Page 9 of Broken SEAL

“Yeah, and in return, I’ll give you some advice on lifting. We can turn those tiny arms around in a few months.”

“OK, you two. Take your banter down to the XO’s office. He’ll hook you into the tech heads,” said TJ.

He sighed once Rick and Ernie had left. “I swear. If those two weren’t shit-hot frogmen, I’d shoot them myself.”

“You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your frog mates,” said Mike as they left the briefing room.

“Amen, brother. On that note. How did things go with Axe and George’s dog, Saber? Did our boy find love?” TJ had introduced Mike to a retired LA SWAT dog trainer and his female Malinois.

“Yeah, they hit it off.”

“And? Are we getting little Axe puppies anytime soon?”

“A bit early to tell,” said Mike. “But we’re hopeful.”

“Those pups would be in high demand. Saber was a class act in the LAPD, and Axe is a living legend.”

“Yeah, but let’s not count our eggs before they hatch. Today we’ve got to get through dental surgery. Axe is getting some canines capped.”

“Chewing on bad guys got the better of him?”

“Something like that.”

“We don’t have much on. Once we get our kit squared away, you should head home.”

“Aye, skipper.”

“Should we get him flowers?” asked Junior as Mike pulled his truck into the parking lot of the veterinary clinic. He’d picked his son up from day care on his way back from Coronado. Axe had been scheduled for surgery at midday, but he hadn’t heard from Ali, so he assumed they were still working.

“Flowers?” he asked as he helped the boy out of his booster seat. “Why would we give him flowers?”

“Well, mum got Aunty Leonie flowers when she was in hospital.”

“True, and Axe is in the hospital. That’s a lovely thought, bud. Although I’m sure Axe would probably prefer a big bowl of chuck steak.”

“Oh yeah. He can’t eat flowers.”

“Bud, with his new teeth, he’ll probably be able to eat cans.”

Mike held Junior’s hand as they entered the veterinary clinic. The assistant recognized them and gestured to the waiting area. “They’ve just finished. I’ll let Ali know you’re here.”

“Thanks.” Mike took a seat with Junior.

“It’s OK, Dad. Axe is tough. He’s going to be just fine.” His son grasped his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

“I know, bud. I know.”

A moment later, Ali appeared at the surgery door in her scrubs. “Hello, my boys.” Junior leaped off the chair and wrapped his arms around her. “Is Axe OK? Dad’s so worried, I had to hold his hand.”

Ali shot her husband a melting heart look as she hugged her son. “You’re such a brave little man. Axe is fine. He’s awake now. Did you want to come in and see him?”

She led them along a sterile corridor and into the recovery room. Axe was lying on a blanket in a large cage with the door open. His ears perked up as they entered the room, and he clambered to his feet and came out to greet them with an excited bark and licks for Junior.

“Operation was a resounding success,” said Ali. “We ended up capping all four canines with ceramic implants.”

“I thought they used titanium?” asked Mike as he rustled Axe’s ears.

“The dentist got a great deal on a new generation product out of Europe. It’s stronger than titanium and looks like a normal tooth.”