Page 41 of Montana Manhunt

“Likewise.” She glanced at Grant. “You and Noah should tell Jamie about your years in law enforcement.”

The other operative grimaced. “Right.”

Walsh’s eyebrows rose. “Both of you were cops?”

Nothing like being instructed to entertain the rookie. “For ten years,” Noah confirmed. “We joined after a stint in the Army.”

“My dad was career Army. How long did you serve?”

That started a brief discussion about their milder experiences in the military. Since most of what Echo unit did during their service in the military was classified, Noah and Grant shared some of the humorous incidents on missions.

Minutes later, Violet carried a large tray with mugs of coffee into the living room and set it on the coffee table. She handed one mug to Mrs. White. “This one is yours. Three sugars and a dollop of cream, right?”

The woman laughed. “You remembered.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Rayne took a mug to Walsh. “Here you go, Jamie.”

The kid blushed. “Thank you, Rayne.”

Grant frowned, but remained silent.

Interesting reaction. Noah picked up two mugs of coffee and handed one to his teammate. Grant sipped the hot drink while watching Rayne.

Noah smiled as he rejoined Violet on the sofa. Looked like she was right. Something was brewing between Grant and Rayne. He couldn’t wait to see how long it took the two of them to figure the attraction out for themselves. Unlike some of his other teammates, the one thing Noah wouldn’t do was interfere or offer advice. He was lucky Violet was as interested in him as he was in her. Otherwise, he might be in the same place as Grant, in the dreaded friend zone.

Thirty minutes later, Detectives Ellis and Freeman entered the apartment, their suspicious gazes landing on Noah and the rest of the operatives. “That’s all for now, Walsh,” Freeman said. “We’ll take it from here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rayne walked toward the rookie. “I’ll take your mug,” she murmured.

“The coffee was great, Rayne. Thanks.”

“Sure. Be safe out there, Jamie.”

Again, he blushed. “I’ll do my best. Maybe I’ll see you before you leave town?”

“It’s possible.”

“Now, Walsh,” Ellis said dryly.

“Yes, sir.” The rookie hurried down the hall.

Rayne set Walsh’s empty mug on the tray and looked at the detectives. “Would you like coffee? We made a fresh pot a few minutes ago.”

Both men stared at her. “Uh, sure. Thanks.”

“Is black all right, or do you want cream and sugar?”

“Black’s fine for both of us,” Freeman said.

“I’ll give you a hand,” Grant muttered and trailed her to the kitchen.

Ellis held out his hand to Mrs. White. “I’m John Ellis, a detective with the Morrison PD. This is my partner, Caleb Freeman.”

“Nice to meet you, boys.” She waved toward the love seat. “Please, have a seat.”

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