Page 95 of Desperate Justice
“So we’re no closer to finding my sister than we were before,” she mused aloud.
“But you’re in the clear to keep your investigation under wraps.” She started to see the threads holding all this together.
“It’s best not to involve the police until it’s absolutely necessary. I don’t know the locals. Right now the local LEOs could think it was a hit because the guy owed money, which is a good thing,” Rafe said.
Allison’s stomach churned. “And that’s good how? Di is still missing.”
Sam polished off his sandwich in four quick bites. “If the locals get involved, they could blow everything wide, even if they don’t call the media. We’ll bring them in when the time is right.”
“Which is a matter that requires delicacy,” Rafe muttered. “I’m good at diplomacy, but I’ve been ordered by my supervisor to stand down and let the task force investigate this new lead.”
Sam and Allison stared at him. “Rafe, you’re the lead agent on this,” Sam protested.
“Tell me about it. If this case is linked to Hernandez, and I’m certain it is, I’m the one who needs to bring him down.”
He was single-minded in his pursuit of Hernandez. Her temper began to rise. What about her sister? Diana was innocent and still missing.
She took a long pull of soda. “I don’t care about your damn investigation, Rafael. I care about finding my sister. Every minute we’re sitting here means she could be in horrible danger.”
Rafe set his plate down on the side table and turned to her. “Ally, I still think Diana is involved in all this somehow. Either intentionally or unintentionally. There’re too many coincidences.”
“That’s your answer? My sister is still under suspicion? Terrific. Paul is getting here tomorrow. Maybe he’ll have answers since you can’t provide any.”
She expected anger, chastisement, not the guarded look on his face. He glanced at Sam.
“Can you give us a minute?”
The other man nodded. “Think I’ll head into town, check on things. I plan to still ride in the Teddy Bear Run, unless you need me elsewhere. Thank you for the sandwich and soda, Ally.”
Rafe glanced at his cell. “It’s nearly one thirty. Sam, get your bear and ride into town for the photo op at three. When the bears are dropped off, I need you to see if any are tan or if all of them are dark brown. Coordinate with Chuck, who’s arranging for the bears to be picked up at all the drop points. If any of the tan bears are still around...leave them, but put surveillance on how they’re picking them up and who is transporting.”
“Got it. I’ll be in touch.” He walked off, then roared off on his motorcycle.
Rafe turned to her. “Tell me exactly what Paul said and when he’s arriving.”
She debated telling him. Would it be another reason to deter him from helping to find her sister?
“Ally, you have to trust me on this. You’re a professional and so am I. I trusted you with my tita to save her life, now I’m asking you to trust me. What did Paul say?”
She sighed. He was right.
“He’s worried. Really worried. He planned to fly up Sunday and changed his flight to earlier. Tonight. He and Di were getting married Sunday. Eloping. Di still wanted a big party for the wedding.
“Paul said he never wanted the wedding at his uncle’s house. Tried to talk Di out of it, but she wanted a huge, extravagant wedding.” Allison blew out a breath. “Paul had been estranged from his uncle until the day Hector discovered he was marrying and insisted on paying for everything. Paul was going to refuse, but Di insisted.”
Standing up, he began to pace. “I need to talk to Paul. Give me his number.”
“I thought you were ordered to stay out of the investigation.”
“I am staying out. I need to question Paul about where he thinks Diana may have fled.”
Allison’s heart fluttered. “So you’re not going to abandon the search for my sister?”
His gaze remained steady. “No, Ally. I needed to alert the task force about what I found and I did.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, she could only nod. Maybe bringing Hernandez to justice wasn’t Rafe’s sole purpose. Still, a lingering doubt pulsed.
“Are you doing this because you think the drugs and Di are connected?”
