Riley accepted the offered handshake readily, but sadly, the conversation almost immediately afterward got significantly less comfortable. Coughing somewhat nervously, more from the setting than the accusation, because he'd half expected the latter, Riley took a quick glance around. Fortunately, if anyone had heard Xander's last question, they made no outward sign of it. Even the bartender, unless giving him his beer counted as a suspicious gesture. Nodding his thanks to the man, Riley thought of having a sip, but figured that would probably be taken as being evasive, and that was the last thing he wanted to do. In fact, the entire purpose of seeking Xander out was to be honest, so although he lowered his voice a bit, he gave him the truth.
"Yeah, Xander. I'd appreciate if you didn't repeat that too loudly in here, but that was me. I can explain it though. In fact, that's pretty much why I'm here, if you'll give me the chance. I'm hoping an old friend deserves that much. But, uh..."
Turning around now, he gave the place a more thorough examination. Okay, the luck WAS still holding. The place wasn't too crowded tonight, and there was an unoccupied booth off in the corner.
"But it's business best discussed somewhere a little quieter. The corner booth will do. Tell ya what. You agree to hear me out, and I'll throw in a plate of wings or something. Not every day you have the luxury of knowing exactly where your taxes are going."