Chapter 12 - Noah’s Choice
Noah received orders to return Ranger to base.
He requested permission to remain available for the investigation long enough to complete equipment statements.
Approved for forty-eight hours.
He visited the secure location where I stayed.
Ranger came.
I smiled before I could stop myself.
Noah noticed.
“You miss him.”
“Yes.”
“You ever blame the Army for keeping him?”
“No.”
That was true.
Ranger belonged to the program then.
I was leaving under protection.
There was no safe version where I took him.
Noah sat.
“I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“Ranger is nearing retirement eligibility.”
My heart tightened.
“When?”
“Within a year.”
“What happens?”
“I’m applying to adopt him.”
Good.
Relief surprised me.
Noah continued.
“I wanted to ask if you planned to.”
I stared.
“Can I?”
“Former handlers can sometimes be considered depending on policy and circumstances.”
I looked at Ranger.
Then Noah.
“No.”
He blinked.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s yours now.”
Noah’s face changed.
I continued.
“I loved him.”
“I still do.”
“But you are his handler.”
Ranger looked between us.
“I disappeared once.”
“No choice.”
“Still happened.”
I touched Ranger’s head.
“He deserves continuity.”
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Noah nodded.
That was one of the few decisions in this mess that felt uncomplicated.
