Page 45 of Captive Ruin

“Uh…” I look around. The street’s bustling, late lunch crowd from nearby offices, foot traffic, deliveries. I lower my voice. “So you know that gala?”

“The one Steven was at?”

“Serranto, yes,” I say, half correcting her. That man doesn’t deserve the courtesy of a first name. I shift my weight. “So… uh… I met someone while I was there.”

“You did?” Lucy replies, tone carrying her surprise. “Romantically? What about Scott?”

Romantically. That’s a laugh.

I choose to answer the easier question first. “Scott’s ancient history.”

“Oh. Is that a relief?” Lucy never liked Scott.

“Definitely.” I didn’t realize how good until he was gone. I haven’t given him a second thought since his peculiar text.

“Good. So who’s the new man?” Her head tilts. “And why the hell do you need a gun?”

“Home defense.” I ignore the awkward question.

“Has something happened?”

She was always going to ask, and I feel guilty for the half-truth I’ve prepared. “Uh… someone broke into my apartment block.” True. “They got in through the main door too easily.” Definitely true. Still don’t know how. “Made it onto my floor.” And into my apartment.

“Holy shit!” Lucy’s eyes have gone round. “That’s scary. What happened? Did the police come?”

“No… he left before then.” After he’d stayed the night. “Still, it made me think. Can’t be too safe, right?”

“I suppose not,” she says thoughtfully. “I guess I understand the rush, but you should still apply for a license.”

“How long does that take?”

“A while.” She shrugs. “Six months, easy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you wait. But I’d feel happier knowing it was all legal.”

“I will,” I promise to help allay her tension. I half mean it, too.

“Well… let’s go and see what suits you.” She leads the way in. “So when do I get to meet your new man?”

I laugh nervously. “Still early. I’m not introducing him to anyone just yet.” And nor will I.

Inside, the smell hits first: gun oil and metal. The man behind the counter looks up with interest, probably less used to seeing women walk into his shop. Glass cases line the walls displaying neat rows of weapons.

Lucy walks over with confidence. “I’d like to buy a handgun, please, and we both want to try it out on the range.”

“Sure, little lady. Do you have a license?”

Lucy fishes a card out of her purse and holds it up, ignoring the man’s condescension.

“That’s in order,” he says, peering at it. He looks past Lucy at me. “And you?”

“Just here for the experience,” I say lightly.

“The gun is for me,” Lucy says, blushing furiously. She’s useless at lying.

“Fair enough.” The man doesn’t seem to care. “Do you know what you want?”

I step forward, taking an active interest. I want to ask questions, but that might tip off that the gun isn’t for Lucy at all.

She doesn’t hesitate. “Do you have a Smith & Wesson Shield Plus?”