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)
“Follow your heart, Cashin,” she said quickly. “It won’t steer you wrong. I love you.”
“Me too. Bye, Mom,” he said and ended the call.
When he saw the connection had dropped, he lifted his gaze to Joe who busted all the way in excitedly. “The Dallas DA put in her resignation last night. It’s all over the morning news,” Joe explained, walking backward down the hall as Cash came forward. Shanna stood in the living room, also grinning broadly with one monitor turned, pointing toward the center of the room. A local anchor was efficiently broadcasting the news.
“She’s under federal investigation for a host of crimes,” Shanna said proudly. She lifted a hand for a quick high five as Cash came to stand beside her, staring at the monitor.
“I’d say that’s probably something we should have known before it hit the morning news, but it seems a redundant argument at this point,” Joe muttered, standing next to Cash.
He went to the keyboard, using the controls to up the volume. “Did they state her reason for leaving?” he asked as the reporter pivoted to another story.
“She wrote a statement. Nothing incriminating. No references to the club or the murders, only emphasized that Dallas wasn’t ready for her brand of justice and she’s looking onward. Whatever that means,” Shanna explained.
The front door opened forcefully, banging off the door stop as Dev barreled through. His hair stood on end, his face still carrying the remnants of sleep. His jeans hung low on his hips. “When did you fuckin’ leave?” he asked accusingly, glaring directly at Cash.
Decorum and privacy weren’t anything that held meaning to Dev. Instead of answering, Cash nodded toward the monitor. “The Dallas DA quit last night. It’s all over the news this morning.”
“No shit?” Dev asked, coming to stand in the small circle in front of the monitor. “Good fuckin’ riddance. She’s a cunt. What excuse did she give?”
“Dev,” Shanna said with a roll of her eyes. “It’s such an offensive word.”
“Which makes it perfect for her. She’s one offensive bitch,” he barked out, rubbing the sleep from one eye. “What’d she say?”
“That she was looking onward. Implied to bigger and better,” Joe mocked.
“Can I add to the list of conditions I have for workin’ with you, that that bitch never gets another job, ever again?” Cash eyed Dev who dropped both fists to his hips, seemingly serious.
Shanna answered for him when she slapped Dev’s arm. “You’re a dumb shit,” she said laughing. Thankfully, Dev’s grin grew to the size of Texas.
Just like yesterday and last night, he found no real signs of grieving in either sibling. They both had the same tired lines around their eyes and mouth, but other than that, there were no outward signs of sadness for the loss of a parent.
“A guy can hope,” Dev muttered, his charming smile eased away any lingering tension. He came to stand about a foot or so away from Cash. His palm covered his mouth as he spoke. “Did it freak you out that the girls were in bed with me? They were scared. Abi had a bad dream about my old man. They both wanted in bed with me, so I tucked ’em in next to me. I didn’t even think how you might feel about it.”
=♥=
“Why’re you covering your mouth, dip shit?” Shanna asked Dev.
Shanna’s remark drew Cash’s attention to her, causing Dev to have to use his other hand to grip his guy’s jaw, drawing his focus back to where it belonged. On him.
“Better question, why can’t y’all ever do this in private? Not every conversation you have needs to be done with an audience.” Joe crossed his arms over his chest, speaking with none of his regular anxiety.
Dev dropped his brows into a hard V. Why was everyone coming at him first thing in the morning?
With all the stares still focused on him, he first addressed Shanna’s question. “I didn’t brush my teeth if it’s any of your business, which you should mind yours and get out of mine. I barely got my fuckin’ jeans on before I came through the door, so be glad for that.” Then his direct stare landed on Joe. “What’s it matter? You record everything I do. You don’t wanna hear it, skedaddle. Nobody’s asking you to stay.”
With a quick shake of the head, Joe gave an exaggerated look of confusion. “This is my apartment. Where do I go?”
Cash had amusement in his eyes and tone. “He has a point. And no, I wasn’t freaked out. You’re a good father. I was hungry and ready to start my day. I’ve gotten quite a bit done while you slept the morning away.” All the while, Dev continued to hold his hand over his mouth until Cash took Dev’s forearm and moved it away. “Your breath’s always good in the morning. You’re fine.”