Page 62 of Coordinates of Death

After clearing the buildings, the team had called in Dirk and Nadine to sweep the building for evidence. They checked it for prints and bagged the laptop, the only piece of potential evidence in the vacant building, except for the drone pieces, which they’d gathered moments before the earlier sunny skies turned dark . . . like everyone’s moods.

Aurora took off her gloves and massaged her temples. When would her somber disposition lighten? I’m tired of living in the darkness, Lord. Sure, she realized her choice of vocation kept her in the world’s evil clutches, but she had signed on to do good, to help people. But right now, all she could think of were her past mistakes. Mistakes that had cost others their lives.

Including her precious sister.

Kordell tapped the menu on the table. “Did Wheeler really need to give you a tongue-lashing when we returned to the station? This wasn’t your fault.”

She exhaled. “Everything is my fault in his eyes.”

“Why is that? You can’t tell me your getting the job over his niece is a good reason to be so cruel. There’s something more.”

“Good observation, and one I’ve questioned many times. I even confronted him a month ago. He just grunted and walked away.” She wiggled out of her coat.

“Can you report his behavior? I don’t notice him treating the others like that.”

“I’m not sure it would do any good. I don’t want to make matters worse.” Unfortunately, Hill had left the station with Maxwell to meet in person at the mayor’s office and hadn’t returned when Wheeler had lambasted her for the ERU officer’s wound. Even though the emergency doctor had promised he’d be okay.

She had wanted Hill to hear an account of what had happened firsthand from her and not through Wheeler, but he’d have to get the update from her report.

Kordell’s phone buzzed, and he fished it from his parka pocket. “It’s Dad texting me. They’ve set up the town hall meeting for tomorrow evening.”

“Good. I’ll text Ginny now.” Aurora tapped out a message and hit Send. “Enough about today. I’m hungry.” She opened her menu.

“What’s good here?”

“They’re known for their burgers, but their fish and chips are to die for.” She closed her menu and pushed it to the side. “I’m in the mood for French fries and tartar sauce.”

“That’s just wrong.” Kordell scrunched up his nose.

She drew in a quick breath as a memory from her teen years came into her mind. The two of them were in the backyard, in her tree house. Her father had built it for her and Anna years before, but it had always been her favorite place to hang out with Kordell. She had shared a silly joke, and he used the same expression to show he thought it was corny. That was the day her crush on Kordell had started.

And now, that same crush was reemerging. She gritted her teeth. Don’t fall again, Rory. Time to change the subject tumbling around in her head. “I’m curious. You dating anyone?”

Ugh! Why did she ask him that question? So much for shifting gears. If she could take back those words, she would, but she was not a time-traveler like in the movies she loved to watch.

“No, I’m not.” His eyes clouded for a split second.

There’s a story in there somewhere.

“What about you?” he asked.

“Nope. I’m swearing off—”

“Hey, folks. I’m Sally and I’ll be serving you today.” She eyed Aurora’s uniform. “Oh, you’re the cop everyone is talking about.”

Aurora’s muscles tightened. “Everyone?”

“My fellow employees, that is. I’m new here. They said there was another killing matching a serial killer that you let get away two years ago.”

She unwrapped the utensils. “Don’t believe everything you hear, Sally. Can we order?”

Sally plucked out the pen tucked behind her ear. “Of course. What can I get you?”

Aurora ordered her drink and meal.

The thirtysomething fluttered her eyelids at Kordell. “And for you, handsome?”

Aurora struggled to hide her smirk. No female could ever resist that face. The face of a superhero.