Page 112 of Coordinates of Death

Aurora’s lip quivered, and she poked him in the chest. “How could you not tell me all this?”

“I wanted to, but Cain threatened your life if I said anything. I couldn’t risk him killing you, so that’s the real reason I ran away.” He chewed on the inside of his lip. “I couldn’t face you.”

She shook her finger at him. “And now? Why not confess when I told you about the rape? Do you know how hard it was for me to share that with you?”

“I know. I was going to tell you but chickened out.” He threw his hands in the air. “It was wrong and I was going to confess, but I was waiting for the right time.”

“The right time?” Her voice rose several octaves, anger present. “It took SBK to force your hand? How could you betray me like that?”

He studied her green eyes filled with a combination of emotions. Hurt, betrayal, anger.

And he didn’t blame her. “I’m sorry. Really, I am.” He hung his head in shame.

“Wait. I don’t understand where SBK is getting information about our pasts.”

“Sebastian. Sheldon is deceased, and Sebastian is out of prison. He must have responded to SBK’s request over the dark web. It’s the only answer.”

Aurora pointed to the pipe. “Why hasn’t the water stopped?”

Good question. He’d shared his secret.

SBK’s words pounded into his mind. Tell her everything.

“I’m not sure, but maybe he also wants me to tell you what happened in their house.”

“What else is there? Wasn’t that enough?”

“One day I left football practice early as I wasn’t feeling well. I came home and heard a commotion in the basement. I went to investigate and found a young girl in a secret room.”

Aurora’s jaw dropped. “Who was she?”

“No idea. I was helping free her when I felt a prick from behind seconds before my world went dark. When I woke up, I was upstairs in my room and had no memory of what had happened between the time I saw her and the time I woke up.”

“How long was that?”

“Twelve hours. I have no memory of those hours. None.”

“Did you ask Cain?”

Water seeped into his waistband, sending icy tremors throughout his body. “Yes. He said I helped him traffic that young girl. Rory, I can’t believe I’d do such a thing.”

“You wouldn’t. He has to be lying.” She rubbed her arms. “Is there anything else you need to confess?”

He didn’t miss the betrayal in her voice. Kordell threw his hands in the air. “That’s everything. Stop the water!”

Immediately, the water stopped, and the lock clicked open.

“Let’s get out of here.” Aurora opened the door, water gushing out into the hallway. She slugged forward, not waiting for Kordell.

She was angry—and hurt.

Would she ever forgive him, or was this the end of their friendship?

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The look on Aurora’s face after Kordell confessed was worth the expense of adding my surprises to the building and getting the power reinstated. My plan worked flawlessly. Aurora’s reaction said it all. She no longer trusts the almighty Watcher Greene.

Mission accomplished.

Now for the next part of my plan.