Chapter 47: In the Crosshairs

As Ezra sipped his coffee, lost in thought, a voice broke through the din of the cafe.

"Lovely day, isn't it?" The voice belonged to an elderly man who was standing beside him, his weathered face creased with age. Ezra turned to regard him, offering a small nod in response.

"Indeed it is," Ezra replied, surprised by the sudden intrusion.

"Mind if I join you?" the old man asked, gesturing to the empty stool beside Ezra. Without waiting for a response, he settled himself onto the seat, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Name's Albert," he said, extending a hand in greeting.

"Ezra," Ezra replied, shaking the old man's hand with a sense of cautious curiosity.

"You know, young man," Albert said, his voice gentle, "no matter how bad it is, things will get better."

"What?" Ezra raised a brow in confusion.