by Sable Hunter
“Okay.” Delaney gave him a big smile. “We won’t be gone long.”
Jonah lifted his hand in farewell, wishing it was him going to town with Delaney instead of his father.
* * *
“Looks like these lawmen would welcome my help. I could track down those scalawags and have them hogtied in no time.”
“I know you could.” Delaney took John’s arm as they left the police station. “Honestly, I think this whole thing was a waste of time.” Disappointed at the way she’d been treated, Delaney failed to read the ‘Use this Exit’ sign and almost sprained her wrist pushing hard on the wrong side of the double-glass doors. “Dammit,” she whispered, hearing one of the unhelpful cops snicker behind her.
“Just feel sorry for them, little lady. Life is tough and it’s tougher when you’re stupid.”
This made her giggle. “So true.” She helped him in the car, loving his movie quotes. “Okay, let’s make a run to the grocery store, Duke.”
“What for? We have ice cream.”
She gave him a wink. “Since you’re familiar with my hometown, I thought I’d make you some Zwolle Tamales.”
“Good! Zwolle Tamales.” He let the syllables roll off his tongue. “I always liked how those words rhymed.”
“You’ll like my tamales too.”
“I bet I will.”
To Delaney’s relief, she and John made it fine in the store. He pushed the buggy while she gathered the ingredients. Masa, pulled pork, corn husks, and spices. Once those items were in the cart, she thought about the cat. “Oh, I’d better get cat litter and food for Tommy.”
“And something to make my eyepatch.”
“I’d forgotten about that.”
“I didn’t.”
“No, you didn’t.” This small victory of recollection seemed to make John extraordinarily happy.
The grocery run depleted her funds, but she knew Jonah would give her a few dollars when he could. Once they were in the car, she asked John to tell her how to get to his friend’s house. She knew if he couldn’t remember, she could always call Jonah.
“Well, it’s off the main road a ways. Head home and I’ll tell you where to turn.”
“All right.” She did as he asked, enjoying the scenery along the way. “This is really a pretty section of the river through here. I’ve always enjoyed living by the water.”
“Where you’re from is pretty country. I always loved the sunsets on Toledo Bend, the big old pine trees silhouetted against the night sky was picturesque.”
“I know exactly what you mean.” She cut her eyes toward him, noticing how calm he appeared. She wondered at the way the cruel disease affected him. With her grandmother, the periods of lucidity were few and far between. John’s condition seemed to worsen when he became upset. “My family always experienced a love/hate relationship with the huge reservoir. When the lake waters rushed in, it covered everything we owned. We lost our home, and all the government gave my grandparents was twenty-five dollars an acre for prime river bottom land.”
“That’s not right.”
“No, it wasn’t right.” She let out a long breath. “Unfortunately, that’s how things work sometimes.”
“It ain’t right that I’m the way I am either.”
His soft comment broke her heart. “No, it’s not.” She reached out to touch his arm. “But you’re not alone. You have a wonderful son who loves you.”
“Yes, I do. I have you too. Right?”
“Right.”
“And Cletus.” He pointed up ahead. “Turn at the next intersection and just follow the road until it dead-ends near the river.”
“Okay. Easy enough.”
She followed John’s directions until she came to a purple Posted sign. “Are you sure this is the right place? Back home those signs warn away trespassers.”
“Exactly. Keep going.”
“All right.” After giving the Camry a bit more gas, she seemed to cross over an invisible line where the road went from well-maintained to a corrugated surface so rough her teeth chattered with each jarring turn of the wheels. “Good grief! What happened?”
“Cletus doesn’t like visitors, he don’t make it easy to visit.”
“No wonder the delivery truck refuses to come down here.”
“Yep.”
Delaney frowned at the sight before her. The grass was so high she could barely see the rundown mobile home sitting at the end of an impassable drive. “How are we supposed to get up there?”
“We’re not. Just blow your horn.”
Doing as John suggested, she pressed the horn for two sharp blasts. “I see a tractor up there on a trailer. Why doesn’t he mow or clean some of this up?”
“Who knows? Cletus is one of life’s great mysteries.” John peered up toward the trailer, waiting for his friend to emerge. “Blow the horn again.”
She did so, then her companion opened his door and stepped out. “Hey, Compadre!”
“Duke! How are ya?”
Delaney bent her head to see out John’s window. She was surprised to see a big man come ambling down the drive, taking his time so as not to fall into one of the deep ruts or potholes. “Huh, a hefty John Goodman with a pony-tail. Interesting.”
John peered into the car. “Why are we here?” he asked Delaney.
“We have his package.”
“Oh. Right.” He stood again. “We have a delivery for you, pilgrim.”
“Tremendous.” Cletus gave John a rough hug, then leaned over to look in at Delaney. “Well, howdy. You’re not Ms. Bernice.”
“No, I’m not.” She stretched over the console and offered him her hand. “I’m Delaney Ellis, I’m helping Jonah and John out for a spell.”
“Good to know.”
John opened the backseat door and took out the package. “What’d you order? Brazil nuts? You know I love Brazil nuts.”
“Not this time, pal.” Cletus patted the box. “I got myself a drone.”
“Do tell.” John rubbed his chin. “What for?”
“I’m going to learn how to fly it. This is a cheap model so if I crash it, I’m not breaking the bank. Once I’m good at controlling one of these rascals, I’ll get a better one with a camera to take on camping trips. That way I can sightsee the whole area from the comfort of my lawn chair.”
The mental image his description painted caused Delaney to cover her mouth to contain a giggle.
“Sounds like a plan. When are you going camping?” John’s voice held a great deal of interest.
“Well, I have to buy a camper first. I want me one of those rounded mini jobs, a single axel. After all, I don’t need one of those big, expensive models. I’m just gonna sleep in it. I’ll do everything else outside.”
Having lived in a lake community and seen hundreds if not thousands of campers in her lifetime, Delaney wondered how the extra-large man planned to get through the door of one of those small campers – not to mention sit on the toilet. Still, she kept her own counsel.
“I’d invite you all up to the house, but it’s not prepped for company.” Cletus glanced at Delaney in apology.
“Oh, no. That’s fine. We just wanted to drop the package off to you.”
“Well, I’m always proud to see my buddy.” He opened the door for John to take his seat. “He and I spent a lot of time together in the service. Didn’t we, Duke?”
“We sure did. We joined the Cavalry. We fought in the Indian Wars together.”
Delaney could see John was getting tired – and a little confused. “Well, thank you, Mr. Cletus.”
“Just plain Cletus is fine.” He pointed a thick finger in Delaney’s direction. “You gonna be staying with the Callan family for a bit?”
“Yes, sir. I think so.”
“Well, if you ever have a need to take some time off and Jonah’s not free – call me. I’ll be glad to come over and sit with John. Ms. Bernice didn’t care for me
very much, so I tended to make myself scarce when she was around.”
“How kind. Thank you.” After careful maneuvering, Delaney was able to turn around and head out of Cletus’s overgrown domain. “He seems nice.”
“Oh, he is. Best deputy ever.”
Checking the clock on the dash, she gave John something else to think about. “I hope you’ll be hungry tonight. Remember, we’re having tamales and dewberry cobbler.”
“With ice cream.”
Delaney smiled at his ready addendum. “Yep. With ice cream.”
Chapter Four
After hearing the noise of the Camry’s arrival, Jonah decided to take a break. He didn’t do this often, but he rarely had a proper incentive. Damn, he couldn’t help but smile. Taking a moment to wash his hands, he worried he might smell. Taking a whiff, he couldn’t detect any odor but gasoline. Oh, well – there was no time to do anything to enhance his masculine appeal but combing his hair with his fingers and brushing the dust off his jeans. As he straightened his hat, it hit Jonah what he was doing. “Good gravy, I’m primping for a girl.”
“Jonah, we’re home!”
His dad’s loud announcement put a spring in Jonah’s step. “Hey, you two. How’d things go in town?”
As she opened the trunk, Delaney’s heartrate accelerated at the sound of the big mechanic’s voice. “We made our round just fine.”
Hoisting the grocery bags, Jonah headed to the house. “I’ll take these inside for you. Anything need to go in the frig?”
“Just the pork.”
“What do you want to do while I cook?” Strolling next to John, she kept her eye on Jonah. He cut a fine figure for a man, she especially liked his hair, and she loved the way the soft black tank showed off his muscular arms.
“I think I’ll take a walk with my wife.”
Delaney squeezed his arm, deciding to humor him. “A walk sounds like fun.” She walked up the steps ahead of him. “I’m sure Claudette loved spending time with you.”
“Ha!” John scoffed. “Not that wife. Claudette never loved anything but herself.”
Just as Delaney opened the screen door, the open wooden one slammed in their faces with tremendous pressure. “Good grief!” She jumped back, almost losing her balance.”
“Easy there, little filly.” John grabbed her arm to keep her from falling.
“Jonah!” she called out, wondering if something was wrong.
Before they could make another attempt to enter the house, the door swung open, and Jonah stood there. “What happened?”
“The door slammed in our face.”
He gave them a blank stare. “I didn’t do it. I was on the back porch, changing Tommy’s sandbox. He’s a real stinker.”
Delaney stepped in cautiously, looking around. “I guess there was a big draft.”
John followed closely behind her. “Draft, my ass. I think the damn house is haunted.”
Jonah chuckled. “I hardly think so. You’re hunting a scapegoat for your temper tantrums.”
“No, sirree, bob. I’m not nearly as stupid as you think I am.”
“No one said you were stupid, Dad.” Jonah looked contrite.
“Everything’s okay, love.” Delaney led him in, her eyes darting around with growing suspicion. She’d seen more than one thing in her life she couldn’t explain. “How about some coffee?”
“Not me.” John yawned. “I think I’ll take a nap.”
“That’s a good idea.” She patted him on the back as she walked with him to his recliner. “I’ll cover you with a throw and put on a television program you can listen to as you doze.” When she returned from her task, Delaney found Jonah waiting for her in the hall.
“You’re spoiling him.”
“I hope so.” She gave him a shy smile. “You’ll drink a cup of coffee with me, won’t you?”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t usually come to the house for my break, but I thought I’d make an exception.” Jonah felt the corners of his lips turn up with happiness. “Ms. Bernice didn’t appreciate my company.”
“Oh, is that so?” Delaney asked with a teasing tone. “I can’t imagine such a thing.” She touched his arm. “Come on. I think I saw a few cookies in the pantry. I’ll make some homemade ones soon.”
“Sounds amazing. Thank you.” He followed her down the hall, so close his body grazed hers as they moved.
“No problem.” Delaney felt her breath coming in short pants. The man was as heady as wine. “Follow me.”
“Anywhere,” he whispered, knowing he was flirting and liking how it felt. Did she like it as well?
“Don’t say that. You’ve no idea where I’d lead you.” She teased him back, enjoying their byplay.
“Try me.” He walked with her to the counter, leaning against it as she put on the coffee.
“Okay.” She poured in the water, then filled the coffee filter with Folgers. Flipping on the pot to brew, she chewed on her lower lip, considering what direction this banter should take. “What if…” Delaney turned, patting her cheek with one finger. She was about to suggest he give her a kiss when a car horn tooted outside.
Jonah heard the unwelcome sound. He just chose to ignore it. If she was suggesting what he thought she was suggesting, the customer outside could take a long walk on a short pier. “What if…what?”
Delaney nodded toward the door. “I think you’re being paged.” She held her breath as he seemed to stare at her lips for an eternity.
Another blast on the horn made him curse. “Dammit.” He let out a soft moan, leaned toward her – then shook his head and walked away. “Hold that thought, I’ll be back.”
He’d no sooner left the room than she sank into a chair. “Heaven help me.” What almost happened? She placed a hand over her mouth, considering what kissing him would be like. As she let her imagination carry her away, she rose to begin preparations for supper. Good thing making tamales came as second nature to her – for her mind was fully occupied by Jonah Callan.
…At the shop, Jonah shook his head. He’d never understand how a person could neglect their vehicle until it quit running out of protest. Especially a beauty like this old Mustang. Mr. Ledbetter should’ve known better. Adding needed water and oil just wasn’t that complicated. “Who knows?” he muttered. Perhaps the old man was dealing with issues like his dad. The very thought caused cold chills to run down Jonah’s spine. Did he have the same thing to look forward to? He knew such conditions could be hereditary. “I’ll kill myself first. If I have the presence of mind to pull a trigger.”
Concentrating on his work, Jonah pushed such thoughts aside. There were other things in his life more pleasant to dwell on. “Like Delaney.” Yea, like Delaney. His skin tingled with excitement at the possibilities. Later on, he’d enjoy picking up where he’d left off. Would she let him? If he wasn’t sadly mistaken, she’d been about to offer him a peck on the cheek. Oh yea, he wanted that – and so much more.
…Checking the crockpot, she added a few more spices to the pork. “Already smelling good.” She inhaled deeply. The fragrance took her home in ways both painful and nostalgic. Making tamales was one of her grandmother’s gifts to her. They’d spent many an hour preparing the addictive concoction, especially during the holidays.
An inaudible racket drew her attention. Cocking her head, she listened until she heard John mumbling. Rising to her feet, she went to check on him. “What’s up, cowboy?”
Before she could reach him, he came to meet her. “I need to go outside.”
“Okay. Why? Is something wrong?” Seeing he was intent on his mission, Delaney fell into step beside him.
“I have to go see her.”
“Who?” She wondered if this could be tied into his earlier desire to take a walk with his wife.
“The angel. I need to see the angel.”
“Okay.” Knowing the crockpot would see to itself, she accompanied him. “We’ll take
a walk together. How’s that?”
“We have to hurry. She might fly away.”
…Pausing to wipe his brow, Jonah noted the sound of an approaching vehicle. Someone was coming. In a few minutes, he heard the engine cut and a truck door open.
“Hey, Jonah! Got a minute?”
Recognizing the voice, he turned to greet his friend, Canyon Brady, the blacksmith of Tebow Ranch. “Sure!” Jonah waved his hand and laid a wrench down on the work bench. “What’s up?”
“You lift weights and work out, don’t you?”
Jonah flexed his muscles. “Used to. Now, I mostly lift cars.” He grinned and proved his point, picking up the rear bumper of the 1956 Mustang. “Why?”
“Tebow is putting together a team of power lifters. We’ve been challenged to a duel.” He chuckled. “A competition with X-Bar Ranch. I think D-Day is in a few weeks at Isaac’s Hardbodies. We’re allowed to ask anyone who has an association with the ranch and as Tebow’s mechanic, you qualify – if you can get away. I know how it is with your dad and all…”
As Canyon’s voice trailed off, Jonah shrugged, glancing toward his house. “Sure, I don’t see why not? My situation has changed a bit for the better.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yea, I picked up a woman at the truck stop last night.”
“You did?” Canyon’s face broke into a grin. “Why, you dog, you.”
Jonah shook his head. “Not that kind of woman, Brady. I sorta played knight in shining armor to a young woman and found out she had no place to go. Lucky for me, she has experience taking care of people like Dad.” He let out a tentative sigh. “We worked out a deal.”
“Is she pretty?”
Jonah jerked his head around, catching a movement on the periphery of his vision. “Shhh, see for yourself. There she is now.”
…Holding John’s arm as they moved into the yard, Delaney found her eyes gravitating to Jonah’s shop. When she caught sight of him talking to another man, her heart hitched in her throat. When he looked up at her and waved, she almost lost her footing. She lifted her own hand in greeting as John pulled her toward a parked white truck. Drawing closer, she could see a young woman sitting in the passenger seat.