This story is purely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to person's Living or dead, or to events that may have occurred, is purely Coincidental.
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Mark Stevens
I would like to welcome my previous as well as hopefully new readers back to enjoy this story. However, should you have not read any of the Porterville books before, you should do so
- Porterville 2. Murder in Porterville 3. Silver Candlesticks 4. No Regrets
All the stories are stand alone, however, a lot of the same characters from the first book return for more adventures.
To my old readers: Welcome back. To my new ones, welcome aboard.
Please feel free to write me with any thought you might have. Please keep comments positive. I already have an editor that keeps me walking the line. Ha ha. You can email me at:
jetdesk2@yahoo.com
Chapter Eighteen
When Britt saw the gun that Boyd Wilson was aiming at him he felt his heart race. Forcing himself to breathe normally he said, "I knew you were involved someway. I'm not surprised."
"I've lived my entire life in Porterville," Wilson said. "There's no way I could just sit back and watch the town be disgraced by you and McKenzie getting married."
"It's perfectly legal for us to marry," Britt said.
"It may be legal," Wilson admitted, "but it's not right morally."
"Who's the man here?" Britt asked looking down at the body on the floor of the car trunk.
Wilson shook his head. "Told me his name was Jake Warner, but I'm not certain he was truthful with me."
"How do you know him?" Britt looked at the body of the dead man closely.
"I guess I can tell you," Wilson said. He motioned at a stool to one side of the garage and told Britt to have seat. "You're not going to have a chance to tell anyone."
Britt forced his legs to walk slowly as they carried him to one side of the garage. Sitting down he asked, "Who killed this man? You?"
Wilson admitted that he had and added, "I met Jake at a truck stop along Interstate 40. We got to talking, and I told him about a problem I had."
"I guess Devon and I were your problem," Britt said. He leaned back against the garage wall.
"As I said, no way in hell was I going to allow you perverts to destroy my town. What you and McKenzie want to do is wrong. You had no right to discredit Porterville."
Britt cast his eyes on the opened car trunk and said, "It's wrong for Devon and me to get married, but not wrong for you to kill a man. Did this man kill Sandra Collins?"
"I had to kill Warner," Wilson said. "I paid him to do a job for me. Not only did he botch it up, he tried to get more money from me. He was going to blackmail me, and I couldn't allow that to happen."
Eying the gun in Wilson's hand Britt asked, "What job did he do?"
"He was supposed to come up with a way to get the minister to back out from performing your wedding."
"By burning the man's home down? Are you so driven by your hatred for Devon and me that you wanted to destroy everything that Larry and Bonnie had?"
"You're wrong, Britt, I don't hate you. Nor do I hate Devon McKenzie," the councilman explained. He continued, "It wasn't my idea for the fire. Warner came up with that plan all on his own."
"How does this end, Wilson? Another murder?" Looking the man directly in the eye, Britt said, "I suppose you are going to somehow justify it."
"Oh, I'm completely justified," the councilman assured Britt. Pointing his gun toward the car, Wilson said, "Remove Warner. Place him on the floor."
Britt stood to his feet and walked over to the car. It wasn't an easy task, but he managed to remove the body from the vehicle and dropped the man to the floor of the garage.
"I really am sorry, Britt."
Britt remained silent. Wilson's apology actually sounded sincere to him. He stared at the man and waited to see what the councilman's next move might be.
"I am sorry," the man repeated. "If only you would have listened. My God, you had enough warnings. Surely you had to know things would not turn out well if you continued with your plans. I have the highest respect for your mother, Britt. I am very sorry that she's going to lose her son."
"What's your plan, Boyd?" Britt spoke the words softly.
"You see, this is what happened. You confronted Warner, and he pulled a gun from his coat pocket and shot you. I shot him in self-defense. Britt, I only wish that you--."
The side door on the garage suddenly opened.
"Put the gun down, Wilson!"
Britt looked past the councilman and was very happy to see Brian Poteet. The Police Chief had a gun, and he was pointing it at the Wilson. Jerry and Cory also had guns aimed at the man as well.
"You've got this wrong, Chief," Wilson said. "Williams killed the man on the floor. I saw him do it. I was just about to give you a call."
"Put the gun down! I won't tell you again," Brian warned the man.
"I tell you this man is a murderer," Wilson said. "You must believe me. He's killed a man."
A growl came from Cory, and suddenly the detective threw himself at Wilson. The two fell to the floor, and as they wrestled, the gun the councilman had been aiming at Britt suddenly fired a shot off. Cory's fist came in contact with Wilson's face, and the gun went sliding across the floor of the garage.
"You sick son of a bitch!" Cory cried out as he slammed the man's face for a second time.
Britt picked the gun up and joined Brian's dad. He gave Jerry a hug and said, "Am I ever glad to see you guys."
"Why would you attempt this by yourself?" the retired police officer asked.
"I know it wasn't smart," Britt admitted. "However, in my defense, I thought the man was sleeping. His house was completely dark."
Cory pulled the man up from the floor, and Brian slapped handcuffs on the councilman.
"Have a seat over there on that stool," Brian ordered Wilson.
"Britt, I'm begging you one last time," Wilson said, "call the wedding off. Get help, please. You're sick, and I know you aren't responsible for your actions. There are doctors who can help you."
"Shut up," Cory Manners shouted. "If anyone's sick, it's you, asshole."
Brian walked over and began reading Wilson his rights. When he finished he turned and said to Britt, "Call 911 and tell them there's a dead body at this address. I'm going to take Wilson to the police station. I'll be right back."
Britt placed the call as he watched Brian walk the man out the door. When his call was finished, he asked Jerry and Cory how they knew he was in trouble.
Cory shrugged his shoulders and said, "I was almost back at your house when I had this feeling you might be in trouble. I called Brian and asked him and Jerry to meet me back here."
Still feeling shaky and a little unnerved, Britt tried to smile. "I'm certainly glad that you paid attention to your instinct."
"You shouldn't have attempted your search without backup," Jerry reminded. "With the experience you have, I'm really surprised you did something like this."
"As I said, I truly thought the man was asleep in his bed."
Cory gave Britt a pat on the back and said, "At least you're alright." Then giving him a much harder pat, he added, "If you ever do anything like this again, I'm going to beat the shit out of you."
Britt smiled at the detective. "You have my word."
Brian returned, accompanied by Diane Baxter. Diane was the Forensic Specialist that worked with the police department when a death was suspected of happening from foul play. Britt had worked with the woman several times, and he really liked her.
Diane greeted Britt and asked, "Are you causing trouble again?"
Britt shook his head and said, "It seems to follow me wherever I go."
Diane walked over to Jack Warner's body and was examining it when flashing lights were seen through the small door at the side of the garage. Brian found a button on the wall and touched it. The large garage door slowly began to rise.
Three men joined the group in the garage, and Brian explained what he knew of the situation. "The man has been shot," the Chief told them.
"He's dead," Diane informed them. "I've done all that I can here," she said. "You can take him to my lab at the hospital."
"Do you know the man's name, Brian?" Diane asked.
"Wilson told us the man's name is Jake Warner," Brian answered.
"Boyd Wilson the councilman?"
"That's right. He's responsible for the man's death," Brian explained.
"I'll know more when I'm able to do a full autopsy," Diane said. "I can tell you the man has a single bullet hole through his heart. I'll get back with you tomorrow after I know more."
Left along in the garage, Brian said, "I'm heading back to the station. You guys are welcomed to join me there."
"Oh, hell yeah," Cory declared.
"I think you're enjoying this too damned much," Jerry told the detective.
"The man tried to kill a very good friend of mine, so yeah, if you think I'm happy the bastard's been caught, you're right."
Cory's words made Britt really happy. It made him feel good that he and Devon had so many great friends.
Brian secured the garage, and they walked out to the street. "Are you going to pick up Devon and join us at the station?"
"I don't think so," Britt answered. "He knew I was going to watch Wilson's home the entire night. I'm pretty sure he's in bed and sound asleep. No, I'll tell him everything in the morning."
"Then let's head to the station," Brian said getting into his car.
With Cory on the seat beside him, Britt followed Brian and his dad to the police station. He felt very relieved to still be alive. Jerry and Cory had been right in saying he hadn't used good sense by going into Wilson's garage alone. He was determined to make better choices in the future.
Chapter Nineteen
When they arrived at the police station, Brian took them to the same room where Britt had been the first time the police chief had interviewed Boyd Wilson. Britt watched as Brian walked into the room where the councilman was sitting at a table.
Wilson began talking the moment Brian entered the room. "When are you going to listen to me, Brian?" he asked. "You have the wrong man."
From the other side of the window Britt, Jerry and Cory watched and listened as the councilman tried to deny having any part in the murder. The man was doing his best to convince Brian that Britt had murdered Jake Warner. Wilson's voice droned on and on until Brian hit the table top with his fists.
"Cut the crap, Wilson!" Brian leaned across the table. "I stood outside your garage and heard you confess with my own ears. You admitted to Britt that you murdered Warner.
"Odd thing about that," Brian continued, "I have a feeling that when everything is said and done we're going to discover that you didn't kill Jake Warner at all."
"I keep telling you that I didn't," Wilson said. "It's about time you started believing me."
"I don't think you did kill Warner. I think—I think that in reality you murdered Slade Allen." Brian leaned back in his chair.
"Who the hell is Slade Allen?" The councilman looked puzzled.
"The name of the man that you murdered," Brian answered. "I also believe that you murdered Sandra Collins. What puzzles me is you think Britt is sick and perverted, but it seems you had no trouble committing these two murders.
"And why harm Larry and Bonnie Owens by setting fire to their home?" Brian continued.
"I had nothing to do with that," Wilson objected.
"You didn't pay Warner to destroy the minister's home in order to discourage Larry from performing Britt and Devon McKenzie's wedding?"
"I never intended for Larry Owens to lose his house," Wilson declared.
From the other side of the window the men watched as Brian paused and looked sharply at the man sitting across the table from him. Neither Britt nor the other two said a word. Silence filled the room as they waited anxiously to see what Brian would say next.
"Why would the man want to harm Larry or Bonnie Owens? I'm pretty sure he didn't even know them."
Wilson must have realized that his own words had condemned him, because he began volunteering information.
"Alright," the councilman said, "I did hire Warner to do a job for me. I didn't, however, ask him to burn the Owens' home down."
"What exactly did you hire him to do?" Brian asked.
"He was supposed to convince the man not to marry those two men," Wilson explained." He shook his head. "Burning that house down was not my plan."
The councilman went on to say that he had been responsible for the warning notes that had been circulated. "It was Warner who broke Kathy Applebee's store window," he explained.
Watching from the other side of the window, Britt said, "Looks to me as if now that he's talking, he going to spill his guts."
"It's about damned time," Cory muttered.
"Let's listen to what else he has to say," Jerry suggested.
"You're telling me that it was Warner and not you that broke into the McKenzie home and left the warning note," Brian said.
"That's right," the councilman replied.
"That's what is so strange," Brian remarked and once more leaned back in his seat. "The finger prints found on the mantle of the fireplace in the McKenzie home belonged to a man that was reported to be deceased. That man's name was Slade Allen," Brian added.
Wilson folded his arms on the table and remained silent.
"What about Susan Collins?" Brian asked. "Why murder her?"
"I was in my office at City Hall when Warner called and told me he had been responsible for the fire that destroyed the minister's home. His admission made me angry. I asked him why he would do something that extreme, and he told me that I had hired him to do a job. He told me it was his decision to complete the job however he saw fit.
"Right after I yelled at Warner over the telephone, I saw Sandra walking by the door of my office," Wilson continued. "I went to her office and spoke with her. She was evasive, but I could tell she had overheard all of my side of the conversation. She seemed very uncomfortable talking to me, and she left the building in a hurry."
Brian remained silent as he waited to see if the man would continue talking, or if he was done giving information. His silence paid off because Boyd Wilson did have more to say.
"I went to Sandra's home that night. I told her that I knew who had caused the fire that destroyed the minister's home. I tried to convince her that I was going to see you the next day and give you the man's name. I asked her to please not say anything until I had the chance to talk with you.
"She wouldn't believe me no matter how hard I tried to convince her." Wilson shook his head. "I liked Sandra. She was a good woman."
"Yet you murdered her," Brian remarked when the councilman stopped talking.
"It was an accident," Wilson explained. "I had a gun, and I aimed it at her. My intention was to convince her to keep silent, but she tried to grab my arm. It took me by surprise, and the gun went off. I repeat, I did not intend to kill her."
"But you did," Brian reminded him.
Wilson appeared to be done talking. He looked down at the floor and closed his eyes.
Brian was silent for a moment. Finally, "Who painted the warning on Britt's car windshield? You or Jake Warner?"
Wilson raised his head and looked across the table. "Warner."
"I see. What about the bomb that was supposed to be planted in the textile plant?"
"Warner," Wilson replied. "He placed the fake bomb and made the call to the security guard."
"Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Brian asked.
The councilman shook his head. "No, I've told you everything that I know. I'm actually relieved that everything is over."
Brian stood to his feet. "Boyd, I've heard people give all kinds of reasons why they've committed one crime or another. From what you have told me, I believe every act you have done was fueled by hatred. You've been a loyal citizen of Porterville and a great councilman as well. I am very sorry that you are against Britt and Devon getting married. They are good men, and they have done a lot of good to and for our town. Until this evening I felt the same way about you. Hatred is an awful thing, and I'm sorry that it has consumed you."
From the next room the three men watched as Brian opened the door and spoke with the officer standing in the hallway. They saw Peter Nelson step into the room. Boyd Wilson stood to his feet, and followed the young officer out of the room.
"I guess things turned out much as you thought they would," Brian said as he joined Britt and the others.
"Pretty much," Britt replied. "I'm sorry that Devon and I have been the reason for his actions."
"Just because he didn't approve of your marriage to Devon, he didn't have the right to commit murder," Jerry Poteet pointed out.
"Two murders," Cory reminded.
"And even though he didn't make the call to burn down Larry and Bonnie's home, he was the one who hired Warner to do something to convince Larry to back out from marrying you guys," Brian added.
Britt shook his head. "It still makes me sad to think that Devon and I were the reason that two people lost their lives and two more lost their home and everything they had."
Cory stepped forward and placed a hand on Britt's shoulder. "Listen, Bud, there are always going to be assholes in the world. Their actions, whatever they might be, will always be on them. Not you. Not Devon. Unfortunately there are always going to be people that object to the type of happiness that you and Devon share. That's not going to change. Wilson is just one of the many idiots we have to deal with."
"That's true," Brian's dad agreed. "I hate to throw stones, but I have a confession to make. I have come to think highly of both Larry and Bonnie Owens, and I have a difficult time accepting the fact that Larry, because of the stand he has taken, is losing his job."
"It's enough to turn away from religion of any kind," Cory declared.
"I don't think Larry would appreciate you saying that, but I have to admit that I share the same feeling," Brian agreed.
"It's late," Britt said. "I am ready to call it a night. We can talk in the morning."
As they were leaving, Brian pulled his soon-to-be brother- in- law back. "Britt, I need you to know something."
Britt remained silent with his eyes focused on the man. He watched Brian shut the door. The room became silent as Britt waited for the police chief to say what was on his mind.
"Britt, I've known you for a couple of years now. I hope to God that I have never given you reason to think that I judged you in any way. The respect I have for you, for both you and Devon, couldn't be any higher. To be honest, I believe that I love Devon and you as much as Alice does. I think a person should be able to love whomever he chooses. You love Devon, he loves you, and I'm happy that you have each other."
Britt took a deep breath. He placed a hand on Brian's shoulder and said, "I appreciate what you're saying, Brian. I can honestly say that I have never felt anything coming from you other than respect. The moment you asked Alice to marry you I considered you family."
Britt removed his hand from Brian's shoulder and said, "I'll say this now because we're the only ones in this room, but Brian, I love you like a brother."
Britt stepped back and said, "This is getting deep. I think I'll leave before I say something to embarrass either of us."
"Britt, I'm not embarrassed, and you shouldn't be either. Now go home and be with Devon," Brian said. "It's been one hell of a night, and it's time for it to end."
Jerry was sitting in a chair in the lobby. Cory had already left in Devon's car. Jerry had ridden with his son, so he was patiently waiting for Brian to wind things down. He greeted the two men with a smile. "I don't know about you two, but I'm more than ready to hit the bed. It's two o'clock and way past my bedtime."
Britt told both men good night and drove home. He needed to feel Devon next to him in bed. When he entered the cabin, he was met by silence. A lamp on the table in the entryway provided light so he could see the stairs. The rest of the house was dark, and Britt assumed that Cory had gone up to bed. He was glad of that because he wanted to be with Devon.
Leaving the small lamp on, Britt hurried up the stairs. He walked into the bedroom he shared with Devon and quietly closed the door. He pulled his clothes off, and naked, he crawled between the covers. His movement caused Devon to turn over.
"You're home," Devon greeted.
"I am," Britt answered.
Britt turned on his side and pressed his body against Devon. His lover's hairy closeness made Britt feel secure and safe. It was a feeling that he needed badly after the night he'd had.
"What happened?" Devon asked, his voice sounding sleepy.
"I'll tell you in the morning, Dev. For now, will you just hold me close?"
Britt felt Devon plant a gentle kiss on the back of his neck.
"I'd love to hold you. Go to sleep, Babe." Devon pulled Britt's body close to him.
Britt yawned and pushed closer. He wanted to feel Devon's hairy chest against his back. His last thought before falling asleep was that he was going to marry this wonderful man in five days.