Page 64 of Risk Assessment
“We’ll figure it out. I promised I would help you. That hasn’t changed.”
She met his gaze and then gave a curt nod. “Fine I won’t turn down your help but let’s just get through today.”
She turned toward the window as he started the truck. At least she was still willing to accept his help. Now, how the hell was he going to protect her in the church?
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Raleigh entered the tiny side chapel and sat down on a pew. She needed a break from the crowds in the cathedral. Dylan would have a cow that she was alone, but Dylan wasn’t here, he was in the parking lot and she deserved a minute to herself. She took a deep breath and tried to get her shoulders out of her ears.
The little chapel only had five pews on each side. The alter was made of wood and draped in a beautiful white cloth. It was peaceful, and she certainly needed some of that.
She’d spent the last hour outside doing all the pre-wedding interviews with people as they arrived at the church. Phil had taken copious amounts of photographs. Everyone was excited to be at the big event. Buses had been rented to transport everyone over from the resort. Limos were being used for the VIPs.
“Raleigh,” a voice said as a hand clasped her shoulder.
She jumped and let out a small scream, whipping around to see Josh sitting in the pew behind her. He was clean shaven and not a hair out of place. He was wearing a light grey suit over a crisp white shirt.
“Are you okay?” Josh’s face was full of concern. It was enough to set off the tears she’d been trying to keep at bay all morning.
She sniffed. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. Why are you crying?” He whipped out a pristine white handkerchief and handed it to her.
She took it but noticed it had a faint odor of roses. She hated that smell. She quickly dabbed her eyes and handed it back. “I’m okay. Sorry, just tired I guess.” She had no interest in explaining her situation to Josh.
Hetsked. “Did you have a fight with your boyfriend?”
“Um, yes.” It was true. They did have a fight. Blame it on that. Not the fact that her nerves were on edge.
“I’m not surprised,” Josh said. He leaned forward so he was quite close to Raleigh. “I heard some not so nice things about him this weekend. You are far better off without him.”
Raleigh frowned. She turned more in the pew so she could move farther away from Josh. “What did you hear?”
“Apparently, Dylan screwed up when he was out on a call and caused a little boy to be badly injured.”
“Dylan? I can’t imagine that’s true. There must be more to the story.”
“You don’t believe me?” Josh looked hurt.
“I, um, I’m just surprised is all. When I hear one side of things, I always assume there’s more to a story.” Great, now she was hurting people’s feelings. Josh had always been so nice to her.
“Well, I heard it from some of the guys he used to work with. They said they were out on a call at a house they’d been to before. Apparently, the father was holding the child hostage. He said he would drop the child if they entered. They were supposed towaitfor the negotiator to arrive, but Dylan didn’twantto. His boss told him to stand down but he wanted to be the hero. Dylan—what do they call it?— breached the door, and when the father, who had been standing on the second level balcony overlooking the foyer saw him, he dropped the child. Dylan ran forward and caught the child, but the child ended up with a broken arm and collar bone.”
“That’s awful.” Raleigh couldn’t believe it. Dylan wouldn’t rush in if a child was in danger,would he? How well did she really know him? Not at all, she realized. He’d told her that he was suspended because of disobeying an order. Was this what he was talking about? Was this the secret that he kept going into other room to talk about during those phone calls?
“See, you’re better off without that blue-collar cop.”
Raleigh just looked at Josh. She didn’t feel like discussing it anymore. The story had just added to her headache. She glanced at her watch. “I guess we should get moving. Where are you sitting?”
“Why don’t we skip the wedding? Phil will take pictures for you, and no one will miss us.”
“Josh, this is the big moment. The thing I’ve been working towards for weeks. I have to make sure it comes off without a hitch.”
“You’re so right, my love. This is our big moment.” He reached for her.
Dylan’s phone rang and he pulled it out of his suit pocket as he tried to make his way through the crowd.
“Black,” he said into the cell.
