Chapter 14: Nothing to LoseTHEY WERE DRINKING THAT afternoon around the pool. The mood had shifted among the group, and despite their best efforts, little could be said to bring about a lasting smile on any of their worn faces. Matt had insisted that they stop watching the news, as personal accounts were being played continuously and the sight of mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters crying into the camera for their lost loved ones did no good. Each was keenly aware of what had transpired, and nothing would change it. The body count sat at nine, with a few more in hospitals. All of the casualties were civilians, some of them kids.
As the late afternoon breeze blew hard against the palm trees and rustled the fronds with unending waves of wind, Cole climbed out from the armada of empty be
