Page 124 of Montana Manhunt

Minutes later, Grant stopped in front of a coffee shop. “Be back in a minute.” He returned soon with a to-go cup in hishand. He handed the drink to Violet. “For you to sip while we’re driving to Morrison.”

Once they were back on the highway, Violet sampled the drink and sighed. Chamomile and mint tea. Perfect.

“Like it?” Noah asked.

“It’s exactly what I needed. How did you know?”

“When my brother died, my stomach was in knots. I couldn’t eat, barely slept, and was constantly on the verge of exploding in a fit of anger. While I don’t have a solution to all of those symptoms of grief, I know you drink herbal tea when you’re upset or hurting. I thought the tea might give you a little comfort on one of the hardest days of your life.”

Tears stung her eyes. Violet drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. She’d be shedding plenty of tears as it was without starting the waterworks here in the SUV. Time for a distraction. “Rayne, what’s your idea of the perfect date?”

Her teammate turned to stare at Violet. “Looking for ideas?”

“Maybe.”

That started a lively discussion between the four operatives on the best and worst dates they’d experienced. As they finished the conversation, Grant turned into the parking lot of the Morrison Funeral Home. He found a space near the front and turned off the engine. “Rayne and I will meet you inside.” After coming around, he opened Rayne’s door, threaded his fingers through hers, and escorted her inside.

Noah climbed out and reached back for Violet. He closed the door, and instead of moving back, stepped closer to her. His hand cupped her nape. “I’m here for you. If you need anything, tell me and I’ll take care of it. Please, don’t be angry with me when I insist you take a break. The next few hours will be grueling, and I want to take care of you. You’re everything to me, Violet. I love you more than you know.”

Her heart skipped a beat, then surged ahead. This man was a genuine gift. “I love you, too, Noah.”

“You’ll let me take care of you?”

She kissed him, slow and sweet. When Violet broke the kiss, she rested her hand over his heart. “As long as you promise to let me take care of you if the situation arises in the future.”

“Deal,” he murmured and bent his head for a long, deep kiss.

“Really, have you no decency at all, Violet?”

The vitriolic words penetrated the haze Noah’s kiss had cast over her. Violet broke the kiss and glanced to her right.

Rosalie Trevelyan glowered at Violet, her hand tightening on the arm of her escort, Chief James Hanson. The chief’s cold eyes took in her attire and Noah. His disgust was clear in his expression.

“Aunt Rosalie, I’m glad you could make it.”

“Of course I would be here. What would people say if I didn’t show up to pay my respects?”

Right. Appearances were everything.

Noah stepped forward and held out his hand to James Hanson. “Noah Mann.”

After a hesitation, the chief shook it. “James Hanson.” He looked at Rosalie. “We should go inside, my love. People will be waiting for you.”

Her expression softened. “You’re right. We don’t want to keep the good citizens of Morrison waiting.” She let Hanson lead her away from Violet and Noah.

When she would have followed on their heels, Noah held her back. “Wait,” he murmured.

They watched as the older couple made their way inside the funeral home. “Did you notice his walk?” he asked.

“No hesitation or limp. He wasn’t the man in the bathroom.”

“He might walk normally for a short time, but if he’s injured, Hanson will eventually give himself away.”

“We’ll have to watch him.”

“You’ll be busy. That’s a job for the rest of us.” He nudged her into motion. “If you need a break for any reason, either I’m with you or Rayne is. I’m not giving your attacker another shot at you when you’re alone.”

Noah opened the door and escorted her inside the funeral home. A crowd milled about in the lobby and in the long hall to the viewing room where Camilla’s body lay.

---