Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
He couldn’t keep his thoughts off Dev. He wondered what the biker was doing right at that moment. How was Dev reacting to David’s controlling ways? Did Dev use the same chaotic unreasonableness that he did with Cash?
Would Dev try to kiss David like he had kissed him yesterday? His heart sank, knowing the odds were fifty-fifty.
The Deputy Assistant to the AG came through the closed door. “Hi. I’m Lily. Good to see you face to face.” She came forward with her hand out. He got to his feet, taking in her sedate smile and utter professionalism, just like in every call he’d had with her. She met his grip with an efficient, quick shake. That persona used to be him. “The attorney general will see you now. Follow me.”
Cash nodded, taking a pause to pull his inner self together. He squared his shoulders, standing to his full height, looking down at his slacks. He brushed at the wrinkles before drawing the lapels of his suit coat together to button them.
Why was all this so melodramatic to him?
Because no matter how Joe altered the video, it was still clear what he and Dev had done. He was into Dev. The idea of having the entire department watching his sex tape, then watching him walk through this building to his termination, meant very little compared to the sorrow he felt for being forced to leave Dev.
Cash tuned it all out as he walked through a secure area of the AG’s office. In all the years he’d worked for the organization, he’d never been this far inside the building. Instead of going to the elevators, leading to the top floors where the AG’s offices were, they went to the furthest corner of the space to an office with a closed door.
Collins knocked on a thick hardwood door, built for privacy. They waited until a masculine voice beckoned them inside.
He wasn’t sure if his face flushed, but his body heated as he entered the room where his actions would come to a reckoning. He did his best to stand tall and rack his brain for any excuse to make this all right. Just like every time he tried to find a lie to explain his choices, nothing came to mind. His actions were inexcusable.
“Take a seat,” Collins said quietly, motioning him into the leather-bound chair directly across the desk from the AG. “Give the attorney general a minute longer.”
Cash nodded, forgoing the “yes, ma’am” he’d normally give. He didn’t trust his voice not to waver. He took the seat. The AG had a cordless phone at his ear. While he was listening intently to whomever was on the other end, his unreadable gaze remained riveted on Cash.
He held the stare, keeping his face blank. Not giving Cash any clue as to what thoughts were going through his head.
The AG was a no-nonsense man. He handed the phone to Lily without saying a word. She took it, brought it to her ear, and left the room.
“How are you doing?” the AG asked. His voice sounded genuinely concerned.
Cash had no idea how to answer such a loaded question. He opened his mouth, but no words came then he closed it again.
“I understand. I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Let me begin,” he said and reached for his eyeglasses, putting them on as he sifted through the paperwork in the folder in front of him. “Of course I want to issue a formal apology on behalf of the entire United States Department of Justice. As far as I know, Deputy Assistant Collins was able to quash the video as soon as we were made aware.” The man looked over his glasses at Cash. “I’m told very few eyes have witnessed any part of its contents. We’ve placed a warning over the file and marked it highly classified. As soon as legal confirms, it will be destroyed. By gaining Devin Fox’s cooperation, you’ve accomplished more in Dallas than we ever thought possible. We can’t have your cover jeopardized now.”
Okay. Cash blinked. The AG nodded and looked down at his papers again.
“Thank you. I’m confused. Why am I here?” Cash finally asked.
“Always getting to the bottom line.” The AG chuckled. “Your personal file reflects as much. Agent David Durham had a significant lapse in judgment by allowing that video out. As your lead security detail, he should’ve had your back at every turn. That’s a red flag. Your partnership is now of critical concern to us. You’re putting yourself on the line, moving faster than any of us believed possible. You don’t need to wonder about the loyalty of the agent at your back.”
The uncertainty had to show on Cash’s face as the AG continued his explanation. “We’ve removed David and his team. I believe that consists of two additional agents.” He looked down at his wristwatch. “The phone call I was on confirmed his removal. It’s the reason for your wait.”