Filed to story: Bring It On My Mafia Life Novel (Rhea & Lukas)
Not to mention the number of soldiers that kept the place safe. Rhea suspected they did this on purpose in case of a police raid, it would take enough resources to cover much ground – by then, vital evidence would be destroyed.
Moreover, Eric carried out other activities on the property like his grape field which was all a facade to hide the main activities going on there. Unlike in the past, mobsters nowadays were smarter and more versatile. They are not just mobsters, they are businessmen too.
“Let’s go,” Natalie said to her daughter, looping her arm around hers and Rhea looked at the gesture without saying anything. The both of them were getting along fine these days and she was glad to have opened up to her.
Natalie led her to a stand-alone structure and the shooting range was housed in the basement Rhea was awed at the sight. Even with weeks of roaming around the property, she hadn’t come across here. She had assumed they would practice in an open space, not this isolated place.
While Rhea looked around, Natalie explained to her, “The walls are sufficiently impenetrable and provide adequate ballistic protection from stray shots and back splatter. Lead and other pollutants are regulated by ventilation in a range. The configuration of the supply and exhaust air systems is critical for proper operation. “
She continued, “The more you practice the more you become perfect, and you are restricted to the use of high-power calibers and would have to start with the handgun I give to you. I would act as your range master for today and my position might be taken up by any of Eric’s brothers at the time. I would put up a word to any of them available. “
“The brothers? Which of them? Ephraim? Elvis?” She was most comfortable with Ezra and Elijah – even though she has not had much of him lately. Rhea hoped to God he was lying quietly and not causing any more trouble for Lukas.
…..
She wouldn’t know what to do if both families get caught in another conflict. It would be awkward especially now she and Lukas are getting along so well.
“Any of them willing to take you up.” Was Natalie’s brief answer and Rhea was not able to get much information from her.
Natalie took her to the safety room where she taught her to pack, unpack or holster a gun, clean or repair, dry fire, and train with empty magazines. Rhea had to admit that she was greatly impressed and felt bad to have thought too little of her mother’s ability.
No wonder she didn’t have the zeal to begin her training early that morning. But now, Rhea suddenly wished her mother would continue to take her up on the training because God knows she would die if Ephraim ends up being her teacher. That one was so cold and unfeeling when it came down to business.
“You should note this while handling a gun. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, ” Natalie directed, her palm on top of Rhea’s hand holding the empty gun, “It’s the most basic safety rule, you should never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot especially when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction.”
“Secondly, never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away while loading or unloading your weapon. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position or anywhere in between “safe” and “fire.” It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without you ever touching the trigger again.” Natalie showed her how it worked.
“Okay,” Rhea breathed, feeling like a novice. She never thought there were so many procedures to be considered while handling a gun because It seemed so easy in movies – and in reality. You just pull the trigger and bam, it goes off, right?
“Also, if your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, don’t bring it up to your face to check, that’s how idiots lose their life,” Natalie said with a bit of sarcasm that made Rhea swallow. Honestly speaking, she would be tempted to check. Thanks for the lesson, mom, she thought inwardly.
Natalie explained to her what to do in that situation,” You handle the gun with care. Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this occurs, you keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and safely dispose of the cartridge.”
Rhea proved to be a fast learner and in no time put on her safety equipment to begin her shooting. She was required to wear ear and eye protection at all times when within the defined boundaries of the range. According to Natalie, they are exposed to lead dust from bullets or cartridge primers, which can be inhaled or settle on skin or clothing.
Not to mention that even the small-caliber gun she gave her is easily loud enough to permanently damage hearing, and can throw off unexpected power that can fly into her eyes and cause serious injury. So yeah, Rhea didn’t hesitate to cover up, she still wanted to live.
Also, Lukas would scold her fiercely if she violated the safety procedure and hurt herself – even if the idea of learning how to use a gun had been his.
A Mother Like Her
“Grip the gun with your dominant hand,” Rhea mentally recited as wrapped her middle, ring, and pinky finger around the handle, resting it comfortably in her palm.
Although it was a mere target, Rhea took it seriously as if she was on a battlefield already. For starters, she wanted to impress Lukas and at the same time have the ability to protect herself. Lukas was right, anything could happen and if push comes to shove, Rhea wants to be able to handle herself before help comes.
The target was a piece of corrugated cardboard with a printed image of a silhouette. The target system consisted of the target object, the target carrier system, and the target control system. The system allows the range to operate more efficiently and safely by transporting the target between the firing line and the target line in both downrange and up-range directions.
In one word, Rhea did not have to wait for a “ceasefire” and her mother physically walked downrange to examine and set up the target. Natalie also controlled the operation and movement of the targets through control modules that can be operated in the shooting booth.
“Press your non-dominant hand so that it covers the portion of the grip that’s uncovered by your dominant hand. ” Natalie called out when she saw the way she supported the gun.
Damn, this was too much pressure, Rhea could feel the sweat rolling down her forehead. She nervously pulled the trigger and swore to God her arm almost left her body. It hurt like a bitch.
“Fuck!” Natalie swore before removing her ear protection and strode over to her daughter, hitting her on the back of the head hard.
“Mom!” Rhea whined, removing her ear protection and looking at the woman with an exasperated expression. What did she do wrong now? She flexed her arm in the process, it had not been easy pulling that shot.
“Are you dumb or what?!” The woman shouted at her face and lifted her arm so the loaded gun pointed away from her and onto the target.
…..
She continued to scold her, “Can’t you use your common sense to figure out that you hold the gun tightly?!”
Rhea swallowed, “I did hold it but…” She began to doubt herself and her palm got clammy.
“You should know that you’re holding a projectile and with it comes a small explosion, physics should have taught you that.” Rhea pulsed her lips, fearing like a child under her mother’s disapproving gaze.
Natalie went on, “All guns have at least some kick to them and that is why you should hold it tighter than you think you should, but avoid holding it in a ‘death grip’,” With her mother’s palm guiding her hand and under her guidance, Rhea shot at the human silhouette.
When Rhea came to check the target, she found out that her nervous shot hit the number nine on the chest while the shot under her mother’s guidance hit a lower score. In one word, she scored better on her own.
“I think I might have a knack for this, thanks for your guidance.” Rhea was smug when she skidded over to the woman
“Really? Is that so?” Natalie’s smile was tight, viewing her daughter’s response as a challenge, “Sure, have a go at it.” She said, putting on her ear protection.
Compared to the last time, Rhea was much more confident and released a series of shots before she excitedly checked her result, and let’s just say, pride comes before a fall.
Rhea was bewildered to know that out of eight shots, only one got even close to hitting the silhouette square in the chest, the others derailed and hit outside the target with two shots scoring number six and her face fell at once.
“What a great student you are,” Natalie glanced at the result from over her shoulder, clicking her tongue and taunting her on purpose.
Rhea rolled her eyes, “Why don’t you try shooting yours if you’re so perfect,” she retorted, vexed by the sarcasm in her voice.
“I thought you were never going to ask,” Natalie winked at her, causing her brows to narrow in suspicion. Her mother was hyper-excited about this opportunity and her stomach fluttered nervously.
And indeed, Rhea’s suspicion was right. Natalie has been waiting for the opportunity to show off, annoyed by the fact that her daughter has been underestimating her prowess all this while.
Rhea stood at the side and Natalie turned to her and said loudly, “Watch and learn,” with a wide smile before putting on her ear protection and facing her target.
Unlike her daughter, Rhea, Natalie was more relaxed and her aim was precise and experienced. And just as Natalie intended, she was here to blow her horn. So when the results were out, Rhea’s jaw dropped to the ground from the shock – and she was lucky no fly was around.
Her mother scored a perfect twelve, a direct hit on the target’s head. And it wasn’t just one, but all of her shots. How was this possible? On no, this ability was on another level, Rhea’s eyes twinkled with pride and she was close to falling on her feet and worshiping her mother. She never knew that she had a badass mother. The revelation was too shocking.
Of course, Natalie was not oblivious to the reverential looks of her daughter and so she flipped her hair over her shoulder, basking in the glory. Who wouldn’t want to have a mother like her?
“How did you ….no, why didn’t I get such a result? Gosh, you are so O.P!” Rhea gushed over her.
“What is O. P?” Natalie didn’t answer the word. Young people and their slang these days.