Title: Conversations From Q Branch
Parings: James Bond & Q; James Bond/Q (ranging in time from pre-relationship to relationship); Sherlock Holmes & John Watson; Mycroft Holmes/Anthea
Disclaimer: I own no rights. I make no profit.
Chapter 25 – He's Been That Way All Night
The aide with the tea tray paused at the open door to Mycroft Holmes' office to speak to the blond agent on duty.
"Where do I put this?" he asked softly.
"You've read the memo," the agent replied, "within line of sight and arms reach but off to the side of the work area."
"Got it," the aide went and did so returning shortly to the doorway.
"That's kind of creepy" he whispered referring to his boss who was sitting in his chair at the desk hands steepled in front of his face with his eyes closed.
"When I came on duty at 1800," the agent replied, "he was in a meeting with some folks from Scotland Yard. After they left he reviewed a few files, made a phone call then assumed that position. He's been that way all night."
"I didn't believe the memo when I read it but I guess it was true. By the way I'm Vickers if you need anything. I'm on this duty for the next four hours."
"Bond. I'll be alternating 12's with another guard for the duration of this incident."
Vickers took another glance at his boss just in time to register that Mr. Holmes' mobile which was sitting on his desk had vibrated. Holmes picked it up and read what had to be a text. He placed the mobile in his breast pocket then poured a cup of tea. Vickers glanced at Bond who was now leaning nonchalantly against the wall. Bond shrugged.
He was just turning away when Mr. Holmes suddenly asked, "Who made the tea?"
"Ellingham, sir" Vickers replied completely confused.
Mr. Holmes put down the tea cup without drinking and got up from his desk. He strode through the doorway collecting Bond with a jerk of his chin. Vickers, for lack of anything else to do trailed on in their wake. They ended up in the outer office where most of the underlings including Vickers had desks. Mr. Holmes marched up to Ellingham's desk and came to an abrupt stop.
"Sir?" Ellingham asked nervously as he stood.
He was presumably unsettled from suddenly being on the receiving end of Mr. Holmes' intense gaze. Vickers always felt that he was standing in just his pants with all his secrets strewn around him when Mr. Holmes turned that penetrating glance on him. Agent Bond did not seem to be surprised at all by Mr. Holmes' actions. His attention appeared to be not on protecting his charge but instead he seemed to be focused completely on Ellingham.
"I see," Mr. Holmes said his eyes not leaving Ellingham. "I will ask you once politely, where is she?"
Oh shit, Vickers suddenly understood and he realized that he needed to get between Ellingham and the door just in case his co-worker decided to take a runner. Bond had moved also; flanking Ellingham which served, with Mr. Holmes' position, to box him in. Ellingham's mouth dropped open clearly taken by surprise. He made a quick panicked glance around noting both Vickers' and Bond's positions then refocused on Mr. Holmes just in time to be slammed into the wall with Mr. Holmes arm across his throat.
"I'll ask you again," Mr. Holmes voice dripped ice "Where is she?"
Ellingham sputtered "I don't know!"
"That is an unsatisfactory answer."
Vickers noticed just then that Mr. Holmes had produced a rather wicked looking knife from somewhere and had it pressed against Ellingham's side.
"Rest assured," Holmes informed him in a level tone, "I know exactly what to do to make your last few hours excruciatingly uncomfortable if you don't give me the information I seek."
Ellingham went even paler than he already was. "No, I really don't know," he gasped, "but I do know all the locations they used for dead drops, everywhere they met me, I can provide descriptions, I've even got a recording of one of their phone calls. They threatened my family, my mother. They said I was under surveillance and they'd know if I tipped anyone in the office off."
In response to the last statement Mr. Holmes glanced at the blond agent who simply nodded and said, "He's on it."
Mr. Holmes removed the knife and his arm letting Ellingham slump against the wall. "He's all yours 007. Take him and wring him dry."
Bond grabbed Ellingham by the arm and marched him out of the room without a word. Vickers realized that everyone in the room including himself was staring in various degrees of shock and awe at their boss. They knew that their work and their boss was important but this confirmed it in a very visceral and real way. Mr. Holmes however appeared to be oblivious to the reaction of his staff and completely unaffected by the fact that some third party had managed to get a hold on a member of his staff enough to cause a betrayal of this magnitude.
Mr. Holmes glanced around then addressed the group, "Ladies and gentlemen we appear to have had a leak and may be under surveillance. Please determine exactly what has been compromised and to what extent. Protocol 34-A will be implemented for protection of your designated significant persons. Additional information will be routed to your mobiles." He paused and focused on Vickers, "and some more tea please," he requested. "I suspect the tray you delivered is untainted however it is best to take reasonable precautions." With that, Mr. Holmes turned around and walked calmly in the direction of his office.
Vickers watched him go stunned; finally understanding why the sobriquet Ice Man had been applied to his superior.
Author's Note: This snippet occurs sometime before Chapter 15 but after Lisa (Anthea) was kidnapped.