I announce myself as police, wondering where the hell Moose got to before I see the flash.
It happens in slow motion, the same as the last time.
Except this time, tonight it’s Moose who leaps out in front of the bullet, not me.
He’s doing what I did for my partner all those years ago. The most honorable thing anyone could do for their best friend.
My finger’s off the trigger. I won’t fire with Moose anywhere near my line of sight.
But it doesn’t matter now.
I hear him yelp midair and then drop like a stone.
Another round sings past my ear, then the hot stinging tells me I’m hit too.
Kevlar is an amazing thing. Hurts like hell but still convinces you that you’re dying, knocking the wind out of me, I slump to the ground.
Trying to say Moose’s name as I struggle to move towards him.
My first breath in is the radio, notifying my position and that there are two officers down.
In seconds, the wedge of white light from the chopper is over us both, dust and trash blowing in every direction from the alley.
The wail of sirens and the shouts of my comrades as they secure the alley, ordering the suspects to the ground.
I never see the shooter, and frankly, I don’t care anymore. Seeing Moose drop and lying so still, I even struggle to have a single thought.
By the time I reach him, my hands under him I can feel the warmth of his fur matted with something wet. Fresh blood.
I can feel him breathing at least. He’s alive.
“Ah Moose,” I gasp, pressing my face into his fur.
“Hang on buddy, we’ll get you out of here.”
I feel hands on me, other cops asking me where I’m hit. Trying to help me, but it’s Moose I’m worried about.
“I need evac to veterinary care,” I growl, ignoring my own injury.
I lift my boy up into my arms and push past everyone. Reaching the nearest patrol car, I lay him on the front seat, tightening his harness to put pressure on his wound and I take the driver’s side.
Punching the gas and weaving through the wall of cop cars as they swarm the alley.
I radio dispatch, requesting immediate assistance at the only clinic I know will be open to treat Moose.
It’s minutes away and I only hope he can hold on until I get him the help he needs.
By the time I reach the emergency vet, there’s a team waiting, snatching Moose up from the patrol car and whisking him away before I can even say a word.
Someone stops me, pointing out I need medical attention myself, and then I feel it.
Yeah, I took one in the vest but another round has grazed my shoulder, opening an old wound but in a very different way.
I sink into a chair, and someone tells me Moose is gonna make it. He’s been shot and is in shock, but like my own injury, it’s not as bad as it looks.
A paramedic arrives, wanting to take me to the hospital, but I’m not going anywhere.
I know that tonight my dad gets his wish. My mom too.
I’m done.
No more chasing bad guys just to get another scar. No more putting my best friend in the firing line.
And not giving the woman I love a life of worry every time I step out the front door.
Naomi.
I fumble for my phone, calling the only person I can think of who will bend the rules to pick her up and bring her to me.
I told her to stay put, not to open the door to anyone, but a black and white patrol car is on the way to her, to bring her to me.
To us.
I need her here, and so does Moose.
Pressing the dressing to my shoulder while I wait for Naomi to get here and for Moose to be given the all-clear.
I make some decisions.
My best friend Moose is just a regular, everyday pooch from now on.
And once we all get home, I think my mom might get her wish. I know she will.
I’m handing in my badge, hanging up the leash, and spending every minute from today on doing what I love instead of chasing what I don’t.
I call her next, my home line which I’m glad she picks up.
I try to keep it together, try to be strong but when I need her so bad. When I feel how close I just came to losing everything I love, I can’t hide my emotions.
I love her, I love Moose. I love us as a family and I need her here right now.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Naomi
Everything’s just like Parker said.
After about ten minutes there’s a honk right outside and looking out the front window I can see the patrol car so I open the gates.
Remembering what Parker said before he left, I still hesitate before opening the front door, making sure I have the chain on this time.
The memory of the run-in with my landlord still fresh in my mind.
Through the peephole in the door, I can see it’s a female cop, she rings the bell and waits patiently.
I feel scared still, not wanting to open the door because I know it’s opening up a whole world of problems with it.
Moose hurt, and I just know Parker is too.
It feels like too much to deal with so suddenly. I feel tired, wishing I’d eaten more. Wishing I’d got some more sleep.
Wishing none of this was happening.
“Ma’am? I’m Officer Gates. Officer Parker sent me to collect you. He’s waiting,” her firm voice says through the door.
I know she knows I’m standing here and I slowly open the door, keeping the chain on.
“Naomi?” she asks, her face melting into a kind smile. Making me feel relief straight away.
I only nod, and letting myself out the way Parker told me too, we’re in the patrol car with gates and house locked behind us in no time.
She sure is pretty for a cop. I mean, she’s
