Page 78 of Desperate Justice

“No police for now. We need to check the hospitals first.”

“You do it. I-I don’t know where to start.”

He nodded and began calling the nearest medical facility and a few clinics. Nothing.

Rafe thumbed off his phone. “Take me to the cabin. Did you leave everything the way you found it?”

She nodded.

Then blood drained from her already paling face. “Oh dear heavens, do you think she’s still alive?”

Allison began to shake. “Oh no, if she’s dead... She can’t be dead! My poor sister, why didn’t I stick to her side? Why did I leave her alone?”

Steeling himself against the need to take her into his arms, soothe her fears, he gave her a level look. “Get yourself together, Lexington. Stop getting hysterical. Do you want to find your sister or have a breakdown?”

Shocked, as he knew she would become, Allison gulped. She narrowed her eyes. “Find my sister. Are you going to help me?”

“Yes. Only if you do exactly as I say.”

“I will.” She parted her fingers in the middle and held up her hand. “Scout’s honor.”

He raised his brows. “Allison, that’s the Vulcan sign for live long and prosper.”

“Oh!” She gave a sheepish grin. “I never was a good Girl Scout. Too busy chasing the boys.”

“I’ll bet.” But glad she’d finally regained her composure, he nodded toward the parking lot. “Go outside and wait for me. Let me get a few things and I’ll be down.”

* * *

When he arrived at the cabin and the trail where Allison had found her sister’s bike, the ring and the bloodied veil, Rafe took over with smooth efficiency.

Using his bike gloves, he examined the veil. The blood splatters were even, almost too even. Squatting down, he examined the forest floor and decaying pine needles and oak leaves. No blood. No blood trail. Whatever happened to stain the veil hadn’t happened here. The ring was also absent of blood.

He straightened, meeting Allison’s worried gaze.

“Let’s go to the cabin.”

Not questioning him, she led the way. In the cabin, he examined everything, including Diana’s bedroom.

Her clothing was still hung neatly in the closet. Rafe opened drawers, sifted through pairs of silk panties and lacy bras. He shut the drawer.

“Your sister sure did like clothing. I don’t suppose you remember how much she packed?”

Allison bit her lip and shook her head.

“Did she have a purse?”

“No just her pack. And her cell phone, but I don’t see it anywhere.”

“Let’s look around the cabin.”

They searched inside and out on the deck.

As they returned inside, empty-handed, Rafe went into the bathroom to search it.

On the floor near the shower, he spotted a small crimson droplet. Still wearing his gloves, he opened drawers and saw a small pair of cuticle scissors.

The edges were red.