Page 46 of Montana Manhunt

Grant frowned. “She was that heartless?”

“Aunt Rosalie didn’t want us and wasn’t shy about letting us know. We were the reason she couldn’t follow her dream of being an artist.”

Furious, Noah’s hand tightened around hers. “That’s a cop out.”

“She said she gave up everything to raise us. Aunt Rosalie didn’t have enough money to pursue her dream and pay our expenses, too.”

“Come on. She couldn’t scrape enough dollar bills together to buy canvas, paint, and brushes?” Noah shook his head. “I don’t believe that for a minute.”

“Did your parents have life insurance policies?” Rayne asked.

She shook her head. “Rosalie told us all the time that raising us took every penny she had for food and clothes.”

“I guess her helping you buy a car was out of the question.”

Violet laughed. “We rode the bus everywhere or bummed rides from our friends. When I left for boot camp, I had a driver’s license but no car. I didn’t buy my first vehicle until I was 21 years old.”

“Did the military pay signing bonuses back then?” Grant asked.

She nodded. “I sent the money to Cami. What did I need with the money? The military paid for everything, so I saved my salary until I had enough to buy a car.”

The server returned with their plates of food. By unspoken consent, the topics of discussion during lunch remained neutral. While he listened to Grant talk about some humorous experiences growing up on a cattle ranch, Noah brooded over Violet’s childhood.

Rosalie Trevelyan had a lot to answer for. He did not know what it cost to raise two girls into adulthood, but the aunt only raised her nieces for ten years. They hadn’t even graduated from high school when she kicked them out of her house. His gut said something was wrong with the scenario Rosalie spouted to the girls and he intended to look into things to satisfy his own curiosity.

After lunch, the operatives climbed back into the SUV. Time to track down Bradley Melton to see what he could tell them.

CHAPTER EIGHT

VIOLET STOOD BESIDENoah and stared at the large white Victorian home with attractive landscaping and a welcoming air. “This is beautiful.”

“Most attractive lawyer’s office I’ve ever seen,” Noah said. His hand rested lightly against the small of her back. “Ready to do this?”

She nodded. If Bradley Melton had answers to her questions about Cami, Violet wanted them. Noah nudged her toward the front door, with Grant and Rayne trailing behind them.

Violet opened the front door and walked into a reception area in what would have been the living room of the home.

An attractive older woman glanced up from her computer with a smile of welcome to the group. “Hello. I’m Carol. How may I assist you?” Then her gaze zeroed in on Violet’s face and she gasped. Color drain from her cheeks. “It’s not possible,” she whispered.

Oh, man. She didn’t want the receptionist to faint on her. “I’m Violet,” she blurted. “Camilla’s twin sister. These are my friends Grant and Rayne and my boyfriend, Noah.”

“Oh, my,” Carol murmured. “You’re the spitting image of Camilla. I did not know she was a twin.”

“I’ve been gone from Morrison for a long time.”

The other woman drew in a deep breath and rose. She came around to the front of the desk and wrapped her arms around Violet in a brief hug. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Violet. I lovedyour sister. She was a fantastic social worker. The kids in her care were lucky to have her.”

Tears stung Violet’s eyes. “Cami would be glad to know you thought so highly of her. She loved her job and the children.”

“We could tell, believe me.” Carol stepped back. “How can I help, Violet?”

“I don’t have an appointment, but I need to see Bradley Melton.”

“Of course, my dear. Please, you and your friends have a seat. I’ll let Mr. Melton know you’re here. You may have to wait a few minutes. He’s with a client.”

“No problem.”

“May I bring you coffee, tea, or water? I think we also have soft drinks, if you prefer.”

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