The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 26: A Hero's Welcome
10:30 A.M. Carters General store: Valla sighed looking outside as she put away new stock. Wednesday had been really slow so far. Samantha hadn't said much all morning, mostly staying to herself. Her eye's looked puffy as if she had been crying the night before. Mr. Carter hadn't said much either other than being in his usual grumpy mood. Cameron stopped by earlier to still a kiss or two then continued his patrol. Samantha saw them but didn't say anything just turning away with a sad face. This was odd given her upbeat mood after spending the morning with the handsome bounty hunter yesterday.
Samantha told her everything from Thor Dancing to the sheriff being made a fool of again. Whatever happened to change her mood had to be drastic. Maybe she was worried about the bounty hunter escorting Miss Serra to Blue Sun Ranch. Inara caught the eye of many a man but none was bold enough to make a move given Mr. Williams hold over her. Maybe Samantha was worried that the bounty hunter would be the one man to do so. That had to be it. Samantha is interested with Mr. Wayne as it were, she was jealous of Inara! Valla smiled thinking she had figured it out. Had Valla known what Pete did she would be upset as well.
"Hey y'all, listen up...Mr. Wayne is back in town!" an overly excited cowboy yelled after entering the general store getting everyone attention. "What's that got to do with anything?" asked Mr. Carter looking at the cowboy in annoyance. Samantha and Valla stopped working waiting for the cowboy to answer wondering why that was news worthy. "He killed four Comanche and brought them in along with their ponies, that's what Mr. Carter!" the cowboy replied turning to leave. "Where is he taking them?" Samantha asked walking towards the exit. "Mr. Wayne is heading towards the Sheriff's office with Inara Miss Carter." Jacob knew there would be not stopping her. He could tell it was out of concern more than curiosity. His daughter obviously wanted to check on the man's well-being judging from her expression. One man could take on four Comanche and win, but without getting hurt. That's another story.
Samantha disappeared out the door as Valla watched then turned to look at her boss. She gave him a hopeful smile bouncing her pigtails up and down. Jacob made a waving motion allowing her to leave; Valla would keep an eye on her. Most of the customers were leaving anyways. Valla bounced out the door leaving him to shake his head. He'd close up then head to the mayor's office. There wasn't a doubt in his mind the bounty hunter would be giving a private debrief. The town folk would be asking too many questions. He wouldn't be able to get a word in edge wise anyways.
"This is a first for me Jonathon." Inara said as they road towards the sheriff's office. "If you mean people being in awe of your beauty, I'd say you're fibbing." He answered tipping his hat some young ladies making them blush. Inara laughed at the man's response. Most red blooded men looked at her with desire but that wasn't what she was referring to. "I get that all the time, I'm referring to the...you know behind us." She responded pushing the memory away with positive thoughts. Jonathon looked back checking on the Comanche, yep still dead. "You get used to it, after a while the stares don't bother you much." He said remembering the first time bringing in a fugitive dead. "You'll forgive me if I don't make this a habit." Inara replied with a smirk making light of the situation. "I only heard of one woman bounty hunter, ugly as sin the guy said. You on the other hand could bring them in like the Pied Piper." She looked at the bounty hunter wondering if he was telling the truth or pulling her leg.
Cassandra waved at her uncle trying to get his attention. She had seen him bring bad guys in before, always alive though. This time he had dead Indians instead. Jonathon brought the horses to a stop letting Rey and Cassie walk up to them. "Mr. Wayne...is those Indians dead?" asked Ray all wide eyed. He had never seen an Indian alive or dead for that matter. Loki approached the older warrior sniffing him then back away growling. "They are dead Ry'ac, not a one of them will harm another person ever again." Jonathon answered leaning over to talk to Teal'C son. Inara along with a small crowd watched as the bounty hunter conversed with the two kids. "Stupid Indians, never mess with my uncle!" Cassie said to no one in particular while glaring at the dead Indians. "Loki, get over hear. You don't need to sniff them!" she told her dog before retrieving him.
"...and you killed all four of them yourself!" Ray asked in awe. "Not all at once, but yes. I had to protect Miss Serra." Jonathon replied giving Inara a wink. "Uncle Jon protected you like he did me Miss Serra." Cassie said looking up at the women. Loki continued to eye the dead Comanche attempting to go near them again only for Cassie to stop him. "Yes he did little miss, I'm grateful that he's a good shot." Inara replied truthfully. She would never forget the sound of bullets flying around her head, it was terrifying. "He's going to teach me to shoot when I'm older, just don't tell my mamma." Cassandra responded with a smile then looked at her uncle. "I won't little miss." Inara said with a chuckle. "Uncle Jon, you're bleeding. Did you get shot again?" she asked staring him down, hands on her hips. "It's a flesh wound, I'll be okay." Jonathon answered knowing Cassie wouldn't be satisfied. "Come on Ray, we'll go get my mom, she'll fix you up again, lets go Loki." She said drawing Rays attention from the dead Comanche. "But I want to..." Ry'ac started to say. "...Now Ray... let's go." She told him as they both ran towards Cassie's house. "Janet's going to give me hell now." He said then spurred Thor along. "Why would she give you hell? It's not your fault they tried to kill us." Inara asked looking at the dried blood on his leg. "You'll see, Janet goes off every time I come back injured." He replied shaking his head.
They arrived at the sheriff's office with crowd in tow. Inara dismounted Betsy going inside while the bounty hunter stayed. He didn't want anyone to get too curious about the dead Comanche. "What happened? Did they jump on your way in Mr. Wayne?" someone from the crowd yelled amongst the hushed voices. He turned around scanning the growing crowd. No harm in giving a simple answer he thought. "They tried to jump up us by the pond." The answer got people talking even more, presumably because it's a popular swimming hole.
Cameron came outside with a wide smile. What Inara told him got his attention. He'd let the jerk sleep a little longer though. "Damn...Inara wasn't kidding Mr. Wayne. You really do have four dead Comanche." He commented walking over to the Indians lifting their heads up. Inara rolled her eyes; she had no reason to lie to the man. "This one has a hole in his head, close range." Cam said to no one in particular. "...didn't like his answer." Jonathon replied tapping his cigar against the saddle. "...guess not. Where did they attack you at Mr. Wayne?" Cam asked walking up beside the bounty hunters horse. "Go get Shanahan and I'll tell the story, I don't like repeating myself." The deputy thought for a moment then started walking towards the office. "Pete worked late last night, won't take kindly to be woke up." Cam responded from the door with a smirk. "...like I give a damn, now wake up the lazy ass!" Jonathon told him. "...yes sir!" as he went inside with a big smile.
Pete stormed outside angrily while putting his hat on. Cameron was close behind him still smiling. He clearly enjoyed waking up his boss. "What in the hell do you want Mr. Wayne, I was..." he started saying but stopped. The gathered crowd plus the dead Comanche got his attention. This wasn't good, not one bit. The damn bounty hunter had four of Chief Eagle Talon's men. Pete knew with everyone watching he had to play nice. Dismissing Mr. Wayne would look bad even if he did it politely. "Excuse us, press coming through." A voice said getting the attention of all three men. Walter stepped through the crowd with another man carrying a camera (A/N1). "Did we miss anything?" the younger man asked as he set up the cameral all excited. "No, I was about to talk with Mr. Wayne about..." Pete responded to the young man only to be cut off. "Good timing then on our part, right Mr. Quinn." Walter told his assistant.
Jonas just smiled widely as he continued with his task. "You can start anytime sheriff, don't let me hold you up." The newsman said getting his pencil and paper ready. Walter took a seat by Inara tipping his hat greeting her. Jonathon just wanted to drop off the damn Indians and move on; now he had to deal with the press and Shanahan. While this was happening Valla and Sam had arrived to large crowd. "Look at all the people, we won't see a thing." Samantha said with a huff. "Don't you mean see the handsome bounty hunter?" her friend replied with a playful smile. "I have no idea what you're talking about Valla. Now be quiet so I can hear." Samantha answered with a slight blush. "Don't worry; I'll get us a front row seat." Valla responded then grabbed her friend's hand. "Excuse us, coming through... daughter of a town councilman coming through." She all but yelled pushing her way through with Samantha in tow.
"Where were you jumped Mr. Wayne?" Pete asked while Cam faced the crowd preventing them from getting to close to the dead Comanche. "I'm not going to repeat myself, so listen good Shanahan. They jumped Inara and me at the pond south of Blue Sun Ranch." Jonathon answered after puffing on his cigar. "What were the two of you doing there?" Pete inquired looking at Inara then him with a wiry smile. This question made Inara frown. Both Jonathon and she knew what Pete was implying. The man simply had no respect. "Just what are you implying Shanahan?" asked the bounty hunter leaning over the saddle a little further. Murmurs came from the crowd as people were being pushed to the sides.
Valla along with Samantha made their way to the front at that moment. Pete and Samantha made eye contact breaking his train of thought. Great, if things couldn't get worse the sheriff thought. His worthless deputies' girlfriend was there too, wonderful. Samantha looked away then smiled at the bounty hunter no doubt pissing off her ex. Jonathon returned the smile then tipped his hat at the ladies. "You were asking me a question Shanahan?" This brought Pete back to his train of thought. He had a job to do, Samantha could wait. "I'm not implying anything Mr. Wayne. The two of you stopped for a reason, correct?" he asked stepping closer to make his point. 'Why in the hell didn't the man get off his horse? It'd look better if they were on equal footing' Pete thought. Inara went to speak but Jonathon spoke first. She didn't want everyone to know about her secret pleasure. "Miss Serra wanted to mediate in peace seemed like the place for it. Isn't that right Inara?" he asked her as she relaxed. Jonathon turned his head hearing a women giggle. Samantha ducked behind Valla, trying to hide. He smiled turning his attention back to the sheriff. "He's correct sheriff. The term is meditating not mediate Jonathon." Inara responded correcting the man's wrong terminology.
Walter wrote everything down he could see and hear. This would be front page news for tomorrow. The photos he could get might just put the town on the map for once. He'd get some photos of the two with the dead Comanche. This would be the first time they used the camera too. Drifters rode into and out of town all the time. This time however the drifter stayed and Walter was glad. The town hasn't been the same since.
"You got four, how many got away?" Pete asked deciding to get a closer look at the dead Comanche. "...had there been more they'd be dead too." Jonathon answered getting annoyed with the man. "This one is wet; did he fall in the pond?" Shanahan said looking at the one that fell into the water. "I had to fish that one out of the pond. Couldn't let it get contaminated." He replied getting tired of the idiots questioning. "No need to get defensive Mr. Wayne, just covering all the angels. This one you shot close range." He commented dropping letting go of the dead man's hair. "He annoyed me..." Jonathon replied hearing unintelligible conversation in the background. "This horse belongs to Blue Sun Ranch!" the sheriff said looking at the brand. "Bout time you noticed. Those two belong to Malcolm Reynolds and the other George Hammond. Kind of makes a man think...don't it?" the bounty hunter answered moving a bit in the saddle.
Janet is taking her sweet time getting here. His leg hurt, not that he'd admit it out loud. "I'll have to take these horses in as evidence Mr. Wayne. I know you bounty hunters usually get to keep horses and firearms to resale for compensation, maybe next time." Pete said with a smile. Finally he would get one over on the man. More talk came could be heard from the crowd as they considered the new revelation.
"Excuse me, doctor coming through. Move out of the way Jerry, you big lug!" Janet could be heard speaking over the gathered crowd. "Sorry Miss Frasier, I didn't mean to block your path." The 6'4" man replied moving out of the way. "That's okay Jerry." She said moving out into the open. "See momma, stupid Indians thought they could kill Uncle Jon." Cassie told her mother as Loki stayed close to her side. He didn't trust all these people being around his human. "I see Cassandra. Now come along, your uncle needs medical attention." Janet told her daughter. That's when it dawned on the Pete. The bounty hunter wouldn't get off his horse due being shot in the leg. Too bad they didn't kill the bastard he thought.
"His injury can wait Dr. Frasier; I'm still talking with him." Pete told the small doctor only to be ignored. Loki started growling at the sheriff making him back up from Jonathon. Damn that dog, he didn't like the dog or the brat. "When are you going to stop flirting with death?" Janet asked looking at his leg injury. "Death keeps flirting with me!" He answered only to get stared at along with some laughs. "Hand me a knife from my bag Cassandra." She said ignoring his sarcastic reply. "Hey, these are my favorite pair of jeans!" Jonathon yelped at the good doctor started cutting them open anyways. "Find a new pair." Janet answered focused on her work. This made some people in the crowd chuckle including Samantha and Valla. "Can I continue Janet?" Pete asked from further away. Loki had backed the man up almost to the office steps. "I never said you couldn't stop." She replied. Cassandra stuck her tongue out at idiot then called Loki back to her. Pete gave up deciding to just let it go. He'd talk with the man later...maybe.
Damn it, didn't anyone respect his authority? "Cameron take these Comanche down to the mortuary, When you're done with that take the horses to Tony." He ordered but Walter stood up getting the sheriffs attention. "I need to get some pictures first sheriff." Pete rolled his eyes. He knew Walter wouldn't miss this opportunity. This wasn't fair at all. The bounty hunter and Inara get ambushed and survive, becoming the lead story for tomorrow's paper. He didn't get this kind of treatment for arresting a bank robber last week, just a small article on page two. "Make it quick, I have paperwork to do now." Pete replied moving towards the dead Comanche in hopes of being in the photograph. "Sorry sheriff, just Mr. Wayne and Miss Serra. They were the ones there." The newspaper man said making some town folk laugh loudly. Pete grumbled under his breath going to lean against hitching post.
Both Janet and Cameron moved out way while the pictures were taken. Jonathon didn't smile but Inara did. Having her picture taken would be a first for her. Maybe this picture would be seen by lots of people in the future long after she was gone. With the photographs taken and crowd dispersed Pete turned to go inside. He had enough of Mr. Wayne's attitude and the day was just starting.
"...aren't you forgetting something Shanahan?" asked the bounty hunter getting attention the last few people that stuck around. Among them were Samantha, Valla, Walter and Jonas. Janet had finished treating Jonathon then left giving him a stern warning to be careful. "What am I forgetting bounty hunter?" Pete asked snidely now that the crowd was gone. "That 'Wanted' poster say's $250.00 for any Comanche brought in dead. That means you owe me $1,000.00 dollars." Jonathon pointed out stretching in his saddle. He needed to get down and walk; his legs were getting a bit stiff. "Fine, come inside and I'll get it for you." the sheriff replied angrily. Walter made a mental note of the exchange before heading back to his office. Tomorrow's paper had a great start. Tonight is the town council so he already knew they'd be burning the midnight oil.
Jonathon walked out of the sheriff's office pocketing the money, but only after counting it twice. Inara had gone with Janet to get checked out; he had to push her into it though. That women could be stubborn as Homer. On his way out he noticed Miss Carter petting Thor. "I'll give you fair warning, Thor has a thing for beautiful blondes Samantha." He spoke startling the women a bit. She used Thor's mane to hide her blush. Samantha knew he was referring to himself. Once regaining her composure she decided to take Valla's advice. "Would you mind if I helped take the horses back to Murrays?" Jonathon smiled liking the idea. He pocketed the money while walking over to the hitching post. "I wouldn't mind at all Samantha. Do you need help getting on Betsey?" She smiled then stuck her foot in the stirrup getting on. "I'll take that as a no then." Jonathon replied unhitching both horses before saddling up himself.
Pete watched their interaction from the window. He hated the bounty hunter more than words could express. The man had turned his world upside down within a few days. The whole operation is in jeopardy now because of Wayne. Williams won't be pleased with the chief either. The stupid Comanche had one job, just one job! Eagle Talon messed that up by letting his people loose. Now the whole town will probably want to form a posse, with Wayne leading it. He wouldn't be surprised if someone suggested the bounty hunter take over as sheriff at the meeting tonight. Pete knew he had to do something quickly, but what. Maybe he should do some investigating at the scene. He might be able to come to an alternate conclusion making Wayne look like a liar. Yes, that's what he'd do. With Grant released there was no one in the jail. Cameron had left with the dead Comanche and stolen horses. The bounty hunter wouldn't see this coming at all.
They rode in comfortable silence stopping to let Miss Martin walk across the road. "Were you scared during the fight?" Samantha asked looking at the man. He was nothing like Jonas or Pete. They didn't treat her as trophy. Sam realized this now. Based on Jacks actions he was good, moral and brave man. She watched Jack closely as he thought about his answer. He tapped his cigar against the saddle then looked at her.
"During a fight you don't have time to be scared, it's live or die. However there is always some fear, that's what pushes you to survive. After the fight you sometimes get the shakes. Given that I've been in many fights, some bloody others not so, I've learned to push the fear into a box that I never open." Jack answered as they continued riding. "I hope to never be in that kind of salutation." Samantha said wondering how she'd fair. "I hope you never are either Samantha." He answered then continued. "My first battle was Harpers Ferry (A/N2). Men were falling beside me while I did my best to follow training. That battle turned me from a boy to a man. We surrendered but I escaped along with a few others, Kowalski one of them." Samantha didn't say anything instead letting an easy silence settle in. The fact he told her was surprising enough.
They were coming up on 'Kings' when Kowalski spotted them. He waved at them attempting to get their attention. Jonathon guided them over to the man to see what he wanted. "I heard what happened Jack, glad your okay." Charles said as water dripped off him. Before Jack could respond Samantha cut in. "Why are you wet Charles?" she asked knowing it hadn't rained in a week. Jack could smell liquor on the man, he had been drinking again. The town drunk took his hat off then looked down in shame. "I was drinking ma'am; I saved my friend the trouble of throwing me in the water trough." Jack let out a belly laugh causing Samantha to giggle. This made Charles smile his first smile in a long time. "Good, I didn't feel like getting off my horse." He replied then took his last puff on the cigar.
Harry came out of the bar to see where his porter went. He noticed the bounty hunter along with Miss Carter. "Mr. Wayne, you're just the man I wanted to see." Maybourne said walking up to the edge of the walk way. "Why is that Maybourne?" Jack asked getting down to business. "One, where is Inara. Two you're the man of the hour." He responded lighting his own cigar. Samantha didn't say anything just watched as the men talked. "Inara is getting checked out by Doc. Frasier, I'll let her explain." Jack replied glancing over at Samantha then back to Harry. "Just because I brought in some dead Comanche don't make me hero Maybourne." Charles looked at his boss getting a nod. "Those Comanche belonged to Chief Eagle Talon Jack. You are the first to collect on their bounties." The town drunk informed the bounty hunter. This got Jacks attention; last he knew Eagle Talon was just a warrior.
"Come inside, I'm sure the cowboys would love to hear the story first hand. Your drinks will be on me Mr. Wayne." Harry said then turned to Charles. "Escort Miss Carter back to her store, then take the horse's to Murrays, after that put some dry clothes on." Maybourne started walking inside then turned around. "...you coming or not Wayne?" the bar owner asked expectantly. "Yeah, I'm coming. Just give me a minute." Jack answered not really wanting to go inside. To be honest he didn't want to lose Samantha's comforting presence. Harry nodded then went inside informing his customers.
"Care to join me Miss Carter?" Jonathon asked as he dismounted handing the reigns to Charles. "Harry doesn't like women like me in his bar Jack." Samantha replied wishing that she could join him. "I'm on good terms with his bouncer. I don't think he'll say anything if you joined me." He said as Charles rolled his eyes. Her eyes lit up as she gave the man a mag watt smile. "In that case I think I will Jack." The bounty hunter helped Jacobs's daughter off Betsy giving her butterflies. She would have to do something to get his full undivided attention, maybe a picnic. Yes, that would work. Samantha smiled as they walked into Kings with Jacks hand in the small of her back. Everyone looked surprised but Harry. He could see the mutual admiration between the two. No harm in if it happens just once.
Charles rode towards Murrays still dripping wet but happy. His friend had found a woman that got his attention like Sara did all those years ago. Jack would be okay, Charles was sure of it.
A/N1: George Hare made a camera derived from the earlier 'wet plate' designs. His camera was an early dry plate version. The advertisement stated that it was the best and most compact camera ever invented.
A/N2: The Battle of Harpers Ferry took place on September 12-15th, 1862.
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