“Everybody’s seen the video,” David bit out with disgust. “We all know every sordid detail.” David’s hand shot forward as he pointed a finger in Cash’s face. “So, I repeat… what the fuck are you doing, Ryan? You’re jeopardizing my life, and the life of every agent in this building. We all deserve better.”
He took a settling breath, absorbing David’s anger. He disagreed that the reveal of the video put anyone in any more danger than they were already in. What he had to keep in mind was his position in this case. He was the lead. He owed no one in this building an explanation.
His spine steeled as his hands went to his hips. His thoughts turned professional, if not superior, moving past the condemnation David was determined to dish out.
First things first. “Who’s seen the video?”
“I didn’t squash it if that’s what you’re asking,” David said self-righteously. “Everything you’ve been doing, I let pass because I didn’t technically know what was going on behind closed doors. But his phone has incriminating pictures of you. That video of you two is straight porn. I made the decision to turn it in. Either you didn’t know it was there, which shows me doubt in your investigating abilities or you determined the video was fine, which means you’ve put yourself in a position to be blackmailed. My safety is at risk with you.”
“That’s ridiculous and dramatic.” Cash pivoted around, starting for the staircase. He stopped from taking the first step up with his hand gripping the banister. “Blackmailing’s not a credible concern. Maybe revenge porn. Maybe compromising my undercover position with the video getting out. But I don’t believe either will happen. Your safety as well as everyone else’s on this case is still intact. If he were going to risk this team, it would have happened at any point today. We all know the dangers involved with every case we’re assigned to.”
“I’ve worked multiple operations with you. This is so off brand. I think you need to remove yourself. Get someone in here that can do the job we were sent to do. Not you protecting that gang member at every turn.”
Cash had to stop himself from arguing Dev’s value. Instead, he understood his very argument proved David’s point. Maybe David was right, but everything inside him vehemently denied what David said. Yes, the video was a game changer. He certainly may be removed for misconduct, but he’d moved this case along faster than David or anyone in the attorney general’s office thought was possible. He stood by his decisions.
It was a shame that the video would cost so much. He and Dev had had a breakthrough this afternoon. The tension between them had eased away. It would happen again. He was certain they were stronger with Dev on their side.
Then Dev had jumped out of the car to fuck another guy. That stung.
Fuck. Cash scratched the back of his head.
“Collins is waiting for your call,” David said as if Cash hadn’t spoken. “You’ve got a flight to DC in the morning. Everything I’ve said to you, I’ve said to them. You should pack as if you’re not coming back.”
Cash revealed no outward emotion while rejecting everything David implied. Even if it were only for the next twelve hours, Cash was the lead on this assignment. It was all he kept thinking as David sneered at him. The disgust was so evident that, even if Cash found a way to stay, David had lost respect for him. Their working relationship was done.
He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders, starting up the stairs. “I need the transcript from Dev’s phone today. He’s angry and acting out, but I believe we have him.”
The sounds of Dev’s heavy pipes rumbling out back drew their attention that way. Moments later, the back door opened. Dev strolled through as if he didn’t have a single care in the world. Their gazes met and held as he walked forward.
Just the way he moved tied Cash in knots.
The awful day just got harder and harder.
Dev had fucked another man virtually in front of him. Cash might not ever fuck anyone else for the rest of his life.
And this preoccupation Cash had for Dev gave David’s concerns merit.
Thankfully, Dev started talking to him, meaning nothing else mattered and he could shut down those random thoughts.
“My old man questioned me about you. I told him a partial truth. You were that kid from before. I figured that was the best cover to keep him from snoopin’.”
Cash’s eyes were drawn to Dev’s body like a magnet as he turned the corner to go up the stairs, passing him as he went.
“He’s still alive so I’m showing restraint. I need a raise.” The biker never stopped walking up the stairs.
“I’ve been called to DC in the morning. David’s in charge while I’m gone. He’s not as lenient as I am.”
Dev ignored him as he went through his apartment door, sending it slamming shut behind him.
“Don’t shoot him while I’m gone,” Cash instructed David and started for his apartment. “I’ll take his sofa after I check in with Collins.”
His heavy steps went up the stairs, while digging into his pockets for his key. As he started to push the key inside the deadbolt, the door opened on its own.
Joe stood in the foyer, looking far more anxious and worried than normal.
Right. He hadn’t taken the proper time to deal with Joe, one on one, since everything went down last night. He let go of a breath, scooted past Joe into the apartment and shut the door behind him.
Joe had only moved a couple of steps out of the way before he began to whisper ninety miles an hour. “Earlier in the day, I tried to stop the video Dev was watching from being logged, but David said we had to have it for evidence. I thought that was a bad decision and I clouded the view. It’s hard to make out what anyone is seeing.”
