The small café smelled of freshly brewed coffee, buttery pastries, and just a hint of caramelized sugar, but Creed barely noticed.
His focus was locked onto his phone screen, his lips twitching with a mixture of anticipation and impatience as he scanned the café for his contact.
A deal like this was very important for him, and he didn't have time to waste, especially not with a five-year death countdown looming over his head.
Then, through the low hum of conversations and the clinking of cups, a voice came through his phone.
"I see you, sir! I'm the one wearing the blue jacket and pink tie."
Creed's eyes flickered up. Sure enough, there he was.
A chubby but surprisingly tall man sat at a corner booth, one hand casually waving while the other held a phone to his ear.
He had round cheeks, a friendly expression, and a tie that was so obnoxiously pink it could be seen from space.
