The Root of All Evil (Hope Street Church Mysteries Book 4) Read Online Free PDF

security system.”
    “Security system? At a church?” Ashley scoffed. “Cooper, the doors are open for anybody . We don’t want people to think they’re being watched while they pray or whatever. Anyway, the church isn’t really hurting for funds, so it isn’t too terrible a situation. It’s more the idea that bothers me: the fact that somebody would break into a church. I just don’t understand it.”
    “Desperate people do desperate things.”
    “I know, but . . . Let’s talk about something else. This is depressing me.”
    Rather than point out that it was Ashley who’d introduced the topic, Cooper tried to think of another one. She didn’t think quickly enough.
    Ashley snapped her fingers. “I know! How’s that boy toy of yours?”
    “Nathan’s just fine,” Cooper said with a laugh. “Although I’m not sure how he’d feel about being called a boy toy. We’re having dinner with some friends tomorrow night.”
    “What friends?”
    “Remember Edward Crosby?”
    Ashley’s eyes widened. Edward Crosby wasn’t exactly high society as far as dinner guests were concerned, but he was still a friend. “The ex-con who saved our lives? How could I forget! Didn’t you have a thing for him?”
    “I did not have a thing, no. I was curious, but the curiosity passed. Anyway, we’re meeting him and his girlfriend. Ought to be interesting. Not as interesting as our first meeting, but still.” Cooper thought of the first time she’d laid eyes on Edward Crosby. He was in prison then and she was investigating his father’s death. After his release, he’d helped Cooper bring down an international drug-smuggling operation, and he’d taken a bullet to save Cooper.
    That action had earned him Ashley’s gratitude, but apparently not her stamp of approval.
    “You mean you’re actually going to be seen in public with Edward Crosby?” Ashley squeaked. “I’m glad for what he did, but he’s an ex-con . . . with a leather jacket . . . and a motorcycle!”
    “If it helps at all, he sold the motorcycle.” Cooper wiped away the scrub with a warm towel and doused Ashley’s feet with aromatherapy oil. “And anyway, he’s trying hard and keeping his nose clean. He’s really worked to turn his life around, Ash. Don’t you think he needs some friends? Some non-ex-con friends?”
    “I suppose. Where are you going?”
    “The Steak House.”
    Ashley groaned. “Fine. Just make sure he knows how to use a knife and fork and doesn’t try to pick up the steak and eat it with his fingers.”
    “I think we’ll be okay.”
    Ashley winced and tugged her foot away from Cooper. “Ouch! That’s sore.”
    “Sorry.” Cooper eased up on her pressure. “How’s that?”
    “Ahh. Much better.” She readjusted herself against her pillows. “Coop, this is exactly what I needed. I’ve been stuck in this bed forever! I can barely walk to the bathroom and back!”
    “That is how bed rest works.”
    “Thanks Ms. Know-It-All.”
    “Read any more good books?”
    Ashley shook her head. “I got tired of reading. I’ve taken to online shopping.”
    “I was wondering how you’d get your retail fix, but that sounds dangerous. What did you buy? Clothes? Shoes? Baby stuff?”
    “Yes, yes and so much. I found the cutest Tracy Reese frock to be my inspiration for losing all the baby weight, and the dress will go perfectly with the Michael Kors pumps I ordered yesterday!”
    Cooper nodded, trying to hide her ignorance of high-end designer names. “Good, good. I’m sure the Tracy Kors new line is just fabulous.”
    Ashley laughed. “Tracy Reese and Michael Kors. Coop, you’re hopeless!”
    “Let’s get back to all of your binge spending, shall we? What else did you buy?”
    “I got a great deal on a Yuri Varoff.”
    “More shoes?”
    “No, silly! He’s a painter in New York. A real up-and-comer in the art world. I’m not big on postmodernism myself, but I heard from some ladies at church that in a few years he’ll be