Page 139 of Coordinates of Death

“I realize that now.” He caressed her face. “Can I tell you something else?”

“What?”

“I had a crush on you back then.”

“Me too. Still do.”

His lips curved upward into a smile that took her breath away.

“Ditto.” Kordell embraced her, whispering, “My team is waiting on the outskirts. We have to escape.”

She drew in a breath, hope flowing through her body.

God, show us how.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Kordell hugged her tighter, pretending—but not pretending—to show his affection. “Let’s make a show of eating our supper and inspect this room for something to create a diversion,” he whispered.

Aurora prayed, “Lord, You are the Almighty and in charge of our lives. Show us what to do to escape and stop these killers.”

“Amen.” He held her tighter. “Let me tell you the plan first. I have an alarm hidden in my belt buckle that will signal the team to breach the premises. Funny thing is, Hill brought it from Henry’s cave. Apparently, compliments of Dale Driscoll.”

She chuckled. “Joke’s on him, I guess. Once they enter the driveway, it will trip their alarm. That’s how they knew you were here. We can use that to our advantage.”

“Yes, a diversion. Hayley is probably in a tree right now, taking her position on the west side of the estate. She’s always been the best tree climber.”

“Good. Let’s pick at the food while we discreetly look for anything in the room we could use as a weapon.” Aurora kissed his cheek and stood, holding out her hand. “Time for our last supper,” she said loudly enough for the cameras to pick up their conversation.

“Sounds good.” Kordell took her hand and let her guide him to the table. He hauled out the metal chair, but it snagged on the stone floor. He tugged harder, and a brick dislodged, answering their hope of finding a weapon. Kordell cleared his throat and looked down before returning his gaze to hers.

Aurora’s eyes shifted to the floor before widening. She gave a slight nod before lifting the steel covering off the plate. “Let’s say grace.” She bowed her head and uttered a quick prayer of thanksgiving.

“Amen.” Kordell picked up the orange and peeled it.

Aurora lifted her fork but suddenly sobbed uncontrollably.

Was she faking or really upset?

Kordell stood and went to her side, pulling her into a bear hug. “You okay?”

“I can’t do this.” Her voice boomed in the small room. She leaned in. “I have a plan.” She whispered her idea to him.

“Perfect.” Kordell rubbed her back with his left hand and pressed the alarm with his right. “Done. We have five minutes.” He leaned back and kissed her forehead before helping her to stand. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. How about you lie down for a bit?”

She nodded but crumpled to the floor beside Kordell’s chair, pretending to be in pain. Her plan. “Something’s wrong,” she yelled, holding her head. “Make it stop.”

Kordell made a show of checking her vitals and then turned to face the camera in the corner. “Help. Please. Help her. She needs pain meds for her head.”

Within a minute, footsteps pounded in the hallway.

Kordell pried the loose brick from under the chair, holding it behind his back. “Got it,” he whispered, staying close to her on the floor.

The lock slid open seconds before Dale entered the room, holding pain meds. “Don’t say we didn’t treat you with some decency before you die.” He slammed the bottle onto the table.

Jade followed, raising Kordell’s Glock. “Don’t you try anything.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Come on, alarm. Trip, so we can act.