The Dr. Tam Journals – Part 17 – Serenity (BDM) 2

Kaylee was about to say Simon’s name when she caught a look from the Capt’n.

“No need to know his name just yet,” said Mal quickly. “Got a need to trust you first. These folks like family to me and if you got any inkling to turn them in for the price placed on their heads, I’ll be seeing you at the end of a gun barrel next time.”

Beauregard just nodded. “He fixes my leg, he and his kin got no worries, and I don’t care for no stinking Alliance reward.”

Zoe gave him one of her steely eyed looks. “Money has way of changing people’s minds. It’s a lot.”

“Well, seeing as I have the only Cortex screen in town and there ain’t no Alliance authority about, no one but me will know about their past.”

Mal was suspicious. “You’re making this a lot easier than I conjured you would. That leg and that whiskey seem to have gotten to your head, P.T.”

He just grimaced in pain. “See that bed over there?” He pointed to the small cot in the corner. “That’s where I sleep, if I can. Horse threw me ten days ago and I wish I could cut that leg off, the agony it’s giving me. My thieving days and killing days is long past. And remember, we three wore the same color in the war. We had our differences in the past Mal, but I ain’t in no position to be refusing any help you got. I’ll see I hold up my end of the deal if this doctor does his.”

“What about the other folks?” Zoe asked.

“Can’t vouch for all of them but most are decent hard working people,” Beauregard started. “We need a doctor, that’s for sure, and they’ll be grateful if he stays.”

“Fair enough,” said Mal and then he took out his communicator.

“Serenity, this is the Captain. Bring the boat in closer to town, land near the river just outside. Tell the doc to get ready for a patient.”

Serenity landed nearby and soon after they returned with Beauregard with them. His men and Mal had to carry him downstairs and he was in agony the whole time. Kaylee quietly said to Zoe that Simon could have come to give