A nurse came running into the room.

“Claire!”

She turned.

“Ranger is awake.”

Claire immediately stood.

Ryan smiled.

“Go.”

She followed the nurse down the hallway.

Ranger was lying on a veterinary bed.

Bandages covered his side.

His eyes opened when Claire entered.

For a moment, he didn’t move.

Then his ears lifted.

Claire whispered,

“Hey, soldier.”

Ranger slowly stood.

The veterinarian tried to stop him.

But Ranger walked toward Claire.

He pressed his head against her chest.

Claire wrapped her arms around him.

“You remembered.”

Ranger gave a quiet whine.

Then Ryan appeared in the doorway.

Ranger looked over.

His tail moved.

Ryan smiled.

“Traitor.”

Claire laughed.

“He has good taste.”

Ryan looked at the dog.

Then at Claire.

“You know what I realized?”

“What?”

“You weren’t just his medic.”

Claire shook her head.

“No.”

Ryan smiled.

“You were his first partner.”

Claire looked down at Ranger.

“And you’re his second.”

Ranger looked between them.

Then rested his head against both of their hands.

Part 11 — The Truth Comes Out

See more on the next page