He selected someone who appeared weak and isolated, then used her vulnerability to gain attention.
The realization made him uncomfortable.
Marcus pushed it aside.
Reeves had accepted the challenge.
The following morning, he would defeat her on the range, prove his point, and the entire matter would disappear.
A small voice inside his mind asked a question he did not want to hear.
What if she does not fail?
What if you are wrong?
Marcus turned over, pulled the pillow across his head, and tried to sleep.
The following morning arrived cold and misty.
At 0545, the shooting range on the eastern edge of the training grounds remained surrounded by fog, safety barriers, and low berms.
By 0550, more than thirty recruits had gathered.
Word of the challenge had spread through the barracks.
Marcus and his group arrived at 0555, confident and laughing.
Rodriguez carried a thermos of coffee.
“This is better than television.”
David had his telephone ready.
“This is going everywhere.”
JJ stretched beside them.
“I almost feel sorry for her. She is going to humiliate herself in front of everybody.”
“Do not feel sorry for her,” Marcus said. “She accepted the challenge.”
He looked toward the empty range entrance.
“Maybe this will teach her to understand her limits.”
At 0558, Reeves had not appeared.
Rodrigue...