In 1872 Cedar Springs, Colorado Territory, legendary retired Texas Ranger Captain Quentin Smith arrives by stage asking for Dark Horse Saloon owner Nash Bond. Jasmine Fairchild, who serves liquor at the establishment, escorts him to the saloon. Quentin informs Nash he no longer works as a Ranger having taken a job with the Kansas Pacific; he is town because he has learned that the "brain" behind the violent murder robbery of a train is meeting his gang here.
He is also in town recovering from injuries, which he will use as an alibi while waiting for the outlaws to arrive. Quentin dreams of owning a ranch and raising a family, but knows that will never be having lost a wife due to a bullet intended for him. However, he is very attracted to Jasmine, who reciprocates his feelings. When he is forced to use her as bait to trap the killers, he fears like he has never ever in his life and prays she comes out of this okay.