The entire studio broke into applause, and Malachi was praised for his quick thinking, detecting trouble before it started. The whole incident had been captured live.
Candy ran over and dropped down, kissing Malachi’s head. “Sweet baby! What a good boy!” she glanced at the would-be attacker and froze. “Randall?” she squeaked. “That’s Randall Johnson, he used to work here! He was fired for filming women in the dressing rooms.” Her tone was now so frosty, ice practically dripped from her words. She glanced at the cameras and continued in her professional voice. “That’s right, ladies and gentlemen; Randall Johnson was terminated from this network and is a registered sex offender. He came in with multiple weapons, no doubt intending to do harm. But this brave, amazing K-9, Officer Malachi, and his handler, the intrepid and fearless Officer Kelly Charles, have stopped what would likely have been a mass casualty incident. So be sure to support our local police department and shelters. We’ll break here and be back with more at nine!” She flashed a syrupy sweet smile and waited until she got the signal that they were off air.
Buck ran over and grabbed his co-anchor by the shoulders as he shook Candy. “Are you insane? Why would you say all that? He can get a case of defamation against us!”
Malachi leapt to his feet, snarling and shoved himself between Candy and Buck.
The anchorman stepped back fearfully. “Whoa there, buddy, I’m not trying to hurt her!” He glanced around and realized everyone was watching him with wide eyes full of concern. “Right.” He cleared his throat and straightened his tie nervously. “I’ll be in the prep room.” He turned and stormed off with a stiff posture and an embarrassed flush creeping up his neck.
“Thanks, Malachi,” Candy called softly as she bent down and placed another kiss on his head. She glanced at Chuck. “You’ve got a keeper there.” She smiled and ruffled the fur between his ears, laughing when he licked her hand.
“Yeah, he’s the best.” Chuck smiled fondly at him. “And now, please truly accept our apologies, but we need to give our friend here a lift to the station. I’ve called it in; one of my partners will be taking statements.” She pointed at the other officers entering the building. With that, she whistled, calling Malachi to her side as they made their way back to the squad car.
Biting Felons is Fun
At the station, cheers and whistles greeted Chuck and Malachi as they arrived, their captive walking sedately in front of them. He kept darting nervous glances at the dog trotting alongside him, licking his chops as if waiting for him to step out of line. Malachi was practically prancing as he strutted next to Chuck. She’d praised him as the best boy and promised him a steak for dinner tonight for his actions. Now she turned the prisoner in to booking and answered the summons to the Chief’s office.
She knocked on the frame and waited for the gruff command to enter. As she opened the door and went in, Malachi followed close on her heels. He noticed she gulped when she saw the Chief’s office was packed. He recognized her lieutenant and the K-9 trainer, listening closely as the others were introduced as the PR lead, another detective, and the mayor herself. He was impressed as Chuck squared her shoulders. “You asked for me, sir?” she declared, her eyes straight forward.
Malachi could tell this was important, so he pressed close to her side, lending her support. It was a new sensation for him. He’d never had anyone depend on him before. He’d never wanted to support anyone. Fervently,he hoped this dog body wasn’t making him soft. When the Chief began speaking, he listened closely.
“I’m not sure if you realize the impact your actions will have on this department.” The Chief was staring at Chuck, his expression blank and indecipherable. “Officer Charles, what on earth tipped you off that there was enough danger to justify releasing your untested K-9? On live television no less.”
“Sir, Malachi alerted me to the threat. He’s very well trained, and he signaled with confidence. I confirmed with him and knew time was of the essence. I released and immediately followed, where we successfully and without further incident subdued the suspect and took him into custody.” She continued to stare straight ahead and relayed the information with a steady, detached clinical tone.
Malachi pressed in harder and thought to her,I’ve got you, Chuck. He looked suspicious, and I could sense he had bad intent.
“So, your untested partner, fresh out of training, alerted you, and you released him on live television without any confirmation he was correct?” the Chief repeated incredulously.
“Yes, sir. He may be new, but I have a deep bond with him, and I trust him. With my life,” she stated with full confidence.
“Have a seat, Officer Charles. You did good work today.” The Chief was now grinning, and the others in the office broke into applause. The K-9 trainer kneeled next to Malachi and gave him a good rub down.
“Who’s a good boy? Yeah, you are, yeah, you are! I’ve got a whole bowl of those bacon treats for you, buddy.” He laughed as Malachi lay low and moaned in excitement.
Chuck’s quiet laughter reached his ears, and she winked at him.
A few hours later, Chuck was driving her patrol, and Malachi was sitting quietly behind her, licking the rest of the bacon off his lips. The trainer had been true to his word and rewarded Malachi handsomely for his efforts. “You know, I don’t understand. You don’t eat dog food, which is fine, saves me money, but you love bacon. What is that? Don’t get me wrong, I love bacon too.” She shook her head. “Malachi, one of these days you’re going to have to tell me what’s going on. I trust you. I hope you trust me. I’ve really enjoyed our time together, and I don’t want that to change.”
A quick woof in the affirmative made her smile. He did trust her, but he didn’t want to admit he was a demon. Malachi wasn’t ashamed, but he didn’t want her to push him away. He really enjoyed being around Chuck, spending time with her, and helping her. Hanging with Reena and watching trashy TV on Chuck’s days off was another highlight of his life. He was living a good, comfortable existence. Was he constantly corrupting others? Not as much as he used to, but he still got in some corruption here and there. Just enough to not lose his D-card, and today he even seemed to be getting some of his dark mojo back.
The radio suddenly squawked, signaling Chuck that there was a call for her and Malachi. “Saved by the radio.” She smirked and picked up her com. She signaled back to dispatch for information. After getting the location and details, she confirmed to show her attached to the call, then hit her lights and siren. “Okay, Mal, this is it, first real call together. You ready, buddy?”
I was born ready,he grinned, then made a happy noise she had no trouble interpreting.
“Okay, there was a robbery, and the suspect fled into a nearby neighborhood. He got out of the car and fled on foot, so we’re going in to find him.” She pulled up to the scene and saw the lead officer directing the others. She parked and tapped the release button to let Malachi out of his compartment, then took him to the command post. “Officer Charles, K-9 Malachi ready, sir.”
They were given their lead, and Malachi sniffed the car where the suspect had been. He closed his eyes and let his senses roam. Soon, he picked up a whiff of fear, pain, and the stale sweat of terror that marked the man they were looking for. It was in the opposite direction to their assigned location. Malachi turned and started towards where he was sure the man was hiding.
“Malachi, heel, that’s not our search grid. That area’s already been cleared,” she called.
He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. He woofed twice. His signal for no. He started again towards that area.
“Officer Charles, get your K-9 under control. That’s not the area you’re assigned,” came the sharp, frustrated order.
She studied Malachi as he stared at her.
Chuck, p-please,he implored, not used to saying that word, but heknewthe suspect they were looking for was this way.
