“Forget Kenny, didn’t you have a trial? Did they plant false evidence to convict you?”

“It was something, but I wouldn’t call it a real trial. Everyone was against me, but the judge happened to like me because he was secretly hiding behind the closet door. Without proper evidence, he wouldn’t convict me. However, I was still considered a criminal and since no one would post my bail, I had to stay in the prison. They kept me in this room that was basically a barred basement. It was damp and cold with very few accommodations.”

“At least the judge was on your side. Do you think they would have killed you if you had a different judge?”

Franky stopped and stuck a piece of paper into a tree and drew a dot in the center. “They would have definitely killed me.” He began to walk away from the tree as if the thought of dying didn’t bother him.

“So how did you end up on the front lines?”

“The judge was getting tired of having repeated trials for me, and France needed more soldiers, so he sentenced me to the galley. I was branded and sent off to war. Technically, I was supposed to return to France after the war ended, but they lost track of me thanks to the general I worked with on the front lines. He told the French that I had died on the field.”

Franky turned around to look at the tree with the piece of paper. He lifted his musket and checked that the shot was doable, even for a beginner. “When I left the front lines, I changed my name to Francois Lacy. I liked the name Francois and Lacy was the general’s last name.”

He handed the gun to Suanquelle. She took it hesitantly. “What was your real name?”

That was too far. Franky didn’t want to reveal that part of his past. It was a small connection to who he used to be and the life he used to have. Just the thought of his old name, Marcel Dunpot, made him feel lost.

“I don’t remember. It’s been so long since I’ve used it. Anyway, see that piece of paper? I’m going to show you how to load this musket and then you’re going to take a shot.”

“But I haven’t a clue how to shoot this thing.” Suanquelle complained.

Franky took the horn that had been flung behind his shoulder and started pouring gunpowder down the barrel. “That’s alright. The whole point of this is to teach you.”

“What if I’m no good?” She complained again while Franky poured the powder charge down the barrel.

He then placed a lead ball into the muzzle and shoved it down. He then took another horn and started pouring a different kind of powder down the pan of the musket. He did it so naturally and smoothly that it made suanquelle realize how experienced he was.

“Nobody is good at first.” He gave her one of his signature smiles before pulling the hammer back and closing the frizzen. He then handed her the musket. “She’s ready.”

Suanquelle took it hesitantly, “I really don’t know what to do.”

“Then, I’ll show you.” He slid behind her, getting as close as he could to her. He slowly slid his arms down her’s and coaxed her into lifting the musket.

“See that dot. You just point the musket at it and pull the trigger. There’s nothing special about it, just don’t flinch.”

He lined her up for the shot and waited. And waited. And waited before asking, “why aren’t you pulling the trigger?”

“I’m scared.” she admitted.

“Don’t be. I’m right here.” He whispered into her ear.

Without another moment to waste, she pulled the trigger. Franky held her still so that she wouldn’t move from her position. He stood strong as she shook where she stood.

“Look, you did it. You hit right on the dot!” Franky congratulated her even though it was mostly his work. He really just wanted to get laid and praise was the best way to do it.

“That was terrifyingly exciting.” She laughed.

“If you think that’s exciting why don’t you let me load you and fire away?” He slyly hit on her as he took the musket away from her.

She blushed, “I don’t know that I’m right for that.”

“Nonsense! You’re perfect.” He moved closer to her and grabbed her by the waist pulling her into his body. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips and rolled his hips so that she could feel the stiffness between his legs.

“Oh my. I’m not sure about this.”

“Just say yes and let me take care of you.” Franky demanded as he let his hands move to her back in search of the zipper that would undo her dress.

Sunquelle swatted his hands away and quickly moved away from him, “now you listen here. I came here to shoot! I don’t want anything else from you.”

“Really? Did I read all the signs wrong? It seemed like you were into me.”

“You’re an interesting fellow, but I don’t have that kind of interest in you.”

“Well, then why don’t we get back to the house?”

“That sounds like a great idea.”

With nothing else left to say, Franky quitely grabbed his musket and the piece of paper from the tree and led Suanquelle out of the woods. He was more than heartbroken that she didn’t want to get nasty with him. His groan was sore from blue balls. He was going to have to take care of himself when he got back to the house.