“Put him on the counter.”
Victoria hesitated.
Maya moved closer.
“Now.”
Something in her voice eliminated argument.
Victoria placed Oliver on the padded intake counter.
Maya slipped one hand beneath his chest.
Counted respirations.
Lifted his lip.
Checked gum color.
“Dr. Price.”
He stepped in immediately.
“Thirty-eight breaths.”
Maya said.
“Possible crackles.”
Jamal listened with stethoscope.
His expression sharpened.
“Yeah.”
Maya looked toward Jordan.
“Get emergency oxygen ready.”
Jordan moved.
Victoria’s face changed.
“What’s wrong?”
Maya did not answer her immediately.
“Has he taken furosemide this morning?”
“Yes.”
“What dose?”
Victoria froze.
“I don't know.”
“Who gives his medications?”
“My house manager.”
“Call her.”
Victoria fumbled with phone.
The arrogance vanished so quickly it was almost frightening.
Now she was not an agent.
Not a wealthy client.
Not the woman who could ruin careers.
She was somebody terrified about her dog.
Maya knew that person too.
“Oliver.”
she said softly.
The little dog looked at her.
Maya stroked behind his ear.
Dr. Price asked:
“Treatment?”
Maya nodded.
“Oxygen first.”
“Chest imaging as soon as stable.”
“Check blood pressure.”
“Notify Patel when she comes out.”
Victoria looked between them.
“You're a veterinarian?”
Maya looked at her.
“Yes.”
“You said founder.”
“I am both.”
Oliver coughed again.
Victoria gripped the edge of the counter.
“Is he dying?”
Maya looked at her.
“No one has said that.”
“Tell me the truth.”
“I am.”
Victoria’s eyes filled.
Maya continued:
“He may be developing fluid buildup related to his heart disease.”
“We need to assess quickly.”
“But he is conscious.”
“His gums are still pink.”
“He's in the right place.”
Victoria nodded repeatedly.
“Okay.”
Maya watched her.
“Breathe.”
Victoria almost laughed.
Instead she started crying.
“I know how ridiculous that sounds.”
Maya shook her head.
“No.”
“It doesn't.”
Jordan returned with the oxygen setup.