The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 21: Enemy Territory
Inara bathed in the sunshine as Mr. Wayne escorted her to a man she hated, Mr. Williams. She loved being outside amongst nature, God truly knew what he was doing. Inara loved the freedom of just riding a horse as opposed to a carriage (A/N1). Inara was riding Betsy, Kowalski's horse. Betsy was well taken care of by the man despite his drunkenness. He would normally escort her to the Jeff's house but Jonathon got the job this time. Maybourne informed Jonathon and her that Mr. Williams requested theyjoin him for dinner. The bounty hunter seemed unsurprised at the invite, almost if he had expected it.
They left at 4:30 as it was about an hour ride. Dinner would be over the top like usual. Williams loved showing off his wealth and power. The power he enjoyed most was bending people to his will, women in particular. The fat man often referred to her as 'midnight delight' at parties and in private. Jeff made other rather lewd comments about Morning Feather in particular. She truly felt bad for the young lady. The young Indian maiden would never have the life she deserved. Now, if someone were to come along that could free Morning Feather from bondage; then she'd have a chance at a happy life.
"Miss Serra, you're sending up smoke signals." Jonathon said getting the beautiful Brazilians attention. "...smoke signals! What are you talking about Jonathon?" Inara asked not understanding his statement. "You're thinking too hard." He answered as Miss Serra got his reference. "Oh, I guess I am." She responded with a long sigh. "...so what's on your mind, that's if you want to talk about it." Jonathon asked glancing at the beautiful lady.
Inara wasn't wearing a dress like normal. Instead she had on a women's riding outfit (A/N2). Inara had on red jeans that fit her in all the right places with a tan shirt. The shirt was a size too small leaving no doubt she was a women close up or at a distance. The hat hung loosely behind her head allowing the wind to blow threw her long silky hair. Jonathon thoughts went back to their first meeting. He didn't expect Inara to knock on his door let alone offer herself up to him. The way she moved and allowed him to touch her relit his need for a woman's touch. That was the first time he had sex since his wife died years ago.
Jonathon felt for the women riding beside him. He was escorting her to a man that only cared for his desires. Inara deserved so much more than to have her body sold for pleasure. He couldn't do anything to help now. Once he had more information, that'd be when he could help.
"Could we ride away and start a life together?" She asked catching Jonathon off guard. That was the last thing he expected to hear. They barely knew each other than carnal knowledge. Inara could see her question surprised the bounty hunter. The man beside her didn't make choices without considering all the angels. Inara knew he found her desirable so that would weigh in her favor.
"Running away won't solve either of our problems. Your future is with Malcolm Reynolds, give me time and I'll make that happen." He responded knowing that's not what the beautiful lady wanted to hear. Inara slumped her shoulders feeling a mix of hope and dread. "Never hurts to ask." She replied then continued her line of thought. "What do you plan to do Jonathon?" Inara asked sitting up straight finding courage to do what was needed. "Gather more information on Mr. Williams and his associates. With that I can come up with a battle plan. Think you can survive another week?" he asked the Brazilian women. Inara considered the man's words. They were direct and to the point. "I can survive one night with the fat bastard. There might be a chance I can get him to talk. All I got to do is give into his more unpleasant desires." She said with more determination that before. Anything she could do to help take Jeff down could be forgotten, hopefully. "I'll do what I can to end this quickly Inara, I promise you that." Jonathon replied giving her a friendly smile. "Thank you Jonathon, I appreciate what you're doing." Inara said returning the smile.
"Do you have any other thoughts or questions?" Jonathon asked taking in the scenery besides the beautiful lady. "Yes, I do Jonathon. Do you really think throwing Charles into the horse trough will help? He was really upset at you today." Inara asked with a smile forming on her face. Charles had gotten drunk again hoping his friend wouldn't notice. Jonathon let out a belly laugh picturing Kowalski standing up dripping wet. "He needs to face his demons head on. Drinking only leads to an early death. Kowalski is my friend and I won't give up on him." Jonathon answered with conviction.
She looked up at her riding companion and his horse. Thor is truly a beautiful animal. The horse really made Jonathon 'Tall in the Saddle'. "That's admirable of you. How long have you known each other?" Inara asked wondering about the extent of their friendship. "We served together in the war. The U.S. Calvary discharged both of us in the summer of '67." Jonathon answered reflecting on his past. "That's a long time ago; did the two of you stay in touch after the war?" she asked watching the man as he stretched, his muscles rippling under the blue shirt. "He was best man at my wedding if that tells you anything." Jonathon added content not say anything else.
Inara looked like she wanted ask about Sara but was unsure if she should. The question wasn't upsetting like it used to be so he decided to tell her. "I married Sara Evens shortly after being discharged. She was a southern bell I me in Savannah, Georgia. Sara was beautiful as an evening sunset. Her family lost almost everything after the war so all of us including Kowalski left for the Texas Panhandle." He answered feeling comfortable talking about it with Inara.
The Brazilian lady considered her next question carefully. Her curiosity about his past was strong. However Inara didn't want to pry after he shared so much. "When did Charles part ways?" she asked feeling that was a safe question. Jonathon thought for a minute considering how to reply. "We joined the US Calvary after Comanche attacked and killed everyone on my ranch in late '73. Kowalski parted ways after the war ended (A/N3)." He answered with clear hatred for the Comanche.
Inara didn't expect to get that much information. He didn't say anything about his wife or children. The fact Jonathon didn't mention them was significant. Inara's heart went out to the man beside her. She couldn't begin to fathom the pain of losing so much and having to continue to live. Inara didn't know how to respond, she wanted to reach out and hug him. "There's no need to feel sorry for me Inara, life is short but a father should never out live his son." Jonathon said dropping the subject letting silence settle in. There it was, he did have a child. Now she understood why Jonathon chose to become a bounty hunter.
They rode a little while longer when Inara spoke up smiling once more. "Would I be prying into your personnel life if asked about Miss Carter and you?" Jonathon looked down at the women rolling his eyes. "I was wondering when you'd get around to that. Women can't help but gossip." He responded well naturedly. "So...are you going to tell me what other women are dying to know?" Inara asked giving the bounty hunter a soft smile.
"If I told you 'nothing' would you believe me?" Jonathon replied giving her a smile in return. "Well, you did tell Pete you'd properly court and marry Miss Carter." She replied watching and eagle fly high in the sky. "You have also been seen around town with her recently as this morning." Inara continued giving the man a friendly look. "That explains the odd looks I've been getting. So what's the latest gossip going around about me?" he asked hitting the mark. Inara's face lit up at the question. "Do you really want to know or are you yanking my chain?" she replied looking off into the distance. "If I know what people are thinking I can yank their chains instead of yours?" Jonathon answered making Inara laugh.
"Women around my age believe you stole Samantha from Pete just to bed her. This is coming from single women that want to do the same to with you, jealous as they are." Inara informed the bounty hunter. "The older ladies believe you want to marry her to take control of Mr. Carter's business. They thought about Jonas too." Jonathon nodded listening to his riding companion. "Teenage girls think the two of you are courting and will get married before the years out." Inara finished with a smile. "Which of those theories do you believe or do you have your own?" he asked looking around the area keeping an eye out for trouble.
"I believe you are a kind man under that gruff exterior. You are protecting her out of instinct with no plans to court her...yet! " Inaraanswered giving him a soft smile. "You found the one weakness I have. Now I have a question for you." Jonathon replied ignoring the last part of her statement. "Can you tell me why Miss Carter changed her tune so quickly? When I first met her she had her nose up. Then Samantha wanted me ran out of town. The next time she apologized to me." Inara thought for a minute then answered.
"Miss Carter forms opinions about people to quickly at times. This is how she ended up with Jonas Hanson and Pete to some extent. When Miss Carter is wrong she does admit it." The Brazilian women said with honesty. "That's good to know. A person that doesn't own up to their mistakes isn't worth their weight in gold." They road in silence for a while enjoying the scenery.
Inara started talking again when he noticed Thor's ears perk up. Jonathon scanned the area to east where he heard rocks fall from a nearby hill. The cause could've been natural or...they were being watched. Comanche did blend in well and the town is having problems with them. Inara didn't react to the sounds as she continued talking, something about a stream. He couldn't fault her for not noticing. Inara lived a relative safe life compared his.
"Jonathon, are you listening to me?" Inara asked like a wife would to her husband. "Nope, all I caught was something about that grove of trees and a stream." He answered honestly popping the 'p'. "Well, at least you didn't lie. Is there something I should be worried about?" she asked looking around for trouble. "Not unless you're afraid of coyotes chasing road runners." Jonathon replied lying to Inara not to worry her. She had enough to deal with concerning Mr. Williams. Inara still looked at him with questioning eyes. "Over yonder a coyote was trying to catch dinner. He caused some rocks to fall down the hill." Jonathon told her getting a nod of understanding. "I'm with a big bad bounty hunter, how much safer could I be?" Inara answered conveying her trust in the man then continued. "Back to what I was saying, Jonathon..." Jonathon chuckled at her light hearted admonishment. "That grove of tree's coming up has small pool of water fed by a stream." She said with a sigh. "You make it sound peaceful and not at the same time." He stated wondering what the problem was.
"Charles and I rode by the woods several times before we finally stopped. One day I just couldn't deal with what the bastard had me do." She started to explain. Jonathon didn't say anything letting beautiful lady talk. "I had Charles stop so I could cry and scream in private. What I found instead was a doe and her fawn drinking out of the pool. The scene gave me much needed calm." Inara added remembering that day. "Charles followed me feeling obligated to protect me. He suggested I might feel better if I took quick bath." The bounty hunter could see his friend do just that. He had a big heart always helping women in need. "Charles happened to have a clean towel and soap in his saddle bags I could use. That was kind of him so I accepted while he stood watch giving me privacy." Inara told Jonathon relaxing a bit.
"That's a habit we learned from the war. Good hygiene kept us healthy and in fighting condition." Jonathon said looking at the area as they approached it. "Can we stop on the way back, I promise not be long." Inara asked hoping he didn't mind. "I don't see why not. The grove looks peaceful but I'll check it out before hand though." He answered making her smile. "Thank you Jonathon, I just feel so dirty after spending the night at the bastards place." She replied getting anxious again. They would be on Mr. William's property soon. Inara would have to put on a false face once there, something she was too good. "No need to, I understand the situation you're in. Not many women handle it well as you." She accepted the compliment for what it was. Jonathon is a true gentleman. Thelma just didn't like the fact he ignored her advances. That's why she talked bad about him.
"When we arrive is there anything I need to know?" Jonathon asked wanting a heads up. Inara thought about everything she knew. "Jeff has several roving two man patrols. He has men on hills watching for activity. Unannounced visitors just doesn't happen, very few have tried and failed." She informed the bounty hunter. "It sounds like the bastard is living in fear." Jonathon figured based on what Inara said. "What about around his house and other areas?" he asked seeking a clearer picture. "There's a two man patrol around his house along with a guard inside. Jeff doesn't let me out of his sight once I'm there." Inara added not knowing much more.
"He's hiding something big based on that information. There's no need for that many gunmen if you're running a legit ranch." He said thinking through the information. "Jeff never talks business in my presence. The man does brag about how he expanded his ranch. Jeff used strong arm tactics buying out smaller ones. " She added with disgust. "That's how people like him operate. By chance is there anyone working there that might be willing to talk?" Jonathon asked looking for a weak link. He didn't want to put anyone in danger but more detailed information was needed.
"There's one possibility if you speak Kiowa." Inara said thinking of Morning Feather. "I speak Kiowa and Comanche; it saved my but more than once." He replied wondering if Mr. Williams had Indian servant he treated badly. "You're in luck then. Mr. Williams bought a young Kiowa maiden a couple months back. Her name is Morning Feather and I have no idea where she came from. She hates him with a passion." Inara answered clearly concerned for the young women. "Let me guess, this young women is basically a sex slave." Jonathon said with disgust. "The poor girl is lucky she hasn't ended up pregnant yet. Jeff only allows her to speak Comanche because no one else knows Kiowa." She replied through gritted teeth. "Mr. Williams is truly a bastard, one that needs to be dealt with." He answered with conviction.
"What are the chances of getting her alone to talk?" Jonathon asked already formulating a basic plan. "Not that good because Morning Feather is never far from his reach. The only way I can imagine is if Jeff offers her to you." Inara replied with equal disgust at the situation. "What you're suggesting is Mr. Williams would want me occupied and not roaming around?" She nodded her head in agreement hoping that wouldn't be the case. Based on what she knew of the bounty hunter he'd never take advantage of vulnerable women. "I wouldn't put it past him. Charles was easy, give him access to alcohol and he was happy." Inara answered looking into Jonathon's eyes seeing his dislike at the thought. "Thank you Inara, you've given me a lot of information. Don't do anything you'll regret down the road." He told her not wanting to be the cause of pain or embarrassment. "You're welcome but I'll try to do my part in brining the bastard down. We should change subjects Jonathon. Mr. Williams's property will be starting soon." She suggested wisely so they wouldn't be overheard.
Inara was correct because not 10 minutes later two riders were waiting by a sign saying 'Welcome to Blue Sun Ranch'. "Though I ride through the of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)." Jonathon recited more for Inara than himself. "Amen." Inara said stealing herself for what was about to come.
A/N1: A carriage is horse drawn wagon seating multiple people.
A/N2: Ann Margret portrayed Mrs. Lowe in the 1974 John Wayne movie 'The Train Robbers'. Rather good movie, look up the movie and you'll see the outfit I'm referring too.
A/N3: The Red River War lasted from 1874-1875. The U.S. Army fought the Comanche and Kiowa.
A/N4: Guest Reviewer SMTKSD and my other readers. I have a sequel in mind that will be equally exciting.
LoneWolfO'Neill