If the dog remained calm, the rescue handler agreed, staffing was available, and Jason followed instructions, could they allow two minutes of supervised physical contact?
The administrator had considered it.
Then he approved it.
Jason had not been told.
Keller wanted the non-contact portion completed first.
He wanted to see the dog himself.
He wanted to see Jason.
Procedure came before sentiment.
Now Rusty stood quietly.
Jason still had one palm against the glass.
Keller looked toward Rebecca.
She understood enough to keep Rusty's leash short.
Keller walked toward the secure side door.
Jason did not notice.
He was looking into Rusty's eyes.
The first sound that reached him was metal.
A key entering a lock.
Jason's eyes shifted.
The lock turned.
He pulled his forehead away from the glass and glanced over his shoulder.
Keller opened the door to the secure interview room.
Jason looked confused.
The deputy gave a small gesture with one hand.
No speech was necessary.
Jason looked back through the partition toward Rebecca.
Rebecca was already guiding Rusty toward the adjoining entrance.
For perhaps one second Jason did not move at all.
Then his hand came away from the glass.
He covered his mouth.
Rusty disappeared from the visitor-side window.
Jason turned toward the interview-room doorway.
The door opened.
Rusty came through.
Jason dropped to his knees before the dog reached him.
The movement was almost automatic.
He did not stand waiting for Rusty to cross the room.
He lowered himself to the dog's level and extended both arms.
Rusty moved faster than he had moved at any point since entering the building.
Not running.
His hips would not comfortably allow that anymore.
But fast enough.
He reached Jason and pressed directly into him.
Jason wrapped both arms around the dog's shoulders.
Then he buried his face into Rusty's neck.
For several seconds, nobody moved except Jason's hands.