Page 136 of Tactically Acquired

Fox sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. Yeah, everyone thought he would drive me crazy, but what they didn’t realize was that I could argue with the best of them. Fox could push me all he wanted. I’d give it right back.

“You’re one of those tiny branches. Not a full-grown branch with swaying power. Okay?”

“Sure, whatever you say,” I shrugged.

“So, you’re there. I want you to visualize being the target. You have all those rings on you.”

“What rings?”

“The growth rings,” he said, gritting his teeth in frustration.

“Yes, but those are on the inside of the tree. Unless you’ve chopped me down and laid me sideways, you’re not seeing those rings. And in that case, you wouldn’t see the bark either.”

“Fine! There are no fucking rings!” he snapped. “There’s just bark!”

“Do you need a break?” I asked, trying my best not to laugh.

He took a deep breath and centered himself. I’d seen Spencer do it a million times. “Nope. I’m good.”

“So, I’m the target. I have bark and branches, but no rings.”

“Right. Close your eyes and visualize yourself standing there. Can you see it?”

“Yep.”

“Now, open your eyes and follow the imaginary line to the other version of you.”

“Where is she standing?”

“What?”

“Well, is she standing in a copse of trees? Is she standing in a meadow? Are there deer in the way? These are things I have to know.”

His jaw twitched, but he held back from losing it. “You’re in a meadow. There are no deer, and it’s early spring, so the grass isn’t long enough to be in your way yet.”

“Cool. Am I wearing gloves?”

“No,” he bit out. “Why would you be wearing gloves?”

“Because you said it’s early spring. It might be chilly. How do I know my fingers will function properly if I’m not wearing gloves to keep them warm?”

“Because you have heat warmers in your pockets. Everything is nice and toasty warm. There is absolutely no reason you would be cold.”

“What if I’m in a northern state? Minnesota gets some very harsh winters.”

“Jesus Christ! You’re not in Minnesota! You’re in a magical place where the weather is always nice. You don’t have to worry about cold weather or tall grass. The conditions are ideal for throwing knives without any problems. Are we clear?” he shouted.

I shrugged, thinking maybe he was downplaying that just a little. “Sure, I mean, it’s your vision.”

Again, he took a deep breath and calmed himself down. This time, it didn’t happen quite as quickly. “Now, you’re standing in the distance. Can you see yourself?”

“Yep. I can see me.”

“So, you’re standing there?—”

“What am I wearing? Is it leather? Because I really like leather.”

His nostrils flared and he took yet another calming breath. “You’re wearing whatever your vision says you’re wearing.”

---