Cooper’s Redemption (Crimson Romance) Read Online Free PDF

… uh … ”
    “Wanted a closer look at a killer?”
    “That’s not why I came.” Her rosy cheeks darkened to scarlet. “I wanted to see if you could help me. Obviously you’ve got a chip on your shoulder, so I’ll be going.” She began to pull on her gloves.
    “Are you afraid of me?”
    “Of course not.” Her shaky voice gave her away. She was terrified.
    “I didn’t kill Henry or Pritchett.” He wondered why he bothered talking. Somehow, though, it was important she know the truth.
    “I didn’t think you did.” She twisted her gloves between her hands. “If I thought you were the killer, I never would have told Sheriff Marlowe I believe you’re innocent. I repeated myself several times, in fact.”
    “Would you like a cup of coffee?” Cooper surprised himself. He hadn’t expected to see this woman again. He couldn’t encourage any relationship with her.
    “Decaf?”
    “Regular.” He moved toward the kitchen.
    “Love some,” she called after him.
    “Make yourself at home while I get it.” He filled two generous mugs, and as an afterthought, opened a tin of canned milk and filled a small bowl with sugar. As he carried the items into the living room, he saw Elizabeth had removed her jacket. His memory hadn’t failed him. Her figure could turn a scarecrow’s head. She wore a tan-colored sweater that clung to her curves, tight jeans and a pair of English riding boots.
    She sipped the steaming coffee and made a face.
    He grinned. “Milk?”
    “Please.” She held out her cup and the sweater rode up her arm. Her pale skin, dotted with freckles, contrasted with his own sun-darkened hand. Only one example of the differences between them. The diamond bracelet she wore illustrated yet another. Her jewelry probably cost what he made in a month. “Sugar, too. Lots.”
    He poured an ample amount of both in her coffee. His mouth curved upward for a moment. “Better?”
    “Yes, thanks.” Elizabeth tasted the hot liquid again. “Ah, that’s good.”
    “What can I do for you?”
    “My mother came here to take care of things, and she’s gone missing.”
    “I heard something about that,” he said.
    “What? Do you know anything at all?” She stared at him, trying hard to see if he seemed guilty of anything.
    Cooper flinched. “I don’t know much.”
    “I need every detail. Mom came here a month ago, and except for one brief call, I haven’t heard from her since.” Elizabeth’s voice broke. “I’ve got to find her. No one will tell me. Please, you’ve got to share what you know.”
    “I heard mention a lady was packing up Henry’s place, getting it ready to sell. Then she left a note on my door asking to meet with me. But I didn’t see her or talk to her.” His gaze was steady, calm.
    “When? What day? What did the note say? Do you still have it?” The hope in her face twisted his heart.
    He moved to the fireplace and rummaged through a stack of papers. Finding a single white sheet, he handed it to her. “It was last Saturday. I know because I was in town buying feed. I never saw or spoke to your mother.”
    “Oh my God. This proves she was here. If this doesn’t convince Salt Lick’s police, then I’m going to find her myself. Even if it takes me forever.” She wiped tears with the back of her hand.
    “What about your life back in L. A.?”
    “None of that matters. Finding Mom is all that counts. My mom and I own a flower shop, but someone is taking care of it. I don’t know your name. Cooper, right?”
    He nodded. “Just Cooper.”
    “First or last?”
    “Last.”
    “How did you know my uncle?”
    “Henry’s wife Bea used to talk of his sister some.” Cooper shifted, ill at ease with the questions. “She tried to locate Lillian several times. I didn’t know she succeeded.”
    “She didn’t.” Elizabeth blinked back another onslaught of tears. “I didn’t know about any of this until about two months ago. My mother found she was the owner of his property when