Page 13 of Montana Manhunt

“Walk.” He threaded his fingers through Violet’s and led the way from the suite.

The night was cool and crisp, the stars overhead bright enough to light the street and sidewalks without need for artificial illumination. A perfect night to be out with his girl.

The sidewalks of Morrison teemed with people taking advantage of the pleasant weather. Chances were good the weather wouldn’t hold for long. He’d checked the forecast for this part of Montana before he’d woken Violet on the jet. Theforecasters were calling for cooler temperatures in the next few days.

Five minutes later, he opened the door to the Free Range Steakhouse and ushered Violet inside.

CHAPTER THREE

VIOLET PAUSED NEARthe restaurant’s entrance, her gaze surveying the crowded dining room. She drew in a deep breath. This was a mistake. Too many people and too much noise when all she wanted to do was hide in a dark room.

Noah drew her to the side to allow Grant and Rayne to enter as well. “Is this all right?” he murmured. “We can leave Grant and Rayne here and return to the hotel if you’re not ready.”

She glanced up at him, her heart melting. He’d do just as he said, too, even though Violet knew he must be hungry as well. Her appetite was nonexistent. Grief did funny things to the human body. Some people ate comfort food. Others didn’t want to eat at all. She was in the latter camp. “It’s fine. Let’s get a table. Can’t have you and Grant wasting away from starvation.” She tried to smile and knew she failed miserably when the concern in Noah’s eyes grew.

“If you want to leave at any point, tell me and we’ll go.” He squeezed her hand.

Violet blinked away tears gathering in her eyes. “Thanks.”

“Are we good?” Grant’s gaze shifted from Violet to Noah and back.

She nodded.

The hostess greeted them as they approached her station. “Four for dinner?”

Noah nodded. “We’d prefer a table in a corner or one by a wall, please.”

The woman stared at him. “Uh, sure. I’ll see what we have available.” After a pause, she picked up four menus and said, “This way, please.” The hostess led them to a round corner table close to the kitchen and restroom hallway. “Is this all right?” She looked skeptical.

“It’s perfect,” Grant said. He smiled. “Thank you.”

The hostess blushed. “Yes, sir. Enjoy your meal.” She hurried back to her station.

Noah pulled out Violet’s chair and seated her. Grant did the same for Rayne before the men took their own seats.

While the others studied the menu, Violet scanned the crowd of diners. She recognized a handful of people. Thankfully, they hadn’t noticed her or her teammates when they entered the restaurant. Wouldn’t take long, though. Her return to Morrison would be the talk of the town tomorrow.

Her hands fisted. Good. Let them talk. Maybe Cami’s killer would hear she was in town and worry. Violet wanted him to worry because she was coming for him. No matter how long it took, she would avenge her sister’s death.

A warm, heavy weight covered her hand. “You okay?” Noah asked quietly.

She gave a curt nod.

He squeezed her hand. “Offer’s open any time to leave.”

Violet leaned toward Noah and kissed him lightly. He was a good man.

The teenage server hurried to their table. “Hi, I’m Brittany. I’m your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?” After taking their orders for iced tea and water, she rushed off to fill their glasses.

“Everything looks good,” Rayne said. “Violet, what do you recommend here?”

She shrugged. “This is Montana. You can’t go wrong with steak and baked potatoes. The chef uses secret spices. The meat is so tender you don’t need a knife to cut it.”

“Sold.” Grant laid his menu on the table. “What about you, Rayne?”

“Same.”

“Steaks all around, then?” Noah asked.

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