Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 08_ Ascension - Christie Golden [126]
She gave him a gentle smile. We all are who we are, she thought. He has had more asked of him than most. I can only hope that he will open his eyes before worse happens—and that Dorvan is able to do something.
“Wynn Dorvan is a fine man,” she said. “He won’t steer you wrong.” There were more footsteps and an odd tapping sound coming down the hall. It was after visiting hours, and absently Leia wondered who it might be. “I thank you for coming by.”
“Courage, my friend,” Padnel said. “This will all be over soon.” He glanced down the hall and his eyebrows rose. “It looks like you have a rather … oddly dressed friend to see you.”
“Good evening to you, Chief of State Ovin!” came a familiar husky, drawling voice.
Leia’s heart lifted. “Eramuth!” She could see him now, escorted by the same unhappy-looking security guard who had brought Padnel in, and realized that the tap-tapping was from the Bothan’s elegant cane. He carried his familiar black bag, and his hat was tucked under one arm. “Padnel, this is Eramuth Bwua’tu. He is a fine lawyer, and happens to be cousin to Admiral Nek Bwua’tu.”
Padnel extended a hand. Eramuth took it in his gloved one and shook it. “I gather you are here to represent Jedi Solo,” Padnel said. “You’ll be wasting your time. The charges will be dropped. She’s done nothing wrong.”
“Oh, I know she hasn’t. But trust me, no time in the presence of such a distinguished and lovely personage as Jedi Solo is ever wasted,” Eramuth said. “Besides”—and he sobered slightly—“it does me good to take a break from the bedside of my nephew from time to time.”
“I am sorry to hear that the admiral continues to … er …” Padnel floundered for polite words and gave up. “Doesn’t seem to be getting better,” he said.
“Thank you,” said Eramuth. “You’re most kind. One still tries to have hope, but …” His voice trailed off.
“I’ll let you speak with your client,” said Padnel, clearly uncomfortable. “Leia—it will all work out. You’ll see.” She nodded and gave the Klatooinian what she hoped was a reassuring smile.
“One moment, sir, and I’ll escort you back out. Step back, ma’am, please.”
Leia obliged as the guard entered a code and her cell’s force field was deactivated. Eramuth nodded to the guard and entered, placing his black bag and hat on the table.
“You may stay as long as you like, sir,” the guard said. “When you’re finished with the pris—er, Jedi Solo, simply press the button on the side of the door.”
“Thank you, young man,” Eramuth said, “I am familiar with the workings of this particular establishment.”
As soon as Padnel and the guard were gone, Leia turned to Eramuth. “It’s good to see you,” she said.
“And you, my dear, though not under these particular circumstances,” said Eramuth. “Please, do sit down.” When she had done so, he took his own seat, removing his gloves, dropping them in his upturned hat, and opening up his bag. “First item on my agenda—to convey the following from your husband, and I quote: ‘I once broke a Princess out of prison when I was a much younger man. I’ll do so again if I have to. But I want a better reward this time.’ ”
And Leia started laughing. It had a hysterical edge to it, to be sure, but it was mirth all the same—light, cleansing, healing. “That’s a quote?” she said, getting her laughter under control.
Eramuth grinned. “Well,” he admitted, “I did have to remove a few, er … choice references as to where the subcommittee could put its head. But yes, that’s the important part.”
“It is,” Leia agreed. She dabbed at her eyes as best she could and took a steadying breath. “Thank you.”
“Now, as to your current predicament,” Eramuth said. “The prosecution has three days to present evidence—actual, court-admissible evidence, mind you—or else the charges will be dropped.”
“There won’t be any because the charges are ludicrous,” said Leia. To her surprise, that made Eramuth look more serious.
“Of course they