Page 52 of Niall

“I gather she sees them most days and chats.”

“Ah.” I looked at the screen. The woman was leaving, waving to the girls. I tapped the screen, following her. She walked out of the hotel and slid into the back seat of a dark sedan. I switched cameras, focusing on the driver. He was broad and wore a jacket. From what I could tell, he was dark-haired with a heavy beard. Glasses. He said something to his passenger and drove off. There was nothing amiss or suspicious.

“Maybe the chatting will stop now that they are working.”

Finn nodded, frowning over a set of numbers. Then he flipped the screen and rubbed his eyes. “Roman and Luca want to meet to talk about a few things.”

“When?”

“Friday.”

“Okay. Anything in particular?”

“Just an update, I think. It’s been a while since we talked about the regular things.” He stood and clapped me on the shoulder. “It’ll feel good to be back to normal. I’m starving. Let’s get a sandwich.”

I glanced at the screen one more time. “Sure.”

ANNA

Una was a good teacher, and I caught on to the system easily. I observed her and George handle some checkouts and an early arriving guest, and then I stepped in and soon felt comfortable. George went into the office to do some reports, and Una showed me the phone system, how to print reports. She also did some work at the concierge area, leaving me alone at the front desk, and I was proud of myself for remaining calm and handling a few guests on my own. More than once, I glanced at the camera pointed my way, feeling better knowing that Niall was probably watching me.

“Hi!” the familiar singsong voice greeted me.

I glanced up from the manual I was studying, meeting Heidi’s eyes.

“Hi,” I replied.

“How’s your day going?”

“Good. Yours?”

Una came back, smiling at her. “Hello, Heidi.”

She grinned at Una. “Our offer was accepted, so we got the condo.” She smiled. “You’ll be rid of me soon.”

“I’m happy for you,” I murmured, while Una offered her congrats.

“Any chance of an early lunch?”

I shook my head. “We only get half an hour,” I fibbed. I simply couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the hotel for lunch and a walk later. It was simply too much.

A strange look crossed her face, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of anger, but she only shrugged. “Okay. I’m going to grab something and head to the lawyer to sign some paperwork.”

She waved as she walked away. Una looked at me. “We get an hour.”

“I know. It was too much today, and besides, you don’t like her.”

“I don’t dislike her. I don’t know her.”

I shrugged. “Tea and a sandwich by the fire is what I want.”

“Oh, me too.”

“Can we go together?”

“Yes. George and William help each other. Then you and I will do the same.”

“Okay.”