Page 149 of Montana Manhunt

She should have known that Noah would already think ten steps ahead. For the first time since Jeff Hanson grabbed her at the hotel, Violet could let down her guard, knowing that Noah would watch over her.

Noah bent and brushed his lips over hers in a gentle caress. “Rest. I’ve got you.”

This time when the darkness closed in, she sank gratefully.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

NOAH PACED THEcorridor outside the waiting room, glancing at his watch for the hundredth time. How could only fifteen minutes have passed since the surgeon took Violet to the operating room?

Good thing the rest of his team wasn’t here. They’d never let him live this down. Of course, his best friend, Seth, would have been pacing the floor with him if Teagan, his wife, was going under a surgeon’s knife.

Grant strode up the corridor. “Any word from the surgeon yet?”

Noah turned and met his teammate halfway. “Nothing. How’s Rayne?”

“In recovery. A nurse is supposed to come get me in a couple of minutes. As soon as Rayne wakes up, she’ll want to know about Violet. I thought I would ask before I sat with her.”

“Tell her the surgeon didn’t expect a problem. He estimates the surgery will take about an hour.”

“Mr. Bowman?” A woman in scrubs motioned for Grant to follow her.

“Go,” Noah said. “I’ll let you know when Violet is in recovery.”

Grant clapped him on the shoulder and hurried after the nurse.

Noah resumed pacing. The minutes passed at an agonizing snail’s pace while he waited for word on the success of Violet’s surgery.

At the 45-minute mark, Brent Maddox walked into the corridor. “Anything yet?” his boss asked.

Again, Noah shook his head. “The surgeon estimated the surgery would take about an hour. Time will be up in fifteen minutes.” Would it take longer than estimated? Would she have a full recovery? How much physical therapy would Violet need?

“Do they have anything that passes for coffee here?”

“Cafeteria’s still open.” Noah pointed at the other end of the hall. “Go through the double doors. You’ll see signs showing you which way to go.”

A nod. “I’ll bring you a cup.”

Ten minutes later, Brent returned with two to-go cups of coffee. “Black and strong enough to dissolve any adhesive known to man.”

Noah smiled and took the proffered cup. “Appreciate it.”

A snort. “Don’t say that until you take a sip.”

Oh, this ought to be good. Noah took a sip. The strong, bitter brew hit his tastebuds with the force of a hurricane. Holy smoke! “This stuff is lethal.”

“Yep.” Brent grinned. “So much caffeine is in this brew that I’ll be able to stay awake for two or three days.” He squeezed Noah’s shoulder and inclined his head to the waiting room. “Come on. Let’s sit for a while.”

Noah followed his boss into the empty room and sat in a chair facing the door. They sipped in silence for a few minutes.

“How’s Rayne?” Brent asked.

“In recovery. Grant will let me know how she’s doing when he talks to her doctor.”

“What is Violet’s prognosis?”

“From what the doctor could see before taking her to surgery, she should make a full recovery.”

A slight nod. “Tell me what went down.”

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