The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 14: Daniel Jackson meets Jonathon
Roscoe set a portable step by the coach's door so the passengers didn't have to jump down. The first person out was Daniel. Janet smiled at the site of her beloved. Cassie smiled to because her father figure arrived safely, God answered her prayers once again. "The man in the blue suit is Daniel Jonathon. He's not strong as you but he keeps in shape by working on Serenity Ranch when not teaching." She said then went to greet Daniel intending on giving him a kiss and hug. "That' a plus in on his side then, he's not afraid to work unlike other academics I've come across." Jonathon replied earning him an elbow in the side from Samantha. "What was that for Miss Carter?" She looked at him like a mother would her misbehaving child.
"Be nice Mr. Wayne, Daniel just might become a brother you never had." Jonathon looked at Samantha liking her more and more, she had spirit just like Sara did. "...are you two flirting again?" Cassie asked waiting for an answer looking at the two adults."No honey, I'm just trying to civilize your uncle. That's one of our jobs as women, to turn boys into men." Samantha told the young girl. Jonathon just muttered quietly to himself wondering what Janet was getting him into. "So when I find me a beau I'll have poke him in the side too Aunt Sam." She asked causing said uncle to shake his head. "...only if he misbehaves Cassandra." She replied with a chuckle. "Your creating a monster Miss Carter, no boy will be safe now." Samantha patted his shoulder softly and smiled leaving it at that.
Janet froze mid step noticing who was off getting out of the stage coach next, Suanne (A/N1), the mayors conniving sister. Having her back in town was the last thing Samantha needed Janet thought.
"Damn it, why did she have to show up now?" Samantha's curse made Jonathon look at her in shock yet pleased. She defiantly had spirit. Cassandra looked at her aunt wondering why she cursed. "Don't keep me waiting...who's the woman that makes you angry enough to curse?" he asked looking at the women noticing her long fire red hair dressed in the latest east coast fashion. The women in question walked with arrogance expecting everyone to wait on her. From first impressions she had several of the men doing her biding like they were under a trance of some kind. "Her name is Suanne, the mayor's sister. We just refer to her as 'Snake in the grass'." Samantha answered shooting daggers at the women. "Just so I'm on the same page, why do you refer to her as a 'Snake in the grass'?" he asked then reminded Samantha to breath.
She looked at Jonathon then Cassandra. Deciding it was best not to go into detail with her almost 9 year old niece present. She'd give the short, short version. "She's a home wrecker and man eater." Samantha said getting the point across to Jonathon but confused her niece. "So avoiding her would be the best course of action." Jonathon replied as he pulled her close to him out of instinct. Samantha relaxed placing her head on his shoulder feeling safe.
She couldn't help remembering how Suanne ran off with her last beau, Jonas. He turned out to be a bad choice but it still hurt when Suanne left with him. The snake taunted her as they left making a show of it. "What is a...home wrecker and man eater Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked looking at him wanting to know. "...basically a woman uses people until she gets bored with them." He answered hoping that would suffice. "Oh...that's not very nice. I don't like people like that Uncle Jon." She replied turning her attention to Daniel and Janet. Cassandra watched as her mamma embraced Daniel giving him a hug and kiss, a really long kiss.
Daniel picked Janet up then twirled her about. "I missed you my Desert Flower." He said setting Janet back down. "Flattery will get you everywhere professor and I missed you too." She replied relaxing into his arms. "How sweet, isn't this lovely scene?" Suanne commented stopping by the couple. "Miss Simon, our relationship is none of your concern. We won't let you derail our happiness so go on about your business. " Daniel replied back politely yet not entirely. The uppity woman placed a hand over her heart acting as if she was hurt. "Why Doctor Jackson, I never thought you had it in you to be rude." Suanne said enjoying the fact she got a response. "I'll put it in terms you understand, snake. Leave us alone or I'll knock you on your ass ruining your over priced dress." Janet told the mayor's sister. "Well, I never...try to be nice and see what you get. Come on men, I know when I'm not wanted around." Suanne commented heading towards the waiting carriage (A/N2).
Unfortunately for Samantha and Jonathon Cliffs sister spotted them. Her eyes immediately settled on Jonathon liking what she saw, a handsome man with a muscular build. He looked to be a dangerous man too by the way he was armed, just the kind of man she liked. Suanne instructed her help wait by the carriage while she got reacquainted with an old friend. She couldn't resist the temptation to taunt Samantha. Stealing her new beau away in the process would be an added bonus.
Samantha tensed seeing Suanne coming their way. She obviously wanted to try to upset her like always. This time it wouldn't happen Samantha resolved. "How are your acting skills Mr. Wayne?" she asked in a hushed voice. "I was a wise man in a church play growing up once." He answered making Cassie giggle and Samantha chuckle. "That will have to do, just follow my lead oh wise man." She told the bounty hunter hoping her idea worked. "That means you to as well Cassandra." Samantha told her niece getting a nod. She didn't want the mean women to hurt her family, mamma will understand.
Samantha relaxed further taking Jonathon's larger hand in her small one. They both felt electricity as hands griped each other. "Samantha my dear friend, how nice it is to see you again. I see you got yourself a new beau, a really handsome and dangerous looking beau." Suanne said getting a closer look at the man before her. He truly was handsome and dangerous. Samantha's beau looked rough, rough like the land, a survivor. Two pistols, a shotgun and bowie knife made her want him more. "Yes, Jonathon is Suanne. The reason he's my man is because of you!" Samantha answered snuggling closer smiling. Jonathon played along hugging Samantha then kissed her forehead. The butterflies went crazy in her stomach causing a wide smile form. "Oh how is that Samantha dear?" the snake asked trying not to scowl. Damn her, she's not supposed to have a handsome beau. Samantha couldn't hold a candle to her beauty. "When you ran off with Jonas Hanson it saved me from a bad choice. Now I have a man that loves me unconditionally, right Jonathon." Samantha replied then looked up into his chocolate brown eyes almost getting lost. "...and I have a woman that loves me the same." He said resisting an urge to kiss her. Kissing another man's women, even though he's a fool, would be wrong. What he was doing now wasn't wrong, was it? Helping Samantha fend off the 'Snake' was justified...right!
Suanne wouldn't stand being up staged by a homely (A/N4) women like Samantha, not now or ever. "I guess I'll be moving along then, you two have a good day." She replied not meaning it. Before she walked away completely Suanne struck planning on ruining Samantha's day. "If you ever get tired of having a homely woman in your bed just look me up Jonathon, I promise you I'm more fun." She said seeing Samantha's smile turn into a frown, pay dirt Suanne thought grinning. "We haven't shared a bed yet Miss Simon. That'll happen on our honeymoon like it should." His comment made Samantha's blush deepen and think about 'what if'. "...and you're wrong about Samantha being a homely, she's gorgeous and interesting. Of course I'm biased though, right Samantha." Jonathon answered making Samantha's heart race, he thinks I'm gorgeous and Smart. "Yeah, my aunt is 10 times prettier than you..!" Cassie added glaring at the women. "What he said..." Samantha squeaked out finding her voice.
Holly Hanna, I don't know what to do now Samantha thought. Suanne would surely ask around now about her beau finding out about Pete in short order. "The offer still stands Jonathon." The snake replied walking off hearing the little girl say "That's Mr. Wayne to you...snake." then covered her mouth.
She stopped mid step turning around and stared at the man Samantha had her arms around. 'No, it can't be!' The man before should be dead. Jonas told her that he killed him and they had nothing to worry about. Then a month later she went looking for Jonas because he hadn't returned home from a job. One of his friends told her a bounty hunter captured him and a few others of their gang. Hanson was convicted and sentenced to six years at Huntsville Prison (A/N3) for his crimes. That happened a year ago last week. For the first time in her life she felt real fear, fear of a dead man.
"What's wrong Suanne; did someone walk over your grave?" Samantha asked with a grin thinking Cassie's remark got to her. "No, I just don't like bounty hunters. They are heartless and cruel Samantha, I wish you luck!" she said then left quickly as possible hoping the bounty hunter didn't recognize her. "That's odd; she's never lost interest in a man that quickly!" Samantha commented watching Suanne almost run away to the safety of her carriage.
Jonathon took another look at the women remembering what Hanson's wanted poster said. 'Travels with a Red Head with long hair, 5'10" and elegant dress.' Samantha reluctantly stepped out of his embrace watching her enemy leave in a hurry kicking up dust. "You mentioned she left with Jonas Hanson, correct." He asked looking at Samantha missing her touch more than expected. "The two of them left town together and never returned." She answered as Cassie and Loki had left to greet Daniel at her mammas beckoning. Jonathon got a serious look on his face then spoke. "I tracked his gang down over a year ago getting shot and left for dead for my troubles. Hanson thought he killed me but found out differently. Three others and Hanson are now sitting in Huntsville prison." He informed Samantha making her smile widely. "Why is Suanne afraid of you Jonathon?"She asked wondering if the snake had a bounty on her head. Samantha was also happy that she got one over on Suanne for once. "Maybe she thinks there's a bounty out for her too. The wanted poster only stated Hanson traveled with Red Head sometimes, not that she was wanted." Jonathon told Samantha shrugging his shoulders. "Can we let her 'believe' there's a possibility of having a bounty? She'd leave us alone I bet." She replied grinning at the thought. "I won't say anything if you don't Miss Carter." Jonathon answered making her giggle with joy.
A few moments later Janet walked up with Cassie swinging between Daniel and her. Jonathon shouldn't envy them but he did. Family was more precious than gold or silver. "Jonathon, this is Daniel Jackson, my beau." Janet introduced the two men. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Cass talked my ear off about you for months." Daniel said shaking his hand feeling the bounty hunter give his a hard squeeze. 'He's testing me, must be an alpha male thing' Daniel thought. "Same here Mr. Jackson, the little one has told me about you as well." Jonathon replied winking at Cassandra making her giggle. "Mamma helped to Uncle Jon." She replied with a wide smile happy her family was all together in the same place. Loki sniffed around Daniels legs trying to figure out where the talkative man had been.
"Yes I did Cassandra but you did most of the talking, I just filled in the details." Janet answered patting her girl on the head. "So you're the teacher in these parts. I got to say you look more like a professor though." Jonathon responded sizing up the man. He wore glasses and had sandy blond hair with a medium build. There were signs of calluses on his hands that were fading. That was probably from being away on his trip. He didn't wear a pistol so that would have to be fixed. Janet and Cassie needed someone to protect them in his absence.
"I am...why do you think I look more like a professor?" Daniel asked as the three women watched Jonathon size up Daniel. "Your tie, it's similar to ones worn by attendees of Normal Schools (A/N5). You also look like talking is your favorite past time." He answered making Samantha raise an eyebrow. What would a bounty hunter know about such collages? "Mr. Wayne, your observation skills are astute. I attended Harris-Stowe State University (A/N6) in Missouri class of 1873. If I didn't like talking I would've chose another profession. You probably say very little and that's it. That's why you're a bounty hunter, all you need to know is how to shoot and track." Daniel countered verbally sparing with the man. He could tell Cassie's uncle wasn't ignorant by any means.
The two men continued to talk while the women stood back and watched. Janet smiled because Samantha attention was completely on Jonathon. Walking up Daniel had asked if her friend found a new beau. He too saw the chemistry Samantha and Jonathon shared.
"So, how did it fell to be held by Jonathon?" Janet asked getting her friends attention. "That...we were acting to throw of the snake. I didn't want her badgering Jonathon." Samantha replied trying throw off Janet's suspicions. She needed time to figure things out. Being held by Jonathon along with his words made her start re-evaluating Pete as a potential husband. "I saw how you smiled as he kissed your hair Samantha. Your face lit up like a sunrise. Jonathon didn't need your help to fend off Suanne although I could tell he enjoyed holding you though." she said calling her friend out. "He did...I mean of course Jon...Mr. Wayne did?" Samantha asked surprised at Janet's words then continued. "We actually made Suanne's attempt at upsetting me back fire. Jonathon played his part well." Samantha responded catching herself. She knew calling him by his Christian name would change things between them. They'd go from acquaintances to friends, possibly more.
Janet knew for sure Pete's days as her friend's beau had changes from days to hours. She also knew Samantha's mind was thinking about what had just happened. Janet decided to watch what happens before nudging the two again. They were headed down the road she wanted making Janet grin. "Is that why Suanne left in a hurry? She looked more scared than anything." She asked while watching Cassie play with Loki. They were currently chasing each other around the luggage area. Slim and Roscoe didn't mind, they even joined in a little. "Get along little doggie, don't bite Roscoe. He's got crazy running though his veins." Janet heard Slim say making her little girl giggle.
Samantha turned to her friend grinning like a cat that got the canary. "What are you grinning about Samantha?" Janet asked with piqued curiosity. "You remember when Jonas and Suanne left together flaunting it in my face?" Janet remembered that day well. Samantha was so upset that it took months for her to get back to normal. She had high hopes that he'd be the one, the one that would be her knight in shining amour. "How can I forget...you were so distant I everyone was worried about you." Janet replied remembering her own hopes and dreams falling apart with her first marriage.
"Well, they shacked up in another town. Jonas joined an outlaw gang as a means to support them. Mr. Wayne and Jonas crossed paths apparently over a year ago." Samantha said making sure Cassie was out of ear shot for the next part of the story. Janet thought back to that time remembering a letter she received from him. Jonathon said that a man named Hanson shot him in the back but he'd recover. He didn't go into much detail other than to say he'd find the SOB and his friends. Janet didn't read Cassie that part of the letter not wanting to upset her.
"Jonas shot Jonathon in the back twice then left him for dead. He recovered then tracked the gang down capturing Jonas and three others. When Cassie mentioned her uncle's last name this got Suanne's attention spooking her." Samantha said with a scowl because deep down she always knew Jonas wasn't to be trusted even though he acted charming. "What did Suanne say if anything before running off?" Janet asked noticing Cassie running back this way with Loki hot on her heels. "She basically said 'bounty hunters are no good and I could have him." she replied smiling at the sight of Suanne leaving in a hurry.
"Is she wanted in connection to Jonas's crimes?" Janet asked kind of hoping Suanne was, that'd be sweet justice. "Jonathon told me she wasn't. We both agreed not to tell her that though." Samantha said with a laugh causing Janet to join in. Cassie looked at her mother and aunt wondering why they were laughing. Loki barked letting her know that both Daniel and Uncle Jon were walking up carrying bags and few packages.
"What are you two laughing at now?" Daniel asked knowing how the two friends often laughed for now reason. "I'll tell you later dear; did you men come to terms on anything?" Janet answered stepping beside him. Jonathon picked Cassie up throwing her over his shoulder opposite the shotgun. "Oh, sorry little one, I mistook you for baggage." Cassie giggled enjoying the attention. "He's going to teach me to shoot and he'll let me chronicle his adventures accurately." Daniel replied causing the bounty hunter to turn around. Cassie took the opportunity to make faces at Slim and Roscoe. In return they did the same then got back to work.
"I said maybe Danny..." Jonathon responded then patted Cassie on the rump lightly. Janet and Samantha both laughed at the surprised face the little girl made. Loki continued to jump trying to reach his favorite human barking each time. "You didn't say no either Jonathon." Daniel retorted back adjusting his glasses. "We'll talk more over breakfast; right now I need to head to work. It wouldn't be a good Idea to be late my first day." He replied setting down his niece much to her disappointment. "Have a good day Uncle Jon, don't cause any trouble." Cassie said pointing her little finger at him. He bent down to her level then grinned. "You know me, I always behave." She rolled her eyes then gave him a hug happy as could be. "I'll see you tonight Uncle Jon." Then let go of him. "Daniel, Janet, Cassie...Miss Carter, y'all have a nice afternoon." Jonathon said then started to head towards Kings Saloon after they wished him a good day as well.
Janet looked at Samantha giving her a 'Why are you standing here look' motioning to the retreating back of Jonathon. "Hold up Mr. Wayne..." Samantha yelled walking up to the bounty hunter. Why did she feel the need to be around this man? Jonathon stopped and waited for Samantha wondering what she wanted. "Would you mind if I escorted you to Kings Saloon. You never know if the snake might return." She said as a plausible excuse. "No Miss Carter, I don't. Shall we?" he said motioning in the direction of the saloon. Neither one made an attempt at touching each other despite the urge to do so.
"So...they aren't courting, are they Janet?" Daniel asked trying to figure out what was going on between the two. "They will be shortly if I figure things correctly Daniel." She replied with a huge grin. "When I do write his story you'll be number two on my list to talk to 'match maker'." He said picking up his travel bags and package. "What about me Daniel?" asked Cassie taking her mother's hand while Loki trailed behind them wagging his tail. "You'll be third Cass, I promise." He answered as the three walked towards Janet's house to enjoy the rest of the day.
A/N1: Suanne Braun portrayed Hathor. She's better known as the goddess of Sex, Drugs & Rock 'N' Roll. She's originally from South Africa and now lives in the United Kingdom with her husband (M-2002 to present).
A/N2: A Carriage basically a horse drawn passenger wagon with two rows of seating.
A/N3: The Huntsville Prison (unit) is located in Huntsville Texas. The facility opened in 1849 with the first inmate arriving on October 1, 1849. The prison is the oldest in the state of Texas.
A/N4: Homely means unattractive in appearance, basically plain Jane in modern slang (or my generation).
A/N5: Normal Schools are institutions that educate high school graduates to be teachers. Where they still exist are now denominated 'TEACHER-TRAINING COLLEGES'.
A/N6: Harris Teachers College and Stowe Teachers College (Now a State University) merged in 1857 forming Harris-Stowe State University.
LoneWolfO'Niell