NO RESERVATION

Daniel Williams stepped out of a black sedan and looked up at the elegant Manhattan restaurant in front of him.

The place was famous for its exclusivity.

Crystal chandeliers.

White tablecloths.

Private dining rooms.

A waiting list that could take weeks.

Daniel looked nothing like the people usually standing outside its entrance.

He wore a simple black T-shirt, dark jeans, and clean white sneakers.

No watch.

No designer jacket.

No bodyguards.

He pushed open the door and walked inside.

The restaurant was nearly half empty.

Several beautifully prepared tables sat untouched beneath the warm golden lights.

Before Daniel could take another step, a man in an elegant black suit approached him.

Charles.

The restaurant manager.

Charles looked Daniel up and down.

CHARLES:
"Can I help you?"

Daniel looked around the dining room.

DANIEL:
"Table for one."

Charles gave a short laugh.

CHARLES:
"Not here."

Daniel slowly turned toward him.

Then he looked at the empty tables.

DANIEL:
"You seem to have plenty of space."

Charles's smile disappeared.

CHARLES:
"Those tables are reserved."

Daniel nodded.

DANIEL:
"For whom?"

Charles stepped closer.

CHARLES:
"People who made reservations."

A nearby wealthy couple began watching.

Daniel remained completely calm.

DANIEL:
"And if I don't have one?"

Charles pointed toward the door.

CHARLES:
"Then I suggest you find somewhere more appropriate."

For a moment, the restaurant became quiet.

Daniel simply reached into his pocket.

His phone vibrated.

He looked at the screen.

Then answered.

DANIEL:
"I'm inside."

He listened.

His expression remained calm.

DANIEL:
"Go ahead."

Charles smirked.

CHARLES:
"Calling someone to get you a table?"

Daniel ended the call.

He looked at Charles.

DANIEL:
"Something like that."

Then the private dining room door opened.

An older man stepped out.

The restaurant owner.

His name was Edward Grant.

The moment Edward saw Daniel, he stopped.

The color drained from his face.

Charles didn't notice.

He was still staring confidently at Daniel.

CHARLES:
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Behind him, Edward began walking forward.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Daniel noticed him.

But said nothing.

Charles finally heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

He turned.

CHARLES:
"Mr. Grant."

Edward stopped directly behind him.

Then looked past him at Daniel.

EDWARD:
"Mr. Williams."

Charles froze.

Daniel nodded.

DANIEL:
"Edward."

The restaurant became completely silent.

The wealthy couple exchanged confused looks.

Charles looked between the two men.

CHARLES:
"You know him?"

Edward didn't answer.

Instead, he held out a dark leather folder.

EDWARD:
"These arrived this morning."