Step Up with Me

by Kris Jacen

  “Fucked it up good this time, didn’t you?” Jack heard a few gasp at Harry’s words. He didn’t know if he should stop Harry or not. “What were you fucking thinking? Now I’ve got to raise your brats.”

  “Over my dead body,” Jack said as he heard Barbie say “Not fucking likely.” Oh, she was raring for a fight and it looked like Harry was going to give it to her.

  The funeral director approached Harry and asked quietly, “Perhaps you’d like to wait in another room until the viewing is over to pay your respects?” Jack had to hold in his snort at that one. Like jackass had respect for anyone. He heard a noise from Bree and when he glanced over her lips were pursed like she was biting her tongue, too.

  “I’m not going any fucking where. He got himself killed and I’m going to say my piece.” Harry started shaking the casket. “You fucking moron. The bitch probably had you out getting something stupid.”

  At his words Jack saw red. “My sister was not—”

  “Jack. Stop!” Tank pushed in front of Jack not letting him move.

  “Don’t make me put you on your ass right now, Tank. You know I can do it,” Jack growled.

  “You can’t put me there. I’m not letting you cause a scene here that you’ll regret later,” Siah said standing next to Tank.

  “I didn’t fu—”

  “Enough. You’re not going to give this jackass anything to use against you. You know he’s going to be contesting everything,” Barbie said, softly. “Look at all these witnesses. He’s hoping for you to do something and you’re not going to do anything. We’re going to let the funeral director handle this disruption then the visiting hours will be over. You’ll go back to your house and cuddle the bugs while the rest of us make sure you eat.”

  “Listen to Barbie, Jack. The bugs need you to bite everything back.” Tank put his hands on Jack’s shoulders and put his forehead to Jack’s. “You with me? Breathe.”

  Jack closed his eyes and took some deep breaths. He could do this for his bugs. Those bundles of joy were not going anywhere near the jackass if he had anything to do with it… and he did. Jack nodded and looked behind Tank. All the crew were behind him standing with their backs to Jack, forming a wall between him and everyone.

  “I’m okay. He gone?” The room was so much quieter than it had been.

  “Yeah, he’s gone. While we were protecting him from you and calming you down, the director had him removed with her running after them,” Briar told him. “You ready to finish this up? There are still some that would like to talk to you.”

  “I can do this, but not much longer. For Tom and Sandy,” Jack wiped a hand over his face. Those were his new mantras— For Tom and Sandy. For the bugs. He would get through this then find new routines.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Tank was standing in the bathroom between two of the bedrooms. This was going to come in handy when the girls were older. Each could have their own room and share the bathroom. Ethan could have the bedroom they were using as the nursery later giving him his own bathroom and then they had the guest room. He wondered if some cosmic power had influenced Jack into buying the house.

  Jack came up behind Tank and put his chin on Tank’s shoulder. “Whatcha doing?”

  “Planning for the teen years in my head.” Tank chuckled while Jack groaned.

  “Don’t remind me those years are coming. We’ll just have to make sure that the girls are experts in defending themselves before then.”

  “I was more thinking they’d have their own bathroom so we wouldn’t have to fight for time, and Ethan wouldn’t either.”

  “Ahh, good idea. Right now though we’ve got to decorate the nursery somehow. Barbie is still saying not to get anything from the house other than what we’ve already taken.” Jack grabbed Tank’s hand and pulled. “Come on. We’ve got plenty of time to figure those things out.”

  “Bugs go down for their naps without a fight?” Tank asked as he followed Jack to his office. Okay, this is a bit strange, Tank really didn’t go into the office.

  “Like bugs in a rug.” Jack walked over to his desk and sat down.

  “Um Jack?” Tank looked around, curious about the room.

  “What’s wrong? Sit down.” Jack waved at a chair and grabbed some papers. “Barbie came by last night when you were at class. Take a look.” He handed them to Tank.

  He took the papers and started reading but didn’t get too far before he was pissed off royally. He skimmed the packet and took a deep breath. “Is he nuts? You’re incompetent to raise the triplets? Because you have a good job and no wife? Since when did a wife make you competent? If that’s the case, he really is insane, because his is useless.”

  “Barbie said she was waiting for this and has already requested dismissal but doesn’t think it’ll be granted because he’s going to push. Same thing for mediation. She’s going to try and pull some strings and get this on the docket as fast as possible for the sake of the triplets. Said that she was going to request that a social worker do a home assessment, so we’d have that done already.”

  “Well, the house is child proofed but their room leaves a lot to be desired. And we’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do when you go back to work. Have you started looking for a day care with three openings? That’s got to be next to impossible.” Tank knew that once he was out of the Army, they could make it work with him scheduling classes when Jack was home. He wasn’t stupid enough to think that being a stay-at- home quasi daddy was going to be easy, but he could make it work.

  “Been trying to find something but with their age, it’s hard. Might have to look for a nanny?” Jack shook his head. “First things first, time to decorate. I’m thinking painting party this weekend.”

  “We and the crews can get this done. You want to recreate what Sandy did?” He wasn’t sure that was the greatest idea but it was Jack’s decision.

  “Is it bad that I don’t want to do that? I don’t want—” Jack stopped himself and Tank watched as he wrestled with something. “I don’t want them to forget Sandy and Tom but…”

  “I get it. Let’s look online and find something. When we moved them to separate rooms, we’ll let them choose something for themselves.”

  Jack smiled big at Tank. Oh, yeah, he’d said the right thing.

  § § § §

  Bree and Neil had taken the triplets to the Y. There was an adventure center that was all cushioned with different “blocks” for them to crawl over and around. The girls had been watching Ethan balancing against anything he could grab onto. It wasn’t going to be long before he was walking and Jack didn’t think the girls would be far behind.

  They’d moved all the furniture to the middle of the room and thrown cloths over it all. The windows were all open to keep fumes to a minimum. He and Tank had found a ton of ideas online and decided to go with light orange/gray color for the walls with rainbow colored polka dots spread over the walls. Tank had picked up three different cubby hole organizers with colorful storage boxes to keep their toys and books in. Jack had sent Briar and Barbie toy shopping and Siah was searching up a storm for reading material. Looked like the UPS man was soon going to be a good friend of Jack’s.

  Randolph and Carter were just about finished taping the edges so they could paint. Things were coming together. With the four of them painting, it was going to go fast then they’d have to wait for it to dry.

  “Hey Jack? Come take a look at this,” Siah called from the hallway. When Jack got there, he was moving picture frames around. “What do you think?”

  Jack frowned at Siah then looked at the frames. He stood there for a minute and then closed his eyes. Siah had found pictures of Sandy and Tom with the triplets and framed them.

  “Where did you find these?” Jack didn’t remember seeing them.

  “I told you that you’d appreciate my photo skills someday. Look closely. I took all of these at the ‘fam-damn-ily’ holiday. Remember? Bree and Barbie had asked Sandy to change the bugs into th
eir new outfits. I think you were helping clean the kitchen?”

  He dropped his head onto Siah’s shoulder for a minute. “Thank you. They’re perfect,” Jack whispered.

  “I know.” Siah sounded smug and it made Jack laugh.

  Chapter Thirty

  The nursery had turned out amazing. All the colors blended together. There were lots of things for the triplets to explore without hurting themselves. When they’d put them down in the room, the bugs had just sat there for a minute before each taking off in a different direction. The triplets were going to keep them on their toes.

  Tank kept one eye on the triplets while he ate. He was on one side of the high chairs with Jack on the other. They had given them some rice cereal with spoons so they could start feeding themselves. Grace seemed to be the fussiest when it came to being messy so far; Faith was their picky eater; and Ethan was still trying to master scooping the cereal onto his spoon.

  The adults were digging into takeout from Mama’s. It was the easiest these days. No babysitter needed. Which had Jack frowning until a crouton bounced off his chest.

  “What the h— caught myself this time. Why am I being pelted with food? And whoever threw that? If the bugs start throwing their food around? You’re on clean up duty,” Jack cautioned them.

  “I did,” Briar admitted. “Why are you frowning? Don’t you like how the room turned out?”

  “Absolutely not. I love how it turned out. The room will fit the three of them for at least a year, maybe two before it’ll need to be updated.” Jack didn’t even want to think that far ahead. He still needed to get through the next few weeks with going back to work… somehow.

  “So then, what is your problem?” Randolph demanded as he shoveled some fettucine into his mouth.

  “Guess I’m still thinking about what we’re going to do when I go back to work? I haven’t been able to find a daycare with three openings and there is no way I’m splitting them up every day.” Jack was adamant about that. There had been too many changes in their young lives already.

  “You going to bring them to the clinic? I’m sure that we could figure something out. Maybe turn an exam room into a playroom?” Briar asked.

  “While I’m sure Kate and Bobby wouldn’t complain, that’s not the most professional nor is it the best daily environment for children.” Jack played with the food on his plate for a minute. “Thinking maybe we’ll need to find a nanny.”

  “Not to be nosey or anything but can you afford one?” Carter asked.

  “You applying for the position?” Jack caught the sippy cup that Grace decided she didn’t want on her tray just before it hit the floor.

  “Love them, but my plate is about to get fuller when I start my field study this summer.” Carter paused for a minute. “There’s got to be an agency you can call.”

  “Can I apply?” Neil asked quietly.

  “Still trying to fake it until you… oh, shhi… did the cut backs come down?” Tank wiped Ethan’s hands off as he looked at Neil, who nodded.

  “Think I’m qualified?” Neil shrugged.

  Jack made eye contact with Tank over the triplets’ heads and saw Tank give a small nod.

  “I don’t think we could find anyone better. When can you start?”

  § § § §

  Tank was having a hard time controlling his laughter as he watched Jack. It was going to be Jack’s first day back to work which meant the first day of Neil’s job.

  He knew that Neil had this all under control. Tank had no doubt and he knew that Jack knew it, too. But it was fun watching him act like a first time dad. Well, they kinda were, weren’t they?

  “Jack, if you don’t leave soon, you’re going to miss your first appointment.” Tank had already been to the unit for PT and was due back in thirty minutes or so.

  “But Faith was fussy this morning. What if she’s coming down with something?”

  Tank saw Neil roll his eyes before looking away. “Uh, the nurse you hired will take care of her. How many nannies are registered nurses? Now, take a deep breath, kiss the bugs and tell Neil you’ll see him later.”

  He watched the blush cover Jack’s face as he realized what he’d been doing. “I’m being an idiot. Got it.” Tank followed Jack to the triplets who were sitting on the living room floor playing with some blocks. “Love you, bugs. Be good for Neil.” Jack kissed each of their heads, avoiding their grabby hands.

  “Have fun, Neil. You know how to find us if you need us,” Tank said as he led Jack out the door.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Barbie was sitting next to Jack, looking calm and composed. Jack hoped he looked the same; he knew he didn’t feel it. Barbie had called it with having the house inspected by a court-approved social worker; Harry was contesting the wills, guardianship and even the cause of Tom’s death; saying that the accident was all Sandy’s doing and she did it for Tom’s life insurance. Jack shook his head at that one.

  By chance of fate, there had been a cancellation on the family court calendar and Barbie made some miracle happen to get the slot. The wills were still going through probate; that would be a totally different court case— if it got that far. Barbie thought that the case might be dismissed by the other court depending on the recommendation of today’s judge.

  The crews were all there behind Jack. Tank, Neil and Siah were holding the triplets. They were being so good. Playing with books and chewing on carrot sticks. Jack just hoped they stayed that way. The middle of the morning was a good time for them so as long as this didn’t go on forever, all should be good.

  A commotion at the back of the room had everyone turning around. Harry, his wife and their lawyer had pushed into the officer at the back when they entered. Jack couldn’t figure out what they thought they were doing and what was she wearing? Jack shrugged. Not his monkey, not his circus. He had enough on his plate without borrowing trouble.

  “All rise, the Honorable Judge Benjamin Combs presiding,” the bailiff said as the judge entered and sat. “Please be seated.”

  The judge moved some papers around in front of him after putting on a pair of glasses. “This is a hearing to decide if there is a valid reason to question the guardianship of Ethan Ryan, Faith Amanda and Grace Natalie Perry. Petitioner is Harold Aloysius Perry and his wife, Elaine Bethany Perry. Defendant is Jack Nathan Dillon. Each party has counsel present?”

  Barbie and the other lawyer stood. “Barbara Davis-Miller for Dr. Dillon, your honor.”

  “Stanley Jefferson for the Perrys, your honor.” Jack had to stop from rolling his eyes too loud at the whiny tone the other lawyer had.

  The judge nodded and looked at something. “Okay, first, while this is just a hearing to decide the legitimacy of the case before the court, proper court etiquette will be used in my court room. Mr. Jefferson you may begin presenting your case.” Barbie had told Jack that Judge Combs was no nonsense and she wasn’t kidding.

  “Your honor, my clients hold that Mr. Dillon—”

  Barbie was up immediately. “Your honor.”

  “Ms. Davis-Miller?” The judge didn’t look pleased at her already standing. Jack held back a groan. Aggravating the judge right off the bat wasn’t the greatest strategy in his mind but Jack knew he needed to trust Barbie and her judgment. He wouldn’t want her critiquing him in surgery.

  “My client earned his doctorate and is a veterinarian with a stellar reputation in the community. We ask that he be addressed properly. If he was a medical doctor, there would be no question of his title.”

  “Ms. Davis-Miller is correct. Please use proper address when referring to Dr. Dillon, Mr. Jefferson,” Judge Combs instructed.

  “Yes, your honor. We hold that Dr. Dillon is unfit to raise the orphaned children of Mr. Perry due to his lifestyle and marital status. He is repeatedly called from his residence at all time of the day without proper supervision for the minors,” Jefferson stated.

  “Is that all, Mr. Jefferson?”

  “Yeah,” the lawyer said.<
br />
  “I’m sorry, my hearing must be off. Did you just answer me with ‘yeah’?” Oh, that tone didn’t sound good at all.

  “Did I?” Jefferson asked.

  “Take this as a warning, Mr. Jefferson. I earned being behind this bench and you will respect that using proper wording when answering. Is that understood?”

  Jack watched a look of puzzlement go across the lawyer’s face, like he had no idea what he’d done. He took a deep breath before replying, “Yes, your honor.”

  “Now if you are finished, I’ll let Ms. Davis-Miller present her opening statement.” At Jefferson’s nod, the judge held out his hand to Barbie.

  “Thank you, your honor. If it please the court, we would like to contend that the petitioner and his spouse have no real interest in the raising of the children of Thomas and Sandra Dillon Perry. We have evidence that they are not in the best financial standing to support the raising of the children and that their reputations in the community are not the best. In fact, we also have some that will show that Mrs. Perry has a history of instability due to alcohol addiction. We also have written statements regarding the condition of the children when they were left in the petitioner’s care for an afternoon approximately seven weeks ago,” Barbie finished. The crews always knew that Barbie was a good lawyer; Jack just didn’t realize just how good she was.

  The judge held a pen to his mouth and nodded before writing something. “Okay. Mr. Jefferson? Call your first witness.”

  “I call Mr. Harold Perry.” Jack watched as Harry stood and strutted to the chair next to the judge. The bailiff approached and asked him to raise his hand and swore him in.

  “Mr. Perry, you’ve stated that Doctor…” Jefferson emphasized Jack’s title making Jack shake his head. “Dillon has an unsafe lifestyle that the kids shouldn’t be exposed to.”

  “Yep. He’s known to associate with other men. And currently has a lover that visits each night with the kids there,” Harry said.