K-9 Trials

[Mattie Chappel]

"Oh, I can teach you to clean fish, don't worry about that!" Mattie laughed. "Cutting them open, peeling out the bones, gutting them...Koda will eat that part!" Her grin widened. "After a few you get used to the slimy-ness!"

The dog's ears perked up at his name, then he started to wag his tail in happy anticipation as the car slowed to a stop in the parking lot, shaded by the abundant trees in the park. "So easy to please!" Mattie chuckled as she scratched the dog's ears. "Just like a man."

She hopped out of the car then let Koda out, and although the dog was eager to be free, he was well-trained enough to stay within a few feet of her.

"So, food first? I know I'm famished! And curious to see what all you packed."

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

Kev grinned and nodded not too sure how good he would be at learning how to clean a fish. “He eats that stuff?” He said looking at Koda for a moment as he tried to figure that out for a second. “Well lets just say I’ll try but I can’t make any promises i’ll be any good at it.”

Parking up in the lot Kev was still trying to imagine himself cleaning a fish, yeah there were things in the world that he had never done and wasn’t exactly sure he was going to be able to do. He laughed when Koda perked up a little though he chuckled, “Us guys are pretty easy going, least where foods concerned.” He joked as he got out of the car and watched how Koda didnt stray from Mattie at all.

Kev reached into the boot of the car and got the basket out and a few other things. “Okay well blame the shop if it’s awful, I bought it but didnt make it.” He explained grinning, “I didnt want to screw it up which is likely if its food.” He explained, he could cook yes basic meals but ask him to do anything that remotely needs to be organised it was going to badly from the start. It was simpler and safer for all involved to get what he needed already done and he didnt exactly know what Mattie liked so he had a variety of things.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Oh, well, if it's too bad, maybe I should have the place raided and shut down." Grinning, Mattie headed to one of the picnic tables and sat. As Kev laid out the spread, Koda settled by her feet -- no begging, he knew the rules, even if he hated them!

"Looks good, and 'easy' is the key. Cooking takes so much time, all the prep and clean-up...I especially hate the clean-up, but then, Mom cooks and makes a huge mess that she leaves for me, and after dealing with idiots all day, that's the last thing I want..."

She cut that short, shaking her head a little...no more 'Mom' talk.

"Anyway, Koda and I thank you for all the trouble you went to for us."

As a 'not-date', this was fun, relaxed and casual, just hanging out with no expectations to make you feel all awkward and nervous over nothing.

((So, what did hr bring?))
Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

“Ooh well at least now I know what I’m up against here.” He said grinning as he placed the basket on one of the tables and laid out what he had brought. So he did take after his mother with one essential thing, no one went home hungry. It was a sort of family rule or at least a rule and one that he had stuck by probably one of the few he had really stuck by too.

“Yeah I guess I’m lucky, if I make a mess it’s me who cleans it then again I swear that someone tries to make out it’s me but the clean up is no fun.” He said nodding, “It’s why the greatest inventions are microwaves, anything can be eaten out of a bowl and one pot meals. Three pots is my limit if it’s just me home.” He stated, another rule that one he had finished a days work cooking was sometimes that leap to far so he opted for the easy cereal option or a microwave wonderful surprise.

“It’s no trouble at all, happy to do it besides it’s not often I get to do this sort of thing...” He said, well a not a date date, it was fun and not stressful at all. No hovering over what to order or a restaurant setting that lead to whole other worlds of conversation and trying to act a part. He was enjoying just hanging around with her and of course Koda.

“So since I wasn’t sure what everyone ate here goes.” He said as he motioned to around the picnic table to explain what he had. Three salads, the usual standard type, beetroot and other root veg salad and potato salad followed by coleslaw. Anything and everything that could go on a stick, from chicken bites to vegetable wraps. Cocktail sausages, mini pork pies, sandwiches of ham, chicken, beef, cheese, tuna, egg mayo, cheese savoury.

“And before I forget, a few things for Koda, I wasn’t too sure what he ate so he’s has a variety too.” Kev said as he pulled a few packets of dog treats from the basket. It wasn’t like he could go around asking him what he liked to it was just a case of getting what he thought Koda might like and hope for the best.

Tag: Mattie Chappel (feel free to change anything that he brought too or make something up if you want to)

[Mattie Chappel]

"Oh, wow, we could feed an army!" Mattie smiled and laughed, appreciating that he was trying to please her. "It all looks good, and Koda will eat just about anything."

Unable to decide specifically, she grabbed a plate and dished out small bits of each of the salads then a meat pie and some of the things-on-a-stick. "At least I was too nervous to eat breakfast." Her stomach rumbled, causing her cheeks to go red. "See, my stomach agrees!"

Leaning back, she took a bite of some chicken and nodded. "Not bad for grocery store food...and you can put something on a plate for Koda...surprise him!" She opened a bottle of water and took a drink of the cold liquid, her smile widening. "Couldn't ask for better weather, and they're aren't too many people here." She laughed. "You really did good, Kevin."

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

Kev grinned as he shrugged, “Yeah, I wasn’t too sure what to get so I got a lot just in case.” He explained as he grinned at Koda, “Then I hope you’re both very hungry. If there’s anything you don’t like it’s okay no pressure to eat it.” Kev knew he should have asked her what she liked but then again he didnt want to be too forward or pushy about things.

Then again feeding an army, he just hoped that she was hungry but then again Koda too if he ate anything it could be just as good. “You were nervous?” He asked grinning seeing her cheek go red, “Well then dig in please and don’t be nervous you and Koda did great today.” He stated not sure if she was nervous about the event or the day or, well he had practically paced that morning not sure what to do or what to wear or really much of anything beyond deciding it was good to get out and meet people.

Mattie he liked after their meeting at the coffee shop and he was just glad that he got to meet her again. “No it’s alright, or at least I hope it is.” He said grinning as he made a plate up for Koda. He put a bit of everything on it for him curious as to what he would eat and wouldnt do as he added a dog treat too just in case he felt he was being short changed as he placed the plate down for Koda. “Same rule for you Koda, if you don’t like it you dont have to eat it.” He explained.

Kev chuckled when Mattie said he had done good, “Thank you I mean the weather well it took some doing and the people... pulled in a favour earlier to get this placed cleared out but other than that...” He teased, oh no control on the weather and the people nope there was no chance at all though he was happy it had worked out. “All that matters is that you’re enjoying yourself besides you did great today so you deserve good weather, not too many people and food too.”

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Oh, well, I know I deserve everything." Mattie laughed then gnawed on a buffalo wing. "You did good, and yes, I was nervous."

Shrugging, she tried the potato salad, then continued. "It's not as if our careers hinged on a good performance, but it still helps. And it's not as if Koda isn't well-versed in all those areas, I just hate...putting on a show."

She reached down and patted the dog, who was happily scarfing down the choice tidbits on the plate given him. "I mean, I do like letting the public see that police dogs aren't vicious and mean...heck, we love going to schools, don't we?"

The dog hardly looked up at her, his tail wagging. "Anyway, it's behind us for now and we even won a few ribbons, and now there's no judges, no walls to paint or floorboards to nail down, no...well, this is just fun, right."

At that, she gave him a genuine smile then laughed. "Don't eat too much, we still have a free-style golf game, and I don't want you to say you lost because you ate too much!"

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

Kev grinned and nodded to her. She did deserve everything he thought as he took a bite of his food trying not to do his nervous eating which meant he ate a little at time. “Thanks but hopefully you’re not nervous anymore.” He said not wanting it to be awkward though yes he was a little nervous too.

“If you careers did then from where I sat you’d be the chief of police right now.” He said as he nodded, “Well considering you hate putting on a show, you’re good at it and you make it look easy too.” The things that people made look easy were the very things that were difficult and when it came to Koda and Mattie they were great at what they did.

“Koda vicious... never, how anyone could think that.” He said smiling at Koda, oh he knew that on command it was different but even then vicious was hardly what he would say. More like trained or skilled as he realised he was sounding more like a lawyer in his own head. Great he was defending Koda against an invisible crowd. Honestly he was with a beautiful woman on a fantastic day and his head just wouldnt snap out of work.

Seeing her smile Kev smiled back as he nodded, “Oh no, cant be beaten because i’ve eaten too much but you’ve just given me the best defence for it but I’ll hold that for now.” He said laughing as he ate some more of the food. “So how good are you at the free style golf? Do I need to get into training for this game?” He asked her smiling as he relaxed enjoying the say and the company too.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"It's been a while since I played," Mattie admitted, heck, it had been a while since she'd played anything! "Pretty easy, though -- kind of. We just trade off, whacking the thing wherever..." She grinned. "Point is to land it in places hard to play, but it's timed, and we're working as a team to make a goal."

Yeah, just kind of hitting a golf ball around the available terrain and not keeping score, maybe better if you were snockered or stoned, not that she'd ever tired that. Still, it was just stupid, idle fun!

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not ready to retire yet, and if I wanted to babysit I'd stick with dogs! They behave." She laughed. "Grown kids are the worst. No thanks."

Besides, she still loved particularly being on the streets and interacting with the public in a not-political way. "And what would I do with Koda? I have a feeling he'd be chasing off a lot of media! And I'd have to retain a lawyer to keep me out of trouble, and you know how they are!"

Giving him a quick grin, she finished the last of what was on her plate. "Looks like a lot of leftovers for you, sorry we didn't eat more." She kind of hated that he'd put out all that expense, but then, she sort of had an idea.

"So, ready for golf? Oh, we just need to be a little careful, there's a homeless camp out here - not that there's any danger, but...you know..."

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Well at least she had some practice in it he thought, the last time he had done anything remotely this much fun had been, well it had been a very long time ago. “It sounds fun and sure fingers crossed it’s easy enough.” He said as he listened to her say it was timed and to get to places it was hard to play. “Good job we can work as a team then though I cant say how good I will be at it, might be better with Koda.” He said grinning.

He was just happy to be there with her having fun, it was strange thing to say that he might have forgotten what fun could be or was. He heard about it but wasnt often the one to take part in it, he worked, he slept and he ate and for the past time in the city it was all he had pretty much done. “Yeah I sure Koda would love the air conditioned office, he could even get his own desk.” He said grinning as he nodded, “Yes I know how ‘they’ are, awful to deal with and a real pain in the butt about everything.”

It was work, he had to be a pain for cases to stick to suspects not that he wanted to be but then he hardly wanted to drop the ball on something and see someone go free. Kev glanced at the food and shook his head as he cleared his plate too. “As long as you’ve had enough that’s good enough for me.” He said as he nodded and grin, “Yeah golf sounds like a lot of fun.” He said as he listened to her talk about the homeless camp there.

“Well since we’re got all this extra food, how about we swing by there and drop it off?” He asked not sure how she would take that but then all that was going to happen was likely it would just see the bin. There was enough for a few people and he hadn’t exactly thought about left over’s at the time of purchase just that he hadn’t a clue what to bring so practically he brought a small shop.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Oh, sure, that's a great idea." Smiling, Mattie nodded, wondering if she would ever admit to him that she might have manipulated him a little in that direction. Of course, there probably was no way that he would know about the camp, and it spoke well of his character that he would think to share and was willing to do that.

"They'd appreciate it, I know." It was funny, the dichotomy of her feelings about the camps and the people who stayed there, and maybe someday she would admit that to him, but for now, this was a way of preserving her humanity.

As she helped to pack up the goodies, she chuckled. "I'm sure Koda will try to join us in our game, the problem is, he doesn't play fair...he just picks up the ball and runs away with it!" She laughed. "Then he leaves teeth marks! So, how about we gather the golfing gear, that way we can start our play as soon as we make our delivery?"

Kev Allison

[Kev Allison]

Kev grinned and nodded to her, manipulation or not it was a great idea otherwise the food would have just been wasted. He hadn’t a clue about the camp there just like the golf so it was a great thing that Mattie had told him or he wouldnt have been any wiser to that fact. Kev liked to shared thing especially when he had the means to do so. There was so much in the world that could be done if everyone was just that one small step nicer to one another.

The camps to him were a strange mix of things, everyone had their own story and to some it was a safe place to live while for others it was a horrid place that a mere existence was enough. To think that a simple gesture might make things a little easier he was all for it. “Well it’s the least I can do really. Thanks for telling me though.” He said appreciating the fact she had let him know.

Packing away the food again he grinned and nodded to her, “Yeah it wouldnt be as much fun if Koda didnt join in.” He said though he raised his brow slightly when she mentioned he didnt play fair. “I like his style, I might have to try doing that as well... you know without the teeth marks though. Then again if it works it works right?” He said laughing as he placed the things away again. “Sure that sounds like a plan to me.” He said nodding again.

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

"Well," Mattie said dryly, keeping a straight face as she pulled out a couple of golf clubs and balls, "teeth marks are one thing, I can work around those. But please don't slobber on it...kinda like a spit-ball, gives you an unfair advantage."

She laughed as she shouldered the golfing equipment, letting him carry the food. "The camp's back this way," she told him, starting along a gravel path. "Mostly people who fell on hard times that don't qualify for services, some who have mental health issues who just prefer staying away from the general public...it's sad, but it can actually be safer than a place like a board and care or group home where they're more vulnerable because of the very system that is supposed to shelter them."

And there was that 'humanity', the part of her that could step back from the cop who had to deal with the drunks and indigent at work, the few who caused trouble and were, frankly, a pain in the ass and a burden on the system.

"It's back this way." She turned onto a small track that you might not notice if you didn't know it was there, you had to duck under branches and push through brush.

"Koda, back," she murmured as they emerged into a large clearing that was set up with tents and cardboard shelters. The people looked at them suspiciously enough, she didn't want Koda out front to frighten anyone.

"Can I help you?" A tall, scruffy man approached them, wary, a little hostile.

"We just had some food left over from our picnic," Mattie explained, "we thought you might like it."

The man frowned suspiciously as he looked at Kev. "Just because?"

Kev Allison,

[Kev Allison]

Kev listened to Mattie as he watched her keeping a straight face. Teeth marks were one thing and he was glad she could work with those but the minute she spoke about slobbering on it he couldnt help but laugh as he nodded innocently. “Yeah I remember no slobbering on it but might need all the help I can get with this so no promises.” He said still laughing about it.

The moment she shouldered the golf equipment he looked toward her, “You sure you’re okay with that, I can take it if you want?” He offered not wanting her to think he was letting her do the hard work in carrying things around. Rule one, never let the lady carry anything beyond her bag mostly because he figured a bag wouldnt really suit him at all.

Kev followed Mattie along the gravel path having no idea where the camp was at all or even the golf place if he was honest as he held the food. “I wish the system worked better than it does, I get to see a lot of bad things come through court and rarely do I get to do much about it working on the side of the state. A safe place is what people need regardless of circumstances though if this is safer then the systems needs to change.” He said knowing that it wasnt always possible to change things but if one person could do that one small thing then it was worth it.

He couldnt imagine seeing it through the eyes of a cop, the things Mattie would have to deal with and yet she had suggested this which made her all the more amazing to him. Kev nodded following her onto the small track, he had no idea that there was even a track this far back. He watched Koda follow Mattie’s command as he went into the clearing with her as he saw the large clearing with tents and cardboard shelters.

It was heartbreaking to see as he turned his attention to the tall scruffy man. Kev just smiled at the man as he held it out for him to take. “Just because we wanted to and it’s nice to give things to others. I promise you its okay, bought for a picnic.” He said trying to convince the man that the food was alright and there was no ulterior motive to what they were doing other than doing the right thing. “It was Mattie here who suggested it, I had no idea you were back here at all but if it can make things any better for you or make you smile today than it is worth any amount of just because.”

Mattie Chappel

[Mattie Chappel]

Hesitating just for a moment, the man looked at them a bit suspiciously, then finally nodded and accepted the food.  "Thank you...God bless you."  He smiled then, and held out his hand, that Mattie took, shaking it.

"Thank you, sir.  You take care."  She knew him, knew a few of the people she saw here, most of them for misdemeanors, nothing much beyond loitering or drunk in public, but she wasn't sure they recognized her out of uniform, not that it mattered. 

The man nodded to her, then turned his attention to Kev.  "You, too, sir, God bless you.  This is a godsend."  He nodded, then turned back toward the camp, where people were gathering, although his attention first was focused on the few children that were there.

Turning to Kev, Mattie smiled.  "Well, all right, you ready for me to whip your ass at free-style golf?" 

As soon as they were out of sight of the camp, she dropped a ball in the middle of the dirt trail, then handed him a club.  "You can go first...just...hit it wherever!"

Kev Allison,