A Paw & A Peck

Chapter 3: Mending the Wounds

I could hear Gracie's audible gasp as she and Waylon swung the doors open and her reply was filled with shock as she said "Oh my goodness! What on earth happened?!". I glanced over at the man who's name I still wasn't aware of, replying " I haven't really got a chance to ask.." I paused not knowing what to call him. "Archer, my names Archer.." he replied, I continued " Thank you, I apologize for not asking right away. Could you possibly explain what happened for us three?". He continued on, his voice cracking in certain spots "We were on a call for an escaped fugitive, that said they needed a K9 for assistance, so Bear and I went, we were the closest to the escapee. We had to track him through the swamp off of 129th street. However when Bear finally encountered him, we discovered he had a knife." He paused for second, his eyes lingering in the distance as if he was reliving the entire scene all over in his mind again. I gently tapped his arm "Are you okay?? If you can't finish telling us, you're fine. We can figure it out". He jerked away from me and shook his head lightly and let out a snippy " No, I'm fine. I'll continue." I shoot him a slight glare which I can tell he seen, wondering why the hell he has to be so rude when all we're trying to do is figure out what happened. He continues on "Anyways, he had a knife, and as Bear went to take him down I see him remove the knife from his boot but before I could act and take the guy down, he plunged the knife into Bears side, and dragged it down." By the time he was done, he had tears coming down his face again, regardless of all of us being able to tell that he's not the type to show emotions, but also knowing that Bear was like his child, we couldn't fault him there. Gracie relayed to him that he could step outside the room in the gentlest voice possible saying "Archer, why don't we go into the hallway? Waylon and Eliza need their space to work. I promise that your doggy is in great hands with both of them." Offering up a kind smile as if it would actually make anything better. He glanced at her with a hesitant look, as if she was half insane for even suggesting that he would leave Bear. I could see it in his eyes that he knew she was probably right though as his shoulders slump forward some and he agrees with a begrudging sigh. I try to let my annoyance with him fade, understanding that this is rough for him and offering "You can come give him some kisses and a hug if you'd like." while stepping away from the table, going to grab surgical equipment. As I turn back around I notice him holding onto Bear, his shoulders shaking and saying near silent prayers willing him to make it through, as he turns and walks out the room. I glance at the door he just went through, thinking my own silent prayers that Bear will be okay, not really knowing what the outcome will be.

A/N: Let me know y'all if you want a chapter in Archers POV!! Also let me know if you have anything you wanna see, or any ideas on who characters could be. Thank y'all so much for reading, it means the world, feel free to offer any type of constructive criticism.