Taken By The Mafia Lord

Arianna spent time washing up in the bathroom after getting rid of her ruined sneakers and walking back to the main house barefooted. If there was one thing mobsters enjoyed, it was having a spacious residence and Draven's family property stretched for miles with acres of empty land.

It was a private property with lots of hidden traps and no one dared to trespass without the fear of losing a limb. The Draven reputation precedes them so even the daredevils looking for a thrill don't cross the property.

Not to mention the number of soldiers that kept the place safe. Arianna suspected they did this on purpose in case of a police raid, it would take enough resources to cover much ground - by then, vital evidence would be destroyed.

Moreover, Eric carried out other activities on the property like his grape field which was all a facade to hide the main activities going on there. Unlike in the past, mobsters nowadays were smarter and more versatile. They are not just mobsters, they are businessmen too.

"Let's go," Natalie said to her daughter, looping her arm around hers and Arianna looked at the gesture without saying anything. The both of them were getting along fine these days and she was glad to have opened up to her.

Natalie led her to a stand-alone structure and the shooting range was housed in the basement Arianna was awed at the sight. Even with weeks of roaming around the property, she hadn't come across here. She had assumed they would practice in an open space, not this isolated place.

While Arianna looked around, Natalie explained to her, "The walls are sufficiently impenetrable and provide adequate ballistic protection from stray shots and back splatter. Lead and other pollutants are regulated by ventilation in a range. The configuration of the supply and exhaust air systems is critical for proper operation. "

She continued, "The more you practice the more you become perfect, and you are restricted to the use of high-power calibers and would have to start with the handgun I give to you. I would act as your range master for today and my position might be taken up by any of Eric's brothers at the time. I would put up a word to any of them available. "

"The brothers? Which of them? Ephraim? Elvis?" She was most comfortable with Ezra and Elijah - even though she has not had much of him lately. Arianna hoped to God he was lying quietly and not causing any more trouble for Marcel.

She wouldn't know what to do if both families get caught in another conflict. It would be awkward especially now she and Marcel are getting along so well.

"Any of them willing to take you up." Was Natalie's brief answer and Arianna was not able to get much information from her.

Natalie took her to the safety room where she taught her to pack, unpack or holster a gun, clean or repair, dry fire, and train with empty magazines. Arianna had to admit that she was greatly impressed and felt bad to have thought too little of her mother's ability.

No wonder she didn't have the zeal to begin her training early that morning. But now, Arianna suddenly wished her mother would continue to take her up on the training because God knows she would die if Ephraim ends up being her teacher. That one was so cold and unfeeling when it came down to business.

"You should note this while handling a gun. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, " Natalie directed, her palm on top of Arianna's hand holding the empty gun, "It's the most basic safety rule, you should never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot especially when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction."

"Secondly, never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away while loading or unloading your weapon. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the "safe" position or anywhere in between "safe" and "fire." It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without you ever touching the trigger again." Natalie showed her how it worked.

"Okay," Arianna breathed, feeling like a novice. She never thought there were so many procedures to be considered while handling a gun because It seemed so easy in movies - and in reality. You just pull the trigger and bam, it goes off, right?

"Also, if your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, don't bring it up to your face to check, that's how idiots lose their life," Natalie said with a bit of sarcasm that made Arianna swallow. Honestly speaking, she would be tempted to check. Thanks for the lesson, mom, she thought inwardly.

Natalie explained to her what to do in that situation," You handle the gun with care. Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this occurs, you keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and safely dispose of the cartridge."

Arianna proved to be a fast learner and in no time put on her safety equipment to begin her shooting. She was required to wear ear and eye protection at all times when within the defined boundaries of the range. According to Natalie, they are exposed to lead dust from bullets or cartridge primers, which can be inhaled or settle on skin or clothing.

Not to mention that even the small-caliber gun she gave her is easily loud enough to permanently damage hearing, and can throw off unexpected power that can fly into her eyes and cause serious injury. So yeah, Arianna didn't hesitate to cover up, she still wanted to live.

Also, Marcel would scold her fiercely if she violated the safety procedure and hurt herself - even if the idea of learning how to use a gun had been his.