Chapter 14 - The Confrontation
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"Boss, he'll tear you apart," the enforcer warned, his hand hovering nervously over the cage's heavy iron latch. "He's in full attack mode. He doesn't know us."
"Open it," Gabriel repeated, his voice leaving absolutely no room for debate. He handed his submachine gun to the enforcer. He wanted to show the animal he was not a threat.
The enforcer swallowed hard and threw the heavy iron latch back, immediately stepping away.
The cage door swung open.
Brutus didn't bolt for the exit. He stepped out of the enclosure slowly, his massive muscles coiled like steel springs. He let out a low, vibrating growl, baring his teeth, standing defensively between Gabriel and the open doorway.
Gabriel didn't back down, but he didn't advance either. He slowly crouched down on the filthy concrete floor, putting himself at eye level with the hundred-and-fifty-pound killing machine.
"I know," Gabriel murmured, keeping his voice incredibly soft and steady. "You fought well. You did your job. But it's over now."
Brutus snapped his jaws, a warning clack of teeth, but he didn't lunge. He smelled the blood and gunpowder on Gabriel, but beneath that, he smelled something else. He smelled the faint, lingering scent of the diner. He smelled Mrs. Fam's coffee. He smelled the environment where his little girl was safe.
"Posie is waiting for you," Gabriel said quietly, holding out his empty hand, palm up.
At the sound of the name Posie, the massive dog froze. The rigid hackles on his back slowly began to lower. The vicious, terrifying snarl faded into a low, anxious whine.
Brutus took a hesitant step forward. He sniffed Gabriel's outstretched hand. He felt no malice, no violence directed at him.
The dog let out a heavy, exhausted sigh and pushed his large, bloodied head into Gabriel's palm.
Gabriel let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He gently stroked the thick fur behind the dog's ears, feeling the heavy, rhythmic thumping of the animal's massive heart.
"Good boy," Gabriel whispered. "Let's go home."
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Gabriel stood up, keeping his hand resting lightly on Brutus's head. The massive dog pressed against his leg, accepting the protection of the only man who had shown him respect.
They walked back toward the center of the warehouse, where Silas was still kneeling on the floor, clutching his bleeding shoulder, surrounded by armed men.
