Page 61 of Desperate Justice

“Not sure that’s a good idea.” He locked gazes with her. “You’ll be out front with everyone watching.”

“You think I can’t do it?”

“I know you can, and that’s what worries me. Anyone can be out there, watching you and waiting to attack.”

There, it was out. His full-fledged worry, accelerated by the news Jase had delivered. He didn’t know why Allison was on a list or what the initials next to her name were, or Diana’s, but he was more concerned about them than himself.

Scowling, she braced her hands on the table. “Listen, Rodriguez, you can’t tell me what to do.”

“I can. I’m leading your group.”

Here we go. Keith and Debbie paused in feeding bits of hamburger to Comet and looked on with interest.

“I’ve been riding in competitions in my oh-so-limited spare time for years. I’ve trained with motorcycle cops, for crying out loud. They’re the best and I know some will be here at this rally, probably all armed, so who’s going to attack me? Nothing to worry about.”

Sam looked interested. “What kind of competitions do you prefer?”

“¡Maldita sea, Sam,collate,”he muttered under his breath.

Shut up now, Sam. She doesn’t need encouragement.

“I can do the speed run, you know, where you have to navigate your hog through the cones and you get timed on speed and accuracy. But since I have a big bike and I like to test my own abilities, I opted for the slow ride this time.”

Sam looked surprised. “The one where you navigate through the cones at your own pace? Why that one?”

Fuming, Rafe wished Sam would stop acting so damn interested. His friend was making things worse.

“Because I like challenging myself with balance and control of Phoenix, without my boots touching the ground. That’s the course I’ve been training on, when I can.”

“That’s a big bike you have for a little lady.” Sam sipped his beer and grinned.

Allison’s friendly smile slipped. Rafe almost laughed. Little lady?

“Your bagger weighs about eight hundred pounds. What happens if it falls?” Sam asked.

“I get back on, like you do with a horse. Except my Phoenix doesn’t kick or demand a treat later.”

“I’m signed up for that slow ride competition. First time.” The look Sam gave her screamedchallenge.

Allison’s smile returned, with a hint of slyness. “Wanna take a bet on who has the better score?”

Sam stuck out a palm. “One hundred dollars.”

She shook his hand. “You’re on.” Allison glanced at Rafe. “You in on this bet? You think Sam can beat me?”

Drawing in a deep sigh, he slid his plate aside, his appetite faded. “I know you can beat him, Ally. I’ve seen you ride. That’s not my concern. My concern is putting you on display where you become a target.”

Rafe looked at Diana. “That goes for you as well. I think both of you should lie low for a while.”

Diana paled and set down her cheeseburger.

“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

* * *

Watching her leave for the restaurant, he knew Diana wasn’t the problem. Diana would cooperate. But Allison on the other hand...

Expecting an argument, he was surprised to see her slowly nod. “I think you and I need to talk. Sam, can you keep an eye on Diana when she returns? We’ll be right back.”