The corner store was almost empty, the air heavy with the smell of coffee grounds and floor polish. You set a modest basket on the counter—ramen, eggs, peanut butter, instant coffee—each item chosen with quiet precision.

The cashier scanned the last item and gave the total. The card slid through the reader. Declined.

The cashier's expression didn't change, but the silence pressed in. You tried again. Declined.

From somewhere near the back, a voice called out, "That you, Kane?"

It was the older man stocking shelves, speaking like he half-recognized trouble. The name—Kane—hung in the air.

The man it belonged to stepped into view. Navy suit, gray eyes, shoulders broad enough to block out the aisle behind him. His salt-and-pepper hair caught the light, and the faint scent of leather and cedar followed as he closed the distance.

He didn't say anything right away. Just stood there beside you, gaze flicking to the card reader, then to the basket.

"Need anything else?" he asked, voice low, smooth, more like a test than an offer.

You shook your head, card still in hand. You waited, watching—no move to swipe his own card yet.

The cashier's voice broke the stillness. "We can try again, or—"

Elias leaned one arm on the counter. "Or I can make this easier."

Still, he didn't reach for his wallet. He let it hang there, the choice in your hands.

When the third attempt came back declined, Elias finally moved—drawing out a black, matte-finish card with nothing but clean, embossed lettering. He set it down between them.

"Take it. Or walk away without what you need. Your call."

The weight of his stare said he'd already decided how interesting he found whichever choice you made.

Outside, when the transaction was done, he walked with you into the cool night. Near a black sedan idling under the streetlight, Elias handed over the groceries. His fingers brushed yours—not by accident.

From his inside jacket pocket, he slipped a heavy business card into the front of your hoodie. "You ever get tired of cards that don't work... you know how to reach me."