Ezra's eyes were frantic, darting from patron to patron in the loud, crowded coffee shop as he scanned their faces, noting each feature with sharp intensity.

"He's late," he muttered.

With a click of his tongue, Ezra lifted his cup to his lips and sipped his coffee---light, four sugars---as he waited for his companion.

The chatter of the other customers faded into mindless buzzing as Ezra's ears immediately honed in on the sharp, rushed click-clack of heavy boots on tile. When the boots finally came to a halt next to the table, Ezra's eyes never left the table. Instead, his gaze on the inside of his cup just intensified.

"Hey, Ezra, sorry I'm late, you wouldn't believe what a struggle it was getting here."

Ezra rolled his eyes but said nothing to his companion about his tardiness. It wouldn't do any real good, anyway.

"Let's skip the pleasantries, Ellison. You and I both know we aren't here for small talk."

Ellison's lips pursed into a pout and Ezra knew immediately that a whine or a groan would follow. It always did when there was even the smallest mention of working before indulging in what Ezra often referred to as "frivolous chattering." However, whatever sound of protest that bubbled up in Ellison's throat died off the moment that he caught sight of Ezra's glare from across the table.

"Fine," he sighed. "What's our assignment today?"

Ezra pulled out a manila folder from his messenger bag and placed it on the table. Inside was a few different typed up reports and a photograph featuring a man-who appeared to be somewhere between his late 20s to early 30s in the photo-and a blonde woman who seemed to be around his age entering what appeared to be some sort of building. Ezra tapped the photo with his index finger.

"David and Evelyn Mitchell. Went out on a date to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Problem is, they never came home."

Ellison, who had ordered himself a cheeseburger with a side of fries, raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"So, a couple goes out to celebrate their relationship and stays out all night? Sounds normal to me," he says around a mouthful of fries.

"How is that our problem, exactly?"

"Reports from their relatives say that they were both excitedly talking about some special 'couples only' theater performance." Ezra stated before sipping his coffee again.

"But?"

"Footage from the local traffic cameras say otherwise."

The corners of Ellison's lips curled up in unmistakable glee at the implication.

"Oh this is going to be absolutely delightful."