“I don’t see why you need a
gun, Mac. We don’t live in a bad
neighborhood; we don’t have enemies, the police department is only a mile
away. What do you need a gun for?”
“Don’t you read the
papers? Home invasions, drive-by
shootings –“
“Not in this
neighborhood. The biggest crime around
here is soaping windows on Halloween.”
“Know about the SecondAmendment? Huh?”
“Yes, I do. It gives you the right to own a gun. But I think it meant more like, a group, or
militia, I think it was called, that you’d join and act if there were a
problem. Besides, they didn’t have the
kinds of guns we have now.”
“Well, I’m getting one. Made up my mind. And don’t worry, I’m not going to shoot you
or the dog by accident. I’ll take a
training course.”
“Well, that’s the most
sensible thing you’ve said up to now.
And what about Jessie? What if
she got ahold of it?”
“Jessie is 18 months
old. How the hell is she going to get ahold
of it? I’m going to put it on the top
shelf of the closet. I’ll have to reach
way up to get it, and I’m six feet.”
“If it’s on the top shelf of
the closet, how will you get it in an emergency?”
“Someone tries to break in,
there’s noise. I’ll have time. My hearing’s as good as the dog’s. Speaking of which, Rommel will sound the
alarm. Doberman barking his head off at the door or
window oughta give any burglar second thoughts.”
* * * * *
It took Jessie three years to find the gun.
