Dullsville

Chapter 1: On the Road (continued)

Not even an hour later, and the tickle was already starting up again. Of the many things that arrived with Daphne's pregnancy--morning sickness, insomnia, swollen ankles, tender breasts--the absolute worst for her was the frequent need to urinate. Well, that and the barely concealed judgment she felt from the medical "professionals" when they found out the father was a former circus freak, a real one born without legs. Honestly, Edwin's birth defect hadn't worried her at all, especially after the first ultrasound that clearly showed that the baby would be blessed with the traditional two arms and two legs, two hands and two feet.

As Daphne drove the Blue Boat (Edwin's name for it) up Route 2, Edwin was lost in thought, watching the scenery.

"Eddy, if you don't want to go, we can just turn around and go home."

Edwin grimaced. "We can't. We need the money."

"Money. Right. Seen the checkbook lately?" Daphne chuckled.

"That's your money."

"No. It's ours. Don't start that shit again. What else ya got?"

Daphne's inheritance meant they'd never want for anything as long as they didn't try to live like a Kardashian. But she knew Edwin was a bit prickly about being seen as a kept man, even though he'd never known about the estate her parents had left her until after they were married. Daphne's father had been a corporate attorney who invested well, and her mother had inherited, then sold, a winning football team. She was in high school when they were killed in an auto accident. Her father's firm had ensured that Daphne, their only heir, entered college with just over $10 million.

"Raymond," Edwin muttered. "He's making me go."

"Wrong," said Daphne. "Raymond Chan is your agent, not your boss. He's incapable of making you do anything. If your story sells, he'll get a taste. That's all he cares about."

As she spoke, Daphne's foot tensed on the gas pedal.

"You'd better watch your speed," Edwin sighed.

"I have to pee."

Edwin chuckled, touching Daphne's belly lightly. "Again? He must be using your bladder for a pillow!"

"She. And don't change the subject."

Slowing the car slightly, she glanced at Edwin. "C'mon, Eddy. What's up?"

Edwin took a breath. "Nothing. Lots of things. I don't know. I guess I always knew I'd end up back here one way or another. At least this way I might get paid for it." He paused. "The though of going back makes me want to curl up in a closet."

"People can change a lot in seven years," said Daphne.

"I hope I'm one of 'em." Edwin settled back in his seat.

****

"Almost there," Daphne said as they passed a highway sign reading "Duval 13."

Edwin glanced up. "Hmm?"

"That sign. It said 'Duval 13'. That's where we're headed, right?"

"No. We're going to Dullsville."

"Is that much further?"

Just then, a barn came into view with a garish sign covering one side. "Welcome to Dullsville!" and a rendering of a man with lobster claws in place of hands. "You must be this strange to live here."

Edwin smirked, "Only another world or so."

Daphne placed her hand in Edwin's, and he kissed it before returning to stare out his window. He held her hand as they passed a scattered assortment of mobile homes, RVs, and modest houses. The place resembled a slightly more orderly version of a gold rush boomtown--only a few of the structures seemed permanent, and many were brightly painted or surrounded by gaily painted equipment, indicating that most of the town’s residents earned their livings travelling with circuses or carnivals. A couple of the houses were surrounded by large cages or animal pens.

Edwin became more alert as they approached an intersection where four modest buildings stood, forming the nucleus of Dullsville: a grocery store, a service station, a diner, and a fire station.

"Turn left at the grocery store," said Edwin.

Daphne looked interestingly at the small town as she made the turn.

"Where is everyone?"

Edwin shrugged. "Church, maybe? I hear Bax delivers a mean sermon." Then, pointing, "That next driveway on the right is Marsh’s place."

Daphne turned into the driveway. Marshall Arcane's house was a neat double-wide manufactured home with wood siding, a covered deck, and a carport. Strewn around the broad, well-manicured lawn were vehicles of various descriptions: cars, trucks, golf carts, a bicycle or two, and at least one horse tethered to a tree. No one was in front of the house, but it was evident that a good number of people were gathered in the backyard.

Edwin slapped his knee in annoyance. "Mother F....I told him not to broadcast us coming up here!"

"Well, you know how news travels in a small town," Daphne said, shaking her head.

Daphne parked and moved to open the door.

"Just sit tight for a minute," said Edwin, "Let me catch my breath.

© 2026 Brian G Parker and Darryl Johnson