Page 169 of Triggered By Love
“Stop fidgeting,” she said. “Let’s try and have a good time tonight. We can go shooting tomorrow if you need to let off steam.”
“Remember what I taught you,” he said, leaning over and whispering. “Front sight, rear sight, equal height, and equal light.”
* * *
Avery introducedJason to the people who sat next to them who ran in Richie’s social circle. Some complimented her on her successful fashion show, but thankfully, no one mentioned her supposed suicide attempt.
One mutual acquaintance wondered why Larry Leach hadn’t been seen lately. He remarked that Larry hadn’t attended her fashion show, and it was rumored he’d had a falling out with his father and had gone to Europe.
Avery shrugged when the acquaintance asked if Professor Leach was pleased with the results of the show.
“I haven’t spoken to him,” she replied when pressed. “I did take his advice and eschew the animal effects, other than on Matt Swanson.”
“That was wise. It made him stand out. Is it true you’re dating him?”
“Among others,” Avery said and shut down the conversation with a smile and a kiss to Jason’s face.
Once the show started, Jason seemed to relax, relative to his hypervigilance. He sat stiffly, although not leaning forward, and he’d left his jacket unbuttoned so he could easily reach his sidearm.
Avery wondered what trouble he was expecting. As far as she knew, Professor Leach was cowering in his penthouse and Congressman Overton had no clue what was going to hit the fan.
Richie had called her before the show and asked her if she’d gotten his box of chocolates. She’d forgotten all about it, but she passed it off and said she enjoyed the treats.
Soon, she was entranced by the many magnificent costumes, the rousing songs, and the high energy dances. The love story between Maria Schitt and Tony Triumph would be ruined by Adam Schitt’s villainy, but while it lasted, Avery’s heartstrings soared with the arias Tony serenaded Maria with.
Close to the finale, she recognized Harvey in the chorus line as a dancing soldier. She shook Jason’s arm. “There’s Harvey. Second from the right.”
Instead of nodding, Jason’s entire body stiffened, as if he expected trouble.
“He’s not exactly going to shoot me while flinging his head and strutting in a goosestep.” Avery laughed.
Instead of chuckling, Jason shushed her harshly. “Stay alert.”
“Alert? For what?” She elbowed him, bumping the Glock. “Is this how it’s always going to be with you? We can never relax and enjoy ourselves? You’re always thinking about work?”
His answer was a hot, probing kiss that ruined her lipstick and left her panting for more.
Typical Jason. Rough around the edges, but instantly forgiven. She pulled his right arm over her shoulder and leaned against him to watch the final confrontation.
And saw red.
A pinpoint of light danced over her face and onto Jason.
At the same time, he jumped up and grabbed his gun.
A glint of light sparkled from the set behind the dancers who were kicking up a storm with their goosesteps. At the same time, the Adam Schitt actor picked up his pistol while singing curses at the hero, Tony Triumph.
“It’s not the actor or the dancers,” Avery screamed. “Laser up there. Fire escape on the set.”
Pop. Pop.
Jason raised his arm and dropped the gun. Blood splattered Avery’s face, and the red light ran down her chest. She dove for the Glock. Another shot splattered stuffing from her seatback cushion.
She raised Jason’s gun and pointed it at the strobing light and laser pinpoint.
Front sight, rear sight, equal height, equal light.
Holding her breath, she depressed the trigger.
