“Thanks, man. It’s good to be back.”
Nate, Grant’s partner, walks around the front of their cruiser. “Well, I’ll be damned.” His outstretched hand clasps mine. “Welcome home, Jocko.”
Officer Lou offers his hand. “Nice to meet you. I have heard a lot of things about you.”
“Likewise. All good, I hope.”
“You just getting into town?” Grant beams. “You should have told us you were coming.”
“Naw, I like having the element of surprise on my side.”
They laugh.
“I hope you're heading to Mom and Dad’s. She’ll be upset if she isn't your first stop.”
“Taking my boy to meet them now.”
Grant’s eyes light up. “You got a boy?” He walks over to the back door and opens it, then takes a step back.
Sitting on the edge of the seat, ears forward and alert, eyes focused and drilling Officer Lou (who he smelled fear from), totally ignoring Grant (who's a big dog lover) is my solid black Belgian Malinois K9.
“Oh … he's a good-looking son of bitch. What's his name?”
“Luce.”
My boy cuts his eyes at me.
“Isn’t that a girl’s name?” Grant teases.
“He's confident in his masculinity.” I chuckle. “It’s short for Lucifer.”
They all laugh, and Nate says, “That suits him!”
I snap my fingers, and Lucifer jumps down and heels.
Officer Lou takes a step back. “Is he safe?”
“For the most part.” I tease him.
I reach down and ruffle Lucifer’s hair. “He’s my boy. He’s my good boy.”
Lucifer’s tongue rolls out and dangles. One ear twists to the side, and I swear, he laughs.
“Pet or K9?” Nate asks.
“Retired with distinction, so pet now. He's an MPC, multi-purpose canine. He does it all. I’m hoping we can hire his skills out once in a while. Part-time, emergency gigs. He tracks, sniffs bombs, drugs, and he's badass at takedowns.”
“Good to know.” Grant says, “I'll pass that along to Chief Ramos. I’m sure the community can use his skills on occasion.”
“Appreciate it. He gets bored when he isn’t working.”
“I’m sure Emerson would love a part-time jumper if you're down for doing it.”
“Absolutely!”
Their radios squawk as a call comes in. Nate responds as Grant sticks his hand out. “I’m sure Mom will put together a welcome home party for you. We'll catch up then.”
I shake it. “You bet.”
