Orchid Blues (Holly Barker 2)

"What about you?"

"Oh, nothing exotic. I was just a grunt noncom. What about you, little lady?"

"I commanded an MP battalion," she said, "and if you keep calling me that, you're going to get even shorter."

The man gave her a shocked look, then burst out laughing.

"Holly doesn't take any shit from anybody," Ham said.

Rawlings bowed from the waist. "I apologize, ma'am," he said. "Just a figure of speech."

Holly nodded, and as she did, they were joined by two other men.

"Oh," Rawlings said, "these are my neighbors, Jim Cross and James Farrow."

Hands were shaken all around.

"What brings you folks to our little event?" Rawlings asked narrowly, and it was clear he wanted an answer.

"We didn't come to your event," Ham said. "We were just looking for some bass fishing, and we saw the lake on the map and just wandered down this way. Haven't seen the lake, yet. What's the fishing like?"

"Not bad, but nothing to write home about," Rawlings said. "That's a nice pickup you're driving."

"Ford'll sell you one," Ham said, "but not cheap."

"Where do you folks hail from?"

"Over at Orchid Beach, in Indian River County."

"Oh, yeah, that's pretty ritzy over there, isn't it?"

"Some parts are," Ham said.

"What do you do over there?"

"Every day, I explore the meaning of the word 'retired,'" Ham said.

"So do I," Holly chipped in.

"What sort of little town you got here?" Ham asked.

"A homogeneous one." Rawlings chuckled.

"I didn't see it on the map."

"That's the way we like it. You know, I can't remember anybody ever turning up here who didn't have an invitation."

Ham turned to Holly. "Well, I guess we're intruding here, babe; let's take a hike."

Rawlings threw up his hands in a placating manner. "Hold on, now, Sarge; I didn't mean any offense. It's just that this is a private affair, here, and we're unaccustomed to visitors."

"Sorry, I never heard of a private gun show," Ham said.

"Well, it is, but we're glad to have you. Just go on and wander around and pick up some hardware for yourself, if you're in the market. When you get ready to leave, though, I'd appreciate it if you'd check with me, so I can clear you out."

Ham looked at Holly. "You want to stay?"

Holly shrugged.