He was curious if dogs could detect his true nature.
Carefully, he slowed his heart rate. Not fully, just enough to flatten the rhythm.
The dog reached the door.
It stopped.
Its nose pressed against the gap between the window and the frame, pulling air in short, rapid bursts.
Then it paused.
Francis did not look at it directly. That was the mistake most people made. He looked at the dashboard instead.
The dog sniffed again. Longer this time.
The handler's grip tightened on the leash by a fraction.
Francis caught it through his peripheral vision.
'So you noticed something.'
He kept his expression flat, maintaining a composed face.
If he got caught, he could just make a mess here, and they would assume he was part of the Covenant.
Then he would change his face and disappear into the crowd.
Fortunately for everyone, the dog pulled back.
The handler studied the animal for a second, then gave a small shake of his head toward the checkpoint soldier.
