A Cold Day in West Virginia

By Drake Higdon

Aphicious "Aphy" Bianchi, is a hardworking young man. Yet, he tires of his construction job. After a chance meet up with his long lost friend from high-school, he discovers two new passions; Money and adrenaline. Aphy must decide whether to fall into his vices, or listen to his conscience in an epic fall from grace. Or some may call it - a rise to greatness. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drake Higdon
• Release date: Jan 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215082096

Drake Higdon

A Cold Day in West Virginia is Drake’s first novel. He is currently writing his second. He lives in Owensboro, Kentucky with lovely Marilyn.

Book preview

Boston

A Cold Day in West Virginia

Prologue

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Thoughts can be difficult to contain. Especially when contemplating on the past fifty-one years of my life. I feel as if I am being watched. My senses sharpen. I can feel the cold metal of the chair, seeping into my pant legs. The door startles me as he walks in, and a large metallic clang shutters behind him. He briefly makes eye contact and then swiftly looks down at his clipboard.

In a thick Bostonian accent, he asks. You’re Aphicious Morello Bianchi, are you not?

That is correct officer. Although I have never been fond of being called Aphicious. Everyone has always called me Aphy, even my parents. I reply. I cannot help but stare at his obnoxiously large mustache, as well as his ugly brown leather jacket.

Aphicious, I’m Detective Luckett. I was told you have been read your Miranda rights. He says. He is a plump little man. Do you want to admit why you’re here?

How long do you have? We might be here until Christmas. I manage a smirk.

In that case, I’ll go get us some coffee. I understand you’ve been in the holding cell for a while. Why don’t you go hit the head while I’m grabbing some joe.

I’ll take some water. Can’t stand coffee.

He nods, seemingly with disappointment.

The restroom is disgusting, and the mirror has a crack in it. As I look in the reflection, I see the same handsome face I have seen for fifty-one years. My hair is now gray, no longer the dark black it used to be. I see my long narrow nose I received from my mother. In addition, my skin is still naturally tan. Same it has been ever since I was a child.

Time’s up Bianchi. I hear from outside the restroom.

As I sit back down at the table, Detective Luckett hands me a cup of water.

Alright. Why don’t you start from the beginning? He asks.

Uh, alright. I was born at seven thirty A.M. on May the fifth in forty-three-

I do not think he appreciates my sarcastic tone. Before I could finish my sentence, Luckett asks, What brought you to Boston?

I wasn’t born here. However, I’m sure you already know that. I don’t remember moving to Boston from Sicily. I was only one or two years old. My parents wanted to escape fascist Italy and raise me in America. Once we got off the boat, Salem Street quickly became our home. The Old North Church was just around the corner.

When did you last see Samuel ‘Sammie’ Sasso?

I stare at him for a second, trying to think of the most blunt way to express what I am thinking. We all gotta eat. Even the fish I remind myself.

If I recall correctly, Sammie had bricks for feet. If you catch my drift.

Are you telling me that Samuel Sasso is dead? Luckett asks.

We all gotta eat, even the fish.

Luckett looks at me as if he has seen a ghost. By the look on his face, he did not expect me to say such an incriminating statement. He looks over to the one-way glass to reassure himself, and I assume the other officers, that he heard correctly. Luckett waits a few seconds, as if he is collecting his thoughts.

Okay. Tell me about Alexander ‘Lex’ Marino.

Hearing his name again brings back a whole lifetime of memories. Lex was a great friend. I reply.

Montreal ‘Monty’ Jefferson. Luckett blankly states. He was part of your ‘Family,’ was he not?

I’d rather not talk about him. I can feel my face turn red with anger. His name only brings back feelings of regret.

You might as well spill it. I can wait all day. Luckett says, propping his feet up on the table.

He has a point. There is no way of getting out of this I tell myself.

Alright Luckett. I say, sitting up in the cold, metal chair. I’ll start from the beginning. The year was Sixty-Eight. It all started when I saw Lex again in Red’s diner.

Chapter 1 – Red’s

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Nostalgia floods my brain as I walk into Red’s diner.

Pictures of vehicles and motorcycles cover the walls. A checkerboard-tiled pattern stretches throughout the diner floor. The pattern brings a headache, but it reminds me of time spent with my family here.

A news broadcast plays on the radio. Patrons sit at the counter, listening with intent. They sit around the small box as a loud voice of a reporter shoots through. The patrons turn up the volume. "Martin Luther King Junior has been shot dead today in Memphis. Authorities have apprehended the alleged shooter, James Earl Ray, and have brought him in for questioning. The African American community, as well as the rest of the world, are shaken by this grievous turn of events."

An older waitress smiles as we walk to the counter. Her blue dress swings with momentum as she turns to welcome us. Welcome back boys. She greats the other laborers and me. Her nametag is proudly displayed on her chest.

Good morning, Julia. One of them replies.

What can I get started for y’all? Julia asks as we sit down at a booth.

We will all have coffees, except for Aphy here.

Julia looks at me with curious eyes. What about you sweetie? She asks.

I’ll have a water. Never much liked coffee. Thanks.

She nods and walks away.

Who doesn’t like coffee? Vincent jests.

The first time I tried coffee, I discovered I had a severe disdain for it. I reply, tiredly.

How come? Someone piss in it? He asks laughing.

It’s good to see you have a third grader’s since of humor. It fits your intelligence.

What’s got you in such a bad mood? A confused look creeps over his face.

Oh, just tired. Your mother kept kicking me in bed last night.

He seems caught off guard by my comeback as his eyes fill with surprise.

Listen here you dick; I was just playing around. You can go sit by yourself if you’re gonna act like that. I was just pulling your leg.

I take him up on his offer. I get up from the table and go sit at the counter. As I sit down, a beautiful scent hits my nostrils. Metallic shrills ping against the metal of the grill as the cook flips the burgers. My stomach rumbles just watching him. The cook pushes the grease into the grease trap and a sizzling noise emerges from the small square tank under the grill. A voice inside me seems to scream I AM HUNGRY.

Decide to move seats, huh? Julia asks.

Yeah. Those goons are dumbasses. I say as I look back at them. They all have straws hanging out of their mouths, like a walrus. I’ll be glad when I don’t have to work with them anymore. Just have to find a new job first.

They may be dumbasses, but they tip well. Julia hands me a glass of water. What can I get you to eat?

I’ll have whatever he’s making. I point to the cook flipping patties. It smells delicious.

A burger then. Give me a few minutes. She says. Suddenly, a man comes and sits beside me at the counter. What about your friend here? What will you have sweetie? Julia asks him.

My friend? I don’t know- I stop mid-sentence. At first, I do not recognize him. However, I do. A face I have not seen since high school.

Lex? I ask, curiously.

How do you know my n- He stops mid-sentence to search his brain for recognition. Aphy! Lex exclaims. How have you been? It’s been years. He immediately grabs my hand and starts to shake it.

Lex’s chiseled face looks back at me. His laugh lines are still present from high school.

His long and skinny face brings back a flood of memories. Short blonde hair rests upon his narrow head.

Yeah, since high school.

I’ll give you guys a few minutes. Julia says as she walks away.

What have you been up to these past few years? How have you been? He asks, excitedly.

Well ever since my parents passed, I’ve been working at the construction site downtown. I have to put up with those idiots every day. I allude to my coworkers. I got my parents’ apartment on Salem Street. Gotta pay the bills.

Damn. Sorry about your loss man. Your parents never liked me much, but I respected them.

I ignore his apologies.

What have you been doing?

Remember that opportunity I got in high school? I’m still working for Sammie. He treats me well, especially when it comes to pay.

Do you think he would give me a job? I inquire, sarcastically.

It’s not that kind of job, but I can see what he says. He trusts my judgement.

What do you do exactly?

Well, it’s difficult to explain. I tell most people I’m just a simple businessman doing business deals, but I’m afraid the reality is a bit more convoluted.

Deep down I know Lex was in shady business. I always told myself it was warranted. We all must earn money somehow. Money is money, regardless of its benefactor.

Money is money as far as I’m concerned.

That’s what I like to hear. Lex declares, boastfully.

Decide yet boys? Julia asks from behind the counter.

I’ll have what he’s having. Lex says pointing to me.

You got it sweetie.

Julia walks back into the kitchen. The swinging door nearly hits the wall as it swings back.

Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me. Who’s your boyfriend? One of the laborers jests.

Lex immediately stands up. He seems ready to punch Vincent.

This is my friend, Lex. I answer.

You two make a cute couple. Vincent quips, sarcastically. When is the wedding?

Be careful what you say buddy. Lex warns as he stares him down.

Vincent walks closer to Lex and looks deep into Lex’s blue eyes. Lex looks down to him, his taller stature makes it so.

What are you gonna do about it, tough guy? Vincent asks.

I have half a mind to make you eat your words.

Vincent, I think it’s best if you leave him alone. I input.

Vincent turns his head as he hears me give my two cents. By the look on his face, I can tell he is trying his best to come up with a witty comment.

You hear that, tough guy? Your boyfriend Aphy here says I should back off. You haven’t given me a good reason yet though.

Lex thinks for a second. He slowly reaches down to the wooden stool he was sitting on and grabs the leg. In a swift move, he breaks the stool over Vincent’s head. Pieces of wood and splinters fill the air. The patrons of the diner all look up in surprise to the commotion.

Holy shit. I mutter in surprise.

Silence fills the diner, only interrupted by Vincent’s moans from the severe head trauma he received from the stool. The other laborers rush to Vincent, who lies on the floor.

What the hell is your problem? One asks. Vincent, you alright man? Another quizzes.

You’ll regret that, you piece of shit. Vincent warns, looking to Lex as he holds his neck. Great friend you have there. The laborers help Vincent stand up, and walk him out of the diner.

Why did you do that? I ask Lex.

No one talks shit to me. Period. I’ve had enough of it throughout my life.

What is going on out here?! Julia