Page 106 of Coordinates of Death

“Good. Keep me updated.” Aurora drove into an abandoned parking lot and cut the engine. “We’ve arrived at the old roadway into the hospital. Gotta run.”

Once Kordell had given Mic the coordinates, she discovered the building was an abandoned hospital. She stated it had been closed for years but was continuing her investigation.

“Be careful,” Dirk said. “This could all be a trap. Nadine is examining the note and tape recorder as we speak.”

“Understood. I’ll keep Wheeler and Hill updated. Talk later.” She ended the call and turned to face Kordell. “I’m sorry about his earlier comment.”

“Not your fault. CWS is good, but we make mistakes like all other humans.”

She grazed his arm. “I get it. Heaven knows I’ve made enough of my own.”

He gestured out the windshield to the blocked road. “This doesn’t look like a road to a hospital.”

“I’ve only been here a few times, but I know the road was blocked off because hikers and skiers were getting trapped in various locations. The terrain is treacherous.”

“So, in other words, we have to tread carefully.”

“Exactly, and the snowfall has increased, so be extra careful. But I know you’re prepared, Mr. Survivalist.” She smirked before leaving her cruiser and opening the back hatch.

Kordell followed and removed his supplies. “I don’t like the looks of the worsening storm. If we don’t find this place soon, we may have a hard time finding our way back out.”

Aurora anchored her pack containing the eye onto her back. What kind of deranged criminal uses body parts as a clue? She checked her sat phone before stuffing it into her pack’s front pocket. “Let’s do this.”

They strapped on snowshoes and headed toward the trees, trudging across the snow that seemed to deepen by the minute.

An hour later, Aurora stopped. “Time to rest. We’re climbing in altitude, and I need water. I want to check the map.”

Kordell pointed to a cave. “Let’s get out of the storm, but we can’t stay long.”

They ducked and entered the cavern. Aurora shone her flashlight around.

The beam glistened off the ice-crystalized walls. She aimed the light at the ceiling. Spikes of ice hung like an enormous chandelier in a castle. “Wow, it’s beautiful.”

“Breathtaking.”

“Let’s sit there.” She shone the light toward a narrow ledge.

They shrugged out of their packs and sat.

Kordell brought out a granola bar from his pocket, broke it in two and handed her half. “Here, some nourishment with your water.”

“Thanks.” She devoured the treat and drank half of her water bottle. “I needed that. Was feeling lightheaded.”

“It’s the altitude. We need to keep drinking. How much farther is the building?”

Aurora brought out her tablet and clicked on the map. “I would say about an hour’s hike. Give or take.”

“Probably longer in this weather. Meteorologists are predicting a colossal storm, and here we are in the most dangerous place to be during a storm. The wilderness and mountains can be beautiful, but deadly at the same time.”

“I’m sorry to put you through this. I have to find Ginny. She’s all I have right now.” Her lips quivered, and she looked away. She couldn’t break down. Not here. Not now. Too much was at stake.

Kordell guided her chin back to face him. “Rory, I’m here for you, and I’m not running away this time. I promise.” He took off his glove and caressed her cheek, his fingers lingering as their eyes locked.

Her breathing increased, echoing in the cave. His words warmed her in the damp surrounding, the weight of his vow thawing her frozen heart. She had guarded her feelings for too long after Dirk’s betrayal. Could she open up again to her childhood friend who’d grown to be the most handsome and gentle man she’d known?

His gaze dropped to her lips.

She eyed his. The lips she remembered kissing as a teen but now wanted to feel against hers again. Would they feel the same? She inched closer.