Page 67 of Coordinates of Death

He had returned from football practice early as he wasn’t feeling well. Sebastian and Sheldon were working at the corner store, probably stealing from the owner like they had bragged about to Kordell. Cain and Melissa Roche were still at work. Kordell heard cries coming from the basement. He seized a baseball bat and inched down the stairs, searching the rooms. But no one was there. It was then he heard more cries and a faint “Help me” coming from behind a large bookshelf. He shoved the heavy piece of furniture out of the way slightly and found a hidden room.

He had opened the door and came face-to-face with a girl approximately fifteen years old. After the shock registered that the Roches had abducted her, he was about to cut her restraints when she screamed, but it was too late. A pinprick stung him like a bee, and he passed out.

When he woke twelve hours later, he was lying in his bed with Cain standing over him. Kordell asked him what had happened, and the man explained how he had helped take the teen to a local warehouse for what he called processing. He warned Kordell not to tell anyone about their business or his little girlfriend, Aurora, would pay the price.

Kordell had been devastated at Cain’s claim and refused to believe he’d taken part in an illegal business. Even at a young age of six, his biological parents had instilled in him the importance of honesty and leading a godly life. Cain had to have been lying through his wicked teeth.

But for the life of him, Kordell couldn’t remember what had happened after the pinprick. What drug had Cain given him? That twelve-hour blank still tortured him, but after all those years, he tried hard to forget the missing memory.

Which felt like an oxymoron to Kordell.

His cell phone rang, and he hit Answer without looking. “Kord here.”

“Hey, son. Sorry for calling so late, but I just wanted to check to see if you’re okay.”

Maxwell’s gentle voice sent a wave of warmth throughout Kordell’s body. The man always seemed to know when his children needed him.

“No worries. I was awake. I’m okay, Dad, but having a hard time shutting off my brain after such a grueling day.”

“Staff Sergeant Hill told me what happened at the warehouse. Glad you were there to help and that you’re safe. How’s Aurora?”

“Shaken up and feeling responsible.” He grunted. “Doesn’t help that Wheeler berates her at every opportunity. That man needs to be taken down a peg or two.”

“Want me to get Effie on it?”

Kordell sat straighter in the bed. “Effie?”

“Sorry, Mayor Daniel. We had a great chat today after our meeting.”

Interesting. Kordell never heard his father speak about another woman with such a gentle tone. “So you’re on a first-name basis?” The kids had often talked about what a great catch Maxwell Greene would be, but he never seemed to be interested in love, not since his wife’s murder.

“It’s not like that, son. Just business, but it feels like I’ve known her for years.” He sent a softened breath through the airwaves. “Do you want me to talk to her about Wheeler?”

Did he? Yes. His father could move mountains. But should he? No. “Something tells me that would make matters worse. I’ll keep you posted. Everyone settled in there?”

“Yes. This is a lovely place. Reminds me of our cottage. Lots of room. I’m glad you’re staying with us starting tomorrow. It will be good to have the family—well, most of the family—together again.”

Sadness replaced his previous lighthearted tone. Kordell realized he was referring to Mic, who never left her home. “Perhaps one day she’ll come with us on a mission, Dad.”

“I’m praying that will happen. Speaking of Mic, I irritated her earlier. Pushed too hard to get her out of the house.”

“It’s hard for her, Dad. Having your entire family wiped out in front of your eyes must have been horrifying.”

“I know, but that was years ago. I just wish God would heal her.”

Kordell held in the sigh he wanted to expel. “Don’t you always say God has a perfect plan?”

“Yes, I do, and you’re right. I’ll keep praying.” He paused. “Okay, I wanted to advise you that Mic let me know she found SBK’s signature in the station’s code and has locked him out. He’d tapped into the cameras. This guy is smart, but not as smart as my Mic. If he tries to get in again, she’ll know.”

“Good.”

“She’s been working with this Dirk guy and hasn’t been impressed. Apparently, he bad-mouths Aurora all the time.”

Kordell’s muscles constricted, his overprotectiveness rearing its antennae. No one criticized his friend and got away with it. Friend? Why did he suddenly wish for more than that?

Get her out of your head. She’d never want a relationship with you if she knew the darkness you’ve kept hidden.

He gritted his teeth to rid himself of all romantic thoughts. “Yeah, I get the impression there’s bad blood between them.” He yawned. “I best try to sleep. See you at the town hall meeting tomorrow night.”