The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 30: Phoenix Rising
1 hr after Sunrise: Loki bounded into the kitchen with Cassandra close behind. He rounded the corner coming to a stop at Janet's feet smelling the food. "Morning trouble, where's your partner in crime?" asked Janet looking down at the dog. Loki tilted his head giving her a questioning look. "He's not trouble momma and we don't commit crimes. We just bend the rules a bit like Uncle Jon says." Cassie answered bending down to pet Loki. "That explains a lot then. Speaking of your uncle, could you go wake him up. I didn't hear him come in this morning; I slept like a log last night." To be truthful she had drank too much wine last night. Loki nudged Janet's leg wanting to some of the sausage she was cooking using puppy dog eyes. "You have to wait till we eat Loki, no hand outs." She told him getting a wine in return.
"Momma, Uncle Jon isn't in his room!"Cassie said running back into the kitchen with concern. "He promised he'd be home every night!" she added on the verge of a panic attack. Janet stopped cooking to calm her daughter. "I'm sure he's okay Cassandra. He may have just stayed at the bar because of the town meeting." She told Cassie in a soft voice remembering a little bit of last night. Teal'C had come by to pick his wife and son up then chatted a bit. He told her of Jonathon's mood changed after the meeting. Teal'C asked Jonathon but he wasn't forthcoming. Teal'C also escorted Samantha home being the gentleman that he is.
"We have to make sure momma, we have too! I overheard the sheriff say he didn't like Uncle Jon." Cassie responded almost in tears. "Your uncle can take care of himself, the sheriff was just talking." Janet explained but her daughter wasn't buying it. "He might be in trouble momma, I won't eat until I know Uncle Jon is safe!" she responded with a few tears starting to fall. "Okay, okay...go get dressed and we'll go looking for him, then we'll eat breakfast together." Janet said smoothing out Cassie's hair to comfort her. Cassie wiped her tears away nodding then ran into her room to get dressed. Loki followed her losing interest in the food on the stove. Janet put the sausage in Loki bowl getting concerned herself. Jonathon preferred to work out his issues internally. He avoided talking until his mood improved; this might be one of those times she thought.
-Church-
Sheppard Book put some bacon on a plate along with scrambled eggs for his guest. Setting it on the table he then went into the living room of his parsonage to check on Jonathon. The man looked to be sleeping peacefully, maybe for the first time in a while. God sent Jonathon to help Haven and its residents; Book felt that in his heart. God also knew Jonathon needed help too. Last night was proof of that, had he not awoken who knows what would have happened. Janet and Cassie Frasier, especially Cassie, would've been heartbroken had Jonathon went for that walk. A lost soul had been saved for an important reason, one yet to be revealed.
Book picked up a broom then lightly poked the sleeping man. He knew from experience never try to wake a combat veteran directly. Kowalski taught him that lesson the hard way. Being punched in the stomach wasn't pleasant, knocked the wind right out of him. Given that he had convinced Jonathon to take his pistol belt off there was no chance of being shot.
"Time to wake Mr. Wayne, I have breakfast ready." The Sheppard told the bounty hunter. Jonathon reached for a pistol that wasn't there coming to a crouched shooting stance. Book jumped back letting go of the broom as clattered to the floor. The bounty hunter shook his head in an attempt to wake up. Jonathon looked at his empty hand then his surroundings. With a sigh he stood up picking his hat off the floor dusting it off. "My apologies Sheppard, I should've warned you about waking me." Book waved him off pointing at the broom. "...ah, I see. You have experience waking up old soldiers." Jonathon responded thankful he had slept without his pistol belt. "Your friend, Kowalski taught me that lesson. Having a hat thrown at me is a new twist though." Book answered with a smirk. Jonathon chuckled at the Sheppard's comment. "Breakfast is ready my son, let's go eat."
They ate in peace choosing not to speak about his drunkard behavior. They instead talked about Cassandra's upcoming birthday. Jack pushed his plate away after having seconds feeling full. "There's more food if you want it Mr. Wayne. The people of Haven are generous to the church." Derrial Book told the man before him. His clothes were a mess from sleeping in them last night but he is still alive. "No thank you, I eat anymore and you'll have to roll me out the door." Jonathon replied with an honest smile. "You're welcome my son. My I ask you a question Mr. Wayne?" Book asked pushing his own plate away, sometimes he cooked to good. That was probably why he was putting on weight.
"...after last night I don't have much to hide from you." the bounty hunter answered feeling awkward without his pistol belt on. "Before falling asleep last night you gave me this piece of paper, told me not to trust Roger Smithers. You didn't say anything else after that." The good Sheppard asked holding up the information Morning Feather gave Jonathon two nights ago. Jonathon sat up in the chair making a serious face. "Sheppard Book, what that piece of paper has written on it and what I'm going to tell you is extremely important. That paper alone has all the information needed to take down Mr. Williams and his conspirators." The bounty hunter told Book looking him in the eyes. "I read it over twice Mr. Wayne, how did you come by this information? Whoever gave it to you is close to Mr. Williams." Book asked wanting to know more.
"The young Indian maiden, Morning Feather, she was raised in a religious orphanage before being taken by the Comanche. She speaks and writes English. Williams doesn't know this nor suspects it either. This is one part you can't even tell the mayor. Everything else I say you can." Book nodded his understanding and folded his hands. "Williams has two conspirators working with him. Harry Maybourne and Sheriff Shanahan, Roger is just a mole on the council. He is there to run interference for Williams. I don't believe he knows the full extent of the operation though." Jonathon said then continued. "Harry gathers the intelligence from a few of the women that work for him. The women get the ranch hands drunk enough to talk. Harry then gives the information to Shanahan or Ned who take it to Williams." Jonathon answered then poured more coffee for book and him. "I suspected the sheriff but not Harry." Sheppard Book replied thinking about what he just learned. "Maybourne is in it for the money, nothing else. Shanahan though, he wants to make a name for himself. Your former sheriff was Williams and Pete's way." The bounty hunter added then reached into his pocket for the spent shells he found and one from Sunday.
"Do you have evidence linking Sheriff Shanahan to the Sheriff Barkley's death?" Book asked not wanting to believe what he was hearing. "On the way into town I stumbled across a hastily dug grave, I found these shells near it." Jonathon answered showing Book them. "Some animals uncovered the body. I reburied the man properly putting up a cross too." The Sheppard looked at the shells while listening with a heavy heart. "I believe you Mr. Wayne but your word alone wouldn't be enough to bring charges against Pete." He said noticing the scratch on one of the shells. "I've taken that into consideration. See that scratch on the shell you holding." Jonathon asked pulling out another shell from his pocket. Book nodded not saying anything. "I'm sure you heard about Shanahan getting laid out by me the Sunday I arrived." He continued with a smirk thinking how funny it was. "You made a rather pointed impression that day, people still talk about that incident." Book answered with a chuckle. "So I've been told. This shell came from Pete's gun and it matches the other shells. Not enough to convict, but enough to cast suspicion." Jonathon told Book. "Morning Feather, what does she know that would prove Pete killed Barkley?" Sheppard Book asked comparing the shells. "She was there when Williams ordered Shanahan to kill Barkley because he started to figure things out." The bounty hunter told Book waiting for the holy man's response.
"The courts generally don't take an Indians testimony at face value, let alone a woman's." Sheppard Book said placing the shell casing down. "You're not wrong Sheppard, but if we can flip Harry it'll add to her testimony." Jonathon answered confidently. "Go on, you obviously have a plan." Book replied interested in what that plan is. "Shanahan hasn't made progress because he runs interference via misdirection. Williams knows his operation is coming to an end because the people are losing faith in Shanahan. I've heard people talk of replacing Pete with a more qualified person." he explained then continued. "There's going to be one more raid next Monday night. They are targeting George Hammond's ranch." The bounty hunter explained looking around for some whiskey to sweeten the coffee.
Book didn't need to ask why Jonathon was looking at the cabinets. He got up pulling out a bottle of whiskey. "This isn't watered down like last night is it?" asked the bounty hunter. Book laughed pouring a little in each of their cups. "Your friend hasn't figured that out yet, I'd appreciate if you didn't tell him." Jonathon smiled giving the holy man a nod. "Do you have a plan to deal with the rustlers yet?" Book inquired wondering if the bounty hunter had a plan. "My plan is to ambush them but I need to talk with the other ranchers and Mr. Hammond first." Jonathon told the Sheppard enjoying the coffee more with the sweetener. "What about the Comanche problem? Did Morning Feather have information on them?" Book asked wondering what part they played in Mr. Williams' scheme. "That's the most interesting part Sheppard Book. They are one in the same. The Comanche wear clothing to conceal their identities while rustling. Then drive the horses to a remote part of Williams land. They get protection, firearms and horses as a pay off. William has them do raids of their own to keep peoples guard up." Jonathon answered shining light on the whole situation.
Everything was making sense now Derrial Book thought. Sheriff Barkley captured a Comanche before his untimely death. Barkley had already talked with the Indian given he spoke Comanche. The Indian was killed by then Deputy Shanahan while attempting to escape one night. Pete then murdered Barkley to protect the rustling operation. Roger did change his mind about Pete rather surprisingly give their past disagreements. To a man like Roger money talked loudly. "What do you want me to do?" Book asked eager to help end things once and for all.
"Meet with Jacob Carter, Mr. Murray and the Mayor; tell them what I told you. Show them the shells too. When they come to a decision let me know, I'll abide by it." Jonathon answered hearing the grandfather clock ring 7 times reminding him of the meeting at 9. "What about Mark Carter, can he be trusted?" Book asked personally trusting the man. "I don't know enough about the man one way or the other; I'll let you decide on whether or not to trust him. Roger has to be left in the dark though." Book nodded understanding the bounty hunters reasoning. "When do you think I should meet with them so I don't draw suspicion?" he asked wanting the man's input. "Around midnight, Pete will be occupied with Thelma and Roger will be at home." Jonathon replied downing the last of his coffee. "One last question Mr. Wayne, do you intend on taking dead or alive?" he asked just to be sure of his intentions. "Alive is preferable, that's been my goal since I started bounty hunting however some men chose the hard way." He answered honestly. "Let's pray they don't choose the hard way then." Book replied hoping no one ended up dead when it was all said and done. "We can only hope Sheppard." Jonathon agreed then stood up moving to get his gun belt.
A knock at the parsonage door got both men's attention. It wasn't uncommon for people to seek Book out this early in the morning. The holy man went to the door while Jonathon watched wondering if someone had overheard their conversation.
"Sheppard Book, have you seen my uncle? We can't find him anywhere. He might be in trouble, I have to find him!" said Cassandra Frasier through dried tears. Her mother stood behind her giving Book a concerned look as well. Jonathon heard the worry in his niece's voice, one that he never wanted to hear. The Sheppard was correct; going for a walk wasn't the answer. "I happen to know right were your uncle is my child." Book answered opening the door further as Loki ran inside. "Uncle Jon..!" Cassie all but yelled as she ran to him. Jonathon opened his arms getting a tight hug from the young girl, his gun belt forgotten. "I worried about you Uncle Jon; you didn't come home last night!" she told him starting to cry happy tears. "I'm sorry little one; I didn't mean to worry you or your mother." Jonathon replied looking at Janet mouthing an apology. Book could see the realization on the man's face.
"Why didn't you come home, did I make you mad!" she asked looking her uncle in the face with a sad face. Loki licked Jonathon's hand getting his attention then laid down wagging his tail. "No, never Cassie, I could never be mad at you. I had some things to think about and needed someone way smarter than me is all." Jonathon answered hugging her tightly. He almost made a horrible mistake, would Cassie have thought it was her fault? 'Thank you God for saving my sorry ass' he thought to himself.
"Don't scare us like that again Uncle Jon! We need you to be there for us." Cassie told her uncle looking him the face again. "I'll be there for you until God above calls me home, okay." He replied remembering what his mother always said to him growing up. Cassandra's stomach growled letting her uncle know she hadn't ate yet. "Don't tell me you looked for me on an empty stomach." He asked cursing himself once again. "Okay, I won't tell you." Cassie replied with a straight face. He laughed causing the other two adults to laugh with him. "She all but demanded we find you first Jonathon."Janet added walking further into the kitchen with Book following. "In that case I owe you two breakfasts." He replied standing up intent on taking them to the diner. "Would the two of you like me to make breakfast? The stove is still warm and I have plenty to go around." Book asked Janet and her daughter. He didn't cook for others much plus he enjoyed the company. Kowalski when not drunk could talk a def mans ear off. "Can we momma, I'm starving." Cassandra asked moving her head to look at Janet. "Yeah, can we mom? We promise to behave." Jonathon added making Cassandra giggle. Janet rolled her eyes as she moved to help Sheppard Book at the stove.
-After Breakfast-
"Thank you Sheppard Book, my belly is full." Cassandra said giving the man a hug. Janet stood by the door with Jonathon watching her daughter say good bye for the second time. "You're welcome my child, I enjoyed your company and stories. Loki can quite entertaining as well." Book answered standing up with a wide smile. "I want to thank you as well Sheppard, whatever you did to the scrambled eggs made them tasty." Janet said hugging the man too."It's all in the spices, I'll show one day." He answered observing the bounty hunter retrieve his hat along with young Cassandra's.
Jonathon walked over hat in hand then shook Books hand. "Thank you for the advice sir, I'll take it to heart. Also thanks for letting me stay the night and breakfast." He said squeezing the Sheppard's hand in a manly handshake. "Anytime my son, go with God for he will always be your side." Book replied getting a nod in return. Jonathon turned to Cassie and Loki then clapped his hands together. "Would you two like to walk with me? I believe your mother wants to talk with Sheppard Book alone." He asked making brief eye contact with Janet. "Yes sir, where you go we go Uncle Jon. I'm going be like God and be at your side today." Cassie replied grabbing his hand tightly. "But I have a meeting soon, you'll be bored out off your mind." He answered knowing his niece wouldn't take no for an answer. "I'll grab some dollies from the house. Loki with be with me also, I won't get bored Uncle Jon." She replied as they walked out the door putting their hats on. "Do I have a choice in the matter?" Jonathon asked getting a simple "Nope, I'm your shadow today." With a chuckle he smiled thankful for the Sheppard's wisdom.
Janet and Book watched them walk away like nothing happened. She looked at Book not sure about asked but decided to anyways. "If I may ask Sheppard Book what really happened? I've known Jonathon long enough to know he never went to a preacher for help before." Janet asked while watching Cassandra swinging their arms. "Your daughter once told me of a 'fallen angel' that saved her. Said this man would need her help too." Book answered watching as well. "Cassandra told you that story. " She asked Sheppard Book surprised that her daughter shared that. Book nodded then continued. "I found out last night why that 'fallen angel' needed Cassandra's help." He said looking at Janet noticing the worry on her face. "I fear if he ever decides to go for a 'walk' again it'll be his last. The two of you need to make sure Jonathon knows he's loved and needed." Janet didn't know what to think. Did Jonathon come to Sheppard Book unconsciously for spiritual guidance? Is Jonathon's past so horrible that he's afraid for it to get out? Was Cassandra's uncle contemplating killing himself? "Thank you Sheppard Book, I don't know what we would do without him. Jonathon is more important than he thinks." Janet said fighting back a tear.
A/N: Didn't mean for this chapter to be so late coming out. I've been keeping track of the United States elections. Politics is an interest of mine, always has been. I consider the process mental chess and love discussing all aspect of politics. Vote, do your civic duty that way you can complain later.
LoneWolfO'Niell