Chapter 12: The Buckle Room
Cord’s Kitchen
Arched Q Ranch
8:42 A.M.
“I’m Francisco Maza,” a man behind me said, startling me.
I was looking for something to eat, since my stomach was grumbling. Of course it wasn’t my kitchen, but I felt Cord wouldn’t mind my hunting around for some food. I’d just peeled a banana from the basket of fruit on the quartz countertop. I’d just bitten into it when Francisco introduced himself, making me jump and turn around. He was nearly six feet tall with olive skin, a coal-black goatee, and moss-green eyes. He was definitely attractive, looking a little like Ryan Gosling.
“You must be Mr. Hull from the Gulf.”
“That be me,” I said, around my mouthful of banana. I stuck out my hand and we shook.
“Mr. Darringer has told me all about you.”
“I hope everyth
