Page 114 of Montana Manhunt

Violet wrinkled her nose. “How did you know?”

“Shows in your eyes.” Noah nudged her toward the sofa. “Get some rest, sweetheart. Rayne is right. Tomorrow will be tough. If you sleep better tonight, you might get rid of the headache and help yourself deal with the heavy emotions the visitation will bring.”

“I hate not doing my part. I feel like I’m letting everyone down.”

“You do more than your part for Artemis and Echo when we’re on missions. It’s our turn now.” Noah walked into the second bedroom and grabbed a pillow from his bed and an extra blanket, and brought them to Violet. “Settle in and relax. I’ll be here if you need me.”

“You’re too good to me, Noah.”

“Not possible.” He kissed her forehead. When she stretched out on the sofa, Noah spread the blanket over her and brushed a light kiss over her lips. “I love you.”

“Love you, too. Wake me if you need help to stay awake.”

“Sure.” He wouldn’t need help, though. Noah never struggled to stay awake during night watches. None of his teammates did, either.

After surveying the view outside the window, Noah picked up his laptop and settled into a recliner to work. Although looking into Hanson’s past might be a long shot, he logged into his Fortress account and checked his emails. Sure enough, Zane was as good as his word. He’d sent files on Rosalie Trevelyan, Fitz Hanson, and James Hanson. Excellent. All he needed now was a check on Jeff Hanson.

Noah sent Zane an email, asking for information on the lawyer, then settled down to read the files he had. He started with Rosalie Trevelyan, making notes about things that seemed off and asking for further details as he read.

He set his computer aside and scanned outside the French doors. So far, nothing had changed. After making a pot of coffee, Noah returned to the recliner and his computer.

He logged in to the Fortress search engine and checked for insurance policies taken out by Violet and Camilla’s parents. Noah scanned the files that popped up. One caught his attention. Reading the file in closer detail, he clenched his jaw. Rosalie hadlied to Violet and Camilla for years. He sighed, disgusted. That woman was a piece of work. She made the girls suffer and feel guilty for nothing.

Shaking his head, he switched his attention to Fitz Hanson’s file. He expected more than what he was seeing. With his attitude toward women, Noah figured at least one woman would file a complaint against him, but nothing was in his file. No commendations. No complaints. Looked like the cop did his job and stayed out of trouble.

Or someone wiped his record clean. If that was the case, what trouble had been hidden from prying eyes?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

VIOLET WOKE TOthe scent of strong coffee. She opened her eyes and saw Grant sipping the brew from his post by the French doors. Where was Noah?

She glanced around the sitting room. Noah napped in the recliner with his laptop on the floor by his chair.

Grant glanced at her over his shoulder. “You okay?” he murmured.

She nodded.

Rayne handed her a steaming mug of coffee. “This should clear the fog.” She smiled. “Grant doesn’t know how to make coffee unless it’s strong enough to peel paint.”

For a day like this, she definitely needed the caffeine. Thankfully, she felt better than yesterday.

Noah stirred and opened his eyes. His gaze shot to her. He studied Violet for a moment, then smiled. “You’re better.”

She nodded. “Everything quiet overnight?”

“Yes, ma’am. The only things stirring out there were a couple of cats and a dog.”

Rayne handed Noah a mug of steaming coffee. “Magic elixir to chase away the fatigue.”

“Did you make the coffee?”

She winked. “Nope. Sorry.”

Grant chuckled.

He grimaced. “I’ll survive. Maybe.”

Rayne laughed. “You have a cast iron stomach like the rest of Echo. You’ll be fine.”

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