Rick gave Axe a pat. “Hey bro.”
Mike scooped the dog out of the cage and cradled him against his chest as he would a child. “Right, let’s get out of here.”
As they made their way back to the front door Rick contacted TJ on the radio. “We’re ready for pickup, Pops.”
The radio crackled. “You’re ready for a punch in the face.”
Rick laughed as they paused at the door and waited for the minivan to pull in to the parking lot. Once it stopped at the entrance he slid open the door and they loaded Axe inside.
Mike waited as Rick reactivated the alarm and locked the front door. Then TJ passed a wrench through the driver’s window. Rick used it to smash one of the windows. As he leapt into the van a siren wailed.
“That’s your plan?” Mike asked.
As TJ drove the van out of the parking lot Ernie leapt in through the open door and Rick slammed it shut. “Damn straight. And might I add it’s pretty much the best plan ever.”
“Not bad, Rick. Now shut your pie hole,” snapped TJ.
Rick whispered, “He doesn’t like his call sign.”
Mike cradled Axe’s head on his lap. “Guys, you’re the best.”
“You’re not going to cry are you?” asked Rick.
“Rick, shut your pie hole,” Mike said.
Twenty minutes later, Axe was sleeping on a duvet at the end of Mike’s bed as the men discussed the dog’s future over a beer in the living room.
“What’s your plan now you’ve got him here?” TJ asked as he sucked back a Coors.
Mike let his shoulders drop as he sat on the couch. “I guess I’m gonna have to do something about his temperament or I won’t be able to leave him with anyone when we’re on jobs.”
“So you’re going to keep him?” asked Rick.
“I can’t trust him with anyone else.”
“You need to take him to the vet I told you about. She’ll sort him out,” said Ernie.
Rick grinned. “Any luck–”
“Pie hole, Rick,” said TJ.
Laughter filled the room as Mike took a swig from his beer. For the first time since Axe had been shot he felt hopeful. “OK, I’ll take him in to see her first thing tomorrow. TJ, do you mind if I’m a little late for work.”
“Take the day off.”
“What about us?” Rick asked.
“Ernie can have a late start. You and I are going running, got to burn off all that pie you’ve been shoving in your hole.”
***
“Well, this is it, bud.” Mike opened the passenger door of his pickup and lifted Axe out. He carried the wounded dog across a dusty parking lot into the waiting room of the Iron Canyon Veterinary Clinic.
A female receptionist looked up and smiled. “Hi.”
“Hi. We’re here to see Doctor Alison Taylor.”
“Perfect timing. Her last patient finished up early so you can take him straight through.”
“Thanks.” Mike pushed the door open with his foot and carried Axe into the examination room.
Doctor Taylor greeted him with a bright smile. “Hello. You can put him down over there.” She gestured to a table.
Mike saw immediately why Ernie’s brother thought she was cute. A brunette with a button nose, lush mouth and green eyes, she wasn’t what he’d call a stunner but more the girl next door. He judged her height at around five-foot-six. Not short, but by no means tall. And, while she wore baggy scrubs, they couldn’t hide her curvy figure. Not really his type, but then this wasn’t about him.
“Mike, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you must be Alison.”
She nodded as she washed her hands. “On the phone you said he was shot?”
Mike kept a close eye on Axe as the dog surveyed the room, every muscle tense. “Correct, he’s a Military Working Dog. Discharged as a result of the injury.”
“And it was a little over two weeks ago?”
“Yes, he’s recovering well but–”
“His temperament has changed?” Alison added as she dried her hands.
Mike nodded.
“I see that a lot with heavy trauma. I get a lot of dogs with PTSD from being hit by cars or attacked by another animal.” She approached Axe. “OK handsome, let’s have a look at you.”
The dog’s ears flattened against his skull and he bared his teeth.
“Axe, no!”
Alison lifted a hand to silence Mike. “It’s fine. He’s just letting me know he’s not happy. You’d never bite me would you, Axe?”
Her question was answered with another savage growl.
Mike frowned. “Axe! Look, I’m not so sure about that. I wouldn’t–”
“No, it’s OK. Mike, it might be better if you waited outside. Axe seems to be taking a lot of his cues from you.”
His eyes narrowed. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’ve been as traumatized as he has. You’re tense and worried. Totally understandable, but your energy isn’t helping the situation.”
“Now hang on a second. I’m a qualified dog handler. We’ve been working together for three years. If anyone understands how he feels, it’s me.”
She nodded. “That’s exactly my point. Listen, I don’t mind if you stay. But I want you to sit down over there and keep quiet.” She pointed to a chair against the wall.
He slumped into the seat and crossed his arms.
“Let’s try again, Axe.” The vet took a liver treat from a jar and extended it on her open palm. “Are you going to be a good boy?”
The dog glanced at Mike but he ignored him.
Alison took a step closer. “Good boy, Axe.” Slowly, inch-by-inch, she made her way closer. The dog’s nostrils flared as he inhaled the scent of the dried meat. When she was close enough, his tongue shot out and scooped it off her palm.
“Tasty isn’t it?”
Alison was now standing less than a foot from the dog. He eyed her suspiciously as he chewed the snack.
Mike bit his tongue as she reached out to pat his head. He saw the dog’s lip lift in a half growl.
She displayed no fear, instead ruffled his ears. “Hey now, none of that.”
Mike watched with growing disbelief as Axe let the vet inspect his wound without growling. “I’ll be damned,” he murmured.
The dog remained silent but watched Alison’s every move.
“You’re healing well, handsome man,” she patted his head again. “Mike, can you put him on the ground so I can see how he walks.”
He shook his head. “He can’t walk, he’s still wounded.”
The vet’s lips thinned. “Has he tried?”
“Look, I’m not a complete fool. I’ve had a few years experience with dogs and I don’t think he’s ready.”
She raised her eyebrows. “And I guess my seven years of study and five in practical experience counts for nothing?”
Mike rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He gently lifted Axe from the table and placed him on the floor.
The dog lay still on the tiles, his injured leg extended at an award angle.
Mike slumped back in the chair. “See.”
Alison shook her head and took another treat from the jar. Squatting a few yards in front of Axe, she offered it to him. “Hey buddy, do you want this?”
His ears angled forward and his tail thumped the floor. His floppy ear bounced up and down.
Mike smiled. “Come on boy,” he murmured.
Axe glanced at him, and then at the treat, and back to his partner. Then, with little effort, he climbed to his feet, walked forward and gently took it from her hand.
Mike didn’t miss how he kept the wounded leg hitched high.
“Good boy.” Alison ruffled his ears again. “Now let’s go for a little walk.” She took a lead from a hook on the wall, clipped it to his collar and led him slowly around the room.
Mike caught the dog’s eye as they turned and walked back toward him. “Traitor,” he mouthed. “So what do you think?” he asked gr
uffly, folding his arms.
“I think he’s a beautiful animal who needs a little care. But most importantly, you need to stop treating him like a person.”
It was Mike’s turn to frown. “I don’t treat him like a person.”
“Listen, I know you’ve been through a lot with Axe. But he doesn’t need your sympathy. He needs your leadership. He needs you to be strong, to tell him what to do.”
Mike slumped back in the chair and closed his eyes. For a split second, he was transported back to Mexico, back to the moment when Axe was shot. If he had moved a little faster, he might have been able to save the dog from being wounded. It was a moment he had relived repeatedly since that day.
“Mike, Mike.”
Alison’s voice snapped him back to the present.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah. Sorry, I spaced out. Yes, I hear you.” He focused on Alison and realized she was watching him closely.
“Mike, how would you feel about Axe staying here at the clinic? Only for a week or two. You seem to have a lot on your mind and he would really benefit from intensive therapy. You could come and see him every day.”
Mike nodded. “That would be good. I’ve got to work.”
Her beaming smile instantly made him hopeful. Things would work out. Axe would be healed and maybe, just maybe, they’d be a team again. He said his farewells to the dog, then set up an account with the vet’s assistant on his way out. As he pushed open the door to leave, he almost ran into a middle-aged blonde and two young children. “Morning, ma’am.” He held open the door as the family passed through, then was on his way.
“Who the hell is that?” Leonie asked Alison when she joined her sister in the waiting area.
“Just a guy with an injured dog. How have you been?”
“I think you mean ‘a total hunk’ with an injured dog. You should definitely hit that.”
Alison laughed. “Can you get your mind out of the gutter?” She glanced out the window as Mike climbed into his truck.
“Not when it’s led there by an ass like that. So what’s his story?”
“He’s arrogant, over-confident and military. Not my type at all.” She squatted to embrace her nieces.
“Handsome, fit, confident and a dog guy. No, you’re right. He doesn’t sound anything like your type.”
“He’s got issues, Leonie. Now, where do you want to go for brunch?”
“Perfect, you’re always saving strays and you could do wonders with him.”
She tucked one squealing child under each arm and hoisted the toddlers off the ground. “I’m a veterinarian, not a psychologist.”
“Oh please. Men and dogs have so much in common. All they need is a pat, good food and–”
“Enough, you don’t recall the date with Brian? Like I said, I’m staying the hell away from men.”
Leonie grinned. “Come on, I mean a celibate nun would make an exception for that fine looking piece of–”
“Enough already, I’m starving.”
***
As Mike drove through the security checkpoint at Coronado Naval Base his new phone chimed with a message. He pulled into the parking lot in front of the team rooms and glanced at the screen.
The old man wants to see you…TJ
Exiting his truck, Mike ducked inside and put on a clean uniform before heading over to the headquarters building.
“He’s in his office,” said Mack from behind his desk.
Mike continued down the corridor and knocked on the commander’s door.
“Enter.”
As he stepped inside, the CO glanced up from his computer and gestured to the seat opposite. Mike sat and prepared himself for the bombardment of questions regarding the abduction of Axe.
“How’s things, Mike?”
“You know how it is, sir.”
“Yeah, well I’m afraid I’ve got bad news and good news.”
More than a little confused, Mike frowned. The commander was smart enough to recognize he was involved in the kidnap. Hell, until Doctor Taylor, Axe hadn’t let anyone else near him except the squad members. Mike swallowed hard and met the commander’s steely gaze.
“I’m not sure if you’ve heard but last night there was a break in at the Miramar vet clinic. Kids looking for drugs busted in and now Axe is missing. That’s the bad news.”
Mike didn’t know whether to feign surprise or anger.
“Did they catch them?”
Conner shook his head. “No, but the Jarhead Commander of the base assures me they’ll find Axe. I wanted to let you know before you heard any rumors.”
“Appreciate that, sir.”
“The good news is with Axe missing we’ve got more time to appeal his discharge and destruction. I’ve nominated him for a heroism award. That should assist the process. Now, if he could just stay ‘lost’ for a week or three that should give us enough time.”
Mike wasn’t sure what to say. He swallowed the lump in his throat and fumbled for words. “Sir, I–”
“It’s all good, son. As far as I’m concerned that dog’s as important as any of my SEALs. In fact I’d swap him for half of Bravo Platoon. Their antics have caused me nothing but grief this week. Now, get out my office so I can sort out this shit storm.”
As Mike left the headquarters and walked back to the team room he was filled with hope. Between Doctor Taylor, his squad, and now the commander there was a good chance Axe would be fine. Hell, if Conner had his way, the dog would become a decorated hero.
Entering the team room he found TJ and the others inspecting new marksman rifles.
Rick greeted him with a grin. “Hey brother, did you hear the news?”
“Yeah, allegedly Axe escaped from death row.” Mike smiled.
“Our furry friend’s going to be a decorated war hero,” added TJ.
Mike blinked back tears and cleared his throat. “The only reason he’s still alive is because of you guys. In fact this is the second time Rick’s saved him.”
“Don’t mention it, he’s a team-mate. Now, how about you give us the details on this sexy vet?”
He shook his head. “Always thinking with your dick, Rick. She knows her stuff. Axe is going to be staying with her for a few weeks.”
Rick grinned. “Damn, she must be hot if you’re letting her look after your dog.”
“She’s attractive, but not my type.”
“Not your type,” said Ernie. “You mean she doesn’t have fake boobs and she’s not going to steal all your shit?” He and Rick burst into laughter.
TJ handed Mike one of the marksman rifles. “OK, enough shit talking. Let’s get these bad boys down to the range.”
Chapter Five
Spots of rain fell from a grey sky as Vicente Barbosa leant over his brother’s coffin and gently straightened the dead man’s tie. “I am alive today, Juan, because you saved my life. I swear on my soul that I will find the man who took yours. I will tear his heart from his chest and grind it under my boot.” He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye before turning to face the crowd that had come to pay tribute to the brother of the Butcher.
Maneuvering through the people he shook hands, while forcing a smile, and nodded as they offered their sympathies. Once clear of the mourners, he weaved through the tombstones to the convoy of black SUVs parked at the edge of the cemetery. A dozen heavily armed guards waited for him. Until vengeance was his, Barbosa wasn't taking any chances. If the Americans wanted to kill him they would need to send more than a handful of SEALs.
“Where is Raul?” he asked as he reached the convoy.
His head of security rounded one of the SUVs. “Here.”
Barbosa glanced at a vehicle climbing the track toward them as he reached into his jacket, withdrew a handkerchief and wiped the raindrops from his aviator sunglasses. “Do you know who killed my brother?”
Raul shook his head. “No, we're still reviewing the CCTV footage.”
The approaching vehicle pulled in behind
his SUVs. A moment later five men dressed in dark suits and sunglasses exited. Barbosa's security detail eyeballed them as they approached and positioned themselves a few yards away.
He glared at his head of security. “They're with us. You've had eight days and still nothing?”
“We know they're SEALs.”
The corner of Barbosa’s lip curled into a snarl. “I told you that, you idiot.” He reached into his jacket again as the party of suits arrived.
One of the men stepped forward, removing his sunglasses. His jet black eyes locked on to Barbosa’s. The thin moustache crowning the man’s upper lip trembled as he struggled to contain his mirth at the situation. “Mr. Barbosa.”
He gave the man a curt nod and turned to his men with his hand still in his jacket. “This is Ramirez. He will be avenging Juan.”
Raul scowled. “You're letting an outsider handle our business? Boss, that's–”
Barbosa drew a suppressed pistol and shot him neatly in the heart. His former head of security was dead before his body hit the wet grass.
He glared at his men. “Raul failed me. He wasn't there when my brother was killed, and then couldn't find me the man who murdered him.” He spat at the body. “Failure will not be tolerated. Ramirez, if you please.” He gestured to his armored SUV and his guards opened the door.
As they sped away Barbosa drummed his fingers against a leather armrest, eyeing Ramirez. “What have you discovered?”
“I've examined the CCTV footage and the man who shot your brother is a SEAL. A member of Team Five. They're based at Coronado, California.”
“How do you know that?”
“A number of them wore patches on their shoulders.” He held up his fingers in the V for victory symbol. “The Roman numeral five.”
Barbosa took his pistol from his jacket and removed the suppressor. “Where exactly is Coronado?”
“Across the border in San Diego.”
“And you have people there?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He slid the weapon back into its holster and placed the warm suppressor in his pocket. “I want you to find the man who killed my brother. Then, when you do. I want you to kill someone he loves… before you bring me his heart.”
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