For RebaForever15, Sorry about the cliff hanger but since you're about the only one reading I thought you wouldn't mind if I saved the best for a chapter all bu itself. :) enjoy

M woke the next morning to find herself alone in bed. At first she was a bit confused until she heard James on the phone in the kitchen. She got up and found his dressing gown and made her way to the kitchen just in time to hear James finish his conversation.

"Right then...I'll see you in about an hour." he said as he hung up and turned to see M standing in the doorway.

"Good morning bright eyes" he said as he crossed the room and took her in his arms and kissed her soundly

"Good morning to you too" she said as she hugged him tightly "Who were you talking to just now?" she asked curiously

"What?..Oh that...I was just making sure everything is set for the meeting this morning" he replied as he nuzzled her neck.

"How long have you been up? you're completely dressed already" she said pulling back to look at him.

"I wanted to make sure that we had plenty of time to get you home so that you could get ready since you obviously can't go to the meeting dressed like this" he said with a grin as he began tugging at his dressing gown she was now wearing.

"I suppose you're right" she said with a laugh as she stood on her tip toes to kiss him

"Come on, why don't you get your coat and I'll drop you off at you're flat and head to the office to make sure there aren't any lose ends to tie up before you get there" he said releasing her

"Wouldn't it be easier if you just waited for me?" she asked curiously

"I think, for appearances sake it will look better if you follow your normal routine and call your driver rather than show up with me in tow." he said flatly

"Right. No need to create any more problems than I already have" she said nodding in agreement as she put on her coat.

As she was about to open the door James suddenly put his arms around her waist and pulled her back turning her around so she was facing him.

"This may be the last time I have you alone today and I just wanted to tell you that if you don't remember anything else just remember that I LOVE YOU no matter what happens" he said tenderly as leaned down to kiss her deeply one last time before they left.

"You do realize that if you keep this up we'll never make it out the door" she said breathlessly as he broke the kiss

"Yeah...I know" he said hoarsely "We better get going"

James dropped M off at her flat and continued on to what M thought was the office, but James had made other plans for this morning and instead drove to Whitehall.

It was still rather early so there weren't many people in the building as he made his way up to the office of Gareth Mallory. When he arrived at the office he saw Mr. Mallory's secretary sitting at her desk typing away at her computer.

"Excuse Me" he said clearing his throat "James Bond to see Mr. Mallory"

"Yes Mr. Bond you may go in. He's waiting for you." she said politely as she motioned to the door.

Mallory's office door remained closed for all of about 20 minutes before James reemerged with a few papers in his hand.

"Thank you again for seeing me on such short notice" he said in a very business- like tone

"My pleasure Bond. And remember you will need her signature on those papers or you can take the other option we discussed. I will leave the decision you to you" replied Mallory as he followed James out of his office.

"Yes Sir. See you at the meeting" said James as he headed toward the lift.

True to his word, James had managed to get M home in time to shower and change with enough time left over for her to try to eat a little breakfast before her driver arrived to take her to the office. When she finally arrived at the office there was a flurry of activity as Eve and Tanner were making sure they had everything they needed for the impending meeting.

"Good morning Ma'am" said Eve as M walked in

"Good morning Eve. Anything I should know about before I go?" she asked in her usual no-nonsense tone

"No Ma'am. I think we have the answers to anything they could possible ask including the answer to life the universe and everything " she said with a grin

"Good, Then I guess we're ready" she said turning on her heel and heading back toward the lift with Eve and Tanner following close behind.

When they arrived at Whitehall the sight in the foyer looked like something out of an old western movie with the Cowboys (meaning the Committee members) on one side of the hall and the Indians (meaning M and her team) on the other. Each side glaring at the other. M glanced around the room searching for any sign of James, but she couldn't find him in the sea of people who were waiting for the doors to open. She was just about to start panicking when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see the most welcome sight she had had since arriving. James was standing behind her with a smug but reassuring smile that immediately put her at ease. Now she was ready. As the doors to the room opened, everyone began to file in each taking their proper place. Committee members behind the large, ominous desk in the front of the room and M and her team at the smaller tables facing them. "Let the games begin" she thought as the huge wooden doors closed and the investigation began.

TO BE CONTINUED...