Jessica Patch - Deep Waters

“You don’t say?” Shepherd bit the inside of his cheek. Wilder was his boss and his friend, but he didn’t need a further verbal bashing. He was beating himself up nice enough.

“And if this person thinks my baby sister has something—something that might hurt him—then he’s not through with her yet, Lightman.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know, Flynn. If you don’t think I’m capable, take me off the assignment.”

Wilder sighed. “It’s my sister. The only sister I have left, Shepherd. And I’m stuck clear across the world. I’m on edge.”

Apology accepted. But it nagged Shepherd that Wilder would have relieved him had he been in the country.

“You think the professor is shady?” Wilder asked, the brewing storm settling.

“Definitely. But your sister doesn’t. She thinks everyone is all lollipops and rainbows. She plans to talk to him later today.”

Wilder was quiet. “How old is this guy?”

“Don’t know. Mid-to late-fifties maybe.” What did that matter?

“You don’t think Caley is romantically involved with him, do you? That that’s why she’s so gung ho on his innocence?” Wilder asked.

Shep’s gut clenched. “No.”

“Mentorship can slip into hero worship, which can lead to a romantic relationship or denial of any wrongdoing on the mentor’s part.”

Shep rolled his eyes. “Let me guess. You’ve been talking with our resident headshrinker, Cosette.”

“Well, she’s right. It happens. It could be happening to my sister.”

Shep scratched the back of his neck. “She hasn’t acted like there’s anything more than mentorship.”

“But she’s naive, Shep. You basically said it yourself.”

No. What he’d said was that she saw the best in people which made her vulnerable, not naive. “I think it’s platonic, dude.”

“Good. She deserves a stand-up guy who will treat her right and not take advantage of her. And I plan to be the wall he’ll have to tear down to get to her. If there’s anyone good enough out there for her.” He chuckled. “Anything else?”

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