Page 101 of Coordinates of Death

Aurora’s eyes traveled to Kordell’s, a silent question remaining in her gaze.

“Tell us what you mean, Dawson.” Kordell nudged Aurora toward the couch and mouthed Sit. He could tell by her sagging shoulders that her energy had drained.

His too. Kordell sat beside her and set the phone on the coffee table.

“I’ve been studying the crime scene and coroner’s report for each death, comparing them to the two new ones. As you’ve heard from the coroner, SBK has changed their MO and now feeds them a full meal. We discovered this earlier, but something I missed that Dr. Sharpe just updated is how both Jennifer and the other victim all had clean hair, as if the killer had washed and styled it.”

Aurora let out a soft breath. “Odd that Dr. Sharpe hadn’t documented that before. What do you think it means?”

“SBK is showing compassion, almost hope for them, by grooming and feeding them. Perhaps to settle their panicked state.”

“And you feel that suggests a female killer?” Kordell shifted positions on the couch.

“I do. Before you ask, yes, a female wouldn’t be as strong, but we know the victims are being drugged.”

“But dead weight is even harder to lift.” Aurora brought her legs onto the couch, crossing her ankles.

“True, but the figure I saw in Alaska was fairly large.” Kordell leaned back, his shoulder brushing against Aurora’s. He ignored the sudden jolt of electricity from being so close. “Have you advised the teams?”

“I’m updating the files and will send them to Hill, but I wanted to share this with you guys first. Also, nothing came out of the interviews Rain and I conducted. Dead end.” Typing sounded through the speaker. “Aurora, anything more on Ginny?”

“Crickets. SBK hasn’t shared any more of his—her—clues.” She bit her lip. “She’s like a sister to me. I can’t lose her too.”

Kordell squeezed her hand. “The team is joining the hunt for her.”

“And Mic is scouring the dark web for anything related to SBK and these murders.”

“Thanks. We can use all the help we can get.” Aurora yawned.

Kordell hated to leave her alone yet had to let her rest. “Thanks, bro. I’m heading back to the lodge. See you soon.”

“You got it.”

Kordell ended the call and stood. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

She pushed herself to her feet. “Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll lock up and set the alarm.”

They went to the foyer, and Kordell grabbed his coat before opening the door. He gestured toward the cruiser parked in her double-lane driveway. “Good, you have a guard.”

Aurora stepped out onto the porch and waved to the officer. “That makes me feel better. Night, Kord. Be careful. SBK is targeting you too.”

“Will do. See you at the station.” Kordell waited for Aurora to reenter her home before leaving to return to his family.

Ten minutes later, he took the steps two at a time into the quiet lodge, almost colliding with Hayley. “Whoa. Sorry, didn’t see you hovering in the dark.”

“I’ve been waiting up for you.” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Where have you been?”

“At Rory’s. I had to ensure she was okay and safe.”

Hayley tilted her head. “You care for her, don’t you?”

More than he could admit. “Don’t forget Dad’s stance on relationships while on cases.”

She harrumphed. “Well, he should talk. It was Effie this and Effie that during supper tonight.”

“What’s up, Hayles? You didn’t wait up to tell me that.”

“Let’s go in there.” She motioned to the dimly lit family room, guiding him toward the couch.