Page 38 of Dark Obsession

“May I ask, why now?”

“Honestly ...I’m being stalked, and the cops can’t do anything about it because they have no evidence.”

“Damn, girl.I’m sorry to hear that.Let’s see if we can get you set up, okay?”

Keira released the breath she’d been holding since she walked through the door.“Thank you.”

He pulled a small gun off the wall.“Let’s try a .22.Here, put this in your hand.”He showed her how to fit a gun into her hand and where her fingers should be.

The piece of metal wasn’t heavy, but it looked so foreign in her hand that it shook her.“Is there anyone who can teach me how to use this?”

“Absolutely.We have an instructor here every day.He has classes every week, but if you’re in a hurry, he gives private classes.”

“That would be great.”

He had her hold a few others, but she always came back to the .22.It was lightweight, and the trigger was easily accessible for her small hands.He showed her how to fill out the application while he filled out the gun registration.

“This application will take three days to process...”

Keira’s heart stopped.A lot could happen in three days.“Three days?”

“Yeah.Sorry, but it’s the law.”

“I didn’t realize that.Is it ever refused?”

“Are you a felon?”

She sputtered a laugh.“No.I can’t remember if I’ve ever even gotten a ticket.”

“Well, then, I don’t see a problem.I’ll call when you can come in and get your gun, then we can set up a time with the instructor.”

She paid for the gun and several boxes of bullets.

The store owner put two boxes of bullets in a bag.He looked up at her for a moment before walking away and coming back with a little spray can.“I’m going to give you a can of this,” he said and handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“It’s pepper spray.”

For the first time in days, she felt a ray of hope, and tears came to her eyes.She hadn’t ever thought about something like it.“Thank you so much.”

He showed her how to use it.“Look, this is what you do.Try not to use it downwind, or you’ll get hit, but you may not have a choice.Spray and then run and scream.Can you do that?”

Tears burned her eyes, but a wide smile spread across her face.“You have no idea how much better you’ve made me feel.”

The clerk cleared his throat.“That’s really good, Honey.I hope they find the bastard, pardon my French, who’s bothering you.I’ll call you in a few days.Be safe.”

Keira reached across the counter and shook the man’s hands.“Thank you so much.”

“Take that with you everywhere.To work, at home, in your car.Keep it in your hand when you’re out on your own.”

“I will.Thank you again.”

---