Page 121 of Montana Manhunt

“How could I forget? She went to your high school.”

“The quilting circle has deep roots in the community.”

Amusement lit Mrs. White’s eyes. “Are you asking if we gossip around the quilts, Violet?”

Her cheeks flushed. “Maybe.”

The woman laughed. “You’re correct, my dear. We talk about everything connected to the community we love, including our friends and neighbors.”

“So you talked about Amanda Billings.”

“Indeed, we did. She was the topic of conversation for two or three weeks.”

“Did anything else catch your attention during that year before Amanda’s death?”

“Besides Rosalie tossing you and your sister into the street the day you turned eighteen?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. White remained silent for a few beats, then said, “If I remember right, the Hansons were the object of much speculation in those days.”

Noah leaned closer, his forearms on his knees. “The whole family?”

“Well, mainly the chief.”

“Why?”

“Quite the scandal, you know. Harriet, the chief’s wife, had an affair with a much younger man and walked out on the chief, leaving him to finish raising those boys alone.”

“How long before Amanda’s death did Mrs. Hanson walk out?”

“I’d say two or three months.”

He frowned. “How long was it after Mrs. Hanson left that the chief began seeing Rosalie Trevelyan?”

“Four months.” She sounded confident.

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely. He didn’t ask Rosalie out until after his divorce was final. According to the gossip, Mrs. Hanson wanted nothing except to get out of the marriage. She insisted on fast-tracking the divorce.”

“What about Fitz and Jeff?” Violet asked. “How did they handle the divorce?”

“They were devastated and furious. Don’t you remember, dear? The boys acted out during that time.”

“Acted out?” Grant tilted his head. “What did they do?”

“Women. Lots and lots of women. Jeff was in college at that point. Rumors swirled about him sleeping with any woman who would have him. Same thing with poor Fitz.” She shook herhead. “Sad, if you ask me. They had no respect for themselves or the women they were with.”

“That’s why you told me that Fitz was nothing but trouble I could do without.” Violet sighed. “I should have known you had a reason for telling me to drop him.”

“Well, it didn’t take long for his true colors to show.”

“No, ma’am. He dropped me after three dates.”

“Smartest thing you ever did was let him go his own way.”

Violet’s gaze shifted to Noah. “Yes, ma’am. You’re right.”

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