CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED and THIRTY-FOUR

(part three)

“I wanted to speak to you about something,” Delphie said.

Max turned to look at her.

“John isn’t doing very well,” Delphie said.

“My John?” Max asked, reeling back in shock.

“John Drayson,” Delphie said. “He dropped the kids here because he hadn’t been sleeping. He’s working crazy hours and. . .”

Delphie leaned in to Max.

“All of the death,” Delphie said with a nod. “It’s very triggering for him. Reminds him of his father and. . . somewhere, in the back of his brain, his mother.”

Max wasn’t sure what to say. He just gawked at Delphie.

“His mother was beaten to death in front of him and Jimmy,” Delphie said. “You know, Jimmy Kelly?”

Max gave a very slow nod. Delphie waited until Max caught his breath.

“I. . . mmm,” Max said. He sighed. “I never once thought of it. John’s so tough — mentally, physically. It’s always me or Alex going nuts. But. . .”

Max looked off in the near distance before turning back to Delphie.

“When you say the words, I know it’s truth,” Max said.

“Your gift,” Delphie said.

“Is it?” Max gave her a searching look before nodding.

“Of course,” Delphie said with a slight smile.

“Is Wyatt okay?” Max asked.

“Oh Wyatt,” Delphie said. “I think Wyatt would be okay in any situation. As long as you love him, he can survive nearly anything. The hardest. . .”

Delphie stopped talking.

“He should really tell you himself,” Delphie said.

“Please, tell me,” Max said. “I’ve just returned for the clown circus in Washington. I will be working like a madman to get supplies into Denver so that they aren’t stolen like the fifty ventilators we paid for and. . .”

Max stopped talking.

“Please,” Max said. “I need to know the lay of the land.”

“The worst thing for Wyatt was when you had a heart attack,” Delphie said. “He thought that you were dead. He didn’t really know about you and Alex — your strength together and how you heal.”

“He insisted that we get married after that,” Max said.

“You are closer than you know,” Delphie said with a smile.

Max gave her a brief smile before scowling.

“I appreciate you telling me about John,” Max said. “Are you telling me because of the kids?”

“Exactly,” Delphie said. “They can stay here. John comes by every afternoon to spend time with them. Alex is always welcome. When things settle down a bit, they can go home.”

“You don’t mind?” Max asked.

“They are welcome here,” Delphie said. “Most of the kids will be back in school soon any way.”

“They are opening the Marlowe School?” Max asked, again.

“Soon,” Delphie said.

“Máire and Joey can’t go to the Marlowe School or any private school,” Max said. “Stipulation by the tribe.”

“Maybe the tribe will change their minds with this pandemic,” Delphie said. “My guess is that it’s a chance for Joey and Máire to be leaders for their people.”

“I’ll call them,” Max said.

He looked to where Beau and Chase where laughing with the other children.

“You really done something incredible here,” Max said.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow...