Bad Samaritan Read Online Free

orders for electronic components produced at the local factory—they’d lost a major source of income. Their scriptorium operation, wherethey’d worked converting text and images to digital format, had also suffered from outsourcing, stretching their current budget to the limit.
    â€œAccording to the bean counters, we’re not cost-effective,” Sister Bernarda had grumbled privately.
    Sister Agatha’s heart twisted as she thought of having to leave the home she’d so loved. Most of the sisters had lived here for the past twenty years or more. Sister Agatha herself had been born and raised in this community and had never lived more than a half hour’s distance from the monastery.
    Yet the facts against them were seemingly indisputable. The invitation from Agnus Dei had come at just the right time, too, a sure sign that it was God’s work. The Colorado monastery was doing well—thanks to several endowments.
    Yet, deep in her heart, it felt as if God had played favorites. Agnus Dei had great abundance, while they struggled. Though she knew she was looking at things from the wrong perspective, she could see the same feeling in the eyes of the sisters that remained.
    Once they’d finished breakfast, Sister Agatha hurried to the parlor, where she knew Sister Bernarda would already be. When she arrived, the former marine was seated behind the desk, her battle face in place. It was her lack of expression that told Sister Agatha just how difficult her fellow extern was finding the reality of their circumstances.
    â€œHas Reverend Mother heard anything new from the archdiocese?” Sister Agatha asked.
    â€œThey’re considering our final appeal, but Luz del Cielo Winery next door has made an offer. They want to expand the vineyard and turn the monastery into a bed-and-breakfast. They’ve even offered to respect our cemetery if we sell. The Archbishop is in favor of us accepting the offer. He believeswe’ll all be better off at Agnus Dei, so I doubt he’ll change his mind. Money’s too tight in this ailing economy. As much as we love it here at Our Lady of Hope, I’m sure we’ll be serving elsewhere soon,” Sister Bernarda said in a heavy voice.
    Sister Agatha sighed softly. “That’s all the more reason for me to get busy,” she said, trying to bolster her own spirits. “There’s a lot to do between now and then.” She quickly reported the events of last night.
    â€œReverend Mother’s in the infirmary this morning,” Sister Bernarda said. “The burden she carries is twice as heavy as ours, and it has taken a toll on her health. Sister Eugenia has insisted on keeping her under observation for a few hours this morning.”
    Sister Agatha smiled. Their infirmarian, Sister Eugenia, didn’t take no for an answer, but Reverend Mother was a formidable opponent.
    Just as the thought formed, they heard the grille slide open. The wooden, windowlike opening allowed the cloistered sisters to remain inside the enclosure while visiting with family and friends who entered the parlor.
    â€œChild, what’s the news from town?” Reverend Mother asked Sister Agatha. To Reverend Mother, the sisters were all her spiritual children, and she called each of them “child.”
    The weariness in Mother’s voice tugged at Sister Agatha. The move to Agnus Dei would be hardest on her. Though it wasn’t her fault, Reverend Mother still felt responsible for Our Lady of Hope’s current economic quagmire.
    Sister Agatha briefly explained the situation, then said, “Sheriff Green’s in real trouble, Mother. Although the evidence against him is mostly circumstantial, it’s still impressive. Unless the person who really killed Robert Garcia is caught, Tom Green could end up being charged with murder.”
    â€œYou firmly believe he’s innocent?”
    â€œI have no doubt of that, Mother. After talking