Brody whined and placed a paw over his nose.
“Don’t give me your pathetic apology. Patch will kick my ass. It’ll be ‘take a punch at Cole day’ all over again. I’m the new guy. Do you not understand?”
Brody whined and barked twice.
Cole shook his head. “You leave me no choice. No hamburgers for a month.”
Brody barked again.
“Nope. You’re not changing my mind. You have to accept the consequences for your behavior,” he said, starting his vehicle and driving toward the training facility.
Brody grumbled and whined as he glanced out the window.
“What do you say we take Canine Nine to Hannah today? She seemed to like her. We can read to her and I want to put up my surprise. I hope she likes it,” he said to the dog.
Brody’s tail wagged as if agreeing.
They arrived at the facility and walked inside. Archer threw the ball for the puppy and praised her when he brought it back. “Good girl,” Archer praised.
Cole smiled. Archer’s actions proved he made the right decision.
“How’s it going?” he asked.
“Apollo and Thor went outside for some fresh air. The puppy won’t leave them alone and needed something to run out some of her energy,” Archer explained.
“Great job. I spoke with Leo. If you’re agreeable, I can teach you to work as my apprentice. I think you’ll make a good trainer,” he announced.
Archer grinned and shook his hand. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Can you get Apollo while I set up the training zone?” he asked.
“Sure. Let me put Nine back, and I’ll get Apollo ready,” Archer said, running after the wayward puppy.
Cole and Brody set up the area and hid a few surprises throughout.
Brody barked and sat.
“No, Dude. You’re retired. Don’t give any of them away. Apollo needs to learn it like you,” he chastised. “How about you take some free time in the yard?”
Brody jumped and barked as Archer led Apollo inside.
“Hey, can you take Brody out and play ball? He seems to think I set this up for him. I hate to crate him. He’s stayed all morning indoors, and we’re visiting the hospital later,” Cole asked.
“Sure,” Archer said, switching the dogs.
Starting the training, Cole went through the process with Apollo and gave him treats when he discovered the confiscated items. The dog learned fast and impressed him. Marking him for Liam, Cole called a halt to training, gave Apollo a treat and led him to his crate. He let Thor out and worked with him. Although the dog lacked some skills, he did well, pleasing Cole.
His mind drifted to the youngest dog. He smiled, recalling Hannah’s reaction to her. He retrieved Nine from Archer and worked on her manners. The dog seemed to have ADHD, but she surprised him every once in a while. Glancing at the clock, he hustled to put the dog in her crate, fill his water bowl, and retrieve Brody.
“Thanks, Archer. Use the exact instructions as last night. We’ll start your training tomorrow,” Cole said as he waited for Brody to get a drink of water and stand by his side. “I’ll come back for Nine in a bit. I have to run to town.”
He hurried to his truck with Brody. First, he’d stop at Samantha’s house to pick up the book and then visit the hardware store.
His heart sped up as he imagined Hannah’s face with his surprise. Cole didn’t like the expression on her face when the nurse mentioned her nightly meds. He noticed Hannah seemed focused on the clock as if she counted every minute down. In her defense, it seemed like the only thing that moved in her room. More determined than ever, he vowed to figure out Hannah’s fear and banish it. Maybe, then, she’ll feel safe enough to come out of her shell.
Brody stayed by his side as he entered the salon. A young teen greeted him. “Hi, I’m Cole. Scarlett told me to ask for Samantha,” he told her.
“I’ll get her for you,” the teen said, rushing off.
