Deadly Affair: SCVC Taskforce World Novella (SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series Book 5) Read Free

someone else’s?
    “Father Bailey, I’ve been looking all over for you.”
    A fellow monk approached, his dress an exact replica of Father Bailey’s save for the darker color of his hair. Celina guessed him to be in his late thirties with his welcoming smile and sparkling green eyes. She detected a slight Spanish accent, though his lighter coloring spoke of a mixed heritage.
    “Ah, Father Lopez, how good of you to arrive. I was about to show Miss Davenport and Mr. Harris to their room.”
    Father Lopez withdrew his hands from the insides of his robe to shake their hands. “Welcome to the Abbey of Our Lady of Benedictines. Or, if you would rather, just the Abbey is fine. Some guests find saying the entire title is a bit of a mouthful.”
    Cooper chuckled. “I can see where that would be a problem.”
    “Yes, especially after they’ve been out visiting the vineyard.” Father Lopez’s eyes sparkled with laughter. “Father Bailey, I can take care of our guests if you would like to attend None.”
    Father Bailey withdrew a handkerchief from the folds of his robe, using it to mop his forehead before slipping it back. “Of course, thank you, Father. It was a pleasure meeting you both. If I don’t see you again, I do hope you enjoy your stay.”
    Both of his hands enveloped Celina’s warmly and she gave him a smile. “It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Father. I do hope we see you again before we go. I’m a photographer and I’d love to talk to you about your painting. Your use of light and texture are mesmerizing.”
    Peering into his gaze, Celina was startled at the deep sorrow reflected there. “I’m sorry, Miss Davenport. These days, I know far more about grapes than art.”
    It was the deep sorrow that gave her pause, for it was one she was all too familiar with. The sorrow that came from a painful past.
    Even though they’d just met, her heart pinched at the thought of this nice man having suffered anything. Who could have hurt him so badly to leave that kind of scar?
    From the corner of her eye she saw Cooper watching the monk walk away, a speculative look in his eye. She knew that look; the wheels in Cooper’s head were turning. Something was off about the kindly monk they had just met, and she wasn’t the only one thinking it.
    Father Lopez’s soft voice broke into her thoughts. “If you would follow me I’ll take you to your room.”
    Celina forced a smile, giving him her attention. She could talk to Cooper later, preferably without an audience.
    “That’d be great.” Gathering the suitcases in one hand, Cooper slid a hand to the small of her back, guiding her down the stone hallway. Celina’s skin prickled with awareness as the heat of his hand seeped through her t-shirt, and she inched closer to him. Everything about Cooper was comforting, from the way he spoke with such authority, to the way he held her in his arms. She couldn’t imagine loving him any more fiercely than she did.
    And yet, worry over the baby crowded the back of her mind.
    “Father Bailey’s painting of the vineyard is one of my favorites,” Father Lopez said. “When I first arrived, I took painting lessons from him. He was quite the master and I desperately tried to copy his work. A losing battle, I’m afraid. Some artists are divinely inspired, and he was certainly that.”
    The pride in Father Lopez’s voice was unmistakable, prodding questions in Celina’s mind. “He told us how he’s too busy to paint these days. I find that incredibly sad, a man as talented as he is not putting it to use.”
    Down and around a corner, Father Lopez led them, their shoes squeaking on tiled floors.
    “I completely agree, but alas, I’ve not been able to change his mind in all the years I’ve been here. Many people used to come from far and wide to purchase his paintings. What you see on the walls is all that is left of those days, I’m afraid.”
    “How long have you been here, Father?” Cooper had to move over when a