Page 45 of Montana Manhunt

“Unlock the vehicle, please,” Ellis said.

Noah used the remote. “It’s open. We have weapons secured in the vehicle.”

The detective’s eyes narrowed. “How did you get them past airport security?”

“We flew in the Fortress jet.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and sent Zane a message, asking for any information the computer genius could find on Bradley Melton.

Thirty minutes later, the detectives finished searching and printing the vehicle. “No offense,” Ellis said. “But I’d rather not be called to another emergency involving you and your friends.”

“What a coincidence,” Grant said. “We’d rather not call the local police again.”

“Hopefully, we’ll find this guy soon and you can all go home where you belong,” Freeman muttered. “We had minor crime in Morrison until you people showed up.”

“That’s funny,” Noah said. “We’ve heard about the serial killer you have running around the area.”

Ellis scowled. “That’s not funny, Mann. We don’t have a serial killer in Morrison, and I don’t want you spreading rumors that might start a panic.”

Noah shook his head, disgusted with both men. “Connect the dots before you lose more innocent women, detectives.”

After another lengthy glare, the officers retraced their steps, soon disappearing from view.

“They’re idiots.” Grant wrapped his arm around Rayne’s shoulders and pulled her against his side. “They should have called in the feds long before now.”

“Talk about acting like an ostrich,” Rayne said. “We didn’t like to bring in the feds, either, but they had more resources than we did.”

“Same with the Ardmore police.” He looked at Noah. “What’s next on the agenda?”

Noah glanced at his watch. “Lunch. After that, we’ll track down Bradley Melton. I asked Zane to research him.”

“What if he doesn’t want to talk to us?” Violet asked.

“He’ll talk. If he was dating your sister like Mrs. White and Dr. Royce said, Bradley will want to do anything he can to help us identify the killer.”

“The detectives must have talked to him already.”

“No guarantee that he’s a fan of local law enforcement.”

“Can you blame him?” Grant shook his head. “I’m telling you, these guys do not know what they’re doing. They couldn’t find an actual clue unless it bit them.”

“Food first,” Rayne said. “I’m starving. Can we drive the SUV?”

Grant nodded.

“Then let’s get off the street. I feel like we’re being watched.”

“Same.” Grant nudged her toward the SUV, opened the back door for Rayne, and followed her inside.

“Any suggestions for lunch?” Noah asked as he escorted Violet to the passenger side of the vehicle.

“Perry’s Cafe. It has something for everybody and the food is great.”

“Sounds good. I remember seeing it as we drove to the hotel.”

Minutes later, the operatives sat at a table in the back corner of the cafe and perused the menu. A waitress hurried to their table, took their orders, then dropped their selections off at the kitchen window.

“Did you and Camilla come here often when you were growing up?” Rayne asked Violet.

“When we were with Mom and Dad, we used to come here for special occasions, like celebrating a good grade. After the car crash, we didn’t come back here until Cami and I were onour own. Aunt Rosalie wouldn’t waste her money on us for any reason, good or bad.”

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