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!"

guns?!" Xavier interrupted, looking horrified. "I thought she was,

away with those shots. "Not entirely wrong," she

yelled, staring at her like she had grown a second head. "An assassin?

voice dropped to a whisper. "Look, it’s okay. When we’re out of here, I’ll make

help 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 I made myself. If you don’t believe me, ask Elliot. I gave him one

"Your brother knew about

The rest were a little more... complicated. No

Elliot," Danielle said. "I’m the one who told him to keep

enormous pit in front of them, but his thoughts

voice firm. "When we get out of here, I’m going to work twice as hard,

and Vivian nodded, 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

laughed softly, shaking her head. "You all don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got plenty of

Vivian said, her voice steady now. "You’ve been through so much without us. Let us make it up