For a moment, I take it all in. Following in my dad’s footsteps was a dream I’d never thought would become a reality. My mindtravels to an image of my new four-legged fighter in action by my side. Athletic. Ears perked, ready to conquer any mission. Her jet-black coat shining. I often think about continuing the tradition of relaxing after patrol on K-9 Appreciation Day, both of us devouring our respective ice creams. The view from the new cabin is breathtaking. I look forward to seeing her wear our family’s passed down K-9 pendant. A new Langston tradition is born.
Chief gives me the “good work, kid” look when I approach, then passes me a small Santa Hat the size of my hand. I thumb the gold letters stitched against the brim.Ember. A perfect name. A new beginning indeed. Who needs love when you have true companionship? Today is the day life finally makes sense. Only took thirty-six years on this planet, but here we are. Nothing can ruin this day. This is what matters. Not the past. Nother.
“Thanks, Chief.” I can’t help my smile. Excitement radiates through me, taking me back to when I was a child the night before Christmas.
I tap elbows with Chief, a move I’d watched her and my dad do countless times. Shannon knows what this day means to me. She’s known me for so long. Years before she was appointed our first Black woman police Chief. Years before dad and Duke retired.
When I enter the training room, festive chatter echoes throughout. Squeaky holiday-themed dog toys litter the floor. Upbeat Christmas music softly plays in the background. I scan around at all the smiling faces: my colleagues and the trainers, the adorable German shepherd puppies wearing Santa hats and reindeer ears. Chief guides me toward the small room on the right. I greet Paige and thank her for sharing this moment with me. Shifting my attention, I crouch down as she opens Ember’ssmall cage, barely able to contain the excitement coursing through me from the anticipation. My tiny hero leaps out.
Wait a minute.
My face drops.Thatisn’t a K-9 dog.
Three days have passed since Ember was assigned to me and it’s been three days too damn many. Standing outside the Chief's office, I rehearse my words for the tenth time. Everyone knows not to disturb her before her 8AM coffee unless it’s life or death. But thisislife or death. I refuse to rely on a stubby corgi to save my career. Hell, she’d eat my bacon before she’d ever save it.
I peer down at the puppy, barely big enough to fit into her vest. Those absurdly large ears are cute as hell, but still. Her smooth coat is red, tan, and white. Observing the reddish streak like an ember over her right eye, I see where she got her name. Excited, she sticks out her tongue, tail wagging hard enough that her entire body shakes.
“Of course, I got the fire-starter,” I mutter.
This has to be some type of prank. A police dog with zero discipline and a sock fetish. Time to end this charade. I tap a knuckle against Chief’s door. By her tone when she tells me to enter, I already know the odds aren’t in my favor.
Three steps in, I’m already talking. “Chief. This isn’t going to work. I need a new dog.”
She looks up from her computer screen. “I’m confused. Ember passes all the qualifications.”
Like hell.
Chief’s the shortest person in the building, but the most respected. Mostly for her unique way of reading people. Shestudies me as I search my brain for the right words. “Langston, what’s this really about?”
Based on the exasperated look I’m receiving, backtracking is my only chance to not get my ass handed to me. I take the foolish route. “It’s not like I was expecting Cujo, but a dog that doesn’t make me the laughingstock of the force would’ve been nice.”
She yanks her head back. “Laughingstock? You’re the talk of the entire state of North Carolina. Hundreds of magazines want interviews with you and the country’s first K-9 Corgi. Influencers are keeping our social media manager plenty busy. Apparently, a lot of women wish they were sitting cozy on Mistletoe Mountain with you.”
My jaw tightens. “I was expecting something more traditional.” More Honorable?
My eyes drift to the crew photo on her desk. Dad and Duke are at the end, standing proud in aviator sunglasses. This dog is no Duke.
The room stills. Chief’s eyes follows my gaze toward the photo and her expression softens. “Your father would be proud of you. You’re just like him. Same athletic build. Same adventure chasing.” She compresses her lips. “Same stubborn mouth.”
I flash a weak grin. “Is it working?”
“Look, Kezia.” She removes her glasses and gently places them on her desk. The thing she does before speaking candidly. Hands folded, she leans forward. “Paige told me you might push back when we assigned Ember to you. I’m going to tell you the same thing I told her: Too damn bad. You might not see it yet, but this is a great match for you. Every dog gets thoroughly vetted. Besides, you’re like a niece to me, but I can’t go making special favors for you.”
Ember strains against the leash, determined to investigate the trash bin. I unlock the carabiner and watch her waddle toward Chief’s feet.
“I understand, but?—”
Chief raises a palm. She sets Ember on her lap. “Unless the dog isn’t fit for duty or proves incompatible with the handler—which requires you to give this bond a fair shake—the pup stays.”
Ember raises her paw at the word ‘shake,’ tiny nub tail spinning.Of course, Chief lights up and praises her.
The office phone rings. She hangs up seconds later. “Speaking of the town. You and Ember have an interview in five. A woman named Clara is waiting in the lobby.”
She coos at the puppy once more. Ember’s ability to brighten even Chief this early on a Monday is a superpower, I admit.
She sets Ember down and the steel demeanor returns. “Next year, you’ll be starring in the parade, not working it. Even the FBI tapped you and Ember for training opportunities. Count your blessings, kid.” She slides her glasses on. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need coffee and peace and quiet before my meeting with the City Council.”
The message is clear.
