Chapter 12
-What's in a name?-
"I'm not sure this is a good idea." Archer walked alongside Michael towards the make-shift firing range located in one of the Fortress' dry moats.
"Costas' right, it might be a good idea for you to try a different teacher."
"Why don't you teach me? You're a good shot."
"You forget, I've seen you around guns before." Michael stumbled on the uneven ground, dropping a crutch. "Jesus Christ."
Archer steadied him and handed him back his walking aid. He was frowning, she knew he hated being weak. It's why he overcompensated by coming up with new ways to merge the fort's old technologies with new ones. With his work, the fort had become a little more comfortable for all the residents.
"You know what, Michael." She distracted him. "I think you're just afraid that I'm going to be a better shot than you."
"No."He laughed " I'm pretty sure I'm just afraid for my life."
When they got up to Rick, he waved and asked them to show them what they could do. Michael went first, he was working on accuracy with his rifle. He generally covered from the wall, so he shot from a bench rest position, lying on the ground. He fired at the cans Rick had set up on a plank between two old saw horses.
"That's pretty good." Rick said after Michael had taken a few shots. "Try changing your position."
Emma leaned back against the wall and watched as Rick worked with Michael. Her friend was a keener and asked the former sheriff many questions. The two got so caught up with their conversation they all but forgot about her.
She was about to sneak off when Rick called her over. "Sorry Emma, I didn't mean to leave you out."
"It's okay. Maybe some other time?" She hoped he'd let her off the hook.
"No, Costas wanted you to work with a pistol." Rick pulled a gun out of his holster and handed it to her. She took it from him in a pincer grasp between her thumb and forefinger. He chuckled and adjusted her hand to have a proper grip. "Don't worry, it won't bite."
"You sure about that?" She asked, eyeing the pistol suspiciously. She knew the basic concept of weapons fire. Costas had drilled it into her.
"Okay, now go ahead and shoot at the cans." Rick stepped back. "Take your time."
She steadied herself, breathed in and fired.
None of the cans moved but she did kick up a nice puff of dirt to the left of the targets…the far left.
"It's okay, try again." Rick was reassuring.
She fired and saw a puff of straw from the old bales that lined the back wall. She was far off to the right this time. She looked over at Rick. He was frowning.
She knew what he was thinking, her position wasn't off. Costas had drilled her in stance until he was blue in the face.
"Let me try that." Rick took the pistol from her, she backed off and watching him pick off two cans. He lowered the weapon, his frown deepening.
He handed it back to her and then indicated she should fire again. She did, missing again.
"Do you mind if I..?" Rick stood right behind her. He held his arms out along side hers and cradled her hand as she held the pistol.
"Sure." She said, a little uneasy at the closeness, but Rick was being very professional.
"Relax." He told her, sensing her tension. "Just breathe and take the shot."
She took a deep breath. "Okay." She fired.
"Umm Emma?" Michael this time. "I think you just killed a pigeon."
She lowered the pistol as Rick stepped back. "I'm sorry." She said.
Rick rubbed his beard thoughfully. "Maybe we should try a different weapon."
"You know," She said "I was on the archery club for four years in highschool."
"Really?" Rick smiled. "Maybe we should get Daryl to show you how to use a bow. What did you shoot?"
Michael caught her eye and winked.
"Well," She almost hated leading Rick on like this. "I was the manager of the club."
Rick looked puzzled.
"You see, when they saw me try to use a bow, they decided it would be best for everyone if I got promoted to a desk job."
Rick laughed.
With feigned innocence she continued "It's not easy, arranging all those practice scheduled and competitions. You've got to fundraise, find new equipment, send the old stuff for repair. It was a lot of work."
"Plus it got you a nice sport credit to put on your University Application." Michael added.
She nodded. "I'm sure it helped."
Rick shook his head "Okay Ms Archer, enough stalling. Get over there with Michael. Let's see how you are with a rifle."
Archer sighed before settling into what promised to be a long and unproductive afternoon.