41

Veronica

Forty-five minutes later, Charlie and I stood at the gate alone. A sedan came toward us down the dusty road, pulling to a stop at the gates. My grandfather opened the back door and stepped out at the same time as the driver, and I climbed into the car with Charlie on my lap.

"What is that?" he asked, a clear look of distaste on his face.

I scratched behind Charlie's ear and held him on my lap. "It's a puppy, Grandfather. His name is Charlie."

"Does he have to join us?"

"Yes."

He didn't argue with me but gave me a resigned look. The driver closed the door, and we were off.

"No one to wave you off? Where is your sister?"

"Resting," I lied. I knew he wouldn't like knowing Robyn was in enemy hands. Although Stephen was hardly the enemy. Maybe he was my only ally. Funny how, just a few hours ago, I'd been thinking Stefan was my ally.

"And Stefan?"

"Meetings."

"Does he know you're with me?"

"No."

"Good girl," he said with a smile, shifting his gaze out the window.

"Why haven't you