Ruth Hanson

America, 1887. In a country healing from the horrors of the Civil War, the American West has never been more treacherous. Evil men do as they please, and the often faulty and corrupt justice system does little to nothing to help their victims. Enter the Railwalkers. Bandits whose only goal is to punish those whom the law has allowed to walk free. Some think they're an 28 legend, meant to scare would-be criminals into submission. Some see them as no different than the murderers they kill, while to others, they are angels of mercy. To Violet Donovan, they are family. Growing up as the sole heiress to the sizable Donovan estate, Violet's place of privilege allowed her wild spirit to flourish. Despite the pressures of her sex -- find a husband, stay pretty, have children, be subservient, don't speak out of line -- Violet is passionate, loud, stubborn, and untamed. However, at the ripe, marriageable age of twenty, Violet faces the fact that she may have to give in to her mother's wishes and marry mean, ugly Eustace Carpenter, the only other family name in their little town with comparable worth. But Violet's life changes forever when she is saved from an attacker by a strange woman. A woman who, like Violet, doesn't exactly fit the mold. Unfortunately Violet gets mixed up in a murder charge and has to leave everything she knows for a life on the run from the law. Through divine intervention, she and the woman cross paths again, and Violet comes to know her and her comrades. They are Mei Wong, Linus Cooper, Sitting Bear, and Rory McNab. The infamous Railwalker gang.

The Railwalkers

The night was a dream made real. Music laced through the air like a summer breeze. The food was rich and plentiful, and no matter how much anyone ate, there was always room for more. Women, dressed in ribbon and cotton scarves, danced while clacking strange, hallow instruments in their hands. Violet tried one herself, but she was hardly any good. When Madam Hen made her appearance, she did so in a dramatic flair that was true to her character. Poised at her balcony, Madam Hen extended her arms and welcomed her birthday guests. She was draped from head to toe in gold and jewels, her face painted like the Egyptians of old. A great cheer rose from the crowd to greet her, and after a brief speech, Madam Hen descended the stairs and joined the party.


Chapter 101