Fall had arrived in the Aethel Suburbs. The wind was cool and the water was cold.
Sydney Sawyer wanted to try clay pigeon shooting, so Sebastian Lockwood picked out a shotgun suitable for beginners. After he taught her, hand-over-hand, she finished a whole round without hitting a single target.
"Your form is still a little off."
As Sebastian Lockwood spoke, he drew near from behind, half-embracing her. Their bodies were pressed intimately together.
Their closeness was intimate and passionate.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Sylvie Lockwood was a different story. She was experienced, holding a shotgun of her own while Ryder Sharp stood quietly beside her.
Not far away, the rest of their friends stood in the autumn wind, their minds already reeling.
Yancy Hale, in particular, was still trying to process it all.
"Mr. Shaw, am I dreaming?"
"You're not."
"Pinch me. Let's see if it hurts."
"..."
