The Illusion

[Merc]

"Hello," Gamby greets as politely as one can while holding tightly to his belongings after walking up to the man. "I'm Frederick Gamby."

[Ebiris]

"Ah, finally," the young man remarks, expasparation fairly clear even in his artifically crisp and unaccented English. "Was beginning to think you'd never make it. I am inspector Ahmed Berkel of Interpol," he briefly flashes a badge, albeit too quick for you to make anything out but the barest glimpse.

[Merc]

"I apologize for the delay Inspector, but you know how flights can be," Gamby replies with a nod. "Was Inspector Bertrand busy?"

[Ebiris]

Ahmed snorts. "Yes, very busy," he says, sarcasm pretty clear in his tone. "I'll take you to him," he adds, turning and starting towards what you imagine is the exit, making no move to assist you with your luggage. "Follow me."

[Merc]

Gamby does so, with a raised eyebrow, wondering what this man's problem seems to be.

[Ebiris]

Ahmed isn't particularly talkative, eventually leading you to a black BMW in the parking lot. He does smile slightly as he uses a remote on his keychain to unlock the car, however.  Opening the boot, he finally does speak, "But your bags in here. It's an hours drive to the station."

Not sticking around to help with that, he heads around and gets into the driver's seat.

[Merc]

'Chatty fellow, isn't he? This will be a fun hour drive,' Gamby notes wryly to himself as he drops his luggage in the back, before joining the inspector in the front of the car. "Ready."

[Ebiris]

Inside the car is clean and comfortable at least. There's even a siren on the dashboard if you are so inclined to play with such things!

Turning the ignition, Ahmed wastes no time in driving out of the car park, only pausing for a moment at the barrier before you're on your way onto the autobahn.

It's a sunny day in Austria, although you saw that well enough from the plane. Still, after about ten minutes of cruising along, the silence starts growing more and more oppressive...

[Merc]

"So. How did you get stuck with babysitting me?" Gamby asks in a joking fashion trying to obliterate the oppressive silence, even if by all indications he doesn't really like the inspector.

[Ebiris]

"Hmph!" Ahmed snorts unhappily. "That bastard Bertrand, just because he has seniority, he makes me do everything. He's so worthless and lazy..." he turns his attention off the road to look at you for a moment, "Don't expect a bit of help from him in your investigations, I'll tell you that!"

[Merc]

Gamby frowns at that. "Well, I hope you're mistaken this once if he is indeed 'worthless and lazy'. He might have information that could aid me while I'm here."

[Ebiris]

"Unless you're investigating bars, I wouldn't bet on it," Ahmed replies sourly.

[Merc]

Pondering on the matter for a bit, Gamby asks finally, "What do you expect him to do when I arrive then? Have you continue to aid me?"

[Ebiris]

"He better not," Ahmed mutters, before speaking up, "I'm sure the good detective will give you all possible assistance that falls under his remit."

Was that sarcasm? Most likely.

[Merc]

Deciding a pleasant conversation is beneath the sulking inspector, Gamby goes silent again, wondering how much longer this drive will be.