Free Bishop (Political Royalty Book 3) by Evelyn Adams Page A

barely stumbling over the words.
    “My brother was in a fight,” said the young woman, shrinking in on herself again.
    “Why would you think that had anything to do with Mrs. Walker?”
    The young woman looked to Sandra, misery etched in every line of her face.
    “Becca told me what happened to her brother, and I offered to help.”
    “Why in the world would you do that?” asked Walker, unable to keep the shock out of his voice. Sandra wasn’t known for her Good Samaritan tendencies. There had to be an angle he wasn’t seeing. “The campaign can’t get involved in personal legal matters. I’m sorry.” He softened his tone and met the young woman’s gaze. “I like your brother. I’d like to be able to help him, but I can’t. You understand, don’t you?”
    She nodded, tears filling her eyes, and he stood, figuring she’d rather have some privacy than have him staring at her.
    “Shep,” said Sandra, shaking her head. “Sit down.”
    She turned her attention to Haven and he was left with a choice to walk out or stay and find out what the hell was going on. There really was no contest. He collapsed back in the chair and waited for something—anything—to make sense.
    “Becca’s brother got caught in a fight because he was trying to protect her.”
    “That should be self-defense,” said Haven. “Explain.”
    Sandra glanced at the younger woman, who nodded reluctantly.
    “It wasn’t self-defense because it happened after the fact. Becca went to a frat party a few weeks back and one of the bastards raped her. Her brother found out who, we believe from a compromising photo he saw of her online, and went to teach the other man a lesson.”
    She said the words with such a matter-of-fact tone that it would have been easy to minimize the horror of what happened. Looking at the three women, practically side by side, their posture stiff and defensive, it was impossible not to sense the way they’d come together. He thought of his daughters and something primal tightened in his chest. He understood Matt’s actions. He’d do the same damn thing in his place. Faced with the cluster of women, he also couldn’t help but suddenly feel other . Like they understood something he couldn’t, like they spoke a language he never would.
    Haven reached over and laid her hand on the young woman’s arm. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. You know it’s not your fault. I don’t care what the circumstances were. None of this is your fault.”
    Becca nodded and Haven gave her arm a squeeze. “You said your brother saw pictures of you on the Internet. I can get our tech guy to find them and get rid of them. His people skills leave a bit to be desired but he’s crazy good and he’ll be discreet.”
    “I already took care of them,” said Becca. “I’m a MIS major. Management Information Systems. It’s a way to facilitate people and machines working together. I’m good with computers.”
    He saw Haven’s eyes widen and wondered if she was thinking the same thing he was.
    “My brother’s in trouble because of me. He’s always taken care of me. I owe him.”
    “It’s not self-defense if neither you nor he were in imminent danger. It sounds like vengeance—and while totally understandable given the circumstance—it’s assault.”
    “It would be better if you didn’t lead with that when you’re getting the charges dropped.” Sandra turned her attention from Haven to Becca. “And it’s not your fault. Men often lead with their fists.” She paused and Walker heard the unspoken and other things . “And leave their brains behind. It’s our job as women to make sure they don’t forget them completely. I’m going to take the town car and Becca, and we’re going to drive to Tucson to get her brother. He should be discharged from the hospital this evening and he will not be going to jail. That gives you two hours to get the charges dropped.” Haven opened her mouth to protest but Sandra was