He spoke well, and was attentive, and polite. I asked him if he would like to join me and a small group of other men in Room 319 at 8.00 p.m. He said ...that he would like that very much, and then left. Of the six men scheduled, five arrived on time, and as requested. Two of the five I didn’t like. One seemed edgy, bordering on belligerent, and asked me questions I preferred not to answer. The other was too young, too innocent. I told them both that they would not be joining us that night. I had. ’ The sly smile was still on her mouth. ‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I would truly enjoy spending some time with you. It isn’t very often that I get to have dinner with a beautiful woman.’ He delivered the ‘corny’ line with such sincerity that it was all Eleanor could do not to burst out laughing. ‘No offense, Mr. Thompson, but I’ll be required at the head table. I’m your host this evening.’ ‘Oh, well … that’s understandable. I guess that way I’ll learn your name at least.’ he said smiling. Actually I’m near thirty-eight, but new would be good.’ ‘I meant new in town.’ We both knew I knew that, but my response kept the conversation alive. ‘That, I am. This meatloaf is great! I’m impressed.’ ‘I grind the meat myself and it’s a mixture. This time of year I can get venison and mix it with beef. Glad you like it.’ ‘I do. Do you do a great breakfast too?’ She smiled and asked, ‘Will you still be around for breakfast? Your truck has Virginia plates on it. I sorta figured you were headed. Around four Haplin and his son arrived. Just as Carla had said, they quickly had a sheet of plywood set up at a measured fifty meters, and then attached a number of the bull's eye targets with small red centers that measured only four-tenths of an inch.Haplin and his son, Kirk, were soon practicing with an exotic-looking .22 caliber rifle. Fred, Dave and Jeff, curiosity stirred, walked over to watch, each taking a peek through the spotting scope that was attached to a sturdy tripod. It was.