This has become a crossover with Kingsman (The Secret Service) by borrowing Arthur (Michael Caine).
Chapter 7
A handsome older gentleman sitting at the bar stands to meet M. "M so nice to see you. Who is that handsome young man you came away with this weekend, during your recovery?"
M moves beside him and tosses her purse on the bar. Her face conveying obvious frustration at circumstances, yet again beyond her control.
"Arthur what are you doing here?"
"Enjoying the seaside my dear, just like you. However, I did not have the forethought to bring any, shall we say, arm candy to spend my time with."
M levels her best glare at the man she has known for years. "How did you know where I was going? I want the name of your operative in six." There is no doubting the seriousness of her voice and although, her voice does not raise, it still carries dangerous intent.
"I do not have an operative in your department. I just happened by your flat and saw you with that young man being carried in. Then later I saw you hobbling out on crutches. I was on my way to visit a friend in your neighbourhood and that is all."
"That sounds suspiciously like you're beginning to stalk me Arthur."
"I have no need to do that, as I usually know you're in your office. As for Devon, you told me that on the phone, my dear M. It was not difficult to find the best seaside hotel after that."
"Why?"
"Why? Because you are avoiding me like the plague ever since he died, and you've always been fearful of the attraction we share."
"Harumph...you are reading a great deal into nothing Arthur, but then again you were always very conceited. Since when have I ever showed fear concerning you?"
Arthur's frown now matches hers. "I could remind you of a New Year's eve in, oh about 1987…"
"Arthur!" M stops him, "we were drunk and both married and for christ sakes it was only a kiss!" M expresses exasperatedly.
"And here I remember it like it was yesterday. But then again, I have always been attracted to women who have little or no interest in me. Come on Oli...M. You and I would be perfect together. Yes, and I can understand the lure of a younger partner to sow your wild oats now that you're single. Be realistic, sneaking off for a lovers weekend is fine so long as you keep to your suite but what will the world think of you if you parade the young man around. With women it smacks of desperation."
"What an incredible leap, and a misogynistic one at that. I think the same of men parading around with their young things. No doubt the young women think of nothing but the seasons fashion and how long they will have to pretend to love you until you die. And Arthur...if you slip up on my name one more time I will hasten you to that end. Do I make myself clear?"
Arthur smiles and bows to her. "Perfectly clear my dear. Ah...here comes your lover. The two of you must join me for tea."
"Tanner is my chief of staff, and a friend not my lover!" M says in a raised whisper, attempting to stomp her foot in utter frustration but cringing from the pain she just caused herself.
Tanner enters the bar looking concerned. He meets the gaze of the older gentleman speaking to M as he sees her stomp on her bad foot. Who on earth is this bloke and why is he pissing off M. Whoever he is, he must have a death wish.
"Ah, Bill. This is a very old friend of my husband's, Arthur. Arthur, Bill Tanner."
The two men shake hands. "Bill, M you must join me I have a table reserved for when you arrived. You made very good time from London and the table should be ready about now."
A waiter approaches and M glares at Arthur shaking her head slightly. Tanner looks confused but guides her to the table. He can see the entrance and will flag down Eve when she arrives.
"Eve my secretary is joining us also."
"My goodness, I've stumbled upon a work retreat have I?"
"Yes and no. The trip was a gift to Mr. Tanner for helping me because of my injury, and Eve convinced me I should come get away by enlisting the help of my doctor behind my back."
Arthur laughs as he orders tea and finger sandwiches for them all. "Sounds like some things never change M. I remember a time when you were sick but absolutely determined to come off to the wilderness with us all. You spent two days wallowing in illness while the rest of us felt horrible for dragging you out there."
"Well, the trip had been planned for so long and I hate to miss anything." M says sheepishly.
"No you could not stand that Nigel's ex-girlfriend and her husband were coming also."
"I never trusted that woman."
"Yes, do you know that…"
"Know that she cheated on him no fewer than…"
"FIVE TIMES!" The both say together and begin to laugh.
M is beginning to thaw as Arthur's story becomes more logical and relatively harmless.
Tanner watches them slightly concerned for Bond all of a sudden. M and this man have a great deal in common. He has no idea what this man does but he seems to know M very well. He suspects he even knows what she does for a living, and that is odd.
Eve sees them and joins them with a confused look on her face as she is then introduced to Arthur.
"Oh, my gosh! Yes, we've spoken on the phone many times. Good to finally put a handsome face to the handsome voice, Arthur." Eve says charmingly.
Tanner's concern for the surprise arrival of James Bond increases now that he realizes that this is one of M's suitors.
"My dear Eve your voice cannot give justice to your beauty." Arthur kisses her hand and winks at her charmingly.
Eve blushes and turns to Tanner as the tea and sandwiches are served.
"I could tell you a great deal about your boss. Stories from when we were young and the world seemed like a giant battle we needed to jump at without thinking."
"You and I both know that it still is a giant battle Arthur. We just think about our actions more now."
"Yes we do my dear. Or we end up with a twisted ankle and the need for a handsome young man to carry you around."
Tanner's mouth must be hanging open in shock. This man knows what he shouldn't. Is he dangerous? M seems calm. There are no outward signals that she feels she is in danger but still.
"How do you know that...Mr. Arthur, is it?"
"Relax Mr. Tanner. I work in the same world as you and I know exactly where M has always been the last 40 odd years. I have been keeping track of the one who got away."
"Got away? Arthur we never even dated. I didn't even know you felt that way until after Nigel passed."
"Oh, but surely you must have suspected? You are not an unobservant woman, M."
Tanner and Eve shoot looks at each other. Arthur sees them and furrows his brows in question. "You two seem like you have something to share."
Eve begins. "I...we've noticed that M...although brilliant with work related things...seems to ignore things in her personal life. I'm sorry M. I don't mean to be presumptuous, but it's true and it can get you into trouble, as we've seen."
M pats her hand and nods. "I know I do Eve and yes it does get me in trouble. Arthur, I chose to ignore any and all of your flirtations, because I'm not interested in a romantic relationship with you. Honesty is the best policy in this matter and frankly it makes me uncomfortable to think back on our shared past and know you've harboured these feelings for me."
"Don't fret M. I am not going to kidnap you and whisk you off to Scotland to get married at gunpoint."
M, Tanner and Eve freeze at Arthur's analogy. All of them thinking at once...does he know?
"M, I will respect your wishes as long as you promise we can meet for a friendly meal from time to time...to catch up."
M smirks. "I will agree as long as you don't use it as a way to goad me over and over until I acquiesce."
"You really are a frustratingly stubborn woman, M."
"Yes and you are a frustratingly irritating man, Arthur. Thank you for tea, but I would like to get cleaned up and relax."
Arthur and Tanner stand as does Eve. "I will see you around the hotel M. I am in suite is 2103 if you would like to talk some more in private."
"Fine, Arthur. I will meet you there around eight."
"Perfect! How about joining me for dinner then, we can order room service?"
Before Eve and Tanner can insert themselves and get her attention, M says yes to a private dinner with the man.
"I will have a public dinner with you here in this restaurant."
Arthur smiles and takes her by the shoulders, leans down to give her a kiss. M assumes he is going to kiss her cheek but he kisses her right on the lips in front of a shocked Eve and Tanner.
M gives him a harmless slap on the upper arm. "Arthur! Don't push your luck."
"Luck is for the weak and unadventurous M, and with you I will need more than just luck."
"Yes you will. Now let me go before I change my mind." M says with a sly smile on her face. She always did like Arthur, just not in the way he wants.
Arthur laughs with her as he lets her go with Tanner and Eve following in silence. Neither of them know what to say.
They both think the very same thing. What is Bond going to do when he finds out M has a date tonight!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bond makes it to the hotel and goes up to the suite with the keycard the desk gave him. He opens the door to see Tanner and Moneypenny sitting enjoying a drink.
"Hello, where's M?"
"How's that for you Eve, barely a hello and he wants to see her. We are sorry to inform you, but as I was parking the bloody car M managed to find a dinner date in the bar."
Many expressions cross Bond's face almost simultaneously. "What!"
Eve laughs. "There is nothing to worry about Bond she is with an old friend. One that has been calling her steadily since her husband died. They met in his room at 8 and were headed down to the dining room for dinner."
"What?"
"I think we broke Bond Eve. All he can say is what?"
Eve laughs again and walks to Bond placing an arm around him. "Let her enjoy a short date with Arthur, James and then she will be yours the rest of the weekend."
"You two are suppose to be M's bodyguards while I am out of country and so far you fail epically. Who the bloody hell is Arthur, and have you run a check on him before you let her off to his room?"
Tanner frowns. "Of course we asked her about him. Have you ever heard of an organization called the Kingsman?"
"No not really, why?"
"It seems they are a private MI6 and do missions around the world financed with private money with code names based on Arthurian legend. Galahad, Merlin, Lancelot, Gawain and the leader Arthur."
"You are joking right?"
"No and M has known him more than 40 years and did not fear him in any way. The only threat is that he will kiss her again."
"AGAIN!"
Eve slaps Bond's shoulder. "Bond it was a quick peck and she laughed about it. You need to stop being obsessive about a woman that does not wish to date anyone, let alone Arthur."
"Where is she?"
"He is in suite 2103 but they could be in the dining room by now." Tanner says.
"We are ordering room service, what would you like?"
"M." Bond says as he turns and heads for the door.
Bond gets to the suite and knocks. There are no sounds and no one answers. He takes the lift to the lobby fuming mad. Maybe he should just observe her from the bar and pick up a woman just to see how she reacts.
Bond makes his way to the bar as he looks around the dining area. He does not see M but he hears her unmistakable laugh. She laughed like that in her office before he left for Paris.
Bond catches her reflection in the mirrored wall of the restaurant as the gentleman she is with tells her stories that make her laugh again. She looks good. Amazingly good. A feast for his sore tired eyes.
M is wearing a deep green dress that hugs her curves and cuts low enough to make him growl. That woman defines casual elegance and agelessness. The man is a handsome older bloke. Grey and very well dressed in a navy bespoke suit.
The dilemma Bond faces is whether to make a scene and pull her out of here, or just let the date run it's course and follow them back to his room. If he makes a scene she will never talk to him again. Bond asks the barman if they serve food. He orders and sits at the bar watching them on their date.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Do you know that I should have met you first?"
"What?"
"I asked Nigel to retrieve that book from the library for me the day he met you."
"No I did not know that. Nigel never mentioned it."
"I could have been your husband and not him."
"That is overreaching a bit don't you think?"
"Not at all. I think we would have been an unstoppable pair."
"How do you know you would have become a Kingsman?"
"I was grandfathered in as you well know. I bet you even know where all our bases are."
M just smiles coyly and looks down at her plate. "Well it is my job, and should you ever interfere…."
"I make sure that never happens M. We take moralistic missions, kidnappings and other things that don't need any annoying government oversight."
"That would be nice." M sighs.
"Why don't you leave MI6 and come with me?"
M frowns. "Leave my job? I will be getting the boot soon enough at my age."
"If that happens promise me that you will come work with me."
"I will not make that promise Arthur. I like what I do and you and I could never be. We have always been too bloody alike to get along for any amount of time."
"I think we have always gotten on swimmingly."
"You are looking back with rose coloured glasses Arthur. You and I always argued when we were together."
"Oh, that's why! Now I remember."
"Remember what?"
"Why we kissed at New Years 1987. We were drunk and arguing and...damn it if you weren't the sexiest thing I have ever seen. I had to kiss you and if you remember it at all, it was hot as hell!"
"Arthur! Behave. It was not bad but I've had better."
"Oh really? Recently?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes I would. I bet is has something to do with the very handsome blond agent that is staring at us from the bar. I don't think he has taken his eyes off you since he came in. One of yours I presume?"
M glances at the bar and frowns knowing instantly who is there and that Tanner and Eve planned this.
Their eyes meet.
In that moment James Bond understands her dilemma and now knows his. Make a quiet departure and don't interfere, or make a scene with them here or as soon as they leave.
M is expecting the later but James has decided to take his food to go.
Bond enters the suite to see Tanner and Eve sitting at the table eating. Tanner pull out a third chair for him to join them.
The look on Bond's face says it all.
"What happened?" Eve says quietly as James sits down and unpacks his dinner. Tanner pours him a glass of wine.
"I saw them in the restaurant. M was animated and having a good time...I was...I thought I would wait for them to finish and approach her in the lobby or elevator but…"
"But what?" Tanner asks.
"They looked good together…"
"You're standing down? James...this is not like you." Eve says more than a little worried.
"She isn't mine! Let's talk about something else."
Tanner frowns. "No! Not after what you put me through insinuating an affair and absolutely destroying a two week mission like a tank in a china shop, just to keep me from touching her legs!"
Eve's voice drops to denote her concern. "Tanner...let it drop."
Tanner tosses down his serviette in frustration. "Fine! You always take his side! M and I have been working to cover why Bond went on a bloody rampage on that mission for the entire week! All because, she was his woman and no one, not even me, a friend could be with her alone in her flat!"
"I am letting M decide. She is a free woman, she has clearly iterated that I am to be her agent and possibly her friend, only. Physically she responded to me and obviously wants more, but I will let her decide everything like she always does. Where I go, who I screw, who I kill and even who I bloody well love!"
The three of them finish eating in silence. They clean away the dishes and move to the sofa and chair in the lounge. Bond checks his watch and it is 10:30. M has been with this other spy master since 8 o'clock. They must have finished dinner by now.
As if Eve can sense what he is thinking, she says. "Bond it is not unusual to linger over a meal with an old friend. That's all he is to her, an old friend. I have been diverting that man's calls for months. So don't read into it more than there is. M is not trying to hurt you, or drive you to insane jealousy. I believe you were right to leave and give her space. If she likes him, set her free and see if she comes back to you."
Bond scoffs and palms his face, leaning forward and resting his elbows against his knees. He turns to Tanner who looks very serious for a man on a vacation with his girlfriend.
"The problem with M is that she will never allow herself, Eve. M will want James but never cave on those desires and he knows it."
"What? Why would she not, if she loves him?"
James answers before Tanner can. "Because I am a weakness that she cannot afford nor reconcile her professional career around. I am the snake in the garden. I am the temptation she cannot take. I thought by pushing her, getting into her space in her flat I could flip the switch on her. Make her cave to a physical need and work from there. For a few moments I did manage that."
Tanner nods and Eve looks worried. "What really happened Bond?"
"M kissed me back, and by god it was glorious. I thought my heart might burst in joy, until she ripped it out of my chest and stomped on it."
"I have never seen you so melancholy and regretful James. I am positive M cares for you a great deal, she's not playing, or stomping on your heart deliberately, but give her time to work through things. When the time comes, capitalize on any moment or signal that she wants to be kissed like that again." Eve tells him.
"Eve, I think he is right to step back. I know that M will not pursue him, or any other man at this moment, but who knows, perhaps after the sting of Nigel's death settles…"
Eve nods. "I suppose coming home to an empty flat after being married for almost 40 years would take time to work around."
Bond leans back in his chair grasping the back of his head with his hands and closes his eyes.
"You two feel free to go to bed. I don't want you to be dragged down on you weekend away. Besides, you two are sitting on my bed, unless this is a three bedroom suite?"
They both stand and tidy up the area so that Bond can take the sofa. "You will wait up for her?"
"Yes Eve, I will try anyway. I assume she has her mobile incase she needs to call for help?"
"Yes." Tanner answers. "James I don't think Arthur would do anything to harm her."
"He had better not, or he will die shortly thereafter." Bond says in a very serious tone.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
M's surprised that she's enjoying the meal, and the company. Until, Arthur brings to her attention that he notices Bond watching them from the bar. Eve and Tanner will have some explaining to do.
When she meets James' eyes something unspoken passes between them. M feels disappointed that they conspired to put her in this situation on a holiday. The fact that the three of them were involved behind her back irks her.
For a moment M is angry, but James actually looks sad as he has them pack his food and then he leaves. This is unexpected, she thought he would make a scene and then she would have to chastise him. That always gets him going...or so he says.
Bond leaves her to her date with Arthur. Perhaps he is maturing?
Arthur can see her distraction.
"What is going on with the two of you?"
"What?"
"I have seen that look before M and that man is more than just an agent to you."
"Aren't you the astute one this evening Arthur. He has professed a less than professional affection towards me."
"I see, and what about you?"
"Me?"
"Yes, you. How do you feel about agent 007, James Bond?"
"How do you? Arthur, you need to be careful. You are paying far too much attention to my work life."
"Well, my dear M, as it is, it seems your work life is the only life you have since Nigel died."
M takes a sip of her wine as she ponders Arthur's statement. "That is true but I don't need or want drama in my life, as I begins to become comfortable with widowhood."
"The thing is my dear, you do not have to dwell in your widowhood long unless you desire loneliness and bitterness."
"Arthur, what I need is this, right now. A friend with a sympathetic ear and not a would be lover to confuse everything."
"But we could become lovers...correct?"
M sighs. "Arthur...I don't know if that is wise...we need to change the conversation, and are you trying to get me drunk?"
Arthur has the server supply a bottle of champagne. The wine is gone and M is feeling the effects of the alcohol and enjoying the sensation of laughing with someone she has known for a very long time. Until Bond throws a damper on the evening.
The next hour passes in a flash, as does the bottle and M is giggling at some of the stranger missions that Arthur has had to send agents on.
"So in the end I had to send a helicopter to pick up the sheep and my two agents!"
"Then what did you do with the sheep?"
"I will never tell."
M's laughing so hard she has tears leaking from her eyes. The server comes to the table to ask if everything was fine and to say that they're closing soon. M cannot believe it is after midnight. She stands and wobbles a bit.
Arthur comes to wrap his arm around her waist to allow her to lean on him rather than her cane. They gradually make it to the lift and up to his floor.
"Would you like to come to my room for a nightcap?"
M knows that she shouldn't but she is having a good time. Arthur is amusing and not pushing her into anything. They spoke enough for him to understand that she is not ready for a relationship with anyone at this time.
"Alright...but only one. I am not stable enough to make it back to my room now...more than one will push me over the edge. Besides, I will have to deal with my staff and I am not ready to do that now."
They enter Arthur's suite and he guides her to the sofa and gets them drinks and joins her.
"Stay here. I have another room and we are having a lovely time reminiscing. I will not tempt you into bed inebriated darling. That would be ungentlemanly of me and I want you to remember it if we do."
M laughs and swats his shoulder with the back of her hand and then drops it to her thigh. Arthur grabs her hand and brings it to his lips. They look at each other, each trying to gage where to go from there. Arthur would like nothing more than to kiss her but M looks hesitant and uncomfortable by the sudden reflective silence.
Arthur smiles down at her and decides to lighten the mood again. "I remember that time we went to the racetrack…"
"Oh my god! I was so hung over the next day!" M says in amusement.
"We all were my dear. Nigel was sick that night in the gents and you sent me in after him. I found him lying on the floor looking pale grey."
"He was sick for days...I'm never drinking again...is all he would keep repeating."
"Kendra was so mad at us all. She remained barely sober enough to drive us all home."
"Kendra was a nice woman...to bad you divorced. How is she now?"
"She remarried, and had children and is a grandmother. I think she enjoys it. We usually speak around Christmas every year."
"Then you married Janice. She was a bitch."
"Yes she was. That only lasted a painful eight years."
"How did you manage to afford all these ex-wives?"
"You know...you know the whole sordid history."
"Well, I assume that most or some of that fortune pays for Kingsman activities."
"Yes a great deal is gone but I have no children so it has to go somewhere and do something good."
M downs her drink and leans back on the sofa and closes her eyes momentarily. She can feel herself drift away from the alcohol and fatigue. She feels comfortable and at peace. Arthur has stopped talking and her mind slips away into oblivion.
The sensation of someone carrying her makes her stir slightly. M feels the comforting weight of a blanket on her and someone's lips on her forehead saying, goodnight love.
"James." Escapes her lips in a whisper.
To be continued…
