Page 189 of Devil’s Disciples

Baker sighed. “Good point.”

“The back of the SUV holds thirty-five cubic feet,” Goose said. “That leaves twenty-five. At five a piece, we can carry that on our laps. It’s less than a sack of groceries.”

“Fill the back of the SUV,” Baker said. “Whatever’s left, we’ll wrap in bedsheets and carry out. Every man gets a load.”

In fifteen minutes, we had four hundred pounds of hundred-dollar bills in the SUV, and each of us had a lap full of money.

As Ghost drove the three-hour trip back to San Diego, the men laughed, joked, and talked of how they were going to spend their cut after Baker split it up.

Oddly, I wasn’t as thrilled as the rest of the men. I knew, regardless of what my cut was, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it fully even if I got the house on the beach.

Because I’d be living in it alone.

73

Kimberly

I didn’t recognize the phone number, but I picked up the phone nonetheless. Hoping that it wasn’t Cash calling from one of his friend’s phones, I raised it to my ear.

“This is Kimberly.”

“Kimberly, this is John. I’m going to need you to stop by the office at your best earliest convenience.”

“John? I’m sorry. I have no idea what you’re talking about. John who?”

“John Fillmore with Fillmore and Ruffin, Kimberly. It’s regarding your account.”

I hadn’t left my home in nearly two weeks and had no intention of doing so. At least not yet. I looked like hell, felt worse, and feared I couldn’t drive without having an accident. Whatever news he had regarding the status of my retirement account could wait until I was in a better psychological state.

“I’m kind of sick,” I said. “Can we get together sometime next week?”

“I’m afraid we need to do it sooner than next week.”

“Can we discuss it over the phone?”

“I’m afraid not. I can’t express the importance of this meeting, Kimberly. If there’s a way, we need to get together today.”

The tone of his voice led me to believe something was terribly wrong. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“I’m afraid not.”

“What do you mean? How can it not be?”

“We can discuss matters further when you’re here. When can I expect you?”

“Can you give me two hours?”

“I’ll see you at two,” he said.

I looked at the phone’s screen. He was right. It was noon, and I hadn’t so much as showered or had a bite to eat. I let out a sigh, nodded, and then agreed.

“I’ll see you at two.”

* * *

I sat on the couch and blubbered. As if I didn’t already have enough reasons to cry, I now had another. I wished Cash was with me, so he could hold me and tell me everything would be alright.

But I knew I’d never see him again.