“Did I lose you this time?” Lily asked with humor in her voice.
“No, I’m sorry. Hang on. Parking.” Cash rolled down the window as Dev pivoted around and came back to his car. “I’m on the phone. Can you give me a minute?”
“Sure.” Dev cocked a brow, looking quizzical as he mouthed something. Who knew what? Cash mouthed Lily’s name hoping that answered Dev’s question.
It didn’t. The look of confusion continued. He wasn’t sure if Dev was going to question him further or leave him to finish. It took a moment for his biker to decide. Then Dev reached a hand around Cash’s jaw, keeping him in place, and bent into the window to kiss him. Another show of possession without caring who might see.
It was a sweet gesture, a claiming moment. “Come in when you can. Millie’s with the girls tonight. Shanna’s on her way back here. Stay until we go home together.”
Cash nodded, knowing Lily heard everything Dev said. Dev left him after another quick kiss. He rolled up the window before continuing. “Let me transfer you to my cell so no one can hear us.” He palmed his phone, working the settings until the call was transferred over and put the phone to his ear. “I’m sorry. Where were we?”
“I said Dev was a large part of the success, but you saw something inside him that no one else did. Then you were able to get him on our side. It was really quite remarkable. You’re the closer. Your reputation’s well-deserved.”
“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.”
