The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 15: Snake(S) of Haven Unite
Sam walked beside Jonathon wondering what to say. The silence might be okay for a bounty hunter that didn't talk much but for her it was deafening. Running a general store there was always someone to talk to. She was dying to know if Jonathon meant what he said. Did he really thing she was gorgeous and smart? Pete just said called her pretty or babe, the pet name irritated her and he knew it. To hell with it, she was just going to ask.
"Did you mean what you said about me Mr. Wayne?" She asked as they passed Ranger Ron's Gun Smithing Sales. Jonathon stopped walking as did Samantha waiting for him to answer. He tipped his Stetson back then looked into her baby blues. "I meant every word of it Miss Carter. You aren't just another pretty face, you're beauty rivals that of Aphrodite. You have more grit than some men I came across. You deserve a lot better than Shanahan. Yes, I meant that and more." Jonathon answered making Samantha blush once again getting more than she expected. She looked away from the bounty hunter trying to find her voice. To her surprise Jonathon turned her head to face him. "Never let anyone tell you any different. There's no need to hide your intelligence either just because it's a 'Mans world'." He said making air quotes then continued. "People dismiss Janet as a doctor because of her gender, that's wrong. She's a damn good doctor, saved my sorry ass many a time. Janet has done well for herself and Cassie, so can you." Jonathon finished then started to walk again.
Samantha didn't know what to say now. For a man that doesn't talk much said a mouth full. Realizing he had started walking again she ran to catch up. "Mr. Wayne, thank you. No one other than my dad or mom has said that to me." She replied then checked out his ass with a grin. "You should hear that more often Miss Carter." He responded noticing Kings Saloon coming into view. "For the record you back side isn't sorry looking at all." Samantha added making the bounty hunter chuckle. "Your back side is great since were on the topic." Jonathon said making the women beside him giggle.
They walked in a comfortable silence stopping in front of a large window at Kings Saloon. "Well, Miss Carter, this is my stop. Thank you for protecting me from the snake." He said watching Samantha play with the hem of her skirt. She looked into Jonathon's chocolate brown eyes making a snap decision. "Mr. Wayne, please call me Samantha. There's no need for formalities anymore." Jonathon thought it over for a second then answered. They were entering dangerous territory now and both of them knew it. "I'll agree only if you call me Jonathon, Samantha." He answered putting a wide smile on Samantha's face. "Jonathon is still too formal, how about Jack? Yes, Jack sounds much batter." She replied with happiness, finally a man that see's her for who she is. "That works for me, Sam." Jack said offering his hand to shake. They shook hands unknowingly being watched by Thelma who was sitting at the bar. 'Pete will love to hear this.' She thought then got up to inform Harry Mr. Wayne had arrived.
Jonathon walked into the bar noticing it was mostly empty except for a few guys playing poker while drinking. Inara was floating around serving drinks and making customers feel welcome. She waved to him then pointed to the bar. He walked over to the bar taking a seat. Kowalski was nearby picking up spittoons with shaky hands. Jonathon walked to where his friend was bending down to help him. "You're going to make it Charles; we've been through hell and back. This won't be any different." Charles looked at his long time friend scowling at him. "That's easy for you to say Jack, I have the shakes, I had a hard time eating lunch and right now I want to punch you. Let me be for now!" he replied walking to the back room with his arms full.
Jonathon sighed watching his friend walk away knowing his reaction was because of withdraws. "He'll make it Mr. Wayne, those of us who care will help out too." Inara said placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Charles will need all the help he can get. Truth be told we road together for a while." He responded looking her in the eye seeing the sincerity. "We already removed the alcohol from his room despite his protests, that wasn't fun." She informed her friend/lover. "I don't reckon it was. He's always been good at hiding things." Jonathon replied back seeing Harry come out of the office with Thelma following.
"Mr. Wayne...your 10 minutes early. That's what I like to see in an employee, it shows responsibility." Harry said snapping his pocket watch shut. "Early is on time, on time is late Maybourne." Jonathon replied back getting a nod of approval. "I heard about what happened at the Dew Drop Saloon. Using blanks to get everyone's attention saves on roof repairs." Jonathon just shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing. "You got a place I can put my Greener at for now." He asked his new boss. Harry had him place it next to his personnel shotgun under the counter. "Do you want me to gather everyone or just get to it?" Harry asked not caring either way. "Gather everyone so I don't have to repeat myself, it won't take long." Jonathon said then gathered his thoughts.
Thelma watched Jonathon with interest as Inara stayed close to Jonathon. He definitely had a specific type of women he liked. Mr. Wayne had already bedded Inara twice and from the looks of it was working on Samantha Carter. Granted she was sleeping with Pete because, why not. Samantha wasn't, so she'd be a place holder until then. The running theory amongst the women was Mr. Wayne here to gather information before going after the rustlers. If that was true Sharon, Vera, Louise and she would have to more careful. They didn't need to get caught passing along what they found out to Harry. He's a fair boss that passes along part of the ill gotten money. The money she received was tucked safely away in the bank. The profession only lasted while your looks did so planning for retirement was prudent.
Harrys voice brought Thelma out of her thoughts and back to reality. "...Mr. Wayne will be running the floor, not the kitchen Nick. He's not here to bounty hunt; just take a break from it. Mr. Wayne, the floor is yours." He said not fully believing the, taking a break part. All 12 of his employees turned their attention to Jonathon waiting to hear him speak.
"Thanks' boss, Harry is correct. I'm taking a break from bounty hunting. Being on the hunt can wear a man down, hence why I'm standing here." Jonathon told the assemble employees and few patrons that happen to be present. "If you need my help with a handsy customer or drunk just put your hand up making a 'V' with your fingers. I'll make sure they stop or leave. Bar fights, just get out of the way so none of you get hurt. That's mostly for the ladies. Us men though, we'll take care of it, right Kowalski!" Jonathon said singling out his friend for a reason. Charles stood a bit straighter losing some of his anger towards Jack. "I'll do my best Mr. Wayne, might get my arse kicked though." He responded getting a few eye rolls and chuckles. "You'll do fine; just remember there's no such thing as a fair fight... just win!" Jonathon replied making Harry grin. "One last thing, don't hesitate to come to me with if there's a problem brewing or something I might need to know. With that said I look forward to working with all of you. Does anyone have questions or concerns?" (A/N1) He finished letting everyone know he had their back. Louise, who loved a good fight, spoke up. "What if we want to help out Mr. Wayne?" she asked with a sparkle in her eyes. "I can't stop you so just be careful if you do." He answered then looked at the others. No one else had question so most went about their duties. Some of the employees he hadn't met introduced themselves though.
Same time, Mayor Cliff Simons Office: Suanne walked into the mayor's office twirling her parasol (A/N2) the closing it. The reception area was lavishly decorated with gold statues of Egyptians gods, obviously fake, along with paintings of the pyramids. Their father had fascination with Egypt and the Middle East in general. Cliff took after their father in that regard, his favorite being Ba'al. She took after her mother who liked Cleopatra. The power the Egyptian Queen had amassed had been huge. Suanne loved power so Cleopatra was a great example of how to amass power. "May I help you ma'am?" asked the curly haired blond sitting behind the secretary's desk. "We've never met so I'll let that slide this time. I'm the mayor's sister, Miss Suanne Simon." She said letting her answer sink in to the secretary, leave it to her brother to hire a young English women. "My apologies Miss Simon, it won't happen again." The secretary replied already not liking the mayor's sister.
Suanne gave the women a fake smile then sat down placing her hands on the parasol. "My brother must like you." she said noticing the name plate on the desk. "What makes say that Miss Simon?" Sarah Gardner asked wanting to go back to her paperwork. "He gave you a gold name plate for your desk. Cliff doesn't part with precious metals easily. So tell me, is one of the perks of the job sleeping with my brother?" she asked wanting to have some fun while waiting to see him. Sarah didn't know how to respond. Of course she wasn't sleeping with the mayor that just wouldn't be proper. "That would be highly unprofessional Miss Simon. You never mix business with pleasure." She replied in a calm voice. This women was not to be trusted Sarah figured out quickly. "You're missing out honey, mixing it up makes a man weak and more willing to do as you want." Suanne said with a smile enjoying Sarah's discomfort.
The door to her brother's office opened at that moment saving Sarah from replying to Miss Simon. Councilmen Jacob Carter and Teal'C Murray walked out of the office followed by the mayor. "The two of you have a good idea; bring it up at the council meeting Wednesday night. I'm sure the townsfolk will like it given the lack of progress Sheriff Shanahan has made." Cliff said then noticed his sister, either Suanne was out of money or she lost interest in Jonas Hanson. "Indeed Mayor Simon." Teal'C said bowing slightly to Cliff. "The Texas Rangers won't mess around. Thank you for your time Mayor." Jacob added shaking the mayor's hand.
"Cliff, aren't you going to introduce me to your new friend?" Suanne asked looking at the three men. "...my dear sister, how nice of you to drop by? Teal'C...this is my younger sister Suanne." He said making the introduction while hoping she didn't insult Jacob. Suanne obviously knew who Jacob was but the huge black man was new to her. If Teal'C wasn't black he'd be a prime target for her. "...pleased to meet you Miss Simon." Teal'C addressed the women not knowing anything about her. "Stay away from my daughter Suanne. I won't hold her back this time around." Jacob told the harlot then motioned for his fellow councilman to follow. "Jacob Carter is that a threat against me, little harmless me?" she replied hiding behind a fake frown. Teal'C looked at Jacob then the woman. "I'll explain on the way to Kings Saloon, I suddenly need a drink." Jacob said walking out the door with Teal'C following,
"Sister, you never fail to make things interesting. Let's talk in my office Suanne, Sarah dear...why don't you take an extended lunch. Be back here at 2:00." Cliff told his secretary getting a nod. Sarah gladly gathered her things deciding to do some shopping as well. Suanne thought back to the conversation she overhead the men finishing up. There might be an angle she could exploit for her benefit. Cliff closed the door behind him as his sister walked over to the liquor cabinet. "Would you like your usual Cliff?" she asked pouring her a brandy. "Make it a double, I've had non-stop meeting all morning." He replied walking over the cabinet.
They went to the sitting area for less formal meetings savoring their drinks. "How have you been Suanne, life treating you well?" He asked noticing how she was dressed. Suanne didn't look like she was hurting for money but looks could be deceiving with her. "I'm doing really good brother, no need to worry about me. How about you, I see you got another beautiful brit working for you." Suanne replied fishing for information. "Being mayor keeps me busy, if all goes well I'm going to run for the senate after my term is up. Miss Gardner is a nice lady that does her job well, don't run her off. I'll be lost without her running the office." Cliff answered not being completely honest. There was no need to discuss town issues with her. "...so not sleeping with her then. What a shame, she looks like your type." Cliff ignored her subtle dig choosing to redirect back at her. "Where's Jonas at sister? Did you get bored with him?" he asked watching Suanne's facial expressions. Her eye's flashed a bit of anger then it was gone. "The fool went and joined a gang unbeknownst to me. He's sitting in prison now." Suanne replied with a shrug of the shoulders.
His sister always knows what's going on with the men she shacks up with. Suanne is definitely lying about not knowing. "Jonas wasn't one to do an honest day's work so no surprise there. Do you need a place to stay Suanne? I have a spare room at my house." Cliff asked not really wanting the company. "Thank you for the offer. I got a room at 'Empty Arms Hotel', not the best but it'll do." She replied setting her drink down on the end table. Cliff just nodded getting up for a refill offering her one too.
"Cliff, do you know anything about Samantha Carter's new beau? I rode in with Dr. Jackson and they were waiting with Dr. Frasier." Suanne asked wanting to know more about the two. They made a fool of her and wanted revenge. Cliff handed his sister another drink then sat down thinking for second. Suanne only asked these questions to gather information, not out of curiosity. Maybe he could use this to his advantage. If Suanne made a play for Pete it would tarnish his image making it easier to get rid of the idiot.
"He became the sheriff after Barkley was killed three months ago. Pete Shanahan keeps the peace but little else, not many of the town folk likes him." Suanne looked up at her brother with questioning eyes. Samantha called him Jonathon not Pete. "...are you sure his name isn't Jonathon Wayne, the bounty hunter?" she asked wondering what was going on. Did Samantha play a trick on her or... "My dear sister, you were played. Mr. Wayne just got into town yesterday morning. Pete has been courting Samantha for three months now, however I believe that won't last." Cliff answered seeing the gears start turning in her head. He did chuckle knowing the two got one over on her. Samantha's opinion of the man changed rather quickly which was a good thing. She deserved better than a man who couldn't be faithful. Not many knew of his visits late night visits to Thelma. No one said anything hoping Samantha would figure it out soon.
"I should have known that Samantha couldn't get the attention of such an handsome man." Suanne said omitting her worry about being wanted. "...and it's not funny Clifton, people will laugh at me when they find out." She crooned downing her drink. "You need to lighten up sister, people will relate to you much easier if you do." He replied looking at the clock over Horus statue noting the time, 1:34. He had a 2:00 meeting with Abydos Construction Company they hired to rebuild the court house. An unfortunate lightening strike caused a fire on the previous court house.
"I suppose that is how you won the election, by being approachable. It's too bad James Garfield (A/N3) won the presidency, I don't trust Republicans." Suanne said throwing a bone out for Cliff to chew on. He was an avid Republican and she, a democrat. That's the one thing they both enjoyed, a lively debate on politics and policy. Her brother smiled getting them another refill. "I was waiting for you to bring up politics my dear sister. I hope you're ready to be schooled." He replied getting a grin from Suanne. "I'm an emotional woman, facts don't matter brother!" she countered as they started discussing the election.
The two siblings parted ways after having a spirited yet enjoyable discussion about the presidential election. Suanne promised to meet her brother for dinner that night to catch up further. The carriage she arranged for her was still waiting as Toney promised. "Thank you Max..." she said as the young man helped her into the carriage. "...take me to my hotel; I feel the need to rest after my long and bumpy ride." Suanne ordered opening up her parasol. "Yes Miss Simon, right away." Max replied moving at sedate pace not to jostle the lady. Suanne felt Max's eyes on her as if he was undressing her mentally giving her an idea.
Midway through Suanne noticed a friendly face she hadn't seen in almost six months? "Max, stop the carriage." She said taking a closer look. "Thelma..!" Suanne yelled getting the other women's attention. Thelma looked in the direction of the yelling seeing her friend sitting in a carriage. "Suanne, is that you?" she asked walking over dressed up for her day off. Thelma wore her favorite yellow dress, low cut of course, with a big yellow hat and parasol to match. "Who were you expecting...the Queen of England? Of course it's me!" (A/N4) Suanne asked with a chuckle. "Max, can you help my friend into the carriage?" Max promptly did as asked then continued onto the hotel. The two friends hugged happy to see each other. "Did you come in on the stage coach earlier today?" Thelma asked holding her friends hand glad she got out of the horrible brothel (whore house). "The ride was horrible; I don't know where those two learned to handle horses at. I swear they hit every hole on purpose Thelma." Suanne complained because she could. "Slim isn't the best horse driver, Roscoe is even worse. When I came here we lost a wheel scaring me to death."Thelma replied placing a hand over her heart. "Did you happen to find yourself a man or still working them?" Her friend asked noticing a semi attractive man ride by on a brown horse in a suite and derby hat.
Thelma noticed her friend's attention shift momentarily towards Pete as he rode by. "...a bit of both, I work at Kings Saloon but today is my day off. The man that just rode by is Sheriff Pete Shanahan." Thelma answered winking giving friend a subtle hint about Pete and her.
Suanne eye's gone wide then broke out in laughter. Thelma was sleeping with Samantha's beau..! That was just too perfect. She could use that to her advantage later like a hot branding iron. "Miss Simon, we have arrived at your hotel." Max informed her coming to a stop. "You must come up; we have so much to talk about." Suanne insisted. "Of course I'll come up. There are several things I got to tell you about this town. You'll just eat it up." Thelma said letting Max help her down followed by Suanne. "Will you need me anytime soon Miss Simon?" he asked taking a closer look at the women hoping she would. "I won't need anything else today Max, however later tonight I could use some company." She replied placing her white gloved hand on his cheek. "I can make time for you Miss Simon." Max said with a smile getting one in return. He watched the two women go inside mesmerized before snapping out of the trance.
Once in the room both women burst out laughing, young men were so gullible. "You haven't lost your touch Suanne. Max was eating out of your hand." Thelma said with a grin going over to the sitting area of the suite. "That was the idea, if he comes by tonight I'll show him a really good time." Suanne answered bringing over a bottle of Red wine and two glasses. "You're already making plans and haven't been in town for two hours." Thelma asked accepting the glass of wine. "You know me so well Thelma, besides I haven't had a good role in the hay for a month." She replied with a grin then continued. "...so how good is Samantha's beau in bed?" Suanne asked making her friend grin widely.
Pete tied his horse up outside the sheriff's office noticing Judge Landry's horse, a palomino named Stonewall. It was not uncommon for the man to drop by from time to time. His spidey sense (couldn't resist) was tingling telling him something was wrong. Stepping inside the office area he saw Cam cleaning his pistol while the judge looked over some papers. "Sheriff Shanahan, I'm glad you're here. Pleas have a seat." Judge Landry said motioning to the seat in front of his personnel desk. Pete wasn't happy with the judge sitting in his spot but kept quite sitting down.
"Mitchell, I thought I told you to watch Mr. Wayne!" he said getting Cameron's attention. Landry didn't say anything preferring to watch. He wanted to see firsthand how Shanahan treated his deputy. "I did as you ordered Pete. Instead of following at a distance I just walked with him." he answered the sheriff. "How did you expect to catch him breaking the law then?" Pete asked unhappy with the deputy's performance. "My job is to prevent crime too...anyway, to answer your question. While walking towards Kings Saloon we heard a fight going on at Dew Drop." Cameron replied while cleaning the barrel. "What does the Dew Drop and Mr. Wayne have to do with a fight?" Pete asked wishing the dimwit would get to the point. "Your buddy Grant was caught cheating then tried to leave. A fight ensued and Mr. Wayne helped me break the fight up." Cameron responded with a wide smile. 'Damn he loved saying that'.
Pete's didn't know what to say. Anger and worry was equally building up. The anger because Cam willingly let Mr. Wayne help him. His worry was because he vouched for Grant at the behest of Mr. Williams. "Where is Grant now Cameron and don't say in my jail!" Pete asked knowing full well Grant was there. Cameron maybe a dimwit but he didn't play favorites like he had too. "Sheriff, I'll tell you then, Mr. O'Bannon is sitting in cell 5. He'll continue to sit there until noon Wednesday." Landry said looking the sheriff dead in the eye. He didn't have evidence but firmly believed that Pete was working for Jeff Williams. "Not that I'm questioning you Judge. I just want to see the evidence against my friend." Pete asked not being completely truthful.
Cameron got up from his desk then picked up a box from a nearby table. "Here you go sheriff, one Will Finck Brass Sleeve Holdout Device (A/N5). Plus two face cards to boot. The judge has written statements too if you want to read them." He said placing the box in front of Pete with a grin then going back to his desk. 'Damn, grant should've been more careful. Now he had to follow the letter of the law'. "Can I read the statements Judge Landry? While he is my friend, the law is the law." He asked mostly to cover himself. The sleeve device was enough evidence in its self; the statements were nails in the coffin. "By all means Sheriff Shanahan, just so you know Mark Carter will be stopping by at Mr. O'Bannon's request. He thinks legal counsel will get him released sooner, I assured Grant he wasn't leaving until noon on Wednesday unless a trial took place." Landry replied leaning back watching Pete's face for clues. He did notice the contempt Pete held for Cameron and Mr. Wayne. He'd have to talk with Mayor Simon about Pete's conduct later on. The fact that Mr. Wayne bested the sheriff without breaking a sweat would be reason enough to dislike the man. Landry however believed there was more to the story though.
"Judge Landry, I only have one question in regards to this, Tell Sackett? Is he still in town?" Pete asked knowing the charges were ill refutable. "Tell might still be in town. He said they would be heading home around 2:00 or so." Landry replied already figuring out the sheriff's line of thought. "He's the main witness. I also see where he helped escort Grant to jail. Isn't that kind of odd Judge?" the sheriff asked thinking he had an out for his friend. "The Sacketts are above reproach Sheriff. The written statement stands. Tell helping escort Grant to jail...that's just him being ornery." Landry answered then stood up pushing the chair back. "Good work deputy, when you see Mr. Wayne tell him thanks from me. We need more upstanding people like him in this town...sheriff, have a good day." Hank said putting on his hat as he left.
Pete was boiling inside; the judge just slapped him in the face with his words. He praised both the dimwit and bounty hunter in front of him. The worst part was there was nothing he could do to free Grant. Mr. Williams will be furious once he finds out. Pete couldn't freely talk to his friend right now nor could he just leave. The apology to Samantha would have to wait till later tonight. The more time went by the harder it would be making her believe he was sincere.
"Once your done cleaning your gun, go back to watching Mr. Wayne and I mean watch. Not follow around like a puppy." Pete said with a sneer, he couldn't take his anger out on the judge so the dimwit would do just fine. "Sounds good to me, I'll be able to catch Chengs and Inara's show then." Cameron answered doing a final check on the Colt then loading 5 rounds (A/N6) in his colt. Pete sat dumfounded silently cursing himself for basically giving Cameron the night off. The door closed leaving Pete alone with his thoughts and Grant locked up. Today was shaping up to be a really bad day; he hoped it didn't get any worse.
"Since Pete satisfies you why not continue sleeping with him even after they marry?" Suanne asked filing away what Thelma told her for later use. The information would be fun to throw in Samantha's face. "Now that I think about it, you're right. Why stop a good thing." Thelma agreed with her friends idea then continued. "Okay my turn...when did you leave the Waco Tap (A/N7)?" Thelma asked wanting to know. She left 8 months ago looking for a quieter and safer town to work in.
"I'll need to start at the beginning so let's fill up our glasses again." She said emptying the wine bottle. "The story that good we need more wine." Thelma asked wondering how her friend had money suddenly. Going from the poor house to expensive wine doesn't happen overnight.
"This story is worth two refills." Suanne answered then continued. "I went to see a friend in prison after you left. He wrote to me wanting to talk with me. The only way to talk privately was to 'BUY' time from the warden." Suanne said rolling her eyes. "I know what you mean Suanne, sometimes I hate doing this job because of men like that." Thelma replied with a sigh. "...anyway with the warden satisfied I meet with Jonas privately. We talked...after we had sex more than a few times." She told her friend with a smile. Thelma laughed with her almost spilling wine over the carpet. "What did Jonas want to tell you, something about buried treasure or how much he loved you?" Thelma asked glad her friend was away from 'Hells Half Acre'.
Suanne leaned forward with a conspirator look then began in talking in a hushed voice. Thelma mimicked her friends' posture wanting to hear her story. "The gang he ran with had several hiding spots for their loot. It wasn't a good Idea to put it all in one place." She said for starters. "Jonas told me before he was caught he had killed a bounty hunter that was tracking them, turns out the bounty hunter survived." Suanne told her Thelma. "What is the bounty hunters name?" Thelma asked wondering if the person was an infamous one. Suanne leaned back getting a sour look that fade behind a wine glass. "We both know him; in fact he's in town now." Thelma's leaned back a remembering what Inara had said about Mr. Wayne and the gunshot wounds. "Mr. Wayne...from what Inara told us girls he's been shot several times along with knife wounds. He's apparently a hard man to kill." She replied sipping her wine suddenly jealous of the Brazilian women. "...and he heals fast or is just that stubborn." Suanne added then continued her story.
"Jonas told me of a secret hiding spot only Todd and he knew of. Todd, the leader of the Wraiths, re-hid some of the money for himself only Jonas found out. Mr. Wayne killed him during his pursuit of the outlaws leaving Jonas to claim the loot for us. His plan was for him and me to dig up the money then head west to California." Suanne told her friend getting up for another bottle of wine.
Thelma sat back surprised Suanne would even tell her about this. She was always guarded about her past never talking about it at length. This was the first time she even mentioned having a beau or possible husband. Things made more sense now. Suanne started working at the Waco Tap to make ends meet after Jonas went to jail. Now here she was with presumably the stolen money.
"Why didn't Jonas wait till after getting out of prison and dig it up together?" Thelma asked the obvious question. "He was sentenced to 4 years in Huntsville Prison for one. Two, Jonas wanted me to have the money instead of the remaining few members of the Wraiths. They would find out eventually because Todd took an extra cut. Outlaws don't like being cheated by other outlaws so eventually they'd come looking for answers." Suanne said still in a hushed voice so no one would overhear them.
"There's no honor amongst thieves." Thelma added thinking about all the things outlaws have said after bedding her. "...so how much and who did you get to help dig up the money?" she asked knowing her friend probably got pasties to do the dirty work. "First off I convinced three no name men to help with the promise of money and sex. They agreed readily believing we'd take the money for ourselves leaving the others behind." Suanne responded with a smirk. "...but you out smarted them, didn't you?" Thelma concluded given that she arrived alone. "It was two easy, almost laughable. To my surprise there was actually $50,000 in cash and coin. I paid debts off then bounced around hiding my trail like Jonas told me too." She replied keeping the fact that the she killed the men after the strong box was dug up. To her convenience the hole served as a perfect grave for the three unsuspecting men.
"Wow, that's a lot of money. Why aren't you sitting in California or New York City?" Thelma asked because that's where she'd be right now instead of this back water town. "I wanted to torment Samantha one last time and see my brother before going to California." Suanne replied grinning at her friend. "When I'm through tormenting Samantha you could come with me. Get away from this life and find some older man rich man to take advantage of. I hear there are plenty out that way." She added getting her friends attention." Thelma didn't have to think it over agreeing immediately.
"Good, so here's my plan for Samantha. I'll go talk to Sheriff Shanahan telling him all about his girl hanging on the bounty hunter for starters." Suanne said laying out her plan. "That'll make Pete explode Suanne; he'll give her hell for sure." Thelma replied liking the plan so far. She didn't like the women either. Samantha refused to lie on her back which is why Pete visits her now. She actually believes in waiting for marriage to have sex, how old fashioned. The woman didn't approve of what she did for a living at all, well to hell with her then. Thelma thought deciding to help out her friend in tormenting the women.
"I know it will. That's why I'm going to do it today." Suanne answered grinning evilly. "...and I'll confess to Samantha about sleeping with Pete later in the week. That will set her off adding to the fun, I'll of course act like a consoling friend." Thelma added her idea to Suanne's plan. "...then we let her know about Mr. Wayne and Inara tarnishing his image. Samantha won't trust another man ever again." Suanne said laughing along with Thelma. The two snakes clinked wine glasses finalizing their plan with glee.
A/N1: No, Thor didn't beam him up in the middle of his speech. Horses don't have space ships
A/N2: A parasol is basically a light umbrella used to shade people from the sun. The parasol evolved into the modern form about 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, Assyria and China.
A/N3: James Garfield was the 20th US President elected in 1880 narrowly defeating Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. There was an assassination attempt (dying 6.5 months later from complications) at Baltimore Potomac Railroad station in Washington DC by Charles J. Guiteau. He was a disappointed and delusional office seeker.
A/N4: Alexandrina Victoria (May 24, 1819-January 22 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain from June 20th, 1837 till her death. She adopted the additional title of Empress of India on May 1st, 1876.
A/N5: Will Finch Brass Sleeve Holdout Device (circa 1880) attached to a person's arm hidden from view. The device worked via retractable hinges holding cards at the end. Two straps went around the arm near the elbow holding it in place. Potter Potter estimate the value of these at $4,000-6,000.00 dollars.
A/N6: The Colt Peacemaker and many other revolvers of the time held 6 rounds but people only carried 5. Reason being was that revolvers had the firing pin affixed to the hammer. The 6th round would be resting under the firing pin making accidental discharges possible. New versions have a transfer bar safety system making it able to carry 6 rounds of ammunition.
A/N7: The Waco Tap was a brothel (whore house) in Fort Worth Texas. The common term for areas where prostitution and other illegal activities occurred was called 'Hells half Acre'. Gangs also often hide in these areas because local law enforcement didn't venture into them much.
A/N8: Suanne Simons spitefull personality towards Samantha and others was inspired by Mini Goat, thank you for the help.
LoneWolfO'Niell