Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,28
I didn’t know they did the simulator and range. It’s not big here like at IT or the huge one in Phoenix. I guess even lasers need practice.
“You good, Boss Alexia.”
“Thanks, Quincy. I’ve been in training since I was seventeen. After a while it’s all just reaction to movements. My old trainer said to focus on that and not the colors or how pretty people are. You pick that information up without having to make the lists in your brain.”
He smiles. “I try your way. Ramell, Zale fast. I slow.”
“Keep practicing. It took me a long time to make it to SWAT level in the FBI. Five years and I’m still at SWAT level. I’m never making Sniper level.”
“Sniper good aim. You teacher?”
I agree. It’s a little crazy. “I am an IT trainer and you wouldn’t think I’d need to be trained for Sniper, SWAT or even Surveillance. I’m on IT or in Ops when I’m not a trainer and need the details I’d miss if I didn’t have the training in those areas. The FBI I worked at is an Ops unit. Even Investigators are used during a threat. They believe everyone should be trained. I may never shoot my gun at anyone, but I’d know how if I need to.” I’d probably wet my pants if I had to shoot a person. I don’t tell him that part.
He nods and sets the time for close to Garren’s. That’s pretty good for a new kid. I think he’s mid-teens. Going to the range, I meet up with the two that Quincy said are faster than him. They’re not very accurate with their lasers. You don’t have to be. It’s a laser and hitting anywhere is going to be effective. I still don’t like the sloppy shots. Waters would be screaming at them. Flipping the light switch gets their attention.
“Hitting anywhere on the body is okay with the laser. Aiming and ensuring good contact in targeted spots is better. I was taught when you shoot it should be for the head and heart. If you don’t have a shoot to kill order you hit the shoulder where it’s painful, does damage and stops the perpetrator from raising his gun at you. Let’s try moving the targets slower and get your aim in those areas. You can’t carry the guns without showing you know how to use them. At Bravo, your aim has to be good. They’re a training Club too.”
They nod and watch me slow the targets then start again. I use my gun instead of the laser. Waters said I have to shoot twenty-five rounds every training. I think she’s crazy, I’m not in the FBI anymore. Mounty said I should be shooting more so I stick to Waters training from the email she sent. I’m glad we don’t live in Phoenix anymore and I can do gun training away from Mounty. He’s worse than Waters.
When I’m done and turn, Ramell and Zale are watching me. “You teach to us?” Zale asks.
“I’m not a defense trainer. I’m IT. Phoenix and Bravo have the classes. I’ll ask Alder about a trainer for you. Do you run the simulator like you shoot in here?”
They both nod. “Slow it down and aim better. It takes practice to get through without hitting innocents. You never hit innocents. The Brothers throw you out of training for that. Being fast isn’t the point of the simulator, being accurate is. Web is meeting me for breakfast. I need to go. I’ll let you know what Alder says at training. You’re in my class today.” I hurry through cleaning my gun and run to the dining room smiling. Web calls it the kitchen.
He’s here and in Phoenix clothes. It’s better than the gi with his boots. I kiss his cheek while he’s talking to Ford. He stops and stands pulling my chair out. I love him doing things like that for me.
Télia is smiling at me. “Web said you were training. I’m never that happy after training.”
“I’m done with the gun this week. Waters has me on twenty-five rounds at the range. Mounty tried to make that more so I’ve been following Waters training.”
Web laughs and Ford shakes his head. “That’s not enough. Why did she put you at twenty-five?”
“I’m IT here. I was going to ask for a laser. I don’t need a gun here.”
Web and Ford are shaking their heads. “You need to keep the gun. Stick to Waters training, it will keep you conditioned