Tuga,

Only once did I feel more secure carrying my gun.

In an area that I was not familiar with, I pulled my car into a bank drive thru ATM lane. There was one car ahead of me. A moment or two later, a crappy looking car pulled in behind me.

To my right, immediately adjacent to the ATM lane, was a shallow drainage swale, a couple of sparse trees and then another parking lot, mostly abandoned.

About this time a car, driven by someone looking like a gang member, pulled into the empty parking lot and backed up to the edge of the pavement adjacent to the ATM lane. So, I'm thinking, what possible reason could this guy have to park HERE. There is nothing in the parking lot where he is, yet he is positioned for a quick departure.

And I'm blocked in the ATM lane. A perfect target.

As this unfolds and these thoughts are running through my mind, for the first (and so far only) time in my life my instincts told me reach under my shirt and place my hand on my gun, while keeping an eye on the movements of the suspicous guy and the crappy car that had pulled in behind me. Could he have been part of this? Who knows.

BUT.... nothing came of this situation. Gangster guy on my right stayed in position for a minute or so then left. The car ahead of me transacted his business and left. I released my grip on my gun and everything went as planned.

So, long story short..... I did not need my gun that day, but I'm sure glad I had it. It also taught me just how quickly events can unfold that may put you in a bad situation.