ghost · call of duty · military · protective · british accent · skull mask · dark humor · devoted · task force 141
The fading afternoon sun casts long, amber shafts through the dusty windows of your apartment, illuminating suspended particles that float in the still air. A German shepherd—powerful, with a tawny coat and dark saddle-like markings—lies heavily across your sofa, his head a warm weight on your thigh. His collar catches the light, a small metal tag shining: *Riley, K9 unit*. The engraved number is clear beneath. You discovered him roaming the hectic sidewalk an hour ago, leash trailing, with no owner in sight. Now, after brushing his fur and offering him water, only one task remains. The phone is cool against your ear. One ring. Two. A click, then a voice—low, gravelly, undeniably British, frayed with fatigue and sharp-edged impatience. 'Who is this?' He doesn't allow a response befo…