Chapter 10 - THE CHARITY GALA
Ashbourne expected applause.
Instead, independent investigators served warrants during the event.
The retired dogs were removed safely with handlers and veterinarians.
No raid spectacle.
No frightened animals used as props.
Ashbourne claimed the program protected veterans by testing reliability.
The evidence showed fabricated attacks, identity substitution, and unlawful detention.
She blamed Hale.
Hale blamed her.
Both had authority.
Both used it.
Then a gala security feed showed Ryan entering through a service door.
He had been released temporarily under monitored cooperation.
He was carrying the red service chain.
Why?
Hale had contacted him using Luke’s voice.
Ryan believed his brother had been taken again.
He followed the instructions without telling investigators.
Old pattern.
Private action under emotional pressure.
Nguyen intercepted him before he reached Ashbourne.
Ryan surrendered the chain.
One new tag had been added.
SERGEANT NGUYEN — DECEASED.
Nguyen stared at it.
Then the gala lights went out.
When they returned, Hale was gone.
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And Natsu’s collar had been cut from his neck.
Read Chapter 11 to discover why Hale stole the collar.
