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 Six
The following afternoon Larry and Bonnie were settled in Alice's childhood home. When she and Brian moved into their new home, the furniture Alice had grown up with had been put into storage. Earlier that morning Britt and Devon had helped Brian deliver the items back to their home. The last piece of furniture put in place, they eyed the living room with an appraising look.
Tears rolling down her cheeks, Bonnie Owens said, "You guys are so good to Larry and me. We will never be able to repay you for your kindness."
"Bonnie's right," Larry said. "We are very grateful to have such caring friends."
"You guys are our friends and friends help each other when they need it," Britt assured them both.
"I'm just glad we hadn't rented the house," Brian remarked.
"We'll be happy to pay whatever rent you ask," Larry assured him.
"Nonsense, we're not charging you a cent," Brian declared. "Alice and I are just happy we can provide you a place to stay. You can live here as long as you want."
The sound of a car horn blared from outside. Britt looked out the door. "It's Mom and Alice," he said. "Mom's motioning for us to come outside."
Not bothering to put coats on, five people hurried out into the cold weather. Alice opened the car door and stood on the driveway. "We need you men to help carry some things into the house."
Catherine punched a button from inside the car and the trunk lid opened slowly. She joined them and said, "Alice and I have been shopping."
Several boxes sat in the opened luggage compartment, and each man carried one into the house.
"What is all of this?" Bonnie asked as she picked up a lighter parcel.
"Things you will need for your home," Catherine informed her.
When the car had been emptied of its shopping items and placed on the dining room table, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, and linens, such as sheets and towels, appeared. There were also six plastic bags of groceries as well.
Bonnie pulled one of the chairs from the table out and sat down. Shaking her head she said, "You all have been so sweet. Larry and I will never be able to repay you for all of the kindness you've shown us."
Catherine gave the woman a hug and said, "The fact is, you're not going to do anything other than accept the love we're giving you."
"Catherine's right," Alice said. "We're doing this because we love you and know you would do the same for anyone of us."
When the table had been cleared and everything put away, Larry asked everyone to please take a seat around the dining table. "I want to tell you the reason for our trip to Oklahoma City yesterday.
"I received a telephone call from David Sands, my District Superintendent, asking me to come to his office yesterday. When I stepped inside Doctor Sand's office, I discovered the D.S. surrounded by the state board members. Everyone greeted me warmly at first, but when I told them I hadn't made a decision yet whether or not I would perform Britt and Devon's wedding, tension suddenly filled the room.
"Sands then told me that should I continue with my plans for the wedding I would be stripped of my Methodist license, therefore making it impossible to pastor a church anywhere."
"We can't let that happen," Britt spoke up. "Devon and I will not play any part in you losing your livelihood."
"That's absolutely right," Devon agreed.
Larry eyed each one sitting around the table and said, "As far as I am concerned, the choice not to marry you guys is not on the table."
"But you will lose your church, Larry," Britt reminded.
Larry smiled. "Perhaps," he said. "Then again, perhaps not. I feel that I have the final say in this matter, and my say is that I will happily marry the two of you."
"Larry's right," Bonnie spoke up. "He's doing the right thing by performing your ceremony, and I stand by him completely. After all, the state of Oklahoma has determined that it's legal for two men to marry."
Britt heard a sniffle and turned to see his mother wiping away a tear. He asked, "What's wrong, Mom?"
"Good friends are a treasure, and I feel very rich because of everyone around this table."
"We're family," Alice declared, "and family takes care of each other."
"That's right," Brian agreed. "I—. " He was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. "I need to get this," he said and left the table. When he returned, he said, "The fire marshal's report is in. Larry and Bonnie, it appears the fire was set intentionally, using gasoline soaked rags. You can notify your insurance company now and see what they say. However, from the way it looks, I feel pretty sure they will declare a total loss for you. I am so sorry."
"We have a total replacement policy," Larry said. "Other than the deductible, the house will be rebuilt at no extra cost to us."
"The sad part is there were so many things in the house that can't be replaced," Bonnie said with a catch in her voice.
Catherine looked at Brian and asked, "What happens now, Brian?"
"I'm going to search until I find out who did this," he answered. He turned to Larry and Bonnie and said, "You have my word, guys. I will not rest until I find the person or persons responsible for taking your home away from you."
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Britt was working on his book Saturday morning when he heard the doorbell ring. He left his office and was walking down the stairs when he saw Wallace open the door and greet Cory Manners, a detective from Little Rock, Arkansas. Britt had first met Cory when the detective had arrived in Porterville to investigate the murder of Jacob Crawley. Crawley had lived in Little Rock, Arkansas but was found dead just outside of Porterville. Britt had helped Cory solve the case, and as a result, the two had become friends.
Reaching the bottom of the steps, Britt greeted the man warmly, saying, "Cory Manners, what are you doing in this part of the world?" He shook the detective's hand.
"Hi, Britt," Cory said returning the gesture. "Brian telephoned his dad last evening and told him everything that's going on here in Porterville. Jerry called me, and after talking it over, we decided to drive out and see if we could be any help to you."
"We?"
"Yeah, Jerry came as well. We both were planning on attending your wedding, so we decided to come out early and help if we can. Jerry wanted to see Brian, so I dropped him off at the police station and came to see you." Cory Manners followed Britt into the living room.
Jerry Poteet was not only Brian's father, but he was a retired captain, having worked twenty years on the Little Rock police force. Jerry had been a big help in solving Jacob Crawley's murder, and as a result, he, too, had become friends with Britt and Devon.
"Is Brian working this morning? He usually doesn't go in on Saturdays."
"He's working today. Probably because of everything that has happened recently.
"So, tell me everything you know about the situation," Cory said taking one of the chairs next to the fireplace.
Britt fell in the chair on the other side of the fireplace and filled the detective in on everything that had taken place, starting with the book signing at the Porterville library. When he had finished, he sat back in his chair and waited for Cory to absorb everything.
"Damn, Britt," Cory finally said. "I am really sorry you and Devon are having to deal with this shit."
"Devon and I have tried to convince Larry to step back and let someone else marry us. We even told him we'd get married at City Hall, any place rather than the church, but he's determined to perform the ceremony."
"I remember Larry and his wife, Bonnie," Cory said. "Wonderful people they are. If I remember correctly, we had a deep discussion on religion one evening around your dinner table."
"They are the best, and they don't deserve to be put in the middle of this mess. A mess created by Devon and me publicly announcing our wedding plans." Britt ended with a sigh.
"Speaking of Devon, where is the man of your dreams?"
"He had some paperwork to take care of this morning. He will be home later," Britt explained.
"Brian tells me he's pretty sure their house is totaled."
"I think it is," Britt said with a nod. "Larry is supposed to contact his insurance company and set up a time for them to come out and inspect it."
"Because Brian and you guys were such a big help in solving the thirty year old murder of Grace Littlefield last summer, I have been authorized to work here as long as you need me."
"We'll be glad for your help," Britt assured the detective.
"I must admit, I'm puzzled as to how a man that's been dead for three years managed to break into your home and leave his prints behind."
"Which would be impossible, as we both know that ghosts do not exist. With your and Jerry's help, I'm sure we'll discover the truth eventually."
"I have no doubt about it. What really bothers me is that you and Devon have to deal with this crap. And Larry and Bonnie, they don't deserve any of this either."
Britt stood to his feet. "Let me go up to my office for a moment, and then we'll drive into town. I'm anxious to see Brian's dad and hear his thoughts on everything."
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
"Come in," Brian Poteet invited when he discovered Britt and Cory standing in the doorway of his office.
Jerry Poteet, Brian's dad, rose from the chair he had been sitting in and greeted the two new comers. Shaking Britt's hand, Jerry said, "It's really good to see you, Britt. Congratulations on your wedding. Sorry about all of the shit you guys are having to deal with."
"Thanks, Jerry, I appreciate that," Britt said as he and Cory took a seat on either side of the retired police officer.
"I've been discussing the case with Dad," Brian told them.
Britt turned and asked, "Jerry, what are your thoughts?"
"Well, my first thought is I would like to haul the bastard or bastards in for dropping this mess onto you and Devon. I'm really sorry, Britt. I must admit it puzzles me how a man who has been dead for three years was able to leave fingerprints in your home. However, if a dead man was able to enter your home, was he also able to set fire to the Owens' home?"
"I talked with Larry this morning," Brian spoke up from behind his desk. "I asked him if anyone in the Methodist headquarters in Oklahoma City might possibly know anything about the fire."
"What did he think?" Britt asked.
"He has no idea," Brian answered. "The man is still in shock from losing his home. I think it's taking everything he has just to keep functioning."
Jerry Poteet said, "I suggested to Brian that it might be a good idea if someone paid this David Sands a visit in Oklahoma City. Cory, how would you like taking a trip with me? Perhaps between the two of us, we might discover something."
Cory quickly agreed and asked him when he wanted to leave.
"I'm ready whenever you are," Jerry replied.
Brian picked up the telephone to make a call. "Let me call Larry and get a number where Sands can be reached."
Larry gave Brian the number of the Methodist District office but told the Chief that no one would be in the office until Monday morning. "I'll call this number first thing Monday."
As they were leaving, Britt said, "Brian, why don't you bring Alice and your dad to dinner this evening? It might be a good idea for us to get together and brain storm some things before Jerry and Cory go to the City. I'll invite Mom so that Alice will have someone to keep her company."
"Sounds like a plan," Brian said. "I'll give Alice a call right now so she won't have plans for our evening meal."
"And when I get to my car, I'll give Mom a call and then let Edna know that we have guests coming for dinner."
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Even though it had been short notice, Edna provided a delicious meal for Wallace to serve to Britt and Devon's dinner guests. The conversation during the meal had been kept general, with everyone having a good visit. Finally as Wallace took their dessert dishes away and poured fresh coffee did the talk turn to the latest mystery that had fallen on Porterville. Alice and Catherine listened as the discussion and brain storming began. By the time all of the guests were leaving, with the exception of Cory who was Britt and Devon's house guest, Brian was confident they had worked out a good plan for Cory and Jerry to take with them when they saw the District Superintendent.
Britt and Devon were in their bedroom getting ready for bed. It had been a busy day for them, and they were relieved it was over. Stripped of their clothes, both men crawled naked between the covers.
"What a day," Devon said and sighed.
"I've been stressed ever since the book signing," Britt declared.
"Not that I don't think you and Brian could handle it, but I'm glad that Jerry and Cory have offered to help," Devon remarked.
"I must say, when the doorbell rang this morning, I didn't expect to see Cory standing at our door. He and Jerry were a big help last summer, and I'm looking forward to working with them again."
"Only difference this time," Devon pointed out, "is that rather than both of them staying with us, we have Cory as our house guest. Jerry's staying with Brian and Alice."
Britt smiled and gave Devon a kiss. "Alright, while we're both thankful to have extra hands on deck, right now I want to feel your hairy cock inside my ass. Are you willing to help me out?"
Devon grinned and replied, "Hell, I'm more than willing." He raised the covers and said, "Look at my cock. Your words are causing him to grow."
Britt reached down with his hand and wrapped his fingers around Devon's thick dick. He stroked it to full capacity and said, "I think you're becoming more willing by the second."
Devon pulled his lover to him, one hairy chest to the other. A few moments later he pushed Britt on his back and crawled between the man's legs. With his cock heavily coated with lube, Devon slid inside Britt's hairy ass not stopping until he was balls deep and his thick brown pubes pressed tightly against Britt's flesh.
Britt moaned. "Fuck me, Babe. I need you to pound my ass."
Britt lay there enjoying each thrust Devon's cock made inside him. His body moved with excitement, enjoying being fucked. Devon had found the sensitive spot and began slamming it with his cockhead.
"Oh, God, yeah," Britt moaned. "Fuck my ass, Dev."
Britt felt the cock in his ass shudder, and he knew that Devon was getting ready to plant man cream inside him. "Yeah, Babe, give me your cum."
"Fuck!" Devon cried out. "Cumming," he said with a moan.
Britt made a fist around his dripping cock and began stroking himself. Having been fucked hard, it only took a few strokes until hot cum began erupting from his dick. A few seconds later Devon began spraying the walls of Britt's ass with his heavy load.
"Oh, God," they both said at the same time.
They enjoyed those precious moments that follow a strong orgasm, Britt remaining on his back and Devon remaining inside him. A few moments later, Britt rose up and kissed Devon. "I love you so much, Devon McKenzie."
Devon slowly withdrew his cock and lay on the bed next to Britt. They were silent for a time, and then Devon asked, "So, are you really okay with taking my name when we get married?"
A look of tenderness appeared on Britt's face, and he said, "I will be proud to carry your name. Britt Williams-McKenzie has a very nice ring to it."
Once things had progressed to focusing on wedding plans, they had discussed the last names and who would take which. After a lengthy discussion, it had been decided that Britt would add Devon's last name to his, but he would continue writing under the name Britt Williams.
Later, after a quick clean up, and they were crawling back in bed, Britt said, "Just ten more days. There's still time for you to back out."
Devon turned the lamp off on his side of the bed and wrapped an arm around Britt's stomach. "No chance in hell that will happen," he said pulling Britt close to him.
Britt snuggled next to him and said, "I am the luckiest man in the world. I love you, Dev."
"I love you, too. Britt Williams-McKenzie."
"I love the sound of that," was the last thought Britt had before falling to sleep.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Britt and Devon were up early Sunday morning. They knew that Larry planned on making an announcement in church about losing his home to a fire. Both men wanted to be there to show their support to their friend.
When they entered the sanctuary, they discovered Catherine talking with Kathy Applebee. Britt greeted his mother with a kiss on her cheek.
Catherine greeted them both warmly, and said, "I'm so glad that you guys are here. I feel so sorry for Larry and Bonnie. They need all the support we can give."
"We're here to support them," Devon hastened to assure her. He loved Catherine almost as much as Britt did.
"I think we had better take our seats," Britt said. Larry had stepped to the pulpit and was welcoming everyone to the service.
Britt and Devon followed Catherine and sat down in a pew. They joined Alice and Brian who were already sitting there.
The morning service was quite different than the usual one. Larry welcomed everyone and told them how glad he was for their presence.
"I apologize to you this morning, because I do not have a sermon prepared. My heart is heavy, and I want to explain the reason.
"I know that some of you may know this, but for you who might not have heard, I would like to share something with you this morning. Thursday afternoon while we were up in the City our home caught on fire. I appreciate everything that our wonderful fire department did to try and save it. However, they could not."
He told his congregation that God had solved his and Bonnie's problem by providing a place for them to live until their own house could be rebuilt. Half an hour later he dismissed the meeting with a prayer, and the sanctuary began to empty.
The group on Britt's pew waited until everyone had left before they made their way to the church entrance. Catherine was the first to reach the Owens.
"I hope that you both know that you can call on me anytime, day or night. I am here for you."
"We know you are, Catherine," Bonnie said and gave her a hug.
When Brian and Alice came to Larry, the Chief said, "I'm going to call your District Office first thing in the morning, Larry."
"There should be someone there by nine o'clock," Larry told him.
"Hopefully they can talk with your DS by tomorrow afternoon," Britt said.
"I have no idea what his schedule might be," Larry said. "I looked, and there's nothing on the District calendar, but that won't guarantee that David will be in the office tomorrow."
"Jerry and Cory will be the ones paying him a visit, Brian explained."
Alice asked about everyone's plans for the rest of the day.
"I think I want to spend a lazy afternoon with this guy here," Britt said giving Devon a smile.
"That sounds like an excellent idea," Alice said as she gave them each a hug.
"I'll give you a call after I speak with David Sands' office," Brian told Britt.
"I think I would love a quiet afternoon with you," Devon said taking a seat in the car.
"Me, too, Babe." Britt backed the car out into the street and drove them home.