Bits and pieces 2...

Yesterday, I posted the last of four chapters that 'set up' a challenge coin showdown for John Cronin in the first Grey Man, Vignettes.

I wrote the novel because I hated perfect characters that never made a mistake, and always 'won' whatever they were involved in. Also, I was tired of so much gun stuff being just flat wrong... And Cronin's gun is based on one that a friend had at Quantico and he was GOOD with it!

Soooo, this is the chapter that sets up the competition, and also gives some insight to both Cronin and Jesse's attitudes.

The young deputy guarding the parking lot didn’t quite know what to make of the old Suburban driving past the gate: it had a Texas plate and was dirty as hell and the old man in a grey work shirt driving was probably lost. He decided he’d be polite if nothing else and get the old truck out of the way.

Not even thinking about it, the deputy let his hand rest on the butt of his pistol as the truck pulled up next to him. “Afternoon, sir, can I help you?”

The grizzled, gray-haired old man behind the wheel cocked his head and said, “Yep, you can point me to where the competitors park, son.”

“Sir, you do know this is a restricted competition don’t you? It’s limited to military and law enforcement only?” The deputy said politely, as he casually scanned the truck, and suddenly realized there was a good-looking young girl sitting in the passenger’s seat.