Page 51 of Coordinates of Death

Kordell drew in a ragged breath.

The room silenced.

“What is it?” Hill asked.

Kordell placed his cell phone in front of Dirk. “Sorry to disagree with you, but my sister did just hack into your system and found the intruder. They used a RAT to get into Aurora’s computer.”

“How dare you do that without permission.” Dirk motioned to Wheeler. “Are you going to allow this?”

“They had permission. Mine.” Hill leaned closer and read the message. “Mikaela is good. Dirk, she beat Digital.”

“Can I see that?” Aurora asked.

Kordell slid the phone closer to her. “This proves your innocence.”

She peered at the screen, her jaw dropping. “This was a diversion. SBK wanted us to chase our tails because he’s getting ready for his next play in his game.” She waggled her finger between Wheeler and Dirk. “And you two fell for it. How could you doubt me?”

They remained silent. Probably because they knew she was right.

Hill cleared his throat. “Remember my announcement regarding our station’s meeting with CWS tomorrow morning at nine. Don’t be late. This is important.” Hill eyed each in the room. “And no more arguments. This team has an outstanding track record of helping law enforcement. They’re here to help, and we must catch SBK before he strikes again.”

Aurora stood and passed the Tahoe’s key fob to Hill. “Here are your keys. Thanks, sir. I’m tired, so I’m going home. I need to be well-rested because tomorrow will bring another tough day. SBK is upping his game with each victim, so be ready.” Aurora didn’t wait for a response but stormed out of the room.

Wheeler opened his mouth.

“I don’t want to hear it.” Hill marched from the room after Aurora.

Kordell snatched his phone from the table. “We’re only here to help. G’night, gentlemen.” He hurried from the room in search of Aurora and found her near the entrance, speaking with Hill.

“Rory, I’m giving you special permission to take your weapon home. Just be sure to keep it secure.” Hill tugged her into an embrace. “I want you to be safe.”

“Thank you for believing in me when the others wouldn’t.”

Kordell didn’t miss the hitch in her voice. Aurora was on the verge of breaking down. She was tired and needed to get home. He approached slowly, giving them their moment.

Aurora retreated from her leader’s hug when he reached them. “And thanks to Mic for finding that code. She saved me.”

“She’s good at what she does, but I have a feeling SBK didn’t try hard to bury the code.” Kordell stuffed his phone into his back pocket.

“But enough that Digital didn’t find it.” Hill opened the door. “Okay, you two get some rest. See you at nine.”

“You too, Garrett.” Aurora turned to Kordell. “I’ll drop you off at your Airbnb.”

Kordell struggled to settle into the uncomfortable bed thirty minutes later. He’d definitely check out of this place soon and stay with his family. His father would have found the best of the best in the area, and there would be no lumpy beds there. He punched the pillow and shifted positions. “Sleep, Kord. Tomorrow will be another tough day.” At least his family would arrive.

His cell phone dinged, and he snatched it from the nightstand. Probably Mic. He swiped the screen.

You’re right. I buried it far enough for Mic to find but not the others. She’s good, but I’m better.

Kordell jerked upright. How in the world had SBK heard that conversation? The answer bull-rushed him.

Sweetwood Falls’s police station was bugged.

Aurora arrived at the station with Kordell at eight o’clock the next morning. After his disturbing text stating the station was bugged, she had sent Kordell’s suspicions to the team, and Dirk promised to have a digital sweep of the entire building completed. Henry was on the job. She held open the back door for Kordell. “Even though Hill has approved your team being here, we need to tread carefully. Some will feel that you’re stepping on their toes.”

“Totally understand. That’s happened in the past.” Kordell entered the building. “The jet landed at two in the morning.”

“I’m sure they’ll be tired. How did you sleep last night?” The station’s door slammed shut behind Aurora.