I stepped into the living room and saw Sofia Lanka lying on the couch, sleeping. I paused and walked over to stand by the couch, staring down at her.

Her brows were furrowed even in sleep, dark circles shadowing her eyes. She'd had a rough night, too, clearly.

I bent down and scooped her up after a moment.

As I turned toward the stairs, Lydia's voice called softly from behind me, "Mr. Monroe."

I turned and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Don't wake her."

That was when Lydia noticed Sofia Lanka in my arms. She swallowed the words she'd been about to say and nodded, heading quietly by me to...