He was too slow.
A gunshot blasted from Radic’s position.
No...
Tucker cringed, but Kane remained uninjured. Glass shattered behind Radic’s position.
Is the bastard using this moment to escape?
Tucker stood higher. Outside, a towering shadow loomed beyond the glass wall and cradled a raised pistol.
Kowalski.
The large man hollered a single command from out there: “TAKEDOWN!”
Radic burst out of hiding and ran toward Kane—not to threaten the dog, but to escape another. A dark shape raced after him, low to the ground, having just leaped through the window that Kowalski had blasted open.
Radic reached the edge of the pond when he was struck from behind. The shepherd’s bulk slammed into him and toppled the man headlong into the shallow water. The dog kept hold of an upper arm. As they surfaced, the beast thrashed Radic back and forth, like a shark with a seal.
The Serb screamed in terror.
Tucker hurried over, aimed his pistol, and shouted to the dog. “RELEASE.”
The large shepherd stopped his rag-dolling—but he kept hold of Radic’s arm. Fangs dug deeper; a growl flowed in a continuous threat.
“RELEASE,” Tucker repeated.
The dog finally let go, gave a shake of his wet fur, and bounded out of the pond.
Kowalski joined them, picking a piece of broken glass from his jacket. He aimed his pistol at Radic, but the bastard would not be offering any further resistance.
The Serb knelt in the shallow water, holding his torn arm to his chest. Blood flowed thickly, showing white bone and shredded muscle.
With the man guarded, Tucker turned to the bloody-muzzled dog. The young shepherd—another Belgian Malinois—panted and paced, fighting the battle-rage inside him.
Tucker dropped to a knee and held out a hand. The young dog trembled all over. “I’ve got you,” he whispered. “You did good, Marco.”
His calm voice soothed the dog’s shaking and smoothed the raised hackles.
The shepherd came over, looking for further reassurance.
Kane joined them, limping slightly.
Tucker cradled the young shepherd’s muzzle and drew it close. He touched noses with the dog to let him know all was fine. “Good boy, Marco.”
A tail wagged tentatively.
Kane came forward and butted a hip against his young brother.
Marco’s tail swept wider.
Still guarding Radic, Kowalski explained, “I radioed Kane after I circled behind the greenhouse. Got here just as gunfire broke out. Told him to close quarters with the target, to keep him distracted until I could sic Marco on him.”
Tucker eyed Kane.
So that’s why you broke command.
Tucker reached over and scratched Kane behind an ear. He nodded to Marco. “He’s not Abel—but we’ll get him there.”
