Page 143 of Montana Manhunt

“Sorry, buddy. I’ll keep trying. The boss has ordered me to contact the state police.”

Noah’s grip tightened around the steering wheel. “As long as they know not to make a move until we arrive. They also have to stay out of sight. My gut says Chief Hanson is involved as well. He’s not stupid. If the state boys aren’t careful, the police chief will spot them and bolt.” He was under no illusions about JamesHanson’s priorities. He’d look out for himself first. If that meant leaving his lawyer son holding the bag for all the murders, so be it.

What role did Rosalie Trevelyan play in all of this? Did she know that her long-time love was a serial killer?

“I’ll pass the information along to Captain Chambers, my contact in the Montana State Police.”

“Z, make sure they know they’re not in charge of this op. They’re only the backup.”

“Copy that.”

Yeah, but would they cooperate? His lips curved. Noah wouldn’t have been so willing to let a private security team take the lead when he was in law enforcement. There was a big difference this time. The life of the woman he loved was at stake. Noah didn’t care who he had to bulldoze over. No one would keep him from rescuing Violet if she hadn’t already rescued herself by the time he and Grant arrived.

Noah pushed past the speed limit, praying no police officers attempted to pull them over. Grateful he didn’t have to contend with heavy morning traffic, he remained silent as he drove along the back roads toward Violet.

A few minutes from the designated meeting place, Grant said, “Zane, any word on Rayne’s condition?”

“She’s in surgery as we speak. The officer on guard duty will call me when he hears something from the surgeon.”

“Thanks.”

Minutes later, Grant said, “Take the next left, Noah. The next turn is half a mile on your right.”

“Copy that.” Noah followed Grant’s directions and slowed near the location chosen for the operatives to meet the state police. He carefully backed into the forest and turned off the engine. He and his teammate exited the SUV and slid their Go bags over their shoulders.

Seconds later, two figures in black emerged from behind a thick stand of trees. They each held up a credentials wallet with a badge inside. “Noah Mann?” the taller of the men asked.

“I’m Noah. This is my teammate, Grant.”

The officers shook hands with the operatives. “I’m Oaks. This is Hale. We’re your backup. We have other officers on standby half a mile out.”

Through his earpiece, Zane said, “Hanson just walked into the room where he’s keeping Violet.”

Noah held up his hand to stop Oaks and Hale from talking. “Loop me in.”

“Copy. Hold.”

Noah heard the lawyer say, “Time for a preview of things to come.”

Seconds later, Violet screamed.

Noah ran.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

PAIN EXPLODED INViolet’s shoulder, and warm liquid slid down her body, staining her shirt. As Jeff smiled and yanked the steel blade from her shoulder, Violet moaned. Man, that hurt. Worse, the lawyer looked like he was enjoying himself. Well, that made one of them.

“Scream for me, sweetheart. I love it when they beg for mercy.” He waved the bloody knife in front of her face, taunting her.

Stall. She needed to stall for time. Every second she delayed the inevitable gave her teammates a better chance of getting to her. “Why are you doing this?”

“I enjoy watching you suffer.”

Sick jerk. Who got off on watching someone writhe in pain? “This isn’t much of a challenge, is it?”

Jeff frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Come on. I’m tied up. How is it a challenge to take me on if I can’t fight back?”

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