James stopped at his office and tossed the folder Moneypenny had given him on his desk. Opening the top drawer he took out a box of ibuprofen, popping one of the pills in his mouth and dry swallowed it before repeating the action with the second.
He forgot about the pain when he was with M, but the dull ache was starting to come back. He doubted Campbell even gave M his medical file. He himself hadn't even told her. Picking up the folder he opened it, noticing there was a sheet of paper in Eve's neat handwriting. Moving it out of the way, he gave a smirk at seeing various sheets of blank A4 paper.
Turning his attention to the note, he gave a smirk as he quickly read over it.
James,
You have probably realised by now that the folder contents you currently have are full of blank A4 paper. I respect M, but she needs you here. I have allocated your plane ticket to 005 who is on his way to the airport as you are reading this. Giving the events in the past twenty-four hours; let's just say he didn't question it.
I have put the address of the safe house we will be staying at. This gives you the opportunity to be our eyes and ears on the outside. I'll inform Smith, Ross and Davis of the situation. I don't know how long it will be before M clicks on you are not in France, but until she does you need to remain in the shadows. That means you don't break into the house James. As much as I want the both of you to be together, you need to keep your mind on the job and that means keeping your feelings for M to a minimum.
I don't know much about Campbell, but, if he is anything like Ellis he will just be as ruthless and stop at nothing until those who are responsible for Ellis' death are dead. If you plan to protect M and keep her alive, you can't let your feelings cloud your judgement. I'm sure she has already told you this. For once in your life James, listen to her. As for M; she can look after herself.
Take care, and do what you do best. Preferably without the damages.
Eve.
He gave a smirk. It seemed his bad influence was rubbing off on the younger woman after all. He folded the note and placed it in his trouser pocket for safekeeping. James knew once M finds out about Eve's deception. The poor woman would be taking the brunt of M's wrath.
James knew Eve was a strong woman and could handle someone like M. The two of them respected each other. Her anger at Moneypenny wouldn't last long once she understands why Eve had done it in the first place. He would give it a few days at most until M finds out he is not in France.
Leaving the folder on the desk, he left his office and went home to pack the essentials he would need for his stake out. It wasn't that he didn't trust Smith, Ross or Davis to do their jobs. But Campbell had nothing to lose and he wouldn't stop until he had accomplished what he set out to do.
/*\*/*\
M watched as James left her office and out of sight. She couldn't believe she had agreed to dinner with one of her agent's let alone ask him to give her a proper kiss. Their brief kiss awoke a feeling inside her that she hadn't felt for years. The truth of the matter was. It didn't scare her as much as she thought. She gave a faint smile as she thought about the dinner date James would arrange for them. Heck, she didn't think she had anything to wear or what their dinner date would bring.
As much as she caught up in the moment, she was far from ready for a sexual relationship. The thought of dating again at her age was foreign to her. Then there was the nagging doubt that he would go off the idea of dating someone at her age once he knew first hand the reaction it would invoke from many people.
While she didn't care for such petty attitudes or what people thought of her. She was more worried about the result it would have on James. The last thing she needed was for him to cause a scene at the odd remark shot their way.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she forgot that Moneypenny was still in the room with her. It was only when she heard the polite cough that she turned to the sound to see the younger woman trying to conceal a smile.
"Is everything all right ma'am?"
"Yes. Everything is fine. I think we have covered everything here today. I'll contact Ross and tell him to have the car ready."
She walked behind her desk feeling Moneypenny's eyes on her.
"Was there anything else?"
"There was something Ma'am. It's about you and James."
She narrowed her eyes. "I'm listening."
"Are the two of you finally together?"
M tried to hide her embarrassment suddenly finding the phone fascinating.
"Nothing official no. I have agreed to a dinner date with him, but it doesn't imply anything."
"Forgive me for stating the obvious Ma'am, but when an agent who admits they have feelings for you, then gives you a massage in your office. I would say it implies a lot."
"And I would say; it's really none of your business. Now go and get ready or I'm leaving without you."
"Yes Ma'am. Oh, I should also mention; you asking for a proper kiss was a nice touch."
"If you as so much tell anyone what you witnessed here today. You're fired."
"Not to worry Ma'am. You're secret is safe with me."
She walked from M's office with a grin on her face at the new development. Now she just wondered how M would react to her finding out she had informed 005 to take James' place in France. Even if she kept her mouth closed on what she witnessed between M and James in her office. She may still lose her job for disobeying direct orders. But, if it kept M alive and away from Campbell's grasp it would be worth it. She didn't want to think about a grieving James losing the woman he loved. If anyone could catch Campbell, it was James. As M always said he was the best this agency had and the woman was rarely wrong. Except when it came to matters of the heart.
Grabbing her bag and coat from her chair, she heard M's footsteps behind her.
"Shall we go?"
"Ready when you are Ma'am."
The two of them left headquarters to Ross and the car that was waiting for them.
/*\*/*\
Campbell drove along the familiar road heading to the one place he knew where he could get the information he needed. Stopping his car outside the white bricked terraced house. He killed the engine and looked around the silent neighbourhood. There were a few cars parked on the road of the surrounding houses, but none of which seemed to pose a threat.
Getting out the car, he approached the house looking around for any sign of agents. The last thing he needed was to get caught. Going around back, he opened the side gate. Walking along the side path of the house, he noticed a side door to the house and a small window next to it. He tried the handle not surprised to find it locked. Looking through the window. He saw the key still in the lock and started to look around for anything to break the glass.
Walking further up the path raised an eyebrow at the well-kept garden. He never took Tanner for the gardening type. Seeing a piece of metal piping next to the shed. He walked over and picked it up, tapping it against his hand and made his way back to the window.
Aiming the pipe at the small glass window, he pulled it back, then thrust it forward causing the glass to crack from the impact. Placing down the pipe, he elbowed the window causing the glass to shatter. Tucking his hand in his jacket sleeve he put his hand through the break in the window and turned the key in the lock.
Retracting his hand, he opened the door and stepped into the house. He walked through the pristine kitchen and towards the living room. Upon entering he noticed it was just as immaculate. The room was light and airy with white painted walls, two light grey sofas and a bookcase in the corner, which seemed to contain a range of books and CD's. What really stood out to him was the photo frames arranged on top if the fireplace.
As he got closer, he picked up the middle one noticing Tanner and what appeared to be M's secretary in a lovers embrace. He looked at the other two frames that were next to it; each showing Tanner and Moneypenny looking happy and carefree.
"Guess I wasn't the only one with secrets Mr Tanner."
Keeping the photo frame in his hand, he walked up the steps to the top landing and entered the first room on his right. Quickly scanning the room, he gave a smile at seeing the laptop on the desk in the corner.
Walking towards it, he put down the photo frame and quickly powered it up. His eyes narrowed at the lock screen. He didn't know Tanner's details. He could use Ellis', but whether the old bitch had removed him from the system, or would be alerted if the codes were used. He didn't know.
If he did get access, he would only have a few minutes at most. Looking at the photo frame, he made up his mind. Entering Ellis' details; he hit enter, smirking as the laptop unlocked.
Quickly accessing the information he needed, he scrolled through the list of safe houses stored in the MI6 database. Finding the address of the house he was at earlier, he brought up the information.
"Not as safe as you think M." He murmured.
Noticing an external USB. He quickly downloaded the information onto it. While, it was downloading, he looked for anything else that may be of use. He already knew Bond's address having dropped the man off. M and her secretary on the other hand… he quickly scribbled down their addresses and pocketed the piece of paper. It may be of some use later, should his original plan fail.
Once the information had finished downloading, he removed the USB and closed the laptop.
As he left the house, he could faintly hear the sound of sirens in the distance. Getting into his car, he started the engine and sped off down the street.
Looking into his review mirror, he saw four black BMW's pulling up in front of the house.
"If you want to catch me M. You had better up your game."
/*\*/*\
Ross pulled up outside Moneypenny's house after M had packed everything she needed. She didn't know how long this whole situation would last, but she hoped it wasn't long. As much as she liked, Tanner, Q and Moneypenny she didn't fancy living with them long term. She saw enough of them at work.
M and Ross followed after the younger woman as she unlocked the door to her apartment.
"Sorry if it's a bit of a mess. I haven't had a chance to clean yet."
"I'm sure Ross and myself can handle it."
As M and Ross entered her living room, she raised an eyebrow at seeing the various magazines strewn over the coffee table. Along with a few unwashed dishes. M shook her head as the younger woman tried to fix and clean everything.
"Moneypenny, would you just go and pack what you need. Dishes and magazines can wait."
"Of course ma'am."
They both watched as she threw down the magazine and walked to what M assumed was her bedroom.
"It's like seeing two different people."
M looked at Ross, seeing his disbelief as he looked around at the mess.
"Quite, but think of it this way Ross. When you work in a business like hours, you need to stick to protocol. Well, some of us do. The only freedom you get from this job is when you are at home, retired or dead."
"I'll keep that in mind ma'am." He was sorry he even asked.
"Wait here. I'll go and see if she needs any help."
"Just make sure you don't trip over anything." He silently whispered under his breath.
She shot him a disapproving look, before continuing to walk in the direction Moneypenny has a few minutes prior. If the living room was bad, her bedroom was only slightly better.
"Need a hand?"
"I think I have everything covered." Moneypenny gave M a smile in thanks.
As M further made her way into the room, she spotted the picture on the bedside cabinet. Picking it up, she studied the smiling faces. It seemed to have been taken recently.
"You both look happy."
Moneypenny walked over and took over M's shoulder at the photo.
"We are. We took a gamble and it paid off. Even if it was against protocol."
M handed her the photo frame. "I think I'm long past that stage."
"Perhaps, but you can still be in a relationship. The only person that's holding you back; is you."
M mulled over the younger woman's words. She was right in a sense. She was holding herself back, intentionally or not. But that didn't make her any less wary. One date. She could give James that at least. It wasn't exactly something she exactly wanted to rush into. Despite James' good intentions and his feelings for her.
"I think I'm done here."
"What?" M asked her confused.
"I said I think I'm done."
"Right, we had best…"
The sound of hurried footsteps caused her turn to see Ross standing in the doorway; phone in hand looking anxious.
"What is it?" M felt her heart thumping in her chest, as a feeling of dread washed over her.
"HQ is on the phone. Someone has just accessed our system using Ellis' username and password."
M reached out for the mobile and tried to keep the worry and anger from her voice.
"What files did they access?"
'Your own and Moneypenny's personnel files.'
"Have you got a pinpoint on the location?"
'Affirmative ma'am. Agents have been dispatched. But there is someth…'
"Where?" M looked at Moneypenny, who was looking at her with apprehension.
'Tanner's home address. We tracked the ISP; they used Tanner's laptop. Ma'am, you need to know…'
A loud knock on the apartment door caused the three of them to become alert.
"I'll call you back." M quickly hung up the call.
Ross withdrew his gun. "Were you expecting anyone?" He whispered to Moneypenny.
"No."
The knocks became louder and more persistent.
"Both of you stay here, and find anything to use as a weapon."
Ross left the two women, feeling his palms sweating and his heart pounding in his chest as he warily approached the apartment door.