Page 17 of Smoke

Shaking the thoughts from my head, I refocused my attention yet again.

“Does that feel comfortable?” I asked.

“Mm-hmm.” She peered up at me. “I thought it would feel heavier.”

“Compared to other calibers, this is pretty light. Now, your dominant hand should have high, firm contact on the backstrap. You feel the texture? That ensures you get a better grip and allows for more control and stability when you fire. Essentially, it creates friction between your hand and the gun’s grip area. We don’t want that shit slipping when you pull the trigger. Remember when I mentioned that kickback? Your grip ensures you don’t fuck around and drop the damn gun.”

“That makes sense. I know my first instinct would be to drop it.”

“That’s why your support hand wraps around the front, like this.” I positioned her other hand on the gun. “Good. Make sure your thumbs are both pointing forward.”

We worked on handling the gun for a few minutes until she was comfortable. After practicing a little with an empty gun, I gave her the loaded one, and it was time for her to take the first shot.

“Rest your index finger along the side of the frame until you’re ready to shoot. Donotput it on the trigger.”

“Like this?”

“Perfect. That’s what we call trigger discipline. Again, don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to shoot this shit. When you’re ready, cup your finger around the trigger and squeeze slowly straight back. Don’t jerk or pull sideways. This is called the break point. Now, most of my clients flinch when they anticipate that shit. Just remember to breathe normally.”

Romi took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

“Remember, we’re here to learn and take it step by step. I only loaded this gun with three rounds to start you off. We’re gonna work our way up to you emptying the full clip. Fornow, just apply everything we’ve gone over —stance, grip, sight picture, and trigger control. Most importantly, remember the safety rules I gave you when we started. Whenever you’re ready, take the first shot.”

She nodded as I placed the earmuffs on her. I watched as she closed her eyes. Her lips moved slightly, and I couldn’t tell if she was praying or what, but when she opened her eyes, she seemed focused. Lining up the target, she pulled the trigger.

As I expected, that kickback made her stumble back.

“Again,” I instructed.

She found her stance, lined up the target, and fired. This time, she stumbled just a little.

“Again.”

She fired the last bullet, holding her stance steady. I motioned for my assistant to send the target forward so she could see her hits. As it got closer, I saw that she got a chest, neck, and face shot.

“That’s what the fuck I’m talking about,” I said, clapping my hands as she examined the target. “Look at you being a natural.”

“I don’t know about that. This was sheer dumb luck.”

“Don’t bring that negative shit in here. We celebrate wins around this muthafucka.”

“You know, you are the most unprofessional-sounding professional I have ever met.”

I chuckled. “I’m me. All day, every day. That prim and proper shit doesn’t work in here, baby. I know my shit, so I can speak how I want. Now, if you want me to switch it up for you if your ears are sensitive, I might be inclined to do that.”

She shook her head. “No, no. I don’t mind you keeping it real.”

“Good, ’cause shit wasn’t about to change. It’s nice to think you have an option, though.”

She giggled and playfully shoved me. “Whatever.”

I grabbed her hand and pulled her into my chest. I didn’t know what made me do that shit. I liked the feeling of being close to her for some reason. She smelled good. She looked good, and pressed against my body, she felt good. Something told me this woman could get me into the type of trouble I wasn’t ready for. She peered up at me, curiosity dancing in her pretty brown eyes.

“D-Devin?” she whispered.

“Hmm?”

“Um… please tell me that’s a gun.”

---