Page 38 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“What’s his name?”

“Cisco.”

The beautiful jet-black dog barked as if it was an introduction.

“He’s the one,” said Katie as she moved closer to the kennel. “He’s the one I want to work with.”

* * *

Katie felt a flutter in her stomach as she remembered her first meeting with Cisco and their first day of training—rocky at best. The ups, downs, and the complete rush of feelings when they breezed through the obstacle courses and scent work. But as time went on, they proved to be one of the top military explosives K9 teams.

She pulled into a visitor’s parking place and cut the engine.

“You ready?” she said. It was more for herself than McGaven. Emotions and memories from her time training were flooding back to her and she needed a moment to compose herself.

“You bet.”

They got out of the vehicle, taking their weapons and securing them in the trunk as instructed.

Clipping her visitor’s pass to her jacket and making sure she had her small notebook, she walked to the office area, followed by McGaven.

Several recruits were walking about and as they moved closer to the check-in desk, dogs could be heard barking.

Katie felt goosebumps pimple up her arms and part of her wanted to be back out in the training area. It was where her skills were constantly being pushed to another level and it was where her bond with Cisco was formed.

Katie reached the check-in desk staffed by three military men. “Excuse me?”

“Yes, ma’am. What can I do for you?” One of the men eyed her visitor’s badge as well as her detective badge.

“I’m looking for Sergeant Serrano.”

“And you are?”

“Detective Scott.”

He nodded and went into a back office where he picked up a phone. She couldn’t hear what he said, but he glanced back at her and McGaven several times.

He returned. “He’ll be here shortly.”

“Thank you,” she said. Looking out the window she saw several training areas where agility courses were set up with jumps, box tunnels, and ladders, both vertical and horizontal. There was another larger training section behind a chain-link fence in the distance.

Within five minutes, a tall, slender, dark-haired man approached. He had the usual crew-cut hair and serious pace. He sported dark sunglasses.

“Detective Scott?” he asked.

“Yes. And this is my partner Deputy McGaven.”

“Nice to meet you both,” he said and shook their hands.

“I appreciate your time,” she said.

“Not a problem. Today is a slower day. Besides, I’m happy that I can possibly help with your homicide investigations.” He opened a gate and gestured. “Please, this way. You’ll be able to see the layout of the outside training facility.”

“Well…” Katie stammered. “I’ve actually been here and was a part of the training program.”

Sergeant Serrano smiled. “I’m quite aware of who you are.”

Katie turned to him, surprised.