Trouble with Drifters
Chapter 37:Night Time
"How do you like my telescope Jack?" Samantha asked watching him adjusting the dials. "ILike it a lot Samantha, the clarity is exceptional.The moon has lots of crater impacts." His knowledge and eye for detail made her grin widely. The only other man that took this much interest in the night sky was Daniel. "I modified the telescope myself. Had the local glass maker create lens to my specifications?" Jack nodded with approval then smiled internally.
"I wonder what it tastes like." Jack asked looking from the telescope to her with a serious face. What was he referring to the moon? The serious look changed slightly giving her a clue that she missed. "The moon isn't edible Jack; it's made of stone and dirt." Samantha replied with a serious look. "You don't know..?" he asked with a straight face. "I know what science tells me... so what do you know that I don't?" She replied catching on wondering what silliness he is up too.
"The moon is made of green cheese; reckon it would taste good on a sandwich." Jack said with lopsided grin. Samantha burst out laughing placing a hand on his shoulder, a touch that wasn't lost on Jack. "You doubt me...there's only way to prove me wrong." he responded with mock indignation. Regaining control her eyes sparkled at the implications of what Jack said. "You mean going the moon itself." Samantha said out loud at what he implied. "What do you say, fancy a trip to the moon with me to find out?" Her heart started beating at his invitation and the thought of going into space. "If only that were possible Jack...can you imagine what's out there to be discovered." Samantha asked eye's gleaming with curiosity. "I can, but judging from your eye's you are contemplating more than I ever could." A smile formed that reached her eyes. This man, despite his rough edged let his guard down around her. Could be on purpose or not, either way it made her feel special. "That would make you a space cowboy..." she quipped making Jack chuckle. "...and you would be the first space merchant." Jack answered back earning a megawatt smile.
"Have you ever seen the Big Dipper up close, it's made up seven stars." Jack asked quoting the book he read a while back as they continued looking at the heavens. "The Big Dipper is located in the constellation of Ursa Major. I've observed it many times but my favorite is Andromeda, the Greek Princess." She replied enjoying the deep conversation. "We must have read similar books." Jack said enjoying the evening more than expected. This woman somehow got past his defenses without him realizing it. "I imagine after sleeping under the stars for so long it becomes second nature to spot constellations." Samantha stated from behind the telescope. "The things you see in the night sky are amazing." He answered looking her in the eyes. "Have you seen anything interesting out there?" Samantha asked getting lost in his brown eyes. "I've seen several shooting stars and some unexplainable stuff." Jack said taking his turn looking at the big dipper changing to the little dipper.
Her eyes lit up at when the bounty hunter mentioned 'unexplained'. "What did you see that's unexplainable?" Jack thought before answering gathering his thoughts. "I watched what looked like a giant cigar (AN1) go from one side of the night sky to the far side in minutes, and then vanish." He answered honestly. "You're pulling my leg again; the only things that fly are balloons and birds." Samantha said not believing the man. "Honest to God, I wouldn't have believed it either unless I witnessed it myself." He answered watching a few clouds lazily pass over head. "Your serious...aren't you?" she asked with a blank stare. "Dead serious, the damn thing came out of nowhere, didn't make a sound as it passed overhead." He replied honestly to her astonishment. "What did you do, weren't you afraid. Did you get your rifle?" Samantha asked in quick session. "I retrieved my rifle for one, as for being scared, you betcha. I've never seen anything like that again either thankfully." Jack answered scanning the night sky. "And it didn't make any noise? The... flying cigar had to have some kind of engine." She asked getting excited at the possibilities. "None, complete silence as it flew across the Texas sky." He replied watching Samantha's try to figure out what he'd seen that night. "Could it been alien (AN2) in origin?" Samantha asked with excitement. "I would say yes because that technology is far out of our reach...or is It?" he said looking at her gauging her response. "Now I know your yanking my chain. The government wouldn't dare hide such a technological breakthrough." Samantha replied playfully punching the bounty hunters arm while giggling. Jack just laughed as they both relaxed in each other's company getting lost in the moment and the night sky. Truth be known he did actually see the flying cigar. For Samantha to really understand she'd have to see it as well.
-Secrete Meeting-
Jacob adjusted the gun belt then tied the holster to his leg to prevent it from moving around. He checked his pistol making sure it's ready to be used then holstered the gun. He only wore it when needed these days. The fact he had a secret meeting to attend being a good reason to carry it once again. Putting his coat and hat on he headed out the door. Samantha wasn't in any danger, quite the opposite. Mr. Wayne had accepted his daughter's invitation to look at the stars which meant they'll be up all night long. Samantha studied every astronomy book she could find and was starting to write her own. Their study had become a small library, enough books that Dr. Jackson often borrowed them for teaching. Heading out the door Jacob overheard Samantha giggle at something Mr. Wayne said. His comment was along the lines of lassoing a shooting star just for her. He closed the door locking it behind him leaving the two be.
Jacob rechecked his pockets for the evidence given to him by the bounty hunter. Satisfied it's still all there he headed towards the church. Being 10:30 at night not many people were out except for Deputy Mitchell doing his rounds. The sheriff most likely was at Kings Saloon doing what he does best, nothing important. Taking the long way around avoiding Kings in order not to be seen by anyone Jacob arrived at the church at 11:00. Kowalski opened the door for him moving to the side allowing entry.
"Didn't think you'd be here Charles, are you the look out?" Jacob asked putting his hat by the back door. "Neither did I Jake, having friends like Jack keep a man honest." Kowalski replied leading Jacob into the kitchen. "Apparently so, does this mean we need to hire a new town drunk?" Jacob asked pouring a cup of coffee. "No need to hire anyone, Big Ted has taken over for me. " Charles answered with no intention of going back down that road. "I'm glad you stopped drinking Charles, your better than that." Jacob said looking the man in the eyes. "My friend thought so too, it took a more than few dunks in the horse trough to get his point across though." Jacob chuckled at the former drunks comment. "Poker is our cover I take it if anyone comes knocking." Jacob said watching Murray and the mayor play a hand getting nod from Charles.
"Jacob, I prayed for your safe passageand everyone else's." Sheppard Book said greeting his friend shaking hands. "Indeed, Mr. O'Bannon nearly spotted me. Miss Simon caught his attention instead allowing safe passage." Murray added as he looked at his cards. The mayor discarded two cards while Murray kept his hand. "I'm glad you made it too dad. Maybe you can give me advice because my poker game isn't good as yours." Mark replied laying down his hand folding. "The cards speak for themselves my friends." The mayor said laying down a royal flush. "You are a worthy advisory Mayor Simon." Murray said bowing his head. "I say he's real lucky, third hand in a row." Mark grumbled. "We could invite your sister to one of our poker nights Mark." Jacob replied with a smile. "No thanks dad, it's bad enough she runs the pool table." His son answered throwing his hands up in defeat.
"Jacob, you said my sister was with the gambler." Simon asked gathering the cards in order to start their meeting. "Batted her eyes and whole bit. Grant followed like a lost puppy." Jacob answered sitting down along with Book and Kowalski. "Grant O'Bannon is no fool; he's going to play along for now." Mark added making room for his father. "Indeed, the man is a snake in tall grass." Murray said waiting for Sheppard Book to formally start the meeting. The mayor nodded in agreement. "I love my sister but she's up to something. Suanne and Grant partnering up can't be good." Mayor Simon added shaking his head. "Will Mr. Wayne be joining us tonight Sheppard?" he asked pouring a glass of water. Charles laughed along with Jacob. "What's so funny Dad?" Mark asked curious as the other men not in the know. "Your sister got Mr. Wayne to look through the telescope with her tonight." He answered with smile. "They'll be up there all night then, Jack always loved looking at the stars." Charles replied thinking back too before the war. "Especially if my sister has any say in it." Mark added knowing how much Samantha loved looking the night sky.
The room went silent when Sheppard Book stood with his bible in hand saying a short prayer. "Gentlemen, Mr. Wayne and I had a long talk last night. The man had much to share with me." Book said leaving out Jacks suicidal thoughts. "Does any of the information lead back to Mr. Williams like we suspect?" the mayor asked leaning forward with interest. "Nothing concrete, however Mr. Wayne confirmed Jeff is running the operation. We'll get to that part later. We'll start at the beginning." Book replied getting everyone's undivided attention.
"First off Mr. Wayne found Sheriff Barkley's body in a shallow grave a day's ride west of town. He re-buried Barkley in a proper grave after finding clues to his death." He said letting the information set in. "What evidence did Mr. Wayne show you to prove his statement. The body could be anyone's." Mark asked the obvious question being a lawyer. "He gave me Barkley's badge and watch." Book replied showing the assembled men the items. Simon looked over the watch seeing a picture of Barkley's wife and son then passed it around along with the badge. "Go on Sheppard, what else did Mr. Wayne find at the scene?" Jacob asked wondering why the sheriff was partially buried if Pete barely escaped with his life. Shanahan stated they were ambushed by Comanche and had to flee leaving Barkley behind. The new evidence made the gathered men question Pete's story.
"Yes, please continue Sheppard." Mark added leaning forward taking notes. "We all know Pete carries a pair of 45 Schofield pistols." Book continued looking each man in the eyes. "Indeed, Sheriff Shanahan is proficient with his firearms." Teal'C responded remembering the man showing off to Samantha Carter last month. "Sheppard Book, are you implying Pete lied to us about the cause of Barkley's death?" Mayor Simon asked putting together a possible scenario.
Charles sat back not saying anything preferring to take the all the information in first. His friend was thorough if nothing else. "Mayor Simon, if Mr. Wayne's information is correct then deputy Shanahan not only lies, he also shot the sheriff in the back six times." Book replied making everyman eyes go wide. "What proof does the bounty hunter have linking Pete to Barkley's murder?" Mark asked not wanting to believe that his former friend could do such a thing even considering that he was unfaithful to his sister.
Book placed six weathered .45 caliber Schofiled shells on the table for all to look at. "You'll notice one shell has a mark on from a bad ejector." he said then continued. "Now I know everyone remembers what happened to Sheriff Shanahan at the restaurant on Sunday." Book added getting nods. "Mayor Simon, you in particular remember that Mr. Wayne unloaded Pete's gun taking a shell as payment for a drink." Book stated placing another .45 caliber shell on the table for inspection. "How can I forget, Mr. Wayne also arm wrestled your daughter Jacob after putting his cigar out in Pete's coffee." Simon said while looking at the shell smiling. "Samantha surprised me that day." Jacob added chuckling. Simon tossed the shell to Mark who looked closely at it. "This has the same marking on it as the one recovered at the scene." He said running through the evidence so far passing it to Teal'C. "Indeed, the shells have identical markings. Mark Carter, the evidence presented to us is circumstantial thus far. What are your thoughts on the possibility of Shanahan murdering Sheriff Barkley?" Teal'C asked. "Depending on what else the bounty hunter found out it's not looking good for Pete!" Mark answered grimly. "What else has Mr. Wayne discovered during his short time in Heaven?" Simon asked thinking about everything that has happened so far.
"Mr. Wayne said that an undercover Texas Ranger made contact with him a few days ago. The ranger informed him that there is a person close to Williams that knows all his secrets." Book said keeping the identity to himself. "Would this person be willing to testify Sheppard Book?" Mark asked hoping they would. "Trust me if it's who I think it is they're chomping at the bit to testify." Charles added getting everyone's attention. "Am I correct in assuming this person will need help in leaving Blue Sun Ranch?" Teal'C asked looking at Book and Charles. "You are correct Teal'C; Mr. Wayne needs more information before coming up plan to get the informant out safely." Charles replied knowing how hard it'll be. "Once away from Mr. Williams can this person can confirm that he is the one in charge of the rustling?" Simon inquired leaning forward. "Mr. Wayne confirmed that the informant can do that and more. The person will testify that Williams ordered Pete to kill Sheriff Barkley because he was close to figuring everything out." Book replied letting the information set in.
"I don't want to believe that Pete could be involved with Mr. Williams, but I can't rule it out." Mark said hoping his former friend wasn't on the take. "You over estimate how smart Sheriff Shanahan is Mark Carter, did he not commit adulteries against your sister?" Murray countered. "The man isn't wrong son." Jacob added making his son think it over. "My friend wouldn't lie or set up anyone. It's not in his character." Kowalski said knowing Jack like he did. "Please continue Sheppard Book. If the evidence Mr. Wayne has gathered on our sheriff is that damning, then we have a huge problem. We'll have to not tip him off or he'll tell Jeff." The mayor replied waving his hand to continue with everyone in agreement.
"Mr. Wayne also found out that the rustlers and Comanche are one in the same. The Indians dress as cowboys attacking while not speaking except for a select few that speak English. They are hiding somewhere on Williams property. The informant does not know what part though. Their leader is Eagle Talon and he is getting bored. This will not be good for our town if he decides to leave Williams property." Book said getting Kowalski's attention. "Did you say Eagle Talon..?" Charles asked memories flooding back of the man's father. "You know of this Indian Charles." Teal'C replied all eyes on the man. "He's worse than his father in every way. Mark my words, Jack will kill the man on sight!" Charles said leaving no doubt in anyone's mind. "Then it would be wise not to interfere with Mr. Wayne business." Teal'C added understanding the bounty hunters motivations. "Best thing to do is let Jack do his thing and not question the results." Charles said not saying anymore.
"What else did Mr. Wayne tell you Sheppard Book?" Simon asked looking at his watch; it was nearing 11:15pm. "That Williams was after Serenity Ranch, George Hammond was too entrenched to take over so they just did raids. Mr. Wayne said he will have a plan before Friday to run by us for approval. I have nothing else gentlemen." He finished looking around the room.
"Before we leave Mr. Wayne gave me evidence that backs up what we just discussed." Jacob said placing an unloaded Colt Peacemaker on the table getting everyone's attention. "Mr. Wayne paid a visit to Malcolm Reynolds today as everyone knows." He added then continued. "After getting the standard greeting they all sat down and talked. Malcolm confirmed what the bounty hunter told Sheppard Book about the Comanche and rustlers being one in the same. Even showed him graves where they buried the dead Indians too. Then he gave Wayne two of their pistols, notice anything familiar o the butt of the pistol?" Jacob asked as they examined the gun. "The pistol came from Ranger Ron's..." Mark said interest piqued.
"Indeed, the double RR is recognizable." Teal'C responded waiting for Jacob to continue. Pulling out two pieces of paper he laid them on the table. "Jeff purchased 50 Colt pistols and 25 rifles for some of his men. We all know that his employees have to provide their own gear." Jacob said letting his words sink in. "We need to see the guns Mr. Wayne brought back from being ambushed." Mark added mind going over everything presented to him. "Deputy Mitchell should be able to look at them when Pete is on patrol or otherwise occupied." Charles said smiling internally seeing the evidence come together in his mind. "When we have confirmation that the pistols match what should our next move be?" Book asked as he had become the unofficial liaison between Mr. Wayne and the council.
"After the bounty hunter visits Havens Gate Ranch tomorrow we'll have a meeting with him. Have Sheriff Shanahan join in so he doesn't get suspicious." Mayor Simon said as he was forming a plan on how to deal with Pete. "We can also see how he reacts to what is found out." Jacob added hoping the man let something important slip. "Indeed, Sheriff Shanahan might make up with a reason to visit Mr. Williams reporting what was said." Teal'C said. "Then we'll have our proof that Pete is on his payroll. Given enough pressure we could possibly get Pete to turn on Mr. Williams." Mark replied grinning. "That shouldn't be too hard; Pete wouldn't last long in prison." Jacob said praising his son. "...or we could discuss false information making both Pete and Williams make a mistake in our favor." Charles added already thinking on the matter.
"Then it's settled, the plan will be as follows. Meet with Mr. Wayne after he visits Heaven's Gate Ranch with Sheriff Shanahan in attendance. Plant false information with hopes he informs Jeff. Hopefully this will cause Williams to make a mistake incriminating himself." Mayor Simon stated for all to hear. "That is a good plan Mayor Simon. We all should think on false information should be mentioned." Teal'C said bowing slightly. "Gentleman, I believe we have got a great deal done tonight. To cover our meetings tell anyone that asks that Charles won the poker game tonight." Book said smiling widely making everyone laugh. "Nobody will believe I won however they won't think twice about their being a different reason for us to meet." Charles replied in good humor. "Go with God my friends." Book said as the group left to return to their homes.
Upon returning home Jacob didn't hear talking coming from the roof. Mr. Wayne must of went home already leaving his daughter dream peacefully. Entering the living area he noticed his daughter on the couch sound asleep fully clothed. The hairs on the back of Jacob's neck stood up as Mr. Wayne spoke. "Samantha fell asleep about an hour ago. I had to carry her down from the roof." Jack said getting his attention. "...and I believe you're wondering why I haven't left yet." He added standing up slowly. "That question and others crossed my mind. Why haven't you left yet Mr. Wayne?" Jacob asked going to the liquor cabinet. "Williams made a comment to me while we had breakfast." Jack replied getting a questioning look taking the offered drink. "He said it would be sad if anyone I cared about or associated with got hurt." He explained downing the whiskey. Jacob did the same figuring out what the bounty hunter was saying without saying it. "You were being watched tonight!" he stated the obvious. "It didn't feel right leaving Sam alone. Please tell her in the morning that I had a great time looking at the stars, brought back some good memories." Jack said putting his hat on leaving the truth unspoken. Before Jacob locked the door behind the bounty hunter Jack spoke in a low voice. "Don't worry dad, I won't let anyone hurt your daughter. I promise you that." He then walked off into the night disappearing like a ghost.
AN1: In 1897 residents of Texas reported seeing a cigar shaped airships flying over the state. You can find this story and others at 7 strange Tales from the Wild West by Kyla Cathay, August 10, 2016.
AN2: The first speculation of 'Aliens' goes back to ancient Greece and their Roman disciples. Democritus and Epicurus speculated about other worlds. They theorized about life on those worlds and what form it might be.
LoneWolfO'Niell
