Page 59 of Coordinates of Death

Hill turned the corner, almost colliding with them. “Anything out front?”

“No.” Aurora secured her weapon. “What about inside?”

“All rooms have been cleared.” Hill raked his fingers through his grey hair. “I don’t get it.”

Kordell’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He stowed his weapon away and removed his cell phone, tapping the screen. “It’s Mic.” He swiped and put her on Speaker. “Mic, I’m here with Aurora and Hill. Did you find something?”

“Yes. SBK isn’t in your building. He got into the feed and tapped into the camera. He’s connected remotely.”

“Were you able to get his location?” Kordell held his breath, waiting for her reply.

“Of course. It’s a warehouse across town.” Mic rattled off the address.

“Good work, Mic.” Hill spoke directly to Aurora. “I’ll get working on the warrant. Assemble the Emergency Response Unit and get there now. I’m giving you authority, but work with the ERU’s team lead.”

Maxwell rushed around the corner. “What’s going on?”

Kordell updated him. “Can you spare Hayley? We could use her expertise.”

“Yes.” Maxwell gripped Hill’s shoulder. “Garrett, let’s contact the mayor. We need to get in front of this before word gets out that there’s a killer on the loose.”

“Agreed. Aurora, be careful. Remember, head on a swivel.”

“Got it, sir.” She latched onto Kordell’s arm. “I need to gear up.”

Forty-five minutes later, Kordell arrived with Aurora and her Emergency Response Unit. Each member was dressed head to toe in protective gear and heavily armed.

They were not taking any chances with a possible killer inside.

“Kord, please stay behind the perimeter. Yes, you can shoot, but you’re not trained in tactics.” Aurora pointed to the ERU van. “Stay there. I hope not, but we may need your medical expertise.” She handed him earbuds. “Stay on comms.”

He inserted them. “I don’t like you going inside.”

“Kord, you realize this isn’t my first rodeo, right?” She fastened her helmet.

“Of course. I just don’t like it.” He motioned across the street. “Though I feel better knowing Hayley and your team’s sniper are watching.”

“Me too. And we have God on our side, remember?”

Kordell wished he could believe that as easily as she did, but the God he’d seen allowed darkness to overtake the world. Darkness infested humanity like a giant blob, blackening one person at a time with no hope of the light breaking through.

“Hunt, initial sweep complete,” the ERU’s leader reported. “No IEDs or trip wires at the entrances. We’re good to breach on your command.”

Hill had made sure that ERU knew Aurora was in charge, proving his complete trust in her abilities. He had sent the warrant moments ago, so it was time to enter.

“Copy. Approaching from the north.” She pointed. “Over there, Kord.”

He grabbed her arm. “Please stay safe.”

“Always.” She raised her MP5 and crouched-walked to the entrance. “Teams in place?”

Kordell kept his gaze on her, zeroing in for clear focus. He didn’t want to miss anything.

The teams reported in, giving her their status.

“Snipers One and Two, you’re our eyes in the sky.” Aurora’s tone held authority.

“Covering,” Sniper One said.