Shattered Lives

Western, Kentucky, May 17,1968

Using the eloquence and social skills that she had acquired throughout her privileged upbringing, twenty-nine-year-old Patricia Wells gracefully worked the crowd. As she excused herself from the company of the congressman and his wife, she suddenly felt lightheaded. The six or seven martinis she had consumed were beginning to take full effect. She took a few steps and grabbed the top of the bar to steady herself.

She giggled under her breath, and then immediately chastised herself for her undignified actions. It was inappropriate behavior for the club. She had come here to have a good time, and she certainly had not been disappointed.

From the bar, she scanned the room and felt a great sense of satisfaction. Although she had been coming here for years, this was the first time she felt she truly belonged on her own merits, instead of riding the coattails of her influential father.

 The room contained Bedford County’s finest. More exclusive than the country club, the membership reflected wealth, power, and prestige. The organization had no charter, bylaws, or governing board. In fact, it was void of any formal structure. Membership was extremely selective, and was obtained by invitation only.

Following a time-honored tradition as old as the county itself, the members gathered together the third Friday of each month. Although the meetings were mostly social in nature, they managed to conduct enough business to influence the outcome of each political election and to control most important decisions made in the county. Nothing of significance could be accomplished in the region without the blessing of the membership. They controlled the banks, local government, and most of the land in the county. They had the power to make or break any business, and they could ruin the career of any public official, who didn’t see things their way.