by KC Frantzen
“Time is short and we are on duty. Shall we return to the grill? We can continue our conversation there.”
When they walk away, I think I hear Sassy say something about “this latest case.”
Piffle. I still want to find that shed and show them my birdie. Now April and Sassy are too far away for me to hear about the “case.” Wait. What was that?
Hans hears it too and comes out of his hidey hole. His face is bright. “MMMM dessert! And Miss Sandy!” We dash in, me on his heels. Flap flap. Flap flap.
I hear Dad chuckle. “Guess who heard the coffee spoons clanking! Here you go, Sandy.”
Mom laughs too. (Thank goodness.) “No home is complete, without the pitter patter of doggie feet.”
We sit near the edge of the rug so they see we have eight doggie feet, but Dad gives us a “that’s far enough” look. Hans licks his chops and backs up. I do too. Don’t want to spoil our opportunity of getting some cake!
After Dad serves Mom and himself, Miss Sandy takes her first bite. “My, you two! A scrumptious meal and now this, fresh berries and real whipped cream on homemade cake. And it’s even patriotic – the red strawberries, white cake and cream, and blueberries.”
Mom beams. “You and Sassaroon are no trouble at all! Besides, this is a super simple angel-food. The recipe calls for eggs, flour, sugar, and cream of tartar. Easy.”
“Delicious. We truly appreciate your kindness and hospitality. We travel so much…” Miss Sandy looks down. “It’s nice to relax with true friends.”
Dad’s eyes twinkle. “You are always welcome. We’ll open up any time. Besides.”
“Here it comes,” giggles Mom.
“We still have a fence to build. With a little warning, I’ll have the materials ready and waiting.”
Sandy sips her coffee then laughs, “Ha! We will keep your generous offer in mind.”
Hans turns a little circle then prances to the front door and back. Except for watching their every move, I’m motionless, still trying to use my best manners. It’s hard, with clanging forks and cups. Surely a morsel will be given to well-mannered dogs, like ourselves.
Miss Sandy sets her cup down. Good! But her expression is a little grim. “Have you ever thought about training for May?”
Huh?
Mom quietly says, “We probably should put her in obedience school. At least she lives with the consequences of a poor decision now and again.”
“Yep,” beams Dad. “She can be sweet but she’s danged stubborn. Like her mother!”
Sandy snickers, then turns somber. “I have…an acquaintance…who trains canines for search and rescue, protection…Possibly even covert operations, though it’s not been discussed.” She pauses, then adds, “They are constantly searching for candidates.”
“Our May?” say Dad and Mom.
I sit a little taller. Me? Yeah. Like the TV show Ruff ‘n Ready, when he won the medal “defending freedom and the American way.”
“Yes, your May. You saw what she did.”
Poof. Really, I thought we were playing. But the ball wasn’t in her room after all. I duck my head and look out the dining room window – right into April’s eyes! She and Sassy are on the porch, hearing the whole thing.
Great.
Mom stares at her fork. “I really must ask forgiveness.”
“No, no.” Miss Sandy shakes her head.
Okay then! She’s not talking about the disaster. She does mean the ball! Hey Miss Sandy, I found it. Let’s play! After, I can show you birdie and we can go walk and find that shed.
She continues, “OSM seems to have the capacity for field work. She had a singular purpose and overcame a variety of obstacles to acquire her desired target. Qualities necessary for candidates…I hear. She has a gift, an aptitude. She is obviously ball-obsessed.”
Dad nods towards me and the three of them burst out laughing.
I’m sitting patiently with good posture (Did you notice, April?), prepared for just the right opportunity! Like now! I set the ball down then, with great expertise, bump it with my nose. It bounces onto the rug and hits Miss Sandy’s left heel.
Hearing her melodious laugh, Hans serenades his third favorite person in the world. “AAAaaaooooo!”
Miss Sandy replies, “AaaaAAAOOOOoooo, Mr. Hans. Alright Miss May, here you go.” She reaches down and tosses it.
I fling myself into the air, missing by a whisker. Drat! I dash into the living room and hear them all laugh again. Instantly I’m back. With the ball.
“That May,” says Miss Sandy.
“I told you she’s a clown!” Mom wipes at her eyes. “Wait! Are you serious?! How can you possibly…” She drops her paws and looks at Dad. He shrugs his shoulders. Even Hans stops to listen.
I glance outside. April has an ear cocked.
Miss Sandy straightens. “Let’s review. When she sets her mind to something, she does not waver. True statement?”
I growl, “Yes!”
“That’s an understatement,” replies Dad.
“She has an excellent sniffer. True statement?”
“Well yes…But –” splutters Mom.
Miss Sandy continues. “In a situation, May might help in a variety of ways – pass by unnoticed, help track someone down, go where others cannot. Since I’ve seen her in action chuckle, I think she might be a diamond in the rough.”
Dad says, “Very rough!”
“She might even be a candidate for the K9 Service.”
I glance in time to see April turn to Sassy. “What did your Master say? May? The K9 Service?”
I don’t know what a candidate is, or the K9 Service, but it sounds like adventure!
Through the dining room window, I watch April talking intensely to Sassy as they head down the steps. Uh oh.
Miss Sandy’s voice interrupts. “May I help with dishes?”
Mom slides her chair back. “We have it. Won’t take long.”
“Are you sure? If so, Sassy and I, maybe April, will take a walk. We should stretch our legs before our long ride tomorrow.”
I leap to my feet. YES! I know a fabulous place to walk, into the woods.
Dad shakes his head. “No May, not you. Enjoy Sandy, see you when you get back.”
Piffle. Hans seems disappointed too.
Miss Sandy scruffles his ears and says, “I’ll return soon.”
April and Sassy know something. Maybe they went around back. I’ll go check.
I stop ever-so-quietly by the doggie door and hear them talking by April’s water dish.
“Ah respect your point of view, Abreel. We will test her. Much depends upon the results.”
I put my eye to the flap in time to see April stiffen.
“I do not like it in any manner, shape or form. I have been training and–”
Sassy looks hard at my sister.
Her shoulders sag. “I cannot believe I am going to say this. If your master thinks May might be the best asset sigh, I will abide by her wishes.”
Me? A best asset? For what?
The back door opens. Miss Sandy says, “Oh, you ladies are here! We have something to discuss. Will you accompany me on a walk, please?”
Flap, flap. Me too! I dash to the gate and wag my nub furiously but they don’t ask me to accompany them. Wish I knew what was going on.
I’ve been waiting (and waiting) by the fence. Floating on the breeze are scents and sounds of cattle and mourning doves and farm engines. I hear everything except what I’m listening for.
When I finally do, it’s dusk and a few lightning bugs twinkle above the tall grasses.
Miss Sandy says, “Good night AO. We shall say goodbye before departing in the morning…if you are up.”
Even in this light, I see April’s hurt expression. Miss Sandy stoops to hug her about the neck. There’s a new tag, or something, on her collar.
“Smile girl. I am certain you will perform your duty and not rest until first light. True, this is a grave situation, but God is in contro
l, more than we know. Thank you for guarding our friends. You are a fine protector and watchdog. This is your calling and you do it well.”
I watch my sister wag her tail slowly. “Miss Sandy, I shall guard us all night.”
Sassy rests her head on April’s back. “Vaya con Dios, tonight and always, my friend. And remember, if ah don’t see you here–”
April sighs. “I’ll see you there.” She regards me, then sets off on patrol.
I have to find out what’s going on. When Sassy follows Miss Sandy in, I do too. Flap flap. Lobbie’s in my day bed. Mom remembered! I grab the antennaes and trot to catch up. “Play with me, PLEASE?” I growl.
We hear the humans in the media room so I race Sassy there. She’s fast! When we round the corner, Hans is already in Miss Sandy’s lap and she’s talking.
“April is covering outside. We had a delicious meal with excellent conversation, a nice walk, the discovery of a potential partner.”
Does that mean me?
Mom pats her leg. “Sassarroooon, c’mere!”
Sassy wiggles over to Mom and Dad on the recliner, tail thonking the side table.
I stand in the middle, shaking Lobbie. As Mom scratches Sassy’s back she says, “See what I mean? Our May never quits!”
Miss Sandy and Sassy give each other a look. Odd.
They all get up and Mom gives Miss Sandy a big hug, with Hans squished in the middle. He doesn’t seem to mind. “Guess we’ll turn in and let you rest. We love you.”
“I love you both as well. And you too Mr. Hans. We’ll have quite a drive and I have a bit of work left to do. Good night.”
Dad waits for his hug, then says, “We’ll see you in the morning. Now May – for only a few minutes. ‘Night all.” He puts his arm around Mom and they walk down the hallway. Hans looks reluctant, but heads that way too.
Miss Sandy says, “I’ll talk with you tomorrow, Miss May. Sassy, see you shortly.”
Sassy and I play awhile. After a few games she says, “Ah am impressed with your moves. Your reflexes, strength for your size, and agility are excellent.”
“Thank you!”
“May, ah am an experienced operator with, and recruiter for, the K9 Service. You have now completed several preliminary exams.”
“That answers some questions. But what is this K9 Service? How do I– Wait! Did I pass?”
“Affirmative. Ah will answer all if you continue to perform well. We shall play a few rounds of hide and seek. Be yourself and do your best.”
“Yes ma’am!”
When I find Lobbie quickly every time, Sassy seems to approve. “The nose knows, eh May?”
I growl, in the affirmative.
“Ah must go join my master now. Gracias for the games. It was a most enjoyable time.”
“I’m not tired yet! And what about my questions?” I grab Lobbie by the nearest claw and shake it.
“Si, little one. Mah master was quite impressed with you. She does not say that ‘bout too many.”
“Really?”
“Really. However, ah will see you in the morning. Early. We will finish then.”
“I’ll be ready!”
“Come back…Help me. I can’t find him,” I whimper. Huh? My starring role in the newest Living Globe drama vanishes.
“Oh. Hi Sassy. Yawn. It’s early!” I get up to stretch each hind leg and my back.
“Ah have another test for you. Eat a quick breakfast, then ah will meet you at the car. Can you escape without being observed, incognito?”
“Righty-o, incognito!”
“Bueno. Ah will see you soon.”
When Mom sets out my breakfast, I begin wolfing it down. In between bites, I observe Hans strolling over to dine. He looks amused.
“Goodness May, you can’t be that hungry.”
Crunch-crunch-crunch-crunch. I look up, swallowing as fast as I can. “I’m not. Sassy has another test! I have to…Uh, I can’t say. I have to be incognito.”
Mom walks out the back door. “Aaa-priiill. Breaak-faaaast! Where can she be? Guess I’ll leave it on the porch.” As she passes back by, Mom says, “Take a breath, May. You’re gonna choke!”
I glance up, crunch-crunch-crunch, then see my brother. Never hurries a meal. Not even for Miss Sandy.
I scarf the last bite, swig a sip of water and stare. And stare. I stamp my paw. “Hurry. Miss Sandy is waiting!”
He looks out from under his eyebrows. “April says, ‘Rapid consumption is not conducive to proper digestion.’ But you’re right, Miss Sandy is leaving today. We should be together while we can.” After several more bites, he washes it down, wipes his beard and sets off.
Finally! Now how am I going to get out without being seen? Must check my knowns. First, let’s see where everyone is.
I trot into the hallway and wait outside the dining room. Sniff, sniff. Smells like coffee and wheat toast and apricot jam.
I hear Mom. “I hope you slept well. Did Sassy have breakfast?”
Miss Sandy sips her coffee. “Thank you, yes. The bed is quite comfortable and Sassy’s eaten. She’s already out.”
Sniff, sniff. From the kitchen, scrambled eggs with peppers, garlic and onion and turkey sausage. Yum!
Dad brings the platter to the table. “Let’s eat, then y’all can be on your way. How long of a drive is it?”
“This weather has moved in but it should clear around the state line. The drive to BWI should be approximately eleven hours, depending upon traffic. We’ll be fine to work first shift.”
Mom says, “An abandoned Venezuelan street dog and our good friend, working at the Baltimore airport. Imagine!”
Sandy’s voice turns serious. “May I share more about what we’re facing? Something you said by phone the other day was most helpful, and we could use your prayers.”
I’d like to listen in, but Sassy is waiting. Better go. But how to get out, incognito? Maybe I can squeeze through near the wall. I’ll check.
Flap flap.
I run to the side of the house and push through. Sort of. After being nearly stuck, I turn one shoulder ahead and try again. No good. I think Dad and Mom planned it this way.
“Sssalutationsss, sssmall dog. I do not ssseek to ssstartle you.”
I flinch but not much, since I’m wedged in. Must think quickly, and remember my manners. “Well, h-hello again Mr. Copperhead! You are far from home. Pleasant journey?”
“Sssomeone wasss into the ssshed. Lassst evening.”
I scramble backwards into the yard. “What! Did you get a look at him?”
“It wasss a woman, and two dogsss.”
Miss Sandy, Sassy and my sister were down there last night! As I chew on this, a dragonfly lands on the fence near the gate. From somewhere I hear, “CHS. Come in. Over.” Sassy’s voice!
The snake indicates for me to follow as he slithers towards the gate. When I get closer, I see it’s not a real dragonfly, but mechanical. Like my birdie, but smaller.
Sassy speaks again. “CHS, please assist OSM to the front, as instructed.”
“Of courssse.” I watch him weaving upward through the chain link. Then he wraps himself around the post and uses his tail to flip open the gate latch.
“Bueno. May, move out. Ah will answer your questions after you complete the next test.”
“O-okay.” I stand, amazed, then realize I can get out! “Thanks Mr. Copperhead. Must be on my way.”
“You are mossst welcome, OSssM.”
“Oh!” I circle around. “What does CHS mean?”
“Copperhead Sssentinel.” He smiles as only a snake can. “Perhapsss we ssshall work together sssoon.”
As I run, I wonder about Sassy’s answers, but really, I keep thinking of more questions! I dash to the front and find her by the open car door.
“Hi! Was I incognito enough? Does CHS work with April too? What about the birdie I found? Did I do a good job getting rid of my prints in the shed? Will you show me–”
She holds up a paw. “Ah will
give you information, after one more game. Ah have taken the liberty of hiding Lobbie. To locate it quickly, you must concentrate.”
I’m a little disappointed. “Alright.” I start to sniff and snuffle, starting with Sassy, since she hid it. The trail leads inside the car. “Hmm. There are many stories.” I gaze into the distance. “This one…is familiar…It can’t be!”
I can hardly breathe as the pain I left behind roars back. Thump thump. This scent belongs to Rabba! Oh-my-gosh, it wasn’t my imagination!
Sassy better answer this question. NOW. “Why does Miss Sandy have a photo of Rabba in her briefcase?”
Her eyes narrow. “Rabba? Explain.”
“I-I…”
“Speak!”
“It’s a scent…A-a-a-a man’s.” I snarl at thoughts of my former life, gaining strength. “A wicked, mean, angry, cruel man. I could never forget his scent. It’s here in the back…”
Must show no fear. So I stamp my paw. “Who are you? Do you work for him? I need an answer!” I’m through crying, but tears flood anyway. As I fight them, my shoulders sag. “This is impossible!”
Sassy approaches and gently says, “Even so, tell me.”
I quickly share horrors of my previous life. Then I say, “He almost always wore a red and white cloth.”
A spark of surprise shadows her face. “Follow me. Pronto!” She tears around to the trunk and unlatches it. “Hurry!”
She never answered me! What should I do?
“Pronto, chica!”
Could be a trap. But I don’t sense that it is. Guess I’ll use caution and go look. With a running start, I make it inside on the first try. The scent is shudder even stronger as I sniff one of the boxes.
“Very good. That is the exact box to inspect.”
“How?”
“You decide. Quickly!”
This doesn’t smell like a trap. I feel a kind of dreadful excitement as I hook my lower teeth on the edge of the lid, and flick it off. My head barely fits over the side of the box. When I look, my stomach flips from his stench. Rabba’s cloth! Or, part of it.
