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)
If the Disciples were the ones to try to broker peace between the two, the whole situation was in big trouble. Dev’s father was the Dallas club president as well as the president of the entire national organization. There was literally no chance that mean old man would do anything more than add to the unmitigated chaos of the situation.
“What has the club prez been told?” Cash asked.
“Our undercover rep delivered the information this morning,” Lily said. “I was told he spit at the phone screen.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Reports from multiple sources say Fox is becoming increasingly hard to deal with.” That wasn’t news to Cash. Fox had a god complex the size of Earth. He was tougher than nails. A legend to himself, if to no one else. “You’re certain Dev knows nothing about any of this activity?”
The conduit reference meant others were involved. Working with such major international organizations didn’t happen in a vacuum. But Dev had never said a word about the flow of illegal content being anything more than trades made in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
“Yes, he’s in the dark. But he’s officially taking the second position behind his father. The announcement’s coming in the meeting they’re having tomorrow. But I feel as if he’s going in blind. I still don’t have the whole picture,” Cash said.
“It’s coming,” Lily said. “Find the missing money. When you find that, the rest will fall into place.”
Cash nodded again. So damned sick of that answer.
“I’ll send the details on the security firm you’re meeting in the morning,” Lily said, wrapping up the meeting. “I’ll also send you the contact information on Aaron Stuart, the computer specialist with the security firm. He’s a technology genius. Have your team point him in a direction and let him go.”
“I’ll have Joe deal with him directly,” Cash answered. “I want to keep myself in more of an advisory role. Joe’s been underutilized. He’s quick.”
“Perfect,” Collins said. “The AG and Director are leaving the call. Agent Ryan, I’ll keep you a minute more to discuss the current events in Dallas.”
“Sure,” Cash said. Both directors silently disappeared from the screen without saying anything more. Lily’s image was the only one remaining. She stared at him, her eyes narrowing as she took him in.
“How’s your team doing?” she asked. He felt her concern was more directed to him but she didn’t ask outright.
“There’s a lot going on. It seems chaotic at best.” He left out their glaring inability to protect their most important informant. “Shanna’s working in Fort Worth with her mother. She’s probably been the most forward moving part of the assignment. Her mother’s teaching her the accounting of the Disciples owned companies. Last night, Shanna was able to give Joe access to the inner bookkeeping of the club. So far, it’s pretty basic. Information we already have. But she’s doing a good job. Joe’s handling and intercepting everything he has access to plus helping me with Dev’s security.”
Well, until last night, he thought Joe caught everything.
Perhaps this Aaron at their back could help pick up the missing pieces. Who knew for sure? Dev was a crafty guy.
“Hang on for one more day. The weather has shut everything down around you,” she said.
“Yes, ma’am.” He resisted the urge to scrub a hand down his face. He kept his gaze fixed on her. They stared at one another. She had more to say but held her tongue. Maybe if they just explained to him the depth of the case, it might help. Who knew, because it never happened.
“Report in as soon as you can after meeting the new security detail. But if they don’t fit, make contact immediately. Otherwise we’re making plans to move forward. I’m rooting for you, Agent Ryan.”
The cheerleader type encouragement did actually help. “Thank you.”
“Take care.” She smiled at him, and her image disappeared from his screen too.
The call beeped its end seconds later.
Chapter 6
Cash kept the cell phone in his palm, staring down at the screen as it timed out. He reassessed his current mood. He did feel better with the ball rolling on some focused backup.
Now, more than before, he had to remember the sole purpose of this case was to bring in the information on the missing money. Nothing more. Every new truth revealed meant nothing if it didn’t lead to finding the person, whether it be the Disciples member or federal government employee, responsible for stealing the money.
Maybe he was way off base. Whoever stole the money had to be as crafty as Dev. They had to have the ability to cruise under the radar. They couldn’t share what they had done with anyone. He narrowed his gaze as he tried to wrangle the pieces into place. Could Dev be the thief? He clearly had the skills to pull off something like that. Look at last night. But Dev wasn’t a liar either. He was awful at it. He’d never be able to lie well enough to keep that kind of secret.