The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 17: Full Moon over Haven Part 2
Pete stepped into the general store with a deep scowl on his face. Dry'ac had just completed her purchase with her son in tow. Teal'C was tending to his customers horses letting them run in the pasture for their daily exercise. On her way out she noticed the sheriff scanning the floor for someone. He locked eyes onto Samantha then stormed over causing other customers to step out of his way. Dry'ac knew this wouldn't end well. She had to get word to her husband quickly. He was on the town council so maybe he could put the sheriff in check. "Mom, is the sheriff mad at Miss Samantha? He just grabbed her arm really hard." Ray'ac asked jumping when Pete yelled at Samantha. "I'll take these, go get you father. Now hurry and tell him to come here fast as possible." She instructed her son. He took off running wondering why a lawman would want to hurt someone nice as Miss Carter.
"...how dare you make me look like a fool Samantha? Your my gal not a the damn bounty hunters!" Pete yelled tightening his grip on her right arm. "You're hurting me Pete, let go!" Samantha yelped at the sudden outburst and pain. "We need to talk in private...right now!" he responded not loosening his grip. Samantha tried to pull her arm away but Pete was stronger. "Whatever you have to say you can say in public Pete, now let go of my arm!" she yelled back as everyone in the store watched in stunned silence. The sheriff was supposed to serve and protect, not harm. Unfortunately for Samantha her father left about 5 minutes ago for a bank run.
"Fine, have it your way!" Pete said letting go not caring about who was watching. She had made a fool of him for the last time. "If you wanted to get even with the mayor's sister why in the hell didn't you wait for me to get back? Instead you acted as if Jonathan was your beau! He even kissed you and you enjoyed it!" Samantha didn't expect Pete to be angry with her. She did tell him what the snake was like after all. To hell with it, she was going to stand her ground and not back down. Pete needed to respect her as an equal, not property. "You have to be here first Pete! You knew Daniel was arriving today. I wanted the both of us to welcome him back but you had to ride out." Samantha replied with anger poking Pete in the chest. "I've told you before that I have a job to do Samantha. When important matters come up I need to act so I did! What would you have me do, ignore the law?" he answered throwing his arms open in frustration. "No, I don't expect you to ignore the law. Send Cameron in your place. You don't work for Mr. Williams Pete!" Samantha retorted back. "What makes you think I went there? He's not the only one that lives out that way." He asked hoping she'd drop that line of thought. "Mr. Foley came into the store today. He said you rode right past him and entered the main gates of William's ranch." Samantha answered knowing she backed him into a corner.
'Damn the luck, now I have to come up with a convincing lie.' He thought. "...well, what's your excuse this time Pete. You do go there quit often. Everybody knows Mr. Williams opinion of women. One you share to a degree" she asked then added one more question when Pete didn't answer right away. "So are you cheating on me with Morning Feather?"Pete was completely surprised at her attention to his comings and goings. He didn't think she paid that much attention. Now she's accusing him of sleeping with a 'way to young' women. "No I'm not cheating on you with Morning Feather Samantha. She's much too young and I don't trust her." He answered telling her the truth about Morning Feather. "What makes you think that anyway? I spend time with you Samantha, maybe not much as you would prefer." Pete replied then continued looking at her intently. "We can't hire another deputy because the money is needed for the rebuilding the court house." Pete added getting close to just ending it with her. He could achieve his goals with a woman more...flexible.
"You're still not around enough. Too be honest I'm starting to think your only courting me because of my Dads position on the town council. The other reason is to get me in bed!" She replied poking her finger in Pete's chest again yelling louder. He had enough of Samantha's ranting. She needed to be silenced before more was said. Samantha was just too smart for her own good at times. "...and yes, I rather liked it when Jack kissed me on my temple. He's a far better man than you will ever be. I owe him an apology for my behavior yesterday morning." That did it for him, no more holding back his anger. Samantha accuses him of cheating with a young Indian maiden then admits being kissed by the bounty hunter.
In a fit of anger he raised his hand up intending to slap Samantha in the jaw. That would silence her for sure. Pete saw the stubbornness in her face as she showed no sign of fear at all. Suddenly his arm was grabbed from behind by someone...someone really strong. Pain shot through his right arm as it was twisted behind his back forcibly. Pete cried out in pain as the mystery person put him in a choke hold as well. "I will not allow you to cause harm to Miss Carter Sheriff Shanahan." ...came a deep voice from behind him. One that could only belong to one person, Murray! "...are you okay Miss Carter? Did the sheriff strike you before my arrival?" Teal'C asked looking her over seeing no signs of injury. "No Teal'C, thank you for your intervention." Samantha answered with a sigh of relief. Teal'C ran fast as he could upon hear what his son had to say. He knew the sheriff had a temper that would one day get the better of him. "
"Let me go you black bas..." Pete tried to say but was cut off by Teal'C tightening his choke hold. "Do wish me to break his arm Miss Carter?" he asked giving Samantha a mischievous grin. Samantha looked Pete in the eyes giving him a hard stare.
The people in the room watched with great interest wondering how this would end. Murray wasn't known to resort to violence unless it was necessary. Everyone respected the man because of his honesty and gentleness. Right now everyone added another reason to respect the man...loyalty to friends. Fear shot to Pete's eyes as he looked into Samantha's eyes. Would she tell Murray to break his arm out of spite? He really messed up beyond the point of no return now. The witnesses wouldn't back him; he knew that for a fact. His only hope was for Samantha to tell Murray not to do it, god he hoped that would be the case. "That won't be necessary Teal'C; you can let him go only if he promises not to consider this a matter of law enforcement." She said looking straight at her now ex-beau. "Sheriff Shanahan, do you agree to the terms?" Teal'C asked loosing up his grip so the man could respond. "I do, just let me go. My arm is getting numb." Pete said squeaking out the words. Teal'C released the sheriff letting him fall in a heap to the floor. Pete gasped for air while rubbing his arm feeling the pain course through it. "Pete, we are done, I can't trust you anymore now leave or I'll have my friend toss you out on your ass!" Samantha told the man while clenching her fists. Pete stood up then looked at her them. Teal'C who was more than willing to throw him out took a step forward.
He pushed through the crowd pausing at the door still holding his arm. "Samantha, your right, we are done. You'll regret making me look like a fool." He said then left stomping all the way out the door. Dry'ac immediately came to Samantha's side to comfort her as she broke down in tears. "Shhh...It'll be okay Samantha. Let's go into the back room where you can sit down away from prying eyes." She said guiding her friend into the back.
You came at the perfect time. I would have used this on him if I had too." Valla said walking up beside him holding a cast iron skillet twirling it. Teal'C replied eyeing the piece of cook ware. "Indeed, I believe you would have." Teal'C then went over retrieving the groceries Valla had put behind the counter. He knew his wife would stay long as needed which didn't bother him. It wouldn't be the first time he had to cook dinner for Ray'ac and himself.
Kings Saloon: Slim and Roscoe entered their favorite bar taking in the smell and atmosphere. "There isn't a bar in the county that can top this one, you can just smell it." Roscoe said as they headed towards the bar itself. "You say that every time we come here you idget...and that smell, it's just your breath." Slim replied taking a seat at the bar. He eyed the painting of the lady behind the bar like always. "Do you still think Catherine Bell from Eastland is the model Slim?" Roscoe asked ordering two shots of whiskey from the new bar tender. "It has to be her, just look at her face. Too bad she's engaged to Harmon Rabb" Slim replied picking up his whiskey and downing it in one swallow. "Damn that burns going down, whooo-we!" he said with a smile on his face. "Yeah, too bad he's a top dollar lawyer with a horse ranch too. Short of that you'd win her heart for sure...even though you're pushing 55 and she's 27." Slim punched his friend in the arm in jest. "There you go throwing cold water on my dreams again." Roscoe just laughed and ordered two more shots.
"What's your name son; your new here aren't you?" Slim asked in his raspy voice. "Yeah, I haven't seen you before." Roscoe added taking one of the drinks. "Sam Malone (A/N1) is my name and today is my 4th day on the job. I got tired of working on the range. This is much more to my liking." Sam Malone replied taking in the smell of the bar. "See, I told you Slim. You can smell how great this bar is." Roscoe said getting a nod of approval from Sam Malone as he leaned against the liquor area cleaning a glass.
"Would you like to Dance Slim?" Amelita asked as she ran her hand down his arm. "No one dance's good as you do hansom." She added making Roscoe laugh at his friend. Slim smiled widely putting his glass down to look at the beautiful lady. "I'm always up to dance with you beautiful." He replied getting off the bar stool letting her lead him to the floor. "What's with the two of them?" Sam Malone asked Roscoe wondering what the 20 something lady saw in the man. "That's simple Malone, Slim and Amelita have won the 4th of July dance competition three years in a row. Practice makes perfect, set me up again with the good stuff." Roscoe said slapping the counter as he watched them dance. The patrons and employees alike stopped what they were doing to watch them dance. Slim may be overweight and older but he knew how to treat the ladies.
10:00ish Dr. Frasier's House: Jonathon noticed there were very few people out. Haven didn't have much of a night life apparently. The people who were out were most likely headed home, home. That sounded good, better than good. It sounded great. Home is where the heart is his wife used to say. Jonathon stopped to look up at the full moon while smoking his cigar reminiscing. 'No wonder there was so much craziness going on' he thought then continued on. Jonathon was almost to Janet's house when he heard the distinct sound of rifle being chambered. He made a break for the alley to his right as a rifle shot rang out missing by 5 feet kicking up dirt. Another bullet hit the building to his left as he entered the alley. With his gun drawn he waited for a follow up shot hearing none. Jonathon slowly made his way to the back of Janet's house not seeing anyone hiding in the shadows. He could see Janet had left the back door ajar with the lights out. She still knew the drill from past experiences. Jonathon made a break for it running full speed diving inside then kicking the door shut.
"This is a record for you Jonathon; usually it takes three days for people to start shooting at you once in town." Janet said from the hallway armed with the greener shot gun. "What can I say; I made a good impression with wrong people." He replied getting up off the floor then holstering his Colt. She shook her head then set down the shotgun against the wall. "You need to be careful Jonathon; the people behind this rustling won't go down easily." Janet then gave him a hug then checked him over not seeing any injuries. "I'm fine Janet...no need to worry. Whoever shot at me was a really bad aim." He said rolling his shoulders then yawning. "...or it was a warning to stop prying into their business." Janet countered leading him into the living room.
"Either way I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere. I have two people that need me." Jonathon answered looking at Janet then Cassandra sound asleep on the sofa. "That's good because my little girl would be heartbroken." She replied brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Cassandra wrinkled her nose at her mother's touch not waking up. "She tried to stay awake only to fall asleep around 9:20." Janet informed him. Loki just lay beside his charge looking up at the two humans adults. Jonathon petted the dogs head motioning for him to move out of the way. "I'll tuck her into bed and be right out Janet." He told her as Loki jumped down allowing the human that smelt like gun powder and sweat pick up his master. "I'll reheat the coffee so we can talk a bit." She replied going into the kitchen then lent against the counter.
"God, please look after Jonathon and keep him safe. He can act so...careless at times. Convince him that life is still worth living and he does deserve a second chance. Cassandra and I need him around for the long haul." Janet prayed then wiped a few tears away.
"Uncle Jon, your home!" Cassie said while half asleep. "I just arrived little one, did you have a good day?" he asked placing his niece on the bed as she nodded. "Daniel told me stories of Egypt and..." was she got out before dozing back off. "Sleep good little one." He whispered then kissed her temple. "Okay Loki, you know what to do." Jonathon spoke to the dog. Loki wagged his tail gently getting on the bed snuggling up to his best friend in the world.
"Cassandra woke briefly but went back to sleep." Jonathon said walking into the kitchen setting down at the table. "Her bed time is 9:00 but I agreed to extend it. I knew she wouldn't make though. She was already nodding off around 8:45." Janet replied giving him a steaming cup of coffee. "I imagine the little one had a full day with Daniel coming back and playing all day." He responded feeling better already, his trail coffee never tasted this good. "Cassie sat still for almost two hours listening to Daniel talk, surprised the hell out of me." Janet answered with a chuckle. "Daniel must be a good story teller to get any 8 year old to sit that long." He replied looking at Janet's face as she talked about her fiancé. She truly loved the man. The way her eyes lit up and the smile gave it away. "...he brought me back a brand new Knights Stethoscope (A/N2), they're very expensive." She said bring Jonathon out of his thoughts. "You know some women find flowers romantic but not you. Give you a medical instrument and you're just as happy." Janet gave him a mock look of hurt then laughed. "...speaking of romance could you watch Cassandra tonight? Daniel and I need to talk about our wedding plans." Janet asked not wanting to impose but knew Jonathon wouldn't mind. "I don't mind at all Janet, I'll even make her breakfast in the morning." He replied finishing his coffee. "Thanks Jonathon, Daniel's been gone longer than I liked." She answered getting up. "I'm going to pack an overnight bag then leave." Janet added setting her cup in sink. "Don't talk too loud...some people would like to sleep tonight." He said grinning at her. Janet's blushed at her friends comment. He wasn't wrong so instead of responding she threw a dish towel at the man. "Just for that you can do the dishes smart ass." Jonathon just laughed as she left the kitchen. His thoughts went back to happier times, ones before it all fell apart. He was happy for Janet and Cassandra. Daniel seemed like a good man, one that would be there when he was on the hunt or buried on Boot Hill (A/N3).
Janet walked back into the kitchen with a small bag. Jonathon was looking at a picture he quickly put away after hearing her walk in. 'Hopefully with Pete out the picture now the two of them could get together.' She thought. Janet walked up as if she didn't see anything then spoke. "I suppose you heard what happened between Pete and Samantha today." Jonathon looked up after he added some sweetener (whiskey) form his flask (A/N4). "I did, he came into the saloon around 9:00. Just before I left Thelma and Pete went up stairs together, probably been cheating the whole time. The guy is lucky I didn't finish what Murray started." He answered. "Do you think he could have been the shooter?" she asked wondering because of what Samantha told her. "Thought crossed my mind. It would explain the bad aim." Jonathon replied then continued. "...go, get reacquainted with your fiancée. I'll see you two in the morning." She walked over giving the big lug a hug then left.
Jonathon finished his coffee then rinsed off the cup placing it in the sink. Turning off the lamp he yawned once more heading to bed but not before securing the house and checking on Cassie. Yes, home sounded good.
Janet walked into the Empty Arms Hotel being wave on by the overnight attendant. She entered the hallway leading to Daniels room noticing a young man entering a room. "...bout time you showed up, I was begging to wonder." The voice Janet heard could only belong to one woman, the snake. "Miss Simon, where are your clothes?" the young man asked making Janet stop. "On the floor were yours need to be!" Suanne answered then closed the door. "Great, now no one will get any sleep!" she thought out loud passing the snake's door tuning out the noise coming from within.
Daniel opened the door hugging Janet immediately. "I missed you so much!" he said kissing her softly closing the door behind them. "I missed you more..." she replied returning the kiss as the two lovers embraced each other forgetting about the outside world.
A/N1: Sam Malone is fictional character played by Ted Danson in the TV series Cheers. The first episode aired on September 30th, 1982 and ending after 11 seasons.
A/N2: The knight's Stethoscope is a modified version of the Cammann. The difference is a spring mechanism to keep the ear pieces opposed.
A/N3: Boot Hill (Boothill) is the name for any number of cemeteries in the western United States. During the 19th and early 20th century it was common name for the burial grounds of gunfighters or those who 'died' with their boots on (violently). The first known usage of the term was 5 years before Dodge City in Hays, Kansas.
A/N4: Small container that hold alcohol that you can drink from.
A/N5: The Blue Angels Home Coming Air show was awesome. The various performers such as GEICO Sky Typers, Air Force F-16 Falcon 'Viper' Demo Team, Jack Links: Screaming Sasquatch, Shock Wave (Jet Truck), Red Line and many more made the show extremely enjoyable. If any of you ever get a chance to attend one (AF Thunder Birds or Navy Blue Angels) do it. The static displays are great because most of the time you can actually touch them. Enjoy this chapter and have a great week.
LoneWolfO'Neill