Page 76 of Coordinates of Death

“Thank you. As you’re aware, we can’t release information related to the case, but as has been reported in the media, the other deceased persons were female.” She drew in a breath, debating what else to share. She didn’t want Wheeler on her back. “And yes, it appears to be in the same fashion as a previous serial killer, but that’s all we can state.”

More mumblings erupted.

“We’re here to assure you we’re doing everything we can to keep you safe, but please be diligent. Lock your doors. Don’t go out alone.” She leaned into the mic. “And if you have any information you feel could help in our investigation, please contact the police. If you see anything suspicious, don’t intervene, but call 911. To assist in the investigation, we’ve brought in the Canadian Watchers Squad.” She turned to Kordell. “I’d like to introduce Watcher Kordell Greene. He’s skilled in survival techniques and is a paramedic.”

“Why bring him in? We have survivalists in our region,” a woman in the front row asked.

Aurora caught the scowl on Dirk’s face. He obviously had the same opinion.

“He saved the prime minister’s daughter, that’s why!” another person yelled.

How could she answer that without tipping off their past connection? “Yes, that’s true, he did. But I want to mention that he and his team have specialized skill sets others don’t.” And I wanted him here. She beckoned to him. “Kordell, can you address the group?”

He approached the podium. “Good evening, folks. As Corporal Hunt mentioned, our squad is highly trained, and we’re here to work alongside your constables.” He gestured to the officers sitting in the front row. “We work in tandem with them. Please come and see me if you have questions or need to talk about what’s happening in your community.”

A man stood in the back row, cupping his hands around his mouth. “Just admit that it’s the Shadow Box Killer!”

Kordell gripped the sides of the podium, leaning close to the mic. “If this killer is SBK—” he waggled his finger at the camera “—we will find him and stop him. CWS is devoted to protecting our beautiful country, and that includes all of you.”

Well said, Kord. Aurora studied his handsome face on the big screen to the left of the stage. His determination spoke volumes in his expression.

She moved beside Kordell, leaning into the mic. “Okay, we’ll take a few questions.”

Hands shot into the air.

Aurora pointed to Ginny. “Go ahead.”

Kordell’s cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Then buzzed again.

Ginny stood. “Corporal Hunt, what—”

Suddenly, a flurry of pixelization fluttered across the screen, and their faces disappeared.

Aurora covered the mic. “What’s happening?”

Kordell fished out his phone and read the screen. “Mic says someone’s in the system.”

Clapping sounded over the PA. “Hello, Sweetwood Falls,” the robotic voice said.

The screen flickered before stabilizing. A figure in a black hoodie appeared, its face hidden by a grotesque pig mask, its snout chipped and eyes hollow. The person leaned in to the camera, filling the screen with a nightmarish glare.

Simultaneous murmurs filled the auditorium.

“I want to answer a question that has been tossed around SFPD.” He paused. “I. Am. The Shadow Box Killer. And yes, I have returned.”

The crowd mumbled among themselves, fear evident.

“Kordell, can we get him off the screen? He’s scaring everyone,” Aurora whispered.

“I’ll ask Mic.” He tapped on his screen.

“Good folks of Sweetwood Falls, my game is only getting started.” The masked figure pointed. “And Corporal Hunt has to play along or more will die. Here’s my next clue.”

The screen darkened, then flashed to SBK looming behind a gagged woman bound to a chair, her eyes wide with horror. A stone wall in the background radiated a menacing setting. SBK ran the tip of a large knife down her cheek.

Mr. Park stood. “Candace! Corporal, he has my Candace!”

“Candace here will die if sweet Rory and her sidekick Kord don’t figure out the next clue.” He slinked around her chair and stuck his horrifying face close to the camera. “Or she dies if you break the rules again. And Aurora, before you ask, you’ll know when the clock starts. Ticktock. Ticktock.” He returned to Candace and poked the tip of the blade in her cheek, drawing blood.