Page 61 of Money Shot

“The mail lady gave her testimony to the officers before they got her hauled away and it matched mine perfectly. Hell, they’re calling me a fucking hero. The dead guy had a few outstanding warrants, the gun he used was stolen, and I fired in self-defense. I told them why I was here,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “And they didn’t give a fuck.”

I nodded my head and forced a smile. I was far from happy, but very relieved he was unharmed and wasn’t going to be arrested.

“My gun’s registered and I have a permit for it. His was stolen. He shot the mail lady, and only after he shot the mail lady did I even pull my gun. I’m free to go,” he said.

“He shot at you first?” I asked.

He widened his eyes as he shook his head lightly. “Actually he got two shot off.”

I stood and stared. “You said you always shoot first. Always. You said there was nothing for me to worry about, ever. You said ever, Vince”

“Yeah, we probably need to have a talk,” he said.

“About?” I asked as I turned toward the Continental.

“Fucking,” he said. “We need to slow down on the fucking. It’s making me soft.”

“Not an option,” I said over my shoulder. “I’ll just buy you a bullet proof vest.”

“I’m being serious,” he said.

“So am I,” I responded as I began to walk toward my car.

So am I.