He was a killer standing over a policewoman he had tied and soaked in gasoline he smiled and raised his lighter just one second away from burning her alive but he never saw the two shadows moving in the dark and what this Navy SEAL and his loyal dog did next changed all their lives forever Before we begin tell us where you are watching from and if this story touches your heart please subscribe for more The neon heart of Las Vegas was a distant pulsating glow against the bruised purple of the twilight sky a frantic promise of life that felt 1,000 miles away

out here in the Mojave Desert the only sound was the abrasive whisper of the wind as it scoured the sand and grit from the towering Red Rock formations the heat of the day had bled out of the ground replaced by a sudden penetrating cold that was unique to the desert night this was a land of harsh beautiful extremes and it was exactly where Nolan Jones wanted to B Nolan Jones was a man carved from the same unforgiving material as the landscape around him as an active duty Navy seal he was a study in controlled force with a lean powerful build and eyes the color of hard steel

he wore his standard issue Navy camouflage uniform the fabric practical and durable against the elements he was here not for rest but for refinement pushing his body and mind in the solitude that only the vast empty wilderness could provide his feet crunched rhythmically on the gravel his breath puffing in small white clouds in the cooling air he was a man who lived in a state of permanent readiness his entire being tuned to a frequency of discipline that few could understand beside him moving with a silent powerful Grace was Shadow Shadow was a three year old German Shepherd

a magnificent example of the breed his coat was a rich classic black and tan his frame large and muscular his intelligent eyes holding an almost human depth he was not a pet he was a partner a four legged extension of Nolan’s will trained to a razor’s edge the bond between them was absolute forged in simulated chaos and absolute trust as they ran the ridgeline the dog’s large paw paws made almost no sound his focus as sharp as his handlers suddenly shadow stopped it was not a gradual halt it was as if his paws had become fused to the rock

his head snapped to the left his noble ears erect his entire body rigid a low vibrating growl a sound Nolan had only heard in the most intense training scenarios rumbled deep in his chest Nolan stopped instantly his hand dropping to the Glock holstered at his hip easy bud what is it shadow ignored the command his focus unbreakable he tested the air his black nose twitching then he moved not running but stalking low to the ground disappearing behind a towering sandstone boulder Nolan followed his own move

becoming equally fluid his eyes scanning the rapidly darkening landscape the wind had shifted and it carried something new something that didn’t belong it was gasoline Nolan’s blood ran cold he rounded the boulder his weapon now drawn and held low the scene that greeted him was a snap shot from a nightmare in a small clearing illuminated by the harsh white beam of a portable utility light a woman was tied to a rusted metal stake the remnant of some old mining claim she was wearing the tattered remains of civilian clothes but the defiant terrified set of her jaw told Nolan she was a fighter

this was Kate Sullivan a detective with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police though Nolan did not know it he only saw her clear green eyes wide with terror and the dark wet patches soaking her shirt and jeans the acrid smell of the gasoline rolled off her in waves standing a few feet in front of her was a man he was tall and thin dressed in dark utility clothing his features obscured by a baseball cap pulled low he was a nondescript figure which somehow made him more terrifying he held a small zippo style lighter in one hand

he was speaking to her his voice too low for Nolan to catch the words but the tone was mocking devoid of any human empathy this was a killer a man whose soul had been hollowed out Kate struggled against the ropes her voice a raw desperate rasp please please don’t you don’t have to do this the man laughed a dry clicking sound that’s the thing officer I really really do he raised the lighter his thumb moving to the Flint wheel there was no time for a plan no time for words Nolan had only one option he gave the command

a single sharp syllable that cut through the wind Fang shadow exploded from the darkness he was not a dog anymore he was a projectile of muscle and fury the killer heard the sound of displaced gravel an instant before 90 pounds of canine loyalty slammed into his side the man yelled a high pitched shriek of surprise and pain as Shadow’s powerful jaws locked onto his right arm the one holding the lighter the lighter flew from his grasp tumbling end over end and landed on the sandy gasoline splashed ground the world erupted in orange flame

no Nolan roared but he was already moving he didn’t go for the killer shadow had that job Nolan sprinted toward the stake his tactical boots kicking up sand the fire had ignited the pooled gasoline on the ground creating a ring of fire around Kate the flames leaping hungrily toward their intended fuel hold your breath Nolan commanded as he burst through the low lying flames the heat searing his face Kate had squeezed her eyes shut her body trembling violently he saw the complex knots on her wrists and ankles

amateur but effective his combat knife was in his hand in a microsecond he sliced through the thick rope at her wrists with one practiced upward cut the fire was climbing the pole now licking at the air just inches from her feet got you he grunted slicing the ankle restraints the ropes fell away Kate crumpled forward and Nolan caught her throwing his body between her and the worst of the heat he wrapped one arm around her waist lifting her with an adrenaline fueled grunt and lunged back through the weakest part of the fire line

dragging her clear just as the flames engulfed the patch of ground where she had been standing he didn’t stop until they were 20 yards away collapsing behind a low slung Juniper bush Kate was coughing gasping for air that wasn’t thick with fumes Nolan’s head snapped back to the fight it was already over shadow had the man flat on his back his teeth clamped firmly on the man’s shoulder pinning him to the earth the man was groaning his free hand trying uselessly to push the dog’s massive head away shadow held his position his growl a constant terrifying promise of what he was capable of

good boy shadow hold Nolan commanded his voice calm and cold the dog obeyed not releasing his grip but ceasing his shaking Nolan walked over to the subdued killer his weapon leveled if you move I’ll let him finish the man his face now visible in the firelight was pale and sweating his eyes darting between Nolan and the dog he nodded panting Nolan efficiently secured the man’s hands behind his back with a pair of zip cuffs from his belt only then did he retrieve the man’s weapon a pistol tucked into his waistband and the fallen lighter he left the killer there neutralized

and guarded by the still growling German Shepherd and returned to Kate she was on her hands and knees trying to get up but she was shaking too hard the combination of gasoline soaked clothes the cold desert air and profound shock had sent her body into violent tremors Nolan knelt in front of her are you hurt are you burned she looked up her green eyes still wide but the terror was being replaced by a flicker of confused gratitude I I don’t think so it was close her teeth chattered Nolan looked at her his expression unreadable

but his actions clear the fire was dying down and the night was truly cold now her wet clothes were a danger without a word he unzipped his heavy camouflage jacket it was fleece lined built for harsh conditions and still held all his body heat he stood and wrapped it around her small trembling shoulders pulling the hood up over her head the jacket enveloped her a heavy warm shroud that smelled of clean desert air and safety a stark contrast to the chemical stench of death she was still wearing she clutched it at her chest her small hands disappearing into the oversized sleeves

who who are you she whispered her voice trembling Nolan looked back toward the fire then at the man’s shadow was guarding my name my name is Nolan and you’re safe now the last of the flames gutted out leaving the clearing in an oppressive darkness illuminated only by the cold distant glitter of the stars the thin man now securely cuffed sat slumped against the rock where shadow held him his breathing heavy but his eyes sharp and hateful Kate was still wrapped in Nolan’s jacket but the violent shivering had not subsided

the gasoline soaked denim clung to her skin and the freezing desert wind was wicking away her body heat at a dangerous rate he was moving past shock and into the first stages of hypothermia Nolan made a fast assessment he had one asset one liability and one unknown Kate was the asset but she was vulnerable the cuffed man was the liability an unknown threat and the situation itself was the unknown he had no idea who else was out here staying in this exposed clearing was tactical suicide we’re moving he said his voice a low command that cut through the wind

he hauled the cuffed killer to his feet you’ll walk if you stumble he’ll assist you he nodded toward shadow whose low growl affirmed the promise Nolan then turned to Kate his approach softening just a fraction can you walk Kate nodded pushing herself up on unsteady legs I think so but as she stood her legs buckled the adrenaline that had kept her conscious was fading Nolan caught her before she hit the ground scooping her up in a fireman’s carry as if she weighed nothing the move was so sudden so efficient it left her breathless shadow watch him

Nolan ordered they moved into the darkness shadow fell into position walking 3 feet behind the killer hurting him like livestock the killer sensing the dog’s proximity walked quickly his hand bound tightly behind him Kate held securely against Nolan’s back felt a strange dizzying sense of safety she was a detective tough and self reliant used to being the one in control but in this moment exhausted and terrified she could feel the steady powerful rhythm of Nolan’s breathing and the disciplined strength holding her aloft

she closed her eyes overwhelmed and allowed herself to be saved Nolan moved for 10 minutes through the rocky terrain his steps certain in the near total darkness he knew this patch of desert better than his own home he finally stopped at what looked like a solid wall of sandstone but he shifted aside a curtain of dead brambles to reveal a narrow cleft in the rock a Box Canyon no wider than a hallway that offered complete Protection from the wind he set Kate down gently inside his gaze sweeping the small space before he turned his attention to the prisoner

Nolan shoved the man against the Canyon wall and used a heavy duty carabiner from his pack to secure the man’s cuffs to an old rusted iron bolt embedded in the rock a relic from climbers long past don’t move Nolan ordered shadow sat directly in front of the prisoner his head lowered watching with the threat contained Nolan turned back to Kate the small Canyon was still dark but he pulled a chemical light stick from his pack cracked it and a dim green glow filled the space in the eerie light he could see how pale she truly was her lips tinged with blue

you have to get out of those clothes he said his tone flat professional it was not a request he opened a waterproof supply case a small crate he kept hidden there and pulled out a first aid kit a Thermal blanket and a neatly folded set of black Thermal clothing this is all I have he said handing her the clothes I’m going to check the perimeter change put your wet clothes in this bag he handed her a plastic sack he was giving her privacy a small dignity in an impossible situation he disappeared back into the darkness Kate her fingers numb and clumsy

peeled off the gasoline soaked denim and shirt her skin stinging from the chemical residue she quickly pulled on the thermals they were men’s size far too large but they were dry and incredibly warm she wrapped herself in Nolan’s jacket again which now felt like a shield when Nolan returned he found her sitting on the ground hugging her knees he knelt in front of her opening the first aid kit let me see your hands she held them out the ropes had rubbed her wrists raw and small blisters were rising where the flames had come too close he worked with a focused

impersonal intensity his hands were large covered in a map of small scars but his touch was surprisingly gentle and precise he cleaned the raw skin with an antiseptic wipe his movements economical before applying a thin layer of burn salve and wrapping her wrists in clean white gauze ankles he said she lifted her leg and he did the same for her ankles his touch never lingering his focus purely on the task Kate watched his face in the green light he had sharp defined features and eyes that seemed to take in everything

she had spent her career dealing with men who postured men who threatened and men who tried to charm this man did none of those he simply existed a force of pure controlled competence and as he taped the final bandage the tough guarded shell she had built around herself finally cracked she felt a wave of safety so profound it almost made her weep thank you she whispered her voice thick Nolan just nodded packing his kit his medical duty done his demeanor shifted the protector was gone replaced by the interrogator he stood and faced the prisoner his shadow stretching long and menacing

in the chem lights glow who sent you Nolan’s voice was like ice why a cop the thin man who had been watching them with a detached curiosity just sneered go to blazes Nolan didn’t react he simply began to search the man his hands moving with practiced skill checking every pocket seam and hidden spot he retrieved a cheap wallet with cash but no ID a set of car keys and finally strapped to the man’s ankle beneath his pant leg a combat knife in a Kydex sheath Nolan pulled it free it was a beautiful deadly object a 5 inch fixed blade knife coated in black titanium

perfectly balanced he held it up letting the green light catch the blade wait Kate’s voice was sharp her cop instinct dormant for the last hour had flared back to life let me see that the hilt Nolan turned it over etched into the G10 handle was a small precise logo a stylized spartan helmet formed from the letters R and t Kate’s breath hitched Ryan tactical Nolan’s body went utterly still he looked at her his eyes suddenly intense you know it I know of them Kate said her mind racing high end private security

they’re based here in Vegas they handle logistics and Protection for half the high roller suites on the strip rumor is they also do quiet work for other clients why would a lowlife hitman have a 200 dollar custom piece from them Nolan didn’t answer he just stared at the logo his jaw tightening until a muscle bunched officer he started Sullivan she said Detective Kate Sullivan L V m P d and you you’re no hiker Nolan just Nolan he clipped the knife to his own belt and knelt in front of her again his gaze locking with hers you’re investigating them no she said

shaking her head not directly I was on something else something big she took a deep breath the words spilling out I was investigating weapons trafficking military grade hardware disappearing from the Air Force base not just rifles I’m talking grenade launchers javelins stuff that can start a war her eyes filled with a sudden cold fury I followed the trail it all pointed to one man an international arms dealer Elias Thorne the name hung in the cold air I didn’t have enough for a warrant Kate continued her voice dropping

I told my partner my partner Mark she said his name as if it were poison I trusted him he told me he had an informant someone who could give us the last piece and he set up a meet out here in the middle of nowhere she looked at Nolan her face a mask of bitter realization there was no informant just him she nodded at the prisoner my partner my partner set me up he fed me to them Nolan absorbed the information his mind connecting the data points with chilling speed a decorated detective investigating a major arms dealer named Elias Thorne is betrayed by her own partner and left for dead

the killer a professional is carrying a signature knife from Ryan Tactical he looked at the knife on his belt then he looked at Kate her small frame swallowed by his jacket her eyes defiant even in defeat he knew with absolute certainty that he couldn’t hand her over to the LVM PD he had no idea how deep the rot went your partner thinks you’re dead Nolan said his voice low the man who sent him he glanced the prisoner thinks you’re dead we need to keep it that way what what do we do she asked Nolan stood up

a solid silhouette against the dark rock you’re not a cop anymore detective not right now you’re a target and you’re with me Kate looked at this quiet intense stranger and his silent watchful dog in the depths of the Mojave betrayed and hunted she had found the one thing she thought was lost an ally she pulled the jacket tighter and gave a single determined nod OK Nolan what’s the plan Nolan’s entire world narrowed to the small etched logo on the knife hilt Ryan Tactical he went perfectly still the kind of absolute stillness

that precedes a violent explosion the green chem light seemed to flicker or maybe it was just the sudden cold rage that flashed behind his eyes Kate intuitive and trained to read the smallest cues saw the change instantly the controlled impersonal protector was gone replaced by something far more dangerous Nolan she pressed her voice quiet but firm that name Ryan Tactical it means something to you he didn’t answer he just stared at the knife his mind a vortex pulling him back a decade he saw a rain lashed obstacle course in Coronado a shared laugh in the back of a C one

30 over an unnamed ocean a desperate firefight in a dusty village he saw the face of the man who had on three separate occasions saved his life deck he whispered the name felt like ash in his mouth he looked at the prisoner who was watching this exchange with a flicker of calculating interest Nolan’s expression turned to ice he strode over to the man and ripped the cheap wallet from his pocket tossing it to Kate see if you know him while she searched for an ID Nolan efficiently finished frisking the killer he found a set of keys

a cheap burner phone and nothing else he pocketed the keys and the knife he checked the phone it was off he snapped the phone in half with one clean powerful twist of his hands and tossed the pieces into the sand nothing Kate said looking up from the wallet no license no cards just cash it doesn’t matter Nolan said he unclipped a length of flex cuff from his pack and knelt by the prisoner’s feet what’s your name the man just sneered Nolan shrugged and with methodical speed bound the man’s ankles tightly

he checked the cuffs on his wrists pulling them painfully tight then stood the sun will be up in about four hours the morning chill will keep you quiet someone will find you eventually or the buzzards will the killer’s sneer faltered replaced by a flash of genuine fear you can’t just leave me here I can Nolan said his voice flat and I will he turned to Kate his face grim we’re compromised that phone was off but I won’t assume it wasn’t tracked we leave now he held out a hand to help her up she took it his grip strong and sure and he pulled her effortlessly to her feet

where are we going she asked her voice still raspy from the fumes my truck is 2 miles north from there someplace safe he LED the way out of the narrow Canyon shadow taking the rear guard position the walk was agonizingly tense the desert night was no longer still every gust of wind sounded like footsteps every shadow looked like a threat Kate still wrapped in Nolan’s oversized jacket found herself pushing to keep up with his relentless ground eating pace he moved with a I’d purpose that was both terrifying and comforting he wasn’t just walking he was patrolling

his head on a constant slow swivel his senses tuned to the dark they reached his vehicle parked in a deep washout that made it invisible from any road it was a heavy duty dark gray pickup truck completely nondescript but clearly modified for performance it was the truck of a man who didn’t want to be noticed but refused to be stopped he opened the passenger door for Kate then gave shadow a quiet hand signal the dog leaped into the extended cab’s back seat immediately sitting upright his head framed perfectly in the rear window he wasn’t settling in for a ride

he was watching their 6 Nolan climbed into the driver’s seat and the engine turned over with a low powerful rumble he didn’t turn on the headlights he drove for the first five minutes using only the pale moonlight navigating the rough brain from memory only when they hit a paved unmarked access road did he flick on the lights keeping them on low beam the cab of the truck was warm a welcome relief from the biting cold as the adrenaline from the fire and the trek began to fade a profound exhaustion settled over Kate she watched Nolan as he drove

his face partially illuminated by the faint green glow of the dashboard he was silent his focus absolute she found herself studying the bond between him and his dog a few miles down the road Nolan spoke his voice low shadow rest in the rear view mirror Kate watched the dog huff once circle and then lie down though she knew he wasn’t truly sleeping it was the simple unspoken trust between them that struck her she had worked with K9 units before she’d seen handlers and their dogs this was different this wasn’t a man and his tool

it was a partnership a bond forged so deep that words were unnecessary this animal this incredible lethal protector trusted Nolan with his life the thought settled in her mind if this dog trusted him so could she she leaned her head against the headrest the weariness pulling her down the events of the night felt like a surreal gasoline scented nightmare betrayed by her partner left to burn saved by a ghost in the desert she felt her eyelids grow heavy as she drifted in that space between consciousness and sleep

she became aware of a small repeated movement she opened her eyes just a slit and watched every 30 seconds or so Nolan’s eyes would flick from the dark road to the rearview mirror he wasn’t checking for traffic there was none he was checking on her it was a small almost imperceptible gesture but it resonated deep within her it was the gesture of a guardian a protector who had taken her under his charge it was done so subtly so professionally that it held no personal and yet it felt more personal than anything

she had experienced in a long time she a detective who had always prided herself on being the one who watched was now being watched over she closed her eyes again and for the first time in months she let go she woke when the truck slowed the engines rumbled dropping she sat up disoriented they were no longer in the desert they were in a drab industrial park on the outskirts of Las Vegas a neighborhood of silent warehouses and chain link fences Nolan pulled up to a large corrugated steel building indistinguishable from the 50 others on the street he clicked a remote the heavy steel door rolled up with a low

metallic groan revealing a dark interior he drove the truck inside and the door rolled shut behind them sealing them in absolute blackness a moment later a series of bright utility lights clicked on illuminating a vast cavernous space Kate looked around stunned it looked like a mechanic’s garage but it was spotless organized with military precision against one wall were racks of sealed containers lockers and a refrigerator a small curtained off area suggested a cot and living space bolted to another wall was a sophisticated communicate

mission’s array this was not a garage it was a safe house Nolan killed the engine and the sudden silence was deafening you’ll be safe here he said finally turning to look at her there’s a bathroom with a shower through that door MRI’s in the fridge water on the rack get some sleep he started to get out of the truck but Kate put her hand on his arm the gauze on her wrist was rough against his sleeve you didn’t answer my question out there Nolan he stopped his hand on the door handle Ryan Tactical she insisted

her detective’s mind locking back on the case the knife you know who that is you said Eck Nolan’s shoulders slumped just a fraction the only sign of the immense weight that had just settled on him he turned back his steel gray eyes finding hers in the harsh light of the warehouse Deckard Ryan Nolan said his voice quiet devoid of the cold anger from before replaced now by a deep weary pain we just called him deck he ran a hand over his face the first sign of uncertainty she had seen from him he was my swim buddy and Bud s

my teammate for six years we’ve pulled each other out of hell more times than I can count he paused the implications hanging heavy in the sterile air of the safe house he looked at the combat knife still clipped to his belt the token of betrayal he’s not just a name on a company Kate Nolan said his voice gravel rough he’s my brother the confession hung in the cold sterile air of the warehouse heavy and suffocating he’s my brother Kate stared at Nolan seeing for the first time not just a soldier but a man blindsided by betrayal the implications were devastating

if Decker Ryan Nolan’s brother was supplying killers for Elias Thorn then this conspiracy ran deeper and was far more personal than she could have imagined the rage in Nolan’s eyes had been replaced by a cold desolate clarity he had processed the impossible and was already moving on to the objective stay here he said his voice flat he walked to a large steel locker keyed in a code and it opened with a hydraulic hiss he pulled out a compact pistol identical to his own and a spare magazine he placed them on the workbench in front of her

you know how to use this it was a statement not a question Nolan I’m not a liability Kate said her voice finding its strength I’m a cop I can go with you I should be the one no he cut her off his tone leaving no room for argument you’re the target they think you’re dead we keep that advantage and I don’t know who he’s with he gestured to the communications array I’ll be listening to the local police bands if anything moves in this sector I’ll know but they won’t he tapped his own ear this is a closed system

he turned to his canine partner Shadow Watcher shadow moved from the truck and sat at Kate’s feet his intelligent eyes fixed on her a silent 70 pound promise Nolan grabbed his keys the Ryan tactical knife still clipped to his belt a visible painful reminder bar the door behind me don’t open it for anyone but me he didn’t wait for a reply he got in his truck rolled up the heavy steel door and was gone in a low rumble of exhaust plunging the warehouse back into silence Kate slid the massive steel bar into place the sound echoing in the empty space

the drive from the industrial park to the glittering heart of Las Vegas was a journey through ghosts Nolan kept his mind locked on the mission but memories like traitors kept breaching his defenses he remembered deck younger leaner grinning as he hauled Nolan over the wall during the buds obstacle course he remembered deck sharing his last packet of m R E peanut butter in a frozen observation post deck who had been the best man at his short lived wedding deck who had held his head in his hands when his marriage fell apart brotherhood in the teams was not just friendship

it was a covenant a bond forged in shared misery and absolute trust and that bond was now apparently for sale Ryan Tactical Solutions was not on the main strip it occupied the top three floors of a sleek black glass tower just off the main artery a building that exuded quiet expensive power Nolan parked in the garage his face and unreadable mask he entered the lobby and took the elevator to the penthouse the doors opened onto a I s a do reception area that looked more like a modern art gallery than an office a woman sat at a glass desk

her blonde hair pulled into a severe perfect bun she was sharp dressed in an expensive suit and her smile was polite but impenetrable she was the gatekeeper can I help you sir Mister Ryan is in a meeting Nolan walked past her desk as if she hadn’t spoken Nolan Jones to see him he’ll want this meeting the receptionist stood her professional calm cracking sir you can’t just Nolan didn’t stop he pushed through the heavy glass doors that LED to the executive suite he heard her protest then the sound of her calling security but he was already at the final door

he opened it the office was vast one entire wall was a floor to ceiling window overlooking the entire city the desert sprawling beyond it Deckard deck Ryan was standing at the window his back to the door a phone to his he was no longer the lean operator Nolan remembered he was broader thicker his strength softened by expensive tailoring he wore a charcoal gray suit that probably cost more than Nolan’s truck I don’t care about the margins just get the shipment cleared deck said into the phone he heard Nolan enter and turned his face breaking into a wide

disbelieving smile Nolan brother what in the he stopped his smile freezing Nolan hadn’t moved he was just standing there his face carved from granite Nolan what is it what’s wrong deck put the phone down his corporate polish fading the old instincts kicking in he saw the look in Nolan’s eyes it was the look he wore before a breach you need to call me back deck said into the phone and hung up Nolan talk to me you look like you’ve seen a ghost worse Nolan said he unclipped the Ryan tactical knife from his belt

he took three steps and threw it the knife spun end over end and embedded itself thud deep into the surface of Deck’s massive ten thousand dollar mahogany desk it quivered a black accusation in the polished wood deck stared at the knife the color drained from his face one of your men dropped that Nolan said his voice dangerously quiet he dropped it while he was standing over a cuffed LVMPD detective he had just doused in gasoline he was about to light the match when I stopped him deck recoiled his hand flying to his mouth what no no that’s impossible

is it Nolan took another step or is it just bad for business tell me about Elias Thorne Deck at the name deck stumbled back hitting his desk the facade of the powerful CEO shattered revealing the terrified cornered man beneath I I don’t know who that is Nolan I swear to you don’t Nolan commanded don’t lie not to me I didn’t know deck yelled his voice cracking all the carefully constructed power gone I swear on my kids Nolan I didn’t know they were going to kill her I move cargo I just move cargo you move weapons for an arms dealer Nolan stated it wasn’t like that deck was frantic pacing

pulling at his hair not at first the company Nolan you don’t understand the government contracts dried up I was overleveraged I had payroll for 50 guys families I was going to lose everything he gestured around the opulent office all of this it was all going under so you made a deal with Thorn he found me he offered me a logistics contract just moving electronics parts to a private client it was easy money it saved the company Dex voice dropped to a desperate whisper by the time I realized what I was really moving

I was in I was already compromised he had me Nolan he had my family my company everything he said if I ever tried to back out he’d bury me so you gave his killer one of your knife Nolan asked his voice dripping with contempt no he he bought that Thorn’s whole team they use my company as a cover they buy my gear I I just I look the other way deck finally collapsed into his leather chair burying his face in his hands I just moved the boxes Nolan I didn’t know they were going to kill a cop I’m not a murderer

Nolan stared at the broken man his former brother he felt a deep profound sickness you are what you enable deck he turned and walked to the door pulling the knife from the desk as he went Nolan wait deck cried his voice small where are you going what are you going to do he’ll kill me he’ll kill my family Nolan paused at the door his back to deck you should have thought of that before you sold your soul stay out of my way he left leaving deck alone in his glass tower back at the warehouse the silence was a physical weight

Kate had found the small spartan bathroom and showered the hot water stinging her raw skin but washing away the horrifying smell of gasoline it felt like a baptism a scrubbing away of her own helplessness she had found a spare black T-shirt and athletic pants Nolan kept in a locker and while they were too big they were clean she paced the vast concrete floor her anxiety a tightening knot in her stomach she was a cop waiting was the hardest part of the job she trusted Nolan his competence was undeniable but she was worried he was

walking into a situation compromised by emotion he was confronting his brother that was a blind spot a fatal one shadow padded silently beside her his presence a strange comfort the dog was a mirror of his handler calm watchful and radiating a quiet capability she sat on a work bench and the dog rested his heavy head on her knee his warm amber eyes watching her she found herself stroking his broad head his fur soft beneath her trembling fingers he’ll be OK right boy the dog just huffed a warm breath against her hand

an hour later the low rumble of the garage door made her heart leap into her throat she sprang from the bench the pistol Nolan had given her in her hand her sights trained on the opening shadow stood beside her a low growl starting in his chest the truck rolled in and the door sealed behind it Nolan got out and the relief that flooded her was so sudden so profound it almost made her knees buckle she let out a long shaky breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and lowered the weapon the intensity of her reaction startled her it was more than just a partner returning to base

it was the return of her anchor he walked into the light and her relief vanished the cold fury he’d left with was gone in its place was a heavy bone deep weariness that seemed to pull at his entire frame he looked older Nolan he stopped in front of her his steel gray eyes finding hers you were right it’s deck he’s in deep he ran a hand over his face he’s Thorne’s personal logistics man he confessed he says he didn’t know about the hit on you but he’s scared and he’s compromised so what’s next Kate asked her voice low we can’t trust him we can’t trust my department

Nolan looked at the communications array then back at her no we’re on our own he paused the gravity of their situation settling on them deck warned me Thorn’s team they don’t leave loose ends they’re not just killers they’re hunters and now they hunting us they’re not just hunters Nolan said his voice dropping they’re hunters and now they’re hunting us the words settled over the vast warehouse cold and heavy Kate’s mind trained by years on the force immediately began calculating angles exits and choke points the warehouse

which moments ago had felt like a fortress now felt like a steel trap this place is a box Nolan she said her voice low one way in one way out they’ll come in heavy no Nolan said his eyes already distant running calculations she couldn’t see one main way in there’s a reinforced personnel door on the south wall but it’s he was cut off by the shrill vibrating buzz of his personal cell phone on the workbench it was not the secure encrypted coms array it was his civilian line he glanced at the screen the name flashed deck a flicker of raw anger crossed Nolan’s face

he almost silenced it but some lingering thread of their shared past made him answer he snatched up the phone his voice like gravel you’ve got five seconds Nolan thank God Deck’s voice was frantic breathless laced with genuine panic you have to get out of there you have to run right now you warned me already Nolan said his patience gone no you don’t understand deck yelled the assassin you caught the one in the desert he had a tracker a subdermal chip in his wrist I didn’t know Nolan I swear I didn’t Thorn’s main enforcer a man named kale

he’s pinged the chip they know you have him Nolan’s blood ran cold he’s not with me I left him in the Canyon a choked sound came from deck’s end oh no that’s worse they’ll have a team at the Canyon in minutes but kale he’s not just a thug he’s like us Nolan he’s former specialized he’s smart and he’s ruthless he’ll find the assassin he’ll know he was neutralized and he’ll backtrack he’ll find your truck tracks he’ll trace you back to the city your warehouse is it clean Nolan didn’t answer he was already moving

his error hitting him like a physical blow he had been so focused on the emotional betrayal of deck that he had failed to analyze the tactical situation he had left a trail as if summoned by Dex warning a new sound began a low haunting whistle from outside filtering under the massive steel door it was the wind but it was changing rising in pitch a high pitched shriek that spoke of immense pressure Nolan are you there deck shouted over the phone the storm is hitting Nolan said walking to the main door he could feel the air pressure changing in the sealed warehouse

sand and grit began to spray through the tiny gap at the bottom of the roll up door that’s your only chance Deck’s voice was desperate kale will use the storm as cover he’ll be there with it get out get out now the line went dead Nolan tossed the phone onto the bench just as a heavy metallic thud echoed from the roof it was not debris it was the sound of a booted foot landing on the steel they’re here Nolan said his voice devoid of all emotion he grabbed his rifle from its locker and tossed a spare tactical vest at Kate put this on plates are in

grab the pistol we’re not fighting them we’re evading which way Kate asked her hands moving with practiced speed her fear replaced by a cold rush of adrenaline South Door Nolan commanded Shadow heal the dog was already at his side silent his body coiled another thud came from the roof then another they were deploying suddenly a high pitched grinding whine tore through the air coming from the main roll up door they were cutting the lock mechanism with a Thermal torch too late Nolan hissed plan B this way he grabbed Kate’s arm and pulled her toward the dark corner of the warehouse

where his truck was parked get low the main lights in the warehouse suddenly died plunging the cavernous space into absolute suffocating darkness Nolan was ready he clicked the pressure switch on his rifle and a blindingly bright white light cut a cone through the dark stay in my light boom the main door didn’t roll up it exploded inward ripped from its tracks by a shaped breach charge the explosion was deafening a concussive blast that shook the concrete floor in the same instant the sandstorm which had been raging outside roared into the warehouse

it was an apocalyptic invasion a solid moving wall of grit dust and debris that filled the air in a second the sound was a deafening continuous scream Kate was blinded disoriented her ears ringing from the blast she could see nothing but a swirling impenetrable cloud of brown she felt the grit stinging her face filling her mouth her eyes through the chaos she saw them muted beams from weapon lights cutting through the dust like weak ghostly fingers figures maybe four or five were moving in shapes distorted by the storm their faces obscured by heavy goggles and masks

they were spreading out a practiced fire team Cale’s team a muzzle flashed in the dark and a round cracked past Kate’s head impacting the steel locker behind her with a sound like a giant hammer she dropped to a crouch her pistol pull up but she was firing at phantoms Nolan she screamed but her voice was stolen by the wind a hand clamped down on hers it wasn’t a pull or a tug it was a connection Nolan’s hand found hers in the absolute chaos his fingers lacing through hers his grip like a steel vise it was not a gesture of comfort it

it was not romantic it was a primal tactical command it said I have you you are an extension of me where I go you go do not let go in that instant as the world dissolved into noise and violence a profound and absolute trust clicked into place they were no longer a seal and a cop they were a single unit move Nolan roared his voice cutting through the din he didn’t pull her he moved and she moved with him their joined hands the only anchor in the maelstrom he didn’t run toward the side door he ran away from it toward the workbench a figure loomed out of the dust rifle raising

before Kate could even register the threat Nolan had released her hand pushed her behind him and fired twice two precise shots the figure crumpled in the same fluid motion his hand found hers again he pulled her down sliding them both behind the heavy steel workbench as a hail of return fire tore through the space they had just occupied they’re covering the exit Nolan yelled directly into her ear the truck is a loss we go through them what she yelled back her eyes wide shadow who had been a low dark blur suddenly launched himself from Nolan’s side he tore into the swirling dust

barking a furious distracting noise a beam of light snapped toward the sound followed by a shouted curse now Nolan pulled Kate to her feet he was a different person this was not the quiet grieving man from Deck’s office this was a predator in his element he moved with a speed and violence that was terrifying he pulled her along using the swirling sand as his cover his rifle light off the enemy was blind he was not he knew every inch of this floor they skirted the edge of the firefight Nolan steering her around racks and containers one of Kale’s men stepped directly into their path

shadow was on him in a heartbeat a blur of teeth and fury dragging the man down Nolan didn’t even break stride he just pulled Kate past the melee they reached the blown open main entrance the storm was a solid wall of sand a roaring horizontal blizzard that made the world outside invisible hold your breath keep your eyes closed Nolan yelled he pulled her out of the warehouse and into the heart of the storm the wind hit them like a physical blow almost knocking them from their feet it was impossible to see impossible to breathe the grit was a living thing

scouring their skin trying to force its way into their lungs this way Nolan’s voice was already a faint thing but his grip was iron he plunged them into the street disappearing into the raging brown black heart of the Mojave storm behind them they heard muffled shouts the crack of a few hopeless shots but the sounds were swallowed instantly they were ghosts they were free and they were utterly blind on foot with nothing but each other a dog and the clothes on their backs the world outside the warehouse was not a place it was a force

the sandstorm raged with a primal deafening howl a solid wall of grit and chaos that scoured the industrial park visibility was less than zero it was a tactical nightmare but for Nolan it was cover his hand was still locked with Kate’s a non negotiable anchor in the swirling brown maelstrom she couldn’t see him she couldn’t see anything she kept her eyes squeezed shut her head down breathing through the sleeve of the jacket Nolan had given her her entire world had been reduced to the iron grip of his hand and the solid relentless pull guiding her forward

she stumbled her foot catching on unseen debris but he didn’t let her fall his grip just tightened pulling her upright and they kept moving beside them a low dark shape pressed against Nolan’s other leg it was shadow his head down using his body as a shield for his handler his paws moving with unerring confidence he was a living compass unfazed by the storm they were not running blindly Kate realized Nolan was navigating he was counting paces making sharp 90 degree turns he was moving through alleys and between buildings she hadn’t known existed he was a ghost in his own city

and he was taking her with him into the shadows the air was unbreathable the sound a continuous agonizing shriek that felt like it was splitting her skull she focused on the only real thing left the steady strong pulse she could feel through Nolan’s grip after what felt like an eternity the roar of the wind lessened muffled as if they had stepped behind a massive wall Nolan stopped and she collided with his back he released her hand the sudden loss of contact was terrifying and she almost cried out stay he commanded his voice barely audible she heard a metallic scraping

then the heavy thud of a steel bar being lifted a low groaning screech followed and a rectangle of deeper blackness opened in the wall of grit inside now he pushed her through the opening she stumbled down two concrete steps and onto a level floor shadow darted in after her Nolan followed and with a grunt of immense effort he hauled the heavy steel door shut the sound of the storm was severed instantly as if a plug had been pulled the silence that fell was so total so heavy it was almost as loud as the wind had been Kate leaned against the cold concrete wall

her lungs burning coughing violently to clear the dust a single dim emergency light flickered on illuminating a low ceilinged room it smelled of damp concrete ozone and old dust it was a bunker it was spartan a few metal cots sealed crate supplies and a large outdated communications array where are we she rasped her throat raw Cold War Nolan said he was already checking the seals on the door old civil defense bunker runs beneath the flood channels he turned his face caked in dust his eyes the only clear thing in the dim light

how are you his voice was different in the quiet the hard edge of the commander was gone replaced by a low concerned tone I’m she could taste the grit on her teeth I’m alive how did you even I know this city’s bones he said simply he walked over to a crate and pulled out two bottles of water handing one to her she drank the water searing a clean path down her throat as the adrenaline began to fade the sheer terror of the last few minutes hit her she looked at Nolan who was calmly checking his rifle his movements fluid efficient

a low menacing growl ripped the silence shadow who had been sitting by the door was now on his feet his gaze locked on a dark corner of the bunker his teeth bared Nolan’s rifle was up in an instant his body shielding Kate show yourself last chance a figure stepped out from behind a concrete support pillar hands raised high don’t shoot Nolan it’s me it was Decker Ryan he was a mess his expensive suit was ruined covered in concrete dust his face was pale his eyes wide with a frantic desperate energy he wasn’t the polished CEO

he was the terrified man from the office Kate’s pistol was in her hand aimed center mass Nolan he LED them here I didn’t deck cried I swear I didn’t Nolan kept his rifle steady his eyes cold as ice why are you here deck I knew you’d come here deck said his voice ragged it it was our old contingency spot remember from the old days I came here after you left I I didn’t know what else to do I heard the breach in the coms I heard the gunfire I thought you were dead both of you that doesn’t answer the question

Nolan said I’m here to fix this deck choked out the words to make it right he was shaking not from the cold but from sheer abject terror Cale that man who’s hunting you he’s not just a soldier he’s Thorn’s executioner he finds problems and he erases them and now we are the problem there is no we Nolan said please deck took a half step forward and Shadow’s growl deepened stopping him cold I was a coward I was greedy and I was wrong but I’m not going to let him win I’m not going to let him kill you he fumbled in his jacket pocket and pulled out a small encrypted thumb drive

this is everything I have my company ledgers Thorn Shell corporation’s the transport manifests it’s enough to link him to the weapons but it’s not the real proof Kate lowered her pistol slightly her curiosity as a detective peaked what do you mean not the real proof deck looked at her his eyes begging for them to believe him Thorn is paranoid he’s old world he doesn’t trust the cloud doesn’t trust digital networks he keeps a master server a physical air gapped hard drive with everything he ticked the items off on his fingers every arms deal every serial number

every bank transfer and he paused his voice dropping every name on his payroll cops judges politicians he calls it his insurance policy a heavy silence filled the bunker this was it the key to the entire conspiracy where is it Nolan asked his voice flat an abandoned private airfield north of the city near the edge of the range a place called Desert Sky the hangars are supposedly empty but he uses the main one as his operations base it’s a fortress it’s where kale and his team live Nolan and Kate exchanged a look

it’s a trap Kate said no deck said shaking his head it’s a departure he’s spooked the hit on you failed Nolan a seal shows up he’s pulling the plug he’s clearing out he’s flying out of that airfield tonight and he’s taking that server with him if that plane gets in the air he’s gone forever the three of them stood in the dim green light of the bunker the only sound was the faint hum of the air filter Kate looked at Nolan her face pale but set this is impossible Nolan a fortified hanger kale’s entire team of specialists

they’ll be dug in waiting for anything we’re just she glanced at deck with open distrust we’re just two people and him deck flinched but said nothing he knew he deserved it it’s a suicide mission Kate concluded her voice low Nolan was quiet for a long moment he ejected the magazine from his rifle checked the rounds with a practiced thumb and slid it back in with a solid final click he looked up and his steel gray eyes locked onto hers the weariness was gone the cold anger was gone all that was left was that absolute diamond hard focus she had seen the desert it’s only a suicide mission if we fail

he said simply he stepped closer to her into her personal space you’re a detective Kate you see angles you see the case I’m an operator I see entry points and weaknesses and deck he glanced at his old teammate knows the layout he knows the security he turned his gaze back to her and it softened just a fraction he saw the doubt the logical justifiable fear he reached out and put his hand on her shoulder the gesture was firm grounding a transfer of strength his jacket was still warm on her from his body heat it’s not he said

his voice low and certain meant only for her not if we trust each other I trust you Kate I trusted you with my back in that warehouse do you trust me she looked at his hand on her shoulder then up at his face she remembered his iron grip in the storm the way he had pulled her from the fire the way he had checked on her in the truck he was asking her to leap into the void with him she gave a single sharp nod I trust you he held her gaze for one beat longer a silent binding contract he squeezed her shoulder once good

he turned all business to his former brother deck pull up the schematics for that hanger we go in tonight the silence of the bunker was a tightly wound spring Deckard Ryan his face pale and slick with sweat stood before a flickering laptop displaying the schematics of the Desert Sky airfield it’s a fortress Nolan cameras pressure plates and Kale’s private army but there’s a flaw he never fixed the old flood culvert it runs from this channel network right under the east wall of the main hanger Nolan absorbed the data his mind processing the blueprints with a cold

terrifying efficiency he checked his rifle handed a spare magazine to Kate his eyes met hers and in the dim green light he saw no fear he saw a cop a warrior ready you ready for this she slid the magazine into her vest her movements sure let’s finish this they moved out a four member team Nolan took the lead plunging them into the black dripping confines of the flood channel the air was cold smelling of damp earth and rust Kate was right behind him her pistol in hand deck followed clutching the hard drive that held his confession

his face a mask of pure adrenaline fueled terror shadow moved at the rear a silent guardian his paws patting softly on the concrete their journey was a tense agonizing crawl through darkness the only sound was the distant drip drip drip of water and the sound of their own breathing after 30 minutes Nolan raised a hand he pointed up a rusted iron ladder was bolted to the wall at the top a heavy circular grate Nolan scaled it in silence pressing his ear to the metal he motioned for them one by one they climbed Nolan applied pressure to the grate which lifted with a low metallic groan

obscured by the distant desert wind they emerged into a world of cold stars and shadows the airfield was spread out before them it was exactly as deck had described a massive black hanger sat in the center of a wide tarmac the main doors were closed but lights blazed from within at the far end of the runway a large dark cargo plane a C one thirty sat waiting its ramp down a visible escape route armed guards patrolled the perimeter there deck whispered pointing to a small unassuming personnel door on the side of the hanger that leads to the operations floor

the server room is on the second floor mezzanine overlooking the main floor Nolan didn’t need to be told twice he was a phantom melting into the shadows cast by the airfield lights he moved along the fence line shadow a living extension of his own shadow a lone guard stood near the door stamping his feet against the cold Nolan was on him before the man could even turn his head it was silent fast and final the man crumpled Nolan signaled clear Kate Deck and shadow sprinted across the exposed tarmac their hearts hammering Nolan opened the door and they slipped inside

the interior of the hanger was vast a cathedral of steel and aviation fuel the cargo plane was being loaded with sealed black crates moved by a forklift men in black tactical gear Kales team moved with brutal efficiency their voices sharp commands up there deck pointed to a glass walled office set into the wall 20 feet above the floor they took the metal stairs Nolan and shadow moving first clearing the landing the server room was unlocked deck rushed to the main terminal his fingers flying across the keyboard Kate stood beside him her pistol drawn

watching his back I’m in deck breathed Thorne’s system is arrogant he thinks no one can touch him I’m initiating the transfer oh no what Kate hissed it’s huge the server is copying but it’s going to take 10 maybe 15 minutes we don’t have 15 minutes Nolan said he and shadow stood at the window a dark silhouette against the bright hanger floor he watched the men below his eyes scanning for the one deck had described kale down on the floor one man stopped he was different from the others taller moving with a fluid predatory Grace his rifle held with an expert’s ease

this was kale the former specialist the enforcer he wasn’t yelling he just stopped and slowly as if he had smelled a change in the air his head tilted up his eyes even from this distance locked directly onto the server room window he raised his hand and pointed we’re compromised Nolan said his voice terrifyingly calm deck protect that drive the hanger erupted alarms blared men shouted the metal door to the server room burst open and two of Cale’s men rushed in shadow was on them before they could raise their rifles he was a blur of black and gold

a force of contained fury driving the first man back into the hallway Nolan engaged the second his rifle firing in short control bursts the fight was close brutal Kate her training kicking in provided cover fire allowing Nolan to gain the advantage but more footsteps were pounding up the stairs suddenly a new voice cut through the gunfire it was not a yell it was a cold clear command enough the shooting stopped the heavy rolling hanger door was opening and a man walked in he was not a soldier he was in his late 50s

with perfectly styled silver hair wearing an impeccably tailored black suit this was Elias Thorn he radiated a chilling absolute authority his face calm almost bored as if he were annoyed by a mild inconvenience he looked at the firefight on the mezzanine he saw deck at the server he saw Nolan a threat he hadn’t anticipated and then his eyes landed on Kate his face which had been passive tightened the loose end the ghost who had started this entire mess you he said his voice amplified by the hanger you have caused me a great deal of trouble Detective

he calmly reached inside his suit jacket and pulled out a polished silver plated pistol he was not aiming at Nolan who was still occupied by Cale’s men at the door he was aiming squarely at Kate Nolan saw it he was too far away his path blocked Kate look out he roared Thorne’s arm extended his finger tightened on the trigger time stopped shadow who had just neutralized his target saw the threat he saw Kate the woman he had guarded he saw the gun he sprang he did not bark he did not hesitate he launched himself through the air

a projectile of pure loyalty covering the 10 feet between himself and Kate in a single desperate bound the pistol cracked shadow yelped a sharp high pitched cry of agony that cut through every heart the bullet meant for Kate’s chest slammed into the dog’s shoulder throwing him sideways he hit the main server rack with a heavy sickening thud and collapsed to the steel floor a dark wet patch began to spread instantly on his fur silence Kate screamed it was not a sound of fear it was a raw broken wail of anguish

Elias Thorne stood frozen his pistol still raised his cold calculating mind was stunned he had factored in everything the betrayal the security the escape he had not factored in this this illogical act of animal sacrifice that one second of stunned hesitation was his last Nolan seeing his partner fall was consumed by a white hot righteous fury he exploded from his position he crossed the room in three bounds he didn’t fire his rifle he hit Thorn it was not a fight it was a termination his rifle butt connected with Thorn’s wrist

and the sound of bone breaking echoed the earlier pistol shot the silver gun clattered to the floor before Thorn could even register the pain Nolan’s hand was at his throat slamming him back against the wall lifting him off his feet Thorn’s face went purple his eyes wide with a shock he had never known Nolan didn’t kill him he just held him there a silent terrifying judgment until the fight went out of his eyes and he slumped unconscious Deckard who had instinctively shielded the server with his own body during the gunfire looked at the progress bar 99% 100%

he ripped the hard drive from the port holding it up like a trophy got it Nolan I got it but Nolan didn’t hear him the fight was over the alarms were still blaring kale and his remaining men seeing their boss fall were already in full retreat disappearing into the night Nolan and Kate didn’t see them their eyes were only on the still dark form on the floor Kate was already on her knees sliding across the metal her hands hovering over the wound shadow oh no shadow please Nolan rushed to her side dropping his rifle

his face a mask of anguish he pressed his hand to the wound feeling the hot rapid flow of blood the dog let out a small pained whine his amber eyes finding Nolan’s stay with me boy Nolan whispered his voice breaking stay with me the blaring alarms were a distant irrelevant scream the vast cold hanger moments ago a battlefield had shrunk to the small desperate space on the steel mezzanine floor Nolan’s world was nothing but the hot slick feel of blood under his hands and the shallow ragged breaths of his partner

no no no Kate was on her knees beside him her face a mask of anguish Nolan he’s bleeding so fast Nolan didn’t answer the operator the warrior was gone replaced by the medic his focus absolute pressure he commanded his voice raw right here press as hard as you can he ripped his own individual first aid kit from his vest his hands moving with a speed that defied the horror of the moment he pulled out a packet of combat gauze and a chest seal I need to seal the entry he’s it’s a through and through he worked with a desperate precise calm his face inches from shadows

his whispers meant only for the dog stay with me boy don’t you dare leave me stay shadow whined a high thin sound of pain his amber eyes locked on Nolan’s Deckard Ryan stood frozen the small black hard drive clutched in his hand like a useless relic he was staring at the unconscious form of Elias Thorn then at the spreading pool of blood Nolan my god Cale’s men are gone what do we do make a call Nolan grunted his arms covered in blood as he packed the gauze 9 1 1 the cops Nolan we can’t no Kate said her voice shaking

but her mind clicking back into place she grabbed Deck’s phone give me this I know who to call her fingers slick with Shadow’s blood punched in a number captain Rostova this is Detective Kate Sullivan I’m at the Desert Sky airfield north of the range I’m declaring a Broken Arrow on a federal target we have Elias Thorne I repeat we have Thorne and we have his entire Ledger send everyone and voice broke send a medic we have an officer down a K9 officer he’s critical Nolan didn’t look up he had stripped off his own shirt pressing the thick dry fabric against the exit wound trying to slow the bleeding

hold on shadow just hold on it felt like a lifetime it was only 12 minutes the night outside the open hanger door lit up with a swarm of red and blue lights but these were not police cruisers a convoy of heavy black federal SUVs roared onto the tarmac surrounding the hanger the doors flew open and agents poured in their weapons low and ready they fanned out securing the perimeter their movements a display of overwhelming force a woman strode through the center of them her presence parting the tactical teams like water

this was Captain Eva Rostova she was a tall woman in her 50s her iron gray hair pulled into a severe bun she wore a federal windbreaker and her sharp intelligent eyes took in the entire scene in a single sweeping glance the unconscious cuffed arms dealer the trembling former seal the wounded dog and the two bloody exhausted figures kneeling over him Detective Sullivan Rostova said her voice crisp and commanding you have been busy he’s Thorne Captain Kate said not taking her eyes off shadow Deckard Ryan his logistics man

has the server he’s cooperating deck stepped forward pale and shaking holding out the drive it’s all there I’ll testify I’ll tell you everything agent secure the asset Rostava commanded get Thorn on his feet I want him on a transport 10 minutes ago she then looked at Nolan she saw the blood the uniform pants and the look of pure focused agony on his face she saw the dog her expression softened almost imperceptibly medic a field agent with a trauma bag rushed up Nolan looked up his eyes blazing not you I need a surgeon a veterinary surgeon now or he dies

Rostova didn’t hesitate she keyed her radio this is Captain Rostova I am commandeering a Life Flight helicopter I have a critical K9 officer multiple gunshot wounds I need priority transport to the Las Vegas Veterinary Emergency Center get me Doctor Eris tell him we’re inbound Nolan gently so gently slid his arms under shadow lifting his partner he stood the dog’s heavy limp form cradled in his arms he walked past the federal agents past the cuffed Elias Thorne past Decker Ryan he was a man on a singular

sacred mission Nolan Kate said rushing to his side he didn’t stop he walked out onto the tarmac toward the approaching helicopter its blades already beating the cold desert air the waiting room was a sterile pale green smelling of disinfectant and floor wax it was the quietest place Nolan had ever been and it was deafening he sat on a hard plastic chair his arms still stained his shirt gone he’d been sitting there motionless for four hours Kate sat beside him she had given her statement to Rostova her hands and face now clean

but she was still wearing Nolan’s blood soaked tactical jacket she had refused to give it up she held two cups of vending machine coffee one of which sat untouched in her lap they hadn’t spoken there was nothing to say everything that mattered was in the room behind the steel surgery doors finally Kate broke the silence Rostova called they’re processing the drive it’s it’s everything more than we dreamed it’s not just Thorne it’s senators police chiefs my old partner Nolan just stared at the door deck

she continued softly he’s in federal protective custody he’s given them everything with his testimony he’ll get a reduced sentence he’ll be safe his family will be safe Nolan nodded a small tight movement it was data nothing more the door finally opened a man in gray scrubs his mask dangling from his neck walked out rubbing his eyes he looked exhausted but kind this was Doctor Eris a man with a reputation for performing surgical miracles on animals Nolan was on his feet in an instant his entire body rigid my dog Doctor Eris looked at this intense

bare chested man caked in dried blood and gave a small weary smile the bullet it was devastating it shattered his scapula it missed his pulmonary artery by two millimeters two millimeters Kate held her breath her hand covering her mouth he is the doctor said unbelievably tough and incredibly lucky he lost a lot of blood and the next 48 hours are critical but the surgery was a success he’s stable he’s resting Nolan didn’t speak he visibly sagged his legs almost giving out he braced himself against the wall dropping his head as four hours of agonizing

suffocating tension left him in a single silent rush Kate stepped forward her hand landing on his arm and she felt the coiled steel of his muscles finally finally relax three days later the sun was rising over the Mojave painting the sky in shades of soft pink and brilliant orange but they weren’t in the desert they were in a quiet bright recovery room where the only sound was the faint rhythmic beep of a monitor shadow was lying on a soft bed his shoulder and chest were heavily bandaged and an IV line ran to his leg

but his eyes were open they were clear when the door opened his tail gave a single weak thump Nolan knelt by the bed his hand gentle on Shadow’s broad head hey bud he whispered his voice thick you scared me don’t you ever do that again Kate knelt beside him she was back in her own clothes her face bruised but her eyes clear she looked at the animal who had taken a bullet for her he’s a hero she said softly she reached out her fingers stroking the soft fur on Shadow’s neck thank you thank you for saving me

her hand rested on the dog’s coat right next to Nolan’s the silence of the room was warm filled with a new shared peace then Kate made a simple move she slid her hand over her palm covering the back of Nolan’s it was a gesture of profound unspoken gratitude it was for her life it was for his sacrifice it was for everything Nolan went still then slowly he turned his hand beneath hers his fingers lacing with hers it was a strong warm certain grip they looked at each other really looked for the first time

the chaos of the fire the storm and the hunger was gone all that was left was the truth his sacrifice and the loyalty of the hero between them had forged a bond that no bullet could ever break the desert dawn bright and full of promise streamed in through the window if this story of true courage and loyalty touched your heart please share it with someone who needs to be reminded that heroes still walk among us both on two legs and on 4 comment below and tell us what part of Shadow’s incredible bravery moved you the most and please subscribe to our channel

and join our family so you never miss these stories of hope faith and the triumph of the human spirit we pray that God blesses and protects every single person watching this may He give you the courage to face your own deserts and may He place a loyal guardian in your life to watch over you in your time of need if you believe in the power of loyalty and second chances please comment Amen below