Page 87 of Montana Manhunt

“Violet Trevelyan. This is Noah Mann.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss, Miss Trevelyan.”

“Thanks.”

“How can I help you today?”

“I brought clothes for Cami, and I need to complete the arrangements for my sister’s funeral service.”

“Please, come with me. I’ll be glad to help you with the arrangements.” Patricia led them to a consultation room. “I can take the clothes for your sister. Would you like coffee or water? We also have soft drinks and a few herbal teas.”

“Water for both of us,” Noah said. “Thank you.”

“I’ll return in a couple of minutes.” Patricia closed the door when she left.

“I think you gave Ms. Montclaire a shock,” he murmured and kissed Violet’s palm.

Violet smiled. “She looked as though she’d seen a ghost.”

“You don’t know her?”

She shook her head. “She must have moved to Morrison after I left town.”

“Have you noticed changes in town?”

“There are more buildings and people. Other than that, everything else has stayed the same. Hanson is still the police chief. Alice Edwards is still the mayor. The town council is still led by Keith Webber.” Violet grimaced. “Bradley Melton’s father and grandfather are on the council.”

“The power players have remained in place.”

“Not much changes in towns like this. That’s why I had to go. No one would have given me a chance to be anything other than an unwanted kid. Aunt Rosalie would have seen to that.” She looked at Noah. “When I realized the military was my only way out, I tried to convince Cami to enlist with me. She refused.”

“Why?”

“She said if she left, nothing would change. Cami believed she could make a difference in this town, make it better. That belief influenced her choice of college major.”

“She was right.”

“How can you say that? Morrison harbors a serial killer who murdered my sister.”

“Melton mentioned how much she cared about the kids and teens in her caseload. If she was anything like you, she poured everything she was into her job. Camilla made a difference in the lives of the youth under her care.”

Violet leaned in and kissed him gently. “Thank you for saying that.”

“It’s true.”

“You never met Cami.”

“But I know you.”

Patricia Montclaire returned with two bottles of water and set them in front of Noah and Violet. She retrieved a folder from the desk in the corner, then joined them at the table. “Let’s get started.”

An hour later, the arrangements were complete. “Don’t worry about anything,” Montclaire told Violet. “We’ll take care of all the details. See you soon.” She left with the file folder in her hand.

Noah and Violet followed Montclaire from the conference room. Violet turned to Noah. “Give me a minute,” she murmured.

“Take your time.”

Violet walked down a hall to the left and turned a corner.

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