Page 68 of Kissing the Sheriff
He laughed at the thought and headed back to the others. Cassie and the captain looked to be in animated conversation and he wondered what they were talking about.
He stopped for a moment and noted his surroundings. The canyon was at his back with the occasional large rock, scrub bush and a few scrawny trees. There wasn’t much out here. Water must be scarce. The area around Apple Blossom had the large creek running through it and several smaller streams. He’d have to ask Cassie if there were any near the canyon.
When he reached them, they stopped talking and began to check their guns. “So, Captain,” he said. “Do you get a chance to practice much?”
“With this?” Captain Stanley raised his rifle. “We’ll find out, won’t we?”
“We should all practice,” Cassie said. “Especially me, considering my position.” She smiled at Conrad. “And now you, of course.”
“I’m afraid I’m going to shame you. I hope you won’t mind.” He looked at the captain. “You’ve been warned. This won’t be pretty.”
The captain patted him on the back. “Nothing a little practice can’t remedy, lad. I’ll go first.” He cocked his rifle and took aim.
“Might you try for the bottles?” Conrad suggested.
“If that’s what suits you, fine.” He fired. A bottle shattered, shards flying into the air.
Conrad smiled. “Good shot, man.”
“Thank you. Now you try.” The captain leaned back to see past Conrad and winked at Cassie.
Conrad wasn’t sure what that was about and didn’t care. He was about to embarrass himself in front of a woman he’d much rather impress. Well, one couldn’t have everything. “Now I should hold the gun thus.” He stuck his arm out straight, one finger on the trigger.
“Aim for the cans,” Cassie advised. “Pull back the hammer to cock it, get the cans in your sight, then slight pressure on the trigger …”
Conrad fired and stepped back. “Bloody … I mean, wow. That’s got a kick.”
“I should have warned you,” she said. “Sorry.”
He shook out his wrist. “Never mind about that. It’s your turn. Go ahead, make me feel bad the rest of the day.”
She smiled, raised the gun and fired. A piece of wood flew off the rock.
Conrad hung his head in shame. “Here we go. I’ll be forever known as a bad shot. The deputy who couldn’t.”
She laughed, patted him on the back, then took aim again. She fired three shots in succession and the other three pieces of wood flew off the rock the same way.
Conrad walked over to the captain, placed his forehead on his shoulder and pretended to sob.
Cassie flew into hysterics. “Please, stop …”
Conrad smiled and faced her. “Renew my faith in myself. Teach me how to fire this thing.”
“Give me that.” Captain Stanley offered him the rifle. “Best to start with this, lad.”
Conrad’s eyebrows shot up. “Now this is something I more familiar with.” He took the rifle and looked it over. “Yes, I can work with this.”
“Well don’t just stand there flapping your gob about it,” Captain Stanley said. “Shoot something.”
Conrad took aim and fired. To his delight, and the others’ surprise, one of the cans flew off the rock.
Cassie clapped. “I don’t believe it. You hit something!”
Conrad arched an eyebrow. “I am not without some talent. At least with a rifle.” He took aim again and fired. This time he missed. “Okay, so I need practice.”
“Good shot, lad.” The captain slapped him on the back. “The first one, not the second.”
Conrad closed his eyes and smiled. “I know which one you’re referring to.” When he opened his eyes, Cassie was giggling. “What’s so funny?”
