Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:46:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerlar <jetdesk2@yahoo.com>
Subject: Murder in Porterville 1

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.

  The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or
publication of this story is allowed, except by the web sites to which it
has been posted, without the consent of the author.


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Mark Stevens




MURDER IN PORTERVILLE



CHAPTER ONE



	"Happy Birthday!"
	Alice made her way slowly down the staircase of the McKenzie
mansion, followed by her twin brother Devon. The brother and sister were
greeted by their friends as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
	The guest list consisted of Britt Williams, his mother Catherine,
Brian Poteet, the local Methodist minister Larry Owens and his wife
Bonnie. Also joining them in the celebration were two elderly aunts of the
birthday pair, Mary Nell Thomas and Sarah White.
	Alice reached out to the aunts and said, "Thank you. We're so glad
the two of you could make it." She smiled at the two ladies tenderly.
	"We wouldn't have missed it for the world, my Dear," Mary Nell
Thomas assured her. She looked past her niece and cast her eyes on
Devon. "Happy Birthday, Tommy," she whispered.
	Britt Williams stepped forward and gave Alice a hug. "Happy
Birthday, Alice," he said.
	Turning from Alice, Britt hugged Devon McKenzie to him. "Happy
Birthday, Love," he whispered in his partner's ear. "Don't mind your aunt,"
he said softly.
	Britt was referring to the way Mary Nell Thomas addressed her
nephew. The man had been born Thomas Cooper Jr., but at the age of two, had
been taken away from his real family and raised by another family. Thirty
plus years later Devon had discovered the real truth behind his family
history, and in fact, had only recently learned that he had a sister. Alice
was the man's twin sister. Their actual birthday was in March. However,
since learning that her twin brother was alive, she wanted him to continue
celebrating his day as he always had; in the month of July. Because of her
insistence on the birthday matter, Devon had decided she would share the
celebration with him. Because of that, Alice was determined her brother
would share her birthday in March, which in truth, was his birthday, too.
	"Now, Aunt Mary Nell, we talked about this. Remember?"
	Alice and Devon's aunt shrugged her shoulders. "We did," she
said. "Still, right is right. Your brother's name is Tommy. That's how he
should be addressed," she ended giving her niece a frown.
	Catherine Williams, Britt's mother, stepped forward and smiled
graciously at the elderly woman. "Mrs. Thomas, I think everyone is still
caught up in the newness of your family's situation. For now, does it
really matter what your nephew goes by? I'm just so thankful we found out
the truth. And that your nephew makes my son so happy," she added with a
catch in her voice.
	Mary Nell Thomas looked over the top of her glasses and cast a
sharp eye in Catherine's direction. "First of all, I thought I made it
plain; I asked that you address me as `Mary Nell'.
	Sarah White, Mary Nell's sister and aunt to the birthday two as
well, stepped forward and placed her hands on her sister's shoulders. "Let
it rest, Mary Nell," she told her sister. "I agree with Catherine here. It
doesn't matter one bit what he's called. He's our nephew, and I'm thankful
we have him returned to us."
	"Amen!"
	The group turned around and discovered it had been Larry Owens,
minister of Porterville Methodist Church that had called out the word. The
man had a wide grin on his face.
	"Larry Owens!" Bonnie, his wife, pretended to scold the man.
	The local pastor stepped forward and grasped the brother and
sister's hand. "I agree with your Aunt Sarah," he told them. "We are indeed
thankful with the outcome of your situation. We're all so happy for you
guys."
	Britt had put a birthday celebration together, with the help of the
McKenzie staff. He announced the meal was ready and asked them to follow
him into the dining room. Once inside the big formal room, he directed his
guests where to sit.
	Catherine Williams was a longtime member of the Methodist
church. Because of the fact, Britt had placed Larry, his mother's pastor,
to her left and Bonnie, his wife, at Catherine's right.
	"Britt is quite the host," Bonnie said to Catherine.
	"Has he been living here long?" Larry asked Catherine.
	Even though she was comfortable with her son loving another man,
her minister's words caught Catherine by surprise. She felt her cheeks turn
red. When she seemed to hesitate, Larry said, "I apologize, Catherine. It
was not my intention to embarrass you." He looked down the table and let
his eyes settle on Britt and Devon. "I have absolutely no objection where
those two are concerned. I am glad that God saw fit to allow their lives to
cross."
	"Thank you, Larry. That means so much to me. After all, Porterville
is a fairly small town. I know how some people think," Catherine added.
	Bonnie Owens leaned over and gave Catherine's hand a pat. "No one
has the right to judge another person, Catherine."
	Britt stood at the head of the table and began speaking. He gave
all the guests a smile and said, "I want to thank you all for coming this
evening. When I first began talking about the idea of a party for Alice and
Devon, they both tried to put me off. So, I had to strike a bargain with
them. When I pointed out that this would be their first birthday as a
family, that it really should be something special, they finally agreed to
let us celebrate. However, they made me promise that there would be no
more. Well, what could I do? I kind of agreed with them."
	Devon interrupted his partner. "Don't think you're going to get out
of our bargain. You gave us your word," he reminded.
	Britt gave his partner a tender smile and a nod. "He's right, I
did. However, you know, I am getting older, and sometimes I don't remember
like I used to. So next year, should I forget my promise, we'll meet back
here and continue the celebration. For now, however, please, enjoy the
great food that's been prepared by our staff."
	Devon turned to Britt. "Thank you, Love. Not just for me." He
turned and looked at his sister. He studied her for a moment without
speaking.
	"You've really grown to love Alice," Britt remarked.
	Devon gave a nod. "Guilty," he replied.
	"What do you think about Poteet? He seems smitten with your
sister."
	Devon's jaw tightened. "He may be a policeman, but he sure as hell
better not ever cause Alice any pain."
	Britt looked closely at the couple they were discussing. "I don't
think that will ever happen," he remarked. "You can't miss the way he looks
at Alice. He's crazy about your sister."
	"He is, isn't he?" Devon cast a look Catherine's way. "Have you
mentioned to Catherine that we'd like for her to move in with us?"
	Britt studied his mother. "Not yet," he answered.
	"Are you chicken?"
	"I wouldn't go that far," Britt said with a laugh. "However, I'm
pretty sure she will turn the invitation down."
	"You won't know until you ask," Devon pointed out.
	"Perhaps. I will ask her. Just not in front of our other guests,"
he added. Britt changed the subject. "What do you think about Alice's
renter?"
	When Devon discovered Alice was his sister, he had asked her to
move into the McKenzie mansion with him and Britt. Alice had accepted his
invitation. However, she wanted to keep her house and rent it out.
	"The school teacher? I haven't met her yet." Devon appeared
thoughtful for a moment. Then, "Britt, do you think it's odd the woman
moved here so early? After all, school doesn't begin for another month."
	"I'm sure she wanted to get settled in before the school year
began," Britt remarked.
	"Perhaps you're right."
	"Just be thankful Alice found a renter," Britt told him. He called
out to Alice.
	Alice Cooper turned and faced him. "Yes?"
	"Tell us about your renter."
	Alice shrugged her shoulders. "Not really much to tell," she
answered. "Her name is Susan Abbott. She is going to teach Fourth grade at
Madison. She came from a small community in Missouri called Jasper
Creek. That's all I know except that this is her second year to teach."
	By her side, Brian Poteet spoke up. "One of the school board
members was telling me that for whatever reason Miss Abbott wasn't rehired
at the end of last school year. However, he said she did receive a good
recommendation from her previous school district."
	"Perhaps a budget problem was the reason for not rehiring her,"
Britt suggested.
	"That's possible," Brian answered. "However, most of the time if
there are openings, a small district will go with an entry year teacher
because his salary will be less than one with several years under his
belt."
	"So they would rather hire an inexperienced teacher than one that
has taught before?" A look of surprise projected from Devon's face.
	"With some districts that's correct, Devon," Brian answered. "By
law, a school district is required to pay for each previous year taught. In
Miss Abbott's case, her beginning salary will be less than any other
teacher in school. Providing they taught somewhere in the state last
year. Doesn't matter if they taught in Porterville or not," he added.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

	After the last guest had gone, Alice went to her room. Britt and
Devon remained in the drawing room. The room was silent, allowing the two
men to relax after hosting their first party together.
	"It was a nice party, Babe," Devon said. "Thank you," he added. "I
know Alice really appreciated everything you did. We both did," he ended.
	"Just the first of many," Britt assured him.
	"So tell me, when are you going to ask Catherine to move in with
us?"
	"You just won't let it drop, will you?" A big grin appeared on
Britt's face.
	"You know how I am."
	"Oh, I know exactly how you are," Britt retorted.
	"Any complaints?"
	Britt pulled his lover off the couch. "Let's go upstairs. I'll let
you be the judge."
	"So much pressure!" Devon pretended to stress out.
	"You know you like pressure."
	Britt led the man up the stairs and into the room the two of them
shared. "I'm going to show you a thing or two about pressure, Devon
McKenzie."
	Britt closed the door after them, and the two weren't seen again
until the next morning.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

	Over breakfast the next morning Britt said, "I'm going to talk with
Mom today. If she's free tomorrow evening, I thought we'd take her to
dinner. You, Alice and me," he added.
	A big grin appeared on Devon's face. "I take it that's when we ask
her to move in with us?"
	Britt shrugged his shoulders. "Hell, I've got to. You're not going
to stop badgering me until I do."
	Devon drained the last of his coffee and reached for the coffee pot
in front of him. He refilled his cup and said, "I'm glad I'm good for
something."
	Britt slid his cup over and motioned for Devon to refill it. "Trust
me, Babe, you're good for lots of things."
	"Good morning, guys!"
	The two men looked up and saw Alice walk into the room. Both
greeted her warmly. As she sat down next to her brother, Devon kissed his
sister's cheek.
	"Good morning, Alice," he said giving her a warm smile.
	"When are you going to tell Sam you've had enough of his
cantankerous moods?" Britt asked her.
	Sam Taylor owned and operated the Beacon, a newspaper that had been
a part of Porterville almost since the beginning of the town's
existence. Alice had worked for the man as his secretary/bookkeeper for
several years.
	"I keep telling her to quit," Devon said. "Will she listen to me?
Of course not!"
	Alice poured herself a cup of coffee and reached for a piece of
toast. "You both know how much I enjoy my job," she answered. "Sam's not
cankerous," she added. "He's kind and considerate. He's always been good to
me."
	"He did allow me complete access to his files last summer," Britt
admitted.
	"Speaking of that, how's the book coming along, Britt?" It was
Devon who posed the question.
	Britt studied his partner's face and tried to read his thoughts. He
shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's been slow. I'll write a chapter, and
when I reread it, something doesn't feel right."
	"What seems to be the problem?" Alice asked.
	Britt shook his head and said, "I'm not sure."
	Devon appeared to be lost with thoughts of his own for a moment or
two. Finally he said, "I know what you're doing, Britt. It's not
necessary," he added.
	Britt looked into his partner's eyes. "Just what am I doing?"
	"We both know what the book's about. I can assure you, nothing you
put in it will offend me in any way."
	Devon was referring to the fact that the real reason Britt had
returned home last summer was because Carl Turner, Britt's publishing
agent, had suggested the young author of a dozen books return to his home
town and see if he could come up with a topic for a new book. At first
Britt wouldn't agree to the idea. He didn't think a small town like
Porterville, the town where he had been born and raised, would provide a
storyline of any kind.
	Britt had been wrong. Not only had he discovered a deadly secret
concerning the town's founding family, but he had fallen in love with a
young man from that family. The hidden secret Britt had uncovered
eventually ended up with three of the town's people being murdered. Elaine
McKenzie, the woman Devon had always thought to be his mother, had been
murdered, as well as a family friend, George Carson. Margaret Cooper,
Mother to both Alice and Devon, had lost her life as well.
	Having all of these thoughts run through his mind caused Britt's
head to suddenly ache. He massaged his forehead with his hand.
	"I'm not so sure about that," he said. He let out a sigh.
"Sometimes I think it would be better to put this all to rest." He looked
at the other two and added, "I love you both so much. I'm afraid the only
thing I'll accomplish is to hurt the two of you."
	Alice reached across the table and took hold of his hand. "Britt,
the entire town knows our story. I'm sure Devon will agree when I say
everybody, all of our friends, have been very supportive of us."
	"She's right, Britt," Devon agreed with his sister. "There's not a
person in Porterville who doesn't know what took place between the two
families." Smiling, Devon reached for Britt's other hand. "So, please,
write your book."
	"And quit worrying about us and hurting our feelings," Alice added.
	Devon stood to his feet. "Duty calls," he announced. "I have a nine
o'clock meeting. See you two this evening." He gave his sister another kiss
on the cheek.
	Britt stood to his feet. "I'll walk you out, Babe," he said.
	Standing in the driveway a short time later, Devon turned to Britt
and said, "I'm serious, Britt. About your book," he added. "Write
it. You're a damned good writer. We both know it. Hell, they might even
come after you for the movie rights," he grinned.
	"You asshole." Britt kissed his lover on the mouth. "I'll see you
this evening."
	"Give my love to Catherine," Devon said climbing inside his car.
	"You just won't give it a rest, will you?"
	"Later, Babe,"
	Britt watched as Devon slowly disappeared out of sight and returned
to Alice. He discovered her leaving the table.
	"You're out of here, too?"
	She nodded. "Sam will be calling if I'm not there pretty soon."
	"Tell that old man to mind his manners."
	As Alice left the room, she asked, "Are you going to work on your
book now that you realize you're not going to offend Devon or me?"
	"I thought I'd give it a whirl," he answered.
	"Good. Isn't it about time you had another best seller?"
	Britt gave her a hug. "I'll do my best. Tell Sam hello."
	Britt watched as Alice picked up her purse and keys from the table
in the entry hall. When the door shut behind her, he made his way slowly to
the room in the McKenzie mansion that he had converted into his office. He
sat down at the desk and turned his laptop on. He opened the file
containing his latest writing project, and as he began typing, Britt
Williams was amazed how smoothly the words came to him.