Bull Mastiff


1

         A week after finishing their first voreaphile case, Charlie and Balto are at Pawz and Clawz watching Steele's band Devöured. So far the band only has three members: Steele on guitar and lead vocals, Kaltag on drums, and a Gray Wolf on bass and backing vocals known as Grey. The only songs they've been playing are covers, ranging from Megadeth and Kanis, to Pentagram and Döomed Dögs. Charlie and Balto clap as Devöured finish Burning in Hell by Kanis before going on a five minute break.
         ``They're not half bad,'' Charlie said, ordering another beer. ``Can't wait tell they start playing their own stuff.''
         ``Same here,'' Balto said. ``I'm thinking of taking Husker's invitation and visit him for a couple of weeks.''
         ``I saw the letter. If you feel you need to go, go. I can handle our next case.''
         ``I don't feel I need to go, but it's something I feel I should do. He just wants me to talk to him, and have me listen.''
         ``You are good at listening. I think that's what helped Steele get over what happened,'' Charlie said. ``Do your kids know what happened?''
         ``Yeah, I told Dingo when he called about the case. Too bad we can't get Bertha to talk.''
         ``I know, but Nick will do another search on her computer tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get something from that.''
         Balto nods his head and said. ``I won't lose my job if I go? I only been only working for a couple of months.''
         ``You shouldn't. Even Retna told you it's okay to go on that trip. When will you leave, and do you have a ticket?''
         ``I'm thinking of leaving tomorrow morning and buy a last minute ticket.''
         ``When you purchase it, give me the receipt when you come back, and I'll have them take care of it. In some ways this is business related.''
         ``I will. Keep in touch if anything happens, okay?''
         ``I'll send you an e-mail everyday you're away.''

2

         The next afternoon, Charlie is in his office squeezing a tennis ball while Nick is busy with Bertha's computer.
         ``So what are you trying to do?'' Charlie asks.
         ``I'm trying to get her computer to spit up any files she deleted,'' Nick said, pushing a couple of buttons. ``Just because you delete something doesn't mean it's completely off your hard drive.''
         ``Is that a good thing or a bad thing?''
         ``Depends on the file, I guess,'' Nick said. ``Where's Balto?''
         ``He went on a trip. I feel I don't have to explain why.''
         ``I have a clear picture.''
         ``Good,'' Charlie said, looking at Nick. ``You won't mind if I asked you some questions?''
         ``Fire away.''
         ``How long have you known your boyfriend?''
         ``I've known him for about five years, but we didn't start out as lovers. He'd kiss me whenever we were alone, but I didn't think much of it. It wasn't tell we were alone at his parent's home, and after we've been kissing for a couple of minutes I realized something was going on.''
         ``How did that happen and what's his name?''
         ``His name is Jon and he's a German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix. He's two years older then me at twenty-five, I'm twenty-three, and half a foot taller,'' Nick said. ``We were in his room working on somebody's computer when we took a break. While we were on his bed talking, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. When I didn't say or do anything, he kissed me again. When I kissed him back is when we made out, which we didn't realize what we were doing, and not even when he was on top of me.''
         ``Did you know he was gay?''
         ``No. I think we both were just coming out of the closet when that happened. We didn't even regret what we did when we stopped, and he was still on top of me when we talked,'' Nick said. ``Don't worry, I was eighteen by then. On his twentieth birthday, I gave myself to him, which he joked about `popping my cherry.' By then we already accepted each other as lovers.''
         ``Too much info,'' Charlie said. ``How did your parents react?''
         ``I was scared. They're the kind of Christians that condemn homosexuality, and that made things worse for me. He shared a place with his friends when we made love, and told me he'll be getting his own place in a few weeks. Once he moved, I told my parents and they kicked me out. I haven't talked to them since.''
         ``What about his?''
         ``They were thrown by surprise, especially when they learned I'm his boyfriend, but they approve of our relationship. Hell, his family already accepted me as their in-law.''
         ``Good to hear his family accepted you,'' Charlie said. ``What about your business? How's that working out?''
         ``We're going to have our grand-opening this weekend, and once that happens he's going to put in his two weeks at Cascade,'' Nick said. ``His uncle gave him a lot of money at Christmas, and we agreed to use it to help with our business. He took a business course so he knows what he's doing, and we're going to get help from his brother tell we feel we can do it on our own.''
         ``I'll have to check it out, and if Balto was here he'd wish you good luck.''
         ``And the one great thing about our store is it's not far from where we live,'' Nick said, looking at Charlie. ``Are you and Balto?''
         ``I don't know. He slept in my bed a few times and we kissed, but that's about it. I can't say we're in a relationship other then just being friends. Though I have to admit it felt nice waking up with him in my arms.''
         ``That is a good feeling, whether it be a male or female,'' Nick said, looking at the screen. ``Jackpot.''
         ``Wow, you got it?'' Charlie asks, standing behind Nick.''
         ``Looks like it and from the looks of it, she belonged to a site,'' Nick said and sighs. ``Nothing.''
         ``What do you mean?''
         ``Feels like I found hidden treasure to only realize it's fools gold. All these files help in some ways, but they don't.''
         ``Yeah, I guess I can I see where you're coming from. Can ya still burn them?''
         ``Sure.. Wait a minute.''
         ``What is it now?''
         ``This file name, Mavecoon. I remember seeing that screen name in Pal-Talk a couple of times. I'll have to see if it's still there and see if I can't get anything. Maybe even hack into his account.''
         ``Avoid that last part if possible,'' Charlie said. ``What were you looking for?''
         ``A website. If we can find the website, that'll be like hitting the gold.''
         ``That's something you and Itchy can work on,'' Charlie said. ``How does Jon feel about you working for us?''
         ``He's nervous but he's okay with it. I think once he talks and gets to know you he'll feel better.''
         ``I'll talk to him when you open your computer store.''

3

         A Bull Mastiff walks out of a strip bar after putting twenty dollars to good use. With the night being young, he's up to spending another twenty on more and then some. Getting into his blacked out truck, the Bull Mastiff pulls out a twenty dollar bill and drives down what's known as Hooker Alley. The dog is known by everybody as Bull. He stands at seven feet six inches, weighs close to five hundred pounds, and is thirty-seven years old. His mask, feet and hands are a dark brown, and the rest of his body is a light brown. He works as a bouncer at various clubs, and in his free time lift weights. Both males and females are drawn in by his muscles. So far only a few know of his fetish, and those few are on some site he doesn't belong to yet. Even if he's just now getting into it, Bull considers himself as a vorephile. After hearing Bertha plead guilty to twenty victims, he already plans on beating it before January is over. So far he devoured two, and he's not going to be picky like Bertha was. Male or female and whether it be canine, feline, rodent or human, they're all fair game. Bull licks his lips hoping to get a female dog, a six foot eight German Shepherd if possible.
         Thirty minutes later he finds what he's looking for. Slowing his truck and rolling down his window, he points to a dog and shows his money. Once the bitch is in, he locks the doors and drives. He turns off his truck once he parks under a bridge on some side street.
         ``Twenty for a suck and swallow, my final offer,'' Bull said.
         ``I usually charge ten for a swallow.''
         ``I don't give a fuck. I'm offering a twenty and that's it, bitch. You can take it or you can get the fuck out of my truck. Do I make myself clear?''
         ``Okay mister, a twenty for a an S and S.''
         ``Good, now take off your damned clothes while I get in the back.''
         ``But it's cold-``
         ``Then fucking cry about it, I'm asking you to take off your clothes so fucking do it,'' Bull snaps, undoing his belt.
         ``Calm down, please.''
         ``I'll calm down when you do your job, and no scrapping. I hate it when hos do that.''
         ``You gots nothing to worry about,'' the hooker said, looking at her customer's dick. ``Mmm, that looks like fourteen inches with a girth of three. Looks tasty.''
         ``When you're done measuring it I'd like for you to suck it,'' Bull said, ``and I'll pay you when you finish your job.''
         Bull breathes deeply as the bitch starts her work, and scratches the back of her head. He watches her as he starts to release pre-cum. She swallows but ends up scraping his cock. He grabs the back of her neck and pulls away.''
         ``You scraped you stupid fucking bitch.''
         ``I'm sorry,'' the ho cries. ``You touchin' and lookin' at me is makin' me nervous.''
         ``I don't give a shit,'' Bull said, pulling the bitch's head closer to his. ``Now I'm going to fucking show you what happens to hos that don't what they're told.''
         ``Please mister, don't-``
         Bull shoves her head into his mouth and swallows quickly. He smiles as the bitch tries to free herself. Another swallows sends her shoulders down his throat. Her screams growing quieter the farther her head glides down. Bull shifts his body around as he works on the bitch's stomach, and knows he's going to need to tilt his head back at forty five degrees for her legs. He remembers having problems when he didn't tilt his head the first time. Leaning forward won't work either as he found out on his second victim. As her waist glides down her throat, he tilts his head back and smiles. Happy that his pick up truck has a raised ceiling in the back seat. Bull closes his eyes as he explodes. Soon the heavy musk smell fills the cab as he swallows the bitch's knees. He pats his stomach as it starts to bulge out, and sighs happily as he devours the dog's feet. Bull belches loudly as the rest of his ho fills out into his stomach.
         ``Look on the bright side you fucking whore,'' he mumbles to his bulge, ``you get to finish your job of pleasing me.''

4

         Charlie hangs up his cell phone after talking to Balto for close to two hours. It's only been a couple of days and he's already missing the wolf-dog's company. He grabs a Miller Draft when somebody knocks on his door.
         ``Steele,'' the German Shepherd said, opening the door, ``glad you made it.''
         ``You wanted to see me,'' Steele said, pointing to Charlie's drink. ``It's a little early for that, wouldn't you think?''
         ``Yeah, I needed something to drink and it's all I have. You want one?''
         ``I'm good. I've been trying to cut back. So, what do you want?''
         ``Kaltag told me you're stilling having images of her.''
         ``I figured he'd say something. I just can't shake off what she did. I think it passed tell I see an image of her, and it's back to having those nightmares. Even if I just close my eyes for a few seconds I see myself going down her throat,'' Steele said, sitting at Charlie's counter. ``Is that why you asked me over?''
         ``Kind of. With Balto gone for the next couple of weeks, I was wondering if you'd like to stay here?''
         ``I'm considering moving in with Kaltag, but I guess I can stay here for a while. Want me to go get my things now?''
         ``We can wait tell after lunch. I'm expecting a phone call from Nick about Carface.''
         ``How big of a help has he been?''
         ``Huge. He helped us put away some of Carface's me. Once of them being his top dogs,'' Charlie said. ``I have no idea how he did it, but he got back Bertha's deleted filed. He's busy looking into a screen name he remembers seeing on Pal-Talk.''
         ``Maybe I should call him about my computer,'' Steele said. ``Did you warn him about being under Carface's radar?''
         ``Not yet. I've been meaning too, but I don't want to scare him off the job.''
         ``Better tell him soon before something happens. Isn't he the one that's opening that computer store?''
         ``Yep, he and his boyfriend plans on opening this weekend. You want to go check it out?''
         ``Like I never been in a computer store, but sure. Get him to look at my computer there,'' Steele said. ``Any new cases?''
         ``I'm looking into a couple. One being fairly recent from the looks of it, but Retna is telling me not to bother. The missing people are prostitutes, but the way their clothes were found bother's me,'' Charlie said. ``It's pretty close to our last case.''
         ``I'd look into it. What about the other one?''
         ``The other one is a couple of years old. That case was recently closed, and I plan on getting into it once Balto returns.''
         ``If that one's closed then why look into it?''
         ``There was a large amount of missing people reports between Christmas and now, and that's not the first time that happened. It was closed because they had nothing to work with, but with our last case being a voreaphile, it doesn't hurt to take a look.''
         ``You think they're both voreaphile cases?''
         ``I'd bet hundred each, and I have my odds of winning at one in a hundred. No wait, one in fifty chances of winning.''
         ``High odds,'' Steele said, looking at Charlie. ``I shouldn't do this but I'd like to bet you on that.''
         ``You're right, you shouldn't but you're on.''

5

         Bull smiles and licks his lips as he sees a six foot tall Red Fox walking on the shoulder of 405. With it in the dead of night and raining like crazy, he knows nobody will see him. Plus he wants to know what's like to rape a male. He pulls right up to the fox.
         ``Looks like you could use a lift,'' Bull cries. ``Hop on in.''
         ``Thanks a million,'' the fox said. ``My damn car broke down and my cell phone died.''
         ``I know where to take you. The name's Bull.''
         ``It's Jack, nice to meet you. This is a really nice pick up, hope I don't ruin the seats.''
         ``I don't mind, I had this thing for a few years but thanks,'' Bull said, locking the doors. ``So Jack, you won't mind if I asked you a few things?''
         ``I guess I can handle some, got nothing else to talk about.''
         ``How tall are you? You look kind of short for a fox.''
         ``I'm about average when it comes to height and weight.''
         ``I don't know Jack, I think the average height for a male fox is at least six in a half to seven.''
         ``So I'm a midget, big deal? What else do you want to know about me?''
         ``Are you married?''
         ``Does it look like it?'' Jack said, holding up his hand. ``I thought about it but I'm happy being alone.''
         ``The kind of answer I was looking for,'' Bull mumbles, turning off the headlights and pulling over.
         ``Wh.. what are doing? And what do you mean by that?''
         ``Allow me to show ya.''
         In lighting speed Bull grips Jack's neck and starts strangling him. He flexes his biceps as the fox tries to fight back. When he feels he has a good grip on Jack; Bull pushes the fox into the back and pulls out a pocket knife. He forces and holds the fox on his stomach. Even in the tight space the mastiff manages to cut off his clothes without cutting Jack. Bull smiles as he kneels on top of the Jack while undoing his belt. He always becomes super hard when his prey keeps struggling even if it's pointless. He lifts up the fox's tail and rubs the tip of his throbbing cock against Jack's ass. Even with Jack tightening his cheeks, Bull enters with no problem and starts thrusting his hardest. He chuckles as the fox's body spasm out and goes still.
         Jack starts to space out as his body becomes numb from the dog's abuse. He starts to count back from a hundred in his mind, and hopes to be completely out before Bull starts doing anything else. Jack doesn't even flinch when a large amount of warm semen rushes through his body. Even once the dog exits his body and his head enters something muggy, Jack doesn't come out of it. Soon a third of his body is going down something slick and tight. He counts zero and comes around, but is quickly confused on where he's at. Jack grunts realizing his arms are pinned against his body. He stops struggling when his hands goes against something hard, then something soft and warm. He pinches it and feels it move. Jack's still not sure where he's at as his head enters something not so tight but just as stiff. He flinches when something burns his snout. Putting everything together and double checking, Jack yells when he realizes he's entering Bull's stomach.
         ``Let me out you bastard,'' Jack yells, swallowing a mouthful of stomach acid.
         He starts gagging as his head pushes against the stomach's wall. Every cough making it more difficult for him to catch his breath. Jack's stomach becomes nauseated as he starts to become crunched in Bull's stomach, and starts choking on his vomit as the dog swallows his feet.
         Bull rubs his stomach as he swallows the fox's feet, and chuckles at how easy that was. With the rest of Jack filling out nicely in his stomach, the dog fixes his pants then picks up his victim's clothing. He throws the articles of clothing out the passenger side window while speeding down 405. He licks his lips as he starts to taste fox on his breath.

6

         Charlie is talking to Balto when Retna walks into his office. He motions for the hyena to wait for a minute.
         ``I'll have to call you back,'' Charlie said, hanging up his phone. ``What is it Retna?''
         ``I'll get into it later. How's Balto?''
         ``He's good. I guess Husker plans on showing him around, and he still plans on coming back by next week.''
         ``Can't wait tell he's back. Even if you two only just worked on one case, you guys make a good team.''
         ``Thank you Retna, with that coming from you means hell of a lot,'' Charlie said. ``What's up?''
         ``More clothes were found scattered, this time on 405,'' Retna said, handing the file to Charlie. ``They belong, or belonged, to a Red Fox known as Jack Daniels. Only difference with his they might of found some traces of sperm, and his clothes were ripped. Looks like with a knife.''
         ``Even if there was no trace of semen, that would most likely sound like rape.''
         ``I agree. His car and cell phone were brought in but nothing was found. Looks like his car died sometime around midnight.''
         ``I hate dreading this, but this is sounding like another voreaphile case. Clothes but no body,'' Charlie said, tossing the folder on his desk.
         ``Maybe you can get that Nick fellow to look into it?''
         ``I have Itchy doing that. Nick's busy getting his business ready for Saturday.
         ``I forgot. Will he still work for you?''
         ``He plans on it. He's even thinking of letting Balto and I work in his office from time to time.''
         ``Do what you have too.''
         ``Nick and Jon do thank you for working out that deal with the security system,'' Charlie said. ``Are you going to their grand-opening?''
         ``I guess I can go check it out, see what they're selling,'' Retna said. ``What do you plan on doing about the other case?''

7

         Charlie sits on the patio after dinner nursing a beer going over the recent files in his head.
         ``Dishes are done.''
         ``You didn't have to do that.''
         ``I know but I feel I should. Pay you back for letting me stay here,'' Steele said, opening a bottle of Samuel Adams and sits. ``Has Nick brought anything new?''
         ``I told Nick to take it easy, and spend most of his time on getting his store ready,'' Charlie said. ``As for the case, Itchy hasn't found anything, and what I'm working with is looking like the work of another voreaphile.''
         ``I won't argue with you on that,'' Steele said, looking at Charlie. ``What happened between you and Stasha. I thought things were great between you two.''
         ``They were. I know it's because of my job and Carface she went across country. It was nothing personal, she just didn't feel safe around me anymore and I can't blame her for that.''
         ``You think Carface'll go after her?''
         ``No. There's a higher chance he'll go after Nick then Stasha.''
         ``Have you warned him?''
         ``Not yet, but I'm pretty sure Itchy said something. What wouldn't surprise me is if Carface already had Nick under his radar before he joined us.''
         ``What makes you think that?''
         ``Bertha knew we'd be looking for her, and the only way she could've known was by Carface. It was Nick that gave us our big break. Hell, she even said if she was able to get rid of us, she'd go after `the bell ringer.' Unquote,'' Charlie said. ``And it's a little late for him to get out before it's too late.''
         Steele shakes his head. ``I'm not the one to tell you how to run your job, but I think you better have somebody watch Nick. From what you told me, he's more likely to be killed then either of us.''
         ``You know what, you're right. I'm going to call Retna and see if I can't get some eyes on Nick. If we lose him, it'll be a big blow to us. Yes, Itchy is good with computers but Nick's twice as better.''

8

         The night of Martin Luther King JR's day, Bull walks across a parking lot to his truck. Every night for the past week he devoured somebody, bringing his count to ten, but after last night he's been wondering if it's even worth it. All day he's been thinking of his victims' friends and family, and the pain he's putting them through. Bull plans to turn himself into the FBI but don't want to go to prison. He knows he can be of some help when trying to catch other voreaphiles. Shaking his head, he decides he'll contact an agent tomorrow morning and see if he can't make a deal. Tonight he's ready to go home, and maybe take something to clear his mind so he can sleep. As he reaches for his keys, Bull stops in his tracks.
         Two dogs, a Black German Shepherd and a Doberman Pincher, walk out from behind his truck. He looks around him and notices at least a dozen dogs surrounding him. The dogs being German Shepherds, Dobermans, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, and they're all carrying lead pipes, chain, crow bars and knifes. Bull wonders if he should give them what they want, or fight to the death. He takes a deep breath when he hears somebody behind him.
         ``I wouldn't do that if I were you. They will tear you apart.''
         Bull turns around and sees a Pit Bull puffing a cigar. The first thing he notices is how severely overweight he is.
         ``I don't know what I did, but take whatever you want,'' Bull said, hearing a couple of dogs snicker.
         ``I don't want anything of yours. I want you.''
         ``Why exactly do you want me? And who are you?''
         ``The name's Carface Caruthers, and there's a certain somebody I want you to dispose of for me.''
         ``I don't do requests.''
         ``I can't force you to work for me, but I can just as easily turn you in.''
         ``What? What do you mean?''
         Carface snaps his fingers and chuckles heartily as a dog hands Bull some pictures.
         ``Where the fuck did you get these?'' Bull growls.
         ``Doesn't matter where I got `em. All you need to know is I'll be turning them in, Bull Kingston. Of course, that is if you're willing to help me,'' Carface said. ``So what's it going to be?''
         ``Blackmail,'' Bull mumbles. Taking a deep breath, he asks. ``Who do I have to get rid of?''
         ``Charlie Barkin.''
         ``Okay, but how am I to get him to come to me?''
         ``Don't worry about that, he'll be coming to me,'' Carface said. ``I'm having something delivered to me that's of use to him, and he works at that new computer store.''
         ``A human? What the hell did he do to you?''
         ``That's of no concern to you.''
         ``I guess I can live with that,'' Bull said. ``Where am I to go, and will I be free to go once I'm done with your shit?''
         ``I'll be at an abandon peer, and I'll let you go when I feel I don't need yas anymore.''

9

         Nick locks the door while covering a yawn. Another long day. He finished building two computers, and plans to finish another before noon the next day. He also crashed and re-programmed Steele's computer. Before clocking off, Nick left a note for Jon's brother saying he's coming in an hour later. Making sure everything is on, he heads to a bus stop. It'll be two weeks before he'll be working with his boyfriend, and getting a ride with him at night. He isn't completely nervous of walking by himself in the dark, but it's something he'd rather avoid if possible. Especially ever since he's been working for Charlie and Balto.
         Half way across the parking lot, Nick spots a Pit Bull leaning against a telephone pole smoking a cigarette. The dog is wearing a spike studded collar. Right away he knows it's one of Carface's thugs. Nick turns around and sees a Doberman Pincher walking out of the shadows. Before he could run a black hand covers his mouth. He stomps on the dog's foot, jabs him in the stomach and manages to get away. Nick runs a couple of yards before the Doberman tackles him. His face bouncing off the pavement as the dog ties his hands behind his back. Being forced to his feet; Nick feels blood gushing out of his nose. He glares at the black dog, who glares back and punches Nick in the stomach, hard.
         The two dogs see a white van pull up, and toss the human into the back. The Doberman closes the door knowing nobody saw or heard a thing. After picking up the Pit Bull, the group of dogs deliver Nick to their boss.

10

         Charlie enters his apartment just as the phone rings.
         ``Who is it?'' Charlie asks.
         ``Charlie, don't tell me you forgot who I am.''
         ``Carface,'' Charlie mumbles, seeing Steele exit Balto's room. ``What the hell do you want?''
         ``I have something that belongs to yas Charlie.''
         Hearing Nick's muffled voice, Charlie said. ``Let him go Carface, you're problem is with me not him.''
         ``Not so fast there Charlie. He's been my problem ever since he's been helping you put my men behind bars,'' Carface said coldly. ``But there is something you can do to save him.''
         ``How much do you want?''
         ``It's not money I'm after, it's you. You have two hours to get to Peer 67, or the human doesn't have a prayer.''
         The line goes dead.
         ``God damn you, you bastard,'' Charlie mumbles harshly, slamming the phone.
         ``What's going on?''
         ``Carface kidnapped Nick.''
         ``Is there anything you want me to do?''
         ``Call his boyfriend and tell him what's going on.''
         ``You want me to follow?''
         ``No Steele. It'll only make things worse.''

***

         ``Where the hell are you Carface?'' Charlie yells, walking into a dark room.
         ``Look no farther Charlie.''
         Charlie becomes blind as the lights are turned on all at once. Once his eyes adjust, he sees Carface blowing smoke in Nick's bruised and bloody face.
         ``I came here like you asked, and now let him go.''
         ``No so fast,'' Carface said, snapping his fingers. ``I have to be sure you won't bother me anymore.''
         Charlie turns around when a dog punches him in the face, knocking him out cold.
         ``For being an FBI agent, it didn't take long to knock his ass out,'' Carface said. ``Take the human away. I wouldn't want him ruining Charlie's surprise.''
         Charlie groans as he comes two, and realizes he's in a chair. His head throbbing. Once his vision cleared, he sees Carface sitting on a small wooden table.
         ``Glad to see you're awake,'' Carface said cruelly, blowing smoke in Charlie's face. ``Now you get to see how I'm going to get rid of you. Don't worry, I'll make sure the human won't be too far behind.''
         ``W.. what are you talking about?'' Charlie said.
         ``He's talking about me,'' a Bull Mastiff said, picking up Charlie, ``and how I'm going to devour you.''
         ``Oh no, not that. Please not that,'' Charlie pleads, squirming in the dog's grip.
         ``Don't worry Charlie, you should be dead well before your body starts to digest.''
         Charlie sees the Bull Mastiff mouths `try and sit up' before seeing the back of his throat. The German Shepherd cringes as his snout enters the tight opening.
         Carface sneers as he sees Bull devour his old partner. Charlie's body making a noticeable bulge in the mastiff's throat. Despite how disturbing it looks, Carface is enjoying the site. If there's one thing he could've done to the German Shepherd, that would be it. He smiles devilishly as Bull swallows the rest of Charlie. Leaning back and taking a long drag on his cigar, he wonders how long he should let his thugs play with the human before getting rid of him.
         ``With that out of the way,'' Bull said, patting his stomach. ``Now if you don't mind, I'm going to sleep off some of my meal.''
         ``And you know where to find me.''
         A couple of minutes later Bull throws up Charlie.
         ``Now I know what Balto went through,'' Charlie mumbles, spitting. He looks at the dog. ``Why did you?''
         ``Listen to me you FBI fucker,'' Bull said. ``I'm the one you're looking for, and I won't hesitate to devour your sorry ass again if you don't keep me out of prison.''
         Charlie sighs. ``I'll see what I can do, but there's two things I want you to do. One, stop devouring others, and the other is you will help whenever I ask for it without thinking about it.''
         ``You got yourself a deal,'' Bull said, sitting on a bed.
         ``But why did you cough me up?''
         ``Let me tell you I don't like being blackmailed, nor being forced to do something.''
         ``You've signed your death certificate by blackmailing Carface.''
         ``I don't give a shit. I was planning on turning myself in before him and his thugs shown up.''
         ``That's one way he gets new members,'' Charlie said, sitting up. ``Do you know where he's keeping Nick?''
         ``So that's what his name is, and yeah I know where he is, but why did Carface go after him?''
         ``I'll tell you later. Right now I have to save-``
         ``No you won't. I'll go get him while you get out of here. You know how to get out of here don't you?''
         ``I think I can manage. Where do you want me to meet?''
         ``Under the peer, my truck isn't to far from there.''
         Making sure Charlie got out of the building, Bull walks into where Carface is. He holds back a growl as the dog blows smoke in Nick's face.
         ``I'm sure that fucker is digesting by now,'' Bull said, patting his stomach. ``Want me to take to take of this bird shit?''
         ``Be my guest. Get rid of him anyway you want.''
         ``And I know just were to take him.''
         Carface nods his head as Bull carries the human away. Turning to a Doberman, he orders. ``Follow him.''
         Walking on the dock, Bull takes off Nick's gag and unties his hands.
         ``Can you swim?'' He asks, seeing the human nod. ``Good.''
         Bull drops Nick without hesitating. Knowing Carface will have somebody follow him, he looks over his shoulder and sees a Doberman.

         After struggling to get the rope off, Nick swims to the shore and crawls onto land. He gasps for air when somebody pulls him out of the water.
         ``Don't worry, it's me.''
         ``Charlie?'' Nick mumbles, rolling onto his back. ``I can barely move.''
         ``I can carry you,'' Charlie mumbles, wrapping Nick in a blanket. ``His truck isn't far.''
         Laying Nick on his stomach in the back seat, Charlie locks the doors before lying on top of him.
         ``What.. about.. Carface?''
         ``Shh, don't worry about him. I'll go after him once I know you'll be okay.''
         ``Sorry for taking so long, I had to take care of something,'' the Bull Mastiff said, getting into his truck. ``Name's Bull Kingston.''
         ``Name's Charlie-``
         ``Charlie Barkin, I know. Carface told me,'' Bull said, starting his truck. ``How is he?''
         ``He's sleeping, and he should be fine,'' Charlie said, sitting.
         ``How about yourself?''
         ``I'll be fine, though it's going to be awhile for this crap to get out of my fur.''
         ``I'll pay for the grooming if you go,'' Bull said, looking in the rear view mirror. ``Now tell me, why did that fat fuck go after him?''
         ``Nick helped me put some of his men behind bars, and that's all you need to know.''
         ``Fair enough.''

11

         A couple of days later, Charlie steps out of the bathroom still feeling slobber caked in his fur. He sees a note on his desk from Steele thanking him for letting him stay for a couple of weeks, and he'll be living at Kaltag's if he wants to talk. He looks up when Balto walks in.
         ``It's good to be home,'' the wolf-dog cries.
         ``Good to have you back,'' Charlie said. ``How was the trip?''
         ``It was great, I'm glad I went. It did me a lot of good.''
         ``What about Husker?''
         ``He's fine too. He'll be returning to work this Monday. Husker feels if I can go back to work after what I been through, he should be able too.''
         ``Good. Good to hear you help him,'' Charlie said, handing Balto a bottle of root beer. ``I think I'm going to need your help.''
         ``Retna told me what happened, and trust me it's going to take awhile for it to come out of your fur.''
         ``I can feel that.''
         ``What about Nick?''
         ``He's fine, but his face is pretty bad. He still wants to work for us, and he's more determined in putting Carface away,'' Charlie said. ``I guess Jon is okay with him still working for us. When do you want to go back to work?''
         ``Despite me just getting here and some unpacking to do, I'm ready to go back tomorrow. What's going on with the case you worked one, and did you start on that other case?''
         ``They're working out a plea bargain deal with Bull, and part of it is going to include him helping us with future voreaphile like cases. As for the other case, not yet. I was waiting for you to return before I looked into it. Anything else?''
         ``I'm ready to work on another case with you,'' Balto said, looking at Charlie. ``There is. Are you willing to move in a three bedroom apartment?''
         ``I guess. What for?''
         ``Kodi got transferred here from Fairbanks, and besides of having them sleep in a motel, he and Dusty can stay with us tell they find a place on their own. From the sounds of it Kirby and Ralph will be moving out here a couple of weeks later.''
         ``That sounds like a good idea. When should we start packing?''
         ``Now if you'd like. I found a place on my way back I'd like to check out. You feel like tagging along?''
         ``Sure. It's not like I never been out in public looking like shit before.''
         ``I can agree with that,'' Balto said. ``What about Nick's and Jon's business?''
         ``From what Nick told me it's doing pretty good, and Retna is going to have some floodlights installed this weekend,'' Charlie said. ``I gave Nick permission to go on a little trip, and he should be back by next Monday if the mountains aren't too bad. You want to wait on getting into our next case tell he comes back?''
         ``Sure. We can have him do all the work while we sit back and watch.''
         ``That sounds like a good idea,'' Charlie chuckles. ``What else did you do on your trip?''