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

“What’s this so-called friend’s name?”
“Pete.” Roy announces his name with a tinge of pride.
“Pete?” Rick snickers. “Prob’ly an old queen you suck for
rent.”
Roy looks away.
Rick, like any good predator, can smell weakness. His ballbearing
eyes glisten.
“I always knew you were fuckin’ gay. You’re probably the
bottom, aren’t you?” He nods towards the plastic bag. “Your
boyfriend listen to that fuckin’ crap?”
Roy frowns and shrugs.
“It’s not crap.”
He starts to walk away.
He’s desperate to get away from Rick and back on the bus.
Headache or no, he can’t wait to clamp on his new
headphones and crank up the Sons.
Rick paces him.
“Think maybe I should come home with my bro and meet
’im, make sure he’s OK.”
Roy’s afraid he’s going to have to lie some more.
“I’m not going home for a while.”
Rick mocks him.
“I’m not going home for a while. Shit. Just where is your home,
gay boy? Where’s your new crib, huh? I could hook up with you
later.”
Roy shrugs.
“You just want my money.”
Did he just say that?
Roy’s unexpected candor rattles Rick. He gives his brother a
long, searching look.
“You think?”
This is a relatively weak entry for Rick.
He tries again.
“Fuckin’ A, asshole!”
He grabs his brother’s arm and spins him around.
People on the sidewalk divide like mitochondria.
Rick’s got his Mean Look cranked to high.
ROY ROGERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY 22