A Young Champion Mocked A Quiet 70-Year-Old Woman—Then She Pulled The Trigger
Previously: When a cocky 27-year-old shooter mocked 70-year-old Mona at the local range, he thought she was an easy target. But one look at her registration form changed everything.
Ghosts of the Past
Adrian’s reaction sent a wave of uneasy silence through the registration area. Lenny, confused and suddenly defensive, stepped closer to his mentor. "Chief, what’s going on?" Lenny demanded, his cocky facade beginning to crack. "It’s just an old lady who got lucky with a few shots."
But Adrian wasn't listening to his star pupil. His eyes were locked on Mona, who stood tall and resolute. Forty years ago, Mona had been the premier competitive shooter in the country, known to the world as "Dead-Eye Mona." Adrian had been her assistant, an ambitious young man hungry for fame. Desperate to eclipse her, Adrian had stolen her custom-engineered prototype pistol and framed her for a major safety violation, resulting in a lifetime ban. To avoid a public scandal, Mona had signed a non-compete clause that lasted exactly forty years. That clause had expired at midnight.
"You shouldn't be here, Mona," Adrian hissed, stepping closer and lowering his voice so the gathering crowd couldn't hear. "You're a relic. If you try to enter this tournament, I will have security throw you out. I run this association now."
Mona met his gaze with unwavering strength. From her blue windbreaker, she pulled out a worn, yellowed notebook filled with technical schematics. It was the original design journal for the prototype pistol Adrian had claimed as his own invention—the very foundation of his career and his academy.
"I am registered, Adrian, and my ban is over," Mona replied quietly. "If you try to stop me, this notebook goes directly to the athletic board and the press. The world will finally know that the great Adrian Vance is nothing but a thief."
Lenny looked between the two, his eyes widening as he began to realize the gravity of the situation. His mentor, the man he idolized, was visibly shaking. Desperate to protect his legacy and his star student's guaranteed victory, Adrian made a reckless move. He signaled two security guards, pointing a trembling finger at Mona.
"She's carrying an unregistered, dangerous weapon!" Adrian lied loudly, trying to create a scene. "Escort her off the premises immediately!"
”"Escort her off the premises immediately!"