Page 15

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

NOAH SIPPED HIS coffee on the balcony as he waited for the rest of his team. He watched early morning traffic snake along the road at a sedate pace. That would change soon as workers rushed to their jobs.

His lips curved. Carterville’s version of rush hour was tame compared to the traffic around Nashville. Wall to wall vehicles all day and all night. No matter where you drove in Davidson County, you were guaranteed to hit a traffic jam somewhere along the route.

A twinge of pain in his thigh reminded him to take more pain medication. Good thing Violet restocked her mike bag on the jet.

Noah dug the packet of pain meds from his pocket and swallowed one capsule with a sip of his coffee. Hopefully, the medicine would kick in before they interviewed the two women who accused Bradley Melton of sexual assault.

One of the French doors opened. Violet stepped onto the balcony with a mug in her hands and sat on the outdoor couch beside him. “Rayne and Grant will be ready in ten minutes.” The medic sipped her tea, watching him.

He waited for the inevitable question and was surprised when she remained silent. “You aren’t going to ask me how I feel?”

She laughed. “Annoying you is not at the top of my priority list.”

Noah leaned closer and kissed her. “Thanks for that.”

“But since you brought it up, how do you feel?”

He chuckled. Although he’d love to tell Violet he felt great, she needed the truth as the team medic. Still rankled to admit he hurt this much. He needed to do something physical to get rid of the soreness wracking his body. “I just took pain meds if that tells you anything. Before you ask, I swallowed a dose of antibiotics as soon as my feet hit the floor.”

“Good. Noah, you need to stay off your feet as much as possible today.” She held up a hand. “I know. We have several things on our schedule that are time sensitive. I know you’re sore. Just do me a favor and don’t go for a run, all right? You need to give yourself time to heal.”

“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.”

“Stores don’t open for a few hours yet.” He looked at Grant. “We need to talk to Bradley Melton again and the two female accusers.”

“We also need to look through the cases of the women murdered by the serial killer. There has to be something connecting these women together despite the Morrison PD burying their heads in the sand.”

“Agreed.” Noah kissed Violet’s temple and nudged her toward the French doors. “Food first. Who knows how much time will pass before we eat again. By the time we finish, the stores will be open. We’ll be able to purchase what Violet needs and drop it off at the funeral home on the way to visit Melton’s accusers.”

“Provided no one tries to shoot or blow us up again,” Grant muttered.

Rayne waited for them in the living room. “Echo and Artemis are back in the US.”

“Were they successful?” Violet asked.

Her teammate smiled. “Yes. The boy and his parents have been reunited. The entire terrorist cell is dead.”

“Excellent.” Grant grinned. “That calls for a celebration. I vote for a large brunch.”

Rayne rolled her eyes. “You always vote for food.”

“Told you. I’m a growing boy.”

She and Violet exchanged glances and laughed.

Grant looked smug.

Leave it to his teammate to introduce a moment of levity in a dark day for Violet. He’d have to watch for opportunities to do the same for her. “I assume you’ve already chosen a restaurant.”

“Of course. Mama B’s Deli is only two blocks away. Something for everybody.”

“Let’s not keep Mama B waiting,” Noah murmured. He rested his hand against Violet’s lower back and guided her toward the door.

Minutes later, the operatives sat around a table in the far corner of the busy deli and perused the menu. When they made their selections, Noah and Grant went to the counter to place their orders.

“How is Violet?” Grant asked.

“Heartbroken and angry. Do you blame her?”

His teammate’s expression was grim. “What else?”

Noah turned. “What do you mean?”

“Come on, Noah. The tension was so thick between you two that I could cut it with a knife. What’s going on?”

Maybe his friend would notice the same things he had. He lowered his voice. “Have you noticed the timeline involving the murders?”

“What do you mean?”

“The murders began in earnest not long after Violet left Morrison.”

Grant stared. “You think she’s the catalyst.”

He lifted one shoulder. “It’s a theory.” One he’d love to run by Seth and get his take on. “If I’m right, I think he’ll try to close the circle.”

“If he tries to take on Violet, he’ll be in for the fight of his life,” Grant murmured.

“He’ll have to go through me first.” Noah didn’t intend to make it easy on him.

“He’s already tried.”

“And failed.”

“If he tries enough times, he might succeed. Sorry, buddy, but bullets don’t bounce off of you.”

Too bad. Think of all the missions he could go on without worrying that he’d return home in a body bag. “I hear you.”

The server loaded food on two trays and called their number. Noah and Grant carried the trays to their table and distributed the food. “What do you want to drink?” Noah asked Violet.

“Water.”

“Same,” Rayne said.

“I’ll get them,” Grant said and walked to the drink dispenser with one tray. He returned a minute later with the drinks.

When they finished their meal, Grant drove to a nearby mall.

“If you want to stay in the SUV, Rayne and I won’t be long.” Violet said, reaching for the door handle.

Noah climbed out and came around to open her door. “Where are we going first?”

She gave him a faint smile. “If I’m lucky, the only shop I’ll have to visit is The Dress Boutique. Cami loved that store.”

And so she would honor her sister by purchasing a last dress from her favorite store, a sweet but difficult gesture. “If you don’t find what you need at the boutique, we’ll go somewhere else. This purchase is at the top of our priority list today. Everything else can wait.”

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. “Thanks.”

Noah wrapped his hand around hers and walked with Violet into the mall. Inside, they found the boutique halfway down the long row of stores. He and Grant stayed near the entrance, keeping tabs on the foot traffic in the mall and three customers inside the boutique.

After a few minutes of browsing, Violet chose a dress. “This is the one,” she said.

“Why this one?” Rayne asked.

“Cami sent me a picture of this one a few weeks ago and asked me what I thought about it.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“You’ve got this?” Noah asked Grant, voice low.

His gaze shifted to Violet. “Yeah. Go.”

Noah closed the distance between him and Violet, meeting her at the checkout counter.

“Oh, this dress is gorgeous,” the saleswoman said, a smile curving her mouth. “You’ll look beautiful in it, Camilla, and I bet your boyfriend will love it, too.”

Violet stared for a moment. “I’m Violet, Cami’s twin sister.”

The other woman’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, my goodness. Camilla mentioned she had a sister, but I didn’t realize you’re twins. You two are mirror images of each other. I apologize.”

“No, please. It’s fine.”

Noah rested his hand against Violet’s lower back, heart aching for her. Violet must have experienced horrendous emotional pain during this interaction.

The saleswoman finished the transaction and handed the bag and receipt to Violet. “I hope you enjoy the dress.”

Violet gave the woman a faint smile. “Thanks.” She turned away from the counter and hurried from the store.

Noah caught up with her and pulled Violet into his arms. She buried her face against his chest, body shaking with her sobs.

He remained quiet while she worked through the emotions tearing her apart. When Violet quieted, he pressed a white handkerchief into her hand.

That brought a smile as she blotted her face dry. “Ready for the worst, huh?”

“I’m ready for anything you need.”

Her smile faded. “Not fair, Noah.”

“What isn’t fair?”

“Making me fall for you even faster than the slippery slope I’m already on.”

He kissed her lightly. “I refuse to apologize for something I desperately want.”

She froze. “Noah?”

“Later, all right? I want to focus only on you when we talk about this.”

Her grip tightened on his shirt. “Promise me we’ll talk today. Waiting will drive me crazy.”

“Today,” he murmured. “I promise.” After another brief kiss, Noah threaded his fingers through Violet’s and walked toward the exit, with Rayne and Grant trailing behind.

Minutes later, Grant cranked the engine and drove from the mall’s parking lot. “What’s next?”

“Morrison Funeral Home,” Violet said. “I have an appointment to complete the arrangements for Cami’s funeral.”

“Does anyone need me to swing by a coffee shop?”

Rayne twisted in her seat to look at Violet. “What do you think? Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?”

“Hot chocolate.”

“Sounds great to me. Noah?”

“Coffee.”

“You got it.” Grant guided the SUV into the drive-thru lane of a coffee shop one block from the highway. He pulled back into traffic moments later and headed for Morrison.

While Violet sipped her hot chocolate, Noah kept his hand wrapped around her free one. He didn’t press her to talk. If he’d been in her shoes, he wouldn’t have been interested in talking much, either. Hopefully, his presence would provide comfort for her.

Following Violet’s instructions, Grant parked in the lot beside the funeral home.

Rayne twisted in her seat to look at Violet. “Do you want us to go inside with you?”

She shook her head.

“I’ll stay with her,” Noah said. “You and Grant locate Charity Bradshaw and Lauren Gilmore. I want to talk to them before we confront Melton again.”

“Is this what you want, Violet?” Rayne squeezed her teammate’s knee. “Grant and I want to help if you’ll let us.”

“Finding those women is helping. The sooner we trace all the leads, the faster we’ll uncover the killer.”

“If you change your mind, I can be inside in less than a minute.”

“Thanks, Rayne.”

Noah circled around to open Violet’s door. He helped her out and took the bag from her hand. “When do you want to schedule the funeral?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

He nodded. The timing would give their black ops teams time to fly in to support her provided Fortress didn’t send them out on another mission. Noah opened the door and ushered Violet inside the funeral home.

A woman dressed in a black jacket and skirt paired with a white blouse greeted them. Her smile morphed into an expression of shock. She rallied and held out her hand to Violet. “I’m Patricia Montclaire.”

“Violet Trevelyan. This is Noah Mann.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss, Miss Trevelyan.”

“Thanks.”

“How can I help you today?”

“I brought clothes for Cami, and I need to complete the arrangements for my sister’s funeral service.”

“Please, come with me. I’ll be glad to help you with the arrangements.” Patricia led them to a consultation room. “I can take the clothes for your sister. Would you like coffee or water? We also have soft drinks and a few herbal teas.”

“Water for both of us,” Noah said. “Thank you.”

“I’ll return in a couple of minutes.” Patricia closed the door when she left.

“I think you gave Ms. Montclaire a shock,” he murmured and kissed Violet’s palm.

Violet smiled. “She looked as though she’d seen a ghost.”

“You don’t know her?”

She shook her head. “She must have moved to Morrison after I left town.”

“Have you noticed changes in town?”

“There are more buildings and people. Other than that, everything else has stayed the same. Hanson is still the police chief. Alice Edwards is still the mayor. The town council is still led by Keith Webber.” Violet grimaced. “Bradley Melton’s father and grandfather are on the council.”

“The power players have remained in place.”

“Not much changes in towns like this. That’s why I had to go. No one would have given me a chance to be anything other than an unwanted kid. Aunt Rosalie would have seen to that.” She looked at Noah. “When I realized the military was my only way out, I tried to convince Cami to enlist with me. She refused.”

“Why?”

“She said if she left, nothing would change. Cami believed she could make a difference in this town, make it better. That belief influenced her choice of college major.”

“She was right.”

“How can you say that? Morrison harbors a serial killer who murdered my sister.”

“Melton mentioned how much she cared about the kids and teens in her caseload. If she was anything like you, she poured everything she was into her job. Camilla made a difference in the lives of the youth under her care.”

Violet leaned in and kissed him gently. “Thank you for saying that.”

“It’s true.”

“You never met Cami.”

“But I know you.”

Patricia Montclaire returned with two bottles of water and set them in front of Noah and Violet. She retrieved a folder from the desk in the corner, then joined them at the table. “Let’s get started.”

An hour later, the arrangements were complete. “Don’t worry about anything,” Montclaire told Violet. “We’ll take care of all the details. See you soon.” She left with the file folder in her hand.

Noah and Violet followed Montclaire from the conference room. Violet turned to Noah. “Give me a minute,” she murmured.

“Take your time.”

Violet walked down a hall to the left and turned a corner.

Noah slid his hands into his pockets and waited, his gaze fixed on the dimly lit hall.

Five minutes later, the lights in the hall went out.