Page 152 of Montana Manhunt

“We’re members of black ops teams,” Violet said.

Donnelly whistled. “That’s why you had so many knives on you.”

“And knew how to use them,” added Nelson. “The Hansons should have known better than to leave you with weapons.”

“I don’t know if they searched Violet or not, but they underestimated her,” Noah said. Thank God. If they hadn’t, Noah and Grant would have been too late to help.

Violet’s nurse entered the area. “Step out, gentlemen. I need to take Ms. Trevelyan’s vitals.”

Noah bent and brushed a kiss over Violet’s lips. “I’ll be right outside the curtain,” he murmured and followed the detectives into the corridor.

“She’s lucky to be alive,” Donnelly said softly.

“I know.” What more could he say? The detective spoke the truth. “You’ll have your hands full with jurisdiction issues.”

“As long as Hanson is behind bars, none of us care who prosecutes him first.” Nelson shook head. “Hate dealing with dirty cops. Gives us all a bad name.”

Noah nodded. He still had an unpleasant taste in his mouth from his own run in with a dirty cop two months earlier. Minutes later, the detectives left, freeing Noah to return to Violet.

He stood outside the curtained area and waited while the nurse finished her assessment. Soon, she pulled back the curtain. “She looks good. The doctor will come by in a few minutes to talk about the next steps.”

As the nurse hurried away, Noah returned to Violet’s bedside, pleased to find she had the head of the hospital bed raised. “Hey.”

She smiled and held out her hand. “Hey.”

“The doctor is coming by in a few minutes.”

“Good. I can’t wait to get out of here.”

“You might not be saying that when the numbness wears off.”

“I need to leave soon. I can’t miss Cami’s funeral.”

“Camilla would say your health comes first. If the doctor says it’s safe for you to leave the hospital, I’ll get you to Morrison in time for the funeral.”

He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm. “You scared me. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to you in time.”

“Your timing was perfect.”

“Yeah, perfect to watch you free yourself.”

She shook her head. “I had little fight left in me, Noah. If you hadn’t arrived when you did, Chief Hanson would have killed me.”

“You would have survived. You’re a tough operative, Violet. Stubborn is your middle name. Giving up wasn’t an option.”

“I want that life together we talked about.”

“What a coincidence.” He smiled. “So do I.”

“What are we going to do about it?”

“Have any suggestions?”

“Well, since I won’t be going on missions for a while, what do you think about getting married and taking a long honeymoon?”

“Sounds like a great idea.”

“I suggested as much myself,” said a deep male voice. Brent Maddox stepped into the curtained area. “How are you, Violet?”

---