Cornered

Harper Jenkins hated to be in such a moment. Cornered. All he could focus on was the slightly shaky barrel that pointed directly at his heart. He was frozen in position, the next moments critical for everyone, and he worried plenty about the very scared, young officer pointing, both hands gripped. There was a moment too long of silence, breathing halted- that was more dangerous. "What do you want me to do?", Jenkins broke the tension.

"Drop it! Now! Now!", the cop's voice rang off the walls. "I'm setting it down. It's unloaded. But you still never drop a gun. Never." The whole time he spoke, Jenkins slowly bent his knee, gently placing the empty revolver on the tile floor. He rose back up just as slowly. His mind raced back to the morning. How he had felt so uneasy about pushing his luck one last time.

Six straight Merchant Moe's hold-ups. Jenkins hit the grocery chain in five towns, one store twice. Easy, fast, all very near freeways. Now caught, he was only right about the last time part.

Jenkins stood straight now, looking calmly at the unsteady policeman holding him at gunpoint. Nearly all the cash he got was sent to several needy family and friends, far away. At least he did that, Jenkins thought, as he turned around, waiting to get cuffed. It was over. And, it was just beginning.

"Listen son", Jenkins spoke slowly, smiling. "You cut me some slack, and I'll show you everything you don't know about guns."  The officer remained silent, as his back-up arrived.