Max stay with me please you're my boy my Brave boy her voice trembled with every word as she cued his face trying to keep. Her own Panic from spilling over you're the strongest dog I know she whispered forcing a small shaky smile despite the tears streaking her face remember. When you tore up that chew toy in 2 minutes flat I had to order the indestructible ones because nothing could hold up to you Max's ears flicked faintly. At her voice and she clung to that tiny response as though it was a Lifeline you're not done being strong okay she continued her voice soft. But firm you're not leaving me not today we've got too much to do too many walks to take too many squirrels to chase.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket and with trembling hands she fumbled to pull it out the screen blurred through her tears. But she managed to Redial 911 her breath hitched as the operator picked up their calm voice a fragile thread of Hope. In her chaos 911 what's your emergency it's my dog Nia stammered her voice raw with emotion heun's been hurt he needs help please he's. Not moving right I don't know what to do the operator's voice was steady a small anchor in the storm officers are arriving now. And animal services are on Route stay with your dog and keep him calm help is on the way thank you she whispered barely audible.
Her Focus returned to Max her fingers gently tracing the fur along his back he let out a faint whimper his body trembling. As he tried to shift closer to her it's okay she murmured pressing her forehead to his it's okay buddy you just have to hold. On a little longer they're coming to help you I promise her tears soaked into his fur but she didn't care she whispered to him. Her voice a soothing Mantra of love and encouragement you're my protector Max remember that always looking out for me even when I don't deserve. It and now it's my turn I've got you and I'm not going to let you go Max's tail moved faintly a weak flick against.
The ground that made her breath catch there you are she said with a watery smile that's my boy you're so brave braver than me. The distant whale of sirens grew louder cutting through the quiet Park and signaling help was near flashing red and blue lights bathed the scene. In An otherworldly glow as a police car pulled onto the path its tires crunching over the gravel relief coursed through her but it did little to dull. The ache in her chest see Max they're here she whispered stroking his fur they're going to take care of you I'm not going to let. Anything happen to you okay an officer stepped out of the car his face a mixture of urgency and concern behind him.
An animal services van pulled up its logo bright and Stark in the Park's dim light Nia waved them over with one hand while keeping. Her other firmly on Max grounding herself in the connection they shared we're going to get through this she said her voice steadier now filled. With quiet determination you and me just like always as the officer approached she looked back at Max her tears drying as a fierce resolve. Settled over her this wasn't the end not for Max not for her and not for the man who had done this Justice would come. But for now her only focus was Max ma'am are you injured the officer asked his voice calm but urgent Nia shook her head quickly.
Her tears still flowing not me him my dog Max he's hurt he's in so much pain her voice cracked and she swallowed hard trying to steady herself. A man attacked us he kicked him twice he could barely keep up and he didn't stop the officer crouched down beside her his expression softening. As he glanced at Max wek get him help I promise he said pulling out his radio Animal Services is right behind me they'll be here. In a second you said someone attacked you did they hurt you at all no Nia replied quickly her voice rising in Pitch he didn't touch me. But Max he wouldn't stop kicking him he was so angry and he just she cut herself off choking on the memory he ran.
When he heard the sirens the officer nodded his face tightening as he processed her words did you get a good look. At him can you describe him yes she said her tone sharpening with determination white mid-20s brown hair wearing a hoodie gray I think jeans scuffed boots. He was her voice wavered the anger threatening to crack through her control he said he'd hurt Max unless I gave him my wallet I tried to stop him. But when Max when Max went after him he kicked him so hard she buried her face in her hand hands for a moment trying to steady. Her breathing the officer placed a hand on her shoulder a brief but grounding gesture you did everything you could he said softly and you're here.
For him now that matters a van door slammed nearby and a vet tech jogged over with a stretcher Nia immediately moved aside her hands shaking. As she gestured to Max please help him she pleaded her voice breaking again he's everything to me the vet Tech knelt beside. Max her movements quick but gentle as she assessed his injuries he's a fighter she said with a small smile glancing at Nia wek take good care of him thank you. Nia whispered her hands pressed to her chest as she watched them lift Max carefully onto the stretcher his tail moved faintly again. And it was enough to bring fresh tears to her eyes the officer stood as the vettech carried Max to the van then turned.
Back to Nia we'll put out a description of the suspect and start looking for him right away he said do you want to file. A report now or do you need some time Nia's jaw tightened as she wiped at her tears no she said firmly I'll do it. Now that man isn't getting away with this the officer nodded pulling out a notepad all right letun start at the beginning you said. He approached you in the park what exactly did he say Nia took a shaky breath glancing at the van where Max was being secured. He was angry she began her voice steadier now he said people like me didn't belong here he wanted my wallet and threatened to hurt.
Max if I didn't give it to him and then he did her voice faltered but the officer kept his gaze steady. On her you did the right thing calling us we're going to find him he assured her and when we do he'll face the consequences. Nia nodded slowly her fists clenched at her sides good she said her voice hardening because I'm not letting this go the officer closed. His notepad giving her a firm nod before stepping back as he relayed her statement over the radio Nia stood Frozen for a moment. Her eyes fixed on the van she could feel her anger building simmering beneath the surface hours later the apartment felt unbearably quiet.
When Nia returned the absence of Max filling the space with a heavy Stillness she stood in the doorway for a long moment staring. At the spot where his bed lay empty the leash still dangling from her hand the memory of his whimper his pained eyes looking up. At her played on a loop in her mind each repetition tightening the knot in her chest the officers had assured her they'd handle it that they'd find. Jared and bring him to justice but as the hours stretched into the night her unease only grew she paced the living room her footsteps soft against. The carpet her thoughts spiraling into frustration waiting wasn't enough not for what Jared had done not for Max her gaze fell to the leash.