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Mike shook his head.

George let out a snort. “Mike, there’s only one that I’m going to let you take.” He gestured to the largest of the pups, who had climbed onto Axe’s back and was attempting to gnaw his collar. He looked like a miniature replica of his father, from his black face markings to the tip of his right ear, which drooped like a wilted leaf. “That’s Hatchet, and he’s the pick of the litter.”

“What does his name mean?” asked Junior. “What’s a hatchet?”

“A hatchet is like an axe only smaller. You use it for chopping smaller bits of wood,” said Mike.

“Dad, that’s the perfect name.” He turned to George. “Will Hatchet be coming to live with us soon?”

“That’s up to your dad, but yeah. He’ll be old enough to leave his mom soon and start training for his job,” replied the retired cop.

“Well, I guess that’s decided then,” said Mike. “Hatchet will be coming to train at our place in a few weeks. Does that work with you, George?”

“That works; he’ll be one of the last to go. People are coming to pick up the others from next week.”

“Will Saber be sad?” asked Junior.

Mike put an arm around his son. “Yeah, bud. But she’ll still have Axe and Hatchet to come visit her.”

“Who are the others going to?” asked Rick.

“One to LAPD, one to NYPD, and two to JSOC,” answered George.

Rick’s brow raised. “JSOC, hell yeah. Axe’s kids are going Tier One.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t hear it from me.”

“So, you turned down the Aussies?” said Mike.

“They found an Australian-based breeder that they wanted to try. Plus, there were all sorts of issues with their customs,” replied George. “A couple of security companies and individuals made inquiries, but I politely declined. It’s better for the pups to keep them stateside and with official agencies.”

“Good call. Well, Junior, we’d better get going, Mom’s going to be waiting. We’re supposed to be heading across to Aunty Leonie’s for dinner.”

“Yeah, me too,” added Rick. “I’ve got a wife who’s eating for two. If I don’t get her fed, she turns into a monster.”

“George, we’ll see you in a few days,” said Rick.

They left the breeder watching over the puppies, who tried to follow their dad as he jumped the low fence. He stood for a moment on the other side, then followed Junior, Mike, and Rick outside.

“Rick, bro, I didn’t get a chance to ask you how the appointment went after that thrilling intel brief,” said Mike as they walked to their trucks.

“It was good,” said Rick. “We’ve got ourselves a very healthy baby.”

Mike stopped and grasped his teammate’s shoulder. “Did you cry?”

Rick turned and scoffed… then sighed. “Bro, I melted.”

“Me too,” confessed Mike. “Most amazing moment when you can finally see the little hands and feet. Wait till they put her in your arms. Going to be the best day of your life. OK, bud, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mike opened his truck door for Axe to jump in, then lifted Junior into his kiddie seat.

“Cya, Uncle Rick,” said Junior.

“Bye, guys.” Rick climbed into his truck and drove away.

As Mike strapped Junior in, he didn’t realize he was under surveillance. A hundred yards down the road, on the opposite side, a figure sat in a white van, drinking coffee from a takeaway cup. He watched as Mike climbed into his truck and drove away, then waited a few minutes before following.

Chapter Ten

Mike felt the trepidation build as the C-130’s ramp lowered, revealing the bright blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. He rose from the netting seats that lined the sides of the aircraft, ran through his equipment check before turning to face Rick, his jump buddy, so they could check each other’s equipment.