Marty cradled the Ruger Sportsman lovingly, Circassian walnut cool against his cheek. In the lush park below, a puff of earth appeared beside the carved fairy tree.

Deidre gathered his grimy jacket around her knees. 'Jesus Marty, can we go now? You said "one shot" - that's three! I'm cold, and we're going to get caught if we stay any longer!'
Counting to ten in Latin, Marty lay his weapon with exaggerated care on its carry sheath and faced his girlfriend. She looked away as he stroked her bra strap, then put her hand over his. Marty slid his fingers around her throat, his voice quiet and measured.

'You insisted on coming, remember? I explained to you in detail the importance of today's exercise. You said you understood my pain and would support me during this difficult time. I'm almost finished. You can either stand by me…'
'Or what?' Deidre plucked at his iron grip, tears welling.
Marty stilled and his eyes clouded.
She shuddered. 'OK baby, I'll support you. I'll wait. I'm sorry.'

He endorsed her capitulation with one look and returned to the business of the day. Taking a cloth from his bag, he carefully wiped his hands then pressed them to his face, exhaling slowly.

New laws would soon separate him from his beautiful machine. After agonising deliberation, he'd decided not to seal it in his bedroom wall. Though the risk was slim, discovery would mean jail and he wasn't going back there for anything.

Settling face down into the travel rug, Marty clutched his rifle and peered past the air conditioning units. The barren roof of the office tower was deserted, as it had been since dawn. Deidre curled into a ball between his splayed legs, warming them pleasantly. He breathed carefully: in while looking away and out with each return to the sight. Gradually his concentration returned, along with the sense of solemnity he desired.

To be continued...