Against the Wall by Rebecca Zanetti

shook their heads. It didn’t matter what she said. The crowd didn’t want to hear it. Sophie’s heart sank. “Are there any more questions?”
    Gregton raised his hand again, his eyes lasers through the dim light. “Yeah. How much was the commissioner’s bribes?”
    A shadow fell across the aisle as Jake asked from the doorway, “What was that?” Danger coated his voice with a softness that slammed silence into the room.
    Gregton shifted in his seat, and Sophie fought the urge to stand and cheer.
    “Don’t tell me you represent the commissioners and are going to sue me for slander,” Gregton sneered.
    “Yes, I do. And I will sue, if need be.” Jake took three steps into the room—all male animal in a deep navy suit with tan silk tie.
    Gregton dipped his head toward Sophie. “You gonna sue me on her behalf, too?”
    Jake’s eyes darkened to coal as he ran his gaze over her from head to toe. He turned back to Gregton and slowly shook his head, his jaw tightening to iron. “No. You insult her, and we’re stepping outside.”
    “Is that a fact?” A thick man next to Gregton clomped to his feet while two others followed suit.
    “It is,” Jake affirmed.
    Quinn and Colton moved behind him. The three brothers formed a powerful wall that gave Sophie the first peace of mind she’d felt all day.

    Jake eyed the crazy son-of-a-bitch and shoved all anger into a box to be dealt with later. It took the combination of his military training and his legal education to keep him from going for Gregton’s throat. Even with a strong hold on his temper, chances were blood was going to fly.
    The fanatical group used intimidation to get their way, and he doubted bloodshed would bother them much. When he’d heard Sophie was headed there alone, he’d panicked for the first time in years.
    Truly panicked.
    Thank God for his brothers. Quinn would back him in an instant, even if it meant losing his sheriff’s position. Colton would fight to the end for him, too. As little Sophie stood so defiantly up front, he wondered who’d fought for her in the past. Suddenly, his chest hurt.
    So he smiled to reassure her that he was there for her. “This is over. Come on, Sunshine.”
    She faltered, her blue eyes too big in her pale face. Then she pushed back from the table and stood.
    “Now there, boys,” Billy said from the podium, his eyes on the crowd. “I believe we’re finished with our questions for Miss Smith.” He nodded her way. “Thank you for coming today.” His gaze beseeched her to make a quick exit.
    “Thank you for having me,” she murmured while walking into the aisle.
    Jake moved slightly to the right so she’d keep her focus on him and not on the angry people.
    Relief filtered across her face, and she made it to his side without mishap. When he took her arm and ushered her toward the door, his muscles finally unwound. Several pairs of eyes bored holes into their backs as they left.
    She released a pent-up breath as they walked into the sun. “I can’t thank you enough.”
    “We’re not hitting anybody?” Colton grimaced and stomped toward the chestnut stallion tied to a nearby tree.
    “Guess not,” Quinn rumbled as he stalked toward his own mount and lifted himself into the saddle. He smiled. “It’s always interesting, Sophie.”
    Jake cleared his throat and tightened his grip around Sophie’s bicep. “Thank you.”
    Both of his brothers nodded.
    Sophie gave a halfhearted wave as Quinn and Colton rode into the nearby trees. “Thanks for the support.”
    For now, they needed to get the hell out of there. “Get in your car, and I’ll follow you to Shillers.” Jake gave her a gentle push toward her Jeep.
    Sophie escaped into the green vehicle and drove toward the main road and Jake followed, keeping a close eye until they reached Shillers.
    He was out of his truck before she’d even closed her door. “What in the hell were you doing meeting with that crazy group all by yourself?” He knew he