Chapter 11 Learn to Be a Civilized Person

Bright daylight brought warmth and a sense of security.

Martin jogged evenly around the Clayton Community, and after his leg injury had healed, he started exercising systematically, because a poor guy wanting to make something of himself needed a strong body.

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

Martin couldn't be bothered with him and responded with the middle finger.

Why exercise, obviously for the enjoyment later on.

After a quick rinse when he got back, Martin went next door to the Carter Family's house for breakfast.

Lily and Hol packed their backpacks, getting ready for school.

Elena brought over fried egg sandwiches, and while eating, Martin asked Harris, who was flipping through a book, "Not going to school?"

Harris said, "I'm preparing for college applications, studying at home is more efficient than going to public high school."

"Good luck with that," said Martin, finishing his breakfast. He pulled out the tips from last night's work and threw them at Elena, "That's for my meals."

Elena was surprised, "Idiot, have you gone mad? Did a black guy smash your head in?"

Martin drank his milk, without looking up, "Got a new job at House of Beast as a bartender."

Lily suddenly chimed in, "Why not a male stripper? I'm saving money..."

Thump thump, Elena's iron fists prevailed, and Lily and Hol covered their noses, all subdued.

Finishing his milk, Martin said to Elena, "I'm thinking of buying a secondhand car, wanna come with?"

Elena picked up a purity ring, placing it on her left ring finger, "I'm going to help at the Methodist Church this morning. The Methodist Association has recently teamed up with the Atlanta Methodist Church to promote new conservatism, and the free lunch they provide is very generous."

It was the first time Martin had heard this name, "Methodist Association?"

Elena explained briefly, "A Conservative Faction organization, originating from the same source as the rule-abiding Methodist Church, sharing the same damn conservative ideals!"

Martin understood, "So that's why you put on the ring?"

Elena said, "Whoever offers the most free food, that's who I believe in."

Lily was about to interject again, but Martin was prepared, "Unless you want to get punched into a pig's head, shut your mouth."

Elena asked, "You found a new job; should we have a party to celebrate?"

"Wait till I'm less busy, invite your friends, and we'll have it in my backyard." Martin pointed to the house he rented, "Lately, I keep feeling that James isn't resting too peacefully below us. Invite more people to dance over James's head, and if he sees us living happily, he'll definitely stay put."

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

Martin called Bruce and met up with him on the south side of the community, they had agreed the day before to go car shopping together.

Vincent Lee's family was involved in many businesses, including a secondhand car dealership. Bruce was one of Vincent's confidants, and he could earn a commission by referring business to the dealership.

From several vehicles that the salesman and Bruce recommended, Martin chose a Ford. The price was $4,500, of course, to be paid in installments.

He was worried about even cheaper ones breaking down "On the Road."

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

Martin had no criminal record and was certainly buying a legal firearm.

The gun store had secondhand weapons for sale, an 80% new Glock 17, a treasure hunter's find from a warehouse clearance.

Bruce disassembled it and examined it carefully, advising Martin to buy it.

The handgun came with two magazines, and with the addition of a holster, gun oil for maintenance, and 100 bullets, the total came to $380.

Gun control in Georgia is quite lax, and the pistol permit application process is quick. According to the gun store owner, the state government even discussed a bill that would allow unlicensed, unconcealed carry of pistols.

Once inside the small shooting range attached to the gun store, Martin pulled out two 5 US Dollar bills and handed them to Bruce.

Bruce took the money with a goofy smile and said, "Before I head to work tonight, I'm all yours."

Martin reminded him, "Buddy, you're a civilized man, and I want to be one too, so let's avoid saying things that can be easily misunderstood."

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

Martin shrugged, "Only prop guns and toy guns."

Bruce began teaching him, starting with the safety and how to load, all the while reminding Martin, "Don't forget about the poster you promised."

"Don't worry, don't worry," Martin replied as he loaded bullets into the empty magazine.

Bruce, after receiving his payment, taught earnestly, and Martin learned with equal seriousness.

It wasn't just a survival skill; it might also come in handy when competing for roles.

While Bruce was teaching shooting, he first explained the technique, then demonstrated personally. His movements were swift, and his shooting skills were not bad, hitting the target 10 meters away with every shot.

Martin put on his earplugs and fired several magazines in succession, at least getting the gist of handgun shooting.

As for marksmanship, that was still a long way off.

"Seeing as how you're making me some money, here are a few pieces of advice," Bruce pulled over a chair and sat down. "When you encounter black scum from the South, like last night, don't hesitate when it's time to show you're armed. It ensures we continue to be civilized people."

Martin, because of the incident the previous night, had made up his mind to buy a gun and a car, immediately responded, "I will learn from you how to be a civilized person."

Bruce then said, "If you're stopped by the police for a check and you haven't done anything major, make sure you do exactly as they say. Don't even think about touching your gun, or you, a rubbish rookie, will be emptied of bullets."

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

Bruce made his final point, "You're a rookie, you won't intimidate anyone. If the other guy also has a gun, you'd better think of a way to run fast."

Martin, with a smile, said, "I'll definitely make a run for it, then I'll call you, the old bird, to take back the scene."

Bruce sighed, "It's the age of civilized people now. When I first left the military, I dared to have shootouts with other gangs, cradling an AR. I was really foolish back then, not knowing that one's life is their own."

Martin asked, "You served in the military?"

"It was back in the '90s, stationed in England," Bruce said. "Got forcibly discharged."

Martin got curious, "Why? If it's not convenient, just pretend I didn't ask."

Bruce grinned goofily, "An English soldier bet with me and lost, but he wouldn't pay up. Aren't the English supposed to be civilized gentlemen? I just used a civilized man's method to collect the debt."

Martin exclaimed, "Can I say something? You did great!"

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

Martin fist-bumped Bruce, "Next time you have that kind of opportunity, count me in!"

Bruce was a talent, and it wouldn't hurt to maintain a good relationship with him.

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

Every night he managed to earn about 20 US Dollar in tips, and that number could easily double if the club had more customers.

But the House of Beast rarely had more than 50 people during the same timeslot.

On Wednesday afternoon, Martin received a notice from the Marietta Theatre Company: he was to go to the Midtown Art Theater on Thursday and wait for the troupe's audition.