Page 41 of Pretty Broken Dolls

As they reached a long hallway lined with bulletins, training lists, and photos, the sergeant stopped and turned to them. “I thought you’d like to see some of the best alumni K9 teams that we felt deserved special attention.” He smiled and indicated some of the photos.

“Wow,” said McGaven studying each one. “Private First Class Katherine Scott and K9 Cisco. Great photos. I think I like you in army fatigues.” He smiled.

Katie stepped up and saw photos of her training with Cisco. More memories flooded back. She remembered those days like they were yesterday. Cisco had been difficult at first, but then they managed to get over his initial hard-headedness and became a great team. Then there was the photo of her and Cisco when they had graduated and were headed to Afghanistan. It was like stepping into a time machine.

“Look, she’s speechless,” said McGaven.

“It brings back so many memories.” She turned to the sergeant. “Thank you for showing me these photos.”

“Of course. I just wish I’d been here during your training, but I was working at the K9 facility in San Diego.”

“We won’t take up any more of your time, Sergeant,” she said. “I meant it: if you think of anything about Gwen Sanderson or Jeanine Trenton, please call me.”

“I will, Detective.”

Sergeant Serrano watched Katie and McGaven leave.

* * *

Once back at the police sedan, Katie and McGaven retrieved their weapons before exiting the military training facility. They had more than a two-hour drive back to Pine Valley.

As Katie drove through the security area, McGaven said, “What do you think?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Oh, I think you have an idea.”

“Maybe.”

“C’mon, tell me.”

“I don’t have solid proof, but I think it’s fairly obvious that Sergeant Serrano was having a more serious relationship with Jeanine Trenton that he let on—based on the way he spoke about her.”

“And?”

“And, did you notice that they video some of the training?”

“I didn’t see them doing that today.”

“They usually video when the training is coming to an end—and you’re either going to graduate or wash out.”

“I see where you’re going with this.”

“We need to see any video with Gwen Sanderson and Jeanine Trenton,” she said. “I’ll contact Agent Campbell.”

“Don’t forget about the first vic—Nancy Day.”

“On it,” she said. Inserting her cell phone in the car holder, she ordered from her hands free device, “Dial Agent Dane Campbell.”

You’re either going to graduate or wash out…

Chapter Fourteen

Thursday 2045 hours

Katie arranged herself on her sofa with her laptop and a clean notebook. After eating takeout from her favorite local Chinese restaurant, she was ready to dive into the two first cases to see for herself what happened to these two women—since she didn’t have enough time at the office. She wanted to fully understand the revelation of what Agent Campbell had dropped into her lap, still astonished by the chain of events.

Her mind wandered to Chad. His face. His laugh. Their time together. She wondered what he was doing and she missed him dearly. They had been through so much together, to be separated now was almost unbearable. They hadn’t said their official goodbyes yet.