Rough Diamond

[DorsetCatMan]

The train pulled into the station, I leaned down to collect my blongings, the bedroll with my Winchester repeater and Colt revolver carefully hidden inside and the saddlebags.

My share of the proceeds of the last job were tucked into my waistcoat, safe until I decided otherwise! I stepped off into the light and strode out into the town - a small town springing up after the discovery of gold in the hills. I guess I wouldn't be the last of my type coming to town.

I strode purposefully to the saloon - ignoring the girls offering themselves for a dollar, and paced up to the Bar. 'Need a room' I stated to the barman - he looked up lazily and replied 'I need a good woman - what can you do?' Reaching over I pulled him close by the shirt and whispered - 'A little civility will make sure if you find her you can still do something pal'

sheepishly he waved over a woman 'Uh Mae - fella says he needs a room'

 

[DorsetCatMan]

The room was sparse - like most of the town. I settled down for a while to rest the journey out of me then wandered over to the livery. The selection was poor, if I was after a mule to feed to the wolves I'd come here - no other reason. But needs must and I had a man to kill.

 

[Eilit]

MollyBell, the younger sister of MaryBell, was sitting in the saloon, dressed up like her older brother, Cody. Her unnatural silver eyes scanning the area around herself. She saw a new man enter, obviously new to this town. By the way he held him, she could tell he was someone of respect. Many of the women threw themselves at him, but not her. Oh no. Molly knew her small share of men, all of them ended up eight feet under. She, was in fact, a person who looked for wanted people. Rarely did she ever collect the cash amount. The black haired female leaned forward, staring at her untouched drink.

The barman shivered after he had called Mae to her. "That's one scary man."

"I wonder why," she replied softly, her eyes flashing up at him. "You shouldn't have said that." Shaking her head, she pushed off the seat and grabbed a bit of the offered drink. "I'll take this up to him and see if he needs any services, whether it's women, men or just work. Lord knows the town needs everything it get can." With that, she walked up the steps, Mae giving her the room number.

Standing in front of the door, she knocked once, twice, and a third time. Men's clothing were quite comfortable for her. They were easier to move in and much easier to draw her weapons from. "Sir? Can I come in?"

 

[DorsetCatMan]

The door sounded - 'what is it?' I called stuffing the bills back into my waistcoat and finding the handle of the loaded revolver resting under the straw filled pillow

 

[Eilit]

"I have some drink for you," Molly called out, her bangs covering her face. "And I was wondering... could you let me in please? I promise I won't steal anything!" Perhaps, she would be able to get some money off of him, in exchange for her talents, whatever they may be. Well, she was the fastest shooter in the town, minus the fact she was usually accurate in her shots. "I wanted to also offer you all the services the town has."

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I smirked and pulled a dollar out 'OK come in' the face moved in with a tray 'set that down and here..' I tossed the coin ' now who are you?'

 

[Eilit]

Molly grabbed the coin but threw it on the bed. "The drink is on me," she replied as she sat down on it. "I'm MollyBell. My sister owns this place, so make yourself at home. She doesn't like it when her costumers don't feel happy." She shrugged and pulled her legs up. "So, where are you from, stranger? Can I offer you my services? Just about everyone tells me I'm the best in town." A smile graced her face. The young woman forgot to mention she was talking about her shooting skills.

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I smiled - 'thats a big reputation you have there! Look I'm here for personal reasons - not nice ones so it may be best if you keep clear - unless you know where to get a decent horse and a guide ?'

I take my hand off the gun - and begin to leaf through a paper looking for the sketch of William Jackson - the man who killed my best friend, shot me and stole my horse

 

[Eilit]

"I am the resident guide here as well," she said, standing up. "You can borrow my brother's horse. It's a steady mare. Very nice, great runner too." Molly stood up and walked over to him, standing a foot away from him. "What's that paper you got there? Is it anyone with a bounty on them?"

She moved her bangs from her eyes. "What's your name, mister?"

 

[DorsetCatMan]

'town guide, and all round best at everything huh? Names Cole, Cole Meade. Guess you're hired'

I hold out my hand - to shake on the deal.

'Man I'm after is bad - a double crossing snake who left men for dead. I got lucky that the docdidn't ask questions so made it. +hile I was lying there Will Jackson said he was coming up here - he heard there was something big in the hills. I'm gonna kill him.'

I look up at her - 'you sure you the best in town?'

 

[Eilit]

"Of course. I grew up here all my life. Mother made sure we females would never be bested by a man," she winked. "Cole, huh? Well, welcome to my town, Mr. Meade."

She took the hand, holding it gently but firmly and shook on it. "I promise I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

"Will Jackson? Now why does that name sound familar?" She frowned, trying to remember. She then paused and tilted her head to the side, listening to him. "A double crosser, eh? Well, I do know of a town legend dealing with those hills but we have a treaty to never go there. I mean, I go there but, it's just to see if the residents over there need anything." She didn't comment about the killing. "Well, I could show you to the general store. The owner is pretty good about not asking questions."

"Of course I'm the best in town," she exclaimed, put her hands on her hips. "I don't make false claims. Unless it's my brother. But he's visiting Auntie three towns away. So, what would you like to do first?"

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I smile - 'you may just be the best thing about this town. Well the store sounds good - I need provisions for the trip - then I might just get an early night - I want to leave early in the morning - you OK by that?'

 

[Eilit]

She returned it once more. "Of course I am. If you want a woman, stay away from Bertha. She's not the best pick," warned Molly. "Well, come on then, the store closes soon. He likes to lock up early to be with his grandson. Poor thing."

"... then I might just get an early night - I want to leave early in the morning - you OK by that?"

"Oh sure. I rarely sleep anyway. So whenever you are ready, just barge in my room." Her door was always unlocked.

 

[DorsetCatMan]

They bought supplies and went back to the saloon -'Hey which one is Bertha?' I winked and laughed then retired

As dawn broke I went looking for Molly -finding her room and knocking gently before pushing the door open slightly

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I coughed as he pushed the door 'you decent Molly?'

 

[Eilit]

Molly was curled up into a ball on the floor. Whether it was from lack of sleep or the fact her sister probably drugged her drink, one wouldn't know. Her eyes snapped open as she felt someone else in the room. Slowly taking up, Molly gave him a crookedly smile. "Sorry, I usually don't sleep..." a yawn escaped her lips. "Well, I got everything set up last night. The horses, permission to go to the hills... and one other thing.... hm, can't remember at the moment..."

 

[DorsetCatMan]

'well OK' I whisper 'meet me in the saloon in 5 minutes'

I step out and gather our equipment, strapping my holster in place and checking it's safe, then I move to the bar - the wanted poster in my hand

 

[Eilit]

Molly nodded, and quickly prepared herself, taking her guns and bow and arrow. She liked them way too much. On her way to the saloon, she grabbed a small piece of paper, with what looked to be a makeshift map. Stopping on the last step, the small woman looked over at the bar, to see Cole.

"Yo! The horses should be in front, and already prepared," she greeted softly. "So, you ready to hit the trails?"

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I looked her up and down - the bow on her back and the guns? Well she'd surprised me with those!

'Yep, but Molly - you gotta know things first. See Will is a killer, me too for that matter.' I pass her the poster - three faces, mine and Wills plus Dans. 'now Dans dead - Will did that - and I should be too, but that changes you a little - and I don't want you dying cos of me - so last chance - you still the best guide here?'

 

[Eilit]

"Really?" she raised her eyebrows, clearly not caring. Looking at the paper, she saw Will's face. Now she knew she was it somewhere before. His face at least. "If I die, it won't be because of you, Cole. Don't think that highly of yourself." She smiled once more, stretching her arms out. "I am the best guide here. So, you let me do my job. And I'll let you do your job, with minor backup."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out, to see two of her family's horses. The mare for Cole and well... the herd leader for her. He was still a wild thing, didn't like men.

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I smiled at her and muttered 'huh strong women'll be the death of me!' taking a bottle from the counter I leave $10 just in case I don't come back and walk out to the horses.

there's Molly on a larger horse - I smile and load up the mare 'sure you can ride him?' I ask grinning

 

[Eilit]

She patted its neck, a wicked grin on her face. "'course. The little bugger loves me to death," she replied. The horse appeared to glare at Cole and attempted to take a bite out of him. An actual bite. Molly giggled softly. "Aw, he feels as though he has competition."

 

[DorsetCatMan]

'I may not be so easy to ride!' I retort with a grin

'well scout - where to?' I mount the mare and guide her over to Molly

 

[Eilit]

"Hahaha, you never know," she smirked, knowing the double meaning in her sentence. She pointed toward the area where the sun would set. "That way. It's the easier of the three routes. And very horse friendly." She slightly started her steed without a work and began a nice walk. It was better to take one's time when walking the trail. The residents had a tendency to follow the travelers. Rushing would only make them distrustful

 

[DorsetCatMan]

I slide the mare instep beside Molly noticing how confident she is on the horse.

'So how far have we got to go to find Will?'