Page 77 of Coordinates of Death

Candace’s eyes bulged as her muffled scream created an eeriness that blanketed the room.

SBK threw his head back and snorted.

A blur of pixelation crawled across the screen, warped, then dissolved into total blackness.

Multiple screams and Mr. Park’s sobs filled the auditorium.

Aurora’s heart pounded at how easily SBK had seized their town hall meeting that had been meant to reassure the community.

Not cause terror.

I placed my hand over my mouth, hiding my smile. Perfect ending to the stupid town hall meeting. Did she really think she’d be able to calm the community? Nice try, Aurora. And Kordell? You will pay for threatening SBK. I will use what I discovered about your past to end any type of relationship you have with the pretty corporal. When I’m done with you, you and your insufferable Canadian Watchers Squad will be disbanded—even if you did save the prime minister’s daughter.

Tonight, I will make my boxes in my favorite spot. The attic is where I do my best thinking. My best creating. My best planning. Wait until these idiots see what’s next in the game.

They won’t know what hit them.

Right now I must race to Aurora’s condo and leave her another gift.

This one will make her go off the deep end.

Exactly where I want her.

Chapter Fourteen

“What do you mean you couldn’t stop it, Mic? You’re the best of the best.” Kordell observed the steady line of residents exiting the building like ants fleeing from their disturbed colony. Their panic-stricken expressions revealed their state of mind, and he didn’t blame them. SBK had done a number on the crowd by taunting Aurora and cutting Candace’s cheek in front of everyone. Kordell could tell from where he did it, the blood loss would be minimal, but who knew what other torture the killer would perform on the innocent woman. Mr. Park’s sobbing still sounded from the side of the room. Aurora was currently consoling the man.

“This guy knows what he’s doing. He got in, taunted us with his sick display, and then got out.” A hissed breath sailed through the phone. “I’m struggling to keep up with this person’s skills. I may have met my match. Sorry, Kord.”

“Mic, it’s not your fault. I didn’t mean to sound like I was blaming you.” He swallowed the emotion threatening to explode. “I’m frustrated at how easily SBK can infiltrate the systems and also somehow get personal information on us.”

“I’m searching the dark web and have key words set up like your names and Shadow Box Killer, so I’ll be notified.”

“Smart thinking. Let us know if anything pops.”

“Of course. Kord, stay safe. This SBK creeps me out.”

Kordell noted Aurora approaching the town philanthropist, speaking with the mayor and his dad. “Me too, sis. Gotta run. Love you.”

“Love you more.” She disconnected the call.

At least Mic seemed to have forgiven him for letting his guard slip with Erin. Too bad Hayley wouldn’t. She’d barely given him a side glance since she’d arrived in the Yukon. Erin’s betrayal happened over a year ago. Would Hayley ever forgive him?

Kordell set aside thoughts of his sisters and stormed down the stage steps, heading toward the group. He gave a slight nod to the paramedics Olivia and the grumpy Barry on his way by. He spoke to Dirk and Nadine, but neither replied. They obviously didn’t want CWS helping their team. Well, so be it. He was here, whether or not they liked it. It wasn’t about them but about saving the community.

“Hey, Kordell.” Aurora extended her arm out to him, signaling him to come. “You remember Dale Driscoll, right?”

The man dipped his head in greeting. “Good to see you again. I’ve heard a lot about your team from our mayor in the past twenty-four hours. Truth be told, I already knew about you. And now I’m rambling. Sorry, it’s a bad habit of mine.”

Kordell smiled. “I’ve used some of the equipment you donated at the station. I know Aurora appreciates your kindness.”

“Happy to help. How long is your team in town?”

“Until the Shadow Box Killer is caught. And he will be.”

“I have no doubt.” He nodded toward the mayor. “Effie is impressed so far.”

“I sure am. We should get going to our late supper.” She nabbed her coat from a chair. “Dale, you okay if Maxwell comes too? I know the two of you will hit it off well, being like-minded and all.”