Page 25 of Desperate Justice

“I’ll expect compensation for my lost electronic device,” Rafe said.

She had to hand it to the man, he had big cojones. Maybe even Hernandez thought so for a nanosecond, for his expression changed as if he were amused. Then his scowl deepened.

She went to Diana and put an arm around her for reassurance. Diana trembled visibly. Her sister always hated confrontations. She was a people pleaser. Naive and never wanted to believe the worst.

If this were my wedding, I’d tell this punk exactly what he could do with his gift of the wedding ceremony and the catering. I’d rather get married in a garbage dump than set one foot near this cretin. Or bring any of my family here.

Hernandez got in Rafe’s face. “You have ten seconds to get the hell out my home before you join your tablet. Only I’m gonna chum the water with blood to get the sharks here first so you can make a tasty snack for them.”

* * *

In silence, they rode back to the parking lot to pick up Rafe’s truck. Diana drove again, but her hands visibly shook.

When they pulled into the parking lot, Allison glanced back at Rafe. “I need a minute alone with my sister, please.”

He nodded and got out. “I’ll be over at my truck.”

As soon as he left, Allison turned to Diana. “This is the place where you really want to have your wedding? With a man who threatens violence? Di, what gives?”

“Hector’s not that bad.” But Diana looked shaken.

“No, at least he didn’t shoot Rafe. Di, please reconsider this wedding. I’ll help you find another venue. It’s not too late.”

“It is.” Her gaze went downward. “I’ve invested too much time in this and so has Paul.”

“Well, it’s your wedding, but damn, between Hector’s temper and that nasty housekeeper who called you a...you know what... Wasn’t she the same woman who was at the dress shop? The one who was nasty to you?”

“She’s more than that. She’s Paul’s ex-girlfriend.” Diana bit her lip.

Allison groaned. “Di! This is bad news. Why the hell is she working for his uncle?”

“Paul felt sorry for her. After Paul broke up with her and she moved out of his condo, she was going to be homeless. Miami is so expensive and she had no place to go. So he asked his uncle to provide housing for her in exchange for light housekeeping.”

“Di, why would you have the wedding here if Paul’s ex is going to be here as well? This is the last place I’d think you’d want to be married!”

“It’s a perfect venue. Besides, Hector is giving Lucy the entire weekend off and money to go see her sister in Tampa. She won’t be around.”

Maybe Uncle Hector should join her. “You sure?”

Diana showed her a cell phone contact. “Positive. When Paul wasn’t looking, I got her cell number from his phone. I was thinking of hiring a private detective to track her to make sure she won’t interfere with the wedding. As for Hector, well, he cherishes his privacy. It’s my fault for not notifying him.”

No it’s not.But she didn’t argue. Allison took a picture of the phone number and name on Diana’s cell. She tucked her own phone away.

An older model black sedan pulled into the parking lot. Diana’s mood brightened.

“Paul!”

Her sister raced out of the car to greet her fiancé. He turned, then swept her into his arms for a long kiss.

She joined Rafe outside by his truck. “Do we wait here until they’re finished or can I leave now?” he asked dryly.

“Come on. She tends to get scatterbrained around him.”

Paul stopped kissing Diana as they went toward him. Arm firmly around her waist, he greeted Allison warmly and gave Rafe a curious look.

Rafe extended his hand, his expression neutral. “Rafael.” The handshake was brief.

“Nice to meet you. Any friend of Allison’s is a friend of mine. Especially since we’ll be family soon.”