Defenseless Read Free Page B

charming couple hopelessly in love, Sonya thought. She picked up one of the many silver picture frames and studied the beautiful couple’s wedding pose. Looking at the happy couple didn’t calm her any, so she placed the small frame back among the others.
    â€œOkay, kiddo. My brother may never speak to me again, but I got him to hear your case first thing this morning at seven. That was the best I could do.”
    Sonya smiled. “Thank you.”
    Sharon walked over and hugged her depressed friend. “You want to talk? I can make us a fresh pot of coffee,” she offered.
    â€œNo, I don’t want to trouble you any more than I have,” Sonya answered with a fading smile.
    â€œIt’s no trouble. In fact, I don’t want you driving back in that rain.”
    â€œSharon, I—”
    Sharon held up her hand, silencing Sonya. “I don’t want to hear it. You will sleep in the spare bedroom, and I’ll get you something to put on. Anything will be better than what you’ve got on.”
    Sonya looked down and noticed her attire for the first time. She wore a pair of forest-green sweatpants, brown sneakers and an orange T-shirt. “I guess I won’t be posing for the cover of Essence anytime soon.”
    â€œI guess not. Let me get you something to wear and turn the bed down for you.” Sharon exited the room, and Sonya slumped down on the peach leather sofa. Despair swept through her body, leaving her feeling drained.
    She reflected on the night’s events and wished that she could have done things differently. She should have forced Laura to come home with her or called the police herself. Then she thought of her careless actions tonight. She didn’t remember locking her front door or turning on her security system. She placed herself in danger by speeding down the narrow street, then scolding that handsome man who was only trying to help her. Sonya sat up at that thought. Why did I use the word handsome? She remembered the man’s short-cropped hair, neatly groomed, while sparkling drops of water caressed his black Adonis features.
    â€œHere we go!” Sharon swept into the room holding a long pink nightshirt with a large fuzzy teddy bear decorating the front.
    Sonya jumped up from the sofa, blushing from the vivid picture her mind had painted.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Sharon asked.
    â€œNothing.”
    â€œSo why are you blushing?”
    â€œForget it.”
    â€œOkay,” Sharon said, shaking her head.
    Sonya dressed quickly. After she was settled, she went on to tell Sharon of the night’s events—except for the near car collision. Sharon listened with wide, disbelieving eyes.
    Sonya finished and began to massage the temples of her head. Sharon sat beside her, looking as if she was trying to absorb everything. “This is serious, Sonya,” she said, shaking her head.
    â€œI know. But I have to do something to get Laura out of this mess. I already don’t like the fact that she was taken downtown without a lawyer representing her.”
    â€œDon’t you have your own team of lawyers?”
    â€œYes, but they’re experienced in tax cases and lawsuits. None of them are experienced in murder cases.”
    â€œThen let me assure you that my brother is good. I know that you’ve never met him. I wish I knew where I boxed up those pictures at. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll like him. And if he takes your case, you can rest easy.”
    â€œIf?” Sonya asked, frowning.
    â€œHe does have to decide if he feels right about this case. Trust me, he’ll do this—if for no other reason than as a favor for me.”
    Sonya started massaging her temples again.
    â€œDo you want some aspirin?”
    â€œPlease,” she whispered.
    Sharon disappeared, then returned with the two aspirin and a small glass of water.
    Sonya swallowed the tiny pills and washed them down with the water. “I think