Page 47 of Knight Watch

Chapter Twenty-One

Sydney couldn’t helpbut put her head out of the window as Caitlin took a small road to the countryside. The air was warm and sweet, the sun was bright. She was as happy as it was possible to be, considering the situation. Refusing to let gloomy thoughts cloud her day, she instead replaced them with Kingsley’s image in the shower—all bunching muscles and sweat with water flowing over him.

A soft giggle brought her back to the present, and she saw Caitlin looking at her with an amused smile. “You almost look like Killian. All that’s missing is a flapping tongue.”

Sydney looked back at the backseat on the driver’s side to see a goofy-looking Killian, rather than his normal big, bad stare. He was obviously happy to be in a car on an adventure with his mistress.

“He’s adorable. You’re lucky to have such a companion.”

Caitlin nodded and looked at the rearview mirror. “Luck and a lot of work. Killian and I trained relentlessly to achieve this. And I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I’m so glad Shane and Emme are open to the idea of me building a K-9 unit within Alliance. It will allow for increased security and even branching into the rescue business. Ever had a dog?”

She shook her head. “I wish. I remember my parents talking about having one when I was a little girl, but everything ground to a halt when Mom died. Afterward, my father had too much to do to even consider it.”

“Yes, it’s a lot of work, even if all you have is a simple pet.”

Caitlin took another turn into a dirt road leading under a canopy of trees and immediately Killian became excited until his mistress snapped a command. The change was instantaneous as he calmed down but stayed alert.

A beautiful yellow and white house appeared beyond the trees with several smaller buildings in the backyard. As Caitlin parked, a man rounded the house and waved at the car.

“Here’s our contact. Come on, Sydney. Killian, heel.”

Sydney closed the passenger door and joined them. The older man wore a blue overall covering his ample belly, his round face was engaging, and his mop of grayish hair flew in the wind.

He shook Sydney’s hand before turning to Caitlan. “Welcome to my farm. I’m Hubert Fields, and I’m honored by your visit. I was very excited when I received your call, Miss Carter. I’ve worked often with the LAPD, and I know your reputation and that of your partner.” He looked at Killian who waited patiently by his mistress. “A magnificent specimen you have here, Miss Carter. You trained him yourself?”

Caitlin smiled tenderly at her partner. “Yes. And now I’m planning to add to my team. I knew I had to come and see you.”

Hubert puffed out in pride. “I have the greatest Rhodesian Ridgebacks and German Shepherds. They are bred for military and police work, as well as search and rescue. They’re not easy breeds to train, but they offer great potential. What kind of talent are you searching for?”

Caitlin started to talk about her project with Hubert, and Sydney took the opportunity to look around and stroll the beautiful grounds that were laid out like an oasis.

Small colorful kennels dotted the landscape. The sounds coming from them were a dead giveaway that they were filled with dogs and puppies.

Sydney was too curious to wait and went to take a peek. Under the cool shade of one of the kennels, she discovered a bunch of rust-colored balls of furs that were absolutely adorable. Most of them were bundled up together with their mommy who looked at her with caution.

All the puppies were sound asleep in their enclosure, except for one adventurous little fellow who wobbled in her direction.

Sitting cross-legged on the grass, she admired the curious puppy who sniffed and growled at her. His fierce attitude made her smile.

“Ah! I see you have found my latest litter of Ridgebacks.” Hubert appeared with Caitlin like the proud dad he was. “A fascinating breed indeed. And I see you have made a friend.”

As she smiled in agreement, Hubert opened the enclosure and took the little tyke in his hand before giving it to her. Sydney cradled the puppy carefully in her arms.

Caitlin nodded. “You’re a natural for one who has never had a dog.”

Killian approached and sniffed the little red dog that jumped at first, but soon barked as if to confront the giant before him.

“Ah! This one has courage! That’s an excellent quality in a service dog.”

The puppy sighed and yipped at Sydney for attention, and she was happy to indulge him.

Caitlin and Hubert continued to talk as Sydney played with the puppy. Too soon she had to return it to his mother.

Hubert showed them around his property, explaining his operation and his prized dogs. It was apparent he was passionate about them and their well-being.

Too soon, they parted ways, Caitlin promising to return in another week when the puppies were big enough to leave their mother for another look.

Back on the road, Sydney noticed the big smile on Caitlin’s face. “Something tells me next time you’ll be leaving with a puppy!”