<sub>[Let him guess, the reason is the man across the bar, and he constructed the pyramids and invented warming lube, too. When most people try on a line like that, it usually falls flat without a surplus of humor and self-possession to pull it off. Sort of like a sweaty convict trying to squeeze himself into a paisley tie from Nordstrom's right before for his patrol hearing.

But this guy vaults the hurdle like it ain't no thing. Clearly someone's taken advantage of that line before--several times, probably.]</sub>

Plenty of people could claim that reason. You'll have to prove no one can get up to as much licentiousness with a bottle of scotch on a Saturday night than the retired ruler of the underworld, or I'll consider calling bullshit.

<sub>[Care for some, company, in other words?

Having the gauntlet thrown back at him doesn't phase Eliot; he takes it with a raised chin and a look that says challenge accepted. His entire life is a production in not be boring, he'll do everything short of walking through hellfire to prove it. (Actually, he probably would walk through hellfire just for the credit if it didn't ruin his shoes. They're expensive.)]</sub>

I haven't gotten any complaints so far. You're welcome to put me to the test--fair's fair.