Page 141 of Montana Manhunt

“He seems to know what he’s doing. Maddox wants you to go with me to free Violet.”

Grant glanced up. “I’m going to the hospital with Rayne.”

“No, you’re not,” Rayne said. “I can take care of myself, but Violet and Noah need you. Besides, you and Noah won’t takelong to wipe the floor with Hanson. You’ll be on hand when I need you the most, Grant.”

He turned back to the task at hand without replying, although he gritted his teeth.

Noah didn’t blame him. He was desperate to get to Violet. Something told him that his friend was emotionally involved with Rayne, whether or not Grant admitted the truth to himself. “Stay with it. I’ll talk to the cops about what we found in the gym.”

He jogged toward the two police officers who first responded to the scene. The older man, Hughes, turned toward Noah. “Did you find it?”

“Yeah. Maddox is working on it, and Grant is nearly finished with the one on the girl. Listen, the perp shot my teammate, Rayne, in the leg. She needs to go to the hospital.”

“We have ambulances on the way. They should be here in a couple of minutes,” Hughes said.

“Good. We also need one of your officers to go with Rayne to the hospital.”

“You think she’s still in danger?”

“We believe the killer has a partner who might target Rayne for interfering in their plans.” Grant wouldn’t be able to focus unless someone protected Rayne until he arrived at the hospital.

Hughes nodded. “Let me see what I can do.” He turned away, lifting his cell phone to his ear. Following a quick conversation, the cop faced Noah. “Officer Wilkens will accompany your teammate to the hospital and stand outside her door until one of you relieves him.”

“That works. Thanks, Hughes.” Noah retraced his steps. “Ambulances should be here in a minute. Officer Wilkens will protect Rayne until you’re at the hospital.”

The tension on Grant’s face eased. “Thanks.” A moment later, he said, “We’re clear.” The operative lifted the vest fromthe child’s body and handed it to a waiting officer. “All right, ma’am. You can hug your daughter.”

Grant smiled as he watched the tearful reunion, then hurried to Rayne’s side. “How are you?”

“Ready to go on vacation. How’s the kid?”

“Better now that she’s in her mother’s arms.” Grant glanced at Noah. “Where am I needed the most?”

“Maddox says he can handle the bomb. Do you want to tell him otherwise?”

Grant flinched. “Not on your life.” He turned back to Rayne. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

“Go, Grant. You and Noah bring Violet back to me.”

He bent and brushed a kiss over her mouth. “Stay safe, beautiful.”

“Back at you, handsome.”

Grant grabbed the mike bag and stood. “We need our Go bags.”

“We’ll swing by and check on the boss on our way up to the room. Let’s go.”

A minute later, the two operatives stepped into the hotel gym. “How’s it going?” Grant asked.

Maddox scowled. “I told Noah that I’ve got this. Get out of here and save my medic.”

Grant flashed a grin. “Yes, sir.”

The operatives jogged from the gym and headed for the stairs. A minute later, they entered the suite. “Gear up,” Noah said as he hurried to their shared room. “We leave in two minutes.”

“Copy that.”

While he and Grant strapped on their gear, Noah called Zane. He hated to wake his friend, but he wanted Z as his tech support. Too much was at stake to leave this in the hands of a less experienced tech.

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