The Protector

7

At the motel, they unpacked the various purchases.

Surveying the objects on the bed, Jamie said, "Apart from the pistol equipment, none of this makes any sense to me."

"Where'd you put the scissors, needle, and fishing line?" Cavanaugh asked.

"In the first-aid kit. Don't tell me your stitches are coming loose."

Instead of answering, Cavanaugh took Jamie's blazer from a hanger at the back of the room. Puzzled, she watched him reverse the jacket so he could examine the lining along its right side.

"Hey," she objected as he used the scissors to cut the thread that attached the lining to the hem.

He took three lead sinkers and sewed them under the lining. Then he sewed one of the chamois cloths to the waist level of the lining. "Any bulges?"

"You could have been a tailor."

"I've got all kinds of skills you'd be surprised about."

After she put on the belt and the holster, Cavanaugh removed the magazine from the pistol, ejected the round in the firing chamber so there wouldn't be any accidents, and shoved the pistol into the holster.

Jamie put on the blazer.

He walked around her, assessing. "Good. I can't tell the pistol's there."

"Why did you alter the blazer?"

"Do you remember how I showed you to draw a pistol?"

"You made me practice often enough."

"Then I bet you can figure out the answer."

A patient sigh. "It's a good thing my Wellesley sorority sisters can't see me now." She flipped back the right side of the blazer and drew the pistol. As she raised it, her left hand joined her right, her thumbs over one another, pointing along the side of the barrel. Knees slightly bent for balance and leaning slightly forward, she aligned the sights, aiming at an imaginary target across the bedroom.

"Love your style," Cavanaugh said.

"The lead sinkers give the side of the blazer a little weight so it'll stay back when I flip it. The chamois cloth helps the blazer glide over the holster."

"Another A-plus." Cavanaugh picked up her windbreaker and began to modify that, as well. "I can do that."

"No, this is work I can manage with my injured shoulder. You have your own work."

Jamie eyed him suspiciously. "What work are you talking about?"