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Mark Stevens
MURDER IN PORTERVILLE
CHAPTER ONE
"Happy Birthday!"
Alice made her way slowly down the staircase of the McKenzie mansion, followed by her twin brother Devon. The brother and sister were greeted by their friends as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
The guest list consisted of Britt Williams, his mother Catherine, Brian Poteet, the local Methodist minister Larry Owens and his wife Bonnie. Also joining them in the celebration were two elderly aunts of the birthday pair, Mary Nell Thomas and Sarah White.
Alice reached out to the aunts and said, "Thank you. We're so glad the two of you could make it." She smiled at the two ladies tenderly.
"We wouldn't have missed it for the world, my Dear," Mary Nell Thomas assured her. She looked past her niece and cast her eyes on Devon. "Happy Birthday, Tommy," she whispered.
Britt Williams stepped forward and gave Alice a hug. "Happy Birthday, Alice," he said.
Turning from Alice, Britt hugged Devon McKenzie to him. "Happy Birthday, Love," he whispered in his partner's ear. "Don't mind your aunt," he said softly.
Britt was referring to the way Mary Nell Thomas addressed her nephew. The man had been born Thomas Cooper Jr., but at the age of two, had been taken away from his real family and raised by another family. Thirty plus years later Devon had discovered the real truth behind his family history, and in fact, had only recently learned that he had a sister. Alice was the man's twin sister. Their actual birthday was in March. However, since learning that her twin brother was alive, she wanted him to continue celebrating his day as he always had; in the month of July. Because of her insistence on the birthday matter, Devon had decided she would share the celebration with him. Because of that, Alice was determined her brother would share her birthday in March, which in truth, was his birthday, too.
"Now, Aunt Mary Nell, we talked about this. Remember?"
Alice and Devon's aunt shrugged her shoulders. "We did," she said. "Still, right is right. Your brother's name is Tommy. That's how he should be addressed," she ended giving her niece a frown.
Catherine Williams, Britt's mother, stepped forward and smiled graciously at the elderly woman. "Mrs. Thomas, I think everyone is still caught up in the newness of your family's situation. For now, does it really matter what your nephew goes by? I'm just so thankful we found out the truth. And that your nephew makes my son so happy," she added with a catch in her voice.
Mary Nell Thomas looked over the top of her glasses and cast a sharp eye in Catherine's direction. "First of all, I thought I made it plain; I asked that you address me as `Mary Nell'.
Sarah White, Mary Nell's sister and aunt to the birthday two as well, stepped forward and placed her hands on her sister's shoulders. "Let it rest, Mary Nell," she told her sister. "I agree with Catherine here. It doesn't matter one bit what he's called. He's our nephew, and I'm thankful we have him returned to us."
"Amen!"
The group turned around and discovered it had been Larry Owens, minister of Porterville Methodist Church that had called out the word. The man had a wide grin on his face.
"Larry Owens!" Bonnie, his wife, pretended to scold the man.
The local pastor stepped forward and grasped the brother and sister's hand. "I agree with your Aunt Sarah," he told them. "We are indeed thankful with the outcome of your situation. We're all so happy for you guys."
Britt had put a birthday celebration together, with the help of the McKenzie staff. He announced the meal was ready and asked them to follow him into the dining room. Once inside the big formal room, he directed his guests where to sit.
Catherine Williams was a longtime member of the Methodist church. Because of the fact, Britt had placed Larry, his mother's pastor, to her left and Bonnie, his wife, at Catherine's right.
"Britt is quite the host," Bonnie said to Catherine.
"Has he been living here long?" Larry asked Catherine.
Even though she was comfortable with her son loving another man, her minister's words caught Catherine by surprise. She felt her cheeks turn red. When she seemed to hesitate, Larry said, "I apologize, Catherine. It was not my intention to embarrass you." He looked down the table and let his eyes settle on Britt and Devon. "I have absolutely no objection where those two are concerned. I am glad that God saw fit to allow their lives to cross."
"Thank you, Larry. That means so much to me. After all, Porterville is a fairly small town. I know how some people think," Catherine added.
Bonnie Owens leaned over and gave Catherine's hand a pat. "No one has the right to judge another person, Catherine."
Britt stood at the head of the table and began speaking. He gave all the guests a smile and said, "I want to thank you all for coming this evening. When I first began talking about the idea of a party for Alice and Devon, they both tried to put me off. So, I had to strike a bargain with them. When I pointed out that this would be their first birthday as a family, that it really should be something special, they finally agreed to let us celebrate. However, they made me promise that there would be no more. Well, what could I do? I kind of agreed with them."
Devon interrupted his partner. "Don't think you're going to get out of our bargain. You gave us your word," he reminded.
Britt gave his partner a tender smile and a nod. "He's right, I did. However, you know, I am getting older, and sometimes I don't remember like I used to. So next year, should I forget my promise, we'll meet back here and continue the celebration. For now, however, please, enjoy the great food that's been prepared by our staff."
Devon turned to Britt. "Thank you, Love. Not just for me." He turned and looked at his sister. He studied her for a moment without speaking.
"You've really grown to love Alice," Britt remarked.
Devon gave a nod. "Guilty," he replied.
"What do you think about Poteet? He seems smitten with your sister."
Devon's jaw tightened. "He may be a policeman, but he sure as hell better not ever cause Alice any pain."
Britt looked closely at the couple they were discussing. "I don't think that will ever happen," he remarked. "You can't miss the way he looks at Alice. He's crazy about your sister."
"He is, isn't he?" Devon cast a look Catherine's way. "Have you mentioned to Catherine that we'd like for her to move in with us?"
Britt studied his mother. "Not yet," he answered.
"Are you chicken?"
"I wouldn't go that far," Britt said with a laugh. "However, I'm pretty sure she will turn the invitation down."
"You won't know until you ask," Devon pointed out.
"Perhaps. I will ask her. Just not in front of our other guests," he added. Britt changed the subject. "What do you think about Alice's renter?"
When Devon discovered Alice was his sister, he had asked her to move into the McKenzie mansion with him and Britt. Alice had accepted his invitation. However, she wanted to keep her house and rent it out.
"The school teacher? I haven't met her yet." Devon appeared thoughtful for a moment. Then, "Britt, do you think it's odd the woman moved here so early? After all, school doesn't begin for another month."
"I'm sure she wanted to get settled in before the school year began," Britt remarked.
"Perhaps you're right."
"Just be thankful Alice found a renter," Britt told him. He called out to Alice.
Alice Cooper turned and faced him. "Yes?"
"Tell us about your renter."
Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Not really much to tell," she answered. "Her name is Susan Abbott. She is going to teach Fourth grade at Madison. She came from a small community in Missouri called Jasper Creek. That's all I know except that this is her second year to teach."
By her side, Brian Poteet spoke up. "One of the school board members was telling me that for whatever reason Miss Abbott wasn't rehired at the end of last school year. However, he said she did receive a good recommendation from her previous school district."
"Perhaps a budget problem was the reason for not rehiring her," Britt suggested.
"That's possible," Brian answered. "However, most of the time if there are openings, a small district will go with an entry year teacher because his salary will be less than one with several years under his belt."
"So they would rather hire an inexperienced teacher than one that has taught before?" A look of surprise projected from Devon's face.
"With some districts that's correct, Devon," Brian answered. "By law, a school district is required to pay for each previous year taught. In Miss Abbott's case, her beginning salary will be less than any other teacher in school. Providing they taught somewhere in the state last year. Doesn't matter if they taught in Porterville or not," he added.
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After the last guest had gone, Alice went to her room. Britt and Devon remained in the drawing room. The room was silent, allowing the two men to relax after hosting their first party together.
"It was a nice party, Babe," Devon said. "Thank you," he added. "I know Alice really appreciated everything you did. We both did," he ended.
"Just the first of many," Britt assured him.
"So tell me, when are you going to ask Catherine to move in with us?"
"You just won't let it drop, will you?" A big grin appeared on Britt's face.
"You know how I am."
"Oh, I know exactly how you are," Britt retorted.
"Any complaints?"
Britt pulled his lover off the couch. "Let's go upstairs. I'll let you be the judge."
"So much pressure!" Devon pretended to stress out.
"You know you like pressure."
Britt led the man up the stairs and into the room the two of them shared. "I'm going to show you a thing or two about pressure, Devon McKenzie."
Britt closed the door after them, and the two weren't seen again until the next morning.
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Over breakfast the next morning Britt said, "I'm going to talk with Mom today. If she's free tomorrow evening, I thought we'd take her to dinner. You, Alice and me," he added.
A big grin appeared on Devon's face. "I take it that's when we ask her to move in with us?"
Britt shrugged his shoulders. "Hell, I've got to. You're not going to stop badgering me until I do."
Devon drained the last of his coffee and reached for the coffee pot in front of him. He refilled his cup and said, "I'm glad I'm good for something."
Britt slid his cup over and motioned for Devon to refill it. "Trust me, Babe, you're good for lots of things."
"Good morning, guys!"
The two men looked up and saw Alice walk into the room. Both greeted her warmly. As she sat down next to her brother, Devon kissed his sister's cheek.
"Good morning, Alice," he said giving her a warm smile.
"When are you going to tell Sam you've had enough of his cantankerous moods?" Britt asked her.
Sam Taylor owned and operated the Beacon, a newspaper that had been a part of Porterville almost since the beginning of the town's existence. Alice had worked for the man as his secretary/bookkeeper for several years.
"I keep telling her to quit," Devon said. "Will she listen to me? Of course not!"
Alice poured herself a cup of coffee and reached for a piece of toast. "You both know how much I enjoy my job," she answered. "Sam's not cankerous," she added. "He's kind and considerate. He's always been good to me."
"He did allow me complete access to his files last summer," Britt admitted.
"Speaking of that, how's the book coming along, Britt?" It was Devon who posed the question.
Britt studied his partner's face and tried to read his thoughts. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's been slow. I'll write a chapter, and when I reread it, something doesn't feel right."
"What seems to be the problem?" Alice asked.
Britt shook his head and said, "I'm not sure."
Devon appeared to be lost with thoughts of his own for a moment or two. Finally he said, "I know what you're doing, Britt. It's not necessary," he added.
Britt looked into his partner's eyes. "Just what am I doing?"
"We both know what the book's about. I can assure you, nothing you put in it will offend me in any way."
Devon was referring to the fact that the real reason Britt had returned home last summer was because Carl Turner, Britt's publishing agent, had suggested the young author of a dozen books return to his home town and see if he could come up with a topic for a new book. At first Britt wouldn't agree to the idea. He didn't think a small town like Porterville, the town where he had been born and raised, would provide a storyline of any kind.
Britt had been wrong. Not only had he discovered a deadly secret concerning the town's founding family, but he had fallen in love with a young man from that family. The hidden secret Britt had uncovered eventually ended up with three of the town's people being murdered. Elaine McKenzie, the woman Devon had always thought to be his mother, had been murdered, as well as a family friend, George Carson. Margaret Cooper, Mother to both Alice and Devon, had lost her life as well.
Having all of these thoughts run through his mind caused Britt's head to suddenly ache. He massaged his forehead with his hand.
"I'm not so sure about that," he said. He let out a sigh. "Sometimes I think it would be better to put this all to rest." He looked at the other two and added, "I love you both so much. I'm afraid the only thing I'll accomplish is to hurt the two of you."
Alice reached across the table and took hold of his hand. "Britt, the entire town knows our story. I'm sure Devon will agree when I say everybody, all of our friends, have been very supportive of us."
"She's right, Britt," Devon agreed with his sister. "There's not a person in Porterville who doesn't know what took place between the two families." Smiling, Devon reached for Britt's other hand. "So, please, write your book."
"And quit worrying about us and hurting our feelings," Alice added.
Devon stood to his feet. "Duty calls," he announced. "I have a nine o'clock meeting. See you two this evening." He gave his sister another kiss on the cheek.
Britt stood to his feet. "I'll walk you out, Babe," he said.
Standing in the driveway a short time later, Devon turned to Britt and said, "I'm serious, Britt. About your book," he added. "Write it. You're a damned good writer. We both know it. Hell, they might even come after you for the movie rights," he grinned.
"You asshole." Britt kissed his lover on the mouth. "I'll see you this evening."
"Give my love to Catherine," Devon said climbing inside his car.
"You just won't give it a rest, will you?"
"Later, Babe,"
Britt watched as Devon slowly disappeared out of sight and returned to Alice. He discovered her leaving the table.
"You're out of here, too?"
She nodded. "Sam will be calling if I'm not there pretty soon."
"Tell that old man to mind his manners."
As Alice left the room, she asked, "Are you going to work on your book now that you realize you're not going to offend Devon or me?"
"I thought I'd give it a whirl," he answered.
"Good. Isn't it about time you had another best seller?"
Britt gave her a hug. "I'll do my best. Tell Sam hello."
Britt watched as Alice picked up her purse and keys from the table in the entry hall. When the door shut behind her, he made his way slowly to the room in the McKenzie mansion that he had converted into his office. He sat down at the desk and turned his laptop on. He opened the file containing his latest writing project, and as he began typing, Britt Williams was amazed how smoothly the words came to him.