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Mike shrugged. “Seven is close enough, right?”

Chapter Eight

Mike couldn’t believe how much Saber’s pups had grown in two weeks. They’d gone from little fat furry sausages to tiny four-legged devils who clambered all over their mother in search of sustenance and adventure.

“Damn, they’re cute,” said Rick as George picked up the largest of the pups and handed it to him.

The puppy let out a squeak of a bark and snuggled into his arms as Saber and Axe kept a careful eye on them.

George passed a puppy to Ernie, TJ, and Mike before cradling the smallest, a female, in his arms. “They’re growing up fast.”

“Have you chosen one to follow Axe?” said TJ, careful not to use the word ‘replace’.

“Not yet. It’s still very early,” said Mike.

“It’ll be one of the boys, right?” asked Rick.

Mike shook his head. “Not necessarily. I’ll run them through a series of challenges to test their aptitude, temperament, and other qualities. I’m sure George can vouch for the fact that females can be just as capable as boys.”

“Hell yeah. I had two male dogs before Saber, and they were good, but she took it to the next level. She has cunning and smarts that more than made up for the smaller stature.”

“Just like my wife,” added TJ. “She’s half my size and three times as lethal.” He was holding one of the female puppies, who lay on her back as he stroked her stomach.

“Looking really lethal, Chief,” Ernie quipped, with a laugh. His pup was attempting to chew his expensive dive watch.

“Beware the man who cuddles puppies,” replied TJ. “Because puppies like these grow into land sharks.”

“Yeah, and damn, they’re growing fast,” added Mike. “George, when did you want to bring them round for their first familiarization?”

“Probably another two or three weeks. They can watch you put Axe through his paces,” advised the former police dog handler. “It’s amazing how much they learn from their parents.”

“How’s Axe handling fatherhood?” asked Rick.

“He’s a bit of an absentee dad at the moment,” said Mike. “He won’t stay without Junior. Wherever that kid goes, he wants to follow. It took some convincing for him to stay at home now that Junior’s at daycare. He’d wait outside the front gate if I let him.”

“Ah, Wookie Life Debt,” summarized Ernie.

“That’s what I said,” added George.

“What the hell is a Wookie?” asked Rick.

“You know? Star Wars, Han Solo, and Chewbacca?” said Ernie.

“No idea what you’re talking about. I don’t watch Sci-Fi. That’s nerd shit, right there.”

TJ rolled his eyes. “And you’re going to be a dad. Bud, you’ve got some research to do.”

“I think Bluey and Paw Patrol might be a better place to start,” added Ernie.

Mike chuckled. “Oh yeah. You’re going to love those little gems. Seriously, Junior puts on the worst Aussie accent after watching Bluey.”

“It’s Australian?” asked Rick.

“Damn straight. My boys love it too,” confirmed Ernie.

Mike put the pup he was holding back in the pen and the others followed suit. They bid George farewell and moved outside to their trucks. Axe followed, glancing back over his shoulder every few meters. Mike opened the door to his truck and turned to the retired working dog. “Buddy, you can stay. Junior will understand.”

Axe barked and jumped into the truck.