The Protector

12

"No, sir. No change," the nurse said.

"May I help you?" the sinewy, mustached gun-store clerk asked. "I need a shotgun." "Any specific kind?" "A Remington 870 twelve-gauge pump."

"Yeah, that's certainly specific. You wouldn't happen to be with law enforcement?"

"No. What makes you ask?"

"Just that most police departments prefer that model. It's also the shotgun of choice for U.S. special operations."

"Is that a fact," Cavanaugh said.

"I need the strongest hacksaw you've got and several blades for it," Cavanaugh told the clerk at the hardware store.

"I need a wet suit," Cavanaugh told the clerk at the diving shop.

"I need an inflatable boat that'll accommodate an outboard motor," Cavanaugh told the clerk at the military-surplus store.