Page 8 of Montana Manhunt

“No! You’re wrong,” Violet said. “You have to be wrong. I just talked to her a few days ago. She was fine.”

“I’m so sorry,” Brent murmured.

Tears poured down Violet’s face, breaking Noah’s heart. “Come here, baby,” he whispered, turning her toward his chest. While she wept, drenching his black t-shirt, Noah turned his gaze to his boss. “What happened? Accident?”

The CEO of Fortress Security shook his head. “She was stabbed to death.”

Noah scowled. “Crime of passion?”

“The police are still looking into it.”

“Do they have a suspect?”

Brent shook his head. His attention shifted back to the woman in Noah’s arms. “Violet.” He waited until she turned to look at him, her cheeks wet. “You’re on leave as of right now.”

She shook her head. “I can’t go. I have a patient.”

“We have Taylor covered. Texas Team’s medic, Jesse, will be here with his wife in two hours. Sorenson will handle her medical care with his techs.”

“I need a leave of absence, sir,” Noah said. No way would he allow Violet to face the coming days alone.

A slight nod from his boss. “Already ahead of you, Noah. You’re on leave, as well as Rayne and Grant. They’ll accompanyyou and Violet to Morrison, Montana. As soon as the jet is refueled and ready, Jordan will fly the four of you to the Morrison Airport.”

Iona, Seth, and Teagan approached. “What’s going on?” Seth asked.

“Violet’s sister was murdered. Rayne, Grant, and Noah will fly with Violet to Montana.”

Teagan went to Violet and gently pulled her into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Vi.”

“We’re all going,” Iona said. “We’re a team.”

“I understand your desire to support a teammate,” Brent said. “However, I have another time-sensitive mission requiring the rest of your teams.”

Seth frowned. “Can’t you send another unit?”

“None are available. Look, I don’t like it any better than you do. The fact is, I’m shorthanded, and Echo and Artemis are the only teams available.”

“Long or short mission?”

“Until it’s finished,” Brent snapped. “I’ll have one of the other medics meet you at your destination, but that’s as much as I can compromise.”

“It’s all right,” Violet choked out. “I’ll be fine, Iona.”

Iona’s rebellious expression said she didn’t believe her friend’s assurances.

Not good. The women of Artemis were tight friends and teammates. If Iona believed Violet needed the team with her, she’d fight tooth and nail to make it happen, even jeopardizing their employment with Fortress if necessary.

“Iona,” Noah murmured. “I’ll take care of her. You have my word.”

“Violet?” Iona stared at Brent, daring him to protest. “If you need us, we’re there, no matter the consequences.”

Violet shook her head. “Someone out there needs Artemis and Echo to save them. While I appreciate the offer, I need to take care of Cami myself. If we wrap things up in Montana fast enough, the rest of us will join you.”

Artemis’ leader relaxed. “All right. If you’re sure.”

Brent said, “Load up and head to the clinic with Taylor. Wyatt is eager to see his wife. Noah, you and the rest of your small team return to the jet. You’ll be wheels up as soon as the jet’s ready.”

“Copy that, sir.” Keeping his arm around Violet’s waist, he turned her toward the jet. As soon as they entered the cabin, Noah stored their bags and nudged Violet to the seats at the back.

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