Bad Samaritan by Aimée Thurlo Read Free Book Online Page A

electronically.”
    As he retrieved the image file, Sister Agatha sat on the chair beside him and began to study the thumbnails of more than two hundred photos. Whenever she saw one she wanted to examine more closely, she’d give him a nod and he’d enlarge the image.
    â€œThis is my initial file, so you’re looking at everything, including the rejects. I thought you’d want to see the entire day’s shoot.”
    â€œI do, thanks,” she said. “I can see many people I recognize, like Smitty, and of course almost every member of the Garcia family. There’s Millie in the background of that shot. Her husband, too. Who’s this gentleman by the podium?”
    â€œThat’s Monty Allen, Robert’s business partner. I’ve heard that he was the one who finally convinced Robert to run for sheriff. I don’t think it was a tough sell, though. Whenever I’ve been around Robert, he’s always come across as an arrogant know-it-all who insists on being in charge.”
    â€œWhat else do you know about Robert?”
    â€œHe and Sheriff Green had a truckload of problems back in the days when they were both in the department. My sources are pretty good, so you can trust that.”
    Sister Agatha knew that Chuck took pride in the accuracy of his information. He was an excellent reporter with a good handle on the facts. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before he found out that their monastery might soon be shutting its doors for good.
    â€œWho’s this woman standing behind Robert?” Sister Agatha asked him, focusing. “The one with the pasted-on smile.”
    â€œHis wife, Victoria. She comes to all the community functions. The boy pulling on her hand is their son, R.J. He’s obviously hard to control.”
    â€œProbably one of the reasons she doesn’t look like she’s having any fun,” Sister Agatha muttered under her breath. “I guess it’s just something that the spouse of a candidate has to do. . . .”
    â€œOr else? From your tone, I guess you’ve heard the gossip,” Chuck said. “Whether she enjoys it or not, Victoria always accompanies her husband when he’s campaigning—but only she knows how bossy he really is at home.”
    Sister Agatha looked at a second photo, obviously taken before Victoria knew someone was taking snapshots. In that unguarded moment, the way Victoria was looking at Robert revealed much about their relationship.
    Love and hate . . . opposite sides of the same coin. Maybe that explained Victoria’s feelings for her husband. Love for what was right—a son, a fine home, social status and prestige. Hate, too—for broken dreams and a loveless marriage? Like everything else in life, emotions were seldom clear-cut.
    Studying Victoria’s crisp pantsuit and her expensive goldnecklace, Sister Agatha wondered just how much worldly goods and financial security mattered to the woman.
    She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Money seemed at the center of everyone’s troubles these days—whether from too much or too little, though she imagined that too much would make the troubles easier to face. Her thoughts drifted to the situation facing Our Lady of Hope. Although she was deeply ashamed of herself, the truth was she was angry with God for abandoning them. Suddenly realizing the turn her thoughts had taken, Sister Agatha brought them to a screeching halt. They were His servants and would go wherever He asked.
    â€œYou’re a million miles away,” Chuck observed.
    â€œJust trying to put things into perspective.” At that moment Chuck’s cell phone rang, sparing her any further explanation.
    Chuck answered the call, then listened to the caller for fifteen seconds. “Who else is there now?” he snapped, his tone all business. “What about Victoria? Have you seen her?” There was another pause