The Trouble with Drifters

Chapter 35: Warm Welcomes

Jacob Carter pulled out his pocket watch checking the time, 12:34. Deputy Mitchell and his daughter should be back from the bank shortly. Cameron had dropped in to see Valla as Samantha was getting ready to leave. The man volunteered to escort her to and from the bank. That was almost forty minutes ago. Jacob stepped outside looking towards the west side of town. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, just the normal foot and wagon traffic. On any other day he would be the one to make the bank run. Samantha wanted to do it today because of good weather. Jacob suspected she wanted to see the bounty hunter before he left for Serenity Ranch. The yellow sundress Sammie chose to wear being a good indication of that. Off in the distance Cameron came into view along with his daughter. They seemed to be having a lively chat, God only knows about what.

Samantha came in first leading the deputy over to the book section. The man came in like clockwork every time a new delivery came in. Cameron probably had duplicates, one to read the other to save. Talking with his daughter could wait, he'd let her help the deputy out first. "This is a new one Cameron; it's called 'Yosemite Sam, The most dangerous outlaw west of the Pecos!'. Samantha told her friend who flipped through with a smile. "The book looks interesting, I'll take this one. Do you by chance have the new Charles Averil's. The one about Kit Carson?" he asked as Valla came into view. She had smiled at him then flipped her pigtails playfully from behind the cash register. "I put two back just for you." Samantha answered pulling them from behind the display. "Thanks Samantha, you're the best. I'll take these up to the counter." Cameron replied then walked towards his sweetheart. "Don't hold up the line Cam like last time..." she said with a laugh. "Who, me...I wouldn't do that." He quipped back tipping his hat. "I must be thinking of the other deputy that flirts with Valla." Samantha answered shaking her head making her way back to the office with the bank recite.

-Fathers Prerogative-

"Was the bank busy today? Normally it doesn't take this long." Jacob asked entering the office startling his daughter. "Dad, don't scare me like that." she said regaining her composure. "I didn't mean to Sammie." He answered sitting on the edge of the desk watching her update the books. "To answer your question...yes it was. The bank was busier than normal. Randy held up the line again, complaining about poor book keeping." Samantha replied wondering how his wife put up with the man. "If he kept proper books there wouldn't be a problem." Her father said looking at his daughter. She looked more like her mother every day, tongue sticking out in thought. "That's what Ho'se tried to tell him." Samantha said going over the books once more. "That explains why it took you so long. Here I thought you wanted to see the bounty hunter and his friend off." Jacob replied on purpose to gauge her response.

Samantha's didn't look up as a slight blush formed on her cheeks. The stores books became more interesting suddenly. "What makes you think that dad; I make bank runs on occasion too." She answered fixing her nonexistent arithmetic mistake. "Nothing really...when I mentioned he had plans to go see Malcolm Reynolds you seemed really interested." Jacob replied knowing his hunch was right. "Why wouldn't I be? I mean Jack has made an impression in the short time he's been here." She answered finally looking up regaining control. "When did Mr. Wayne become Jack?" her father asked with a smirk. Samantha bit her bottom lip thinking about how to explain her slip up. "He asked me to after we made a fool of Suanne." She said remembering how upset the snake got. "That soon, I thought it might have been when you went to see his horse dance. Or maybe when the two of you played pool at Kings." Jacob replied with a smirk. "Dad..! We were just spending time together...as friends...with others around too." She answered feeling cornered. "What about the pool game, it was just the two of you?" he asked pressing her buttons. "It was a just friendly game Dad. We were rudely interrupted after a few games." Samantha said rolling her eyes. "So if invited Jack over for dinner tonight you won't mind then." Jacob replied with a grin. Her eyes went wide in surprise. "Dad...you haven't asked yet or have you?" he smiled then stood up. "Jack will be here around 6 tonight...I'm sure you have an idea of what your 'friend' likes to eat." Samantha sat mortified; her father wasn't fooled at all. Now he invited Jack over for a shovel talk. There was no way out of it either unless Jack couldn't make it. Knowing her father he made a point to Jack to be there for dinner. "Dad...you promised not to meddle in my personnel life." Samantha replied in a last ditch effort to avoid embarrassment. "If Jack is a friend it's not meddling...am I meddling Sammie?" He asked from the door way. "Um...I have product to put away Dad." She answered moving past him without saying anything further. "Damn, Valla was right. Now I have to let Valla off early. I'll never hear the end of this one." Jacob said to no one unparticular.

-Serenity Ranch-

A shot rang out from a hill top about 200yrds away. Both Jack and Kowalski looked in the direction, pistols drawn, seeing a man disappears from sight. Daniel fumbled trying to get his rifle almost dropping it in the process. "We've been spotted Jack, more than likely there will be a greeting party headed our way." Charles said looking at his friend. "You aren't wrong Kowalski; professor...put the rifle back in the scabbard before you drop it." He ordered coming to a stop as did the other two men. "Why aren't you worried Jack, someone just shot at us." Daniel asked wondering why they weren't worried. "...because if the person was shooting at us we would know. The other reason is having look outs is normal." He did as told then asked the obvious question. "I'm worried, the man isn't friendly. He doesn't like being asked questions either." Daniel said finally getting the rifle back properly. "The man has a right to live life as he sees fit." Jack answered then continued. "Besides, I expected this kind of response. His ranch has been targeted more than others." Charles nodded in agreement. "His mother raised him on this ranch and he'll be damned to lose it because of rustlers or Comanche." Charles added remembering what Jayne had told him over drinks a few weeks ago. "Didn't Reynolds and Zoe fight for the south Charles?" Daniel asked as they started riding again. "Word is they never surrendered, just left their unit and came home." Charles answered keeping his eyes and ears on alert. "Both Malcolm and his slave fought in the war?" Jack asked surprised. He knew there were blacks that fought for the south but a black woman. Zoe must have be a good fighter then. "They did, earning many medals too. From what Jayne told me Zoe's family was only slaves on paper. Malcolm's mother treated them as ranch hands. Malcolm and Zoe were inseparable growing up, truth is they grew up like siblings." Charles informed his friend. "That explains a lot then." Jack replied going silent seeing a dust cloud in the distance. "Here they come; this is going to be fun." Charles said pointing towards the riders. "Define fun, because we have different ideas what of fun is." Daniel replied wondering what he got himself into.

"Two Fry, are you sure it's the teacher with those men? What you're saying doesn't add up!" Malcolm asked as they road towards the riders. "That's what Dobson saw in his looking glass, one big man on a tall horse. The other one stalky built on a smaller horse, then the teacher." The ranch hand answered as his tall black hat tried to come off. The hats chin strap being the only thing keeping it on his head. "Sounds like the bounty hunter to me sir." Zoe said to her boss. "I tend to agree, then who is the other rider and why are they on my piece of dirt?" Mal asked to no one in particular. "Maybe the bounty hunter wants to see my gun collection." Jayne added riding his black stallion. "Jayne...when we meet them, let me do the talking." Mal told his gunman. "Why Mal, I'm not a ruttin idiot." He answered oblivious to his boss's reasons. "...says the man who names his guns after women." Zoe replied rolling her eyes. "Gotta name them something, ain't that right Two Fry?" the gunman asked his friend. "Don't get me involved even though your right." The man answered. "Sir, we should pull Dobson from lookout. His ideal of intruders verse visitors need addressed." Zoe said as she spotted the three riders by the one of their many watering holes. "Have a talk with the man after we're done, then assign him to the south east pasture. He can rethink his life while watching the cows graze." Malcolm replied giving his foreman permission to set Dobson straight.

-Wanted Posters-

"Hey Sheriff, got a minute?" Roger asked walking up to his friend. "I do, you just gotta walk with me while I put up the new wanted posters around town." Pete replied as he readjusted his bowler hat in the post office window. "What's your worthless deputy doing? Shouldn't he be doing this?" Roger inquired staying in step with the sheriff. "...supposed to be doing paperwork while I do this. I want it done right not wrong." He answered with disdain for the man. Roger nodded in agreement; the man acted immature at times but knew the law by heart. "I followed the bounty hunter this morning. The man made some interesting stops. He even talked with your gal before leaving town." Roger informed his friend. Pete started to get angry but held it back. The man should've kept on riding he thought. "He can have her; Samantha's father didn't like me anyhow. Tell me about his morning though." Pete told the man as he stopped to take down an old poster, one of an outlaw reported being captured as his friend started talking. Roger deciding to leave out how he almost got spotted to save face.

"Damn, that man wastes no time at all." Pete said after listening to his friend. "No he doesn't, I believe that Wayne has no plans to leave town, probably wants your job." Roger replied taking another wanted poster from the sheriff. This wasn't what he had in mind, holding old wanted posters while Pete put up new ones. "I know he does. His actions show that clearly. Wayne recruiting Charles, Ron and the black man is evidence of that too. Then the council, other than you is in his back pocket." He added getting close to Ranger Ron's. "Jacob and Murray believe he can end the Comanche problem with ease, the rustlers too. But how do Ron, Charles and Murray factor in? I don't see how they can help the bastard out." The mill owner asked placing another wanted poster under his arm. "They all were in the Calvary except for Murray. Murray is an excellent fighter but reluctant. The four of them would be able to handle most any problem the town has. I could do it but no trusts me enough." Pete replied putting up the last poster. "What makes you say that, you've done a good job keeping the peace?" Roger said as they approached the gun shop. "Wayne's reputation precedes him for one. Two, serving in U.S. Calvary has its advantages. Respect and trust is a given to Wayne without question. Granted some town folk look down on him, just not enough. The kids look at him in awe, my deputy included." He added stopping at the door to Ranger Ron's. Both men went into the gun shop only to come back out shortly after, Pete in a decidedly worse mood. "Son of Bitch, Charles bought my pistols! Where did that drunk get the money?" he asked angry that the pistols were bought by a man with no money. "Where do you think?" Roger replied not saying any names. "Wayne is becoming a huge pain in the ass to me!" Pete said then stomped off leaving Roger with the old wanted posters much to his dismay. "What do I do with these now?" He asked out loud getting an odd look from a passing couple.

-Coffee-

"Let me get this straight Wayne, the council...in their infinite wisdom think you can do what Sheriff Shanahan hasn't. Not that I have faith in the man mind you." Malcolm asked from dining room chair, thumbs behind his suspenders. "That's what they believe, can I do it...yes, but not alone or overnight. I need information first." Jack replied drinking his coffee. "What makes you think we have the information you need or would be willing to help mister bounty hunter?" Mal asked being his skeptical self.

Daniel sat in the corner observing everything while taking notes. Kaylee noticed this as she walked in rubbing her baby bump. "Watcha doing teacher? You look out of place here amongst us common folk." She asked sitting down next to him. "Taking notes, Mr. Wayne agreed to let me write about him. He's an interesting person. Did you know he saved Cassandra from kidnappers?" he asked her writing in his note book."No I didn't, what else do you know about the man?" she said with a bright smile. Daniel started telling the young pregnant woman all he knew. Kaylee smiled as she had someone new to talk with.

"You've been hit more than any other rancher. I bet you've killed a few rustlers and Comanche, just never said anything." Charles added sipping his bitter coffee as well. "We have...no need in telling the sheriff. He doesn't care for our kind." Zoe answered while leaning against the back door. "Shanahan doesn't approve of you being married to a white man; given his opinion of Murray it's not surprising." Jack replied disliking the sheriff even more. "His hatred goes further than that. He ignores us because we fought for the south. Thinks were getting what we deserve." Mal said with veiled anger. "Doesn't matter which side either of us fought on, wars over, some people can't let go." Charles replied honestly. "Yeah, some people just can't let go." Zoe added giving Mal a hard look. "He's useless as tits on a bore hog." Jayne added while eating a chicken leg. "Jayne, mind your manners." Zoe told the man. "It's true, damn idget won't listen us." He replied wiping his mouth on his shirt sleeve.

"Like Kowalski said, wars over. Would you be willing to work with some damn Yankees Reynolds?" Zoe cracked a smile at the bounty hunters comment. Malcolm kept his face neutral deciding he like the man despite being a damn yank. "Come on Mal, think of us for a change. I haven't killed a Comanche in a while." Jayne asked twirling a large knife. "That's all you think about other than bedding a woman." Mal replied acting like he hadn't made his mind up yet. "They are the two things I do best. If I'm goanna die might as well die having fun." The big man answered from the kitchen counter. "You forgot eating Jayne." Kaylee added with a big smile and chuckle. "Oh yeah, eating too, another one of my favorite things to do." Jayne replied grabbing an apple cutting a piece of with his knife. "I'd agree if I were you sir. Another couple of raids and we'll have no choice but to sell to Williams." Zoe said with a straight face. "Mr. Wayne is here to help, we can use the help right Zoe." Kaylee added rubbing her belly unconsciously. This did not go unnoticed by the visitors. "You're not wrong Kaylee; it's not my choice to make." Zoe replied looking at the young women.

"I for one welcome his help. Give me an excuse to bring out Vera." Jayneaddedsheathing his knife."Who is this Vera you keep referring to?" Jack asked curiosity getting the better of him. "Vera is my best hunting rifle; I can pick off a man from 150 yards. When I hunted buffalo they fell like a rock." Jayne answered with a huge grin. "That's good to know, I'll need good rifleman to watch our backs." Jack answered making the gunman smile wide. "Just say the word Mr. Wayne and we'll be there." The gunman replied with a grin. "I'll decide if we help, not you." Malcolm told his hired help. "Aw come on Mal, let's stop sitting around on our hands and go fight." Zoe stayed silent as the two men argued about the same thing yet again. "Do you want to run this ranch?" Malcolm asked staring down Jayne. "Yes I do, do a damn sight better job than you!" he answered standing at his full height. Jack, Daniel and Charles watched wondering what would happen next. Reynolds crew is an interesting bunch to say the least. "Well...you can't! So do as I say until I give the word." Mal said turning his attention back to his guests.

"So you have a plan then." Malcolm said leaning forward eyeing the two former cavalry men. "I have the basis of one. All I need now is information and people I can trust, can I trust your motley crew?" Jack asked looking around the room. Malcolm stood up offering to shake the bounty hunters hand. "I can vouch for those in this room and few more. We'll help you mister just remember I look out for my people." He answered shaking Jacks hand. "I do the same, now how about that information." Jack asked glad they were going to help. Granted he didn't know them at all, his gut feeling and they way they acted told him enough. "This kind of information you have to see for yourself, follow me and I'll show y'all!" Mal replied back walking towards the door then stopping. "Jayne, not a word of this conversation leaves this room dogma! Go join Two Fry on look out, I don't want any more false alarms today." the gunman nodded in understanding moving to do as told.

-Property Line-

Malcolm and Zoe led the other three men to an empty grazing pasture. A stream ran through it leading to a watering hole for live stock which was not present. North of the watering hole a partially knocked down fence lay on the ground. Jack stood up using the stirrups to give him a better view. "This is where the rustlers came through two weeks ago. I moved what was left of the heard closer to the ranch." Malcolm told the three visitors. "The other side of the fence is William's property I gather." Charles said looking the area over too. "The fence is there to remind Williams where his property line ends and mine begins." Mal responded sarcastically. "...not that property lines matter to Williams." Zoe added pointing to the cut fence line. "What makes you think he is responsible?" Daniel asked not quit understanding what he is seeing. Both Malcolm and Zoe gave the man a hard look then shook their heads.

"Professor, everything isn't as it looks. The rustlers cut the fence from William's side. This means they cut through his property bypassing his stock to take theirs." Jack replied pointing at Reynolds. "That don't make sense Wayne, why come here when there's live stock closer?" Daniel asked then it dawned on him. "Williams paid them off. That's why they bypassed his livestock!" A perplexed look came over the teacher. "That's not the answer, is it?" he said figuring it out by the look Zoe's face. "We have reason to believe differently teacher." Malcolm replied in as serious tone. "Think about it logically. Williams is the one calling the shots otherwise he'd be up in arms like they everyone else." Charles informed the teacher. Daniel didn't respond as he thought about all that had happened up to this point. "What else do you have to show me to besides an unrepaired fence line Malcolm?" Jack asked looking everyone in the face. "Follow me, I'll show evidence only Zoe and I know about. " He replied leading them away from the fence line towards a grove of trees.

"Mr. Reynolds, can I ask you a question about your sign?" Daniel asked breaking the silence. Zoe rolled her eyes at yet another question about Mals sign. "You want to know if I'm serious or not Teach?" Charles chuckled lightly for he had been waiting for the man to ask. "He doesn't think your threat is serious, just meant to scare people." Jack said taking note on where they were going. "Trust me Teach, I don't make idle threats! " He replied surprising Daniel. "So where do you bury the bodies at then?" He asked sarcastically. "That is what he plans on showing you men." Zoe answered making Daniels eyes pop out. "You're not joking then!" he responded "Told you professor, this land isn't as tame it's thought to be." Jack answered knowing he'd do the same in Malcolm's place.

They arrived at a small clearing with a cabin and corral. The cabin looked big enough for five men stay in while keeping watch over a cattle or horses. Everyone dismounted then gathered around Malcolm standing near the cabin door. "Mr. Wayne, you're probably wondering why I haven't fixed the fence yet?" he said putting his thumbs behind his suspenders. "I think I have it figured out but I'll let you continue." Jack replied lighting a cigar giving one to Charles too. "Will someone please explain, not knowing is killing me here." Daniel said throwing his hands up. "Patience Daniel, you're about to find out." Charles told the man enjoying the day. His life was almost back to normal, just like old times before becoming a drunk. "You go ahead bounty hunter; I want to see if you know what's going?" The ranch owner said leaning against the cabin arms crossed. "Call it a test of how observant you are." Zoe added eyeing the man. "No pressure Jack, telle'm what I know you figured out." Charles told his friend.

"Sense you insist on hearing my thoughts I'll tell you." Jack replied tapping his cigar against the railing. "Repairing the cut fence is pointless. Why, because it's been repaired and cut many times. That's why you moved the heard to a different pasture. This cabin has bullet holes peppered in it. That tells me rustlers attacked in mass making your men fall back to here." Jack pointed out getting everyone's attention, especially Daniel who inspected the cabin closer. "Keep going Wayne, you got my full undivided attention." Malcolm said his face hardening. The bounty hunter didn't miss much he thought. "Once they were holed up the rustlers took what stock they could and left. You admitted to have killed some of the rustlers, just not how many. I also believe that whatever these men had on them is inside the cabin for safe keeping. Evidence for when Texas Ranger happens to show up." He added confidently looking at Mal daring him tell contradict what he said. "He's right so far sir, should we show them now or keep the teacher in suspense." Zoe asked with straight face. "Keep the teacher in suspense, its fun watching him twist in the wind." Mal replied but relented anyways. "That's not funny..." Daniel said under his breath to Charles making him chuckle.

"Over yonder are four graves of dead Comanche that were dressed as rustlers." Malcolm said pointing over to a cluster of trees. "Indians don't wear white man's clothes unless they are 'civilized." Charles replied not believing what he had been told. "These Comanche are the exception to that rule Kowalski." Jack added moving from the corral fence. "You know something we don't bounty hunter, what is it?" Zoe asked staring the man down. She didn't like it when others withheld information. That's how many of her fellow soldiers got killed, officers not sharing critical need to know information. "Please do, I'm a might curious of how much you know and how you came by the information." Malcolm added getting impatient. "Show me what you have inside. If my information is correct, which it is, we only have one problem to solve." He replied getting a nod from Mal and Zoe.

Once inside Mal went over to a steamer trunk unlocking it. Both Daniel and Charles were extremely curious at this point. Jack knew something as did Reynolds. Malcolm pulled out four gun belts along with knives and two scalps that were defiantly Comanche. "Take a look bounty hunter, is your information correct?" Malcolm told the man stepping away from the table. Zoe watched with interest as did Daniel. Wayne acted stupid at times but in reality is extremely intelligent. "These Colt's were purchased at Ranger Ron's; his mark is on the bottom. Holsters are from the leather shop in town too. The knives are hand made by Comanche braves, a rite of passage into manhood." Jack said after he examined the gathered weapons. "How do you know the guns were purchased from him Jack." Charles asked in shock. "Look at the bottom of your Remington's; there will be a double 'RR' on the grips. Same as on the rifles I bought." Jack told his friend. "I don't understand Mr. Wayne; does this mean Ron is in on the rustling? Why would Comanche wear our clothes to cover stealing of horses?" Daniel asked thoroughly confused now. "Your right Jack, so what's that mean?" Charles replied confused as Daniel. "Ron told me that Williams ordered over 20 pistols and rifles to outfit his men. These pistols are from that order, so no, he's working with Williams." Jack explained. "Williams is a greedy bastard. He doesn't supply guns or ammo to the men; they have to buy them their selves." Malcolm replied giving the bounty hunter more information then looked the man directly in the eyes. Jack nodded taking in the information about Williams being a poor employer.

"How did you come by this information, more importantly from whom?" Zoe asked not so politely. "Everyone here knows I escorted Miss Serra to Blue Sun Ranch, not by choice mind you!" Jack stated looking directly at Malcolm. "I'll pick that bone with you later Wayne...just continue." Malcolm replied angry with the man for agreeing to take Inara to the thieving bastard. "Williams requested my presence as well Wednesday night. He attempted to recruit me subtly at first. When I didn't bite he dropped all pretences." He continued getting suspicious looks from Zoe and Mal. "...and your answer was?" Zoe asked hand at the ready. She knew the man could probably out draw her if it came down to a gun fight. "Turned him down, said I wasn't interested. He didn't like my answer but I didn't care." Zoe and Mal relaxed but kept their guard up though. "An anonymous person who will remain that way told me about a contact who worked for Williams. This contact had information regarding the rustling and Comanche situation." He explained having everyone's attention. "They told me how Williams is using renegade Comanche dressed as rustlers to steal live stock then resale for profit." Malcolm's jaw tightened while flexing his fingers making fists.

"...renegade Comanche! That explains the scalps on the table." Charles commented as memories of battles flooded his mind. "This group is possibly the same Comanche that slipped away while riding scout for the Calvary. They have a camp somewhere on his property." Jack replied being serious. "What else did this source tell you Wayne?" Zoe asked as she took the information in. "That Williams wants your land, the water rights to be more exact. He sends out raids against Hammond out of spite and to throw off suspicion." Jack said leaving out information they weren't privy to. "Kinda of figured that out on my own. Do you by chance know when they plan on raiding someone else or me again? I only ask because that'd be real useful information." Malcolm replied sarcastically. "Sunday night or early morning Monday according to my source." The bounty hunter answered. Charles and Daniel watched and listened silently impressed with Jacks intelligence.

"Do you plan on acting before or after they hit us?" Zoe asked wondering what the man had planned. "Before, and believe me when it's all said and done the whole county, hell the country will be reading about us." Jack told her then continued. "Come into town Saturday and we'll plan it out. I 'm meeting with Hammond tomorrow he might have additional information that can help." Daniel sensing that no one else had anything to say or add spoke up. "Does all this mean there's going to be a small war?" he asked seriously. "Yes, and it won't be pretty. We'll meet with you Saturday Wayne, have a plan ready so we can end this." Malcolm said bagging up the evidence except for the scalps. "Take this stuff with you. The council will believe you over me." He told the bounty hunter handing it over. "Don't worry; we'll have all tied up in a big red bow for the Texas Rangers. If there's nothing else we need to be getting back." Jack said looking at Mal and Zoe.

"There is one last thing; we need to discuss Inara, alone!" Malcolm replied leaving no room for argument. "Outside you two, this will be a private conversation." Zoe said pushing Daniel and Charles out the door. "But, I'm writing about Mr. Wayne...this would be a great addition too..." the teacher tried to explain. "Out teach, you can get the foot notes later." Zoe added literally pushing him out the door." Charles laughed at Daniels attempt to stay while not envying his friend. Malcolm is protective of those he cares about.

-Bone to Pick-

"Say your peace Reynolds, I have places to be." Jack said not mincing words with the man. He didn't have time to for this. "I'm only going to say this once, Inara is mine...the fact she's trapped doesn't change things. So leave her be, go find another women to take comfort in!" Malcolm stated in a low voice. He didn't want others knowing his personnel business, Zoe being the exception. Hiding personnel things from her proved hard to do. "Malcolm, I'm going to shoot straight with you. You can believe me or not, I don't care either way." The bounty hunter replied. "You're upset about me sharing a bed with Inara. I understand because I would be too. Unfortunately that's part of her job description." He said in an even tone, no need to get angry with the man. "When I rode into town I had no idea who she was to you or anyone else. Yes I bedded her or rather Harry sent her to extract information from me. Who I am and why I'm in town, that kind of stuff. First time in a long time I felt human." Jack stated attempting to set the man straight. "I despise her profession, the woman drives me nuts yet...you get the idea. Doesn't mean you can have her in your bed every night, find another woman to make you feel human!?" Mal replied angrily but Jack could tell the former confederate loved Inara passionately.

"Well you heard wrong Malcolm, we had sex twice, once when we first met and that night. Granted Harry offered her to me as I wanted. Made my insides turn to tell you the truth. She's a good women trapped in a bad spot." He added then continued before Mal could say anything. "I made a promise to her while riding to Williams' ranch..." Jack said to the stubborn man. "What promise is that, to run away with her, away from the being used by men like Harry and Jeff?" Malcolm asked still angry, just not as much. He should've known Thelma would try to drive a wedge between them; she didn't like Inara at all. "That wasn't it but she did bring it up. I promised she'd never have to see Jeff again after Wednesday. That she'd have a chance at a normal life with you! That's what I promised." Jack told the rancher almost breaking his calm. Inara may be gorgeous but her heart belonged to Malcolm therefore off limits. "How do you plan on fulfilling that promise? You would need a small army to take on Williams!" Malcolm stated not believing it could be done. "Exactly...and your crew will be a part of it! Just be ready to get your hands dirty!" Jack said then walked out the door leaving Malcolm inside.

"Charles, professor...saddle up! Were burning daylight..." he told them in an even tone, a tone that Charles knows all too well. One that indicated Jack was pissed but didn't want anyone to know it. The three men rode off leaving a dust trail in their wake. Zoe wondered what Mal said to piss off the bounty hunter that bad. "What did you say to him Sir, Wayne came out looking like you do when you're angry." She asked knowing how friend loved to make people mad. "Just cleared the air, you know...manly things." Mal replied a slight smile forming on his face. "Right...manly things, does that mean we can trust him?" Zoe asked hoping it was the case. He pushed his suspenders out and grinned. "The 'Hounds of Hell' (A/N1) are about to be unleashed on Williams, and we'll be there too." Mal replied walking by her confidently. "Great, Jayne will be unbearable now!" Zoe said out loud then followed her boss. She'd tell Walsh tonight while in bed. He always worried about her when it came to fighting, God love she loved the man.

A/N: 1 Psalms 18:5 Commentary-The Treasury of David (verse 5)

This chapter wasn't easy to write, nothing I wrote sounded good. I had to rewrite several parts to make it come across properly. Please enjoy and review.

LoneWolfO'Neill