Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO KNEW HIS REAL NAME
Ethan had spent four days pretending to be an ordinary customer.
The disguise had worked on servers, bartenders, and managers.
But Gavin Pike wasn't looking at Eric Dawson.
He was looking at Ethan Brooks.
And he was smiling.
“Mr. Dawson,” Gavin said.
Ethan remained still.
“Is there a problem?”
Gavin's smile widened.
“Depends on what you're holding.”
Mia moved instinctively toward the envelope.
Ethan stopped her with a glance.
“Restaurant paperwork,” he said.
“Funny. Most customers don't inspect our accounting records.”
Ethan folded the documents.
“Most restaurants don't serve dangerous steaks.”
Gavin's expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Ethan saw it.
“You should be careful making accusations.”
Ethan looked at him.
“Is that advice?”
“Professional courtesy.”
Mia spoke.
“Gavin, I brought him back here because his order was wrong.”
Gavin ignored her.
He stepped closer.
“Hand over the envelope.”
Ethan smiled faintly.
“No.”
For a moment, nobody moved.
Then Gavin reached toward his jacket.
Ethan's phone vibrated.
A message from his private security consultant, Rachel Stone.
Your location is confirmed. Police have been contacted. Do not confront anyone.
Ethan had sent her the restaurant address and a warning when he first saw the note.
Now he looked at Gavin.
“I think we should wait for the authorities.”
Gavin stopped.
His eyes narrowed.
“Authorities?”
“Yes.”
Ethan held up the wrapped plate.
“Someone may have tampered with my food.”
Mia looked at him.
Gavin's jaw tightened.
Then he laughed.
“That's ridiculous.”
“Then you'll have nothing to worry about.”
Gavin stepped backward.
For the first time, he looked uncertain.
Ethan watched him leave.
Then turned toward Mia.
“We need to preserve this properly.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
He looked at the envelope.
“And we need to talk about your father.”
Mia swallowed.
“What do you know about him?”
Ethan hesitated.
Then removed his glasses.
“My name isn't Eric Dawson.”
She stared.
“Then who are you?”
He looked directly at her.
“Ethan Brooks.”
Mia's face went white.
“The owner?”
“Yes.”
She stepped backward.
For a moment, Ethan thought she might faint.
Instead, she whispered:
“My father died working for your family.”
Ethan nodded.
“I know.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Then tell me something.”
May you like
“What?”
“Why did your company spend eleven years telling the world he was a thief?”
