The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 22: Topics of Discussion
"Hey boss, the bounty hunter and Miss Serra are coming through the gates now. Ken seems to have had an accident of some kind. Looks like a bloody nose." Ned yelled up the stairs letting Jeff know. "They took their sweet time getting here." The owner of Blue Sun Ranch said walking down the stairs. He looked at his gold and silver pocket watch noting the time 5:35pm. "Ned, I know you want revenge for what Mr. Wayne did. You'll get your chance but only after I no longer have need of him, understand!" Jeff told his foremen giving him a pointed look. The foreman didn't like the idea of waiting but he heard someone say 'revenge is a dish best served cold' (A/N1). He'd find that out later on.
"What can that asshole do that the others or me can't do boss?" Ned asked limping over to the window moving a curtain to look out again. He rubbed the sore spot where Mr. Wayne stepped on his neck at the bar .The foreman wanted revenge for being humiliated. His other thoughts were of Inara and how he could make her moan and mewl.
"He can do lots of things Ned. Most of all he can cause us all sort of problems, problems I'd rather avoid. The man is no fool and neither am I. Do as I your told and the night will go according to my plan." Jeff verbally ordered leaving no room for argument. "Okay boss, I'll play nice but not too nice. Don't want the man to suspect anything is off." Ned replied limping behind his employer.
First thing Jonathon noticed about the house is that it looked out of place. The area around it was mostly dirt with patches of grass. Mr. William's personnel residence happened to be a Queen Ann (A/N2) built using Shrumard Oak (A/N3). The house had fresh cut grass with a white picket fence surrounding it. He had a stone path leading up to a porch that looked welcoming but he knew better. Behind the house about fifty yards was two large bunk houses (A/N4) with stables close by. Jonathon estimated they could hold about forty men each. Off to west sat a small cabin, probably for guests.
The area sat in valley surrounded by rolling hills on three sides. Mr. William's definitely wasn't a tactician based this choice. Whoever came up with the layout was a dimwit because you always secure the high ground. Jonathon knew he'd have to find out what was on the other side of those hills though. There could be nothing or something.
Steve stopped the group at gate decorated by various floras, again appearing welcoming. "This is the bosses place Mr. Wayne, I'd advise you show him more respect than Ken." The man said with a slight Boston accent. Jonathon dismounted his horse walking over to Inara. "Respect is earned, not given...Steven." He answered then looked at Inara. The man's response didn't sit well with Steve, Mr. Williams deserved respect.
"Do you need help getting down Miss Serra?" Inara smiled then blushed a bit. Jonathon was showing her respect amongst people who had none for her. "That would be much appreciated Mr. Wayne." Inara repositioned herself so she was sitting side saddle (A/N5). Jonathon gently lifted the Brazilian beauty off the horse by the waist setting her gently on the ground. Both Mr. Williams and Ned watched this happening. Jeff felt jealousy well up not liking how the bounty hunter was holding HIS woman. The way Inara responded indicated she rather enjoyed his touch. That could mean anything, either way she was his and his alone tonight. Ned knew enough not to say anything. The boss had temper that no one wanted to be on the receiving end. Jeff motioned Ned to stay on the porch while he greeted his guests. No need for his foreman to limp back and forth too much.
Jonathon offered his arm to Inara which she took graciously. The two of them walked up to met the short fat man half way. Jonathon started sizing up Mr. Williams taking note of how he was dressed. He had on a three piece suite with a black bow tie. The man dressed this way for obvious reasons. Mr. Williams wanted convey his higher social status along with his wealth. This wouldn't work because Jonathon didn't have an ego to feed nor did he care about being wealthy. The other thing he noticed was a lack of a gun belt (A/N6). Mr. Williams obviously put too much trust in his hired help. When it came to a man's life they should never let others take responsibility it. Reason being that when the chips were down it was every man for them-selves.
The bounty hunter looked oddly familiar Jeff thought. He didn't recall ever meeting Mr. Wayne, just hearing about him via reputation. The other reason was his horse, a Belgian. Mr. Wayne's choice of steed intrigued him. Maybe Inara had some information on the man given her apparent friendliness.
"Welcome to Blue Sun Ranch Mr. Wayne. I must say I thought you'd be taller based on what I've heard about you." Jeff said greeting the bounty hunter with a firm hand shake. He then extended his own arm inviting Inara to take it. She did so reluctantly but did show it. "Thank you sir, you have a beautiful ranch." Jack replied giving the man a compliment because it was true. The area riding in reminded him of the ranch he used to own. "This area wasn't always this nice, took time to make it look this way." Jeff answered patting Inara's hand sending cold chills up her spine. "Would the two of you see to the horses? Make sure they are well cared for." The man ordered Ken and Steve then continued. "...and ken, go see Sanders about your nose afterwards." The two men nodded then did as told but not before Jack retrieved his saddle bags.
"May I ask why you struck my ranch hand Mr. Wayne?" Jeff asked as they walked inside the house. "What makes you think I busted his nose? Man could've fell of his horse or hit a tree branch while riding." Jack asked to prolong the conversation. The longer they talked was less time Inara would have to spend with the man alone. "Two reason Mr. Wayne. One being what you did to Ned. The other Ken doesn't know when to shut up." The ranch owner said leading the group into the sitting room. "I still owe you for that mister!" Ned said earning a glare from his boss. "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!" Jack retorted stepping into the foreman's space. Ned stood his ground showing no fear.
Inara watched with great interest hoping the evil man got another beat down. "Ned, go tell Morning Feather to bring a pitcher of Lemon aide." Jeff ordered not wanting to have a fight in the middle of the living room. The man limped off not saying anything further. "Mr. Williams, you need to hire better help. Ken insulted Miss Serra and Ned needs pick his battles." Jack answered the ranch owners question sitting in a plush high backed chair. "What did Ken say that was so insulting?" Jeff asked placing an arm behind Inara's back playing with her hair. She smiled despite the sick feeling forming in her stomach. "He offered Miss Serra $20.00 for a peak at her breasts so I back handed him." the bounty hunter answered pulling out a cigar then lighting it. Jeff thought about what Jonathon said. Ken should've never asked such a question; Inara's beauty was his alone to gaze at. He'd have Ned talk with the young man later. "I apologize for Ken's lack of manners Inara. I'll arrange some lessons for the young man." Mr. Williams said patting her shoulder. Inara didn't like Ken but there wasn't a need for violence.
Jack knew what Williams meant by 'lessons'. The back hand would be the least of Ken's worries. "Mr. Wayne, what do you think of my town? Haven doesn't compare to the bigger towns but it has its charms." Jeff asked making conversation. Jeff referring to Haven belonging to him wasn't over looked. The man had a power complex that ran deep. "Haven is preferable than the bigger town like Dallas or Fort Worth. Fugitives can hide for long periods of time in cities like those." Jack answered as young Indian maiden came in pushing a cart with refreshments on it.
Presumably this was Morning Feather, the young woman Inara spoke of. She had one of those 'French Maid' uniforms he heard of but never seen. This version seemed more fitting for the bedroom than serving drinks though. Her 'uniform' had a low bust line with a short skirt leaving nothing to the imagination. The Indian maiden came over to him then leaned over pouring a glass of lemon aide. "This is Morning Feather Mr. Wayne, she's my personnel servant." The man said with a predatory grin. Jack knew Morning Feather was being used as bait. Distasteful as it was he had to act interested. There was a high possibility she was the informant Jeremy spoke of. He gave the Indian maiden a once over then accepted the lemon aide. Morning Feather served Jeff and Inara next but not before looking him directly in the eyes. The look she gave was the same one he used in sizing up a person. Morning Feather isn't helpless as Inara thinks.
"You have much better taste in maids than ranch hands. She's Kiowa correct." Jack said making the man smile. "Thank you Mr. Wayne, and yes she's Kiowa." He replied looking at Morning Feather remembering how he made her moan last night. Inara kept quite because she'd only make matters worse by speaking out. "Correct me if I'm wrong Mr. Wayne, you were helping the U.S. Calvary track down renegade Kiowa and Comanche before coming to Haven." Jeff finished as he watched her stand in the corner of the room. "The government hired others and me to help. We killed many of their braves but a small group just up and disappeared without a trace." Jack replied giving the man little information as possible.
"Do you know who was leading this group that disappeared on you?" Jeff asked already knowing the answer. He wanted more information on the bounty hunter. "Chief Iron Jacket (A/N7) was killed near the end. The powers that be believe his son, Eagle Talon, led the remaining braves away for a war council (A/N8). We never saw that group again." Jack answered leaving out the part where he killed Iron Jacket in hand to hand combat.
Morning Feather looked at the bounty hunter with fear. Eagle Talon vowed revenge on the white man who brutally murdered his father. Mr. Wayne fit the description as did his horse. This is the man who 'Rides on Thunder' bringing hell with him. She had watched Miss Serra and the bounty hunter ride up through the kitchen window out of curiosity. Morning Feather wanted to leave the room but couldn't. Mr. Williams wouldn't allow it because he always kept her close by.
Jeff smiled internally because Mr. Wayne just gave him clue. The chief spoke of a fearless tracker that road on 'Thunder'. Eagle Talon clearly was referencing Wayne's horse. He's seen Belgians run before making the ground shake with each step. The question still remained, why the man looked so familiar. He'd figure it out before the night was though. That could wait for now. Dinner was getting close and he was famished.
6:08pm Carter Residence: "This meatloaf (A/N9) is great dad; I wish mine would turn out this good." Samantha said with a smile. "You'll get the hang of it just like everything else." He replied hoping she would. She could invent things or conduct a science experiments but cooking was a challenge. Samantha just nodded continuing to enjoy their dinner replaying the day in her mind. Today was a good day especially this morning. The time spent with Cassie and Jack had been fun. More fun than she expected to have given the previous day's events.
"Sammy, are you going to answer my question?" Jacob asked noticing his daughter lost in thought. "Oh, sorry dad...I was just thinking about the shipment coming in tomorrow. What did you ask?" She said telling him a small lie. "I wanted to know if are going to attend the meeting tomorrow night?" he asked knowing full well she was fibbing. The bounty hunter and his dancing horse obviously made an impression on her. His daughter told anyone that would listen after coming back from lunch.
"You know politics bore me dad. I'm going over to Janet's instead. Her wheel chair needs some work done to it." Samantha responded rolling her eyes at the thought of listening to men argue. "Politics isn't boring Sammy, it's everyone's civic duty." Jacob replied wishing she'd take more interest. "When women can vote (A/N10) I'll take interest dad." She shot back. Women were just as capable of holding government offices as men. "We've had this discussion before; I can't snap my fingers and change things. Try writing Governor Roberts (A/N11) Sammy, maybe he'll listen...this time around." Her father answered getting tired of the argument. Most women weren't smart enough to vote or hold office, his daughter and Dr. Frasier being the exception in his mind.
Sam huffed giving her father the 'look'. "None of our elected officials even bothered to respond. What makes you think the governor would?" she asked drinking her sweet tea. Jacob shrugged his shoulders "He's a democrat Sammy, maybe he'll push the idea just to get more votes." He answered with a smirk. "People in hell would be given ice water before that happened dad. Can we change the subject?" Samantha asked as she reached for seconds.
Jacob shook his head. Samantha had her mother's spirit and drive. He was proud of both his children though. They are both were intelligent in their own ways. Mark went college earning a law degree then returned home while Samantha stayed. "Okay, change of subject. What made you change your mind about the Mr. Wayne?" he asked making Samantha's eyes go wide. This wasn't what she had in mind as a subject. What was there to say? Dad was expecting an answer, an honest on at that. "I was wrong about him; can we leave it at that?" Jacob considered her plea but decided against it. He needed to know his daughters mind set. He reached across the table cover Samantha's hand with his.
"Sammy, I'm your father and want you to be happy. I never really liked Pete to begin with. His attitude in general never sat well with me." Jacob said seeing he had her attention. "Now Mr. Wayne rides in and he's totally opposite of what either of us expected. You surprised me by going with Cassie and her 'adopted' uncle, that's all." Samantha look softened as she bit her bottom lip. She had hard time sharing feelings with her father. How she wished mom was still around.
"Janet told me about Jac...Mr. Wayne, at least what she knew. His gruff appearance is meant to scare off people. He's a 'big teddy bear' on the inside though, that's what Cassie says." Samantha replied leaving out how she got lost in his chocolate brown eyes today. "When did Mr. Wayne become Jack?" asked Jacob making his daughter look away and slightly blush. "Dad..! We are friends, kind of. I know what I'm doing." She said getting up. "I'll do the dishes while you finish the books." Samantha added gathering them up without further discussion. "This conversation isn't over Sammy." He replied getting up from the dinner table chuckling on his way to the office down stairs.
922pm: A loud knock came from the store front doors. It wasn't uncommon for town folk to knock late at night; emergencies do come up time to time. "I'm coming, keep your hat on whoever you are." Jacob said grabbing his Colt SAA (Single Action Army). He held up the lantern looking out the store window noticing it was his son. "Mark what brings you by at this time of night." He asked moving so his son could enter. Jacob looked at Marks face, one that wasn't bringing good news. "Who is it Dad?" Samantha asked standing near the stairs that lead to their living quarters above the store derringer in hand. "It's your brother Sammy." He replied closing the door.
"Hi Sam, I heard what happened with Pete. I came by to apologize for vouching for him." Mark said walking over to her with their father following close behind. She lowered her gun relaxing knowing there wasn't a threat. "I'll get over it Mark. Judging from your face you didn't just come to apologize, did you?" Samantha asked as a bad feeling started to form in her stomach. Mark shook his head in shame. He had to tell his sister about the conversation between Pete and the gambler. "Let's take this into the office kids, something tells me we'll need to be sitting down." Jacob said leading them into the office. Whatever Mark had to say just might need whiskey to shallow what was going to be revealed.
A/N1: The quote is obscure though it's credited to French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord (1754-1836).
A/N2: The Queen Ann style of home spread throughout the country by pattern books, leading architecture magazines and mail order house plans. The railroad also sped up the process by making pre-cut architectural details throughout the nation. However Haven aka Nimrod Texas hasn't been made a railroad stop yet. For a better description than I can give look up Queen Ann: 1880-1910.
A/N3: Shumard Oak is one of the largest southern red oaks. The tree develops a round, open crown with a buttressed trunk and shallow root system.
A/N4: Bunk houses were basically barracks style housing for cowboys/ranch hands.
A/N5: 'Side Saddle' riding is form of equestrianism that uses a type of saddle which allows a rider to sit aside (both legs on one side) rather than astride (Cowboy style) a horse. The YouTube channel 'English Heritage' has an excellent video titled 'How to Ride Side Saddle like a Victorian Lady'.
A/N6: A western gun belt went around a person's waist. The belt had holster for single or dual pistols, loops for bullets and sometimes a knife.
A/N 7: Iron Jacket is translated from the Comanche word 'Puhihwikwasu'u'.
A/N8: The information I found isn't clear about War Councils. I'm using John Wayne's Movie 'Hondo' as a reference. War Councils are used to choose a new Chief after the previous one dies. If anyone has the correct term please let me know so I can correct the information.
A/N9: Meatloaf (one of my favorite meals) has its origins in the 5th century. Meatloaf is a traditionally German & Scandinavian and Belgian dish. American meatloaf has its origins in 'scrapple', a mixture of ground pork and cornmeal.
A/N10: The 19th Amendment was passed by Congress on June 4th 1919. It was ratified on August 18, 1920 giving women the right to vote.
A/N11: Oran Milo Roberts (D) was the 17th Governor of Texas from 1879-1863.
A/N 12: My preference would be to post every week. The only thing holding me back is work, accuracy, desire for a compelling story and a Red Nosed Pit-bull that loves attention.
LoneWolfO'Neill