Chapter 124: A Leg Up

Ezra gripped the steering wheel tightly as he navigated through the bustling city streets.

The night had just set, casting a deep blue hue over the skyline. Neon lights flickered, and the hum of nightlife began to rise.

He felt a mix of relief and tension as he thought about the recent transfer of assets to the newly created G and M Transport Services. The move had been risky and all that was left was the fallout. All he could do was wait for the dice to fall.

As he drove past the rows of high-rise buildings and vibrant billboards, his mind wandered to Griffin. All that was left was for Griffin to handle the investigators who had been after him.

He knew that all this did was put him deeper into the count's debt but he wasn't worried about that this time. Every shadow seemed to stretch longer, every glance from pedestrians seemed more suspicious. It was as if the hand of god could fall at any time.

The city felt both familiar and alien tonight. The usual comforting anonymity was tinged with a sense of urgency.

Ezra's vitality surged as he made a sharp turn, glancing in the rearview mirror. The headlights behind him seemed innocuous enough, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

He hoped it was who he was after tonight.

Ezra pulled his hovercar into the valet drop-off at Luxe Horizon, a renowned restaurant known for its blend of luxury and family-friendly atmosphere.

The exterior of the establishment was a striking blend of glass and metal, with neon accents that glowed softly in the night. He handed his keys to the valet, straightened his jacket, and took a deep breath.

The first half of his purpose tonight was in here. He hoped he didn't have to wait long for the second half.

As he entered, the doors slid open silently, revealing an interior that felt like stepping into another world.

The restaurant was an architectural marvel, with high ceilings and walls made of transparent, holographic displays showing serene landscapes. The lighting was soft and ambient, with orbs of light floating gently above each table, adjusting their brightness based on the diners' preferences.

The seating was a mix of plush, circular booths and sleek, modern tables, each equipped with interactive screens embedded into the surfaces for menu selections and entertainment for children. The floors were a polished, reflective material that added to the sense of spaciousness and modernity.

Plants in hydroponic planters added a touch of nature, their green leaves contrasting with the clean lines and metallic finishes.

Ezra's eyes scanned the room, searching for his target. He soon spotted him.

A well-dressed man in his forties, sitting with his family at one of the more private booths. His wife, a woman with a warm smile and stylish attire, was helping their young daughter with a tablet menu, while their teenage son was engrossed in an interactive game projected on the table.

Ezra approached the maître d' and requested a table nearby, ensuring he had a clear view of his target without drawing attention to himself.

As he was led to his seat, he noted the subtle, yet effective security measures in place. Discreet cameras were strategically positioned, and the staff moved with a precision that suggested training in more than just hospitality.

Sitting down, Ezra ordered a drink and settled in, the hum of conversations and the soft clinking of cutlery blending into a symphony of normalcy. With sleight of hand, his drink was now laced with blood wine. He took a sip, smacking his lips and settled down.

The first half of his objective was within reach, and now, he just needed to wait for the right moment to act.

Ezra watched intently as the man interacted with his family. There was a warmth in his demeanor that was at odds with the seriousness of his profession.

He laughed easily at his daughter's animated gestures and nodded patiently as his wife discussed the menu options. It was a scene of simple, genuine joy, one that made Ezra feel a pang of envy which he promptly strangled before it could take root in his mind.

After a while, the man excused himself and got up to use the facilities. Ezra waited a few moments before rising from his seat, tracking the man's path with a casual glance.

He navigated through the tables and walked to the corridor leading to the restrooms. As he turned the corner, he deliberately quickened his pace, and in a carefully calculated move, he bumped into the man.

"Whoa, sorry about that!" Ezra exclaimed, reaching out to steady him as the man stumbled slightly.

"Oh. No problem." The man replied good-naturedly, regaining his balance. "I should watch where I'm going."

Ezra noticed one of the waitresses he could see near the corridor twitch slightly, a subtle yet telling sign that the second half of his purpose for being here was already in the building. He smiled inwardly. Everything was falling into place. Sёarch* The nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Really, my bad," Ezra said, laying a hand on the man's shoulder and subtly deploying a small-scale Aura. His voice took on a soothing, almost hypnotic quality. "You should take it easy. Maybe a vacation could help."

The man blinked, a brief look of confusion crossing his face before he smiled. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I've been thinking about taking some time off."

Ezra watched as the suggestion took root in the man's mind. This man was the lead investigator on the case against Ascendant, and with Griffin taking charge, the man would leave on a vacation. The Silent Hand would also be deprived of their most valuable pawn.

"Glad to hear it," Ezra said, releasing his grip and stepping back. "Have a good evening."

"You too," the man replied, heading towards the restrooms with a thoughtful expression.

Ezra felt a wave of satisfaction as he returned to his table. He glanced at the waitress who had twitched earlier, noting the cautious look in her eyes.

He sat back down, ordered another drink, and allowed himself a moment of relaxation. The first half of his objective was complete, and now, with the lead investigator poised to take a vacation, the second half was well underway. The night's work had gone smoothly, and Ezra felt a sense of accomplishment.

It was time for part two.