Page 44 of Coordinates of Death

Wheeler turned at the pair’s approach. “About time you got here.”

Aurora ignored the man and gestured to Kordell. “We don’t have time for formal introductions, so I’ll say this once. Everyone, meet Kordell Greene. He’s from the Canadian Watchers Squad and specializes in survival and is a paramedic.”

Kordell lifted his hand, acknowledging her introduction. “I’m here to help.”

“Let’s see the pictures,” Wheeler commanded.

Aurora cringed at the man’s tone of voice. “Kordell, set the box on the table.”

Dirk stomped forward. “Wait, you disturbed the evidence, Rory?”

She bristled, annoyance pummeling through her body, cementing her in place. “Dirk, the next woman’s life trumps procedure. We didn’t have a choice, and we never contaminated the evidence.”

Dirk’s gaze traveled to Kordell, his expression morphing into contempt.

Kordell kept his eyes fixed on Dirk’s, as if in a battle for territory.

Her.

Dirk had no right to battle for anything when it came to Aurora. She had to seize control of the situation. “Guys, let’s focus. We now have less than three hours to get to these caves. Our victim is in one of them.” She addressed Quinn. “Can you show us on the map where they are?”

“The caves are here.” He pointed to one at the northern tip of the park, then two more, east and west. “As you can see, they’re all miles apart. We’ll split up and help Aurora. Each team grab a sat phone, as we’ll be entering zones where the cell towers are dicey.”

“Stay in constant communication,” Wheeler said. “No mistakes.”

Aurora guessed his last two words were specifically meant for her.

And why was he even here? He didn’t normally come out on search parties.

Do you really need to ask that question? He’s monitoring you.

Aurora selected a sat phone and stuffed it into her bag. “Kordell, Quinn, and I will take the northern cave.”

Wheeler pointed to the east cave. “Constable Rain and Dirk, you take that one. Nadine, Murphy, and I will hike to the west one.” He clapped. “Let’s move. Heads on a swivel, people. We need to catch this copycat.” He caught Aurora’s gaze. “And recent evidence confirms that’s the case.”

Aurora resisted the urge to argue. She didn’t have time. “Guys, let’s go.” She snatched a bottle of water and marched out the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes greeting her. The darkened clouds had ushered in like a movie on fast-forward. Great, as if things weren’t already messy. God, keep the approaching weather system at bay.

Two hours later, Aurora willed her tired legs up the steep incline. “Quinn, how much farther?”

“To the right of this path.” Quinn hiked past her, leading the group. “Follow me.”

They rounded a small bend, and the cave’s entrance came into view.

Aurora scanned the area, ensuring they were alone, her hand ready to unleash her weapon. “Stay alert. If the victim is here, so is SBK.”

Her sat phone rang, and she fished it out of her bag. “Hunt here.”

“It’s Dirk. We reached the east cave. It’s clear.”

One down. Two to go.

“Copy. Have you heard from Wheeler?”

“Nothing yet.”

“We’re just about to enter the north cave,” Aurora said.

Quinn approached the cave and unsnapped his flashlight from his duty belt, entering.