99 avant 2.8 quattro

what s going on, my winter project is coming along nicely but now i'm getting to the electrical stuff and i have no license plate lights. Fuse good, bulbs good so besides going over it with my multimeter to determine the source whats the usual suspects? I'm sure this is a common problem you guys have dealt with at some point. I'll even hardwire them if need be. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

Check the trunk wiring where they hinge.

 

thank you