Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 574(@200wpm)___ 459(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 574(@200wpm)___ 459(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
“Thank you,” he replied, not caring about the compliments in the least. “Can I ask how much money was found?”
“Enough to bring the case to a close. Of course, it wasn’t everything, but Fox has been stealing for thirty years,” she explained.
“How close to everything?” he asked. Dev came back into his peripheral vision as a needling in his gut kept poking around. He wasn’t sure why, but he also couldn’t let it go.
“Do you know something more?” Lily asked, curious.
“No. Not at all. Is the plan forward the same as you previously outlined?” he asked, staring at the clubhouse door where Dev had gone to stand. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his fists positioned to pump up his biceps. He stared at Cash.
“Yes. Dev will need to step aside and formally give the leadership to Diesel. You know, Shanna’s on board to take over her mother’s role. There’s more, but unnecessary to explain,” she said.
“Good. I’ve witnessed the respect Dev has from this group of men. The entire community responds well to him. It’ll be an easier transition if we wait a few days then let Dev give his resignation,” Cash said.
Life slowly brightened, getting easier with each passing second.
“It’s my thought too, but I want this finalized before the holidays,” Lily said. Cash had to think about where they were in the month and how long that gave Dev to tie up the loose ends. Only a few days. “Regardless, we’re on the same page. Now about your resignation, am I to move forward?”
He blew out a breath. Christmas, the girls… Dev needed to give Abi and Mae some normalcy… Lily cleared her throat, pulling him back to the conversation. His mind had strayed too many times. Yes, he was done. So done. “I am.”
“I thought so. I’ve done something…” Lily said then paused. She chuckled, which was new. Lily was an utter professional all the time. “You’re not required to follow through… Are you planning to stay in the Dallas area?”
“I am,” he stated proudly.
“There’s a hearing officer position that has come open in Judge Sawyer’s court. He’s the judge who handled Keyes Dixon for us. He’s been supportive of our program for years. I sent him a message suggesting you for the position. I’d like you two to talk,” she explained.
“A hearing officer?” he asked, unsure if he’d ever heard of such a position.
“It fits your background perfectly. A hearing officer works directly for the judge. You’ll conduct pretrial hearings and help facilitate negotiations between opposing parties. This particular position will hear arguments between government agencies. Your undercover status is still intact. A transition like this can help protect your identity. You’ve done phenomenally well with keeping your professionalism while navigating your way through restrictive administration politics—”
Cash barked out a laugh, interrupting her, thinking of exactly how unprofessional he’d been with this case. “I’m sorry. It sounds promising,” he said, grinning broadly. “Thank you for the suggestion and opportunity. Can you forward me the information?”
“I’ll do you one better. Judge Sawyer’s my grandfather. I’ll secure a meeting with you two after the holidays,” she said. “I’ll be in touch. Look for my email. I should go. I need to make contact with Diesel.”
“Thank you,” Cash said again, feeling marginally better about everything.
“Oh no, Cash, I thank you. You’ve done an outstanding job,” she stated. “Goodnight.” The phone call ended. His hand dropped as he stared at the front door. Dev was still there, keeping an eye on him too.
When their gazes connected, Dev didn’t hesitate to step past the guys entering the building to come to him. Cash reached for his suit coat as Dev opened his car door. His calloused hand extended to help him out of the car. “You done?”
“I am.” He’d never found himself in a situation where anyone had ever wanted to help him out of a car. Maybe it was a show for his brothers. Maybe Dev had manners he didn’t know about. Whatever the reason, Cash shifted the jacket and cell phone to his other hand and took Dev’s hand.
Once on his feet, Dev threaded their fingers together. “We good?” Dev came inches from his face.
“Real good.” Cash shut the door behind him and took a step toward the clubhouse. “We’re in the tying up loose ends stage. It’s done.”
“Seriously?” Dev asked, snaking out a hand to stop him. His gaze searched Cash’s in disbelief.
“Guide me inside,” Cash said, grinning. “The sooner we get this done, the closer we are to the end.”
Keyes strutted toward them from his parking space with that natural swagger he had.
“Alec’s almost here. Sly bastard showin’ up at the funeral that way. I bet you’re fuckin’ sneaky like him too.” Keyes nodded toward Cash, a gleam in his eye but never stopped speaking to Dev. “You save ’em a spot at the end of the bar?” Keyes’s hand clamped over Dev’s shoulder, squeezing.