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Pressing a hand to my chest, I took a deep breath and lay back down. This entire thing with Harvey had me on edge.
The wind outside howled with something from further in the house creaking and making my nerves skyrocket.
There’s no one in the house, don’t freak yourself out, I reminded myself, fighting past the urge to go and check. Harvey had no way of tracking me here, which meant I wassafe.
When the thought didn’t bring any comfort and the fear kept making its rounds through me, I sighed.
I’d probably need to get a security system or something soon. I couldn’t stay like this forever, so a security system and maybe a gun. I’d never seen the reason for one before now, but…
To say I had a good reason now was an understatement. I would go out tomorrow to the nearest firearms store and ask about classes, too. If Harveydidmanage to find me, I’d be ready.
That thought helped me ease into a fitful sleep that lasted the rest of the night.
The next morning I woke bright and early, my head pounding and stomach uneasy from the nerves still rolling through me.
I skipped breakfast, knowing nothing I ate would stay down anyway. Instead, I looked out the window at the stores I could just faintly see. Was there a gun store there, or would I need to go into the next town over?
Squinting, I gave up when I couldn’t make out the names on the shops.
One way to find out.
Driving along the main street, I took in each shop carefully, noting what was here and what I’d need to go out of town for as I went. There was a grocery store I hadn’t noticed before tucked toward the back of town–a necessity– and just as I was about to give up on the gun store, I saw it.
It was one of the smaller shops on the street, but bold letters scrawled across the front glass.
Highland Firearms and Ammunition.
Pulling up in the tiny parking lot, I got out and made my way into the building. Air conditioning immediately pressed down on me, and I took in the interior.
Wood floors and light walls gave the space a nice, neutral feel to it, and behind the massive glass counter was a wall of guns. In front of those stood a man, his short brown hair cut flat on top with a dusting of stubble lining his jaw.
He was focused on an open catalog in front of him, thus giving me the chance to take him in at my leisure. His frame was well built; toned muscle lining the arms leaned against the counter. His shirt clung to him like a second skin, leaving nothing to the imagination, and something low in me fluttered in response.
Burying it in the next second, I scolded inwardly.
No, don’t even go there. Harvey was more than enough of that, and he’s the reason I landed in this mess.
Repeating that until the hormones died down, I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. The man looked up, curiosity clear. When he saw me, his eyes widened a hair, and he stood up straight. “Ah, my bad. I didn’t even see you there. Are you new in town?” He asked and I nodded, inching closer.
“Yeah, I just moved in. I’m…Jen. Jen Cordova, and you are?”
He offered a hand over the counter, shaking mine with an easy smile. “Oliver Morton, at your service.” Then he looked around at the various guns on display and nodded. “What are you looking for, Ms. Cordova?”
Staring at the wide array of options, I shook my head. “To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m looking for. Something that’s good for self defense and easy to shoot, I guess?”
He took the vague answer in stride, thankfully not teasing me about it. Gesturing to the wall of pistols, he spoke. “These would be a good bet then. Do you know how to shoot?”
There wasn’t an ounce of judgment in his tone, but I still winced. “No, I was actually about to ask about lessons as well.”
He tipped his head, perceptive eyes taking me in as he asked. “Do you mind if I ask why the sudden interest in a gun? It’s a bit strange for someone new to town to immediately come here, even stranger since you don’t have a history with this.”
Nerves inched up over my neck, gripping tight and shaking as I tried to come up with something to say in response. He didn’t look away, that steady gaze boring into me, until finally I blurted out.
“I’m a woman living alone in a new town where I know no one. It seemed like a good idea to be able to defend myself.”
He hummed thoughtfully, not disagreeing or agreeing. Something about his face told me that he didn’t quite believe me, but before I could come up with something to say, he shrugged.
“Fair enough. As for lessons, I can teach you if you want. There’s no official shooting range in town, but I have one behind my house we can use. It’s kind of become the local practice spot.”
