Grady Hart: The Siege at Ridgeville (Episode 8)

The late afternoon sun slanted through the scrub trees as Grady Hart pulled Crow to a stop at the outskirts of Ridgeville, South Carolina. The town was little more than a few dusty streets lined with weathered buildings—one of those places where life moved slower than even the dirt. Behind him, Sam tipped his hat back, squinting at the rows of clapboard homes and the faded sign that read “Ridgeville General Mercantile.”

“Looks peaceful enough,” Sam drawled, his voice dry. “Guess that means trouble’s waitin’ somewhere.”

Defiance, riding high on Tempest, snorted. “A town this small, trouble probably runs the place.”

Buck, at the rear of the group, adjusted his hat nervously. “I dunno. Maybe it’s just quiet folk mindin’ their business.”

Defiance shot him a sharp look. “You say that every time, and every time, you’re wrong.”