Nathan handed me the dossier, his expression grave. "The more detailed the evidence, the better."
I scanned the list. Dealing with a man as controlling and vindictive as Alex Delgado required more than courage—it required strategy. Without tactics, he'd never let me go. He'd just tighten the leash.
Better to arm myself with undeniable proof and let the court swing the hammer. Litigation was the only language he understood.
I recounted what happened at the shop—how he'd stormed in, the scene he'd caused, the vile things he'd said.
"His personal admission of a third party is gold," Nathan said, leaning back. "He handed us the knife to cut him loose. In court, he won't have a leg to stand on."
The knot of anxiety in my chest began to loosen. The path forward was clear.
I gathered the list, grabbed my coat and bag, and offered him a genuine smile. "It's getting late. Let me buy you dinner—it's the least I can do."
Seeing the shadow lift from my face, he didn't stand on ceremony. "Deal. It's rare for you to treat, so I intend to eat my fill."
We were laughing, the atmosphere light, when the office door crashed against the wall.