The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 22: Leverage
State Room aka Jeff's dining room:
Mr. Williams had sent Inara to change into a dress shortly after dinner. The dress was a deep red with black lace accents. It was surprisingly nice for once, not revealing like usual. Jeff told her take time and to look pretty. He wanted to chat with Mr. Wayne in private. Inara knew it wouldn't be typical 'men' talk. Jeff wanted to know more about Jonathon if not buy him off. She hoped that the bounty hunter couldn't be bought. When she returned the room fell silent. The look on Jonathon's face was neutral yet his eyes told a different story. He was less than impressed with Mr. Williams.
Jeff then suggested that the Jonathon, Ned and he play poker. Inara, as always, was the designated dealer which explained the change in clothing. She knew how to play poker but never got to play much. Harry taught her how to play and cheat to win if needed. That was almost two hours ago according to the grandfather clock in the corner. Inara wasn't complaining though. She'd rather be dealing cards than in Jeff's bed. The longer Mr. Williams tried to get Jonathon to talk was a break for her.
"Mr. Wayne, your one hell of a poker player. I'm glad we weren't playing for actual money." Jeff said looking at the small pile of poker chips then his watch. "Good for you, bad for me, I'd have enough money to buy a couple of acres of land." Jonathon spoke taping his cigar on the ash tray. "That you do sir. Inara, deal one more hand and we'll call it a night. It's almost 9:00." Inara complied dealing the hand. Mr. William's demeanor was friendly while they played poker. However she could tell he was frustrated. Mr. Wayne obviously hadn't taken his offer, whatever it was.
Ned sat penniless giving Jonathon a hard stare. Once again the bounty hunter showed him up bluffing with only a pair nines and a king of hearts high. He had a royal flush and folded, damn that man. Ned lost all his money the next hand, granted it wasn't for real but he lost! That was forty minutes ago too. The boss didn't want him to leave so he sat watching Mr. Williams and Wayne finish the game. That left him time to think and observe the man.
His boss tried to bribe the bounty hunter while his fancy whore changed. The man either was holding out for a better deal or he had a high moral code. Town folk believed he was here to collect on the reward money. That bothered Mr. Williams but not as much as the rumor involving Inara. Thelma had told him that Inara let Mr. Wayne bed her without payment, twice. The busty whore liked to talk so true or not he passed on the information. Ned thought his bosses head was going to explode. Fortunately he didn't 'shoot' the messenger. Instead the boss walked around fuming until coming up with a way to use this to his advantage. Everything made sense to Ned after thinking about it. Mr. Williams brought the bounty hunter here put him under his boot heel.
"That settles it Mr. Wayne, you're a worthy opponent when it comes to poker. I've never seen a better poker face than yours." Jeff said folding his hand. In reality he had a Royal flush but Wayne didn't need to know that. Everyman had an ego of some sort that could be exploited. "Having neutral facial expressions keeps people guessing. They won't know my next move until it's too late." Jack said laying down his hand, four Aces with a 9 high. He didn't bother raking in the pot, instead lit another cigar. Jeff just nodded in agreement lighting his own cigar.
Mr. Williams looked at Morning Feather seeing her sound asleep. This didn't make him mad at all. She'd need the rest for what he had planned for her. "Ned, wake up Morning Feather then show Mr. Wayne to the guest house?" he told his foreman then stood up extending his arm to Inara. "We'll have breakfast before the two of you depart, around 8am. Sleep well Mr. Wayne." Jeff said giving Ned the signal to go ahead with the plan.
Inara stood taking Jeff's arm mentally preparing her for what was to come. Morning feather wouldn't be bothered tonight at least. Inara didn't like entertaining Mr. Williams any more than the young Indian maiden. She let him led her out of the dining room making polite small talk to soften the man up. Inara thought about what she could do to make the man talk. Jeff wasn't stupid or careless so she'd shallow her pride tonight. Jonathon needed information about the area surrounding the house. That shouldn't be too hard to get.
Jonathon had been correct about the little cabin being guest quarters. This must have been Mr. William's house before the Queen Ann was built. The dwelling was well built keeping out the night chills and howling wind. Jonathon decided to sleep in his jeans instead of underwear. The bounty hunter didn't want to waste time getting dressed if things went south. He lay on the bed pulling out 'Walden: Life in the Woods' (A/N1). Jonathon borrowed the book the other day wanting something to light to read. Janet and his Idea of light reading wasn't the same he thought with a chuckle.
Jack was about to start 'Chapter 2: Where I lived, and What I lived For' when he heard two people approaching the cabin. He reached for the Colt pistol sitting on his saddle bags waiting to see if they passed by. Jeremy said they had two man patrols roaming the ranch; this could be one of them. The footsteps stopped at the front door followed by a knock. "Mr. Wayne, its Ned." The foreman yelled in a loud voice. Jonathon marked his place in the book then got up grabbing his pistol. "What do you want Ned, I was about to go to sleep." He responded hoping that would make the asshole go away. The man was a real piece of work. "The boss thought you might want a bed warmer (A/N2)." Ned answered through the door.
The nights did get chilly so it wouldn't hurt he thought. Jack opened the door slowly, his gun at the ready. Much to his surprise Ned stood at the door with Morning Feather at his side. Jack stood to one side allowing the foreman and the Indian maiden to enter. "Nice looking bed warmer isn't she. The boss thought you might enjoy compensation for serving your country." He said pushing Morning Feather to one side closing the door. "That's really generous of Mr. Williams; I'll have to thank him in the morning." Jack replied acting like expected. He hoped that Morning Feather was the informant Jeremy mentioned. Jack had no intention to have sex with the young women. He'd have to somehow convey that to her.
"You look like a hard man to kill Mr. Wayne." Ned said noticing the five guns shot wounds and knife injury in his chest. "My guardian angel does their job well." He replied wanting the conversation to end. The sooner Ned was gone the sooner he could talk with the Indian maiden. "...or over worked. No one is invincible Mr. Wayne." Ned answered then looked at Indian maiden; she belonged in his bed not the damn bounty hunters. One day he thought with an evil grin.
Morning Feather glared at Ned, how she hated the man. He ignored her continuing his conversation. While the two men talked she considered her options. Ned said she was to show the bounty hunter a real good time. Mr. Wayne looked like the kind of man that took what he wanted when he wanted. Resisting might make the man mad which could lead to getting slapped around or worse. Submitting to his desires, whatever they may be would be her best choice. A tap on the shoulder got her attention. Ned had his hand out smiling, how she hated this part.
Morning Feather stood up straight with defiant eyes then removed the blue cotton robe handing it to Ned. Jack kept a straight face hiding his disgust at the foreman's actions. He figured Ned would just leave and that would be it. Now the young women stood there naked glaring at him and Ned. Jack felt like she was daring him to take her right there. "...like I said nice looking bed warmer. Don't break her though; the boss still has use of her. When he doesn't I get her!" Ned added making Morning Feather shudder with fear inside. She promptly got in the bed giving the bounty hunter a fake smile. "I won't break her; just get some long overdue compensation. Now if you'll excuse us it's time for her to pay up on behalf of the Kiowa nation." Jack replied making Ned laugh as he closed the door behind him.
Morning Feather watched as the bounty hunter closed the storm shutters (A/N3). This gave her a bad feeling in her gut. His last comment didn't sit well with her either. She pushed the covers past her hips hoping the gesture would get his attention, which it did. Morning Feather wanted to convey her willingness to please him thus avoiding getting hurt. Pissing off Mr. Williams didn't result in being beat but this man...this man looked like he didn't care.
To her utter astonishment the bounty hunter took his shirt from the chair then threw it at her and winked. Did he not find her attractive? Was she too young for him? None the less Morning Feather put the shirt on glad not to be naked in front of the man. Then the bounty hunter spoke in her native language asking an unexpected question, one she'd never expected.
Inara sat at the vanity in a red satin robe brushing her hair while Mr. Williams lay in bed. He smoked a cigar satisfied with the whore's services. She did a sexy strip tease then got on her knees which were a pleasant surprise. Then she matched his stamina for the first time. Previous visits Inara fainted being too tired for further activity. This could only mean one thing and one thing only, she was fishing for information. The whore had asked seemingly innocent questions about his ranch. Questions like why did he build his house in a valley? Why he never gave her a tour of the ranch? Inara said it looked beautiful riding in trying to cover her tracks. He saw right through Inara's attempt at gathering information. The question was why?
Was she working with the bounty hunter? Did Wayne have an idea on how his operation worked? Maybe the man wanted to become part of his operation. The other possibility was he lied about taking a break from bounty hunting. The reward for bringing down his horse rustling ring was $15,000 guaranteed by the Texas State government. That amount of money would make a common man consider trying. Mr. Wayne wasn't a common man though which made him dangerous. He needed to know more about the man that Morning Feather was entertaining. Her only job was to keep him occupied and not out wondering around his property.
Jeff put his cigar out in the ash tray sitting on his night stand. He then got out of bed not bothering to put his robe on walking behind Inara. "...are you ready to go again Jeff?" He looked at her reflection in the mirror liking the view. The robe was open showing her pert breasts disappear under the fabric. This turned him on enough to consider her offer. Did he want to have his way with her again? Yes he did but that would have to wait unfortunately. Jeff watched Inara stand letting the robe fall to the floor revealing herself to him once again with fake desire in her eyes. The same look Morning Feather gave him .
Inara hated herself for doing the things Jeff had wanted. She felt like crying but kept herself in check. Maybe he would talk this time around. The man could go all night if she let him. Digging deep Inara put her arms around the fat mans neck then kissed his neck resisting the urge to gag. Inara felt Jeff hands go to her hips then slowly caress their way up. This would be her last attempt to get the man to talk. She couldn't stand having the man touch her to begin with so this was it.
Much to Inara's surprise when Jeff's hands reached her hair he yanked it back. This caused pain to shoot through her head as she cried out. She dropped her arms in an attempt to defend herself. Jeff was faster though, pinning her arms behind her back. He still had a hold of her hair having complete control over her body. Inara never expected this and didn't know where the rage came from.
"Play time is over Inara...it's my turn to ask questions." He said seeing fear in her eyes. "Jeff, what did I do wrong? I only asked to make small talk?" Inara responded trying to get out of Jeff's hold. She thought her questions wouldn't raise suspicion. They weren't about his operations, just his house and such. "Be quite my dear Inara. You asked questions that are none of your business. The only thing that should concern you is pleasing me, that's it!" Jeff answered in a low voice applying more pressure on her arms. She whimpered with pain but kept quite. Inara nodded in understanding not wanting to get hurt. "Good whore, now that you fully understand your place in life we can start." Jeff said leading her to the bed then straddling Inara. He released her hair holding her in place with his legs and arms.
Inara stared up at Jeff unable to move. She was truly scared for the first time in her life. "The bounty hunter, what do you know about him? Don't lie to me either! The consequences won't be to your liking." He told her with an evil grin. Jeff was proud of himself. Inara looked terrified of him. "You want to know why, I'm glad you asked." The smug man added enjoying the power he was exerting over the young women. "If you don't answer honestly you'll never leave her again." He paused taking in the whores non verbal response then continued. "Inara my dear, you'll take Morning Feathers place as my bed warmer. Then I'll give Morning Feather to Ned to warm his bed. Now if he wants lets the boys have a go at her who am I to stop him. She won't be any of my concern at that point." Jeff informed Inara causing her eyes to widen with complete fear not only for herself but Morning Feather. "Do you want that Inara? I know you don't because of your big heart." He said seeing the whore shake her head no emphatically.
Inara started to cry because of the pain and Jeff's threat. Yes she did have a big heart but betraying Jonathon might get him killed. She also didn't want Morning Feather to be thrown to the wolves. He is a good man that promised to help. "Stop crying, it won't get you any sympathy from me. First question Inara, remember to tell the truth...where's he from?" Inara had to make a choice. Self preservation or protect the only person that can put this bastard down for good. Hell of a choice to make she thought. "What's it going to be Inara?" Jeff ground out losing patience. "The panhandle, didn't say what part!" she said through the pain making the fat man smile. He would figure out who and why the bounty hunter was in his town before midnight. Then he would take Inara one more time, life was good being 'the man'!
-Breakfast-
Jeff sat the dining room table reading yesterdays paper waiting for breakfast to be served. He read about the bar fight Deputy Mitchell and Wayne broke up. Walter's paper was unbiased and reported the facts. The two men ended the fight quick and effectively. Unfortunately Grant got arrested for cheating. That didn't bother Jeff. The man was bound to get caught eventually. However an Idea came to mind that would solidify his hold over the town. Pete wouldn't like it one bit but he didn't care. The man was quickly becoming useless. Jeff decided he'd put his plan in action by attending tomorrow night's council meeting. The man grinned at the chaos his idea would cause.
Inara intentionally took the seat across from Jeff. The man's threats scared her into talking not only for her sake but Morning Feathers. She was sore all over from last night and didn't want to be touched by him ever again. The bastard got rough with her even though told him all she knew. Inara just hoped Jonathon would understand and not get angry with her.
Jeff lowered his newspaper hearing Ned enter the room. His foreman had a pleased look on his face. "Did you get up on the right side of the bed this morning?" Mr. Williams asked then looked at Inara. She was focused on filing her nails refusing to acknowledge either man. He took what was his last night despite the whores protest. The sooner Inara realized who she belonged to the better.
"I surely did boss." Ned responded taking a seat at the far end of the table. Inara looked up at that comment noticing Ned sitting near the glass faced long gun cabinet. That worried her a bit. The sound of spurs jingled as Jonathon entered the dining room. He had Morning Feather draped over his shoulder like a trophy. This took her by surprise but not Jeff who burst out laughing. "I take it you really enjoyed my Kiowa bed warmer." He said making Ned laugh.
The foreman replayed what he saw not 20 minutes ago. When Ned went to fetch the bounty hunter for breakfast he expected Morning Feather to be sullen, it was quite the opposite. Ned opened the door finding the young Indian maiden lying naked on the bed looking completely satisfied. She was watching Wayne get dressed enjoying the view not caring about being naked. When Ned entered that changed quickly. Morning Feather covered up quickly giving him a hateful look.
"She kept me warm all night and morning. Although I think I might have broke her."Jonathon answered gently putting her in a chair next to Jeff. He glanced at Inara noting her reaction. Judging by her eyes if they were married he'd be sleeping on the couch. The upside was she had on her riding outfit from yesterday. "Mr. Wayne, I believe you got more than compensated for the trouble her people caused. That's okay because she'll recover by night fall." Jeff responded looking Morning Feather over checking for bruises. She wanted to resist the fat mans touch as he opened her robe. Instead Morning Feather stilled herself thinking about last night with the bounty hunter.
Inara looked at Jonathon giving him a stern look. From what she could tell Jonathon really did bed the young women. Maybe the bounty wasn't noble as she thought. The man looked away quickly enforcing her belief. Jonathon could feel Inara's eyes boring into him with disdain. Instead of looking at Inara he scanned the room noticing Ned sitting near the gun cabinet. Ned stared back placing one hand under the table presumably undoing the hammer loop (A/N4). Jonathon did the same on his pistols hoping he didn't have to shoot his way out. Inara and Morning Feather would most likely end up in the cross fire. The cook brought in breakfast just as Jeff finished checking Morning Feather over satisfied she wasn't harmed.
"Breakfast, my favorite meal...what's yours Mr. Wayne?" he asked rubbing his hands together as the food was set out. "...any meal that's not cooked on the trail. Hot food like this is a luxury in my business." Jonathon answered digging in sparing a glance at Inara. She was ignoring him just picking at the food not really interested in it. Morning Feather however ate her food enjoying the peace and quiet. Ned snorted at Jonathon's comment earning him a glare from Jeff. The glare looked more like a signal to wait than a warning.
They were planning something, he could feel it. Ned was positioned perfectly by the long guns for one. Two, Inara avoided looking at him. Three, her face looked a bit swollen. Not much but enough to notice. Mr. Williams knew something and was waiting for the right moment. Jonathon figured it'd be best to finish eating then leave after. That way Inara and he could get far away as possible before they talked.
Inara pushed her plate away first not even eating half. "Are you feeling okay Miss Serra? Did you not get enough sleep last night?"Ned asked with a smirk. "I got plenty of sleep last night Ned." She replied lying unconvincingly. Truthfully she cried saliently until sleep came. "Morning Feather didn't, that's for sure. She was in bed waiting for Mr. Wayne to bed her again." He added with a chuckle. Jonathan put his napkin down glaring at the man. He was about to reply back when Inara stood and slapped across the cheek hard. "You're not the man I thought you were Mr. Wayne. How dare you bed a young girl approaching women hood?" Ned took pleasure in the bounty hunter being slapped by the whore. Morning Feather didn't say anything because she couldn't; all she could do is watch. Jonathon hadn't expected Inara to slap him let alone it hurt.
Jeff leaned back pleased. Ned played his part perfectly, now it was his turn. "Inara, you have no idea how right you are." He said getting both Jonathon's and Inara attention. "What do you mean Mr. Williams?" she asked not understanding what he meant. Jonathon knew Jeff had him cornered just by his steely eyed stare. He had to play his hand out and hope to bluff the man, if possible. "You're looking at the one and only Jonathon 'Jack' O'Neill. Leader of the Ghost Riders, the most feared man of the Kiowa and Comanche nation." Inara had a blank look on her face not recognizing the name. "I've never heard that name before." She stated taking a step back from Jonathon.
Ned stood pulling his Colt pistol pointing it at Jack with genuine fear. "Boss, are you sure? Jack O'Neill left for parts unknown after the Red River war. Some claim to found his dead body with a single gunshot to the head." Everyone looked at him including Morning Feather. "What makes you think I'm that mad man?" Jonathon replied playing dumb while going over his exit options. "Have a seat Mr. O'Neill and I'll explain." Ned looked between his boss and the bounty hunter. With his pistol still pointed at the man he moved closer to the long gun cabinet.
"That wasn't a request; now sit down before Ned shoots you by accident. I'd hate to see my floor get stained with blood again. Keep your hands on the table too." Jeff ordered leaving no room for argument. He leaned forward looking straight at the man folding his hands together. Inara took a seat further away getting out of the line of fire. She now realized why Jeff asked the questions he did. Inara watched Jonathon comply with Mr. William's orders without hesitation.
"During the Red River War I sold horses to the U.S. Calvary. My men and I delivered them to Fort Richardson (A/N5). I noticed a group of soldier's ride in looking tired and dirty. One man stood out amongst the others. Care to know why Mr. O'Neill?" Jeff asked lighting a cigar enjoying the bounty hunters discomfort even though it wasn't showing. "Not really but you're going to tell me anyways." Jonathon answered eyeing Ned now armed with a Winchester rifle.
"The soldier leading the group had a horse much like yours, a Belgian. He had several Indian scalps on the back of his saddle. Other soldiers had scalps as well, just not as many. This piqued my interest so I waited until I could talk to the man." Jonathon scowled at the man. Damn the luck...what where the odds their path would cross in such a manner? Jeff smiled seeing that he struck pay dirt, his suspicions were correct.
"Why do you think that was me? That could've any number of men back then." Jonathon replied trying to deflect Jeff's line of questioning ignoring his mention of taking scalps. "True as that maybe Mr. O'Neill not many rode a horse like yours for one. Two, I followed the man into the bar taking a seat where I could observe him." Inara listened intently to what Jeff was saying. When she arrived in the U.S. there was some talk of the 'Ghost Riders', mostly unbelievable stories told by drunks.
"He was a commissioned colonel judging by his uniform. The man also had unforgettable eyes and a full beard. Everyone that rode in with him had beards which told me they were in the field for while." Jonathon wanted to throttle the man, no; he wanted to shoot him and Ned between the eyes. He left that life behind in the desert one fateful night, a night that he'd never forget.
Jeff looked around the room seeing he had everyone full undivided attention including Morning Feathers. He knew she didn't speak English but probably picked up a few words over the years. "By chance I an old cowboy sat at my table and was talkative." He continued looking straight at Jonathon. "You can't believe everything you hear; old men love to talk just to talk." The bounty hunter replied to Jeff with anger boiling up. "Normally I'd agree but this old man knew you well." He said then continued with grin ignoring the man's tone. "He told me your horse's name, Thor. Charles Kowalski was your second in Command and how your family died." Jeff took a drink letting what he said sink in. He noticed Inara had moved out of the line of fire now. Judging from Jonathon's body language he was ready to jump across the table. This scared Inara because men like that were unpredictable, they killed without any remorse.
Ned looked at Jonathon finally making the connection his boss did. "That drunken fool always claimed to be a 'Ghost Rider'. Everyone just figured he made up stories to get free drinks. Kowalski even mentioned your horses name O'Neill." Ned added showing more confidence by the minute. "Even drunks tell the truth sometimes Ned." Jeff replied then tapped his cigar in the ash tray. "Now while I was in the bar three ornery looking men came looking for Mr. O'Neill..." he started saying. "...it was four men, not three. If you're going to tell the story, tell it right! Your audience deserves that much." Jonathon said fed up with the man's game.
"Your right Mr. O'Neill, it was four." Jeff answered triumphantly as Ned levered a rifle round into the chamber.
Jeff just grinned having made the bounty hunter capitulate. Ned and Inara looked at the two men expectantly waiting for the rest of the story. "Shall I continue or would like to finish the story?" he asked not backing off. His foreman had the bounty hunter covered. No one could be that quick. "I was faster..." Jonathon answered waiting for the other shoe to fall. "That you were, I didn't even see you draw. Not one man cleared leather either Ned, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes." The fat man added driving home the point. "Then why didn't you talk to me, lose your nerve?" asked the bounty hunter getting a jab in. "I don't lose my nerve Mr. O'Neill. Hard to talk to a person locked in the brig." Jeff replied lighting another cigar.
"Is it true Jonathon, is your last name really O'Neill? Did you do what Mr. Williams said?" Inara asked with conflicting emotions. "I'm not that man anymore and I don't want to be, is that understood." He answered looking at Jeff then Inara. "Then why change your last name Jonathon?" she asked feeling uneasy around him. "...because I became what I was fighting against." Jonathon replied. "...and he was ashamed." Jeff added prodding the man. "What do you want from me?" the bounty hunter asked ignoring everyone else in the room. The sooner he left the better. "Your skill set is of value to me, in what capacity you'll find out later." Jeff said trying to figure out Pete's new role. "...Supposing I don't cooperate. Maybe I shoot Ned and you down first chance I get." Jonathon answered making a threat but didn't make a move for his guns.
"We both know that won't happen, don't we?" Jeff asked rhetorically. "How do you know that Mr. Williams? The moment he's off the property we no longer have control over him." Ned asked motioning towards the bounty hunter. "Use your head for something else other than a hat rack Ned!" The foreman's boss admonished him. "To answer your question Mr. O'Neill, it's simple. What would your doctor friend and niece think? Would they want you living under the same roof after finding out your true identity? What about Jacob Carter's daughter, better yet Jake. I hear your cozying up to her." Jonathon recoiled slightly at the mention Janet and Cassandra. The thought of having them know of his past scared him, especially Samantha.
"That's a good bounty hunter, just sit there and be good boy." Ned said mocking Jonathon. "Brave words from a man holding a Winchester?" Jonathon replied barely holding his anger back. His past had come back to bit him in the ass. "You told me once to 'pick my battle'...good choice wouldn't you say?"He retorted with an evil grin. "Be quiet Ned..."Jeff told the foreman. "...Mr. O'Neill, you'll escort Miss Serra back to town like nothing happened. Since you already work for me it won't be a big deal when I expand your duties." He continued satisfied with himself.
"You work for Maybourne...right Jonathon, not Mr. Williams." Inara asked not understanding the full situation. "Inara my dear, I fronted Harry the money for the bar. Do you really think a man like him would have that kind of cash?" The Brazilian beauty deflated in her seat. How could she not have seen the connection? That's why Jeff had exclusive access to her. Harry was just the middle man, not her actual employer.
Jeff watched sever of his men escort the bounty hunter away from the house. He had Jonathon disarmed as a precaution before leaving the dining room. There wasn't a need to take chances with O'Neill. "Do you think he'll work with you Mr. Williams?" Ned asked still holding the rifle. "Colonel O'Neill will until he figures a way out." He replied tapping the cigar against the porch post. "Will I be able to kill him when that time comes?" the foreman asked with a wicked grin. "Only if you get the drop on him, remember. Four men came for him and they were buried the same day." Ned took in what his boss said. Yes, he'd kill the man. Just not in a fair fight Ned figured. Wild Bill Hickok meet his maker in an unfair fight, why not Colonel O'Neill.
Morning Feather watched from her bedroom window with many thoughts. Could she trust him now? Even after what they discussed last night. Would he keep his promises to help her? She would have to just wait and see. Morning Feather thought back to her teachings at the Christian Orphanage before being taken by the Comanche at a young age. The preacher said God answers everyone's prayers. The answers sometimes come through miracles or unlikely people. Maybe Colonel O'Neill was one of those unlikely people; she'd have to pray on that. Hopefully the fat man would leave her alone tonight. The group turned the bend disappearing from view. One day she'll ride out of here just like Jeremy said, one day soon.
A/N1: Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) published 'Walden: Life in the Woods' in 1854.
A/N2: Bed Warmers are metal containers shaped like a pan usually fitted with a handle. The pan would be filled with embers under the covers of a bed. They either warmed or dried out the bed before use.
A/N3: Storm Shutters cover the outside of cabin/house to protect windows against severe weather.
A/N4: The 'Hammer Loop' is a thin piece of leather the goes over the hammer of a pistol. The purpose is to hold the gun in place so it doesn't fall out while riding a horse.
A/5: Fort Richardson's (Established 1868) original location was supposed to be near Buffalo Springs (southern Clay County, TX).The dry spell and water scarcity prompted relocation to Lost Creek instead. The fort was named after Union General Israel Bush Richards.
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