Page 79 of Coordinates of Death

“Not likely.”

Kordell only wished he could beat SBK at his game and find Candace before it was too late.

“Pass me another slice of BBQ chicken.” Kordell and the team sat around the large log-style circular table forty-five minutes later. “I’m still hungry.”

“What? Four slices weren’t enough?” Ryker chuckled and handed Kordell the box. “I guess chasing SBK has fueled your appetite.”

“Something like that.” Kordell lifted out another slice and took a bite.

“What do you think of Aurora’s team, Kord? Have they given you any grief with CWS’s involvement?” Maxwell Greene poured himself another glass of ginger ale. “I didn’t get the warm fuzzies from some of them.”

“You mean Dirk and Nadine?” Kordell explained some of the friction between Aurora and her colleagues, including Wheeler. “That man is insufferable and unprofessional. It really irks me that he doubts Rory’s abilities.”

“You care for her, don’t you?” Hayley reached for a slice of Hawaiian pizza. “Don’t forget Dad’s rule.”

Kordell resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “She’s a friend, so of course I care for her. Maybe you should remind Dad of his rule.”

Maxwell fumbled with his glass. “What do you mean?”

“Come on, Dad. We’ve all seen the way you look at the esteemed mayor of Sweetwood Falls.” Dawson leaned toward their father. “We approve, by the way. You need a woman in your life.”

“No. I. Don’t.” His three words came out forced, the meaning clear. Change the subject.

Hayley stood and walked behind Maxwell, wrapping her arms around him. “Dad, it’s okay. You’ve put your love life on hold for too many years.”

He patted her arm. “I don’t want Mic to think I’m replacing her mother. She was the love of my life.” His voice hitched.

Hayley kissed his cheek. “Mic feels the same way, Dad. Open your heart. You deserve love.”

“Thanks. I wish Mic was here with us. I really hate that she won’t go outside her house.”

“Dad, you can’t force her. Caleb has been having regular sessions with her and says she’s making progress.” Ryker snagged a napkin from its bear-themed holder and wiped his mouth before continuing. “I’m praying every day for God to heal that wound.”

Maxwell reached over and squeezed Ryker’s arm. “Thanks, Preach.”

The room silenced. While silence couldn’t often be heard in the Greene household, and even though the family had had rough interactions—and still did—they didn’t fear the quietness. They were that comfortable with each other.

Kordell cleared his throat. “Dawson, did you have a chance yet to look at the files once Dirk included the notes to Aurora?”

“I did.” Dawson stood and snatched his cross-body satchel from a nearby chair. “I noticed one thing about the notes.” He extracted a file folder and removed two different pages, tapping on one. “Okay, this is the note SBK left on the Tahoe before you went to Alaska.” He pointed to the other. “This one is a printout of the text exchange Aurora had with SBK. Do you notice anything different?”

The group huddled around the pages.

“Yes,” Hayley said. “The one left on the windshield has better grammar than the other, but that could just be because SBK was texting. People don’t use complete sentences in texts.”

Dawson tapped his chin with his index finger. “True, and you may be correct. I sense there’s a difference, and I’m not sure why.” He sat back down. “Maybe I’m just tired. Sometimes my profile meter is off.”

Kordell clasped his hand on Dawson’s shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up. You may have something.” He clapped. “How about that game of checkers? I’m ready to beat you.”

Dawson stood. “Like that will happen. Who’s gonna cheer me on?”

Hayley raised her hand. “I will.”

“I’m on Team Kord.” Ryker stood and beckoned them onward. “There’s a cool checker set in the games room downstairs. Let’s go.”

The group left, leaving Kordell with his father.

“Dad, you coming?”