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Mark Stevens
CHAPTER SIX
Britt's dinner party was a success, and his guests enjoyed a delicious meal. Afterward the party moved to the drawing room where coffee and pie awaited them.
"So what do you think of our little town, Mr. Reynolds?" Catherine Williams asked.
"Quite charming, Mrs. Williams," the man answered.
"We are very proud of it," Alice chimed in.
"As you should be. In my research I've not found very many towns that compare to Porterville."
"So tell me, Mr. Reynolds, what is it you compare them to? What are you looking for as you travel around?" Brian studied the stranger intently.
Justin was slow to answer Brian. Finally he said, "I guess you might say it's personality I look for, Mr. Poteet."
"Score one for Reynolds," Britt thought. Aloud he said, "That's a good answer, Justin. I couldn't have said it better myself."
Justin smiled at Britt, a look of satisfaction showing on his face.
Devon caught the look and asked, "Is there anything else, Justin?"
"I suppose facts would be the next thing," Justin told him. "You'll have to admit, facts are what make a town. Interesting...boring. One or the other," he ended.
"True," Britt admitted.
Justin appeared to be looking around the room at the other guests. "Tell me, do I pass the test, folks?"
"I don't understand," Catherine said. "What test are you referring to, Justin?"
"Isn't that what this is all about? I'm new in town. In small towns, don't all new people get scrutinized?"
Feeling an awkward situation beginning to form, Devon stepped forward. He gave Justin what he hoped was a very gracious smile and said, "Justin, it's true...sad, but true... Small town people sometimes tend to `check' a newcomer out. And while it's true we're all curious about you, please, accept our apology if that's how it seems to you."
"I can assure all of you...my life's an open book," Justin declared. "Feel free to ask me anything you like. I'll answer any question you might have."
The mood of the party lightened up immediately, and the rest of the evening passed smoothly and very pleasantly. As the guests were leaving, Britt's mother invited them to her home for dinner on Sunday evening.
"I would love to come," Justin assured Catherine. He grasped her hand as he spoke. "You are gracious to open your home up to a stranger."
Catherine's cheeks turned red. She hastily pulled back and said, "I'll look forward to seeing you on Sunday. All of you," she added.
Brian asked Alice to go for a drive, and the two of them left in his car. Britt and Devon were standing in the middle of the driveway in the act of telling their guest goodnight when the man suddenly turned to them. A grin appeared on his face.
"Do you guys know anything about the Fox Den?" Justin asked.
"The one and only night spot in Porterville?" The words came from Devon.
Justin gave him a nod. "The very one," he said. "If the two of you are interested, I'd love to buy you a drink."
Britt looked at Devon. "I guess we could do that. It's still fairly early."
"I'm game," Devon grinned.
"We'll follow in my car," Britt decided. "There's no need for you to have to drive us all the way back out here."
Devon locked the front door and joined Britt who was already in his car.
"Are you okay with this?" Devon asked him.
Britt nodded. "I am. Even though our new writer friend tried to convince us he has nothing to hide, I'm still keeping my eyes on him. What better way to do that than buy him a couple of drinks?"
"Think it will cause him to drop his guard? Providing he's keeping something from us."
"Oh, I'm sure he's not telling us everything. I'm just not sure what that might be. I promise you, I will find out what he's really up to. Even though we didn't during dinner, and hell, we might not even find out anything at the Fox Den. Eventually I will. You can count on it, Babe," Britt promised.
Justin led the way back into Porterville, and soon both vehicles were pulling into the parking lot. Britt and Devon climbed out of Britt's car and joined the man.
"Don't you just love the music?" Justin gave the two a grin.
"Love that upbeat, do you?" Devon grinned.
"Oh, yeah. Let's party!"
They followed the younger man inside the bar. It was a typical Friday night and all of the tables were taken.
"Sorry guys," the bouncer at the door greeted. "Hang around; something's bound to open up soon. Always does," he added.
Justin headed for the bar. "Name your poison," he called over his shoulder.
Britt and Devon ordered beer, and Justin soon returned carrying two bottles in one hand and a glass in the other.
"I'm not much of a beer drinker," he told them with a grin.
Britt eyed the glass and said, "Whisky Sour used to be my drink."
"Not anymore?"
"Once in a while I'll drink one. Most of the time I drink beer when we go out like this. I find it's usually safer for me to drive home afterward," he explained.
"On that topic, can I ask a favor of you guys?"
"Ask away." Saying the words, Devon took the bottle from Justin and took a swig.
"I'm not real good at holding my liquor sometimes. If that happens tonight, would you be willing to drive me to my motel?"
Britt took his bottle and said, "Of course. No problem," he added taking a swig as well.
Devon suddenly said, "There's a table. Let's grab it."
A couple had suddenly decided to leave, making their table available. The three men hurried over and latched onto it.
"Sorry," Britt said giving the couple behind them a smile. Then he added, "Wait, those people are leaving." He eyed a now empty table across the dance floor.
"Thanks," the man told him as he led his date away.
"You're just too damned nice," Devon teased his lover.
"Hey, what can I say? I am nice. I thought you knew that."
Justin studied the two men at his table. "Can I ask a question?"
Britt grinned at him. "Yes, we're gay. And yes, we're a couple."
"Well, dah! For your information, that wasn't my question."
Devon folded his arms. "Continue. We're listening."
"I was going to ask if people accepted you and your lifestyle. Small towns and all," he added.
"For the most part, I believe they do," Britt answered.
"After all, most of the town's people have known us since we were born," Devon added.
"That's good," Justin told them. "I'm glad for you."
"Still, there are some I'm sure, that would just as soon we leave town and never return," Britt continued.
"Are you talking about church people?" Justin asked.
Britt gave a nod and said, "The church my mother attends is very accepting of us. In fact, the minister and his wife were at a birthday party I gave for Alice and Devon a while back."
Justin drained his glass. "You two about ready for another drink? I know I am."
Britt looked at Devon and said, "Sure, I'll take another. My treat this time." He pulled his wallet out and gave Justin money.
"Are you sure you won't drink something other than beer?"
Britt and Devon both assured him they would prefer beer.
"Suit yourself," Justin said and headed for the bar.
Left to themselves, Devon asked, "So what do you think? Is our young friend leading us on or what?"
"Jury's still out," Britt answered with a shrug. "The second drink may help us out."
Justin soon returned carrying their drinks. He passed the bottles to Britt and Devon and set his glass on the table. He handed Britt his change.
"Thanks for the drink."
"Lots of people out this evening," Devon said looking around the crowded room.
"It is Friday night," Britt pointed out. "We just don't get out like we used to."
"What's the problem? You two aren't that old," Justin told them.
"We find ourselves interested in other things," Devon grinned.
"Like what?" Justin asked. Then his face turned red. "Oh, never mind. TMI," he added taking a drink from his glass.
Moments later, Justin emptied his glass. "Damn, I must really be thirsty tonight. You guys ready for another?"
Britt eyed Devon closely. He gave a slight shrug and said, "I can probably handle one more."
"Me, too," Devon answered. He reached for his wallet. "Let me buy this round."
"Put your money away," Justin said standing to his feet. He turned away from the table and stopped. "Whoa," he said. He leaned against the table top.
"Are you okay?" Devon asked.
Justin pulled away from the table. "I'm good," he said. He held up a finger. "I'll be back in a flying fuck." He took off toward the bar.
"I think our new friend is going to need a ride after all," Britt commented.
"No kidding? A flying fuck? What the hell is that?" Devon looked across the room and saw Justin talking with one of the bartenders.
Britt gave him a grin. "I'm not certain, but it sounds like fun. Let's try it sometime."
"Flying or fucking?"
"We know how to fuck," Britt grinned. "I guess we're going to fly next time we do it."
"I'm game," Devon assured him.
Justin soon returned to the table with their drinks. "Here ya go," he said slurring his words.
"I think this had better be my last beer," Britt declared.
"Yeah, me, too," Devon added.
"Can't hold your alcohol? Really, boys." Justin brought his glass up and swallowed half of the liquid. "They make damn good Whisky Sours here," he praised.
"We'll be more than happy to drive you back to your motel when you're ready," Britt told him.
"So, you think I can't drive?" His words had a definite slur to them now.
"Probably not," Britt grinned. "It's okay, we've got you covered."
"Are you guys ready to leave?"
Devon shook his head. "Not particularly," he answered. "Just that we'll be glad to drive you back to your motel when you're ready."
"Another reason why we usually drink beer when we go out. Doesn't hit as hard," Britt added, trying to make a point.
Justin drained his glass and stood to his feet. "That's great. I'd like one more drink, and since you fellows have so gracesouly...graciousssly...hell, I'm having one more. How `bout you two?"
"I'm good," Devon told him."
"Me, too," Britt added.
They watched as the young writer walked unsteadily across the floor to the bar. He returned in a bit carrying another drink.
"The damned barkeep told me this will be my last," he said dropping into his chair.
"Just doing his job," Britt pointed out.
Justin took a drink from his glass. "Well, so am I," he said putting his drink on the table. "My job is the customer, and I want to do a good job."
"You're doing that, all right," Britt assured him.
Justin grinned at both men and said, "Good. Glad I'm doing such a damned good job."
Half an hour later the two men finally talked Justin into leaving. Britt asked for his car key.
"I'll have you know I can drive, thank you vary much. I'm a damned good driver." He pulled a key from his pocket and motioning with his hand, said, "Fawo me. I'll fuckin' show you."
Britt grabbed Justin's car key and said, "Let's go. I'm driving you, Justin. Don't give me any shit." He gently pushed Justin toward the entrance.
"I'm goin' already," he groaned. "Hell!"
Between the two of them, Justin was finally inside his vehicle. Britt buckled the man in and closed the car door.
"There are two motels," Devon told him. "Did he tell you which one he's staying in?"
Britt held up a plastic keycard. "I managed to get this out of his pocket. Follow me."
Britt got behind the wheel of Justin's car and started the engine. Devon jumped into Britt's vehicle and backed out into the street. When Britt took off, Devon pulled in behind and followed them to Justin's motel.
When Devon pulled in next to Justin's vehicle, he jumped from the car and hurried up to the man's car door. Britt got out from behind the wheel and joined him.
"Do you think we can get him to his room?" Devon asked.
Britt studied the keycard he was holding. "Looks like he's on the bottom floor. That should make it easier for us." Looking at the card once more, he pointed, "His room is over there. 109."
"Hey, what's happen'?" Justin suddenly seemed aware that he was being lifted up.
"Take it easy," Britt told him. "We're taking you to your room."
"You know which room is mine?" Justin seemed surprised.
"You told us," Devon said. "Back at the bar," he added with a grin. Then looking Britt in the eye, he whispered, "He won't know the difference."
"You're probably right."
Justin didn't make things easy for them, but they finally reached his motel room. Britt told Devon to hold the man up while he inserted the card into the door lock.
Britt soon had the door unlocked, and the two carried Justin inside the room. They helped him onto the bed, and Britt eased the drunken man on his back.
Devon attempted to pull Justin's shoes off. Britt stopped him.
"Let him sleep it off. We'll check on him tomorrow."
Devon gave a nod, and the two men left the room, pulling the door shut behind them. Britt listened for the lock, and when he heard it snap into place, he walked alongside Devon to the car.
"What a night," Britt moaned climbing in behind the wheel.
"Too old for this shit," Devon agreed.
"I'd much rather stay in on Friday evening and fuck," Britt grinned. He drove down the street and headed for the edge of town and home.
"You going to fly tonight when you fuck me?" Devon teased.
"I'm going to pound you so hard it'll make you think you're flying," Britt assured him.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Britt rolled over in bed. The alarm beside him was going off, letting him know it was time to get up and start his day. He eyed the clock on the table next to the bed. The display showed eight o'clock. He leaned over to end the annoying sound and realized it wasn't the alarm disturbing him. It was his cell phone. Britt reached for it.
"Britt, this is Brian. Sorry to disturb you."
Britt sat up in bed. "Is something wrong, Brian?" He was suddenly filled with dread. "What's going on, Brian?"
"I'm at your front door, Britt. Can you meet me?"
Britt's mouth went dry. When he could speak, he said, "Is it my mother? Has something happened?"
"As far as I know, your mother's fine," Brian assured him. "Just come down and open the door, okay?"
Devon sat up on the side of the bed. "What's going on?" he asked.
Britt jumped out of bed and grabbed a pair of shorts off the floor. "Get dressed. Brian's at the front door and wants to talk to us."
Devon stood to his feet. "Catherine?" He jumped into some shorts and listened as Britt told him he thought his mother was okay.
The two men hurried down the stairs. Devon disconnected the alarm, and Britt threw the door open. Brian Poteet was standing before him.
"What the hell's going on, Brian?" Britt greeted.
Brian stepped inside and said, "We have a serious situation. Susan Abbott has been murdered. A jogger found her body out near Porter Lake this morning."