Silver Candlesticks

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.

All of us enjoy the stories here, so please, support Nifty. Like any other Business, it takes resources to keep it running.

I appreciate you, and I know Nifty appreciates your support!

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.

1. 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.

Please feel free to write me with any thought you might have. Please keep comments positive. I already have an editor that keeps me walking the line. Ha ha. You can email me at:

jetdesk2@yahoo.com

I'm going on vacation for two weeks so I am including three chapter this time for your reading enjoyment. Looking forward to catching up with my readers when I return home.

Mark

Chapter Fourteen

Britt decided to stop by Alice's home first. He pulled in the driveway and hurried up to the door. He rang the doorbell and stepped back. He heard footsteps coming and waited to be greeted by Alice.

Opening the door, Alice smiled and invited him inside her home.

"What do I owe the privilege?" she asked giving him a hug.

"Can't I drop by to see my beautiful sister-in-law without any particular reason?"

"You can," Alice said with a nod of her head. "However, you usually have a reason for everything that you do."

"I'm crushed." Britt tried to look hurt.

"Of course you are," Alice grinned. "Have a seat and tell me what's on your mind. How was your trip to Little Rock?"

Britt took a seat and handed Devon's sister his copy of the police sketch. "Does this woman look familiar to you, Alice?"

Alice took the piece of paper and studied the drawing. After examining it closely, she said, "No, I don't recognize her. Should I?"

"While we were in Little Rock, we were given a folder that contained this sketch. As well as this," he added handing Alice the picture of her wedding reception.

A surprised look appeared on Alice's face. "What does my wedding reception have to do with anything?"

"We're not sure. Jacob Crawley, the man who hit Mom with his car and was later found dead, had cut it out of the newspaper and placed it with some other papers in a file."

"It makes no sense to me why he should have it. How did he even see the picture?"

"This is one of the pictures that your father-in-law sent to the newspaper. For whatever reason, Crawley thought it was important enough to keep. We're trying to find out why it was so important to him."

"I find it hard to understand why anyone would think my wedding was important enough to put it in a file," Alice remarked. "Odd and very puzzling," she added.

A short time later Britt left Alice and drove out to his home. When he entered the living room, he greeted his mother with a warm smile.

"How are things going, Mom?"

Catherine stood to her feet and gave her son a hug.

"I've been waiting for you," his mother said.

Britt gave Catherine a cautious hug, taking care not to cause her any pain.

"I have something to tell you," Catherine said.

Catherine returned to the sofa, and Britt sat next to her.

"I'm listening," her son told her.

"Dr. Pierce was by this morning. He says that I can return home."

"Was this his suggestion?"

"Honestly, we both came up with the idea," Catherine assured her son.

"I know you think you're in the way here, but you definitely are not," Britt hastened to say.

"Please know, Britt, how much I appreciate you and Devon having me in your home the past couple of days. I'm very grateful to you both. Wallace and Edna have been wonderful. However, I'm ready to be in my own home and sleeping in my bed."

"I can understand that," Britt said. "When will you be ready to leave?"

Catherine gave her son a mischievous grin. "I'm all packed and ready to go," she told him.

"Alright, I'll drive you home. First, however, I want to show you something."

Britt handed his mother the police sketch first.

"Mom, do you recognize this woman?"

Catherine took the paper and looked closely at the drawing. She told her son the woman didn't look familiar to her.

Britt took the sketch back and handed his mother the picture of Alice and Brian's wedding reception.

"For whatever reason Jacob Crawley, the man who hit you with his car, had cut this out of the newspaper and placed it in a file he was collecting."

Catherine looked at the picture and said, "I can't imagine why the man would have this. I know everyone in this picture, and I would think that none of them would have any connection with that man."

Britt shook his head. "Logically, I would have to agree with you, Mom. Still, there has to be a reason why he had it. We just need to determine what that reason was."

Catherine stood to her feet and asked, "Are you being careful?"

Britt assured his mother he was and added, "Cory's supervisor in Little Rock has made him promise to take care of me."

"He had certainly better," Catherine declared.

"Brian also has my back," Britt told her. "He said he would do anything to keep your wrath from falling on him. He likes being in your family, and he wants to remain there."

"He's a smart boy," Catherine declared. "Now, are you ready to take me home?"

Catherine had brought her things down before her son's arrival. Britt picked her suitcase up and carried it out to his car. He waited while his mother went in search of Wallace and Edna to thank them for their watch and care during her stay. She soon joined her son in the car and enjoyed the trip back to her home.

A short time later the two of them entered the home where Britt had lived most of his life.

Catherine sighed. "Oh my, it feels wonderful being home." Turing to Britt, she said, "Not that I don't appreciate everything you and Devon have done. Still, nothing feels as good as coming home."

"I have to agree, Mom," Britt replied.

Britt carried her suitcase to her bedroom and returned to the living room. He made his mother promise not to rush back into anything just yet.

"You were very lucky, Mom. Please take care of yourself."

Catherine reached up and gave Britt a playful squeeze on the cheek. "I promise, Britt. I really do," she finished with a smile.

"Yeah, I believe that." Britt gave his mother a big grin.

"Are you doubting me?"

Britt reached over and kissed her cheek. "Not at all, Mom."

A few minutes later, after making his mother promise for the fifth time that she would take things easy, Britt left his mother's house. When he got into his car, he reached for his cell phone and punched in a number.

Cory picked up on the other end and greeted Britt.

"Did you find out anything?" he asked Britt.

"Neither Alice or Mom recognized the drawing. They have no idea what the connection could be between the wedding and Jacob Crawley."

"This whole thing is quite puzzling," Cory commented.

"My mother is back home. I just dropped her off, and I'm heading out to Devon's office to show him the sketch. Will we see you at dinner?"

"I should be there. I have a couple more stops later. After that, I think I will be done for the day. I just got off the phone with Jerry. He's pretty much on the same schedule."

Britt ended his telephone call and drove across town. The McKenzie factory was on the east side of Porterville at the edge of town. The entire drive only took ten minutes before he was stopping at the security gate.

The guard recognized him. "How are things going, Mr. Williams?" the guard greeted.

"Staying busy. How about yourself?"

"Busy enough," the guard replied.

The guard pushed a button, and the gate went up. He told Britt to have a good day.

Britt found a parking space and walked inside the lobby of Porterville's only factory. He was greeted by the main receptionist.

"I didn't call. Do you know if the man is in?" Britt asked.

The woman picked up the telephone and spoke into the headset. Then she smiled.

"He is. Go on up, Mr. Williams."

Britt took the elevator up to Devon's office. When he entered the outer office, Devon was waiting in the doorway for him.

"What do I owe the pleasure?" Devon greeted.

Britt followed the man into his office, and once the door was closed, pulled Devon into his arms. He kissed his partner on the mouth and pulled back.

"Can't I drop in just to say hi?" Britt asked with a smile.

"Of course. You're welcome anytime, Love."

"I actually do have a reason for being here. I want to show you something."

Britt showed Devon the police sketch. "Do you recognize this woman?"

Devon studied the drawing and said, "No, I don't. Should I?"

"I'm not sure," Britt answered.

Britt took the sketch back and handed the newspaper clipping of Brian and Alice's wedding reception.

"What does Alice's wedding have to do with any of this?"

"Don't have a clue," Britt answered. "Jacob Crawley, the man who ran mom down with his car had this picture in a file with some other papers he had collected."

Devon looked at the picture closely. "Do you think he knew someone in this picture?"

"I think it's quite possible," Britt answered. "There has to be a connection. At the moment, however, I have no idea what it might be."

Britt stood to his feet. "I'm heading out of here," he said. "I'll see you at dinner."

"Sound's good. Have you talked with Catherine this afternoon?"

"I have. The doctor was by and told her she could go home. You know her. She was more than ready. I dropped her off before coming out here."

"I'm sure she was happy to be home," Devon remarked.

"Oh, that's putting it mildly."

Britt leaned over and kissed Devon. "I'll see you at dinner, Love."

Britt left the McKenzie building and drove home. He still had a couple of hours before dinner. He hoped to spend the time on his new book.

Chapter Fifteen

Britt had worked on his latest writing project for two hours when a knock sounded on his office door. Looking up from his laptop, Britt invited his visitor inside.

Jerry Poteet opened the door and stepped inside the room.

"Are you busy? I don't want to bother you," Jerry greeted.

Brian's father walked across the room and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of Britt's desk.

Britt closed his computer and said, "Actually, I'm done for the day. Your timing was perfect."

Britt asked if the man had any luck with his search.

Jerry shook his head and said, "Didn't uncover a damn thing, Britt. The afternoon was a total waste."

"Well, you were evidently able to rule out the people you met. That's a step in the right direction."

"I guess. Have you heard anything from Cory?" Jerry asked.

"No, I haven't. I really thought he would be back by now. I spoke to him earlier. We discussed dinner, and he thought he would be would be here in time to eat with us."

Britt stood to his feet. "Let's go downstairs. He may have arrived." Looking at his watch, Britt said, "Devon should be home anytime."

Once they were downstairs, Britt fixed them both a drink, and they sat in comfortable chairs discussing their day.

Wallace came into the room and asked if they were ready to have their dinner.

Britt was surprised when he looked at the clock on the wall above the fireplace. It was seven-thirty.

"Cory should have been here by now," Britt remarked. "Devon is late as well.

"Did you say you talked with Cory earlier?" Jerry asked.

"I talked with him about the same time I got with you. He told me he would be here by six-thirty."

Britt reached for his cell phone and punched in Cory's number. He was connected with the detective's voicemail. Britt left a message asking the detective to give him a call.

"Give us a half hour, will you, Wallace? Hopefully the detective will be here by then," Britt addressed the old gentleman.

"Should we be concerned?" Jerry asked.

"I'm not sure," Britt answered. "Let's see what happens in the next half hour. Would you care for another drink?"

"A small one, perhaps," Jerry answered. "Just in case we have to go search for Cory," he added.

Half an hour later their drinks were finished, and they still hadn't heard from the detective. Britt tried to call him again, and like before, his call went to voicemail. This time Britt didn't leave a message.

"I think we should go look for him," Britt decided.

He walked into the kitchen and explained to Wallace and Edna what the plans were. He apologized for detaining their meal and rejoined Jerry in the living room.

"Let's go," he said.

"Have any idea where to start?" Jerry asked.

"Not really. Porterville isn't very big. We should be able to find him. I know he was going to check with some people around the town square where Mom's accident occurred. Most of the businesses will be closed by now. Still, we might discover something."

As Britt drove into town, Jerry said, "I've known Cory for a long time. He's very responsible with his job. There's a reason he didn't pick up when you called him. I just hope everything is alright."

A few minutes late they reached Porterville. Britt drove to the town square and pulled into a parking space. He shut the car engine off. Daylight Savings made it possible to look around the square even though it was nearly eight o'clock. As Britt had mentioned earlier, most of the businesses were already closed. A restaurant on one corner was still open.

Britt entered the building with Jerry on his heels.

A woman at the cash register recognized Britt and called out his name.

"We're not eating," Britt stated when she moved to show them to a table. "We're looking for someone. We have a friend from Little Rock in town. We were supposed to meet him. Have you by any chance seen him, Leona?"

"Are you talking about the detective that's been around asking questions?"

"That's right," Britt said.

"He was in earlier this afternoon," Leona replied. "He showed some pictures of Brian Poteet's wedding and a sketch of some woman. No one here recognized either of them."

Britt thanked her, and the two men headed for the door.

"Is everything okay?" Leona asked.

"We think so," Britt answered. "If you see Mr. Manners, would you have him give me a call please?"

The woman assured him she would, and they left the restaurant.

"Now where to?" Jerry asked looking around him. "I don't see Cory's car anywhere. Should we touch base with Brian?"

"Let's not just yet," Britt replied.

The only other business that was still open was the Beacon office, home of Porterville's only newspaper.

"Looks like Sam Taylor is still at the newspaper. Let's see if he knows anything," Britt decided.

When Britt reached the door of the Beacon, he pushed it open, and the two men stepped inside the office. Nathan Brown, an employee of the paper was sitting at the desk. He greeted Britt by name.

"Hello, Nathan," Britt said stopping at the counter.

"What can I do for you?" Nathan asked.

An older man came up from the back. Sam Taylor, owner of the Beacon newspaper, gave Britt a big grin.

"Britt Williams," the newspaperman said, "what are you in the middle of now?"

Sam was speaking from experience. When Britt had first returned to his hometown, he was back with a purpose. He was planning on writing a book based on living in a small town. Britt had become well acquainted with Sam when he made all of the files from the Beacon available for Britt's research.

"Hey, Sam," Britt greeted the man. "How are things going for you?"

"Can't complain," Sam replied. "Now that I've got Nathan helping me," he added. "I keep trying to get Alice to come back. The girl was too good to me. I guess I grew to depend on her too much."

Britt got to the reason for his visit to the newspaper office.

"Sam, Nathan, have either of you seen the detective from Little Rock? We were supposed to meet up with him this evening, but we can't seem to locate him."

Nathan stood up from the desk and made his way over to the counter.

"The man was in here earlier this afternoon asking some questions. Sorry to say, I couldn't help him out," Nathan finished.

"I talked to him as well," Sam spoke up. "In fact, he left a sketch with me. I'm putting it into tomorrow's edition."

"Sam, what did Cory tell you about the drawing?" Jerry asked.

Sam Taylor focused his look on Jerry Poteet's face, studying it thoroughly. Finally he said,

"You're Brian Poteet's father, correct?"

"I am," Jerry answered and gave a nod with his head.

"That young man seems to be well thought of here in Porterville," Sam replied. "He seems to know his stuff," the newspaper owner added.

"I appreciate you saying that," Jerry said. "I know that Brian really loves Porterville, especially since the town gave him a good wife."

Britt spoke up and asked, "So this is what you're putting in the paper for tomorrow?"

Britt handed the Beacon editor the copy of the sketch.

Sam looked at it and assured Britt it was one and the same.

Sam handed the drawing back to Britt and said, "Your detective asked me to publish it and print an article along with it asking anyone with any information to contact this office or the police station."

"Hopefully that will help. Thanks, Sam." Britt reached out and shook Sam's hand.

When Britt and Jerry stepped out on the sidewalk, dusk was settling in around the town. When Britt looked around, he discovered that all the other businesses were closed.

"What are you thinking?" Jerry asked him.

Britt took a moment to think and then said, "I think it's time for us to give Brian a call. Something's not right. I think we can use some help searching for Cory."

Britt pulled his cell phone from his pocket and punched in Brian Poteet's number. When he had Brian on the line, he said, "Hey, Brian, I think we have a problem."

Britt explained the reason for his call.

"He was supposed to have dinner with us this evening, and he never showed," Britt told Porterville's Chief of Police.

Brian told the two men to meet him at the station, adding, "I'll be there as quickly as I can."

Britt ended his call and filled Jerry in on what his son had said.

They got into Britt's car and rode to the police station. They arrived the same time as Brian. The three made their way inside the building.

"I called Chris Vaughn to come in. We can split up and cover more ground that way," Brian said as they walked into his office.

Britt told Brian the places they had looked and explained that no one had seen the detective for quite some time.

A man stood in the doorway of Brian's office.

"Ah, Chris, come in. Thanks for helping out. You know Britt Williams. However, you might not have met my dad. Jerry Poteet, this is Chris Vaughn."

"Hey, Chris," Jerry greeted. "Good to meet you," he added.

When Jerry reached out to shake the officer's hand, Britt noticed that the officer seemed to hesitate before he returned the gesture. He looked across the desk at Brian. The Chief gave a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"So what's the deal?" Chris Vaughn asked. "Is this man actually missing?"

Surprised more by the tone rather than the question, Britt explained, "All we know is that Cory was supposed to meet us around six-thirty. He never showed. We've been trying to call him, but all we get is his voicemail."

"You think maybe he's just busy working, and he hasn't been where he could take your call?"

Holding back a reply to the officer's question, Britt looked in Brian's direction. His look was enough to let Brian know he needed to take control of the conversation.

"Here's the plan," Brian spoke up. "Britt, Dad, I want you guys to search the entire south side of town, including the east and west as well. Chris, you and I will take the north side. Any questions?"

Britt and Jerry headed for the door. "We're good," Britt assured him.

"I'll follow your lead," Chris said to his boss.

Once outside the building, Jerry said, "Was it just me, or did Vaughn have some sort of an attitude?"

"Oh, you definitely aren't mistaken," Britt hastened to assure Brian's dad. "However, I don't think his attitude is with Brian. I'm pretty certain it's with me."

A look of surprise appeared on Jerry's face. "With you? I don't understand."

As they climbed into the car Britt said, "Chris is fairly new to the department. I can't remember for sure, but I think he's been in Porterville about six months. I hate it for Brian's sake, but I think his newest officer resents the fact that I help Brian out once in a while with some of his cases."

"Brian's damned lucky to have you," Jerry declared.

"I don't know how lucky he is, but I am glad that I can help. Not only glad to help your son, but also grateful that the experience usually helps me come up with a new story line for a book."

"Speaking of books, I've now read the first five that you have written. You definitely have talent for suspenseful writing. I was hooked from the beginning. I could hardly stop reading until I was finished with each book."

"I appreciate that."

It always warmed Britt's heart when a reader told him how much enjoyment they experienced while reading one of his books.

Before Britt could start the car engine, his cell rang. He picked it up and greeted Devon.

"Hey there," Britt said. "Sorry to have run out on you."

"I think I just missed you," Devon said. "Wallace told me that Cory never showed up for dinner."

"He didn't. We're searching for him now. Jerry and I, along with Brian and another officer, are heading out to look for Cory."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Devon wanted to know.

"At the moment, I suppose not. If you should hear from Cory, give us a call."

"I will. Do you think he's in some sort of danger?" Concern could be heard in Devon's voice.

"We really don't know. Not being able to reach him on his cell phone creates a strong possibility that he could be in some sort of danger."

"Please be careful, Britt. I love you."

"Love you, too. Hope to see you soon, Devon."

"Devon's concerned," Britt explained after ending his call.

"He's a good man," Jerry remarked.

"That he is," Britt said as he started the car engine and backed out into the street.

"Can I ask a question?"

"Ask anything you like, Jerry," Britt said to the man.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy for you and Devon. I'm glad you have each other. I guess here's my question. Do the people of Porterville accept the fact that the two of you love each other? I know how small towns can be on such things."

"Honestly, neither of us have experienced anything to say different. Devon is very highly thought of by the town's people. Most know his story, and they are glad he finally got to be with his actual family.

"As for me," Britt continued, "if anyone gave me as much as a speck of trouble because of who I love, I hate to think what my mother would do to them."

"Catherine is definitely a good person to have in your corner," Jerry agreed.

The topic of conversation came to a halt due to the concern they were feeling over Cory Manners' disappearance. Both men began concentrating, searching for any sign of Cory or his vehicle.

Britt drove slowly up and down each street, including alleys separating houses and businesses. By the time they reached the southern tip of Porterville, they had discovered nothing that could lead them to the Little Rock detective.

Britt came to the end of town and stopped his car on the side of the road.

"Now what?" Britt asked.

The two sat quietly for a moment, each with their own thoughts.

Britt was the first to speak.

"I just had a thought," he said to Jerry."

"I did, too. You go first," Jerry invited.

"It just crossed my mind that we're not far from where Jacob Crawley's body was found. It was hidden among thick brush and trees. Perhaps there's a connection."

"My thoughts exactly," Jerry declared. "You think you can find the place in the dark?"

Britt pulled back onto the highway and slowly drove away from Porterville. A few minutes later he pulled to the side of the road once again.

"Look," he said pointing to the right of his car. "See where the grass is packed down? I think that's tire tracks. What do you think, Jerry?"

Jerry Poteet agreed. "I think you are right. You think it's safe to drive your car through there? It definitely looks like a heavily wooded area."

"I think I would rather walk," Britt decided.

He reached into the console and pulled out a flashlight. "This should give us plenty of light. Let's go."

The two men left Britt's car safely locked and began slowly walking into the wooded area. The flashlight created shadows as they searched the area, looking in every direction.

They were quite a way from the road when Jerry said, "I hate to say it, Britt, but I think we've come up with nothing. Do we turn back or continue?"

Britt was tempted to agree with the retired police officer.

"I'm afraid you might be right," Britt said.

Britt came to a stop and shined his light through the dense woods. The vegetation grew so thick that hardly any wind could reach them. It was suddenly difficult to breathe.

"Wait," Jerry suddenly spoke up. "What's that over there?"

Britt aimed his flashlight back in the direction he had just searched. His light was creating some sort of reflection.

"I can't tell. Let's go check it out."

They pushed their way through the tall grass until they discovered what had caught Jerry's attention.

The two men were suddenly standing before a car. The door on the driver's side was open, and as they came closer, Britt saw that a body was slumped over the steering wheel.

"Oh, God," Britt groaned. "It's Cory."

Britt pushed his way inside the vehicle. It was indeed the detective from Little Rock. Cory Manners appeared to have suffered the same fate as Jacob Crawley had. It appeared that he had died the same way and near the same location as Crawley.

Chapter Sixteen

Britt found himself paralyzed. Standing beside the detective's body, his feet felt frozen to the ground. How could he have let this happen? If only he had begun his search sooner.

Britt suddenly felt his body being pulled away from the car. Unable to speak, he watched as Jerry took his place beside Cory Manners' body.

"Britt, call 911. Cory's alive. Barely, but he's breathing."

His hands shaking, Britt pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in the number. He gave the operator the location and his name.

"They're on the way," he told Jerry.

Jerry was also making a call to his son. He explained the situation to Brian and told him how to find them.

Calming down somewhat, Britt walked over to Cory's body. Bending over, he discovered a large gash on the right side of the detective's head. Something about the wound looked familiar to Britt. Looking at it closely, he realized that Cory had been struck in the same manner Jacob Crawley had. The wound looked exactly the same.

"Did you see this?" Britt asked Jerry. "Look at the wound on Cory's head," he added.

Britt stepped back so that Jerry could examine the detective.

"It looks to me to be exactly the same type of wound that caused Jacob Crawley's death. Is that what you're thinking, Britt?"

"It definitely does," Britt agreed. "I went to the morgue and saw Crawley myself. Whatever was used to murder Crawley was used on Cory as well."

"And judging by the way Cory looked when we found him, I would say the murderer thinks Cory is out of the way."

Britt heard the ambulance approaching and made his way back to the road to flag it down. He reached the road just as the emergency vehicle arrived.

The attendants quickly brought out their equipment and followed Britt into the woods. When Cory's car came in sight, Britt stepped to the side to allow them access to the man.

"He's alive," Jerry greeted them, "but he's hurt pretty bad."

Brian and Chris arrived shortly after the ambulance. While the attendants took care of Cory, Brian pulled Britt and his dad to the side and asked some questions. Britt and Jerry described what they had found when they discovered Cory's vehicle.

A short time later Cory was placed on a stretcher and carried to the ambulance. As the men passed by, Brian looked at the detective. He saw the similarity between Cory's wound and that of Jacob Crawley. The police chief agreed that the same person had committed both acts. Cory Manners was very lucky to be alive, Brian decided.

"Brian, I realize you don't need to be reminded of this, but I'm sure you know that Cory is still in danger. If whoever did this finds out he's still alive, they'll try again."

It was Chris Vaughn who spoke up.

"The Chief knows what he's doing," the young officer said. "You need to let us do our job now."

Britt was shocked to the point of being speechless. To himself he thought, "That bastard. I can't believe him."

Britt kept his thoughts to himself. He did, however, looked at Brian.

The Chief shook his head ever so slightly and remained silent.

When Cory had been lifted into the ambulance, Brian reached over and gave Britt a pat on the shoulder. Then looking at his officer, Brian said, "Vaughn, I want you to rope off this area and search the vehicle, as well as the field, for anything that might help us find out who did this. I'll see you back at the station." Looking at his father, Brian said, "I'm heading for the hospital. Thanks for everything, guys. I'll give you a call when things settle down."

Once they were back in the car, Britt said, "I can't believe that son of a bitch. I mean Vaughn."

Jerry shook his head. "I've worked with many guys during my career, some just like that guy. For whatever reason, when they arrive on the job, they think they have all the answers. They usually settle down in time."

"Perhaps he's right. Maybe he and Brian could have found him sooner if I had called when I first became concerned."

"Nonsense, Britt. That's a crock of shit," Jerry declared. "You did exactly what Brian would have done. In no way are you at fault," he added. "As for Vaughn, if I know my son, he will put that young man in his place. Maybe not tonight, but I can guarantee you, he will just as soon as he has the chance."

"What do we do now?" Britt asked. "Should we make a stop at the hospital?"

Jerry didn't answer right away. Instead he took a moment to reflect the situation in his mind.

"Why don't we go home, Britt? Brian told us he would give us a call. Let's go home and wait. Besides," Jerry added with a grin, "I could handle a bite of food."

Britt started his car and pulled out onto the highway. As he drove back into Porterville, Britt suddenly grinned.

"Now that you mention it, I suddenly remember we were interrupted before we had a chance to eat. If I know Edna, she has managed to keep some food warm for us."

The rest of the ride was made in silence. Britt drove through town and headed for the lake and his home. However, when he pulled into the drive and stopped in front of the cabin, Jerry turned and faced him.

"Britt, I only have one more thing to say. Don't let Vaughn upset you. He's young, he still has a lot to learn, and he has not a lot of common sense. In time he will come around. If not, then he won't make it as a police officer. As for you, well, you have to know how much faith and confidence Brian has in you and your judgment. If he didn't, he wouldn't ask for your assistance the way he does. Are we clear on the matter?"

Britt gave the man a grin. "Very," he answered. "Let's go search for some food."

Devon heard their arrival and met them at the door. He greeted Britt with a kiss. Jerry Poteet being a houseguest didn't keep the two men from welcoming each other in their normal way.

"Did Edna leave us some food?" Britt asked. "Jerry reminded me that we hadn't fed him yet."

"Follow me," Devon said leading the way into the kitchen.

Food was pulled from the warming oven and placed on the kitchen table. Britt brought plates and silverware, and they sat down to eat.

Devon asked about their evening and between the two of them, Britt and Jerry filled him in. When they had finished Devon was very concerned for the Little Rock detective.

"Is he going to be alright?" Devon asked.

Britt shook his head. "Too early to tell. Cory was badly injured."

"Brian said he would give us a call later with an update," Jerry reminded.

They finished their late meal and placed their dishes in the sink. Next they returned to the living room.

Devon asked if they wanted a drink.

Both men declined.

An hour had gone by as the three continued their discussion of the evening's events. Britt was finally getting himself put back together. Even though he hadn't known Cory Manners long, he felt he had made a new friend. It had really got to him when he thought the man had been killed.

A short time later the doorbell rang. When Devon opened the door, he was greeted by his sister and her husband.

"Hey there," he greeted Alice. He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Brian followed his wife into the room. He told them that he had stopped by the house to check on Alice.

"She wanted to come with me," Brian finished.

"I wanted to make sure you two were alright," Alice said.

She walked over and gave her father-in-law a hug. Then she went to Britt. Giving him a hug as well, she said, "When are you going to stop putting yourself in situations like this?"

"According to one of your husband's officers, I need to leave well enough alone and let the professionals handle things like this," he told her.

Brian shook his head and said, "I didn't say anything to Vaughn tonight, but trust me, he's going to get an ear full tomorrow. He's not too happy with me at the moment. You see, I let the professional, which in this case is Vaughn, have the opportunity to guard Cory tonight."

"That's a wise move, I'm sure," Britt agreed. "When it gets out that Cory survived, I feel certain another attempt will be made on his life."

"I agree," Jerry said. "Smart move, Son."

As they took seats, Brian said, "Britt, I want you to know something. I do not want you to take anything that Chris Vaughn said to you this evening to heart. Any work you have ever done for me has always been very much appreciated and will continue to be so. You have always handled yourself professionally, I might add.

"In fact," Brian continued, I have been meaning to run something by you. Britt, I have already discussed this with the mayor and council people. They have all agreed that with the experience you have, I can hire you from time to time as a crime consultant. I'll warn you, the pay isn't much, but at least you would be an employee and people like my newest officer won't have any reason to complain."

Britt was taken by surprise, and he didn't speak.

When he remained silent, Brian asked, "Do I take it by your silence that you want to decline my offer?"

"Not at all," Britt finally responded. "Let me think about it, okay? I want to talk it over with Devon."

"I understand," Brian said. "While you're thinking it over, remember this. You won't be doing anything you haven't been doing already. The only difference, each time I ask you to help now you'll be paid for it. At the moment, you're doing it and receiving nothing. Nothing, that is, except lip from the help."

Devon smiled at Britt and said, "You can wait and talk it over with me, or you can go head and accept his offer. I know how much you enjoy detective work. I would never do anything to stand in the way of what makes you happy."

Britt returned the smile and said, "Okay, Brian, I guess I'm on board."

"I have just one question," Alice said. "How are you going to keep this from Catherine?"

"Believe me, I thought about that a lot before I made up my mind to run it by you," Brian said. "As I've mentioned before, I'm quite aware of the wrath of Catherine."

"I'll take the heat for you," Britt grinned. "She loves me. She'll be okay with whatever I decide to do."

"I'm not so sure about that," Brian's dad spoke up. "And I've only known the woman a short time."

Britt changed the subject by asking, "Brian, how is Cory doing?"

"He's still unconscious. Doctor Pierce, the doctor that looked after Catherine, is taking care of him. He tells me it may be a while before Cory wakes. His brain has taken quite a beating."

"I've seen a lot of things," Jerry said. "Cory's injuries are the worst that I've seen in a long time. I hope there is no permanent damage."

"Pierce said just about the same thing," Brian replied.

"Brian, may I ask you something?" Britt asked.

"Of course."

"Do you think this Vaughn guy will be able to keep Cory safe?"

"I believe so," Brian answered. "I have another officer coming in to relieve Vaughn in a couple of hours. I want Chris in the office tomorrow morning. Things could get really messy from here on out."

"If you like, I could go to the hospital in the morning and keep watch," Britt offered.

"I hate to ask you to do that," Brian said.

"No problem. My book is coming along great. I can take my laptop with me and work in the room while I sit with Cory."

Brian seemed hesitant for a moment. Then he said, "That might not be a bad idea, Britt. Why don't you drop by the hospital around eight o'clock? I'll tell my guy to go home and sleep a few hours before he reports back. I'll put in for you to be paid."

"Already using him I see," Jerry teased his son.

"Hey, he volunteered. I never turn down good help," Brian reminded his dad.

"When Britt heads to the hospital I'll drop in to see you. I'll do whatever you need for me to do," Jerry told his son.

As Brian and Alice were leaving, Britt said, "Let me break the news to Mom. I'll tell her when I leave the hospital tomorrow."

"Oh, don't worry," Brian spoke up. "I wouldn't bring that subject up to Catherine for all the tea in China."

Alice hugged Britt's neck. "Your mother loves you," she said and smiled.

"She'll be okay," Britt declared. "She always is. Her bark is much worse than her bite. Usually," he added with a grin.

"Tell me, Britt, was this a wise decision you made to help Brian? I really like your mother. I don't want her to worry any more than necessary," Jerry said.

"Mom's going to worry, regardless what I do," Britt answered. "She's just Mom. She tells me that's her job. To worry, I mean."

"Just promise to be careful," Devon said.

"We'll have each other's back," Jerry promised.

The three men sat up talking for another hour or so, discussing what they knew so far concerning the case. It was after midnight when they decided to call it a night.

Stopping at the top of the stairs, Jerry turned around and said, "Britt, I want you to promise me that you will be careful. If something were to happen to you, not only would it kill your mother, but Brian wouldn't handle it well either. I know for a fact he considers both you and Devon his brothers."

"I promise," Britt said taking both Jerry and Devon in with a glance.

Britt and Devon crawled into bed, both of them with heavy thoughts running through their brains. Long after Devon had fallen asleep Britt's mind was still running at a fast pace. He wondered what he had gotten himself into.

Sleep was a long time coming to Britt, and when it finally did, strange dreams plagued him all night long. While he was sleeping, Britt kept seeing Cory slumped over the steering wheel of his car. As Britt watched, he saw a form appear in a shadow and hit Cory on the head. Over and over this continued the entire night. Britt tried to determine what was causing the shadow, but he could never make it out.

And so the dream continued all night long.