The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 727

Callahan ignored the teasing entirely and cut straight to business.

"Save the chatter."

"Did you get the items on the list?"

"Got 'em, got 'em!"

Jacko nodded vigorously, though he couldn't help but steal another glance at Leilani.

"Is Ms. Sloan... also an enthusiast?"

He asked, probing. Clearly, the veteran arms dealer was still endlessly fascinated by Callahan's "fiancée."

Leilani offered a faint smile. "I am quite interested, actually."

"I've only ever seen this kind of hardware in textbooks or manuals. I've never handled the real thing, so I asked Callahan to bring me along to broaden my horizons."

Her answer was perfectly balanced—neither arrogant nor timid.

A flash of genuine respect crossed Jacko's eyes. Finally putting a lid on his curiosity, he shifted back into the sharp, professional businessman he truly was.

"Alright!"

"Right this way, then. Everything's laid out. Just waiting on your inspection."

He stepped aside to lead them toward the back, though he couldn't resist muttering over his shoulder to Callahan, "Well played, man!"

"Where did you find such a gem?"

"I gotta say, that aura of hers matches yours perfectly."

Callahan shot him a sidelong glance, offering no reply, but his arm around Leilani's shoulders tightened just a fraction, a barely perceptible smirk playing on his lips.

He was an old friend who knew where the boundaries were.

Having landed his joke, Jacko guided them through a secure door and into the inner armory.

The weight, the precision machining—it was lightyears beyond any replica. Every individual component practically radiated a cold, lethal efficiency. It was fascinating.

"I believe I've handled similar training models back at the civilian ranges."

Leilani replied honestly. She pointed a slender finger at another slide on the table.

"The core mechanics are universal, but that recoil spring guide rod... is that aftermarket? Gemini Defense?"

Jacko's eyes widened in surprise, and a broad grin broke across his face. "Ha! Good eye, Ms. Sloan!"

"It is indeed a Gemini Defense upgrade. Helps mitigate felt recoil, making it much smoother for shooters with a smaller frame."

Thoroughly intrigued now, Jacko picked up another tiny internal part. "What about this one? Recognize it?"

Leilani leaned in, her eyes narrowing slightly as she inspected it. "That looks like... the striker safety plunger?"

"Based on that specific geometry, I'd say it's the military-issue variant."