Page 13 of Coordinates of Death

The door opened, and a slim man in his forties smiled. “Corporal. Good to see you again.”

“You too.” She motioned to Kordell. “This is Kordell Greene. A friend of mine. Kord, this is Dale Driscoll, Sweetwood Falls’s esteemed philanthropist.”

“Pfft. It’s just Dale.” He stretched out his hand to Kordell. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

“What are you doing here on this cool morning?” Aurora asked.

“Just a quick meeting with Wheeler to go over the next equipment order.” Dale stepped into the hallway and leaned closer. “Beware. He’s in one of his moods. Gotta run.” He chuckled and sauntered down the hall.

“Okay, let’s do this. Tread carefully.” Aurora entered the office.

Kordell inhaled deeply and followed.

Two men stood at their approach. A bald man crossed his arms, and a larger, bearded man smiled, reminding Kordell of a teddy bear.

Aurora motioned toward Kordell. “Sirs, this is Watcher Kordell Greene. Kordell, this is Sergeant Tim Wheeler.” She pointed to the bald man.

Kordell stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Wheeler hesitated but returned the gesture. “I’m not sure why you’re here.”

“Sergeant, easy now.” The bearded man moved closer. “I’m Staff Sergeant Garrett Hill. I spoke with your father earlier. Kind man.” He clasped Kordell’s hand in both of his. “You’ll be an asset to our team.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kordell addressed Wheeler. “I’m here to consult and not to take over the investigation.”

Wheeler placed his hands on his hips. “Hunt, why him? What aren’t you telling us?”

Aurora closed the door. “Let’s have a seat, and I’ll explain everything.”

The men complied.

Five minutes later, after her full explanation and plan to use CWS, Hill whistled. “So SBK alluded to having eyes here at the station.”

“Not in so many words, but I’m guessing that’s what he meant.” Aurora glanced at Kordell. “And why I needed to bring in someone I trust. You’re both aware of what their team has accomplished in the last two years. We need to stay under SBK’s radar. No one else can find out why he’s really here, or he’ll know.”

Wheeler clasped his hands together, leaning forward. “And how did you two meet?”

“Childhood friends. Plus, I’ve been following Kordell and the CWS. They call Kord the Mountain Man.”

The man looked at the staff sergeant, scowling. “And you’re sanctioning this mission to Alaska?”

“You think we have a choice, Tim?” Hill hissed out a breath. “I will not let SBK terrorize our town again. He’s now taken six lives in total and somehow finds out facts about this case. Facts we’ve kept out of the press.”

“But—”

“No buts about it.” Hill rose and turned to Aurora. “I will contact the authorities in Alaska. You’re going into their jurisdiction, and while you’ll be undercover, I need to inform them of your presence.”

Aurora stood. “Thank you, sir. Kordell, what will we need once we get there? Other than the supplies we’ve already picked up.”

Kordell mentally searched his list. “Somewhere to stay and a couple of snowmobiles. Perhaps a guide we can trust? To give us the lay of the land. I can take it from there.”

Wheeler harrumphed. “Where exactly are you headed?”

Aurora dug out her tablet from her bag and brought it to life. After a few taps, she placed it on the man’s desk. “Here. Just inside the Alaska border on Elimac Mountain.” She enlarged the area. “It’s close to Faircord Junction.”

The staff sergeant raised his hand. “I know just the person for that job, and he lives near there. He’s been living in the mountains for years and knows the region inside and out. He has quite a reputation.”