Page 46 of Unmasked Anarchy
I nod, pushing up to follow him, hand in hand, to the back sheds.When we get in, I see Wolfe, Knox, Talon, and Zane all standing by a bunch of crates.I already know those are full of weapons, but I’m curious as to why I’m here.I glance at Kael, and he nods at Wolfe.
“Don’t usually involve women in our business, but I need you to look over this merchandise and clear it.We’re doin’ a run tonight, get it off the lot, and the man we’re sellin’ to is tryin’ to low ball.Need your opinion.”
Oh.
Wow.
I nod.
Kael slides the crate lid open and pulls out a rifle with a matte black finish.The grip is textured, cool against my palm as I lift it.I check the charging handle, pull it back to inspect the chamber, then run my fingers along the barrel feeling for the telltale machine marks of cheap manufacturing.There aren't any.
I press the magazine release, checking everything.The thing is near immaculate, straight through, expensive, even the titanium components.I squeeze the trigger with practiced pressure, feeling the crisp break point, then look up at the men watching, impressed.
“Whoever’s buying these and trying to lowball is an idiot,” I say.“Three grand easy, per piece.”
Wolfe grins.“Care to try ‘em out?”
My eyes widen.I have shot these before, but that doesn’t mean I’m not up for a bit of fun.They’re epic to shoot, the rounds flying out at rapid speed.I am never going to say no to that.“Oh yeah.”
“Let’s roll.”Wolfe waves a hand, and everyone gets moving.
The ride is fast, Kael with one hand on the wheel, the other curled around my thigh.He doesn’t say much, but I know, just from the way he squeezes, once, right over my jeans, that he’s nervous about my involvement here.He is going along with it, but I don’t think he likes it a great deal.
The warehouse is ghosted, in the middle of nowhere, every window either busted or painted over.Zane climbs out first, hauls a crate of guns in both hands, shockingly casual.They set up heavy bottles and old cinder blocks at the far end.Wolfe steps back, gives me the first gun, then steps back.
“Won’t lie, been curious about what you got since the other night.Keen to see you in action.”
Kael lights a cigarette as I line the gun up, watching with intensity.
The first shot cracks the echoing air, the glass bottle at the end shatters in a blue-green mist.I feel everyone watching me, waiting for the next.Second shot, clean through the base of the cinder block.I cut through the whole row with the next six, not missing a single shot.
Knox whistles, low.“Fuckin’ hell, ain’t never seen anythin’ like it.”
I turn toward them, flushing, a smile on my face.“My dad taught me, but he always told me I had talent.I never thought much of it.”
“Give her the auto,” Steel murmurs.“Let’s see her roll.”
They had me a semi-automatic, and I set it up.I aim at a large target of a person hanging in the distance.I brace and then pull the trigger.The rifle kicks back against my shoulder, and the shots ring out in a popping sound.After a minute, I lower it and grin as every single bullet hit the target.
“Fuck me,” Wolfe whistles.“You’re somethin’ else, sweetheart.”
I place the gun down.
Wolfe turns to Kael, his eyes already asking a question before his mouth moves.“Bring her tonight.She would add a layer of protection we could use.”
Kael’s jaw tenses, a line of muscle working under his beard.“Fuck no.She ain’t riskin’ her life doin’ our business.”
“Won’t be riskin’ her life, she can hang back, far enough away that she can leave if things get heated.Give her a scope and a rifle, hide her, it could be a fuckin’ huge help.”
Kael steps up to Wolfe, his eyes narrowing.“No.”
“It’s okay,” I say, stepping forward before Wolfe can get another word in.My voice is steady, even when my hands are not.“I don’t mind.I have done far worse for Gage, believe me.Sitting back with a rifle sounds fun, if you ask me.”
Kael looks to me, his face twisted with rage.“Didn’t bring you in here to use you for your skill.That ain’t what we’re about.”
I step up to him.“I know that, believe me, I do.I just want to help.I won’t get hurt, I promise.If I see even one thing dangerous, I’ll leave.Let me help protect you.I want more time too, you know.”
He growls, holding my gaze, but then he nods.
