The Porno Set Mystery Ch 01

The chronological order of my stories is at the end of the story. Let me know if you'd prefer I put it back here at the beginning.

Feedback and

constructive

criticism is very much appreciated, and I encourage feedback for ideas.

This story contains graphic scenes, extreme language, and actions that might be extremely offensive to some people. These scenes, words and actions are used only for the literary purposes of this story. The author does not condone murder, racial or racist language, violence, rape or violence against women, and any depictions of any of these in this story should not be construed as acceptance of the above.

Part 1 - Prologue - Christmas Conversations

(

Author's note: little bit of groundwork, folks. Thanks in advance for bearing with it.

)

"How is she doing?" I asked in my office on December 23d.

"Not too bad." Lieutenant Cindy Ross replied. "I've taken her out shopping, my sister Molly has taken her out shopping, and you've restricted her to desk duty for two weeks now and she's catching up on paperwork. She's trying. She may never quite get over it, but she's trying this year."

We were talking about Lt. Teresa Croyle, whose sister had been wiped out by a drunk driver on a Christmas Eve years before, the same Teresa that beat the shit out of a State's Senator's son last Christmas Eve, after he'd killed a mother and two children while driving drunk. The incident caused severe problems for Teresa, which took some effort on my part to overcome, but overcome we did. Still, the Christmas season had different meaning for Teresa than it did for most others.

"Hard to believe it's been just one year since that incident." I said. "Amazing what has gone on in that time."

"You're not kidding." said Cindy. "Captain Malone was here, Angela Harlan was here, Pete Feeley was here, Coach Harlan was here, Senator Allen was here, your nephew Ned was out there somewhere, you had a

blue

crowbar, and you had no sons born..."

"Too bad your year was totally uneventful." I said, needling my friend and partner, knowing how close this past year had been to being her last on this earth.

"Harrumph. Yeah. I'm just glad to be alive and talking about it." Cindy replied. "But at least I have a girlfriend and a nephew to buy gifts for."

"Yes." I said. "And a sister and race partner, too. The good news is that Teresa agreed to come to the family party at our house tomorrow night, and to stay the night and help be 'Santa Claus' for Carole and Jim and Ross. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep her out of trouble, and make her feel like family."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The party on Christmas Eve was not as large as the year before, when we finally got Teresa's story out of her and gave her the pictures of her and her sister. Tonight it was me, Laura, Todd, Jeanine, my mother Phyllis, Molly, and our various children. I had also invited Cindy, Jenna, Teresa and Tanya, and of course Baby Pete. Jenna did not come; Cindy said she was feeling under the weather. I hoped that was true, as opposed to Jenna still being mad at me over the treatment of her punk assistant Gor-don, or perhaps problems with Cindy's sister Molly.

Daniel and Melina Allgood had also declined their invitations; they were spending Christmas Eve with Daniel's family, which I could understand... except that I thought Daniel's parents had died and he had no siblings. Maybe he had cousins...

We were doing a 'Secret Santa' this year, and I had contrived it so that I would be giving Teresa her present. I gave her a large 36"x24" frame full of pictures I'd taken of her over the course of the year, many with Cindy, some from their race over the summer, others from inside Police Headquarters and with her Vice Squad. She seemed to like it, and was making an effort to be part of the party. Still, my wife Laura had a good chat with her, to let her vent about her sister, whom she was still remembering...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"We're so glad you came." said Joanne Cummings as she admitted Daniel and Melina Allgood into the home of her cousin, John Cummings. "You remember my friend Seth Warner, I'm sure?"

"Oh yes." said Daniel, shaking Seth's hand. Seth and then John Cummings and his wife greeted the Sheriff-elect and his wife. John Cummings had become friends with Daniel while they were on the campaign trail, often appearing together at rallies around the County. And it was neither secret nor surprise that Seth and Joanne had begun dating since being introduced at the Policeman's Ball by Mrs. Phyllis Troy.

The surprise was that Melina and Joanne had become fast friends when they had met at the Policeman's Ball. They found that they had in common a love of hunting, as in deer hunting, as well as the shooting sports. They'd even gotten together for lunch twice, and also had used the range at Cummings Outdoors General Store after normal business hours. While Joanne did not out-shoot Melina (hardly anyone in the world could do that, but Joanne didn't know it), she certainly was no slouch with rifle, pistol, or bow-and-arrow.

After an excellent dinner and conversation, John Cummings announced his bombshell. "I am going to be closing Cummings Outdoors General Store." he told his guests. "I'm not sure I can sell it very quickly, so I'm going to have a 'Going Out of Business' sale."

"Why are you closing the store?" Joanne almost wailed. "You love that store; we all do!" There was a murmur of agreement."

"Well, I have another store near Lake Amengi-Nunagen." said Cummings. "Well out of this State, and with the retirement community up there growing and some farming communities springing up, that store is doing well and poised to do better. It will keep me busy."

Cummings continued: "But the main reason I'm leaving this Town is because of the Election and Katherine Woodburn. You all know about the corrupted processes in both the election and the court cases, so I won't re-hash that."

Cummings went on: "But the real issue is that I've been audited twice by the Federal BAFTE and once by the State Firearms Bureau. The IRS has also sent a letter that they're going to audit me. I'm squeaky clean and my lawyer is already on it, but it's clear I'm going to be harassed until I close down and leave. Woodburn has actually said that out loud to other people."

"Is there anything you can do, Sheriff?" asked Seth, looking concerned. Seth had been on the receiving end of corrupt Court practices, as well.

"No." said Daniel. "I can push back against Woodburn, and Commander Troy is aware of this situation and could push back a lot harder, but it's not going to make a difference to John. I'm not sure why, but someone really wants him out of the County. And not just Katherine Woodburn, even though John here was our State House Representative for six years. There's something else going on, and we're just not sure what's going on."

"I hate Katherine Woodburn." Joanne pouted.

"Not as much as I do." said Seth. "She tried to interfere with my legal case, tried to help my sister out against me. Commander Troy

did

have a word with the State Ethics Board about that, and my partner Todd's wife helped with that, too. Woodburn had to back down, but if this is what she's doing before being sworn in, God only knows what she has planned once she reaches the State Senate."

Daniel said "John, I'm not sure you can't find a buyer. The Cosby Brothers opened their Gun and Safe Store a few months ago. I know Bobby Cosby, he was on the Police Force before opening his store. I don't think they were prepared to expand on their own for some time, but if you check with them they might be willing to buy you out."

"And if financing is an issue, call me." said Melina. "I think I can help make some arrangements." Even Daniel looked at his wife in surprise, wondering what secret Melina possessed that would allow her to facilitate a financial transaction of that magnitude, no matter how well her gym was doing.

"Thanks, guys. I'll call up the Cosby Brothers the day after tomorrow." said the very religious John Cummings. "Okay, not another word about any of that. It's Christmas Eve, let's celebrate our Lord's birth..."

"Amen." said Joanne. Even the not-at-all-religious Melina felt the love as she observed Seth taking Joanne's hand in his...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was midnight and Cindy was looking for Teresa, who was nowhere to be found. "We'd better go look for her." Cindy said, clearly worried. "I'll call the Duty Desk and have them tell all patrols to be on the lookout for her, discreetly of course."

"No, wait." I said. "Let's think about where she would likely go. She's not permitted to be on duty, so any police seeing her at a DUI checkpoint will call me immediately... it is possible that I left instructions for them to do so. That leaves the hospital, or.... oh... yes, of course."

"Yes, son," my mother said, steps ahead of me and seeing me figure it out, "I believe you are right."

"I'm not a Troy." Cindy said. "How about cluing me in."

"So you say, my dear." said Phyllis, a twinkle in her eyes. "But observe and deduce as if you were a Troy. Use your mind, child."

Cindy thought about it as I went and got my coat and hers. She still had not figured it out as we got into my new silver Police SUV and headed out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Teresa was sitting on the deck of what was left of The Cabin, looking over the Town as its lights twinkled peacefully on this Christmas Eve. She saw the light of a train just coming out of the western horizon; it was the nearest thing to the Star of the Nativity in sight.

Most of the remains of The Cabin had been cleared in preparation for rebuilding, but there were still a few charred timbers and some ashes and soot around. To her surprise, Teresa heard what sounded like a step behind her. She looked back, totally stunned to see who it was. She mostly could only see the shock of bright white hair.

"Ah, my dear Ms. Croyle." said the slender, older man as he came up to her. "My name is Harvey Eckhart, and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance again."

"You remember me?" Teresa asked. "My husband, now ex-husband, and I attended one of your seminars... but that was years ago, and we were among 1500 people there."

"Oh, you would be surprised how many people I've met that I do remember." said Eckhart. "But I also know you through your excellent police career, and of course your fine race win with Ms. Ross last summer. A really splendid performance, both of you."

"Thank you." said Teresa. "So what brings you here?"

"The same thing that has brought you here." said Eckhart. "The memory of your sister."

"You knew her?" Teresa asked, totally stunned.

"Oh, no, my dear, I never had the fortune to meet her." Eckhart said. "But you are here remembering your sister on the anniversary of her passing. I am here to perhaps be a bit tough on you, however improper it is, and to let you know that while I believe your sister appreciates your thinking of her, she also would very much like for you to be happy, and to move on with your new family."

"Oh?" Teresa said, becoming skeptical, but not feeling insulted, somehow knowing that Eckhart was here and doing this in order to help her. "What would you know about any of that?"

Eckhart laughed, which sounded a bit more sinister than he intended. "My dear, you are a very important person in the lives of certain people who are very important in my life. And you should allow yourself to be part of their lives. You

deserve

to be much, much happier than you are, my young friend."

Teresa stared at Eckhart, unable to believe he was stating her deepest thoughts, some of which she did not realize she had until he'd expressed them for her. Eckhart understood.

"And to show you what I mean, my dear Ms. Croyle," said Eckhart. "I know you are perched here upon this very dangerous ledge because you are remembering the fire that your insane father set, which burned your home to the ashes. Is that not so, my friend?"

"Yesss..." Teresa hissed.

Eckhart suddenly turned his head, then said "Ah, I believe your new sister and her friend the Iron Crowbar are just arriving..."

Indeed, Cindy and I had just arrived and had heard the last part of the conversation. "Go be with Teresa." I whispered to her. "I'll talk to Harvey."

Eckhart made his way back to me as Cindy moved towards the deck. "Ah, Miss Ross, how wonderful to see you again. I hope your Holiday will be filled with great joy." he said as they passed each other.

"Likewise, Dr. Eckhart." Cindy replied. "Don wants to talk to you."

Eckhart approached me. "Ah, my young friend Donald. How are you this Christmas Eve?"

"Feeling very blessed, Dr. Eckhart, feeling very blessed." I said. "And you?"

"Likewise, certainly." Eckhart said, beaming. "Now that your young friend's soul sister has arrived, I'll take my leave of you. I hope you'll have a wonderful Christmas, and New Year as well."

"Harvey..." I said, getting his attention. "I do appreciate that loan you arranged so that I can rebuild--" I pointed at the ruins of The Cabin, "-- all this."

"Ah, I will not pretend ignorance on that." Eckhart said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have more money than I could hope to spend. What better way to use some of that than to help you restore the home you love... and to be honest, the view I've come to love as well?"

"But I will ask you to do this." Dr. Eckhart said, his voice rising slightly in the passion of his words.. "Design the new home yourself, and really let your mind flow as you do. I believe that if you do that, what will be produced will be a truly wonderful thing!"

"I will do that." I said. "And thank you for helping my friend here, and helping Luisa Gomez in the hospital... and I have not forgotten that night in Cindy's hospital room..." I extended my hand.

Harvey grasped my hand in a thumb-to-thumb handshake, and both our other hands came up to cover our joined hands. "I'm here to help you any time you need it, my young friend Donald. Any time." I knew that he meant it. And that I would need that help, and that price would not be an object...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They sat there for a very long time, side by side, on the dangerously unstable deck of The Cabin, not saying anything. Finally, Teresa said to Cindy "Thank you."

"For what?" Cindy asked.

"For letting me sit here and remember my sister." Teresa said.

"Why here?" Cindy asked, idly curious.

"The smell." Teresa said. She took a breath and exhaled, then said "It smells like the fire that my father set, that burned our house down the night Alexis died. It reminds me of that night. I've always felt that if... if I don't remember Alexis, especially on this night, she'll be.... she'll be forgotten." Tears began streaming down Teresa's face.

"I see." Cindy said. "But she's not forgotten, and won't be. But you don't have to do this to remember her." Cindy's own thoughts wondering how Don and his mother had known that... and that Teresa would be up here at The Cabin. Geez, no criminal has a chance in hell in this County with those two at work...

"It..." Teresa said, faltering, then gathering her strength and continuing, feeling that she needed to, "it's what makes me what I am. It's what drives me."

"I can understand that." Cindy said, "But at the same time, you've got a new family to take care of, not the least of which is your current race partner whose girlfriend wouldn't come to the party and whose other sister is making me change diapers."

"Other sister?" Teresa asked.

"Yes." Cindy said firmly. "You're my sister and I am your sister, and we'll remember Alexis together... but I think she'd want us to move on, and remember her without trying to cause ourselves pain, especially by sitting on an unstable deck in the cold in the middle of the night."

"Okay, okay," Teresa said. "That's what Harvey Eckhart said, too. Is he really psychic?"

"Probably." said Cindy. "And Don and his mother are, too. If they were all related, I'd say it runs in the family." Teresa couldn't help but laugh at that one.

Part 2 - Friday Night Action

"So," said Teresa Croyle, "when are you going to come up here and join our Police Force?" It was Friday night, the day after Christmas.

Molly Evans sighed, then replied "Probably never. As much as I'd love to come up here, and Don could see Ross so much more often, it wouldn't be very good. I can't work with the Detectives because of the nepotism laws in this State and Cindy being my sister, and I'm sure as hell not working in Records, no disrespect to them intended. I guess I could be in I.A. But I also like it where I am, down in Midtown. My people are good people, too. And we still consider you one of our good people, even if you did come back up here."

"That's true about Cindy being your sister; and yes, your people are good people too." Teresa said. "And I don't need to be Don or his mother to observe that there's still tension between you and Cindy over Jenna... or more specifically, Cindy's orientation in general."

"Well," Molly said, "I've come to grips with that, though my-- our parents have not." Teresa peered at Molly as the ruggedly lovely blonde continued: "I'm not avoiding Cindy, and I'm happy to bring Ross up so she can see him or have her down to see him."

"Speaking of Ross, where is he now?" Teresa asked.

"His grandmother has him." Molly said. "Phyllis just loves him." Molly, Teresa, Cindy and Jenna had gone out to dinner earlier in the evening, and Phyllis had done babysitting duty, also caring for Carole and Jim while their parents Don and Laura were at yet another reception given by Dr. Wellman, President of the University. Molly was staying with Teresa while up in Town for Christmas.

"So how

are

thing down in Midtown?" Teresa asked.

"Quiet, at least right now." said Molly. "All the politicians are out of town, back in their home districts. We don't have a University there, so the DUIs and general disorderly conduct isn't too bad. But in January? Sheesh. The lobbyists come into town, take the politicians out to expensive dinners with free-flowing liquor, and we really can't touch them because the politicians do the driving, and politicians can't be arrested while the Legislature is in session. And our Internal Affairs Department also gets busy during this time of year as politicians bribe cops every which way. They're missing you in that area."

"I liked being down there while I was there," said Teresa, "but there is no place like up here. But it's going to be busy and hard for Don. As much as he tries to hide it, the responsibilities he's taken on, in addition to trying to help us solve as many crimes as possible, are going to take a toll on him."

"Yes." Molly said. "Laura has mentioned that, also. She says that I have to help her keep Don well satisfied in bed to keep his stress levels down..."

"Like uncle, like nephew." Teresa said. "Since starting up that business of his, he's been insatiable, and that's after fucking his secretary every morning and his wife every night, and he is still coming on strong for more..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Meanwhile, Cindy and Jenna were in the kitchen, preparing after-dinner desserts and drinks. "I know she's trying, but your sister just does not like me." said Jenna.

"She's trying, Jenna." Cindy said. "She is trying. We have to meet her halfway, like tonight, and go with what we get."

"So, what happened with all that about your parents going to Midtown instead of here when Ross was born?" Jenna asked. She knew the answer; she was trying to get Cindy riled up. And Jenna wasn't happy that Molly was not totally accepting of her and Cindy's sexual orientation.