A police officer was beaten cuffed to her truck and pushed into a frozen ravine to die but she wasn’t alone in the back three newborn puppies were freezing to death beside her the man who did this thought the storm would hide his crime until a Navy SEAL and his dog heard a sound in the blizzard that changed everything Before we begin tell us where you are watching from and if this story touches your heart please subscribe for more Anchorage Alaska a city clinging to the edge of civilization where the steel and glass of downtown quickly surrendered to the unforgiving
vast wilderness of the north beyond the city limits beyond the reach of reliable cell service and plowed roads the real Alaska began it was here nestled in a remote valley shadowed by the Chugach Mountains that Jasper Smith sought solitude the structure he occupied was less a cabin and more a fortress built of thick logs and reinforced steel with triple pane windows that defied the Arctic chill it was a safe house in every sense Jasper a man built of disciplined angles and quiet intensity was a Navy seal currently on administrative leave he didn’t come here to ski or sight see
he came here to reset his internal compass to let the profound silence of the snow covered landscape drown out the noise of his recent operations the silence however was currently under assault a blizzard born somewhere in the Gulf of Alaska had slammed into the coastline and marched inland for two days the world outside had been reduced to a screaming vortex of white the wind howled like a grieving giant throwing fists of ice against the windows inside a high efficiency wood stove radiated a deep penetrating warmth Jasper sat in a sturdy armchair cleaning a rifle component with meticulous

practiced movements at his feet lay Thor Thor was a magnificent sable coated German Shepherd lean and powerful he was not a pet but a partner a specialized K9 who had served alongside Jasper in environments far less forgiving than this one Thor was currently off duty as well but his instincts never were the dog’s head which had been resting peacefully on his paws snapped up a low growl rumbled deep in his chest a sound Jasper had Learned to trust more than most human intelligence what is it Bud Jasper’s voice was low calm
his hand stilled Thor moved to the heavy oak door he didn’t bark not yet he woofed a contained percussive sound of urgent alert then he pressed his nose to the seam of the door inhaling deeply and let out a full commanding bark that cut straight through the noise of the storm Jasper set the rifle component down in this location miles from the nearest neighbor with the only access road likely buried under 10 feet of snow visitors were not possible a bear should be hibernating a moose might wander close but rarely provoked this reaction from Thor
show me Jasper said Thor barked again scratching lightly at the door Jasper trusted the dog’s senses implicitly he moved to the entryway by passing casual winter wear for the gear stored in a heavy duty foot locker he pulled on Thermal rated tactical pants insulated composite toe boots and a heavy fleece lined waterproof shell he secured a multi tool a compact medical kit and a high lumen flashlight to his belt he pulled a heavy beanie down over his ears and zipped the yar shell up to his chin he grabbed a Thermal imaging monocular from a charging port
all right let’s see what has you so spooked he opened the door and the storm instantly tried to force its way inside the wind ripped the air from his lungs the snow wasn’t falling it was moving horizontally a blinding sheet of white that reduced visibility to near zero Thor plunged into the drift outside the door without hesitation he was built for this his thick undercoat protecting him Jasper followed leaning into the wind the cold was brutal a physical weight that pressed against his chest lead Jasper commanded Thor bounded through the snow stopping every few yards to look back
insuring Jasper was following they moved away from the safety of the cabin past the wood pile and toward a steep embankment that dropped off toward a frozen creek bed the dog was clearly tracking a scent his head high pulling the scent from the violent wind Jasper raised the Thermal monocular the world turned into shades of grey and black the snow was cold the trees were cold he scanned the area seeing nothing but the outlines of the landscape but Thor was insistent pushing forward toward the ravine it took 10 minutes of grueling progress before Thor stopped dead at the edge of the drop

he barked downward a frantic echoing sound Jasper moved to his side shining his flashlight beam into the swirling snow below at first he saw nothing then the beam caught something dark and unnatural against the white a shape he navigated the decline half sliding half climbing down the rocky snow covered slope as he got closer the shape resolved itself it was a vehicle it was upside down nose deep into the snowdrift at the bottom of the ravine a dark late model SUV his flashlight beam swept over the rear quarter panel
illuminating the faded ice caked insignia of the Anchorage Police Department his pulse quickened this was not an accident this was wrong Thor secure he ordered the dog immediately took up a watchful position on the bank above scanning for threats Jasper approached the vehicle with caution the passenger side was buried but the driver’s side was partially accessible the window was shattered he cleared away the snow and ice his flashlight beam piercing the darkness inside a woman was hanging upside down
held in place by her seatbelt she wore the dark blue uniform of the Anchorage PD her face was pale almost blue and a dark frozen stain of blood matted her hair from a wound on her temple he reached through the broken window his gloved fingers pressing against her neck a pulse faint thready but it was there okay he said to himself we’re moving he worked quickly using the knife on his multi tool to slice through the heavy duty seatbelt she fell partially and he supported her weight as he worked to untangle her from the steering column as he pulled her partially free
his light illuminated her wrists and his blood ran cold her left wrist was secured to the steering wheel column not with a seatbelt not with debris it was locked tight with a pair of standard issue police handcuffs this was not an accident this was not a routine patrol gone wrong this was an execution a new sound barely audible registered over the wind a high pitched desperate whine it wasn’t coming from the woman Jasper scanned the vehicle his light hit the rear cargo area a K9 transport cage was mangled but intact
he forced the rear hatch open the hinges screaming in protest inside the cage huddled together for warmth were three German Shepherd puppies they couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old they were tiny shivering violently their coats dusted with snow that had blown in through the wreckage one of them the source of the wine lifted its head weakly before collapsing back onto its siblings they were dying no Jasper muttered there was no time for anger only action he unzipped his shell jacket working with a speed that defied the numbing cold
he scooped the three small frigid bodies out of the cage they felt impossibly light their breathing shallow he tucked all three of them inside his jacket zipping it up to shield them against his own chest hoping his body heat could make a difference he returned to the driver’s side the officer he checked her name plate Luna Wilson Luna he said his voice loud and clear my name is Jasper I am getting you out she remained unconscious he braced himself found his footing in the deep snow and carefully extracted her from the SUV she was light her body limp with deep hypothermia

he assessed the handcuffs again he couldn’t get her back to the cabin with her arms still chained to a piece of wreckage he returned to the vehicle dug through the snow and located her duty belt partially buried he found her cuff key his fingers were numb stiff but his training took over he inserted the key turned it and the metal clicked open he repositioned her securing her across his shoulders in a fireman’s carry it was awkward with the three puppies shifting against his chest but it was manageable
Thor home he yelled into the wind the dog barked a single confirmation and began to chart the path back up the embankment the return trip was a nightmare the wind was a physical barrier trying to push him back every step was a battle Luna was a dead weight and the puppies inside his jacket were terrifyingly still he focused on Thor’s dark shape ahead a beacon in the white chaos he put one foot in front of the other his legs burning his lungs aching from the frozen air he didn’t think about the handcuffs
he didn’t think about who would do this he just moved finally the dark shape of the cabin loomed out of the storm he kicked the door open stumbled inside and was hit by the blast of welcoming dry heat he didn’t pause he gently laid Luna down on the thick bearskin rug in front of the wood stove he immediately turned his attention to the pups he unzipped his jacket and pulled them out they were still breathing good he breathed he grabbed several clean towels from a nearby linen closet setting them near the fire to warm he gently vigorously dried the melting snow from their fur
trying to stimulate their circulation they were so cold Thor his own coat covered in ice nudged the smallest pup with his nose whining softly Jasper looked from the three barely living puppies to the unconscious bleeding and handcuffed police officer lying on his floor the storm raged outside but the real threat he knew was human and whoever had left Luna Wilson to die in the ice they were still out there the heavy oak door slammed shut cutting off the howl of the blizzard with a heavy final thud the sudden silence of the cabin was immense
broken only by the crackle of the wood stove and Jasper’s own strained breathing the air was thick with the scent of burning birch and dry pine he didn’t spare a moment the mission was triage his priorities were clear pups first then the woman the puppies were smaller more fragile their window for survival measured in minutes he moved past the unconscious Officer Luna for a moment keeping the three small forms tucked against his chest he grabbed a sturdy wooden crate that he used for kindling emptied it and lined it with the thick towels he had already laid by the hearth he created a deep soft nest

he placed the box a safe distance from the stove close enough for its radiant heat but far enough to prevent overheating gently one by one he placed the puppies inside they were so still he checked each one their gums were pale their bodies frigid he began to rub them vigorously one at a time with a new dry towel it was a harsh fast motion designed to stimulate blood flow and generate friction heat come on he muttered his voice a low rumble stay with me Thor his own fur dripping with melted snow approached the box he pushed his great head in
his black nose nudging the smallest stillest pup he let out a soft high pitched whine a sound of profound concern watch them Jasper ordered Thor immediately lay down beside the crate creating a living wall of fur and warmth his body positioned between the pups and the rest of the room he panted softly his warm breath blanketing the nesting box with the pups in Thor’s care Jasper turned his full attention to the woman Luna Wilson she lay on the bearskin rug where he’d placed her a small dark pool of melting snow forming beneath her
she was soaked her uniform was a frozen shell hypothermia was his first enemy her injuries were the second his actions were methodical impersonal he was no longer Jasper the man on leave he was the medic for his team he retrieved his primary med kit a comprehensive bag that held far more than standard first aid he grabbed several thick wool blankets from his bed first he had to get her out of the wet uniform he used his trauma shears the heavy duty Scissors cutting through the frozen fabric of her pants
and duty shirt with practiced efficiency he cut away the layers exposing the skin underneath the cold had preserved her but she was dangerously pale her skin mottled he worked quickly covering every part of her he exposed with the dry warm wool blankets tucking them in tightly it was as he removed the last layer of her undershirt that he paused his initial observation in the storm was now confirmed in the bright warm light of the cabin this was no accident the wound on her head was bad a deep laceration that had bled profusely but it was consistent with hitting the steering wheel
the marks on her wrist from the handcuffs were raw and chafed but that wasn’t all a constellation of dark ugly bruises shadowed the left side of her jaw and cheek another bloom of purple and black was forming on her throat in a pattern that looked chillingly like finger marks as he exposed her torso to check for broken ribs he saw more circular fading yellow green bruises on her ribs evidence of older repeated injuries and one fresh massive purple Mark on her side that was definitely new someone had beaten her systematically he pushed the observation aside
and returned to medicine he felt her ribs her collarbone her limbs checking for breaks miraculously nothing seemed shattered though she would be in agony later he cleaned the head wound with an antiseptic wipe it was deep but the cold had slowed the bleeding you’re lucky the blizzard hit he said quietly to the unconscious woman or you’d have bled out he couldn’t stitch it but he applied several butterfly closures pulling the edges of the wound together tightly then covered it with a sterile pressure dressing
he checked her pupils with a small penlight they were even but sluggish a concussion almost certain maybe worse he elevated her feet slightly and wrapped her in another final layer a heavy Thermal foil space blanket cocooning her completely leaving only her face exposed with her stabilized he stood and took stock he looked at her discarded shredded uniform lying on the floor he picked up the heavy duty belt her sidearm was gone the holster was empty her radio was still attached but the casing was cracked and the unit was dead either from the impact or the ice
he found her badge and ID in a saturated wallet Officer Luna Wilson K9 Unit he looked at the three puppies who were now stirring one of them managing a weak squeaking cry K9 unit these weren’t just any pups they were her partners or meant to be Jasper fed another log into the stove the flames leaping up to consume it the safe house was secure the storm was an impenetrable wall keeping him in but also keeping everyone else out for now they were safe he moved to the small kitchenette and heated some water
mixing it with a packet of electrolytes from his kit he found a clean oral syringe he kept for animal first aid he went to the pup’s box Thor lifted his head but didn’t move accepting Jasper’s presence he sat on the floor and gently opened the mouth of the strongest pup giving it a few drops of the warm fluid the pup swallowed reflexively he did the same for the other two it was a slow painstaking process an hour passed then two the cabin was a pocket of tense quiet the only sounds were the fire the wind and the now regular weak moans from the crate
Luna hadn’t stirred Jasper sat in his armchair not cleaning his rifle not reading just watching he watched the steady shallow rise and fall of Luna’s chest under the mountain of blankets he watched Thor who had not left his post his ears swivelling at every pop from the fire his gaze fixed on the door he was a man trained for enemies he could see he was trained to assault to breach to neutralize this was different this was a defensive operation he was protecting a battered unknown officer and her three infant dogs from a threat he couldn’t see
hidden by a blizzard armed with police issue handcuffs and a motive brutal enough to leave a woman to freeze to death he was on leave but the war it seemed had followed him home pain was the first signal a sharp throbbing agony that started at her temple and radiated down her neck the second was the smell of wood smoke the third was the unfamiliar heavy warmth Luna Wilson’s eyes snapped open her world was a blur of soft flickering orange light she was lying on her back looking up at a rough hewn log ceiling she tried to sit up but a fiery bolt of pain shot through her ribs
forcing her back down with a sharp intake of breath easy the voice was deep calm and close Luna’s training ignited overriding the pain she rolled to her side ignoring the agony and tried to scramble away she was in an unknown structure a man was sitting in an armchair just feet away he was large silhouetted against the fire he didn’t move just watched her his stillness was more unnerving than any threat beside him a massive German Shepherd stood up its head low emitting a growl so deep it seemed to vibrate in her bones where am I who are you
she demanded her voice a raw rasp her hand instinctively went to her hip for the sidearm that wasn’t there her holster was empty panic surged through her cold and sharp you’re safe the man Jasper kept his voice even his hands resting on the arms of the chair visible my name is Jasper Smith you’re in my cabin I found you in the storm the storm the memory hit her like a physical blow the SUV the ice slicked road the feeling of the truck rolling and before that my pups she whispered the panic shifting to a new
more desperate terror my pups where are they they’re here Jasper said his tone softening just slightly he nodded toward the hearth they’re warm Luna’s eyes followed his gaze she saw the wooden crate she saw his dog Thor lying beside it like a Sentinel but Thor wasn’t growling at the box he was protecting it as she watched the dog nudged the crate with his nose his tail giving a single heavy thump he’s watching them Jasper explained they’re cold but they’re alive all three Luna pushed herself up onto one elbow the room spinning she saw the man
really saw him now he wasn’t dressed like a local he wore functional tactical pants and a simple shirt he had the quiet disciplined bearing of a soldier his eyes were steady assessing you found me she repeated trying to piece it together the snow the cold the crash I found your vehicle in the ravine Jasper said he stood slowly as if not to startle her he walked to the kitchenette retrieved a cup of water and placed it on the floor near her still keeping his distance you were unconscious hypothermic you have a head wound and he paused you have other injuries
she automatically touched her jaw wincing at the deep tender bruise the memory she had been holding back flooded in it wasn’t the crash that hurt her it was before he left me she whispered the realization settling over her with a terrible weight he left me to die Jasper nodded slowly confirming her words you were cuffed to the steering wheel your gun is gone Luna stared at him the last wall of her defense crumbling this stranger knew he had seen it he wasn’t part of it he had saved her she began to shake not from the cold but from the shock the pups are they
they’re weak Jasper said honestly he went to the box and used the syringe to give each one a few more drops of the electrolyte solution but they’re fighters Luna watched his large calloused hands handle the tiny puppies with surprising gentleness she saw Thor observing his expression one of canine concern as a K9 officer she knew dogs she knew a stable well trained working animal when she saw one this dog was solid and the man by extension was likely the same she drank the water the cool liquid soothing her raw throat
he knew I was coming she said her voice hollow Jasper sat back down who lieutenant Marcus Riley as she spoke his name a fresh wave of betrayal washed over her Mark he’s he’s my superior he runs the K9 unit for the Anchorage PD Jasper listened his expression unreadable he’s a hero Luna continued the words tasting like ash everyone loves him he’s charismatic great with the press he was my mentor she closed her eyes seeing his smiling face Marcus Riley a handsome man in his late 40s with a political smile and the kind of easy charm that inspired trust
and loyalty he was the golden boy of the department and he was a monster he’s running a smuggling ring Luna said the words tumbling out using the K9 transport routes drugs untraceable firearms they move our vans across the state and no one ever stops a K9 unit for a full search it was brilliant it was disgusting you found out Jasper stated it wasn’t a question I found it by accident a discrepancy in the transport logs a GPS tracker that showed one of our vans going miles off route to a private airfield I started digging quietly
she coughed a dry painful sound I got it all shipping manifests bank transfers and encrypted hard drive with everything I was going to internal affairs today the pups Jasper prompted gesturing to the box they’re from Nika my retired K9 they’re my dogs not the department’s I was transporting them to my sister’s place it was off the books Riley knew that he called me this morning said he knew a shortcut that would avoid the storm front he was helping me out the scene replayed in her mind the remote access road Riley’s personal vehicle blocking the path he’d gotten out smiling
he said there was a change of plans he asked me for the drive I didn’t know he knew I must have my face must have given it away her voice broke he wasn’t alone he signaled and his partner they dragged me out of the truck he tore the SUV apart he searched me he kept screaming where is it she touched the bruise on her throat he beat me he just he kept hitting me he didn’t find the drive Jasper said Luna shook her head tears Welling in her eyes and freezing on her cheeks no he couldn’t find it he got frantic I think I think he thought I’d hidden it somewhere on the road
but the storm was getting bad she looked at Jasper her eyes wide with the remembered horror he told me the storm would clean up the mess he cuffed me to the wheel I remember him looking at the pups in the back he just smiled he said loose ends then he shoved the truck it went over the edge I heard him driving away as we rolled Jasper’s face was grim he thinks the drive is in the truck with you buried in the snow or destroyed in the crash he’ll come back Luna whispered her voice trembling when the storm breaks he’ll come back he’s a cop
he’ll lead the search and rescue party himself he has to he has to make sure I’m dead he has to find that Drive Jasper looked at the fire the muscles in his jaw tightening let him come for 12 hours the world had been a screaming white void then almost as abruptly as it began the blizzard’s deafening roar subsided it did not stop but the wind’s murderous shriek quieted to an exhausted guttural howl the snow still fell but it now drifted down in heavy wet flakes instead of icy bullets a lol inside the cabin the atmosphere was tense
the air was warm and smelled of pine antiseptic and faintly of puppy Luna was propped up against a pile of cushions on the cabin’s lone sofa a thick wool blanket tucked around her the color had returned to her face replaced by the stark painful looking mottling of her bruises she was sipping a hot sweet tea that Jasper had prepared her movements were stiff her ribs screaming with every breath but her eyes were clear they were filled with a cold focused anger in the crate by the fire the three puppies were visibly improved
Jasper had successfully fed them a high calorie milk replacer from his stores using the syringe they were now sleeping peacefully their tiny bodies huddled together twitching in their dreams Thor lay a foot away his duty unwavering a silent furry guardian Jasper stood by the window peering out into the disorienting gray light of the Alaskan morning the wind’s down he said it won’t last but it’s an opening an opening for him Luna said her voice hoarse he’ll start the search he already has Jasper turned from the window he retrieved a hard sided
Pelican case from under his bed inside nestled in foam was a compact rugged satellite phone and a small tablet this phone connects to a secure Iridium network it’s not on any commercial grid it’ll give us a look at what he’s telling the world he powered on the tablet tethering it to the phone’s data connection the connection was slow but it was stable Jasper typed in the URL for Anchorage’s largest news station the page loaded and the headline posted less than an hour ago dominated the screen Anchorage Officer missing amid Blizzard second officer sought for questioning
no Luna breathed her voice cracking Jasper read the article aloud his voice flat devoid of emotion Anchorage police are conducting a desperate search for Officer Benjamin Carter who disappeared during a routine patrol check early this morning his vehicle was found abandoned on a service road near the Nick River Ben oh no Ben Luna whispered her eyes shutting tight Jasper paused looking at her who is Ben Carter he’s he was my friend Luna stammered the first real tears tracing paths down her bruised cheeks he’s a rookie smart he
he came to me last week he’d seen things discrepancies in the Armory logs he was scared I told him I told him to be careful to wait that I was building a case she looked at Jasper her face a mask of dawning horror Mark must have known he must have realized Ben was talking to me he’s he’s not missing is he Jasper’s grim silence was answer enough he continued reading sources within the department say they are also searching for Officer Luna Wilson a K9 handler who failed to report for duty this morning
and whose movements are unaccounted for Officer Wilson was reportedly last seen by lieutenant Marcus Riley who counseled her yesterday for signs of extreme stress and emotional instability Jasper stopped reading and looked at her he’s good he’s a monster Luna said her voice shaking with rage he’s a strategist Jasper corrected his tone analytical he’s not just covering his tracks he’s paving a new road he’s disappeared Carter and framed you for it he’s established you as unstable he’s discredited you before you can even speak
he scrolled down there was a video clip from a pre dawn press conference he tapped it a man in a crisp APD uniform appeared his face etched with concern it was Marcus Riley he looked tired stressed and deeply heroic as he stood in front of a bank of microphones snow falling gently on his shoulders we are using every resource at our disposal Riley said his voice resonating with false sincerity Officer Carter is a fine cop a brother we will find him we are also concerned for Officer Wilson she’s a good officer but she’s been under immense personal strain we just want to find her
we just want to bring both of our officers home safely Luna watched the screen her knuckles white as she gripped the mug he’s lying to the entire state he’s giving himself a blank check Jasper said switching off the tablet he’s just authorized a massive state funded manhunt he can use helicopters troopers search teams all officially looking for a missing unstable officer and her missing colleague but what he’s really doing is launching a private hunting party to find you and that hard drive he stood and walked back to the window staring out at the hostile beautiful landscape
he’s created a narrative where if they find you and you resist they’re justified in using any force necessary if they find you dead you’ll be the unstable cop who couldn’t handle the pressure and was responsible for Carter’s death the full weight of the situation settled on them Luna was no longer just a victim of an assault she was a fugitive she was the suspect in a fellow officer’s disappearance and her attacker was the man leading the hunt this place Luna said her voice barely a whisper this cabin will he know about it
Jasper shook his head no it’s not in my name it’s not on any map it’s owned by a shell corporation and is used as a long term contingency location it’s completely off grid no power lines no water lines no address he can’t run my name and find this he won’t find it on a database but he’ll search she insisted he knows the general area where he ran me off the Yai Road he’ll search Jasper agreed the storm is our best defense it’s covered your tracks and mine it’s keeping the helicopters grounded but this lull it gives him a window and he’s going to use it
a new sound a faint high pitched cry came from the box Luna pushed the blankets aside wincing as she slowly painfully got to her feet she walked over to the crate and knelt Thor looked up accepting her presence she reached in and gently scooped up the smallest pup the one she’d feared wouldn’t make it she held it against her chest its tiny body warm his name is Kodiak she whispered stroking its soft fur the other two are tundra and echo she looked up at Jasper her eyes hard he didn’t just try to kill me
he tried to kill them he killed Ben she held the puppy closer he’s not just a strategist he’s sloppy he left a witness he left me Jasper nodded recognizing the shift the fear was being replaced by the cold hard resolve he knew so well it was the moment a victim became a survivor he left you Jasper confirmed and he has no idea what you’re capable of but first we need to make sure he can’t find you the cabin had become their world outside the storm had returned with a vengeance erasing the brief lull and confirming their isolation
the wind screamed a constant high pitched assault that vibrated through the log walls but inside there was a strange focused calm the safe house was holding Jasper had given Luna a tour of the small hyper efficient space it was stocked for a long term siege freeze dried food a sophisticated water filtration system a cache of medical supplies and a small arsenal secured in a biometric safe they were trapped but they were not helpless Riley’s first move after the storm breaks will be to fly the area Jasper said
his voice a low counterpoint to the wind he was cleaning his rifle the parts laid out on the table with surgical precision he’ll use a state helicopter official search and rescue he’ll be looking for the wreck he needs to find that Drive Luna sat at the table wincing as she moved her ribs were a galaxy of pain Jasper had given her a compression bandage which helped he’ll find the truck but he won’t find the drive he’ll realize it’s not there then he’ll realize I wasn’t dead when I crashed and he’ll realize you’re alive Jasper concluded snapping a component back into place
which means his search will become a hunt you’re a cop you’re trained but you’re not trained for this not for him Luna bristled I can handle myself Jasper looked up his eyes neutral analytical can you you were trained to deescalate to detain to arrest Riley isn’t coming to arrest you he’s coming to execute you you can’t fight him like a cop he stood show me show you what how you handle yourself he moved to the center of the room you’re injured but the principles are the same come at me Luna hesitated
this is ridiculous he won’t think so move she stood her body stiff she fell into a standard police defensive stance Jasper simply stood there relaxed that stance is for a threat you want to keep at bay it’s defensive you need to be offensive she lunged a quick practiced palm heel strike aimed at his chest Jasper didn’t block it he simply moved flowing inside her guard before she could register he had deflected her arm spun her and had her in a controlling hold his forearm pressed firmly against her throat
from behind it was over in less than a second he hadn’t hurt her but he hadn’t been gentle he released her instantly Luna stumbled coughing her eyes wide you’re fast he complimented but you telegraph the move you were committed to the strike I used your own momentum against you he motioned her back again but this time don’t just try to hit me try to stop me permanently for an hour they worked he showed her seal based close quarters combat it was brutal efficient and void of wasted motion it was about leverage not strength it was about ending a fight not winning it
he taught her how to use an attacker’s grip to break their balance how to strike at nerve clusters how to turn any object into a weapon you’re fighting for your life he said his voice steady not for a judge or a jury forget the rule book the rule book is what got Ben Carter killed the name hung in the air cold and heavy Luna’s next move was different it was fueled by a sudden sharp spike of grief and rage she moved faster harder she still couldn’t land a blow but she was learning she was adapting better
he said stepping back we’ll work on weapons transitioning later he returned to the table and she slumped back onto the sofa breathing heavily her respect for him growing he wasn’t just a soldier he was a master of his craft he was also right she had been trained to uphold the law he was trained to survive the absence of it later the tension broke it was time to feed the puppies the small routine task felt sacred in the besieged cabin Jasper mixed the warm milk replacer and Luna insisting she do it knelt by the crate Kodiak tundra and echo were stronger now
their eyes were slitted open unfocused blue slits peering at the new world they scrambled over each other their muses becoming more demanding Thor lay nearby a benevolent giant he watched Luna’s gentle hands with interest tundra the most adventurous managed to tumble over the edge of the shallow box Thor lifted his massive head extended his neck and nudged the tiny pup with his cold wet nose he pushed the pup gently like a furry bulldozer until it was back in the safety of the crate then he gave it a single quick lick
Luna laughed a raw rusty sound she hadn’t expected he’s an uncle he’s a guardian Jasper said watching the scene he understands pack he knows they’re with us he sat on the floor a few feet away and began field stripping his sidearm the metallic click clack of the parts was a comforting domestic sound in the heavily armed cabin a bond was forming forged in the shared threat and the mutual care for the new life in the room they were a strange fractured pack the seal the hunted cop the veteran K9 and the three orphans
after the pups were fed and sleeping Luna looked at Jasper her expression serious you’re right we have to assume Riley will find this place we can’t stay and we can’t get caught with the evidence where is it Jasper asked his hands still moving over his weapon you said he tore the truck apart and searched you you obviously didn’t have it on you he tore my uniform apart Luna confirmed her voice low he checked my pockets the lining of my vest my boots he’s thorough but he’s also arrogant he sees things in categories cops criminals assets
and she paused then walked back to the crate and trash she finished he saw them as loose ends just puppies not worth a bullet just garbage to be buried in the snow Jasper stopped his work and watched her Luna what are you she gently lifted Kodiak the pup was wearing a small bright red nylon collar the kind used to identify puppies in a litter it looked flimsy cheap when I knew I had the drive Luna said I knew I couldn’t keep it on me I knew Riley was watching me he was watching everyone but no one she said her voice hardening watches the dogs
she turned the pup showing Jasper the collar he tore the truck apart looking for a hiding place a false panel a compartment he was looking for something a cop would do with her fingernail she found a tiny almost invisible seam in the collar’s fabric right next to the plastic buckle she dug in and pulled the stitching gave way revealing a tiny reinforced pouch from it she slid a tiny matte black object no bigger than her smallest fingernail it was a micro SD card encased in a slim waterproof solid state adapter
he was looking for a hard drive she whispered holding the tiny chip between her fingers he never even thought to check a puppy’s collar Jasper stared at the chip then at Luna a slow genuine smile of approval touched the corners of his mouth he’s not just sloppy Jasper said his voice full of a new respect he’s an amateur and you you’re a professional the storm was a living thing it had an appetite after a day of relative quiet it had returned clawing at the cabin with renewed fury as if it knew they were inside and wanted them the wind shrieked a high pitched maddening sound that never stopped
inside a new tense routine had formed Jasper had secured the tiny micro SD card in one of his own waterproof shockproof containers and placed it in the back of his biometric safe it was secure they took turns sleeping one always awake watching not just the doors but the puppies Kodiak tundra and echo were thriving their eyes were fully open and they were beginning to make clumsy tumbling attempts to explore their box Thor had fully adopted them sleeping with his head resting on the edge of their crate a silent 30 kilo guardian
Luna was moving better the enforced rest combined with Jasper’s medical care and a steady supply of food and water was working her bruises were a tapestry of ugly colour but the swelling was down the fire in her eyes however was brighter than ever it was on the third day when the sound came Luna heard it first her K9 handler ears were tuned to noises that didn’t belong wait she whispered her head tilting Jasper was already moving to the window the wind was howling but beneath it a new rhythmic and mechanical sound was beating its way through the air
swop swop swop swop it was the unmistakable pulse pounding sound of a helicopter he’s flying in this Luna said her voice tight with disbelief Jasper didn’t answer he retrieved his Thermal monocular he wiped the frost from the windowpane and pressed the optic to the glass the world turned black and white the snow was a sea of cold grey and there against the dark outline of the ridge was a bright white heat signature it was a single rotor helicopter an AS3 50 the kind the state troopers and APD used for search and rescue it was flying low and slow battling the high winds
moving in a methodical grid pattern it was miles away but it was coming closer he’s found the truck Jasper said his voice flat he tracked the aircraft as it made a slow turn he’s not searching for the truck he’s searching from it he’s spiraling out looking for any sign of life they watched in silence as the helicopter fought the air currents for nearly an hour it drew closer close enough for them to see the blue and white paint scheme through the swirling snow before the weather finally became too much
the helicopter banked hard and retreated a defeated bird disappearing back into the gray that’s it Luna asked letting out a breath she’d been holding that’s phase 1 Jasper said he found the wreck he didn’t find the drive he didn’t find your body he knows you’re alive now phase 2 begins phase 2 came three hours later this time Thor gave the warning the dog who had been dozing suddenly lifted his head his ears erect he didn’t growl he just stared at the door his entire body rigid Jasper looked at Luna the box the back closet now Luna’s heart hammered she grabbed the crate with the three puppies
they mewed in protest as she hurried them into a small insulated storage closet at the back of the cabin stay she whispered her voice trembling she shut the heavy door muffling the sound Thor Jasper commanded IM Imer it was the command for a down stay in a bucket or concealed location Thor instantly moved from the hearth and lay down in the dark shadow under Jasper’s cot invisible unless you were looking for him Jasper moved to the gun safe he bypassed his tactical HK 4:00 16 that was not the right tool
he pulled out a civilian model bolt action hunting rifle he slung it muzzle down over his back he grabbed a heavy woodsman’s axe from beside the hearth he pulled on his boots and his heavy snow covered shell jacket making sure he looked the part he nodded at Luna you were never here I was never here we do not exist he pointed to the closet not a sound no matter what he opened the cabin door and stepped out onto the porch slamming it behind him he began splitting a log with the axe the thwack of the steel biting into wood echoing in the small clearing
he was just a local interrupted through the snow he heard them the high pitched whine of high RPM engines moments later three snowmobiles burst through the tree line they were high performance machines not trail riders they pulled up engines idling forming a semi circle in front of his porch Jasper rested his axe on the log and stared at them his face a mask of hostile indifference the man in the center was Marcus Riley he was exactly as he’d appeared on the news handsome confident his APD issued winter gear immaculate he had the air of a man in complete control
to his right was a thick set bearded man he wore a mismatch of expensive civilian gear and tactical webbing his eyes were cold restless and he kept his gloved hand near a large pistol holstered on his chest to his left was a thinner sharper man who remained slightly back his gaze never settled it was constantly scanning clocking the cabin’s roof line the windows the woodshed he was the overwatch afternoon Riley called out his voice the perfect blend of authority and politeness he dismounted holding his hands up slightly lieutenant Marcus Riley Anchorage PD
we’re conducting a search and rescue operation for a missing officer Jasper just stared Riley continued undeterred by the cold reception vehicle was found a couple of clicks south we’re checking all cabins and structures in the area you seen anyone a woman alone on foot seen the storm Jasper bit out his voice low and gravely that’s it this is private property I understand that Sir Riley said his smile still in place but this is a life or death situation my officer is injured and frankly she’s not stable we’re very concerned
the bearded man Gage chimed in his voice a harsh rasp we need to come inside check your cabin Jasper shifted his grip on the axe lifting it from the log you’re not coming inside sir Riley said his tone hardening slightly the charm fading I am conducting an official search we have reason to believe our officer may be seeking shelter and she’s a danger to herself and others now we can do this easy you’re not listening Jasper cut him off you’re not coming in you don’t have a warrant you’re trespassing Gage dismounted and took a step forward his hand dropping to his weapon
you’d better show some respect for the badge old man Jasper turned his head his eyes locking onto gauge he said nothing the sheer cold lack of fear in his gaze made the bigger man pause stand down Gage Riley snapped he looked Jasper up and down the rugged cabin the non regulation rifle the axe the defiant posture he saw a problem a typical anti government Alaskan homesteader a complication look friend Riley said trying a new tactic I don’t want any trouble but I’m going to be very clear that woman is a fugitive she’s wanted for the disappearance of another officer if you are harboring her
you are committing a serious crime Jasper felt a small click from the tiny audio recorder he’d activated in his breast pocket harboring I’m splitting wood I told you I haven’t seen anyone your fugitive isn’t my problem Riley’s face changed the mask of the concerned lieutenant fell away replaced by the cold hard face of the man who had left Luna to die right now the storm’s turning but I’ll be back and when I come back I’m not coming back to ask polite questions you’re threatening me Jasper asked I’m giving you a warning Riley snarled
his voice a low threat this is a capital investigation when this weather clears I will be back with a no knock warrant and a tactical team and we will tear this place apart for your own safety I’d advise you not to be here when we do he had said it he had confirmed his intentions Riley got back on his machine you’re making a big mistake friend he and his team turned their snowmobiles around and blasted off into the snow leaving the smell of two stroke exhaust hanging in the frozen air Jasper waited until the sound had completely faded
he went back inside locking the heavy door behind him Luna emerged from the closet her face pale he he saw you he saw what I wanted him to see Jasper said he pulled the small recorder from his pocket and clicked it off a hostile local a problem he can solve with a warrant he looked at Luna his eyes grim but he told us everything Capital Investigation no knock warrant tactical team he’s not coming back to arrest you Luna he’s coming back to clean up his mess he’s planning an assault the moment Riley’s snowmobile vanished into the trees the cabin shifted from a shelter to a command post
the air which had been thick with tension now crackled with cold hard purpose he’s not bluffing Luna said her voice low she was pacing the pain in her ribs forgotten replaced by adrenaline a no knock he’s going to stage it he’ll breach and his men will find you a hostile squatter and me the fugitive resisting arrest we’ll be neutralized case closed he’s overplayed his hand Jasper said he was already moving to the Pelican case he pulled out the sat phone and the audio recorder he just threatened a civilian he just confessed his intent to use a tactical team for a personal vendetta
he plugged the recorder into his tablet the file uploaded he powered on the phone he’s given us the justification we just need the cavalry Luna watched him you can’t call the Anchorage PD Riley is the Anchorage PD or at least the part that matters who can you call Jasper’s fingers were already dialing a number from memory joint base Elmendorf Richardson it’s a joint base Army Air Force and Navy my people have a liaison office there NCIS the call connected a sterile beep in the warm cabin a moment later a crisp professional voice answered Jensen
Sarah it’s Jasper I’m active he said no preamble code Winter Fox there was no hesitation on the other end the voice Special Agent Sarah Jensen shifted from professional to tactical she was a sharp no nonsense operative who had worked with Jasper’s unit before coordinating their stateside logistics she knew Winter Fox meant he was on US soil in deep and outside his official jurisdiction go she said I am at a secure location coordinates to follow I have a priority 1 witness APD Officer Luna Wilson he uploaded the audio file and a photo of Luna’s battered ID
she is a whistleblower in a massive APD smuggling ring run by lieutenant Marcus Riley Riley and his team attempted to execute her she has the primary evidence Riley has located this cabin he has just confirmed on tape his intent to return with a tactical team under the false pretense of a no knock warrant to execute us both understood Sarah’s voice was ice the weather is still high risk air support is dicey how much time do we have he’ll move at the next lull the storm is our only shield he’s on snowmobiles so he’s ground based I need a QRF I need them to be heavier than he is
Riley is APD this is a jurisdictional nightmare he’s a murderer Sarah and he’s hunting a friendly fix the jurisdiction Jasper said a pause understood we’ll handle the politics I’ll get a team from Jaber we’ll be ready to roll when the weather gives us a window your job Jasper is to hold the line stay alive and protect that witness copy Jasper said and ended the call he turned to Luna they’re coming what do we do now now Jasper said opening his biometric gun safe we prepare he didn’t plan to hold the cabin he planned to use it
he pulled out his own primary weapon a suppressed HK four 16 and several magazines he handed Luna his backup sidearm a Glock 19 and three magazines her hand was steady as she accepted it her movements fluid as she checked the chamber the training from the day before had focused her Riley is coming with a team Jasper said they’ll breach the front they’ll expect me to be the hostile homesteader they’ll be looking for a fight they’ll get one Luna said her jaw set no Jasper countered we won’t give them one we give them a ghost he walked to the center of the room
and kicked back the heavy bearskin rug revealing a reinforced insulated trap door root cellar it’s shielded and the ventilation is baffled you the pups and Thor you go down there what no Luna protested I am not hiding in a hole while you fight them I’m a cop I’m in this you’re the witness Jasper said his voice hard you are the one thing that matters that micro SD card in your pocket is the mission if you are captured if that evidence is lost he wins Ben Carter’s death means nothing your job is to protect that evidence
Thor will be with you he’ll guard the door he looked at her his expression softening slightly my job is to delay I’m not going to beat them Luna I’m just going to keep them busy until the real good guys show up trust me Luna stared at him her pride warring with his logic he was right she nodded her hand instinctively touching the pocket where the tiny chip now resided they moved the crate of puppies into the small dark cellar Thor jumped down without hesitation understanding the order he lay down in the darkness watching the stairs Luna looked at Jasper one last time
then descended pulling the heavy door down it fit flush with the floor Jasper kicked the rug back over it the cabin was empty he killed the lights he didn’t wait by the door he melted into the deepest shadow of the room near the cold stone fireplace and became part of the silence he waited for two hours as the storm howled then a new lull the wind died and the silence that fell was absolute it was broken by the distant angry whine of snowmobiles not three at least five they surrounded the cabin Jasper listened counting the footsteps in the snow
heavy tactical this is lieutenant Riley Anchorage PD the voice boomed amplified by a bullhorn we have a warrant for this structure occupant come out with your hands raised silence no response tactical team breach breach breach a heavy ram hit the reinforced door thud the wood held thud the frame splintered the door flew open and two men Gage and cross poured in rifles up flashlights cutting the dark clearing Gage yelled they swept the room it was empty where is he cross hissed looking for me Jasper’s voice came from the darkness behind them
they spun but they were too slow Jasper moved like a phantom he didn’t fire he used his rifle as a blunt instrument disabling cross with a strike to the collarbone then used the man’s momentum to spin him into Gage it was a blur of brutal close quarters efficiency both men were down groaning their weapons skittering across the floor in under three seconds outside Riley was screaming Status Gage talk to me the response was a flashbang grenade that Jasper rolled out the front door it detonated with a blinding crack boom disorienting the men on the porch he’s armed open fire
Riley roared his composure gone the world exploded the other two men on Riley’s team open fire their rifles spitting automatic fire into the cabin bullets ripped through the windows splintering the log walls tearing the sofa to shreds Jasper was pinned behind the solid stone chimney fragments of wood peppering his back they were going to level the place and then a new sound a sound that drowned out the gunfire a deep thunderous womp womp womp that shook the very foundation of the cabin a blinding white Searchlight hit the clearing turning night into day this is ENSIS all APD personnel
cease fire drop your weapons hands in the air you are surrounded Riley and his men froze a massive dark shape a Black Hawk helicopter from Jabir hung in the air above them its side door open a sniper sighting them from the woods two military SUV snow crawlers burst into the clearing their floodlights pinning Riley’s team a dozen soldiers in arctic white tactical gear deployed forming a perimeter their rifles leveled a figure in a dark blue NCIS jacket stepped from the lead vehicle Special Agent Sarah Jensen she walked calmly toward Riley her sidearm aimed steadily at his chest
Riley stared his face a mask of utter disbelief and ruin lieutenant Marcus Riley Agent Jensen’s voice was cold and clear cutting through the sudden silence you are under arrest for conspiracy aggravated assault and suspicion of murder as her team cuffed Riley and his stunned corrupt officers Jasper lowered his rifle he kicked the rug aside and threw open the trap door Luna emerged her Glock still in her hand Thor right at her heel his head high she looked at the scene Riley and cuffs the federal tactical team the helicopter and Jasper standing in the ruined cabin untouched she walked past
Jasper past the splintered door and stopped directly in front of Agent Jensen her hand was shaking but not from fear he killed my friend Luna said her voice raw he tried to kill me and he tried to kill them she gestured to the puppy crate which Jasper was now lifting out of the cellar she reached into her pocket she held up the tiny micro SD card this is why she said holding it out to Jensen this is everything this is his entire operation Agent Jensen looked at the tiny chip then at Luna then at Riley’s enraged face
she took the evidence Officer Wilson welcome back to the force the snow was a memory the brutal weeks long winter had finally broken surrendering to the relentless unending light of the Alaskan spring Anchorage was no longer a city buried in white it was a city reborn bursting with the impossible violent greens of fireweed and lupine the ice in the inlet had given way to deep cold blue water inside a sterile modern conference room in the Anchorage Federal Building Luna Wilson stood at the head of a table her dark blue uniform was crisp
the creases sharp but the patch on her shoulder was new it was not the standard Anchorage Police Department insignia but the emblem of a new Joint agency anti corruption task force her hair was tied back in a severe bun the bruises were long faded but the woman who remained was not the one who had been pulled from the snow her eyes were harder clearer and possessed a quiet unshakable authority she was no longer Officer Wilson she was lead Investigator Wilson across the table sat Special Agent Sarah Jensen the NCIS agent who had been a voice on a sat phone
and then a tactical presence was now a colleague her suit was civilian but her gaze was just as sharp the US Attorney is pleased Sarah said her voice dry as she closed a file Riley’s conviction is solid he Gage and cross are facing a minimum of 30 years on federal charges the micro SD card was a kill shot it brought down his entire network including two logistics managers at the port and a city councilman what about Carter Luna asked her voice flat Sarah’s expression softened Riley finally gave him up trying to bargain we recovered Officer Carter’s remains
he’ll get a hero’s funeral Luna nodded once a sharp painful gesture Riley doesn’t get a bargain not for Ben we proceed with the state murder charges agreed Sarah said your task force is making waves Luna you’ve cleaned house we’re just getting started Luna replied later that day Luna left the steel and glass of downtown and drove to the K9 training facility the moment she stepped out of her car she was greeted by a chorus of motivated barking this was her true north she walked past the main training field heading to a special development paddock
sergeant Alistair Finn the new head of the K9 unit met her at the gate he was a grizzled man in his 50s with a face like worn leather and kind eyes he had replaced Riley and he was rebuilding the unit’s honor from the ground up afternoon Lou he smiled they’re waiting on you he whistled three juvenile German shepherds all legs and ears and boundless energy bounded across the field they were no longer tiny fragile pups they were 6 months old lean and muscular their coats shining in the sun Kodiak the largest was broad chested and serious
already showing the focus of a patrol dog tundra the female was lightning fast tracking a ball with obsessive intensity a Bika future narcotics specialist and then there was Echo he was the smallest of the three but he was the sharpest he ignored the toys and ran straight to Luna sitting perfectly at her feet his intelligent eyes looking up waiting for a command they’re naturals Finn said rubbing his chin Nika’s bloodline is strong but that one echo he’s a shadow he’s just like she was he’s yours Luna no question
Luna knelt and ruffled the dog’s fur Echo leaned into her touch his dedication absolute they were the future they were the good that had grown from the bad the next day the sun was high over the Chugach Mountains Luna drove to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport it felt strange to be here in this place of mundane arrivals and departures to say goodbye to the man who had shared a war with her she wasn’t in uniform she was in jeans and a jacket tucked in the crook of her arm she held Echo who was wearing a small K9 in training vest she found him by the security checkpoint
Jasper Smith looked like a different person he was out of his Alaskan hermit gear dressed in nondescript civilian clothes durable pants a plain shirt a ball cap that screamed military in transit he looked clean sharp and anonymous at his feet Thor sat patiently his own official K9 travel harness already on he was no longer a cabin guardian he was an operator his gaze steady waiting for his partner’s next move the four of them stood in a quiet pocket amidst the airport bustle the seal the cop the operator K9 and the trainee
a strange temporary pack your flight’s on time Luna said the words felt small Weather’s clear Jasper replied his eyes meeting hers the silence that stretched between them was not awkward it was full it held the memory of the storm the scent of wood smoke the crackle of gunfire and the shared unspoken understanding of survival there were no words for what they had been through thank you was too little I’ll miss you was too much Jasper broke the silence he knelt Thor the big dog who had been focused on his handler looked at Luna then at the pup in her arms
Thor leaned forward he gave Echo a gentle dignified nudge with his nose a final check in with the smallest member of his pack Jasper stood he looked at Luna and for a moment his analytical gaze softened with something that looked like pride you did good Wilson Riley’s gone you cleaned the house I had help she said her voice soft she held Echo a little tighter will you will you be back Jasper’s gaze was steady the world is small Luna we run in the same circles it wasn’t a yes but it wasn’t a no it was the truth he reached out not to her but to the pup he ran one large
calloused hand over Echo’s head a final grounding touch take care of her little man Echo in a surprising show of confidence pushed his head into Jasper’s hand and licked his wrist Jasper nodded once he shouldered his bag Thor fuss the big dog snapped to his left heel a perfect mirror of his handler the man and his dog turned walked through the security gate and disappeared into the crowd never looking back Luna stood there until they were gone the terminal was busy but she felt profoundly still she looked down at Echo the pup was watching the spot where Jasper and Thor had vanished
his ears perked she hugged the pup close burying her face for a moment in his soft fur she smelled the clean vital scent of dog and new beginnings Luna turned and walked out of the terminal stepping into the bright overwhelming sunlight of the Alaskan spring the air was clean the mountains were clear the storm was over the long night had finally broken and a new dawn was rising over the city if this story of survival and justice touched your heart please help our community grow share this video with someone who might need to hear a message of hope today subscribe to our channel and click the bell
so you never miss a story of courage and resilience and please leave a comment your words of encouragement mean the world to us and to everyone who reads them we pray that God blesses and watches over every single person listening to this may He be your safe house in the storm may He be your shield when you feel hunted and your guide when you are lost in the wilderness may He place a Jasper on your path when you are in need and give you the strength of Luna to fight your battles until the dawn breaks if you believe that divine protection is real
and that even in the coldest night a light is waiting please write Amen in the comments below so we know our prayer has reached you thank you for listening