The second move came on a Wednesday and it was not quiet.
Three Road Kings, including Cole -- the young one from the festival alley -- showed up at the Sugar & Salt back lot at seven-thirty in the morning. They didn't come inside. They leaned against their bikes and waited, and when Ellie pulled in with her supply order they were simply there, the way problems are simply there: present, patient, communicating something without saying it.
She got out of the van. She did not let them see that her heart rate had shifted.
"Morning. She addressed all three but looked at Cole. Can I help you?"
"Dutch wanted to say hello. Cole's voice was careful. More careful than it had been in the alley -- someone had taught him something since then."
"Dutch could have called."
"He's old school. Prefers
