by the look of her. There was no wedding ring on her finger yet there was a serene controlled nature about her. She made a bit tough for him to concentrate he hated to admit it, but denying that this woman was beautiful was denying nature. His eyes glanced from time to time over to her hand to check if a wedding ring had suddenly appeared; he was comforted every time to know it was not.

"And what would bring a vision like yourself, to this part of the country?" He asked having a hint of the answer already in his heart. But there was always a chance he could be wrong...rare as it had been. Retracting his hand was a tough thing to do; he knew a good catch when he saw one. He had not his more wild days, but he had a job to do.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia was surprised when Nolan said he was heading to Durango. "Actually that is where I'm heading too" she said. "My father and I moved out there several months ago for him to open yet another bank". She rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Always hungry for more money, my father is. I told him the ones back in Georgia were plenty but he swears he needs more... I'm actually on my way home from a visit to Georgia now. Where have you been that you've been on the trail so much?" Her eyes widened slightly and she blushed. "If you don't mind me asking, that is... Daddy says I tend to talk too much so if I do please inform me and I will stop".

Her smile was young, fresh and wholesome. She still had a wide eyed innocence about her that few people out west had. Most were eeking a living from the often dry land and had run amidst many a hard times. They were world weary and often harsh. Lydia unknowingly was like a breath of fresh air among them all.

She noticed quietly that the man beside her harbored many scars on his face, ear and hands. She wondered briefly if he had been in the war or if he had gotten them some other way. She knew better than to ask, however. That was a far too personal question for someone she had just met.

Instead she contented herself with asking where he had been, and then she asked why he was heading to Durango as well.

 

[Lazorrath]

When Lydia spoke of her father needing more banks he took a deep breath as he continued to put up his poker face. This finger and thumb rubbed against the brim of his hat with a bit more pressure. Nolan's mind strayed from his focus on her, thought of an old pain in his shoulder made him press his shoulders back. A flash of old memories rushed through him, the last time he saw Lionel a younger Lionel. That sound of metal tearing rang through his mind and took a quick breath to refocus. Her voice like honey drew him back in the flush of her cheeks made a smirk grow on his face. The man had a daughter now...this changed things.

Before his eyes looked back to that face an artist would kill to draw, he saw a bit of the dirt from his pants was at risk at spilling on to her dress. She didn't need to know everything nor did she deserve that burden. He wasn't much for hiding, but it save his life before.

"They say the world is a dangerous place, and that's true. But I find the most dangerous thing in this world will always be a man without fear. I'm just a reminder to those men, they are just that...men. I'm a U.S. Marshall, peace keeper for the past three years." His tone went a bit cold for the moment he caught himself soon enough. He didn't want to leave a bad memory.

But he kept his smile and chuckled. "My line of work keeps me on the trails, most bad men know to hide. So sometimes I gotta get my hands a bit dirty to put them where they belong." He neglected to mention that sometimes it meant putting them in the ground. And that was the easy ones.

"Durango has called on me for a bit of assistance in a matter. I know your father Lionel, he asked me to help keep the peace. I aim to do so." His southern accent gave a bit more, had to be from Louisiana if she had heard it before.

 

[momoftwins13]

A US Marshall. She probably should have figured. He had that sort of look to him, Lydia thought to herself. An authoritative, "don't mess with me" kind of look. In her eyes it was quite an attractive trait. And on top of being handsome anyway it seemed like a winning combination.

Her eyes widened when he said he knew her father. "You know him? Wow. Small world! Have they been having issues with crime in Boulder?" That would be news to her. Her father had never mentioned anything like that to her in his letters. She wondered briefly why he would have an US Marshall come out there.

The train lurched away from the platform at that moment in, causing Lydia to accidentally press against Nolan for a moment. Quickly she pulled away and blushed slightly. "Pardon me I didn't realize we were departing" she said softly.

She thought about his voice. He was definitely from the south but she couldn't quite place where. "I bet you see lots of interesting things as a Marshall" she said as the train picked up speed, smoke pouring from the stack. The landscape began to speed by as the train moved, kicking up a huge cloud of dust in its wake.

"I think it would be fun... Traveling so much for a job" she said of being a Marshall. She was idealizing the job of course and not thinking about the bad parts. "But is dangerous right? Is that where the scars come from?"

Her face turned red again. "Sorry that's a very personal question. Please do not feel obligated to answer me".

 

[Lazorrath]

Before Nolan had a chance to speak the train lurched forward. There was nowhere to go and he wasn't about to let her fall into an empty seat. All that dirt all over her dress, nothing he could do to stop it. He cushioned her the slight bump, truly it wasn't that much dirt on her dress. He always seem to leave a mark where he went. He hoped it wouldn't ruin it. "No pardon needed, I'm sorry about your dress Ms. Simpson. Could be worse, if you fell on my boots I would have suggested burnin it." He gave a low laugh he rearranged himself in the chair.

She was rather outspoken and well versed, she must have gone to university or academia of some kind. For all he knew she could have gone over seas. Her question brought him no distress, it caused him to tighten the scarf around his neck. No need to see such a garish scar of that nature. To answer the question of how dangerous it would have been simple. No need to wonder how cruel the world could be.

"It is...got that one from Bowie knife dealing with horse thieves from Tennessee during the war. Caught me by surprise but it taught how to use my left hand ever so quickly. Taught me to grow a beard when I cut my self shaving two or three times." He sequentially squeezed his fingers one after another, the hand hadn't failed him yet.

"But what of you Ms. Simpson? I doubt he called me down to make you a deputy." He said feeling a bit more playful now. He hadn't reached thirty yet and old habit die hard. Could you blame him? He twisted his upper body slightly to face her direction; the grin on his face got a little wider now.

 

[momoftwins13]

She brushed aside his worry for her dress. She didn't really care about the thing that much. There were plenty more. Lydia listened raptly as he described the scar on his hand and how he had come about it. She was truly interested in the man beside her and not only because he was an acquaintance of her father... Something about him attracted her as she couldn't put her finger on what it was.

He was handsome, sure. But he was rugged and dangerous. He was rough around the edges and sure of himself. She had been courted by a man in Georgia before they left for Colorado. He had been nothing like Nolan... NOT that Nolan was courting her anyway... It was just so easy to compare the two men because they were so different.

"What of me?" She asked, watching in awe as the smile beneath the beard grew wider. It transformed his face. He was gorgeous. "My life has been dull in comparison to yours. I went to school right in Georgia near my home. I took boring and dull refining classes. I drove my daddy crazy what for constantly socializing with who he considers the low class". She shrugged. "We are all people in my eyes".

She glanced at him curiously. "I could help, ya know. Whatever daddy is hiring you for. I know the land here. I ride on my gelding Darkness's Demon all of the time. I would stay back during all of the hard stuff".

Of course she had no idea how dangerous the job could get or why he was even out there. She was naive about such things and I was showing. In all she was a spoiled rich girl even if she DID have a heart of gold... It was an odd combination.

 

[Lazorrath]

Her education preceded her but it was one thing to be given the tools and know how to apply them. Lydia had her protection; status would keep her safe. She would want for not with connections. But anything can happen if you step out of your front door. Past the gates of her estate anyone could make sweet promises. Time would tell how her eyes would stare; when the real world came to her doorstep. "People do bad things. Not all of them...but you'd be surprised." He was a realist at the end of the day; Nolan had to make a judge of character in seconds sometimes.

He appreciated the eagerness, he would give her that. It had been awhile since he had been through this part of the country. Lydia presented an opportunity to bypass days of building good will with the town. Having a prominent girl talk about him was something he couldn't pass up on. Nolan's eyes could not help but wander and wonder over the peach colored dress. "Well Lydia I could use a grand tour of the area, I could use help meeting the movers and shakers in town. Not to mention my stallion could use a good run from time to time." It was a strange combination, it was like she was just waiting to be show what was out there. He was getting too bold but he was enjoying himself too much to think about it.

However his mind could not help but then be distracted, he could see Lionel giving his daughter a gelding. The idea made him shudder and not just for the poor male horse. "Forgive me for changing the conversation, but please tell me you have ridden on a strong mare or stallion?" Even though he had been many a blaze through the states; the thrill of riding on his stallion never cease to amaze him. "

 

[momoftwins13]

Show him around. Introduce him to people. Exercise his horse. They were all extremely easy jobs- not exactly what she had been hoping for really. But she supposed something was better than nothing. Her beautiful bright eyes sought his out and she nodded. "I've ridden many willful horses before. I rode all of the time back in Georgia. My own gelding tends to think he is still a Stallion and ends up getting frisky every time we go out. He's very spirited. Daddy's almost didn't buy him for me".

The train continues to amble it's way through terrain that became more holly and mountainous with every passing mile. The swaying motion of the machine was soothing and served almost as if a rocking chair for its passengers. Lydia hadn't slept much the night before on the train and it began to catch up with her. M

She stifled a yawn. "I can definitely introduce you around and take dare of your horse. In fact he can stay in our own stable. He will be safe there. We have a guard there all day, every day. Some of daddy's horses are quite valuable. I don't know where come from or how they get there. He is pretty secretive about his horses. "I don't know their names or their parents and I don't know if he has paperwork. They always just show up at the house'. She shrugged and yawned again.

"I'm sorry. I didn't sleep well last night" she told him softly.

 

[Lazorrath]

When she spoke of taking care of his horse he realized he did not make himself clear. The road made have made him rough but he wasn't without manners. "I apologize if I have offended, I did not mean to downplay you...nor ask you to take care of my horse. That's what ranch hands are for, I want someone who knows the trails, show me where you enjoy riding. See how fast this Demon's Darkness of yours can run." He said with a smirk, there was always room for one no matter the time. In the end he always enjoyed a challenge.

He watched her eyes flutter from time to time. She was getting tired, and he couldn't blame her. Nolan wasn't too far off from a nap himself. The days on the trail had not been the kindest to him. There would be plenty of time to sleep on this trip...he hadn't had someone like this to talk to in too long. Yet there was that risk that he couldn't stop what he might bring with him. Lionel was involved, he couldn't help but wonder if he was bringing justice or a firestorm.

She was innocent of her father's deeds...this much he could tell...at least the man did one thing right with his money.

"Not that I doubt your ability as a deputy, but you don't want to get near what I gonna get myself into. The world becomes a messy place while I'm around. Stray bullet can hit anyone. I could use a friend though, if you wouldn't mind my company." He asked in a kind voice, like the last strum of a guitar after a chord.

 

[momoftwins13]

Lydia 's eyes opened wider in understanding as Nolan explained himself and the job he had been speaking of. Someone to really run her own horse? She felt like he really didn't even need someone like her but was just pacifying her.

She could easily show him the land and her favorite places to ride. There were several beautiful valleys and cliffs that she loved to go to and explore. That was one thing about Colorado. It was absolutely gorgeous. Much prettier than Georgia.

She laughed softly about him saying he didn't doubt her deputy abilities. But she knew it was true. She knew his job was an extremely dangerous one. He must constantly be on the lookout for people after him.

She yawned again and laid her head against the incredibly uncomfortable head rest and sighed. "These seats are most uncomfortable" she said quietly. "I hope you don't mind me resting a bit. Its sooo hard to sleep on this train with the jostling and the hard as a brick head rests".

She smiled again and leaned her head slightly towards him as she let her eyes close.