12

I laid the extra clips on the table and grabbed a pair of safety glasses and earmuffs from the station wall. What do you have in mind ?
That the one with the most hits outside the center in a hour’s time has to explain to Lea within two weeks the real reason you couldn’t cap her ?
I thought over Darrell’s proposal for a few minutes. I knew I would have to talk to her about it sooner or later and I was really hoping for later. For some reason the fear of Lea rejecting me caused my chest to tighten.
Darrell laid his Colt on the table along with his extra clips and pulled his safety glasses and earmuffs from his station wall. He turned to face me, a knowing look on his face.
What are you thinking Carter ?
I kept my face blank as I met his, but my voice gave away my fear. If she doesn’t accept me, or what I do, then she will have to be,
I couldn’t finish my sentence. I didn’t have to for Darrell to understand my fear.
No witnesses, Boss. She saw you put two rounds into Marshall. She has not only seen you and me, but the other members as well. If she doesn’t accept you Carter, she will be a liability that will have to be dealt with. That is a risk you took when you fell for her.
I picked up my Glock, aimed, and fired, letting the sound of fire power drown out a frustrated scream. I tossed the empty weapon onto the table and turned my back to the targets. I gripped the edge of the table and dug my nails into the wood.
Why ?
Why what, Boss ?
I turned back and reloaded, Why these feelings now ? I took aim again and fired off five shots. I’ve managed so far without them. I fired off five more shots. Why the hell now ? I fired the last set of five rounds and reloaded. Why her ?
I can’t answer that, Boss.
We continued to aim, fire, and reload for the remainder of the hour. I felt more relaxed as I pushed the controls that would bring up my target.
Shit, I hissed as I spotted seven rounds outside the center. I looked over to Darrell’s target noticing that not one round was outside the gaping hole where the center should be.
Darrell walked over and laid a hand on my shoulder, You have two weeks, Boss.
I reloaded and fired off all fifteen rounds in succession while Darrell smirked and cleaned his station and his Colt. I followed suit and picked up the now empty clips and took them to the ammo room. I threw them in the bin and grabbed two full clips, clicking one in place in my Glock and sliding the spare one in my pocket.
You know you should really invest in a holster, Boss.
I like knowing I have what I need readily accessible.
So, Tara ?
What about her ? I tensed as Darrell spoke her name.
She’s pretty pissed that you brought Lea in.
I raised an eyebrow. She’ll get over it. She knows what the consequences will be if she doesn’t.
You do realize that she has a, um, thing for you.
I can assure you the feeling is not mutual.
We had been walking toward the main room of the house, but stopped as our two oldest and most loyal members came into view. Henry and Mahalia were standing to the side of the great room speaking in hushed tones. Mahalia looked frantic as she waved her arms in the air.
Is there something wrong, Mahalia ? I asked cautiously as my head housekeeper turned and stood by her husband.
I was immediately on edge for it took a lot for Mahalia to become distressed and agitated.
She looked from her husband to me. It’s Ms. Lea, Sir.
I clenched my jaw, What has she done now ?
I need to start dinner preparations and she, Mahalia looked tired, she locked herself in the kitchen when I went out to the garden for some rosemary.
How long as she been in there ? I asked tersely.
About an hour, Sir. Mahalia took a step back and partly shielded herself behind Henry as I let out a frustrated growl.
Breathe, Carter. Darrell smirked and laid his hand on my tensed shoulder as I curled and uncurled my hands into fist.
I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. I pushed through the first set of double doors, pulling out my keys and shoving them into the second set of doors. As I pushed them open, the smell of pies baking filled the air.
Lea was at the triple sink, humming as she rinsed out bowls and set them aside to drain. I didn’t speak as I silently closed the door. I let a rare smile slip as I watched her move gracefully about the kitchen. She seemed content and at peace as she set about pouring a liquid mix into a pan.
Stop looking at me like that.
Her words startled me. I hadn’t realized that she had noticed that I was in the room. How long have you known I was here ?
Long enough. Lea looked up from the pan as she set the bowl to the side. She opened the oven and slid the pan in.
What are you doing ? I was truly interested to know what Lea was up to.
She shrugged her shoulders as she picked up the empty bowl and spatula and turned toward the sink. Baking. What does it look like I’m doing ?
I sighed and shook my head at her clipped tone. Could you please drop the attitude, Lea ?
I watched as she stiffened and let go of the sprayer. She started to visibly shake as she turned to face me, her voice full of anger and hurt.
Do you know what it feels like to watch the life of someone you love leave their eyes ? Lea’s misty eyes met my cold, hard ones.
Do you know what it feels like to think that at any moment you won’t be whole and pure any longer ?
I began to feel an ache in the center of my chest as I watched a tear trail down Lea’s cheek.
Do you know what it feels like to know that your life is in the hands of some deranged maniac ?
I felt my eyes soften as Lea’s voice began to quiver.
Do you know what it feels like to taken from everything and everyone you know and love, not once, but twice ?
I took a step toward Lea.
Do you know how I stay sane ?
I took another step.
I annoy those around me.
I took a third step.
I break things.
I took a fourth step.
I keep an attitude.
I took a fifth step.
I act like a two year old child, Carter.
I paused at the sound of my name coming from Lea’s lips.
Because then, the fears go away.
I reached a hand out to wipe away a fallen tear.
Stop looking at me like that.
Lea slapped my hand away and took a step backwards. The pain in her silent plea was enough for my breath to catch.
I’m not going to hurt you Lea. I stepped and reached out to her once more. She watched me warily as I lifted my hand to her cheek and wiped the tears away with my thumb. I can’t, I whispered as I looked into her glistening hazel eyes before dropping my hand and turning away.