Porterville

This story contains graphic sexual scenes between males. If material of this nature offends you then you should not read this story. Additionally, if you are under 18 years of age in most states you are not allowed to read this story by law.

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

CHAPTER SIX

Sam Taylor was visibly shaken and fell into the only other chair in the room, one covered with dust. His hands shook as he tried to speak. He said, "Alice was concerned and went home to check on her mother. I'm not sure what happened. Didn't you say she was perfectly all right yesterday when you saw her?"

Finding it hard to believe that Margaret Cooper was dead, Britt nodded, and said, "She was fine. A little confused, but otherwise, she seemed very healthy." He closed the computer down and stood to his feet. He said, "I'm going over there, Sam."

Sam also stood up. "You do that. Go and see if Alice needs any help. I don't think she has any other family to her name. Her mother was all she had."

Britt hurried out to his car and drove as quickly as possible to the Cooper home. He pulled into the driveway and hurried up the steps. He didn't even ring the bell today, but rather, he opened the door and ran inside. He discovered Alice sitting on the same couch he had shared with her mother only the day before. A lady was beside her, trying to console Alice.

Britt was the first to speak. "Alice, what happened?" He put his arms around her.

Alice gave him a hug and thanked him for dropping by. "I couldn't find her. I looked all through the house, but she was no where. Then I noticed the kitchen door was not shut all the way, and I walked out onto the deck. I thought she must be out there, because sometimes of a morning before it gets too warm she enjoys sitting outside drinking her tea. I saw her at the bottom of the steps face down. She must have fallen and hit a rock with her head."

"Is she..." Britt couldn't finish.

The woman beside Alice said, "They've taken her away already. Not more than five minutes ago."

Alice introduced her neighbor. "Britt, this is Laura Thomas, our neighbor."

"Hello, Mrs. Thomas. I'm glad you are here with Alice."

"Britt Williams, I know your mother very well. In fact, she is one of my quilting buddies down at the center. She told me you were in town for a while. She is very glad to have you home for the summer."

"I'm glad to be here," Britt answered. He looked at Alice and asked, "Is it all right if I walk out to your deck? I'd like to take a look."

Alice nodded, and he walked through the tiny dining room and made his way across the floor of an even smaller kitchen. He quickly found himself on a deck that was actually very nice, and quite elaborate for a house the size of the Coopers. He walked over and looked down the stairs. There were five steps in all counting the top of the deck. At the bottom he saw a flat round rock covered with what he assumed was Margaret Cooper's blood.

Britt made his way slowly down the steps, and stopped. He bent over to take a closer look at the rock. Suddenly he knew for certain that it was Margaret's blood he was looking at, and the thought of it made him absolutely nauseated.

He stood to his feet and allowed his eyes to take in the stairs once more. He wondered what had caused the woman to lose her balance and fall down the steps. He thought back to yesterday, and he couldn't remember her having any trouble walking or moving around. She had seemed very steady on her feet and quite capable of moving around on her own. He looked up toward the deck. It wouldn't be a great fall for most people he thought, but the woman's age probably had been against her. Her head must have landed directly on the rock from the looks of the blood.

As Britt was looking up toward the deck, something shinny caught his attention. He reached underneath the steps, his fingers moving blindly until they grasped hold of a pointed object. He carefully brought his hand out and opened his fingers. Could it be a diamond, he wondered? It looked like it belonged in a setting, but he wasn't sure.

He went inside the house and rejoined Alice and her neighbor. Holding out his hand, Britt asked, "Alice, had either you or your mother lost a diamond stone that you were aware of?"

Alice looked at his opened palm. Shaking her head, she said, "I've never seen it before. It's not mine or Mothers. In fact, the only diamond Mother ever owned was the single solitaire in her wedding ring. It was on her finger." "And this couldn't be hers? Perhaps she lost it when she fell." Again, Alice shook her head. "When Dad bought Mom her ring, he couldn't have afforded anything this size. She still wore the small original he had given her not long after they were married."

"I see," Britt said quietly. "Alice, would you mind if I hung onto this for the time being? I would like to try and discover who it belongs to."

"It's all right with me," she answered.

Britt wasn't sure what his next move should be. He thought about the funeral arrangements and wondered if Alice needed any help making them. He voiced his concern.

"Everything's been taken care of," Alice assured him. "Mother made arrangements years ago. In fact, not too long after we lost Daddy."

When Britt seemed unsure of what to do next, she said, "Thank you, Britt, for coming over. I know you have things to do, so please, don't feel you have to stay here on my account. I will be fine."

"I'll stay with her, Mr. Williams," Laura Thomas said. "I live alone, so it will be no problem."

"Britt, do me a favor, will you? Drop by the office and tell Sam I am all right, but that I will need a few days off. And also tell him I'll let him know when the service is. I know he will want to put it in the paper."

"I'll do that, Alice, and I will be back and check on you later this evening."

"That's not necessary. I'll be all right. Especially with Laura here," she ended.

"Just the same, I'll be back to check on you. I'm not sure what time, but I will be back."

Once Britt was inside his car, he picked up his cell phone and called his mother. He wanted, rather needed, to hear her voice. When she answered, he said, "Hi, Mom. God, it's so good hearing your voice. Are you all right?"

"Britt Williams, why shouldn't I be? Sometimes you worry over me way too much, I think."

"Mom, something happened earlier today. Margaret Cooper had an accident. She's dead."

"What?" Catherine Williams wondered if her ears were deceiving her. "What happened?" she asked.

"I'm not really sure. It looks as if she fell over her deck, down five or so stairs, and hit her head on a rock. I'm just leaving the Cooper home now."

"Is Alice alone?"

"No, a neighbor is with her. I believe you know her. Laura Thomas?"

"Oh, thank God! I had forgotten she lived next door to the Coopers. Britt, when are you coming home?"

"I'm not certain." He looked at his watch. It wasn't even two o'clock yet. "I may grab a sandwich from Ralph and stop back by the newspaper office. Alice asked if I would drop by and talk to Sam."

"I'm going to whip a couple of things together and run them by Alice's," she told her son. "I have everything ready to pop into the oven for our meal this evening with Devon, so that is out of the way. Tom and Margaret Cooper have been wonderful people over the years, and I feel I need to stop by and see Alice."

"You do that, Mom, and if you need to reschedule our dinner this evening, that's all right as well. In fact, I could give Devon a call and we could go look at his new place first and eat afterward."

"No need to do that," she assured him. "We'll keep everything as planned. It's not quite two now, so there is still plenty of time."

"Thanks, Mom. I'm sure Alice will appreciate you dropping by."

Telling his mother goodbye, Britt backed out of the Cooper drive and headed for down town. He ran into the coffee shop and ordered a sandwich from Ralph. He paid for his food, spoke only briefly to the store owner, and then headed for the Beacon.

He opened the door and stepped inside. "Sam?"

The newspaper publisher stuck his head out into the office. "What did you find out, Britt?"

Britt took a seat behind the desk normally occupied by Alice Cooper. "Evidently Margaret must have been out on the deck. It looks as if she lost her balance and fell down some steps. Alice found her at the bottom where she had landed on a rock. I think she would have survived the fall, had it not been for that rock."

Sam shook his head. "That doesn't make much sense at all. Margaret was getting on in years, and yeah, she got a little confused at times, but hell, we all do that now and then. However, she was as steady on her feet as the rock of Gibraltar. I never saw her unsteady or wavering in any way."

"I have been trying to remember my visit with her yesterday. I couldn't remember her being unsteady either. She did quite a bit of walking around the room, too, as we talked."

"Just makes no sense at all," Sam repeated.

Britt thought of the diamond he had found underneath the steps of the Cooper deck. He pulled it out of his pocket. "Have you ever seen this before, Sam?"

The man took the object from Britt. "What's this?" he asked.

"I'm no expert, but I think it's a diamond," Britt answered. "And if I'm not mistaken, I think it's a fairly expensive one, judging by its size."

"I'm like you, I don't know much about those things. You might take it by George Carson's place. That's his line of work, and it's possible he might recognize it; he might be able to tell you who the owner is."

"I'll do that," Britt decided.

He removed his sandwich from the bag, and taking a bite, he suddenly remembered Alice Cooper's request. "Sam, Alice sent me down here to tell you she would need a few days off. She also said she would send you the information concerning the arrangements when she had a date and time. I feel sure the service will be held in my mother's church."

"Good; just let me know, Britt, if I can do anything."

Britt finished his lunch sitting at Alice Cooper's desk. He even answered the phone for Sam as he sat there. For whatever reason, he couldn't work up the energy to do any more work that day. He felt drained, and at the back of his brain a tiny thought was beginning to tap its way through. He wondered if his visit yesterday had anything to do with Margaret Cooper's death. Had it been possible that he had upset her so much that she was disoriented and that caused her to fall down the steps? If that were so, he could never forgive himself. All the books in the world wouldn't be worth the guilt that would cause him.

An hour or so later, his lunch over, as well as receiving several telephone calls, some even concerning a rumor going around that Margaret Cooper had had an accident, Britt left the newspaper office. He felt he needed to get away.

When he arrived at his mother's house, he discovered she wasn't home. The house was quiet as he made his way down the hall to his room. He lay down on the bed, intending to organize his thoughts and perhaps getting a little rest before their guest arrived for dinner. Sleep took him by surprise, and the next thing he knew, his mother was at the door calling his name.

"Britt, are you okay?"

He came to with a start. "I'm fine, Mom. I just dosed off. I'll take my shower and help you with dinner."

"Everything's taken care of. Just enjoy your shower and come out when you're ready finished."

Britt opened the bedroom door. "How was Alice?" he asked.

"Surprisingly enough, she's doing well. I'm not sure it has sunk in yet. Laura is going to stay the night with her."

"That's good. I understand they have no other family at all, that it was just the two of them, and had been ever since Tom had passed away."

"I think Alice has a couple of aunts, but other than that, their family is gone."

"I only hope I wasn't the cause of Margaret's death," Britt sighed.

"How could you be responsible?" his mother asked. "It was an accident."

"I know what it looks like, and perhaps it was; however, I worry that my visit with her yesterday might have contributed to her death."

"Nonsense!" Catherine exclaimed. "Margaret has had problems for quite some time now."

"She wasn't confused at all my first visit, and on the second visit, the only thing she was mixed up about was thinking I was Dad."

"Alice has said before, and just this afternoon she told me again her mother's mind came and went. Who knows, we may never know what happened. What I do know, however, is that you are in no way connected with the accident."

Britt had his own thoughts on the matter, but he decided to keep them to himself. Something told him Margaret's accident was just the tip of the ice berg. He changed the subject and said, "Let me take my shower and clean up, and I'll be out to join you."

Under the spray of needles, Britt let his thoughts roam as the hot water splashed hard against his body, forcing his muscles to relax and lose all the tension that had accumulated during the afternoon. The harder he tried to convince himself Margaret's death had been an accident, the less he believed it had been. He thought of the diamond he had found under the deck. He was fairly certain it was genuine. And he definitely felt it belonged to someone with a much higher life style than Margaret and Alice put together.

The harder he tried to think it out, the more confused he became. He decided to put it out of his mind, at least for the time being. He rinsed off, shut the water off and reached for a towel.

Britt wrapped it around his body and made his way down the hall, returning to his room. Later, dressed, his hair brushed, and a little cologne splashed on, he joined his mother in the kitchen.

She turned as he entered the room. "Feel better?" she asked.

He nodded and said, "Much better. It's amazing how much better a hot shower can make you feel."

"I agree. Here, this will help as well." She handed him a glass of wine.

"Mom, are you trying to turn me into a wino?" he teased.

"I'm sure the little bit of wine I've served you here is going to do that," she laughed. "I shudder to think what all and how much you consume when you're in the city."

"I do drink now and then," he admitted. "Mostly, however, I like to keep my head clear. It sort of helps to have a clear mind when I'm writing."

"You are a good writer," she praised. "I always enjoy your books. Makes me proud as I read your stories, knowing you, my son, Britt Williams, created the plot I'm reading and formed the words that are printed on the pages before me."

"Mom, when I hear you talk like this, I think I certainly know where my writing skill came from. You have a wonderful way with words yourself."

She pushed his praise aside. "I doubt that," she laughed.

Devon arrived on time, just as Catherine Williams declared her meal to be ready. She put the finishing touches on the table as Britt was greeted him at the door.

"Hey," Britt said with a smile. "Come in." He closed the door and held his arms out. "I've missed you today."

Devon went to him willingly, almost eagerly, and whispered, "I've missed you like hell." He gave Britt a hug, and then pulled back. "I'm so sorry you've had such a bummer of an afternoon. I didn't realize, however, that you were close to the Coopers."

"I'm not really," Britt answered. "It's just that since I've been back in town and working at the newspaper office so much, I've come to know Alice. I knew of them when I was growing up, but never had a lot to do with the family. Alice was quite a bit younger than me, so we never ran in the same crowd."

"Like me," Devon grinned. "I was too young for you back in those days."

"Had I only known," Britt smiled. He guided Devon out into the kitchen, "Come make yourself known to Mom. She's been in her realm this afternoon as she cooked for you."

They passed through the dining room where the table was set for three, and walked out into the kitchen. As they came into the room, Catherine walked over and greeted their guest with a smile. She reached for Devon's hand and said, "We're so glad you could join us for dinner this evening, Devon."

Devon McKenzie smiled warmly at the little woman before him. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Williams. I appreciate getting a home cooked meal, and I know that you are a wonderful cook."

"You're embarrassing me," she said. Her laugh let him know she wasn't embarrassed at all, but was quite pleased with his compliment. She told Britt to pour the wine, and for them to go into the dining room and find a seat. "Everything is ready."

Catherine had prepared a delicious meal, and everyone at the table praised her cooking talent. An hour later, the meal was over, and even though she protested, both men helped clear the table and return the kitchen back to his normal state of being.

Afterward, they sat for a few moments in the living room talking. Not much was said about Margaret Cooper's accident, for which Britt was grateful. There was so much about her death that puzzled him, and he was thankful the subject hadn't come up.

As they were leaving for Devon's new home, Catherine thanked her guest for coming, and let him know he was welcomed anytime in her home.

"I appreciate that, Mrs. Williams," he said. At the door he gave her a hug and thanked her again. "Your meal was simply wonderful," he praised.

As Britt road along in Devon's car, he said, "Boy, you certainly have my mother eating out of your hand. She was purring like a kitten when we left."

"I like your mother," Devon said. "She's everything a mother should be and exactly how I wish mine was."

"She is a great lady," Britt agreed. He was silent for a moment. Then he said, "You know why she likes you so much, don't you?"

Devon took his eyes off the road for a second and looked across the seat at Britt. "Why is that? Is it more than just my simply wonderful, warm and caring self?" He grinned and placed his hand on Britt's leg.

"If you must know, the reason she likes you so much is because she knows how happy you make me."

"She does? You sure about that?"

Britt nodded. "Yep, I am. In fact, she and I had a talk a day or so ago about you."

"You're serious, aren't you?"

"Very serious, Devon. She told me that for a long time she thought perhaps you and I had more in common than most people would think."

"She's a smart woman, your mother," Devon pointed out.

Porterville not being too terribly big, Devon soon pulled up before a closed gate. He reached out and punched in a code on the box beside his car window. A heavy metal gate swung open, allowing him access to an otherwise gated community. He drove another block or two, and turning a corner, he pulled underneath a covered parking area.

They got out of his car and Britt followed him inside a very exquisite looking lobby. As they walked for the elevator, Britt couldn't help but remember the words Elaine McKenzie had said to her son. "Devon, there is absolutely nothing in Porterville that is available and acceptable for you to live in." As Britt looked around, he couldn't think of any better place to hang his hat if one could afford it.

A short time later Devon unlocked a door, and swinging it back, he said, "Welcome to my home."

Britt followed him inside and took in the sight around him. "Devon, this is absolutely gorgeous," he said. "I love it."

"Thank you, kind sir. I have to agree with you, and I think I will be quite comfortable here. Speaking of which, you need to remember these numbers: 1931."

"What do they mean?"

"That's the code to get inside the gate, and I plan on you using it quite often."

"Do you, now?" Britt laughed. "Who knows, I just might just take you up on your offer."

"You'd better. Now, let me show you the rest of the place."

By the time they had finished touring Devon's new home, Britt was very impressed. There was, of course, a huge living room, with a fireplace, and lots of windows overlooking a very well kept lawn. There was a big arched doorway at one end of the living room that led into a "formal" dining room. Britt couldn't help but smile when he saw it. He wondered how much entertaining Devon would be doing. To the other side of the dining room was a narrow door. Devon swung it back, and a nice decent size kitchen met their eyes. A "breakfast" nook was at the far end of the room. There was another small door to the side, and when Devon opened it, the laundry room greeted them.

Next Devon led him back though the dining room and down a long hallway. On one side was a bath, and across from it, a guest room. Devon told him it would most likely house his office. "I really need one here, even though I have one at the plant."

At the end of the hall was another closed door. When Devon opened it, Britt saw the large "master bedroom". Out of this world, was the only way he could describe the room. On one side was a giant walk in closet, and next to it was the "master bath". It was much larger than the one off the hall.

"Wow, look at that tub," Britt grinned. He pointed to the big sunken tub in the middle of the room.

"Yeah, water jets and all," Devon said. "You will have to come over and try it out real soon."

"You can count on it."

They went into each other's arms, and neither one spoke for a time. No words were needed to express their feelings. Finally Britt pulled back. "I'm so happy for you, Dev. I'm glad you are finally getting your own life. I am sorry it has upset your parents the way it has, but at the same time, I'm really glad for you."

"For us," Devon corrected. "Don't you see it will afford us the chance to spend more time together?"

"I know, and I'm sure your mother will be so thrilled."

"Yeah, well, she's just going to have to get a grip and accept the fact things are going to be the way they are."

"Maybe she will," Britt agreed. He didn't want Devon to get down, so thought it best to lighten things up a bit, perhaps even change the subject. He asked, "I'm going to call it quits at noon tomorrow. If I get an early start in the morning, I will be finished and ready to help you unpack."

"Good. The movers are going to be there at noon to load the moving van. They should be here around two or a little after."

"I think I will meet you here if that's all right with you. I don't think your mother would appreciate me showing up at her home."

"Not that I care, but to save you from being dumped on, that would probably be best. I have everything packed that I intend to bring over here. She's not too happy about it, but I'm bringing most of the furniture that has been in my living quarters."

"Guess you could have started with all new things," Britt teased.

"I could have, but I like the things I have."

"Hey, that's good enough for me."

"I'm glad I have your approval," Devon teased.

"Oh, I approve of you in every way possible, Devon McKenzie. You can count on that."

They walked through the apartment one last time before Devon took Britt home. He pulled in the drive, and Britt invited him inside.

"I would love to," Devon answered, "but I think we both have a big day tomorrow, and perhaps I should head home for tonight. Besides, I still have a couple of things to take care of."

"I thought you were finished," Britt reminded.

"For the most part, I am. "I have maybe half an hour tops of packing left to do. That's all," he finished.

"Good, I'll see you tomorrow. When I wind things down, I'll give you a call just to touch base with you, and see where you are. Night, Dev." Britt reached over and gave the man a kiss. "See you in the morning."

He stepped back from the car and watched as Devon backed out of the drive. He stood there until the tail lights had disappeared from sight. Then he turned and walked inside the house.

As he closed and locked the door behind him Britt heard his mother's voice call from the living room. "Britt?"

"Who else are you expecting?" he answered.

"I thought maybe you'd be much later," Catherine remarked.

Britt shook his head and said, "Hadn't planned on a late evening, Mom. I need to hit the road early in the morning. I want to take off at noon and help Devon with his moving."

"May I ask you something, Britt?" his mother asked.

Britt took a seat beside his mother. "Anything, Mom," he answered.

"Are things becoming serious between you and Devon?"

"I'm not sure. I know we like each other and we enjoy spending time together. Other than that, for now, I'm really not sure."

"I enjoyed having him here for dinner this evening."

"I think the feeling was mutual," he assured her. "I think Devon believes you are everything a mother should be, and everything his mother is not."

"Elaine McKenzie is a different duck all right," Catherine agreed. "However, to give her a little credit, I don't imagine it has been easy for her. At least not in her younger days," she added.

"Why do you say that, Mom?"

"Well, not that I know first hand, but I would think growing up surrounded by the money and all power she's had to deal with, life hasn't always been the easiest for her."

"She certainly seems to thrive on it now, though."

"Money doesn't make a person happy. I have never thought Elaine was ever truly happy."

"I would probably have to agree with you there," Britt remarked thoughtfully. "I certainly know that Devon has not been very happy most of his entire life."

"That is why I am grateful the two of you have found each other. I think you are good for each other."

"I do enjoy spending time with him; that I know for certain."

"Good." Catherine stood to her feet. "Guess I'll be heading for bed now. It's going to be busy day for me tomorrow as well. Night, Britt."

"Night, Mom. I love you."

"Love you, too," she smiled.

After she had disappeared down the hall into her bedroom, Britt remained in the living room. His thoughts kept returning to Devon McKenzie, and he began thinking about how important the man had become to him. What he had told his mother had been the truth. He did enjoy spending time with Devon, and he was fairly sure Devon felt the same way. Britt thought about their two lives and how different they were. Devon's life was here in Porterville, and Britt had a life in the city. How would that work out, he wondered? There were a lot of miles between the two.

Reaching no conclusions, Britt headed to bed. He decided that what or if anything ever worked out between the two of them, time would have to work it out. For now, at least, they were living in the same town, so perhaps that would do for a start.