Page 12 of Kent's Watch
“Sure,” Jim said as he nodded, and they both followed Rita to the building. She led them down the hall to the break room and passed out bottles of water. Rita liked that Kent took care of his dogs needs before his own. As much as she didn’t trust the manand thought he was lying to her about not having trained a dog before, it impressed her how he was with Bluey. She gave herself a mental slap and referred to the dog as Tate in her mind.
They settled around a table and after drinking half a bottle of water, Kent looked at Jim. “What do you want to know?”
“Who are you? Why are you here? What do you do for a living?”
“My name is Kent Palmer. Last month I retired from the Air Force. I did twenty years. While I served my country, I was in a special group called AFSPECWAR.”
“What’s that?” Both Rita and Jim asked.
“It stands for Air Force Special Warfare Reconnaissance Unit.” He held up his hand when he saw the questions come into their expressions. “While on that team, there were five of us, we did different jobs. However, our duties were considered high risk. We went into a situation before anyone else and we did recon of the area. I’m talking buildings, terrain, cyber security, or any part of the job to make sure the client was safe before they arrived. It was our job to basically clear the path for the visiting dignitaries that were going into war-torn areas. If we didn’t deem the area safe, the client was informed of our findings, and suggestions to move to a different location were made. If said dignitary continued to throw their weight around about wanting to be in a particular area, even after being told it was unsafe, they had to sign an agreement that they wouldn’t go after any of our team members, the Air Force, or the military because they defied our findings.” Kent saw awe in their expressions before he nodded once. “The dignitary’s entire entourage had to sign the agreement, or we would refuse to proceed.”
“Holy crap. That’s a lot. What was your job on this team?”
Kent looked directly at Rita, as he answered, “Technically, I was Pararescue, which included me being the point man for search and rescue, and I was the team combat medicalpersonnel. I did all my search and rescue without any help. Meaning I didn’t have an animal to help me.” As he continued to look directly at Rita, he spoke, “I know you think I trained other dogs, but I didn’t. I watched the handlers of military K-9s and asked questions. On occasion, I would have to work with a dog on a mission. If I did, the handler was right there beside me.”
“That’s why Tate is following your commands then. One thing about the Bull Mastiff is that you have to have a firm hand with him. I see that now. I thought you were trying to show off.”
“How many years did you do this?” Jim asked as he took notes from their conversation.
“Twenty,” Kent answered Jim’s question. He looked at the other man with a grin. “My team and I found that the jobs we did were for younger men. Most of us are only thirty-eight or nine, but after a mission, our bodies would scream that we were at least in our eighties or nineties. It was time to get out, and I’m proud that I served my country for twenty years.” He looked between the two of them. “Because of the extent of what we did, that’s why our files are redacted. My teammates came with me, and I don’t know if you’ve met them yet, but they are Mason Quinn, Asher Nolte, Cruz Lacerda, and Ryder Callahan. Those are the men who I came to Fool’s Gold with.” Kent studied the two of them and he saw understanding in Jim’s expression, and doubt in Rita’s.
“Why are you here?” Jim asked bluntly. “Why Fool’s Gold?”
“Hank Patterson and Jake Cogburn from Brotherhood Protection hired us. We’re basically what you would call the Secret Service for the Brotherhood.” At their confused looks, he smiled at them. “We did our recon with Mason before he took his first detail. You remember when he helped in Isabella’s kidnapping.”
“Okay, got it. A few more questions, then I’m done here. Where exactly do you live?”
Kent gave the address and grinned when Jim frowned at him. “Spencer Barnes let me sub-let his apartment until I can find someplace to live permanently. I want to have a house in the country so Tate can run if he’s not working. Cooped up in an apartment isn’t a life for a dog.” He didn’t look at Rita as he said this.
“Okay, one more question. Where were you last night after leaving here until two in the morning?”
“Home, and no, I don’t have any witnesses.” Kent frowned then cocked his head to the side. “I think the apartment building has outside security cameras. I don’t know whether they work or not, but I picked up some dog supplies after I left here. When I got home with them, I set them up and started training Tate on the rules of the house. I took him out around ten at night, then again at three in the morning. I was inside with him either watching TV or sleeping. I only left my apartment at ten, three, and then six this morning. Each time I was gone for fifteen minutes and cleaned up after Tate.”
“Okay, I know the owner of the apartment building. I’ll swing by and ask if I can see the security footage.” Jim stood and looked sternly at Kent. “I don’t have to tell you not to leave the area.” Jim turned to leave, but turned back quickly. “One last thing, if you’re not here training your dog, or at your apartment, is there any place that you hang out?”
“The Centre. I know Spencer, and I’ve been honing my skills with Logan.”
“Good to know. Again, don’t leave town.”
“I won’t, I’m here to stay. I do have one question for you though.”
“What’s that?”
“I know you can’t tell me, but what’s in Vickers’s background? Again, I know you can’t take what I say to heart,but I had a thought yesterday when I stood there and watched Rita kick him out of the program.”
“What’s that?”
“First, are there any dog fighting rings in the area? I only ask because from what I saw, my first impression was that he wanted to train the pup he got for fighting.” He turned to Rita then. “I’m not telling you how to do your job. I know you’re busy trying to keep an eye on all nineteen of us as well as the dogs. But my military experience awarded me with keen observation skills. I noticed the time Vickers worked with Charlie, he never named him, and he never rewarded him with a treat.”
“Really?” Rita sat up and stared at him in shock.
“Yes, but on the other spectrum, I have a fear with Lisa and Charlie. Again, I’m only telling you what I’ve observed.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t get me wrong, from what I’ve seen, Lisa seems like a wonderful person. However, she’s constantly slipping treats to Charlie, even if he didn’t do anything to earn them.”
“I’ll have to keep my eye out on her. Thanks for the heads up.” Rita was reluctant to thank him, so she did it grudgingly. They all stood, and after they escorted Jim out, Kent turned to look at her.
