Seeing the dog, her heart did a stupid little skip, but she kept her expression neutral as she approached.
“Afternoon,” she said, nodding to both men.
“King.” Kyle gestured at the dogs. “Thought you could help us run them through their paces. We’re working on some detection drills.”
“Sure.” She couldn’t help but reach down and pet Flo, who was watching her with those intelligent amber eyes.Don’t getyour hopes up. She’s going to the Boulder police department. Just like the others.
They spent the next twenty minutes running exercises. Kyle sent Camo through a drug search. Mac practiced his protection routine with Alex. And when it came time for Flo’s turn, Kyle nodded at Charlie.
“Take her through the obedience sequence. Let’s see how she responds to you.”
Charlie’s pulse quickened, but she kept her voice level. “Flo, heel.”
The Malinois moved to her left side instantly, head up, alert but not anxious. They moved through the course together—sit, stay, down, recall. Flo was flawless. Not just obedient, butconnected. The dog anticipated Charlie’s commands, reading her body language like they’d been working together for years instead of a few scattered training sessions.
When they finished, Charlie gave Flo a quick ear scratch and her very own Kong, then stepped back. Professional. Controlled. Even though her chest felt tight with something that felt a lot like hope.
Don’t love what you can’t keep.
She tamped down her expectations like a reflex.
Kyle and Alex exchanged a look that Charlie couldn’t quite read. Kyle was fighting a smile. Alex was full-on grinning.
“What?” she asked, suspicious.
Don’t get your hopes up.
“Well,” Kyle said slowly, drawing it out. “Alex and I have been talking.”
“Uh-huh.” Charlie crossed her arms, bracing herself for disappointment.They’re sending Flo to Boulder PD. Or giving her to Badger since Valkyrie’s having puppies. Or?—
“Flo’s finished her basic certification,” Alex said. “She needs a handler for the specialized protection work.”
“Right.” Charlie swallowed. “I heard Boulder PD was interested?—”
“They were,” Kyle interrupted. “But I told them that’s a negative.”
Charlie blinked. “You... what?”
“Flo’s not going to Boulder PD.” Kyle’s ice-blue eyes were warm with something that looked like satisfaction. “She’s yours, Charlie. If you want her.”
The world tilted sideways for a second.
Mine.
Flo. Was. Hers.
Charlie felt her face want to split into a massive grin, felt excitement bubble up in her chest like champagne, felt her throat get tight with emotion?—
Hide what you love or they’ll take it away.
She locked it all down. Nodded once. “Yeah. I want her.”
Kyle’s eyebrow rose slightly. Alex’s smile faltered just a little, like he’d expected more reaction.
“Great,” Kyle said, studying her face. “She’s all yours then. You two are officially a team.”
“Thanks.” Charlie’s voice came out steady. Controlled. She reached down to pet Flo again, letting herself run her fingers through the Malinois’s fur for just a moment. “This means a lot. I appreciate the trust.”
