Page 6 of Montana Manhunt

“Good, considering what she’s been through in the past two weeks. That gunshot wound may be the least of her troubles.”

The former cop eyed her, his expression grim. “She needs to be honest with Sorenson. She’ll need treatment and counseling if the cartel lived up to its reputation.”

Rape, drugs, and human trafficking, along with gunrunning. Yeah, Taylor would need someone to talk to and treatment for diseases. Hopefully, her husband was as supportive as Taylor claimed.

Violet paused by Rayne. “Will you listen in case Taylor needs anything? I won’t be long.”

“Sure.” Her teammate stood and turned toward the back of the jet. “Take your time, Violet.”

Noah rested his hand against Violet’s lower back and nudged her toward the galley. “I know you’re exhausted,” he murmured. “Sit at the table. I’ll bring you food.”

“You’re tired, too,” she protested. “You carried Taylor for miles.”

“I can rest now. You’re still on duty until we land in Texas.” He returned in minutes with a tray filled with sandwiches. “Take what you want. Once our teammates realize food is ready, there won’t be much left except crumbs.”

Knowing he was right, she did as he suggested, picked up a sandwich, and took a bite. Over the next few minutes, she polished off a turkey and cheese sandwich and drank a bottle of water. By the time she finished her quick meal, the rest of the operatives had loaded plates and demolished their food as well.

Violet pushed back from the table. “I need to check on Taylor,” she murmured to Noah.

“I’ll join you in a minute.”

“You should sleep, Noah.”

“Later.”

Although she rolled her eyes at his stubbornness, Violet was pleased that he still seemed invested in their friendship. Couldn’t call it a relationship, could she? After all, the pretend dating relationship had been for the sake of a mission. Right? Perhaps to Noah. For Violet, though, the former cop had slipped under her armor and wiggled close to her heart.

Did that make her a fool? Noah had never showed he planned to pursue a genuine relationship with her, but he sought her company frequently with and without their teammates around. She genuinely liked the man, but he’d been maddeningly silent about where they stood with each other.

When she approached Rayne, the other woman straightened from the doorway. “Any problem?”

Rayne shook her head. “She just ended a call to her husband.”

“Good. Thanks for staying close.”

“No problem.”

“Go eat. Medic’s orders.”

A quick grin from her friend. “Yes, ma’am.”

Violet entered the bedroom to see her patient resting against pillows. “How do you feel?”

“Better since I talked to Wyatt. He’s flying to Texas to meet me.”

She smiled. “You look happy about that.”

“I can’t wait to see him. It was a long two weeks.”

Two weeks. It was a miracle Echo and Artemis had found Taylor at all. The cartel didn’t show benevolence to hostages and human trafficking victims.

Violet rechecked her patient’s vitals. No change. Excellent. Hopefully that would remain true until the jet landed. “Rest, Taylor. I’ll stay with you and monitor your vital signs, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to sleep and give your body a chance to heal.”

Minutes later, Noah joined them. “Need anything?” he asked Violet, voice low.

She shook her head. “I think we’re set for now.”

A nod, then, “I’ll sack out on the floor in case you need me.”

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