Chapter 1: The Unusual Bark
The early morning hum of Gateway International Airport was alive with the familiar rhythm of departure announcements, rolling luggage, and bleary-eyed travelers shuffling toward their gates. Officer Andrei Volkov, a former military K-9 handler, adjusted the collar on his uniform as his trusted partner, Rex, padded alongside him. The German Shepherd’s posture was alert yet calm, his intelligent amber eyes scanning the sea of people with professional precision.

It was routine—until it wasn’t.

They had just rounded the corner into Terminal B when Rex abruptly stopped. His ears perked. His muscles tensed. Then, he bolted forward several feet, coming to a sudden halt near a row of chairs at Gate B-12. There sat a heavily pregnant woman, her hands resting on her belly, her face pale and strained. She looked up as Rex approached, startled but not frightened.

“Rex!” Andrei barked, catching up. “Easy, boy.”