The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 19: Forced Encounters
Valla raised an eyebrow surprised to see her friend out of bed let alone dressed up. Yesterday Samantha stood her ground almost getting slapped by a poor excuse of a beau. Teal'C stepped in at the right time to prevent any harm coming to Sam. She had waited until Pete left to run upstairs to her room slamming the door. Valla sympathized with her friend not wanting to be the center of attention. However the incident had made it around town like wildfire in some version or another. The actual truth getting lost as it was passed on.
The sheriff practically hid in his office all day only going out after dusk. Even then most people either ignored or gave him the cold shoulder. The rumor mill was saying that Sheriff Shanahan was on his way out. There was a city county meeting on Wednesday and some people were planning on pushing for his dismissal. The majority of the people wanted him gone based on his lack of progress on the rustling ring. Pete's treatment of Samantha only added fuel to the fire.
How the little girl convinced Samantha to get out of bed couldn't have been easy, yet she did. Cassandra smiled widely while twirling a blue parasol with her dog in tow. Samantha looked confident but to people who know her could see a hint of uneasiness. Stepping out in public after losing another beau would raise many an eyebrow. The fact she would be with the handsome bounty hunter and his niece would give some people reason to gossip more. Maybe she could convince Jacob to let her shadow them seeing everyone's reactions. That would be a cold day in hell Valla thought to herself.
"Where are you two off too this morning?" Valla asked walking over to them with her pigtails bouncing and a big smile. Cassandra kind of liked the crazy woman but still was a bit leery of her. She was loud and talked a lot. Momma said Valla could carry on a conversation all by herself. "Today is a big day for Cassie." Samantha replied moving her niece in front of her. Valla looked at the child giving her a friendly smile. She knew Cassie had reservations about her which she didn't fully understand. "What's so special about today Ms Frasier?" Valla asked the little girl. Cassandra looked at her aunt then the crazy lady. She stood up straight then adjusted her hat before answering. "Uncle Jack is letting me ride Thor all by myself today; he's one of my best friends besides Loki and Ray." Cassandra said with pride. Today was indeed an important day.
"I've heard about his horse. Sheppard Book said when your uncle road in he blocked out the morning sun casting a huge shadow." Valla replied exaggerating a bit causing Samantha to roll her eyes. She knew first hand at the shadow Jack and his horse created. The memory of seeing him ride past her window was etched in her mind. "Of course they do, they're both tall Miss Valla. I'm going to marry me a man like Uncle Jon one day." Cassie stated confidently. "Why do you want to marry a man like your uncle Cassandra?" Samantha asked curiously.
Valla wanted to know too. The bounty hunter was handsome with dangerous side to him. If she wasn't dating Cameron she'd climb that man like a tree. Valla could see Samantha had the same idea as her. Her friend just didn't fully realize it yet. "...because he's funny and nice, plus he gives the best hugs. Uncle Jack also protects Mom and me." Cassie responded being serious. Valla laughed a little seeing Samantha eyes betray her. She apparently had mischievous thought go through her mind.
"I only give the best hugs for those I care about little one." Jack said stepping quietly stepping beside Samantha and his niece. They both jumped almost having their hearts stop at his sudden appearance. Samantha gave Valla a hard stare causing her to laugh. She saw the man walk out with Jacob right behind him but didn't say a word.
"Uncle Jon, you scared us. My heart jumped!" Cassandra said turning around to look at her uncle who was smiling. "That was the ideal little one. So you ready to go visit Thor and Homer?" he asked then looked at Samantha. She was dressed in a nice blue dress that fit her nicely.
Jacob stood beside his daughter glad that she was out of bed and hopefully on her way to forgetting about Pete. Cassie must have convinced Sammy to go watch her ride Thor. Maybe God did send her after all.
"Yes sir, I am. Do you mind if Aunt Sam joins us?" the little girl asked giving her uncle puppy dog eyes. Loki chose to let his opinion be known by barking at the big man. Samantha began to have doubts about her decision. This was a bad idea, there'd surely be rumors spread as soon as they were spotted together. Jack looked at his niece then Samantha bouncing on the heels of his boots. "I reckon she can join us little one. However she's not dressed for riding though." He said knowing good and well Samantha was planning on watching only. "I don't have to go Mr. Wayne if you pref..." Samantha started to say only to be cut off by her father. "Nonsense, you go out and watch Cassie, It'll do you good to get out of that room." Jacob told his daughter squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "I agree, you need to go out and not worry about others say or think." Valla added encouraging her friend. "I don't know Dad...don't you need help?" Samantha asked looking for an out while biting her lower lip.
"You said you'd come Aunt Sam...Please come." Cassie asked hoping her aunt wouldn't back out. "We'll be fine Sammy." Her father stated then gave a light glare at Valla willing her to back to work. "It'll be fun Miss Carter; I could show you and Cassie some tricks I taught Thor." Jack added giving her a disarming smile. "You should go Samantha...and I should get back to work. Don't have too much fun!" Valla replied walking back towards the front. "I guess I have no choice now do I Cassandra." Samantha answered looking at Jack getting lost in his chocolate brown eyes blushing lightly. "...nope! No choice at all." Her niece answered with a grin. "Then it's settled Mr. Wayne, take good care of my daughter for me. Don't let anything happen to her." Jacob said giving the bounty hunter a nod of approval. "...sure thing dad." He answered attempting to ease the situation through his special brand of sarcasm.
Jack could swear by the look on Jacobs face he just got permission to court Samantha. He could be wrong but his gut said otherwise. The three of them walked outside stopping briefly so Jack could put his hat on. Samantha smiled as Cassandra mimicked her uncle adjusting the hat properly. "Shall we Miss Carter?" he asked giving her a unsure grin. "Lead the way Mr. Wayne." She replied with an equally unsure grin. They were definitely on thin ice right now. The town gossips are going to turn this innocent outing into a scandal. He didn't care how it looked personally. However it did concern him when it came to Sam, she deserved the benefit of the doubt.
Samantha walked beside Jack using her parasol to block the morning sun. The butterflies from before had returned. Cassie skipped in front of the two adults happy as could be. Two of her favorite people were spending part of their day with her.
"So tell me about Thor Mr. Wayne, how tall is he for starters?" Samantha asked making 'safe' conversation. She knew the horse was tall because Jacks head was almost level with the awning from what she seen Sunday morning. "Thor is a Belgian pure breed standing 17 hands (A/N1) tall. I purchased him a few weeks after being born. Thor is real strong and smart for a horse." He answered then continued on telling her a story about the horse. Both Samantha and Cassie listened to him. The pride Jack had in Thor was evident. Sam laughed when Jack told them about getting in a tug of war with a self righteous colonel (A/N2). Jack obviously won by his smile. Cassie giggled which caused her to follow suit. "No giggling ladies." He had replied making them giggle harder.
They reached Murrays Stables a little after 9:00 due to some window shopping. Cassie had seen some fancy boots while Samantha eyed a pair of black 'Ladies Half French Heel' shoes. Jack made a mental note for Cassie's birthday and Sam just because.
"Were here Uncle Jon, I can't wait to see them both." Cassie said jumping for joy then paused to think. "...do you think they'll remember me?" she asked the two adults. "I'm sure they will Cassandra, they're your friends aren't they?" Samantha answered in a soft voice. Loki lay at Jacks feet then sniffed the air looking around. "Your Aunt isn't wrong little one. They'll never forget you. Why don't you two go inside while I smoke the last of my cigar?" Jack spoke giving Samantha a reassuring smile. She nodded getting the feeling something was off and that it would be best if they were inside. "Okay Uncle Jon, let's go Aunt Sam." She replied opening the door so they could enter.
Jack watched them go inside with Loki staying at his side. He took a few puffs then looked at the dog. "Go get him Loki!" Jack said watching the dog run around the corner quickly. He followed Loki watching him corner a very surprised ranch hand. "What the hell! Down boy, down..." The man in question was pinned against the adjacent building by Loki. The dog had his paws on the man's chest growling lowly. The unknown man leaned his head back to get some distance from Loki's muzzle. "Colonel O'Neill, please call off your dog. I'm not a threat to you or the women." Jack paused momentarily giving the man a hard look.
He had never seen the kid before now. Very few people knew his actual name or back ground. Kowalski was one of the few that did know. Jack changed his name after leaving the U.S. Calvary to hide his shame. Losing his family to an Indian raid drove him over the edge. Vengeance led him to do some unforgivable things, so much so that his scalp (A/N3) was worth 15 horses to the Comanche.
"Start talking mister, my dog hasn't been fed yet." It was a white lie but the point got across. The man showed great concern as all color drained from his face. Jack tapped his cigar against the wall then walked closer un-strapping leather holding his colt in place. "My boss, Mr. Morrison, (A/N4) told me about you sir. He mentioned that you declined to join his organization after leaving the Calvary." What the man said was all true. Mr. Morrison led the local Texas Rangers where he used to live. He was very persistent to say the least. This young man was being vague for a reason. He must be working undercover and didn't want anyone to find out.
"Can you prove it or do I have to take you at your word?" Jack asked eyeing the young ranger. "If I may sir, I'll reach into my right pocket and give you proof." He replied not making a move until allowed. Mr. Morrison wasn't lying about O'Neill's distrustful side. Losing his family really did drive the man close to the edge. "Loki, sit!" the dog complied but stayed close enough to jump into action. "Move real slow kid, no sudden moves or you'll lose more than a hand." Jack ordered calmly looking the young man dead in the eyes.
Jeremy reached into his pocked pulling out his badge then tossed it to Col. O'Neill. Jack caught the badge with his left hand then studied it. The man was telling the truth which explained his reluctance to tell him out right. Being overheard by the wrong person would be a death sentence. Jack tossed it back to the ranger who was likely gathering evidence on Mr. Williams. "You got my attention kid now make it quick before someone shows up." Loki kept his attention on the man waiting for his master's order to pounce.
"Mr. Williams has requested that you escort Miss Serra to his place tonight. He also wants to meet you personally. You're smart man so you can gather why. What I need you to..." Jeremy started to say then corrected himself. Col. O'Neill wasn't one to make mad. The fact his dog was still ready to act also made him rethink his words. "...what I would like you to do is bring back information that I can't. My informant will make contact with you later tonight." He answered putting his hands back up after catching the badge. Jeremy didn't want to provoke the older man or Loki. "Providing your telling the truth how will I know who your informant is? I'm sure the man has many people working for him." Jack asked getting the feeling of trouble lurking around the corner. "She'll make herself known to you without raising any suspicion. You'll have to take my word for it." Jeremy explained hoping he could lower his arms soon. They were going numb from not moving.
"I'll help only because we have the same goal. Don't put your hands down until Loki leaves, he's a might touchy about hands being near pistols." Jack told the young ranger then backed out of the alley then called for Loki. The ranger watched the dog turn the corner with relief. Jeremy put his arms down finally letting out the breath he was holding. 'My ass, you're the touchy one' he muttered under his breath glad the encounter was over. Mr. Morrison never said anything about a dog...must be his way of getting back for hitting on his daughter. Jeremy rubbed his arms then decided a drink was in order. With Col. O'Neill's help the case should be closed soon and he could return home.
"Isn't Thor beautiful Aunt Sam?" Cassandra asked as she watched Mr. Murray saddle the horse up after feeding him a few apples. "Yes he is, Thor is a perfect name for him." Samantha replied as Teal'Cs son tightened up the saddle cinch (A/N5). "Indeed, Mr. Wayne's steed is exceptionally strong. Thor can pull more weight than Lucy." Murray said checking his sons work finding it done properly. "Lucy will have competition at the next rodeo if Mr. Wayne decides to stop drifting." He added going to work on shortening the stirrups (A/N6) for the little girl."What makes you think he would stop bounty hunting Teal'C?" Samantha asked as she watched Ray and Cassandra brush Thor. Teal'C stopped adjusting the stirrups to look at his friend. "If a man wonders in the wilderness for too long they will become lost. All men have to put roots down eventually and rejoin society." He answered then went back to work. Teal'C never ceased to amaze her with his wisdom. Maybe Jack would decide to put roots down here. He had good reason to with Janet and Cassie being here, maybe more she though.
Thinking of Jack Samantha wondered what was keeping the man. The excuse of wanting to finish a cigar was just that, an excuse. She knew that much. He sent the two of them inside for their protection, but from whom? Could Pete be following them looking for revenge? There were no gun shots or sounds of an argument. Whoever was following them either couldn't be found or got knocked out like Pete did? Maybe she should go out and check on Jack just in case.
Her father insisted she carry a Remington pocket pistol (A/N7) in her purse for protection. While it was very evident Jack could take care of himself a little help never hurt. Samantha felt a slight tug on her arm getting her attention. "Aunt Sam, could you go get Uncle Jack. Thor is almost ready for me to ride." Cassie asked wondering what her aunt was thinking about. "I'll go check right now Cassie. He had more than enough time to finish his smelly cigar." Samantha answered making her niece giggle. "Why do men smoke stinky thinks like cigars?" Cassie added wanting to know. Her momma said they were unhealthy. "...because men don't know any better. That's why we have to remind them constantly." She replied patting the little girl on the head.
Samantha opened the door to walk outside an instant before Jack did catching him a bit off guard. Loki shot inside through the small gap causing Jack to lose balance. Samantha equally being surprised at the dogs quickness didn't react fast enough as the man she was looking for started to fall. Their eyes met each knowing what was happening but neither could move out of the way. Jack had just enough time to grab Samantha by the waist then twist so he'd land on his back sparing hers. They landed with a thud as jack let out a groan from the impact.
Samantha let out a un-lady like squeak as she landed on top of Jack her head resting in the crook of his right shoulder. They laid there on the floor each too stunned to move. Samantha regained some of her senses propping herself up partially then looked into his chocolate brown eyes. The two of them stared into each other eyes until the sounds of people approaching. She leaned up straddling his waist while he still had not let go of hers.
"...are the two of you okay?" asked a female voice belonging to Teal'Cs wife, Dry'ac. They both turned to look at her holding a cleaning rag indicating she came from the office. "Everything is peachy ma'am...how about you Sam?" he answered not realizing the compromising position they were in. "We're okay, Jack broke my fall Dry'ac." She said looking from Teal'Cs wife to Jack. "I can see that, you two look...comfortable." she said smirking at the two.
"Comfortable, what do you mean? My back hurts a bit but I've had worse. Are you okay Sam?" Jack then asked the women on his lap. "I'm fine Jack; your quick reflexes saved me from landing on my back." Samantha answered then moved her hip a little then froze. 'Holly Hanna, she was sitting on Jacks lap!' She immediately understood her friends question turning beat red. Samantha realized Jack had grabbed her by the waist and hadn't moved his hands yet.
Ry'ac asked his dad in a hushed voice "Why is Miss Carter sitting on Mr. Wayne's lap." Cassie looked over at the two adults with a curious look on her face. Samantha knew that look and what was coming next. Her niece was about to ask the very same question but out loud. This prompted Samantha to act quickly getting off Jacks lap causing him to let out another small groan. Jack came to the same conclusion letting go of her waist all be it reluctantly.
"Loki caused them to lose balance and Mr. Wayne didn't want Miss Carter to get hurt. He did the chivalrous thing took the fall for her like a man should." Teal'C answered explaining it to his young and impressionable son. "Loki, bad dog! You could've hurt them." Cassie admonished her dog. He looked down letting out a soft whine not liking being reprimanded. Loki laid down covering his nose trying to hide but failing miserably.
With Cassandra distracted Samantha stood up then brushed herself off. Jack stood up next turning around to hide his physical reaction to Carter being on top of him. "He's right Ray, I didn't want Miss Carter to get hurt." Dry'ac stifled a laugh knowing exactly what the bounty hunter was doing. This was going to be fun she thought. "Are you sure you okay Jack, maybe Janet should check you out. That was a hard fall." Samantha said placing her hand on his shoulder. "Yeah, I'm fine Sam...just give me a minute to stretch." He said easing Samantha's concerns. "Maybe Samantha could give you a back rub to help you Mr. Wayne, you know to work out the sore spots." Dry'ac added smiling widely making her friend blush again. Teal'C looked at his wife but she just ignored him enjoying the moment.
"Like I said, I've had worse falls than this. I'll walk it off and be all better." Jack replied turning around satisfied it wasn't obvious any longer how turned on he was. "You sure Uncle Jack, momma can fix you right up like she always does." Cassie asked then looked at Loki acting all innocent. "I'm sure little one, now let's go see Thor, I'm sure he's waiting impatiently." He answered smiling at Samantha then walking over Cassandra picking her up. "Yay...This is going to be fun Uncle Jack." She exclaimed putting her arms around Jack. Teal'C gave his wife a pointed look making her decide not make any further comments. Dry'ac smiled sweetly then when back into the office but not before g dragging Samantha with her.
With the others out of earshot and the door closed Dry'ac and eyed her friend. "What, it was an accident Dry'ac. I was going out to see why it was taking Jack so long...honest!" Samantha said placing her arms under her chest with a harrumph. "Oh I believe you Sam, but you can't deny not enjoying sitting on the handsome bounty hunters lap." Dry'ac replied back smiling widely. "What was there to enjoy, we fell and he caught me ...that's it." Samantha answered hoping that would satisfy her friend but knew it wouldn't. "Judging from both of your reactions I'd say different." Dry'ac said then pointed at Samantha's chest. Samantha blushed again glad only her friend noticed.
Damn, why did Jack have to be so handsome and nice? He had her running in circles since Sunday morning. Now Jack made her body do things Pete couldn't do. "Don't worry Samantha, I won't tell a soul. He is a really handsome man, go for it. What do you have to lose?" she asked then continued. "The sheriff wasn't right for you but this guy is perfect. Maybe next time you can sit on his lap for all the right reasons." Dry'ac said wiggling her eyebrows. "Oh, behave yourself. I got to go or Cassandra will send Jack to fetch me." Samantha answered as she reached for the door knob. "...and how is that a bad thing how?" Dry'ac replied with a devil may care smile. "Samantha, are you in there? Cassie won't get on Thor until your there too." They heard the bounty hunter say after knocking on the door. Samantha just pointed a finger at her good friend before opening the door and leaving. Dry'ac went back to cleaning with a huge smile on her face. She just knew today was going to be a good one.
A/N1: The 'Hand' method of measurement goes back to ancient times. One 'hand' equals 4" or 10.16cm (Standardized). You measure from the ground to the shoulders to get a horse height.
A/N2: Men would tie ropes to each other's saddle horns then try and pull the other off their horse, aka 'Tug of War'.
A/N3: The number of 'Scalps & horses' an Indian brave owned increased their status within the tribe. It was a symbol of how great a warrior they were.
A/N4: Marion Robert Morrison is John Wayne's birth name. John Ford suggested he change it for better recognition.
A/N5: The 'cinch' is the belt that goes around a horse's belly. The cinch holds the saddle in place while riding.
A/N6: The 'Stirrup' is where cowboy's feet go when mounting/riding a horse.
A/N7: The Remington Model 95 was in production from 1866-1935 with over 150,000 produced. It featured a tip up barrel with and over/under configuration.
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