Chapter 65 Meeting Mathias

Traveling through the winding hill roads of Montenegro, Kage and Jaye glide effortlessly in the Ford Shelby GT500, the roar of the engine.

Arriving at the quaint hilltop town, Shelby GT500 snakes through the narrow streets and arrives in the town square. The Shelby GT500's sleek form commanding attention as it gracefully maneuvers through the bustling square.

Among the onlookers, one man, Mathis, stands out, his gaze lingering on the duo with a discerning eye.

In the ambiance of the restaurant terrace, where the affluent gather to indulge in leisurely lunches, Mathis beckons them over with a welcoming gesture.

"Over here," he calls out, his voice cutting through the chatter of the terrace. As Kage and Jaye approach, Mathis introduces himself as René Mathis and added"I know who you two are. Are you thirsty?"

Seated at the table, Kage smoothly accepts two glasses of champagne from the waitress. "Unquenchably," he declares, passing one to Jaye with a playful wink.

With a charming smile, Jaye accepts the glass, her eyes meeting Kage's with unspoken understanding. As Mathias offers to lead them to the bar, they stroll leisurely

Mathis, with a hint of annoyance, remarks, "Now, I used to despise husband and wife covers. Before Hawks sent me out here, he would consistently pair me with a defected Latvian wrestler or the Scottish shot-putting champion."

Jaye smiled and said"Well it has become quite common."

Mathias thoughtfully continues,"Huh. Well, there's something to be said for that; it usually doesn't take long for either side to find out all the players on the field, does it?"

In response to Kage's questioned, "Does he know we've been watching him?"

Mathis shakes his head. "Le Chiffre? I don't think so. Probably because there's no 'we', just 'me'. I'm afraid if you get in trouble here, the cavalry won't be coming over the nearest hill."

Taking a sip of his champagne, Mathis continues, "Le Chiffre arrived yesterday and spent the time re-establishing old relationships. The Chief of Police and he are now quite close."

Kage's expression darkens slightly. "That could make life difficult."

Glancing at his watch, Mathis adds, "And possibly shorter - he's a very subtle man. Over my left shoulder."

Though Mathis doesn't turn, Kage and Jaye subtly glance in the indicated direction, observing a man with a bushy mustache seated with two women who appear much too young for him.

Mathis continues, gesturing towards the man with the bushy mustache, "The man with the shoe-brush on his face. We considered trying to buy his services, but frankly, we couldn't afford to outbid Le Chiffre."

He sighs lightly. "I hate to say it, but it seems the accountants are running everything these days. Not that I have anything against accountants. Many of them are lovely people."

As Kage and Jaye observe the approaching police vehicles, their training kicks in, keeping their composure intact. Despite the escalating tension, they remain composed and alert.

Behind Mathis, the screeching of brakes signals the arrival of the police vehicles, but he remains seemingly unfazed. As dozens of uniformed officers pour out and charge towards the terrace, Kage glances at Mathis, his concern evident. Yet Mathis continues speaking as if oblivious to the imminent threat.

"So, I decided it was cheaper to supply his deputy with evidence," Mathis concludes casually, his tone belaying the gravity of the situation. "It's amazing what you can do with Photoshop these days, isn't it?"

The men swiftly surround the Police Chief, leading him away without a second glance. Mathis finally turns his attention in that direction, making eye contact with the man being escorted.

"His deputy proved to be more amenable," Mathis continues, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction. "And reasonably priced. I think your odds are improving, Mister Kage."

As the former police chief is unceremoniously ushered into a waiting car, Kage and Jaye remain unperturbed. Lady Jaye leans in to whisper to Kage, her voice barely audible above the din. "Things are going smoothly," she reassures him.

Kage simply hums in response.