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her.
    “And, as usual, I was right. You have been a good husband to her. For the most part I’ve been proud to have you as my
son-in-law. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to help you get started in your own
business. You’ve done a fine job with The Page and you should be proud.”
    Why do I get the feeling this is all leading up
to my execution? Michael wondered.
    “Of course, we both know The Sports Page would
never have existed if I hadn’t backed you financially from the beginning and
opened all the right doors for you. Granted, you’ve exceeded my highest
expectations and that’s to your credit, Michael. That’s what makes this whole
unfortunate situation doubly hard for me. Because it won’t involve just you and
Amelia. The company is at stake as well.”
    “Now just a minute!”
    “Hear me out.” Elliot raised his hands to halt
Michael’s outburst. “There’s no sense whatsoever in trying to fight me on this.
You’ve been very foolish, Michael. And I must say, you’ve surprised me. Oh, not
that I’m surprised at your infidelities so much. Only disappointed to think you
really thought you could get away with it. Son, surely you know me well enough
by now—you can run but you can’t hide from Elliot Thomas. Don’t ever forget
that.”
    Elliot’s steely gray eyes pierced through
Michael. He felt like a caged animal. The implication of losing his company
made his blood run cold. Although he had carefully protected his business
through the proper legal channels, it suddenly occurred to him that Elliot
Thomas wouldn’t necessarily attack through those same channels. Just as Elliot
had used certain connections to pave the way for the company, he would no doubt
use similar connections to yank it out from under Michael.
    His mind raced, searching for answers. He
exhaled slowly, attempting to calm himself. “Elliot, you’re absolutely right.
There’s no reason we can’t discuss this like two civilized men. Marriages fall
apart everyday. That’s just part of life.”
    Elliot slammed his fist on the table. “Not when
it’s my daughter’s marriage!”
    Michael jumped to his feet, holding up his hands
in defense. “I would simply ask that you give me a chance to explain my side of
the matter.” He began pacing. “No reason we can’t handle this as gentlemen. You
said so yourself.” The cold, stony stare of Elliot Thomas dared him.
    Think, Michael, think!
    He walked back and forth behind his chair, his
footsteps hushed on the deep carpet beneath him. He was thoughtful and pensive,
much more in control. Or so he hoped it would appear. He strolled casually over
to the open bar and poured himself a drink.
    “Elliot, you must surely know that this marriage
has been in trouble a long time now. It’s obvious that Amelia is anything but
happy. Her moods change constantly. I never know what I’ll find at home—a
raving lunatic or a sleeping beauty that can’t get out of bed. I mean, she’s on
so many antidepressants I hardly know her anymore! She blames everything on me
because she can’t get pregnant, but she refuses to see any more doctors. All we
ever do is fight, and I’ve just had enough of it. I’m through.”
    Elliot remained silent. Michael continued,
heading back to his seat. “I have no intention of making this any harder on
Amelia than it has to be. I plan to make a clean break. Make this as amicable
as possible. There’s no sense in dragging all this through the mud. It would
only hurt her.”
    “Perhaps you should have considered Amelia’s
feelings before all your sordid affairs, Michael. I find it a little
difficult to buy into this compassionate husband act of yours.”
    “You make it sound like I’ve bedded half the
women in Houston ! I admit I’ve seen a couple of women over
the last few months. But it’s like I told you—things haven’t been good between
Amelia and me for a long time. In fact, it’s been miserable.”
    Elliot stood up and walked confidently toward
the