Page 50 of Coordinates of Death

“Almost anything is possible, Kord. I’m assuming they’ve given her laptop to digital forensics.”

“Yes. Can you do your magic?” Kordell approached the glass door and observed the rear parking lot. The snow had picked up again, and a fresh blanket of white covered the area.

Was SBK outside watching them, or was he somewhere crafting his next clue for the game?

“Give me a few minutes. If there’s something there, it won’t take me long. Unless whoever hacked in is better at hiding their tracks than I am in finding them.” Keyboard strokes sounded through the phone.

“I highly doubt they’re better than you.” Kordell chuckled. “Keep me updated. Chat later.”

“You bet.” Mic ended the call.

Headlights illuminated the parking lot. A Jeep pulled into a spot, and Hill jumped out and sprinted toward the entrance.

Even in the darkness, Kordell caught the determination on Hill’s contorted face. He was probably out for blood from Wheeler and Dirk for detaining Aurora.

Kordell opened the door. “Evening, sir.”

A flurry of snowflakes and a gust of frigid air followed Hill inside. “Where are they questioning her?”

Kordell pointed. “First room.”

“Have you heard what they’re saying?”

“They wouldn’t let me in. I have Mic looking for traces of a hacker.”

“Good. Come with me. I need someone else in Rory’s corner.” He paused, glancing over his shoulder. “You are in her corner, right?”

“Sure am.” Kordell noted the man’s softened tone when he’d used Rory’s nickname. “She did not do this.”

“I know.” He shoved open the door and stormed inside.

Kordell followed.

Wheeler bolted out of his chair, pointing at Kordell. “Why is he here?”

“Because I asked him to be.” Hill placed his hands on his hips. “Whatever evidence you think you have, Corporal Hunt was framed.”

Kordell noted his change in her name, obviously hiding his affection for Aurora. Smart move.

“Our system is secure, sir,” Dirk said. “Digital is checking her laptop as we speak.”

We’ll see how secure it really is.

“Staff Sergeant Hill, you know I would never do something like this. I signed up to be on the force to catch criminals, not to be one.” Aurora’s clouded eyes revealed a storm within—a storm obviously fueled by past turmoil and relentless hardship.

Losing Murphy had also taken its toll.

“I know.” He addressed Wheeler. “You know better than to falsely accuse her. I’m getting tired of your attitude.”

Kordell’s cell phone dinged. He fished it out of his pocket and checked the screen.

Found the intruder. Got in using RAT—remote access trojan. Show forensics this screenshot.

A picture of an odd code and a message popped on his screen.

Fooled you.

A digital skull and crossbones appeared.