Page 80 of Coordinates of Death

“You go, son.” His father gathered the dishes. “I’ll clean up and then head to my room to pray. I want some God time, and I have an inkling that I need to get on my knees tonight. A storm is brewing.”

Goose bumps prickled across Kordell’s arms. Was his father referring to a weather storm or something much worse?

Aurora checked her rearview mirror after she turned onto the road following their disastrous meeting, ensuring no one had tailed her out of the parking lot. She had a strong sense that SBK had been there. However, her inkling was wrong. Instead, he’d terrified poor Candace at an off-site location in front of the entire community. She had tried to console Mr. Park but was unsuccessful. Finally, his brother had taken him out of the arena and promised he’d take good care of him.

The only light Aurora spotted was the cruiser Hill had assigned to escort her home. While she loved his protective nature, she required some alone time and just wanted to crawl into bed. She’d had enough of people today and required only the company of Lady Grey in her home.

Her cell phone rang through her Bluetooth.

So much for solitude.

She spied the area code and recognized it from her hometown. Could it be the call she’d been waiting for? She hit Answer. “Corporal Hunt speaking.”

“Corporal Hunt, this is retired Constable Stevenson. I got your email regarding your sister’s abduction and wanted to reach out.”

“I appreciate your call. What can you tell me about my sister’s case?”

An elongated sigh filtered through the speaker. “I’m afraid the leads from the tip line led nowhere, and after months of searching, we deemed it a cold case.”

“Did you have any suspects at all?” Aurora tapped her thumb on the steering wheel.

“A few, but they all had alibis, except . . .”

Aurora tensed in her seat, chills radiating through her body even though her vehicle’s heat poured out from the vents. “Except?” Something told her she would not like the answer.

“I did suspect one other person of interest, but no one else agreed.”

“Who, Constable Stevenson?” She held her breath.

“I hate to say this, but . . . your father.”

Aurora yanked the wheel right and steered into a restaurant’s parking lot. She slammed on the brakes. “What are you talking about? My father would never have had his baby girl kidnapped.”

“That’s what your mom said too.”

“What evidence did you have to support your suspicion?” Aurora placed her hand on her chest, willing her heart to slow.

“Unfortunately, not enough to even convince my fellow officers, but when I questioned your parents, your dad acted skittish. Shifty. No eye contact. Closed posture—that sort of thing. Classic signs of withholding information. I hated to accuse the man without evidence, but back in the day my gut rarely steered me wrong.”

His ridiculous claim seized Aurora’s jumbled thoughts, stilling the conversation.

“Corporal? You there?”

“Yes. Just having a hard time believing my father would be responsible.”

“Sorry. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. I couldn’t prove anything, so the case was shelved. That’s all I know.”

“Thanks, Constable Stevenson. I will look into it further. Appreciate you getting back to me.”

“Of course. I wish you the best. Take care.”

“You too.” Aurora hit End Call and eased her forehead onto the steering wheel, breathing in and out multiple times. God, that can’t be right. Please. Make. It. Not. Be. Right.

No way was her father responsible. She lifted her head.

But she had to find out.

She gunned the gas, turning her car in the direction of her father’s house. It was time to confront her dad.