Nice, France - Le Grand Hotel
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As the sleek black car glided through the bustling streets of Nice, the city lights painted a vivid picture of modern elegance against the backdrop of historic charm. The sun had long disappeared, leaving a velvet sky scattered with stars. Mathis glanced at Eva, her eyes reflecting the vibrant nightlife of the city.
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Eva's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery, but a thoughtful smile touched her lips as she considered the case they were embroiled in. "Bram was an enigmatic figure," she said, her voice tinged with both admiration and melancholy. "He was always so observant and kept his thoughts close to his chest. One day, he tasked us with investigating some troublemakers in the area. There were whispers that they had aided someone significant, but Bram's untimely death left us without answers."
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Mathis's jaw tightened as he absorbed the gravity of her words. "Do you have any leads on the identities of these criminals? It seems like I'll need to dig deeper into this myself."
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Eva turned to him, her eyes soft but serious. "I can give you some information, but let's check into the hotel first. It's important to stay grounded."
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Mathis nodded in agreement. "Right, let's get settled."
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As they approached Le Grand Hotel, its vintage façade stood regal and majestic against the darkening sky. The building exuded an air of bygone luxury, with its intricate stone carvings and grand arches. A well-dressed parking attendant approached, offering a polite smile as he took the car keys from Mathis.
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Inside, the lobby was a feast for the senses: the rich aroma of polished wood mingled with the subtle fragrance of fresh flowers. The ornate ceiling, adorned with elaborate chandeliers, cast a warm, inviting glow over the opulent marble floors.
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Eva, dressed elegantly, awaited Mathis's return from the reception desk with an air of expectation. He approached the counter, where a young woman named Selma greeted him with a friendly smile.
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"Hello, we're Mr. and Mrs. Bjørneng," Mathis began, his tone smooth and practiced. "We're here to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Could you assist us with..."
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He paused, glancing at her name tag. "Selma, could we have room 202?"
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Selma's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the room number, and she quickly checked her records. "Yes, Mr. Bjørneng, room 202 is available. If you'll swipe your card, I'll get your keys."
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Mathis handed her the card, noting the slight blush on her cheeks as she processed the transaction. "Thank you, Selma. We appreciate your help."
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She handed over the keys with a smile. "Enjoy your stay."
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The door to room 202 creaked open, revealing a spacious and elegantly furnished room. The decor was a blend of classic charm and understated luxury, with antique furniture, a large bed draped in plush linens, and a desk offering a breathtaking view of the city below. The room seemed to hold echoes of past guests, and Mathis couldn't shake the feeling that it carried the weight of Bram's final days.
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Eva moved to the window, looking out at the glittering city lights. "I'll head to the office to gather more information about the criminals Bram was investigating," she said. "I'll catch up with you later, Mr. Kristensen."
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Mathis's eyes lingered on her. "Are you sure you don't want to stay and talk for a bit?"
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Eva smiled slyly, closing the distance between them. She leaned in, her lips almost touching his ear. "Be careful what you wish for, Kristensen," she whispered, a hint of flirtation in her voice.
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She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, leaving Mathis with a lingering sense of warmth and anticipation. As she left, Mathis began a meticulous search of the room. He examined every corner, every piece of furniture, but found nothing of immediate significance. Frustration mounted until he noticed a loose section of the floorboard.
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With renewed focus, Mathis pried up the floorboard, revealing a hidden compartment. Inside was a folder, its contents shrouded in secrecy. He spread out the documents on the bed and sifted through them. The photographs depicted individuals of various criminal ranks, but one page had only the cryptic designation "E?".
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Mathis's pulse quickened. This enigmatic figure could be pivotal in their investigation. He memorized the faces and details, feeling the weight of the task ahead.
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Later that evening, Mathis and Eva strolled to a charming restaurant perched above the sea. The warm, inviting glow of the restaurant's lights contrasted with the cool evening breeze. The sound of waves gently lapping against the shore provided a serene soundtrack to their evening.
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The maître d' led them to a cozy table on the terrace, where soft lighting created a romantic ambiance. Mathis ordered a bottle of vintage red wine, and the sommelier expertly uncorked it, letting the rich aroma waft into the air.
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As they settled into their seats, Eva looked at Mathis with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "So, Kristensen, or should I call you Mathis? What exactly are you looking for? It might be easier if I have more details."
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Mathis took a sip of wine, allowing the complex flavors to settle on his palate. His gaze met Eva's, sensing the depth of her inquiry. "I'm searching for a person. Bram had leads, but his death left us with fragments. I need to piece together who this person might be."
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Eva nodded thoughtfully, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her wine glass. "If they're as powerful as you think, they'll be keeping a close eye on us. We need to be strategic."
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The conversation was punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the distant murmur of other diners. The evening unfolded with delectable dishes and fine wine, creating a momentary escape from the tension of their mission.
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As they walked back to the hotel, the evening's tranquility was abruptly shattered. Mathis's sharp instincts detected the presence of two men trailing them. He drew Eva closer, his senses on high alert.
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Suddenly, a man emerged from the shadows, brandishing a gun. Mathis's reflexes kicked in as he shoved Eva out of the line of fire, confronting the assailant with a swift, calculated move. He deflected the gun's aim and delivered a powerful strike to the man's chest, causing him to stagger backward.
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Another attacker approached, but Mathis was ready. He dropped to his knees, driving his knuckles into the second thug's stomach, leaving him gasping for air. Mathis stood, gripping the criminal's neck and slamming his knee into the thug's temple. The man crumpled to the ground, blood flowing from his nose.
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With both assailants incapacitated, Mathis quickly assessed their surroundings. He guided Eva back to the hotel, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and admiration.
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In the safety of their room, Mathis removed his jacket and shirt to inspect a fresh wound from the confrontation. Eva's gaze softened as she looked at his scarred, taut chest. Her curiosity turned into a gentle touch, her fingers tracing the lines of his scars.
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Mathis met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a blend of vulnerability and desire. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and drew her close, their lips inches apart. The tension between them was palpable, and as their lips finally met, the kiss was both tender and charged with the intensity of their shared experiences.
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Their embrace deepened, and in that moment, the outside world seemed to fade away. Their connection was solidified, a mixture of relief and desire, as they prepared to face the challenges ahead with renewed determination.
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