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
All three 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.
Chapter Nineteen
When Chris Vaughn arrived later that afternoon, the police officer did indeed have a better attitude toward the two men. He actually appeared to be pleasant when he entered the room and greeted them.
"You're awake," Vaughn said walking over to Cory's bedside.
"I am," Cory answered in a quiet tone.
"I'm really glad," Vaughn said.
"He just woke up a couple hours ago," Britt supplied. "Funny thing, all that sleep didn't help his looks at all. He's still the same funny looking guy."
The police officer gave Cory a grin. "Is he always this rude?"
Cory appeared to relax. "That's the way he is."
Britt talked with Vaughn, bringing him up to speed on Cory's improvement. He ended with telling the officer about their earlier visitor.
"yHHe may try for a return visit. I'm going to let Brian know about his attempt when I see him."
"Well, he won't get in as long as I'm here," Chris assured both Britt and Cory.
As Britt was preparing to leave, Chris stopped him.
"Britt, I want to apologize to both you and Cory for what I said last night. It's not an excuse, but I guess I was still new enough here in Porterville not to know how much help you've been to the force in the past. Sorry for being an asshole."
The police officer extended a hand, and Britt returned the handshake.
"No problem, Chris. In the future I hope I can assist you in any way you might need."
"Same goes for me as well," Cory said. He also reached out to give Vaughn a handshake. "As for anything you might have said last night, " Cory added, "well, I have no idea what took place."
Britt left on that note and walked out of the building to his car. He left the hospital parking lot and drove to his mother's home. When he pulled into her driveway, Britt saw that the heavy wooden door was opened. That meant Catherine was home from her morning at the Center.
Britt hurried up the steps and rang the doorbell. Not waiting for an answer, he opened the glass storm door and stuck his head inside.
"Want some company?" he called stepping inside the house. He allowed the glass door to close behind him.
"Hi, favorite son," Catherine greeted as she made her way out from the living room.
"Nice, Mom. Especially since I'm your only son," he added. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Now wait just a minute. I'll have you know that I have two other sons. While perhaps not by blood, Brian and Devon are still very much my sons as well."
"Yeah, but admit it, you love me better."
Britt followed his mother back into the living room.
"What do I owe this visit today?" Catherine asked as they both took seats.
"Can't I just drop by and see my mother for no other reason than to give her a kiss?"
"You know you can always do that," his mother assured him. "However, I know you, Britt Williams. With everything you have going on, I know for a fact you wouldn't just `drop by' as you put it, to give me a kiss."
"I am crushed, Mom."
Britt worked at turning his smiling face into a pouting look.
"Stop that. Just tell me what's on your mind."
"Okay, Mom, I guess you do know me quite well." Britt paused a moment and took a deep breath.
"Okay, it's like this, Mom. You know that I've helped Brian out a few times when he's needed me."
Britt's words were a statement, rather than a question as he addressed his mother.
"What are you trying to tell me, Britt Williams?"
"Mom, once again I'm helping Brian with an investigation."
Catherine shrugged her shoulders. "What's new? Is that what has you so stressed out?"
"Yeah. This time it's a little different. Brian has hired me to be a type of consultant. With pay."
Britt offered his mother a grin hoping that would soften the blow a little.
Catherine was quiet for a moment. Then, "Britt, I would expect nothing less from you. I gave the thought up a long time ago that you would eventually settle down and just write your stories in the safety of your office."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I really wish I didn't enjoy this sort of work. Just can't help it, I guess."
"You want the story lines your work provides," he mother said wisely.
"You're probably right. What can I say? I like to live on the danger side I suppose."
Catherine eyed her son with a sharp look and said, "I just want you to promise me something, Britt."
"That I be careful?"
"Oh, that's a given. I may say I have two other sons, and I do," she added. "I don't want anything to happen to any of you. However, when it's possible, please keep me in the loop. I don't want any of you, but especially you, Britt, to think you have to keep anything from me. Will you make me that promise?"
Britt stood up and walked over to Catherine. He leaned over and gave her another kiss.
"I love you, Mom. And, yes, you have my word. I will never be afraid to tell you what I'm working on. Even if it's something I can't share with you, I will tell you what I can to keep you from getting stressed out."
"Then I will be happy with whatever your job consists of. If it will make you feel better, this book you're working on now, you can dedicate it to me when it's published."
"That was my plan all along," Britt told her. "It's been a while since I've dedicated one to you."
Britt left a short time later. He told Catherine he had some business with Brian down at the police station.
"Remember your promise," she reminded as she stepped out on the porch with him.
"Love you, Mom. We need to have you out for dinner soon," Britt said going down the steps.
"Is that a hint for an invitation here?"
"Never a hint, Mom. We'll be here anytime you feel like cooking. We can even come on short notice."
He waved goodbye and drove to the police station.
Alesha Gray greeted him at the counter. When Britt told her he needed to speak with Brian, she raised the gate and smiled as Britt made his way down the hall to Brian's office.
"Hey, what's up?" Brian asked when Britt gave a knock on the opened door.
"Hi, Brian. I just wanted to touch base with you before I went home for the day."
Brian told him to close the door and have a seat.
"How's the patient?" Brian asked.
"Good, all things considered," Britt answered. "I do have a couple of things to run by you."
"I'm listening. Is one of your concerns Vaughn?"
"God, no. He's like a different person," Britt added with a grin.
"Well, he'd better damn well be," Brian declared. "I chewed his ass royally for his attitude last night. Of course it also helped when I explained that you were on the payroll same as he was."
"Your job of chewing was a success. When he stepped into Cory's room, your officer was so polite it was almost sickening."
"I'm glad to hear that, because, as I told him this morning, the two of you are most likely going to be working a lot together until this shit is solved."
Brian leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. "Tell me, if my officer is not the topic of conversation, what is?"
"Did Nathan Brown drop by to see you earlier today?"
Brian contemplated the question before saying, "Sam Taylor's photographer? Why the hell would he want to see me?"
"He dropped by the hospital and insisted on having an interview with Cory. First of all, Cory had been conscious only an hour or so and was in no condition to talk. Brown tried to get some information from me. He told me that he had been asked by Sam to come by for an interview. He said Sam wanted to run a news item in tomorrow's paper."
"Did you give him what he wanted?" Brian's face took on a concerned look.
"I gave the man nothing," Britt assured the Chief. "I explained that at the moment, nothing was available to be published."
"And?"
"And he was pissed," Britt said. "We were about to get into a squabble when the doctor came into the room. Brown was determined to get a photograph of Cory in the bed. I was in the process of yanking his camera from his hands when Pierce put a stop to it.
"When Brown left, he said that Sam was really going to be upset because we wouldn't give him an interview. I told him to talk with you. If you told me it was okay, he could write his damned article."
"He didn't come by and see me," Brian said. "Hang on a second, Britt."
Britt sat on the chair in front of Brian's desk while the police chief made a call to the front desk.
"Alesha, did you have anyone asking to see me this afternoon? Other than Britt here," he added. "Nathan Brown in particular?"
Receiving his answer, Brian replaced the telephone and said, "Brown wasn't here. Alesha said you've been the only one to ask to see me since lunch."
"That doesn't surprise me," Britt remarked. "Cory and I both thought it odd the way Brown just suddenly appeared. It really bothered me that Sam told him to try and get an interview. Sam usually looks for approval before he does anything. At least that was his way the first summer I was back in Porterville. I worked with the man almost daily."
"I'm inclined to agree with you," Brian replied.
Britt talked a bit more about Cory's health improvement, ending with his visit to his mother.
"How did Catherine react to your news?" Brian asked.
"As you would expect it to with Mom," Britt answered. "She's a peach. She also informed me that I was no longer an only child, that I now have a brother. Funny, though, she must have been a little surprised because she didn't mention a thing about her daughter."
"Catherine's a great lady," Brian praised. "I'm glad she wasn't pissed at me for bringing you onto my payroll."
"She said she expects nothing less from me. She even accused me of helping you in order to get new ideas for stories."
"Was she right?"
Britt stood to his feet. "Probably," he said with a grin.
Brian also stood to his feet. He shook Britt's hand. "I appreciate everything you do," Brian said. "Please be careful. Like your mother, I feel like you and Devon are both my brothers. I don't want to lose either of you, and I certainly don't want your mother's wrath to fall on me."
"You are definitely one of her four favorites if you include Alice. See you later, Bro." Britt grinned and left Brian's office.
It had been a long day for him, and he was ready for a hot shower, a nice stiff drink, and wait for Devon to come home.
Chapter Twenty
Britt was sitting at his desk the next morning when he received a telephone call from Brian.
"Hey, Brian, what's up?" he greeted the police chief.
"How's your schedule this morning, Britt?" Brian asked.
"Nothing in concrete. Why do you ask?"
Brian explained the reason for his call. He told Britt that he had talked with Sam Taylor, and the Beacon owner told him he had not asked Nathan Brown to go to the hospital and interview the detective from Little Rock.
Surprised, Britt said, "No shit?"
"Sam was shocked when I passed along your information to him," Brian went on to say.
"I wonder what the real reason for his visit was." Britt remarked.
"I'd like to know myself," Brian agreed. "If you're available, I would like for you to go with me when I pay Mr. Brown a visit at the newspaper office."
"I can do that," Britt hurriedly assured the police chief.
"How about now? When I spoke with Sam, I asked him not to say anything to his photographer. I want to take the man by surprise. I didn't want Brown to have time to think up some believable story should he not actually have one."
Britt told Brian he would meet him in front of the Beacon office in ten minutes. He ended his telephone conversation, closed his laptop and was shortly on his way into Porterville. When he drove into the town square, he discovered that Brian had already arrived.
"Great timing," Brian greeted. "Let's go see what this guy has to say."
"I must admit, I'm curious," Britt said following Brian inside the Beacon office.
Inside the building they found Nathan sitting at the desk once occupied by Brian's wife. Alice had been working for Sam the summer Britt returned home to Porterville. Alice had offered to help Britt look up some historical facts about Porterville, never dreaming that what the two of them would uncover would change her life forever. The end result had been Alice finding out that she not only had a brother, but a twin brother at that.
"How may I help you gentlemen?" Nathan Brown greeted.
Britt stood back and let Brian take the lead.
Brian said, "I just wanted to thank you for taking my wedding pictures. Every one of them turned out perfect." Brian reached out and offered his hand to the photographer.
A surprised look on Brown's face, he returned the police chief's handshake.
"How long have you been a professional photographer?" Brian asked.
"I've always enjoyed working with photography since high school days," Brown explained.
"Well, you do a good job," Britt spoke up for the first time. "The pictures of the Chief's wedding were definitely the work of a professional."
"I appreciate that very much. Thank you."
There was a moment of silence. Britt decided that Brian must have wanted to allow Nathan Brown time to wonder what the real reason was for their visit.
Finally Brian said, "I understand your boss sent you to the hospital for an interview with the detective from Little Rock. Were you able to get one?"
Brown turned his swivel chair to the right and took a quick look in the back room. Sam Taylor could be seen working at one of the tables. It appeared he didn't realize that his employee had visitors.
Brown turned back around and eyed Britt sharply. "I'm guessing that since Mr. Williams is with you that you know I didn't get one. I still don't understand why I was refused."
"What did Sam say when you came back and told him you hadn't been successful with the assignment he gave you?" Brian asked.
Another quick look backward, Nathan said, "I didn't tell him."
"Why not? Were you hoping to get another one? Today perhaps?"
"That's correct. In my line of work it pays never to give up."
"I guess that pays off to have that kind of thinking," Brian mused.
Brian looked at Britt and gave him a nod.
Taking his cue, Britt said in a loud voice, "Hey, Sam, you working hard?"
Sam Taylor, owner of the Beacon Newspaper looked up and grinned.
"Britt Williams. How the dickens have you been? Haven't see you since the wedding."
Sam Taylor walked up to the counter and gave Brian a look. "Are you treating my Alice the way she deserves?"
Brian felt his face turn red. "I am, Sam."
Sam turned and gave Britt a look. A look that seemed to ask "Is he being truthful?"
"He is, Sam," Britt assured the man. "He knows that if he doesn't, he not only has me, but her brother as well to set him straight. He may be the Chief of Police, but he knows that wouldn't bother us in the least."
With a satisfied nod, Sam said, "Good. I'm glad that's settled." Then he asked, "What do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" The question was directed at Brian.
Sam knew what was coming. During his conversation the day before, Brian had told him how he was going to handle his visit with Nathan Brown. What Sam was doing now was going as had been planned.
Brian looked Sam in the eye and said, "Sam, I've known you a long time."
"Been a few years," Sam agreed. "Are we taking a trip down Memory Lane?"
"Not exactly. I guess the reason for my visit is because of something you did."
A surprised look on his face, Sam said, "Me? What did I do?"
"I've never known you to seek an interview concerning a police matter without checking with me first."
Sam was silent for a moment, appearing to ponder Brian's words.
Britt noticed that Nathan Brown was starting to fidget in his chair behind the desk.
"What the hell are you referring to, Brian? I would never bypass you for any reason concerning anything dealing with official police business."
Britt watched as Brian looked hard at the man sitting behind his wife's old desk. Then turning back to Sam, he said, "But I was of the opinion that you had sent your photographer to the hospital to get an interview with Cory Manners. Was I wrong?"
"Alright, so you caught me!"
The words came from Nathan Brown.
"Yes, I lied," Brown admitted. "What can I say? In my line of work it's often easier to ask forgiveness than permission. It usually works," he added with a weak smile.
Sam suddenly came to life. "Let me tell you something. In the big city that might work. Here in Porterville?" Sam paused for a long second. Then, "If you ever try anything like this again, I'll escort you personally to the edge of town before you can take a breath. Am I clear?"
His face red, Brown gave a slight nod of his head. "I understand." He looked at Brian and said, "Sorry. I'll know better next time."
Those words said, Nathan Brown stood to his feet and made a quick dash out of the office.
Brian motioned for Britt and Sam to follow him outside the building. Once they were on the sidewalk, Brian said, "Sam, I want you to keep an eye on this guy. At work, I mean. If you see anything suspicious, I want you to let me know at once. If you can't reach me, get hold of Britt. He can usually find me." "I will," Sam promised. "
"What do you think?" Brian asked Britt after Sam had disappeared inside the building.
Britt was thoughtful for a moment. Finally he said, "Well, if he's telling the truth it could be plausible. I'm sure he's not the first newspaper reporter to try and push his way into an interview."
"True," Brian agreed.
"What's next?" Britt wanted to know.
"To do the exact same thing I told Sam to do. If he watches Brown at work, I'll check on him when he's out about town."
"Closely?"
"At the moment, no. After all, if he's up to something, it would be easier if he didn't suspect he was being watched."
"Makes sense," Britt agreed.
As they walked to their cars, Britt asked, "You need me for anything else?"
"Not at the moment. If something comes up, I'll give you a call."
"Okay, I'm going to the hospital and check on Cory. There's a possibility he will be dismissed today. If he is, I'm going to take him out to the cabin."
"Sounds good. Britt, I know I don't have to tell you, but please, be alert. Not only for your safety, but Cory's as well. I feel strongly that he still needs tight security."
"I agree. If he goes home with me, I will watch him like a hawk. I don't have any plans, but should I have to leave, I can assure you, Wallace is as good as any officer you have on the force."
"Good. Keep me posted," Brian said as he got inside his car.
Britt watched his friend drive off down the street and then climbed into his own vehicle. He was getting ready to back out into the street when Nathan Brown was suddenly standing beside his car.
Britt rolled the car window down and asked the man what he wanted.
"Mr. Williams, I just wanted to apologize again for the lie I told you. I don't want you thinking badly of me. I made a bad decision. I guess I just wanted that interview. Forgive me?"
Still not quite trusting the young man, Britt said, "Nothing to forgive. You were trying to do your job, same as me. I will tell you this, however. Porterville is a small town. There is no other reporter around to steal your thunder. I can assure you, that when Brian is ready to release any information, he will make sure that you are in the know. That's just the way he operates. Understand?"
"I understand. Thank you."
Nathan Brown offered a handshake.
Not knowing quite what to say, Britt accepted the shake and said, "You're welcome. Have a good day, Mr. Brown."
"Call me Nathan please."
"Alright, Nathan, have a good day."
As he drove the short distance to the hospital, Britt puzzled over the young photographer's words. Something just didn't add up for Britt. He couldn't decide what, but something wasn't right. Britt made a promise to himself that he would work until he discovered the real reason for Brown's visit to Cory's hospital room.
Chapter Twenty-one
Britt walked into the living room and asked, "Do you need anything, Cory?"
When Britt had arrived at the hospital, he found Cory Manners dressed and ready to leave the hospital. Doctor Pierce had determined his patient was ready to leave as long as he had someone to look after him for a few days.
"Britt, I'm fine. I'm not here to cause you any work. All the same, I am glad Pierce agreed to dismiss me from the hospital. Hospitals are for sick people," the detective finished with a grin.
"Trust me, you're not going to cause any work, as you put it. Your doctor insists that you take it easy for a few days. He's still concerned damage might have been done that hasn't surfaced yet."
"I'm fine," Cory insisted. "No headaches, nothing."
"Would you be more comfortable in your room?"
Cory looked around the room. "At the moment, I'm okay where I am. If it's alright with you," he added.
"Man, you're welcomed to land wherever you're the most comfortable," Britt assured the detective.
"Then I'm good right here," Cory decided.
Britt handed Cory the TV remote and told him he would be upstairs in his office should the detective need anything. "I have my phone," Britt said as he left the room.
Words to the next chapter of Britt's new book had been tapping at his brain, and he was anxious to begin. He sat down at his desk and opened up his laptop. The outline was in a manila folder beside his computer. Britt opened it up and began working on his book.
As with the previous chapter, the words left his brain causing Britt's fingers to fly across the keys on the keyboard. He was impressed with himself at the way the story was falling into place. He was so lost in his work that when a knock sounded on the door, he looked up from the screen with a start. Looking at the computer screen, Britt saw that it was five o'clock. The afternoon had flown by.
"Yes," he called out.
The door opened, and Cory was standing inside the room.
"Do you have a minute?" Cory asked. "I hate to disturb you, but I need to tell you something."
Britt pointed to a chair and invited Cory to have a seat. "What's on your mind?" he asked.
"I remember where I was when I was attacked," Cory said. "I had stopped in at several businesses in the town square and asked people if the portrait I was passing around was familiar to them. I must have hit six or seven establishments. No one claimed to know who the woman is."
"Evidentially it struck someone's nerve," Britt pointed out. "Do you remember where you were in the square when you were attacked?"
"The south end, I think."
Cory closed his eyes and rubbed one side of his head. Then looking across the desk at Britt he said, "Yes, I was definitely at the south end. I remember now that I had parked my car toward the middle of the block."
"I'm assuming it was too dark for you to see who attacked you."
"Britt, I remember nothing. One moment I was on the sidewalk and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital with you sitting beside the bed."
"That's all you remember?"
Cory nodded. "At the moment. Hopefully more will come to me later."
"Don't try to think about it. If you relax, you might remember more."
Britt picked up his phone and called Brian. When the Chief answered, Britt relayed to him the events Cory had just described.
"That's a good start," Brian remarked. "It's late in the day, but I think I'll head over to the square and see if I can find out anything. I'll give you a call if I discover something."
Britt ended his phone call and filled Cory in on what Brian's plans were.
Cory stood to his feet. "I'll leave you to your work," he said walking to the door.
"I have about ten minutes of work left to do, and then I'll be finished for the day. I'll join you downstairs."
When Britt was finished, he discovered that his ten minutes had turned into thirty. He suddenly felt bad. He was a bad host, as well as nurse. He hurried downstairs and found Devon and Cory having a discussion.
"Sorry," Britt addressed the detective. "I really didn't intend for you to be alone this long.
Britt walked over and gave Devon a kiss. He smiled and said, "Looks like you did end up with very good company."
"I was telling Devon that I was starting to remember what happened to me," Cory explained.
"He has," Britt replied. "I called and let Brian know as well. He's going to check some things out before he goes home this evening," Britt finished.
Devon was glad that Cory was feeling better. He also echoed Britt's earlier statement that he make himself at home, and whatever he needed, he only had to ask.
Cory told Devon the same thing, repeating, "I do not want to bother anyone. I can take care of myself."
"If he hadn't already been injured in the head, I would slap him," Britt declared.
"I guess my injuries are to my advantage," Cory said, a smile forming on his lips.
"How long do we have baby this guy?" Devon asked.
"The doctor wants to see him in a week," Britt answered. "He also said he might do a MRI in a month to make sure nothing else has turned up."
"Hell, I might not even be here in a month," Cory declared.
"Case or not, Pierce might not release you until then," Devon reminded.
"You two are full of good cheer."
"Hey, thanks for noticing," Britt retorted.
Britt and Devon each enjoyed a drink while they waited for the meal to be served. Cory, on the other hand, at Britt's insistence, had a glass of ginger ale.
"You need to get control of this guy," Cory told Devon.
"He's just trying to make sure everything's okay," Devon defended.
"That's right," Britt agreed. "Have you heard about the Fox Den?"
"Porterville's one and only night spot?"
"The very one."
"I've driven by it a time or two. Is it a great place to go?"
"It is. Which is a good thing since it's the only place in town where you can go to dance, drink a little, and have a reasonably good time," Britt explained.
"Let's go then," Cory said.
"Tell you what," Devon chimed in, "if you get a good report from the doctor next week, we'll take you there. In fact, I'll check with Ron and Marty. They like to go there now and then. We usually go together."
"Hold on, Devon. Going to a honkytonk with four gay guys might not be Cory's thing."
"Now you hold on a goddamn minute," Cory said in a sharp tone. "I have always been of the opinion that everyone was free to love whomever they wanted."
"It's okay," Cory," Devon said in a gentle voice. "Britt was teasing you."
"Well, maybe half and half," Britt replied. "Cory, I really didn't intend to upset you. However, you have to admit, most of the time we've spent together since your arrival in Porterville has been business. I would never do anything to offend you."
"As I said, I feel that a person should be free to love whoever he wants to," Cory repeated.
"We are very lucky living here in Porterville," Devon said. "A small town in the state of Oklahoma, and it welcomes us with open arms. We've had only respect from the people."
"Something that Larry Owens would refer to as an out and out miracle," Britt added.
"Larry Owens?"
"The Methodist minister in Porterville," Devon exclaimed.
"The very same man who has asked when Devon and I were going to let him marry us," Britt added.
"Seriously? A preacher willing to marry---"Cory didn't finish.
"Two gay guys?" Britt finished for him.
"I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect. I guess that what few preachers I've been around gave me the impression they would rather judge and condemn than accept the fact that two men could love each other. I apologize."
Britt looked at Devon and said, "Make a note to remind me to set up an appointment with Larry. I want Cory to meet him."
"I have an idea," Devon said. "Why don't we have a dinner party on Friday evening? We'll invite Larry and Bonnie, along with Catherine, Alice and Brian."
"That's a great idea," Britt agreed. "It's settled.
"Will your preacher friend try and convert me?" Cory asked.
"Not to worry," Britt assured the detective. "You will not find a less judging man than Larry Owens."
"We even attend his church now and then," Devon said. "We are always made to feel welcomed."
"My mother goes there," Britt explained. "I was raised in that church. Trust me, if anyone dared mistreat Devon or me, such wrath would fall on them they would never see daylight."
"Sounds good. Looking forward to meeting your friends."
Jerry Poteet soon arrived from his afternoon of investigating, and Britt filled the man in on the day's events. He described the visit his son and Britt had encountered at the newspaper office with Nathan Brown. Brian's father agreed that it all seemed a little strange.
Wallace came into the room and announced that dinner was ready to be served.
The four men followed the old servant to the dining table and took their seats. For the moment, everything seemed peaceful. However, as they were soon to find out, that was about to change.