by Jenna Brandt
“This is Titan. He worked search and rescue in Boulder before his partner died in a car accident. No one wanted to partner with Titan after his death and the officer had no family to take him. They put out an offer for someone in the department to adopt him.”
“I still don’t see what that has to do with you and our substation,” Captain McGregor stated, glancing down at the German shepherd.
“I know Titan still has a lot of good years of police work left in him. I adopted him and have spent my off-time training with him. He’s good, Captain; I mean really good, and we work well together. I even took him to several K9 trials around the country, and we’ve won every competition we’ve been in.” Ted released Titan from his leash, and gave him several commands to show he knew all of their departmental procedures. “I even adapted him to snow and ice terrain this past winter.”
“I can see you put a lot of time and effort into this, and that he’s a good police dog. We aren’t looking, however, to hire a third K9 team.”
“I know that, Captain, but we could be a real asset to the search and rescue division.”
“I’m not arguing that, Ted, but we can’t afford another K9 handler and the upkeep of another dog.”
“I can keep my same title and pay, and I’ll cover all the costs of Titan’s upkeep. I just want to be able to use him on the job,” Ted pleaded, hoping that the offer would make the difference.
“I really wish I could say yes, Ted. I know how much you want to be a K9 handler, but I just can’t do it. We can’t afford the liability of another dog. If he bites someone, the department will be liable for it. There’s no way around it. I’m sorry, but it just can’t happen.”
Ted wanted to argue, but he could see from his captain’s resolute expression, it wouldn’t do any good. His superior’s mind was made up on the matter.
Ted nodded, then bent down, re-attaching the leash to Titan’s collar. “Thanks for hearing me out, Captain.”
“Maybe in a couple of years as the town grows, things will be different,” his captain explained, “and you will be at the top of the list for the next K9 position.”
As Ted and Titan exited the office, deep disappointment settled into Ted’s heart. He didn’t have a couple of years to wait around to possibly get a K9 slot. He wasn’t getting any younger, and the job was extremely demanding. He only had a few years left before he needed to move behind a desk. If he wanted to be a K9 handler before he retired, he was going to have to move on to plan B.
“What are you doing here? Did you come to surprise me? I thought we weren’t getting together until tonight,” Deanna said as she got out of her car in the substation parking lot. She came over to Ted’s car where he was loading up Titan into his kennel. “What’s Titan doing here with you?” She reached out and rubbed Titan between his ears.
“We came to talk to the captain.” Ted didn’t elaborate on what that meant, but he could tell from Deanna’s face she already knew.
Despite that, she asked, “How did it go? What did he say?”
“Not great. Looks like Titan’s going to stay my ‘pet’ as the captain put it.”
“I’m so sorry, Ted. I know how bad you wanted this.”
“I just don’t get it. I feel like this was what I was called to do. I thought it was a sign when Titan became available for adoption. We clicked so well; right from the beginning. I thought the captain would see that and realize it was worth the extra effort.”
“You have to remember; he has a boss to report to like the rest of us. He has to make the numbers work.”
“I know, I just thought we could figure out a way. I guess I was wrong.” He gestured to Titan, latching the kennel. “Let me get him home and change. I’ll pick you up at six at your place.”
She nodded. “See you then.”
He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the lips before climbing into his truck. He headed home where he decided to start on plan B right away. He pulled out his laptop and starting a search for open K9 positions in the US. He didn’t want to move away from his friends and family, and especially Deanna, but if he ever wanted to be a K9 handler, it might be the only way. There were a couple of open spots back East as well as one in Iowa. He bookmarked all of them, debating about if he wanted to live in places like that. He was about to turn off his computer when at the bottom of the list, he saw an opening for his dream job. He almost couldn’t believe his eyes. Was it possible?
K9 SEARCH AND RESCUE HANDLER FOR POSITION AT PRESTIGIOUS TRAINING ACADEMY
Disaster City Search and Rescue Academy is currently seeking a K9 Handler to be trained and hired to work at our academy in the specialized terrain division. Qualified handler will possess characteristics and traits, such as patience, self-discipline, and attention to detail. The handler must be of unquestionable integrity and exercise good judgment. The handler must be willing and able to teach incoming students via the academy’s techniques and procedures once learned through our academy.
Required Schedule: Minimum 40 Hours Per week; may be required to work additional hours as needed.
Handler and K9 will live and work at the academy in Texas. All care and maintenance for handler and K9 will be maintained at the facility.
Personnel must have a minimum of four years of documented successful experience in law enforcement or military service. Additionally, applicant must be a certified Search and Rescue handler.
Applicant must undergo all screenings to successfully pass government background checks in order to work certain areas during national calls. Must pass all physical requirements for the position.
Scope of Work:
EMPLOYEE shall complete the tasks, obligations, and responsibilities as a K9 instructor for the academy once trained. K9 Handlers are to work as part of an instruction team once graduated. The K9 Handler performs his or her duties while commanding a trained working dog that has met certification standards.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
EMPLOYEE will be fluid and flexible in adapting to rapidly changing situations.
EMPLOYEE may be required to assist in operational tasks such as supervision, logistics, administration and training, if and when, requested by his or her chain-of-command.
EMPLOYEE must, at all times, follow the rules and guidelines of the academy.
Ted was glad that before he did his K9 trials, he applied and received his certification as a handler. Titan’s certification hadn’t expired when Ted adopted him, and was still active. Even though they hadn’t officially served on a department together, they were both qualified individually. He hoped the awards they won during the half dozen K9 trials would prove they were the perfect search and rescue team. He figured it was worth filling out the application for his dream job. He probably wouldn’t get the job, but he would always wonder if he didn’t at least try for it.
An hour later, he clicked the send button. His resume and application were being delivered via email. He wasn’t sure if they would even take him seriously, but his Army friend Adam Reynolds had gone there for training and got a job, so he figured anything was possible.
Having a sense of accomplishment after working towards his career goal, Ted spent the rest of his time getting ready for his date with Deanna. He quickly showered and slipped on a pair of jeans and a button-up, ready to have a good time with his girlfriend now that he had a plan.
Two weeks later.
Deanna was excited to go out with Ted tonight. He told her via text he had big news. She hoped that it meant a proposal was forthcoming. Considering they had been dating exclusively for over a year now, she was ready to settle down and start a family with him.
She took a final look in the mirror to make sure her knee-length, form-fitting little black dress was wrinkle-free and laying just right along her curves. She fluffed her curls and touched up her mauve lipstick before leaving her bedroom.
Just as she arrived in her living room, she heard a knock at the door. She rushed over and opened it. �
��Hold on just a second while I grab my coat and purse.”
Ted let out a chuckle. “Guess I should be used to this.”
“What can I say, I’m always running behind.”
He helped her into her cream coat, then she closed and locked her door. “Where are we going?”
“I have reservations for us at Sushi Mon over at the Riverwalk,” Ted said as he opened his truck door for her. He helped her inside as he added, "I know it’s your favorite.”
“I love how fancy all the different rolls look, especially the ones that come out on fire.”
“Do you remember the first time you tried to blow one out and they explained you had to let the fire die out so it would cook the roll?”
She let out a laugh. “Yes, I nearly burnt the restaurant down by doing it. I thought for sure they would never let me come back.”
Ted climbed into the truck beside Deanna, then turned the key in the ignition. “No; my sincere apology, not to mention a hefty tip, smoothed things over with the owner. Now they love us.”
“Thank goodness, because they really do have the best sushi in town.”
“Well, it’s not like there’s a lot of competition. There really is only one other sushi place in Clear Mountain.”
After a short ten-minute ride over, they arrived at the Riverwalk, which was bustling with tons of locals as well as tourists who frequented the place. It was a favorite hangout spot in the town for both couples and families alike, who spent their time shopping, dining, and walking along the concrete boardwalk.
The hostess guided them to their usual table by the window. Deanna enjoyed watching the people walk by on the boardwalk, and it pleased her to know Ted remembered.
“Welcome to Sushi Mon. Your server will be right with you,” the pretty brunette said as she handed them both a menu. A moment later, she turned around and headed back to the front of the restaurant.
“Are we going to get our usual?” Deanna asked, glancing through the menu out of curiosity to see if they’d added anything new.
“We can do that, but first, I need to talk with you about something.”
Deanna’s mouth suddenly went dry. She set down her menu, then placed her hands in her lap. She discreetly rubbed her palms on the edge of her dress to keep them from sweating, wanting them to be perfect for when he took her hand and popped the question.
“You know how I’ve talked about the Disaster City Search and Rescue Academy, right?”
She nodded. “Only about a million times.” She wanted to question what that had to do with him proposing, but she figured he would get to the point in a minute.
“Well, they were hiring a new search and rescue K9 handler to train and be given a position as an instructor at the academy. I mean, it’s everything I have ever dreamed of. Beyond instruction, they also handle calls for service near the academy, send teams to national disasters, and work with relief efforts across the globe. When I saw the position was open, I decided I had to apply. I honestly didn’t think I had a real shot, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to try for it. Adam Reynolds, my friend from the Army base, texted me and told me he put in a good word for me. I guess between his recommendation and the awards I’ve won on the job here in Clear Mountain, plus at the various K9 trials, prompted them to offer me the position.”
Deanna’s eyes grew wide with astonishment. Did she just hear him right? Was he telling her that he was considering taking a job several states away? What did that mean for them? Did he bring her here to break up with her? She pressed her lips together, contemplating how to make sense of all of this.
“I know this must come as a shock, and I would have told you sooner if I actually thought there was a chance I would get the job. I half did it out of spite because of what the captain told me.”
Deanna let out a heavy sigh, then shook her head. “I don’t know what to say, Ted.”
“Tell me you understand why I did it.”
“I can’t honestly say that. I thought you were happy here. Your family is here, your job is here, your friends are here, I’m here.”
“I am happy here, minus the job. I want to be a K9 handler. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be, but if I wait for a spot to possibly become available here, I might lose the chance altogether. The academy is my dream job. I would be a fool to pass it up.”
“It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind then. I guess if we’re not enough, then you have to go after what makes you happy,” Deanna said, trying to sound supportive, but knowing she sounded bitter despite her best efforts. “No matter what it costs you in the process.”
“I’m hoping it won’t cost me anything. I care about you, Deanna, and I’m hoping you’d be willing to try a long-distance relationship with me.”
She glanced down at her hands, wishing she hadn’t spent the money on the manicure. She’d thought Ted would be slipping a ring on her finger tonight, not telling her he was moving away for a job she didn’t even know existed. She had wanted her hand to look perfect for the pictures she planned to post on social media afterward. Now, it seemed so silly. None of that was going to happen. Instead, she had to wrap her head around the idea of dealing with a long-distance relationship. They never seemed to last, but she cared about Ted and didn’t want to give up on what they had together. Plus, she’d already invested a year into the relationship. Was she willing to walk away from that, from him?
Deanna shook her head and tried to push back the tears that were threatening to fall. How did this happen? Why hadn’t she seen it coming when the captain refused to make Ted a K9 handler? She should have known he would go looking for a job elsewhere since it was all he ever wanted to do.
“What’s wrong? You look upset.”
“I’m just worried, Ted. This is a lot of pressure to put on our relationship. You’re going to be moving and starting a new job. Working with new people in a new environment. Can you handle all of that and still have time for me, for us? I don’t want to be an added burden for you.”
“You’d never be a burden for me, Deanna. I mean it, I want us to make this work. Tell me you do, too.”
Deanna pushed away her concerns and plastered on her most charming smile. “Of course, I do, Ted. You know me, I can do anything if I set my mind to it. Why should this be any different? I’ll find a way to make it work like I always do.”
Even as she said the words, she wondered if she believed them. Ted might very well be the love of her life, but she wasn’t sure if that was enough to withstand what the future held for them.
4
Ted couldn’t believe his eyes as he drove through the gates of the Disaster City Search and Rescue grounds. The facility was massive, with multiple huge buildings set on a vast amount of land. He wasn’t sure how much, but he would guess at least twenty acres based off his family’s ranch.
He pulled his truck up and climbed out. He came around to the back and helped Titan out of his kennel. It had been a long drive down from Colorado, but it was easier than flying.
“I’m guessing you must be Ted Hendricks,” a deep Southern accent with a long droll said from behind him.
Ted spun around to find a tall, lanky man with brown hair and steely blue eyes staring at him. He was leaning against a light pole in a casual way, but Ted got the distinct feeling, despite the accent and demeanor, the man was anything but relaxed.
“I’m Officer Jesse Dixon, one of the specialized terrain instructors for urban and natural disasters. You’re one of my new recruits. Why don’t you follow me?”
Ted didn’t need to be asked twice. He quickly followed behind the other man, who kept a fast and steady pace as they walked across the parking lot into the administration building.
“We had you arrive here early so that we could get you orientated before the rest of your class shows up. They are going through the academy as standard trainees, but you are here to train with the specific goal of becoming one of our instructors. That means we will be paying special attention to you
and expecting more out of you. If you don’t measure up, not only will you fail to graduate, but you won’t be offered the position of instructor and team member. I hope you thrive in high-stress situations, because this will be the most difficult month of your life.”
Ted followed Officer Dixon through a maze of halls until they reached an office that was filled with two other men. They were standing in a row in their blue cargo Disaster City Search and Rescue uniforms.
“This is Officer Terrance Bilmont,” he gestured to the taller of the two men, “and Joe Griffin. When and if you graduate, you will be working with the three of us directly. In the meantime, we will be overseeing your training.”
Terrance Bilmont was a big man with dark features. He towered over Ted, even with his six-foot frame. The other man moved towards Ted, narrowing his brown eyes into slits. “Are you ready for this, Trainee?”
Ted nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
“We don’t use sir around here. It’s Instructor Bilmont, Trainee.”
“You have some mighty big shoes to fill, Trainee,” said the shorter black-haired man with gray eyes and a thick New York accent. “Rick Buckworth was a legend among K9 handlers, and he will be missed. If you want to end up being half the handler and a quarter of the instructor he was, you will pay close attention to everything we say.”
Ted was aware they were trying to use the standard tactic of fear to see if they could shake him. What they didn’t know was that Ted was unshakeable. He was known around the Clear Mountain Search and Rescue team as having nerves of steel. Nothing phased him.
“Understood,” Ted said with resolve. “I will prove it wasn’t a mistake to hire me.”
“You mean to take a chance on you?” Instructor Dixon questioned. “Because that’s what we’re doing. You’re lucky you have friends on the staff here, Trainee. Otherwise, we would have probably passed right over your application.”