Page 82 of Desperate Justice
“There is a chance Diana may not be aware of what’s going on, Allison. You said she’s naive and trusting. Sometimes dealers use mules without them actually knowing what they are carrying.”
He gave her a pointed look. “Diana does travel for her modeling work.”
Oh dear. Allison rubbed her tired eyes. She hadn’t thought of that, or even considered it. Diana was clean-cut, wholesome and always avoided the fast party life. Maybe it was one reason why she hadn’t advanced as much as some models.
“I don’t know. Maybe. I can’t see her being fooled like that, though. She goes through everything in her suitcase. I taught her to be careful when she travels.”
“Was Diana aware of anyone who bore a grudge against her? Someone, perhaps another model, who would gloat and feel smug if anything happened to her?”
“No. Di always said most of the people in the business liked her, at least from what I’ve seen. Can’t you contact people in your office, have them do an official search?”
For the first time, Rafe looked frustrated. “I can’t access my resources at the Bureau, Allison. I’ve been suspended. If you want to go through official channels, then call the police and I’ll make the call to my team at the Bureau. Chances are they can’t do much because the police here will investigate and, if needed, bring in the field office in Georgia to help.”
“No.” She thought of all the exposure, and the publicity. “I think... I think she’s hiding because she’s scared. That much is obvious from the secret message. Right?”
He nodded.
“Getting the cops involved risks getting the media involved, and if she’s in danger...” Her throat closed tight. “It will increase the threat to her. I don’t think she’s being dramatic, Rafe. I’m sorry for snapping at you, but I’m really worried. My sister loves attention, but not like this. She deleted all her social media because she’s hiding from everyone.”
He came closer to her on the sofa and picked up her hand, gently pressing it. “I think you’re right. But it’s up to you what you want to do. I’m here to help out any way I can, as little as I can do.”
Allison stared down at his hand. Long, elegant fingers and black hair dusting the knuckles. A capable man, and an excellent agent, he was more than his job. He was a rock she needed right now.
“Thank you.” She slipped her hand away and stood, pacing. This closeness sent her feelings spiraling and she needed to focus on Diana.
Diana was hiding and wanted Allison to find her. The book and the deleted photos on her Instagram account indicated as much.
“Check her fake Instagram account and see if there’s an update,” Rafe advised. “I’ll call Jase, see if he can pull some CCTV footage of the road outside your cabin.”
“Can you do that or will it get you into trouble?”
He shrugged. “Jase will inform the local police there’s a suspicious biker wanted for questioning. There are a few bikers at the rally we’re keeping eyes on, so it’s legit.”
She checked the account. No updates. Minutes later, Rafe examined his phone to see the footage Jase had downloaded and sent to him.
Grainy and black-and-white, the security footage from the gas station on the corner of the main highway and the dirt road of the family cabin proved useless. There were a few bikes traveling back and forth during the suspected time when Diana vanished. Then she gasped, recognizing the family sedan.
“It must be her!” Allison’s fingers trailed over the screen. “She’s headed north.”
“Any idea why? A hotel or a friend in the area she’d visit?”
Allison tried to think. “No. She hasn’t been here in a few years. I doubt she knows anyone.”
Rafe made an impatient sound. “I’m going to the barn again to look for other tire tracks. Stay here.”
As the door slammed behind him, she tried to put herself in her sister’s place. If Diana was terrified, where would she flee? Paul. Back to Paul, her refuge, her love. Every minute Diana remained missing, it meant she could be in horrible danger.
She scrolled through her cell phone and pressed Paul’s number.
He answered straight away. “Allison? What’s going on? I’ve been trying to reach Diana and it goes straight to voicemail.”
“I don’t know.” She swallowed hard. “I was hoping you had heard from her. She’s gone.”
Paul released a low curse. “What... Where do you think she’s gone?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think this is wedding jitters. This feels more sinister.”
She refrained from telling him about the bloodied veil and the engagement ring. “Paul, I can’t help but wonder if your uncle had something to do with this.”
