Page 72 of Coordinates of Death

His eyes widened as he read the texts. “Wow, so I guess this answers the copycat question.”

“Sure does. I wonder how SBK learned of Dirk’s name?”

He leaned closer. “Could someone at the station be leaking information?”

“Good question.”

“Mic told me she—”

Aurora placed her index finger on her lips before taking another sip of espresso. “Not here.” She put the paper and necklace back into her bag. “I struggled all night about whether to hand these in. They contain personal information. I’d rather everyone here at the station didn’t know about my mother.”

“But don’t you have to release it? There could be prints.”

“You’re right.”

“What if you gave it to Hill and asked him to keep the contents private?” He drank his coffee.

“Great idea. Will you come with me?” She could use Kordell’s encouraging presence.

“Of course. Now?” He set his cup on the table.

“Yes, before the others get here.” Aurora gathered her belongings and hurried from the lunchroom with Kordell on her heels.

She knocked on Hill’s door, knowing he’d be at the station early.

“Enter.”

Aurora hesitated. Could she do this?

Kordell opened the door and nudged her forward. “You’ve got this,” he whispered.

Thank You, Lord, for this man’s encouraging spirit.

They entered, and Aurora closed the door. She didn’t want any other ears to hear the conversation. “Morning, sir.” She strode over to his desk before she had the chance to lose her nerve. “I have some potential evidence that I need to bring to your attention.”

“Oh?”

“I have a huge favor to ask, though. Can we somehow keep this on the down-low?”

Hill tilted his head. “I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything. What do you have?”

Aurora removed the items, giving her staff sergeant the abridged version of her mother’s condition and death. “Sir, I’ve also contacted the St. Birwich police station. I need to find out if someone dug up my mother’s grave.”

Hill hissed out a breath, slouching back in his chair. “This is unbelievable. The nerve of SBK to desecrate a loved one’s grave. Let me know if you need me to intervene with your constable friend in Ontario.”

“Thank you, sir. One more thing.” She brought out her cell phone. “SBK texted me last night, and I couldn’t resist messaging back. It is SBK, not a copycat.” She placed the phone on his desk, the text conversation showing.

He leaned in and read, whistling. “This person is getting too cocky.”

“And that will be his downfall,” Kordell added.

“Sure will be.” Hill pushed himself upright. “I’ll take your phone to Digital and ask them to keep quiet.” He tapped the bag containing the paper and necklace. “I will personally check these for prints. If there aren’t any there, I’ll return them to you pronto. No other eyes will see them.”

Relief relaxed Aurora’s shoulders. “Thank you, sir. You don’t know how much that means to me.”

“Your past is your business. No one else’s.”

“Appreciate that. Just a time in my life I’d prefer not to revisit. However, it looks like SBK wants me to.”