Ridgway Blues - Installment #1

An excerpt from this story entitled, The Villain, was named a winner in a writing competition sponsored by waywardwritergirl.com. The excerpt was also turned into an Instagram post and has been very well received. New installments of Ridgway Blues will be posted weekly.

Installment 1

The town was dying. Businesses lining Main Street are boarded up and the rusted railroad tracks that run in front of the grain silos are a sad reminder of a more prosperous time.

In the distance stands a thick grove of oak trees that once nestled the dreams of a young man. Bright yellow daffodils bloom alongside deep purple crocuses. The hillside is dotted with marble headstones bearing the name Drummond. A warm southerly breeze caresses the tender green oak leaves. As the wind blows through the grove, the faint rustling of the leaves conjures voices from the past. It's hard to imagine that this town was once a beacon of prosperity. Its fertile black soil is coveted by farmers who planted seeds of hope every spring and, with a little luck, reaped their rewards every fall. The future was bright. But in the spring of 1921, the actions of one young man would forever change the course of his family and the town.

Charlie and Kay Drummond emerge from a newly renovated Victorian home that is much too nice for its decaying surroundings. Kay has bright red hair and is overdressed, particularly in comparison to those living in the rural community who feel blue jean overalls are the height of fashion. Charlie also outdresses his neighbors and can often be seen in designer golf shirts and dress slacks. When he isn’t teaching at the nearby university, Charlie spends most of his time playing golf.

His wife pleads, “Charlie, you can't drive an hour and a half into town with your back in spasm. Please let me drive you to the dentist's office.”

Charlie's voice is hoarse and has been for a few months. “No, Goddammit! I can drive myself. Now get back in the house and leave me alone!”

“I will do no such thing! Now get in the truck and I'll drive you.”

Charlie grabs the small of his back and winces in pain. His resolve fades and he allows his wife of 32 years to drive him to the doctor’s office. He knows something is terribly wrong. He fears he already knows the prognosis.