Then Came a Stranger

[cgraven]

Then Came a Stranger

This is a closed thread for Georgie Girl, G G and cgraven you are invited to read along and enjoy.

Paradise that’s what they called the place but Paradise it was not. Oh the original settlers thought it was indeed Paradise after crossing the dry arid planes. A stream of clear waster running through a narrow valley, well perhaps a gulch more than a valley, the shade of few cotton woods. That was then, the cotton woods cut down, the stream a muddy creek now with the town of Paradise clustered around it.

The only thing that made people cluster around the stream and town was that it was a stop for the overland stage. The station manager Mat Coleman leaned against the coral fence and looked out over the barren plain and town. The town was a collection of buildings, some with canvas roofs, a general store, three saloons, one of which was a seedy dance hall, a blacksmith and a boarding house for overnight stage passengers. There was no church or school and few women, other than the dance hall girls. And then there was the plains hot, dust, and stretched as far as the eye could see.

Mat Coleman was a veteran of the War Between the States. He had fought for the Union cause, had been wounded at Gettysburg, and walk with a limp as a result. His sandy hair blew in the wind and he wiped the sweat from his brow it was going to be another hot day, just like so many before it and so many to come, until the cold winds of winter came, but there was always the dust. Mat pulled out his watch, the stage was late again, the change of horses was ready they nervously pawed the ground as they stood there waiting for the stage, waiting to be hitched. Just another day in Paradise.

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina Wild was Wild by name and Wild by nature. No one knew who her parents were or where she was born. The woman who handed her in to the little church home said she found her abandoned outside her ranch house. The weather was wild and windy that night so the preacher gave to the baby the surname of ‘Wild’ and gave her the first name of her rescuer ‘Georgina’.

Almost as soon as she could talk and walk Georgina became difficult, she fought with other children and refused to be told what to do. As soon as she could hold a land fork she was sent out to work on the farms to earn money to pay for her own keep and the younger children.

Believing she should have been born a boy Georgina hated being dressed in dresses and skirts so she wore ‘boys clothes’ whenever she could. On her 18th birthday Georgina was given a little money and a set of clothes. Working on the land by day and in the local bar at night Georgina soon saved enough money to buy a horse and a revolver Georgina started her journey which would take her from town to town working and fighting.

Georgina was nearly 6 foot tall, slim, healthy with jet black hair and dark forbidding eyes. Her black hair was matched by her black shirt and trousers. Her mount, a young black stallion she named Macbeth was her only companion.

By now Georgina was 21 and her journeys took her to ‘Paradise’. Riding into the town she thought how small it all was, but she was hungry, thirsty and had little money. Her eyes saw a sandy haired man outside the staging post. Riding up to him she dismounted and asked “Where can I find work and a bed for the night?”

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna Lewis hoisted up her skirts and began the long process of gathering the cows in from the field in preparation for milking. Twenty four years old she was effectively the bread winner living with her now broken mother and invalid brother. Paradise never had an official sherif, it was considered way too small. But her father, Frank, was appointed by the visiting magistrate as a sort of authorised deputy and he kept the peace as well as ran his ranch.

One day three gunmen rode into town and demanded free drinks at the bar. Frank and Brianna s Brother Jim tried to calm the situation down and the gunmen left. When Frank and Jim left the bar that night they were gunned down, Frank was killed instantly and Jim paralysed from his waste down. The gunmen rode off but were themselves killed when they tried the same trick in the next town.

That was six years ago and since then Brianna continued to run the family business. No time for boyfriends or nights out she lived a fun less life. Five foot nine tall, slim build with flowing blonde locks she had been propositioned by several men but she was never sure if they wanted her or her family ranch. She hired some workers on a seasonal basis but she really wanted someone she could trust who could live in with the family. Finding such a person would be hard.

By now she’d got all of her cows in bar one. This one made a dart from the shed into the thoroughfare where Mat Coleman was waiting talking to a stranger. As the cow approached the stranger reached out and calmed her. As she approached Brianna noticed the stranger was a woman. A woman looking for work and a place to live.

“Thank you Ma’m” Brianna said as she took the cow in hand. “I could use some help tonight, I’ll give you a bed, a bath and a day’s wage. We’ll sort the future later. Deal?”

 

[cgraven]

The horses were restless as they pawed the ground, a storm was brewing, the clouds darkening, and there was the smell of rain in the air. Mat looked up from his watch to see a tall slim rider coming towards him. The rider had a bandana draw up over there face, against the swirling dust. The rider was dressed all in black and on a black mount that now was covered in a fine coat of dust giving the rider another world ghostly look, only their dark foreboding eyes visible. This ghostly rider swung easily down from their mount, “Where can I find work and a bed for the night?”

Mat Coleman was startled, a woman? Hell there were few women in or around Paradise and certainly none that dressed like a man. He had known several “boys” that had signed up to fight in the war that in fact turned out to be women. No matter how good a soldier they were when it was found out that they were gals they were dishonorably discharged and drummed out of the army. Mat didn’t give a fig how she dressed but knew there would be trouble, but he decided he would take a chance on her. “You any good with horses?”

Before the stranger could answer Brianna Lewis’s cow busted into the carol and all hell broke loose. Mat grabbed the lead reigns of the waiting team to keep them from bolting as the stranger took the wayward cow in hand. “Thank you Ma’m. I could use some help tonight, I’ll give you a bed, a bath and a day’s wage. We’ll sort the future later. Deal?”

Mat shook his head as he settled the team down, this was not the first time Brianna’s cow had caused such a scene and yet Mat kept his thoughts to himself after all with the death of her father her brother crippled Brianna had more than her hands full.

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

No sooner had the sandy haired man asked her if she could handle horses Georgina was aware of a disturbance from the side. For a moment she feared an ambush and she moved her hand down towards her revolver. Instead she heard a woman’s voice shouting and noticed a cow running wild upsetting the sandy haired man’s horses.

Reaching out to the runaway cow Georgina held on tight while calling softly “Quiet Girl ... good girl ... no one’s gonna hurt you.” Calming the beast down she looked at the two people who obviously knew each other. The girl chasing the cow thanked her, took the cow from her and offered her a bed for the night, a welcome bath and a day’s payment in exchange for help on the ranch.

“What’s a girl to do?” Georgina laughed “five minutes ago I had no work, now I’ve been offered two.” In the distance thunder rolled and Wild noticed the horses becoming agitated while the cow began to jump. “We need to get those cows in for milking now and these horses under cover. I can help with both.”

Having heard the sandy haired man was waiting for the stage Wild said “I’ll help with the cows then I’ll be back to help change the horses. Can you find a space for my horse tonight?” The young woman nodded and Wild followed her back to her ranch. The thunder grew louder as they made their way in and Wild heard the horses startle. “I’ll be back soon” she reassured as she felt the first drop of rain hit her cheek.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna could see the funny side of the stranger’s remark. She had just arrived in the town which was more like a community than a town and now she had not one but two offers of work.

The thunder in the distance grew louder as the sky grew darker and the wind increased. The rain began slowly and Brianna turned to Mat “The stage is late today” she remarked “you can’t leave those horses out here too long”. Turning to Wild she remarked “Help Mr Coleman to get his horses into our outer stables, at least they’ll be dry.”

Suddenly a flash of lightning flashed down followed immediately by a deep violent clap of thunder that rocked the ground. Brianna kept hold of her cow while May Coleman’s horses reared up neighing.

Amazingly the stranger easily controlled the horses while her own stood calmly. Brianna couldn’t understand how this young woman had such skill. Where had she learned how to master animals? Why had she suddenly appeared in the town? What did she want?

 

[cgraven]

“Five minutes ago I had no work, now I’ve been offered two.” In the distance thunder rolled. The stranger’s voice was soft and low, comforting, sensual. The horses seemed to react to it calming yet still skittish “We need to get those cows in for milking now and these horses under cover. I can help with both.”

The storm was rising the first drops of rain splashed against their faces, “The stage is late today” Brianna remarked “you can’t leave those horses out here too long”. Turning to Wild “Help Mr. Coleman to get his horses into our outer stables, at least they’ll be dry.” Brianna was a gal that took charge. She had taken charge when Mat had refused to take the sheriff’s position, as he was already the overland stage agent, and talked her father and brother into the job.

“Miss Wild you can stable your horse here, Brianna the stage is late I hope the Deer Creek crossing hasn’t washed out.” If the crossing had washed out Paradise would be cut off for a week or more. Mate knew that would mean trouble he decided to get out his old colt Navy and keep it close to hand.

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina Wild calmed Mat’s horses with an expertise that showed management of animals was second nature “Calm down Girl” she said with authority to one of the mares, “Gentle boy” she said to one of the stallions. Lightning flashed, thunder rolled as the stranger became more and more wet.

Once the horses, including her own horse, were safely stabled the three of them finished ensuring the cows were safe and warm. “Still no sign of your stage?” Georgina asked “I was at Deer Creek today and I noticed the river was rising. Looks like I could be here a for some time” she smiled before noticing Mat ensure his old colt navy was in touching distance. There was something challenging about this man, some secret and Wild was going to find what this was.

Lightning continued to strike and in one simultaneous strike Wild felt the electricity tingle her fingers. She heard the horses rear up and again she calmed them down. Gradually the storm passed and the rain eased. Georgina Wild was soaked to the skin and she felt her clothes clinging to her body exaggerating her curves. Turning to Brianna she said “I’ll help you with the milking before dinner” she said before turning to Mat “and then Mr Coleman can buy us a drink.”

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

I]”I’ll help you with milking the before dinner and then Mr Coleman can buy us a drink.”[/I] Brianna smiled at the nerve of the stranger, she really was a very confident young woman. The rain was by now coming down in sheets soaking the ground and causing a flood danger to the whole community. Despite this the two women were able to milk the herd before turning their attention to helping the whole town to repair flood defences. Brianna noticed the other towns people wondering who the new girl was and were amazed at her work effort.

Eventually the rain stopped and the two girls returned to Brianna’s home. After showing her round and introducing Wild to her mother and brother Brianna prepared dinner. She showed the stranger her room and showed her the tin bath. “I can dry your clothes. Do you have anything to wear?” Georgina shook her head “Then you’ll have to borrow one of my dresses”. Brianna smiles to herself as she brought in a white cotton dress that was totally opposite what the new girl dressed like.

After supper Brianna also bathed and changed into a light blue dress. “It’s just gone nine pm” she said. “I’ve got the buggy ready. Let’s go to the bar and see if Mat Coleman will buy us that drink.” Brianna saw the girl hesitate for the first time so she told her “Look, I know you don’t like dresses but believe me you’re stunning. Let’s go and knock ‘em dead.”

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

The steam from the bath enticed Georgina Wild with the promise of cleanliness as she stood in the outer room looking at the white dress Brianna had chosen for her. Stripping her top, underwear and trousers Georgina stood the bath and sank down. After her wash and soak she used the water to wash her clothes which she spread on a tall chair to dry. By now she was dry and refreshed so she began to get into the dress.

Georgina was so conscious of her own body as she got into the dress, it had been many years since she last wore one and it was awkward. Lifting the hem she walked into the dining room which was enriched by the smell of the stew on the table. The young girl ate heartily and felt so refreshed she had new energy.

Soon the buggy was constructed and brought to the front of the house. Georgina struggled getting into her seat and had an even greater struggle getting out of it before entering the bar with Brianna. As they entered the bar Brianna challenged her to ‘knock em dead. The whole bar fell silent as all eyes were on them. She heard some of the whispers about the two women who had helped the town fight the flood.

Struggling to walk in her dress Wild heard the whistles and cat calls and then she saw Mat Colman sitting on a stool. Walking up to him she asked “Are you going to buy two working girls a drink?”

 

[cgraven]

“I’ll help you with the milking before dinner” she said before turning to Mat “and then Mr. Coleman can buy us a drink.” Mat had his misgivings about a drink at either of the saloons in Paradise. The Yellow Dog was just south of the line and a better choice than Mimili’s Dance Hall. “Of course Mam.” Georgina and Brianna, driving the wayward cow before them head off for the evening milking.

Mat decided it was time for a clean dry shirt, and maybe a shave. He could not shake the sight of Georgina soaked to the skin her clothes clinging to her like a second skin and leaving no doubt that she was a gal and a most attractive one at that. A clean dry shirt, a fresh shave and Mat Coleman made his way down to the Yellow Dog saloon. He had just finished his drink when Brianna and Georgina Wild arrived. He was not prepared for Georgina to be dressed in white cotton dress with her hair hanging loosely around her face. Damn but she was stunning.

“Are you going to buy two working girls a drink?”

“What’s your pleasure Miss Wild? Brianna?”

Waco Dawson also saw Georgina and Brianna’s entrance he sauntered up behind Georgina and gripped her left buttocks cheek in his hand and gave a squeeze. “How about I buy you a drink the gimp here can’t a full blooded woman like you honey but I can!”

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina Wild had never been more conscious of her body. The cool late evening breeze played havoc with her nipples causing them to harden like beads and she was sure they were visible as they strained against the fabric of her dress.

Mat Coleman looked so cool and handsome and Georgina couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the effort he had made. After she asked him about the drink he gallantly said ”What’s your pleasure Miss Wild? Brianna?” Before she could answer a whisky and water she felt a hand squeeze her buttock ”How about I buy you a drink? The gimp here can’t, a full blooded woman like you honey, but I can.

Grabbing the interrupter’s hand she squeezed with all her might until he screamed. Letting go she turned round “Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to but in to someone else’s conversation?” She saw the watching men look on amused as she added “You should be quiet while the grown ups are talking.”

Turning back to Mat Coleman she replied “I’d like a whisky and water please, you know what Brianna drinks.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna was getting to like the new girl, she was a hard worker and had the potential to become a good friend. She watched Mat Coleman’s almost nervous behaviour as she approached with Georgina and smiled inwardly to see he had spruced himself up.

”What’s your pleasure Miss Wild? Brianna?” Mat asked but the conversation was interrupted by Waco Dawson, Waco by name, WACKO by nature he had always been a nuisance with women and Brianna herself had kneed him in the balls when he tried to grab her breasts at her father’s wake. Now he had a new target ”How about I buy you a drink? The gimp here can’t, a full blooded woman like you honey, but I can”.

Brianna heard Waco scream in agony as Georgina turned on him after crushing his hand ”Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to but in to someone else’s conversation?” You should be quiet while the grown ups are talking.”

Brianna saw the look of admiration on Mat’s face as Waco was humiliated but she knew Waco wouldn’t take this lying down. Meanwhile the whole bar was laughing as Georgina turned to Mat and asked for whisky and water and Brianna’s favourite. “Dry white wine please Mat” Brianna said as she adjusted the skirt of her powder blue dress allowing herself to take a seat. She watched with amusement as Georgina struggled to do the same. Clearly her new friend was not comfortable in feminine attire.

Turning to Matt to buy time for her new friend Brianna asked “Any news on the stage? I’m expecting a letter”.

 

[cgraven]

Waco Dawson was shamed by Georgina in front of all in the bar when she dressed him down and so easily took his hand from her derrière as she almost cooed “Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to but in to someone else’s conversation? You should be quiet while the grownups are talking.” Then she turned to Mat Coleman “I’d like a whisky and water please, you know what Brianna drinks. Mat turned to Brianna, while keeping an eye on Waco. ”Dry wine please, Mat.” He gave the order to the barman as they made their way to a table.

Waco was brooding at the bar, he had a mean streak and he was nursing his wounds with whiskey. Mate knew that this was not the end of the matter he turned to Georgina Wild. “Waco will push this he will want revenge for the way you cut him down.” There was nothing more to be said. Brianna asked “Any news on the stage? I’m expecting a letter”.

“Deer Crossing is washed out when the stage will get through is anyone’s guess Brianna.”

“Miss Wild I could use a hand with the stock tomorrow.”

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina heard Mat’s warning about Waco and she shook her head, nothing phased her, she’d faced challenges from men all her life and had proved herself to be their equal. Never looking for trouble she was more than callable of looking after herself. No man had ever conquered her she knew that one day a man might steal her heart but until then she would continue he independence.

Mat confirmed the delay to the stage ”Deer crossing is washed out, when the stage gets through is anyone’s guess Brianna” Then turning to Georgina he asked ”Miss Wild, I could use a hand with the stock tomorrow.””Georgina” Georgina corrected him “My name is Georgina, and yes, providing Brianna can spare me, I’d be pleased to help you. I don’t know how long I’ll be in town but while I’m here I’ll help anyone.”

The evening went well, and not wanting to be obliged to anyone Georgina bought a round of drinks. Eventually the time came to leave and Georgina again struggled to stand not being used to wearing a dress. Back at Brianna’s home the two girls got undressed and went to bed.

Morning came and Georgina washed and changed into her now dry clothes. Before breakfast she ensured the chickens were clean and fed before collecting the eggs. She fed and watered the horses and opened the gates to let the cattle out to graze. Back in the house she ate the breakfast cooked by Brianna and then asked if Brianna could spare her for the morning while she helped Mat.

After getting Brianna’s agreement Georgina saddled her horse and rode into town and came to Mat Coleman’s home. Feeling so more comfortable in her black hat, shirt, trousers and boots she climbed off her horse and knocked on Mat’s door and awaited the answer.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna was uneasy about Georgina’s treating of Waco but she wondered if the bully had, at last, met his match. Mat was always good company, one of the heroes of the Civil War and the town had a lot of respect for him. This meant the three of them had a good evening and she was more than happy for Georgina to help Mat in the morning. Both girls bought drinks and when Mat tried to buy a fourth round they both made it clear they had a hard day on the horizon and they both recognised it was time for bed. On leaving Brianna made a warning gesture to the sulking Waco, warning him not to mess with Georgina. One of the men who laughed at Waco warned her “He’s fired up and looking for revenge”. Brianna came back with “Little boys who play with fire get their fingers burnt. Warn him off, we want no trouble here.”

The girls got back home safely and after loaning Georgina a night shirt Brianna checked on her mother and brother. She started thinking that if only her brother wasn’t paralysed from the waste down she was sure he would have tried to woo Georgina. What a couple they would have made.

It was with such thoughts in her mind that Brianna fell asleep. In the morning she woke to find Georgina’s room empty and the night shirt and dress of the previous night on the bed. Surely she hadn’t ‘done a runner’ in the night? Such fears were soon swept aside when she saw her new friend coming in armed with eggs from the chickens. She learned the young stranger had taken care of the cattle and fed and watered the horses. Most impressed Brianna welcomed Georgina to the breakfast table.

After breakfast Brianna agreed it was time for Georgina to go and assist Mat. In her black outfit the stranger looked like a man, only her voice gave away her gender. But why did she need to use a holster and her six shot percussion revolver. Where did she get that from? It was standard issue to the US Cavalry but why did she have it? Had she used it? Brianna knew she still knew so little about the stranger.

 

[cgraven]

Mate had been working on harness when Georgina rode up. Mat wiped the sweat from his brow with his fore arm. He could not help but notice the way Georgina sat her mount, her leg was bent so she sat square in the saddle, not slouched back like most cow hands, nor was she leaning forward, no she was seated square to the saddle. Her heels were cantered in and down, her toes out and up and the ball of her foot to the stirrup. Where Georgina’s shirt was loose her breeches were tight in the style of a Vaccaro, or cavalry trooper. Mat had to admit that it accentuated the turn of Georgina’s quite nicely. The way that gal sat a horse brought many questions to mind, questions that he would not ask for when you went West you left your past behind, it was a chance for a new start.

“Morning Georgina, the stock needs turning out.” Mate noticed the pistol that she wore and how she wore it. His own Colt Nay was in its holster hanging in the barn. As they settled down to work Waco Dawson watched from shadows across the street.

Waco had been nursing a grudge against the gal who had humiliated him and he knew that Mike Handily wanted Mat Coleman to meet with a permanent accident. He smiled when he saw Georgina was wearing a Colt Dragoon pistol. He bided his time waiting until Mat was far from the stables and his gun. It was then that he stepped from the shadows and confronted Georgina. He had no fear he could best her in a gun fight, Coleman would run for his gun and Waco would cut him down when he reached it. Mike Handily would be happy and he would have his revenge on Georgina.

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

stranger.


”Morning Georgina, the stock needs turning out”. Georgina acknowledged the request and climbed down from her horse, patted it, watered it and led it round the back. Getting set into her work she noticed Mat’s Colt Navy hanging in the barn where it should be. She knew in the ideal world her gun should be hanging next to it but this was not an ideal world and her past meant she was always on the alert.

The morning went by quickly as the two workers set to their tasks. Maybe it was female intuition, maybe she was worried about her past but Georgina felt someone was watching them. It was just after noon and both Georgina and her body clock was telling her it time to eat something. Mat was away from his weapon and Georgina was about to tell Mat it was time to eat.

Suddenly, there in front of her was Waco Dawson looking menacingly at her. Mat was about to make his way to his weapon when Georgina shouted “MAT! DON’T!” Turning her attention back to Waco she saw his hand go for his gun while looking at Mat.Georgina shouted “DUCK!” Simultaneously Georgina drew her own gun while diving to the ground to minimise the target.

One shot was enough to smash the pistol out Waco’s hand and the weapon fell, damaged beyond repair, to the ground. Waco was unarmed now but Georgina knew she now had now got a mortal enemy. She allowed Waco to leave but she knew he would be back.

Picking herself up and brushing herself down Georgina walked over to Mat. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to leave Paradise, wherever I go I attract trouble. I’ll be on my way this afternoon.”

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna couldn’t get the vision of Georgina on her horse out of her mind. Not because she fancied Georgina, no she she never had feelings that way although she respected those who did. No, what stuck in her mind was the image of Georgina wearing a holster and her revolver.

Curiosity is a trait all women have and Brianna was no exception and soon she was on her horse making her way to Mat Coleman’s ranch. Was that Waco she saw hiding in the bushes? Dismounting Brianna crept nearer until she was close by. Suddenly Waco was there confronting Georgina. She heard her shout ”MAT DON’T” then shortly afterwards ”DUCK!” then in a blink of an eye Waco had drawn his weapon and Georgina had fallen to the ground, drawn and destroyed Waco’s gun. It was all over in seconds. Where did this girl learn to shoot like this? Why had she learned it? Who was she?

Rushing forwards Brianna was there in time to hear Georgina say she was ready to leave town. “O that’s fine!” Brianna said as she crept from the shadows “stir up trouble for the rest of us and disappear. Have you got any idea what Waco and his band will do to us? Not to mention Mike Handily. But don’t worry, you just ride off and leave us to face the music. We’ve no sheriff since my father died and my brother got shot. But don’t you worry, you just go!”

Walking up besides Mat Brianna added “If you ever return look us up. We’ll be in the graveyard!” She looked to Mat for his support.

 

[cgraven]

Waco Dawson’s hand went for his pistol and time slowed to a crawl he pivoted to take aim at Mat Coleman. His pistol cleared leather and he fired just as Georgina shouted “MAT! DON’T! DUCK!” Mat leaped for his gun as Georgina dived for the ground. One shot was enough to smash the pistol out Waco’s hand. Yet Waco’s shot had hit his mark and ripped into the side of Mat.

Picking her up and brushing herself down Georgina walked over to Mat. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to leave Paradise; wherever I go I attract trouble. I’ll be on my way this afternoon.” Mat was leaning against the post where is Colt Navy hung. He held the gun in his hand and was keeping a watchful eye on Waco. “Go ahead Dawson make a move for your gun. The click of him cocking the Colt Navy was clearly heard. Waco slowly stood and made a hasty retreat.

Brianna said as she crept from the shadows “Stir up trouble for the rest of us and disappear. Have you got any idea what Waco and his band will do to us? Not to mention Mike Handily. But don’t worry, you just ride off and leave us to face the music. We’ve no sheriff since my father died and my brother got shot. But don’t you worry, you just go!” What a little hell cat Briana was when her Irish was up. “If you ever return look us up. We’ll be in the graveyard!”

Mat knew that Brianna was looking to him for support. He had remained leaning against the post his hand holding his side. “It’s not Miss Wild’s fight.” Mat’s voice was chocked. “Miss Wild, Georgina could you stay a couple of days to help with the stock?” Mate was deathly pale and where he held his side his shirt was crimson with blood. Waco’s shot had found its mark.

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina was stung by Brianna’s rebuke and she was ready to defend her stand. From the corner of her eye she noticed Waco slipping away from the scene, good riddance she thought before shouting after him “RUN AWAY LIKE THE COWARD YOU ARE. IF I SEE YOU AGAIN IT WILL BE TOO SOON!” Turning back to Brianna and Mat she was about to attempt to make her peace when she noticed something was wrong, very wrong!

Mat’s voice didn’t have the authority it had a few moments ago “It’s not Miss Wild’s fight.” Mat was struggling, almost gurgling then he appealed ”Miss Wild, Georgina, could you stay a couple of days to help with the stock?”. It was then Georgina noticed Mat was bleeding and Brianna was trying to support him. Fighting back both her anger and her tears she advised Brianna “Help him to lay down on the floor, and ...” she thought for a moment before adding “boil some water , add some salt and soak some clean cloth in it before packing the wound. I’m going into town to fetch the doctor. Then I’m going to kill Waco Dawson and Mike Handily. No one does this to my friends!”

Not waiting for a reply Georgina mounted her horse and rode into town as fast as she could. Arriving in the Main Street she noticed the building with the sign ‘DOCTOR’ above the door. Bursting in she noticed a waiting room full of old men, women and children while the door with the sign ‘DOCTOR HOWARD’ was at the door of the waiting room.

Bursting in on the Doctor Georgina saw he had stripped an old man to the waste and was examining his chest. The doctor glared at her and was about to shout at the intruder when Georgina interrupted “Mat Coleman has been shot, I need you to see him now!” The doctor objected that he had a patient with him when Georgina drew her gun and added “You’ll see him now!” Turning to the patient she added “you’ll live, get dressed and go home!”

With an ill will Doctor Howard grabbed his bag and went out to his horse and followed Georgina to the ranch where Brianna was tending to Mat’s wound. Looking on was a member of Dawson’s Gang, Frank Medhurst. After Brianna told her Medhurst was one of Dawson’s men Georgina’s eyes darkened. Walking up to him she said “Where can I find Dawson?” Medhurst laughed at her causing Georgina to draw her gun and aim it at Medhurst’s manhood “Unless you want to be singing soprano I suggest you tell me!” A trembling Medhurst told her.

“There!” Georgina said with a smile “wasn’t too hard was it? Now run along home like a good boy and play with your toys!” She mounted her horse and rode off to face Dawson.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna was shocked to see her friend Mat Coleman in such distress but she was even more shocked by Georgina’s response. She was hell bent on finding a doctor but Brianna knew Doctor Howard wouldn’t put himself out for anyone. Georgina must have had some rudimentary medical knowledge because she advised about the salt and cloth.

While she was nursing Mat Brianna saw Georgina ride off towards the town. It seemed like hours but in reality it was only seven minutes before Georgina returned with Doctor Howard. She shook her head as she noticed Georgina forcing the doctor to come by pointing a gun at his back.

In the shadows Brianna heard sniggering, it was Medhurst keeping an eye on Waco’s work. Georgina asked who he was and when Brianna told her he was one of Waco’s men Brianna saw the stranger draw her pistol again and aim at Medhurst’s manhood threatening to use her bullets to castrate him. In fear the frightened gangster gave up the information. Next Thing Wild was riding off in search of her prey.

Lucy Jane worked as a domestic for Mat Coleman and she was very sweet on her master. Hearing about the shooting she raced to be with Mat as fast as she could. Once there Brianna asked her to assist the doctor as best as she could. Once satisfied she could leave Mat Brianna rode swiftly to chase Georgina. She didn’t know why but she had to save the stranger from herself.

 

[cgraven]

Big Mike Handily smiled as Frank Medhurst told them how Miss Wild threatened his manhood with a cold dragoon 44cal pistol.”This the same gal that beat Waco to the draw?” Medhurst eyes shifted between Big Mike and Waco Dawson he swallowed hard before answering. “Yes it is Big Mike.”. Waco’s face turned red as he rubbed his injured hand and a few of the men snickered that Waco was bested by a gal.

“And you say she is headed this way? Well we must arrange a welcome for our head strong little Miss.” Then Medhurst added Brianna Lewis was right after her. “Well then we must make some arrangements for Miss Lewis as well.” Form all that Big Mike had heard the stranger was a real looker, and Brianna Lewis had caught his eye some time ago. Big Mike posted his gang out of sight and set a trap for the two young women. The first to deal with the gun toting Miss Wild and then he would take care of Brianna Lewis. With Mat Coleman down there would be no one to challenge his plans for the young women.

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Georgian Wild rode into town and south of the line and headed for Mimili’s Dance Hall and Waco Dawson and Big Mike Handily. Georgian burst through the door her hand hovering over her gun. “Miss wild I presume.” Big Mike smiled. As he spoke Medhurst stepped from the shadows shoving a 12 gage shotgun in the small of Georgian’s back. The click of several rifles told Georgian that she had walked into a trap. A scream broke the tense silence as Waco Dawson and another man dragged Brianna Lewis into Mimili’s Dance Hall. Not only had Georgian Wild fallen into the trap but Brianna Lewis had as well.

“With your left hand unbuckle your gun belt Miss Wild and let it drop.” Big Mike held all the cards and he knew it. No one would be coming to the young beauties rescue. “You’re a fine looking gal Miss Wild. Get up on the bar and strip out of those men’s clothes so we can see what you look like.” Big Mike’s face hardened; “Or would you like to see Miss Lewis here “entertain Waco and the boys?”

Georgian had no illusions of what Big Mike meant by entertain Waco and the boys

 

[GeorgieGirl99]

Georgina Wild was angry and her anger grew as she rode, Mat Coleman wounded, and now there appeared to be no law and order in Paradise at all. Riding through the town she saw Mimili’s Dance Hall on the other side. This Medhurst creature had told her this was where Mike Handily and Waco Dawson hung out but it seemed deserted.

Tying up her horse outside Georgina walked into the hall. Her boots echoed on the floor as she moved forward struggling to see in the half light. Either Medhurst had warned everyone Georgina was on her way and they had fled or they were out terrorising some other innocent citizen. Suddenly someone stepped out of the darkness, a handsome rogue type obviously Mike Handily. ”Miss Wild I Presume”. Georgina’s hand went down level with her gun and she was battle ready. She felt someone else behind her and there was a click as she felt a rifle pressed into her back. It was Medhurst “I should have blown your bollocks off when I had the chance” Georgina said as she heard the click of several other weapons and she realised she was in a no win situation.

A familiar voice and scream filled the air as Waco Dawson dragged Brianna into the Hall. ”With your left hand unbuckle your gun belt Miss Wild and let it drop.”Mike Handily was in complete control and he pressed home his advantage. Reluctantly Georgina loosened her belt and allowed her weapon to fall to the floor. ”You’re a fine looking gal Miss Wild. Get up on the bar and strip out of those men’s clothes so we can see what you look like. Or would you like to see Miss Lewis here entertain Waco and the boys?” Georgina knew what Handily meant.

Suddenly one of the men called out “Mr Handily we’ve found this dress on the rail, the dancers use it. You hate women dressed as men, make her wear this before you make her glad she was born a woman.” The dress was low cut and virginally white with a layered skirt. Handily said nothing but he indicated his agreement.

Trembling Georgina grabbed the dress and went into a side room. There was no escape because she knew if she attempted it Brianna would be dead. Removing her clothes she got into the dress which hugged her body calling attention to her cleavage. With the removal of her cap her dark hair cascaded down her back. Fastening the red sash round her mid rift Georgina stepped out. “Is this what you want?” She felt so uncomfortable as Handily’s eyes focused on her cleavage.

Georgina Wild hoped Handily didn’t notice she was trembling. Not only had she been outsmarted, she had seen that look before but she had always escaped. This time her adversary had a hostage and she had no escape. She wondered how Mike Handily would handle her virginity.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Brianna knew the short cuts to the old disused dance hall, she’d gone there most Saturdays during her early teen years and it was there she found out what boys wanted. Mike Handily always wanted a dance and it was where she felt him press hard up against her. Then her father was killed and her brother wounded leaving Brianna to forget her adolescence and became a business woman. Now the hall had closed for business and the derelict shell became Handily’s HQ.

As she approached she saw Georgina’s horse tied up and knew she was too late. Turning round she decided to ride back into town to find John Hancock, one of her brother’s friends to ask if he could make up a posse. As she turned she saw Jack Barlow, one of Handily’s men off to her left with a riffle aimed at her heart. No words were exchanged but Brianna knew what Barlow wanted and she raised her hands and climbed off her horse throwing her gun to the ground.

From out of nowhere Waco appeared and dragged her screaming into the building. In stunned silence she heard Handily makehis demands to Georgina. Then the dress was brought out and Georgina ordered to change into it. “She’s not used to wearing women’s clothes” Brianna pleaded “I can help her change if you like, make her look good!” Her attempt to even things up was met by a click of a riffle and she knew the answer.

Georgina, the bold, boyish Georgina who loved wearing men’s clothes was transformed into a beautiful woman and Brianna saw the lust in Handily’s eyes. But she also noticed a change in her friend. She was trembling.

Brianna had one more card to play, she would sacrifice her innocence to save her friend. “Mike” she pleaded “you’ve always wanted me ... well you can have me, just let Georgina go and I’m your’s!” Handily looked her up and down before looking back at Georgina. She made one last plea “I’ve never been with anyone ... you can be my first!”