“Elias signed a set of decoy schematics that my legal team drafted two years ago,” Daniel said, his voice dropping an octave. “The real proprietary code for the turbine filtration system is still registered under a subsidiary I control.”

I stepped out of the elevator cab and into the marble lobby of the King building.

The security guards nodded as I walked toward the glass revolving doors.

“Then you admitted to patent fraud,” I said.

A brief silence hung on the line.

“I admitted to protecting the assets of this company from a bitter ex-wife,” Daniel said. “If you go to the press tomorrow, I will file an injunction that will freeze your new firm before you can lease a desk.”

“We will see about that,” I said.

I ended the call and slid the phone into my coat pocket.

The cold autumn wind hit my face as I stepped onto the wet sidewalk of Madison Avenue.

Clara followed close behind, her heels clicking on the damp concrete.

“Is there a problem with the filing?” she asked, pulling her umbrella open.