Page 53 of Desperate Justice

Seeing him, she frowned.

Well, hello to you as well.

“I wish Ally never came on this trip. I don’t think you’re good for her.”

Rafe arched his brows. “And you know best.”

The sarcasm sailed over her brunette head. “I’ve been preoccupied with the wedding, but Ally’s my sister. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Neither do I. I’m concerned about the break-in.”

Diana looked bewildered. “What break-in?”

Sorry, Ally. Rafe told her what happened. Diana paled.

She set down her soda on the table and palmed her phone. “I need to make a call.”

I bet you do.

A few minutes later, she returned. “He’s agreed this is too dangerous. Paul is flying up to Atlanta, and he’ll meet me at my parents’ cabin. We’re going to elope. He’s already arranged to ship the veil and gown to the cabin. It won’t make Uncle Hector happy, but Paul says it is for the best.”

That will make your sister happy. While she’s still sleeping...

“Speaking of your Uncle Hector, there’s something I’d like to ask you, Diana,” he began.

* * *

Allison slept deeply, immersed in a delicious dream about Rafael. Only wisps remained when she awoke, refreshed. Something about him being naked. Oh yeah, it was quite nice.

In a great mood, she quickly showered and took time selecting her outfit. For once she chose an impractical blouse, hand embroidered with black silk thread, and designer jeans. After brushing her hair, remembering Rafe’s touch, she studied her appearance in the mirror. Maybe not beautiful in the classic sense, but not bad.

Certainly Rafe had thought so.

She downed coffee and a quick breakfast in the lobby. No one else was around. Through the lobby windows, she saw the others preparing their motorcycles.

Diana came inside, joining her. “Ally, I have some news. I’ve taken your advice to heart and called Paul. He’s flying up to Atlanta, and Mom is shipping my gown and veil so it should be there when I arrive. He’ll meet me at the cabin. We’re going to elope.”

Squealing, she hugged her sister. “I’m thrilled, hon. This is the best news you could have given me.”

Diana smiled. “I’ll meet you outside.”

One thing about Rafe. He was organized and efficient and herded their little group together better than a kindergarten teacher nudging students into quiet time. She appreciated him letting her sleep late and cutting her some much-needed slack.

He greeted her as she walked outside with her belongings. She saw his hooded gaze before he hid it behind his aviator glasses.

They got on the road before nine o’clock. Skies were overcast, with thick clouds threatening to the east, but despite this and heavy traffic, Allison felt encouraged. With a little push, they could make their next stop for the night in seven hours.

More encouraging was Diana’s news about eloping as soon as Paul arrived and he found a minister to marry them.

The Teddy Bear Run, which had started out as a disaster, was turning fun.

Humming, she relaxed and enjoyed the ride, the wind rushing past, the steady throb of the bike beneath her and its tremendous power. Rafe still rode in back of her, Diana in front and then Keith with Comet, Debbie and Sam leading their group.

Her burst of joy didn’t last long. Taillights flashed and vehicles slowed. She geared down to a crawl, and then traffic came to a dead stop.

Idling, she pulled out her phone and called Sam.

“It’s a bad wreck a few hundred yards ahead. We may be here for a while,” he told her.