Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 220

Chapter 220 Pointers 

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Finished. 

“These five credits might be the casiest I’ll ever earn in college! It’s just physical training. No brainpower required!” 

“You really don’t mess around when it comes to rewards Laurent said, letting out a short laugh. “I’ll coach you, sure. But what do I get in return?” 

Ava’s voice jumped. She couldn’t believe he was using this as leverage. “Seriously? You’re actually charging me?” 

Laurent raised a brow. “Time is effort. Effort has value. Like you said, model cadet three times means five extra credits. 

“And when the final drill comes up, every base picks one rep. Only one girl gets that spot here. That’s another five credits. You still want in?” 

Ava hesitated. She bit her lip and thought for a second. “Here’s the thing. I’m flat broke. I’ve got nothing on me. Can I owe you one?” 

That was all Laurent needed to hear. He nodded right away. “Fine. But I’m holding you to it. Don’t forget what you just promised.” 

He glanced at the clock. “It’s too late to shoot tonight. I’ll take you to the range tomorrow. But hear me now. Just because you’re my wife doesn’t mean I’m cutting you any slack. You can walk away if you’re not serious. I don’t babysit quitters.” 

Ava only cared about those credits. She wasn’t backing down. “I’m serious! I’ll take it! I’m ready to be whipped into shape, Major Caswell!” 

She even gave him a full salute. She meant it. 

Laurent reached out and lightly patted her head. “Get some rest. You’ve got morning drills.” 

“Yup. Good night!” Ava grinned and waved. 

Much later, when he had her pinned during training, cashing in that promise she owed, Ava glanced at the dying light out the window and finally realized just how deep she’d buried herself. 

The moonlight was strong. She kept glancing up at it without meaning to. 

Bruno saluted Laurent as they passed, watching the two walk side by side under the streetlamps.. 

The girl was clinging to the guy’s arm, chatting away. He leaned down a little to listen, nodding as she 

talked. 

Bruno looked up at the sky. Same full moon, same sugary scene. And still, he was the only one on base who knew the truth. He peeked over at Ivan, who smiled dumbly like always, and felt a deep wave of jealousy. 

The indoor shooting range was smaller than the big open field. There wasn’t a soul inside. It was dead quiet. 

Laurent had her strap on the full gear and laid her standard–issue pistol on the bench. “Take a few shots. Let me see where you’re at.” 

He stepped back and folded his arms. 

20:38 Tue, Jan 20 W G 

Chapter 220 Pointers 

Ava inhaled slowly. The grip felt different. It was smaller thinner. Probably a new model. 

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Finished 

She used the same standing form Cavalli had shown them in class. She raised the gun and took aim. But she didn’t fire. A minute passed. Then two. Finally, she pulled the trigger. 

She fired five times in a row, no pause between them. Her hands stayed steady, and her breath didn’t hitch. 

When the last bullet landed, she exhaled again and turned toward Laurent. 

He didn’t flinch. “Your grouping’s too wide. You’re off–center. 

“But your posture’s solid. You held your own under pressure.” 

He grabbed another pistol and walked back to the lane. Watch this. I’m only showing you once.” 

Ava’s eyes widened. She leaned forward, absorbing every move like her life depended on it. 

The pistol barked again and again in sharp succession. Every single round slammed dead into the center ring. 

“You catch that?” 

Ava blinked. “Every one of yours hit the bullseye. But that’s overkill. I don’t need to be that good.” 

Laurent gave a small laugh. “You’re not supposed to hit that level in a few nights. Even the best take years.” 

He stepped behind her and reloaded her weapon before passing it back. Then he adjusted her grip, placing his hands over hers with measured pressure. 

He stood just behind her. Not too close, not too far. His eyes stayed on the target in front. “Clear your head. Don’t overanalyze. You freeze too long, you lose the shot. The second you lock in, pull the trigger.“.