Page 2

CHAPTER TWO

NOAH CAUGHT VIOLET with an arm around her waist as her knees gave out.

“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 accompany you 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.

Once she sat, he returned to the galley and made her a cup of chamomile and mint tea and added a teaspoon of sugar. As he returned to their seats with the drink, Rayne and Grant boarded the jet and stored their gear. They chose seats near the front of the cabin to give Noah and Violet some privacy.

He sat beside Violet and handed her the mug. “A wise medic I know recommended chamomile and mint tea with sugar for shock.”

Her lips curved slightly at having her own words tossed back at her. “Thanks.”

“Wish there was more I could do. For what it’s worth, I am sorry about your sister.”

“So am I.” Her voice broke. “I don’t know if I can do this, Noah. It’s been Camilla and me against the world since we were eight. How do I carry on without my other half?”

He stared at her, pondering her word choice. The truth donned on him. “You’re twins?”

She nodded, then sipped her tea.

Noah draped his arm around Violet’s shoulders but remained silent until she finished the drink, then carried the mug to the galley to be dealt with later. He rejoined Violet and threaded his fingers with hers. “We’ll find out what happened to Camilla and who’s responsible. You have my word.”

Violet turned toward him. “Don’t promise something you can’t deliver.”

“I was a homicide detective, Violet. So was Grant. We’ll get answers.”

“We’ll all get them. Cami is my sister. I’ll help you find answers and together we’ll make the killer pay.”

Although Noah wanted to surround Violet with bubble wrap and protect her from the world, he gave a slight nod. If his brothers had been murdered, he’d be tracking down their killers no matter who protested or advised him against it. “All right. We’ll do this together. Promise me you won’t do anything without telling me first.”

She scowled. “I can take care of myself. I’m just as trained as you are.”

“More,” he admitted. “Doesn’t mean I want you going up against a murderer.”

Noah held up a hand when Violet protested. “We’re in the states. We can’t break laws and expect to get away with it. Brent’s reach only goes so far. Although I sympathize with your need to avenge Camilla’s death, you can’t go beyond the boundaries of the law. Camilla wouldn’t want you to spend the rest of your life behind bars. Neither do I.”

Her gaze locked with his. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to see justice is served.”

“Not your job, Violet. If law enforcement can’t identify the perpetrator, we’ll find him and turn him in.”

She said nothing as she turned to stare out the small window.

Even though Noah would like her verbal agreement to his plan, getting it would be next to impossible with Violet still processing the loss of her sister. She’d have a hard time believing it until she saw the evidence with her own eyes.

Jordan, the pilot, stepped out of the cockpit and spoke briefly to Grant before pulling up the stairs and securing the door. He returned to the cockpit, and moments later, the jet taxied down the runway, lifting into the air and banking to the right for the journey to Montana.

Noah glanced at Violet. Her eyes were closed, but tears trickled down her cheeks. Seeing her tears killed him.

Not knowing what else to do to help, he retrieved a blanket from an overhead compartment. He spread the blanket over Violet, wrapped his arm around her shoulders again, and eased her against his body.

She held herself stiff for a few minutes until the warmth from his body and the blanket seeped into her. Her body slumped against his and her breathing slowed into a steady, deep rhythm.

Excellent. An opportunity to rest was exactly what Violet needed to face what lay ahead of her.

Once Noah was positive she’d succumbed to sleep, he lowered the backs of their seats and slowly shifted Violet so that her upper body rested against his chest. When she sighed and snuggled closer, he relaxed. Hopefully, Violet would sleep until they landed in Morrison. Besides the shock of losing her twin, the medic had stayed awake over 24 hours to rescue and provide care for Taylor on the return trip to the states.

Noah closed his eyes and let himself fall into a light sleep. When the jet began its descent six hours later, Noah roused and glanced down at the woman in his arms. Violet was still sound asleep.

Although reluctant to wake her, he rubbed her back. She moaned. “Violet, we’ll be wheels down soon.”

She sighed and snuggled closer. “Five more minutes,” she murmured.

Noah kissed her forehead. “Five minutes,” he agreed. By that time, Jordan should have the jet on the ground.

When they taxied to a stop and Violet still didn’t move, Noah cupped her cheek with his palm. “The jet’s on the ground, and we need to go.”

Another moan, then the medic reluctantly sat up and stretched. “You should have nudged me to my seat, Noah. You didn’t have to hold me for six hours.”

Did she really think he’d give up the chance to hold her? “Believe me, it wasn’t a hardship.”

She smiled. “I can’t remember the last time I slept that well.” Her smile faded. “To be honest, I didn’t expect to sleep at all, so the past few hours were a gift.”

“I’m glad it helped.” He brushed a light kiss over her mouth. “I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

“You’re here with me. It’s enough.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Noah murmured. Although she didn’t know it yet, he’d go to the ends of the earth for Violet Trevelyan.

Jordan exited the cockpit, opened the cabin door, and lowered the steps with Grant’s aid.

Violet sighed, sadness in her eyes. “We should go, but I need a couple of minutes before we leave the jet.”

He stood and helped Violet stand. “Take your time. I’ll get our gear and check on the rental Zane arranged for us.” Zane Murphy was Fortress Security’s tech and communications guru.

After Violet headed toward the back of the jet, Grant walked down the aisle to Noah’s side. “She all right?”

“Not really.”

“How can I help?”

“Check with Zane and find out what name our vehicle reservation is under.”

With a nod, Grant returned to the front of the jet, phone pressed to his ear. After a brief conversation, he slid his phone into a pocket and glanced at Noah. “Z reserved two SUVs, one under my name, the second under yours.”

Noah and his teammate collected their bags. By the time they finished, Violet returned.

“Ready?” he asked her.

She nodded, her expression one of grim determination.

Noah handed Violet her mike bag and slung her other bags over his shoulder along with his own Go bag and duffel. Once on the tarmac, the operatives headed toward the terminal.

Inside, Noah and Grant set the bags in front of a row of seats. “We’ll get the rental paperwork, then go,” Noah said. He glanced at Rayne, who gave him a slight nod.

Satisfied that she’d monitor Violet, he walked to the rental desk. Minutes later, he and Grant returned. They hefted all but two of the bags on their shoulders, leaving the rest for the women.

Noah threaded his fingers through Violet’s as they set off for the vehicles. “You hungry?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Not really, but I know I need to eat.”

“We’ll find something light for you.”

As they walked, Noah scanned the area. No one seemed to pay attention to them. In Morrison, though, he expected a different reaction to Violet’s presence, especially if she and Camilla were identical twins, as he suspected.

They located their rides and loaded their gear into the cargo area. Grant said, “Zane reserved a suite for us at the Willow Hotel. Violet, if you’d be more comfortable, I can ask for a separate room.”

She shook her head. “Stay with us.”

“If you change your mind, just say so. No hard feelings, all right?”

Noah wrapped his arm around Violet’s shoulders. “Grant, you and Rayne lead the way. Once we check in, we’ll find a place to eat.”

“Good.” Rayne pressed a hand to her stomach. “I’m starving.” She followed Grant to their SUV and climbed into the passenger seat.

Noah opened the passenger door for Violet, picked her up, and set her on the seat. He handed her the seatbelt. Without giving time to second-guess himself, he bent and captured Violet’s mouth with his.

Immediately, her mouth softened, giving him the chance to deepen the kiss. Noah’s pulse skyrocketed as his kiss grew more demanding. This was what he’d been longing for. Violet’s kiss. He’d gone weeks without this addictive pleasure. Too long.

A long minute later, he broke the kiss and eased away from her. Noah’s lips curved as he took in the dazed look in her eyes.

He circled the hood to climb behind the wheel. She still hadn’t moved. Amused, he took the seatbelt from her hand and strapped her in.

As Noah followed Grant from the parking lot, Violet blew out a breath. “You have serious skills, Mr. Mann.”

He chuckled. “So do you. My heart rate is still in the stratosphere.”

“What did that kiss mean?”

Noah sobered, glancing at her before returning his gaze to the road. “What do you want it to mean?”

“Don’t, Noah. Just spell it out for me. Please. I’m too tired and sad to guess and get it wrong, perhaps ruining something magical and precious.”

His hand released the steering wheel and gripped hers. He jumped into the deep end of the emotional pool. “I want an exclusive dating relationship with you. The question is, do you want the same thing?”

“Yes.” Her answer was immediate.

He blinked. “You don’t want to think about it first?”

“No.”

Thank God. “Good. Fair warning, sweetheart. I’ll do my best to convince you to keep me.”

Violet squeezed his hand. “Same here.” She twisted in her seat to look at him. “You’re not worried that this is a reaction to the undercover mission two months ago?”

“Nope. I know the difference between an actual relationship and a fake one.” He glanced at her again. “It was never fake for me, Violet.”

“Nor for me,” she murmured. “Our timing could be better.”

“Do you want to wait until we return home to make it official?” Man, he hoped not. Just the idea of her wanting to delay officially claiming him caused his gut to twist into a knot.

“After that kiss? No way.”

He chuckled as the knot slowly untangled itself.

Minutes later, Grant turned into the parking lot of the Willow Hotel and parked near the entrance.

Noah pulled into the space next to his teammate and turned off the engine. After exiting the SUV, he opened Violet’s door, held out his hand, and assisted her to the asphalt. Hand in hand, they walked toward Grant and Rayne. “Let’s check in first, then you and I can bring the bags to our suite,” he said to Grant.

Grant shrugged. “Works for me.”

Noah escorted Violet into the hotel lobby and walked to the front desk.

“May I help you?” the clerk asked.

“We have reservations. The name is Mann.”

Within minutes, they were in the elevator, heading to the fifth floor. Using his key card, Noah unlocked the door to room 502.

He glanced around, impressed. While he would have been satisfied with anything as long as it was clean, Zane had secured a reservation in a classy hotel. For Violet’s sake, Noah was glad she had a place to decompress away from the prying eyes of her townspeople. He turned to Violet. “Will this work for you?”

“Are you kidding? This suite is amazing.”

“It’s a long way from the jungle,” Grant said.

“I feel like we’re in the lap of luxury,” Rayne said. “Plush carpet, gorgeous furniture I’m almost afraid to sit on, and a pleasant kitchen. Too bad I’m not much of a cook. If the kitchen in my apartment was that nice, I’d try my hand at cooking, anyway.”

Grant smiled. “If you want a taste tester for your experiments, I’m your man.”

Rayne’s eyes sparkled. “Deal.”

Noah turned to Violet. “You and Rayne decide where you want to eat while Grant and I retrieve our gear.”

“Anything you don’t want?”

“No, ma’am. We eat anything that doesn’t eat us first.”

“Surprise us,” Grant said.

Noah leaned down and brushed his lips over Violet’s, then straightened and twisted the doorknob. A moment later, he and Grant were in the stairwell, heading for the hotel lobby.

“Violet’s okay?” Grant asked.

“I don’t think Camilla’s death has sunk in yet.”

“Probably won’t until Violet sees her sister.”

The two operatives walked from the stairwell into the lobby and outside to their SUVs. They moved their vehicles into the garage under the hotel and grabbed their bags.

In the stairwell again, Grant said, “So, is there something you want to share with the class, Noah?”

His eyes narrowed. “About what?”

“You and Violet.”

“We’re dating.”

“Officially?”

“Is there any other dating?”

“Sure. Friend dates.”

Noah scowled. “I’m not in the friend zone, Bowen.”

His friend chuckled. “Good. I was concerned Violet had shoved you into the friend zone after our first mission. You two are a good match.”

He smiled. “I agree.” Now all he had to do was convince Violet she should keep him. Permanently.

When they reached the fifth floor, Noah slid his card into the reader and opened the door.

Violet and Rayne were on the sofa, looking at a phone screen. They rose, took their bags from Noah and Grant, and stashed their gear in the first bedroom.

“Please tell me you decided on a restaurant,” Grant said. “I’m starving.”

“There’s a steakhouse one block away.”

“Perfect.” He rubbed his hands together. “Let’s go.”

“Walk or ride?” Rayne asked.

“Walk,” Grant said. “Violet, what’s your vote?”

“Walk. The fresh air will do all of us good.”

“Noah?”

“Walk.” He threaded his fingers through Violet’s and led the way from the suite.

The night was cool and crisp, the stars overhead bright enough to light the street and sidewalks without need for artificial illumination. A perfect night to be out with his girl.

The sidewalks of Morrison teemed with people taking advantage of the pleasant weather. Chances were good the weather wouldn’t hold for long. He’d checked the forecast for this part of Montana before he’d woken Violet on the jet. The forecasters were calling for cooler temperatures in the next few days.

Five minutes later, he opened the door to the Free Range Steakhouse and ushered Violet inside.