Page 120 of Montana Manhunt

“The cop is here,” Grant said. “He’s stationed at Lauren’s door now.”

The ball of ice in Noah’s stomach melted. “Excellent. Violet, do you want to see Mrs. White this morning instead of talking to her at the visitation?”

“That’s a great idea.” Violet pulled out her phone. “I’ll call and see if she’s had breakfast yet. If she hasn’t, would you mind stopping to pick up something for her?”

“We’d love to,” Grant said. “What does she like?”

“For breakfast, she loves bagels and pastries. No donuts, though. She says they’re nothing but air.”

The men chuckled. “She’s not wrong,” Noah said. “I could eat again, too.”

After a brief conversation with the older woman, Violet shoved the phone into her pocket. “Mrs. White requested a breakfast wrap. She’ll have coffee waiting for us.”

“Perfect.” Grant rubbed his hands together. “I know exactly where we should go. I saw a shop that boasts about their great breakfast food when we stayed in Morrison.”

“You must be talking about Charlie’s.” Violet smiled. “Mrs. White probably had Charlie’s in mind when she asked for a wrap. Charlie’s is a town favorite.”

“Let’s check it out.”

An hour later, Grant parked in the lot beside Mrs. White’s apartment building.

Soon, Violet knocked on her friend’s door. After a delay, Mrs. White opened the door and smiled at the operatives.

“Welcome back.” She hugged Violet, then Rayne. “Come in. It’s good to see you again.”

Noah kissed the older woman’s delicate cheek. “Thanks for letting us come visit you so early this morning.”

Grant followed Noah’s lead and kissed Mrs. White’s other cheek. “We stopped by Charlie’s to pick up breakfast.”

“Oh, good. I love their breakfast wraps.” She led the way into the dining room. “I didn’t know if you remembered, Violet.”

“I wouldn’t forget an important detail like that.”

“Please, sit down.”

The dining table was set for five. A coffee mug was at each place, as well as two carafes in the center of the table.

Noah seated Mrs. White before doing the same for Violet. After Grant seated Rayne, he dropped into the chair beside her and handed out takeout containers with wraps. “Each wrap is the same, ma’am. If you don’t like the filling, you can blame me.”

Violet’s mentor laughed. “Oh, young man, you don’t have to worry. I like all of their wraps.”

He grinned. “Good to know.” Grant winked at Rayne. “Sorry, baby, but I might have to toss you over for Mrs. White. She’s beautiful and loves the same food I do. That combination is hard to beat.”

Mrs. White blushed. “Oh, now, don’t be telling your girlfriend nonsense like that. She might believe you one day. Then where will you be?”

“In serious trouble, ma’am. I don’t know if I can survive without her.”

Noah studied his friend as the conversation shifted to neutral topics while they ate. Although the words were meant in jest, Noah suspected the emotions they revealed were all too real.

When they finished the meal, Violet and Rayne insisted on clearing the table while Mrs. White sat in the living room with Noah and Grant.

After Violet and Rayne joined them, Mrs. White turned to Violet. “While I appreciate the company and breakfast, that’s not why you’re here this morning, especially on a day like this. How can I help, Violet?”

“Are you still part of the quilting circle at your church?”

The older woman looked surprised. “Why, yes, dear. I am. Why?”

“Do you remember when Amanda Billings was murdered?”

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