Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 5: Full Undivided Attention
Pete had backed himself into a corner; he had no choice to act now. The bounty hunter played him like a Stradivarius Violin (A/N1) and knew it. Mr. Wayne had his arms crossed against his chest waiting for him to react almost impatiently. They weren't at his waist ready to draw down on him which was surprising. Pete knew he could out draw the bounty hunter with no problem. What concerned him was Mr. Wayne's closeness, less than 7 feet. Pete felt another sweat bead run down the side of his head then decided to act.
Pete threw the side of his jacket back reaching for his .45 Schofield (A/N2) only to feel his nether regions erupt in pain. 'Yep, Mr. Wayne had never planned on drawing his guns at all.' Pete thought to himself as he fell to his knees groaning. He then felt Mr. Wayne's fist impact the left side of his face blacking out before falling to the floor. The Schofield falling on the wooden floor resonated throughout the diner as everyone looked shocked. The sheriff just got knocked out cold before he could clear leather. They watched as the bounty hunter leaned down picking up the handgun giving it a quick once over then stood up tucking it behind his own gun belt. The occupants of the diner held their breath as Mr. Wayne approached the mayors table stopping right by Miss Carter and George Hammond. He took the cigar out of his mouth holding with his left hand.
"Mayor Simon, you should think about getting a new sheriff. He gets riled to easily and has zero people skills." Jonathon said looking straight at the mayor then said over his shoulder. "Let the sheriff be folks. He'll wake in about 15-20 minutes." The town folk did as the bounty hunter said leaving Pete to wake up on his own. Miss Carter didn't know what to think. Mr. Wayne just knocked out her beau then picked up his gun. Everyone in the diner just sat there and did nothing including her. Now here he stood right beside her feeling turned on.
"Mr. Wayne if I may apologize for his...unprofessionalism. I have no problem with you staying in our fair town. I just ask you to follow the laws." The mayor said impressed with the man's calm approach to the situation. "I intend to Mayor Simon, no reason to cause problems." Jonathon replied the pulled out the sheriff's pistol with his right hand. "I'll just drop this off to Deputy Mitchell if you don't mind." He said intending to do just that.
"Now listen here young man...you just assaulted a man of the law. Do you really expect to walk out of here without anyone trying to stop you?" George Hammond said standing up revealing a well kept Colt. Jacob stood as well but no visible gun. "Yes sir I do because I don't like being branded as trouble when I'm not. That attitude irritates me to no end especially coming from a sheriff or lady. Shanahan is young and need's to learn before it's too late. Have a good rest of the day sirs, Miss Carter." Jonathon answered placing the sheriff's gun behind his belt again. George couldn't argue with what the bounty hunter said. He got that kind of attitude a lot driving cattle back in the day. Then Pete was too young to be sheriff in his opinion, not enough seasoning. "Make sure it gets there or I'll come find you Mr. Wayne!" George said sizing up the younger man. "I'm a man of my word sir if nothing else." Replied Jonathon then walked off. The men at the table took the bounty hunter at his word letting him leave peacefully.
He was almost to the door when Miss Carter huffed loudly apparently staring down the men at the table. She threw her napkin on the table standing up then yelled. "Mr. Wayne, would you be willing to arm wrestle for Sheriff Shanahan's gun?" she asked feeling embolden for some reason. Her father just looked stunned at the outburst. The mayor just smiled thinking this bounty hunter might be what his town needed. Jonathon stopped surprised at Miss Carters challenge. He smiled then took the cigar out of his mouth turning around. "That's the most interesting offer I had in a long time...you're on Miss Carter." He replied noticing a slight blush in Miss Carter's cheeks.
Jonathon sat in the vacant seat next to Miss Carter putting his cigar out in Pete's coffee. Mayor Simon watched Mr. Wayne liking him more by the minute. He was bold, intelligent and calculating. Samantha didn't know how to react. She did not expect the bounty hunter to agree to her challenge. "Mr. Wayne, my daughter didn't mean it..." Jacob said "I meant it dad. None of you were going to stop him. Mom was right; it sometimes takes a woman to get the job done." She said turning her attention back to the man sitting next to her. "You're not going to cheat are you Mr. Wayne? That would be un-honorable." Mr. Wayne looked back at her with crooked smile, it almost looked sexy she thought. "I wouldn't dream of it Miss Carter." He replied putting left arm on the table looking into her baby blues almost getting lost in them. Samantha followed suite then they grasped each other's hands feeling an electric shock. They also locked fists together on the table to stabilize themselves.
Samantha never felt such an electric shock before, not even with Pete or Jonas. Did the bounty hunter feel it as well she thought looking into his chocolate brown eyes? "One question before we start Miss Carter." Jonathon said keeping his attention on her. "What is that Mr. Wayne?" She asked feeling the calluses on his hands. He lived on the edge being a bounty hunter and his hands proved that. "What do I get if I win?" Jonathon asked liking how her smaller hand fit in his along with the softness. He quickly pushed that thought out of his mind. He didn't deserve a second chance after failing Sara and Charlie, no this was his life now. Samantha looked into his eyes getting a feeling of pain, a pain of losing someone close. "I promise not to slap you in the face." She replied smirking despite trying not to. "Damn, I was hoping for a kiss!" Jonathon answered giving her a wink making her blush slightly. She ignored his comment turning to her god-father, George Hammond. "Would you do the honors of officiating Uncle George?"
The people in the dinner had stopped eating and were watching the match up. Unbeknownst to Samantha or Jonathon the owner of Haven News, Walter, was present and taking notes. "Remember Mr. Wayne... no cheating." George said placing his hand over theirs. "Sammy, you can still reconsider this course of action." Jacob added concerned for his daughter's safety. "Mr. Carter, I promise I won't hurt your daughter, whenever you're ready to start Mr. Hammond." Jonathon said ready to arm wrestle.
"Three, two, one...go" George counted down as they started trying to force the others arm down. Obviously everyone expected Mr. Wayne to win given his size and knockout punch to the sheriff. Much to Jonathon's surprise Miss Carter was stronger than she looked. He could take her without a problem but liked holding her hand. Samantha felt the bounty hunters strength as she attempted to push his arm to the table. She shouldn't be enjoying holding his hand but it couldn't be helped. Pete never would do this kind of thing because his opinion was she was a woman therefore weaker. Mr. Wayne however had no such problem, another surprise. Then there was the fact he looked really handsome cleaned up, even smelled good. To her disbelief the bounty hunters arm made contact with the table, she won!
The people in the dinner cheered Miss Carter's victory with excitement. She gave Jonathon a megawatt smile without realizing it. Jacob smiled at his daughter proud of her because she never ceases to amaze him. George declared his god-daughter the winner raising her arm up getting more cheers. Mayor Simon looked at the bounty hunter knowing exactly what he did. He'd have to a talk privately with him later on. The man was clearly putting a plan in motion starting with undermining the sheriff. He should be upset about having Pete shown up but wasn't. Mr. Wayne is correct in what he said, 'He gets riled to easily and has zero people skills.'
"You won fair and square Miss Carter. That means you got Shanahan's gun back and I don't get slapped." Jonathon said earning him a smile. He placed the Schofiled on the table but not before unloading it taking one of the bullets for himself. This earned him a puzzled look from everyone but the Mayor Simon. "He owes me a drink for interrupting my meal. Good day Sirs, Miss Carter." He left the diner without saying anything further. Mean while Pete stirred waking up shaking his head hearing people cheering for someone. Why would people be doing that and where in the hell did Mr. Wayne get too? He thought as his vision returned slowly.
Jonathon passed by the bank and sheriff's office heading back to Kings, a shot of whiskey sounding good about now. He absent mindedly tossed the .45 Schofield round in the air repeatedly missing it once. The round landed on the walk way rolling a few feet away. A few people passed by before he could pick it back up. Jonathon picked it up noticing a scratch on the casing indicating a bad extractor. This made him pause to take a closer look at the .45 Schofiled round (A/N3). He thought for a few seconds then headed for the bar in a hurry. The round just might be a clue worth looking further into.
Jonathon entered the bar placing the bullet in his pocket. Upon entering he noticed patrons eating, playing poker, drinking and cowboys flirting with the women. The pianist was playing a lively tune as few women danced with some cowboys having a good time. Harry stood at the bar waving him over so he went to find out why, the bullet could wait a little longer. "What can I do for you Mr. Maybourne?" Jonathon asked sitting at the bar taking in the atmosphere. Harry slid a shot of whiskey over which he raised an eyebrow. "...on the house Mr. Wayne, it's not every day we have a minor celebrity staying with us." He said filling a pitcher of beer setting on a serving tray for young Chinese woman. Jonathon tipped his hat at her getting a soft smile and giggle in return. She was a petite woman with long dark hair and oval face no taller than 5 foot. Her black and white dress highlighted slightly tanned skin. "That's Chenguang (Chinese meaning Morning glory), she's a sweetheart." He said pausing then continued." When Cheng sings her native Chinese songs everybody loves them even though nobody understands her language." Harry said watching the waitress walk away longer than needed. Jonathon made a mental note of that as well. Maybourne had a soft spot for the woman, maybe more. "Cheng is a beautiful woman. I can see why everybody likes her." He replied watching her interact with customers. Jonathan didn't see the green eyed look Harry gave him confirming his theory.
"Why do you say that?" Harry asked while wiping down some glasses. "Cheng has a natural beauty about her along with being friendly. She's also the perfect size to sit on a man's lap while playing cards." The bounty hunter said turning his attention back to the bar owner. "Nothing escapes your attention does it Mr. Wayne?" He asked not needing a answer. "Attention to my surroundings and details are important in my line of work, like yours too." Jonathon replied putting money down for another whiskey. Harry nodded in agreement watching Cheng go about her job. "You play poker a lot Mr. Wayne?" he asked looking for a possible weakness." Jonathon swirled the whiskey then drank part of it. "I play poker mostly for fun only betting a quarter of my money. No need to go broke." He answered leaving out the information gathering reasons. You could get lots of intelligence through playing cards. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Would you like a reserved seat for Miss Serra's performance tonight Mr. Wayne? Her shows draw so many people there's standing room only most nights." He offered getting round of drinks for another one of his waitresses. "Is 9:00 Miss Serra's only performance" Jonathon asked noticing Cheng getting tripped in the mirror by a cowboy then laughing. "That's Ned, a loud mouth with money. He's the foreman for Jeff William's ranch. He's almost untouchable. The others at his table work there too." Harry said with anger while looking powerless. "Excuse me for a minute Maybourne, I'll be right back." The bounty hunter replied getting up going over to help the petite Chinese women up. Jonathon didn't like loud mouths or men who abused women. Those who did weren't men at all, just boys. "Why bother helping a celestial whore(A/N4) that's only good for lying on her back?" Ned asked surprised anyone would defend the worthless women in his opinion.
"Thank you Mr. Wayne; I much appreciate your kindness." She replied in light accent bowing then walked off to wash of the smell of cheap alcohol. Everyone at the table as well nearby ones stopped eating at his name being spoken. Ned was not one to be intimated stared down the bounty hunter from his seat. "Stand up before I yank you out of the chair Ned." Jonathon ordered in a low voice leaving not room for argument. The bar went silent as everyone now noticed the two men staring each other down. Ned stood up standing 3 inches taller than the bounty hunter. This fact made Ned smile thinking he had the edge. "I'm standing up Mr. Bounty hunter, are you going to defend the whore's honor now?" he asked hand dangling by his Colt Peacemaker.
Jonathon was much closer to Ned than he was with Pete making it easier for him. He acted first stomping Ned's right foot hard with the heel of his boot. Pain went through the man's foot making him raise it up to hold. Jonathon then punched the man hard in the stomach with a left doubling him over. The bounty hunter kneed Ned in the face breaking his nose with an audible crunch. The loud mouth fell over crying about his broken nose as it started to bleed. Three of his friends stood up ready to draw on the bounty hunter only to be staring at two pistols. In the blink of an eye they were out drawn. Ned's friends put their hands up and away from their guns as not to be shot. "We don't want any trouble Mr. Wayne...we just..." Jonathon stared at the men before him while keeping an eye on Ned. "Then you shouldn't have stood up. You two grab Ned and take him home; I don't like men who mistreat women. He's lucky I didn't do more." He said then stepped on Ned's neck hard. "I'm not stupid mister foreman." Ned moved his hand away from the colt while having a hard time breathing. "Move you two before I change my mind." Jonathon ordered stepping away from the man on the floor. "What do you want me to do Mr. Wayne?" asked the shortest man of the group. "Pay the bill plus a nice tip for Miss Cheng, and then leave with your friends." The two men carried Ned out of the bar while the short man did as Jonathon ordered begrudgingly. Jonathon holstered his pistols walking back to the bar. Maybourne motioned to the piano player to start playing again returning the bar to normal.
"Is the offer of front row seating still available Mr. Maybourne?" Jonathon asked lighting a cigar shaking the match out. Harry smiled liking what he just witnessed. The bounty hunter was just the man he needed. "Not only can you have front row seating Mr. Wayne, how about working for me?" Harry replied lighting his own cigar. Jonathon thought for a moment then smiled. "Tell me what my responsibilities would be and we can go from there." Harry nodded pulling out the good stuff pouring Mr. Wayne a drink. There was no doubt in his mind that the bounty hunter would take the job, especially if he made Miss Inara available to him. Mr. Williams would understand once his reasoning was explained to him. The reason was simple; with Mr. Wayne working for them they wouldn't have any problems.
A/N1: The Stradivarius Violin is an instrument built by members the Italian family, Stradivari. They were built during the 17th & 18th centuries. Reputation has it that their quality or sound couldn't be duplicated. There are about 650 original instruments (Harps, guitars, violas, cellos and violins) still around today.
A/N2: the Smith & Wesson Schofield Model 3 is a single action break top revolver introduced in 1870. The hand gun was produced in several variations including the Russian Model. The Russian Empire purchased it for their military (41,000 Number 3s were ordered chambered in .44 Russian). The Schofield competed against the Colt Peace Maker for the US Cavalry contract. Smith & Wesson lost to Colt however did get a contract for small amount of Number 3s.
A/N 3: The .45 Schofiled round had a shorter case than the .45 Long Colt. The issue was .45 Long colt ammunition wouldn't fit into the chamber of the Schofield causing problems with supply. Schofield's were eventually phased out in favor of the Colt.
A/N4: The old west term Celestial is used to describe people of Chinese decent. The word derives from an old name for China, the "Celestial Empire."
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