The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 8: Serenity Ranch
Kings Saloon: Jonathon finished changing into his new clothing feeling much better. The dark blue side button up shirt Cassie choose looked good on him as did the black vest with silver medallions. The addition of a new black Stetson helped to. Satisfied he was presentable he left the room locking it behind him. Jonathon took out his pocket watch noting the time, 3:12pm. Janet said dinner would be ready a little after 6pm and not to be late. That gave him enough time gather more information. He noticed a few tables where people played poker (A/N1) and roulette table going non-stop on the way to his room. People would be more talkative at the poker tables so that would he'd start. First he would inform Harry he'd take the job and get the ball rolling.
Walking down the stairs he noticed Kowalski gathering spittoons (A/N2) for cleaning. He looked halfway drunk but working though. The first thing on his list to do would be sobering up the man. Jonathon had no use for a man that couldn't have his back when needed. The next thing he noticed was Inara dressed in dark burgundy figure hugging dress. Her hair was braided into a pony tail hanging to one side. He wondered how she reacted to Maybourne making her 'available' to his desires. Inara probably slapped the man and rightfully so. Either way he was going to take the job leaving her the choice. Inara is a beautiful woman that deserved respect and freedom. Once his friend was helped out Inara would be next in line.
Jonathon walked over to the bar letting Maybourne know he'd take the job but start tomorrow. Harry shook his hand with a smile passing over a sweet tea then going back to running things. While drinking he noticed Inara making her way over to him with a genuine smile. She ran her hand across his shoulder then placed a kiss on his cheek. Jonathon couldn't help but grin, not because of their earlier activities, because it reminded him of Sara. She would always touch his shoulder and kiss him after working hard all day on their ranch.
"You look gorgeous Miss Serra, care for a drink?" He asked giving the lady a once over making her blush. "Not right now. I'd rather see how well you dance?" Inara replied taking his hand leading them to the dance floor as the pianist played a lively tune. "Thelma said that you might be running the floor for Mr. Maybourne, is that true?" She asked as they glided across the floor gracefully. Many a man watched envious of Jonathon. To have Miss Serra ask for a dance was unheard of. "I'm starting tomorrow around 1: pm, does that please you Miss Serra?" he asked figuring it would. "To be truthful Mr. Wayne it pleases all of the women here. Personally I'm grateful you took the job." Inara replied as she pulled in closer to the bounty hunter. "Why is that Miss Serra?" Jonathon inquired dipping the beautiful lady to her surprise.
"Cheng told us what you did to Ned. The jerk had that coming for a long time. Thelma saw it happen and almost cheered. Ned isn't a nice man at all. He treat's the other women rather rough, especially when drunk." She explained trying to tamp down her urge to drag Jonathon upstairs as a reward. The bounty hunter was a great dancer too; she'd love to know more about the man. Inara also got the feeling of being safe in his arms again, not like she felt with Malcolm, but safe none the less. "You left out why you were grateful..!" Jonathon asked with a questioning look twirling the Brazilian beauty. Inara leaned in close whispering 'I'll explain tonight, too many ears around right now.' She said smiling at the man. "Only if that's what you want Miss Serra." He replied getting a nod in return.
Inara's thoughts drifted to Jonathon's reason for being here. She knew Jonathon already put his plan into motion. Town folk started to doubt Sheriff Shanahan's abilities, in hushed voices of course. Then Ned got sent packing so easily when he was the bare knuckles champ for the town. Maybe she could find out more about the man by talking about his niece.
"...so your Cassandra Frasier's uncle, she's such a sweet child." Inara commented relaxing into Jonathon's arms, he was just too comfortable. "News travels fast in this town." He commented picking up the pace with the song. "People take notice when a little girl turns a strong man into a gentle giant." Inara replied with a smile. "The little One has a way getting into your heart." Jonathon answered feeling tap on his shoulder.
He turned around to see a man his height looking to be about 25 or so. The man had a full head of black wavy hair and a disarming smile not to different than his. He wore tan pants held up by suspenders and burgundy button up shirt. There was a well used Remington handgun in his holster ready for action if needed. "Mind if I cut in Mr. Wayne, other folk would like to dance with Inara too." Jonathon noticed the man looking at Miss Serra softly as only a lover would. Inara's face also visibly brightened up at the man's request. "By all means mister..?" He replied inquiring the man's name. "I'm Malcolm Reynolds owner of Serenity Ranch." Mal said offering to shake his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Reynolds, my apologies if I monopolized her time." Jonathon answered then turned to Inara. "Thank you for dancing with me Miss Serra, until next time." He said placing Inara's hand in Malcolm's walking away. With Reynolds indentified that left the rest of his crew. His first day here was turning out to be more productive than he figured.
"Inara, may I have this dance?" Mal asked pulling her close to him getting a full blown smile in return. "You can have all you want Mal, just don't step on my feet." Inara answered completely relaxing with the man she truly wanted to be with. "Zoe's been helping me practice so..." he answered letting her lead. "I'll have to thank her latter then." Inara replied with a smile.
Jonathon scanned the room finding a vacant seat at a poker table across the room. He passed a table were a tall lean black lady was sitting on a short white guys lap. She packed a 'mare's leg' (A/N3) along with a bowie knife. The women had on men's trousers and a slightly feminine shirt like his. Her hair was black in a loose pony tail. Jonathon could tell the women was enjoying herself yet coiled like a rattler ready to strike if needed. The man wore Levis and bright yellow shirt. He had short messy blond hair with remnants of a mustache. His sidearm of choice was a Colt Peace Maker on right hand cross draw. The two of them wore similar rings indicating they were married. Hearing 'Lamby toes' as a pet name for the women confirmed his guess. Nobody paid them much attention which was good; if they were happy nobody else's opinion mattered.
Jonathon made his way to the table when another man bumped into him. "Watch where you walking mister. I'm in no mood to be pushed around." The short but stout guy stated looking up at him. He wore a black suit with boots not meant for riding. "Dandy (A/N6), it's you who need to watch where you walking." Jonathon shot back looking the man square in the eyes'. "Your new here so I'll give you a pass this time stranger. Just so you know I'm..." The self important man started to say but Jonathon cut him off. "I don't care who you are, keep your eyes up when walking not focused on how shiny your boots are." The man went to retort only to look at Jonathon's back. "You'll regret that stranger; I'm an important man in town." He said getting no reply back. Seeing that the stranger didn't care Roger just moved on grumbling about losing too much money. Nobody paid him attention already knowing he was all talk and no action.
Sitting at the table was beefy man, about 6'4", with bulging muscles wearing a tight shirt meant to show off his physic. His hair was short with rough shave as if he used a hunting knife. This man looked like he enjoyed a good fight, fair or not, more on the 'not' side. He had a crazy look about him too. Sitting in shoulder holsters was a pair of short barreled Schofiled. Jonathon wouldn't be surprised if the brawler had a pair of colts around his waist as well.
To his right sat man that was obviously professional gambler dressed in a grey suit and matching Stetson hat. His clean shaven appearances screamed don't hit the face please. He also wore a shoulder holster too. Both men had a pile of money while a third, an older man with white hair was almost out. The rude man that bumped into him must have come from this table given how upset he was.
"Mind if I have a seat gentleman?" Jonathon asked flashing some money getting the brawlers attention. The gambler casually waved to the vacant seat. "You're Mr. Wayne, the bounty hunter." said the big man chewing on a cheap cigar. "My reputation precedes me." He replied taking a seat laying $200.00 dollars on the table. "Damn straight it does, my name is Jayne and this is old man Stewart. He owns the Chinese Laundry and massage parlor. "Jayne said making the introductions picking up his cards. Old man Stewart shook Jonathon's hand firmly then picked up his cards as well. "I have the best laundry service and masseuses in the county. Feel free to drop by Mr. Wayne; I'm sure you could use a good massage from being on the trial." Old man Stewart said sincerely. "I just might to do that, I never had a massage before though." Jonathon answered tossing some money in the pot. Jayne grinned remembering the last time he visited 'China West Laundry & Massage'. "The extras are worth it; trust me on that Mr. Wayne." The bounty hunter nodded in understanding pegging Jayne for a talker. He could get all kinds of useful information from the man.
The four men continued to play poker for an hour before Kenny Stewart bid them a good day. The old man's reason was simple, businesses don't run themselves. Maybourne stepped onto the stage at that moment informing everyone that Cheng was about start her act. Harry went on to mention drinks were half price during the show and to enjoy. The Gambler, Grant DavieO'Bannon, won the most money at $321.00, Jonathon ended with what he started with. Jayne however lost all but $43.00 of his money. This didn't sit well with the brawler so Jonathon used the opportunity to gather information.
"Can I buy you a drink Mr. Wayne; it's not every day I get to meet a celebrity?" Jayne asked standing up from the table. "I wouldn't consider myself a 'celebrity' but I'll take it as a compliment." He answered truthfully. "Hero's don't always where white hats Mr. Wayne. True hero's have rough edges, that's how men like us survive this long." The brawler replied speaking the truth.
"Bar keep two whiskeys and a bourbon chaser." Harry looked at Jayne giving him the evil eye while passing over the alcohol. "...to rough edges!" Jayne toasted. "...to rough edges!" Jonathon repeated clinking glasses together downing them and the chaser. "Next round is on me Jayne." He said motioning harry for two beers. "I appreciate that Wayne, I didn't do too well against pretty boy O'Bannon." Jayne said turning around leaning against the bar watching all the women. Jonathon did the same without mentally undressing the ladies.
"Grant is cheating if you ask me. Has he been in town long?" Jonathon threw out seeing if Jayne noticed to. He also wanted to know if the man paid attention to his surroundings. "Grant's been in town for about a month, friends with the sheriff apparently. I know he's cheating but can't prove it. The sheriff vouches for him so it's an uphill battle." Jayne answered pulling out another cheap cigar. "Try one of these; it's a Sandhagen (A/N4). They have a nice taste." He offered handing it over to an eager Jayne lighting the cigar up immediately. "Mr. Wayne, why didn't you make fun of my name? People who first meet me either snicker or get punched in the face for their trouble." Jayne asked savoring the well made cigar. "Because I didn't want to get punched in the face..!" he answered making the brawler laugh.
"Consider yourself lucky, I once brought in a man named Maurice. The man never shut up telling me all about his Portuguese mother and Spanish father." Jonathon added remembering how glad he was to turn the man in. By the time he arrived at the sheriffs off Jonathon knew the man's life story. Jayne smiled then asked the obvious question. "What did Maurice do?" the bounty hunter tapped his cigar in the ash tray then slapped Thelma's behind as she passed. She wasn't concerned as if she was used to Mr. Cobbs behavior. "Believe it or not he robbed a train single handedly getting away with about $400.00. During the robbery Maurice couldn't shut up letting it slip where he was headed." Jayne laughed knowing a few people who talk too much for their own good. There was a lull in conversation so Jonathon switched topics to keep Jayne talking.
"What's the story on those two?" Jonathon asked pointing at the mixed couple. He suspected they worked for Malcolm Reynolds since they all came in at the same time. Jayne said he worked as a ranch hand and muscle when needed for Malcolm. The man boosted about that most along with a woman named Vera. "Those two an odd pair, I made a bet with Kaylee on whether or not Zoe would marry Washburne." Jayne answered watching Cheng do a traditional Chinese dance. "Why are they an odd pair?" Jonathon asked watching the pair dance; well the lady could dance at least. "When Hoban was hired on Zoe only agreed to 'allow' it if he shaved the mustache off. Mal being Mal said he was the boss and he could hire the man without her approval." The brawler said downing the beer getting another. "...so Zoe must be the foreman then because the mustache is gone." Jonathon guessed, Mal must be a man that values the person's abilities over social standards. He could work with a guy like that, makes his job that much easier.
"You catch on quick Wayne. Malcolm and Zoe grew up together fighting like siblings would. They trust each other completely which is the reason she's the foreman." Jayne said puffing on his cigar. "I take it Zoe didn't like Washburne and made no bones about it." Jonathon said watching some people shake their head in disgust at the pair. "Zoe didn't at first but Washburne broke down her barriers. He's used being the best bronco buster in the county to his advantage. That got her attention which was all Hoban needed. The next thing I knew they were getting married by Sheppard Book." He added with a grin.
"Zoe must be the fighter of the two while Hoban just helps, am I wrong?" He asked getting a laugh from the big man. "If there's ever a tussle where Mal and Zoe are involved be sure you don't get between them. Washburne is a good fighter but mostly covers for the rest of us." Jayne said telling him useful information. The curious part was why Zoe or her family stuck around after being freed. Reynolds father must have been one of the few 'Good' slave owners. "I'll make sure not be on the wrong side of the fight then. You mentioned Kaylee. I've heard she's a mechanical genius in these parts." Jonathon replied watching the crowd not seeing any trouble brewing.
Cheng finished her performance as the curtains closed to whoops and hollers. "Little Kaylee is gifted in that area, people from all around bring her things to fix. That income helps keep Mal going despite the rustling problems." Jayne informed the bounty hunter then continued. "Right now she's really cranky being 7 months pregnant. Her husband, Simon Tam, is due back in two weeks." Jonathon thought back to how Sara acted while pregnant, she wasn't a happy camper. "Where did he go that required being gone that long?" he asked knowing he'd never left Sara under any circumstance. "Simons parents passed away leaving him custody of his younger sister. He's also taking care of the estate and such. He's a good guy, just too much of a east coast Dandy in my opinion." Jayne answered in a gruff voice. "...any rate it's time I got some trim. I'll see you round Mr. Wayne, it's been a pleasure." Jayne said shaking the bounty hunters hand then walking off finding Thelma on another man's lap. The lanky guy went to protest but sat back down quickly not wanting a fight. Jonathon mulled over all he learned figuring Malcolm Reynolds crew could be trusted. He just needed to have a private chat with the man to be sure. Jonathon looked at his pocket watch seeing it was going on 5:30. He decided to head back now. There might be a possibility of snagging a piece of fried chicken without Janet noticing providing Cassie acted as a distraction.
Jonathon left the saloon with plans to return for Miss Serra's performance later tonight. Just past the boardwalk a shadow of a man appeared then vanished. He walked slower keeping an eye on the corner stopping short of stepping off. Placing a hand on his Colt the bounty hunter stepped off and turned quickly ready to draw. Leaning against the wall in a brown duster was Malcolm Reynolds mirroring his pose.
"We need to talk face to face mister bounty hunter. I don't take kindly to having my crew pumped for information. It makes a man like me uneasy." Mal stated not relaxing his posture. The next thing he knew was Zoe coming up from behind him poking the mare's leg in his back. "Jayne warned me about you two." Jonathon said walking further into the alley trusting his instincts. "You should have taken the warning to heart mister!" Zoe stated staying behind him motioning the all clear for Mal. "Why are you so interested in my piece heaven?" he asked giving Jonathon a hard stare. "I'm not, what I am interested in is who's who if you get my drift." Jonathon replied relaxing as not to come across all hostile. "I don't, so start talking or Zoe will explain my way of thinking to you." Mal retorted making his point clear. "I'm here on behalf of a friend. He doesn't like how the rustling problem is being handled." He said in a low voice only the three of them could hear. "I'm here to help, not hinder. For crying out loud Lady, would you mind not poking me with the hand cannon? I like my innards on the inside." Jonathon added while berating himself for allowing the two to get the drop in him. Zoe backed up a bit pulling the short rifle from his back. "Why should we believe the word of a bounty hunter?" she asked in a low voice meant to intimidate. Malcolm rested his hand on the Remington's waiting for an answer. "For one I have an idea who killed your former sheriff, and two, I can't help you if I'm laid up." He answered honestly getting their full undivided attention.
"You got our attention bounty hunter, keep talking." Mal replied giving orders to his 'sister' via eye movement. "I believe the person that killed your sheriff carries a .44 Schofield. I found his body along with the shell casings that were dumped." Zoe looked at Malcolm giving him a nod making him relax a bit. "Do you have a suspect in mind?" he asked thinking about whom in town carried a .44 caliber smith. "I do but I'd rather not say right now until I know more." Jonathon replied trying to hurry things up. His plans for snagging a piece of chicken dwindling fast. "I can understand your reasoning on that mister bounty hunter. Do you think we'd lay you out in broad day light?" Zoe said finally walking around to face him. She had lost the smile from earlier revealing her war face. "I believe you would but it's not you two I'm worried about." He answered lighting a cigar offering one to them. They both declined more interested in 'who' he feared more at the moment. "I'm supposed to be at Janet Frasier's house for dinner at 6: pm, I don't dare show up late." Jonathon told them earning grins from the pair. "The good doctor isn't one to be messed with, I know that personally." Malcolm stated relaxing some. "It's good to know I'm not the only one. With that said you won't mind if I hurry off then." Jonathon asked making sure their conversation was over. "Next time you want to talk come to me. Jayne has his version of...truth at times." Mal said driving the point home. He didn't need any more trouble to deal with. "We'll talk again Malcolm, Zoe." Jonathon replied tipping his hat leaving in a hurry.
"Think he's telling the truth Mal?" Zoe asked holstering her gun. He looked at his friend thinking for a moment then answered. "Funny thing is I believe we can. Let's get back inside before Jayne starts a fight without us." He said leading the way back inside. "We could just leave him in jail. We wouldn't have to listen to his snoring for at least one night." Zoe replied making her friend shake his head.
A/N1: Poker in the old west wasn't played like we do today. They only used 20 cards total A, K, Q, J & the 10. There was only the straight and royal flush in common usage.
A/N2: Spittoons were metal container meant for spitting tobacco into.
A/N3: The Mare's Leg is a cut down Winchester Model 1892 carbine chambered in 44-40. Steve McQueen carried one in the TV series: Wanted Dead or Alive (1958-1961). Zoe carried the same kind in Firefly. I know the firearm doesn't fit in the era but Zoe isn't Zoe without it.
A/N4: Sandhagen & Co. Made Cigars in years prior/after 1880. I couldn't find any further information on the company other than eBay.
A/N5: This chapter took me longer than expected to figure out. My air conditioning going out didn't help matters.The Poker game through me off until I figured out how to write the scene. I hope everyone enjoyed meeting our favorite 'Big Damn Hero's!'
A/N6: A 'Dandy' is cowboy unduly devoted to style and appearance.
LoneWolfO'Neill