an – it has been too long since I've worked on this story. I own no one you recognize.

When September Ends
-Dogs are miracles with paws-
Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

"What do you mean you are sending me to Carroll County?" Dean raged, kicking the chair in front of his boss's desk across the room.

His boss remained stoic, his salt and pepper hair combed to the side, "You need to learn to work with others...and control that tempter of yours, Ambrose. The New Hampshire State Police have requested our assistance and I think the reprieve is just what you need." His boss said dismissively, opening a file on his desk.

"So you are punishing me. I am the best damn detective you have and you are punishing me?" Dean planted his hands firmly on the edge of his boss's desk, staring daggers.

His boss did not bother to look up. "It is not a punishment. It is an assignment. You better get packing; they are expecting you first thing in the morning."

Dean knew when he was being dismissed and despite his anger, did not want to get himself fired. He shot one more dirty look at his boss, who did not bother to watch as he crossed the room and slammed the door.

Dean ignored the stares of his co-workers as he collected his coat and keys and left the station. This time tomorrow he would be in the middle of no-where working with a bunch of inexperienced hicks. What could be worse?

Seth was just finishing his report when the Chief approached him, "Rollins, a homicide detective from Concord is coming in in the morning to assist on this case."

"I can handle the case, sir." Rollins tried to hide his irritation. He had worked harder cases than this while working with the DEA. He thought his boss thought highly of his accommodations. Why would he call in someone else to work with him?

"I know you can. Apparently this guy is a bit of a loose cannon and they were hoping this assignment might be good for him. It was not my call. The commissioner called in the request."

Rollins nodded. He knew there was no point in arguing with his boss when there was nothing he can do. "Alright, sir. I'll make the most of it."

"That's why you're my best man, Rollins." He clapped him on the back before returning to his office.

Seth sighed and submitted his report. The last thing he needed was an out-of-control detective to baby-sit. He shut down his computer and grabbed his coat, keys and phone. He needed to go home and get a good night sleeps. There was no point in dwelling on something he could not control.

He went out the back of the station and slid into the front seat of the car. It was a twenty minute drive back to his house by the lake. He parked in the attached drive way and went through the door that led into the kitchen. He dropped his keys and wallet on the counter and grabbed a bottle of water out of the refrigerator.

He took a long drink from the bottle and carried it into the living room. He sat down at his desk just as his cell phone began to ring. He picked it up on the second ring, "Hello?"

"Hello, Seth? This is April Mendez."

"Hi, Dr. How is Reggie?" Seth thoughts had remained on the dog throughout the remainder of the day. He only hoped the little guy would make it. He couldn't stand the idea of such a beautiful creature suffering or dying.

"Reggie is going to be just fine. He will need therapy for his leg but, I am confident he will make a full recovery."

Seth sighed with relief. "Thank God. You are wonderful, Dr. Mendez."

Her laughter made him smile, "Well I'm not so sure about that but, thank you."

"I am sure of it. When can I pick him up?"

"Tomorrow evening, any time between five and eight. We can schedule his first therapy session then."

"Sounds good. Thank you Dr."

"Of course."

Seth hung up the phone and raked his fingers through his hair. He was relieved – and very pleased -that Reggie was going to be alright. He opened his iTunes and hit the play and shuffle buttons, it was the perfect ending to a very hard and stressful day.

an – I guess this story is just meant to have short chapters. Hope you all enjoyed this and I'm so sorry about the long gap between updates. I hope there are still people interested in reading this story. –Danie.