The investigation lasted months.

The classified operation was reopened.

The officer who had ordered Claire’s abandonment was arrested.

Several others were investigated.

The truth about the failed mission finally reached the people who had been lied to.

Ryan testified.

Claire testified.

And Ranger became an unlikely witness in a different way.

Every time Claire entered the room, he recognized her.

Every time someone mentioned the old mission, he became alert.

The military veterinarian eventually wrote in his report:

The animal demonstrates an unusually strong recognition response toward former medical personnel associated with the original deployment.

Ryan laughed when he read it.

“That’s military language for ‘he loves you.’”

Claire smiled.

“Exactly.”

Part 12 — “Just a Nurse”

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