The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 27: Another bar Fight
The bell above the door rang as Jonathon entered Ranger Ron's Gun Smithing & Sales. Ron put down the rifle he was fixing to see who entered. "Mr. Wayne, I've been wondering when I'd get to meet you in person. I've heard many things about you but I prefer finding out for myself. " Ron said offering to shake hands. Jack obliged giving the man a firm hand shake. "Hearsay always falls short of what the truth is Mr..?" Jack replied letting go of Ron's hand. "Ronald Nantz, just call me Ron. Ronald reminds me of all the trouble I caused as a youth." The gunsmith responded then continued. "What happened to your rifle, was someone not worth a bullet?" he asked noticing the broken stock. "Oh, the Comanche was worth shooting. The rifle jammed so I had to club the Son of bitch." Jack replied handing it over for Ron to inspect. "He's dead I hope, waste of a good rifle if he isn't." Ron commented checking the action finding it jammed up good. "Shot him in the head with my pistol. He came at me from behind, had to block a tomahawk. That caused it to jam somehow." The bounty hunter answered as he scanned the selection of firearms. "Serves him right, I presume his friends are dead too." Ron replied setting down the Winchester. "Your presumption is correct; Deputy Mitchell took them to the coroner." Jack answered hoping he didn't have to repeat the story once more. "Did Walter interview you for his newspaper? He's persistent but fair in his reporting. Mr. Quinn gets over excited though." Ron asked the bounty hunter.
Walter Harriman, the news paper owner, tracked him down requesting an interview. He obliged the man mostly so the town folk wouldn't pester him. "He caught up to me just as I left Murrays with the rifle, it can't be fixed I take it." Jack replied a little angry. The rifle served him well for many years, now it was just scrap. "Rather than ask I'll read about the fight in the paper. As for the rifle I hate to say it but, you're correct. I can get the bullets out for you though then sell you another rifle." Ron informed the bounty hunter placing his hands on the display case. Jack took his hat off scratching his head then chuckled. "Do you have the new Henry chambered in 38-55 (A/N1)?" he asked with a smile. "That I do sir. I had a shipment come in on Monday." Ron replied going over to the rifle rack pulling down a polished brass Henry. "Here you go Mr. Wayne; I believe this rifle will serve you well. I've shot it a few times, it's a sweet shooter." Jack looked over the rifle then shouldered it. He cycled the action several times liking how it felt. "I'll take two along with 200 rounds if you have them." He said placing the rifle on the counter. "Here you go, the ammunition I'll have to order though, I only have 120rds." Ron replied placing another Henry on the counter. "That will be fine Ron, I'll take 80 rounds, No need to buy all your stock." The shop owner nodded in appreciation as the bell range. A short dark haired woman entered carrying a basket of food.
"Mr. Wayne, this is my wife Beverly." Ron said making the introduction. "Howdy ma'am, pleased to meet you." Jack said tipping his hat. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. How are you doing today?" Bev asked setting the basket on the floor. "I'm doing good Ms. Nantz, just buying a couple of rifles, this one is busted." He answered gesturing the Winchester. "Mr. Wayne your total is $100.00 even. Since you bought two I'll throw in rifle slings for free." Ron said getting the bounty hunters attention. "Here you go, and call me Jon, formalities aren't my style either." He replied paying from the bounty money.
Bev laughed at Jacks comment as she picked up the basket and walked behind the counter. "What are you laughing at women?" Ron asked counting the money then placing it in the register. "Formalities are definitely not your style Mr. Wayne." She responded still laughing. "What do you mean by that Bev?" Ron asked giving her a funny look. "I'd like to know too ma'am." Jack inquired as Ron's wife smiled widely. "Carrying Miss Carter out of Kings on your shoulder isn't how courting is usually done...but you're not one for 'formalities'." Bev answered laughing some more.
"It's not what you think." Jack answered seeing the curiosity the woman's eyes. "Good, you can explain while having lunch with us. I want to know every detail." Bev said walking to the back of the store with the food. Ron looked at the bounty hunter shaking his head while smirking. "Mize as well go on back, I'll be there after I close up for lunch. She'll be worse than Walter if you don't tell her." He told Jack with a chuckle. "Oh, by the way...I have chocolate cake for desert Mr. Wayne." Bev yelled from the back. "Cake..! You got a deal Mrs. Nantz." Jack responded disappearing behind the curtain.
-Flash Back-
Jack retold the story once more for the people in the bar. They were very persistent not taking a 'no' for an answer. On the upside Harry gave him a whiskey on the house and Samantha was impressed with the story. The small crowd went back to their previous activities leaving only Harry, Samantha and Jack. "I'd be a dead man with four on one odd's Mr. Wayne. You however dealt with worse while serving in the war obviously." Harry said leaning back smoking his cigar. "I learnt fast to assess threats in order to survive. These Comanche didn't have a plan of attack. They were seeking glory and not working together, worked in my favor thank God." Jack replied. Harry nodded while Samantha listened enjoying her on the house Red Wine. "Well, the bar won't run itself." Maybourne responded standing up. "Take off until the meeting tonight Mr. Wayne. I'll need you here to deal with the idiots. People tend to get riled up over one thing or another afterwards. Enjoy your stay Miss Carter; I'll leave the bottle for you." he said giving Samantha a wink.
Samantha and Jack sat in silence drinking not really knowing what to say. Breaking the silence Jack spoke first. "Is this your first time in a bar?" he asked looking into her eyes."Am I that obvious Jack?" She asked giving him a bright smile. "I'm afraid so, you aren't missing much, just a bunch of cowboys drinking and acting like idiots while messing with women." Jack answered downing his drink. "...are you one of those idiots that drink and mess with women?" Samantha asked cocking her head to one side with a polite smile. He looked at her trying to figure out if she was being serous or yanking his chain. Samantha burst out laughing letting out a un-lady like snort. She covered her face in embarrassment but still laughed. "You almost had me Samantha, to answer your question...no. Good place for information bad place to lose money." Jack answered with a smirk.
"Speaking of losing money, care to play a game of pool?" she asked the bounty hunter with a sweet smile. "You know how to play pool Samantha?" Jack asked giving her a perplexed look. He wondered where she learn how if not in a bar. "Don't act surprised Jack; my father raised me to be independent." Samantha replied standing up walking towards an open table. He stood as well following her enjoying the view. "Then how did you learn to play then?" Jack asked grabbing two pool sticks from the wall. "My Uncle George has a pool table at his house. Mark and I used to play a lot. Dad noticed then taught us against mom's wishes." She responded accepting the offered pool stick. "That's good to know; now I won't feel bad when I beat you." Jack replied rocking on his heels smirking. "...how about a friendly wager then?" Samantha asked making a show of racking the pool balls up properly. She was enjoying their light banter. This is the first time conversation came easily. With Jonas and Pete it was somewhat of a challenge at first.
"Last time we bet lunch over Thor's dancing abilities, I won so your 0-1 while I'm 1-0." Jack said almost getting completely distracted by her baby blues. "That doesn't count; I was set up by Cassandra." She retorted rolling her eyes playfully. "A bet is a bet, Cassie notwithstanding. What should we bet on?" he asked letting her decide. His preference would be a kiss on the cheek, damn why was he thinking that way? She wouldn't be interested in a guy like him. Samantha thought for a minute leaning against the pool table. "I win you buy me dinner tomorrow night. You win you buy me dinner tomorrow night." She replied giving him a mega watt smile. "The bet somehow seems one sided in your favor Samantha." Jack said with a chuckle. "You should know better than to let a woman set the terms..." Sam answered trying not to laugh out loud. No need to draw to much attention. She drew enough just walking in the bar.
"You leave the tip and it's a bet Samantha." He answered. "I'll even let you break, that way you have a chance." Jack added with a smirk. "Keep thinking that Jack." She responded as she lined up her first shot. Before he could reply Samantha sent the cue ball crashing into the number 3 ball. They scattered all about sinking both a stripe and solid. "It's your choice Samantha." Jack said lighting a cigar shaking out the match. "Which is one your favorite?" Samantha asked with a twinkle in her eyes. This could be a trick question he thought. "Stripes, reminds me of the western sky at night." Samantha smiled at his response. He was a romantic under all that gruff. "You can have solids, I'll take stripes." That made him chuckle lightly. "You're just digging a bigger hole for yourself Carter." She didn't hesitate in making her first shot sinking the ball.
They each had one pool ball left plus the 8 ball. Samantha had sunk the 8 ball by happenstance giving Jack the win. "Looks like I won Samantha. I'll give you credit though. You know how to play, that's for sure." He said with a grin tapping the cigar on the ash tray. "You won by luck, the 8 ball was right next to my last one." Samantha replied upset about her last shot. "So you're not upset at almost losing to a woman." He smiled walking over to where she stood. "It's a game Samantha, nothing to get upset about." The look on her face was one of surprise. "In that case you won't mind playing again, no stakes given I already won a dinner." She said moving to set up for a new game. "Sure, why not? I was just toying with you anyways." Jack replied telling a white lie. To be truthful she is a hell of a pool player, gave him a run for his money. Samantha looked up at him cocking her head to one side. "Keep telling yourself that Jack." He just smirked; Samantha wasn't like any other women. She acted like a wild horse refusing to be fully tamed.
To Jacks astonishment she ran the table while talking about someone called Sir Isaac Newton and physics (A/N2). "I'll be damned, this is a first!" he said watching as Samantha sunk the 8 ball with a huge grin. "What's wrong Jack? Did you want to play too?" she replied smiling ear to ear. "I would've liked too. Just who is this Sir Newt fellow and where did you find him?" Jack asked putting his cue stick back. "His last name is Newton, not Newt Jack. He's died in 1727, so I had to read one of his books titled ' Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica' (Latin I believe)." Samantha answered then started to explain Newton's laws of Motion. Unfortunately the moment was interrupted by Thelma as she walked down the stair adjusting her dress. Her client had already left passing by Jack and Samantha unnoticed.
"Everyone knows you're a book worm Samantha, too bad you haven't read a book on how to please a man." The harlot said stepping off the last step. Samantha's demeanor changed instantly. Jack was closer so Thelma addressed him next ignoring Samantha. "You should've bet who'd be on TOP first from what everybody is saying." The woman's words changed his good attitude as well. Before Jack could respond Samantha had made her way around the pool table punching Thelma square in the jaw. Thelma fell to the floor with a thud getting everyone's attention. The punch was perfect in every way including the surprised look on the whores face. Jack was surprised as well. What the women said didn't warrant being punched, there had to be another reason.
"You whore, why you were sleeping with Pete? He was courting me...not you!" Samantha said with balled fists ready to strike again. That explains everything now Jack thought. "...you self righteous bitch!" Thelma replied rubbing her jaw. "How dare you hit me? I was taking care of his needs, something you know nothing about." She answered moving to stand up. Jack chose to step in to prevent an all out cat fight (A/N3). It wasn't that he didn't want to see one like most of the men in the room. They were sometimes quite amusing. Allowing the fight to happen would most likely end up with Thelma visiting Janet judging by Carters fighting stance. Jacob taught her well.
Jack stepped in between the women hoping it wouldn't turn out like it did in Laredo, boy was that a mistake. "Thelma, you deserved that, don't deny it either." He said pointing at the women. "Don't get up either or I'll let Samantha continue." Samantha tried to get around the bounty hunter but failed. His strong arms held her back. "Jack..! Why aren't you letting me get even? She knew I was seeing Pete yet she slept with him anyways!" Samantha asked loudly through gritted teeth pointing at the harlot. "Because beating her senseless won't make you feel better..." he replied. "Yes it will..." she answered back trying to get by again. Jack smirked inwardly at her reply, persistent Philly. "You wisely ended it with Pete, besides it takes two to cheat." This caused Samantha to pause making her fume even more.
"How did you find out book worm? It's not like you could figure it out on your own." Thelma asked getting another dig in at Jacobs's perfect daughter. How she hated Samantha and her ability to turn heads in a simple dress. "Mark overheard Pete and Grant talking the other day. He told me last night; now get up so I can knock you back down." Samantha answered daring the whore to get up.
The bar was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, or in this case Pete curse under his breath. Mark did overhear their conversation, damn, what was he going to do now he thought. Thelma, Jack and Samantha turned towards the sheriff. He stood just inside Kings Bar looking like a kid that got caught stealing cookies. "You bastard..." Samantha yelled moving in his direction with intent to harm. "What did you expect me to do Samantha? Wait for our wedding night!" Pete answered standing his ground. She was just a woman after all. "I suggest you go get your book worm Mr. Wayne, I'd hate to see her end up in jail for striking the sheriff." Thelma said with a sarcastic tone. Jack ignored her moving to stop Samantha, the harlot was right damn her. Samantha strode over with fire in her eyes ready give Pete his answer. Before Jack could reach her Pete stumbled backwards into the door frame. Samantha had a mean right hook followed by a left into his gut. Jack made a mental note not to piss off Jacob's daughter.
"What the hell did you do that for?" Pete asked reeling from the shock. To his surprise she didn't fight like a woman. "I'll explain it in terms you can understand then." She replied moving to kick Pete between the legs. Pete's eyes grew wide realizing her intentions. "Hey, what are you doing? Put me down Jack!" Samantha exclaimed as she was ended up draped over his shoulder. "Not going to happen Samantha, you've made your point." Jack answered taking a step back as she kicked out trying to hit Pete again. "No I haven't, he was cheating behind my back. You heard them admit it." She replied looking over her shoulder at the bounty hunter. "...Samantha, you're going to jail for striking an officer of the law. Put her down Mr. Wayne." Pete ordered rubbing his jaw. Samantha's face dropped, she couldn't go to jail. What had she done? Her father would be so disappointed in her.
Jack looked at Pete giving him a pointed look. "No she's not, you knew it was wrong to cheat with Thelma, yet you still did it. Samantha had every right to react this way...any women would." Pete was furious to say the least. The bounty hunter insisted on interfering once again. Samantha perked up craning her head to look at the man. "I'm not going to jail?" she asked surprised. "No, you're not because I don't want to explain to 'Dad' why your there." He replied still looking at Pete. "Yes she is and you too for interfering." The sheriff responded moving to block their exit.
"Sheriff, neither of them did anything wrong in this situation and you know it." Maybourne said appearing beside Jack and Samantha. "What are you talking about Harry, she struck me and this big bastard is obstructing justice." Pete replied angrily, why was he siding with the bounty hunter? "The only people at wrong are Thelma and you, I warned both of you this would happen!" Maybourne answered getting everyone in the bars attention. Thelma didn't say anything because she wasn't sorry. Sleeping with book worm's beau was her way of getting even. Pete on the other hand gave Harry an evil look. Weren't they on the same side if not pay role? Mr. Williams won't like this one bit. "Now move so Mr. Wayne can take Miss Carter back to her father. I don't want any further disturbances in the bar." The bar owner ordered knowing he was on thin ice. "You heard the man, move out of the way Shanahan unless you want to get beat up by a woman? I'll let her too...just not in the bar, too hard on the furniture." Jack said watching as Pete thought it over looking between Harry and him.
"...oh, for crying out loud!" Jack bellowed pushing the sheriff to the side walking out the doors. Unnoticed in semi dark corner sat Grant and Miss Simon. Suanne sat to the right of him as they had paused their game of poker. "This is just what I've been waiting for!" Suanne said to no one in particular. "Which one crossed you my dear, Mr. Wayne or Miss Carter?" asked Grant giving her a devilish smile. "Samantha crossed me years ago, the handsome bounty hunter just recently." She answered returning the smile. He nodded as they made a silent agreement to help each other get revenge. "Shall we continue our game Miss Simon?" he asked as Suanne picked the cards up watching as the bounty hunter left with Samantha still over his shoulder. Ten minutes later Kowalski came through the doors and approached Harry. "Did I miss anything interesting?" he asked only to get a towel thrown in the face.
- -End of Flash Back-
Both Ron and Bev were laughing hard at the story Jonathon just told them. Never would they have thought Samantha Carter had it in her to punch anyone. Now they heard it all. Pete had it coming as did Thelma. "So you carried Miss Carter all the way back to her place. That had to be embarrassing for her." Bev said through laughter. "I put her down once, but she started walking back towards the bar." Jonathon replied eating the last piece of cake. "She's a strong willed woman. It'll take a strong man to tame her, if that's possible." Ron added leaning back, hands behind his head. "I told her 'fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That shut her up until Daniel showed up. The two of us were able to walk her back to Carters General store without further incident." They all shared more laughs becoming fast friends. "Well I need to be moseying along; my niece is probably tearing the town up looking for me." Jack said standing up. "Lunch was perfect, the cake a masterpiece Miss Nantz." Bev smiled at the compliment. "Thank you Mr. Wayne, I'm glad you enjoyed it." She replied gathering up the dishes. "I'll walk you out Wayne, be back in a minute to help you out women." Bev rolled her eyes at the playful comment.
"You can pick up the rifles tomorrow; they'll be ready by then." Ron told the bounty hunter as they stepped outside. "That'll work, I have a Trap Door I can use if needed in the mean time." Jack replied lighting up a cigar offering one to Ron. "No thanks, Bev doesn't like them. Don't be a stranger Wayne." The gunsmith answered shaking the man's hand then reopened his business. Jonathon walked back toward Janet's house to rest and find out if Inara was okay. He really hated what Williams did to her. While walking he spotted Sheppard Book coming his way, an idea popping in his head. Jack got the Sheppard's attention waving him over. "Mr. Wayne, is there anything I can do for you?" Book asked taking in the calm appearance of the bounty hunter. "Yes there is Sheppard Book." Jack replied handing over the remainder of the bounty money. "My son, there's nearly $900.00 here, are you sure?" Book questioned? No one had ever handed over that amount of money without wanting something in return. "Call it an anonymous donation; you know where it can best be used." Jack told him then tipped his hat and started walking off. Sheppard Book watched the man walk away as if nothing happened. For a man that didn't believe worthy enough to be in church sure did acted that way. Book knew the money came from bounties he collected on the Comanche, ironic that he gave it back to the community instead of keeping it. God works in mysterious ways he thought before continuing to Carter's General Store.
A/N1: Henry Repeating Arms Company released the Model 24 in the mid rifle is chambered in 38-55, a medium caliber round.
A/N2: Sir Isaac Newton (12/25/1642-03/31/1727) is best known for modern physics.
A/N3: The term 'Cat Fight' first recorded usage was in 1854.
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