Page 5 of Shielding Instinct

“It’s a big place with lots of people,” Avery said.

“Yeah. I know. But these guys are wearing operator uniforms. I’m sending you a photo.” Petra did her best to get a clear shot then tapped the send button. “It’s a bunch of their dog people who will be on my plane. Do you recognize any of them? Got any scuttlebutt?”

“Okay, let’s see.” There was a pause as Avery looked at the picture. “I can’t make out the guys with their hats pulled down like that, but I know two of the dogs. First, that blue logo on their coat means they’re on Iniquus’s Cerberus Tactical K9 Team. But I’m sure you already figured that out since dogs … Okay, the Malinois on the right is Max. His handler would be Halo St. John. He’s an ex-Australia Commando.”

“Australian, huh?”

“Down, girl. He went off on assignment with Panther Force and came back engaged,” Avery said. “They were married three weeks later. That happened just recently, too. Like October, maybe? You missed the window of opportunity.”

“Wow, whirlwind.”

“When you know, you know,” Avery countered. “You know?”

“Obviously, I do not. Okay, and the other one that you recognize?”

“Cooper is the German shepherd closest to you.”

“Okay, he’s the one I wanted to know about,” Petra said. “The staffer said Cooper would be sitting next to me on the plane. Who’s his handler? Her handler?”

“Hishandler goes by ‘Hawkeye.’ I don’t know him very well. He’s new to the area, new to Team Charlie. He did some time in the field with Strike Force and then Panther Force—that’s how I first met him at a Panther Force cookout when he got that assignment. Then, I did some brainstorming work with their team. Yeah, nice guy. I’ve enjoyed talking to him the few times we’ve ended up in the same room. He seems interested in everything, able to discuss anything. Quick thinking. Kind. And,” she put a lilt into this last part. “I know he’s single.”

“I can almost hear your eyebrows popping. I’m not looking for a date. Especially today.”

“Why? What’s going on today?” Avery asked.

“Oh, nothing really, just I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

Avery sighed. “Yeah, I hate days like that. So, you’re at the airport. Where are you headed? Did you say St. Croix? When will you be back? Who are you with?”

“Me alone. Tamika was supposed to come, but that’s a whole story I’ll tell you when I get back. So yeah, St. Croix for a couple of days. I’ll be home Monday night.”

The staffer brought the mic too close to her mouth, so her words were garbled when she announced, “We are preparing for our direct flight to St. Croix. Families with young children or those needing extra time or assistance may board now.”

Petra started walking toward the ramp. “They told me to load with those needing extra assistance, so I was settled when the dogs got on.”

“How fun is that?” Avery asked.

“We shall see. Got to go. I’ll call you with my report about how it went flying next to Cooper for seven hours.”

As she slid her phone into her pocket, Petra felt the eyes of the room following her toward the ticket taker.

It made sense. After all, Petra always looked over to see who needed extra help. Why was this her habit? She had no idea. Cute babies, sure. Maybe to know who might need her if things took a bad turn.

But here she was, walking up the aisle without a babe in arms, looking physically fit and capable. As she moved, she could feel the eyes of the room tracking her with what felt like a smidge of hostility.

With her PhD in brain security that included a hefty look into social media psychology, Petra could admit she was a tiny bit paranoid that someone would video her and slap it up on some site with running commentary, “Look at this chick who wanted special privileges. Does she look like there’s a need? #princess #thinksshesspecial #doyouknowher? We heard her name called out; it’s Hermione Armstrong. Social media, do your thing!”

And just like that, the Internet could ruin a life.

Chapter Three

Hawkeye

When Hawkeye Kesse signed onto Cerberus Tactical K9 Team Charlie, the unspoken rule was that Iniquus Security’s reputation would be upheld at all times.

Uniforms were always on point.

The operators' demeanors were always respectful, minds sharp, bodies ready for action.

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