Then there was the Sunday before Labor Day weekend. Buck had told Suzanne that they were going for a drive. She looked at him quizzically but didn’t say anything. While she was in the shower Buck had gone into his office and gotten a rifle with a big scope on it, his 357 magnum and took the little 22 automatic out of the dresser drawer and put them in the trunk of the car along with the appropriate ammunition.
When he finished Suzanne was standing in front of the mirror applying her bit of makeup. She was standing there in Levi’s and tennis shoes she hadn’t put a top on yet. Buck walked up behind her and cupped her gorgeous breasts in his hands flipping his thumbs over her big nipples causing her to gasp and lean back into him. He kissed her neck breathed in her ear, “Better wear a bra today and a full blouse. You don’t need to tape your nipples though. I’ll keep the wolves away.”
“Where are we going anyway?” Suzanne asked.
“We’re just going to follow the front end of the car awhile. Hurry up we gotta get going baby,” Buck said.
Buck was standing in the kitchen 5 minutes later when she came down. It still amazed him that she looked gorgeous in just plain old clothes. “This okay honey,” Suzanne said standing one her tip toes kissing him.
“Fine baby, let’s go.” Buck said.
They drove on the interstate for 2 hours before Buck turned the big Lincoln off the interstate. Suzanne didn’t say much on the 2 hour drive. He drove another 20 minutes and then turned onto a gravel road. They were way out in the desert with nothing around. Then a guard shack appeared with a fence on each side as far as you could see. Buck pulled the big Lincoln up to the guard shack and a man came out. Buck said, “Hi Jim, how are you doin?”
“Same ole 2’s and 4’s Buck,” Jim replied as he peeked into the car. “Is this Suzanne?” Jim asked.
“Yes,” Buck replied and then to Suzanne, “You got your driver’s license honey?” Suzanne’s eyes were wide as she reached into her purse and handed Buck her driver’s license.
“Can I have a minute with you Buck?” Jim asked. Buck got out of the car and went into the guard shack. “You know you can get in a lot of trouble doing this Buck.”
“Yea I know. I talked to the old man when I was in D C earlier this week and he said it was okay. Said he’d take the heat if anything came up. Besides, what are they going to do, fire me,” Buck said.
Jim laughed and said, “I doubt that. There aren’t many like you around anymore, good at what they do and care about it. I’ve often wondered why you don’t just get out. You’ve got more than enough money from what I understand.”
Buck laughed as he said, “God and country or maybe just old habits.”
Jim said, “She’s a little young for you isn’t she, God she is gorgeous though.”
“Long story Jim,” Buck said. “You ought to hear her sing.”
“I heard a story about that recently too, someone spotted you with her and she was singing in a nightclub. Said she was real damn good too,” Jim said. “Is it serious?”
Buck looked at Jim and smiled, “Real damn serious. Good to see you again Jim, we gotta get going.”
“I’m glad to see some of the old crew is still around. We’re going to need them one of these days. Good to see you Buck,” Jim said as they shook hands.
Buck got back in the Lincoln and handed Suzanne her driver’s license. “What was that all about? That sign back there said U. S. Government property.”
“Yes,” Buck replied as he turned off the road toward some buildings at the mouth of a canyon. Buck opened the trunk and Suzanne’s eyes really got big when she saw the guns and ammunition. Buck slipped on his shoulder holster and picked up the rifle case. “Here honey, you carry these,” and handed her the boxes of ammunition. Buck picked up the 22 and checked it to be sure there were no shells in it before putting it in his belt. The walked up to another guard shack and a man came out. “Hi Fred,” Buck said.
“Hi Buck, what’s it going to be today,” Fred said.
“Semi annual qualifying and then I’m going to teach Suz here how to shoot Fred,” Buck said.
“Okay,” Fred said. “I’ll have them bring you an M 16 and a sharpshooter’s rifle along with the ammo. Use the range on the right.”
“What the hell is going on,” Suzanne said, “and what do you mean you’re going to teach me to shoot? I’ve never shot a gun in my life, I’m afraid of the damn things. What’s this qualifying business?”
“Relax honey. Just do as I tell you. Trust me on this baby,” Buck said as they arrived at the right range. There was a 2 way radio and Buck picked it up and said, “Who’s on the other end?”
“Roger. How far out do you want the first one Buck,” Roger asked. Buck smiled they were all here.
“50 yards 357 handgun Roger,” Buck said. “Here, put these over your ears Suz,” and handed her a set of ear muffs. Buck put a pair over his ears and pulled the 357 from his holster. 14 rounds in the clip. He pulled the slide to put a round in the chamber. The big gun bucked in his hands as he squeezed off 7 rounds in rapid succession.
“Damn, Buck you sure haven’t lost your touch. All 7 are dead center,” Roger said.
“Take it back to 75 yards,” Buck said.
Buck squeezed off 7 more rounds in rapid succession. “Jesus Buck, don’t you ever miss. All 7 are in the center ring again,” Roger said.
“Take it back to 100 yards, Roger,” Buck said as he dropped the empty clip into his hands and slammed another full clip into the gun. Buck pulled the slide to put a shell in the chamber while they moved the target.
“How can you even see that thing let alone hit it?” Suzanne asked “I can barely see it.”
“No earmuffs this time Suz, you can hear how the gun really sounds,” Buck said as he laid his on the table.
Buck squeezed off all 14 rounds in rapid succession the big gun cracking as it bucked in his hands. “You missed one Buck,” Roger laughed. “13 in the center ring and 1 on the edge of the second ring. Damn fine shooting,” Rodger said.