Page 83 of Montana Manhunt

“Taking up mind reading now?”

“You hate to show weakness to anyone, especially the enemy.”

She knew him well. “No need to advertise.”

“Morrison is a small town. I guarantee news of your treatment at the hospital is already making the rounds on the gossip circuit."

He winked. “If we’re lucky, the gossips have me on my deathbed so we can catch the killer off guard.”

Violet rolled her eyes. “Somehow, I don’t think it will be that easy.”

Noah sobered. “Why not? I’m the biggest obstacle in the killer’s quest to get to you.”

Her head whipped in his direction, eyes wide. “What did you say?”

“Think about it, babe. The murderer started his work in earnest after you left Morrison.”

“That doesn’t make me responsible for the string of deaths in and around town.”

“Did I say that?”

“You implied it.”

“Violet.” He cupped her nape. “None of this is your fault.”

“Don’t patronize me, Noah. Is my sister dead because of me?” Her voice broke on the last word.

“She’s dead because a man in this area enjoys hurting women. Your sister was too close to the truth and became his next victim.”

Violet surged to her feet and strode to the deck railing.

Noah closed his eyes briefly. He shouldn’t have said anything until he had facts to solidify the suspicions growing stronger by the hour. He had no proof, just a gut feeling that he was on the right track.

He set aside his coffee mug and came up behind Violet. Noah wrapped his arms around her from behind. He remained silent, enjoying the moment of peace with Violet in his arms. There wouldn’t be many in the days ahead. If Noah’s gut was right, things would ramp up to fever pitch soon. The killer knew they were in town and wouldn’t rest until they found him.

No matter how much the thought upset his woman, Noah knew down to his bones that the man who murdered Camilla wanted to finish the job by taking down Violet. Noah needed information on all the women killed like Camilla.

“You should rest your leg,” Violet murmured.

He kissed the side of her neck, smiling when she shivered in his arms. “I’m fine for now. I’m sorry.”

Violet turned in the circle of his arms. “I’m the one who should apologize. You’re the expert in this field. I trust your judgment, Noah. The idea that I’m in any way connected to Cami’s death….” She shook her head. “It guts me. If my aunt ever connects me to the murder, she’ll blame me for my sister’s death.”

“Do you really care what she believes?”

She sighed. “No, and I should feel guilty over that.”

“Your aunt chose where to place her loyalty, and it wasn’t with you or Camilla. She chose herself.”

The French door opened again. Grant stepped out. “Everything all right?”

“As much as it can be under the circumstances. You and Rayne ready?”

Grant nodded. “What’s the plan for the day?”

Noah glanced at Violet. “What do you need to do today, baby?”

She grimaced. “I need to buy an outfit for Cami and drop it off at the funeral home. I’d planned to use something she already owned, but the bomb nixed that idea.”

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