Page 24 of Coordinates of Death

Shouts echoed through the trees. The watcher and Aurora were close.

Time to hide and plan my next move.

They won’t see it coming.

Chapter Four

After a futile search of the lodge’s property, Aurora tucked her gun into its holder and approached the crime scene unit flocking around Trooper Sanders’s cruiser. She turned to Kordell. “We need to be careful in how we deal with this situation. We’re in their jurisdiction, but we can’t divulge a lot of information.”

“Understood.” Kordell straightened his coat, hiding his weapon. “I’ll let you take the lead.”

“Good idea.” She squared her shoulders and approached the trooper standing to the right of the cruiser, observing. She stuck out her hand. “Afternoon, I’m Corporal Aurora Hunt. Are you in charge here?”

“Yes.” The slim officer returned the gesture. “Trooper Nathaniel. When we heard of Sanders’s death, my leader brought me up to speed on your investigation.” His gaze passed to Kordell. “You are?”

“Kordell Greene. I’m assisting Corporal Hunt.”

“Are you an officer?” Nathaniel shifted his stance, placing his hands on his hips.

The man’s change of position revealed to Aurora that they were treading on thin ice. She had to intervene. “He’s a survivalist and a paramedic recruited by our station.” She gestured toward Sanders. “I’m sorry for your loss. Were you close?”

Nathaniel harrumphed. “Sanders? He was crotchety and irritated everyone. Don’t get me wrong, he didn’t deserve to be killed. Just hard to work with.”

“Yeah, I know a few of those.” Aurora had to keep on the man’s good side.

“Can you tell me what happened?”

Aurora took the next few minutes to bring the officer up to speed on the events, keeping her report brief and vague. “We followed the suspect into the woods, but they escaped.” She gathered her thoughts before continuing. “Can you keep me apprised if you find any prints on the knife? Although, I doubt there will be.”

“Of course. Any ideas about who did this?”

“Nothing concrete, but it could be the work of the Shadow Box Killer.” She hated to throw that name out, but the killer was known in these parts too.

“I read about that serial killer. One of his victims was from the area.” He motioned toward the cruiser. “In fact, the victim was related to Sanders. Cousin, I believe.”

No wonder the man had his back up. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Aurora withdrew a business card and pen, scratching her leader’s name on the back before handing it to Nathaniel. “Call me if you find prints. That’s my staff sergeant’s name on the back. He’s also available if you need anything.”

He stuffed it in his pocket and handed her his card. “Here’s mine. Are you folks on your way back to Canada now?”

“ ’Fraid not. We need to head into the mountains.”

Nathaniel looked up at the sky. “In this weather? What are you searching for?”

“Evidence that will help in our investigation.” She turned to Kordell. “Speaking of that, we need to move.”

“So SBK is back, then,” Nathaniel said.

“I believe he—or she—is. Keep alert and call if you have any information or sightings, okay?” Aurora checked the stopwatch. The numbers were descending too quickly. Once again, she stuck out her hand. “Nice meeting you.”

“Trooper, we need you over here,” a crime scene investigator yelled.

“You as well. I wish you the best. Please call if you need anything. Be careful in the mountains. They can be deadly.” He nodded toward both of them before returning to his team.

Aurora gestured to the lodge. “Let’s go inside and check the coordinates again to pinpoint the exact location on the map.”

“Yes, and get more information about this Bertie character from Howie.”

Moments later as a crew worked at boarding up the lodge’s front window, Aurora, Kordell, and Howie huddled around Aurora’s tablet, studying the coordinates. She circled her finger over the spot. “Tell me what’s here, Howie.”