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

“What’s eatin’ you?”
Roy shifts on his haunches.
“Would you really have shot Rick dead?”
Pete gives Roy a long appraisal before answering.
“Nah. Just wing ’im, most like. Maybe nick an ear. Crease
’is scalp, stuff like that.”
Roy grins.
“Teach th’ prick a lesson.” Pete squints at Roy. “He really
your brother?”
Leaning back in the booth to reach his horse choker, Roy
nods.
Pete shakes his head.
“Piece a work.”
Roy peels off a bill.
Pete continues,
“I’ve known lots of dudes like him, Roy. All’ve ’em are busy
bein’ dead right now.”
He looks steadily at Roy.
“You ever really want ’im dead, lemme know.”
Roy stops peeling.
“I know folks what’ll get ’er done.” He leans back. “Maybe
even do it myself.”
Roy drops a twenty onto the table and irons it out with the
edge of his hand.
“OK.”
Pete studies Roy.
“He scares you, don’t he?”
Roy dips his head.
“Sometimes—but he wouldn’t do nothin’. He’s all talk.”
Pete’s stare is unwavering.
“Rick wouldn’t do nuthin’—we’re bros.”
Pete nods.
“So were Cain an’ Able.”
Roy’s mask drops a hair and reveals a bunch of sadness.
“So what’s this business ’bout Thanksgivin’?”
Roy’s eyes search the tabletop.
“Nuthin’. Just Mel, Rick’s housemate.” He offers his
compadre a sheepish grin. “He makes a big dinner every
ROY ROGERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY 2 1