Page 26 of Desperate Justice

“Rafe was thinking about helping with the wedding. His cousin is a florist.” She pointed to the truck.

Paul kept his smile but shook his head. “Baby, I told you, Uncle Hector wants to handle everything, flowers, catering, everything. It’s his gift to us. I’m his only godson. I told you this. Why can’t you listen to me?”

At Diana’s crestfallen expression, Allison wanted to kick Paul. “It’s our way of helping, too. It is usually the responsibility of the bride’s parents to pay for the wedding.”

Diana’s fiancé blinked. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t do any harm. I could talk to Uncle Hector. Anything to make you happy, sweetie.”

Diana beamed. “I love you, bae.”

“I can’t wait until we’re married. I’m going to spoil you with breakfast in bed and everything you ever wanted.”

“All I ever wanted was you.”

They cooed at each other like doves. Allison rolled her eyes at Rafe, who seemed to be suppressing a laugh. At least Paul seemed to truly love her sister.

But all this lovey-dovey stuff was driving up her glucose levels.

Rafe held up a hand. “It’s all right. It’s your day and I don’t want to interfere. But if you need my help, be happy to offer it.”

Paul grinned again.

Then Paul turned to Diana. “I got you a gift, baby. It’s in the car. A little something to celebrate you quitting modeling.”

Diana’s expression went from sunny to cloudy in a minute. “Honeypie, I told you I want to keep working after we’re married. My career is finally taking off and I have all the right contacts.”

“My wife doesn’t have to work. I make enough money to support you in style.” He kept smiling, but Allison sensed an underlying tension.

“I’d best take off,” Rafe said, nodding at them.

“Thanks again for offering your help,” Paul said, but he was already opening the sedan’s door for Diana.

Diana called out to her. “Ally, would you mind taking the Mercedes to my apartment? Thanks!”

Allison shook her head. Once more, Diana relied on her and didn’t even ask how the hell Allison was supposed to get home. Or to work.

Uber, here we come.

Paul drove away, stopping beneath a shady tree. Through the passenger window, Allison saw Diana check her phone as she and Paul talked. Then Paul was on his phone.

At least he isn’t texting and driving. How many car crash vics have I treated due to that?

Rafe watched them as well after he climbed into his truck. He rolled down the window. Allison touched the bruise on his jaw. “You should have that looked at.”

He brushed away her hand. “I’m fine.”

With the short beard, Rafe had been handsome and had an aura of a bad boy. This smooth, baby-faced look took years off his face. Not for the first time she wondered about the dangers of his job. Rafe was the type who sailed headfirst into danger.

Sometimes that danger came with the business end of a gun. She sucked down a breath, remembering the cops she’d treated for gunshot wounds in the ER. Allison glared at him, angry he’d endangered himself with his smart-aleck remark to Hernandez.

“You’re lucky that pig didn’t do worse after what you told him. He’s got a lot of pull and no one talks back to him. Is there anything you got on him that you can use?”

“No.” Rafe’s hands tightened on the steering wheel until the knuckles whitened. The man had control, but barely.

“I can’t even get a damn search warrant. My probable cause is now sinking into the water. Useless.”

Allison leaned farther into the truck. She wasn’t going to let this go. Not when Diana was endangered.

“Rafe, you and I know what was in those cartons. It has to be the same candy, the wedding favors are drugs! You arrested me for possession of the same thing!”