Kent and Eric met at the shooting rage to try out different revolvers before introducing them to the rest of the time travelers. It was as fun as it was utilitarian.
During the Saturday potluck party, Kent managed to get to know Eric Marsen, one of Shay’s bodyguards. As they talked, the idea that everyone needed some training with firearms came up.
“Shifting back to 1880…” Kent shook his head. “You wouldn’t happen to have access to a Colt 45 Peacemaker, by any chance? If not, any single action revolver? That’s what most of the guns would have been.”
Eric promised to look into finding a single action revolver. Jacob overheard them talking and whipped out his phone. A few clicks later he had an alternative.
“The Colt 1877 was a .38 double-action. And supposedly it was fairly common, too.”
Kent said he’d remember that and Jacob added, “Something called a Derringer? Says it was concealable…”
Eric confirmed that he had heard of those. “I think basic training on any revolver would suffice. A double action can operate like a single action.”
“True…” Kent nodded. “I’m also in favor of everyone having a carry permit in the here and now. Especially with the kind of volunteering we’re doing and places we’re going.”
Eric said he couldn’t agree more. “I think a small 9mm would be best for most cases.”
Kent nodded. “Emma could handle pretty much anything. She says she’s strong from scrubbing on a washboard and all that 1880 chores stuff.”
Eric suggested Shay would be plenty suited for a 9mm. Kent supposed Hannah would be fine, too. “Addison might have the least grip strength.”
They had talked about different ideas and Eric felt good with regard to the S&W MP 2.0 line. “A Subcompact and a Compact can use the same magazines. But the Shield is hard to beat for comfort and ease of use.”
After finishing their time on the range, Eric turned the conversation in a very different direction. “So, how do you see Shay fitting in… with everyone?
Kent was a little surprised by the question. He’d know Shay the longest; he’d been helping her with Habitat Housing. He’d always liked her, but also had thought she was a little hard to get to know.
Kent offered an answer. “She seems to be very well liked, but she doesn’t seem to know that.”
Eric nodded. “We talk when I’m driving her. Basically, she always feels like… her words… she’s doing it wrong. Being a friend. Being part of a group.”
Kent shook his head. “That must be hard on her.”
Eric shrugged. “Devon and Emma seem really fond of her. Devon always makes her laugh and feel comfortable, she says. Too bad he’s with Emma…”
Kent laughed a little. “So they say… but… It looks like they are going through the motions…”
Eric nodded. “Well, Jacob and Addison seem really tight.”
“Agreed. At least those two look like a real couple.”
By then they were back at the Tahoe and Eric looked at Kent. “All that time-shift bonding… You have eyes for anyone?”
Kent shrugged. “I’ve got my head on a swivel. A man couldn’t go wrong with Tia, from what I know based on 1 day.”
Eric smiled. “I’m not going to argue. But… relationships are long-term… who knows how things will end up. If you ask me, I’d say Merritt and Hannah are going through the motions as much as you said Emma and Devon are. I’ve only been around them a couple times… but…”
Kent had thought the same thing. “Everything gets messed up when the time-shifting happens. This Merritt, that Hannah one minute… I don’t know. It’s gotta be hard to keep things going.”
Eric shook his head. “I cannot imagine… I mean just showing up back in 1880 for one thing. But… trying to keep a relationship going through all that… Crazy.”
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