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

line.”
    Exasperated, Father Bailey found Celina’s eyes over the officer’s shoulder. “Miss Davenport, Mr. Harris…can you kindly explain to this gentleman who I am and allow me to pass?”
    Cooper strode to the officer and tapped his shoulder, jerking his chin towards Father Bailey. “It’s alright, he’s with us.”
    With much reluctance, the officer begrudgingly lifted the yellow tape and allowed Father Bailey to slip underneath, turning a stern eye on the crowd lest anyone else consider trying to slip through.
    “I don’t understand what’s going on. I retired early tonight and then I heard the sirens. We all thought at first that they had gone farther up the road, but then one of the guests said they were gathering here, at the valley.”
    Father Bailey’s face was pinched with distress as they led him to a more private area, away from listening ears.
    “We aren’t certain what we’ve discovered yet, Father,” Cooper said. “But it appears to be human remains. We’ll know more once CSI has a chance to dig them out.”
    The color drained from the man’s face, and Celina felt a pang of guilt. She really hated this part of the job. Being the bearer of bad news never sat well with her, even if it was to an uninvolved bystander.
    The irritated police officer appeared next to Cooper, a breathless Father Lopez in tow. “I assume this one is with you as well?”
    Cooper’s lips twitched, the only indication that he was humored by the officer’s irritation. “Sure is. Thanks.”
    The officer glared. “This is a crime scene. We can’t have everyone in the county trampling through here.”
    “You have a body, nothing more, and the person died a long time ago by my estimation, so any evidence that was here has been washed away or damaged long before tonight.” He was used to running the show, used to standing around and barking orders while his team scrambled to get things done. Standing on the sidelines wasn’t his style and Celina knew he probably took a great deal of satisfaction in this small victory. “So quit your bitching and relax, kid.”
    Celina suppressed a groan. Great. Was Cooper going to beat on his chest next?
    Rather than take the bait, the cop wisely returned to his post, grumbling something incoherent under his breath as he walked away.
    Smart man.
    “Mr. Harris? Miss Davenport? Could you two please explain the meaning of this…circus?” Sweat beading his forehead, Father Lopez dabbed the excess moisture away while trying to reign in his exasperation. “We’re running a business here. We can’t have them upsetting our guests or blocking the parking lot with all their vehicles.”
    Celina had a feeling their discovery had put a crimp in his evening plans. That made two of them.
    “A human body has been discovered.” Though his voice was steady, Father Bailey’s jaw tremored at having to repeat the gruesome news. “The police are only doing their job, Brother.”
    Father Lopez inhaled sharply, making the sign of the cross. “ Dios mio . Are you sure? I thought it was probably an animal or something.”
    Or something?
    “Gentlemen, I’m sorry to have to ask you this,” Celina said, “but is there anyone you can think of that might have been reported as missing around here? The bones we can see so far are clean of skin and tissue, so it’s probably been a while since the person died, but any information you might have would be helpful.”
    Father Lopez slowly shook his head, a frown forming. “A missing person? No one comes to mind, Miss Davenport. Perhaps it’s a runaway?”
    Father Bailey’s voice was strained, a single word forced through stiff lips. “Ana.”
    “Ana?” Father Lopez shook his head, gripping the older man’s arm. “Don’t be ridiculous. That girl is probably hundreds of miles from here, living in peace.”
    Celina met Cooper’s stare. “Who is Ana?” he asked.
    Both men flinched at the question.
    Which made Celina’s stomach tighten.
    “Ana