Preacher Wore A Gun Read online

  “My heart goes out to you because I know you love those kids and want the very best for them, but unfortunately, your children don’t think I’m the best. They see me as an enemy.”

  “They treat everyone as their enemy—me included—and I have no idea what to do about it. I’ve tried everything from grounding them to taking away their allowance. I’ve even taken them to a psychiatrist. Nothing works.” He shrugged. “I’ll pay you for the entire week and I’m sure that doesn’t begin to be enough, considering all they have put you through.”

  “No, I can’t let you do that. All I expect to be paid for is the two days I’ve been here. Of course, since I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning, you’ll have to make some kind of arrangements for Babette.”

  “I’ll call our neighbor. She won’t be too happy about it but after a little persuasion I’m sure she’ll agree to help me out again, at least for a day or two.”

  “Then I guess I’ll say good night.”

  “Yeah, good night. Thanks again, Tassie. You’re a terrific person. I wish you only the best.”

  “Thanks, Mi—Mr. Drummond. I wish things could have worked out differently.”

  His heavy sigh broke her heart.

  “Me, too, Tassie. Me, too.”

  ❧

  It was nearly ten o’clock by the time Tassie finished her daily Bible reading and enjoyed a long, hot, relaxing shower. But as she turned off her hair dryer and slipped it into her overnight bag, she remembered she had forgotten to start the dishwasher after loading it with the supper dishes. She would need the stainless steel frying pan to cook the bacon she planned to prepare for breakfast before leaving the next morning.

  Quickly pulling on her robe over her pajamas, she made her way down the outside stairs and into the kitchen. But as she crossed the room toward the dishwasher, she heard voices coming from upstairs. It was Tony and Delana having some sort of heated discussion on the upstairs landing. Her first reaction was to remind them to go to bed because they had school the next morning, but telling them what to do and when to do it was no longer her responsibility; it was their father’s. But knowing how tired and worn-out he was, he was probably already downstairs in bed sound asleep and didn’t even hear them.

  Determined to stay out of whatever was going on, she headed back across the kitchen, stopping mid-step when she heard her name mentioned rather loudly.

  Unable to resist listening to what they were saying about her, she softly padded her way through the darkened living room and crouched beside the stairway.

  Five

  “If you would have put that dead mouse in her bed like I told you to,” Delana was saying, nose to nose with her brother, “she would have been out of here by now, but no—you wouldn’t listen to me. You had a better idea.”

  “She’d know in a minute it was me who put it there and go running to Dad. I think we had better just keep messing up the things she cleans, argue with her, be brats, call her names, that kind of stuff. You should have seen the look on her face when I called her a—” His voice fell to a whisper.

  Delana let loose a belly laugh. “You actually called her that? What did she do?”

  “Just acted like she was all upset and told me no one ever talked to her that way before.”

  “Do you think she told Dad?”

  Tony snorted. “I dunno. But I thought for sure she’d quit after we smeared jelly all over the kitchen cabinets and did that other stuff. I kinda felt sorry about it, knowing how hard she worked to get it clean.”

  “I didn’t feel sorry about it. I want things back like they were when Grandma was here. That old lady was so drunk all day she didn’t have any idea what we were doing and she sure didn’t care. She might as well have crawled into that bottle of hers for all the good she was around here. I don’t know why I bothered going in and out of my window when I wanted to leave. I could have walked right over her and out the front door and she wouldn’t have known the difference.”

  “So what do we do next? Doing all this other stuff sure hasn’t made her leave.”

  “Maybe we could take money out of Dad’s billfold while he’s asleep then tell him that we saw Tassie take it.”

  “You think he’d believe us? If we both told the same story and didn’t slip up?”

  “Probably. We could plant the money in her room. That’d be even more convincing,” Delana added, lowering her voice a notch.

  “Oh, I like that idea. What else?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it but we can’t let up. We have to keep pushing her. No stranger is going to come in my home and tell me what to do. I want my freedom back. I can’t stand having someone breathing down my neck.”

  “Yeah, me neither.”

  “Well, go on to bed, Tony, there’s nothing else we can do tonight. But don’t forget to mess up your room really bad before you leave for school in the morning. I’ll make sure the bathroom is a total disaster before I leave. That’ll tick her off. And let’s hang out with our friends until about the time Dad gets home so she’ll be worried about us. We’ll show up just in time for supper.”

  “Good thinking.”

  Tassie stayed crouched until she heard both bedroom doors click shut, so upset by what she heard she could barely stand it. They’re actually working together to run me off? Maybe I should stay after all. What those kids need is a dose of good old-fashioned discipline administered in Christian love, and it appears I’m the one God has sent into this home to give it to them. At least for the next three months.

  When she reached her room, the first thing she took note of was her Bible lying open on the table. Placing both hands on it and bowing her head, she began to pray aloud. “Lord, You sent me to this home to be a witness for You. Please, I don’t want to just put in my time until the three months are up—I truly want to win the Drummond family into Your kingdom. Even when the children are giving me fits and I want to turn tail and run, give me strength and make me remember that this is where You want me to be. I don’t want to simply tolerate Tony and Delana and Babette; I want to love them as You would have me love them, but I can’t do it alone. Sometimes—most of the time—those kids have been just plain unlovable. I need Your help, Father God. Mr. Drummond needs You, too. From the few things he has said, I get the feeling at one time he may have been close to You. Speak to his heart and bring him back into Your fold, please.”

  ❧

  Tassie awoke a full half hour before her alarm went off the next morning and was in the kitchen, stirring the scrambled eggs, when Mitch came into the room, still looking tired and haggard.

  “Good morning,” he greeted her, none too enthusiastically. “I’ve already made out your check. It’s downstairs in my room.”

  “Forget about the check.” She took on a smile. “I’ve changed my mind. If you’ll have me, I’m staying.”

  His expression brightened. “Really? You’re staying? That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time. You were so determined to leave. Did something happen to make you change your mind?”

  “Umm, let’s just say after our talk last night, I began to see things differently.”

  “Differently?”

  “Yes. I’m staying for you, Mis—Mitch. You’re a good man. I know your heart is in the right place when it comes to your family. Even though your children have made it perfectly clear they don’t want me here, I’ve decided it really isn’t me they don’t want, it’s anyone who would come into their home, invade their privacy, and attempt to discipline them. But I’m willing to give it my best shot if you’re willing to back me up—when discipline becomes necessary,” she added quickly. Having his support was paramount. No way were his children going to listen to and obey her without it.

  “You will back me up, won’t you?” Having said all she had to say, Tassie pulled a mug from an upper cabinet and poured him a cup of the freshly perked coffee. The ball was in his court now.

  He nodded his thanks then took a slow, careful s
ip. “Of course I’ll back you up. I hate to admit it, but I know my kids are monsters. I’ve let them go way too far and for far too long, because I felt sorry for them having their mother walk out on them like she did, and then losing her in that accident.”

  “She walked out on you?”

  “Yes, I should have told you up front. If I had, maybe you’d better understand my children’s attitudes. Babette doesn’t remember much about her leaving, but Delana and Tony do. June ran away with her biker boyfriend. Apparently they had been having an affair for months and I hadn’t even realized it. And once she left, even though we always hoped she’d come back, we never saw her again. Less than a year later, they both died when a car hit them on a mountain road.”

  Tassie gasped. “How awful for all of you.”

  “And since I’m being honest about my wife, I’ll admit I went into a depression when she left me. I know that’s no excuse. I’m those children’s father, but despite the way she treated us, I still loved her. Regardless of what I was going through, I should have been there for them. Instead, I backed away and threw myself into my work, letting my mother-in-law move in and take over. During the few years she was with us and I left them in her care, there were weeks at a time when I barely even saw my kids. If I got home at all, it was usually after they were in bed and I left before they got up in the morning. I’m not proud of what I did. I realize it was a mistake, but I can’t go back and undo it. I remember someone saying you can’t unring a bell, and I can’t get back those years I lost with my children.”

  He looked so pitiful Tassie wanted to throw her arms about his neck and give him a hug. But she didn’t. He was her employer and it wouldn’t be right. Instead she simply said, “I’m sorry. I know it hasn’t been easy, Mr. Drummond, and I’ll do everything I can to help you get your children on the right track.”

  He reached across and patted her hand. “Mitch, Tassie. Call me Mitch. I feel like an old man when you call me Mr. Drummond. We are in this thing together.”

  She felt a flush rise to her cheeks. “Mitch.”

  “That’s better.” He took another sip then rose and placed the mug on the counter, taking time to bend and pat Goliath’s head before speaking. “Don’t let the rest of that coffee get away. I’ll be back after another cup. But right now I want to go up and see my kids.”

  “Good idea.” Tassie watched until he disappeared through the kitchen door. Those children are lucky to have a man like Mitch for a father. A man who is willing to admit he’s made mistakes and wants to rectify them. I just hope they realize it.

  Mitch. The word played on her tongue. She liked his name. It had a strong sound to it. “Come on, Goliath,” she told the dog who lay at her feet half asleep. “We’ve fooled around long enough; it’s time to get busy. The kids will be down for breakfast any minute now.”

  Goliath eyed his mistress then rose, and after arching his back and stretching first his front legs then his hind, ambled toward the door and whined to get out.

  “Some help you are.” She let the big dog out then closed the door and leaned against it. “Like it or not, I’m staying. For the next three months the Drummond home is going to be our home, too.”

  She filled the juice glasses, added the butter container and a plate of bread slices to the table, and was about to pull the milk carton from the fridge when Mitch, with one arm around Delana and the other around Tony, sauntered into the kitchen, a big smile on his face. “Breakfast ready?”

  Tassie smiled back then gestured to the table. “Sure is. I’ve been keeping it hot for you.”

  “You’d better save some for Babette. She was sleeping so soundly I didn’t have the heart to waken her. I was just telling the kids. . .” He paused long enough to pull out a chair for his daughter and seat himself. “That from now on I’m planning on being home by six each night so we can all have dinner together.”

  Tony huffed. “You’ve told us that before but you never made it.”

  Mitch covered the boy’s hand with his. “I know, and I’m sorry. And I may not make it every night, even though I’d like to, but I am going to try. I love you kids and I want to be with you.”

  Delana responded with an indifferent shrug of her shoulders. “It’s okay if you don’t make it. We’re used to you making promises you don’t keep.”

  Their father’s eyes narrowed. “Seems to me you kids also make quite a few promises you don’t keep. At least I try to keep mine.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Delana challenged. “What about my birthday, when you promised you’d take all my friends out for pizza?”

  “I told you I was sorry about that but it couldn’t be helped.”

  “That’s what you always say when you break your promises,” Tony added, siding with his sister. “Your job always comes ahead of us.”

  “I don’t have a choice, Tony,” Mitch answered almost angrily. “That job is what puts food on this table, a roof over your heads, and clothing on your back. And money in your pockets to buy all the electronic and computer gadgets you seem to require, plus all the jewelry and doodads Delana needs to keep up with her friends. Not to mention the fancy cell phones I’ve purchased for each of you and the extra fees for your text messaging. Even your four-year-old sister has a cell phone. You kids must think I’m made of money. You have no idea what it takes to keep this family going.” He turned toward his daughter. “Since you’re going to be sixteen soon, maybe you should think about getting a summer job and start paying for some of those doodads yourself.”

  The young girl rolled her eyes in disgust. “You expect me to give up my summer and work?”

  “Why not? I worked when I was in high school. I’ll bet Tassie did, too. A lot of high school students work during summer vacation.”

  Delana crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, none of my friends work and I’m not going to, either. You’re mean!”

  She threw her spoon on the table then quickly rose, knocking her chair over with a loud thud, and stomped out of the room.

  Mitch picked up the platter of eggs and handed it to Tony. “I know I’ve let you down in the past, son, and I’ll probably let you down in the future, but from now on I’m going to do everything in my power to try to spend more time with you three kids. Meantime, Tassie is my representative in this home and I want you children to respect her and do what she says, because if you don’t—you’ll have me to answer to. Understand?”

  Tony answered with a ridiculing snort.

  Mitch reached across the table and grabbed hold of his son’s wrist. “I mean it, Tony.”

  The boy gave his head a slight nod then yanked his arm away from his father’s grasp and bolted out of the kitchen.

  Mitch leaned back in his chair with a look of defeat. “Did I win that battle or did they? Maybe I was too harsh with them.”

  Tassie gazed at him for a moment before answering. “I’m not sure any of you won the battle but at least you’re taking command. That’s what’s important. They may not be happy about it but as long as you let them know you love them, given time, they’ll respect you for it.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “So do I. You are going to make it for supper?”

  “Yes, regardless of what’s going on in Grand Island’s crime world, I’ll be here. It’s time I started doling out some of my work to others instead of taking it all on myself.”

  ❧

  As promised, Mitch arrived home as he’d said with even enough time to take a quick shower before supper. After donning a clean T-shirt and pair of jeans, he hurried to Babette’s room and tapped on the door. “Babette? It’s Daddy. Can I come in?”

  Within seconds the door swung open and Babette’s smiling face appeared. “Hi, Daddy.”

  He lifted the girl in his arms and held her close. She smelled like lilacs. “You smell good. Did you just have a bath?”

  She nodded. “I used some of Tassie’s bubble bath.”

  Mitch glanced about the room. Everything was in
its place, without a single shoe or article of clothing lying about. “You ready to go downstairs? I’ll bet Tassie has a good supper waiting for us.” When the child nodded he carried her downstairs. How long had it been since he had cuddled her in his arms like that?

  “Tony! Delana! Supper time!” he called out over his shoulder as they reached the kitchen. “Tassie has everything on table.” To his surprise both children came bolting down the stairs. Once they were all seated around the table, he motioned for Tassie to join them.

  At first, she declined, but he kept insisting until she finally sat down. “I want you kids to realize Tassie is not our servant. For the next three months she is a full-fledged member of this household and we are each going to treat her with the respect she deserves.” Then turning to her he smiled. “Tassie, the fried chicken smells wonderful. Would you please ask the blessing?”

  Although she seemed surprised by his request, without missing a beat she prayed. How good it felt to hear someone pray who seemed to have a close relationship with God and could talk to Him in such a personal way. Other than a few desperate words sent heavenward now and then when troubles came his way, Mitch hadn’t prayed, honestly prayed, in years.

  “Can we eat now?” Using her fingers Delana snatched one of the two chicken breasts from the platter, barely beating her brother who hurriedly took the other.

  Mitch rolled his eyes. “Did the thought ever occur to either of you that there are others at the table who might also prefer white meat?”

  Delana peeled off the skin, took a big bite, and snickered. “First come, first serve,” she mumbled, her mouth still full.

  Tassie frowned. “Next time, instead of getting a whole fryer, maybe I should get just chicken breasts.”

  It was obvious to Mitch she was trying to avoid controversy over such a trivial thing. Maybe he should, too.

  “Maybe that would be best, so long as you also purchase a leg or two.” He nodded toward Delana. “Why don’t you share that breast with your sister? Babette likes white meat, too.”