Page 29 of Coordinates of Death

Kordell analyzed his compass. Their cries had taken him off course slightly. Sounds on a mountain, especially in a snowstorm, could trick a person and throw them off track. He adjusted his path and trudged forward, listening closely to the noise. Finally, the trio came into view.

“Kord!” Aurora ran forward and threw her arms around him. “I thought you were lost.”

Mya joined her, circling around the pair as Bertie chuckled.

“Did you forget I’m a mountain man too?” He hugged her tighter, enjoying her arms around his, even in the cold.

“I know, but that wall appeared fast and scared me.” She retreated from his hold. “Did you find anyone out there?”

“Nothing. Not even a varmint.” He bent low and kissed the dog on the head. “Thank you for guiding me back, Mya.” Kordell spoke to Bertie. “You’ve got yourself a smart dog here.”

“Sure do.” He gestured to Aurora. “Go on, show ’em what we found.”

Kordell bristled, bracing himself for more bad news. “What?”

She squatted and brought out the map from the box, unfolding it. “Okay, according to Bertie here, this X is in the middle of a lake back down the mountain.” She pointed to four small numbers at the very edge of the paper. “I missed this, but Bertie’s keen eyes saw it.”

“Sure did. Nothin’ gets by old Bertie.”

Kordell looked closer. Four numbers.

1-0-1-1.

“What do you think it means?” Kordell asked.

“Not sure yet, but I think we’ll know when we find whatever is on that lake. I’m guessing the blood used to mark the X is Jennifer’s.” She refolded the map and placed it back into the shadow box. “Bertie, how far is it to that lake?”

“ ’Bout three klicks.”

“I’m assuming it’s frozen, correct?” Kordell adjusted his hood.

“Sure is. Some people ice-fish there, but haven’t seen hide nor hair of ’em city slickers lately. Too dang cold for their soft behinds.”

Aurora scooped up the box and placed it into her backpack. “We’d best get going. Which way, Bertie?”

“Toward my cabin, then youse head back down the mountain.”

They followed Bertie once more, trusting him to lead them to his humble abode. Fifteen minutes later, smoke wafted, indicating they were close. Kordell turned to Aurora. “This mountain man is smart.”

“Ain’t my first winter here, boy. I’s know dis place as well as my own boots.”

Kordell withheld a chuckle bubbling below the surface. Seemed the man’s hearing was just as good as his eyesight and smarts.

The cabin came into view, and Bertie turned, pointing. “Youse go straight that way. It will take youse to the lake.”

Aurora stuck out her hand. “Thank you so much, Bertie. You’re one of a kind.”

He dipped his head. “Happy to oblige.”

Kordell shook Bertie’s hand. “I could learn a lot from you.”

Bertie threw his head back and gargled out a loud chuckle. “Come back anytime. I’s teach youse a thing or two. Gotta get now.” He turned to his dog. “Mya, come. God bless you folks.”

Bertie headed up the incline toward his cabin, whistling a hymn Kordell had often heard Preach sing. The mountain man switched to words, belting out “To God Be the Glory” as he strode up his steps and disappeared into his home.

“Wow. What an interesting fellow.” Aurora’s gaze remained fixed on the man’s cabin.

“He sure is, but he’s right. We need to move.” Kordell nudged her forward. “Let’s go.”