I Swear

by Sable Hunter

  “He didn’t, but he could have. I’m getting out while the getting’s good.” She stopped when she noticed Delaney. “Who are you?”

  Delaney gave the woman a slight smile. “I’m Delaney Ellis.”

  “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” She cut a disapproving glance at Jonah.

  “She’s going to help me with Daddy.” Jonah offered by way of explanation.

  Bernice huffed. “Didn’t think I’d be so easy to replace.” She sneered. “If she’s really here to help with your daddy.”

  Jonah wanted to tell the woman none of this was any of her business, but he refrained. “Thank you, Ms. Bernice. Sorry it all went down like it did. Drive safely.”

  She just gave Jonah an offhand wave of dismissal and climbed into her car. Soon, she was backing out and gone.

  Jonah hauled Delaney’s suitcases from the back seat and pointed the way up the stairs. “No time like the present, I guess.”

  “I’m right behind you.” She followed him onto the porch. “I love old houses. This one has so much character.” Delaney smiled at the bottle opener on the railing. “This porch is crying out for some big rockers. We could sit out here, rock away, and have the best time.”

  Jonah could see her vision. “Yea. You’re right. Catch the door.”

  Delaney did so as she heard something breaking inside. The cat jumped at the noise and stuck one of its tiny sharp claws into her breast. “Ow. Sounds like we need to hurry.”

  “Put the cat on the couch,” he instructed as they stepped into a dimly lit living area. “Let me go in first.” He pointed to the kitchen where they could hear clattering and low murmuring.

  “Okay.” She put the kitten down gently on the worn blue sectional. “Stay there. Curl up and sleep.” She laid a paisley sofa pillow next to the small animal to give it a place to snuggle down and hide if it felt so inclined. When she straightened, she saw Jonah peeking his head around a door facing.

  “Daddy?”

  A plate whizzed by the door, causing Jonah to duck. “Daddy!” he hollered as the china shattered against the wall.

  “You can call me father, you can call me Jacob, you can call me Jake. You can call me a dirty son-of-a-bitch, but if you EVER call me Daddy again, I’ll finish this damn fight.”

  Delany immediately recognized the old man was quoting a line from John Wayne’s movie, Big Jake.

  “Why are you doing this, Dad? You’re making a mess and breaking all our supper dishes.” Jonah moved into the kitchen slowly, ready to duck if he had to.

  “I didn’t do this, Jonah. I didn’t break those dishes.” John Callan spoke distinctly, his hands waving wildly. “Like I told Bernice I didn’t break a damn thing.”

  “Well, then if you didn’t, who did? And why did you push Ms. Bernice? Did you know she quit tonight? Because of you, Daddy!”

  “I told you not to call me that!” John Callan yelled loudly. “My name is John Marion Morrison Wayne. John blasted Wayne, I tell you!”

  Seeing the need to intervene, Delaney stepped further into the kitchen, coming to stand between the two men. Putting her hands on her hips, she began to speak, “A man deserves a second chance, but you have to keep an eye on him.” The words she offered was another quote from the same movie. She didn’t direct her comment at either man, she just put it out there.

  Old Mr. Callan took off his hat, grinning at Jonah. “Ah, I like this girl. She’s not only a smart one, she reminds me a little bit of my favorite costar, Miss Ann Margaret.” John glanced at Delaney. “Do you watch my movies, darling?”

  “I do. I’ve seen them all more times than I can count.” She eased over to put her hand on John’s shoulder. With just a gentle nudge, he let himself be led to the kitchen table. “Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll make you something to drink.” She looked toward Jonah. “I think you have a chicken fried steak dinner coming up. Right?”

  He nodded with a relieved look on his face, then wheeled around to fetch the food from the wrecker. “Be right back.”

  “Now, what can I get you? Tea? Water?” Her eyes took in the kitchen, the worn counters, and the outdated appliances. Everything was clean, but in need of some extra TLC.

  “Lemonade, please.” John folded his hands on the vinyl tablecloth and waited patiently.

  “All right.” Delaney found a jelly jar glass, then checked in the freezer to find some ice cubes in a plastic container. Next, she located the pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator. “Here you go.” She filled the glass before handing it to him. “Now, all you need is some silverware and a paper towel.” After tracking down those items, she placed them in front of the older gentleman.

  About that time, Jonah came in with the to-go container and a basket covered with a bright red gingham cloth. “Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy.”

  “Excellent.” Delaney took the Styrofoam container from his hands. “I’ll pop this in the microwave for a few seconds and it’ll be good as new.”

  “Look, Dad. Ms. McCoy sent you a surprise.” He put the basket in the center of the table. “You remember Libby, don’t you?”

  “Why, sure. I ain’t crazy,” he frowned, then lifted the corner of the cloth to peek inside. “Well, I swear.”

  Seeing the big smile on his face, Delaney laughed. “What’d you get?”

  “Brownies.”

  “Wow-wee.” She picked up a dishcloth to protect her hands when the microwave announced the food was warm. “I think this is ready.”

  “That smells good to eat, Duke.”

  Delaney smiled, realizing Jonah was pacifying his father by calling him John Wayne’s most famous nickname. “It does smell good.” She motioned for him to come to the table. “Sit with your father while he eats, and I’ll sweep up the floor.”

  Her mentioning the mess seemed to agitate John. “I told you, I didn’t break those dishes. I am not responsible.”

  “No worries.” Delaney tried to pacify him as she looked around for a broom. “I’ll have it picked up in a jiffy and it’ll be just like it never happened.”

  “You’re nice.” He smiled at her. “I like you, Miss Margaret.”

  Before she could thank John for the kind words, Jonah spoke up.

  “Well, that’s a good thing since Delaney…” He emphasized the name. “…is going to be staying with us for a spell.”

  “I see.” The old man let out a low, meaningful snicker as he picked up his fork. “Good for you, son.”

  His father’s conclusion jumping brought a tinge of red to Jonah’ cheeks. When he glanced at Delaney, she was blushing too.

  “Can I have a broom?” she muttered softly.

  He jumped on her request like a flea on a dog – anything to break the tension of the moment. “Sure thing.” Clearing his throat, he sprang up to go to the broom closet. “Actually, she’s here to take care of you, old man.”

  “What?” John Callan banged his fist on the table. “I told you! I don’t need some damn babysitter! I didn’t need Bernice and I sure don’t need one young enough to be my daughter.”

  “Well, tough. You’ve got one.” He passed the broom to Delaney.

  John Callan ate a couple of bites, then threw his fork down. “Well, I should just leave. I don’t need to stay somewhere and be treated like this.”

  Delaney carefully swept the broken glass into the dustpan and properly disposed of it before sitting down next to Jonah’s dad. “Mr. John, you need to know something.” She licked her lips, watching the panic in the poor fellow’s face. She knew he felt like control of his life was slipping away. On some level, she could relate. “There’s something you don’t know. I need a place to stay. I don’t have anywhere to go. My job fell through. My car broke down…and I don’t have any money. If you’d let me hang out with you for a few days, I’d appreciate it.”

  She could see him trying to process what she said. Holding her breath, she stole a glance at Jonah. He
was watching them both intently.

  “Well, buzzard bait.” John Callan picked up his fork and speared a slightly wilted green bean. “Hell, you might as well stay. What’s one more stray? That useless boy is always picking up strays. We’ve got a mangy dog out back…”

  “Delaney isn’t a stray, and my dog isn’t mangy,” Jonah spoke up in defense of his friend. “He’s getting up in years, that’s all. Like you.”

  About that time, a plaintive mew drew their attention as the kitten made its way in the kitchen. Delaney hurried to pick it up.

  “Where’d that dang cat come from?”

  Jonah glared at his father from across the table. “I rescued it at the truck stop.”

  “Might know it. See? I told you so.” He cut Delaney a hard look. “I guess that’s where he found you.”

  “Yes, he did, as a matter of fact.” The idea of her being a stray brought back some mighty bad memories. “Your son is a very kind man.”

  John Callan frowned. “He’s not my son. Where’d you get that idea? I’m just hanging out here…until…” He frowned harder, then proceeded to cut himself a piece of steak and chew on it.

  “Uh…if you’ll sit with him, I’ll fix a sandbox for the cat.” Jonah waited for Delaney to nod her assent before escaping out to the screened-in porch.

  Once he was there, he took a deep breath. Rain was still peppering down pretty good. Leaning his head against the support post, he inhaled as much air as he could. Not his son? Deep down he knew his father loved him – so why did what he say hurt so much? Hell, sometimes he felt like he was smothering. Why did he think he could do this? Jonah closed his eyes and let out a soft frustrated groan. He would make a mess of things, he always did. Why should this time be any different? His failure was already a foregone conclusion.

  Tap. Tap.

  “Uh, Jonah. I found this under the sink.”

  He wheeled around to find Delaney standing there, looking beautiful by the light of the moon peeping from behind the clouds. “What’s that?”

  “To put the cat litter in.” She held out a small plastic tub he’d brought home from one of his father’s trips to the hospital.

  “Oh. Yea.” He took it from her hand. “I don’t have any litter. I was going to use some dirt out of this dead potted plant over here.”

  “That’ll do.” She turned around to return to the kitchen.

  “If this is more than you think you can handle, I’ll understand.”

  Unease fell over Delaney’s shoulders. “Have you changed your mind about me?” She wondered if she’d offended him in some way. Thoughts of those thugs in the Trans-am made her skin prickle with dread.

  “I’m sure Dad is not what you expected.”

  “Well, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. There are moments he seems almost normal.”

  “Yea, but the other times are the problem. Anyway, it’s up to you.”

  Did she hear doubt in his voice? She didn’t want to stay where she wasn’t wanted – or needed. “I guess we should talk about it again tomorrow, maybe.”

  “All right.” Hearing a scratching on the screen door, Jonah opened it wide enough for a black and white dog to gain entrance.

  “Well, who do we have here?” Delaney melted. She loved dogs. “This is a Catahoula Leopard, isn’t it?”

  “Yep.” He was surprised she recognized the obscure breed. “His name is Rufus.”

  “This is the state dog of Louisiana, you know. Hey, Rufus.” She knelt to give him a scratch on his big, wide head. “Do you like cats?”

  “Oh, yea. He’s a push-over. Not a mean bone in that dog’s body.”

  “Good.” Hearing a noise from inside, she bounced up. “I’d better go back in. Your father may be through with his supper and into mischief.”

  “You got him pegged already.” Jonah knelt by the old potted plant to see if he could salvage some dirt. “I’ll be in shortly.”

  Delaney returned to the kitchen, closely followed by Rufus. “Are you through with supper, Mr. John?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good.” She was surprised to find him still sitting at the table with the kitten in his lap. “I called him Tommy, but if you’d like to change the name, feel free.”

  “Tommy’s as good a handle as any, I reckon.”

  Noticing he didn’t make a dent in the meal, she wanted to make sure he wasn’t still hungry. “Are you sure you won’t eat more? I don’t want you to go to bed with your belly pinching.”

  John sighed heavily. “I didn’t want much. I ate a big meal on the set today.”

  “You did? Well, how about a brownie and a glass of milk?”

  A slightly crooked smile came to his lips. “Well, if you’re gonna twist my arm, I guess I will.”

  “Good.” She proceeded to find a saucer and a fresh glass to fill with milk. Delaney knew some would debate going along with an Alzheimer patient’s delusions, but in her experience, there were times when it was best. “What movie are you working on?”

  “True Grit.” Snapping his fingers, he turned his head up to look at her. “I sure could use an eye patch. I can’t seem to find mine and I need it for filming. You know, I have to wear it for this movie. Do you think you could get me one?”

  Delaney didn’t see why not. “If I’m still here tomorrow, I’ll make sure to get you an eyepatch.”

  “Well, make sure you are here.” He shook a finger at her. “Good prop people are hard to come by.”

  “I can imagine they are.” While they talked, she poured Tommy a bowl of milk and surveyed the pantry until she located food for Rufus.

  “Remember to put an itty-bitty hole in the patch so I can see. I’m not really blind in that eye you know.”

  “Ah, of course. Good idea.”

  “What’s a good idea?” Jonah asked as he returned with the litter box.

  “Mr. Wayne requested an eye patch to wear on the set of True Grit,” Delaney told him matter-of-factly. “Can I interest you in a brownie?”

  Jonah shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. Help yourself, though. John swears by them.”

  “Yep, I’ll share.” John pushed the basket toward Delaney.

  “Thanks, but no. We’ll save them for you.” She got up to find a container with a lid to protect them from getting stale. While she worked, she thought of something else to ask. “Does our star normally require assistance in preparation to retire?”

  Jonah chuckled as he picked up the kitten and toted it and the litter box to the half bath. “You know, you think you’re just speaking over one of our heads – but I’m not the sharpest crayon in the box.”

  Now, it was John’s turn to laugh. “You can say that again.”

  “Thanks, Duke.” Still within hearing distance as he taught the kitten the ropes of using the facilities, he answered Delaney’s question, “And no, he doesn’t require assistance with his shower. I just hang outside the door to make sure everything’s okay. I do help him shave once a week.”

  “Okay. I can take over your duties at any time.”

  Joining them, Jonah waved a hand as he motioned his father to follow him. “Let me play valet to him tonight and we can work out his beauty routine at a later date – if you end up staying.”

  “Yea. Sure.” She trailed them from the kitchen and up the stairs. “Uh…where do you want me to bed down?”

  Jonah almost tripped as he missed one of the steps. “Oh, let me get your suitcase for you.”

  “No, I can handle it. Just point me in the direction of a bed.”

  Again, Jonah missed a step.

  “What’s wrong with your get-along, pardner?” John asked his son. “Are you coming up lame?”

  “No. Just clumsy, I guess.” The thought of her bedding down anywhere was as intoxicating as a jug of home brew. “Uh, the guest room is the second door on the right at the top of the stairs. Your room will be between the both of ours.”

  “Good
deal,” she answered, glad she would be near her patient. “I want to be able to hear him during the night. What time should I have breakfast on the table?”

  “Early. Six am.” This answer came from John. “I have to be on set by eight at the latest.”

  Delaney smiled. “Well, you can’t keep Kim Darby or Glen Campbell waiting, that’s for sure.”

  John laughed loudly as he slapped the banister. “I like that girl, she’s a smart one.”

  Delaney didn’t wait to hear more, she looked around to find the smallest of her bags. No use lugging the other one upstairs. Something told her she might not be staying long enough to need them.

  ...After readying for bed, she set the time on an old manual alarm clock and crawled beneath the covers. More tired than she realized, Delaney was asleep before her head hit the pillow. Deep in the midst of a dreamless slumber, she practically levitated off the bed when a loud noise jarred her awake. For a moment, she didn’t know where she was – then it all came rushing back when something slammed into her bedroom door, shaking it violently. “What in the world?”

  Fearing for John, she jumped up and made for the door, jerking it open. Just outside, she found the older man in his undershorts, wielding his fist and a wooden cane. She just managed to dodge as he struck another blow, this time putting a good-size scratch on the sheetrock. “John. Mr. John. What’s wrong?” She made a grab for his arm about the time Jonah came barreling out of his room bare-chested in just a pair of unbuttoned jeans. Delaney regretted she couldn’t spare more than a second to appreciate the view.

  “Dad! Stop! You’re going to hit somebody with that cane.” He wrestled the weapon away from his father. “Give me that thing. Lord have mercy!”

  Delaney took the opportunity to put her hand on the shoulder of the newly unarmed man. “Can you tell me what was wrong, sweetie?”

  “It’s these damn snakes, they’re crawling all over this pit. Trying to climb up the walls.” He waved his arm around, then turned to grasp her by the shoulders. “I won’t let them bite you, Mattie!”

  “What the hell is going on?” Jonah was too tired to think straight.