"A One Horse Town"

[SandDollar]

Gracie Mae Harper

When beckoned to follow, Gracie Mae's brow perked, though she didn't question it for too long. Sliding off the stool, the skirt of her dress twirling about her feet as she quickly slipped into the kitchen behind the man, peering inside at the woman and the massive table at the center of the room. Instantly, the smell of the stew swirled into her nostrils, the only persuasion she needed coaxing to come to the table and take a seat.

When the stew was finally set before her, she visually feasted on the sight of the steaming bowl before sinking a spoon into the broth. The exchange between the husband and wife fell on deaf ears until the man turned to her and spoke kindly. With her mouth full, she could only smile slightly in return and nod gently before returning to eat the rest of her meal.

Her blue-gray eyes followed the curly, dark haired woman. She was tall, but beautiful, particularly those green eyes. She'd never seen anything like them.

Gracie finally set down her spoon, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she reached for her glass of milk to wash the strew down. It wasn't long before she rose up from her bench, carrying the empty plate and cup over to the sink. Offering the woman a smile, she dunked the dishes into the warm water and began washing them.

"That stew was wonderful," she spoke a soft smile on her face. "Sorry I ate it so fast, but I got to git to my cattle." With a quick rinse, she set to drying the dishes, then with a wave goodbye, escorted herself out of the kitchen.

Her pace was quick, carrying her out the back door of the saloon--preferring not to go through the main parlor again--back to the main road and toward her horse. As she hauled herself up into the saddle, she glanced over her shoulder, able to see the group of cattle patiently waiting and the diligent dog, but there was something out of the ordinary.

Gracie urged the horse into a gallop, reuniting with her cattle on the outside of town, though as she spotted the stranger standing by, guarding the group, her brows furrowed deeply. The blonde was suspicious, but grateful nonetheless.

"Mighty kind of you, Sir, but my dog here is the only shepherd we need."

 

[SandDollar]

Ruby Walker

Ruby hadn't been seated on the porch for very long before she'd caught the attention of a few of the locals. She was hard to miss, after all. It wasn't that she was intricately beautiful--though she wouldn't say she was to hard on the eyes either--but she knew she was young, and carrying a gun like her own around almost seemed to boast that she really couldn't think twice about what others had to say about her.

When the man climbed the stairs of the porch, passing her by with a look as he made his way inside the saloon, a broad grin spread across her face. Her response was otherwise silent, however, as she fingered the red scarf about her neck, dragging it up over her mouth as if to conceal her amusement.

It hadn't been the first, nor would it be the last time someone said that to her, but they tended to stop speaking such futile warnings when their head was left hanging from their neck by a thread.

 

[AnotherOldGuy]

(OOC -- Moderators, see note at bottom.)

Petey Roberts was at the corral when the dark haired woman wandered down the dirt street and up onto the boardwalk, sitting right in front of the saloon.

He smiled broadly, dropped his rope and hurried her way. He had to see this; girls didn't go into the saloon, or even sit on the porch like that, unless they were that kind of girl. He slowed as a man he only knew as the tomato farmer mounted the steps and seemed to simply ignore the woman.

How can anyone ignore her? Petey thought as he made his way as quietly as he could down the rickety old boardwalk. She's an angel.

"Hi!" he said boldly, stopping several yards from her. He took a step tentatively toward her, then another, his smile flashing between tight lipped and teethy as his nervousness rampaged through him. Taking another couple of steps closer, he realized suddenly that she was a couple years older than his youthful 15 ... maybe more than a couple. And, he realized for the first time, she was packing a huge shotgun.

His heart dropped. This was no girl; she was a woman. His smiled faded a bit, then brightened again. Maybe she wouldn't think he was just a kid...?

"My name's Petey--" he said, quickly cringing and, dropping his voice, said, "Pete! Roberts. You're pretty."

He felt his face instantly begin burning ... and suddenly wished he was back at the corral, playing with his rope.


(OOC -- Note for moderators: This character is 15 and will not even be hinted at being part of a sexual encounter with the exception of his original flirtation above with Ruby.)

 

[SandDollar]

Ruby Walker

The boy's appearance hadn't surprised Ruby; his footsteps had given him away long before, but she was only amused he had waited to say 'hi' as long as he did. Boyish nerves, she supposed.

When she glanced up as he announced himself, Ruby's grin shrunk to a coy smile with a nod in greeting, leaning forward over her shotgun to rest her elbows onto her knees. She gave the young man her full attention, curious to see what he had to say.

The dark-haired woman tried to fight a soft laugh when he tried his hardest to sound older, trying to impress her.

"Well, Pete.." she began, tilting her head aside, "aren't you a gentleman?"

Rising up out of the rocking chair, she moved towards the railing of the porch to get a closer look at him, though not leaving her gun behind. Leaning it against one of the posts, Ruby did similarly, lowering her elbows to the railing top and peering down at the boy.

"I'm Ruby. Ruby Walker."

 

[AnotherOldGuy]

"Ruby," Petey repeated, "That's like ... red ... right?"

He yearned to be closer to her, but knew others were watching, and even if they weren't, a gentleman, as she'd called him, knew to maintain an appropriate distance. He stepped down off the boardwalk and moved around to stand below her. He broke into a fast paced Q&A, wanting to know more about this raven hair beauty.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He had watched the woman with the shotgun depart a wagon and walk past him and the cattle on her way to town. It was clear that she was no innocent one, the way she moved, the way she held the gun told John volumes about the type she was. He finished the last of his cigarette, crushed the remaining coal against the pommel of his saddle and waited. It was not long when a horse came trotting from town, this woman was one he would place with the cattle, her tan and sun-bleached hair along with her ease in the saddle told him what he needed to know, of course the dog's reaction to her precense didn't go unoticed, visible relaxing of the posture, yet still vigilant, he nodded politely at the words of the young woman,

"Good day ma'am. I would not wish to dispute that very fact with you, but even one as loyal and vigilant could not stop all of the strays. Just thought I'd lend a hand until their owners returned."

He motioned towards the wagon which dropped Ruby off,

"And with two legged ones around, one can't be too careful."

He gave a grim smile,

"I see that you are one rider less, I am heading towards town, if you wish I could help you move the cattle, no charge.""

 

[SandDollar]

"Well, I thank you," she started, trying to ease her horse who seemed a bit anxious with pat to the neck, the animal taking a few uneasy steps to the right. Forced her to gaze at the man over her shoulder, Gracie was still not entirely ready to trust the stranger, though as she glanced into town with her furrowed brow, she flicked back a strand of light brown hair and soon nodded.

"True enough. If you wouldn't mind, we've just come to this town and I don't quite know my way to the corral, though it seems small enough that it wouldn't be too trying.." Her voice trailed off towards the end of her words, her hand soon raising to whistle for Tek to get circling the group as she eased her horse forward yet again, the cattle shuffling along in front of them.

"What's your name, Sir?"

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

"No trouble at all ma'am."

He moved his horse into a better position and turned to face her, tilting his head up for his face to become clear under the hat, he touched the rim of his hat with one hand,

"Beg your pardon for my lack of manners ma'am, the name is John Lobo."

After he said his name he tensed slightly, could it be that they have heard about him this far West yet? He didn't hope so.

"May I be so rude as to ask your name ma'am?"

The cattle had started moving and he slipped into position, keeping a sharp eye out for any of the cattle that might want to break away.

 

[SandDollar]

"Pleasure to meet you, John." Gracie finally cracked a smile as they rode into town, trying her hardest to be polite since the man was kind enough to help her with her cattle. When he asked her own name, she gave a soft nod.

"Gracie Mae Harper. My father calls me Gracie Mae, but you can just call me Gracie, if you like." She fell silent then, only occasionally glancing to the man to keep an eye on him. The woman wasn't quite sure why, but he had a suspicious feeling about him.

When they soon came upon the corral, Gracie slid out of her saddle with the fluidity only an experienced rider had, quickly moving for the gate.

"Just direct 'em inside and we should be all set," she stated, pushing open the wooden gate for the cattle to enter, taking caution as she climbed up onto the side of the fence.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He stopped his horse and waited for her to open the gate and then with a few whistles and using the horse, he started moving the cattle, the dog keeping up his side as he ran about giving small barks, almost like he was directing the cattle. John smiled slightly, that was exactly what he was doing. As the last of the cattle entered, he quickly slipped out of thhe saddle and helped Gracie Mae to close the gate. For a moment he stood there looking at the animals.

"Mighty fine stock you have there ma'am. Good breeding material."

He turned around and mounted his horse,

"Well you have a good day ma'am, I am honored to have met you."

He touched his hat and slowly walked his horse away, he needed some provisions and since his cash was running low he might have to ask around for a job.

 

[SandDollar]

When the cattle were contained safe and sound, the gate closed and secured, Gracie stepped down to the dirt once again with a pleased sigh and Tek quickly moved to her side to nudge her hand with his snout. Grinning, she stroked her hand over the top of his head and gave a light scratch behind his ear.

"Thank you, Mister Lobo," she replied with a smile, proud of the work her and her father had done. "And thank you again for your help. It's nice to find some kind folks in this town."

With a nod, she set a hand on her hip and waved, stepping back to her horse. "You, too!" she called as she pulled herself back into the saddle, watching him ride off momentarily before glancing back to her cattle. She would be back to pay for their keep after she checked in with her father.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He entered town casually, attracting a few glances, but with his outward apearance being somewhat scruffy, he appeared much more like a drifter than a danger and as soon as he was spotted he was forgotten. Which was the way he liked it, he did not wish to attract attention, as attention usually brought gun play and that meant that he would have to kill again and move on.

At the Saloon he stopped his horse and swung down, he hitched his horse to the railing and tipped his hat in greeting to the woman with the shotgun and a young boy she was talking to. He entered the Saloon and a slight murmur spread along with a bit of silence, then everything returned to it's normal flow of things. John moved to the bar counter, the bartender was quite a big guy and John smiled grimly, he was sure the big man could handle any disturbance that may break out. He slid onto a chair and placed money on the top,

"A beer please."

He waited for the bartender to fetch his beer and he glanced at the man to his right, he blinked and looked again. He half turned to the man,

"Now this is a strange occurance, meeting up with Two Shot Murdock himself in a One Horse town like this."

His voice was low, as to not carry to anybody else but the man he spoke with.

 

[jack80]

Murdock had to admit. Of all the towns people, Albert was the only one he could stand. It helped that he had a steady supply of damn fine whiskey on hand.

"I got some really good ones. I'll be sure to bring them by, so you don't have to go though the damn general store. In fact I might want to try that stew of her's."

Then another man walked in. He had all the markings of a dangerous person about him. Even if he was young.

"Now this is a strange occurance, meeting up with Two Shot Murdock himself in a One Horse town like this."

His voice was low, as to not carry to anybody else but the man he spoke with.

Murdock turned to the other man, and glared at him.

"Yes, well, just be sure to keep that to yourself. I'm not wanted here, and I ain't looking to get into any fights. I'm retried. And I plan on staying that way."

He gave the other man a good looking over. He was harden and handsome at the same time. Heh, the Ladies loved that about gunslingers. "And I hope you aren't here to make any trouble as well. The Sheriff is a good man. Would hate to see him put a bullet in ya."

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He smiled as his beer arrived and gave Murdock a friendly pat on the shoulder,

"I don't cause trouble, trouble finds me whenever people get to know who I am."

He turned to his beer and took a sip, strangely enough it was cool, not cold, just cool. He was impressed, usually beer was warm and bitter, this one still had that slight bitter taste and it wasn't warm. He gave the bartender a nod.

"Sir, this is one heck if a beer, thank you."

The big man nodded at him and moved away to serve the other customers,

"I do not wish to intrude on your privacy Mr Murdock, but do you know of anybody who could do with a ranch hand? I'm starting to get a little strapped for cash."

 

[jack80]

Kevin "2 Shot" Murdock

Murdock shook his head as he stared at the younger man. "Son, around here, there is only one person that could use a 'ranch hand' of your caliber." His face turned sour for a moment. "Mister McGuire, a low-life of a man that thinks he's the very pillar of this community.. mostly because he owns most of the buildings in town." Murdock's voice dripped with venom with how he thought of the man.

"I wouldn't recommend getting hooked up with him. But then, thats my opinion." He turned to walk away but stopped and smiled.

"There is a boarding house in town. If you need a place to stay its as good as any. And the person who runs it... well lets just say gossip around town is very interesting about her."

 

[DeathsKnight]

Albert Tabbot

He smiled,

"Of course, I will be certain that the stew will be made that very same day."

It was around then that the other man came walking in, he had a very non-nondescript look about him and that placed Albert on edge. A man that looked that way took pains to make himself look that way, especially when he wore the well used revolver grips on his hips like this man did.

"A beer please"

Albert was taken aback by the calm, civil tone of the man, he took the money and fetched the beer from his specially prepared room, it used a lot of water, which they in turn used to cool the kitchen cellar. The water came from the reservoir on top of the Saloon, ran over the sides in a slow, yet steady stream, collected at the bottom and then ran along a pipe, passed into a collection of pipework running over the wall of the cellar and then out to a dam from where the troughs was fed. It was an intricate work and hard to maintain, but it was so very much worth it. He returned with the cool beer and placed it in front of the stranger, the compliment was enough praise for him as he moved to help other clients.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He nodded at Kevin Murdock,

"Thank you for the warning, I will keep that in mind."

He almost turned back to his beer when Murdock spoke up again, he nodded.

"Thank you Mr Murdock, maybe she will know of somebody who could give me some work."

He turned to his beer and finished it slowly, then he got to his feet and walked out of the Saloon. Untieing his horse's reigns he walked over to the Boarding House, once there he patted the horse's neck, drew his rifle from it's sheath and walked up to the door, knocking on it.

 

[heartofcourage]

Penny Danville

Penny had spent much of the morning cleaning the boarding house from top to bottom. It was soothing doing menial tasks and she enjoyed the peace and quiet of an empty home. She had turned two of her boarders out after she caught them lounging about, telling them that being idle wasn’t going to pay the bills. She knew by now they were probably drinking away what little money they had left down at the saloon and she made a mental note to talk to Mr. Tabbot about cutting them off so she could at least get something out of them at the end of the week.

She had just swept out the last room when she heard a knocking at the door. With a sigh, she put away her cleaning supplies and hurried downstairs. Pausing in front of the mirror that hung in the front entry, she checked her appearance, frowning at how flushed her face appeared in the heat of the day. It made her scar stand out more prominently and she hated that. Quickly pulling some of her chestnut hair down from her bun, she hid it as best she could, before she turned to open the door to see who was there.

She stared at the man that stood on her front step for a moment and then glanced at the rifle that he carried and the well worn guns settled on his belt. She rolled her eyes heavenwards and sighed deeply, her hands planted firmly on her hips.

“Sir, if you think that little peashooter scares me, you have another thing coming.” Her Irish accent was still as thick as the day she had stepped off the boat from Ireland, and her eyes flashed at the man that stood before her.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

When the door opened he could see what Mr Murdock meant, then instead of a greeting he got a snide remark. It made him smile actually,

"Thank Heavens for that ma'am, it would not do to scare somebody whom I want to procure lodging from."

He had to admit that he found her attractive, and that thick accent just made her allure more. Then he noticed something, under the hair that hung past her face, ran a scar. He probably would not have noticed it if she weren't so flushed.

"Mr. Murdock sent me this way, he said that I could find a room here."

 

[heartofcourage]

Penny Danville

She stared at the stranger for a moment and pursed her lips together, hearing the sound of her mother’s voice in her head scolding her for being so rude. At least she still had a enough decency to be a little embarrassed and her cheeks colored at the handsome stranger’s remark.

“Murdock? Name doesn’t ring bell, but it seems that the people in this good town know a great deal more about me than I know about them.”

She glanced down the street and noticed that it was busy this time of day and certainly a man that was armed would bring all sorts of unwanted attention.

“Well, come on in then.” She stepped aside and allowed him to enter the house, shutting the door firmly behind him. “It ain’t much, but it’s clean enough. A might bit better than that flea infested rat trap they call a hotel down the street. I’m surprised the sheriff hasn’t arrested them yet for highway robbery.”

Dear God, Penny, quit babbling, she mentally scolded herself as she lead the man into her front parlor.

“Can I get you something cool to drink? Water, perhaps?” Her manners finally kicked in as she motioned for the man to have a seat on a well worn chair. She always offered something cool and shuddered at the possibility of having to start a fire in range that she never used.

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

"Thank you ma'am."

He took off his hat as he entered, suddenly very aware of his dusty appearance, he took the seat, resting the rifle casually against the wall, but within easy reach.

"No thank you ma'am, I have had a beer before I came here. As it is in small towns, everybody knows something about anybody before they know about it."

He smiled,

"Name's John Lobo and I have a hope that you have a place for me to sleep, while I do some job hunting. A man's got to work if he wants to buy food and lodging before he travels further."

He was talking much more since he arrived at this town than he had talked for months, usually he was tight-lipped because that name of his haunted him where ever he went.

 

[heartofcourage]

Penny Danville

“My name’s Penelope. Friends call me Penny.” She said as he offered her his name. She took in a deep breath before she sat across from him and launched into her carefully rehearsed house rules.

“Well, Mr. Lobo, I run a tight ship around here. I don’t tolerate fighting or drinking in this house. It brings unwanted attention.” She let her eyes travel to the gun that was casually resting against the wall. “If you know what I mean. You will not bring women back here. I have enough of a problem trying to convince the rest of the town that this is not a whorehouse, so you will do nothing to feed that gossip. You will also clean up after yourself and cook for yourself. I’m not your mother.”

She folded her arms over her chest, appraising the man in front of her carefully. She’d had many men like him come through in the months since she’d taken over the business and she knew that like her, they valued privacy. She tried to give that to them the best that she could.

“If you’re looking for work and you’re good with a hammer, I’ve got some odds and ends to do around here. I can give you free lodging until you find something else if that’s agreeable to you.”

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He listened to her, his hat on one knee, his hand closest to the rifle free to grab it at any notice,

"Well ma'am I am no carpenter nor blacksmith, but on a ranch you don't need to be if you wish to fix things, so I will be able to help you out around here."

He looked wistful for a second and then gave her an easy smile,

"I doubt that I will find suitable work since the only man worth working for seems to be the...unsavoury kind."

He glanced at the stairs and then back at Penelope,

"Well I have no problem with keeping my room clean, cooking could be a problem as the only cooking I know is beans and meat on a pan over the fire, trail life does teach one how to keep your things clean though."

He got to his feet, rifle almost instantly in his hands,

"I just wish to gather my saddlebags and if you could be so kind to show me to my space? I doubt that I will upset the balance you have here ma'am, hopefully I will be only a pleasant memory in a few weeks."

 

[heartofcourage]

Penny Danville

“I would suggest staying far away from Mr. McGuire. He’s up to no good. I’ve turned down two offers from him to buy this house and each one was more forceful then the last.”

She stood as he got to his feet and waited for him to retrieve his belongings, checking the time on an old clock she kept in the parlor. She still needed to visit the general store and have a talk with Mr. Tabbot and time seemed to be slipping away from her. When he returned, she showed him around the house, pointing out the small kitchen and dining room, and the front room where most of the men gathered in the evening before heading upstairs.

At the top of the stairs, she pushed open the first door on the left, showing him inside of a small and sparsely furnished room. It contained a bed, chair, and a dresser with a wash basin. Like she had said, it wasn’t much but it was clean. A window overlooked the back of the house, showing the outhouse, chicken coop, and small garden that was tended back there.

“Home sweet home.” She said as she moved aside and let him enter. “My room is across the hall, if you need anything.” She pointed to the door opposite his. “There are three other men that stay here as well but they mostly keep to themselves. I suggest getting settled today and I’ll start you on some chores tomorrow.”

 

[DeathsKnight]

John Lobo

He tipped his hat at her,

"Thank you ma'am."

He placed his saddlebags on the bed along with his rifle now in it's sheath, he suddenly turned around.

"Ma'am excuse me, what can you tell me of this McGuire fellow? The name seems to ring a bell, but I for the life of me can't remember why."

It seemed like everybody warned him away from one person, if this was the man he thought it to be he may never find out who John is as he knew the man would stop at nothing to try and buy his services and John was a man who did not sell or hire out his guns, he tried to rather shy away from ever using them.