Page 127 of Montana Manhunt

“She seems open to talking to us,” Noah murmured.

“Cami really liked her.”

“Maybe she’ll be able to help us.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of friends and acquaintances of Camilla’s stopping by to offer their condolences.

In the last group of visitors, Bradley Melton entered the room. His gaze locked on the casket. When he stopped and stared down at Camilla, Bradley’s composure broke.

After a glance at Noah, she went to Bradley and hugged him. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured.

Long minutes later, he said, “This isn’t fair. She was a wonderful woman and had so much life left to live.”

“You’re right. Cami died while trying to protect others.”

Bradley eased out of her hold and stared at her. “What did you say?”

Noah wrapped his arm around Violet’s waist. “Come with me,” he whispered. He led Violet and Bradley to the other side of the room where chairs were set up and motioned for Violet to sit. “You already know Camilla was looking into her missing and murdered girls. We got confirmation from Lauren Gilmore. Lauren believes the culprit is a cop.”

Bradley’s head whipped toward James Hanson. “That’s crazy. The cops are the good guys.”

“Not all of them.” Violet couldn’t forget the cops she and her teammates had discovered were dirty during their first mission with Noah and his teammates.

His gaze returned to her. “If you can’t trust the men in blue, who can you trust?” He sounded bleak. “No one cares about Camilla’s death, do they?”

“We do,” Noah whispered. “We won’t stop until we know who took her from you and Violet.”

“Think, Bradley.” Violet squeezed his hand briefly. “Did Cami mention anyone she might go to for help besides you?”

He sighed. “I didn’t have a name to give her. Even if I had, I wouldn’t have given it to her. I wanted her to drop the investigation, to focus on us. I guess that makes me selfish, but she was obsessed with finding answers and protecting her kids.” Bradley dragged a hand down his face. “I just told her to stay away from anyone even remotely connected to her kids.”

“How did she respond?”

“She got this faraway look in her eyes and said she might know of someone. I didn’t push her for a name.” His voice broke. “I should have.” Bradley pulled out a handkerchief and dried hisface. “I’m sorry, Violet. I have a meeting with a client in a few minutes. I have to go.”

She stood and gave him a quick hug. “Thanks for coming, Bradley. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

After a glance at Noah, Bradley bent and bussed Violet’s cheek with a light kiss and left.

Noah threaded his fingers through Violet’s. “Ready?”

She nodded and walked toward the front of the room. As she walked closer to the casket, Violet noticed Jeff Hanson talking to his father and Rosalie. He looked tense and unhappy. She knew exactly how he felt.

Minutes later, the lawyer turned from James and Rosalie and approached Violet with a slight limp. He shook Violet’s hand. “I’m sorry about your sister, Violet. This is a devastating loss for our community.”

“Thank you, Jeff. I appreciate you coming.”

His mouth curved at the corners. “Truthfully, I came because your aunt would not be happy if I didn’t pay my respects. If she’s unhappy, my father is livid. I prefer less trouble in my life.”

She laughed. “I don’t blame you. Rosalie is quite opinionated.”

“And not afraid to tell you about it.” He turned to Noah and extended his hand. “Jeff Hanson. I’m a friend of Violet and Camilla.”

“Noah Mann.”

Amusement glittered in his eyes. “My father will be glad to see the last of you.”

“He’s made that clear.”

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