Page 3 of Saving Veronica
Finn frowned, but followed the guards. Outside a room Marked ‘Security’ they instructed him to leave his duffel before entering. After doing as told, he went in with the others. The security officers had some paperwork for Finn to sign. Once completed, one guard said he’d be back and went through another door, and Finn went to say something to Patch, but suddenly he looked up, and then dropped to his knees.
“Major!” He grabbed the big black and tan German Shepherd running toward him. “Good boy. Who’s a good boy?” Finn felt he was five years old and had just received his first puppy. Major was the dog he had handled while in Afghanistan. They had eaten, slept, and worked together twenty-four seven for the last three years. The last time he’d seen the dog, Major had been on a chopper leaving the field with the wounded. Finn saw and felt a small bandage on his side where Major had been shot in the line of duty saving Finn’s ass.
“I don’t understand. Major is property of the US military. He’s not my personal dog.” Finn looked around at everyone in confusion. His gaze settled on Patch.
“The Colonel called me after we landed in Virginia. Turned out Major became depressed and even though he was cleared to go back to duty, no one could get him to do anything. He lay on your rack and barely ate, let alone did his job. According to the commander, he wouldn’t even let the new guy anywhere near your old bunk. Since he’s seven, the Colonel commissioned for the clearance for you to keep him. I kept in touch with him since we left Afghanistan. Because we knew when we were coming home, I kept him abreast of our plans.”
“So, you knew Major would be here when we arrived?”
“No, he asked for your father’s address and I was under the impression Major would be delivered to the house.”
“If it helps, the dog arrived by military helicopter, here.” One of the guards grinned and handed over an envelope. “This came with him. Two guys dressed like you two brought him in on a leash and explained everything. They said they had to get back to their base, not able to wait for you to arrive, and left.”
Finn grabbed the envelope, ripped it open and began laughing when he read the letter. He looked down at the beautiful dog and asked, “Major, want to go home with me?”
When the dog woofed and lifted his paw, Finn laughed again and looked at his father. “Hey Dad, can I get a dog?”
His father and grandfather laughed and said, “Looks like you already have one. Where did you get him?”
“He was already with the Unit when I arrived in Afghanistan. His handler went home shortly before I arrived. I became his handler and we’ve been together twenty-four seven for the last three years. Last time I saw him was two months ago. He took a bullet meant for me. Patch bandaged him up and he went off on a chopper flying out with the wounded. I was told he was property of the US military, and if he was cleared for duty, he would be sent back to the unit. According to this letter from my commanding officer, even though he’s cleared for active duty, because of his age, they wanted to retire him and sent him to me, so he’s mine now.” He held up the paperwork that confirmed it.
Finn put his hand on Major’s head and said, “Major, this is my father, William. Dad, this is Major.” Finn grinned when his father held out his hand and Major shook it. Next, he turned to his grandfather and continued the introductions. “Major, this is my grandfather, Eric. Grandpa, meet Major.” They shook hand to paw and Finn hadn’t felt this excited since his first sexual encounter and first car all rolled into one. He took the leash from the security officer, unclipped it and gave a command and everyone watched as Major fell into step beside him. Outside, his father picked up his duffel, and they all headed toward the parking lot.
*****
When they arrived at the house he’d grown up in, Finn walked around the property to introduce Major to his new surroundings. Back inside, his father handed him a large package. “This came in the mail for you a week ago.”
Finn frowned and when he opened it, he burst out laughing. “What is that?” His father asked in confusion.
“Major’s flak vest, his metals, and his medical records. He wore this when we went on missions. Have no clue what I’m going to do with him now. He’s seven, but he’s been in the field since he was eight months old.”
“Talk to the local sheriff,” William said, his grandfather Eric, immediately seconded the suggestion.
“Why would I do that?”
“Your duties at the Foundation aren’t going to be fifty, sixty hours a week yet. You’ll have plenty of time to do what you want. If you want to keep Major from getting soft, the local Search and Rescue team are always looking for volunteers. Their biggest problem is getting well-trained dogs. Right now it’s the Sheriff, and maybe six other people, no dogs.”
“Major would fit right in,” Patch said. “One of his jobs was to sniff out human remains after a bombing.” When he realized what he’d said, seeing the horror on the older men’s faces, he mumbled, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I was in Vietnam, so I know what you’re talking about,” Eric said. “But, yeah, once you get settled, talk to the Sheriff.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Finn said, and looked at Patch. “When and where are your interviews?”
“Next Thursday and Friday at four different hospitals in Helena.”
“What are you going to interview for?” William asked.
“Trauma surgeon. I was a third year resident before I joined the service. I only needed to complete the rest of my residency. With my years over there being a medic, I believe I can fast track through them.”
“Well, good luck. You’re more than welcome to stay here until you have to leave,” Eric said, and they went into the kitchen where he made a quick meal. “I’m sure you remember, but it’s almost a three hour drive from here to Helena.”
“I remember. Thanks for the use of the rack.”
“Just put your bag in your old room.” They took care of their duffel bags and made their way back down to the kitchen. As they sat around the table and talked, Finn asked his father questions about what the other man’s expectations for his job were. His most important one he had to get out first.
“Dad, I know we can get to the business side of the Foundation later, but I have a burning question first.”
“Burning, huh?” William grinned over at his own father. Eric’s snort caused them all to laugh.
