Page 69 of Coordinates of Death

Even after all these years and everything Pam Hunt had done to him, her father still loved his wife.

“I’m sorry to bring it up. I know her death hit you hard.” She set the page down and fingered the box. “Dad, I need to confirm something else with you. You remember the unique cross necklace you gave Mom that she cherished?”

“Yes.”

“Didn’t you bury it with her?”

“I did. Why?”

She opened the box. “Because I’m looking at it right now.”

A gasp sailed through the phone. “How is that possible?”

“It was in the envelope too.” Aurora white-knuckled her phone, realization setting in. “Someone dug up Mom’s grave.”

Her father sobbed.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to upset you, but I had to make sure you did indeed bury it with her.”

“What are you going to do, Rory?”

She tapped her finger on the back of her cell phone. “Contact the police in our hometown and have them verify the exhumation.”

“Who would do such a thing?”

“Someone very sick who’s targeting me.” Aurora tugged the elastic from her ponytail and fluffed her hair as if that would rid her of the angst from this case.

“Is that what this town hall meeting tomorrow is all about? I heard it announced on the news.”

“I’m afraid so. Between us, the Shadow Box Killer is back.” She pictured Dirk’s angry expression. “Although my colleagues disagree, it’s him. Please be careful of where you go and who you talk to. I’m going to get Hill to send cruisers by your house frequently.”

“I can take care of myself, love.”

Her father’s bulky six-foot-three frame would make anyone think twice about attacking him. “I know. Humor me. It’s the cop in me. Lock your doors and always set your alarm.”

“You’ve drilled that into me many times.”

“I know you. You’re too trusting.” Her last conversation with her father popped into her mind. “Oh, how did your date go the other night?”

“Okay.”

His tone told her it hadn’t gone well. “Just okay?”

“I’m afraid this one was way too young for me. She lied on her profile.”

Aurora clamped her eyes shut. “You’re using an online dating service? Stop. There are plenty of amazing eligible ladies who go to my church.”

“I haven’t been in a church since your mother’s funeral.”

“Why haven’t you returned?”

He muttered under his breath. “God let too many bad things happen. Even if some were my fault.”

Tension shot through Aurora’s neck muscles. “What do you mean?”

Silence.

“Dad, you still there?”