"While I'll want to have a drink or five with all of you and say my goodbyes before I leave for my new home, right now you have a lot to discuss. As such, I guess it's time for me to excuse myself from the meeting and let you get on with business."
I started to get up, but Aahz uncoiled from his window and held up a restraining hand.
"Before you go, partner, I think we can spare a few minutes more before we start the meeting. There's something that should be said, and I guess I'm the logical person to say it."
I settled back into my chair.
Aahz stood looking at me for a moment before he spoke.
"Skeeve," he said, finally, "we've all been through a lot together over the last several years. We've fought together, bled together, drank together, and conned the customers together. We've argued'and gotten upset with each other, but when the chips were down, we were always a team. You have a habit of putting yourself down, but you assembled this team. You've given it leadership, and you've given it heart. We'll respect your decision to step down, but before you leave the meeting, give us a chance to say "Thank you' for all you've done for us."
With that, he started clapping. The rest of the team was close behind him, rising to their feet and applauding me, some smiling, some crying, but all looking at me with love and affection in their eyes.
I was both surprised and overwhelmed with a wave of emotion.
"Thank you," I managed. "Thank you all."
Blinking back tears, I got up and left, walking out of my past and into my future.