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)
“And you make money off the club drug runs, right?” Cash asked. “Is that part of what makes up this total?”
“Nah,” Dev said. His face scrunched as he shook his head as if the question were the dumbest thing he’d ever heard. “All that’s done in cash. I spent that money payin’ the guys to repair this place. It’s all under the table.”
“That explains a lot,” Cash stated, thinking about the shoddy, inconsistent work in the building, even if he knew Dev might rather it stay unstated. “So who’re the CPAs?”
“Still don’t know.” Dev splayed a hand out in an obvious ‘don’t have a clue’ gesture. “I think they work with our attorney.”
“Margie Thomas?”
Dev nodded. “I can try and get the information,” Dev offered, but sounded legitimately doubtful. “I’ve never asked about our taxes before, so it might be sus.”
“Don’t. I can get it easier.” Cash headed for the small dinette table and chairs. He grabbed the charging cord, plugging the tablet in before reaching for the club’s bylaws. “It occurred to me today that the club’s rule book doesn’t reference a specific second in charge. Meaning, there’s no reference to you being in line for the presidency.”
Dev’s brows dropped together. “Then it’s not the complete document.”
“But it reads like it is. It’s actually a very short read with several amendments. There aren’t a lot of rules for you guys aside from the loyalty demanded to the club, but yeah, it reads as complete,” Cash explained, picking up the stapled papers. “Several times this week, I planned to send it back with you. Something made me keep it, then I realized there’s no mention of you or anyone else in line to take over the presidency.”
“So who takes over when my old man kicks it?”
“I believe it’s like everything else,” Cash said. “It’s a club vote. It doesn’t require a unanimous vote, only a majority.”
“I’ve been told my whole life that I had to take over the club when my old man moves on. It was my duty,” Dev said, looking as serious as Cash felt. Tension tightened the cords and muscles of Dev’s neck and shoulders. His biceps expanded with the way his hands fisted underneath them. “It was held over my head and part of every beatin’ I ever had at my old man’s hand. What you’re sayin’ makes no sense.”
“Why do you think you’ve been told something that’s untrue?”
“Don’t know.” Dev lifted a hand, covering his mouth as his eyes focused on his booted feet. “But it ain’t just me. Every fuckin’ brother thinks that way too.” Dev gaze lifted, pinning Cash. “There’s gotta be more to that document.”
Oh hell. Cash looked down at his shoes, trying for a show of passiveness. This should’ve been a bigger red flag when he first read the bylaws. What else had he missed?
Dammit. That was a huge miss.
“What’re you thinkin’?” Dev asked. The sound of Dev’s voice broke the self-loathing cycle before it took off too far.
“I don’t know.” Dev didn’t look like he believed him. “Honestly, I’d say there’s probably more you’ve been told that isn’t true.”
“Like what?” Dev asked.
Another million-dollar question.
“I don’t know.” Dammit. Cash got back to his feet and began to pace the small area, letting his mind turn over possibilities. “Let’s see. Off the top of my head, you’re being tagged for the top seat of the club by a man who has no respect for you and doesn’t appear to ever have. You’re a better person than he is, but he wouldn’t value that. So what’s the reason? Your father’s still youngish. It’s not like he’s dying anytime soon. If it’s a control issue, why? If it’s a legacy call…” Cash shook his head, watching an expression akin to absurdity cross Dev’s face. A bark of laughter followed.
“Yeah. It’s somethin’ else. Give me a few days. I’ll figure out where the rest of that book is. If my old man had an out for me bein’ second, he’d take it. No doubt in my mind.”
Cash wasn’t convinced, but he believed Dev didn’t know the truth and needed time to let it all settle in. “As for the tax discrepancy…” He started toward his old apartment. “I’ll see if Shanna can vet your mom without giving anything away.” At the door, Cash turned back, grinning at Dev who hadn’t moved a muscle. “At least it’s something new. We have a fresh lead.”
“Ask your questions then come back. I’m feelin’ needy now,” Dev said with a shrug. “What’s my place in all this?”
“No hurt feelings yet. Just hang on to those until we know more,” Cash said, refusing to be redirected from the first real lead they had found. He stopped a step or so just beyond the still open apartment door. “How do you believe the club partners with your business? Is it a legal partnership?”