Page 104 of Coordinates of Death

She pointed to the open door. “Constable Rain’s unconscious. Steady pulse, possible cranial contusion.”

“So you’re not aware of how long she’s been unconscious?”

“No.”

Barry dropped his bag on the snowy driveway. “We’ll take it from here.” His commanding tone spoke volumes.

Two constables ran up the driveway. “Is the property secure, Corporal Hunt?” one asked.

“I checked the back and front. The suspect appears to be gone, but can you canvass the area?”

“On it.” The two males proceeded across the yard, hands on weapons.

Rain moaned.

“She’s coming out of it,” Olivia said. “Constable Rain, can you hear me?”

She reached up and touched her head, wincing. “Ouch . . . smarts like a porcupine hug.”

“Good. You haven’t lost your sense of humor.” Aurora opened the passenger door. “Did you see who hit you?”

She shook her head. “Your lamppost light flicked off, and I opened my door to check it out. Someone hit me hard. I think with a crowbar. I can’t believe they got the drop on me.”

“So you never saw their face?”

“They wore a balaclava.” She winced when Olivia examined her wound. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you too? I’m so sorry.”

“No, but they left me a present on my back patio.” She reached across the seat and squeezed Rain’s shoulder. “It’s okay. This person is good at stealth mode. Constables on patrol are searching the neighborhood.”

“What did the suspect leave you?”

“Haven’t opened it yet. Going to check it now, but will wear gloves. Something tells me it’s the clue to finding Ginny.”

She pointed to the console. “Take some of mine. They’re there.”

Aurora withdrew a pair. “Thanks.” She spoke to the paramedics. “Take good care of her.”

“Of course.”

Aurora flew to the back door, shoving the gloves on. She picked up the box and brought it to her kitchen. More snow had accumulated, so she brushed it off, letting it fall into the sink. She set it on her counter and selected Kordell’s contact number on her phone, putting the call on Speaker.

“Morning, Rory.” Kordell’s cheerful voice and road noise sounded through the speaker.

“Are you driving somewhere?”

“To you. Couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d check in on my way to your station. What’s going on?”

She explained what had happened. “How far out are you?”

“Around the corner. Are you okay?” His concern boomed through the phone.

“Yes. Annoyed SBK got close again, but at least they weren’t inside.”

“Just pulled up. See you in a sec.”

Aurora tapped off the call and hustled to the front door, opening it.

Kordell spoke to the paramedics on his way by, then dashed up the steps. “So glad you’re okay.”