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“Yeah, we hope so too,” replied Mike. “Thanks for letting us know, Albert.”

The SEALs returned to Mike’s truck. He’d already checked the location of the nearest police station, and they headed off.

“This looks like a targeted job,” said Rick, as they drove. “Someone wanted those puppies.”

“They’re worth a lot of money,” said Mike. “But George didn’t advertise them. So, whoever took them had to have inside information.”

They were interrupted by Mike’s phone. He answered it as they left the suburbs and turned onto a main road.

“Mike, I’ve got Saber with me. She’s OK, but there’s no sign of the puppies,” said Ali.

“Babe, we checked the house, they’re not there. The neighbor told us they took George away in an ambulance. We’re heading to the police station to try and get some details,” replied Mike.

“OK, let me know if there is anything else I can do.”

“Will do. Love you.” Mike ended the call as they pulled into the police station parking lot.

At the front desk, he asked to see the officer investigating the incident, and they were taken to an interview room. A moment later, a young, uniformed policeman arrived.

“Hi, I’m Officer Harrison. The desk officer said you’re asking about the George Davidson case. How are you related to the victim?”

“Mike and Rick, George is a good friend, and my dog is the father of the missing puppies,” explained Mike. “Is he OK?”

“Mr. Davidson is in hospital. Do you have any idea who could have targeted him?” asked the officer.

Mike shook his head. “No. Do you guys have any leads? Any idea who stole the puppies and where they could be? What are you doing to try and recover them?”

Harrison exhaled. “Look, I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but those dogs are likely already in Mexico. We’ve seen this sort of thing before. People post puppies for sale, and the crims break in, snatch the lot and smuggle them over the border where they either sell them or use them for dog fighting.”

“So, you’ve got zero leads?” asked Rick.

“Hey, if you guys have any information regarding the break-in, we’d appreciate it, but burglary and assault are pretty common, and our initial sweep didn’t identify any prints or useful leads.”

“George has a CCTV system,” said Mike.

“Wiped,” said Harrison. “I think the guys who hit him were professionals. Locks were breached with limited damage. Look, the fact is we don’t have a lot to work with.”

“It is what it is,” said Mike. “Would you be able to tell us what hospital George is in? I’d like to check in on him and make sure he’s being looked after.”

The officer frowned. “That’s information we’d usually only give to family.”

“George doesn’t have any family in town. He’s divorced, and his daughter lives in New York. Have you contacted her?” said Mike. “I think her name is Natalie, Natalie Davidson.”

The officer paused. “Look, clearly, you’re close to him. They took him to Sharp Memorial, just across the highway.”

“Appreciated,” said Mike.

“Hey, if you guys remember anything else or George tells you something that might help, pass it along.” He handed them his card. “Give me a call.”

“We can’t rely on the cops,” said Rick as they made their way back to the truck. “If those pups crossed the border, we’re going to have to go and get them.”

“Damn straight,” said Mike. “But first we need to find out who took them.”

“I’m looking for George Davidson,” Mike told the stony-faced receptionist at Sharp Memorial Hospital. “I’m Mike Brown, his son-in-law.”

“Sir, we only let immediate family visit,” said the lady.

Mike let out a sigh. “I’m all he’s got. My wife passed last year.”