River wasn't sure why she didn't like Scarlet. The girl had healed up, her skin a bit pink, but healed.
Maybe it was that Sam kept an eye on her while she recovered. But River couldn't imagine why it bothered her. But she was lonely without Sam's company. That was how she wound up on the doorstep of Doctor Charles Walker. River knocked a couple times before he answered.
"Rowena? How can I help you?"
"I need to talk to someone." She whispered. Walker paused and exhaled before stepping out.
"Get in the wagon. I need to stop at the trading post for some supplies.
"It sounds like you're jealous."
River blinked as they walked through the market. There was a trading post not far off and they were browsing the wares.
"Huh?"
"Way I hear it the Sheriff was courting you." He replied, looking over a vase.
"Yeah." River nodded. Jean had poked fun at her over it. Jean...Serenity...?
"So he focused a lot of attention on you. See, he rescued Miss Scarlet. They have a special bond now. There's a special name for it, but I can't recall it. Some sort of complex. He saved her. So now you have to compete with that bond. Hey, you're a girl." Walker held out the vase. "Think my lady friend would like this?"
"It's cracked and could break." River shook her head.
"Drat." Walker shook his head.
"What's she like?" River asked and Walker's face softened.
"Wonderful woman. Pulled me out of the dark when my wife died. She has a complicated past, hopes to overthrow a corrupt power..."
"This." River plucked up a knife in a leather sheath. It felt familiar when she pulled it out to discover carvings. It was the knife she got from Badger in the distant future.
Walker took it from her and chuckled.
"Yeah, she might just like this."
"What's Jealous mean?" River asked. Walker raised an eyebrow as he paid for the knife.
"It means you want something someone else has. In this case, Sheriff Colt's affection and or attention."
"Affection?" River flushed and Walker laughed.
"Seems I'm right."
River paused and stared across his shoulder. She moved by now, causing Walker to groan and run after her.
There it is! River thought as she left money for the bowler hat. Walker raised an eyebrow as he approached.
"Doesn't really suit you lass."
"It's not for me." River held it out. "A gift. For hearing me out."
Walker paused and River saw shades of Crowley.
"Why thank you." He grinned as he took it and wore it. "Suit me?" He asked. River grinned.
"Like a proper Badger."