Hutch Dalton - Chapter 1

Chapter One: The Midnight Heist

The moon hung low over the rugged landscape of Sheridan, Wyoming, casting long shadows across the dusty plains. The wind whispered secrets through the sparse trees as Hutch Dalton adjusted the black bandana covering his face, leaving only his piercing blue eyes exposed. His tall black horse, Midnight, snorted impatiently beneath him, sensing the tension in the air.

Hutch patted Midnight’s neck, whispering soothing words. “Easy, boy. It’s just another job.”

The train tracks glinted in the moonlight a few hundred yards away, a serpent of steel winding through the desolate land. Hutch could hear the distant rumble of the train’s approach, a sound that had become all too familiar. This wasn’t his first heist, nor would it be his last. At least, that’s what he thought.

Born to a poor family, Hutch had learned early that the world wasn’t kind to those without means. The promise of quick riches and a sense of adventure had drawn him into the life of an outlaw. Yet, despite his hardened exterior, there was a part of him that still believed in justice, in doing what was right. It was a belief that he kept buried deep, hidden beneath the layers of his criminal life.

As the train rounded the bend, Hutch’s partners emerged from the shadows—Jake, a wiry man with a quick temper, and Sam, a burly figure who preferred brute force over subtlety. They nodded to Hutch, ready for his signal.

“Remember,” Hutch whispered, “no unnecessary violence. We get in, get the money, and get out.”

Jake and Sam grunted in agreement, though Hutch wasn’t entirely convinced they would stick to the plan. They had been growing more reckless with each job, and Hutch knew it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

The train chugged closer, its whistle piercing the night. Hutch’s heart pounded in rhythm with the locomotive’s wheels. He signaled to his partners, and they sprang into action. Hutch spurred Midnight forward, galloping alongside the train as it slowed for the approaching station. With practiced ease, he leapt from his horse onto the moving train, landing on the roof with a thud.

Hutch scrambled to his feet and made his way to the engine car, where the engineer and fireman were busy at work. He dropped down silently, his Colt revolver at the ready. “Stop the train,” he ordered, his voice a low growl.

The engineer, an older man with a grizzled beard, looked up in surprise but complied, pulling the brake lever. The train screeched to a halt, and Hutch heard the shouts of his partners as they boarded the other cars, rounding up the passengers and crew.

As Hutch made his way through the train, he couldn’t help but notice the fear in the passengers’ eyes. Families huddled together, shielding their children, and men stared at him with a mix of anger and terror. He felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. This was the life he had chosen, and he had to see it through.

Hutch reached the baggage car, where the safe was kept. Jake and Sam were already there, struggling to open it. “Hurry up,” Hutch urged, glancing back down the train’s length.

Finally, the lock clicked open, and Jake let out a triumphant whoop. They began loading sacks of money into their bags, but Hutch’s attention was drawn to a small, leather-bound book that had fallen from the safe. He picked it up, curious. Inside were names, dates, and locations—a ledger of sorts.

“What’s that?” Sam grunted, hefting a bag of cash.

“Nothing,” Hutch replied, slipping the book into his coat pocket. Something about it seemed important, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.

As they made their escape, Hutch couldn’t shake the feeling that this job was different. The faces of the frightened passengers haunted him, and the weight of the ledger in his pocket felt like a heavy burden. As he rode away from the scene, his mind churned with thoughts of redemption and the possibility of a different path.

Hutch didn’t know it yet, but this night would be the turning point in his life. The road to becoming a hero is often paved with unexpected choices, and Hutch Dalton was about to make the first of many.