Page 6 of Coordinates of Death

Her frantic get-to-the-point voice ramped up his guard, and he couldn’t refuse his childhood crush.

Even though Kordell wanted to erase that period of his life. A time he buried deep in his conscience, away from not only himself but everyone else.

“What is it, Rory? What’s going on?” Kordell had secretly kept tabs on his friend and knew she was now Corporal Aurora Hunt in Sweetwood Falls, Yukon. Approximately one hour from Whitehorse.

“I need to hire your squad specifically for your survivalist skills.”

So she had kept tabs on him too.

Interesting.

She quickly explained the situation. “I’ll tell you more when you get here. I can’t do it over the phone.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Don’t you have to get your father to approve the ops?”

“He will when I explain everything. See you soon, Rory.” The thought of reconnecting with his cute friend brought both a smile to his face and soured his stomach.

The secret he’d kept from her all those years ago bull-rushed him. Could he work with her and keep that skeleton in his closet?

If he was a praying man like his adoptive brother Ryker “Preach” Greene, he would ask for God’s protection. However, he imagined Preach would be on his knees right now interceding on Kordell’s behalf.

And he could use all the help he could get.

The jet’s wheels touched the private runway on the other side of the airport and bounced, jolting Kordell back to his mission.

To help Rory and redeem himself in the process.

If that was possible.

Ten minutes later, the crew opened the jet’s door, and Kordell shifted the weapon holstered on his waist before lifting his large duffel bag from the overhead compartment. Normally, only law enforcement or criminals carried guns in Canada, but Prime Minister Harrison Taylor had sanctioned Maxwell Greene’s request for weapons for his team after they had found and saved his eight-year-old daughter’s life. Specifically, Kordell. Last winter, the little girl had gotten lost in the forest, and Kordell had traipsed through blizzard conditions to find her. Thankfully, he’d discovered her huddled in a cave, alive.

The Canadian Watchers Squad had gained increased recognition after helping to solve a serial killer case in Ontario involving a copycat and a cult, along with other cases, including the return of the prime minister’s daughter. The members of their squad each possessed their own skill set but worked together as a team by consulting and providing their specialized abilities. After his brother Caleb’s abduction, their father had labored hard to get approval for them to carry weapons, but their mission statement still held true: to work alongside law enforcement. Not take over.

Kordell descended the jet’s steps and walked onto the tarmac. An icy breeze snaked down his neck, and he zipped his parka before approaching the police cruiser parked near the hangar.

A slim, copper-haired woman dressed in a police uniform leaned against the vehicle’s door. She lifted her hand in acknowledgment.

Corporal Aurora Hunt.

Kordell’s breath hitched at the sight of his childhood friend. Even though it had been twenty years since he’d seen her in person, Aurora’s looks hadn’t changed.

Still cute. Just older.

He quickened his pace and reached her side but hesitated. Should he hug her? They had been close once, but that was before—

Don’t go there, Kord.

No, he doubted she was ready for a hug. Too soon. He’d keep it professional. He smiled. “Aurora, it’s so good to see you again.”

“You too, Kordell. Sorry it’s under these circumstances. I’m thankful your father accepted my plea for assistance.”

“Your cryptic message has piqued the team’s interest. But why me? I’m sure there are other survivalists in your region.”

She shifted her gaze to the hangar and area. “None that I trust. He warned me he’d know. Besides, I’ve heard you’re the best of the best.”

Kordell had gained his knowledge from living on the streets as a teenager. When a person only had the shirt on their back, making something out of nothing became the norm—survival of the fittest. That, combined with survival courses and paramedic training—plus Maxwell Greene’s intervention—had made Kordell who he was today.