Page 56 of Coordinates of Death

“Open it, Hunt.” Wheeler hovered behind her. “We need to see what’s so important to deliver to the station where they could easily have been caught by cops.”

Dirk shoved an extra pair of latex gloves her way. “Wear these.”

Kordell held his breath in anticipation of what Aurora would find.

“This box doesn’t have the usual glass-encased embroidery. Odd.” Aurora put on the gloves and clicked the button to release the clasp, easing the lid open. She drew in a ragged breath.

“What is it?” Kordell leaned closer to see what had caused her reaction.

An embroidered version of the Canadian Watchers Squad’s logo.

With all their names stitched in red and two eyes in the bottom right corner, signifying SBK was watching the watchers.

Kordell’s chest tightened as a chill coiled up each vertebra.

Clearly, SBK had now targeted every member of his family.

Aurora noted Kordell’s taunt body language, betraying his normally controlled emotions. She squeezed his hand and leaned closer. “They’ll be okay.”

“Wanna share with the rest of the group what’s inside?” Wheeler asked.

Leave it to her cranky sergeant to interject his mood into the room.

“This time the stitched piece was inside the box.” Aurora lifted it out. “I’m guessing for dramatic effect.” She raised it.

The group gasped.

Maxwell slammed his palm on the table. “No one targets my family and gets away with it.”

Aurora knew Maxwell Greene’s background and how a cold-blooded murderer had breached his home and killed his wife and kids, except for Mikaela. And now his adopted family was in danger, thanks to Aurora. “I’m sorry, sir, for involving you. I would never have done that if I had thought SBK would target you.”

Maxwell shook his head, oscillating his index finger at her. “No, sweet girl. This is not your fault. It’s that madman’s. Don’t you dare carry the burden on your shoulders.”

“We will ensure you and your squad have protection.” Hill put his hands on the table and stood. “I’ll arrange for regular patrols where you’re staying.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the assist. My team is good at keeping safe, but I definitely won’t turn down your offer. Aurora, anything else in the box?”

She set the embroidered logo on the table and examined the contents. An envelope with Kordell’s name and hers was on the bottom beside a tiny candlestick, rope, lead pipe, revolver, knife, wrench, and figurine of Mr. Green. “This is a fluke and part of his game, or directed at me. Dad, Mom, and I used to play Clue all the time.”

Kordell pointed to the figurine. “I’m guessing the Mr. Green is referring to us too. What does the note say?”

She took a letter opener from the conference room’s pencil trolley and carefully opened the envelope, reading the note out loud. “ ‘Your secrets belong to me now. The next clue in my game drops in twenty-four hours. See if you can win this round.’ ” She looked up at the group. “It’s signed SBK.”

“This guy is sick,” Mic said.

“You can say that again.” Hayley flicked her ponytail over her shoulder. “Were all the victims killed in the same way?”

“No. Another thing SBK keeps changing.” Aurora rubbed her temples. “Strangulation, gunshot wounds, knife wounds. No cause of death yet from Dr. Sharpe for the nanny.” She pointed to the large monitor mounted on the wall at the head of the table. “Dirk, can you add the crime scene pictures you took of the cave on that screen?”

He nodded and tapped on his keyboard. Seconds later, several images appeared.

“So last time, SBK cut off the victim’s hand. This time the foot, but you didn’t find it anywhere in the cave or surrounding area?” Oaklynn asked.

“No, but if he holds true to his past kills, the foot will be at the next scene.” Aurora steepled her fingers. “Mark my words. He’s already abducted her.”

“And you’re sure it will be a woman?” Preach stood.

“Most likely.”