A stone-breaking glare was shown from the Australian mix as he zoned off on the ride back to the FBI safe house. The pups shared nervous glances towards each other as they saw this. From their experience, Decker seemed stern but fair in most cases, but this looked different, like it was a life or death thing for him.

"So...what's the plan, dude?" Zuma asked, being the only one brave enough to even talk to mixed breed.

Decker's ears twitched at the question as he snapped out of his train of thought. "Huh? I already told you all the plan. If that's what you even want to call it. It's all up to Rich now, he doesn't go with it, we're all screwed."

"But all that work we did! He can't just disregard it!" Rocky stated as Decker lowered his head and released a sigh.

"You think that matters to him?!" Decker snapped as the eco pup winced back, "We didn't follow orders, I didn't follow orders, I lied to him so I can help you all get an insight on that stubborn Shepherd, who didn't even bother talking to any of you even when he had the chance!" Decker huffed as the pups stood quiet from the comment.

Skye pointed her eyes towards the floor, coming with the terms that the Australian Mix had a point but the Aviator pup still had her hopes in the Shepherd, "Chase will make the right choice, I know he will."

Decker leaned back in his seat, releasing another sigh as he commented on Skye's statement, "Hope you can still hang on to that kind of optimism when Rich gives us the boot." The Australian Mix somewhat doubted as he scanned the buildings they passed by. "We're almost there, let's just hope things go in our favor."

Questions ran through the minds of Avery's crew as the Shepherd finished his explanation.

Mavis kept her look of shock and betrayal, Nashi wanted to tear the Shepherd apart but was being held back by Delta and Levi.

"I...I know this is a lot to take in. I know you don't trust me anymore...I'm okay with that but I need you all with me to help with one thing and one thing only." Chase stated as Avery continued on, speaking for the Shepherd.

"We need your help taking down Alistair and Ajax." Nashi chuckled at the Greyhound's offer as the group shook their heads in disbelief.

"I think I speak for everyone here, Avery. That's suicide." Nashi spoke up as another question soon came to his mind, "Another thing. Even if we go through with that, who's going to run this place once those two are dealt with? You? Please."

"You think I can't? Once they're dealt with, this place will be better than it is now." Avery defended.

"Yeah, but how are we even going to go through with this? I mean, we can't just walk into his office and kill them both, that'll be too easy." Mavis argued as she snapped out of her phase.

"You got pretty close." Delta countered as the Retriever scoffed.

"One problem at a time. We get rid of the McAllisters first and I'll let you all in on the plan, if you're even still willing to go through with it." Avery advised as the group settled down, giving each other unsure looks as the Greyhound waited for an answer from each of them.

"Fine, but if it all goes to hell, I'm gone." Nashi assured as the rest nodded their head in agreement, surprisingly siding with Nashi for once.

"So, we're all in agreement then," Avery declared as he gave final reassuring looks towards the dogs, "Good, because there's one last thing you all need to know."

"What? You mean there's more to this than this Shepherd being a rescue pup?" Delta asked, quickly sitting down as he saw the side glare he received from Avery.

"The FBI are helping us wit-."

"The FBI?! Are you fucking insane?!" Mavis yelled, startling most of the crew as Avery snapped back.

"I had too!" The Greyhound circled the crew, "Hendrix was in trouble, his family was going to get killed by some McAllisters! His paws were tied and so were ours. They came to an agreement and now they're helping us with the McAllister's and all they want in return is Alistair. It's a win/win scenario here but we need you all with us on this." Avery finished as the group murmured and mumbled among each other.

"Do we even have a choice here?" Levi asked.

The Greyhound lowered his head, not sure on what to say now that his crew had second thoughts. As he raised his head, he saw his crew standing in front of him, worried looks strewn across their faces. "You have a choice. You help us take down Alistair and Ajax after we handle the McAllister's or you can decide not to." Mavis and Nashi took that as a sign to leave but was stopped by the Greyhound who continued to speak. "Just so you know. The second you step out that door, you're getting added to that list, right beneath Alistair and Ajax."

"Avery..." Mavis muttered in shock.

"You fuckin' kidding me?!" Delta yelled.

"You're fucked up, man." Nashi barked as Avery did his best to try to coax the crew.

"I can't risk anyone turning tail." Avery felt a lump in his throat rise up as he continued, "I know you all understand."

"What about Mika? You remember our conversation, right?" Mavis asked as she stepped up.

"Of course I do and I still stand by that." Avery assured as Mika spoke up.

"What 'converthation'?" Asked Mika, her ears lowering down as worry began to fill her mind.

Mavis waved her paws in a defusing manner, "It was nothing bad." The Retriever continued, "If something happens to us, Avery gave me his word that he will help you get out of the city but now, I'm not too sure..."

"You can trust him." Chase assured, out of the blue, "He'll help her get out."

"Oh, and how do you know that?" Nashi asked from the back.

"Avery doesn't back down, not even from a promise, you should know that." Chase stated, giving Nashi a stern side glare.

The room's volume soon turned still as the crew eased up. Their minds still trying to accept the facts they were told just minutes ago.

"Now, if we're done making an easy choice," Avery gestured for the crew to gather up. "We're going to have a word with them soon and they will explain what we need to know, got it?" Avery asked as the crew more or less agreed to the Greyhound's terms.

As the last of the rain pattered down on the window Decker was looking out of, the car came to a stop as the Australian Mix felt a nervous feeling engulf his body. The doors of the vehicle soon opened and the dogs stepped out, the Paw Patrol pups soon following the agents as Decker lagged behind.

"Pups!" Ryder happily shouted as he rushed his pets for a hug, "Are you all okay?" The boy asked as he soon spotted his Dalmatian pup, wounds still healing from the encounter. "What happened to you? What happened to him!"

Marshall stopped the boy from approaching him, "It's alright, I'm alright. It's not Decker's fault."

"Pups, go get that gear off and meet back here. Decker, do the same and head to Rich's office, we need to have a word." Ramirez ordered as he walked towards the group.

"Sure...yeah, you got it, mate." Decker assured as he headed off to the armory with the other pups.

Ryder stopped his Dalmatian pup from going along, "What's going on, Marshall?"

"We might find out pretty soon..." Marshall advised as his eyes tracked the Australian Mix until he was out of view. "I gotta speak with Decker and the pups, I'll be back."

"Yeah, go ahead." Ryder assured as the Dalmatian soon departed. The boy stood up and sat back down on the desk he was occupying minutes ago.

Decker let out a long, drawn-out stretch and yawn as he finally had the somewhat hefty gear taken off of him. As he finished, his mind was still worried about debriefing everything with Rich and Ramirez, his body shuddered with fear as he tried to think of the positives that could come out of it. "Pull yourself together, you're an agent, not a low-down scoundrel."

"Decker?"

The Mix jolted as he heard his name being called out. Turning his head to see Marshall, he responded to the Dalmatian. "Yeah? What is it, mate?"

"If...if what you said back in the car turns out to be true, I was wondering if I could go with you and explain." Marshall hoped as he lightly fidgeted with his paws.

"Explain what? Your fuck up?" Decker scoffed, "It doesn't matter, they won't see reason to something like that."

"But it wasn't your fault!" Marshall tried reasoning.

"Yes it was! It was my fault for even leaving you alone that night!" Decker snapped as he turned around, shoving Marshall aside. "Go let those injuries heal up some more, the agents and I will call you over to discuss things when we're ready." The Australian Mix moved on, leaving the armory and heading towards his boss's office. Decker exhaled shakily through his nose as he moved through the safe house, reaching the office door after some time.

"Decker." Ramirez greeted again as he opened the door for the dog, closing it shortly after he entered.

"It's good to see you again, sir." Decker greeted as hopped up on the chair, trying his best to hide the nervousness he was being overrun with.

"I assume you know why we're talking here, right?" Agent Rich asked as he folded his hands together, slightly leaning forward in his chair.

"Of course. We go through the intel Mavis sent and discuss it with Ryder and the pups." Decker answered, keeping his composure stable for as long as possible.

"I don't think that'll be necessary."

"Why no-?" Decker was cut off, hearing the reason why.

"I know what you did." Shivers were sent down Decker's spine, his fur standing up as his tail fell down. "You made a deal behind my back and you dragged those pups along with you." Rich stated as he crossed his arms, glaring at the Australian mix.

"Sir? I don't understa-."

"Don't! Don't." Rich warned. The Australian mix felt his fur stand up, his paws trembling as his heart began to rapidly beat to the nervousness that was overwhelming him.

Just then, Ramirez walked into the room, handing over something to Rich, sharing a stern glance or two at the Australian Mix upon leaving again. "You forgot about this, didn't you?" Rich asked as he unraveled his hand to reveal the body camera from Decker's gear.

"I-I...no, I didn't forget about it." Decker stammered as Rich placed it down in front of him, sitting back down and eyeing the dog intensely.

"You lied to us and withheld information. On top of that, you made a deal with Mavis's contractor and didn't even bother telling us." Rich stated as Decker's ears arose upon hearing the last part, he hoped that what he would say could shift the tide.

"Sir, I was going to inform you, I have all the intel we could need." Decker tried coaxing, "You just have to trust me!"

"Trust you? Decker, we know that you have conflicting thoughts about these pups and the case." Rich chuckled, "Funny how fast the tables turn, right?"

"That kid and his pups needed our help, you said that yourself! I'm just trying to give them closure on their friend all while doing the job you assigned to us!" Decker barked as Rich scoffed, looking away for a mere moment as he argued back with the dog.

"You're too caring for those pups. Tell me what really happened, Decker, now." Rich ordered as the dog declined it, realizing it wasn't worth it given the current circumstances.

"I can't, sir, there's more pressing matters to attend to. The McAllister's are planning to attack the Den in two days, if that happens and if they manage to get the upper hand, Alistair and Ajax will be gone and I know you don't want that to happen!" The room fell silent as Rich soon let out a light chuckle.

"You really think you can get past whatever you did? You can try but it's not going to work." Rich stated as Decker rubbed his eyes in frustration. "Regardless, let's go discuss this problem with everyone else." Standing up, the agent called out to the dog one last time, "Just know, if you want to keep everything you worked this hard for, quit the espionage bullshit and stay in line."

"Yes, sir." Decker assured as he soon trailed behind the Agent, following him into the next room where Ramirez and the rest of the group was.

Laying down on a bed that Ryder dragged from the other room, Marshall kept his eye on the door where Rich and Decker was, the Dalmatian was worried on the outcome of the situation, as were the rest of the pups. Decker and Rich exited the room, alerting the rest of the group as Ryder and the pups anxiously awaited the outcome.

Clearing his throat, Rich placed his hands behind his back as he started to explain. "Ryder, pups. With how we involved you all are into this investigation, we gave you fair warnings on not to interfere when being told. Ramirez and I are aware of what Marshall did but due to what Decker and the rest of you have given us in terms of intel, we are willing to drop it as there are more pressing matters to attend to. Decker, continue." The agent finished as he gestured for the Australian to step forward to face the group.

"Right. So, you pups now, we spoke with Avery and made a deal with him. Rich, Ramirez, sirs, the deal we made was that we apply pressure on the McAllister's while they land the final blow. As of last night, we realized the window was way smaller than we realized." Ryder and the pups exchanged worried looks with one another.

"So what're our options then?" Ryder asked.

"Well, we're going to go through one of them right now, I'm going to call Avery and we're going to discuss it together, gather up, mates." Decker gestured as he soon pressed his tag, signaling Ramirez to record the audio.

"Any idea when he was going to call back, Avery?" Levi asked as he laid his back on the floor, bored out of his mind and slowly but surely losing his patience.

"Figured with how smart you are, you'd realize what the word 'soon' meant." Avery answered, fixing some items on his shelf.

"The old hound has jokes, who knew?" Levi lightly smirked.

"Seriously, though, how long is this gonna take? We can't be sitting in here all day waiting, we take any longer and we're gonna raise suspicion." Delta advised as Avery let out a sigh.

"Alright, alright! If it'll make you two shut up, I'll do us all a favor and call him myself." Just as Avery finished speaking, his tag rang, "Oh, you two hear that? It's my tag, you know what that means?"

"Just answer it!" Nashi barked as Avery chuckled, letting out a small wheeze as the group gathered around.

"Speak." Avery ordered as the crew gently leaned in close to hear Decker on the other end.

"I'm assuming you and your crew came to full terms, right, mate?" Decker asked as Avery responded quickly.

"Yeah, let's wrap this up rather fast, we don't want anyone getting suspicious." The Greyhound advised as Decker began to explain the plan, with everyone on both sides listening in very closely.

"Alright. As you know, we took care of some expendable McAllister's down at one on their hideouts earlier this morning. The original goal here was to put enough pressure on them so they'll be scrambled, enough for you and your crew to swoop in and kill the brothers, one of them, at least. With newly-realized time constraints, we're going to have to work it within a certain window. We send out units to clear some hideouts and as that is happening, the McAllister's will be in full panic mode." Decker explained as several questions were being thought by both of the crew's members.

"What's the whole 'time-constraint' deal here? Why is it so sudden?" Delta asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"We have a bug planted at the main warehouse in the docks, the McAllister's stated that they were going to attack your safe house in two days." Rocky answered as Avery's crew mumbled to each other, sharing concerned looks.

"Shit, will we even have enough time to take them out and...the other ones?" Mavis asked as Decker answered quickly, getting the focus back.

"We don't have another option, we got a window and we have to go for it, even if the risks are high." Decker directed.

Fear consumed a majority of the dogs between both sides, they were scared that some may not see the end of this but they recollected themselves knowing that having fear wouldn't help out in the long-run.

"Once my crew finishes off the McAllister's, I'll keep you notified. My end of the deal though, it still needs work." Avery claimed, "Give me a second here. Chase, take the tag."

Avery quickly stepped over to the shelf near his desk and pulled out the blueprints of the building that the Den was forged in. "Levi, Delta, pin down the corners. Chase, over here." Chase swiftly moved over to his old friend, glaring down at the blueprint as Avery snagged the tag from him. "You want intel on our boss? We can't give you much besides his name, which is 'Alistair Dupri'. Aside from that, if you're going to send units here to take him down, they can take the hidden pathways we have."

There was sudden pause, "Hidden pathways?" Decker asked, confused as ever.

Ryder chimed in, answering the Aussie's confusion. "The old drainage tunnels, right?"

"Exactly that, Alistair had some worker dogs cut the bars throughout multiple pathways and he used them as supply routes, more or less for himself. His lapdog, Ajax, personally got to transport whatever was needed to be moved." Avery explained.

"Alright, Avery, we'll cross that bridge once we get there but right now, we're going to put as much pressure on the McAllister's as we can. It's going to take around a day with all the planning we'll have to do but once it's ready, you all have to be ready as well, got it?" Decker awaited assurance from the crew.

Avery scanned the expressions of the his crew, it had a mix of doubt and worry but the Greyhound couldn't back down now and spoke for them, "Yeah, we'll be waiting for the call, don't worry."

"Then we have a deal, we'll be in touch when everything's a go." Decker assured, ending the call as the crew let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Fuck." Delta dragged out, "We really going through with this? I-I...I'm still thinking this all isn't real."

The crew conversed among each other as Avery walked back to his desk, seemingly in lost in the clouds as Chase would usually be. He placed his collar on his desk, laying his down as he kept his eye on his crew.

"What do we do now?" Mavis asked as she turned her head to face him.

"What do you think?" Avery grumpily replied with a question of his own, surprised that the Retriever didn't get the memo sooner.

"Dixon's?" Levi turned his head, seeing the Greyhound nodding his head in agreement. "Alright then, come on, everyone!"

Chase shared a worried glance over at his old friend. Who, in response, gave a smile and waved his paw towards the door. The Shepherd nodded but before leaving, he approached the Italian and gave him a well-deserved hug. "Thanks for everything."

"It was nothing, kid." Avery patted his back, signifying to release the embrace, "Besides, thank me when this is all over and you go back home with those friends of yours."

Chase nodded, leaving the office and closing the door to head back to Dixon's bar to rally back up with the rest of the crew.

Soft rock music echoed through the speakers of the bar, riling up the customers as they listened in, some tapping their paws in tune as others ignored it and continued their own conversations. Dixon let out a ragged cough as he wiped the counter top with a clean rag, glaring his eyes on and off from the room just to be sure nothing bad was going on. His eyes turned towards the entrance of his bar, seeing his favorite crew enter through the doorway. "Amigos! Good to see you again!" The Spanish Mastiff greeted, tossing the rag on the counter top.

"Hey, Dixon, everything alright?" Mavis asked as the dog let out a chuckle.

"Always. Grab some seats, amigos, I got something to show you, completely forgot about it earlier." The dog turned and headed towards the small room behind the counter. The crew hopped up on the stools and relaxed for a moment, waiting for the Spanish dog to return so they can see what he wanted to show them and, of course, get some food.

"What do you think he wants to show us?" Levi asked, tapping his paws on the counter.

Mavis laid her head on her paw. "Don't know but it must be something good."

Nashi lowly growled, "Hey, Dixon, hurry up back there!"

"Jesús, esta mierda es pesada! Hey, hey! Go take their orders while I work this out!" Dixon ordered as he continued to struggle with the large box.

"You need some help back there?" Delta offered as one of the other bartenders went up to the group, backing up a bit in fear as Nashi eyed them down.

"No, I'm good, I got it!"

"Wh-what can I get you?" The dog asked as Nashi grumbled, nodding his head towards Mavis.

Her eyes darted between Nashi and the bartender, "You seriously want me to order? Jesus..." Whined Mavis as she ultimately accepted it, "I'll take a steak, this one will have two. Anyone else afraid to order or what?"

"Kibble 'pleathe'." Mika gently smiled.

"I'll have some chicken if you have any."

"I'll take some steak."

"And you, Shepherd?" The bartender asked as Dixon finally managed to get the box out, dragging it by his teeth.

"Kibble." Chase answered as he handed the bartender some extra ration cards, "For your troubles."

Gratefully nodding, the bartender backed up, allowing Dixon to fit through as they placed two bowls on the dispensers.

"Alright, amigos, check this shit out." Dixon let out a light chuckle as he lifted the box onto the counter, grabbing the crew's attention.

The faces of the crew lit up as the chest opened and they peered inside, the glass bottles reflecting the light from above the counter.

"Drinks? Is this that premium shit?" Nashi asked as Dixon moved his paw in a manner that would resemble a 'maybe'.

"Hey, hold up..." Mavis's brow raised as she grabbed one of the bottles, examining it with a close eye. "Dixon, this is alcohol, we can't drink this." The Retriever scoffed as she placed the bottle back in the box.

"Your eyes need some fixing, hermana." Dixon handed the bottle back, pointing his claw at the bottom of the bottle brand which read 'non-poisonous to dogs/cats'.

"Bullshit." Mavis objected as Nashi swooped the bottle from her.

"Where'd you even get this? This would've cost a fortune." Nashi wondered as he placed the cap of the bottle against the counter, getting ready to pop it open with his paw.

"Hey! Pay up first." Dixon barked as he lent out his paw, waiting for a payment.

"How much?" Nashi asked, leaning back as the other bartender arrived with the crew's orders.

Dixon sucked the air through his teeth, "It's a lot, especially after what some of my dogs went through to get that."

"Whatever, take it, you stingy mutt." Nashi tossed the cards, soon popping the cap off and chugging down the bottle.

"Thanks." Mavis smiled at the bartender as she soon glanced towards Nashi, "I don't think you should be drinking right now, considering if Avery calls us in."

"He wanted us to come here...so I'm taking that as a sign to be calm and collected." The Husky stated as he grabbed another bottle, drowning his problems away. Delta shrugged as he grabbed a bottle from the box, handing one to Levi, who declined. The Husky and the Australian Shepherd drank up bottle after bottle while the rest of the crew ate their food.

Mavis disappointingly nodded her head at the two, hoping they would've known better, especially after what they just went through, but at the same time, she understood it. What her and the crew went through was nothing short of stress-inducing, that's what the whole problem was of having this sort of lifestyle. She never fully understood it until she was set in their shoes.

With that running through her mind, the Retriever felt depressed, a rare moment. She laid her head on the counter top, letting out a huge sigh but as she was ready to be a depressed Retriever, her ears perked up at the sound of the music speakers.

Her mood almost instantly changed as the speakers played a familiar song that the Retriever adored. Upon hearing the start up, she squealed in excitement as she leaned out and looked towards Levi, who shrugged and hopped off the stool, following the Retriever towards the small stage. "Come on, everyone! This is our song, come on, come on!"

"Finally, some good fuckin' music..." Nashi smiled as he took bites out of his bowl. He soon chuckled as he stumbled off the stool to join his friends along with Delta. "You're lucky I'm in good mood, Mav!"

Mavis tapped her paws in the rhythm of the song and began to sing along with Levi. "I'm breaking rocks in the hot sun! I fought the law and the law won! I fought the law and the...law won!" Mavis sang as she leaned her head towards Levi.

As the guitar from the song continued, Levi stepped up on the stage, "I needed money cause I...had none, I fought the law and the law won! I fought the law and the...law won!"

The two stepped up together and sang in unison. "I left my baby and I feel so bad, I guess my race is run! Well, she's the best girl I've ever had, I fought the law and the...law won! I fought the law and the...law won!"

The two shared a laugh as they had their paws around each other's shoulders, looking towards Delta and Nashi, gesturing them to continue the song.

Chase and Mika smiled at the sight, it was truly something not seeing the crew go for each other's throats for once. "Hey, Dixon, come here." The Shepherd called out as he unlatched the small satchel he had on him. "It's full of ration cards, you think that's enough to liven this place up a little bit more?"

The Mastiff's eyes widened upon examining the contents of the satchel, "Definitely enough, what's with the cash-in?"

"Just want to keep the good times rolling a little bit longer, we've all been a bit off for sometime." Chase answered.

"Comprendido." Dixon gestured for some of the bartenders to come over. "This place is gonna be a bit more lively in a few minutes."

Dixon and the rest of the bartenders soon departed, spreading out to each of the tables and letting the patrons know. As this was happening, Chase turned towards Mika, "Keep close to Mavis if anything, I'm gonna be in our room, I need some time alone to think about our current events." The pup advised as Mika nodded.

"Okay, I'll let you know if anything." The Bernese Mountian Dog assured as she saw the Shepherd leave the premises and exit from her view.

As the Shepherd distanced himself from the bar, he heard the sounds of cheering and music rise up as he got further. He gently smiled to himself knowing that Dixon got it through and everyone was going to have a grand time. As much as he wanted to be a part of it, he felt that everything that was happening between the FBI, McAllister's and Alistair were more important and he couldn't afford any distractions.

Hours passed as the bar was now a mess, dogs were strewn about the floor, unconscious from all the partying they were doing. Mavis and her crew weren't any different. Delta and Nashi were out cold as Mavis and Mika were sleeping it off, not suffering as much as the other two. Levi, on the other hand, abruptly woke up as he heard his tag ring.

Collecting himself and getting up on his paws, he answered the call as he was away from the crew to not wake them up. "Ye-yeah? What's up?" The Malamute asked as he cleared up his eyes and scanned the near desolate pathways of the Den.

"Lev! Levi! It's Spencer, I need you meet to me at my place now, I can't explain right now, just get over here!" The call abruptly ended as Levi was still trying to process what he just heard.

As he got his bearings back together, he started to head towards the exit but stopped, looking back at the crew. They wouldn't be able to comprehend what he would be telling them due to the partying, so the Malamute took a gamble, bolting it immediately past Avery's office and heading outside towards Spencer's.

The Den was almost dead silent, nothing but the occasional buzzing from a dampened old light or the rats rummaging through the filth. The silence was broken as a familiar stained metal panel was heard being opened around the outside of Avery's office.

A paw reached in and grabbed the contents inside, placing the items in their satchel. The small panel was closed as the dog let out a small chuckle.

"Nobody likes having secrets kept from them, Avery, not even Alistair and I."