Chapter 11: Learning to Be Civilized

The bright daylight brought warmth and a sense of security.

Martin jogged at a steady pace around the Clayton community. After recovering from a leg injury, he started exercising systematically. A broke guy trying to make something of himself needed a healthy body.

A roller door opened, and Scott Carter, with seaweed in his mouth and a bottle in his hand, emerged from the grocery store. He spat out the stub of seaweed and shouted at Martin, "Idiot, aren't you tired? You need to learn to enjoy life!"

Martin couldn't be bothered to respond and simply flipped him the finger.

The reason for working out was, of course, for future enjoyment.

After a quick shower, Martin headed next door to Carter's house for breakfast.

Lily and Hall were packing their school bags, getting ready for school.

Elena brought a plate of egg sandwiches. Martin, eating, asked Harris, who was flipping through a book, "Not going to school?"

Harris replied, "I'm applying for college. Studying at home is more efficient than going to public high school."

"Good luck." Martin finished his breakfast, pulled out the tips he earned last night, and tossed them to Elena. "My food money."

Elena was surprised. "Idiot, are you crazy? Did a Black guy hit your head?"

Martin drank his milk without even looking up. "Got a new job, bartending at The Beast."

Lily suddenly interjected, "Why not a dancer? You can save more money..."

Bang, bang. Elena's iron fist suppressed them. Lily and Hall held their noses and quieted down.

Martin finished his milk and said to Elena, "I'm planning to buy a used car. Want to come along?"

Elena picked up a chastity ring and put it on her left ring finger. "I'm helping out at the Wesleyan Church this morning. The Methodist Association recently partnered with the Atlanta Wesleyan branch to promote new conservatism. They offer a pretty lavish free lunch."

Martin had never heard of this before. "Methodist Association?"

Elena simplified, "It's a conservative organization, cut from the same cloth as the rule-observing Wesleyan Church. Their ideas are equally crappy and conservative!"

Martin understood. "So, you put on the ring?"

Elena said, "I'll believe whoever gives out the most free food."

Lily wanted to interject again, but Martin was prepared. "If you don't want to get knocked senseless, shut your filthy mouth."

Elena asked, "Now that you've found a new job, should we have a party to celebrate?"

"Once I'm less busy, invite your friends to my backyard," Martin pointed to the house he was renting. "I have a feeling James lying down there isn't too quiet. If we get people to dance over James' place, he'll see us living happily and will rest easy."

Elena nodded. "I'll call Monica and the others over."

Martin called Bruce and met him on the south side of the community. They had agreed to go car shopping together.

Vincent's family was involved in various businesses, including a used car dealership. Bruce was one of Vincent's trusted aides and earned a commission by introducing business at the dealership.

Among the cars recommended by the salesman and Bruce, Martin chose a Ford, priced at $4,500, which he had to finance.

He worried cheaper ones might break down on the road.

After paying a $900 down payment and completing the paperwork, they headed to the gun store.

Martin had no criminal record and definitely bought legitimate firearms.

The gun store had a second-hand Glock 17 in good condition, brought in by a treasure hunter from a warehouse raid.

Bruce disassembled it to inspect closely and suggested that Martin buy it.

The handgun came with two magazines, a holster, gun oil for maintenance, and 100 rounds of ammunition, totaling $380.

Georgia's gun regulations were relatively lax, and handgun license applications were processed quickly. According to the gun store owner, the state government even discussed a bill for unlicensed concealed carry of handguns.

At the gun store's small shooting range, Martin pulled out two $5 bills and handed them to Bruce.

Bruce pocketed them and chuckled, "Before I clock in tonight, I'm all yours."

Martin reminded him, "Buddy, you're a civilized person, and I'm trying to become one too. Don't say things that could be easily misunderstood."

Bruce removed the magazine and asked, "Ever used a gun?"

Martin shrugged. "Only played with prop guns and toy guns."

Bruce started teaching from the safety switch and loading steps, reminding Martin, "Don't forget the poster you promised."

"No worries," Martin said as he loaded bullets into the empty magazine.

Bruce, having been paid, taught earnestly, and Martin learned diligently.

It wasn't just a survival skill; it could also come in handy for landing roles.

While teaching shooting, Bruce explained the moves and demonstrated. His actions were swift, and his aim was good, hitting the target from ten meters every time.

Martin put on earplugs and gradually fired several magazines, at least getting a feel for handgun shooting.

As for marksmanship, it was too early to talk about that.

"For letting me make money, a few tips," Bruce said, pulling over a chair. "Encountering black scum from the South, like last night, don't hesitate to show your gun when necessary. It ensures we can continue being civilized."

Martin decided to buy a gun and car because of last night's incident and immediately agreed, "I'll learn to be a civilized person from you."

Bruce added, "When stopped by the police, if you're not committing a major crime, always follow their instructions. Don't think about reaching for your gun. As a rookie, you'll get emptied out."

Martin had watched too many videos on this and said, "I won't give them the chance."

Bruce gave a final point: "As a rookie, you can't scare people. If the opponent also has a gun, find a way to run."

Martin laughed. "I'll definitely run away with my tail between my legs and call you to help me out."

Bruce sighed, "It's the era of civilized people now. When I first left the army, I dared to hold an AR and shoot at other gangs. I was really stupid then, not knowing life was my own."

Martin asked, "You served?"

"In the '90s, stationed in the UK," Bruce said. "Forced to retire."

Martin was curious. "Why? If it's inconvenient, forget I asked."

Bruce chuckled, "A British soldier lost a bet to me but refused to pay up. Aren't Brits supposed to be gentlemanly? I used a civilized method to collect my debt."

Martin praised, "Can I comment? You did a great job!"

Bruce asked, "You think it was civilized too?"

Martin bumped fists with Bruce. "Next time you get a chance, call me!"

Bruce was a talent worth befriending.

For the next two days, Martin practiced shooting for an hour during the day, checked job ads, looked for opportunities, and worked at the club at night.

Every night, he earned about $20 in tips. If the club had more customers, this amount could easily double.

But The Beast rarely had more than 50 customers at the same time.

On Wednesday afternoon, Martin received a notice from the Marietta Theatre to go to the Midtown Arts Theatre on Thursday for a casting call.

*****

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