volume one IN THE D U D L E Y C L A R K - Ohio Vine Tours

“You won’t regret it.”
Roy presents her with a weak smile.
Debi’s wrong. He already regrets it.
Encouraged by his weak smile—by any reaction at all,
really—she spurs him towards the finish line.
“You’ll love ’em.”
Yes, he probably will.
She never even had to tell him how much they cost.
“And that color looks smashing on you.”
Roy feels utterly lost standing before Debi’s unrestrained
breasts and violet eyes.
She sets about totaling everything.
Roy thinks Debi’s right about the color. He likes it, too.
He returns them to his ears, picks up the player and presses
PLAY.
Again, the auditorium of his head is filled with rich, vibrant
tunes—baselines he’s never imagined possible. Trebles that strike
just right. His headache takes a powder and eases into a chaise
longue. A deeply satisfied Roy looks around the store. The place
is empty except for him, Debi, and Smilin’ Jack.
And, of course, the Sons of the Pioneers.
The Sons, who have breathed back life into Roy’s smile.
As Debi totes and Jack reads, Roy smiles and the front door
opens and a new dude enters.
Roy notices the new dude and stops smiling. His eyes enlarge.
Rick!
How?
Why?
Fundamental, unanswered questions about our Universe.
Their eyes lock. Roy’s jaw sags.
Debi is talking again.
Not only can’t he hear her, he can’t see her, either.
He only has eyes for Rick.
Rick stares hard at his big brother as he crosses the room
towards him.
Roy hastily presses PAUSE.
Debi continues to talk.
ROY ROGERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY 21