Page 47 of Desperate Justice

“You can be yourself with me, hon.”

A smile touched her wobbling lips. “I know. I love you, Ally. I do. But sometimes, I wonder...if it had been better you never reached me that day in the river.”

Mouth dry, she stared at her sister. Diana had never talked of that day, and certainly not like this.I saved your life and now you’re wishing I didn’t? What is going on with you, Di?

“I... I... Jellybean, don’t say such things!”

Her grip on Diana’s hand tightened. “Your life is important, honey. You mean a lot to people. To me. I’d do it over and over again. You mean everything to me. Have you talked to anyone about this? You can talk to me. Say anything to me.”

A slight laugh. “Oh, I don’t really mean it. It’s the wedding stress talking. I don’t need therapy, Ally. Everything will be fine once Paul and I get married.”

But she knew something more was going on. Allison rubbed her thumb over Diana’s palm. “Big weddings are stressful, and this one seems over-the-top. Why not elope with Paul?”

“I don’t know...”

Encouraged, she pressed on. “Call him. He loves you, Di, and wants to make you happy. Have him meet you at the cabin and ship your gown and everything up there. Mom and Dad will be thrilled.”

Diana looked doubtful. “Mom was looking forward to a real wedding.”

“It will be a real wedding, only this time Paul’s uncle won’t be in charge.”

“Hector has been so wonderful and generous. He won’t be happy.”

“Forget him.” Her voice carried an edge. “It’s your life, Diana. Paul’s family doesn’t run your life or his.”

“It isn’t like that. Hector wanted to throw us a beautiful big wedding because Paul knew I wanted a dream wedding and our parents couldn’t afford it. He’ll feel terribly put out if I change things at the last minute.”

“Paul?” At Diana’s head shake she sighed. “Come on, jelly-bean. Who cares what Hector thinks? The only two people who really matter in this are you and the man you’re marrying. If you’re willing to give up a fancy big wedding that will cost thousands...”

“More than one hundred thousand, if you count my wedding gown.”

Stunned, Allison blinked. “Okay, that is a lot of money. But the wedding is one day. Marriage is supposed to be for a lifetime. You have to assert your own needs if you want this relationship to last.”

Diana looked troubled.

“Think about it, while you’re taking your alone moments. Don’t take too long.” She gave her sister’s hand one last squeeze.

Trudging back to the room, leaving Diana to have her alone time, Allison scuffed the heels of her Dr. Martens against the grass. Why did she even bother? Diana wasn’t going to change her mind about marrying Paul.

As she started for the door, instinct kicked in.

Tired as she was, Allison knew she’d pulled the curtain shut across the door before leaving. Diana hadn’t returned to the room and the privacy sign hung on the hallway door.

But the curtain was ajar. Allison swallowed hard.

The door was open. Certain she locked it, she pulled it open slowly and pushed back the curtain.

Everything was in disarray. Suitcases opened, contents strewn over the floor. No, only one backpack had been violated.

Hers.

Diana’s pack lay untouched on the counter. Her makeup was strewn haphazardly over the desk as it had been last night and this morning.

Allison sucked in a breath as she searched the empty pack, saw her panties and spare bra scattered over the room. Shame and anger roiled in her stomach. Her pretty lace bra had been stepped on.

Her little electronic tablet that she carried to check email and enjoy movies was smashed to bits on the nightstand. Even her little travel pillow she always carried was ripped to shreds.

Her mouth wobbled with grief. This didn’t look like burglary. Too much rage.