I assessed my boss. He was a calm and centered man. He stood on the side of justice, and if cases involved children, he bent the rules to make sure they were taken care of. “I want to officially welcome you to the management team. We have been reviewing all your case files for the last year. Your record is impeccable, and you have made solid decisions in challenging circumstances. I especially like the work you’re doing with prison reform. I see that you were able to get your last client home to his daughter early. How is she settling in now that her father’s back?”
“Pretty good, so far. Colt is adjusting back to life on the farm and running the business. Cheryl still comes and goes so she can help him with Bella. He is doing well overall.”
He nodded. “Great. We want you to step into the role next month. So you have about three weeks to hand over.”
“Can I ask why the position wasn’t advertised? Aren’t some people going to be mad about that?” I asked.
“No. I make the decisions at this branch, and you are heads above the rest of the team. That’s not taking away from them at all. Just how it is. Please don’t tell them I said that.”
I found that to be a little harsh, but I kept my thoughts to myself.
“Will you accept?” he asked.
“Yes. I would love to oversee the team. I know them well, and everyone is solid.”
“Good. I’m going to lower your caseload and give you more managerial responsibility. I will have Sonya work with you to oversee and train you. You will find an extra ten thousand a year in your salary, along with bonuses.”
“Wow. Thanks for believing in me.”
“Always have. Now go out and save more lives. Thanks, Amber. HR will send the contracts through to you via email.”
I was stunned. All areas of my life were elevating at a rapid rate. “Thank you!” I beamed at my boss and left the room.
All I thought about was the first person I wanted to share the news with—Colt. I ran out of the department to sit on the back step and called Colt’s phone.
“Hey!”
His husky laughter made me swoon. “Hey, pretty lady. Are we still on for tonight at my place?”
“Yes, we are. I wanted to share something with you.”
“Please.” He waited patiently.
“I just got a promotion! I can’t believe it.”
“Baby, I’m so happy for you. We can have a celebration tonight. Glad you told me now. And the great thing is your brother will be riding in.”
My mood dropped as soon as he said something about Hector. “Do you think they will find him? I’m not sure about things, Colt.”
“Let me paint this scenario for you. If they show up, I will call a whole gang of not only Russians but Outlaws, and they will be executed at first sight. A Las Balas crew member wouldn’t dare show up on an Outlaw Souls property unless they want bloodshed.”
“I trust you, Colt.”
“Do you? Because you seem shaky. I made a promise, and when I make one, I keep it,” Colt responded with conviction.
“I believe you. I can’t wait to see you and Bella tonight. I just have to keep things a little quiet here. I never really thought about us and how it would impact…you know, if anyone found out.”
“Baby. None of that shit is going to matter when you and I get married.”
I held the phone away from my face in shock. “Colt! We barely know one another. You are one crazy cowboy,” I proclaimed.
“No. I’m not. When you’re in jail with your life in your hands every single fucking day, you have time to contemplate what’s real in life. I know what I want. I lost Anna. I’m sure as hell not going to lose you, too. I didn’t say right now. I just feel what I feel, so I’m saying it,” Colt said vehemently. His strong-willed voice and resilience turned me on. A leak was springing between my legs. I breathed out slowly.
“Colt, you are…”
“I’m what? Talk to me, Amber. I need this.”
A presence floated around the back of me, and I angled to the left to see who it was. None other than Lucy with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. I shut down the phone like lightning, hanging up on Colt. I wondered how much she heard. I held my stomach in.
