“Maxwell, Blaszek, you’re up.”
Initially, I focused on the fight. Until I realized it was more interesting to watch Jay watch the fight. He silently coached Cate from the sidelines, but to his credit, he let her fight without interference.
Cate was fast and strong, but in the end she was no match for Nathan’s size and strength. Say what you will, but sometimes size matters.
They shook hands after Nathan offered her a hand up.
“You’ve improved since the last time we trained.” Nathan sounded proud. “One of these days, you just may win.”
“I’ve won before,” Cate shot back.
“Against Jamie,” AJ said, like it was a given.
To be fair, for most of us it was. Jay was the only Sheppard who trained and worked out regularly, and it showed.
“Hey!” Jamie feigned offense.
“Put your money where your mouth is, big brother,” Jay said. “You and AJ are up.”
“My money’s on AJ,” Doug said.
“Just because I didn’t serve in the military doesn’t mean I’m a wimp.”
“No, you’re a wimp because you don’t train or work out.”
Only Jay dared say that to Jamie.
Everyone cringed, saying, “Burn.” or “Ouch.”
AJ won in a comically short period of time.
“Fine, I’m a wimp, but I can outshoot all of you.”
“Not me,” Jay said. He served as a sniper in the Raiders.
“Not me,” Nathan added.
He probably couldn’t outshoot me either, but I kept my mouth shut. Poking the bear could be fun, but sometimes the smart choice was sticking to the sidelines.
“You’re not a sniper,” Jamie argued. “So I’m sure I can.”
“How much are you willing to lose?” Nathan challenged him.
“With twins coming, the only thing I can afford to bet is my pride.”
“Let’s hit the range,” Nathan said.
John walked in. “I thought range day was tomorrow.”
“It is. Nathan challenged Jamie to a shoot-off,” Jay answered.
“Pistols, rifles, or for distance?” John asked.
“Does it matter?” Doug asked.
“Nathan wins with pistol or rifle, hands down.”
“Dad!”
