A Number, Not a Name

Against the Fall of Night

3 months earlier:

Regis intently watched the raindrops which trickled down the tinted windows of the Cadillac. The car he was riding in steadily made its way across a deserted cable-stayed bridge. In the distance he could see a parked Mercedes where a tall muscular man was leaning against it, waiting for his arrival. The man was wearing a fur collar trench coat and leather gloves. Beyond the bridge, Regis could make out the skyline of Kuala Lumpur, the bright lights of the city illuminating the night sky.

The Cadillac soon pulled up and stopped in front of Tarek.

The driver parked and glanced over his shoulder to Regis "We're here Dr. Blackgaard."

"Thank you, Alexandre," Blackgaard said to his driver as he opened the rear right passenger door and exited the car.

Tarek walked over to Dr. Blackgaard. "Welcome to Kuala Lumpur Dr. Blackgaard. I trust you had a pleasant flight."

"Very. The caviar was exquisite."

"Excellent. Dalmar is quite eager to make your acquaintance."

"In that case best not to keep him waiting."

Tarek opened the rear right passenger door of the Mercedes and gestured for Blackgaard to enter. After Regis climbed in the back of the car Tarek entered the Mercedes as well, closing the door behind them both. Nigel, the driver, turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life. The Mercedes was soon speeding down the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The neon signs of bars and clubs dotted the landscape around them. The Mercedes came to a stop in front of "The Argyle."

"Here we are," Tarek informed Blackgaard. The two gentlemen exited the car and strutted inside the establishment. Inside "The Argyle" hordes of people gathered and mingled. Some patrons were occupied with lively rounds of poker and blackjack, while others chatted away at the bar over a drink or spent their time on the dance floor.

Blackgaard followed closely behind Tarek as he walked over to the bar. The bartender noticed Tarek and Blackgaard coming towards him from the other side of the establishment. He made his way over to the edge of the bar and placed his hands on the counter.

"Hello, gentlemen. I wasn't expecting to see you so soon Tarek."

Tarek rested his arm on the bar "The boss' plans changed. This gentleman here has some business to conduct with Dalmar."

"The usual?" the bartender asked.

Tarek nodded his head. The bartender retrieved a shot glass and poured in some tequila. He then proceeded to add some slices of frog leg into the glass. The bartender then placed the drink in front of Tarek.

Blackgaard eyed the drink and turned to the bartender.

"A shot of whiskey will suffice, thank you."

He grabbed another shot glass and poured some whiskey. He then slid the cup across the counter to Blackgaard. Regis picked up the glass of whiskey.

"Cheers Doctor, " Tarek said as the two gentlemen clinked glasses. Regis and Tarek each downed their drink and placed the empty glasses on the bartop. Tarek gave the bartender a nod and walked away from the bar. Regis followed suit and the two men made their way to the back of the club. At the back, they passed through beaded curtains hanging from a doorway that led to a staircase. The stairs led downstairs to the basement of the club. Regis and Tarek descended the stairs and arrived at the bottom. In front of them was a door with a security keypad to the right. Tarek punched in the code and the door slid to the left. Tarek stepped to the side and Regis entered. Dr. Blackgaard walked in and the door immediately shut behind him. In the center of the room was a round oak table where Dalmar was seated.