Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 16: Full Moon over Haven Part 1
A/N:My apologies for the lateness of the chapter. Life and a bad case of writers block plagued me. Nothing I typed sounded good or flowed like I wanted.
Jonathon watched from the balcony overlooking the floor. The crowd was behaving themselves so far which suited him fine. There was plenty for him to think about with just the rustling and Comanche problems. Several clues presented themselves already and it was only Monday. The reason he was in town wasn't on his mind though. Samantha Carter had somehow penetrated his defenses making him want to know more about her. He stayed away from romantic relationships every since failing to protect his family. Now, here he was thinking about another man's gal. What was wrong with him? Why did they gravitate towards each other so easily? Should he take the chance if it presented itself? Did he even deserve a second chance? Maybe what Sheppard Book said was true 'redemption is for all not some'. Jonathon noticed one of the women give him the 'V' sign ending any further contemplation. "...time to lay down the law." He said to himself walking down the stairway as his heavy footsteps got the attention of a few patrons.
Sheriff's Office: Pete walked back to the cell area then pulled a chair up to Grant's cell. "...about time you came to see me Sheriff." Grant said sitting up from his bed. "I was wondering when you were going to grace me with your presence." He continued giving the man a hard stare. "Don't start with me Grant; you're the one that got caught cheating. I can't make the sleeve device or written statements disappear without questions being asked." Pete replied in an angry tone. "We both know what the boss told me! I quote 'If you're going to play cards in my town I get 25% of your take and any important information'. I had to cheat because Tell Sackett had a string of... " Grant answered but Pete cut him off. "No excuses Grant, you got caught and now I have to do my job. You should've just lost that hand and left giving a believable excuse." Pete responded holding back his anger. Working for Mr. Williams was essentially working for the devil himself. He should've never let his pride get the better of him. Mr. Williams saw an opening and used it to his advantage, the opening being a lust for power Pete thought reminding him how he became the sheriff.
"Lose..! You'd have me lose just to spare you from doing your job!" Grant said standing up losing his temper. "Yes I would Grant, you just answer to Jeff, I answer to the town council and him." Pete almost yelled while pointing his finger at the gambler. "You're a gambler, don't you know when to hold'em and when to fold'em?" (A/N1) he added then started pacing the area between the cells. "That's rich coming from you Sheriff, you're gambling with Samantha Carter's heart by cheating on her. That road only leads to disaster Pete." Grant said getting Pete's attention. "Don't concern yourself with my personnel life Grant. I know what I'm doing..." he replied but didn't finish his sentence. Someone was in the office area. "We'll continue this discussion later." He said walking into the office area seeing Mark Carter, Samantha's brother. 'Damn, I hope he didn't overhear us talking.' Pete thought putting on a friendly face.
"Hi Pete, I'm here to review the evidence against Mr. O'Bannon and discuss his options." Mark said in a friendly tone not letting on that he overheard the last part of the conversation. He was furious at Pete, so much so he wanted to punch the man. Samantha would be devastated when she found out. The question was how he would tell his sister that Pete wasn't faithful.
"Judge Landry already went over it if that interests you Mark. He said Grant wouldn't get out until noon Wednesday." Pete replied getting the requested items for his friend. "What Landry say's isn't law by virtue of his word?" Mark answered sitting behind Pete's desk on purpose. That's the one thing he knew Pete hated but right now he didn't care. The bastard was cheating on his sister. "I'm glad we agree on that Mark, you want a drink. I have some 'Red Eye' (A/N2) I hid from Cameron." The sheriff said placing the items on the desk once again holding back his anger. Mark knew better than to sit there yet he did. "That sounds like a good Idea Pete, make mine a double." He answered while examining the sleeve device. Pete found the whiskey and two shot glasses then sat down across from his friend satisfied he didn't overhear anything. "...so how's your day been? Mine isn't shaping up to well." He asked downing his shot. "My days been fairly well, Malcolm Reynolds came by the office today. First time I spoke with him in months." Mark replied placing the sleeve device to the side. "What did the trouble make want?" Pete asked curious about the man's visit. Reynolds wasn't one to underestimate so any information to a coming storm would be helpful. Mark put his glass down then looked at Pete. "You know I can't tell you that. Attorney Client Privilege bars me from sharing anything." Mark answered then went back to reading the written statements. "I was just making conversation, no need to get hostile." Pete replied pouring a few more drinks regretting even asking the question.
They sat in silence as Mark read the rest of the statements. He finished reading them closing his note book then downed the whiskey. "I'd like to talk to Mr. O'Bannon in private. Can you be scarce for about an hour Pete?" Mark asked in a polite manner. "I can do that, there's a few thing I need to do anyways." He answered getting up and walking to the door grabbing his bowler hat. "I'll be back in an hour." Mark watched the sheriff close the door behind him causing the bell to jingle. "I bet you do Pete, I don't know who you're cheating with but I'll find out." Mark said in a hushed voice then went back to the jail area to talk with is client.
Samantha walked into her father's General store humming with a wide smile on her face. She greeted a few customers while walking to the employee area. Jacob watched his daughter with interest as Miss. Martin haggled about the price of bows and ribbons. "...are you listening to me Jacob?" she asked following his line of sight. His daughter just walked in with a smile wider than Texas. "Of course I am Miss Martin. I can't go lower than .50 cents; I have to make a profit somehow." He responded looking at the kindly grandmother. "Thank you Jacob, now go see why dear Samantha is happy. Perhaps the handsome stranger has something to do with it." She added walking over to the checkout counter remembering her miss spent youth.
Jacob walked to back area were Samantha was putting on her apron while humming softly. Neither Pete nor Jonas ever made her smile like this. Perhaps Miss. Martin is correct; Mr. Wayne was walking in that direction with the deputy this morning. "Did Daniel make it in one piece Sammy?" he asked knowing stagecoach rides weren't the most enjoyable way to get around. The newspaper was starting to speak of the rail road commission discussing p routes. Eastland and the surrounding towns were named as possible stops. Having the rail road come to town would be a boon. "He made it in one piece all be it shook up though." She replied turning to face her father with a mischievous grin. "Your grinning just like the time Mark and you snuck into the school house on Halloween. You were 14 and Mark was 16 at the time." Jacob said causing both of them to laugh. "Mark didn't think the bed sheet would pass for a ghost but I did. Miss Ingalls thought it was funny though. She gave us extra credit for being creative." Samantha answered remembering her mom's laughter, good memories that they were. "So what did you do to bring back your mischievous side?" He asked happy that she was genuinely smiling. "Suanne Simon arrived on the noon stage. At first I was afraid but Jack was there. I felt...safe for some reason, can't explain why." Samantha answered honestly.
Jacob didn't say anything, just waited for his daughter to continue. She called him Jack, maybe Miss Martian knew something he didn't. "Janet said he was being a typical man and wanted to size up her future husband." She added rolling her eyes while walking towards the sales floor. He followed Samantha waiting for her to explain further. Since she didn't he asked. "...so what did you do?" Samantha turned around still smiling then giggled. "I convinced Jack to pretend to be my beau throwing the snake off. Suanne tried to entice Jack but he wasn't buying her act. Once she found out he was a bounty hunter she all but ran away." She replied with another round of giggles.
That explains a lot then Jacob thought. Her attitude in the mayor's office did seem more combative. "What about Pete? He might not like you 'pretending' like that." He asked knowing full well that Pete wouldn't understand. The man didn't like being shown up by anyone. "Pete will understand, I explained who the snake was to him. He knows I planned on turning the tables on her if I ever got a chance. Don't worry dad, today is going to be a good day." Samantha answered walking away humming again.
His daughter's crazy friend walked up to him then smiled widely. "You know boss, I'd bet a day's wages that Samantha was humming because Mr. Wayne kissed her temple instead of the 'pretending' part." Valla said twirling one of her pig tails. "How do you know what happened? You've been working...wait scratch that, just get back to work." Jacob replied walking back to his office. "Sorry boss, I was just giving you my womanly perspective." She responded shrugging her shoulders going back to helping customers.
"Maybe Teal'C and I should've gone to Kings instead of here. I would have been able to find out what happened before hand." Jacob said pouring a shot of whiskey. Tonight was supposed to be a full moon according to the Farmer's almanac (A/N3). "...so it was no wonder why Suanne showed up or Samantha was acting...strange." he added shaking his head. What would his wife think of him right now? Debra would tell him listen to his heart, that's what she'd say. We'll his heart was telling him that Samantha was falling for Mr. Wayne and it wasn't a bad thing.
Jacobs's sixth sense was nagging at him as well. It served him well during the war and now it was telling him to put his trust in Mr. Wayne. "Lord, I know you have a plan but In this case an intelligence report would be nice to have right about now." Jacob said out loud talking with God not getting a response. "...yeah I know, all in good time. I might as well get back out there, shelves won't stock themselves." he replied setting his empty glass down. Jacob closed the door behind him making and audible click. The bible on his desk opened to Matthew 28:2 '...and behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.' by a light gust of windthen disappeared as if it was never there.
Pete happened to be walking past Kings Saloon on his way to talk with Samantha. The music had suddenly stopped which usually meant trouble. He watched from the other side of the street with interest. Pete knew Cameron was in there so hopefully he wouldn't have to intervene. He heard some yelling and sounds of fighting but no gun play which was a plus. A few minutes went by and a man tumbled out rolling across the walkway into the dirt narrowly missing some young women.
Much to his surprise an enraged Kowalski stepped out the swinging doors with clenched fists that were visibly shaking. His face was one of anger and rage. The town drunk had a tear in what looked to be a new shirt and wet Levis, presumably from spilt alcohol. Mr. Wayne walked out with Maybourne right behind him. The bounty hunter was smoking a cigar like usual along with Harry. His co-conspirator was getting too friendly with Mr. Wayne for his liking. He'd have to be more careful around the man till after Mondays round up.
Pete was brought out of his thoughts by Rogers's loud protests. "...that's my money Maybourne!" the man said from where he sat. The money in question was handed to Harry by Cheng. She gave the mean man a hard stare before going back inside to help clean up the mess. "Right now it's mine considering the damage you caused." Harry replied while counting the money. "The Damage I caused?" Roger crooned. "Yes, the damage you caused." Jonathon said pointing straight at him. "From what I have heard and seen every time you start losing it's never your fault. You always accuse the other players of cheating when in fact you're just a bad poker player." Roger fumed at what the bounty hunter said to him. The man didn't know spit about him. Grant was a cheat so why couldn't other people be to, they just haven't been caught yet he thought to himself. "Stop counting my money Harry!" he yelled as he stood up dusting himself off looking at the ruined suit.
"Mr. Wayne is right Roger. You've even accused Jacob Carter of cheating and he's honest as they come!" Kowalski added while pacing to work of some of his anger. He'd love to get more pay back but his shaking wouldn't stop. Damn he needed a drink, just one drink is all. Then he could really give the arrogant man a proper Calvary beat down. "Your word is worthless drunk...and you owe me a new suit!" Roger spat walking towards the three men intent on getting his money back by force if necessary.
The town folk in the area started to gather watching the argument. Not many people in town liked the owner of the mill. They did business with the man out of necessity. To see Roger have his ass handed to him by the town drunk and bounty hunter brought smiles to many.
"...speaking of owing money how much damage do you think was done Jonathon? There's just under $500.00 here." Harry said blowing a smoke ring. "That's far enough Roger, I wouldn't come any closer." Jonathon warned putting his hand on a pistol. This got everyone's attention especially Rogers who paused to think about his next move. The women in crowd moved children behind them while others hurried out of the way but not too far they couldn't still watch.
(MEAN WHILE)Pete watched with anticipation, this just might be his chance to get the bounty hunter. Sure he should step in and help Roger, just not right now though. Cameron chose to step out of the saloon busting Pete's hopes like a cheap watch. "Damn, this is the onetime I wish you didn't do as I said dimwit." He said in a hushed voice so no one would hear him. "You heard Mr. Wayne Roger, don't come any closer." Deputy Mitchell said ending Pete's hopes completely. Roger stopped knowing Mitchell wouldn't hesitate to throw him in jail, a place he defiantly didn't belong in. He'd have to think of another way to get his money back.
Pete decided to continue towards Carters General store letting his deputy handle the situation. That's when a soft voice called his name, a women's voice to be exact. "Sheriff Shanahan, aren't you going to help that poor man?" Suanne asked acting as if she didn't know who Roger was. She knew all too well who the man was. Roger was just like her, money and power drove them, which is why they couldn't get along. He was one man she had no desire to try and seduce either. "Nah, my deputy can handle it. I have more important things to attend to miss..?" Pete answered looking at the women's elegance. "Oh, please forgive me and my forgetfulness. I'm Miss Suanne Simon, the mayor's sister." She said placing a white laced glove over her heart. "Samantha told me about you, from what I see you're not ugly nor do you have fangs for teeth." He replied glancing back to the scene going on with Roger. "Poor Samantha, ever since Jonas broke their courtship she's been bitter. Do you mind if I walk with you Sheriff Shanahan?" Suanne asked feigning compassion. "I don't see why not, maybe you can shine some light on why Samantha is so...difficult." Pete answered motioning for her to follow him. Many town folk talked badly about the mayor's sister. They even mentioned how she left with Jonas waving to Samantha on their way out of town. Right now he didn't care what others thought. All that mattered was what Suanne knew and how it could help him.
(SAME TIME) "That's a good question Maybourne, furniture isn't cheap. I'd say $5.00 a chair. Then there's the table he broke when he landed on it." Jonathon replied keeping his eye on the Roger. "Now wait a minute...Kowalski punched me sending me into the table. The chairs were broken by others." Roger said as Harry took some money for the damage. "You tripped me you Dandy!" Kowalski added pointing at him then started to step off the walkway. "You'll get your chance to finish this later Charles, Shanahan is watching. I don't think you want to spend a night in jail." Jonathon whispered pulling his friend back. "It'd be worth it." He replied reluctantly taking his friends advice."Don't forget Kowalski's shirt Maybourne?" Jonathon told Harry making Roger fume even more as more money was deducted. "...or the fact he scared the women folk." Kowalski added remembering how Amelita and Cheng had to avoid the resulting tussle. "Thanks Charles, they deserve compensation too." Harry said grinning wider. He thought for a minute trying to come up with more things to add. "Maybourne, you take any more money and it'll be the last thing you do." Roger said throwing back his jacket revealing his Colt pistol.
Cameron reacted almost fast as Jonathon drawing their pistols. Two shots rang out landing at Rogers's feet making him jump back quickly pulling his hand away from his still holstered gun. The gathered crowd flinched at the twin sounds amazed at the quickness of the two men.
Pete and Suanne who hadn't gone five feet stopped in their tracks. The sheriff pushed through a few people to see Roger with his hands up high as his deputy disarmed the pompous man. Suanne just stood there keeping her act up pretending to be scared. In reality she wasn't even remotely scared but the sheriff didn't know that. Pete briefly considered stepping in to gain credibility but decided against it. The people might see his actions as to little too late. "Sheriff, aren't you going to help?" asked a much older gentleman. "No one got shot and my deputy has it under control." Pete answered as Cameron tossed the pistol to Kowalski then cuffed Roger. "Your right he has it under control, he's a far better lawman than you." said the older gentleman making Pete mad. He wanted to reply but held his tongue, arguing with an old man wouldn't look good. Instead he just went back to Suanne and continued onto Carter's General Store.
"Roger, you just don't know when to shut up do you?" Cameron stated not expecting an answer. "You can't arrest me; I'm on the town council." He yelled loudly. "It looks like he just did!" Kowalski said smiling broadly. "You're being arrested for disturbing the peace and inciting a fight resulting in destruction of property." Cameron answered snapping the cuff on tightly to make point. "The sheriff won't stand for this deputy; I'll be out in no time." Roger said while being pushed forward. "That's funny; Grant said almost the same thing when I arrested him this morning. The two of you will be cellmates, won't that be fun?" Cameron added making his prisoner shut up. "Here you go Deputy Mitchell; this is what's left of his money. There's $385.00 left." Kowalski told Mitchell ignoring Rogers's snide remark. "Thanks Charles, I'll lock the money up as well. Move it Roger, Grant is probably bored out of his mind. Having someone to talk to will make his day." The deputy said getting an unintelligible response from Roger.
The crowd had started to disperse as Charles watched Roger be led away. He smiled for the bastard finally got part of his upcoming. "Come inside Kowalski, I'll buy you and Mr. Wayne a drink." Charles heard his boss say from the swinging door. "...a drink! I'll be right there boss!" he responded running inside and up to the bar quick as he could. "Maybourne you own the bar..." Kowalski heard Jonathon say as he entered. "That's the beauty of it; I don't have to spend any money!" Harry replied puffing on the cigar while pocketing the money for the damages. The three of them reached the bar with Harry stepping behind it to pour the drinks. "...one Budweiser for Mr. Wayne and a Sweet tea for Charles." Maybourne said placing the drinks in front of the men. "I thought you said drink boss?" Charles questioned looking at the sweet tea in disgust. "Did you think I'd forget what Mr. Wayne said this morning?" Harry asked downing his top shelf whiskey. "...well, did you Kowalski?" Jonathon asked his friend. "No...Of course not, so much for wishful thinking, bottoms up!" he said downing the drink.
Suanne knew from their conversation so far Pete could be manipulated easily. He just needed the proper push. "I don't know how I can be of help sheriff. I've been away for a long while now." She replied setting the trap. "I believe you can Miss Simon. You knew her while she was with Jonas." Pete said as they walked. Suanne twirled her parasol smiling at various town folk. "That would be correct Sheriff." She answered while glancing into a dress shop she'd have to come back to later. "Did they have a good relationship?" he asked as they started walking again. "Their relationship had its ups and downs like others. Is there a reason you're asking about Mr. Wayne's rucca (A/N4)?" Suanne asked getting the response she wanted.
"Say that again, I want to make sure I heard you correctly." Pete asked wondering if the mayor's sister had overheard some of the old hens talking nonsense. Suanne could see the anger brewing in his eyes, good...now to drop the other shoe she thought. "I wanted to know if there was a reason you were asking about Mr. Wayne's girlfriend, Samantha, we are talking about the same person." She said with a straight face. "We are, I just don't know where you got your information from but Samantha is 'MY' girlfriend. That bounty hunter arrived yesterday morning before church started. Who told you that load of manure?" Pete asked getting angry that people were spreading lies about his personnel life. She acted surprised taking a step back as if scared of his reaction. "I didn't mean to upset you sheriff. I just thought..." Suanne said smiling internally that he had taken the bait hook, line and sinker. "I didn't mean to scare you Miss Simon. I just don't like people talking behind my back spreading lies." Pete replied to ease the woman's nerves. No need to scare to lady, especially the mayor's sister.
"No one told me anything, I swear. I saw the two together when I arrived on the stage with Dr. Jackson." She answered letting her words sink in. "What do you mean by 'together'?" he asked feeling like Indians were bearing down on him. "You deserve to know the truth of what I saw Sheriff. I won't sugar coat it for you." Suanne replied taking a breath for drama. "Samantha had her arm looped in the bounty hunters with a smile. I got the impression that they were madly in love." She said stoking the fire. A fire was lit in Pete's eyes, Suanne could see it clearly. All she had to do now was add a few more details. "Samantha had better not of been! The bounty hunter, was he enjoying holding my gal?" he asked already knowing the answer. Of course he was. Mr. Wayne would do anything to make him look like a fool. "I'm sorry sheriff but she was. Samantha even told me how wonderful Mr. Wayne treated her. They even professed her love for each other. He even kissed her to make the point." Suanne informed the man but didn't clarify 'how' he kissed Samantha. Watching Samantha get yelled at would be fun to watch.
Pete all but exploded right there on the spot. First Samantha pushes him to get rid of the bounty hunter then changes her tune. Now she's hanging off the man's arm instead of his, this won't stand. Hell will freeze over before he apologized to her. No...Samantha was going to explain herself then apologize instead. Then there was the bounty hunter. He hasn't even been in town two days and he's ruining everything. He'd take care of him later. There were other bounty hunters that surely didn't like the man.
"...are you okay sheriff? I didn't mean to upset you. I never thought sweet Samantha would ever do such a thing." Suanne said saving her celebration for later. "You did nothing wrong Miss Simon. You actually did me a favor by telling me. If you'll excuse me need to go talk to my soon to be ex-gal. I won't stand for this kind of treatment." Pete said tipping his hat then hurried off with anger building with every step. Suanne watched the sheriff stomp off towards Carters General Store with anger in every step.
Pushing Pete in the direction she wanted was easier than anticipated. Samantha may have made a fool of her earlier but now the tables were turned. Suanne smile broadly as she started to follow in the sheriff's footsteps. She wanted to see Samantha's face as her world fell apart once more. "Suanne, one day you're going to push Samantha too far. Then she's going to knock you on your ass properly." the voice came from the Gun shop entrance. She looked at the man not recognizing him. He must have moved to town after she left with Jonas. "...and just who are you?" Suanne scoffed at his boldness. The man in question looked to be 6'3" and slightly out of shape. He had blondish brown hair with a scar over his right eye. "I'm Ronald Nantz, my friends call me Lurch. I own this here gun shop." Ronald replied then continued. "...as for what I said. You'll find out if you keep poking a sleeping bear." She wasn't going to have any person talk to her in such a manner. Ronald walked back into his shop with Suanne hot on his heels. "You have no right to talk to me in such a manner Mr. Nantz. I demand an apology right now!" she demanded. He turned on his heels backing her into a corner with just two steps."You can demand all you want but I won't apologize. I know how manipulative your kind can be. You twisted the sheriff right around your little finger getting him to do your bidding. If I were you I'd get right back on the stage coach before Samantha comes looking for you, now get out of my store." Ronald replied giving her a crazy stare. The kind that made strong men just walk away glad to be alive. "I won't forget this...Lurch. You've crossed the wrong women." He looked crazy and strong enough to snap her neck without thinking twice. The twin colts along with a Schofiled in his shoulder holster gave her the impression he was paranoid. Suanne left in a rush not wanting to be in his presence no more.
Suanne walked fast as her dress allowed hoping to see the fight in its entirety that would make her day. She arrived just in time to hear the sheriff yelling at Samantha putting a smile on her face, this was going to be a good day after all she thought.
A/N1: The 'GAMBLER' is a song written by Kenny Rogers with the line 'Know when to hold'em and when to fold'em'.
A/N2: Trail weary cowboys could wash down the trail dust with a touch of 'RED EYE'. The old westerns portray 'Red Eye' as cheap whiskey when it's actually the good stuff.
A/N3: The Farmer's Almanac was founded in 1818. The publication is a blend of long range predictions, humor, fun facts, and advice on other topics. The almanac has had seven editors. Sandi Duncan is the first female editor in 178 years.
A/N4: Rucca is the Spanish term for Girlfriend. I figured that some Spanish lingo would be adopted into usage.
A/N5: Next week I'll be on a mini vacation. I'm going to see the Blue Angels in Pensacola, Florida for their home coming show. I've seen it before and it's awesome. I love jet noise! I'll try to get out a short chapter wrapping up Monday in Haven (Nimrod), Texas.
LoneWolfO'Neill