The Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 34: Tag Along
"Why does Miss Gardner have a funny voice?" she asked looking up at her uncle. "She's not from America Cassie. Sara is from Great Britain, an island country." Jonathon replied looking for an opening to cross the street safely. "Is Great Brittney close to us Uncle Jon?" Cassie asked messing up the name holding his hand while crossing the street. "It's pronounced Britain, not Brittney like your friend. The country is located across the Atlantic Ocean near France and Belgium." He answered getting a nod from his niece. "Does that mean we need a boat to get there?" she asked keeping an eye on Loki as they crossed. He stayed at her side avoiding horses and wagons alike. "We'd cross on a steam ship (A/N 1) little one. You'd leave from the east coast and arrive in Liverpool in about 7-10 days." This information captured Cassie's attention. "Can we go there Uncle Jon, I'd like to see the ocean and all the fishes." Jonathon chuckled at her comment. "I won't say you'll ever get the opportunity but right now it's not possible." He answered honestly. "Ok, I'll be happy with a little row boat and catfish." She replied with a smile. Changing subjects Cassie started talking about Miss Gardner playing dolls with her and Loki as they crossed the street.
Kings Saloon appeared to be quiet like normal as they approached. That didn't mean anything given some men's violent tendencies. However one thing did stand out like a sore thumb. Kowalski and Amelita were sitting out front talking. She laughed at something Charles said making him smile. He happened to be dressed in nice clothing for once too, not work ones. Hell, his friend even shaved too.
"Pardon me ma'am, sir. Have you seen a man dressed in faded clothing and scruffy beard?" Jonathon asked being sarcastic. "Funny one Jack, as I recall you looked rougher than me Sunday." Charles countered with a smile. "That's because of my rugged good looks; I can pull it off better." He replied feeling a tug on his hand. His niece looked cautiously from behind Jonathon's side. Loki however had started to sniff Kowalski making sure he was safe. "It's okay Cassie; my friends won't hurt you, and see Loki likes them." Loki showed approval by wagging his tail while being petted by Amelita. "We won't hurt you Cassandra, promise. Your mother is a friend of ours." She replied smiling at the young girl. "Your mother gives the women medical checkups." Kowalski added scratching behind Lokis ear. "Remember what I said about a dog's judgment?" Jonathon asked looking at his niece.
She still acted skittish around people sometimes. Hopefully she'll grow out of it forgetting about being kidnapped. "That Loki would let me know if a person is good or bad." Cassie answered stepping out from behind her uncle slowly. "That's right little one. Loki hasn't let you down yet." Both Charles and Amelita smiled reassuring her. Loki looked back with a happy grin as if giving the all clear signal. "He likes belly rubs too." Cassie said showing the grownups. "Your dog is friendly Cassandra, why did you name him Loki?" Amelita asked listening to the doctor's daughter talk giving the men a chance to do the same.
"I'm guessing you took the job." Kowalski said taking the offered cigar from his friend. "Not much choice in the matter. Call it unfinished business." Jonathon answered telling a half truth. During his last stint with the Calvary a small group of Comanche slipped away. They disappeared into the night without a trace. These Comanche might be that group. "Does Harry know your quitting?" Charles asked lighting the cigar. "I'm sure he does. What he doesn't know is so are you..." This got his attention, eyes going wide. What did his friend mean? "...at least until we track down the rogue Comanche and rustlers. Think you're up to the task Kowalski?" Jonathon asked seeing the interest in his eyes. "Am I up to it...hell yes I' Am." he said without hesitation.
Jack, despite his self doubt, is a person he'd follow through hell and back. "Good to hear that. The council is paying $800.00, half of which is yours." Jonathon told his friend. "We get any money up front because I have a slight problem." Kowalski asked ashamed to even mention it. "The council gave us $200.00 up front. What's the slight problem?" the bounty hunter replied ready to help his friend out however he could. "I sold my .44 Remington's for drinking money before I got this job." Kowalski answered looking Jack in the eyes. "No problem, take the upfront money, go buy you some new ones. I saw a pair of Remington's at Ranger Ron's." Jonathon said giving him the money. "You sure Jack, part of that is yours." Charles replied looking at the money being the most money he's held in a long time. "I'm sure, take what's left of it and buy your girl lunch. We leave at noon for Serenity Ranch." Kowalski nodded understanding what his friend is doing. Jack never leaves a man behind. "I'll do that but you'll need to tell Harry the good news first." He replied with a grin. No more being looked down on, no more being the butt of jokes. People would respect him after helping take care of the Comanche and rustlers.
-Telling Harry-
Jonathon walked into the bar with Cassie and Loki behind him. Harry gave him an odd look but the bounty hunter ignored it. "Cassie, sit here with Loki and be good. I have to talk with Maybourne for a minute." She looked over at the short man then her uncle. "Okay Uncle Jon, I'll sit here and play with my dollies." She answered with a smile. "Loki, stay right here, I'll be right over there." The dog laid down at the little girl's feet then wagged his tail. He'd let the man smelling of leather know of any danger. Harry would've protested Jonathon bringing a child into his bar but knew it would fall on death ears.
"...so you took the job after all. I didn't think you would given your mood last night." Harry said lying convincingly or so he thought. "Money talks Harry, besides it gives me a chance to kill more Comanche." Jonathon answered fooling the co-conspirator. "How much did they offer if you don't mind me asking?" the bar owner inquired watching Inara walk down the step locking eyes on the bounty hunter. Her attraction to Jonathon was clear as a sunny day. "The council agreed to $800.00 total. Although half goes to Kowalski for helping track them down." Harry gave the bounty hunter a blank stare not knowing whether to believe him or not. Charles helping track down Eagle Talon could be possible and laughable at the same time. Inara stepped beside the bounty hunter interrupting Harrys' thoughts on Kowalski quitting.
"Hello handsome..." Inara said kissing Jonathon on the cheek. "...I see you're in a better mood." Then she sat down beside him placing a hand on his leg flirting a bit. The man's promise of freeing her of this life came to mind. "A good night's rest gives a man a whole new perspective sometimes, money helps too." He responded giving her a wink and smile. Jonathon reminded her of Malcolm in many ways, which is why she probably felt so comfortable around him. Her thoughts turned to Mal day dreaming of the day they could be together. Inara thought of Malcolm being underneath her, his hands roaming her body freely. However, Dr. Frasier's advise on avoiding sex for a week or more ended that line of thought quickly. She might not be able to have sex but Janet didn't say anything about sharing a bath. Maybe she could talk Malcolm into sharing a bath next time he is in town.
Inara also remembered William's angry face after she rejected his demands last night. The slap in the face was a small price to pay seeing the man walk away. However the new girl took her place. Katz didn't say much at breakfast about Williams other than wanting complete control over her body. She must have received worse treatment in Laredo apparently because Katz just shrugged her shoulders like it didn't matter.
"Inara, are you okay? Do I need to fetch Doc Frasier?" Harry asked snapping his fingers in front of her face. Inara's bosses voice bringing her back to the conversation. "The girls won't be too happy but we can manage. The other men can step in. Charles given a chance can help out." Inara said placing both hands on the counter giving the man friendly smile. "You tell her Wayne, I don't know if your serious or not." Harry added smiling as Cheng waved to him from the balcony then moving on down the hallway. "Tell me what Mr. Wayne." She asked looking him in the eyes. "Kowalski, believe it or not is a better tracker than me. He's going to help me catch the Comanche and rustlers." He told her conveying total confidence in his friend.
Inara blinked a few times then looked at Harry for confirmation. Harry shrugged his shoulders then the two of them looked at Jonathon. "Neither of you believe me, do you?" he asked feeling a little angry. Did Kowalski crawl all the way into the bottle leaving a negative impression? "Mr. Wayne, Charles rode into town smelling of whiskey. He talked of being a tracker in the cavalry but we had no reason to believe him. His drinking problem over shadowed any claims he made. So when you say Charles is a better tracker forgive us if we don't believe you." Harry answered honestly. "...and what are your thoughts Inara?" Jonathon asked turning to the beautiful Brazilian. "You're an honest man so if you say Charles is a better tracker I have to believe you." she answered with a soft smile. "We've only seen the drunken side of Charles, never the sober." Inara added wanting the bounty hunter to understand. Jonathon nodded understanding what the lady had said.
"...so you have no problem with me taking Kowalski with me Harry." He asked checking on Cassie sitting at the table playing quietly. "Of course I have a problem with you taking him. Not many men would do the job for what I pay." Harry replied looking the bounty hunter in the eyes then continued. "He's a loyal friend Wayne, one that will follow you no matter what. Make's me wish I had a friend like that." Seeing that Maybourne knew where he stood Jonathon grinned. "Glad we can see eye to eye...figuratively speaking." Inara chuckled at Wayne's referencing Harry being short. "Laugh it up Wayne, at the end of the day I own a saloon making me a respectable man." He retorted verbally sparing with man puffing his chest out. Inara rolled her eyes standing up running her hand up Jonathon's shoulder whispering in his ear 'play nice, he's still my boss'.
Both men watched Inara walk back up stairs to get ready for the day. "Harry, do you know how easy it would be for me to convince Inara to ride away with me?" Jonathon asked looking at the saloon owner. "Judging from how she looks at you no words would be needed." Harry answered knowing full well the thought crossed Inara's mind. "Remember that Harry, she's a good woman." Jonathon said getting up walking over to where Cassie sat playing. "You ready to go little one, we have more people to visit." He asked knowing Suanne was watching. She had entered while talking with Harry. From the looks of it Grant and Suanne were working together now. The three men playing poker where too focused on Ms Simons chest and not Grant. He'd have to let this pass given Cassie happen to be with him. He didn't want to put her in harm's way. "Where are we going next Uncle Jon?" she asked taking his hand as they walked out. "Ranger Ron's, got some rifles to pick up." Jonathon answered as Loki followed waging his tail happily.
-Observant Snake-
Suanne had entered Kings Saloon as the three marks took their seats. Grant waved her over drawing attention to her. The three men never took their eyes off her as she approached the table, easy money. Upon entering Suanne also spotted the bounty hunter talking with Maybourne. Inara had just kissed Wayne too. Her timing couldn't have been better. What Thelma told her was true, they definitely were sleeping together. This information could be used to destroy Samantha's view of the bounty hunter. Knowing Samantha she would be looking forward to the church social this Sunday. All she needed to do is wait for the right moment. Samantha's world will come crashing down once again. Suanne walked past them never letting on what she witnessed. She sat down smiling at each man as they agreed to the rules explained by Grant. Taking the cards Suanne leaned over while dealing them out. The men were too focused on her breasts to notice Grant, today would be good after all.
-Ranger Ron's-
Cassie walked into Ranger Ron's with Loki at her side. Her uncle held the door open glancing behind him. Jonathon glanced around scanning the area. No one looked suspicious but the feeling of being watched lingered. "You coming Uncle Jon, I've never seen so many guns." She said peering through glass cases. He walked in looking into the same case as his niece. "I like this tiny one Uncle Jon, it's cute." Cassie added looking up at him. "That's a first, never heard a gun be called cute." Ron replied emerging from the back. She backed up into Jonathon's legs startled at his sudden appearance. "Women, they have their own language." He answered moving Cassie to the side. Ron smiled in agreement then scratched the back of his head. "Kowalski came in with Amelita. Last time I talked with him he was drunk and single. You have anything to do with that?" he asked wondering what happened to change the man's life around. "I just pushed him in the right direction is all, Amelita did the rest." Jonathon responded tapping his cigar in the ash tray. "Charles is a good man, I'm glad he's on the right path now." Ron answered with a nod.
"He even bought a pair of .44 Remington's too. Said something about helping you hunt down Comanche and rustlers." He added with a grin. "Kowalski didn't lie; the town council hired us to do what Shanahan couldn't." Jonathon replied glad that his friend followed through. "I'm sure that the two can do the job but if you need help...let me know. Ever since Pete took over I've not been asked to join a posse." Ron said with a gleam in his eyes. "Shanahan isn't the sharpest tool in the shed." Jonathon responded then continued. "You'll be the first I ask besides Kowalski. We are going to gather information before making a move." He added as Cassie listened intently to the adults talk. Ron shook the bounty hunters hand in gratitude. "Sounds great, I'll go get those rifles for you then." He went into the back leaving Jonathon and Cassie alone. "We're bored Uncle Jon, where are we going after this?" she asked while petting Loki. "We're going to see Ray's dad. I'm going have Teal'C get Thor ready for me. Kowalski's horse too, we'll be riding out at noon." He answered getting a smile return.
Ron came from the back with the pair of Henry's he customized setting them on the counter. Jonathon picked one up looking it over pleased with the work. "Your right; the loop lever (A/N2) makes it easier to handle." He worked the action by flipping the rifle then shouldering it, repeating it a few times. "I figured with your large hands it would be easier for you." Ron explained pleased with his work. "Do I owe you any extra for the work?" He asked while checking out the other rifle. "No charge Mr. Wayne, just try not to use them as clubs." The gun smith smiled having another satisfied customer. "I blame the wood, it was old and weathered. This is stock is made of walnut." Jonathon replied placing the rifle over his shoulder via the strap. The other he carried in his free hand. "Walnut or not, let's not test that theory." Ron said shaking his hand once again. Jonathon and Cassie left the shop headed to the stables. He now had two people that could be relied upon. Maybe Teal'C would be willing to help out too.
-Murrays Stables-
Loki ran and Cassie ran ahead when the stables came into view. Jonathon watched knowing that his niece wasn't in any danger. When he entered the building Ray and Cassie were talking animatedly. "Hello Mr. Wayne, are you here to check up on Thor and Homer. I've been taking extra good care of them." He said standing up from scratching Loki between the ears. "I 'm sure they would tell me if you weren't." The boy gave him a surprised look. "Really, they talk to you." he asked wondering why they have talked to him. "Sure do, who do you think I talk with when I'm on trail, myself? People might think I'm crazy." Jonathon replied with a smile. Ray looked at Cassie who just nodded. "Me and Thor talk all the time." she added remembering the ride back after Uncle Jon saved her.
"Wow, when will they start talking to me Mr. Wayne?" he asked hoping it would be soon. The bounty pushed he hat back then scratched his forehead thinking. "Hard Telling kid, Thor spoke to me when I started singing one day." He answered with a grin. "Really, what did he say?" Ray asked with baited breath. "Thor told me my singing was worse than Homers snoring. Then Homer said Thor shouldn't complain, at least I didn't have guitar." Both kids rolled on the floor laughing. "What's so funny, I can sing." Jonathon replied making them laugh more.
"Wayne, I took the liberty of getting Thor and Betsy ready." Teal'C said coming from the back part of the stables. His son composed himself as he had chores to do. "Thank you 'T', I just came by to see if you'd do that." Jonathon replied conveying his gratitude. "Sorry father, Mr. Wayne made me laugh." Ray answered standing up. Cassie stood as well ready to defend her friend. "Son, you did nothing wrong. In my absence you rose to the occasion and tended to our customer." Teal'C replied praising his son. "Thank you father, I'll get back to work." Ray answered not really wanting to with his friend there. "No need son, your friend, Ms Frasier is here. Take a break until they leave." Teal'C told his son. "Thanks dad, come on Cassie. Let's go play with my pets. They missed you and Loki." Ray replied then grabbed Cassie's hand. The pair ran to the back laughing once more.
The two adults watched the kids and dog disappear around the corner. "Would you like a drink Wayne?" Teal'C asked motioning towards his office. "I could use a drink right about now." He answered following him. Jonathon set down the rifles beside the desk then sat down. "Indeed...I'm a bit parched myself." With their drinks poured the two men sat savoring the whiskey. "I see you purchased two new rifles. The 38-55 is wise choice." Teal'C commented admiring the one handed to him. "That one is for Kowalski; he'll need a good rifle." Jonathon answered pouring another drink. "Perhaps I can assist you when you're ready. I have offered my help to Sheriff Shanahan on numerous occasions. He declined believing me of no use." The former slave offered. "Funny you should say that 'T'. Ron told me Shanahan told him the same thing. I would appreciate your help." The bounty hunter replied getting a slight bow in response. "Indeed, I will be ready when the time comes Wayne." Teal'C replied glad he could finally do his part. "Great, with you that makes four of us." Jonathon answered knowing he could trust the man. "I know of others that will be willing to help also Wayne. Do you wish me to speak with them?" he asked making a mental list. "Do you trust them?" the bounty hunter inquired. "Indeed, they are trust worthy." Teal'C responded with absolute confidence. "I will trust your judgment then."Jonathon said then continued after finishing his whiskey. "Would you put these rifles up until I leave for Serenity Ranch." motioning the Henrys. "I will do so Wayne. The kids will be near the riding arena. I'm sure you have other places to be." Teal'C replied standing up thinking about how to tell his wife. She'd be upset but understand how important it was to do his part.
-Dr. Jackson-
Jonathon kept a lookout while they walked to the Desert Dwellers Diner. He no longer felt like they were being watched though. Whoever it was might have lost interest or didn't want to risk being caught. Loki followed them inside ignoring the waitresses stare. The scraps of food Cassie fed him were the best in town. Daniel waved them over to a table in the corner near a window facing a side street. "Have a seat Mr. Wayne, I got a corner table. I know you like being able to see what's going on." He said then hugged Cassandra back. "Hi dad, where's momma at?" she asked before taking a seat as Loki lay down at her feet. "Your Mom will be here shortly; Siler came in with a cut on his right arm." He answered after motioning for her take off the hat. Cassie sighed but took the hat off anyways. Her uncle took his hat off as well winking at his niece.
"So, Mr. Wayne I hear your going to talk with Malcolm Reynolds today." Daniel asked readjusting his glasses. "You didn't hear wrong." The bounty hunter answered after ordering a sweet tea from the waitress. The teacher knew pulling information from Cassandra's uncle would be difficult. "...so what are you going to talk about?" Daniel inquired already getting frustrated. "The weather possibly or your education proposals." He answered just to yank the man's chain. "Why would you ride all the way out there just to talk about that?" Daniel replied perplexed with response. Cassie giggled knowing what her uncle had done. He did that with her momma a lot that is until she caught onto him.
"He's messing with you handsome." Janet said kissing her beau on the cheek. Realization dawned on Daniel. The little voice in head told him this would be a reoccurring thing. "...and you need to play nice Jonathon. I know your weakness." She added with a devil may care grin. "...killjoy!" Jonathon muttered under his breath making Cassie giggle more. "You have a plan then..." Daniel asked leaning forward with interest. "Yes sir you betcha!" The bounty hunter replied with a grin. "...and that plan would be?" Daniel pressed ignoring Janet's smirk. She warned him about Jonathon's stubbornness.
The waitress came by interrupting Jonathon before he could answer. Cassie placed her order happily followed by the others. "So how is Siler Janet?" Jonathon asked ignoring Daniels question on purpose. "He's fine now, nothing out of the ordinary. If you think changing the subject will deter Daniel your sorely wrong Jonathon. You agreed to let him write about you, best start talking now." She answered with a grin. "Oh for crying out loud...you never let me have fun." He replied rolling his eyes putting on an act for Cassie. She giggled at her uncle's antics. "Thank you Janet." Daniel said turning his attention to the bounty hunter. "Okay, I'll tell you only because I'm being threatened. Once I have enough information I'm going to recruit former Calvary soldiers from around town of which I can trust. They'll be the core of the group that helps take down Comanche remnants." Jonathon answered in a low voice not that the move would be unpredictable. "Malcolm Reynolds is difficult on his best day, what makes you think he'll corporate with you? " Daniel asked feeling emboldened. "I had an interesting conversation with Zoe and him a few days ago. Based on that talk I believe they will help." Jonathon replied remembering how well the two worked together. "Then you won't mind me tagging along. It'd be great way to see how you work and think if I'm going to write about you properly." Daniel said with satisfied grin. The man had no choice to let him ride along now.
Jonathon leaned back in his chair studying the teacher/professor in front of him. Daniel defiantly is persistent and honest. Having his story written by the man wouldn't be a bad thing. "You have a horse Danny boy?" he asked after taking a drink of sweet tea. "What kind of man doesn't, his name is Poseidon. I named him after the Greek god of horses. His story is interesting... (A/N3)" he answered going into lecture mode. "...stop right there professor. If I want a lecture on ancient history I'll ask." Jonathon replied feeling his head start to hurt. "You're missing out; it's really a good story." Daniel responded but didn't continue. Both Janet and Cassandra were giving him the look. One that told him they didn't have the time for a lecture either. "When do we leave Mr. Wayne?" he asked happy Jonathon agreed to let him ride along. "Noon, Kowalski is riding with us. We'll be back before dinner because Mr. Carter 'invited' me over tonight." Jonathon answered ignoring Janet's knowing look. The women probably hand a hand in it somehow. She left many hints about how her friend could use a good man, one that would treat her properly.
"We leave shortly after lunch then. Will I need to bring anything other than my writing materials?" Daniel asked making a mental list. "Your pistol and rifle would be a good idea, you do have one or both of those?" the bounty hunter asked hoping the man did. "I don't have either Jonathon; I'm a teacher not a gunslinger." The man answered making Cassie's uncle groan. "Just peachy, I'll loan you one. A man shouldn't ride around unarmed with trouble hanging around." Jonathon replied thinking that one of the new Henrys would be perfect. Kowalski preferred the Trap Door Springfield anyways. "Do you really think that's needed?" Daniel asked not being a fan of firearms in general. He didn't object to them, just had no use for them. "Yes, I do...were riding out in open country. No telling what could happen. We might get jumped by Black Tailed prairie dogs (A/N4)." This caused Cassie to giggle while Janet rolled her eyes. "Okay but I never heard of anyone being attacked by such a small creature." He responded not sure whether to believe the man or not. "Trust me, they may look cute but it's an act." Jonathon said holding back a smile.
-Rogers Move-
Roger left the meeting in a not liking how it went. The bounty hunter somehow swayed Mark Carter and the Mayor to his side. Mr. Wayne explained his plan but there had to more to it. Deciding more information was needed Roger waited close by after the meeting staying out of sight. He watched Jacob Carter talk with the bounty hunter about dinner then leave. Mr. Wayne then went to Kings Saloon, Ranger Ron's and the black man's stables. Following Wayne discreetly wasn't easy as he thought; the man almost spotted him twice. Fortunately a wagon or a crowd allowed him to duck into a shop or alley. Knowing that Wayne would be meeting Janet at the diner later he backed off deciding not to risk being seen.
Roger entered the Desert Dwellers Diner acting like normal. In reality he wanted to listen in on Wayne's conversation with Daniel Jackson in hopes of gathering information. While sitting at his table pretending to read the paper he listened in. Roger smiled to himself hearing everything. 'So that's what the big bastard was doing, recruiting men who couldn't be bought off or manipulated.' Roger thought. This would undercut Sheriff Shanahan taking all the credit, or it might backfire too. Either way Pete needed to know. There would be no way he'd let the bounty hunter show up his friend again. Shortly after the good doctor showed up their conversation turned to other matters, mostly about the brats' upcoming birthday on Monday. Roger tuned this out focusing on his food having hearing what he needed.
-Last Minute Gifts-
I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas day. Today is should be about Faith, Family, Friends and FOOD! Ham in particular, I love honey ham. Everyone also have a safe New Years Eve too. I know 2020 has been something else. Next year might be interesting as well. It is the year of Mad Max after all, just saying.
A/N1: Iron Steam, aka Iron Steamer, ships such as the SS Columbia entered service in 1880. They were purpose built for passengers. Steamers are similar to modern day cruise lines carrying both people and cargo. The first iron steam ship was the 116 ton Aaron Manby built in 1821.
A/N2: The loop lever is rounded instead of straight. The design allows for twirling a rifle allowing quicker reloading on horseback.
A/N2: Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, storms and horses. He's considered one of the most bad-tempered and greedy Olympian gods.
A/N4: Black Tailed Prairie Dogs are native to western North American plains in Texas. One such Prairie Dog towns covered 25,000 square miles with a population of 400,000 million.
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