Page 52 of Coordinates of Death

“Not the best. The bed is terrible, so I’ll be moving to Dad’s. That will teach me not to book my own place next time. He’s better at scoping out spots.”

Pounding footfalls interrupted their conversation, and seconds later Henry appeared. “Good call, Kordell. I found three listening devices. In the hall, the conference room, and Wheeler’s office.”

“That’s odd.” Aurora removed her police-issued bomber jacket, hanging it on the hook by the door. “Why those specific places?”

“Probably the best spots to gain information. The conference room would give them insight into the cases. Wheeler’s office would provide more private matters. The only thing I can think of regarding the hallway is just casual conversations.”

“Which could include gossip, personal information between constables, and that sort of thing,” Kordell added.

“We also checked the cameras, but so far there are no signs of tampering.”

Aurora recalled her conversation with Hill regarding the video. “But someone shut the cameras down a couple days ago, remember?”

“Yes, I meant since then.” Henry turned to Kordell. “We’re working with your sister to plug the holes and keep this hacker out.”

“Good. If anyone can do it, Mic can.” Kordell discarded his coat. “Aurora, where shall we set up for the team to meet?”

“I brought up the shadow boxes from evidence as I figured your squad would want to see them. I put them in the conference room.” Henry meandered down the hallway.

“Let’s move the murder board there so Dawson can give us his new profile.”

“Sounds good.” Kordell squeezed her shoulder. “I can’t wait to introduce you to my family. They’ll love you.”

Why did that one simple statement warm Aurora’s chilled body? Was it because she longed for a close family? After Anna died, her family was never the same. Only her father remained, although their relationship often felt strained.

Or could it be because of the man beside her?

“I’m looking forward to meeting them.” Aurora gestured to the right. “Our bullpen is this way.”

Forty-five minutes later, Aurora fastened the latest victim’s picture on the board. She turned to Kordell. “Pass me that marker.”

He complied.

She wrote a question mark beneath the woman’s picture. “We should hear today if Dr. Sharpe could identify her.”

“Morning!” Constable Rain’s one-word greeting sang with cheer. “How’s your stay going, handsome?”

Really, Brianna? Why did the constable’s flirty question suddenly bother Aurora so much?

You know why.

Old feelings from her teenage years had snuck up on her, and she feared there was no going back. He’s only here for a short time. She repeated the mantra in her head to curb the emerging crush.

Multiple voices converged from the hallway.

Kordell greeted his family with hugs.

Staff Sergeant Hill entered and introduced himself. “Thank you for coming.”

The tall slender grey-haired man shook Hill’s extended hand. “I’m Maxwell Greene. We appreciate you letting our team help with the investigation.” He slapped Kordell on the back. “Son, why don’t you introduce us?”

Aurora’s colleagues filed into the room one at a time and took various chairs. The medium-size conference area couldn’t seat everyone, so a few leaned against the wall.

A tall blonde entered with a gigantic male by her side. Aurora recognized her immediately. Constable Oaklynn Brock, daughter of the infamous serial killer the Suicide Slayer. Oaklynn and Kordell’s brother, Caleb, had solved a series of crimes similar to those committed by her father. They fell in love in the process and later married. “Constable Brock—I mean Greene—it’s an honor to meet you. I followed your case closely.” She stuck out her hand.

Oaklynn cupped it in hers. “Pleasure to meet you. Caleb and I weren’t planning on coming, but when Maxwell mentioned the Shadow Box Killer, I had to hear all about it before we head out on vacation.”

Aurora withdrew her hand and tilted her chin upward to get a good view of Caleb. “You’re much bigger in real life.”