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The woman’s stern demeanor melted. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Look, he’s only just woken, he’s in room thirty-six.”

“Bro, that was straight up gangster,” said Rick as they made their way through the hospital.

“We don’t have time to mess around. Every minute those pups get further away.”

They found the appropriate room, and Mike knocked on the door.

“Come in,” a voice croaked.

George was sitting up in bed with his head wrapped in bandages. He managed a grim smile of acknowledgment before speaking. “Mike, the police said the puppies are missing. Tell me you found them?”

Mike shook his head. “Ali’s got Saber, but there’s no sign of the pups, and the cops don’t have any leads.”

“They think Mexicans grabbed them,” added Rick.

George shook his head and immediately winced. “I think I know who it was. Remember, I mentioned a former SEAL who wanted to buy all the pups. He was pretty cut up when I told him they weren’t for sale. He offered me fifty grand for all five.”

“That’s a lot of cash,” said Rick. “Why would he want the dogs that badly? I mean, surely there are other Malinois for sale.”

“Did he give you a name?” asked Mike.

“Yeah, Arran Caldwell, probably not his real name. Well, not unless he’s a stupid criminal,” said George.

“Did he tell you he was a SEAL?” asked Rick.

“No, I saw the tattoo on his left forearm. He had a trident overlaid with a dog’s skull. Once you know a few, it’s easy to pick a SEAL. You guys have your own language, swagger, and mannerisms. You can’t hide that stuff from an old cop.”

“You got a number?” Mike asked.

“On my phone, but the cops didn’t find that. I think he may have taken it.”

“I’ll get you a new one, and I’ll leave my number with the desk. If you need anything, give me a call,” said Mike.

“You just find that bastard and get the pups back,” said George.

“We will. Rest up, SEALs are on the job,” said Mike.

Rick reasserted the point with a nod as he took his phone from his pocket. He dialed TJ and handed the call to Mike as they left the room.

“TJ, someone broke into George’s and took the puppies.” Mike gave him the details of what had occurred, including the SEAL’s name and description.

“Never heard that name before,” said TJ. “But I’ll ask around regarding the tattoo. I’ll meet you at your place. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Roger.” Mike handed the phone back to Rick. He left his number with the front desk, and they exited the building.

“If anyone can work out who this Caldwell guy is, it’s TJ. He knows every team leader for the last twenty years,” reassured Rick.

“I hope so. I can’t lose a dog before we even get him on the team.”

Chapter Eleven

Mike found Ali and Junior in Ali’s clinic at their property. She’d placed Saber in one of her holding cages. The dog was sleeping with Axe sitting protectively in front of the door. “How is she?” he asked.

“Whatever he gave her would have killed most dogs,” his wife replied.

“It would have been dart delivered,” said Mike. “She wouldn’t have let him near her or eaten anything she was offered.”

“Yeah, but the puppies would. I’m hoping whoever took them knew what they were doing.”