Venters goes every day to Deception Pass and practices with his guns. Before the opening incident with Tull, who did he think was after him? Why did he feel the need to practice with his guns?

Venters goes every day to Deception Pass and practices with his guns because he realizes that his affair with Jane, a Mormon, will eventually bring him trouble. He is practicing so that when the day comes and he is faced with a showdown, he will shoot straight.