charlie west, also known as 'cactus the angry elf' (littledeadly) wrote in immune_ic,
Charlie's smile turned slightly apologetic when she noticed Leah's hand over the little girl's ear. "Sorry," she shrugged, sliding her rifle back into its place across her back. "I was in the Marines for four years, and I swear, my mouth is mild compared to some of the guys I served with. And I'm not really used to being around kids, which kinda makes it worse. I apologize in advance if I do slip up again."
Walking alongside the taller woman, she couldn't help but laugh at the compliment. Of course, Charlie thought herself pretty badass and didn't really give a shit if people thought otherwise, but it was nice to hear an affirmation from someone else. "I kinda grew up around guns. My dad was a professional game hunter, so my little brother Robert and I were dragged on all the hunting trips. I guess beyod 'being tough' and 'being an excellent marksman' I don't really have any pertinent life skills. Robert was the one with all the brains and the feelings and the mushy crap like that." Despite her words, her speech was fond. Her brother was the only family she had, and she loved the kid to death.
"Oh yeah. Most of the agents out tonight are plainclothes, making sure nothing goes wrong on the ground, or they're SWAT like me," she explained, motioning to her vest. "We've got eight sniper posts-- well, seven, right now-- around the Square. Pretty standard for an event this big, since everyone's eyes can't be everywhere. Plus, we can see the upper parts of buildings. There's not gonna be another Texas Schoolbook Depository while you've got a full SWAT team," She shrugged. "We keep in touch with the NYPD, since we're all part of security at the same event, we just use a separate radio channel. Otherwise things would get pretty confused and people could get hurt."
Charlie willingly slowed her steps, not wanting the poor woman-- who was probably shaken up enough as it was, and who was carrying a child-- to have to strain herself. "So. Your brother's with the NYPD, you said?"