Chapter 177

He bounded downstairs in breakneck speed, rushing through the house, and screeching to a halt when his eyes caught her, standing on the terrace with her back to him. He was immediately flooded with relief to see her unharmed, but still frantic with worry that there was a gunman somewhere in the house.

Then he noticed her stance and several empty bottles stood in a row on a wooden stand across the garden, and his racing mind began to register what was happening.

No attack. No murderer. It was only Ava practicing with her gun.

"Oh, have you just woken up?" She asked when he came out to the terrace, and suddenly became aware of the noise she'd made.

"I'm sorry, it seems that I woke you."

"Never mind that. Honing your particular skill?" He gestured at the gleaming weapon in her hands.

"I never thought I'd see the day I'd use it to shoot a real, living man, or two."

She