The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 12: Jefferson Williams
Jeremy scanned the area from his observation post on the Blue Sun Ranch. Mr. Williams didn't like unannounced visitors which is why he employed hired guns. Other hired guns were either on watch, like him, or patrolling the vast property. Blue Sun ranch was roughly 1500 acres with grass lands, valleys and a few natural lakes. While scanning the southern entrance coming from town he noticed a dust cloud. The rider rode like he was chasing the 'Devils Herd' (A/N1). Jeremy looked through his scoped rifle to find out whom coming their way. "Damn, it's Sheriff Shanahan. I would make a better lawman than him on my worst day." The hired gunman muttered to himself then stood up and stretched. Jeremy pulled out his Remington Model 1875 SSA (Single Action Army) and fired two quick shots into the air. This notified the patrol a rider was approaching uninvited. With his job done Jeremy tracked the sheriff with his Trap Door Springfield imagining pulling the trigger. Pete was a bought and paid for lackey like him only worse. He was the law for Mr. Williams not the people.
Two more hired guns moved to intercept Sheriff Shanahan using their spurs (A/N2) to move their horses faster. Pete saw the outriders (patrol) closing in on him fast. He knew Mr. Williams didn't like surprises so he brought his horse, Cannon Ball, to a slow stop. There was no need to hurry no more given he had their attention now. Pete guided Cannon Ball to a small stream letting him drink then got off and stretched. He had to show Mr. Williams today's newspaper because of the front page. The nosey news man, Walter, went and made a mockery of him. He then posed the question about Mr. Wayne's purpose for being in town, to hunt down the rustlers. Pete figured his boss should have a firsthand report instead of reading about it.
The two outriders rode up coming to a stop in front of Pete. Upon seeing it was the sheriff they re-holstered their pistols. "What in tar nation are you doing here Pete. The boss didn't send for you so this had better be important." Ken said leading his own horse over to the stream. "Yeah Pete, we had to ride like hell to get over here. You know boss man doesn't leave his room until noon on Mondays." Steve added eyeing the man before him. "This is the reason I need to talk to the boss, we have or will have a big problem." Pete said showing the two men today's paper. "Steve, take the paper and head to the house. Let Ned know Pete and I will be along shortly." Ken ordered his friend then looked back at the sheriff. Pete was angry but didn't show it. No one on the ranch gave him the proper respect. They treated him like another hired gun when he wasn't.
Steve rode off towards the main house hoping Mr. Williams would lay into the idget for interrupting his fun time. "We'll head to the house after our horses have cooled down a bit Pete. Just so you know Ned already informed the boss about the bounty hunter. However he might forgive the intrusion given what Walter printed." Ken informed the sheriff making him madder inside. He knew the way to the house and didn't need an escort but didn't argue. "Fine by me Ken, it's not like I have a job to do back in town." Pete replied pulling out a curry comb to brush Cannon Ball.
Pete was led to the main dining room where a hard wood banquet table sat. The State Room as Mr. Williams called it had all the markings of over indulgence. That included paintings of women and an old civil war plantation house. Ned had left him there to go fetch Mr. Williams begrudgingly. The foreman didn't think what Walter reported was that important, but that wasn't his call to make. Ned returned with Mr. Williams still dressed in his monogrammed robe. To Pete's surprise a young Indian maiden, maybe 16 or 17, followed behind the boss. She had knee length satin robe on with traditional Kiowa braided hair and standing about 5'2". The Indian maiden didn't look mistreated however knowing Mr. Williams she was reason he didn't leave his room until noon on Mondays. Pete just wanted to report and leave. Being in Mr. William's presence made him sick at times. He was a 50 year old man sleeping with a girl that could easily be his daughter.
Ned stood off to one side watching as the young Indian maiden took a seat to his bosses right. She straightened out her hair attempting look presentable to please Mr. Williams. Pete waited for Mr. Williams to address him before making his report. He didn't want to make the same mistake as others did in the past. Mr. Williams scanned the headlines then started reading in silence. He felt an uneasiness coming from the sheriff. Jeff noticed Pete looking at Morning Feather with suspicion. "Do you have a problem with Morning Feather being in the same room as you?" He asked placing folded hands on the newspaper. "I'm just wondering if she can be trusted sir." Pete answered honestly. "The boss trusts her. That should be enough for you, besides she's a lot nicer to look at than you are." Ned said with a sneer of dislike for the man.
Morning Feather leered back at Ned, she really hated that man. He wasn't kind to her at all. Mr. Williams was nice to her long as she did as told. The Comanche Chief, Eagle Talon, had given her to the fat man as gift on his birthday. The chief no longer had a use for her given she wasn't a Comanche, just a lowly Kiowa. Morning Feather new she had a little better life on Blue Sun Ranch. She didn't like be used as Mr. William's personnel entertainment. The first chance at freedom she'd take even if it meant death. Even in death there's freedom Morning Feather believed.
"Sheriff Shanahan, I appreciate your concern but it's unwarranted. Morning Feather only speaks Kiowa and Comanche. Now to ease your suspicion I'll prove she isn't a threat." The boss said then spoke to the Indian girl in Comanche. Ned smiled knowing what the boss had in mind. He watched with pleasure as Morning Feather stood and untied her robe letting it fall to the floor. "...see sheriff, she doesn't have a stitch of clothing on therefore not a threat." Mr. Williams said looking at her feeling powerful in his ability to control people. Pete felt sick to his stomach. Yes the young Indian girl is beautiful but having her disrobe was uncalled for.
"Does this satisfy you Sheriff, I know it does Ned and me?" He asked waiting for an answer. Jeff could tell this demonstration of power made Pete uneasy but it served a purpose. The purpose was to let the Sheriff know who the boss was. "You convinced me Mr. Williams, she definitely isn't a threat. Chief Eagle Talon knows how to give good gifts." Pete replied hoping a little boot licking would end the show of power. "Good, I'm glad you are. Now if you don't mind I'll continue reading what Walter wrote." Jeff then told Morning Feather she could put the robe back on. He also told her to grab some grub for them. Pete made eye contact hoping to convey an apology to Morning Feather. She didn't bother looking at him just casually walked away holding her shame inside, her time would come. Morning Feather just knew it would somehow, someway.
Pete looked at the grandfather clock noting the time, 11:12 am. He had hoped this would be quick but as always Jeff liked to drag things out for his own amusement.
"I have few questions for you sheriff. One, why run Mr. Wayne out of town when we can use his presence to our advantage? "Mr. Williams asked looking pointedly at his lackey. Pete knew questions would be asked but this one wasn't expected. The boss wanted answers so he'd have to give a one that'd be acceptable. Pete sat up straighter placing his hands on the table in a show of confidence. "I don't know how much Ned told you about Mr. Wayne's first day in town. I gather he told you about his encounter and mine, or rather the town gossip." Jeff nodded but didn't say anything letting the sheriff give his prepared statement. Ned finally sat down due to his big toe hurting again. He owed Mr. Wayne some payback and he'd get it soon. The boss nodded then waited for Pete to continue.
"My girlfriend prodded me to run him out of town without knowing who he was. I believed running the man out of town would make me look better boosting the people's confidence in me." Jeff listened to the sheriff thinking a minute. Part of what Pete said made sense in regards to the town folk. However letting Samantha Carter boss him around wasn't acceptable. "..so you let a women tell you what to do resulting in getting your ass kicked ." he asked as Morning Feather came back in with two plates of biscuits and grave with sides of bacon. Ned smirked wishing he could've seen the sheriff get knocked out even if it was the bounty hunter doing it. "Samantha isn't just any women sir, she's Jacob Carter's daughter. If I make her my wife it'll strengthen my hold on being sheriff. People respect the Carters sir; therefore they'll respect me and you by extension." Pete replied doing more boot licking.
Pete watched as Mr. Williams and Morning Feather ate. He had skipped breakfast to get much needed paper work done. Now here he sat hungry waiting for the boss to reply or ask more questions. Jeff pointed a fork at Pete before speaking getting his attention. "I'll let your excuse slide Sheriff. Having the peoples respect is important no matter how it's earned. Word of advice though never let women tell you what to do. Men tell women what to do otherwise they get us into trouble, Eve got Adam thrown out paradise...remember that." Jeff said taking a bite of his breakfast letting the words sink in. 'you hypocrite!' Pete thought to himself, a man like him using the bible to justify his belief about women.
"Harry made the right choice by hiring Mr. Wayne. He can observe the bounty hunter to see if he's a threat to our operations or not. Hell, Mr. Wayne just might be open to joining us. You know what they say 'Every man has their price!' Ned added from where he sat. He may have a vendetta against the man, but that could wait. The boss could use a man like Mr. Wayne then discard him afterwards. ...Ned being the one to do the discarding of course. "Somehow I can't believe you Ned. He made a fool of you just like me." Pete replied as Mr. Williams watched the exchange enjoying it, power has its privileges. "Revenge is a dish best served cold Pete. I can wait for mine, can you?" Ned asked pointedly staring down the idiot. Pete didn't answer fast enough for Mr. Williams liking so he added to the question. "Did I back the wrong horse Pete?" the sheriff knew he was corned and had to answer, damn he hated Ned. "You made the right choice Mr. Williams and I CAN wait for my revenge!" he said balling his fists under the table. "That's what I want to see, not hear Sheriff. The next question why is he in town? You do know that correct?" Jeff asked eating the last of his breakfast pushing the plate away. Morning Feather was taking her time enjoying not being pawed (touched) by the fat man.
"Yes sir, I do. He is friends with Dr. Frasier. Mr. Wayne is also Cassie Frasier's adopted Uncle. I don't know how that is because Janet is tight lipped when it comes to Cassie." Pete answered feeling like he just sold the good doctor out. "See Ned, the sheriff does pay attention to important details. This information might come in handy if we need Mr. Wayne's cooperation." Jeff said with an evil smile making Pete regret mentioning it. He liked the doctor; she was pleasant to be around unless you needed treatment. He made damn sure to follow Janet's instruction as not to incur her wrath. "Does this change our plans sir?" Pete asked concerned that Mr. Wayne might interferer despite being watched by Maybourne. He also gave Morning Feather a quick glance still suspicious of her. She could be acting ignorant waiting for an opportunity to get revenge.
Jeff thought it over quickly considering all the out comes before answering. Pete's question wasn't out of line given his role. "The plan goes forward. Chief Eagle Talon will attack Hammond's ranch driving off his cattle on Monday morning while I'm in town with some of the men. The chief will then deliver a majority of the herd to Ned at Eastwood Pass. Ned and a few other men will drive them to the old ghost town for holding." The boss explained taking a drink of bourbon before continuing. "...when good old George comes riding in you'll form a posse like always. My men will volunteer to insure the 'correct' tracks are followed. If anyone, including Mr. Wayne, gets other ideas you know what to do Sheriff." He said with confidence that the plan would work like it always did.
Pete just nodded in understanding knowing that he had no choice. Sheriff Barkley got to close to the truth so Mr. Williams wanted him gone. Pete didn't hesitate in killing the man, it was too easy. They were tracking the 'rustlers' by themselves so he shot Barkley in the back then buried him. Jeff had promised him that with Barkley out of the picture he would be sheriff. What Pete didn't consider was now Jeff had him by the neck. One word to the Texas Rangers and he would hang until dead. "Yeah Sheriff, just put six 44's in Mr. Wayne's back just like you did with Barkley, coward." Ned said with a grin reminding Pete of the hold they had on him.
Jeff looked at his lackey not detecting any reluctance. Satisfied that nothing more needed discussed he stood up. Morning Feather followed suit going to her master's side. "Go back to town sheriff, the good people of Haven need their protector." He said then started to leave the room stopping at the hallway door. Ned was about to take Pete through the kitchen when Jeff spoke again. "Sheriff, do me a favor when you get back to town." Both Ned and Pete stopped looking back at their boss. "Tell Harry to have Mr. Wayne bring Miss Serra here on Tuesday. I feel a craving for Brazilian coming on." He ordered smiling like the devil himself while running fingers through Morning Feathers hair. "I'll do that sir, have a good day." Pete replied following Ned through the kitchen glad he could finally leave.
"Ned, why does Mr. Williams even bother with Miss Serra when he has Morning Feather?" Pete asked without thinking, He could see Inara's allure but why spend money you didn't have too? "Mr. Williams likes variety Pete. Why do you think he tried to get Valla into his bed?" Ned answered then laughed telling him to get going because he had a ranch to run. Pete left leaving at a trot, no need to run Cannon Ball too hard. He understood why Jeff wanted Mr. Wayne to bring Inara, to size the man up himself. You could only tell so much about a person on second hand information. Pete knew better to underestimate the bounty hunter now. His first two encounters with him didn't end well, the third would though. His backup plan would have to be altered now, but that could wait. The only thing he had to do now was apologize to Samantha like planned.
A/N1: The 'Devils Herd' is a reference to the song 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. The song was written by Stan Jones in 1948. Vaughn Monroe was the first to record it in 1949. Later on Johnny Cash covered it 1979. I highly suggest listening to the song, it's a classic.
A/N2: A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn in pairs. They attach to the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing a horse or other animal forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to refine the riding aids (commands) and to back up the natural aids (legs, seat, hands and voice).
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