Page 89 of Montana Manhunt

Grant shook his head. “He was gone by the time we got outside. We found a blood trail.”

“Good.” She glanced at Violet. “Your handiwork.”

“I didn’t appreciate him slamming me into the wall.”

Noah dropped to his knees beside her and tipped her head up. His eyes darkened. After examining her injury, he slid one arm behind her back and one under her knees and lifted Violet from the floor. “You’re going to the hospital.”

“Noah.”

“Don’t.”

“I can take care of this myself.”

“No.”

She protested until she noticed the twitching muscle in Noah’s jaw and the worry in his eyes. Violet rested her cheek against his. “Okay, babe,” she whispered into his ear and kissed his jaw.

He turned his face into her caress as he strode from the funeral home with Violet in his arms.

Minutes later, he was in the same ER exam room where he received treatment earlier that morning.

Dr. Wheeler strode in and pulled up short. “You guys are like bad pennies, always turning up. What happened this time?”

“Someone attacked Violet in a bathroom,” Noah said. “The perp shoved her into a wall.”

The physician scowled. “Let’s take a look. Do you want your friend to wait in the hall, Violet?”

Noah stiffened.

Violet rested her hand on top of his. “No.”

“Will he pass out if you need stitches?”

She laughed. “No chance.”

“Good. He can stay, then. Let’s have a look, young lady.” Minutes later, Dr. Wheeler turned to the nurse who had followed him into the room. “I need a stitch kit and Lidocaine.” When the nurse left the room, Wheeler turned back to Violet. “Based on your symptoms, you also have a slight concussion.”

Wonderful. Not. “That explains the headache, light sensitivity, and nausea.”

“Do you want me to prescribe something to control the symptoms?”

“I have what I need in my supplies.”

“Good enough.” Wheeler pulled off his rubber gloves. “Mind if I send in my intern? She’s a pro at stitches.”

“No problem.”

“In that case, I’ll send Heather soon. Ms. Trevelyan, no offense, but I hope I don’t see you again for a long while.”

She laughed. “I’ll do my best, sir.”

With a wave, Wheeler left the exam room.

The nurse returned with another woman who said, “Hi, I’m Heather. Dr. Wheeler said you need a few stitches in your forehead.” Heather looked at Noah. “You should step into the hall, okay? Most people don’t want to watch even minor surgical procedures.”

“I’m staying.” He threaded his fingers through Violet’s.

The intern’s eyebrows rose. “Ms. Trevelyan, would you like your friend to stay with you or wait in the hall?”

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