Just outside of town on the rural highway loop, she slowed the Subaru to a stop. Emily gazed into the southeast and pointed out a blackened side of the far mountain range. Jane squinted into the distance. “You’ve got good eyes. That’s the backside of the coal mine. Peachville has two industries: fruit and coal mining. There’s a coal train that comes through here at night.” Jane punched the Subaru into gear and drove down the hill that turned into Peachville’s Main Street. A row of tiny, pastel houses lined one side of the road. A quick glance showed that the ubiquitous backyard trampoline could be spotted behind a few of the cookie-cutter homes. Jane slowed to a crawl as she came up behind a worn-out, Ford pickup truck that strolled at the approved twenty mph speed limit. “God help me,” Jane mumbled. She could feel the noose tightening around her neck as she crept down Main Street. They passed Peach Street, Apple Court, Cherry Lane and Apricot Terrace. This town that celebrated fruit also made a point to habitually name almost every shop and business with a fruity moniker.
