At this, Dillon lifted a curious brow, his eyes as narrowed as Gavins.

Ah yes, my friend, Gavin continued. A slow Ive got you now motherfucker smirk slid across his mouth. I know about your big ticket. Youre churning out your transaction-based accounts in order to make more money on the buy and sell side with your clients. Your return on assets is higher than some of the most powerful drug lords in Columbia. No wonder you dont need my cash flow any longer. I wonder where youre harboring all that money. You dont live like youre on top of the world, so Im sure its buried somewhere. When one partakes in illegal doings, its safe to assume they need to appear frugal in their spending.

Fuck you, Dillon hissed. I only make money for my clients.

Right, Gavin drawled. Will that be your defense when the Security Exchange Commission starts ripping into your files? The investigations a phone call away. Gavin slid into the booth right next to Dillon. If it was possible, Dillon leaned farther against the wainscoting. Gavin chuckled at Dillons attempt to all but camouflage himself alongside a signed photo of Magic Johnson. Emily, Gavin said calmly, staring into Dillons eyes. Go ask the hostess for a piece of paper and pen for me, sweets.

Okay, Emily answered, turning to do as he said.

Nostrils flaring and breathing picking up, Dillon cleared his throat. What the fuck are you doing?

Gavin popped a smirk, resting his chin in his palm as he continued to stare at Dillon. Im getting rid of poison. Were about to come to a truce, Dillon. A halfway mark. Youre going to sign, in your finest penmanship, a piece of paper saying youre no longer going to fuck with me or Emily. Im no fool. I know you can petition the courts to try to gain access to the doctors visits and delivery. Im willing to be a nice guy and allow you to the doctors visits because Ill be there and Im more than sure youll be on your best behavior in front of my girlfriend. Thats where I draw the line.

You will not be in the delivery room while she gives birth. You have no right. Thats reserved for her and me, no matter whose child this is. Youre also not dragging me to court because I beat your ass when you deserved nothing less than a slow death. Try to challenge me by not signing, and Im on the phone first thing in the morning with my lawyer, whos a pitbull wholl rip you to shreds in court, and the SEC. Gavin paused, his smirk widening. Looks like you and I might be doing a bid upstate together, Dillon. And orange would most definitely look better on me than you.

Before Dillon had a chance to mutter a word, Emily returned with a blank piece of paper and pen. She handed them to Gavin, and he started writing down everything necessary to cover his ass. Once finished, he slid the paper and pen to Dillon. Gavins dimple deepened with his beaming smile. Your John Hancock makes this relatively easy for us all. No Hancock, and my phone call tomorrow makes it quite difficult. Wouldnt you agree? Gavin could recall two times in his life when he wanted to stop time dead in its tracks. Hold the minute hand down, preventing it from ticking by another second. The most important was the first time he saw Emily. Next was right now, staring at the man he loathed more than words could define. Gavin observed Dillons eyes drooping in this battles defeat. His shoulders slumped, and his face held not a hint of victory. After what appeared to be a moments hesitation, Gavin watched Dillon sign the paper. Rising from his seat, Gavin swiped the paper from the table. For the second time tonight, without another threatening reminder spoken, Dillon surged to his feet, exiting the dinner like a flaming bat out of hell.

Eyes like two confused saucers, Emily looked at Gavin. What just happened?

Gavin twined his fingers through hers, leading them through the diner. I just saved us from arsenic with an insurance policy.

Gripping Gavins hand tighter, she shook her head. I dont understand. What was all of that Security Exchange stuff? How did you know he did something wrong?

I didnt. It was a guess, Gavin said, reaching for the door.

A guess, Emily repeated, the exasperation in her voice heavy.

As they stepped into the cold air, Gavin pulled her into his arms. Well, it wasnt a complete guess.

She tilted her head. Can I get some elaboration, please?

Gavin chuckled. Ah. Let me think. He dipped his head, resting his lips on her hair as he spoke. Over the summer, Trevor came to my house and we indulged in a wicked game of Texas holdem. I have to add, I took him down. Gavin heard Emily sigh, and he smiled. He got pretty fucking trashed and started talking about some illegal dealings with annuities Dillon said he was thinking about getting involved with. I was pretty tanked, so I didnt think too much about it. I did start watching the funds Blake Industries had tied up with him more closely though. I never found anything wrong with our accounts, so I allowed him to keep making me money.

What did I just do in there? One: I rolled the dice that even though Trevor had a good bit of Jagermeister running through his system, he wasnt making the shit up. Two: I banked on your ex following up with his plan. I think we got lucky.

I think we did too, Emily said, looking at him. Why didnt you bring that up earlier?