The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 29: Sins of the Past
Sheppard Book awoke due the call of nature. He looked at his pocket watch sitting on the night stand using the moonlight, 12:48, figures he thought. Getting a full night's sleep wasn't in the cards these days. Book put his boots on then headed to the outhouse behind the church. On the way back he heard someone talking in a slurred voice, probably Kowalski sitting on the front steps again. The man hadn't made an appearance since his bounty hunter friend showed up. Book walked around to the front only to be surprised.
"Howdy Sheppard, care to join me?" Jonathon said waving a bottle around with one hand. "It's a beautiful night; you can see the stars clearly. My son used to love star gazing, have I told you about my son Charlie." The bounty hunter asked taking another swig of whiskey from the bottle. Book didn't know what to think about Mr. Wayne's drunken state. He was the last person Book expected to see. "...are you okay son?" the Sheppard asked moving to sit by the man. "I'm just peachy, how about you?" Jack answered looking back up at the night sky. "I'm fine Mr. Wayne but concerned for you though. Is there a reason your getting drunk in front of the Lords house?" Book asked noticing the man's disheveled clothes.
"Just gathering up the courage to go for a walk the way I rode in." Jack replied pointing wildly in the general direction. The bounty hunters answer unsettled him. Reading between the lines made him think it would be a one way trip. "Why do you need courage to go for a walk son?" Book inquired hoping he was wrong. "To do what I should've done after the war Sheppard." ...answered the inebriated man with chuckle. Did he dare ask what that was? "Once I finish this bottle I'm going to walk out there and bang! The world will be a better place with me gone." Jack added confirming Books fears. "Why will the world be a better place without you in it Jonathon?" asked the Sheppard. Jack gave him a funny look then went to take another drink. This time Book took the bottle from him setting it out of reach. "Hey, I wanted another drink Sheppard." The bounty hunter wined then reached for the whiskey like a child would a toy.
"I'll make a deal with you Jonathon; if we go inside to talk I'll let you have it back." Book said watching the man think it over. "Okay, but I'm holding you to that Sheppard, men of God can't lie." Jonathon replied attempting to stand up. Sheppard Book had to help the bounty hunter inside forgetting the whiskey by the steps on purpose. He had a bottle of watered down whiskey inside for such occasions. Kowalski never figured it out so maybe Jonathon wouldn't either.
Once inside Book got the special whiskey then sat with his guest. "...oh a fresh bottle, how thoughtful of you Sheppard." Jonathon remarked from the table as Book poured the watered down whisky in a coffee cup. The bounty hunter took a drink not saying a word about the whiskey; this gave Book hope in fixing the situation. "So why will the world be a better place without you in it?" he asked again watching Jonathon gather his thoughts. "Mr. Williams wants me to become the vengeful man I used to be, the one that led men down a dark path. I wasn't a good man after losing my family Sheppard. I did horrible things, things that were unforgivable." Jonathon replied through gritted teeth while pouring another drink. "I won't be that man again...ever! That's why I'm going for a walk after 'this' bottle is empty." Book thought real hard for his next question would either push Jonathon away or make him talk more. "Is this the same man that saved Cassandra Frasier or a different one?" he asked getting up to start making some coffee. "...no, that's me, Mr. Wayne." He said pointing at himself then continued. "The man I'm referring to is who I used to be while fighting the damn Comanche. I was Colonel Jonathon 'Jack' O'Neill with 2 LLs, leader of the feared Ghost Riders. No Comanche was safe on or off the battle field." Book paused before sitting down.
He had heard rumors about a group that worked outside the chain of command. Never in Books wildest dreams did he expect them to be true. If what Jonathon said was true he understood the man's fears. Becoming your enemy defeated the purpose of fighting a war. "How does Mr. Williams know about your past Jonathon? Was he a part of your group?" Book asked trying to unravel the mystery. "NoPe, he happened to be at the fort selling horses when I was being locked up, lucky bastard, right place at the right time." Jonathon replied motioning for another drink. "I see, can I ask what stopped you from making the world a better place without you in it?" The bounty hunter sat up a bit straighter giving Book a funny look. "Why do you care? I'm no one important...just a lowly bounty hunter." He asked slurring his words.
"Everyone is important Jonathon, even lowly bounty hunters. God loves all his children, even those who go astray." Book answered honestly. The words had their desired effect as Jonathon mulled them over. "Okay, I'll tell you. Maybe you can make sense of it. The fact I no longer had desire to end my life has perplexed me." Steam from the coffee pot rose getting Jonathon's attention. "Is that coffee Sheppard?" asked the bounty hunter downing the whiskey in his cup. "Yes it is, do you want some Mr. Wayne?" The man thought for a moment before answering. Coffee would go a long way in helping Jonathon see the light. "Yes sir, hopefully it's better than what Maybourne makes." This made Book chuckle, everyone knew Harry made the worst coffee in town.
-Flash Back-
A small fire burned in the night illumining Jack looking at his Colt Pistol. He twirled it around his finger holstering it then drawing it again repeating the action. Nearby a horse and pack mule slept standing up unaware of the action of their owner. He drew the gun and cocked it in one swift motion looking at it closely. Jack moved it towards his head intent on killing himself. The fort commander words running through his mind.
'You're a disgrace to the uniform O'Neill! Using the same tactics as our enemy is beneath the U.S. Calvary. I should court marshal you! Then send you to McNeil Island (A/N1) for the rest of your natural life! Fortunately for you the higher ups just want this swept under the rug. Now get the hell out of my fort and take what's left of your group!' the man wasn't wrong Jack thought. Kowalski, his best friend, was the last one to strike out on his own leaving him alone. His thoughts went to the memory of his wife and son waving as he left that fateful morning before the Indian raid. The war was over and he had disgraced his family's name.
"Hello in the camp, mind if I ride in?" asked an unidentified man. "Depends, are you friend or foe?" Jack asked pointing the pistol into the general area. "You can put your gun away; I'm a harmless old man just looking to warm myself by your fire kind sir." The unidentified man replied back. Without knowing why Jack put his gun away. "You may enter, keep your hands where I can see them?" he said watching to see who the uninvited guest was.
The sound of metal rattling got Jacks attention. It made him wonder why he didn't hear it before now. "Thank you sir, you happen to be camping in my favorite site." The old prospector said as he entered slowly tying up his two donkeys to a tree. Jack observed the man closely as he walked over with a tin cup. "May I have a cup of your coffee young man?" asked the old man. "Help yourself; it's not the best though. You got a name mister?" Jack responded asking the man's name. The old man sat down pouring a cup of coffee savoring the dark liquid with a toothy smile. He had a weathered floppy hat with an old string hanging under his chin. The man's scraggly beard was grey along with his hair. His olive skin looked like leather from prospecting for years on end. The clothes he wore seen better days, his pants held up only by a rope.
"Aaron Wayne (A/N2) is my name; my ma wanted me to have a biblical name." The old prospector answered with a friendly smile. "She must have been a true believer." Jack replied then lit a cigar offering one to Aaron which he declined. "I didn't know there still were places to prospect in this area." He added blowing a smoke ring into the air. "You just need to know where to look son." Aaron said pulling out a pipe then lighting it. "I'm not here to jump your claim, just passing through." Jack commented stirring the fire with a stick lying to the old man. "Jonathon Jack O'Neill, there is no need to lie to me. I know what you were about to do, that's why I'm here." This startled Jack; he had never met the man before. Besides that how could this man know about his intention to commit suicide?
Aaron smiled them spoke again. "My son, committing suicide is not the answer. The sins of the past were forgiven long ago; you still have a purpose Jonathon. All you have to do is let go of your guilt." Jack didn't know what to think; normally his first instinct would be to draw his pistol. Instead a feeling of calmness filled him. "How did you know my attentions or my name? Who told you of the horrible things I did?" he asked looking at Aaron seeing a soft light form around him. "My son, I knew you before you were born." Aaron replied in a reassuring voice. Jack mouth went dry, could this be God? What would God want with a man like him? "I can read hear thoughts Jonathon. You are my child, as my child I know what you have done and will do in the future." Aaron said after setting down his pipe. "How can my vengeance be forgiven God? I took my anger out on innocent women and children; surely I don't deserve your forgiveness." Jack asked accepting the man before his as Jesus Christ. He knew too much for that was unspoken. "What you sought was death not vengeance, you wanted to rejoin your family. Your time on earth is not up yet; you will be an old man before I call you home." God answered in a soft tone. "...as for your sins they are forgiven. Jonathon, you are a good man that was lead astray; I'm here to bring you back into my flock." God answered changing into his traditional appearance of white robes, sandals and long beard.
"God, I failed you and my family. What must I do be worthy of your forgiveness and theirs?" Jack asked with all thoughts of suicide forgotten. "Your in-laws, wife and son do not blame you for their death was not your fault. They are safe in heaven my son." God assured Jonathon putting him at ease. God then stood up walking over to his wayward son placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "Go to sleep my son, when you awake in the morning go forth and follow your heart. I'll be with you every step of the way." God said with love only a father could have. Jack lay down as he was told to falling into a peaceful sleep instantly.
-End Flash Back-
Book listened to the bounty hunters story while drinking coffee. Jonathon had switched between coffee and the watered down whiskey while speaking. He wasn't sober yet but would be after a good night's sleep. "When I awoke there was no sign of God or Aaron. I didn't know if it was a real or just a dream." Jonathon said pouring out the last bit of whiskey from the bottle with a frown. "God works in mysterious ways son, he appeared in your hour of need. What did you do after waking up?" Book asked pouring coffee in his guest's empty cup. "I camped there for a few more days thinking about my life and what to do with it. While eating breakfast a piece of paper blew into my camp." He replied drinking some really strong coffee.
"What did the paper say?" asked the Sheppard knowing God had sent Jonathon his answer. "The paper was a wanted poster for a train robber/murderer. I looked around not seeing anyone then looked up towards the heavens." Jonathon answered then drank some more of his coffee. "A sign from God no doubt. He wanted you to bring those that did evil to justice. That leaves one question to be asked." Book replied drinking his own coffee. "Why I lied about my last name being Wayne? Even with my sins forgiven by God. Most people wouldn't take kindly to a man like me, other would but for nefarious reasons." He said still not sure about that night. "I took a leap of faith taking Aarons last name. No one ever suspected me of being the monster I left behind in the desert that night." Jonathon added feeling better talking about the experience. Telling Sheppard Book helped him understand want happened that fateful night.
"Jonathon, killing yourself wasn't the answer then and It's not the answer now. Mr. Williams only knows part of your history. You don't have to become that 'man' again my son." The bounty hunter put his coffee cup down looking directly at Book. "If the people of Haven find out I'll be run out on a rail. Janet and Cassandra won't want anything to do with me. I can't risk that, there's only one choice for me." He replied looking down with a heavy heart. "To go out and end your life leaving all that care about you to grieve. Leave them to wonder why you did it? No son, from my point of view I see one clear choice." Book replied getting up to retrieve his bible. "What choice is that? If I don't do what the bast...Williams wants I'll lose everything." Jonathon asked watching the man of God get up.
Book sat back down placing the bible between them. "God came to you in your time of need then, now God sent you to me this time around. Face your past; no one can hide from it forever." He told the Jonathon getting his attention then continued. "Now as for Mr. Williams...that's simple. Turn the tables. Use your skills to find the truth. Find evidence that can bring him to justice along with the others that are involved, leave the rest up to God." Sheppard Book finished pushing his bible forward. "What about the towns people, better yet Janet and Cassandra?" asked Jonathon still concerned with what others would think. "Those that truly care for you will never forsake you my son." The Sheppard answered easing the man's fears. "I'll also say this Jonathon, for a man that notices many things you sure are blind." Book said with a chuckle. "What do you mean Sheppard?" the bounty hunter questioned giving him a funny look.
"Think about all the people you've came across in this town, starting with me specifically." Book asked with a smile. Jonathon didn't answer giving the Sheppard a blank look. "The town is mostly made up of people who don't judge others, there are a few though. During your travels have you come across a black preacher or Sheppard in my case?" he asked. "I can't say that I have." Jonathon replied listening intently. "How about Hoban & Zoe Washburne, Mr. Murray being on the town council and your friend Dr. Frasier?" Jonathon finally figured out what the Sheppard was telling him. Haven wasn't just the name of the town but a 'haven' for all.
Book smiled then opened the bible to John: 8 verse 7 reading it. "So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her." Jonathon didn't answer just like before. "My son, no one is perfect. Not even me, I have came to terms with my sins and moved on, so shall you. The people of this town will accept you for who you are now, not who you were." Sheppard Book said closing his bible. The bounty hunter thought for a moment then spoke. "Can I sleep here tonight? It's late and I don't want Janet or Cassandra to see me like this." Jonathon asked with a yawn. "You may stay here tonight my son; breakfast will be ready for you in the morning. Now go to sleep, all will be clearer in the morning." Book told the bounty hunter satisfied he'd still be alive in the morning. The Sheppard sent up a silent prayer to God for helping him save Jonathon from a horrible choice.
A/N1: Before U.S Penitentiaries like Leavenworth, State Prisons like McNeil Island were used for federal prisoners. McNeil dates to the 1870s and is located in Tacoma Washington.
A/N2: The biblical name means Lofty or exalted.
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