Page 39 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“I’ve been briefed by Special Agent Campbell and Sheriff Scott. Campbell sent over the names of the recruits.”

“I see,” she said, trying to compose herself, before she dove right into the questions she really wanted to ask. “I noticed that there are fewer training teams than in my time. Is that true?”

Katie and the sergeant watched four separate K9 teams run through obedience drills one at a time.

“Your assessment is correct. Our intake has become smaller. Partly due to budget.”

“Really? I remember that there were quite a few people wanting to be in the training program. It’s difficult to get chosen.”

They continued walking past the training areas.

“The truth is, the government has pulled resources and the competition is fierce for the few positions.” Serrano opened another gate and waited for them to walk through."

“From everything I’ve read, aren’t these K9 teams extremely effective in maneuvers, bomb recovery, and even terrorist retrieval?” said McGaven.

“Absolutely.”

“But it’s political,” said Katie.

"Also, many military branches are now overloaded with older and retired canines that the handlers can’t or won’t take. It poses a whole host of other problems—even though there are civilian rescues and independents that take retired military dogs. Just not enough. So as you probably know, it puts this type of training in the political arena.”

“I see. I was very lucky to bring Cisco home. Actually, Sheriff Scott was instrumental in his homecoming.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he said and took a moment to observe Katie.

“We wanted to know anything that you could tell us about our victims. We know that one connection between the women is that they were all involved with the K9 military unit. Two were handlers and the most recent was a trainer and kennel manager.”

“Yes,” he said. “I’m only aware of two of them. The first, Nancy Day, was before my time here, which has been a little over three years now.”

“What can you tell me about Gwen Sanderson and Jeanine Trenton?”

The sergeant paused a moment as they watched a decoy and attack procedure in progress with a sable German shepherd.

Katie sensed that he was hesitant about giving personal information. She gently pushed some specific questions, hoping to get some insight. “Sergeant, were they at the top of the class? Did they pose any problems? Any disciplinary actions? Or did anyone have any problems with them?”

“Gwen Sanderson was good. She had all the right skills, but she lacked the discipline. My biggest concern was that she would not be able to handle the extreme conditions once out in combat.”

“Did she work well with a group or team?”

“Most of the time. Let’s just say she had to be reminded.” He watched another dog team as the handler released a tan Malinois.

“Sergeant, I know you are limited in what you can tell us—that there’s a fine line between military inquiries and local law enforcement investigations—but rest assured that we are trying to learn as much about these women—these victims—as we can, so that we can begin to understand why they were butchered and left like a prop in a sadistic play.” She tried to appeal to his sense of duty.

The sergeant turned to face Katie and McGaven. It was clear he was struggling with military ethics, or something more personal, but he seemed to relax. “I was told that I couldn’t give you any official paperwork, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give you an opinion or names. So ask.”

Katie decided to keep her questions short and to the point. “Did Gwen Sanderson ever have any discipline problems?”

“No.”

“Was she here at the same time as Jeanine Trenton?”

“Yes.”

“Did she ever complain that someone was bothering or harassing her?”

“No.”

“Did she graduate from the training?”