BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
He hit the target, but missed the center.
The competition continued, while Rebel’s thoughts floated back to his dad’s case. He’d need to interview everyone involved, all while juggling his new job.
Hawk pressed a button and the target slid back.
Rebel stepped up to shoot.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
He missed the target twice, hit the groin on the third shot.
“Ouch,” Hawk shouted. “That’s gonna just piss the perp off.”
Rebel continued firing, this time getting closer to the center. In the end, they called it a tie. With their duffels in hand, they went out back.
“You wanna practice long-range?” Hawk asked.
“Let’s head to the rooftop.” On the way upstairs, Rebel said, “HRT rejected me.”
“I’m sorry, brother. You really wanted that. Did they give you a reason?”
“Not a team player.”
“That’s bullshit. I’d work with you any damn day of the week.”
“Good to know ‘cause Dakota brought me into BLACK OPS to build a rescue team.”
After they walked onto the roof, Hawk extended his arm. “Congrats. The guys’ll be stoked to hear that.”
Rebel shook his hand. “I start Monday.”
“Big win for ALPHA. Now that you’refinallyjoining us, what the hell will we bust your chops about?”
A chuckle rolled out of Rebel. “Knowing you idiots, you’ll find something.”
Just being around Hawk made a difference. Rebel’s anger stood down, replaced with determination.
After they set up, Rebel tapped the start button for one of several pre-programmed training drills. A series of dummies popped up in windows or in doorways, even along the fake street.
When their shooting ended, Rebel stared out at the targets. “You did good.”
“What’s going on with you? You missed most of ‘em.”
“My dad was killed right after he’d finished working an undercover case. Everyone got arrested, except the kingpin.”
Hawk zipped his jacket. “What’s your gut tell you?”
“I find that man, I find the killer.”
“Lemme know how I can help.”
They set up another training session, then got busy eliminating the fake targets.
This time, Rebel focused. He hit all of them, nailing several dead center.
“That’s how we get it done,” Hawk said.