Page 71 of Landon

“I know what you mean,” she murmured. “I didn’t spend much time with Pamela, but I wasn’t… impressed. She seemed genuinely upset about the kidnapping, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.”

Roy’s mouth curled into a wry smile, and he gave her an appraising look. “You’re very… professional in your choice of words, Noel.”

A small laugh escaped her, and she met his gaze, a hint of warmth between them. “Perhaps. But you knew her on a personal level. I think you’re the one holding back here, Roy.”

His eyes lingered on her, and a trace of amusement mingled with admiration. “Touché,” he replied, lifting his cup before taking another sip. Setting it down, he leaned in slightly. “Forgive me if I’m being too forward, but Margaret spoke to me after the kids were returned. She mentioned you were with Mike when he had his heart attack?”

Noel hesitated, the weight of what the kids had seen settling heavily on her. Her hand tightened around her coffee cup, and she let her gaze drop, gathering her thoughts. She took a slow sip, hoping to buy herself just a moment to find the right words. “Yes,” she finally replied, her voice quiet but steady. “I saw him from the upstairs balcony. He was on the phone, and just as he finished the call, he collapsed. I ran down, shouting for help as I went. Someone called emergency services, and Landon started chest compressions.”

Roy’s expression remained steady, but his eyes held a hint of sadness. “And you stayed with him through all that?”

“Yes,” she murmured, her voice soft as the memory washed over her. “He was still conscious. I held his hand and kept talking to him right until…” Her voice faltered briefly. “Until he lost consciousness as the paramedics arrived.”

Roy’s gaze didn’t waver, his hand steady on his coffee cup. “Did he say anything? Was he able to share his thoughts with you?”

Noel took a deep breath, pondering her words, not wanting to reveal too much while offering solace to Mike’s friend. “He just wanted some peace, I think. You could see it in his eyes. He seemed… worried… not really afraid, but concerned.”

Roy nodded, his hand reaching across the table to pat hers gently. “And you were able to give him that peace?”

“I hope so,” she said, a gentle, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.

Roy’s face softened, and he squeezed her hand lightly before letting go. “He was a good man. I’m sure he was comforted by having a kind voice and a… pretty face by his side at the end.”

She felt warmth rise to her cheeks, but she smiled back, appreciating the kindness in his words. “Thank you. That whole trip felt like a nightmare. I was so relieved to return to Montana.”

Her phone buzzed, the vibration pulling her from the memory. She glanced at the screen—a meeting reminder. She’d spent longer here than she’d planned. “It was truly lovely meeting you, Roy. But I need to head back to the office.”

Roy rose, offering a firm handshake. “It would be nice if we only ran into each other at the Fugates’ holiday parties from now on. They certainly know how to put out an amazing spread. But I hope we don’t cross paths again over another case.”

“Agreed,” she said with a smile, slipping her hand from his as she stepped out into the sunshine. She hurried to her car, feeling a strange mix of emotions—a subtle relief from the case closing intertwined with the lingering heaviness of recent events.

As she settled into the driver’s seat and started the engine, Noel dialed Landon. He picked up quickly, and she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “Hey, Landon. I’m on my way back tothe office. Gave my report to the judge, and I’m almost certain he’ll rule in Stan’s favor for full custody, with Pamela’s rights reduced or revoked.”

“I’m glad that part’s over for you. It’s been a hell of a week,” he replied, his voice warm and steady.

She sighed, tension melting just a bit. “You can say that again. I met Roy Barton, the Fugates’ attorney. We had coffee afterward. He’s known the family for years… even knew Mike.”

“Did he ask about Mike?”

A beat passed before she answered. “Yeah. The kids must’ve told their dad and grandparents that Mike spoke to me just before he… passed. I know we hadn’t planned on sharing that yet, but… now it’s out there.”

A sigh on the other end. “Damn. We’d hoped for more time to gather intel on who might have sent Mike down to Jamaica with orders to target Pamela.”

She gripped the steering wheel a bit tighter. “I know. Anyway, I’ll be home before you get back tonight. I’m heading to an afternoon meeting, so my phone will be on silent.”

Landon’s voice softened. “Can’t wait to see you, babe.”

She grinned, her heart feeling lighter. “Same here. Bye.” She disconnected, the warmth from his words lingering as she drove toward her office, a quiet smile staying with her the whole way.

32

Landon turned and said, “What can you dig up on Roy Barton, the Fugates’ attorney?”

Sadie didn’t even blink before tapping away on the keyboard.

“What’s up?” Devil asked.

Landon looked at Devil, noting he also had Logan’s and Frazier’s rapt attention. “Noel just left the courthouse,” he began, his voice low but steady. “She filed her recommendation with the judge, and the Fugates’ attorney was there. They struck up a conversation, and it turns out Penny and Tad mentioned to their family that Mike spoke to Noel before he died. The family passed that tidbit along to their attorney.”

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