Mana in the Modern World non illustrated version by R. McCullough Page B

he is currently armed. Jack smiles and
replies, “Always.” In a condescending tone Deputy Benson holds out
his hand and says, “Well hand it over Buster.” Jack, tho looking
relaxed, is closely watching Benson and with a grim look, refuses.
Then, holding up his palm, adds, “However; I will allow Ranger
Stone to hold it if that will make you boys feel safer.” Benson,
turning red in the face, steps forward reaching to grab Jack while
raising his voice saying, “Hand it to me – now!”
    Jack catches Benson’s hand giving it a slight
twisting motion. Benson screams and drops to his knees as Jack
releases the hand. Deputy Blackwood has drawn his weapon and,
finger actually on the trigger, trains it on Jack. Ranger Stone
steps between them with a hand up saying, “Put that away! Mr.
Albright was defending himself.” Looking at the deputies she asks
them to go set down in the kitchen and cool off.
    As they head to the kitchen Jack calls out,
“Hey boys, there is cold beer in the ‘fridge, help yourselves.”
Anna, with a grin, says, “That was a cruel thing to say Mr.
Albright, you know they are on duty.” Jack, with a slight chuckle,
says, “Yes, but that Benson is a real ass and I definitely do not
trust him.” “Neither do I.” Anna quietly replies.
    Once the deputies are out of sight Jack pulls
‘Baby’ hands her his concealed .22 magnum revolver in its pocket
holster saying, “I call her Baby.”
    ***
    Pic here of Baby
    ***
    She looks at it in her hand, smiles saying,
“Apt name and kinda cute but?” Smiling Jack says, “She’s small but
her magnum rounds can really hurt in the right spot.” She puts it
in her jeans pocket and starts to turn to call in the deputies
back.
    Jack reaches out and gently touches her arm
handing her his cane saying, “Might want to take this also.” Anna
replies, “I doubt that will be necessary.” Jack grins as he pulls
the cane partly apart revealing a hidden sword. “My, my, Mr.
Albright, but you are full of surprises. How many concealed bobby
traps and weapons are also in your home?” “O, not all that many,”
Jack replies smiling.
    “Keep the cane, Mr. Albright, it will be out
little secret,” Anna replies with a smile, chuckle and wink as she
calls out to the deputies to return. Jack says, “Right, but please
call me Jack.” “OK, you may call me Anna.”
    Immediately on return to the living room
Deputy Benson asks roughly, “What did he have and where?” Ranger
Stone replies, “That is none of your business and you certainly do
not have the need to know.” She does not like his attitude,
especially his constant mouthing off. She thinks, ‘Jack’s right,
this guy definitely bears watching, especially if he is ever around
her back.’
    About a minute later, at the same time, both
deputies phones ring. They move to the kitchen, out of ear shot, to
take the calls. With a grin at Anna and pointing a finger toward
the kitchen, Jacks says, “This should be interesting.” The deputies
voices begin getting loud, especially Benson, trying to argue but,
in no uncertain terms, are told that the warrant is voided and to
get the geeks and leave taking nothing. They come into the living
room red faced and looking very angry. Benson yells at Jack, “What
the hell is going on?” With a smile Jack replies, “You may never
know and it’s not covered in the warrant.”
    Anna’s phone starts ringing. She too holds up
a ‘pause’ finger and takes the call. After answering she listens
for a bit, says, “Certainly Lieutenant,” hangs up and says, “I have
been informed that the warrant has been rescinded and you deputies,
along with the techs, are to leave now and take nothing.” “Told you
it was about to get interesting,” Jack said with a grin.
    After the techs and deputies leave she turns
to Jack and says, “It is clear you have pull somewhere. Can you
tell me what the devil just happened?” He tells her that, after he
checks and secures the