Page 136 of Coordinates of Death

But how, when his inner voice was screaming at him to run in the opposite direction?

God will lead you. Just surrender and trust Him, bro. What are you waiting for? Preach’s words, which he often shared with Kordell when doubts plagued him, tumbled into his brain.

What was Kordell waiting for?

He leaned against the damp stone wall, breathing deeply as realization dawned on him. God had been with him when he fled the Roche family. Even when Kordell had ended up on the streets of Toronto, God had protected him. Kept him safe.

And brought Maxwell Greene into his life. That wasn’t by chance.

It was God—pure and simple.

He had to make it right. Now. Before he went any farther. In case . . .

In case he didn’t make it out of this place alive.

God, I surrender my life to You. You’ve been in every dark corner with me all along, haven’t You? Even when I couldn’t see You, You were there. I give You my past failures, my regrets, my wrongdoings. Everything. Please help me save Rory. Protect her from the evil.

A sconce twinkled on the wall, reminding Kordell of something Maxwell had once said to him years ago.

God will shine through you, Kord. Sparkle His light in your corner of this dark world.

Yes, that’s exactly what Kordell wanted. God, let me be Your light.

Peace flooded every ounce of his body, sending jolts of courage into his limbs. Time to rescue Aurora and tell her exactly how he felt about her. Even if she didn’t reciprocate, he had to at least try.

He continued down the crushed-stone corridor. Several oak doors with bars lining the windows greeted him. What was this place? He inched forward, peeking through the small openings—one by one.

“Aurora—” his whispered plea boomed in the corridor “—where are you?”

“Kord!” Her voice came from the last room on the right.

His pulse elevated as he shuffled forward, his boots kicking loose rocks.

“Go back. It’s a trap! Save yourself.” She stuck her fingers through the opening.

He squeezed them. “Not a chance. I’m here to rescue you, fair maiden.”

The door on the opposite side of the corridor squeaked open. “Welcome to the party, Kord.”

Kordell whipped out his Glock and pivoted, coming face-to-face with the Shadow Box Killer—Dale Driscoll.

Dale raised his rifle. “So glad you could join us.”

Movement behind him alerted Kord to another presence. He turned.

Jade Kramer, the police civilian employee, smirked and pointed a gun through the bars at Aurora. “Lower your weapon, or your girlfriend dies.”

“You’re SBK’s twin?” He addressed Dale. “Or is she SBK and you’re the sidekick?”

“We’re a team.” He waved his rifle. “Now, do as she says and drop your gun.”

Kordell released his grip, the Glock clanging on the stony floor.

Dale scooped it up. “Give me your phone. I can’t have you calling anyone.”

Kordell removed it from his pocket, passing it to the man.

Dale threw it onto the ground and stomped on the device, shattering it to smithereens.