Title: Find A Penny…
Author: MMW
Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven belong to MGM, Trilogy, etc.
Challenge: M7M Challenge for 07 June 2004: Use the quote “I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up.”
Rating: G
Universe: Various
Character: all seven
Archive: Sure
By MMW
“I can’t believe it’s you again,” the outlaw said, his voice shaking as he stare into the cold blue eyes.
“I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up,” Vin hissed at the man, feeling his wings ruffle even though they were invisible.
Having seen the outlaw locked up in Eagle Bend’s jail before heading out of town, Chris turned to Vin, a blond eyebrow quirked in amusement. “A bad penny?” he asked.
Vin grinned back. “JD read it to me from one of his dime novels. Just sort of seemed to fit.”
Chris chuckled and shook his head. “Remind me to talk to JD about his reading selections.”
“Oh yeah,” he heard Buck say to the dog with which he was playing outlaws and peacekeepers. “That’s ‘cause I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up.”
Vin nearly choked as he heard his son utter those words. Calling the boy over to him, he waited as the blue eyes met his. “Son,” he began, “Where did you hear a phrase like that?”
Buck smiled up at his dad. “Uncle JD read it to me last night ‘fore he tucked me in to bed.”
Vin nodded. “I see. I think I’m going to have to have a little talk with your Uncle JD and what’s appropriate reading material.”
“You better be quakin’ in yer boots ‘cause I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up!” JD shouted.
Ezra stopped mid-stride at that statement. Changing direction, he soon found his nephew. “JD?” he asked. “Where did you learn that phrase?”
“Oh, hi! Uncle Ezra!” he greeted. “Buck was reading me one of Uncle Chris’ cowboy books. The good guy said that to the bad guy right before they fighted.”
“I see,” Ezra acknowledged sagely. “Perhaps I’ll see if we can find Buck something else to read.” Turning, he smiled as he thought of how he could torture Chris with the knowledge the man read cowboy novels.
The boy could slip away quicker than a greased eel, Josiah thought of Ezra. Hearing the low murmur of a voice, he turned the corner of the house and stopped and smiled at what he saw.
Ezra was squatting down close to the ground. He was currently petting a black and white spotted stray cat who was purring loud enough for Josiah to hear even a few feet away. “You just won’t leave, will you?” The boy asked, a smile on his face. The cat meowed as Ezra paused. “What do you mean, “I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up”?” he asked, causing Josiah to chuckle.
Buck would never admit it to Chris or anyone else, but he enjoyed babysitting Vin. It gave him a chance to play like a kid and not look silly doing it. Right now they were playing “Adventurers”. He was being the villain while Vin was the brave hero. Sneaking up behind the boy, he made sure to make enough noise that he wouldn’t startle Vin. Hearing the giggle, he pounced, wrapping his arms around Chris’ little brother and tickling him.
“You always get me!” Vin complained between giggles as he struggled free.
“I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up,” Buck said, joining in the laughter.
His hand hovering over his gun, sheriff’s star shining brightly, he advised, “Best give yourself up, Pete. My deputies have you covered.” Nathan suppressed a smile as Deputy JD giggled. “I can’t believe you dared to show your face in our town again.”
“I’m like a bad penny, Sheriff, I always turn up.” Reaching for his gun, it dropped from his hand as Nathan beat him on the draw.
Walking up to the outlaw, Vin and JD at his side, Nathan turned to look at the boys. “Reckon we should take him to jail?”
“Reckon so,” the little Vulcan agreed, he loved the Old West program on the holodeck.
Nathan stood, hands held high, knowing the others had his back. Scanning the area, he could only see the two men before him, guns trained on his head and heart, faces set, eyes empty.
From nowhere, a shadow appeared and coalesced into Josiah Sanchez who quickly knocked out the two men.
“Nice of you to show up,” Nathan said, his relief and thanks evident in his voice.
Josaih smiled and patted his friend on the back. “I’m like a bad penny, I always turn up.” Laughing as Nathan rolled his eyes, Josiah grabbed some of the equipment and said, “Best get moving. Chris is not going to be happy.”
JD sat looking up at the sky, cursing his luck, and his sprained ankle. He knew better than to hike alone, but everyone else had been busy and he was sticking to the well-known trails. Closing his eyes, he thought he’d rest. A few minutes later he opened them as the sun was blocked. “Chris?” he asked, looking up at the form above him. “How did you find me?”
Chris smiled down at the young man. “I’m like a bad penny,” he responded, “I always turn up.”
JD groaned and laughed. “Next time we do a movie marathon, It’s not going to be Indiana Jones.”
Chris grinned in response.
