Chapter 32: Meeting in Austria

"He will have the proteolytic digestive enzyme shake." He heard behind him. James didn't know what it was and it sounded disgusting, but the bloody 'barman' did serve that it seemed even though they didn't serve a good vodka martini. James closed his eyes with a sigh and he unobtrusively hid his slightly shaking fingers. He was bloody desperate for a drink right now and he certainly wasn't in the mood to entertain. But somehow, Q had a way of showing up when he was at his lowest.

There was a smirk on Q's face when he turned his head that irked the hell out of him.

"If you've come for the car? I've left it at the bottom of the Tiber." He shot back at the hacker. Q's smirked grew the tiniest bit.

"Yes, I've already had it retrieved. R was less than pleased. She had to strip what was left of the car herself, seeing as the chop shop boys are suspended pending a hearing. Their answers as to why they delivered the car in such a state were less than satisfactory. Aston Martin wasn't happy either, the crash made the news and bad press wasn't what they were after when they accepted our order. An order of two more cars pacified them. All in all, you leaving the car where it was cost me about 10 million pounds." Q snarked back.

"It's not your money, Q" James shot back. Q snorted and James thought he heard him mutter "I wish", but he was too tired and irritated to figure out what Q meant.

"Why are you here Q?" He grouched, losing his temper a bit.

"Well, someone left all his earpieces in the car and got them wet, M got wind of the fact you aren't in Chelsey despite my assurances and we're running out of time. So, I'm here for an update." James sighed. Off course. He should have figured that. Gone were the days where he could do what was needed and then report back to London no questions asked. With these damn chips in his blood, he could be traced anytime, anywhere. It made him feel extremely uncomfortable. Even unsafe. If someone else got his hands on that information…

"Off course a nice break from the hectic of London is also nice. This place you chose is rather fancy, and not really to my taste, but I suppose it could do. And who knows, you might learn something about keeping a healthy lifestyle." Q snarked. James bristled. His irritation turning up another notch. Was Q doing this on purpose? Didn't he know that he was playing a dangerous game?

Speaking of dangerous. He glanced around him, knowing that it was too dangerous for Q to be here without an escort. He wondered who was on duty. He knew 10 was in the country, but he usually kept to himself and wouldn't have anything to do with anyone connected to the director. It took him a while to spot 6. He didn't look out of place in the suit he was wearing, even though it wasn't his normal attire. His targets were usually younger so he normally sported jeans and T-shirts. 6 looked up once he felt eyes on him and nodded in greeting, before returning to the paper he was reading.

He turned back to Q who appeared to be scanning him, trying to read him. That look was quickly gone followed by a flash of chagrin at having been caught. James almost growled in annoyance. Q was doing this on purpose.

"What are you doing, Q?" He asked angrily. Q steadily met his gaze.

"Experience has taught me that a good snarl can get a lot out of your system when other vices are not desirable or unavailable." Q answered plainly, voice entirely lacking of sympathy or accusation.

A flash of anger rose so quickly that it made him freeze up, lest he did something regrettable. From the corner of his eye, he saw 6 make an aborted motion to get up, knowing that he was too late to stop James anyway. 6's warning look made him motion peace to the other agent. He wasn't going to attack Q no matter how hard he was being pushed. 6 slowly relaxed in his seat and returned to his paper again.

"It seems to work for you too." He heard Q say a little apologetically. Startled, James checked himself and was surprised to find that Q was right. The shaking and the need had both lessened to a degree that were manageable and he felt more ready to work. Looking over at the man beside him, he saw the smirk was gone and the professional was back.

"Your report, 007." Q quietly requested. And James, feeling just a hint of gratitude to Q for his help even if he was still annoyed for the interference, easily gave it.

"The pale king is dead. Poisoned by his employers. Before he died, he gave me a name. 'l'Americain.' He asked me to look after his daughter. She knows who l'Americain is. She's here but not interested in my help. In fact, have about 2 minutes before security removes me from the premises." He reported.

"Sounds like you won't get to enjoy your healthy shake then." Q bantered back which sparked James's amusement but he also noticed that the response seemed automatic, thoughtless. Like his head was somewhere else. However, he wasn't done yet with his report because he had a favour to ask. He had been beating himself up for not giving it over to Q in the first place, especially after what happened with Mr. White.

"I need you to do something for me." He said and slid over the ring. "It belonged to Sciara and I need you to analyse it for me. It vibrated when I came close to Mr. White so there are electronics in there." Q nodded and made the ring disappear on his body.

"Pevsner, room 12, one hour." He said and moved away. Glancing over his shoulder he saw 6 had stood. Probably had signalled that security had arrived.

"Here you go, sir, one proteolytic digestive enzyme shake." The barman, who had taken his bloody time creating his revolting looking creation, was handing him a glass with green sludge just as security reached him. Shaking his head in disbelief that people actually drank that, he just couldn't help himself to say to the man.

"Do me a favour will you? Throw that down the toilet. Cut out the middle man." Just as he was about to follow security peacefully, he spotted Dr Swann being taken. Taking out the men with very little effort, he went after her while hoping Q got away without trouble.