Porterville

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

Porterville 22

"Britt, what do you have planned today?"

The question was asked by his mother. They were sitting at the breakfast table. Catherine had fixed breakfast, but neither one of them had much of an appetite.

Britt took a drink from his coffee cup before he answered. As he sat his cup down, he wondered about the day and what might be accomplished.

"At this point, Mom, I'm really not sure." He glanced at the clock on the wall above the kitchen sink. "I'm going to give Glenn a call sometime around nine, I think. Hopefully he will be in the office by then."

Catherine slowly shook her head. "Just what are you going to tell him?"

His mother's question was a valid one; Britt wasn't sure he knew the answer. He took another sip of his coffee.

"Whatever I say, it's going to be hard to explain over the telephone."

Catherine agreed with her son. "I suppose it would be too expensive to ask him to drive down from the City."

"I've thought about that myself. I don't really think expense would be a problem as much as Glenn having a couple of days free to make the trip."

Catherine refilled both their cups. "Seems to me that would be the way to go," she said and returned to her seat.

Leave it to his mother to come up with the perfect solution. Britt stood to his feet. "Mom, I believe you're right."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to try and catch Devon before he goes to the bank."

Britt hurried to his room in search of his cell phone. He found it on the dresser. Picking it up, he punched in Devon's number. When the man answered, he asked what he thought about the possibility of Glenn Redding coming to town for a couple of days.

Devon asked, "Do you think he would come?"

"If you're willing to pay for his trip, and if his schedule will permit him to, I think he will. I've done business with the man for several years. Are you okay with me giving him a call?"

Devon gave his permission and added, "Tell him expense is not a problem. If that will help him decide whether or not to come," he added.

"Will do," Britt answered. "Let me know what you find out at the bank."

"I'll give you a call later," he told Britt.

Britt ended his call and returned to his mother's kitchen carrying a note pad and pen with him. There was enough time before he made his call to jot some things down. He thought it best if he organized his thoughts before he talked with Glenn Redding.

After the hands on Catherine's kitchen clock pointed to nine o'clock, Britt waited another fifteen minutes before making the call to his lawyer's office. When he did, Glenn's secretary told him her boss was in court.

"If you will leave your number, he'll return your call, Britt. He should be back in the office by two o'clock; maybe a little sooner."

Britt was disappointed, yet he hadn't expected to reach Glenn on the first try. The man kept a busy schedule.

He told the secretary to have Glenn give him a call on his cell and ended his call.

Catherine saw the look on her son's face. "I know you're disappointed, Britt," she said. "Try and look at it this way; you'll have time to get with Devon and work together on the questions you might want to ask your lawyer."

"You're right, of course. I was just anxious to get the ball rolling here."

"I'm afraid it's going to be a really big ball by the time everything is in place," she remarked. She stood to her feet. "It's time I get around. My job's calling me."

Britt had no idea his mother was planning on going into the Center. He suggested she might take a day off and rest. He realized at once that he had said the wrong thing.

"I think I know when I feel like working and when I don't."

"I believe the word you like to use is `capable'. Correct?"

"I am that as well. I'm going to get dressed."

Britt watched her leave the room. His mother had always been a strong person, and when his father had died, she seemed to become even stronger. The word "capable" echoed in his mind, and a smile appeared on his face.

She was definitely "capable" he decided as he went to get dressed and set his day into motion.

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Britt's first intention upon leaving his mother's house was to drop by the Tribune office and check in with Sam and Alice; mainly Alice. However, the more he thought about it, Britt decided he didn't want to be confronted by Alice just yet. He felt bad because he had more or less promised her that he would have some information when he returned her car the evening before. When he admitted to not having anything new to report, he felt guilty. The disappointment on her face almost made him voice his suspicions; still, in the end he had kept quiet, and he and Devon left a short time later.

Long after Catherine had left for the Center Britt remained at the kitchen table. He had jotted down two pages of notes that he thought his lawyer would be interested in knowing.

His cell phone rang on the table beside him. He saw the call was from Devon.

"Hey," he greeted.

Devon spoke in his ear saying, "Everything is taken care of."

"Glad to hear it. Glenn was in court this morning, but his secretary is going to give him my message. I'm expecting a call back sometime this afternoon."

"Britt, on the way to the bank this morning I thought of something. If I made a lot of big changes, I'm pretty sure my mother's snitch would fill her in."

Britt agreed and asked, "So what did you end up doing?"

"I signed a new signature card on my personal accounts. Both my parents have been on my accounts since day one. Dad was still listed. I just told the bank I wanted to update the file, and they agreed it was a good idea. They did ask if I wanted to retain my mother. I explained that for the time I wanted to be the only person on the account. Of course they strongly recommended that another person be listed. They said it was just a safe thing all the way around in case something ever happened to me."

"Still, it wouldn't surprise me if she gets wind of your changes. Your mother, I mean."

"Another reason why I was reluctant to transfer any funds from her accounts," Devon explained. "There should be more than enough money to see us through this mess. I have no doubt she would be contacted should I draw funds out from her."

Britt was in full agreement with the man. In fact he felt sure Devon would hear from his mother concerning the change he had just made. It seemed that everyone in Porterville reported in one way or another to Elaine McKenzie.

Devon asked what his plans were for the rest of the morning. "Do you want to meet for lunch?"

"Are you going to work now?"

Devon told him he really needed to, but that he should be able to meet him around one o'clock. "When do you expect to hear from your lawyer?"

"Sometime between one and two this afternoon," Britt answered. "That won't be a problem because he's going to give me a call on my cell. I have two pages of notes containing facts, suspicions, as well several questions, to run by him."

Devon said, "Perhaps we should be in a more private place when he calls. Is your mother home or down at her Center?"

Britt told him Catherine had returned to work at the Center that morning."

"Tell you what; I'll pick something up and bring it to you for lunch."

Britt thought that was a good idea and ended his call.

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Devon picked up tacos for lunch and joined Britt. The two had just finished their meal when Britt's cell phone rang.

"It's Glenn," he said picking it up. He greeted the lawyer by name.

"Hey, Glenn thanks for returning my call."

"Cathy said you had called. What's going on with you?"

Britt took a deep breath and began explaining the reason for his call. He mentioned everything in the briefest way possible and then said, "So Glenn, I realize I've dropped a lot of shit on you. I guess what I'm really asking is this: Depending on your work schedule could you possibility come to Porterville for two or three days? We'll take care of all your expenses, as well as pay for your time. It's just way too much to discuss at one time over the telephone, Glenn."

"I couldn't agree with you more, Britt. About discussing this over the phone, I mean. Let me check my calendar. Give me a sec, okay?"

While Britt waited, he turned to Devon and said, "He's willing to come, I'm pretty sure. He's checking his calendar now."

"Britt?"

"I'm here."

"I have a meeting in the morning at nine o'clock. It should only last about an hour. I could be on the road around eleven or so. Remind me again; how long does it take from the City?"

"No more than a couple of hours."

"Good, that should give us enough time to work a few things out. That will take care of Wednesday afternoon pretty much. I'm thinking we can get most of this taken care of by Friday. We can at least try," he added.

"Just give us a call when you hit town. Porterville's not any size at all. You won't have any trouble following our directions."

"Britt, I need you to do one thing for me. Devon McKenzie and the lady need to have a DNA test run. I'm not certain how long it will take to have the results back where you are, but here in the City, it takes between two and three business days."

"How do we go about doing that? Do we have to involve a doctor or obtain a court order?"

"Well, if both this lady and your friend are agreeable to the test, there won't be any reason for a court order."

"Okay, Glenn, thanks. We'll do our best to have this done before you arrive."

Britt ended his call and asked, "So, Devon, tell me, do you have any friends working in the hospital? It's either that or make an appointment to see a doctor here in town and ask him to run the test on you and Alice."

"I know doctors, but I'm pretty sure they all have an alliance with my mother."

"What about the doctor that saw my mother in the Emergency room? I think his name was Wilcox. Do you know him?"

Devon shook his head.

"That's good, because if you don't, there's a good chance you mother doesn't either."

Britt made a call to the Porterville hospital and inquired how he might reach Martin Wilcox. The operator told him she would patch him through to Dr. Wilcox's office.

While he was being transferred, Britt turned to Devon and said, "Damn, this is going to be easier than I thought."

Or so he thought. He was greeted by Martin Wilcox's recorded message that said, "You've reached the office of Dr. Martin Wilcox. I am unable to take your call at this time. Please leave your name and number and a brief message concerning the nature of your call."

Britt waited for the "beep" and then left his name and the telephone number where he could be reached.

Devon asked, "Now what?"

"While we're waiting on Wilcox to return my call, we might start thinking about what we're going to say to Alice. Giving her a call and saying, "Hey, Alice, we need a test from you because you and Devon McKenzie might be related, would be a very bad idea."

"I guess not when you put it that way," Devon agreed.

"Sorry, Babe, but at the moment I don't know any other way." Britt gave him a smile and added, "Let's just wait and see if Wilcox can help us."

Devon shook his head. "Why the hell would he? There's no way for us to involve him and it still be ethical."

Britt's cell rang, causing both men to jump. He reached for it and greeted Martin Wilcox.

"Mr. Williams, I received your message. Is your mother still having problems?"

Britt assured the doctor everything was all right with his mother, adding she had returned to her volunteer work at the local Center that morning. He then asked Wilcox if he could make an appointment to see him.

The doctor said, "Is this a health issue?" Then he added, "I don't usually see private patients."

Britt explained that he needed some information and would like to make an appointment with him concerning some medical questions he had.

Martin Wilcox repeated once more that he didn't see patients privately, but he would be glad to meet with Britt.

"Would you have any time this afternoon?" Britt asked.

"I'm off duty at six o'clock."

When Britt asked him if there was a place where they could meet privately, the doctor said, "I share an office with another doctor, but he won't be on duty. I can meet you there." He gave Britt directions to his office inside the hospital.

"He's crazy if he helps us," Devon pointed out.

"True; let's just hope he likes living on the wild side."

Devon looked at his watch and said, "I want to go with you to see him, Britt. In the mean time, I need to head back to the office."

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At six o'clock on the dot, Britt and Devon stepped inside Martin Wilcox's office. The doctor greeted Britt and then took in Devon with an added glance. Britt introduced him to Devon.

"I thought I recognized you yesterday when you were here with Mr. Williams." He invited them to have a seat and then asked what he could do for them.

Britt began his story using his notes for back up, making sure he left nothing out. Some time later he ended by saying, "So there you have it. I've tried to keep it as short as possible and to the point in order to try and keep you from becoming confused."

Martin rested both of his hands on his elbows and pressed a finger against his lips. "I appreciate that, Mr. Williams, but I'm afraid I am a bit confused. What I've heard from you sounds more like a legal matter, not medical. At least from my stand point," he added.

"Is there any way you could help us with a DNA test, Dr. Wilcox?"

"Have you discussed this with the lady? Have you asked her for a test?"

Britt shook his head. "We were hoping to be able to find something out without having to involve Alice just yet. Should the test be negative, then there would be no reason to say anything to her."

The doctor shook his head. "While that seems to make sense, it will never fly. There is just no way without her consent. Unless, of course, you ask for a court order," he said. "And even then, you would have to have a damned good reason."

"It looks like she's going to win yet another time," Devon groaned.

Wilcox leaned back in chair. "She?" he asked, a puzzling look appearing on his face.

"Elaine McKenzie," Britt answered.

"What does she have to do with this matter?" the doctor asked.

Britt looked at Devon. When he had given the facts to the doctor, he had not mentioned any names, only referring to "people" being the players in the situation.

"Devon, we have to confide in the doctor here, or I'm sure he's not going to be willing to help us."

"Remember, I've already told you there is nothing I can do."

Devon sat up in his chair and the words that came out of his mouth were full of bitterness.

"Like everyone else in this town, I'm sure my mother has control here in the hospital. I'm sure she donates enough money to keep everyone quiet."

"Please, Devon," Britt said.

Now it was Martin Wilcox's turn to spew out the bitter words. "Elaine McKenzie does not control me in any way. Truthfully, Mr. McKenzie, I have little use for your mother, along with any of the McKenzie money she might bestow on the hospital. Make no mistake there," he added through tight lips.

A grin suddenly appeared on Devon's face. "I couldn't agree with you more concerning my mother. Please call me `Devon'."

From behind his desk, Martin Wilcox studied the two men in front of him. He seemed to be running something across his mind, and for a full moment he remained silent. Then he turned and spoke to Devon.

"How do you feel about Ronald James, Devon?"

"Ronald James?"

"He used to work at the bank," the doctor reminded.

"I am well aware of his work history," Devon replied. "I repeat, what does Ronald James have to do with any of this?"

"If I'm correct, he lost his job because of you. Is that right?"

"If you want to help us, we'll appreciate it very much. However, I don't feel I should discuss Ronald James with you."

"I understand that you have offered him a job with your company?"

Devon nodded. "That's public knowledge, and yes, it's true."

"Why do I feel that Devon is being put on the defense here? What concern is it of yours where Ronald James is concerned?"

"Because he's my partner, and I love him." Martin Wilcox spoke the words very softly.

Both Britt and Devon had a look of shock on their face.

Britt said, "Didn't Ron tell you he didn't have anyone special in his life?"

At Devon's nod, Wilcox said, "That was his idea. He didn't know how well the news would be accepted around the hospital. He didn't want any trouble for me."

Martin Wilcox gave Devon a warm smile. "I'm sorry if it sounded like I was trying to grill you. I really wasn't. In fact, I'm grateful that you offered Ron the job."

"Ron is very good at what he does. No one can doubt that. He didn't deserve what my mother did to him. I was more than willing to make things right, if he was agreeable to my idea."

Britt sat up in his chair. "So, Dr. Wilcox, is there any way you can help us? Perhaps show us a direction to take?"

"For starters, drop the `Doctor' crap and call me Martin."

Britt smiled. "Martin, is there something we can do about this situation?"

"Let's start with the names of these people," Martin suggested.

Britt gave him Alice's name.

"Alice Cooper, huh?" He opened a screen on his desktop and typed something in. The computer made the usual "computer sounds" as it went searching for something. Finally it beeped and Martin looked closely at the screen.

"Was her mother Margaret Cooper?"

Britt gave a nod and remained quiet. Together he and Devon sat on the edge of their seats while the young doctor read the information on the screen before him.

After what seemed an eternity, Martin Wilcox turned away from his computer and gave the two men before him a smile. "Fellows, we may have had a bit of good luck here. It seems that when Margaret Cooper expired her body was sent to OMR in Oklahoma City."

Devon asked, "What is OMR?"

"Oklahoma Medical Research," Britt supplied.

"Well, actually it's known as OMRF: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation," Martin corrected.

"Which is?" Devon asked.

"Margaret's body was sent there after she died. Basically they take everything apart and dissect it," Britt answered.

"That sounds gross," Devon said with a shudder.

"Well, yes, it does when you hear Britt's explanation," Martin agreed. "The information given in Mrs. Cooper's chart describes a loss of memory diagnosis, and says they were to take a close look at her brain, but in general, they were to check the woman out head to toe."

"So, is it possible that you can take DNA from Devon and see if it matches any of the tissue that's on file in the City?"

Martin shook his head. "I'm not certain that would be allowed. Had I been the woman's medical doctor, I might be able to get the information you need. I'm still not certain you won't have to obtain a court order. Not on this end," he said. "I can run the test on Devon."

"That may have to be the route we take," Britt said. "After all, Martin, we sure as hell don't want to cause you any trouble."

Martin Wilcox turned his attention back to the screen on his desktop. It was plain to see the emotion he was experiencing ran deep. They realized that he wanted to do the right thing.

His cell phone was in front of him and he picked it up. "Hang on a minute," he said as he punched in a number.

Britt and Devon sat there listening, hardly daring to breathe. They heard the young doctor speak to someone he referred to as "Bob". They heard him explain to "Bob" some of the details and promise "complete confidentially" should "Bob" be willing to lend them a hand.

A short time later Wilcox ended his telephone conversation, and he stood to his feet. "You two stay here, and I'll bring back the testing supplies."

Britt's face took on a sober look and he said, "Look, Martin, we know you've really stepped out on a limb here and we're grateful that you have. You have our word. This will never be mentioned, and should it have to surface, you, as well as your friend in the City will never be mentioned."

After the doctor had left the two of them alone, Devon asked, "Does your lawyer still need to come? Shouldn't he wait until the tests are in to have him make the trip?"

Britt thought it over before he said, "You could be right, but I think we'll have him come down anyway. It was his suggestion that we try and have this test done before he arrived in town."

Martin Wilcox returned with the things he needed to test Devon, and he began the simple procedure. When he was finished, he said, "I'll get this off first thing tomorrow. We could know something by late Friday. If not then, for sure by Monday," he added.

Britt and Devon left the doctor's office and were walking out of the building when Devon's cell phone rang.

"Damn, it's my mother," he groaned.