Page 56 of Montana Manhunt

“I’ll let her know. I’m scheduled to check in with Maddox. Is he available?”

“Hold while I check.”

A minute later, Maddox said, “Sit rep.”

Noah reported everything that had happened since his last check in. “Sorry about the SUV, boss.”

“Everyone okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Sounds like someone doesn’t want Violet in town.”

“That’s my take.”

“How is Violet holding up?”

Noah paused. Maddox would know if he brushed off the question. “She’s having a hard time.”

“Do I need to bring her back to Nashville?”

He could imagine how well that would go over. “No, sir.”

“You will tell me if it becomes necessary.” Maddox didn’t make that a suggestion. Nope, it was a full out demand. “I don’t want to bring home one of my best operatives in a pine box. You hear me?”

“I won’t let anything happen to her.”

“Violet can’t be objective, Noah, so I’m counting on your good judgment. Don’t disappoint me.”

“I understand.”

“Report in six hours.”

“Can we make it twelve hours, sir?”

A pause, then, “Why?”

“We’re going to do a little overnight B & E.”

“Please tell me you’re not breaking into the evidence room at the station.”

Noah’s eyebrows shot up. “Should I?”

“Absolutely not. Those boys wouldn’t recognize a clue unless it jumped up and bit them. But I prefer not to bail my operatives out of jail.”

“Noted.”

“Later.” Maddox ended the call.

Noah slid his phone away and went to the bedroom to pack his gear. Soon, the operatives gathered in the living room with their bags. Grant handed Noah his key card. “Let’s get out of here. Grant, you and Rayne leave first. I sent you the address of the new hotel. As soon as Violet and I check out, we’ll be right behind you.”

“Copy that.” Grant grabbed his gear and one of Rayne’s bags, and the two operatives left the suite.

“Where are we going?” Violet asked.

“Emerson Hotel in Carterville.”

Her eyebrows soared. “That’s a luxury hotel.”

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