They thought she was just a cleaning lady, but 50 military working dogs recognized her before any human ever did.
The savage chorus of 50 military working dogs shattered the morning silence at Naval Special Warfare K-9 Training Facility. Their barking rose and fell like waves crashing against steel and concrete, a symphony of aggression that had broken stronger souls than the small woman standing at the main gate.
Chief Petty Officer Derek Vance grabbed a push broom from the supply cart and hurled it at the ground. The wooden handle cracked against the concrete, skidding to a stop inches from her worn sneakers.
«Pick it up.»
The woman, Ivory Lawson, according to the thin application folder tucked under his arm, didn’t flinch. She stood perhaps five foot three, maybe 115 pounds soaking wet. Her faded gray jacket hung loose on narrow shoulders. Brown hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and her eyes were cast downward, like she’d spent a lifetime avoiding confrontation.
Derek stepped forward, his combat boots grinding the broom handle into the pavement. Behind him, Lieutenant Amber Nash uncrossed her arms long enough to check her manicure. Petty Officer First Class Caleb Reeves let out a low whistle that carried across the training yard. The entire K-9 unit, 15 handlers strong, had gathered to watch their Monday morning entertainment unfold.
«I asked you a question,» Derek’s shadow fell across her face. «You know what your job is here?»
Ivory nodded once, still silent.
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