I'm reading a mystery novel where the protagonist is a retired NYPD lieutenant. He retired after politics and injuries but in good stead. He becomes a lawyer and is working on a case in Virginia where there are threats. There is a debate whether he should carry as he doesn't have a permit in VA. I thought that being retired under 218 and with some quals allowed you to carry anywhere in the country.
I asked the author about that and he said that the hero can only carry in NY. So what's the real world deal? My googling says I'm correct but what do I know about the real world.