Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 205-1 "Xavier also made sure that as soon as they were out of this mess, he would take on more jobs; movies, commercials, anything, so Danielle wouldn’t have to get involved in dangerous stuff ever again.

"Meanwhile, Danielle had no idea what was going through their heads.

“Danielle," Howard started cautiously, "where exactly did you get that gun?"

"She noticed the way her dad, mom, and Xavier were staring at it, wide-eyed. Thinking they liked it, she smiled. "You like it? Don’t worry, I’ll get each of you one when we’re out of here. But you’ll need some training first, I can teach you."

"She couldn’t help but feel proud of her design. It was funny her parents liked this kind of thing at their age, but if it made them happy, she would teach them, even if they’d never actually need it.

"The three of them froze, exchanging frantic glances. Howard raised his hands. "No, no, sweetie, we’re not asking because we want one. We’re just curious, where did it come from?"

"Danielle’s smile faltered, realizing her mistake. "Oh. Well, it’s mine. I didn’t buy it or anything."

"Howard and Vivian stared at her like she’d just confessed to a crime. "Yours?" Vivian asked, her voice trembling. "Honey, you’re not... selling guns, are you? Please tell me you’re not doing something dangerous. If you need money, we’ll help!"

Xavier interrupted, looking horrified. "I

she might have given herself away with those shots.

had grown a second head. "An assassin?

bridge of his nose. "Danielle, how many… uh… people have you, you know, taken care of?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Look, it’s okay. When we’re out of here, I’ll make sure everything gets handled. Nothing will come back to you,

but laugh. "All of you, relax. I haven’t done that kind of work in years. And this gun isn’t illegal, it’s a custom design

Vivian nearly shrieked. "Your brother knew about this? And he didn’t

to handle. The rest

Danielle said. "I’m the one who told him

of them, but his thoughts were

we get out of here, I’m going to work twice as hard, take every gig I can, and make sure you never have to do anything like this

their concern etched on their faces. "Exactly," Vivian said. "Whatever we have, it’s yours. We’ll wire you every cent as soon as we get

her head. "You all don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got

"You’ve been through so much without us.