The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 32: A New Job
Empty Arms Hotel: Suanne watched from the bed as Grant adjusted his bow tie in the mirror. The two of them had become fast friends having similar interests. One of them money and the other being sex, a perfect match. Of all the men she attached herself to Grant is the best one. He knew how to 'play' the game while staying three steps ahead of the law. Last night after having their 'fun' they talked for a bit. Both Suanne and Grant decided to partner up for bigger payoffs. Mixing business and pleasure had more benefits than not.
Suanne got out bed getting Grants attention. She smiled at her new man as he focused on her naked figure. Men were so easy when your drop dead gorgeous she thought. Wrapping her arms around his waist she whispered in his ear. "I have a dress cut low enough our marks won't care about losing. But first I need to take a bath." The gambler grinned turning to face his partner in crime caressing her bare thighs. Suanne moaned in a low voice enjoying the touch. "What are the odds of two people like us finding each other in a town like this?" Grant asked moving his hands up her body. Suanne leaned into to him enjoying being touched. "Real low for everyone else, but we make our own odds." She answered giving him a kiss. "Now go and set up our marks then I'll join you." Grant brushed his white gloved hand across her cheek smiling. This woman will help him make lots of money with free entertainment.
"See you soon gorgeous." He replied opening the hotel room door as Suanne started to put on a robe. Two of Mr. William's men happen to be walking by at the same time. They both let out a wolf whistle seeing Suanne standing there half naked. Grant gave them a hard look while she just stood there. Working at the cat house got her use to being lusted after, mostly. Suanne didn't react until after Grant closed the door, that's when a she sat on the floor and cried. She'd never go back to being a whore again, ever. Not being in control was her greatest fear. Not any more Suanne thought drying her tears. She was in complete control now and it would stay that way.
-Mayor's Office-
"Good Morning Gentlemen." Jonathon said entering the mayor's office closing the door behind him. "Yes, it is Mr. Wayne. Please have a seat." Mayor Simon replied hearing the sheriff mumble something unintelligible. "Good to see you again son, you're in a better mood than last night." Jacob added pleased to see him again. Hopefully there would time to speak with the man afterwards, he had questions needing answers. "To be completely honest with everyone I didn't like being volunteered." The bounty hunter replied refraining from naming names. "I was just pointing out that 'you' could help...If you don't want the job then leave Wayne!" Roger said with a sneer. "Hold on Roger, the man is here. That alone speaks volumes." Pete said playing his part. The sheriff's diplomatic tone surprised everyone including him. "After Thinking about it for a while I came to a conclusion. These Comanche raids had to be stopped, if I can help bring the raids to an end so be it." Jonathon answered honestly. Sheppard Book talked him from the ledge and then pointed him in the right direction.
"Does that mean you'll take the job Mr. Wayne?" Teal'C asked hoping he would. He knew from the moment Wayne arrived the town would never be the same. Tracking down the rustlers and Comanche would be no problem for the man. "The bible verse 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing' came to mind last night. I will not stand by letting evil triumph so yes, I'll take the job." Jonathon replied repeating what Book said last night. Normally he would give a simple answer. This instance a message needed to be sent to Pete and Roger. The message being he wouldn't stop until the job was done. "Thank you Mr. Wayne, you'll have our complete cooperation." Cliff told the bounty hunter looking around the room at each person. "Despite our differences Mr. Wayne I won't have a problem working with you." Pete added playing his part. "That's good Sheriff Shanahan; the people of Haven deserve nothing less." Jonathon replied seeing through the man's act. "That just leaves your compensation and how you plan to proceed." Mark said moving the discussion onto the next subject. Jonathon lit a cigar offering one to the others. Roger took him up on the offer never to one too pass up a free cigar.
"Would $500.00 be fair to you Mr. Wayne? Say a third now and the rest upon completion." The mayor asked even though the council members approved of $1,000.00. This being a business deal meant starting low is key Cliff thought. Jonathon mulled it over tapping his cigar in the ash tray. "Make it $800.00 and I'll give Kowalski $400.00 for doing his part." He replied getting a questioning look from those in the office. "Did I say something wrong gentlemen?" Charles could track an Indians horse after a dust storm back in the day. The Comanche tried but failed to fool his friend many a time. Hopefully Kowalski hadn't lost his touch.
Pete stifled a laugh, the drunk helping out. The bounty hunter must be be joking. "Why in the hell do you want the drunks help? He can't stay sober long enough to ride horse most of the time." Roger asked taping his cigar in the ash tray. "No offence Mr. Wayne, but Roger is right. Charles can't stay sober long enough to saddle his horse let alone help you." Mark added respectfully. "Mark Carter, have you observed Charles Kowalski's recent behavior?" Teal'C asked inclining his head towards Jonathon. "No, I can't say that I have." Mark answered truthfully. Jonathon went to speak but Jacob spoke first. "Mr. Wayne, I don't know what you do. However I do know this, since your arrival Charles hasn't been drinking like normal. He's been sober for the most part since Sunday." The elder Carter answered talking to the council more than Jonathon. "Being thrown in the water sobers a man up quickly." Jonathon remarked with a smile. Cliff liked what he had heard. All they had to do now is vote.
"Does everyone agree to Mr. Wayne's terms?" Cliff asked looking around the room. With the councilmen's approval Mayor Simon looked at the bounty hunter. "Shall we shake on it Mr. Wayne?" he asked standing up offering his outstretched hand. Setting down his cigar Jonathon shook Cliff's hand. "Before we go further Mr. Wayne why do you want the drun...Charles help." Pete asked honestly curious. The drunk has never shown any outward talents or intelligence. "My friend may not look competent to you or anyone else but he's the best tracker I know. I'm good but he's better. I trust him with my life and that's all you need to know." Jonathon replied pointedly. Neither Roger nor Pete believed the bounty hunter. In their mind Kowalski rode into town as a drunk. Nothing could change their minds either. Roger went to object but Mark shut him down without saying a word.
"Not all of us are skeptical Mr. Wayne. If you say Charles is an excellent tracker we'll take your word for it." Jacob said eyeing the two men. "Indeed, Charles Kowalski has worth. Should you need help, I shall be there to help in this endeavor!" Teal'C added bowing slightly to Jonathon. "Thank you 'T', I'll let you know." Jonathon replied picking his cigar back up. "Mr. Wayne, how do you plan to proceed?" Cliff asked hoping it wouldn't take long. The town needed a solution to their problem. He had contacted the U.S. Calvary getting no reply as of yet. They were on their own until then.
Jonathon went over to the county map studying it for a moment. "I will need access to all reports regarding the Comanche no matter how trivial they may seem. Second I'll cross reference with news articles written my Walter Harriman, he's a fair reporter in my opinion. Most importantly I'll talk with local ranchers getting their perspective." He informed the council. "I've already interviewed the ranchers; it's all in my reports." Pete said in a huff, his reports should be enough. "Sheriff, I believe a fresh set of eyes is in order. Mr. Wayne may find something you missed." Mark responded to his former friend. "Why talk with the press Wayne? They only know what is told to them. We don't share everything with Walter." Roger asked unhappy with the way things were going. The mayor and other councilmen practically handed over the keys.
"Perspective, that's why. I've been reading the paper every day since Sunday." He answered with a grin. This didn't sit well with Roger or Pete. Wayne knew something they didn't. "Based on what I've read so far I can tell you this. The Comanche have a well hidden village north of town." Jonathon added pointing in the general area. "Please continue Mr. Wayne, you have our attention." Mark told him leaning forward. "Based on what Walter has reported the Comanche generally avoid the bigger ranches like Blue Sun and Heaven's Gate preferring smaller one like Serenity. Their raids are focused on gathering supplies mostly. That leads me to believe they are a small group changing locations often, probably at night. This will be my area of focus starting with Serenity Ranch." The bounty hunter pointed to a spot on the map. That area happened to be near the south west of Blue Sun ranch.
Wayne wasn't wrong about Eagle Talons location or the fact he moved around. He'd have to keep Wayne from finding the Indian village until Monday night at least. If he found the chiefs village before then Mr. Williams plan wouldn't work. Pete realized everything rested on his shoulders now, no pressure he thought. This may be his chance to prove himself to Jeff. "Do you want the sheriff to go with you to speak with Malcolm Reynolds?" Roger asked bringing Pete out of his thoughts. "Given Reynolds opinion of the sheriff it wouldn't be helpful. I'll take Kowalski with me instead. With any luck he can find some tracks to follow." Jonathon answered receiving a slight glare from Pete. "I'll follow up with Hammond and Mr. Williams Friday. By then I should be able to predict their next move." He added going back to his seat. "I see you have thought this through Mr. Wayne. When you find the Comanche how hard do you think I will be to weed them out?" Cliff asked confident in the bounty hunters professionalism. "The Comanche are a proud people, fierce warriors and stubborn. They will not give up without a fight." Jonathon replied then continued. "Any volunteers we get will be ranch hands and town folk with some or little Indian fighting experience. I'll have to find men that served in the war or have experience in fighting Indians. Those that do will form the core of our posse. The best time to attack will be at night when they least expect it." He finished explaining his plan.
Mr. Williams is right; the bounty hunter has a useful skill set after all. Pete knew the plan would take more than a few days for Wayne to figure out. Delaying the bounty hunter until Monday shouldn't be a problem then Pete figured. "Mr. Wayne, I can have the reports ready for you today. Is that acceptable?" Pete asked playing nice like Jeff wants him to. "I can work with that sheriff." Jonathon responded wondering why the man was being nice. To say it bothered him would be an understatement. "Will there being anything else you need?" Jacob asked already impressed with the man's intelligence. Jonathon would've made a good staff officer during the Civil War he observed. "Other than a map of the area I'll let one of you know." The bounty hunter replied leaning back in the chair. "Does anyone questions or something to add?" Cliff asked looking around the room. Seeing that no one had more to say the mayor spoke again. "Gentlemen, since there nothing more to discuss we can end the meeting. I'm sure Mr. Wayne wants to get started. Each of us has important business to attend to as well." The mayor said standing up and walking around his desk. "Indeed, I have horses to tend to. My son can only do so much." Teal'C added waiting to shake Jonathon's hand after the mayor. The others shook his hand as well before leaving. "If you'll wait Mr. Wayne, I'll get your money for you." Cliff told the bounty hunter as Jacob and Mark left the office. "That would be much appreciated Mayor Simon." Jonathon replied watching Cassie play tug of war with Loki in the floor.
"Mr. Wayne, Don't pay any attention to Mr. Smithers. He's a one of those people who look for reasons to be angry." Cliff said opening the safe in his office. "The only thing I give people like Roger is hard time." Jonathon replied running through what he had to do before leaving for Serenity Ranch. "So I've noticed, you've given Sheriff Shanahan a hard time too." The mayor added with a chuckle. "He had it coming. The man hasn't got enough backbone to do the job." Cliff nodded not disagreeing with the man. "Then why did you hire the shrub?" Jonathon asked counting the money the mayor handed him. "Pete did an excellent job as a deputy. He did as told without question. Jacob and Mr. Murray had their reservations about him though. Mark Carter and Roger were friends with Pete and didn't see any issues. To be honest neither did I. Looking back I hate to admit it but I was wrong." Cliff answered honestly.
"Can I ask you a question Mr. Wayne?" the mayor added handing over the cash. "You may." The bounty hunter replied pocketing the money. "Once the rustling and Comanche problem is solved would you be interested in becoming sheriff? You are much like our previous sheriff, calm and calculating. No one got the best of him." Jonathon thought for a moment before answering. "What about your current Sheriff, isn't he satisfactory?" He asked watching Loki attempt to lick Cassie. "A few of us believe he's covering for the rustlers. We haven't been able to prove it though. We need proof before taking action." Cliff answered thickening the plot. Some of the council already suspected what he knew was true. "Just so were on the same page you want me to find if he is or isn't on the take, correct." Jonathon replied refraining from telling the mayor what he knew. "That is correct Mr. Wayne. Either way we need a sheriff that can keep his calm and not get flustered." The mayor added confirming Jonathon's statement. "I'll see what I can find out. The job offer however I'll think about." He responded weighing the pros and cons for becoming sheriff. "That's all we ask Mr. Wayne. I'll let you get on with your day now. You have a lot to do between now and then." Cliff said bidding the bounty hunter a good day.
Jonathon along with Cassie and Loki stepped outside into the warm summer sun. "Where to now Uncle Jon?" she asked putting her hat on getting it at the right angle. "We're going to Kings Saloon to get Kowalski then to the gunsmith." He replied putting his hat on as well. "Good, I could use a drink." Cassie answered in a serious tone making Jonathon laugh. "You got seven years to go little one, let's keep it that way." Loki barked in adding his two cents to the discussion. "Even Loki agrees Cassie." Jonathon told his niece with a smile. "Loki, you're supposed to be on my side!" she crooned giving the dog a questioning look.
Before they got too far from the Mayor's office Jacob Carter motioned for them to wait where they were. Jacob hugged his son then walked over to the trio. "Miss Frasier, mind if speak with your uncle for a moment?" he asked Janet's daughter. "Not at all Mister Carter, but make it quick. We're going to the bar for drinks and pick up a friend Mr. Carter." Cassie answered all serious making the older man think for a minute. Jonathon held back a snicker at the elder Carters facial expression. His young niece definitely picked up on some of his finer traits. "Don't mind her 'Dad'; she's just pulling your leg. We're going to kings to get Kowalski then to Ranger Ron's." The bounty hunter explained with a smirk. "Miss Frasier, you had me there for a moment." Jacob said chuckling at the kids words. "Well we are, aren't we Uncle Jon?" she asked looking him in the eyes. "Yes, we are. Just not exactly how you said it though." He answered then continued. "What do you want to talk about Mr. Carter?" Jacob looked at the man before him. This bounty hunter had captured his daughter's attention whether he knew it or not. As a father it is his job to make sure the man is worthy of courting her. So far Mr. Wayne has proven to be so. "Dinner at my house, 6:30 tonight, we have much to discuss!" Jacob told the man then went about his way leaving Jonathon stunned. "Why did Mister Carter invite you to dinner Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked wondering what just happened. "I have no idea little one. Looks like I know what my plans are for the night though." He answered pushing his hat up scratching an itch. "We're burning daylight Uncle Jon." Cassie said getting his attention. "Your right, let's get going then." The three of them headed towards Kings to retrieve Kowalski and get a drink as Cassie had put it ever so eloquently.
LoneWolf O'Neill
A word from the cast of 'The Trouble with Drifters'
From all of us, including Mr. Williams, in this FanFiction story. We wish you and yours a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. Thanks also for reading our story, we love entertaining everyone including the author.
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