Page 117 of Montana Manhunt

Grant nudged Rayne toward the door. “Better get moving, then. Nothing has gone according to plan since we arrived in this area.”

He wasn’t wrong. Who knew Violet and her teammates would almost be blown up in a bombing, shot at by a sniper, and endure multiple interviews with the local police to say nothing about the confrontations with her aunt and Fitz Hanson, plus two visits to local hospitals? This mission was turning out to be more complicated than they had expected.

Noah wrapped his hand around hers and escorted her from the suite. Minutes later, they were on their way to the hospital in Colbyville, where Lauren was being treated.

An hour later, Grant parked in the lot in front of the hospital. “Do you want us to stay in the SUV, Noah?”

“Not this time. I have a gut feeling things are going to heat up today and tomorrow. I don’t think it’s wise to split up.”

“Copy that.”

The operatives met at the front of the SUV and entered the hospital together. Violet walked up to the information desk. “I’m looking for Lauren Gilmore.”

“Are you family?”

Yeah, knew that question was coming. “No, ma’am. I’m one of the EMTs who worked on her. She’s been asking to see me.”

“Name?”

“Trevelyan.”

“One moment, please.” After a low-voiced conversation, the desk worker said, “Floor five. She’s in ICU.”

“Thank you.”

“Only two visitors, ma’am.”

“Yes, ma’am. My friends will stay in the waiting area.”

“Enjoy your visit.”

A short elevator ride later, the operatives exited on the fifth floor. “Rayne and I will wait here,” Grant said, motioning to a small lounge area.

“We won’t be long,” Violet said. Lauren wouldn’t be up to a long visit, not after major surgery and serious blood loss yesterday.

Violet and Noah approached the nurses’ desk. “We’re here to see Lauren Gilmore.”

“Name?”

“Trevelyan and Mann. I’m one of the EMTs who treated Ms. Gilmore at the scene yesterday.”

“Oh, yes. Ms. Gilmore has been asking for you. She’s quite eager to talk to you. Please, keep the visit short. She’s still recovering.”

“Of course. We won’t stay for more than five minutes.”

The nurse motioned to one of the small rooms to her right. “Bay 8.”

Violet knocked on the door frame of the bay. “Lauren?”

The woman slowly opened her eyes. Her breath caught. “You’re here,” she murmured.

Violet went to Lauren’s bedside. “How do you feel?”

Lauren grimaced. “Like I have several extra holes in me.”

She squeezed the other woman’s hand briefly. “I understand you wanted to talk to Camilla.”

She stared at Violet. Finally, her mouth gaped. “You’re not Camilla?”

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