Zara took a sip of her coffee. “Denver went for a run, Ryker is scouting the area outside, and Heath just jumped into the shower.” She set her mug down. “For the moment, it’s just us girls.”
Anya patted Noni on the arm. “I’m so sorry about last night and the baby being taken. We’ll get her back.” Concern darkened her eyes.
Noni bit her lip to keep it from trembling. It was stunning how empty her arms felt considering she’d only had custody for a couple of days. But she’d loved that little baby from the second she was born. “I know. We have to get her back.”
Zara cleared her throat and lifted her mug in the air. “On another note, welcome to the club of having been kidnapped by the psychotic Dr. Madison.”
Anya snorted and lifted her mug, waiting until Noni did the same before clinking. “First of all, you weren’t kidnapped by the bitch. Neither was I.” She leaned in. “I was kidnapped by the Copper Killer.”
Noni blinked. “The serial killer?”
“Yep. Turns out he was a soldier who worked for Dr. Madison. Unfortunately, I did end up spending a little time with that witch.” Anya’s pointed chin firmed.
Noni swallowed and looked toward Zara. “And you?”
The brunette lifted a shoulder. “I may have jumped into a helicopter en route to her lair.”
“As it was hanging outside a second-story window,” Anya said, her pink lips curving in a smile.
Zara grinned. “I had places to be.”
Noni listened to the interchange, her mind spinning. Who were these women? “Are you guys spies or something?”
Zara laughed out loud. “I’m a paralegal, and Anya is a psychology professor. So close enough.” She munched on her cereal for a moment. “The one good thing about Madison is that she won’t give up an opportunity. She’ll keep the baby safe and healthy, Noni.”
Noni nodded. “I have to believe that.” But she knew Madison cared little for the baby or for human life. Her obsession was with the men she’d created and them only. It didn’t take a shrink to figure that one out. “Are we any closer to finding Madison?”
“Not yet.” Anya pointed toward a couple of laptops on the sofa table. “They’re running through data as we speak.” She motioned to the cereal box. “Are you hungry?”
“No.” Noni softened the refusal with a smile. “I need a phone, though. To call my aunts.”
Zara shook her head. “Montana has gone dark. No calls in or out.”
Noni’s stomach swelled and cramped. “Because of me. Because I probably talked to Madison.”
Anya poured more coffee for her. “No. Not your fault. But your aunts passed on love before it went dark. That Franny is spunky.”
“Yeah, she is.” Noni leaned back. “So we’re dark, too? I mean, I can’t check on the business?”
“We’re dark as well. No Internet business,” Zara confirmed. “Speaking of which, when we were still using the net freely, I checked out your site. Very cool. How did you get into making lotions and perfumes?”
Noni blew on her refreshed coffee cup as steam billowed out. “Aunt Franny had always made her own lotions, so she taught me using family recipes.” She shrugged. “I guess the business later flowed from that. I miss it. Miss creating.” Would she get a chance to pass on that history to Talia? She had to.
The bathroom door opened, and Heath strode out wearing dark jeans and a faded T-shirt. His gaze immediately caught hers, and he faltered. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” She sat up, conscious she hadn’t even brushed her hair. Why was he looking so intently at her? “Thanks for finding me.”
“Of course. Um, Denver is probably going to need to talk to you when he gets back.” Heath loped across the room, all muscled grace, and his hands settled on Anya’s shoulders. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Morning, beautiful.”
The redhead smiled and tilted her head back for a kiss.
Noni looked away. As a couple, they were striking looking and obviously in love. What would it be like to have that security? To plan an actual future with somebody? She breathed out. Enough. “Is the shower free?” she asked, her knees still a little wobbly as she stood and moved her chair back under the table. “Hot water might finally warm me all the way up.”
Heath straightened. “Uh, yeah. But why don’t you wait for Denver?”
Noni coughed. Heat filled her face. “I think I can shower by myself.” No way was she having a shower with him with everyone in the same cabin. Almost belatedly, tension caught her. Zara was looking at her cup, and Anya had a sympathy in her eyes that threw Noni’s balance.
“What’s going on?” Noni asked.
