Chapter 12: Turning SouthTHEY SETTLED ONTO barstools at a waterfront bar tucked just back from the docks. It was the middle of the week and the middle of the day, leaving the seating area empty, save for a group of teenage girls that were seated near a window in the corner. They incessantly giggled, and Cole couldn’t help but turn and watch for a few seconds. On their table, they shared two plates of some kind of fried appetizer and seemed more concerned with whatever gossip kept them smiling and their focus wholly consumed with each others’ presence.
“So what brings you to Texas, Cole?” asked Wheeler. His tone implied that Wheeler had correctly assumed that Cole was up to no good.
Cole turned back to the bar and replied, “Just doing some sight-seeing.”
The bartender came over and stood
