Nancy Wilmott
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THE GROUNDSKEEPER
"She was an enigma. The human embodiment of a black cat crossing a dark city street.
Someone who even in her darkest moments had a wicked grin on her face
- and a snide comment on her tongue." - Nancy as described by Tadhg.
Description
Nancy Wilmott was a young English woman who lived a dangerous life, which led her to accumulating several warrants and numerous public bounties, thus forcing her to move through the State as discreetly as possible for many months. She earned the Outlaw Status not once, but twice - and was mostly known as being one of the most wanted Outlaws without being caught. She was described as being an 'enigmatic individual' by her best friend, Tadhg Cameron - a shadowy figure shrouded in mystery who moved around like a cat. She was highly resourceful, knowledgeable of the ins-and-outs of the underground criminal scene.
Nancy called herself 'The Groundskeeper', for being a notorious and highly successful Grave Robber. She made a living by selling what she dug up, and eventually started a general goods Business called 'BITS&BOBS' as a front for illegal merchandise.
Armed with boxing hand-wraps, a flat cap and doused in blues, Nancy patrolled the State of New Alexandria making both friends & enemies out of the various faces she encountered along the way. She was easily recognisable by her thick cockney-accent and confrontational attitude. From petty store robberies, to kidnappings and executions - Nancy quickly obtained fame through her unsavoury antics of targeting deputies and lawmen.Early Life
Nancy and her younger sister, Annie Wilmott were made orphans at a young age. This was because their mother gave them away due to being unable to feed them. They grew up in the streets of London after running away from a children's home, where they learned to pick-pocket, steal, scam and negotiate to earn a living and survive. They did odd jobs as well, such as cleaning, chimney sweeping and gardening. From a young age, Nancy's confidence shined through. She had a business mindset and saved every penny she made to look after Annie. She was also known for being rather mouthy and brazen, outsmarting people out of their money and organising betting rings.
One day, Nancy was approached by an old Groundskeeper who took her in as his apprentice. The old man taught Nancy how to properly tend and maintain the public parks, gardens and graveyards. Once she had earned his trust, her mentor eventually took her on a more secretive job in the dead of night. There, he showed her how to dig up freshly buried graves and rob corpses of their valuables. As well as taking body parts which hadn't quite decomposed yet in order to sell them to Doctors who were seeking to practice medicine and were willing to pay a pretty penny to get their hands on 'fresh product'.
Nancy eventually introduced Annie to this line of work, and the three co-existed and worked alongside each-other. That was until one day when Annie and Nancy were spotted by a local policemen digging up graves and were chased away. Once they told their mentor what had happened, he reassured them that everything would be all right, and asked them to take him to the spot in which they had been seen. Upon reaching the half-dug up grave, the man promptly hit Annie with his shovel across the back of her head to knock her unconscious, causing her to fall into the coffin. Nancy, bewildered and confused by what just happened, had a delayed reaction. Her instinct was to jump into the grave to rescue her sister, only to witness the man she had trusted begin to shovel the dirt back into the grave, burying Annie and Nancy alive.
In a desperate attempt to survive, Nancy shielded her sister to ensure she didn't suffocate to death and spent hours crawling through the dirt to eventually rise on the other side at the break of morning, dragging Annie's body out with her. This event led to a deeply rooted fear of confined spaces, as well as a heightened need to protect her sister even more. Nancy's trauma reflected in adulthood when she made it very clear that should she die, she would not want to be buried in a coffin or kept in an ice-box (cold storage).Present Life
Nancy often spent her days conducting discreet business dealings with other criminals and civilians alike, by either selling general goods or stolen merchandise. On her downtime, she would patronize the more unsavoury establishments, such as The Old Light Saloon, The Black Mastiff or more notably - Tadhg's Tavern.
She gained a reputation of being a decent fighter, and often announced public challenges at the Pig Pen in Valentine in order to get free drinks from the Saloon as well as simultaneously bring business to Tadhg's Tavern. It was during one of these impromptu events that she met some notable fighters; Shelby Lord, Draven Woodson, Shiloh Graves, Iris Dragner, Michael O'Brien and Jethro Vern.
Her passion for fist-fighting eventually led to her being approached by a businessman named Carlo Barletti who encouraged her to join the Eastern Circuit of the State's Fighting Tournament.
For a time, Nancy dated Michael O'Brien - a former member of The Remnants and Outlaw.
Chapter One: Nimble Nance
When Nancy first got to state, she encountered several deputies during her many petty general store robberies. This was how she initiated her long outstanding criminal record. Oftentimes she would get away and execute several escape tactics, so much so that she became known as 'Speedy Nancy', for her slippery and quick-witted tactics.
When her sister, Annie, got to state the two of them would join forces and rob stores as well as the occasional lonely passer-by.
One of her most memorable getaways was when she escaped Valentine's jailcell by distracting Deputy Boyd Langston and pick-pocketing the keys from his belt, unlocking her cell and stealing a horse out of town. She led Jacob Allen and Boyd Langston on a mad chase through the wilderness, allowing her to live to see another day.
[ Nancy & Annie Wilmott Robbing the Strawberry General Store ]
Chapter Two: The Bard
Somewhere along the way, Nancy met a young Irish man called Tadhg Cameron, with whom she formed a very close relationship with. They were both quick-witted and involved in the more shady side of business. When she first met Tadhg, he was a scrawny bartender working for The Remnants, who eventually left to open up his own Pub called 'Tadhg's Tavern', which Nancy would often patronize. It was a safe space for her to socialize in without the fear of being ratted out to the Law.
Nancy and Tadhg would work together, with Nancy starting public fist-fighting contests in exchange for free drinks, conveniently as Tagh would open up the bar, leading sore losers to inhabit his establishment and buy round after round. In turn, Tadgh at times would accompany Nancy on her many 'Groundskeeping' expeditions and be the look out, as well as an extra gunslinger should the local mourners kick up a fuss.
Over the years, the two eventually formed a tight bond, with Tadhg often acting as a messenger on Nancy's behalf when she was undercover, as well as trusted informant. He accompanied her to events and often embarked on dangerous missions with her.
On more than one occasion, Tadgh would act as Nancy's scout to ensure she could travel safely, he has also been responsible for helping breaking her out of sticky situations and even posing as a distraction for Deputies to give her the opportunity to make her escape.
Nancy saw Tadgh as a reliable and resourceful man, so much so that she grew to trust him more than anyone. When Nancy was healing after a close call with the Deputies in Forte Mercer, it was Tadgh who made an appearance to collect her and bring her home. At one point, they shared a living space together.
With Nancy's love for dancing, and Tadgh's talent for singing - they would often enjoy nights of drinking and being merry together.
[ Nancy & Tadgh discussing plans in the slums of St. Denis ]
Chapter Three: Roscoe Norris
A man named Roscoe Norris took notice of a public telegram challenging people to a fighting competition in Valentine. He made an appearance to watch the events unfold, where he saw Nancy in action. Impressed, he invited her to a discreet meeting with a third man, called Captain Steel. The three met at a Speakeasy, where they discussed plans to rob a bank. They explained to Nancy that they were former soldiers, had a vendetta against the Government and were in need of reliable hands to get the job done. Roscoe suggested Nancy to the Captain, and the three mutually agreed to a plan. Nancy was responsible for obtaining the tools needed.
Promptly and shortly after, Nancy got to work. She reconnected with The Remnants she had met in Sisika, primarily through Kragen Murdoch. She exchanged jewellery she dug up for information on bank heists, and he provided her with a list of items she would need. Once Nancy obtained this list, she made progress in acquiring said tools and items.
One day, as Nancy was grave-robbing, she was seen by a man named 'Joe', who she had previously encountered during one of her fist-fighting challenges. He had been one of the men she beat and ever since, the two had developed a rocky relationship which mostly consisted of Nancy getting under Joe's skin. Unhappy with what he had witnessed, Joe threatened to tell the authorities of what Nancy was up to, but decided against it when he realised that they would soon be working together due to having a mutual contact. Unaware of this, Nancy pried further and came to find that he too had been hired by the Captain to undergo the bank job.
Unhappy with this revelation, Nancy got in contact with Roscoe and updated him on her progress, as well as her more recent encounter with Joe. She expressed distrust and hesitation to work for a man who threatened to run to the law. Upon learning this, Roscoe grew unhappy and brought this information to the Captain - stating that he didn't deal with rats. This caused a feud to ensue between the Captain, his people and Joe - who was later revealed to be a man named Gale Harper.
Roscoe made a promise to Nancy that he would make this right.
A few days later, Nancy received a package; enclosed was a big toe, bloody, blue and slightly decaying with a note stating;
Over the months, Roscoe and Nancy formed a close ally-ship, where they would commit crimes together and exchange useful information. Roscoe became one of Nancy's most dependable partners in crime, and Nancy a reliable informant.
Chapter Four: Michael O'Brien "The Bull"
On a nine-win streak, Nancy was finally bested twice by a man named Michael O'Brien. Impressed by his prowess, Nancy and Michael decided to rob the Strawberry general store together and split the profit both ways. They got to know each other during the robbery and sparked a flame. Michael was an ex-soldier who found himself in a life of crime due to a troublesome and difficult past.
They eventually went their separate ways, and reunited months later at the first Eastern Circuit Fighting event hosted by Carlo Barletti, where Nancy lost to Aiden Breen, the winner of the competition. When she was tended to at the Hospital, she ran into Michael again who expressed that he was hoping to see her again after he heard that she would be competing. He revealed that he was due to be involved in a high-stakes plan with The Remnants and that he suspected he might be going to Sisika for a very long time.
Nancy and Michael became romantically involved soon after.
Michael was assigned to play a major part in the break-out of Jimmy Hersh's public execution and was dubbed Outlaw as a result. He would meet with Nancy in secrecy and the two came up with a plan to get the bounty money, by having Nancy turning him in and then splitting the money both ways after he had served his time. The plan came into action in the aftermath of the Western Fighting Circuit, and Nancy turned an unconscious Michael O'Brien in to the authorities in Valentine.
Michael served his time and promptly reunited with Nancy after his release. They had a turbulent relationship, fuelled with violence which lasted a long time. Michael would also bring Nancy on robberies with his group. On one occasion, Nancy was being followed by a man who went by 'P' - who was later revealed to be a torturer. Michael went out of his way to kidnap P, beat him with a hammer and shoot him to ensure her safety.
One day, Nancy and Michael had a big fight in Van Horn, which led to their break up. When Nancy next saw Michael with another woman, she threatened to shoot him, which rekindled their unstable romance once more. Michael eventually revealed that the woman he was involved with turned out to be an informant for the White Hats, responsible for causing one of his comrades to be sent to Sisika.
The next time Nancy met up with Roscoe, he revealed that he too had been involved with a woman, which conveniently enough turned out to be the same woman Michael was seen with. Nancy informed Roscoe of what she knew and discouraged him from pursuing a relationship with her. With Roscoe, Michael, the Remnants and Rex Moody - Nancy concocted a plan to have her executed in the desert; by having Roscoe bring her to Forte Mercer where she would be forced to face Michael O'Brien. She was interrogated by Rex and it was revealed that she had betrayed the Remnants for the Deputies. Michael shot and buried her.
Chapter Five: Pay Your Dues - Arc Part 1
The plan Michael and Nancy had come up with was almost a success. Michael was put behind bars at the Valentine Sherriff's Office, with Nancy announcing that she had a bounty to turn in. It was Deputy Jacob Allen who received them, and gave instructions for Nancy to wait for one of his superiors to make an appearance to pay her dues. Nancy obliged, and waited... and waited... and waited.
She waited well after Michael had been taken to Sisika, and waited well after all the deputies had left town. They instructed her that only a Marshall or Undersheriff could give her the bounty money. Growing restless, Nancy started questioning the Deputies - who advised her that if she wanted to get the money quicker, she would have to travel out west to retrieve it as it appeared that only Damon Lasky was on duty and he was not central. Nancy went from waiting on the porch, to office's interior. There she took a seat and said that she was going to wait inside for Mr Lasky to make an appearance. The Deputies at the time expressed no issue with this and left town. Eventually, a Deputy named Levi Smith entered and questioned Nancy as to her intentions for being in the office, to which she replied by saying that she was waiting for Damon Lasky to arrive.
Unhappy with her reasoning, Levi demanded that she leave or that she would be charged with trespassing. Nancy remained put, and stood her ground. Stating that she would not leave until she was paid. With no one around, Levi decides to threaten Nancy with escalation of force; by pulling a gun on her and saying;
"If you don't get out, I will pistol whip you until you are unconscious and dump your body in the cell."
A fight ensued, and Nancy ends up beating Levi with her bare fists unconscious.
She takes his body out of town to check his injuries, and once she concluded that he was alive, she drops him off where he could be found and retreated. A string of telegrams arrive shortly after from various member of the Sherriff's Office demanding that she turn herself in for what she did, as well as stating that she would not be getting paid the bounty money she was rightfully owed.
This angered Nancy.
Unhappy with this unfair verdict, Nancy decides to come up with a plan to force the Deputies to pay her what she was owed. No more, no less.
Unhappy with this unfair verdict, Nancy decides to come up with a plan to force the Deputies to pay her what she was owed. No more, no less.
A few days later, Nancy conveniently received correspondence from a Deputy that she had dealings with in the past; Don Maguire, requesting that she return his Navy Revolver. Nancy seized this opportunity and agreed to meet with him, alone, to return his property back to him. She instructed him to meet her in St. Denis at the antique shop. When Don arrived, Nancy lured him down to the cellar under the guise that she had his gun in a box downstairs. That was when she held him up at decided to restrain him.
[ Nancy holding Don up in the antique shop's basement. ]
Nancy managed to successfully capture and keep Don in the basement of the shop, keeping him fed and quiet while she conducted her next plan.
Nancy spent many days surveying the area, learning the back alleyways of St. Denis near the marketplace, often changing clothes so as to not look suspicious. She often posed as a vendor, and it was on one of these occasions that she noticed a woman by the market stall browsing the goods. Nancy struck up conversation, where she quickly learned that this woman was also a deputy recruit called Lucy Keller. She expressed that she had been farming due to the very low pay rates that recruits received and was in the process of selling her goods for some extra cash. Nancy tricked Lucy, getting her to follow Nancy to show her the wooden carvings she was supposedly selling for cheap. Oblivious to her identity and true intentions, Lucy followed - where she too was lured to the cellar of the antique shop, where Nancy proceeded to hold her up at gunpoint and capture her as well.
With not one, but two hostages, Nancy proceeds with her master plan. To retrieve her money.
Chapter Six: Pay Your Dues - Arc Part 2
Now with two hostages, Nancy kickstarted her plan. On the 23rd of February 1902, two hand-written letters were posted on the notice board in Annesburg. Attached to them were two pictures of the recruits, bruised and roughed up - as though they had been beaten. In the letters, they proceeded to explain Nancy's intentions and the reason as to why they had been captured. In the letters, they expressed fear and request that their colleagues take the threats seriously.
The letters also stateed that she was owed payment by the Sheriff's Office and until that payment was completed she would not release the hostages.
To My Superiors,
My name is Deputy Recruit Don Maguire.
I am indeed a prisoner of Nancy Wilmott. From what I have been told, Nancy, after bringing in a public bounty worth $250, has warrants out for Criminal Tresspass, as well as the kidnapping and attempted murder of a fellow member of the New Alexandria Sheriff's Department. However, this is not why we are being held. The issue stems from the alleged withholding of the Bounty Payment.
We are being held because she wants her money. Upon getting the cash, we will be set free.
Please, just give her what she wants. We are worth more than the money.
Signed,
Deputy Recruit Don Maguire
Dear Cousin,
As I write this I’m currently trying not to bawl my eyes out. I miss you dearly and unfortunately in the moments you last laid your beautiful eyes on me, I’ve been taken as a… ‘pet’ for a type of random. A woman by the name of Nancy requests she gets her bounty money that she is rightfully owed.
Please tell Mr. Lasky to check his postage.
If I die, you may have both of my horses.
Love,
Lucy
Shortly after the published letters, Nancy received a response from Sheriff Tris Chamberlain - kickstarting a dangerous game between both sides. The following documents are of the correspondence exchanged between Nancy Wilmott and the law.
They are in chronological order:
From the desk of the Sheriff Tris Chamberlain,
To the esteemed Nancy Wilmott,
I am glad to see that my deputy and Miss Lucy are in good health, at least that's what it seems by looking at these pictures you have so graciously provided. Alas, they are not dated however, so I do hope these two are in fact good health and not disposed of at the bottom of a riverbed as then you would have no leverage.
It has come to my attention that you have taken Miss Lucy and Mister Maguire as hostages while you wait to hear back from one of my Undersheriffs about payment. I am happy to hear that you are showing such patience though I do wish that same patience had been shown when you initially asked for the bounty payment just some days ago. It is my understanding that my deputy was unable to make the payment to which an Undersheriff promised to travel to meet you and pay you in person. For some reason, this angered you and you decided to leave without explanation and go on this spree in order to gain attention.
Now, surely you would assume an office would pay you a hefty sum after attacking one of its own members after failing to show a little patience and waiting? Of course, I will not compare you to an impatient child, but need I remind you that usually children do not get what they want when they throw a fit.
On to more pressing matters,
The sheriffs may be willing to pay this public bounty due to you, in person, with both hostages in tow. Of course, since it seems you are placing a price on people’s heads and trying to put value on a life, we will in turn do the same with the due you believe you are owed.
For every day they are not returned to us, we will be charging a twenty-five dollar ransom fee, payable in cash or in bond should you choose to wait too long to return these people, healthy and unharmed.
You’ve invited us to play this game, and the ball is now on your side. Make wise choices.
We shall be waiting with payment in hand until these two are returned unharmed and healthy.
Angrily signed,
Sheriff Tris Chamberlain
I will give ya some credit, Miss Chamberlain… because unlike Lasky, you made haste with a response, and unlike Smith you spared professionalism. However, am’ afraid I’m an expert at these games. Shall I share with the public what really happened that day?
After turnin’ a public bounty, your deputies instructed me to travel out to the blazin’ desert if I wanted to get paid. I said I’d wait until Lasky made his way to the office and I said I ain’t leavin’ until I get paid. Now if that ain’t patience then I don’t know what is. Mr Smith decided to take matters into his own hands conveniently only after all his colleagues left the office and said that he would pistol whip me until I was unconscious and dump my unconscious body in a cell, for waitin’ in the office like I was told I could. He pulled a gun out on me, talk about unnecessary escalation. I wonder where his bollocks were this whole time when his mates were in the office? Would he have done the same thing had they been around to witness it, I wonder? Much like how you don’t take kindly to havin’ the lives of your deputies played with, I don’t kindly to havin’ mine threatened when I ain’t doin’ nothin’ wrong. So here’s what’s gonna’ happen, Sheriff…
You will pay me upfront for the sum of 250 dollars at a place of my choosin’, because I ain’t askin’ for anythin’ I ain’t owed already. In turn, I will you ONE hostage unharmed.
After the exchange is complete, I will release the second one.
If you refuse, well, let’s just say I got other means of flippin’ a profit with these hostages. I’m curious, do ya’ know how much a single finger sells for if ya’ look in the right place? Imagine how much more a ‘fresh’ product would make. I’d make triple what ya’ owe me.
Guess I’m gonna’ need the money if ya’ gonna’ slap a tax on me too. 25 dollars a day, you say? One single finger sells for about 8-10$ give or take, so… I guess I’ll start with… three! Let’s hope we don’t run out of fingers, and if I do, guess I’ll just have to get more deputies to pay the deputy-tax. Make haste.
Signed,
Nancy Wilmott
Feb 23rd 1902
Original Source
To Nancy Wilmott and the rest of the State since for some reason criminals love to splash these things all over notice boards,
To Nancy Wilmott and the rest of the State since for some reason criminals love to splash these things all over notice boards,
While yes I did pull a gun on you there is multiple steps before this happened that you have decided to either forget or leave out. I arrived to Valentine to find a man in a cell and one of my fellow deputies doing paperwork. I let them be and stood on the front porch catching up with what has happened for the last month or two while I was out of state. It was at this point that the deputy inside called out for the spelling of your name and I told you to go inside and hash it out with him.
The guard from Sisika and other deputies showed up during this time and moved inside to deal with transport of said prisoner. I stepped inside to hear you complaining about not being paid by them and all of them telling you it was out of their hands. At this time I also pointed out to you that we were all bound by the rules of our job and that you would have to either go get paid by the Undersheriff or wait until another day for someone of the proper rank to access bounty funds to pay you. You argued and the there was more back and forth with them. I went back outside and after a time the prisoner was loaded up and all of them left me to deal with your refusal to leave the office.
I came back into the office to find you still there and said you would need to leave. I told you that this was so I could lock the office and continue on my patrol out of Valentine. You stated that you had sent a telegram to the Undersheriff and he was coming to meet you. I sent a telegram to the Undersheriff and he again instructed us to tell you that he would meet up with you at a later time. It was at this point that I passed this information along to you and you once again refused to leave the office. It was then that I gave the first of multiple lawful orders to leave the office. You insist that you had not done a crime but the moment I gave such orders and you refused it became a crime. I also pointed out that now that I had given you a lawful order to leave and you refused that you were criminally trespassing.
After going back and forth with you about this multiple times I then pulled my pistol, pointed it at you and once again gave a lawful order to leave the office. Your response was, 'What are you going do shoot me?' I responded that I was considering pistol whipping you and leaving your unconscious body in a cell while I did the paperwork and waited for another transport to come pick you up. It was at this point where I decided to not escalate to that point and instead attempted to physically remove you from the office. In response you strangled me until I fell unconscious and then from what I am told dumped my body on the road north of Valentine.
In summation, there was multiple lawful orders for you to vacate the office, you could have continued to wait on the porch. The NASD does not just leave people inside of the offices. The kicker of all this back and forth was that the Undersheriff was actually in route when he found out that you had strangled me and dumped my body on the side of the road. If you had stepped outside of the office when I had asked and waited less than a quarter of an hour you would have had your money.
Now you are facing multiple counts of various crimes and seem to think that doing more crimes will magically fix this whole situation.
The smart thing to do would be to just turn yourself in and hand over the hostages you have unharmed.
Regards and yes I am very much an asshole,
Sr Deputy Levi Smith
Needless to say, with Nancy's public bounty and outlaw status - it became extremely difficult to navigate the state of New Alexandria. So much so that she had to go undercover. Often disguising herself as a civilian in order to maneuver her way through the city streets. It gave her the advantage of hiding in plain sight and keeping an eye on the on-goings of St. Denis.
Nancy would often send taunting telegrams to the Sherriff's Office from the city. One day, Nancy set up a camera discreetly on one of the corner streets, where she watched as two Deputies walked from the Sherriff's Office to the Telegram station. She managed to snap a photo of them, and leave a message outside the Sherriff's Office.
With the eyes of the State on her, anticipating her next move, Nancy received a letter from a woman named Roberta Cunningham. In the letter, she explained that she was a Newspaper Journalist and had taken an interest in Nancy's story. She requested an interview with Nancy. However, due to her current predicament - Nancy decided against it, and instead Roberta requested a written statement and for Nancy to answer a few of her questions, which Nancy was more than happy to oblige.
Nancy was featured in the First Special Edition of The Cunning Eye Newspaper, which undeniably resulted in even more notoriety coming her way.
1. It comes as no surprise that the Deputies are prone to overreacting. I mean, they get shit pay... I found out through the recruits that they get 5% an hour! Can ya' believe that?! What kind of compensation is that for the bravery these men and women display every day? I'd be walking around with a chip on my shoulder too if that's all my time is worth, considering the high risk that comes with the job. Do I feel for them? A little, I suppose. Does that excuse some of them talking to people like dog shit? Absolutely fuckin' not & that's the exact same attitude that resulted in Levi Smith gettin' the five-knuckle-treatment. You don't get to casually threaten someone and thank you're untouchable because of a piece of metal you wear on your chest... cuz' one day you'll end up threatening the wrong one.
2. My message to the readers of the Cunning Eye would be; it's about time the Sherriff's Department of New Alexandria received a rude awakening. Not payin' bounties rightfully owed... you know you're doing something wrong when everyday civilians are taking more of an initiative to save the lives of their own recruits than their superiors. Hell, what kind of message is this sendin' to the bounty hunters or potential future recruits? I feel sorry for any potential prospects! It's almost like they don't care that their recruits have been taken.
To wrap this up, here is a list of people that will be responsible for the deaths of Lucy Keller and Don Maguire:
Damon Lasky: For not showing up fast enough. The man is apparently too good to check his post. Tris Chamberlain: For giving me the brilliant idea of the deputy tax. 10 dollars a pop! Hannah Westbrook: For making me famous. And last but not least, Levi Smith... for being a hypersensitive unprofessional little piglet whose threat started this all.
Chapter Seven: Pay Your Dues: Arc Part 3 (FINAL)
As the heat continued to rush towards her doorstep, especially with the publicity in the Newspaper, Nancy was growing desperate to get her reward. Supplies were running low and moving two hostages in a big city by herself was proving to be rather difficult. She had to come up with a distraction to get the Deputies off her back long enough to make the move.
Disguising herself once more, Nancy snuck out from the city and travelled all the way out west towards New Austin. Now that she was out of the city, Nancy had some time to breathe and explore the wilderness - that is when she came up with the idea to lure the Deputies away from the East. She visited a burial sight and dug up a dismembered arm, before finding a nearby decrypted building, where she would plant fake evidence for the Deputies.
Nancy proceeded to create a false trail of clues, leaving Lucy Keller's badge in a bunk near Bacchus Telegram station and hanging yet another note on the notice board. It was then that she embarked on a race back to St. Denis to move the hostages to a new spot, with the Deputies turning their attention West - this was her chance.
Meanwhile, the back-and-forth publishings between Nancy and the Sherriff's Office continued:
Recent News & the Reality behind it
Original Source
I usually prefer not joining the chain of papers posted on the notice boards, but recent words have led me to feel disappointed in some way.
Generalizing, stereotypes and painting everyone with the same brush has always been a big issue in this state. The sheriff’s office this, the sheriff’s office that. We’re all individuals with our own motives. Just because one situation happened with a particular deputy, does not mean that any other deputy will treat you the exact same.
Underpaid? In my 2 years that I’ve been with the office, starting out as a small recruit and slowly working my way up the chain of command, I never did it for the money. I did it for the people. I couldn’t care less about how much I make. Of course I needed the necessary to survive and cover my basic needs, but if I ever needed anything I was helped out by those around me. I’ve taken it upon myself to do the same for the newer ones nowadays. I’ve given my spare guns away, I’ve gifted money to those who need it, I often pay more to Businesses than asked because I want to support them.
Under trained? In my honest opinion you should not speak about something you have no or wrong knowledge of. Opinions are free, but please make sure your opinions are based off facts. Many of the civilians are misinformed about the office and that is a shame. You don’t know what everyone goes through until you’ve tried it yourself. We train our deputies hard, in fact as of recently we’ve completely overhauled our training system to adapt to better training methods. I personally always want what’s best for my recruits. I’ve always considered the department a big family; whether you’re a recruit or a senior deputy. Sadly enough, a lot in the department can only be taught by experience. You can only do so much with mock incidents. If you are dropped into an active bank robbery with hostages it’s a whole other situation. The job is not easy, it’s not for those with a faint heart and many of us learned that the hard way.
Not prepared? You tell me. Are you prepared for a hostage situation? Are you prepared for seeing a mutilated body. Or worse.. a corpse of someone you considered your friend, shot up to shit because of a criminal. Are you prepared to be tortured yourself because you simply want to stop a criminal from doing harm? Tell me, how can you possibly prepare someone for something like that?
I understand that the newspaper wants all sides of the stories. That is no surprise. But what does surprise me is that I’ve seen some people be more inclined to have a casual chit chat with some torturer or murderer. This does not go for all civilians. There are so many good people out there that i’d protect at all costs. However.. You go out of your way to collect a statement from someone that has not one, but 2 hostages and you’re telling me you want to justify their actions in a newspaper and tell me that they’re the ones who are wronged?
I’m talking about a woman who has hurt a Senior Deputy simply because he couldn’t pay her bounty (as the SOP’s say only lieutenants and up can access state funds), after not wanting to leave the office when Senior Deputy Smith wanted to continue with his patrols. A woman who has KIDNAPPED 2 people, KEPT THEM for an extended period and is going to or already has MUTILATED them. I would be heavily disappointed if you’d justify that with ‘she should’ve gotten paid’. If that is what the standpoint of this article is then shame on you. I think what many think is ‘it’s not me, so I’m safe’. But it could be you. For all you know a criminal could kidnap YOU and use YOU as a leverage. At that point you’re nothing more than a bargaining object for them. Then deputies arrive and we are supposed to protect those who’d rather side with the murderers and torturers of the state than put a little faith in the department. God forbid deputies making mistakes, because it’ll reflect on the department as a whole.
In the whole career I’ve had so far in the office I’ve taken bullets for people. I’ve gotten hurt for people and every day I clock on I risk losing my life for the people of the state, just like any other deputy. I don’t get along with everyone. I sometimes heavily question people. I’ve watched how people that I considered to be friends show up to my own fucking torturing and watch it like it’s some sort of entertainment show for them. And still.. I’d protect them if they need the law. Call it stupidity or selflessness. I swear I’d die with the badge on and despite the complete bullshit that is written in the article, despite how much I disagree with the point of view, I’d still protect the writer of it as well if need be.
I’m fed up and disappointed. But I’ll continue doing my job as always and trying my best to protect the state. I absolutely dislike putting these public letters out as words will always be twisted no matter what, but I know what I stand by. Lastly; this is my opinion, based on my experiences I’ve had. This does not go for the whole department. I’m an individual and I do not speak for the whole department, as no one should. I’ll always reply to letters and if you want to talk, simply contact me. Letters on a page can be interpreted wrongly, but I’m always open to talk.
Signed,
Undersheriff Dandelion
Perzival 'Wanahca' Kawewe
Touching words. You must be very brave... writing this from the comfort and safety of your fancy office. Out of the several times I have been arrested, I don't recall ever seein' you ride out into action, 'Undersheriff'. Where were you, O'brave-pen-boy? What's the matter? Can't handle a little bad press...? If only you made as much of an effort into finding your recruits as you did writing this letter, this might have been over by now.
Nancy
The end of this prolonged kidnapping arrived when Deputy Isaac O'Neil offered to meet with Nancy and pay her the money she was owed under the promise that he would be alone. Nancy of course, distrusting of his intentions, planted a third party to receive the cash at a place of her choosing. With the help of Rex Moody, the transaction was completed. Once Nancy was notified by Rex that the exchanged had been complete, Nancy made sure to publish the new location of the hostages.
She later found out through Rex and her associates that her gut was indeed right, as O'Neil had not arrived alone and instead was accompanied by Marshal Rueb and Sr. Deputy Tod Jones.
With the recruits being rescue, Nancy made plans to take her cash and enjoy the Guarma sun in the hopes of reuniting with Michael O'Brien once his time had been served. Nancy met up with Boone Jackson, one of the leaders of the Remnants where she sold a hefty stock of jewellery to him. There, Boone expressed admiration for Nancy. Stating that he was 'a fan of her work' and that he had been following her story closely. They met in Valentine to complete the exchange, and Nancy promptly left for St. Denis, where she got on a boat with her money - but not before submitting a final publishing to the notice board. Two hand-written letters she had in her possession of the hostages. One of which served as a letter of resignation from the Sherriff's Office.
7th of March 1902,
To whomever it may concern,
Nancy has finally been offered her rightful payment of 250$ by a kind citizen of New Alexandria.
Both myself, Lucy Keller, and Don Maguire have been unharmed throughout these weeks apart from the rest of society. With the promised payment, we shall be set free.
Lucy Keller
7th of March 1901,
To the New Alexandria Sheriff's Department,
I, Don Maguire, write this letter of sound body and mind. It is the 5th of March 1902. I am uninjured aside from a few bruises and some dehydration. Nancy Wilmott has held me captive for almost a fortnight, and finally, a kind soul has paid for my safe release.
I am glad there is someone in the Department that sees my worth as higher than a bounty payment.
I hereby declare my resignation from the Recruit Program of the New Alexandria Sheriff's Department. I believe I was growing into a fine deputy, but that ship has sailed.
I would hand in my badge, but I don't currently have it in my possession.
Signed,
Don Maguire
Poor Lucy almost lost hope... the same can't be said for poor ol' Donny boy...
Nancy Wilmott
Chapter Eight: Guarma & The Chapel Pirates
With her pockets lined and with no Deputies in sight, Nancy spent several months on the tropical Island of Guarma, where she proceeded to spend her days drinking, dancing and exploring. Nancy had grown to love the place and often lost track of the days. Eventually, she made connections on the Island. She met several interesting personalities, including a group of pirates who initially intended to rob her - but after a comedic back and forth, they decided to befriend Nancy instead. They exchanged stories and drank by the beach, showcasing the Island's more hidden spots to Nancy and even teaching her how to make 'Guarma Salad'.
Nancy found it refreshing to be surrounded by carefree, likeminded individuals who weren't on the prowl to capture a bounty. Needless to say, Nancy was still weary and distrusting - and often kept in touch with the people she met on the Island with her trademark signature she would leave on the Chapel; "Over The Hills And Far Away"
One morning, Nancy woke up extremely hungover from a night of drinking and dancing by the shoreline. The weather on the Island had changed drastically. No longer were the skies clear and the air hot. Instead, it was gloomy, cold, windy and raining. The waves rocked more violently than usual.
Groggily, Nancy decided to make the trek back to the Chapel from the shore to check her letters. As she approached, she could hear a faint symphony in the distance.... the sound of a trumpet being played. At first, Nancy thought she was going mad. The only time she could recall hearing a trumpet player was in St. Denis, but such an infernal sound had followed her to the Island. Every once in a while it would stop abruptly, just enough for Nancy to check her letters... before it continued again.
Nancy searched for the source, and whenever it felt as though she got close it would suddenly stop again. The weather certainly didn't help. That was until she looked up and saw a mysterious silhouette of a man standing atop the chapel, right beside the big bell. Nancy couldn't quite see the individual clearly enough to identify him, she only remembers that he was barefoot, shirtless, had a bow on his back and a feathered hat. Curiosity got the best of her, and Nancy tried to follow him. She made several attempts to climb the Chapel, but failed - and when she did get close, the individual jumped off and ran into the wilderness.
Till this day, Nancy is convinced what she saw was a ghost - but that didn't stop her from attempting to find him whenever she did visit that Chapel.
Guarma was Nancy's paradise, a place where her troubles couldn't find her - or the Deputies.
Chapter Ten: Rex Moody & The Texas Devils: Arc Part 1
Ever since Rex helped plant a civilian to collect Nancy's bounty money from the Deputies, Nancy was in Rex's debt. She was summoned to Forte Mercer in New Austin. A building buried in the warm sands out West. When Nancy arrived, she was greeted by a group of people primarily composed of men who called themselves Los Diablos Tejanos. Former soldiers who fought in the Kamanche Wars turned Ransomers to make a living. Roscoe Norris was a member of their group and Rex was the unofficial leader, someone they very clearly respected and took orders from.
Rex was a fiercely intimating and smart woman, knowledgeable in the tactics of military warfare as well as psychological manipulation. The sort of person you did not want to lie to. To some degree, Nancy admired Rex and even glorified her, as many others did. Needless to say, Rex was quite the impressionable individual.
Since Rex had gone out of her way to help Nancy, she had a job for her. The job was simple; to capture Deputies Jacob Allen and Avery Hardy.
Nancy did not question her reasons as to why, but she agreed and set out to scope the areas Jacob and Avery were known to inhabit. Rex advised her to take Roscoe with her on these missions, and the two set out to do as much.
Jacob Allen had been caught successfully twice. Roscoe and Nancy raced back East to help, only to find that The Colemans had retrieved Jacob Allen before they had a chance to get to him. It was Tadhg who informed Nancy of this as he was present for his arrival and retrieval, including the gruesome detailing the cutting of Jacob Allen's finger by Aiden Breen, an event which caused a massive rift to spread through the various gangs in state.
Later when Nancy returned to Forte Mercer to update Rex, she was confused to find Breen sitting at the table. He left shortly after, and they discussed their next course of action to capture Avery and bring her to the Forte. The conversation turned to the topic of Torture, an act which the Devils did not believe in. Rex often expressed her dislike for it, and it was then that Nancy felt the need to expose the actions of Breen.
Unhappy with this revelation, Rex felt as though her favour had been used poorly. She requested to speak with Nancy's source, and a meeting was set up between Rex and Tagh, where he confirmed Nancy's information. This later resulted in Rex confronting Breen and shooting him for it.
Meanwhile, Nancy and Roscoe set out to capture Avery Hardy.
Upon reaching Valentine, Nancy and Roscoe spotted Avery by the stables. They came up with a plan to lure her away from the crowd with the intention to capture her, only for them to suddenly find themselves surrounded by four bounty hunters. Smet, Clay, Gallagher and Woodson. Ultimately interrupting their plans. Unluckily, two of the Bounty Hunters recognised Nancy as she had recently robbed them on the road. They had Nancy and Roscoe outnumbered and demanded that she accompany them peacefully. Roscoe turned hostile rather quickly, Nancy on the other hand - suggested a fist fight against their best fighter, Draven. Nancy and Draven had fought many times in the past, she was confident she would be able to match him. The deal was that if she lost, she would go with them and Roscoe would be allowed to leave unharmed. If she won, they would leave town. Both parties agreed to this.
Nancy and Draven fought, and it was a rather close bout between the two. Eventually, Draven bested Nancy - though just barely. With him stating that she almost had him as he threw her unconscious body on the back of his horse.
The events that transpired after were a blank to Nancy who was unconscious, though when she awoke at the Doctor's office she found Roscoe bleeding out on the floor receiving intense medical care. The room was surrounded by Bounty Hunters and White Hats, with a confused and enraged Nancy staring in horror as her friend found himself on the cusp of death.
Chapter Ten: Rex Moody & The Texas Devils: Arc Part 2 - "The Debt."
With Roscoe bleeding out in the doctor's office, Nancy was overwhelmed, consumed by anger, worry and confusion. According to the Doctor who was treating him at the time, he suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back, causing him to lose a lot of blood and had to undergo emergency surgery.
With the room surrounded by bounty hunters and deputies, Nancy was left to hopelessly watch as her friend faded in and out of consciousness. Every once in a while he would mutter out incoherently, begging Nancy to make a run for it... to get Rex. Nancy instead refused to leave, and stayed with him.
That was until Deputy Jacob Allen entered the room, displaying a lack of remorse or care for Roscoe's critical condition. Causing an argument to ensue between the doctor and Allen, who appeared more concerned about getting Roscoe to serve his current warrants, and that he would be transported to Sisika.
Disgusted by his lack of remorse, Nancy threatened Jacob.
Choosing to ignore the doctor's advise stating that Roscoe was in no condition to travel and that he would likely not survive the transport alone, Jacob ordered to have Nancy thrown in the jail cell.
Once behind bars, Nancy was left to worry for her comrade's safety. Believing that Roscoe would die in the building next door, Nancy decided to make an attempt to escape. That was when she lured Deputy Boyd Langston to her cell, asking him to spare her a smoke. Hesitantly, he obliged - and while he was busy lighting her cigarette for her, Nancy had managed to slip his keys off of his belt without him noticing.
When Boyd's attention was turned to his paperwork, that was when Nancy stealthily unlocked the cell. Afterwards, she ran out of the Sherriff's office, grabbed the first hitched horse she could and made a run for it. She was chased by Jacob Allen and Boyd Langston through the wilderness North of Valentine, where she eventually lost them after rolling down a cliff, she miraculously survived the fall, albeit with several cracked ribs, a shattered collarbone and being shot at by Allen.
Nancy undertook the most intense trek of her life, by stealing a local's horse in her wounded state and rode all the way out West to Forte Mercer. Barely able to sit upright on the saddle, she made it by nightfall, where she was found by the same Doctor who was working on Roscoe in Valentine, Kitty.
She treated Nancy's wounds and updated her on the events that transpired in Valentine after Nancy had escaped;
Roscoe was rescued by Rex Moody and the Texas Devils who were tipped off on the events occurring in Valentine by none other than Gale Harper, who just so happened to be present in town at the time. They barged into the Doctor's office and held everyone up at gunpoint where they proceeded to negotiate the terms for Roscoe's release. Eventually, they arranged to have a wagon bring Roscoe and the Doctor who was working on him to Forte Merce, and in exchange, Rex Moody would turn herself in. Ultimately. she gave herself up for Roscoe.
Nancy reunited with Dallas Rockwell, who further informed her of a deal Rex struck with the Deputies.
For two days; no White Hat or Bounty Hunter was to step foot in Forte Merce.
Dallas invited Nancy to stay at the Forte for her own safety and recovery, which Nancy graciously accepted.
During this time, Nancy proceeded to compose a lengthy letter detailing the events that transpired from her memory to Rex Moody. Who from Sisika, stayed in touch with Nancy and reassured her that the bounty Hunters responsible for Roscoe's injuries were going to pay, and that she would likely need Nancy's help. Having already failed to bring Avery Hardy to Rex, as well as being responsible for Roscoe's shooting - Nancy felt it her duty and agreed without hesitation. She offered herself to Rex for whatever she required of her.
Nancy kept her word, and served to the best of her ability. At one point she even helped Rex transport her wife, Dell Hallock, from St. Denis hospital to the Forte.
These and other events that transpired were what led to a War to unveil between the Texas Devils, The Bounty Hunters and The Deputies.
Chapter Ten: The Prophet of St. Denis: Paddy Cox
On a particularly gloomy day in Van Horn, Nancy had paid a visit to the Old Light Saloon. The establishment was mostly vacant, but she struck up conversation with Aiden Breen who was behind the bar. That was when a young Englishman walked in and introduced himself as Paddy Cox. When Nancy introduced herself, Paddy retorted by saying that he heard of her and that she was allegedly 'one of the best'. Whether he meant at fighting or due to her outlaw status remained a mystery, but Nancy instantly felt a pull towards him. The three of them conversed mostly around the topic of fighting. Paddy shared that he ran a gym in St. Denis and that Nancy ought to come at some point to spar with him. With that in mind, Nancy left the old town with an unusual tenderness pulling at her.
Months went by and Nancy hadn't seen Paddy, until she and Tadhg made an appearance at the Eastern Circuit Fighting Competition, where Paddy was to face Aiden Breen for the Eastern Title. While they hadn't had a chance to speak, Nancy did heckle from the crowd when Paddy was due to compete.
Paddy Cox ended up winning the fight.Nancy made her exit swiftly, and once again, they hadn't seen each other for many months after.
Every once in a while, Nancy found herself curious about the fighter - and when she moved to the slums of St. Denis was when she began to take more notice of him. She occasionally saw him around with Barletti & Co, but she never made her presence known. That was until she found the courage to send him a telegram expressing her desire to get to know him. Paddy responded positively, and the pair made arrangements to meet. Though due to the turbulent lives they both led, it felt as though they kept missing each other by circumstances out of their control.
Finally, Nancy was due to meet Paddy at the Black Mastiff - only to be caught by two Bounty Hunters just outside the city. A scuffle ensued, escape attempts were made - and Nancy was pistol whipped until she was unconscious. She suffered a crack to the temple, and Paddy was left to wait for her at the bar under the impression that she had stood him up - little did she know she was being paraded from St. Denis, to Rhodes, to Valentine and all the way to Strawberry due to the lack of law enforcement in the area at the time. A group of civilians and other bounty hunters had gathered to spectate the long overdue capture of Nancy Wilmott.
Nancy received medical care, where the Doctor at the time had to pull her skin quite taught for the sutures on her temple, causing a permanent crease along the side of her face - turning her into the embodiment of a Cheshire cat.
She served her time in Sisika, all the while exchanging letters with Paddy. She anticipated their well awaited meeting, which came upon her release. The two met in St Denis and embarked on a memorable date, filled with moving pictures at the theatre, music and fists.
Nancy and Paddy were eerily similar to one another, bluntly stating that they both fancied each other and were officially a couple shortly after.
They shared their first kiss when Paddy won the State Championship before the crowd of spectators.
[ Nancy spectating the fight between Paddy vs Shiloh ]
The two became inseparable, and created many fond memories together. Though they were only together for a short while, Nancy grew to trust Paddy as much as she trusted Tadhg and referred to him as the love of her life. Going so far as to believe that Paddy was destined to be her soul mate.
She exchanged a lot of vitalinformation with Paddy and even gave clear written instructions that her will was to be given to either Paddy or Tadgh.
Despite Paddy's concerns and his many warnings, he never once tried to stop Nancy from going through with her plans to help avenge the remaining Texas Devils - for he knew that she had given her word to Rex Moody before her death.
Nancy expressed many times that she wanted the Devils' Crusade to be over so that she could be with him. They often talked about future plans for business ventures, trips and more.
The last time Nancy saw Paddy, they had expressed their love for each other.
The last time Paddy saw Nancy, he was a spectator to her last stand in Valentine.
Chapter Eleven: Nancy & The Devils : Part 1 "No Honour Among Corpses."
The Black Mastiff had opened its pub doors, and Nancy found herself mingling with its patrons. She went by 'Mary' and the pub owners agreed to call her as such in order to keep her identy hidden. A young man named Archie Cassidy made an appearance, he had a little too much to drink. He shared with the patrons that he had a long day on the job and was faced with a difficult medical task in the aftermath of what apparently was a big shootout out West. Mary listened with interest as he spoke of a large number of people who had unfortunately been killed in the event, and that was when it was revealed that the majority of which were members of The Texas Devils.
Bewildered and confused, Mary spoke up. Asking Archie to repeat what he had just said, to which he obliged. Confirming his own words. The atmosphere in the pub immediately changed, with Mary having just learned that her comrades, including Rex Moody, were all dead. Shot down by the White Hats.
"Were they friends of yours?"
Without much else to say, Mary made her exit abruptly - leaving the Pub questioning her reaction.
Nancy made her way to the telegram station where she composed an urgent letter to Roscoe, demanding that he tell her what had transpired, hoping that he wasn't among the dead. Nancy eventually received a response back from Roscoe, who confirmed the rumours to have been true.
They met up to discuss what had transpired at Fort Mercer. According to Roscoe, Rex had made it very clear to the Law that they could very well catch them on the streets, all over the State - with the exception of their home. The White Hats had decided to march up to the Fort, armed and ready for a battle in the dead of night. A gunfight ensued, and all of its members with the exception of one, Christopher Lock "Chrissy" had survived the gunfight - and was currently serving his time in Sisika.
Not only did they break their deal, but they were also holding the bodies of the fallen captive in Blackwater.
Roscoe asked for Nancy's help to retrieve the bodies of his brothers and sister, to which Nancy obliged. They arranged to meet on the outskirts of Blackwater, along with another Texas Devil named James Barber, to come up with a plan to steal back the bodies. Nancy brought Tadgh along to help. Nancy instructed Tadhg to retrieve an appropriate wagon, while she sent a telegram to Iris and Boone from the Remnants, letting them know of their plans. Roscoe and James were tasked to grab the bodies from the Hospital and pile them onto the wagon, while Nancy kept watched.
The plan was a success.
[ Nancy & Tadhg in Armadillo after retrieving the bodies of the fallen Texas Devils from Blackwater ]
The group were greeted by the remaining members of Rex and Dell's family, where they hosted a burial and paid their respects. Dell thanked Nancy for bringing the boys back home, and Nancy reassured Dell that she was still in Rex's debt and would be helping Roscoe pursue revenge for his fallen comrades.
Chapter Twelve: Nancy & The Devils: Part 2 "Dancing With The Devil"
Roscoe and Nancy composed a list of names, a hit list of all the people involved in the shooting at Fort Mercer. Gathering the remaining members of the Texas Devils, Nancy embarked on a long and dangerous mission to find the people responsible for the deaths of Rex and the others by acting as an additional gun.
The group was composed of Roscoe Norris, James Barber, Christopher Loche and Nancy Wilmott, with Roscoe acting as the primary leader of the posse.
With the Fort no longer accessible to the fugitives, they took residence in the Swamps of Lakay. There, they would spend many nights plotting and planning their next moves, watching the Deputies from afar and biding their time.
The first encounter consisted of Nancy and Tadgh unexpectedly getting their hands on Calan Kelly in Van Horn, where they kidnapped, questioned and ended with Nancy shooting him. This crossed off one of the names on the list, serving as the catalyst that triggered their plan into action.
Tadhg was later detained and sent to Sisika to serve his time. He plead guilty and refused to give any information relating to Nancy, the Devils or their plans and even took the fall for Nancy claiming that he had been the one to shoot Kelly.
After such, Nancy dismissed Tadhg from the mission, stating that he had already done his dues and it was down to her to see this through.
Meanwhile, Nancy and The Devils continued with their mission.
Their next move took them to Armadillo, where they kidnapped a couple of hostages in an attempt to lure the Deputies out West. With the intention to trap them in the Saloon by sending the Sheriff's Office a telegram to warn them that it seemed as though two men were fighting and pointing guns at each other. A rouse, of course - but one that they were convinced would work.
[ Nancy & The Devils after capturing two hostages in Armadillo ]
After a while of no deputies showing up, they decided to move onto their backup plan, which was to look for Deputies with the hostages. Shortly after they passed McFarlene's, they encountered three unsuspecting deputies: Ivy Lancastar, Clark Bergamot and Leonardo Archer. After a tense negotiation, they traded the hostages for all three Deputies.
With three Deputies in toe, they took them to the Ravine's edge where they proceeded to play a Game of Devil's Dice, in honour of Dallas Rockwell. The game was simple, they rolled the dice, and whoever got unlucky got a bullet. On the first round, Bergamot lost. On the second, Archer - leaving Lancastar to save her comrades.
This concluded a successful hunt for the Devils.
They returned to Lakay, where they celebrated and plotted for the next mission.
It was during the aftermath that Roscoe professed that he would 'die for her', recognising Nancy as being a true friend, with Nancy returning the sentiment; "I would die for you too, Roscoe."
The hunt continued, with the four being blessed with yet another wave of luck as they ran into three other nosey deputies in Rhodes, two of which just so happened to be names on the list. Deputies Sylvie Taylor, Adam Jenkins and Esme Keller.
They were held up and kidnapped at gunpoint, brought to Brandywine Drop where they continued to question them.
It was then that Nancy went toe-to-toe with Keller, eventually getting it out of her that she was the one who killed Rex Moody. This spurred the ire of the Devils even more, where they proceed to torment and play another round of Devil's Dice with the Deputies.
Jenkins was made to dig his own grave while Chrissy berated him after losing the first round. Esme was next, forced to choose her own spot where she was forced to dig whilst expressing her hatred towards Nancy, blaming her for the rift she caused between Esme and her cousin, Lucy - one of Nancy's former hostages.
Esme was shot by Roscoe. James shot Sylvie's leg shortly after, and made her watch as Chrissy shot Jenkins.
The list was shortening rapidly, with the Devils growing closer and closer to their goal.
[ Nancy & The Devils forcing Sylvie, Esme and Adam to play Devil's Dice at the Dinner Table ]
The very next day, a note appeared at the St. Denis Telegram station, with a harrowing message to the people of New Alexandria and the Sherriff's Office. A picture of what appeared to be a tombstone with the names of the Deputies that were due to be targeted next, in classic Nancy style. Simultaneously announcing her alliance, as well as their plan.
Chapter Thirteen: Nancy & The Devils: Part 3 "Valentine." (ARC END)
With tensions rising, the State was quick to respond. Branding the group as outlaws and enemies of the state, with public bounties at 300$ per head. The time for a final hunt was drawing near, and Nancy was preparing to move the group out of their camp after learning that it was being heavily watched and patrolled. She helped disguise them by dressing them in attire they wouldn't normally wear, embarking on routes that weren't often travelled and conducting their next plan of action.
It was only a matter of time before a stand off would occur, and with twitchy fingers on revenge-addled-triggers, Nancy and the group ventured out into the State in pursuit of the remaining Deputies on the list. Nancy suggested they hire a carriage for cover, as well as a means to transport hostages in order to make an exchange. She stated that having a minimum of two, maybe three to help even out the odds would help secure their favour - and a plan had been set in place.
During the prowl, they encountered but one hostage and took them to Valentine under a disguise.
After riding from town to town in the hopes of picking up another lost soul and being unsuccessful, the group decided to ride into Valentine - only to find Cortez. That was when a heated negotiation took place, with the hostage in the middle while the four made demands for Cortez with Ria Lasky and Marcus Church.
At first, Cortez was willing to offer herself in order to spare the hostage - alas, Ria Lasky claimed that she would not be signing her Deputy's death warrant, after learning what the Devils intended to do with her - and ordered for them to fire.
The hostage went down in execution style first, followed by Cortez and Chrissy.
A gunfight ensued, with Nancy taking cover and putting up a fight. Much to her surprise, Nancy witnessed Roscoe and James fleeing the scene prematurely on the back of a stolen horse. Noticing only too late that she was outnumbered once she saw that Chrissy was down.
Nancy fell back - but not without putting up a one hell of a fight. She pushed back against Church and Lasky.
She eventually went down with one particularly deadly hit to the lung by Church.
Despite Henriette Fjelholl's efforts to save Nancy, she was unsuccessful.
It just so happened that Paddy had been present and watching as the events unfolded, making an entrance into the Doctor's Office in the aftermath to walk in on a dead Nancy, making her passing all the more tragic. Distressed after being told that he would be contacted by Raven's Rest and given Nancy's will, Paddy locked himself away to grieve in St. Denis.
Nancy's body was placed in cold storage under the name 'Jane Doe'.
It was Tadhg Cameron who, after hearing about a shootout occurring in Valentine, made his journey to the location to investigate. As Tadgh was made aware of the plan beforehand, and had heard that one had been shot, two had fled and that one had been killed - he feared the worst.
He eventually ran into and confronted Bounty Hunter Smet, who was present during the scene - who confirmed that Nancy was indeed dead.
Upon having his worst fear confirmed, Tahg snooped around for signs of her body. He then noticed the cold storage label, and came up with a plan to retrieve his friend, knowing all too well she would not have wanted to remain a second longer in a box. Tadhg used the back entrance and broke the lock to the cold storage using the butt of his rifle, which gave way to reveal Nancy's corpse.
Tadhg fled Valentine carrying Nancy's lifeless body, finding respite at a nearby abandoned Camp where he wept and cradled her, expressing his confusion as to why it was only she that was gone and not her comrades.
Final Chapter: "One Takes the High Road, One Takes the Low Road."
With Chrissy in Sisika and Nancy dead, James and Roscoe were left to fend for themselves. Since their failed shootout in Valentine, they hid from society, unsure on how to proceed next. With the crushing weight of paranoia and distrust growing more and more tangible.
Roscoe received a letter from Tagh containing the details of Nancy's funeral, expressing that it was only right that Roscoe and James attended.
During the days leading up to the funeral, Tadhg continued his investigation surrounding the events that led to Nancy's death. He met and spoke with a woman named Vanya, who was present during the gunfight. She explained that Nancy and the Devils had arrived with one hostage, but were standing out in the middle of the street with no cover. She continued by stating that she initially had no idea that it was Nancy as she was dressed differently, but that she put up one hell of a fight on her own.
As well, Tagh met with Deputy Leonardo Archer - who had recently lost an eye after an encounter with the Devils, to ask him what had happened with the other two. Archer responded by stating that;
This solidified Tadhg's suspicions about Roscoe and James abandoning Nancy and Chrissy mid-fight.
Furious by what he had learned, Tadhg reached out to Paddy and shared what he had discovered. Paddy apologized for not contacting Tadhg sooner regarding her death. Tadhg accepted his apology, and the two concocted a plan to avenge Nancy.
Tadhg acted as the executer of her will once Paddy had shared it with him, exchanging certain items in her possession to the names of the people she had mentioned in her letter. This simultaneously served as a rouse to lure James and Roscoe to a trap by stating that they had 'matters to discuss relating to her will' and that they should talk in private after the funeral. Despite James and Roscoe's initial hesitance, they obliged.
Tadhg and Paddy lured a paranoid James and Roscoe to a Speakeasy, where Tagh suggested that Roscoe pour some shots from the bottle of Brandy that Dallas had given to Nancy back at Fort Mercer, which she had been saving for a special event. When Tagh gave the countdown for the men to down their shots, he signalled, and Paddy and Tagh simultaneously pulled guns out on James and Roscoe.
[ Tagh & Paddy pulling guns on Roscoe and James to question them ]
A screaming match ensued between the four men, with James and Roscoe insisting that their actions were part of the plan all along, while Paddy questioned their conduct and Tadhg confirmed the information he had been told surrounding their escape from Valentine.
Roscoe stood up to Paddy, stating that Paddy was half the man that he was. Paddy then put down his gun and accepted his challenge by engaging in a fistfight, only for Roscoe to pull out his pistol and point it towards Paddy. That was when Tadhg redirected his aim and instinctively shot Roscoe once through the head, killing him and saving Paddy.
Now with Tadhg's aim off of James - that was when James pulled out his own pistol and shot a few rounds towards Tadhg, only for Paddy to tackle him to the ground, saving Tadhg's life in return and causing James to miss.
Paddy and James exchanged blows next, with Paddy winning and knocking James out clean - but injuring his hands as a result.
While Paddy initially expressed that he would not be involved in the turning in of James and Roscoe's bounties, he changed his mind after discovering it had been Tagh's first kill. He stated that he wanted everyone to know what he had done, as well as not allowing Tadhgto finish this on his own.
Tadhg stated that they were now blood-brothers, bonding over the traumatic event.
The two made their way to muddy Valentine to turn in the two men after sending a telegram to the Sherriff's Office. Upon their arrival, Adam Jenkins and Cortez were among the Deputies who dealt with the situation.
James Barber was put behind bars as Tadhg provided his statement to the Deputies. That was when he heard the familiar voice of Chrissy. He made an appearance as he just so happened to be enjoying a drink at the Ruski Bruski bar in Valentine, when he overheard the commotion. James announced from his cell that Roscoe was dead. When asked who killed Roscoe, Tagh spoke out and said that he had. Chrissy, albeit behaved calmly at first - trying to wrap his head around what he had just been told, continued to prod and inquire further.
That was until Tadhg continued by saying that they had 'left him' to die, causing Chrissy to threaten Tadhg and Paddy to erupt. Guns were drawn by Chrissy, with the Deputies doing the same.
With tensions rising, the Deputies managed to calm Chrissy just enough to get him to see James while Tadhg provided a statement and Paddy left to go home. It was then that gunshots were heard, and it was revealed that Chrissy shot James and the Deputies took him down for it. Unwilling to be taken out by the firing line, his final request was that his comrade gave him a more meaningful death, ultimately finishing the game.
Tadhg collected the bounty money, splitting it with Paddy and sending his half to Thomas Norris, as per Nancy's final wishes.
Nancy was buried on the top of the hill East of Emerald Station. While she originally expressed that she would have liked to be buried in Guarma, her paradise - she decided that she wanted to be closer to Paddy and Tadhg.
Affiliations
The Texas Devils - Through Roscoe Norris
The Remnants - Through Michael O'Brien
The Murdoch Gang - Through Michael O'Brien
Barletti & Co - Through Paddy Cox
The Flanagans - Through Paddy Cox
Death
On July the 23rd, 1902 - Nancy and The Devils organised a plan to capture the remaining deputies on Roscoe's 'To Kill List'.
Due to their public bounties, Nancy suggested they proceed under a disguise, infiltrate an occupied town with a hostage and negotiate an exchange. They hired a carriage and pursued with their plan after successfully capturing a young woman at Emerald Ranch. Once they arrived in Valentine, they held three deputies at gunpoint outside the Sherriff's Office with the hostage in-between.
After a heated negotiation to retrieve Cortez, the deputies opened fire. A gunfight ensued, and after Cortez was downed on the deputies side, and Chrissy on the side of the Devils - Roscoe and James fled the scene, leaving Nancy to have a stand off with Deputies Marcus Church and Ria Lasky. Believing her comrades were downed, Nancy made a final attempt to retrieve them.
The streets were showered in bullets, before Nancy eventually got taken down.
She bled out at the Doctor's Office in Valentine and was announced dead by the Surgeon General, Henriette Fjellhol after an unsuccessful emergency surgery.
Her final words were; "Tell Annie and Tadhg that I'm sorry."
Quotes
Trivia
META! READ WITH CAUTION!
- Her first arrest was conducted by Jean Claude after she punched him in the face.
- Blue was her favourite colour, because it reminded her of bruises which she had an unusual fascination with.
- She collected blue flowers and dried them to use as part of her anonymous signature.
- Her favourite sea shanty was 'Over The Hills And Far Away".
- All of her horses had unusual and strange names, as well as mostly having blue coats.
Nancy's Horses: Bigfoot, Bluefoot, Wort, Bluecow, Blueboy, Tomb & Stone. - Her favourite drink was rum, in fact, she almost exclusively only drank rum as her chosen alcoholic beverage.
- She loved to dance, especially with a drink.
- Nancy was featured in the "First Special Edition" of the Cunning Eye Newspaper.
- She had a fat cat called Tubbs.
- Paddy Cox adopted the next-door-neighbour's dog because he was blue, for Nancy - who named him Hooch.
- She named a few of Tadhg's Horses, the most notable one being 'Pip'.
- Despite having some gang affiliations, Nancy never expressed an interest in joining one.
- The only individual who truly intimidated Nancy and even outsmarted her was a woman named Rex Moody, whom she greatly admired.
- Nancy considers Roscoe Norris to be one of her best friends, and even issued an order in her will that her money was to be split evenly between her sister Annie and his brother Thomas Norris.
- She was canonically married to a man named David-John Frith, but allegedly shot him after catching him in bed with another woman.
- Deputy Recruit Don Maguire was once kidnapped, made to wear a dog collar and paraded around St Denis as a captive. They were even approached by a group of deputies, and managed to put up a convincing act. Don received an unwilling haircut and a wardrobe change amid this forced 'date'.
- Nancy attended every single Fighting Circuit event hosted by Carlo Barletti, despite having a public county.
- Paddy Cox tossed his hat to her just before fighting Shiloh Graves for the State Championship Title. He won and the two shared their first kiss mid his victory announcement.
- She often fed the slum cats of St Denis and spent a lot of time with them. They flocked to her and followed her heels.
- Before her passing, Nancy yearned to get more involved in honest work and was even hired to work for the Black Mastiff, but never got to attend her first shift due to catching another public bounty.
- Roberta Cunningham was bequeathed Nancy's camera.
- Jacynta Bryce now possesses Nancy's sweetest horse; Bluecow.
NOTEWORTHY ITEMS IN HER POSSESSION:
- Michael O'Brien's Longarm.
- A rusty old ring given to her by Boone Jackson, as a final display of appreciation for her supply of jewellery for his business.
- A pocket watch gifted to her by Tadhg with both of their initials in it. Its twin still remains in Tadhg's possession, however, upon seeing Nancy's corpse for the first time, he used the bud of his gun to smash the watch's face - stopping its hands from moving. It is permanently frozen at 09:02 PM, with Tadgh's stating that; "This was the moment you left my life."
- Don Maguire's handgun, a Navy Revolver he had tried on two occasions to retrieve and failed.
- Two dog collars, used to leash the recruits she had kidnapped.
- Roscoe Norris' belt buckle and a small wooden carving of a woman holding a shovel.
- A bottle of Brandy, which she never opened. It was given to her by Dallas Roswell to celebrate their victory against the Bounty Hunters.
- A cooking pot from Carlo Barletti that she had unintentionally ruined after dropping a pair of binoculars into it after sneaking into his kitchen.
- From Paddy Cox: A pocket watch with her initials and a big 'F' engraved, given to her on her deathbed - his final gift in welcoming her to his family. A flat cap that was tossed to her at the stalls of the fighting ring when he won the state championship. A sapphire bracelet, silver earrings and a picture of her lover in her pocket.
Nancy Wilmott
Information
Status:
Deceased
Gender:
Female
Age
21
Height
5'6
Weight:
Unknown
Birthdate:
Oct 5th 1880
Death Date:
23rd of July 1902
Birthplace:
London, England
Nationality:
English
Marital Status:
Relatives:
Annie Wilmott
Occupation:
Professional Criminal
Outlaw
Graverobber
Business OwnerAliases:
The Groundskeeper
Speedy Nancy
Nimble Nancy - by Paddy
Slick Sparrow - by Aiden Breen
Black Cat - by Tadhg
Short-Arms-Nance - by Paddy
Gob-Shite-Bonnie-Lass - by Tadhg
Mary Smith
AvaFaction Affiliations:
None