Page 125 of Montana Manhunt

“Ms. Trevelyan, everything is ready and as you requested.” The funeral home director motioned toward the open double doors of the viewing room. “We have chairs set up along the walls and stools for you and your aunt.” He paused. “I didn’t know she would be involved in today’s activities.”

“Neither did I. Thanks for adjusting the plans to include her.”

“Oh, of course. Well, if you’ll follow me, please, we’ll give the family time alone with your sister before we allow the public into the room with you.”

Noah wrapped his hand around hers and walked with her to the viewing room. He signaled Grant and Rayne to follow them inside.

Rosalie and Hanson were already in the room. When Violet and her friends entered, Rosalie turned and glared at the newcomers. “This is for family only,” she snapped. “Your friends can wait outside in the hall until we’re finished, Violet.”

“They are my family. They’re staying.” She walked toward the casket, steeling herself for the jolt of seeing her sister in the elegant box.

Violet stopped and stared down at her beloved sister. How could Cami look as though she was merely sleeping?

Noah wrapped his arm around Violet and anchored her to his side. He remained quiet, lending his strength and support as she spent a few minutes with Camilla.

“You should sit down, Rosalie. This is difficult for you to bear,” Hanson murmured.

“You’re right. Such a great shock for me.” Rosalie dabbed at her dry eyes with her lace handkerchief and allowed the police chief to escort her to the nearby stool.

At least the funeral home director had arranged for Rosalie and Violet to sit at opposite ends of the casket.

The director spoke to Rosalie a moment, then approached Violet. “Are you ready for the visitation to begin? You have quite a crowd gathered.”

“That’s fine.”

“We’ll send in about ten people at a time. There’s a family refreshment room down the hall to your right. Please, take breaks as you need them. People will wait for you.”

She gave a slight nod.

“If I can help you with anything, let me know. I want to make this as easy for you as possible.”

A minute later, the first guests entered the room. Some people were confused about whom to greet first. Most of them stopped by the casket first, then turned to exchange a few words with Violet, who introduced them to Noah. Afterward, guests spoke with Rosalie and James.

More than once, Violet noticed the angry glances Rosalie tossed her way when guests continued to greet Violet first. What did she expect? Rosalie made no bones about her disapproval of her nieces.

An hour into the visitation, the funeral director approached Violet. “This might be a good time for a break, Ms. Trevelyan. We have a slight lull between the first and second hours of visitations, and the crowd has diminished significantly. Once people leave work for the day, the visitors will increase and stay steady for the rest of the evening.”

“That’s a good idea,” she murmured. A bottle of water sounded perfect.

“Excellent. Why don’t you and your friends go to the family break room. I’ll send your aunt and her friend along in a moment.”

Noah signaled Grant and Rayne to follow them. The operatives had stationed themselves at the outer edge of the room, watching those who stopped to speak to Violet.

As they entered the family refreshment room, Noah said, “Sit down a few minutes, Violet. What can I get you?”

“Water. No food.”

“Would you like chamomile tea, too? Looks like the funeral home has herbal tea as well.”

“I would love a cup,” she murmured and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

He kissed her lightly. “I plan to do that for the rest of our lives,” he whispered.

Grant’s eyebrows soared. “Did I hear that right?” he teased.

Noah pointed at him. “You’re sworn to silence. No breathing a word to anyone.”

“What’s my incentive for not spilling the beans?”

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