I Swear

  BY

  SABLE HUNTER

  Hell Yeah!

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  I SWEAR

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright 2021 © Sable Hunter

  Cover: JRA Stevens

  Formatting: Down Write Nuts

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

  One of the greatest mysteries of life is how fate can bring two people who are made for one another together. I SWEAR is the story of a man and a woman who meet on a stormy night and find they can give one another exactly what they need the most. True love.

  Despite what some believe, love is not dependent on wealth or fame. In fact, some women think there is nothing sexier than a man’s hands roughened by labors of love.

  Delaney Ellis is such a woman. She has spent her life caring for others. Now, when she has a chance to break free, destiny sends her on a detour. While driving across Texas, she has a flat in a little town called Comfort. Since trouble loves company, she also learns the job awaiting her in El Paso has fallen through. Delaney is stuck with no money and nowhere to go. To top off a perfect day, two men drive up and try to force her in their car. Where is a knight in shining armor when you need one? To Delaney’s surprise, she finds her knight doesn’t arrive on a fiery steed, he drives a wrecker for a living.

  Jonah Callan is a working man. He spends his days repairing cars and his evenings tending his father who suffers with early onset dementia. There is nothing glamourous about his life. As far as he’s concerned, Jonah has nothing of value to offer a woman.

  Delaney begs to differ. After striking a deal with Jonah to help with his father in exchange for a safe place to stay, she slowly discovers what really matters in life. Belonging.

  Jonah and Delaney’s journey to a happy-ever-after is not only a picture of how two very normal people find love – there are also elements of mystery, danger, and a touch of the paranormal. Come along for the ride as two caretakers find they want nothing more than caring for one another.

  This book is dedicated to:

  Fergus the Great, my beloved dachshund of 16 years. Not nearly enough time together.

  To my Fergus, my companion, my little love.

  You remain the most powerful muse I’ll ever need.

  At my side as I wrote all 72 books, this is the first volume I’ve finished without you.

  If there is something lacking in this book, it is because my heart is no longer with me.

  I will love you forever.

  I swear.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  About the Author:

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  Sable’s Books

  Other Titles from Sable Hunter:

  Chapter One

  “Aron’s going to love this birthday present,” Jonah Callan assured Libby McCoy as he secured the light green 1995 Ford Lightning to his tow truck.

  “I know he will.” She lovingly patted one of the flat tires. “Aron has no idea I was able to locate it. This was the pick-up his father drove when my husband was young. He has so many wonderful memories associated with this truck.” Libby gave Jonah a wistful smile. “I just hope you’ll be able to get it running again. I think it’s been sitting in a hay field for the last ten years.”

  “It’ll take some time.”

  “His birthday is in five months. Do you think you’ll have time?”

  Jonah gave her a big, reassuring smile. “Plenty. I’ll not only get it running, I’ll make it look like it did when this old beauty was new.” He took off his leather gloves and stuffed them into the back pocket of his jeans.

  “Wonderful!” She gave the big mechanic a hug. “I appreciate you so much, Jonah. Thank you for working it in with all your other projects. I know restoring this old truck will be a big job.”

  Jonah was a bit uncomfortable accepting Libby’s gratitude. After all, he needed the work. “No problem. I’m glad to do it. I’ll work on the frame and engine first. When it gets time to start on the interior, I’ll contact you before I order the seats and upholstery.”

  “Perfect.” Libby pushed a strand of hair from her face. “This wind’s picking up, isn’t it?”

  Glancing up at the sky, Jonah noted the gathering clouds. “I think we’re in for a storm tonight.”

  “Looks like it.” She paused a moment, as if weighing the question at hand. “How’s your daddy?”

  The question hit Jonah like a ton of bricks. “About the same.”

  “Well, you tell him I said hello. Oh, wait…” She whirled around, dashing over to her car. “I have something for him.”

  Jonah waited, wondering what Ms. McCoy was up to. When she returned with a basket covered in a red gingham cloth, he knew. “You spoil him, Ms. Libby. He’s getting fat.”

  “John Callan loves my brownies.”

  “Yes, he does.” Jonah smiled as he accepted the basket, setting it inside the cab of his vehicle. “Well, I promised Dad I’d bring him home a blue-plate special from Rosie’s. I guess I need to get on the road.”

  Libby glanced at the time on her phone. “Me too. Aron will be home soon, and I don’t want him to suspect anything.”

  “Your husband’s a lucky man to have such a considerate wife,” Jonah complimented the pretty lady as she climbed behind the wheel.

  “I’m the lucky one, Jonah. I love Aron more than anything.”

  As he waited for Libby to guide her vehicle out of the open pasture gate, Jonah felt a wave of longing. He wished things could be different in his own life. The only person waiting at home for him was his father. Jonah wondered if John Callan would even recognize him tonight. He hoped so.

  * * *

  “So, I don’t have a job?” Delaney felt nauseated as a wave of panic washed over her.

  “Not for the fall session, no. I’m sorry. Give me a call in the spring and I’ll let you know where things stand for the summer.”

  Delaney could tell by his tone. She didn’t have a job now and she probably wouldn’t have one then. “Are you sure?” Here she was, halfway across Texas – with nowhere to go.

  “Yes, I’m sorry. This was a contract issue. Goodbye.”

  “Wait…” When the line went dead, Delaney cursed and threw the phone hard. When her cell hit the window, she heard a sick cracking noise. “Dammit!” She glanced over to see if she’d busted her phone or the window. Or both.

  Before she could ascertain the damage, a sudden loud noise caused her to gasp and grab the wheel tighter. “Fudge! What the hell was that?” As fast as she was going, she had to fight with the Camry
to keep from veering into the other lane. Glancing into the rearview mirror as she brought her car under control, she noticed the black Trans-am riding her bumper. She’d noticed it off and on since leaving Beaumont but didn’t pay the vehicle much mind. They were both on the interstate going in the same direction at the same rate of speed. At times it was behind her and other times in the lane beside her. Waving a hand in apology, she slowed down as the sports car went around her. When she saw the occupants were two men, she was glad they went on about their business. A girl couldn’t be too careful.

  After pulling over to check the damage, she saw her right front tire was losing air quickly. “Oh, hell. What else can go wrong?” Delaney knew better than to ask. Like her grandmother taught her, trouble usually comes in threes.

  Climbing behind the wheel, she managed to ease the blue Camry off the main thoroughfare. Thankfully, she saw a narrow dirt lane a little bit ahead framed by a few trees and vegetation. Still in view of the road, but out of danger. “Okay, this seems to be a good place away from the fast-moving traffic.” She’d seen too many accounts of people getting run over and killed while stuck on the side of the road to risk the danger.

  Once the vehicle was stationary, she took a moment to catch her breath. Noticing her cell, she reached over to pick it up. “Damn. Cracked. At least the window’s still intact.” Trying to turn on the phone, she could tell it was as dead as a hammer. After laying it aside, she covered her face with her hands. “This is all I need.” Delaney allowed herself a few moments of angst about her misfortune before wiping her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Better get on with it. At least I know how to change a tire.”

  After popping the trunk, she went to check the situation. “Yuck.” Upon inspection, she saw the blow-out was just that, the tire was in ribbons. “No salvaging this.”

  After finding the jack she took out the spare, one of those small almost useless donuts. Weighing the thing in her hand, she regretted not buying a real spare tire. “This is what I get for cutting corners. I knew better,” Delaney chastised herself as she retrieved the jack and the tire iron also.

  Kneeling by the wheel, she positioned the jack and set to work. She was just about to remove the lugs when she heard a vehicle pull in behind hers. Looking up, she saw the same two guys who’d been tailgating her only minutes before. Good Samaritans? She hoped so. “Hello,” she greeted them with a shy smile. “I’ve had a bit of trouble.”

  “We can see that. Can’t we, Trey?”

  Delaney sat back on her heels, gauging the men approaching her. They were her age or younger, of slight build and a bit unkempt. “Look, I appreciate you stopping and all…”

  “Have you called for help?” Trey asked with a speculative look in his eyes.

  A bit flustered and frustrated, Delaney answered quickly. “My cell phone’s not working, unfortunately.” Immediately, she realized her mistake.

  “I see.” The taller of the two sneered at her. “Well, we’ll be happy to give you a hand. Won’t we, Hoyt?”

  “That’s right,” Hoyt snickered. “Two hands if need be.”

  An uneasy feeling crept up Delaney’s spine. “Not necessary. I think I’ve got this, fellas.”

  “Oh, I’m not so sure about that,” Trey murmured. “Looks to me like the little lady needs some male assistance. Am I right, honey? Are you in need of a man?”

  These comments seemed to amuse Hoyt, who adjusted his sunglasses on top of his greasy hair. “Yea, she needs what I’ve got right here.” He proceeded to palm the nonexistent bulge behind his zipper.

  Delaney held the tire iron in her hand, wondering at her chances. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you two to leave. Okay? I don’t want your help.”

  “We don’t remember asking your opinion.” Trey came closer, reaching down to take her arm. “You’re going to come with us. Okay?”

  “No!” Delaney jumped up, jerking out of his grasp. Conscious of cars whizzing by a few dozen yards away, she couldn’t believe no one was stopping to help her. Couldn’t these folks see what was happening?

  Even as these questions formed in her head, she knew the answer. These men were trying to approach her in a way that looked normal – but wasn’t. Plus, people usually didn’t want to get involved. When she tried to focus on any passing car, she could see some folks would gawk, while others turned their heads away. Still…she couldn’t not try to get someone’s attention. Raising her arm to wave about, she began to yell, “Help! Help me, please!”

  “Now, you hush up.” Trey took the tire iron from her grasp and chunked it over the Camry and into the weeds beyond as he motioned his partner to come around the other side of the vehicle.

  Panic overtaking her, Delaney jerked away, wheeling around to make a run for it toward the interstate. Hopefully, someone would see her plight and stop to help.

  “Hoyt!”

  Before she could get more than a few feet, the man caught up with her. Draping his arm around her neck, he forced her to return to the vehicle, all the while attempting to maintain a casual appearance.

  “Let’s walk her over to our car and get out of here.”

  Delaney was desperate. She started to struggle and kick. “Help! Help!”

  “Dammit! She’s stronger than she looks!”

  “Where’s the taser. Did you leave it in the car?” Trey asked through gritted teeth.

  “Yea. Hell.” Hoyt’s grip tightened on Delaney. “Be still, girl. Calm down. We’re just gonna have a little fun before we turn you over.”

  Turn her over? Alarm bells went off in her head and she knew it was now or never. Bending her head, she tried to bite the arm that held her. She twisted and turned, scratching, kicking, and struggling wildly. Somehow, she managed to drag the pair a few feet across the right-of-way. “Help! Help!”

  “Shut up!” Trey lashed out at her, the blow he struck hitting her hard in the lower back. When she fell forward in pain, he grasped her other arm and yanked her forward.

  Thinking all was lost, Delaney couldn’t believe it when she heard the sound of a siren. “Oh, thank heavens.” Someone passing by must’ve noticed her dilemma and called 9-1-1. To her immense relief a cop car was coming down the opposite side of the highway. After spotting them, the black and white put on its brakes, aiming for a turnaround not far up ahead.

  “Hell, let’s get out of here.” Trey turned her loose and so did Hoyt. They sprinted to their vehicle. By the time the policeman pulled up beside her, they were already speeding down I-10.

  “I’m Officer Stark. Are you hurt, miss?”

  She touched her back, thinking the blow wasn’t severe enough to injure her kidneys. She’d have to be careful, however. Even the smallest internal bleed could be fatal for her. “I think I’m okay. Just bruised maybe.” Delaney bent double, trying to catch her breath and keep from fainting. She pointed down the road. “Two men tried to force me into their car.”

  “Can you give me a description of the men and the car?”

  Delaney glanced up at the man in uniform. “They’re getting away! Can’t you just chase them down? It was a black muscle car, a Trans-am.”

  “Are you sure? I thought the car was navy when I drove past. Did you get a license number?”

  “No. Sorry, but the car was black. Dusty, but coal black.”

  She leaned against the car as he spoke on the radio, putting out an APB. Once he was through, he turned his attention to Delaney. “I need to see your driver’s license and registration.”

  “Me?” She was confused. “I’m the victim here.”

  Officer Stark answered evenly. “I still need a record of who I’m dealing with.”

  “Fine.” Delaney retrieved the items from her purse and handed them to the officer.

  After noting the information, he gave the cards back to her. “I see you’re a long way from home. Just passing through?”

  “I was on my way to El Paso, initially.” She didn’t know
what she’d do now. “I did get the feeling something terrible would’ve happened to me if I’d gone with them.” Saying the words caused her to shiver.

  “Hmmm. Hard to tell. I’ll need you to come down to the station and give a statement, Ms. Ellis.”

  “To talk to a sketch artist?” Delaney thought she could describe the men fairly well. “Maybe look at mugshots of suspects?”

  The cop narrowed his eyes. “You’ve been watching a lot of cop shows, haven’t you?”

  “Not really.” She didn’t care much for his attitude or his questions. “Well, I can’t come to the station until I get my car fixed.”

  “Tomorrow will be soon enough.”

  “Those guys are going to get away with this.” Delaney was disappointed. When he first drove up, she expected the cop to give chase to the suspects.

  Officer Stark scoffed, waving his hand in dismissal. “I bet those men were just passing through, like you are. They’re probably long gone by now. You wouldn’t believe the cars that go up and down this interstate.”

  “Fine. If you’ll just help me with my tire I’ll be on my way.”

  His radio crackled as dispatch dispensed another call. “Sorry. Gotta run. Get back in your car, lock the doors, and call Triple A.”

  Delaney watched in disbelief as the policeman left the scene, not knowing what he asked of her was impossible. “What just happened?” She looked at the still flat tire, then down the road to where the two men had disappeared. What if they came back? Too afraid to take the chance, she removed the jack and returned it and the tire iron to the trunk. She was well and truly on her own. “So, what’s new?” She’d been this way for a while now.

  Knowing she would ruin the wheel but seeing no alternative, Delaney started the engine and made for the next exit. “Comfort, Texas,” she muttered aloud. At the moment, the named seemed to taunt her a bit. “I sure could use a little comfort about now.”

  Squinting into the sunset, she peered as far down the access road as she could see. “Is that a convenience store up ahead?” She thought she could make out a Texaco sign sticking high in the air. Giving her old Camry a little gas, she drove slowly down the access road until she could see the station drawing near. “I hope they have a mechanic on duty.”