Page 54 of Coordinates of Death

Rain raised her hand. “So you feel the killer is male?”

“Most serial killers are, but I have to admit the jury is still out on this one.” He tapped on each of the vocations. “Here’s my assessment. While your profiler couldn’t directly link the victimology, I contend that each of these women shares an emotional connection to the killer. The victims’ vocations are nurturing: a high-school guidance counselor, a piano teacher, a kindergarten teacher, a Sunday school teacher, and a pediatrician. They appear to represent supposedly trusting individuals from SBK’s past who possibly wronged him or who resemble those who did. The pattern shows the killer is projecting his grievances on to his targets, basing them on psychological resonance rather than opportunity.”

“Can you say that in English, please?” Rain chuckled.

“Their motive is revenge. Revenge on someone from their past.”

Dirk slouched back, crossing his arms. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

“The vocations are all ones dealing with children. Guidance counselor, teacher, etc.” He tapped on Jennifer’s picture. “This one baffles me, though. She’s one of your own, so I’m not sure why SBK targeted her.”

Aurora’s cell phone buzzed, and she checked the screen. Dr. Sharpe. “It’s the coroner.” She tapped Answer. “Dr. Sharpe, I’m here with the team. Do you have news about our latest victim?”

“Yes. Can you put me on Speaker?”

“Sure.” Aurora pressed the microphone icon and set her phone on the table. “Go ahead.”

“I was able to get dental records to identify this woman. Clara Hobson. Retired nanny. Age sixty-eight.”

Silence filled the room.

Aurora turned to Dawson. “A nanny would have worked with several children. This goes along with your theory.”

“It does.” He picked up the marker and wrote nanny and Clara’s name and age under her picture.

“Anything else, Dr. Sharpe?” Aurora asked.

“Haven’t finished her autopsy yet, but I wanted to let you know we identified her. Chat later.” He left the call.

“One more thing. The Shadow Box Killer isn’t choosing the victims at random. Each embodies a part of his past. SBK is methodically reconstructing his childhood through violence. And when he’s done—” Dawson’s gaze shifted from Aurora to Kordell “—he’ll escalate and eliminate anyone getting in his way. Be careful. You both could be next.”

Aurora’s pulse thudded, increasing with each breath. If what Dawson said was true, SBK wouldn’t stop until they all played his game.

And lost.

Chapter Ten

Kordell studied each person in the room, analyzing their expressions as they mumbled among themselves. The ones nodding suggested to him they agreed with Dawson’s theory. However, Wheeler’s pursed lips told a different story. That didn’t surprise Kordell. The man didn’t seem to trust anyone, especially Aurora. What was the deal with him?

Staff Sergeant Hill stood and clapped. “Everyone settle down. We need to work this angle. Constable Rain, I want you and Dawson to set up interviews.”

“Sure thing. I’m curious. Does anyone recognize the logo on the victims?”

“I’ve searched on the net, but nothing has popped,” Mic said. “But when you put the pics in order, the killer is slowly drawing the logo. Do we have the picture from the coroner for the latest victim?”

“Not yet. I’ll text him.” Aurora tapped on her phone. “Dirk, did you find anything on the box or the tiny doll we brought from Alaska?”

“No, he’s careful not to leave any traces. No prints. Nothing.” He tapped the table. “What’s the significance of the doll and the bunny?”

A look of panic flashed across Aurora’s face so quickly that Kordell almost missed it. There’s still something she hasn’t shared about the items.

“Just toys from my childhood.” Aurora picked up the marker, fiddling with the cap.

It was more than just toys.

Hayley circled around the table housing the shadow boxes. “These boxes have such intricate stitching. The details are amazing. Dawson, do you think SBK is female? I mean, I know there are males who knit, cross-stitch, and sew, but it’s not as popular with men.” She fingered the next box. “Beautiful yet creepy at the same time.”

“That has me confused. Perhaps SBK is trying to throw us off track.” Dawson tapped one of SBK’s notes. “Dirk, can you put these notes in order of victims and include all the messages he’s sent to Aurora?”