As soon as the words were out, Riley realized how patronizing they sounded.
She couldnt tell from Blaines expression whether he was offended or not. He seemed to be waiting for her to say more.
Riley sipped her coffee, gathering her thoughts.
She said, Did you know that statistically, home weapons are more likely to lead to homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths than successful home defense? In fact, gun owners are generally at greater risk of becoming homicide victims themselves than people who dont own guns.
Blaine nodded.
Yeah, I know all about that, he said. Ive been doing some research. I also know about Virginias self-defense laws. And that this is an open-carry state.
Riley tilted her head with approval.
Well, youre already better prepared than most people who decide to buy a gun. Even so
Her words trailed off. She was reluctant to say what was on her mind.
What is it? Blaine asked.
Riley took a long, deep breath.
Blaine, would you want to buy a gun if I wasnt part of your life?
Oh, Riley
Tell me the truth. Please.
Blaine sat staring into his coffee for a moment.
No, I wouldnt, he finally said.
Riley reached across the table and held Blaines hand.
Thats what I thought. And Im sure you can understand how that makes me feel. I care for you a lot, Blaine. Its terrible to know that your life is more dangerous because of me.
I get that, Blaine said. But I want you to tell me the truth about something. And please dont take this wrong.
Riley silently braced herself for whatever Blaine was about to ask her.
Are your feelings really a good argument against my buying a gun? I mean, isnt it a fact that Im in more danger than the average citizen, and that I ought to be able to defend myself and Crystal and maybe even you?
Riley shrugged a little. She felt sad to admit it to herself, but Blaine was right.
If a gun would make him feel more safe and secure, he ought to have one.
She was also sure that hed be as responsible as a gun owner could possibly be.
OK, she said. Lets finish breakfast and go shopping.
*Later that morning, Blaine walked into a gun store with Riley. Right away Blaine wondered if he was making a mistake. He couldnt guess how many fearsome weapons were on the walls and in glass cases. Hed never even fired a gun before unless he counted the BB gun hed had as a kid.
What am I getting into? he thought.
A large, bearded man in a plaid shirt was moving about among the merchandise.
How can I help you folks? he asked.
Riley said, Were looking for some home protection for my friend.
Well, Im sure weve got something here that will suit you, the man said.
Blaine felt awkward under the mans gaze. He guessed that it wasnt every day when an attractive woman brought her boyfriend in here to help him choose a weapon.
Blaine couldnt help but feel embarrassed. He even felt embarrassed about feeling embarrassed. Hed never thought of himself as the kind of man who felt insecure about his masculinity.
As Blaine tried to snap himself out of his awkwardness, the gun seller eyed Rileys own sidearm with approval.
That Glock Model 22 youve got theres a fine piece, maam, he said. A law enforcement professional, are you?
Riley smiled and showed him her badge.
The man pointed to a row of similar weapons in a glass case.
Well, Ive got your Glocks right over here. Pretty good choices, if you ask me.
Riley looked at the weapons, then looked at Blaine, as if to ask his opinion.
Blaine couldnt do anything but shrug and blush. He wished hed put the same time into researching weapons as he had into statistics and laws.
Riley shook her head.
Im not sure a semiautomatic is quite what were in the market for, she said.
The man nodded.
Yeah, theyre kind of complicated, especially for someone new to guns. Things can go wrong.
Riley nodded in agreement, adding, Yeah, things like misfires, stovepipe jams, double feed, failure to eject.
The man said, Of course, those arent real problems for a seasoned FBI gal like you. But for this feller, maybe a revolver is more the style youre looking for.
The man escorted them to a glass case full of revolvers.
Blaines eyes were drawn to some of the guns with shorter barrels.
At least they looked less intimidating.
What about that one there? he said, pointing to one.
The man opened the case, took out the gun, and handed it to Blaine. The weapon felt strange in Blaines hand. He couldnt decide whether it was heavier or lighter than hed expected.
A Ruger SP101, the man said. Good stopping power. Not a bad choice.
Riley eyed the weapon doubtfully.
I think were looking for something with maybe a four-inch barrel, she said. Something that absorbs the recoil better.
The man nodded again.
Right. Well, I think maybe Ive got just the thing.
He reached into the case and took out another larger pistol. He handed it to Riley, who examined it with approval.
Oh, yeah, she said. A Smith and Wesson 686.
Then she smiled at Blaine and handed him the gun.
What do you think? Riley said.
This longer weapon felt even stranger in his hand than the smaller weapon had. All he could do was smile at Riley sheepishly. She smiled back. He could see by her expression that shed finally registered how awkward he was feeling.
She turned to the owner and said, I think well take it. How much does it cost?
Blaine was stunned by the price of the weapon, but was sure that Riley knew best whether he was getting a fair deal.
He was also rather stunned by how easy it was to make the purchase. The man asked him for two proofs of identity, and Blaine offered him his drivers license and his voter registration card. Then Blaine filled out a short, simple form consenting to a background check. The computerized check took only a couple of minutes, and Blaine was cleared to buy his weapon.
What kind of ammo do you want? the man asked as he started to ring up the sale.
Riley said, Give us a box of Federal Premium Low Recoil.
Just moments later, Blaine was a somewhat baffled gun owner.
He stood looking down at the daunting weapon, which lay on the counter in an open plastic case, nestled in protective foam. Blaine thanked the man, shut the case, and turned to leave.
Wait a minute, the man said cheerfully. Dont you want to try her out?
The man led Riley and Blaine through a door in the back of the store that opened into a startlingly large indoor shooting range. Then he left Riley and Blaine to themselves. Blaine was just as glad that nobody else was there at the moment.
Riley pointed out the list of rules on the wall, and Blaine read them carefully. Then he shook his head uneasily.
Riley, I dont mind telling you
Riley chuckled a little.
I know. Youre a little overwhelmed. Ill talk you through it.
She led him over to one of the empty booths, where he put on ear and eye protection gear. He opened the case with the pistol, careful to keep it pointed downrange before he even picked it up.
Do I load it? he asked Riley.
Not yet. Well do some dry fire practice first.