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Gerald Rivard is a lifelong avid reader who started writing fiction in October of 2006. He has shared some of his short stories with friends and in workshops, but is still honing his skills before unleashing his writing on the world at large. Egghead is the first story he has submitted for publication. He looks forward to many more short stories and novels, and he hopes that you do too. Egghead by Gerald Rivard
Maria Wynter and her lover Ramón stood looking for the last time at Egghead, her late husband’s first commissioned sculpture. The giant disembodied head lay on its ear in permanent repose, casting an ominous oval shadow over them.
Graeme Wynter had always immersed himself in his work. Maria hated the monstrosities he made, which filled every corner of the family farm he had inherited. His long hours in the studio and the stone dust constantly covering his body had driven her into Ramón's arms.
Since his disappearance three days before Egghead was delivered, Graeme's work had become highly marketable. He never enjoyed much success during his lifetime, but the publicity surrounding his disappearance had made Maria a wealthy woman.
When his pieces began to sell for five and then six figures, she and Ramón privately celebrated the good fortune they had orchestrated. And when an art dealer offered to purchase the remaining lot for just over two million dollars, she readily accepted, though she knew the pieces could be sold separately for much more. She was glad to be rid of them, and the money would enable her and Ramón to live comfortably in his native Spain.
At first, the gallery that commissioned Egghead complained about Maria's having had the ear canal, which Graeme had so painstakingly chiseled out, filled in with concrete. But the hole was large enough for a human body and therefore an insurance liability, so they agreed to leave it that way.
Yes, Graeme had always immersed himself in his work. And now he would forever be embedded in it.
THE END Gerald Rivard © 2008 |