Page 39 of Allison

The waiters and waitresses arrive bringing the first course. The room is filled with clanking silverware and murmured voices.

“So, Allison, how are things going in California?” Emma asks leaning around Wallace to peer over at them. “Are you still working on the story about human trafficking?”

Worm frowns. Allison had told him she was an investigative journalist, but hearing the topic of her current story causes worry for her safety to flood through him.

“Yes, but it’s not going as well as I’d like,” Allison’s nose scrunches with a frown. “I’ve written several articles in an attempt to bring awareness to what is happening, but most of the news outlets haven’t published them, claiming I don’t have enough evidence to support my assertion that a high number of children have gone missing in the last couple of years.”

“That must be frustrating,” Emma replies and Allison nods.

“Yes, especially since I have proof the numbers of missing children aged nine to seventeen has nearly doubled in the last two years,” Allison informs them. “I have reason to believe someone with a lot of power is involved in keeping this quiet, but I haven’t been able to find the evidence I need to prove it.”

“This sounds like a dangerous undertaking, sugar,” Worm comments. His unease grows with every detail she gives of this story. “There might be a good reason they are keeping the story out of the press. Perhaps they’re working to catch those responsible and your story might blow their operation up before they can make the arrests.”

26

ALLISON

Did he seriously just say that?Anger hot and bright flares in Allison. How dare he defend the assholes who’ve been keeping her stories out of the papers. The public needs to know so they can watch over their children, protect them better. Russell has three sisters the same age as those who’ve gone missing. He should be all for exposing this atrocity.

“Are you serious?” Allison hates the way her voice goes up with her incredulity. “How would you feel if Leigh, Sadie, or Amber went missing? I don’t think you’d be worried about blowing an investigation.”

“I would want to burn down the world, Allison,” Russell growls out as if one of his sisters were really missing. His voice dropping to a dangerously deep tone. “But if I blew up their case, those responsible for taking my sister might flee, and I would never find her or make those responsible pay for what they’ve done.”Well shit! He would have to make a good point.“Not only that, but you are putting yourself at risk by exposing what you know with your articles.”

“I can take care of myself,” she asserts. “I have been for a long time.” Russell glowers at her. A muscle ticks in his jaw.

“I would scorch the earth for you, too, sugar.” Warmth blooms in her chest. This huge, badass Marine saying he would be upset to the point of destroying things if something happened to her, loosens the bonds she’s had on her heart since she’d broken up with Chad. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Swallowing a lump in her throat, Allison replies, “I’m always careful.” Russell doesn’t look happy with her answer, but he doesn’t push her any further. She spares a glance at Emma who is watching their exchange with intense interest.

“So,” Emma pauses, “any other interesting stories?” Allison smiles, grateful to Emma for her attempt to change the subject.

“I recently exposed a city councilman for extorting money from small business owners,” Allison says. “He was withholding permits and demanding money for his vote on city ordinances.” Emma’s eyes widen. “Oh, yeah, it was a huge scandal. He goes on trial soon.” Russell makes an animalistic sound. “What?”

Allison turns to see Russell looks really pissed. “Do you ever do a story that doesn’t make you a target for revenge?”Aww, he’s worried about me, so sweet.

“I told you, caveman, I can take care of myself,” Allison murmurs, leaning closer to him and placing her hand on his thigh. “I have Alice, remember?”

“I remember,” Russell tones back, “but Alice can’t save you from every situation, sugar.” His gaze grows intense. “I…I couldn’t stand it if something were to happen to you.” He rears back as if he shocked himself as much as Allison with his confession. Allison swallows hard, that warmth growing and her defenses weakening.

“I’ll be safe. I promise.” Russell studies her for a moment, then nods, relaxing his posture. A waiter places a large slice of strawberry cheesecake in front of her ending their intense stare down. “This looks yummy!” Allison feigns more enthusiasm than she feels, hoping to deter Russell from any more intense declarations that will give her the feels.

The rest of the evening flies by. Russell pulls her out to the dance floor after they finish dessert. He’s bolder this time, pulling her flush against him when a slow song comes on. She loves and hates it at the same time. Her parents are here for goodness sake. Her eyes dart around, but it seems they’ve already left for the night. She releases a sigh of relief.

Things are heating up between her and Russell when Leslie and Gloria rush up to them. Allison is ready to tell them to go to hell if they begin lecturing her about giving the milk away for free, but shockingly they don’t.

“Come on Allison,” Gloria says, almost looking sorry for interrupting their dance. “We’re all going up to Emma’s room for the sleepover. We’ll get up early in the morning and help her get ready for the wedding.” Disappointment floods her. She’d forgotten about them wanting to have a slumber party in Emma’s room tonight.

“Are you sure Emma wants us in her room?” Allison asks, hoping to deter the women. “Where’s Curtis going to sleep?”

“He doesn’t have his own room?” Leslie looks horrified.

“I doubt it,” Allison replies. “They live together. Did you think they’d get separate rooms at a hotel?”

“Lord have mercy!” Leslie mumbles, wringing her hands. “The groom isn’t supposed to see the bride before the wedding. It’s bad luck. He’d have to sleep somewhere else tonight anyway, right?”

“Come on, sugar,” Russell interjects. “Let’s go talk to Emma and Wallace and see what their plans are for the night, okay?” Allison nods and the group heads over to the table where Emma, Curtis, Susie Beth, and Kevin are still seated.

They all look up as the group approaches. “What’s up?” Wallace asks before any of them can speak.

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