The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 18: Mission from God
Cassie padded into the kitchen stretching her arms as she yawned. Loki stretched beside her then walked over by Jonathon sniffing the air. The smell of bacon had his undivided attention. "Where's momma Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked adjusting her night shirt as she sat down at the table. "She stepped out to go collect Daniel leaving me to start breakfast sleepy head." He answered while feeding Loki a piece of bacon. That wasn't the truth but Cassie didn't need to know the real reason. "I'm not a sleepy head Uncle Jon, I just slept in." Cassie said yawning once more. "...so you were burning day light then!" he replied turning to look at his niece.
The bacon sizzled and cracked getting the nearly 9 year olds attention. Her stomach growled as she swung her legs back and forth under the table. "How do you burn daylight Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked getting up to let Loki outside. He had reluctantly left the stove to stand by the door; the food should still be there if he was quick. "By sleeping in when there are chores and such to do, that's how." Jonathon answered placing the bacon on a plate then starting the sausage. "...but I'm still a kid and momma say's I need my sleep to grow." She replied watching her dog wonder around after doing his business. "She's not wrong little one but I bet your friend Ray was up at the crack of dawn doing chores!" Jonathon answered making his niece think for a moment. "I have chores to Uncle Jon; I do them during the week so I can rest like God did on the 7th day." Cassie replied letting her dog back inside. "So do you have any chores to do today?" he asked looking over his shoulder at his niece playing with her dog. She stopped petting Loki to think much to his dismay. "Just clean my room and get dressed." Cassie answered going back to having fun. "...don't you think you should go do that before momma gets home?" Jonathon asked looking at her again. "Do I have to Uncle Jon?" she half whined getting into a tug of war with Loki. "Suit yourself, that means less time to visit with Thor and Homer." He replied getting her attention. "Do I get to ride Thor this time Uncle Jon? You said when I get older and I'll be 9 soon." Cassie asked excitedly. "That depends on if you do your chores or not little one." Her uncle answered with a smirk. He knew his niece all too well. "Come on Loki, let's go clean our room." Cassie said running out of the kitchen with her dog right behind her.
Fifteen minutes later Jonathon heard the front door open along with Loki running to see who it was. Jonathon went to retrieve one of his Colt pistols hanging on the wall. He put them there for quick access and to be out of reach for Cassie. She knew better but kids are sometimes too curious for their own good.
"...down boy, no jumping on people Loki." Jonathon heard Janet admonish the dog. Since it was a false alarm he went back to cooking. "It's okay Janet; he's just excited to see us." Daniel said bending down getting dog kisses. Cassandra entered shortly after running up to her mother. "Momma, I did my chores already." She informed her mother hugging her tightly then hugged Daniel. "You did, are you running a fever?" Janet asked placing her hand on the child's forehead. "I'm fine momma; Uncle Jon said he'd take me to see my friends." Daniel laughed at his soon to be daughter's facial expression. It reminded him of Janet's right down to the hands on her hips. "Which friends is your uncle taking you to see Cassandra?" Daniel asked wondering who they were. To his knowledge he met all of them. "Thor and Homer of course...I can have four legged friends too, right Loki!" she answered getting a bark from him. "...of course you can Cassie, sometimes they are the best kind." He answered patting the young girls head making her smile a toothy grin.
Jonathon poked his head around the corner watching the exchange.The scene reminded him of his family and their interactions, good memories that they were. "Breakfast will be ready soon campers, so if you want to eat you'd better get in here. I'm a might hungry myself." He said then disappeared back into the kitchen. Cassie turned on a dime and ran into the kitchen with Loki on her heels. She was hungry and didn't want her uncle eating all the bacon or susage. "...no running in the..." Janet started to say but Cassie had already entered the kitchen. "I think she's hungry Janet. To think of it so am I. You did keep me up late after all." Daniel quipped making her blush a deep red. "...oh be quite, I didn't hear any complaints from you last night." She responded only to be silenced with a kiss. "Momma, Uncle Jon won't give me any bacon." Janet heard Cassie yell. The scene she saw upon entering the kitchen made Daniel and her laugh. Jonathon was holding the bacon just out of reach while eating some of it as Loki danced around his feet. His inner child always came out around when around her daughter or kids in general. She would've loved to seen him before losing his family. He finally let her have some as the five of them settled in for a very tasty breakfast.
Daniel followed Jonathon into the sitting room after eating. Janet insisted on doing the dishes since he cooked, with Cassandra's help of course. "Have you thought about my offer to write about you? I won't stretch the truth like the dime novels do." Daniel asked cleaning his glasses watching the bounty hunter closely. He didn't fully trust the gun slinger but Janet did so he'd just find out more about the man. The man in question lit his cigar taking a couple puffs of it. "Why do you want to write about me so much, my life isn't that extraordinary." Jonathon asked offering a cigar to the younger man. "To be perfectly honest Mr. Wayne I've read the dime Novels about you and others, they come across as exaggerated. I prefer facts over fiction." Daniel answered taking the offered cigar. "Have you considered the stories are that way for a reason?" Jonathon asked lighting the younger mans cigar then shaking the match out. "I have, they exaggerate them to sell copies or make a hero out of an ordinary person." He replied taking a puff then promptly coughing. Jonathon just grinned a bit holding back a chuckle wondering if he could hold his liquor as well.
"You're not wrong professor; I'm both so there's no reason to bore people to death." Jonathon confirmed hoping this would end the discussion. He really didn't see himself as anything special. Bounty hunting was just a gritty job that someone had to do. "...are you going to be okay there professor?" Jonathon asked as the man took a drink of tea. "Yeah, I'll be okay. How do you smoke these things, their nasty?" Daniel replied coughing some more. "Simple, take small puffs not large ones when you first start. I figured an intelligent man like you would've known this." The bounty hunter ribbed Janet's beau. "Just because I'm an intellectual doesn't mean I smoke." He responded coughing a bit more. "So you don't sit in overstuffed chairs smoking a pipe while reading 'War & Peace' (A/N1)?" Jonathon asked just to rile him up; Janet's beau was just too easy. Plus it was fun to boot. "...are you always like this after eating?" Daniel asked putting the cigar out.
"Jonathon only acts this way when he actually likes someone, feel privileged...professor." Janet interceded walking in on the two men's conversation. "I'm honored!" Daniel replied rolling his eyes mockingly. "Hey... two on one isn't fair fight Jan!" he crooned making the other two adults laugh. "...what is so funny?" Cassie asked walking in the room wearing clothing more appropriate for riding. "We are just poking fun at your papa little one. I see your mom made you change." Jonathon said putting his cigar out not wanting to smoke in front of his niece. "Do you need help papa?" Cassandra asked trying to sound serious. "I can handle them Cass, but thanks for the offer. If I do need help I'll let you know." He said standing up and kissing Janet making Cassie make a funny face. "Gross..." was the little girls only response.
Jonathon stood as well patting the little girl on the head. "Get used to it; once they're married it'll happen all the time." he told her walking into the kitchen to get his gun belt that was hanging on the wall. "Can we leave now Uncle Jon? I want to stop by and see Aunt Sam, momma said she was sad." Cassie asked wanting to put her hat on but waited impatiently. "That was the idea little one, too much lovey dovey going on for my taste. How about you?" he asked walking back into the room "I agree...I love you momma and papa. I'll see you for lunch." She said giving each of them a hug before walking outside.
"It normally takes till 11:30 to give the women their checkups. That's one thing Maybourne is good about, he keeps them healthy. The other bar in town leaves it up to the women though." Janettold her friend then continued."Thanks for volunteering to watch her, let me know if she misbehaves." Janet added grateful for his help. "It's not a problem Janet; I enjoy being led around by an eight year old girl. It keeps my ego in check." Jonathon responded stepping out the door silhouetted by the morning sun casting a shadow in the sitting room. "Don't have too much fun and tell Sam Hi for me." She replied watching him put his hat on then leave with her daughter.
"Cassandra has him wrapped around her little finger doesn't she?" Daniel asked walking over to get his bowler hat. "...and that's not a bad thing at all." Janet said giving him one last kiss before they both left the house. "I suppose not from what I have seen." He said closing the door behind them. "...wait a minute, he didn't answer my question! Jonathon distracted me with the cigar!" Daniel realized stopping in his tracks. "Try playing chess with the man, he's always three moves ahead of you." Janet said looping her arm in his with a smile.
"...Uncle Jon, why don't you want Papa to write about you?" Cassie asked as they walked to Carter's General Store. Jonathon thought for a minute thinking how to properly answer her question. "It's not that I don't want him to little one. I just don't believe I'm on the same level as Wild Bill Hickok, Jessie James or General Sherman. My...'adventures' don't hold water next to people like that." He answered as they walked. Some of the town folk still didn't cotton to his presence judging from the looks on their faces. Cassie didn't notice as she was focused on what her uncle was saying. Loki kept pace trailing behind them eyeing everyone they passed. "I believe in you and so does momma." She answered making Jonathon feel loved. "Why do you want my story told little one?" he asked already knowing part of the answer. "Papa teaches us about people who did great things big and small. You saved me Uncle Jon, and others. That's what momma says." She replied in a serious tone. "...and you think that makes me worthy of being written about." He asked stopping to look at his niece. Cassie stopped as well looking up at her uncle. "Yes I do and so does momma." Jonathon was taken back at his niece's seriousness. She actually believed his story was important. "How can I argue with that kind of logic?" he said mostly to himself. "You can't, so now you have to let Papa write your story." Cassie replied leaving no room for argument. "Your right, I'll let him know later tonight. Let's get going, we don't have all day little one." He told her as they continued on.
They arrived at Carters General Store finding it still closed. Loki scratched at the door then looked up at Cassandra winning a little. "What do we do now Uncle Jon? The store isn't open yet." She asked disappointed at their dilemma. "We knock Cassie, I'm sure Mr. Carter won't mind letting you in to talk with Aunt Sam." He told her with a reassuring smile. Jonathon looked inside seeing some movement then knocked. Cassandra looked at Loki wondering if Mr. Carter would let him visit Aunt Sam too. He didn't like having dogs inside his business.
The blinds moved to the side reveling Mr. Carter. He looked at Jonathon then Cassandra and smiled. The door opened much to Cassandra's delight. "Mr. Wayne and little Miss Frasier, what can I do for you? We don't open for another 20 minutes." Jacob said looking at his pocket watch noting it was nearing 8:00. Cassie looked from her uncle to Mr. Carter not knowing if she should speak up. "Does the cat got your tongue little one, ask Mr. Carter if you can visit with your aunt?" Jonathon told his niece pushing her forward. She had no reason to be shy around the man. "Mr. Carter, sir. My momma told me about what the big meanie did to Aunt Sam. Can we go up to cheer her up?" She asked hopefully while indicating Loki in the 'we' part. Jacob looked at the young girl and her dog then to the bounty hunter pondering the question.
"My daughter hasn't left her room since yesterday. The sheriff really hurt her, could've been worse had it not been for Teal'C. Sammy needs some cheering up and I'm sure the two of you can put a smile on her face, go right up Miss Frasier." He replied stepping out of the way with a soft smile. "Thanks Mr. Carter, I promise Loki will behave. Come on Loki, were on a 'Mission from God'." She said running to the back area where the stairs lead up to the living quarters. They passed Valla in a blur almost making the women drop some new dresses from Miss Martin.
Both Jacob and Jonathon watched the little girl run through the store with her dog barking happily. Jacob chuckled at Cassie's last comment. "Thanks for bringing her by Mr. Wayne; Sammy really can use her company." He said closing the door behind the man. "To be honest sir it was Cassandra's idea. We were headed this way anyhow." Jonathon replied following the older man into his office. Valla waved to him as she hung up the dresses. He tipped his hat returning the greeting.
"None the less, thank you. I've wanted to talk with you anyways." Jacob informed the bounty hunter offering him a seat. Jack placed his Stetson on the hat rack as he entered the office. "Would you like a drink Mr. Wayne? I have top shelf whiskey all the way from St. Louis." He offered getting two glasses blowing out the dust. "That sounds good Mr. Carter. What did you want to talk to me about?" Jonathon asked taking the seat in front of the desk. Jacob poured two drinks the set the bottle down between them as he sat down. "I'll get right to the point Mr. Wayne. I want to know exactly why you're in Haven. The fact that you know Dr. Frasier and her daughter is a valid reason in of its self. There's a bigger reason though and we need to know." Jonathon eyed the older man closely then took a drink. He had every right to ask that question even if it was annoying. "First off who is 'we' and why do 'we' need to know?" he countered. Jonathon wasn't just going to tell Mr. Carter without knowing who wanted to know.
The people involved in the rustling could be anyone. "Fair enough question Mr. Wayne. The 'we' are Malcolm Reynolds, George Hammond, the mayor and I. The rest are concerned ranchers, business owners and town folk who shall remain unnamed for now, does that answer your first question?" Jacob asked getting a nod from the bounty hunter. "Our town depends on the ranchers and farmers for its existence and vice versa." He replied taking a drink before continuing. "You're a smart man so you know if one group has problems so does the other. Neither group can survive without the other. The problem needs to be solved before it's too late. So I'll be direct...are you working for the rustlers as a decoy?" Jonathon could see the concern in the older man's face. This was evidence enough he wasn't on the take.
"Mr. Carter, I'm here because my friend Charles Kowalski asked for my help. He wrote me while I was working as a tracker for the Calvary. Kowalski believes his boss is funneling information to Mr. Williams about the ranchers and farmers activities. He can't prove it nor would anyone believe a drunk. I'm on your side sir and I will resolve this problem." Jonathon answered pouring another drink. "What makes our problem a concern of yours besides Kowalski's request?" Jacob asked wanting more clarification even though he believed the bounty hunter. "Years ago I had a ranch and family to take care of. I understand what the others and you are facing. Let's leave it at that for now Mr. Carter." He responded not willing to explain further. "Okay Mr. Wayne, next question then. Do you have any evidence pointing or leading to other people that might be involved?" Jacob asked refilling their glasses. "I only have a working theory right now. However I do have possible evidence leading me to believe your former sheriff was murdered." Jonathon said getting Jacobs's full undivided attention. "You got my attention Mr. Wayne, keep talking." He replied hoping the bounty hunter had something solid. Sheriffs Barkley's untimely death hit everyone hard. Many suspected foul play but didn't say anything.
(Samantha's Room same time) Samantha awoke to what sounded like Cassie and her dog. That couldn't be right because Dad doesn't allow dogs in the store for one. Two, Cassie rarely goes out by herself unless she has no choice. "Aunt Sam, wake up! You're burning daylight!" Cassie yelled while knocking on her aunt's door. Loki jumped on the door barking attempting to help his friend wake up the flower lady. She heard it again as she sat up in her bed. Samantha didn't want to see or talk to anyone, Cassandra included. Pete really hurt her, more so than she let on. He didn't want a wife; he wanted a doormat with social status. Tears fell down already red eyes from crying the night before as she covered her head with a pillow. Maybe Cassie would just leave. "Aunt Sam, wake up! We're not going anywhere so wake up sleepy head!" Cassie said trying to get her aunts attention once again.
Samantha sighed knowing her niece wouldn't leave. Cassie was stubborn as her mother. All hope of hiding from the world was gone now. Samantha had no choice but to face the facts, she was destined to be a spinster (A/N2) at this rate. The one positive is people still loved her unconditionally just like Cassie. "
"Give me a minute Cassandra; I need to get dressed first." Samantha said pushing the covers off her. To be truthful she didn't want her niece to see her this way. Having her father see her like this again was bad enough. He would've gone done to the jail had she not stopped him. She told him that the bastard wasn't worth the cost of a bullet, Jacob disagreed but relented. "Okay, but be quick...Uncle Jon is taking me to see Thor and Homer." Cassie replied sitting against the wall. Samantha stopped in her tracks hearing the Jack was there. She definitely didn't want him to see her all puffy eyed after crying all night. What he said yesterday was the reason she stood her ground. Samantha didn't want Jack to thinks she was weak. Men like him respected strength, strength of heart more than physical. She went about getting ready making herself presentable applying a little bit of makeup. Samantha decided to let Cassandra in to help pick a dress out. Maybe the little girl would let information on her uncle slip out while helping. Why she wanted to look presentable for Jack perplexed her to no end. He would just leave to hunt down more bounties soon anyway.
Samantha opened the door taking in the scene before her. Loki had his head on Cassie's lap while she talked to him. "Hey Cassie, think you could help me pick out a dress to wear for today?" Her niece's eyes lit up at the prospect. "Can Loki help to Aunt Sam?" Sam nodded with a smile holding the door open in her slip. "You hear that Loki, we get to help." Cassandra walked over to her aunts standing closet eyeing the dresses. "Which one do you think I should wear today?" She asked before sitting down to brush her blond hair. Loki in the mean time walked over to sit at her feet wagging his tail lightly. "You should wear the light blue one Aunt Sam, it'll match Uncle Jon's shirt." Cassie suggested with confidently. Samantha raised an eyebrow turning to look at the little girl. Her niece was up to something, just like Janet. "Is there a reason I need to 'match' your uncle's outfit?" she asked folding her arms under her chest. Cassie nodded as she examined the dress in question again. "...aren't you going to tell me why?" Samantha asked getting up to look at the dress.
The dress wasn't one a woman would wear to work in. It was more appropriate for walking around the town with a beau. This dress was one of her favorites; she even had a parasol from out east to match. Cassie looked at her feet shuffling them a bit then looked up. "...because you should come with us to meet my friends Thor and Homer?" She answered politely. Cassie agreed with her mother, Uncle Jon and Aunt Sam looked good together. "Just who are Thor and Homer and why do I need to meet them?" Samantha asked bending down to her niece's level. Loki watched from his resting spot enjoying being lazy after walking all the way here. "Thor is Uncle Jon's horse; he's really tall and strong. Homer is a pack mule but really smart. Uncle Jon is letting me ride Thor all by myself today because I'm a big girl and I want you there too." Cassie said giving her aunt a toothy smile then continued. "Please come, Aunt Sam, maybe he'll let you ride Thor too. When he runs it sounds like thunder!" she added with a hopeful look. "Do you think he'd mind me joining the two of you? Maybe your uncle wants to just spend time with you." Samantha asked standing up the reaching for the blue dress. "Uncle Jon won't mind." Her niece replied with confidence.
Samantha went about getting dressed feeling odd. She had no plans to go out in public so soon yet after losing another beau. What would people say about being seen with the bounty hunter? Would the town's folk think badly of her? Would it even matter at the end of the day? Samantha couldn't deny there she felt attracted to Jack after spending a little bit of time with him. Maybe Jack felt the same way but was holding back out of respect. She'd have to speak with Sheppard Book later on, maybe he could help her sort things out. Samantha needed to stop thinking along these lines; a change in topic was in order.
"You do know Thor is named after a Viking God and Homer is named after a Greek author." Sam said while adjusting her dress. "Daniel told me stories about them. I think Uncle Jon would make a good Viking, don't you." Cassandra asked while playing with the parasol. An image of Jack in traditional Viking attire and a sword popped into Samantha's mind. She also smiled at the thought of him in a helmet with horns on it. "I think he'd make a great Viking Cassie although pillaging might not be his favorite past time." she answered watching her niece parade around the bedroom with Loki right behind her. "Me neither, he would stay behind and protect the women and children." The little girl said stopping by the window.
Samantha watched her niece look out the window then stick her tongue out at somebody. "Who are you sticking your tongue out at Cassie?" She asked curious as to who it was. "The big meanie sheriff, I never liked him Aunt Sam." The little girl answered looking down hoping it didn't hurt her aunt's feelings. Samantha walked over then kneeled down to eye level with Cassie. "It's okay if you didn't like him; you're not going to hurt my feelings by being honest." She told her niece making her smile another toothy grin. "...so I can ask Uncle Jon to beat him up for making you sad then." Cassandra asked with a serious look.
Samantha was taken back for a moment. Her niece was completely serious. Yes Pete hurt her badly. The fact that several men, and some women, would be willing to teach her former beau a lesson surprised her. Now her 8 year old niece was willing to ask her uncle to beat up Pete. In the back of Samantha's mind she could see Jack doing such a thing in defense of her honor...just like a knight of old.
"That won't be necessary Cassandra; he'll get what's coming to him when the time is right." Samantha answered going back to getting dressed. "He'd do it if I asked though, just say the word Aunt Sam." She replied following her aunt while twirling the parasol. "I'll think about it, will that do?" Cassie nodded satisfied with the answer. "Help me finish getting dressed and I'll go see your friends, Thor and Homer." The little girl smiled broadly glad that her aunt was going with them. Hopefully Uncle Jon would make her smile again. "Thank you Aunt Sam, we'll need to bring some apples...they love apples." Cassie said as she went about helping happily. Yesterdays sadness slipped away slowly without her knowledge as she hummed softly. Maybe going with them was just what she needed Samantha to herself.
A/N1: The novel 'War & Peace' was written by the Leo Tolstoy, a Russian citizen. It was published in 1869.
A/N2: Spinster is a term used for unmarried women. Typically a older women beyond the usual age for marriage.
A/N: The holidays and work kept me too busy. My niece's puppy didn't help matters either, still doesn't'. Such is life though. Hop y'all had a great holiday season.
LoneWolfO'Niell