“Well, maybe I still need some convincing to let Rex back in.”
Barry laughed, separated from Jake, and got out the waffle iron.
* * * *
Barry was coming into the dining room with his now famous fresh fruit cocktail when he saw Jimmy rubbing the inside of his right forearm.
“Why are you scratching?” Barry asked, setting down the serving bowl. Instantly the men started to serve themselves, Jimmy’s movements seeming more labored.
“That fucking evil horse Doc Brennan brought over.”
Barry had overheard the hands at breakfast talking about a horse the local vet was due to drop off. Seemed there’d been a raid on a ranch in the next county following a report of animal cruelty. Some animals had had to be destroyed, the others needed new homes. And that, apparently, was where the Double J came in.