I narrowed my eyes. Maybe giving her freedom to roam hadn't been the greatest idea, especially since I'd dismissed both Enzo and Tristan, wanting to be alone in the house with her.
Picking up my cell phone, I called Lisa.
"Yes, sir?"
"Have you already left?" I asked her.
"Not yet. I was just finishing a few things downstairs. Do you need me to get you something?"
"No. But would you mind hanging around for a while? I have some things to do in my office and Veda has been left to her own devices. She could use some company."
"Of course! I don't mind at all. I like Veda. Have you both eaten?"
"Yes, we ate in the city."
"I'll see if she wants some tea then."
"She's on the main floor."
"I'll find her. Have a good night, Mr. Morelli."
"You too, Lisa. And thank you."
Not two minutes later, Lisa entered the picture. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but she waved Veda toward the kitchen. Smiling, Veda followed her.
I switched screens.
Veda sat at the table while Lisa made them both some tea. They were talking, and I should've been trying to figure out what they were saying, but I couldn't take my eyes off of Veda. How relaxed she was. How openly she smiled. How she threw her head back when she laughed, and then immediately covered her mouth like she was afraid someone would hear her.
I wanted to hear her laugh like that.
They talked for a long time as I watched, until, when I was on my third whiskey, Veda couldn't hold back her yawns. Getting up from the table, she took her cup to the sink and—I assumed—told Lisa goodnight.
I followed her on the camera feed as she made her way up to the guest room and disappeared inside.
It was almost an hour later when I left my empty glass on my desk for Lisa to get in the morning and walked up the stairs. But I didn't go to my room. Instead, I kept walking to the other side of the house where Veda was sleeping.
Taking the key out of my pocket, I unlocked the door and slipped inside.