Page 22 of Coordinates of Death

The older man’s use of Aurora’s given name and his tone spoke volumes. The staff sergeant cared for Corporal Aurora Hunt, and it was more than someone looking out for his staff. It was personal.

“We will.” Aurora’s gaze traveled to the window, her shoulders slumping. “The storm is worsening. Not good. We need to get going. We’re running out of time.”

“Keep in constant touch. We’re not sure why SBK picked that particular spot.”

“Will do, sir. Talk later.” Aurora signed off and looked out the window. “It’s getting worse. I hate snow. Can we search in this, Kord?”

“I’ve been in worse, but—”

“Howdy, folks.” A slender late-twentysomething male approached, carrying a clipboard. “We’ve closed all the slopes, so if you’re looking to ski, you’re too late.”

Aurora stuffed her phone into her parka pocket. “No, we’re not here to ski. We just arrived from Canada.”

“I have your rooms ready.” He leaned closer. “You must be Corporal Aurora Hunt?”

“Yes. You are?”

“Howie. Caretaker, barista, short-order cook, housekeeper of this place. You name it, I do it. Been here since I graduated from high school. Even through all our recent renovations. We’ve expanded with rooms here in the main lodge and chalets on the grounds. And I’m rambling. I have a habit of doing that.” He inhaled. “Your leader told me you were coming. I also reserved snowmobiles for you.”

“Thank you, Howie.” Aurora motioned toward Kordell. “This is Kordell Greene.”

Howie’s jaw dropped, and he cupped Kordell’s hands in his, shaking it wildly. “Oh, you must be Maxwell Greene’s son. Just got off the phone with him. He’s got quite the take-charge attitude.”

Kordell chuckled and retreated from the young man’s hold. “Yes, that would be him.”

“He had me relocate everyone from the main lodge and upgrade them to the chalets.”

“Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Pfft. They didn’t care, since your father is paying for it. Said you needed the privacy for a secret mission.” He gestured toward the window. “I’m not sure you want to venture out in this, though.”

“I’m a mountain survivalist, so I can handle myself.”

“You have to meet our resident mountain man, Bertie Hamilton. Lives on Gunrunner Ridge.”

“That must be who my leader was referring to. Can he help us?” Aurora asked.

“Possibly. Is that where you’re headed?”

“That region, yes.”

“What’s this all about?”

A group of skiers entered the lodge, laughing as they stomped their boots. They headed toward the café.

Aurora moved closer. “We’re not at liberty to say, Howie. Sorry.”

“No prob.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out key cards, passing them each one. “Here are your room keys. One is on this level. The other upstairs. Excuse me, I have to tend to these folks.”

“Understood.” Aurora pocketed the card. “Let’s get the rest of our gear. We—”

The front window of the lodge exploded, shattering glass everywhere.

The skiers screamed and scattered away from the shards of glass. Kordell yanked Aurora to the ground. He waited for another attack, but none came.

“Kord, let go.” Aurora’s command came out breathless. “I need to check it out.”

He released his hold, and together they rose slowly, surveying the damage.