T. A. Chase

Wednesday’s Work in Progress

This little excerpt is from Search & Rescue, a story I’m writing for an Amber Allure PAX. It’s due by Sept. 1st, so it will definitely be out some time later this year. 🙂

Search & Rescue copyright c. 2014 T.A. Chase

Excerpt-

An insistent ringing broke through Keaton’s dream and he groaned as he rolled over, not even opening his eyes as he grabbed his phone off the nightstand.

“Goodwin,” he growled into the phone.

“I need you and Kaiser at the airport asap. There was an earthquake in Colombia and they need search and rescue there to look for survivors.” His boss, Connor St. Lawrence, ordered him.

“Yes, sir. We’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

After hanging up, Keaton tossed his phone on the bed then jumped out from under the covers. Kaiser sat in the doorway, staring at him expectantly.

“Yes, we’re going. I have to get dressed. Go get your leash.”

Kaiser barked once before dashing from the room. Keaton smiled at how eager his companion was. They hadn’t been gone on a mission for several months and they were both getting a little antsy. He tugged on his jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt before putting on socks.

As he stalked from his bedroom, he scooped up his phone. He sent a quick text to Grace to let her know what was going on and have her come feed the rest of his animals while he was gone.

Downstairs, Kaiser sat next to the door, leash in his mouth. Keaton chuckled as he took Kaiser’s harness down from where he hung it after their last training session. He stuffed it into the backpack he’d taken from the front hallway closet. The backpack held two dog dishes, treats, and toys Kaiser loved playing with. After grabbing his to-go duffle that held several changes of clothes, their passports, and toothbrushes. Everything he would need for an extended stay. The search and rescue group Keaton worked with would provide food and water for them.

He took the leash from Kaiser, but didn’t worry about hooking it to Kaiser’s collar. He’d stay with Keaton until ordered otherwise. They went outside to the truck and Keaton motioned for Kaiser to jump in the back. The dog settled on the seat, his bright gold eyes studying Keaton, trying to figure out what was going on by the small changes in Keaton’s expression or voice.

“Don’t worry, boy. It’s not time yet.” He patted Kaiser on the head before tossing their bags onto the floor.

After he slid behind the steering wheel, he started the engine then backed it out of the driveway. His phone rang as he turned in the direction of the airport.

“Goodwin.”

“Where are you going and for how long?” Grace, his sister, asked.

“Colombia. Connor said there’s been an earthquake. I don’t know anything else about it. So I have no idea how long we’ll be gone. You know where all the food is. Can you take Josie back to your place? She’s about to give birth and I’d like you to keep an eye on her. This is her first litter.”

“Of course. Can I have one of her pups?” Grace chuckled, though Keaton knew she was worried about him.

“It depends on how many she has. I’ve got a waiting list for them, but we’ll see. If there’s enough, you can have one of this litter. Camilia is pregnant as well. I’m hoping I’ll be back before she gives birth.” He rubbed his eyes, running on adrenaline at the moment. He’d crash once they were up in the air. It was one of those nights when he was glad he had Bluetooth because he wasn’t awake enough to handle his phone and drive.

“Awesome. I’m not surprised you have people waiting for Josie’s pups. She’s one of the best search and rescue dogs I’ve seen in years.”

A hint of pride swelled in his chest. “Thanks. If I can, I’ll call you when we land. Maybe Connor has an idea about when we’ll be back, but since I don’t know how bad the earthquake was, I can’t begin to guess.”

Grace sighed. “No problem, brother dear. The kids and I have your back. You know they’ll spoil Josie rotten. Take care and call me when you can. Love you.”

“Love you more.” He ended the call.

Kaiser stuck his head over the back of the seat then licked his ear. Keaton chuckled, but didn’t say anything. He got some music going on his radio and just tried not to think too much about what waited for them in Colombia. He and Kaiser were one of the best search and rescue teams around. All the teams in the group he was part of were considered some of the highest trained and most successful in the country.

He kept his attention on the road, which was deserted at that time of night except for the semis hauling loads across the country. This wasn’t the first time they’d been called out late while the rest of the world slept. There was always a rush to get out of the house and on their way to whatever the most recent disaster was. Both he and Kaiser loved the searching part of their job. Keaton wasn’t so thrilled about the times when they arrived too late, and he’d seen Kaiser mourn as well.

“We ready for this, Kaiser?” He spoke aloud.

The dog gave a soft woof from where he laid on the backseat.

“It’s our first time back since the accident,” he muttered, rubbing his hand over the scar on his left wrist. He didn’t know what would happen if he got trapped again, but he couldn’t turn down a mission. Not if it meant helping save lives.

Wednesday, July 16th, 2014, by , Filed under: Excerpts,Search & Rescue,Wednesday WiPs| | 5 Comments