Page 21 of Coordinates of Death

Kordell stood at Aurora’s side in a unified front. “We’re only here to help, Trooper Sanders.”

“And we don’t need your billionaire father’s team either, Watcher Greene.”

Kordell’s gaze shot to Aurora’s. How did this man know so much about them? Already.

Suspicion chilled Kordell’s body, along with the frigid wind gusts.

Kordell waited to see how Aurora would react. After all, this was her case. Would she retreat with her tail between her legs like a scolded puppy or release her catlike claws?

“Trooper Sanders, we realize we’re in your jurisdiction, but I have a job to do and we will do it—with or without your help. If you want to work together, meet me inside the lodge.” She marched back to the vehicle, retrieved her bags, and sailed through the resort’s front door.

Good for you, Rory. The same spunky girl from his childhood was still in there. Not only was that the case, but her gutsy spirit had been personified.

But this was definitely not how they wanted to start their search.

The trooper’s radio squawked. “I gotta check in. I’ll meet you inside.”

Kordell shifted his bag’s strap and stepped inside the building, bells announcing his arrival as soon as he entered.

The aroma of wood burning wafted inside the ski lodge, and Kordell surveyed the setting. Rustic log panels lined the walls, and a large stone fireplace stood in the center, with plaid chairs arranged in a semicircle, radiating a cozy atmosphere. A charming bistro café was nestled at the rear of the large open room. Perfect for skiers to grab a hot chocolate and rest after coming back from the slopes.

If only there was time for Kordell and Aurora to do the same.

He searched the large space for Aurora and spotted her in the corner on the phone. When she saw him, she waved him over. He approached and set his bag on a nearby chair.

“Sir, I’m putting you on speakerphone.” She hit the button. “Tell Kordell what you just told me.”

“I checked the station’s video footage. Someone erased it from eight in the morning until after you left at nine. It appears we definitely have a mole.”

“Or someone hacked into your feed.” Kordell pictured Mic at her desk and multiple monitors. “It’s possible. My sister could do it.”

A heavy groan filtered through the speaker. “I’m clamping down here and adding more security. Going to talk to our constables and civilian employees.”

“Sir, can you do that on the down-low? If SBK has a spy there, we don’t want to tip our hand.”

“Understood, Aurora, but they have to be stopped.”

An idea formed in Kordell’s mind. “Sir, I have a suggestion if you’re willing to hear an unorthodox idea.”

“Anything to find whoever is responsible for infiltrating my station.”

“I mentioned my sister. She’s an experienced hacker. If you’re okay with this, she can go through a back door to check your station’s systems. If someone has hacked in, she’ll find them.” Kordell caught Aurora’s gaze and raised his eyebrow, asking for a silent approval.

She dipped her head in acknowledgment.

Good. She agreed. He hated that he hadn’t been able to talk to her before he suggested it.

“Do it, Greene,” Hill said. “But let’s keep this between the three of us. I don’t want Wheeler on my back.”

“Agreed, sir.” Aurora shifted her stance. “The less he knows, the better.”

“Okay, then. I’ll contact her. No one at your station will be aware of her presence.”

Hill clucked his tongue. “That’s why your team is the best at what you do and why your father named you Watchers?”

Kordell smiled. “Something like that, sir.”

“Okay, get to work. I’m glad you arrived safely.” A heavy breath sailed through the phone. “I’m hearing of multiple road closures, both here and into Alaska. Please stay safe, Aurora.”