The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 10: Wine, Women & Song
A/N: With my writers block finally broken I have completed chapter 10. It's a long one being over 5500 words. I wanted to wrap up Sunday so I could get into the main story. Enjoy and please feel free to bend my ear, no worries it's flexible.
Pete sat eating his dinner going over the day's events so far. The steak should taste great but the sour mood he was in didn't allow it. His day started out great but went downhill when Mr. Wayne showed up at the diner. Samantha wanted the man gone so he tried to make her happy like a good beau. The bounty hunter knew how to fight dirty, that was very evident. Mr. Wayne even added insult to injury by taking his gun. The only reason to do that was to send a message to him or someone else. Now his girl seemed to be fascinated with the man! Women were truly full of contradictions he thought.
Thelma noticed the sheriff deep in thought and not looking happy. The cowboys would just have to wait a little longer for their beers. She stopped briefly whispering in his ear putting a big smile on Pete's face. The cowboys were rewarded for their patience as she put on a show for all to see. Thelma swayed her hips more for Pete's pleasure though. Her dress kept all attention on her as she passed out their drinks. In her mind Inara Serra had nothing on her. Inara maybe Maybourne favorite but Thelma knew most of the local cowboys preferred her. She also got ranch hands to talk faster than the other girls in the saloon. Harry knew this but never acknowledged it.
Pete smiled glad that she always knew how to cheer him up. Samantha wouldn't even consider talking to him in such a manner let alone do other things. He was still mad at Samantha for making a fool of him. She'd learn her place once they were married he thought. The only problem was the damn bounty hunter. He had to go one way or another if his side plan was to work. Mr. Wayne somehow got her attention making the town folk talk in hushed voices around him. The women gossiped about Samantha pushing Valla out of the way just to ring up his order. Harry would just have to except as the 'sheriff' it was his duty to run off trouble. His halfwit deputy would just have to put down the stupid dime novels and watch Mr. Wayne when he couldn't.
The town's official 'jester' walked up bringing Pete out of his thoughts. "Hey sheriff would you like some sweetener for your coffee?" asked Burke while holding a whiskey bottle. Pete looked at the man dressed in his usual attire of leather chaps over Levis and faded red Calvary style shirt. Like normal the red bandana covered his bald head in place of a hat. "Why not, my coffee can always use a bit of whiskey." Pete replied pushing his cup over. Burkes nephew, Blue Tom, burst out laughing as Burke pulled out a cigar causing Pete to pull his coffee back quickly spilling it. "I was thinking more along the line of tobacco!" he said with a crazy smile. "That's not even funny Burke..!" the sheriff said staring at the two men getting angry. "...your right sheriff, it's crazy man. Just too crazy..." he replied with a belly laugh then walked off with Blue Tom following laughing to. "Burke, I won't hesitate to throw you in jail so you'd better not act up!" Pete yelled hearing more people laugh in the background. "Damn that bounty hunter, he's making me look bad even when not around." He said in a low voice making a fist, the man had to go and go soon!
Jonathon decided to walk the perimeter of Kings Saloon. Knowing all the entries and exits would be important in doing his job. The other reason for knowing is situation awareness. Having knowledge of the area saved his ass many a time. While walking around the saloon on the north side a door opened. The back door opened leading to the kitchen based on the noise. The cook dumped water off to the side was evidence of that. The portly man was smoking a rolled cigarette wearing an apron in need of cleaning. He gave Jonathon a once over taking his cigarette out then dropping it in the mud puddle. "You going to be the new ramrod (A/N1) in the saloon." ...asked the man as he stepped out of the door way into the alley. "Names Jonathon Wayne and I'll be running the floor. Harry didn't say anything about the kitchen." He replied sizing the cook up. The man stood 5'3 maybe 5'5 looking to weigh about 200 pound with a bushy beard. "...good, the kitchen is mine mister Wayne, I'm Nick by the way." The cook said offering to shake Jonathon's hand. They shook hands squeezing hard testing each other's strength. "You have a strong grip mister. You'll do just fine as long as you keep out of my kitchen." Nick said with a grin. "Yours isn't weak either. I have no interest in running a kitchen Nick, not my area of expertise." Jonathon answered back flexing his hand behind his back. Nick had a really strong grip truth be told. "No, yours is elsewhere judging by the pair of Colts and bowie knife you have strapped on." Nick said pointing to his pistols. "Do you have a problem with my profession?" He asked the cook in a low voice. "No, I just hate cleaning up bloody floors. I'd appreciate it if you shoot trouble makers outside rather than inside is all." Nick answered with a grin. Jonathon chuckled at the man's comment. He was being serious yet it came across funny for some reason. "I have no desire to shoot anyone unless needed. You won't have to worry about cleaning up blood on my behalf Nick." Jonathon said with honesty. "Good, one other thing you'll need to know." The cook started say but lit a cigarette before continuing.
"Men who aren't faithful to their women folk leave through this door. Knowing who they are could give you an edge if needed." Nick told the bounty hunter then went back inside without saying anything further.
Jonathon thought about what the cook had said. Having an edge could be very helpful if the right person turned up. He continued walking around to the front hearing everyone inside having a good time. Miss Serra would be singing in about 2 hours. The little china doll was up first though. He'd mosey on in and watch both women perform ending the day to get good night's sleep. Jonathon entered the saloon taking in the atmosphere once more. Cowboys got paid once a month generally so he'd have to find out when they last got paid. That's when most trouble happened unless a group was passing through. He lit a cigar walking inside listening to the piano man finish playing 'Back in the saddle again' followed by 'The Boozer' (A/N2). Amelita sat on the piano dangling her long legs while singing the songs. She had a lovely voice and was easy on the eyes. Her long black hair and beautiful smile caused men to whoop and holler for more.
To his surprise Amelita had jumped off the piano and made her way over to him. She did all this without missing a word in the song. The black haired beauty looped her arm through his leading the bounty hunter to a reserved table as promised. Amelita kissed his cheek then made her way back to the piano touching various cowboys along the way. Thelma set down a beer and walked off without saying a word turning her nose up at him. Jonathon didn't care because the lady was trouble. He could tell by the attitude she displayed. "Well...well, the man of the hour decided to finally show up." Pete said taking a seat across from him. Jonathon blew smoke in the sheriff's face making him cough just for laughs. "I'd say the day given how much people are talking. Did you like your special blend coffee?" He asked in a neutral tone eying the man. Pete's anger started to show but he swallowed it not wanting to lose control like earlier. "Mr. Wayne you'd better step lightly around town and me. One misstep and you'll be in my jail or ran out of town. You also need to stay away from my girl, she's mine!" he warned in a low tone almost growling.
Jonathon just smiled blowing more smoke in the man's face. "First off Shanahan, you don't scare me in the least bit. You're just a dandy pretending to be someone you're not. Secondly, women aren't property and if Samantha wants to talk..." he said leaning forward smiling wickedly for effect. "...I'll talk with her. She's a fine looking lady that'll make a great wife one day, but you'll never find out though." Jonathon replied making the sheriff get angry. "Now listen here mister...I'm the law in these parts not you! Consider this your only warning!" Pete yelled standing up losing his cool. "I've been warned, now would you mind letting me be so the show can continue. The other patrons would rather watch Amelita sing than you yell." Jonathon answered waving his arm bringing attention to other people in the room. Pete looked up noticing all eyes on him. Harry stood in the corner shaking his head in disgust. He specifically told the moron to stay away from the bounty hunter but no! Pete was too much of a hard head to heed his advice. "I'm watching you Mr. Wayne!" He said storming out of the saloon angry needing an outlet. Maybe there'd be fight or something he could break up at the other saloon; it was more rowdy with cheaper alcohol.
A few moments later Mayor Simon walked up formally introducing himself. "Mr. Wayne, I'm Mayor Cliff Simon (A/N3), do you mind if I have a seat?" He asked choosing take the high road. The sheriff already proved the direct approach doesn't work so he'd try a different way. "It's a free country sir besides we need to talk." Jonathon said tapping his cigar in the ashtray. "Indeed it is Mr. Wayne. I want to apologize for the sheriff Shanahan's behavior. He wasn't my first choice for sheriff." The mayor replied making the bounty hunter raise an eyebrow. "Correct me if I'm wrong but you do have the power to appoint at temporary sheriff." Jonathon asked wondering how the potato head got the job. "You aren't wrong sir. The town council is made up of 5 people with me as a potential tie breaker." Simon stated pausing to drink his top shelf whiskey. "The problem was Mr. Carter and Mr. Murray was out voted three to two." He finished letting the words sink in. Simon didn't need the bounty hunter taking a bribe from the rustlers to ignore their activities. The mayor got the feeling that Mr. Wayne couldn't be bought, even though he had to make sure.
"Who were the three that voted in favor of Potato head?" Jonathon asked figuring Harry was one of them. "Harry Maybourne, Roger Smith and Mark Carter all voted in favor of then Deputy Shanahan. The town folk wanted Deputy Mitchell because he's not full of himself." Samantha has a brother...that was unexpected news. "Is Roger a short and stocky man dressed like a dandy with shiny boots?" He asked motioning for another round of drinks for the two of them. "So you had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting him then. Roger owns the mill on the east end of town." Simon replied confirming Jonathon's impression of the man being a self important jerk. "I take it he owns the big house outside of town with the white picket fence." Jonathon said remembering passing it by on his way in. "That's the one but you're wondering why Miss. Carter's brother voted opposite their father." Simon answered testing a theory he had. He noticed a spark between the two as they arm wrestled. Further evidence of the connection was Samantha pushing Valla out of the way. Then he heard both Mr. Wayne and Samantha had dinner at Doctor Frasier's.
"Samantha didn't mention Mark so I take they aren't on good terms currently." Jonathon asked fishing for information on her. "They had a falling out after she ended it with Pete the first time. Mark hasn't talked to her despite taking Pete back." The mayor said lighting his cigar as he watched Amelita bow then leave the stage. Cheng would be on next followed by Inara. "What you're telling me is that Mark is good friends with Shanahan and that's why he voted for him." Jonathon guessed correctly based on the mayor's smile.
The new information got his attention. Mark probably introduced his sister to Shanahan liking the idea of his best friend becoming a brother in-law. Then Samantha goes and ends it only to take the moron back. That's not a really good reason to stop talking to a sister he thought. There has to be more to the story he's not getting.
"I wasn't wrong about you. You're a smart man Mr. Wayne. It'd be a shame if you ended up on the wrong side of the fence when this comes to a head." Simon replied in an even tone looking straight ahead letting his words sink in.
Jonathon knew what the mayor was driving at. The mayor wanted to know where he stood at. Fair enough question given the circumstances. He deserved an honest answer in return. "Cassandra looks up to me so I have no intention of letting her down mayor." He answered cryptically in case anyone was listening in. "I heard about how she greeted you so I can understand. She's a precious little girl that doesn't trust easily." Simon replied knowing that all too well. Why Cassie trusted the bounty hunter completely was another topic of town gossip.
"What's your story Mr. Mayor?" Jonathon asked watching Harry introduce Cheng once again. She was dressed in a pink kimono dress with colorful flowerily designs. Her petite figure and traditional hair styling brought out her beauty perfectly. "Nothing special, my parents emigrated from South Africa to Brittan. When I was of age I joined the navy to see the world." He replied watching Cheng as well then continued his story. "We made a port call to Boston a few times and I fell in love with your country. Once my service was finished I moved becoming a citizen a year later." He finished watching Cheng entertain everyone. "...did the former mayor point at you and say 'I can't do this anymore, the jobs all yours' then run out of town." Jonathon asked sarcastically getting a chuckle from the mayor. "Not exactly Mr. Wayne. The former mayor didn't have the people in mind. He acted more like a puppet than a mayor. So I sold this place to Harry for a tidy amount then ran against Stewart Peterson." Simon explained to the bounty hunter. "Only problem is his supporters didn't lose." Jonathon pointed out with the mayor agreeing. "That can change with the right people running against them next election." Simon answered as the two men continued to chat about other topics of no importance.
Janet's House 7:30ish... Samantha watched as Cassie excitedly got ready for the monthly Sunday school sleep in with Sheppard Book. The preteen kids in the town spent the night in the church learning about God while giving the parents a small break. There were a total of 14 kids attending on average. "You got everything Cassie?" Sam asked as her niece looked around the room. "Have you seen my hat aunt Sam? Uncle Jon wouldn't let me wear it at the dinner table." The little girl said trying to remember where she left it. "Have you checked the living room yet?" asked Samantha then watched Cassie run into afore mentioned room. "No running in the house Cassandra Ann Frasier!" yelled Janet from the kitchen. "Sorry Momma, I found it Aunt Sam but its hanging on the hat rack and I can't reach it." She said trying to jump up a grab the hat. Samantha walked into the living room watching the little girl almost reach it but come up short. "I'll get it for you Cassie, no need to get yelled at for jumping in the house to." Her aunt got the hat giving it a once over before handing it to the waiting child. The Stetson definitely had seen better days. Samantha wondered why Cassandra always wore a hat meant for an adult. Cassie must have a special connection that manifested itself with collecting his old hats.
"Cassie, can I ask you a question about your hats?" she said bending down to the little girl's level. Cassie put the hat on adjusting it a bit until she was satisfied. "What do you want to know Aunt Sam?" Cassie asked looking at the older women with a smile. "Why do you have your Uncle Jon's old hats?" Samantha asked making her niece stop and think for a minute. Cassie looked over her shoulder at Janet. "You can tell her Cassandra, God won't mind if you tell her." Samantha looked at her friend with curious eyes wondering what she was about to be let in on. Cassie took off the hat holding it in her small hands like it was the most precious thing ever.
"God told me in a dream that a 'fallen Angel' would save me. His halo wouldn't be made of gold though, just an old tan hat with a silver band." She explained pointing out the band in particular. Sam looked at Janet noticing her fidgeting with her apron then returned her attention back to the little girl. "God also said not to be afraid for the man would have a good heart in need of healing. God said I was to help him learn to live again. When I woke up my dolly was with me again and the man God told me about was making food. He looked sad so I smiled at him like God told me to." She said with a smile putting the hat back on then taking it off remembering what her uncle said. "What did this 'fallen angle' do when you smiled at him?" Samantha asked wondering just who Jonathon Wayne really was? "He smiled back and talked softly to me. Said momma sent him to bring me home. Uncle Jon gave me this hat for protection, now he gives me his old hat before my birthday. I love my uncle Jon and so will you."
Samantha didn't know how to respond to Cassie statement. Her niece just looked confident she was right. There was a knock at the door saving Samantha from answering as Cassie went to it forgetting about what she had just said. Janet walked over mouthing sorry to her friend as she unlocked the door.
"Sheppard Book!" Cassie said going to hug the man. "Hey angel, you ready for a fun night?" he asked as a Ry'ac and James entered the house. "Yes, sir...I'll get my bed roll." She replied leaving the room at run. Janet just shook her head, no need to yell at her child while Sheppard Book was present. "I don't know how you handle 14 energetic kids Sheppard, Cassandra runs me ragged at times." Janet commented taking her apron off. "...with lots of prayer and patience Janet. The good lord also helps out too." Book replied turning to look at Samantha who was talking to Ry'ac of to the side while James stood at the Sheppard's side. "What are you two going to gossip about tonight?" he asked Janet over hearing Samantha ask about the kids' impression of Mr. Wayne. "...apparently Jonathon will be our topic." She replied as her friend walked back over looking at the two adults. Samantha was about to ask what they were talking about when Cassie ran back into the room with her overnight bag with Loki following faithfully. "I'm ready Sheppard." She said taking the offered hat from her momma. "I love you momma, you'll be there to pick us up in the morning?" Cassie asked holding the hat in front of her. "I most certainly will. Then we can go drag your uncle out for breakfast." Her mother replied kissing the little girls cheek. "Would you mind if I joined you Miss Frasier? Mr. Wayne is a big figure (A/N3) and I want to know more about Cassis uncle." Ry'ac asked with hopeful eyes. It's not every day you get to meet your hero. "Only if your parents don't mind Ray." She answered making both kids smile. "They won't, my dad says he's an honorable man. Mom called him a belvedere (Handsome man)." Ry'ac replied. "Well I'll leave you two to talk then, let's go kids." Sheppard Book said leading them to the church like the pied piper from the fairy tale. Cassie put her hat on giving them a toothy smile waving as she left.
"I have a bottle of 'Château Picard' (A/N4) wine that Harry ordered. He gave it to me to try out, would you like try it Sam?" Janet asked walking back into the kitchen. "How can I refuse? Harry isn't normally generous like that." Samantha replied as she followed her friend. Janet led them into the sitting room settling into the extra plus chair handing her friend a glass of the wine. Sam sipped her wine taking in the flavor then took another sip. Janet did the same coming to the conclusion it tasted great. "The wine has a smooth taste to it. The color is nice to; Harry should buy more of it." Samantha said refilling her glass. "I'll tell him next time we talk. He wants' me to drop buy Tuesday for a wellness checkup on the ladies." Janet replied swirling her glass. Samantha didn't say anything because her opinion of the 'ladies' wasn't that high. She just waited for her friend to start her story.
"I suppose I should start at the beginning. We'll need tissues because the story isn't pleasant." She informed her friend willing herself to talk. "We're friends Janet; I'm here for you so take your time." Samantha answered leaning back in the chair. "You know I moved from Eastland to Haven (aka Nimrod, TX.) but not why." Janet began is a quiet voice. Sam stayed quiet letting Janet take time to gather her thoughts. "My sister, Maggie, married a successful newspaper man by the name of Elijah Jones, Cassandra is their daughter. Every Saturday they'd go to the bank then a picnic lunch out by Leon River (southeast of town). Four outlaws came into town that morning looking for an easy robbery. They were in a hurry for some reason and Jonathon happened to be the reason." Janet said letting a single tear fall at the memory then took a tissue. Samantha moved next to her friend to lend strength. Janet's mentioning of Cassies parents piqued her attention. "They spotted Elijah opening the newspaper making their choice. The men forced my sister and her family inside then made Elijah open the safe. He kept a loaded pistol in there for emergencies. One of the outlaws must have over reacted because he'd never try anything with his family there. Both my sister and brother in-law were killed." She explained holding up better than expected. This wasn't a story she repeated often if ever.
"Did the outlaws take Cassie as a hostage?" Samantha asked not wanting it to be so. However based on what Cassie said it would make perfect sense in why she's not keen on strangers. "They took her after brief gun fight. The deputy was killed while Sheriff Anderson was injured. No one would act either, not one man wanted to take the responsibility of leading the posse. That is until an unknown man pushed through the crowd to talk to me." She replied with a slight smile. "That's how you met Mr. Wayne. Did he take charge by forming a posse to go after the outlaws?" Samantha asked trying to imagine how Janet felt losing family and having her niece kidnapped. "Some of the town folk accused him of being one of them. Jonathon decked the mayor unknowingly for making the assumption. He then asked me about Cassie taking her dolly with him leaving Homer with me." She replied feeling better telling the story instead of keeping it locked up. "Who's Homer Janet?" Samantha wondered never hearing the name before. She could also see Jonathon doing as Janet described. "Homer is his stubborn pack mule; he plays dumb just to get more attention." Samantha nodded then refilled their glasses.
"Jonathon lit out of town after the men leaving everyone else behind. No one volunteered to join him which made him angry because a little girl's life was in danger." Janet added leaving out the cursing she gave the men of the town. "How long did it take for Jonathon to return with Cassie?" Samantha asked hooked on the story. She would've never guessed this happening to her friend. "Tuesday afternoon Jonathon rode in with Cassandra and three dead outlaws slumped over their horses. No one could believe it, not even me. I thought she was gone for good." Samantha gave her friend a questioning look then spoke. "How was Cassie and what happened to the fourth man? Did he get away?" she asked drinking her wine starting to feel good inside. "Cassie was unharmed and talking to Thor, Jonathon's horse. The fourth man had been killed by the others. He wanted to harm Cassandra but they wouldn't allow it. That's what Cassie told me after she was ready to talk." Janet told her friend remembering how happy she felt at seeing her niece alive and well.
"What made Mr. Wayne stick around to become Uncle Jon? Don't bounty hunters usually collect their money then move on to the next wanted person?" Samantha asked curious what would cause a hardened man stick around. "Jonathon turned out not to be your typical bounty hunter. I was proven wrong the next day when he showed up at my office." Janet said coming to the end of her story. "Did he come to check on Cassie and you before leaving town?" Samantha got that same feeling about Jonathon after being around him for a bit. "That was his intention but Cassandra convinced Jonathon to stay longer. She pulled him inside much to my objection. This is before she told me what God said to her." Janet answered with a smile.
"Well, don't stop there Janet. I want to know what happened next." Samantha said with wonder. "He returned the stolen money plus the bounties. Jonathon also gave me the money he got for their horses and gear, all total it was over $3500 dollars." Janet replied smiling because he also brought Cassie a stuffed horse. Samantha gave her a blank stare surprised at Jonathon's generosity. "I was shocked too. He told me I would need the money more than him. I insisted he take some money but he refused. Cassandra mentioned she was hungry so I offered to make Jonathon dinner as a thank you." Samantha chuckled a little. "...so your cooking and Cassandra kept him coming around then." She guessed because Janet is a great cook, much better than her. "That's what Jonathon says but I know it's something deeper. I believe he needed a connection or somewhere to belong." Janet said knowing how right she was at the time. "He started using Eastland as his operating base to help Cassandra and me. The reason I left was because I didn't want Cassandra to grow up with that memory hanging over her head. I left a letter for Jonathon but most people didn't like him so he didn't find out right away. He knew I was thinking about it though." She explained leaning back in the chair relaxing more. "One last question Janet, do you think Jonathon is this fallen angel?" Samantha asked refilling their glassed then placing the empty bottle on the table. "In all honesty I didn't at first. Jonathon stayed in my spare bedroom when he was in town. One night I heard him talking in his sleep. He was having a nightmare so I cautiously entered the room. Jonathon was tossing a turning then stopped suddenly." Janet said remembering that night vividly.
"Did he say anything in his sleep?" Samantha wondered out loud because she sometimes talks in her sleep, at least that's what her father tells her. "He said a few unintelligible things. One I heard clearly though." Her friend answered with a pregnant pause. Samantha looked at her like she was on the edge of her chair. "He said two names out loud, Sara and Charlie. Jonathon then cursed the Comanche's for taking them from him vowing revenge. The last thing I heard was him saying 'O'Neill's never forget, never give up and always win!'." Janet said knowing she shouldn't have told Samantha. The wine must have loosened her tongue. Judging from Samantha's expression her heart broke for the man. "I can see why he's a fallen angel. Losing his family pushed him to becoming a loner only to be saved by Cassie later on." Janet added putting her empty glass down. Samantha wiped some tears away with a tissue then added it to their pile. "Samantha, you can't repeat this to anyone. Jonathon doesn't know I know. If he knows I know what he said I don't know what he'll do." Janet said making Samantha laugh at her. "What did I say that's so funny?" she asked. "You said know five times Janet. Don't worry though; I won't repeat this to anyone." Samantha replied giggling from drinking too much wine.
"We are so drunk, you aren't walking home tonight. Take the spare bedroom, Jonathon won't be using it tonight." Janet said standing up on wobbly feet. "What do you mean by that Janet?" Samantha asked standing on wobbly feet as well. "Oh I didn't tell you, I told that man he couldn't stay at Kings Saloon. I informed him that the spare room was his and that was it. So your sleeping in his bed tonight Sam." She told a now smiling Samantha. "I'm sleeping in Jonathon's bed, he' soo handsome Janet. Don't you agree?" Samantha said not realizing it. Janet guided her into the room then onto the bed. "I agree with you, now sleep tight." She told her friend closing the door. Janet stumbled into the sitting room blowing out the oil lamps (A/N5). Janet went to bed not even bothering to change into a night gown. The second her head hit the pillow she was out with her last thoughts hoping for Daniels safe return.
Jonathon walked up stairs to his rented room noticing light under the door. He could go in with his gun drawn but there wasn't a need to. Upon entering the room he noticed Inara lying in the bed with the covers at her waist. Jonathon locked the door behind him then smiled at her. She returned the smile stretching her arms lightly yawning. "Did you enjoy my show Jonathon? I sang that last song for you." Inara asked watching the bounty hunter get ready for bed. "I enjoyed every minute of the show. You have a lovely voice Inara." He answered going over to the wash basin splashing water on his face. "Thank you, singing is an escape for me. I pretend I'm singing in some fancy theater to adoring audiences." Inara replied moving the covers for him to get into bed. "You're playing a dangerous game Inara. Keep it up and you won't get much sleep tonight." He said removing the rest of his clothes extinguishing the oil lamp. The room fell into darkness with Inara replying "Sleep is over rated with a man like you!" Jonathon got into bed pulling her close to him brushing a stray hair from her face. "I take it we'll talk later then." He said getting pushed on his back as an answer. Inara's last thoughts were of Malcolm with hopes he could forgive her. She knew things were going to change given what's already happened today. God willing everything would turn out for the good.
A/N1: Ramrod is ranch or trail foreman. The person in charge making sure the work gets done.
A/N2: The Songs 'Back in the Saddle again' and 'The Boozer' was popular songs back in the 1880s.
A/N3: Big figure is slang for 'to do things on a large scale'.
A/N4:In Star Trek: The Next Generation Captain Picards Family owned a winery in France calledChâteau Picard. Now it's become reality for you can buy Picard wine made by 'Wines That Rock'. The reason I included the 'wine' is because why not. We're all one big SyFy family.
A/N5: Oil Lamps were common lighting fixtures used in 1800s up till the early 1900s. Lamp Oil generally refers to liquid paraffin. It's in the same chemical family as kerosene but purified to burn more cleanly.
A/N6: For those of you who are fans of 'FireFly & the BDMSerenity' need to check out a story written by zzetta13. It's called Serenity 2: Back on the Path and it's really good.
LoneWolfO'Neill