"Anytime you're ready, shooter," Jeremy encouraged, eager to get the next round started, and the nervous girl nodded. She was ready now and she wanted them to know, needed Adrian to know.
Feeling the magic, the confidence of holding a gun she knew she could use, Becky pulled the trigger gently, lovingly. The light recoil was well controlled and she was smiling as she aimed and pulled, lined it up and pulled again.
The bullets dug into the targets, and she turned her eyes to the frowning blond man moving her way, while the crowd waited for the call.
"Eight Hits, 5 bulls-eyes!"
They were as loud for her as they had been for Kenn, and she was grinning in satisfaction as the leader stopped next to her, eyes impressed and displeased at the same time.
"That's some impressive shooting, Miss Kelly."
She grinned, face lighting up at his words, and then she dropped her head, remorseful. She hadn't broken his rules lightly. Now she would pay the price.
"I'm sorry." She moved toward Jeremy without waiting to be told. "I have to withdraw."
The Level Two Eagle frowned as the crowd muttered, and those who knew she hadn't taken the class waited to see if Adrian would let her ruin her own chances here by owning up to it. If she admitted she cheated, it would be a label she'd carry forever.
"Why?"
"Because I…"
"She forgot she has a shift with the Vet. Right now, we'll move onto the next round since we're losing a shooter."
Adrian's calm words weren't doubted and his men were pleased. If Becky had ruined herself tonight, they couldn't show any interest in her, not without losing their place by Adrian, and that was now something most of these men would never jeopardize.
"Rebecca is eliminated. Kenn will start round two."
Becky smiled gratefully at Adrian as she left, very thankful he'd chosen to stop her admission. His men weren't the only ones who were aware of all she'd risked to be noticed.
"Three shots this time and only those beyond 25 feet count. Bottom two will be eliminated." Jeremy looked at Kenn. "You ready?"
The Marine opened fire in answer.