Free Color Blind (Team Red) by T. Hammond

There was a breach of security and we were secretly filmed by the captain’s brother, who was working for the SPD at the time.”
     
    “Luckily, Red caught Officer Blair sending the photos and video, but we hadn’t been able to trace who he sent the files to,” Bas added.
     
    “How did Red find out what was going on with the taping?” Lt. Mercer asked, clearly not believing that the dog could communicate. Boy, was she in for a shock later.
     
    “It was purely accidental,” Bas replied. “Red happened to catch sight of the photos on the officer’s computer screen. Since we were assured beforehand that the tests would not be monitored on the department’s camera feed, we were suspicious that pictures had been taken.”
     
    “The incident made us aware of how vulnerable Teresa and Red could be when they are working. Red is usually focused on the evidence that is presented for his examination, and Teresa, being blind, is not able to watch her surroundings to see if their activities are being monitored.” David wrapped a large hand around mine, where it laid on the tabletop. “If the wrong people discovered what these two can do together, it would put them at risk. Teresa doesn’t just hear Red’s thoughts, she has the ability to ask the right questions and guide him through the tracking process. Working for the police department, or even in a recovery capability such as disaster areas, Red’s nose is invaluable. As a team, we have untapped capabilities for infiltration; we could gather some serious intel.”
     
    “Gil tells us that Red’s reasoning skills far surpass a regular canine,” I added. “Even if he was given instructions to look for one thing, he’s smart enough to reprioritize and to deviate from the assignment if he sees something unexpected.”
     
    “Now, who is Gil?” Colonel Spencer, asked. “You mentioned him earlier. Does he work for the police?”
     
    “Yes. In fact, it was Detective Gil Westfield, that coined the name Team Red,” David said. “Gil is ex-military, with canine handling experience. He’s the one that set up the tests we have run so far. We have run tests side-by-side with police K-9’s as well as independently, with just Red.”
     
    “Team Red, huh?” Lt. Mercer, mused.
     
    “Yeah, because Red and his Peeps sounds like the name of a fourth-rate boy band, don’t you think Teresa?” My dog asked innocently.
     
    “Shh,” I shushed at the not so innocent dog at my side.
     
    “What did he say this time?” Bas asked with a smile in his voice.
     
    I contemplated if it was even worth repeating and finally said, “Mr. Smarty Pants was suggesting that Red and His Peeps just didn’t sound right for our group name.”
     
    Colonel Spencer chuckled, “Sounds like the name of one of those punk bands or something.”
     
    Red’s laughter filled my mind and I added, “Red was thinking along the same lines.”
     
    “Okay, I have to admit, I find the idea that the dog can talk to you is outrageous,” Lt. Mercer admitted. “I keep expecting someone to jump out with a camera and scream, Gotcha!”
     
    “I have to agree,” Lt. Osborn seconded. “In fact, I wonder that you are so casual about this, Sir.” I assumed the statement was directed towards the senior officer. “You are not one to be taken in by whimsical fancy.”
     
    Colonel Spencer chuckled. “I had a heads-up before lunch, and I may have suggested to a certain canine that tail swats to the knee caps of a rude lieutenant could prove amusing entertainment throughout the meal. There was no way an ordinary dog could have understood that request and continued to focus on one individual for the length of time Red did. I have been watching the dog act and react with people for the past hour, and I have to tell you, I’ve seen some pretty compelling things that convince me we have a very special dynamic going on here.”
     
    “We are prepared to try and convince you…” I started.
     
    There