Page 117 of The Logic of Loyalty

I nod, then shake my head. “I think it’s where a person or a business gets incentives—I think that’s what they’re called—for referring someone to something?”

“Exactly, or basically. So my father made some deals years and years ago with a handful of individuals, some far shadier than others. He’s made millions in kickbacks over the last few decades. He started before I was born.”

I gasp, then hum. “That actually doesn’t surprise me. What are these companies?”

“They’re random and change semi-annually. A consultant here, an investment firm there. I think a car dealership even worked with him.” I trace a shape on top of the clean desk as I consider his words. “I found it all out when Dick put me on the fast track to becoming VP. All I could see was the way out.”

I tilt my head to the side. “So you started to … do what exactly?”

“I got a hold of my buddy from the main branch and talked to him about doing a sting operation.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t tell Krista.” I manage not to flinch at her name and mentally pat myself on the back.

“Well, it was originally not meant to touch her. She was supposed to be clean in this whole situation.”

Surprised, I sit up. “Wait, so she’s not clean?”

He shakes his head. “As far as I know, she got involved when she got involved with Bobby. I’m not sure of the details, though, because it quickly evolved into something far more complicated when my buddy came over undercover.”

I bounce in my seat. “So when this all goes down?”

“She will also be answering to charges of conspiracy and fraud at the very least.”

“And your buddy found out⁠—”

“That whatever has been happening at the bank goes far beyond the banking negligence I anticipated.”

“So, you’re a whistleblower.” Why do I love that so much?

He nods. “I am.”

“That’s kind of hot.” He jerks up his head to look at me, then smirks.

“Yeah?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

Bang Bang Bang “Stop flirting with your wife and get back to work!”

“When does this all go down?” I stand up and round the desk to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Asher will call the night before so I can be there.”

“And we’ll call Joseph to serve our case?”

He stands with me and pulls me into a hug, inhaling my hair. “Yes, and we can be done with them all.” I melt into him when the door flies open.

“Sorry, Suit Boss, I have an issue with a payment.”

“I’m not your boss,” Trevor grumbles, releasing me.

“I’ll see you at home.” I boop his nose, then turn to leave. “Bye, Patrick. Tell your wife thank you for the pie for me. It was amazing.”

“Will do, sugar.” His scraggly face is friendly when I squeeze his arm.

I ignore Trevor’s growl and Patrick’s snicker as I walk out the door.

Chapter Thirty-Eight