mv1_scn2_1

The flight to Zurich is uneventful - as always.

Mek takes a taxi directly from the airport to the Cafe Schober. The taxi's air conditioner is broken, strange for Zurich, so he's glad he decided on a summer weight suit for the meeting with the client. He found quite a few references to her online, several with photos - so he'll have no trouble spotting her. Pretty girl, he thinks to himself, and resourceful too, to have found him and actually arranged a direct call. He is interested in her situation, and he has a pretty good idea of what she is going to ask him to do.

During their initial conversation Gabriella had mentioned that time was very short. She stated that she would bring something that she felt was integral to the success of the job and that Mek would have to take it back with him if he decided to take the job. The object, she said, would fit into a slightly modified Haukka case and that if Mek could procure the same case, in black, they could switch at the meet - if the contract was signed. That particular type of case met with Mek's tacit approval, and he let her know that these arrangements would not be a problem. [Haukka cases, it should be mentioned , are very similar to the exceptional Pelican brand of heavy-duty cases, with the one striking difference that they are manufactured in Finland. Also, since Mek is personally acquainted with the owner of Haukka, LLC he often gets to try out models with "special" features.]

Gabriella Alfheim is getting out of the taxi immediately in front of Mek's as he steps to the sidewalk. He told her what he'd be wearing (beige suit with blue silk tie), so she turns to him as soon as she spots him behind her.

"How do you do, Ms. Gilder," he says. [He's told her to expect this, and how to respond if she feels that it is still safe to meet.]

"Very well, Herr Grün," she replies, extending her hand [and with this Mek knows that she thinks their meeting has not been compromised]. "I hope you are well also."

"Yes. Very. Thank you." ...