Sunday

4:30 a.m

M had always been a light sleeper, even during weekends,being the head of MI6 rarely allows her to have the weekend to herself. Today was a miracle.

Queen and Country.

she pulled her robe tightly around her, barring the morning chill from herv flimsy night gown. Standing alone in her kitchen she ran her mind through an extensive list that she should do today, M grabbed a mug and pour herself her first cup of coffee for the day, with the mug in-hand she went to sit her sofa across the hall. Having nothing better to do, she opened her laptop and sifted through emails.

a light *ping*

indicated a chat and it took M all her patience to open the agravating message from Mallory.

''M16. Horse Show. brunch 0900 ."

xxxxxxxxx

"at least i aint the only one who despised being here''

M turned her back to face the man speaking to her, though unwelcome and contributing to her contrite and deliberate annoyance she found a little spark of interest.

He is a man of salt and pepper hair, a heavy set stature, grandfatherly aura, and warm grey eyes but M could never be mistaken that the man has killed before, a once field agent OR still is. It's in the eyes, all of the people who took other people's lives has an empty, steely, cold touch in their eyes, including her's.

True, she didn't pull the trigger anymore like she used to, back when she held the 003 title in her hands, she was a ruthless agent perhaps more ruthless than her protege' 007.

But, calling the shots now, is worse than firing the gun.

"Jack Ward''

The man extended his hand to her and gave it a firm grip

''What, just Jack Ward?"

M looks waif-like standing beside Jack, but he couldt help but marvel at the titan of a woman and no doubt that this tiny woman can make EVERYONE present feel like they are some sort of a fruit fly beside a mountain.

Jack faked an insulted look but harbour none in his heart, he held his hand in his chest.

''why, madam you deeply wound me. It isnt my fault that my parent's are not as imaginative as you English people.'

Impressed by the man before her and his humble ways, she gave him a pert smile.

calculated, but smile nonetheless. Jack thought.

''well, everybody here present seems to be ambasadors,chairman, or president this and that...makes you bloody well think that the whole event is for the damned positions.''

''i apologize for saying this but, it kind of is.''

''well yes! i know that. but i dont have to like it, do I?"

''Now that makes two of us.''

M despite herself, smiled for the second time and thought that this Jack person has managed to alleviate her bad tempers twice in a span of 10 minutes than this whole affair which has been running for 3 hours now.

M is mighty glad that she wore something sensible, the day is getting particularly warm, A white thin cotton blouse and cream colored slacks with just a neklace with tear shaped pendant hanging loosely around her neck and resting just above the material of her blouse which coincidentaly is lying just a hairbreath above her breast showcasing just a little amount of cleavage but seriously implicating that she still got ''it''.

And ''it'' she got, Jack thought as he watched the mysterious but seriously pissed off woman. How come, he wasnt able to chat with her long enough to get her name, and judging by the way her attention is highly being sought by every dignitaries present, she is someone very important.

He was in deep contemplation about how well she looks and how overwhelming on her unpalpable energy when his phone rang, he gave the screen a glance and did not recognize the number.

''who is this?"

not even bothering for pleasantries.

''Jack...jack..listen.''

the voice was in between gasps of air but Jack could never misplace it to be anybody else's.

"James? what is going on Jimbo?"

''Listen Jack, you need to get M out of that horse show..''

''What? Who?"

''M..M. the head of M16! get her out of there now!"

''slow down boy, i dont even know what she looks like!.''

''The little elf lady with a temper of an almost erupting volcano''

Jack's trained eyes instantly pinned the woman in question. She is talking to the pompous ass Mallory and judging by the look in her face, she doesnt like him either.

''got her, where do want me to take her?"

''That's the point Jack, nobody could know, including me''

''you know, genius, at some point she would want explanation and i dont want to answer her with just any lame excuse.''

''she's in grave danger Jack. you are the only one i can trust. get her out of there, now! dont take her or your car. i will call you. just get her out.''

''Hey Jimbo...,, take care of yourself.''

Jack with purposely long strides crossed the lawn, there is no denying that the man still inspires some saucy glances from younger female agents.

He reached where M and Mallory had been talking,

''excuse me, Mallory, could I have a word with M?"

"Im sorry agent Ward, we are actually discussing a matter of great importance''

''Well I just...''

Jack thought of a brilliant plan to get Mallory off his back but with the promise of being shot in cold blood courtesy of M, but to hell with it.

Jack grabbed M around the waist, his left hand planted firmly on her nape as he drew her steadily in a warm kiss, he could feel her protesting lips under his and her breathing rapid with confusion and surprise, Jack didnt stop there, he placed a trail of small kisses along her jawline to which she responded with an unguarded sigh, Jack took mental notes, he stopped when he reached her ears and whispered.

''I need to get you out of here, you are in danger.''

M opened her eyes from the daze induced kissed and managed to croak out

''what?"

He didnt leave her anymore chance to ask or protest, he grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the prying eyes that their little tryst had gathered.

Jack was heading towards his car when he remembered James's warning, he looked around for a moment and took the first vehicle that was closest to them, a bike.

''Do you ride side saddle M?"

''what on earth?... no, I straddle.''

''then by all means, straddle.''

tbc