Page 148 of Coordinates of Death

“Not a chance.”

Kordell and Aurora’s silent plan had worked. These two were at a standoff, turning on each other.

The siren level increased. Dale glanced toward the window.

Melissa fired, hitting Dale in the shoulder and knocking the gun from his hand.

Dale clutched his wound. “Why, you little—”

Glass shattered in the distance, followed by racing footsteps. Someone had breached the back patio. Time to use the distraction to their advantage.

Kordell lunged at Melissa, colliding with her, toppling them both over. Her gun discharged before it clanged onto the floor. Searing pain pierced his arm, but he kept his hold on the Roche family’s secret weapon—their conniving mother.

“Kord!” Aurora snatched Melissa’s gun and kicked the Glock out of Dale’s reach just as the front door burst open.

“Police! Stand down!” Staff Sergeant Hill entered with his weapon raised.

Hayley and Dawson approached from the other direction, while more constables entered.

Kordell ignored the pain in his arm and yanked Melissa to her feet. “Good to see you all got my message, sis.”

Hill cuffed Dale. “Smart thinking.”

“Message? What message?” Dale asked.

“Cuff her.” Hayley clutched Melissa by the arm and shoved her toward the constable. “Kordell has an alarm in his belt buckle and a tracker in his boot.”

Dale sneered. “You got one up on the Shadow Box Killer. Didn’t see that one coming, Watcher Greene.”

Kordell gripped his wound. “Guess you weren’t as smart as you thought.”

“We need to get paramedics here,” Dawson said.

Aurora dashed to his side. “Let me look. Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine. Just a graze that will need stitches.” But it hurt like the dickens.

“Thankfully the team was on the way back to the lodge when your alarm went off, and Mic immediately tracked your location. Dad has the SUV down the street, so we can take you to the hospital.” Hayley addressed Aurora. “Sorry about your patio window. We saw you were in the hallway and figured it was the best way inside.”

“It can be replaced. You saved us. Thank you.”

Hill brought Aurora into a hug. “So glad you’re okay. I was worried when Maxwell called. I diverted our resources to getting here as fast as we could.”

“Thank you, sir.” Aurora stepped back. “I realize you have to get forensics here and we need to get to the hospital, but can you all give us a minute?”

“Sure.” Hill spoke to the others, gesturing toward Melissa and Dale. “Get these two into separate cruisers.”

They complied with Hill, following them outside.

“Kord, we’ll be with Dad. Take your time, but not too much. You’re bleeding all over Rory’s floor.” Hayley smirked, then she and Dawson exited the condo, chuckling.

Aurora turned to Kordell. “I’m so glad you’re all right. I panicked when Melissa’s weapon discharged.” She rubbed his other arm.

“Are you okay? I hated it when Dale kissed you that way. I was concerned it would bring back unwanted memories.”

“I believe I’m finally over that—as much as you can be. But a light has turned on, shining in the darkness, and I’m thankful.” She pointed to her head. “Oh, the memory of that horrific time will always be here,” she said, then tapped her heart, “but not here.”

Kordell brought her closer. “Good.” He stared into her beautiful green eyes. “I need to tell you something.”