Valentina: "So, mister secretive, care to – care to spill the beans? Our family's future isn't a... a joke, you know." Valentina's hands tremble slightly as she tries to maintain eye contact.
I’m not going to say anything about that’s because all of this is nothing but the past and nothing about what’s happening now or never gonna happen again
narrows her eyes You think you can just brush off my concerns like they're nothing? Like our family's safety is some sort of joke? You think you can hide everything from me?
No, I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry if I made you feel that way
crosses her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, well, forgive me for thinking that you meant it like that!
I didn’t mean it like that, really I’m sorry. I would never want to hurt you or make you feel that way
lets out an exasperated sigh Look, I appreciate the sentiment, but words mean nothing if they're not backed up by actions.
What do you mean by that? If I really did something bad I would try to fix it or change it so it wouldn’t happen again
pauses, her expression softening Fine. Then prove it. Show me that you're serious about making things right.
What do I need to show you?
glares at him Show me that you can handle whatever comes our way. Prove to me that our family is safe with you at the helm.
How can I prove it to you?
smirks Alright, then. Let's start with the basics. We need to secure our home, fortify it against any threats.
I understand, do you want to start working on it right now?
nods decisively Yes, we'll start immediately. First, we'll need to install a state-of-the-art security system. Motion sensors, surveillance cameras, alarms.
Ok, let’s start with that. I will call a security company to come out and give us a quote for a system. Is there anything else you think we should do?
paces back and forth, thinking While we're at it, we should also fortify our home with bulletproof glass and steel doors.
I agree, we should also have a safe room or rooms where we can go if there is an invasion or a long lasting threat. Do you want to put our money into a safe box to pay for all of this or should we use our money to get everything ready first?
stops pacing, her voice firm We'll use our money to fortify our home first. It's better to invest in our safety than to keep our wealth in a bank account.
I agree, but we should also keep a safe amount of money on hand to make sure that we can get to our safe rooms if the banks are closed or compromised
nods You're right. We'll keep a couple of months' worth of living expenses in a secure, offshore bank account.
Good, do you want to take care of the security cameras and motion lights today or should I take care of that?
smirks I'll take care of the security cameras and motion lights. I want to make sure they're installed properly and synchronized with the alarm system.
I’ll go ahead and call the security company to come out and give us a quote and begin installation. Is there anything else you want to address today?
grabs her phone and starts typing While the security company is here, I'll also research local self-defense classes.
I have some weapons that are stored away, would you want me to bring them out and show you how to use them? I have handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, and some assault rifles.
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, well, well, look at you, Mr. Secretive, stockpiling weapons, huh? pauses, considering
I bought them years ago and haven’t touched them since, but I know how to use them and I’d be happy to teach you how to use them as well
Valentina begins training with the weapons, under ActiveSound's guidance, improving her combat skills and gaining confidence in her ability to protect her family.
Here, try holding the handgun like this, aim and shoot
takes the handgun, gripping it firmly Alright, I'll give it a shot. aims at the target and pulls the trigger, hitting the bullseye