This is Day 25 of #MarchusAnnus challange. Continuing On the Edge of Sight. Links to the other parts are available at the bottom of this post.
The key turned in the ignition starting the straight-6 gasoline engine. It purred like the day it came off the factory more than 40 years ago. The gearbox smoothly transitioned into, and promptly out of, reverse. The engine begged for more work as it the roadster crept through the parking lot.
Ray eased the yellow runabout to the exit of the parking lot, cranked the steering wheel to the right and kicked the pedal down with urgency. The car entered the road, while the rear end slide across the yellow line. It left the telltale black mark of rubber on the pavement all the way back to the shoulder. The rear passenger tire caught some gravel when it reached the shoulder, spitting rocks out behind it. When the tires got purchase of the road it shot off like a yellow arrow.
Ray’s pressing business was in River Valley proper, a short drive from the university, maybe ten minutes at this pace. The road was flanked with densely dispersed coniferous trees for miles until it crossed over the Camlin River. At the bridge the sign posted on the side of the road read ‘Now Entering City of River Valley.’ The road became Main Street from that point through to the other side of the city.
Life was quiet in River Valley. The occasional rowdy party, usually put on by the high school seniors, had to be broken up by the local police. Once in a blue moon there would be a DUI in the newspaper and rarer still did that end with the intoxicated driver wrapping their vehicle around a tree or street light. On a regular day it was more coffee and newspaper’s, greetings and deliveries, cars passing and lunch meetings, kids with book bags and kitchen table dinners, street lights and silent nights.
Today was not a normal day in River Valley. Ray didn’t let off the gas until he could see Gabbard’s Hardware, where he whipped the little yellow roadster in the nearest parking space outside the police tape. He turned off the ignition and opened the car door, returning the rabbits foot to his pocket as he stepped onto the pavement. He took off his sunglasses and had a look around the town. It never mattered how long anyone stayed away from River Valley, it always looked the same, and this baffled Ray every time he looked around the city.
Once Ray overcame his bewilderment, then realized he came here for a reason he moved towards the hardware store. He stepped over the bright yellow perimeter line and was quickly greeted by a uniformed officer with an extended hand and a partial scowl.
He approached Ray. “Oh Mr. Spence, you can go on.” The officer quickly recognized Ray from his monthly lunch meetings with the Chief of Police. Ray made it a point to have a good working relationship with law enforcement in the area, he also frequented the nearby Sheriff’s Department as well as the state investigation offices. With a respecting nod Ray continued to walk up to the store.
The store was built with a brick façade with a large picture window, which was now several angular pieces of glass and three sheets of plywood, at the front. Crime scene tape was crisscrossed over the broken window frame. The glass door signaled the visitors inside with the ring of a bell when Ray opened it. A few crime scene investigators and detectives turned their head towards the door.
“Don’t everyone greet me at once,” Ray commented sarcastically. “Who’s in charge of this investigation?” Ray asked, of course he already knew who that was when he received a phone call this morning.
“Ray.” A throaty voice spoke flatly.
“Miles.” Ray deadpanned.
Detective Miles Tanner was at the head of every one of the few criminal investigations in River Valley. Miles had a kind look to his face and generally greeted everyone he bumped into warmly. His face beguiled his lack of patience with the ignorant. He was known as ‘No Bullshit’ Tanner in the River Valley Police Department. It was often drunks or punk kids who found this out the hard way, but the occasional wet behind the ears rookie was on the receiving end of Miles’s stern attitude and spitfire witticisms.
When the serious faces could no longer be held, both men gave a light chuckle. With a smile, the old friends shook hands. The greetings started with “good to see you,” and “how’ve you been,” then carried on as each caught the other up on everything since they last talked. Ray had a moment to remember why he came to town and the smile washed from his face.
“So, what’s the scene?” Ray pushed the conversation toward the heart of the matter.
There have been 25 day(s) since the last non-creation day. This marks 25 consecutive day(s) of posting for #MarchusAnnus. #UnusAnnus #MomentoMori. Check out UnusAnnus and subscribe to their channel before it’s too late.
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The Original A.J. Young 