She smiled. "That was Brutus. I hope he didn't give you any trouble."
Gerald shook his head. "No, he was just lying on the porch."
Carmen glanced at Alex and he immediately headed for the door. Brutus didn't normally hang around the house, and he always barked at strangers.
Gerald looked concerned. "I hope nothing is wrong."
Carmen withdrew her hand from his and watched anxiously as Alex walked out the door.
"He's getting old. I guess he thinks he should be retired. God knows he deserves it."
They talked for a few minutes and then all eyes turned to Alex when he came back in the house.
"I'm going to walk him out to the barn and fix him a place to stay. I'll lock him in there for the night. I'll get my bag."
He went upstairs to get his things and then out to the barn. Carmen followed her guests to the rent house and gave them a tour. They all seemed happy with the arrangements. Rob latched on to the largest bedroom - the one she had used. Gerald and Aaron discussed the other two bedrooms and Aaron decided on the small room upstairs. Whether he actually wanted that one was debatable, but he certainly acted pleased with it. Before Carmen left, she invited them all to breakfast and orientation before the first ride in the morning.
When she returned to the house, Alex was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee.
"How is Brutus?" Carmen asked.
For a moment he didn't respond. Finally he placed the cup carefully on the table.
"I think it's time to seriously consider putting him down."
Carmen sank into the chair opposite him. "Why? Is he in pain?"
"He doesn't appear to be, but I had to stop and let him rest several times before he got to the barn. He's having trouble breathing."
Carmen sighed. "Maybe he'll feel better in the morning."
It wasn't something she wanted to think about right now. A year ago Alex had gently informed her that Brutus was getting old and his heart was not working well. He had bad days, but Alex always gave him something to make him feel better.
Alex leaned back in his chair, his gaze roving over her face. Finally he spoke softly.
"Carmen, he's suffering."
"Can't you give him something?"
He nodded. "I did, but there's only so much I can do."
Tears threatened and she tried to swallow a lump in her throat.