Knots of Love – Chapter 10
He ran a hand through his hair and glanced around a second time, his stomach twisting at Zara's absence. She'd promised to help him – for the sake of the mission. He allowed himself to remember Vesper, then shook his head in disbelief. Zara wasn't like her. Yet a chance remained and he became uncertain. He swallowed hard and snatched his phone. Bond held it to his ear. Waiting. No sign of it dialling.
It was that point he apprehended the storm. No wonder the lines were down. His face tightened and he threw off the cold shiver of the morning breeze. He grabbed the nearest things he could find; a shirt, chinos and a thin jumper. Once dressed, he hid his gun securely and picked up the cards, before heading down to the lobby.
The first thing he did was wander towards reception and stood patiently beside the desk. The receptionist glanced at him a moment later.
"Good morning, Sir. How may I help you?"
Bond lent closer. "The woman I signed in with, I wondered if you'd seen her leave." He began to describe Zara. "Brunette, chest length hair, about average height."
"What was the registered name?"
"Hades," he answered.
"There's no record of her checking out."
"Thank you."
He waited, then strolled away. With no way to reach M, the only thing he could do was hover. He rubbed his eyes, attempting to maintain focus of the situation. An idea came to mind. Bond considered it, before heading towards the bar.
XXXX
He perched on the end, leaning forward and glanced out the window. He raised the mug to his lips, guzzling down the last of his coffee. He pushed the mug away and waited as the woman serving, came his way.
"That's one of my favourite's, that one. Best one to keep you awake these early mornings." She moved the mug underneath the bar.
"Hmmm."
"It's those people out there I feel sorry for."
She aimed her attention towards the last of the causalities. He spent a few moments contemplating the woman's accent – American, maybe?
"A few moments ago, it was completely chaotic out there. No one saw it coming."
He glanced towards her. "No. They didn't." He became aware of how curt he sounded. "Sorry–" he peered at her name badge –"Viv. I was just wondering…did you see someone leave this morning, since the time of the storm?"
Viv looked up. "I don't think I did. Why?"
"I'm looking for my friend. Her name's Zara."
Viv's senses awoke and she brushed away the minor shiver. "What does she look like?"
He ran through the descriptions. Viv scribbled on a napkin, tucking it securely inside her pocket.
"I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you."
"Thank you."
She met his eyes, smiled and moved her gaze a moment later.
The window smashed. A man fell to the ground, his face slamming against the marble. Then more gunshots. People screamed, diving headfirst and leaping towards the nearest thing they could find for shelter.
"Get behind the bar!"
Viv clutched his shoulders and pulled him over. Bond reached for his gun, firing bullet after bullet. Viv tugged his arm and pulled him down.
"Be careful. You'll risk them seeing you."
He words rang clear. Bond clenched his teeth, his eyes boring into her own. He raised the gun, aiming it at Viv and kept it levelled against her heart. Viv raised her hands and met his eyes.
"007." She reached for her ID. "My name is Vivian Martin. I work for the CIA. M contacted the organisation and sent forward a request. That's why I'm here."
A/N: This could be interesting. Comments are also appreciated. Secondly, I promise you'll see more of Zara again soon.