Chapter 7

Rachel woke up the next morning to find Gill lying peacefully beside her, she couldn't remember ever seeing her Boss looking so content. She slid out of the bed quietly and grabbed her trousers and top from the floor and pulled them on. She stepped outside of the room and dialled Janet's number.

"Rach."

"Hey Jan, sorry did I wake you."

"No I was already up anyway, you alright."

"I feel great actually."

"So you spoke to Sean."

"Well yeah I did, last night. We're getting divorced Janet."

"You're what, I thought you were gonna try to work things out."

"I didn't want to. I'm not in love with him, he bores me shitless. It's for the best."

"Well if you're sure, I guess there's no changing you're mind. How's it been then, bunking with Gill." Janet laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

She picked up on some tension when Rachel didn't answer her right away.

"Rach, what is it."

"Something happened last night."

"Is Gill alright." Janet asked, suddenly worried.

"No no, she's fine."

"But…"

"We both had a heck of a lot to drink last night and well…I kissed her."

"You did what."

"I kissed her."

"For god sake Rachel, you've just finished telling me that you and Sean are getting divorced and now you're kissing the Boss."

"We did more than that."

"Oh Rachel, tell me you didn't."

"We slept together."

"What is wrong with you, I mean, do you never learn. After the whole Nick Savage fiasco, now Sean and now your bedding the Boss."

"I didn't call you for a bloody lecture, you know."

"Well you need one. Rach, I don't know what you want me to say."

"Tell me to go for it." She smirked.

"It's not funny Rachel."

"I know."

"I know you all think Gill's made of stone but she's not. She went through shit with Dave, she maybe the Boss but we've been friends for over 20 years and you better not hurt her Rach."

"I won't, I promise."

"I need to get to work."

"Yeah me too, give Kev my love."

"I will, talk soon yeah."

"Bye Jan."

Rachel was about to go back inside when James appeared at the door and smiled at her.

"Morning DC Bailey."

"Yeah morning and it's Rachel."

"Rachel. M and I are just about to head to MI6, if you and DCI Murray would care to meet us there."

"Sure, I'll tell the Boss."

"Good, see you there and thanks for giving up your room."

"No don't mention it. Sleep well did you." Rachel said, with a grin.

"Very well, thank you." He said, winking as he walked back inside.

M was just putting on her lipstick when James came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck.

"You don't need that, you're beautiful enough."

"Oh James, do be quiet. Did you tell the ladies we were leaving."

"I just told Rachel. She and DCI Murray will follow in their car."

"Oh it's Rachel now is it."

"Don't be jealous, you know I only have eyes for you."

"Come on, it's not good having the Boss be late." She laughed.

James and M made their way into her office and waited patiently for Rachel and Gill to arrive. Eve came in with some tea for them and sat it down.

"The Detecives are just on their way up Ma'am."

"Oh thank you Eve. Would be so kind as to nip down to the lab and see if they have anything yet on Silva."

"Ofcourse Ma'am."

Eve left the office just as Gill and Rachel came in. They said good morning and came to stand in front of M and James.

"Morning ladies."

"Morning M."

"So, how are we all this morning then." M asked.

"Yeah good thanks, best nights sleep of my life, how about you Boss." Rachel smirked, nudging Gill.

Gill gave Rachel her famous death glare which told Rachel to shut up, which she did.

"Ladies, shall we go and take a seat over on the sofa. I think it's time I told you the whole story."

They all nodded and went over and sat down. James sat on the edge, rubbing M's back as she told them of her reasons for handing Silva over in return for her 6 Agents and her brief affair that she had with him. Rachel and Gill listened intently and Gill kept glancing up at James to see the anger that he showed for what Silva was putting M through. Gill knew in that moment that when she and Rachel had heard them the night before through the wall that it wasn't just about sex with this woman, he truly loved her. When M had finished telling them the whole story they sat quietly for a few moments taking it all in.

"I'm sorry." Gill said, placing a comforting hand on M's.

"Thank you."

"Sounds to me like you made the right decision Ma'am." Rachel added.

"You do realise how much danger you are both in, don't you. Anyone who has any connections to me is seen in Silva's eyes as a threat that must be eliminated. Until he is captured, you will have protection on you at all times."

"I don't do guns." Rachel said.

"I meant as in a bodyguard DC Bailey." M stated.

"Oh, sorry."

Rachel lowered her head feeling like an idiot as she heard Gill snigger beside her.

"DCI Murray, you and I are going to hear over and speak with Gareth Mallory about perhaps finding a safe house for you both while you're here."

"What about you." James added."

"That's not been decided yet."

"Not been decided. M under the circumstances, don't you think it might be a good idea to have all four of us under the same roof."

"And make it bloody easier for him." M snapped.

"It's not safe to be separated and these two ladies have never had to deal with this sort of thing before."

"Yes alright. I want you to stay here with DC Bailey while we go and see Mallory."

"I should go with you."

"I'll be fine on my own."

"M, I really think that…"

"OH FOR GOD SAKE JAMES…"

M got up and stormed out of the room and into the outer office, leaving James open mouthed as Gill and Rachel looked on worried.

"Sorry ladies." He said.

"You better go and check on her, make sure she's okay." Gill smiled

James walked out of the office and closed the door behind him. M was leaning heavily on Eve's desk trying to regain control of herself. He walked over and lay a hand on her back.

"I'm sorry M."

M stood up straight and turned to James, seeing the worry on his face. He took hold of her hand and gently kissed the back of her hand before leaning in and taking her lips in his.

"I'm sorry too James, he's getting to me."

"I know. Look, if you insist on going to see Mallory I want at least 2 bodyguards to go with you and DCI Murray."

"I promise." She smiled.

"What do you want Rachel and I to do."

"Take her down to the lab to meet Q and see if he's had any luck yet."

"Alright, consider it done. Hey."

"What."

"Be careful."

"We will."

To Be Continued…