Page 108 of Nate

“Okay, try the other one then.”

She picked up the Smith and Wesson and smiled at Nate. “This one feels better.”

“Great, let’s go with that one.” He showed her how to load and unload the gun and explained how to use the iron sights. Then he told her to aim at the target and shoot.

Markie pulled the trigger and flinched at the loud noise before turning to Nate with a worried expression. “Did I hit it?”

Nate chuckled. “Not even close.”

“Let me try again.” She focused on holding the gun steady with both hands and fired again. “Where did it go this time?”

“I’m guessing into the next county. Let me show you,” Nate said, standing behind her and placing his hands on her arms. He instructed her on how to hold and aim the gun.

“Spread your legs a little and gently squeeze the trigger,” he whispered in her ear.

“What?”

“Widen your stance and use a gentle squeeze instead of pulling too hard. You don’t want it to jerk.”

Markie chuckled. “I love it when you talk dirty.”

Nate laughed, “Come on now, let’s focus on learning to shoot.”

“Spoilsport.”

“Behave yourself. We’ll do dirty later.”

Markie glanced over her shoulder at him. “Fine. But just so we’re clear, I really don’t want to learn how to shoot someone.”

“In all likelihood, you won’t have to. Just having a gun pointed at him will likely make him back off until the police arrive. If he shows up, call nine-one-one immediately. If you can’t talk, just press a button and the operator will understand. They’ll find you. Don’t argue with him or talk back, try to keep him calm. I don’t want to scare you, but we know what he’s capable of.”

“I’m already scared.”

“Markie, listen to me. If it comes to it, just do as he says and try not to aggravate him. He’s just a drug addict looking for his fix.”

“But last time he didn’t get any thanks to you and Rafe. I feel terrible that you got shot because of me.”

“It wasn’t that bad and I’m fine. Make sure you keep your phone with you at all times and lock all doors behind you. Keep an eye out for him. I’ll do everything I can to protect you.”

“I know you will.” She shook her head, “but I have to stay in my apartment. It’s closer to the hospital.”

“I don’t like the idea of you having to go out alone to check on the animals, either in the hospital or out somewhere.”

“But I have to. I’ll carry the gun with me.” She hesitated, “I just don’t know if I could actually use it.”

“Well hopefully, you won’t have to. Just him seeing it aimed at him might be enough.”

“I hope so. I hate him but I don’t want to kill him.”

“It probably won’t come to that, but you’d be surprised what you’re capable of when you have no other choice.”

“Have you ever had to? Shoot someone?”

“No. Do you know Dr. Sawyer Griffin?”

“Of course.”

“Piper, his wife, had to shoot her ex-husband when he came after her. She killed him. He also shot Sam when he went after him.”

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