Page 75 of Coordinates of Death

Kordell pointed. “There’s Dad and the others.”

Maxwell Greene stood talking to Mayor Daniel. She leaned in and whispered something, then Maxwell threw his head back and laughed.

“Kord, is something going on with your dad and the mayor?”

“I’m beginning to wonder. The other day when he talked about her, his tone changed slightly.”

“How?”

“Lowered in pitch and just softer.” Kordell waved. “They saw us. Let’s go.”

They greeted the group.

“Corporal Hunt, are you ready to talk to a terrified community?” Mayor Daniel asked.

Aurora hated public speaking, but she had to rise above her fear. If she could face down serial killers, what were a few hundred town residents? “Not really, but let’s do this.”

Effie Daniel straightened her burgundy tailored jacket and snatched her portfolio from a chair in the front row. “Okay, then.” She motioned toward the platform. “Kordell, I want you on stage too since you’re helping Aurora.”

“What about Dad?” Kordell asked.

“Maxwell will be in the front row, cheering us on.” Effie winked at him and scurried up the steps.

Kordell smirked. “Definitely something happening there,” he whispered to Aurora. “After you.”

Prickles shot up the back of Aurora’s neck as the sensation of someone watching pummeled her. She scanned the crowd, checking for anything suspicious.

Kordell inched closer. “What is it?”

“He’s here, Kord, hiding among the crowd. I can feel it.”

“You’re probably right.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats.” Mayor Daniel spoke from behind the microphone, center stage. “We’re going to get started.” She motioned to Aurora and Kordell to come.

Aurora pocketed her uneasiness and scurried up the steps with Kordell close behind.

“As you know, we’ve had more tragedy in our small community. I regret to inform you that we’ve lost three lives in the past week, including a police officer.”

Mutters rippled throughout the arena like a tidal wave—fast and furious.

Effie leaned into the mic. “Please, everyone. Quiet.” She waited for the room to silence before continuing. “I realize you all have lots of questions, so to bring you up to speed on what we can share, I’ve invited the lead investigator to the stage.” She turned. “Let’s welcome Corporal Aurora Hunt.” She stepped aside.

Aurora swallowed her fears and smoothed her uniform as she approached the mic, gathering her words carefully. She couldn’t release vital information related to the case. They were here to assure the community residents of their safety and to ask for their help. “Thank you, everyone. I want to start out by saying that Sweetwood Falls Police Department is doing everything they can to keep you safe.”

Someone guffawed near the front.

She ignored them and continued, “As Mayor Daniel stated, we’ve had more deaths in our region. I’m sorry to say that Constable Felix Murphy died in the line of duty yesterday. We wish the family and friends our deepest sympathy.” That information was already public knowledge.

“What’s SFPD doing to stop this killer?” someone yelled from the back.

“Is it true that the Shadow Box Killer has returned?” another person asked.

“How many more lives will be lost before you catch him? You failed last time, Cor-por-al.” The taunter drew out her rank mockingly.

She raised her hands. “Everyone, we can take questions later.”

The room once again stilled.