Page 74 of Coordinates of Death

“Can you give me a list of her family and friends?” She placed her pen on a lined notepad sitting beside her and nudged it in front of him. “We’ll want to question them to find out if anyone knows anything.”

He nodded and picked up the pen, jotting down information.

“Do you know of anyone in her circles that would want to harm her? School, book club, church?” Aurora tapped her thumb on the table.

The man jerked back and looked up from writing, eyes wide. “What? No. Everyone loves Candace.”

“Again, just a routine question. We’ll do everything we can to find your wife, Mr. Park. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Mr. Park continued to write.

Aurora glanced in Kordell’s direction, her lips pursed.

Her expression gave away her thoughts.

SBK had kidnapped Candace Park, and unless they were able to solve his clues in time, she probably wouldn’t be able to save his wife.

Kordell balled his fingers into fists. Lord, if You’re listening, please save this woman.

But was it already too late?

After a frustrating day of endless dead ends, Aurora followed Kordell into Sweetwood Falls Community Arena to prepare for the town hall meeting with the residents of her beloved small town. Aurora had thanked Mr. Park for the list of his wife’s friends and colleagues, promising again that she’d do everything in her power to locate Candace. She chose her words wisely because she had learned a long time ago not to promise an outcome she couldn’t guarantee. She hated his forlorn expression and drooped shoulders as he thanked her before leaving the station. Aurora had tasked her fellow constables with interviewing the people on his list, but so far nothing stood out. Hill had given her back the papers and necklace after he’d conducted a thorough examination on both, coming up empty. Not that it surprised her. SBK had never left prints at any crime scene.

“Is your squad all coming, Kord?” Aurora gestured to the left. “We’re meeting in there.”

“Yes, Dad felt it would be good, especially with Dawson, in case there are questions. Mic will watch, as we know your reporter friend set it up to live stream for those who can’t attend.”

The arena door burst open, and Ginny exited.

“Speaking of her.” Aurora waved. “Ginny!”

Her friend approached and hugged Aurora. “So good to hug your neck again. We need to get together soon. I miss our talks.”

“Me too. You remember Kordell.”

Ginny dipped her chin in acknowledgment. “Good to see you again.”

“You too. Are we all set up?”

“Yes, live stream is already in progress. I just met your sister, Mic. Such a lovely person.”

“She is. Did she bring you up to speed on SBK’s hacking skills?” Kordell asked.

“Yes, and she told me she’s watching the network closely.”

“Good.”

Ginny turned back to Aurora. “Staff Sergeant Hill told me you will address the group as the lead investigator. What did Wheeler think of that?”

She had shared with Ginny how Wheeler constantly berated Aurora. “No idea, but I’m sure he wasn’t happy.”

“Anything new on SBK?” She leaned closer. “That you can say on record.”

Ginny realized Aurora couldn’t talk about her cases, even though she had tried several times to get information out of her. “Still no word on his next clue, but somehow I think it’s coming either before or after this meeting. We need to stay alert.” She gestured to the entrance. “Let’s get inside. The meeting is starting in five minutes.”

The group entered the arena. The buzz in the room reminded Aurora of a beehive, with constant buzzing and hovering. Everyone chatted in groups, probably discussing theories about why the town hall had been called. The constables and civilian employees from her station, including Dirk and Nadine, sat in the front row. She had shown Dirk the email trail, and he still had his doubts. What would it take for him to believe Aurora?

“I’m sitting in the press section. Talk later.” Ginny dashed to her seat.