Page 20 of Coordinates of Death

It had taken them longer than hoped to get to their destination as the flurries had developed into a full-fledged snowstorm. It was now past noon, and Kordell suspected the conditions would hamper their search. Not good. They were losing valuable time.

Aurora cut the engine and turned to him. “I hate the sense of someone watching. It was how I felt living across the street from the Roches. They were so creepy.”

Kordell flinched at the mention of that family. “They were.”

“Kord, why did you leave without saying goodbye? I thought we were friends. Best friends.”

A question he had prepared for, as he guessed he’d have to explain himself. “Cain Roche threatened me, so I ran away. That man was evil.”

Her eyes darkened at the mention of his name. “More than you’ll ever realize.”

Don’t be so sure. “I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye.” He had to change the subject, as diving back into that part of his life was not how he wanted to spend their time together. The darkness lingered like a never-ending thick cloud, pouring grimy sleet over his head. “Do you have any thoughts about a possible mole in your station?”

“Hard to believe, but how could SBK watch from everywhere? That’s how it feels.”

“Well, my sister Mikaela can tap into satellites. Do you think SBK could do the same thing?”

“She does what now?”

Kordell popped forward. “Don’t worry. Our team has special clearance.”

“Right, because you saved the prime minister’s daughter. Your team is impressive.”

“It’s taken a couple of years to iron out any bugs, but yes, we work well together.”

“I’m curious. Why do you live in Banff when your family is in Ontario?”

“They’re not all there,” Kordell explained. “Years ago, after I trained to be a paramedic, an opening came up in Banff. I’ve always loved the mountains, so I applied and got the job. Even after Dad formed CWS, I chose to stay in Alberta. The Rockies are stunning.”

“Is it true Mikaela doesn’t leave her house?” Aurora asked.

“Unfortunately, yes. Mic’s had a lot of past trauma that has shut her within the confines of her home.” Kordell studied the area. Another blast of snow was headed their way. It was mid-February, and winter still held them in its clutches.

“By the way, I asked Staff Sergeant Hill to check the station’s video footage.”

“Do you trust him?” Of the two leaders, Kordell guessed Hill was the more reliable one. He didn’t trust Wheeler. Something about the man’s demeanor rubbed him the wrong way.

“Garrett Hill took me under his wing when I came on board at the Sweetwood Falls police station. I trust him with my life.”

Kordell guessed she wouldn’t like what he was about to suggest. “Please don’t get angry, but I need my team to vet all your station’s employees. It’s part of what we do now.”

She pursed her lips, then released a breath. “I get it. Something isn’t right, and I need to get to the bottom of it.”

Hopefully, they didn’t find something that would shatter her image of her mentor, Staff Sergeant Garrett Hill.

An Alaska State Trooper cruiser drove into the lot and parked beside them.

“That must be Trooper Sanders that Hill emailed me about.” Aurora opened her door, but hesitated. “Be careful what you say. I don’t want to share many details. We’re unaware of how far SBK’s tentacles reach. His second victim lived near here.”

“Understood.” Kordell reached into the back seat and grabbed his bag. “Let’s do this.”

They climbed out of the SUV and approached the trooper leaning against his cruiser.

“Trooper Sanders?” Aurora stuck out her gloved hand. “Corporal Aurora Hunt.”

He crossed his arms. “I know who you are. You’re not the only police department to follow the Shadow Box Killer. I’m also aware of the mistakes you made two years ago.”

Whoa. Attitude or what?