He had not reached it, walking a little less painfully in his excitement, when he was aware that he had left his stick leaning against the chair in which he had sat.

He stopped and looked back to be sure that it was there, before returning to get it.

Veronica was watching him, saw what he had done, picked up the stick and carried it swiftly to him before he could come for it.
Taquisara had seen her movement and had tried to get the stick before she could, to take it to his friend.

He had been too far out of reach, and she had been before him.

But he followed her, and he saw that as she handed Gianluca his property, she looked up into his face and smiled very kindly.