Bad Samaritan Read Online Free Page A

to him, I’m convinced he’s being framed for the crime. What’s worse, even if he isn’t charged and convicted of murder, the real killer could go free.”
    â€œSheriff Green has served our community with honor and has stood by Our Lady of Hope Monastery through some very dark moments. Do whatever’s necessary to restore his good name. Our prayers will support you every step of the way.”
    â€œThank you, Mother,” Sister Agatha answered.
    Reverend Mother stood, wavered slightly, then, grabbing the back of her chair, eased herself back down again.
    In an instant, Sister Agatha went through the enclosure door and was at her elbow. “Mother, let me walk you back to the infirmary.”
    She shook her head. “No time for rest. There’s too much work to be done.”
    â€œBut Mother—” Sister Agatha started. The ringing phone interrupted her.
    Sister Bernarda, closest to it, answered. “Mrs. Green, I’m so sorry to hear the news about your husband,” she said, then, after a beat, added, “Yes, she’s here.”
    Sister Bernarda gestured to Sister Agatha, then hurried out the enclosure door to Mother’s side. “I’ll help Mother,” she said. “Gloria Green would like to speak to you.”
    Leaving Reverend Mother in her care, Sister Agatha hurried into the parlor to answer the phone. “Hello, Gloria. I’ve been praying for both you and Tom. What’s the situation this morning?”
    â€œThey’re still holding him. According to his attorney, Tom’ll be arraigned within seventy-two hours. By then they’ll have decided what the charges will be—either manslaughter or murder. Doug says they’re within their rights to keep him for more questioning,but it’s driving me crazy. Most of the department’s on Tom’s side, but there are others . . .”
    â€œI was planning on coming over this morning to talk to you again. Is that all right?”
    â€œI’ll be here.”
    â€œGood. I’ll see you soon,” she said, then hung up. As she turned, Sister Agatha realized that Reverend Mother was still at the grille.
    â€œGo with my blessing, child,” Reverend Mother said. Then, refusing Sister Bernarda’s help, she went down the hall as silently as she’d arrived.
    â€œThe trip to Denver will be very hard on her,” Sister Bernarda said softly.
    â€œOnce we’re there, Pax will help. He’ll be a great therapy dog for her and a touch of home, all in one package.” Seeing Sister Bernarda’s surprised look, she added, “Did I mention that Agnus Dei has welcomed Pax? I can’t tell you how relieved I was when I heard that.”
    Pax had washed out of the police department because he’d lost his aggressive edge. Yet he’d earned his keep at the monastery by protecting them.
    As she stood at the window, Sister Agatha could see Pax playing outside, nosing something on the ground. When it hopped, she realized he was teasing a toad.
    â€œGloria sounded so defeated on the phone. Please assure her that we’re all here for her,” Sister Bernarda said as Sister Agatha opened the door leading out into the front grounds.
    Sister Agatha walked across the enclosed grounds to where the motorcycle and sidecar were parked and whistled for Pax. The dog came running, jumped into the sidecar, then waited as she fastened her helmet.
    â€œWe’ll be riding up to Agnus Dei in this motorcycle, Pax.That should be fun—better than nudging toads. Something to look forward to, don’t you think?”
    Maybe it was something in her tone of voice that tipped him off, but the dog looked at her, his ears pricked forward—almost as if waiting.
    â€œCan’t fool you for a minute, can I?” she muttered. “Maybe we better just take things one day at a time.”
    It was just after the morning rush hour, and the air was cool