Breach of Security

Noctis

I laughed. “Don’t worry about it, I’m Odette-who does the pup belong to?”

I glanced at Jonathan, who was absolutely absorbed by the black and tan Shepard puppy.

“That’s Ranger. He’s training to be Cobra’s replacement.” Heather signed, her expression a mix between proud and sad. “Cobra is getting old; he can’t work as hard anymore. Ranger aced his training, so he’s begun his onsite training. When you are training a K-9 with a K-9, we call it packing.” Heather said with a weak smile.

“Ranger is such a good boy.” Jonathan cooed at the pup, squishing its head between his hands as its whole body wagged with its tail.

“Is Mr. Burns still in his office?” I asked Heather politely.

Heather giggled. “Yeah, Jeb is still here.”

I moved to knock on Mr. Burns door, and it opened with the push of my knuckles.

“Come in.” Mr. Burns exhaled.

I walked in confidently, but lost my grip on that feeling the moment I saw him leaning back in his chair with a cigar. What a strange place.

“I’m staying.” My voice resembled the confusion I felt.

“Good. Go home and rest.” Mr. Burns didn’t even sit up as he spoke.

“I want to live on site.” I added, swallowing my confusion like a dry pill.

“I’ll do the paperwork tomorrow.” Mr. Burns took a drag off his cigar before adding, “Go.”

I backed out of his doorway, pulling the door closed as I left. Heather and Jonathan were standing by some lockers deep in conversation as the door to the office swung open. A pale man with black shaggy hair marched in. Two large Shepards followed him. One was black like Cobra, but it was speckled with gray as if it had snowflakes in its fury. The other was a paler white than Hannah, and had a torn ear. Their heads were low as they stalked in behind their human partner.

Cobra stood at full alert, watching the trio intensely. Hannah rushed to be at Jonathan’s side.

The man snickered as he saw Cobra watching them. “Don’t try it, old snake.”

“Knock it off, Cass.” Heather berated him, moving to be at Cobra’s side. Ranger panted next to Jonathan, seeming to know there was tension but looking confused.

“I didn’t do anything-your senile pet tore into my partner.” Cass sneered back at her.

Mr. Burns door opened, and he leaned against the frame lazily. His hand pulled his cigar from his mouth before he spoke. “Cass it’s your week off, why the hell are you in my office?”

“Forgot something.” Cass mumbled, moving to his locker.

His K-9’s both followed him quietly, but Cobra’s hackles rose as they drew closer. A deep growl came from Cobra that sent a shiver over me- it wasn’t even remotely playful sounding.

Cass rummaged through is locker before pulling out a coat and leaving with his dogs. Cobra relaxed as they left, licking his greyed muzzle and looking at Heather as her hand rested on his head.

I said my fair wells, and left. My drive home in silence let my mind wander. What the f**k did I sign up for? What was I getting myself into?

I shook my head, my ride home had blurred, suddenly I was unlocking my apartment door. I readied myself for bed like a zombie, and fell asleep like one too.

After a restless night, my phone buzzed at five in the morning. I brushed my hair and teeth first, then decided to wash my face. Sure I had showered the night before, but five was too early to not splash my face with cold water. It didn’t help.

My head was still reeling from the night before. Cass wasn’t friendly, and Jack didn’t seem friendly either. Did Cobra really hurt Cass’s partner? One of them did have a torn up ear. It was also strange that Hannah hid behind Jonathan. If Heather can’t control Cobra, why does she have Ranger? If Cobra attacks other dogs, why is he still here? Clearly, there’s nights where shifts overlap, despite being told I’d be alone-that’s why Heather and Jack both worked last night.

I pulled into the gravel parking lot outside the office. Am I ready for this?

Inside, Heather was packing up while she chatted with Jonathan. Jack was filling a bowl with water for Cowboy while he ate something. I stepped in, letting the door close behind me. Mr. Burns came into view as he leaned on the door frame of his private office again.

“In here, Ms. Bennett.” Mr. Burns called to me.

I moved toward him immediately. As I passed Jack and Cowboy, Jack tossed something and I flinched; I had foolishly though Jack was throwing something at me, surprised when Cowboy jumped up and snatched the piece of food out of the air.

Jack laughed, and I shot him a slight glare as I stepped into Mr. Burns office.

“You’re locker fourteen, all of your numbers will match, make sure you check the board.” He rambled. “Oh, you’re with Jonathan again today. You’ll have the weekend off, then you’ll be on night shift with Cass next week.”

I nodded, but inside I was dreading it a bit, I turned without a word to leave.

“Odette - you’re getting your truck and gear on Friday, Jonathan will help you with that. Your K-9 will be here Monday.”

“Monday?” I turned to him, feeling a tad shocked.

“He’s ready, and you will be too.” Mr. Burns looked at me as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

“He?” I pushed another question.

“Noctis.” Mr. Burns said with a nod.

“Noctis.” I whispered the name, trying to decide how I felt about this.

“He’s a big dog, but he’s quiet and I think he’ll be a good fit for you.” Mr. Burns spoke with a grunt as he sat down.

I spent the day with Jonathan. I was listening and practicing but I was completely lost in my own thoughts at the same time. Noctis. Who names these dogs?