Page 5 of Montana Manhunt

“Once we’re airborne, we’ll make that happen.”

“Noah, I’ll get your bag,” Seth said. “Your only job is transporting Taylor to the jet.”

“Copy that.”

Seconds later, the SUV skidded to a stop. Violet threw open her door and slid out, grabbing her Go bag and mike bag. Palming her weapon, she took a position to protect Taylor as Noah scooped her patient from the vehicle.

Teagan joined Violet. “I’ve got this. Go with Noah.”

She spun and sprinted after Noah and Taylor. Bowen and Rayne raced ahead of them and positioned themselves at the top of the jet’s stairs to protect the rest of the team.

Noah surged up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Once inside the jet’s cabin, he carried Taylor to the bedroom at the back and laid Violet’s patient on the bed.

Violet set down her bags and, after Noah returned to the cabin to help their teammates, she checked Taylor’s injury. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Looking good, Taylor.”

“Wish I felt decent.”

“After we’re in the air and I consult with one of our doctors, I’ll give you something for the pain.”

“I’ll even take over-the-counter pain relievers at this point.”

“Hang on a few more minutes, all right?”

Taylor sighed. “Sorry. I’m not usually a whiner.”

“Ever been shot before?”

The other woman shook her head.

“I have. Bullet wounds hurt. I wanted to dull the pain, too.”

At that moment, the engines revved, and the jet taxied down the airstrip. In less than a minute, the jet was airborne.

Violet recorded Taylor’s vitals and set up an IV to administer fluids and any medicine the doctor prescribed. Once the jet leveled out, she called Ted Sorenson, one of the Fortress doctors.

“Yeah, Sorenson.”

“It’s Violet. We’re about six hours out with a gunshot victim.” She gave the doctor Taylor’s vitals and described the wound and her treatment of the patient. “No fever so far, but the patient is asking for pain meds.”

“Find out what she’s allergic to and do what you can to make her comfortable. Mild pain medicine is preferable.” Sorenson rattled off the names of medicines he wanted Taylor to have, depending on her tolerance. “If anything changes, I want to know about it.”

“Copy that, sir.”

After Sorenson ended the call, Violet got to work. By the time Noah knocked on the door and stepped inside, she had fluids, antibiotics, and pain meds dripping into the IV, and Taylor was more comfortable.

“Need anything?” Noah asked Violet.

“Water for both of us.”

“Food for you?”

Although she was starving, Violet glanced at Taylor. Her patient couldn’t eat in case Sorenson had to operate.

“Go ahead,” Taylor said. “In fact, if you leave me a phone, I’ll talk to my husband while you get a snack.”

“I won’t be gone long. One of my teammates will be close in case you need something. Don’t get up without help, all right? You don’t want to hurt yourself further.” Violet unlocked her phone, keyed in the number for Taylor’s husband, and handed the phone to Taylor.

Noah followed Violet from the bedroom. “How is she doing?” he asked, voice soft.

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