The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 20: Dancing Horses & Musical Chairs
"Now listen up Thor, Cassie will riding you not me. I don't want to see any horsing around. That means no running, jumping fences or back talking her...understand?" Jack whispered in the horse's ear. Thor whinnied as if in agreement eyeing the red apple in his owner's hand. "Good, after she's done riding we can show them some of the tricks I taught you." Jack gave Thor the apple then continued talking."See that blonde headed lady over there with Cassie. That's Samantha; she's going through a rough patch so I want to cheer her up some. Think you're up to that Thor?" Thor looked over his master's shoulder to get a look at the pretty lady. He nodded his head like before. "Great, let's get things started then." Jack told his horse as he led it over to his very excited niece.
"What do you think your uncle is saying to Thor Cassie?" Ray asked his friend. "He's probably telling him no horsing around. Thor likes to run and jump things." She answered with a huff. "Thor wouldn't hurt me so I don't see why I can't have some fun." Her friend chuckled at her comment. "What are you laughing at Ray?" Cassie asked watching her uncle lead Thor over making her smile. "No horsing around...your uncle is funny." He said grinning. Maybe her uncle would let him ride Thor too. "My uncle is a big teddy bear so if you ask nicely he'll let you." She replied as if reading his mind. Today was a long time in coming she thought. "That would be great." Ry'ac said crossing his fingers.
Samantha listened to the kids talk while watching Jack talk to his horse. When Cassandra called her uncle a 'big teddy bear' it made her smile. The big bad bounty hunter had weakness in his armor and it was a little girl.
Jack stopped in front of Cassie letting go of the reigns (A/N1). He clapped his hands together looking at his niece barely containing her excitement. "Well little one, are you ready to ride Thor?" Jack asked already knowing her answer. "I sure am Uncle Jon. I've been waiting for this my whole life!" The adults present chuckled at her comment. "Okay then, come here and I'll lift you up." Jack told his egger niece as she all but ran over. "...upsy daisy little one!" Samantha watched as Cassandra smiled wider when Jack picked her up. Cassie placed her boots in the stirrups with some help from Jack. "Keep him at a trot and just have fun, Thor will do the rest Cassandra." He told her handing her the reigns. "...but I wanted to show Ray how fast Thor runs Uncle Jack." She half pouted. "He weights over 1800lbs little one. Thor would crush you if he landed on you so no. Just take him around the corral and enjoy. You're not experienced enough to show off." Jack explained getting a nod from his niece. "Oh, alright Uncle Jon." She replied a little bummed that her puppy dog eyes didn't work. "Good, now do as I said and you'll still have fun." He said patting her leg letting taking a step back.
Cassie kicked Thor's sides to get him moving at a trot. Her smile grew as she led the horse around the corral with ease. Just like Uncle Jon taught her. "Look Aunt Sam, I'm riding Thor all by myself." She beamed with a smile bigger than Texas. "You're doing great Cassandra, I'm proud of you." Samantha replied as the young girl passed by keeping Thor at a trot.
Teal'C motioned him over, probably wanting to know why he didn't come in with the women. On the way over he glanced at Samantha. She looked at ease watching her niece. The smile she had on her face made him feel...well, it made him feel good. "Samantha Carter is a fine woman that deserves an honorable husband." Teal'C said noticing the bounty hunters line of sight. "I can't disagree with you on that, she'll find a good man one day." Jack replied switching his attention from Samantha to his niece. She was doing just like he taught her. With more training Cassie would be a better rider than him one day. "I believe Samantha Carter will too Mr. Wayne." Teal'C answered believing Jack was that man.
"May I ask what delayed your arrival?" Teal'C asked also keeping an eye on the little girl. "My pa told me when I was young to trust a dog's instinct. If a dog likes a person they can be trusted. Loki approves of you so that's good enough for me." Jack replied lighting up a cigar. "What did your father say about a dog not trusting a person?" The stable owner asked accepting the offered cigar. "...dig a deep hole because they'll stab you in the back given the chance." This made the big man smile liking the bounty hunters wit and wisdom. Cassie passed by the two men smiling like she was on cloud 9 heading to 10. Jack waited till she was out of earshot before talking.
"Do you know a ranch hand by the name of Jeremy? He works for Mr. Williams." He asked Teal'C wanting his thoughts on the kid. "Indeed, I know the man. Jeremy comes into town to socialize twice a month. He has a few drinks then a couple of dances at Kings. The man hasn't shared much about his past." Jack thought about what Teal'C said then asked another question. "When did the kid arrive in town?" he asked watching Samantha bend down and pet one of Ry'acs cats. "Jeremy rode into to town two months ago Monday. He got into a bar fight getting the attention of Mr. Williams during one of his visits. Shortly thereafter Jeremy started working for him." The big man stated trying to think of additional information.
Jeremy was playing his cards close to his chest, that's for sure. Jack figured he'd have to play along for now. "Why do you ask Mr. Wayne?" the big man inquired. "He was the reason for my delay." Teal'C raised an eyebrow intrigued at what they discussed. "I'll tell you when the women folk are elsewhere 'T'." Jack replied getting a nod of understanding. "I have to tend to other things Mr. Wayne; we'll talk before you leave." Teal'C said bowing slightly then going inside. "I'll come find you before I leave then" The bounty hunter answered back.
Jack turned his attention back to his niece who had Thor going faster than a trot, sneaky little girl. She used Teal'C and his conversation to push the limits without him noticing. He let this slide as she was still doing well. Jack walked over to Samantha giving her a friendly smile. "I'm glad you decided to come, it means a lot to Cassie." Jack said noticing a slight blush form on her face. "Thank you for inviting me Jack. Had you not stopped by I'd still be hiding in my room. Last time dad drug me out against my will." Samantha replied with a slight frown. "Now that would've been interesting to see. Where you kicking and screaming too?" he asked in a playful tone trying to make her smile. Samantha looked at the bounty hunter not knowing how to respond. She noticed his mischievous look them smiled. Two can play at this game she thought. "I sure did, even had my over stuffed teddy bear in my arms." Samantha replied trying not to giggle. "You need to get a new teddy bear then." Jack said hoping she'd take the bait. "Why do I need a new teddy bear?" she asked with a perplexed look. "...aren't teddy bears supposed to protect and help you? Sound like yours was asleep on the job." He answered watching as Samantha burst out laughing.
"Why are you laughing Aunt Sam?" Cassie asked leaning over the saddle horn with her hat to one side. "Your uncle has an interesting sense of humor." Samantha answered partially regaining control. "He makes me smile when I'm sad too."She said then looked at her uncle. "Uncle Jon, can Ray ride Thor? I talked it over with Thor and he's okay with it." Ry'ac was close by listening with crossed finger. He looked at Cassie then her uncle. He was nice man so his odds were good. Jack took his hat off making a show of thinking. He scratched his head then looked at both kids. "Since Thor is okay with it I don't see why not." He said getting cheers from both kids. Samantha just rolled her eyes knowing deep down the bounty hunter was going to say yes.
Twenty minutes or so later with both kids happy Jack planned on letting Thor rest. There was a possibility that he'd have to ride Thor out to Blue Sun Ranch. "Uncle Jack, could you show Aunt Sam and Ray the tricks you taught Thor?" his niece asked him giving him an innocent smile. "Please Mr. Wayne, Cassie said you can jump over fences and make Thor dance." Ry'ac added with excitement in his voice. Jack looked at the two kids figuring they planned this ahead of time. "Horses can't dance Cassie, you uncle is pulling your leg." Samantha said looking directly at him as if it was a challenge. "Thor can too dance...show her Uncle Jack." Cassie demanded as if it was a matter of honor. "You doubt Thor's ability to dance Samantha?" he asked already in the process of adjusting the stirrups. "Prove me wrong and I'll pay for your lunch." She replied without thinking. "It's your money to lose." Jack answered back already tasting the steak.
"Are they flirting?" Ry'ac whispered to his friend. "Yes, they even looked funny at each other on our way here." Cassie replied rolling her eyes. "Why do adults do that?" he asked watching the two grownups banter back and forth. "I asked my momma that once; she said I'd understand when I get older." She answered as Loki nudged her leg wanting attention. "Oh, adults are weird at times."Ry'ac added getting a nod from his friend. Cassie bent down petting her dog as she waited patiently for her uncle to start. Aunt Sam will be surprised to see just how smart Thor is.
"Okay Thor, Samantha doesn't think you can dance. Help me prove her wrong and I'll give you two red juicy apples." Thor whinnied in agreement. Jack mounted his horse backing him up five feet. They'd need some room for their routine. Teal'C walked back out from doing some chores along with his wife. She was skeptical about a dancing horse but her curiosity took over.
"Thor is light on his hooves ladies and gentlemen, you'll never see a horse dance like Thor." Jack said to his audience. He then sat straight in the saddle holding the reigns loosely. "Let's take it from the top Thor, a 1 and a 2 and 3!" Thor started to lightly prance around in place alternating his hooves up and down. Jack moved the reigns to the right then to the left with Thor doing as trained. He had the horse move backwards then turns in a circle still prancing about. Thor didn't miss a cue as he picked up the pace. He bobbed his head to an imaginary beat swinging around without being commanded. Jack backed Thor up having him rear up on his hind legs for a second or two. (Look up dancing horses on YouTube. The videos are really cool.)
Everyone but Cassandra was surprised at Thor's ability to dance. She was enjoying the show like always though. Samantha couldn't take her eyes off Thor or Jack for that matter. They moved gracefully across the riding arena as if it was a stage. The Murray's were equally impressed as they gave the duo applause.
Jack brought the dance number to a close with Thor taking a bow in front of everyone. "See, I told you Thor could dance Aunt Sam." Cassandra said with pride. Samantha didn't know what to say. She never heard of a dancing horse let alone seeing one. "Indeed, Thor can dance Miss Frasier." Teal'C replied with a slight bow. "Your uncle knows how to put on a show Cassandra; I was really surprised at Thor's gracefulness." Dry'ac added. Her son watched with interest. Ry'ac was probably planning on teaching his pets to dance.
"Does that settle our bet Samantha?" Jack asked dismounting his horse with ease. "I stand corrected; your horse has some impressive talent." Thor nudged his owners shoulder wanting the promised apples. "I haven't forgotten buddy." He said motioning Cassandra over along with Ry'ac. They had some apples ready in hopes of feeding Thor. "Go ahead kids; Thor is ready for his treats." Jack told them letting go of the reigns. The two of them ran over to Thor fast as they could apples in hand.
"I have to agree Mr. Wayne. Your horse is smart one." Dry'ac said watching the children fuss over the horse. "I started training when he was just a pony. He can do other things as well." Jack responded then looked at Samantha smirking. He clapped his hands together then spoke. "I can practically taste the steak already." She bit her bottom lip feeling embarrassed at not believing her niece or Jack. It was clear that he adored and trusted Thor like he would a true friend.
"Indeed, Mr. Wayne won the bet. However I believe young Miss Frasier set you up." Teal'C added eyeing the young lady. "Na huh... I wouldn't set up Aunt Sam!" Cassie rebutted then whispered to Ray asking him what 'Set up' meant. Ry'ac shrugged his shoulders giving her a blank look. The adults laughed at the two kids not understanding.
"Dad didn't raise a sore loser so I'll hold my end of the deal up Jack; just take it easy on me. You probably worked up an appetite with that performance." Samantha said getting a grin from the bounty hunter. "Yesma'amyoubetcha!" he responded making her giggle.
Jack and his companions said their goodbyes' to the Murrays as they walked towards Desert Dwellers Diner. They arrived just as Daniel and Janet were being seated. "Momma, you missed Uncle Jack and Thor dancing." Cassandra said hugging her mother then Daniel. "I did!" she replied looking at her excited daughter. "Uh huh, Aunt Sam didn't believe me." Janet looked at her friend wondering if she had made same mistake.
Jack pulled out Samantha's chair out for her causing a slight blush to appear. The look on her face showed she wasn't expecting such chivalry from the bounty hunter. "In my defense I never heard of a dancing horse." Samantha replied thanking Jack with a megawatt smile. "...and now she owes me lunch." Jack added sitting dawn taking off Cassie's hat and his. Daniel looked at Janet with a questioning look. She just shrugged then looked at the menu.
"You taught your horse to dance Mr. Wayne?" he asked with curiosity while adjusting his glasses. "Thor and I have won several bets proving the fact horses can dance." Jack answered winking at his niece. Samantha slapped the bounty hunter on the shoulder with mock anger. "...so I was set up all be it innocently!" she said eyeing the man before her. Jack was a walking contradiction witch intrigued her more and more. "I could've warned you had I not been working." Janet answered from behind the menu hiding her smile. "Janet, I thought you were my friend?" Samantha said with a smile betraying her amusement. "Momma didn't believe me either Aunt Sam, don't feel bad." Cassandra added with a toothy grin. Janet lowered her menu letting out a chuckle. "I had to buy him lunch too Sam so don't feel bad." Jack watched as the two women laughed making him smile inside. He liked to make women smile especially when it reaches their eyes.
"Ladies, Mr. Wayne has a dancing horse. Do you know what this means?" Daniel asked with great interest. "No Daniel, what's it mean?" Janet asked rolling her eyes. When something piqued his interest he got excited. "Besides the fact Jonathon won two meals from poor unsuspecting women." Samantha said looking directly at the bounty hunter with a devil may care look. "The two of you should've just believed my niece." The comment earned him stares from both women and giggle from Cassandra. "The little girl smiled the bent down to pet Lokis head resting on her lap.
Daniel rolled his eyes at Jack's comment then continued his line of thought. "No, it means that horses are smarter than some people believe them to be. Truly remarkable Mr. Wayne, I'd like to see this for myself." Janet chose to elbow her fiancé for being clueless like usual. "Ouch, what was that for Janet?" She gave him the 'look' all men fear. "Hazel, I believe were ready to order." Daniel took the hint changing the subject sparing him from further punishment. "...smart move Danny boy." Jack added with amusement deciding on what to order.
"I couldn't agree with you more Roger. The bounty hunter is pain in the ass. My deputy treats Mr. Wayne like some damn hero." Pete responded as they neared the diner. "Believe me, I know. I overheard my wife gossiping with her friends." The mill owner stated with disdain. "What were they saying?" Pete asked wanting to know. The more he knew before the town meeting the better. Gossip still had a grain of truth to it. "They were talking about the fight you had with Samantha for one. The other was how cute a couple Wayne and Samantha would make." Roger told his friend. "He did move quicker than I thought. Samantha isn't as smart as she claims if his lame charms worked that well." Pete added still angry over her dismissal of him. He'd correct that soon enough. "Samantha will run back to you soon enough, bounty hunters aren't known for putting down roots." Roger said mostly to stroke his friend's ego. While they weren't best friends the two of them depended on each other.
"Thanks again for getting the charges dropped. The deputy goes by the book to much for my taste." The sheriff nodded in agreement thinking about the situation. "The law book is more a guide line. I didn't see any reason t hold you." he responded. Pete let Roger out of jail sighting a no previous arrests. Cameron objected only to be sent on patrol and out of Pete's hair.
The pair entered the diner still talking when Pete stopped walking, his eye went to a table in the corner. The occupants of the table were Daniel Jackson, the doctor and her brat of a daughter, Samantha and the bounty hunter. He was sitting next to his gal in front of the whole town. The audacity of the man, he knew no boundaries. "Get us a table Roger; I got something to sort out." Pete told his friend then marched over to the group. Roger did as he was asked making sure the table had a good view. The sheriff maybe his friend but he knew Pete was out classed. Mize well enjoy the show he thought.
Jack heard Loki growl letting him know someone was approaching, that someone being the sheriff. He had hoped Pete would leave them in peace, no such luck today. There was no time to warn Samantha because Pete was practically at their table.
"You're sitting in my chair bounty hunter, I suggest you sit elsewhere. Better question is why you aren't out looking for bounties?" Pete said making the diner go quite once again. Hazel went to approach to hopefully intervene but Roger stopped her nodding his head no.
Before Jack could respond Cassie spoke up. "I didn't see your name on it!" the adults at the table all turned to her with stunned a look, including Pete. "Well, there aren't names on any of the chairs Momma." She added then stared at the sheriff giving him the evil eye. "Cassandra Frasier, there's no need to be rude!" Janet admonished her daughter.
"Listen to your mother young lady and respect your elders." Pete said when he really wanted to say brat. Janet started to say something to the sheriff but didn't get the chance. Jonathon spoke up first. "You say this chair has your name on it?" Jonathon asked after wiping his mouth off. The low tone put Pete on guard. Samantha could see Jack wasn't going to stand for the interruption. The question was how he would handle the sheriff this time around. "That I did Mr. Wayne. You're also sitting by my gal!" the sheriff responded giving the man an evil stare as well. "I am not your gal anymore Pete! That should've been very clear yesterday!" Samantha said glaring at her former beau.
Jonathon stood up then picked up the chair Pete referenced. He then placed a hand on Samantha's shoulder trying to calming her. "Let me handle this Carter." The bounty hunter told Samantha then looked at the sheriff. "Shanahan, your right this is your chair." Jonathon replied walking over to Pete shoving it into his chest. The sheriff grabbed the chair out of instinct not realizing what about to happen. People in the diner watched as round two was going down in front of them.
Jonathon then put a hand on Pete's shoulder spinning him around. The sheriff then was pushed forward making him stumble a bit. Then Jonathon marched the sheriff over to where Roger was sitting. "What's the big Idea?" Pete asked getting pushed again. "You said the chair had you name on it. I gave it to you Shanahan." Jonathon replied stopping him in front of Roger. He then took a chair to the right of Roger moving it out of the way. Everyone in the diner was wondering what the bounty hunter was doing. Samantha's heart was beating faster than normal with anticipation. Jack was taking action and she didn't know what to expect next.
The bounty hunter took the chair from the perplexed sheriff setting it down at the table. "Have a seat Shanahan!" Jack ordered which Pete did without argument. "I don't want to hear another word about someone sitting in your chair, understand!" The sheriff didn't know what to do. He had just been humiliated once again. This time was without being knocked unconscious. Jonathon then pointed his finger at Pete giving him a deathly glare. "Everyone here knows what Miss Cater told you yesterday. She reminded you again moments ago, take the hint." He said keeping eye contact. "Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid!" Jack then grabbed the other chair walking back to his table leaving Pete to fume internally. "Now where was I before we were rudely interrupted?" the bounty hunter asked looking at everyone at the table. "You were talking about riding through JA Ranch (A/N2) Uncle Jon." Cassandra reminded him with a smile. Her uncle just put the big meanie in his place.
Samantha looked at the man before her completely enamored with him. Jack could change direction like the wind leaving everyone guessing his next move. That must be how he's survived this long being a bounty hunter. Pete surely wouldn't bother her any longer with Jack around or so she thought.
Roger looked around the room watching the occupants go back to eating while glancing at their table occasionally. Hazel had taken their orders quickly leaving the two friends alone. "What's your next move Pete? The bounty hunter just made a fool of you again." ...asked Roger after taking a drink of tea. "Nothing right now, Mr. Williams has requested his presence and we both know he gets what he wants." Pete responded grinning evilly. "You think he can be bought." Roger asked with skepticism. "Everyone has a price, even bounty hunters like him. When that happens Samantha won't look at him the same." answered the sheriff with confidence. "Supposing he can't be bought, then what?" the mill owner asked. "Then I'll have to use plan B. Hell I might just do it for fun and watch the fall out." Pete replied then grinned. Roger didn't bother asking what plan 'B' was. There was no need because his friends plan would probably fail. Pete couldn't win a game of chess (A/N3) against the town drunk let alone a man like Mr. Wayne.
A/N1: Reigns (Horse Tact) are used to direct a horse or other animal for riding. They are long straps made of leather, nylon or other materials. The reign attaches to the bridle via its nose bit or nose band.
A/N2: Palo Duro Canyon State Park covers 29,182 acres. The land was purchased in 1933. Lighthouse rock is a 300ft two tiered rock formation located in the park. The park is located near cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
A/N3: For those that don't play Chess you have to think several moves ahead to win the game. Roger's analogy is referring to Pete's ability to out think Jack.
A/N4: To all my readers in the U.S. and around the world. I hope and pray that there's a cure or least an anti -virus for the Coronavirus soon. Stay safe and healthy my fellow Gaters.
LoneWolfO'Neill