The Trouble with Drifters

Chapter 11: Monday Morning Rounds

Monday Morning: Sheriff's Office... Pete sat at his desk looking through wanted posters separating them into two stacks. One stack was known rustlers and the other run of the mill outlaws. When Mitchell decided to show for work he'd go down and apologize, again, to make nice with Samantha. Having Jacob as a father in-law would solidify his hold on being sheriff. The other bonus would be married to his gorgeous daughter and her inheritance. Pete had no desire to be farmers like his parents; there was no future in that. The Calvary didn't pan out like he hoped but this job did. The town was quiet to begin with so no real problems so far.

Pete heard the door open looking up to see his deputy smiling like he just got lucky, probably did considering who his girl was. Valla had enough energy to power Rogers's mill and then some. Keeping her occupied and happy took lots of time, which explained Cameron's lateness. "You're supposed to be here at 7:30 not 8:00 Mitchell. What's your excuse this time?" Pete asked leaning back in the chair. The long gun (A/N1) rack looming large over his head. "I ran into Mayor Simon, he wanted to talk about the rustling situation." Cameron said getting a cup of coffee from the wood burning cook stove (A/N2). "Why didn't he come talk to me, I'm the sheriff not you?" Pete asked getting a shrug from the deputy. "You need to ask him that. I'm just the dim whit you got stuck with remember." Mitchell answered sitting down at his desk. That comment didn't sit well with Pete. Mitchell should be lucky he still has a job. Had it not been for Samantha's father, the mayor and the black man Mitchell would've gotten the boot.

"I'll go talk with the mayor later; right now I want you to go watch Mr. Wayne. Make sure he doesn't so much as spit on the sidewalks." Pete ordered his deputy giving him a hard look. Mitchell was too aloof at times to be in law enforcement. He's fast on the draw and accurate but that wasn't enough in his book. "Mr. Wayne isn't going to break any laws Pete. My time would be more useful walking around town making our presence known." Mitchell replied savoring his coffee while trying to ignore his boss's dislike of the man. "I don't care what you think deputy; Mr. Wayne is a bounty hunter. They only follow the laws that suite them! He's trouble so get out there watch him!" Pete ordered in a loud voice leaving no room for argument. "Fine, I'll watch him for you. You'll have a full report of what his day was like right down to his dinner plate." Mitchell said getting up putting his hat on. "Keep it up Mitchell and I'll replace you with someone who can take orders." The sheriff threatened just wanting the dim wit gone. His easy going nature made him a town favorite, especially to the kids. The door closed with a thud as Mitchell left, his coffee still sitting on the desk steaming hot.

Cameron straightened his hat deciding to walk around town until Mr. Wayne showed up. There was talk of the bounty hunter bedding (A/N3) Miss Serra. That sounded more like hear say because only Jefferson Williams had that kind of money. George Hammond had money too but didn't approve of that kind of behavior. Add that his wife died little over a year ago and was still morning her. He'd head to Kings Saloon by way Carters General Store stealing a kiss from Valla. That sounded like a good plan Mitchell thought. He headed off in that direction bidding everyone a good day while keeping an eye for trouble.

Jonathon sat outside of the saloon wilting on a stick. His goal was to make a whistle for Cassie to play with before her 9th birthday next Monday. The added bonus would be Cassie annoying Janet with the toy he thought with a grin. Deputy Mitchell waved from across the street making his morning rounds. Jonathon waved back then pulled out his pocket watch, 8:36. The bank opened at 9:00 which gave him plenty of time to mull over what Inara told him last night. The reason she was glad he chose to work for Harry quit simple in one regard. He couldn't be every at once and Kowalski wasn't much help due to being an alcoholic. When cattle drives came through the men that worked them were often rowdy and very handsy. More than one of her dresses got ripped on purpose. The other reason was she hoped he could convince Harry to let her go. Inara didn't want her 'affections 'sold even if didn't happen often. He had questioned her about Malcolm getting an honest answer. They wanted to be together but her profession didn't sit well with the man. Inara admitted if she couldn't have Mal then she'd be satisfied with him until then. She then quickly added he was a safe bet and comfortable. Jonathon wasn't insulted by her honesty, just a little miffed at being called comfortable. Inara wasn't happy about him not staying at the saloon but understood Janet's reasoning. Cassandra Frasier needed her uncle more than she did.

Jonathon was brought out of his thoughts by a loud thud then several curses. "Who put the damn ceiling so close to my bed?" The voice asked from under the deck he was sitting on. The first thing he noticed was a pair of worn out boots and badly faded Levis, worse than his old pair. Jonathon grabbed the legs pulling the drunken man out from under the deck. "Hey what's the big idea mister?" Kowalski crooned clutching an empty bottle of booze. "I should've known it was you Charles!" he said giving the porter a hard look. "Colonel O'Neill, you got my letters!" Kowalski said in a slurred voice. Jonathon looked around to see if anyone heard the former major give away his true identity. Satisfied no one heard or could understand his friend he yanked the man up on his feet. "I wasn't done with that sir!" Kowalski said referring to the empty bottle. Jonathon had to shut this fool up before his secret got out. He didn't want the past to come back and haunt him more than it already did. Jonathon spotted a water trough (A/N4) to his right tossing his friend into it.

Kowalski went into the trough causing a large splash soaking him and the deck. Harry came out the door a minute later followed by Cheng and another girl Jonathon hadn't met yet. "Kowalski, if you're going to work with me you need to be sober and think straight." He said as Charles stood up dripping wet. His hat drooped causing water to fall in his face. The dusty clothing was now sopping wet right down to his long underwear. On lookers watched as the situation played out much to their amusement. "You didn't need to toss me into the water Jac...Mr. Wayne! I could've drowned!" Kowalski replied catching himself remembering the plan they put together via correspondence. The problem was being thrown in a water trough wasn't part of it. "You already are drowning, at the bottom of a bottle. That was your last drink Kowalski. Now go get cleaned up. I want you smelling like a rose, not a bottle." Jonathon said leaving no room for argument. "Sir yes sir!" Kowalski answered with a mock salute then marched up to his room leaving a water trail. "You're mopping up the water Kowalski, I don't want customers slipping and falling!" Harry yelled not getting a response.

"Now why didn't you think about that Mr. Maybourne?" asked Jasmine, a slender woman with brunette hair and thin face. "I don't know but I wish had." Harry replied laughing as his porter walked inside. Jonathon stepped back onto the deck picking up his knife and Cassie's whistle. "Mr. Maybourne, we need him sober so don't give him any alcohol. If there's trouble he just might be handy in a fight." Jonathon said getting a confused look from the three people. They looked at him like he was nuts. "The drunk useful in a fight...now that's funny." Harry said with a laugh. The two women joined in stopping when they realized Mr. Wayne wasn't joking. "You're not joking are you Mr. Wayne?" asked Jasmine with a curious look. "You aren't, are you Mr. Wayne?" Harry said giving him a perplexed look. "He claims to have been in the Calvary therefore knows how to fight. The way I see it if true he's the last person anyone would expect to help. Kowalski, providing he can stay sober will be an ace in the hole." Jonathon explained making Harry and the women think for a minute.

His true motive was to help his friend out. Jonathon led the Ghost Riders with Kowalski being his second in command during the Red River War (A/N5). Back then Kowalski had nerves of steel fighting the Comanche and whoever else got in their sights. His friend fell on hard times after their unit was disbanded (1875) due to political pressure from an upset Indian Agent. The man had no concept of war. Before peace could be discussed the other side had to be compelled to talk, then again Comanche's didn't like talking. They traveled together for a bit before parting ways. Kowalski didn't want to drift around anymore. He wanted to settle down and start a family. His friend later on wrote about a woman he had met. Charles stopped mentioning Maggie after 12 months. Jonathon figured that was why Charles started staring down a bottle. Well, Kowalski asked for help and help he'd get he thought to himself.

"I hired you run the floor so if you want Charles to help I won't argue. Just don't be surprised if he lets you down." Maybourne said lighting a cigar then leading the girls back inside. Jonathon simply nodded then started making his way to the bank. He had money to deposit and a few other errands to run before starting work. The bank was near the sheriff's office like most towns. Jonathon hoped that the moron would be gone. He didn't have time to deal with him today. However Cassandra and Janet were walking towards him with Loki in tow. From the looks of it Cassie spent the night some were because of the bed roll she was carrying. They both smiled and waved at him as people on horseback passed them by. Then a group of wagons from a smaller ranch rumbled by before they could cross the street. Lying in the wagons were a few ranch hands resting their eyes before having to work. Carter General Store was probably going to busy soon.

"Uncle Jon...I missed you!" Cassie said jumping into his arms dropping her bedroll on the sidewalk. "I missed you to little one, who did you stay the night with?" he asked receiving a kiss on the cheek from his niece. "Sheppard Book, he told us a story about Jon the Baptist, are you named after him Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked placing her hand on his shoulders looking him in the eyes. Janet had picked up the discarded bedroll in the mean time coming to stand beside the two. "My parents never told me who I was named after so it's possible I was." He said as Cassandra poked her tongue out pondering his answer. "I think they did because he was a good man too." She replied then continued. "Mom said you're going to move back in with us, are you?" Cassie asked wanting confirmation. "I sure am but first I have to do a few things then work. I'll be there later tonight, probably after you're in dream land." He said making the little girl scrunch her nose. "Nope, I'm going to wait up for you." she replied with confidence. "I think I'll have the final say Cassandra, your uncle will be working late." Janet chimed in causing Cassie to drop her head in defeat. "Mom knows best little one, always remember that." Jonathon told his niece then looked at Janet. "I'm glad I ran into you. I'm opening a bank account and putting you on it like I did last time." Janet gave him soft smile knowing what Jonathon was doing. He knew life was short and wanted them to be his beneficiary.

Loki barked then nudged Jonathon's leg wanting attention. He bent down setting Cassie back on the sidewalk as Loki promptly licked his face. "Ugh, dog lips!" Jonathon said making her giggle. Loki wagged his tail thwacking Janet in the leg. "Boy, you need to control that tail of yours." Loki looked back at her smiling then continued licking Jonathon's hand. "Thanks Jonathon, you don't have to do that." She said watching her daughter pet Loki. "Maybe not but your family and the little one is like a daughter to me." He answered standing up much to Loki dismay. "Then I'm buying breakfast, no arguments!" Janet replied following him to the bank. Cassie held her uncle's hand as they entered the bank with Loki following. With the bank business taken care of they headed toward the diner for breakfast.

The sheriff went by the trio at a full gallop missing Miss Martin by a few feet. He was heading north towards Jefferson Williams ranch presumably. "I wonder where he's going in such a hurry." Janet asked out loud watching him head north out of town. "Hard telling Janet, maybe he found a lead on the rustlers." Jonathon replied opening the door to 'Desert Dwellers Diner'. They were seated immediately and given menus. The waitress bent down to scratch Loki's ears before taking their orders making the dog happy. Cassie swung her legs getting bored already looking around. "Do you believe he's actually trying to solve the problem?" Janet asked giving Cassie pencil (A/N6) and paper to draw on. "Honestly I don't think he's trying hard enough if at all. How long has this been a problem and why not call in the Texas Rangers for help?" Jonathon answered scanning the room. He watched as Roger berated a waitress for not serving him quick enough, the jerk never let up apparently. Then Siler, the black smith, came in with his wife and young daughter. His wife was of Asian descent and very beautiful with long black hair. They both waved which Janet returned the gesture. Janet explained that she had tended to the accident prone man yesterday.

With their orders placed and Cassie sufficiently occupied Janet turned her attention to her friend. "How long do you plan on working for Harry?" she asked placing her hands in front of her. "I've been on the trail for long while now so I figure maybe month. Once I figure things out I'll go from there." Jonathon answered honestly. Janet placed her small hand over his then looked him in the eyes. "When are you going to stop riding fences and settle down again? I don't know your full story but you deserve to be happy again." Jonathon looked at her then at Cassie drawing away. "Maybe one day I'll believe that until then you keep the faith for me." He replied as the waitress brought their drinks. The rest of the time they talked about Daniel Jackson, her beau. He was arriving on the noon stage today. Loki had placed himself at the feet of Jonathon in case of table scraps, he loved those.

Jonathon put his hat back on as the four of them walked out of the diner. Cassie followed suit putting her hat on then tipping it back. Loki looked at all the activity going on choosing to bark at an old mule pulling a cart of hay. "Silly dog, Bo Jangles isn't a danger to anyone." Cassie said bending down to pet her dog. "I'm going to check on Thor and Homer Janet. Daniel will be here at noon or so right." He asked the petite women. "That's the normal time unless Roscoe is at the reins, then it'll be 1:00." Janet replied taking Cassie's hand. "That gives me plenty of time since it's only a quarter after 10. I'll see you two at the station so I can meet the man." He said looking at his watch snapping it closed. Cassie hugged her uncle before going with her momma. He watched them walk away disappearing into the crowd. "You can come out now Deputy Mitchell." Jonathon said turning to face the man. He was dressed in a buckskin shirt and leather pants. His neckerchief was a bright red making him stand out in the shadows of the ally. "How did you know I was there Mr. Wayne?" Cameron asked walking up to the bounty hunter with an easy going smile. "You had Valla give you a shave today, I smelt her perfume." Jonathon replied turning to face the man. "Mr. Wayne, I'm impressed. Most people wouldn't pay that close attention to the small details. However how did you know Valla was the one to give me a shave?" he asked wondering how the man before him knew Valla was his gal. "I'm not most people for one. For two all I had to do is listen to a few cackling hens to catch up on the town gossip." Jonathon replied noticing a dime novel sticking out his back pocket. The deputy must like reading the nonsense written by people who don't know the business end of a rifle. "I suppose so Mr. Wayne; we aren't what some people call traditional. Not that we care what they think." Cameron said with a smirk. "That's a good outlook on life; live life on your own terms not others." The deputy nodded in agreement liking the bounty hunter more by the minute. "I bet your wondering why I'm following you Mr. Wayne." Jonathon looked at the man believing he was ordered by Shanahan to follow him. "You're not wrong Mitchell."Cameron scratched the back of his head as if thinking then answered. "Pete wants' me to follow you around until a law is broken. To be honest Mr. Wayne, you're a threat to him but not me. So if you don't mind could I follow you around pretending to wait for you to brake a law?" He asked holding back a smile. Jonathon let out a laugh causing Cameron to follow suit. "Sure why not, I could us a good side kick." The two cowboys walked towards Murrays stables talking striking up a friendship.

"Murray is a good man. He spoke eloquently in my favor to be sheriff. I would have had the job, but for some reason Roger changed his vote just like that!" Cameron said snapping his fingers. "Do you think he was paid to vote for Shanahan? He seems like the kind of guy who values money over principles." Jonathon asked seeing Murrays Stables around the corner. He had a pastier where horses could graze and exercise instead of staying in one place. "I've can't prove it but I think Jefferson Williams paid him off. He walked out smoking a cigar as he'd won his prize." The deputy replied remembering the cattle barons face. "What do you know about this Williams guy?" Jonathon asked stopping to light a cigar of his own. He offered one to Cameron but the man declined.

"He's a smug SOB who comes into town about twice a month just to throw money around. The guy thinks he's god's gift to women, then tries to prove it. He had his eye on Valla but she rebuked him publicly. That pissed him off so he slapped her." Cameron told Jonathon as they approached the stables. "The funny thing is what Valla did in return." He said with a grin. "...and what did Valla do?" The bounty hunter asked watching a dirt devil play in front entrance. "She got back up, looked at Williams then kicked him between the legs then gave the man a black eye. Valla walked off as other women cheered." Jonathon laughed at the thought. "That's when I knew she was the one for me. It took almost a month of talking to get a date with her. That was three months ago last week." Cameron added proudly. He had done what other men couldn't, capture her complete attention.

"I'll wait out here Mr. Wayne while you take care of business. Pete isn't looking over my shoulder so I can read my book in peace." Cameron told his new friend. "What are you reading by chance?" Jonathon asked wanting to gain insight to who the deputy was. "Col. O'Neill & the Ghost Riders, It's one of my favorites. There are all kinds of action plus they are sneaky and deadly." He replied showing the bounty hunter. "You know that's 10 percent truth with the rest made up nonsense." Jonathon said hoping the deputy didn't realize that the book was about Kowalski and his old unit. "Maybe but it makes for good reading." Cameron answered sitting down on the bench. "Suit yourself; I'll be out after a bit." He replied going inside to talk with Teal'C.

The bell above the door chimed signaling Teal'C a customer had entered his place of business. He placed the town's news paper, Haven News, on his desk with the front page showing. The head line read 'Mr. Wayne has ARRIVED!' followed by a couple of smaller related ones. The related articles were 'Miss Carter verses The Bounty Hunter' and 'Sheriff Shanahan: Is he the man for the Job?

"Mr. Wayne, how are you doing this fine morning?" Teal'C said greeting the bounty hunter with a hearty handshake. "I'm doing just peachy 'Teal'C, just come by to check on Thor and Homer. They don't know how to act when not on the trail." Jonathon answered noting the new overalls and hickory shirt. "They are behaving themselves. My son just got through feeding them; do you wish to inspect their dwellings?" he asked wanting his customer to be pleased with his service. "Lead the way 'T', I'll also want to grab my shotgun to. I'll be staying at Dr. Frasier's place instead of Kings Saloon." Jonathon replied as they walked through the stall area. "Is Kings Saloon not to your liking Mr. Wayne?" Teal'C asked wondering why the sudden change. "There's no problem with the place at all. Janet doesn't want her daughter, my niece, getting the wrong Idea." He answered as they walked up to Thor's stall. He was eating out of a feed bag (A/N7) happily. Thor stopped eating immediately poking his head over the stall door. "Hey buddy, how you doing?" Jonathon asked as he rubbed Thor's nose getting a whinny in return. "That good huh, looks like your getting fed well. Much better than eating on the run I gather." Thor nodded in agreement enjoying the attention and scratch behind the ears.

Teal'C watched as Mr. Wayne interacted with his horse, a Belgian. Thor acted like he was trained from a pony. That would explain why Thor didn't need a lead. He just followed his son like an over grown puppy dog. "Go back to eating buddy; I'm going to check on your stubborn brother now." The bounty hunter told his horse. Thor nuzzled his master then went back to eating. "Homer is this way Mr. Wayne. Ryac let him into the pastier to burn of some energy. He kept looking outside so we figured Homer wanted to run after eating." Teal'C said leading the way outside passing by other horses with names over the stalls. "That sounds about right; Homer loves to run when not carrying a load." Jonathon replied then asked about the names. "They are my long term customer's horses. I put the names up so no one else used the stalls by mistake." Teal'C answered opening the door for Mr. Wayne. "By chance does the Pinto named Hanna belong to Miss Carter?" Jonathon asked taking a wild guess based on Miss Carter's use of 'Holy Hanna'. "Indeed, Hanna does belong to Miss Carter. Hanna was a gift from George Hammond on her 20th birthday two years ago." He informed Jonathon as Homer ran by at a gallop throwing up clumps of dirt and grass. Off to the side Ryac was laughing at the mules antics. His dogs were sitting at his side barking spurring the mule on. One off the cats simply cleaned itself paying no attention to anything.

"My son seems to enjoy your mule's free spirit." Teal'C stated watching as the mule slowed down finally noticing Mr. Wayne. Homer trotted up to him coming to a stop. The mule looked at the man expectantly glancing to Jonathon's right side. "Homer likes kids. Cassie rides him when Janet allows her to." The bounty hunter replied pushing the apple into his left hand. Teal'C watched as Homer looked to Mr. Wayne's left side then seemed to give the man a pointed look. "Okay, okay...here you go pal. I can't fool you can I?" Jonathon said palming the apple for Homer. The mule gently took it then walked off towards Ryac with his treat. "Your animals are intelligent, did you raise them yourself?" Teal'C asked watching Homer lay down by his son. Ryac pulled out a curry comb using it to smooth out the mules hair. "I trained Thor but Homer was always like this. The Calvary used him for a pack mule first then I bought him." he answered thinking that Thor and Homer never had it better. The way things were looking they'd be spoiled in a very short time.

"Then I believe you got a good deal. Homer is a faithful and gentle companion." Teal'C said seeing how happy his son was. Ryac loved animals especially ones that like him. Jonathon looked at his pocket watch noting the time, 10:55. If he left now that'd give him enough time to get his stuff from the saloon before the stage arrived. "Well, I'd better mosey on down the road. I have a few more things to do before meeting Dr. Jackson." He told Teal'C snapping the watch shut. "Do you have business with Daniel Jackson?" Teal'C asked walking back inside with the bounty hunter. "You could say that. I want to meet the man that's going to marry Janet. She deserves nothing less than the best." Jonathon replied walked in petting Thor one more time giving him an apple to.

"Have you read today's paper yet Mr. Wayne?" Teal'C asked before going into the storage area. "I can't say I have 'T'." Mr. Wayne replied wondering why the man asked him that. Jonathon used his key to unlock the safe retrieving the Greener Shotgun. "I will show you my paper. You made the front page Mr. Wayne." Teal'C answered as he admired the scoped Trap Door Springfield (A/N8). Jonathon cringed inside; this was the last thing he needed. Reporters and Dime novelist were two kinds of people he avoided. They either over exaggerated or got too nosy for his liking. With the safe locked Teal'C lead the bounty hunter into his office.

"Damn it! I hope none of my enemies read this. They'll ride like the devil to get here." Jonathon thought out loud. "Do not worry Mr. Wayne; they'd be foolish to come here." Teal'C said confidently putting the paper back on the desk. "Why is that 'T'?" he asked raising an eyebrow. "I believe you will have made many friends before that time. You are an honorable and just man Mr. Wayne." He replied offering his hand to shake. "I don't make friends easily 'T' so I'll take your word for it." Jonathon answered shaking Teal'C's hand. "Indeed you should my friend!" was his answer.

A/N1: Long guns are rifles and shotguns held in a rack on the wall. You see them in many westerns behind lawman's desks for easy access.

A/N2: Wood Burning Cook stoves were used to heat rooms and do simple cooking. The cook stove being use in the sheriff's office in tall and narrow used for heating and making coffee. You can see examples of this in many of John Wayne's movies.

A/N3: 'Bedding is slang for having sex in old west days.

A/N4: Water Troughs are primarily wooden rectangular boxes filled with water. Their purpose is for horses and other live stock to drink out of. They are also used by Mr. Wayne to sober Kowalski up quickly.

A/N5: The Red River War was a military campaign launched by the US Army in 1874. The purpose was to displace the Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Native American from the southern plains. Then forcibly relocate them to reservations in the Indian Territory.

A/N6: The Romans had a writing instrument called the stylus. This was a metal rod that left light but readable mark on papyrus. In 1564 graphite came into wide spread use with the discovery of a large deposit in Borrowdale, England. The American pencil was created by William Monroe of Concord Massachusetts. He made cabinets before making the first pencil in 1812.

A/N7: Feed bags are bags filled with food. They slip over the horse's mouth with loops that go over the ears.

A/N8: The Trap Door Springfield rifle was a modified version of the black powder one used during the civil war. The breach is cut away just forward of the hammer swinging forward allowing access to the chamber. The Trap Door uses the same round as the Gatling gun, 45-70 Government.

A/N9: Thanks for reading my story and having patience. Please let me know your thoughts and have a great week.

LoneWolfO'Neill