03/Lunch with Felix
The two left the hotel and walked down Rideau Street then turned down Sussex. As they strolled, Bond put his arm around Kate's waist. She turned and glared at him only to have Bond explain their cover once again to her. Kate softened as the two turned down George Street and into the Italian restaurant to their right. Kate dealt with the maitre'D and explained about the courtyard reservation with Bond as the server led them outside.
"Why wasn't I told any of this?" Bond asked as he pulled a chair out for Kate. She sat and Bond took his seat. They ordered Vodka-and-tonics and waited for Felix. Kate munched on the garlic bread that was brought with their drinks. Bond took a long sip and sighed.
"A good drink, finally." He announced. "Haven't had one since I left my flat."
"Then would you like wine or a martini with your lunch?" Kate said without looking up as she browed the menu.
"To choose between red wine and a martini is a crime for one such as myself. You choose, my dear."
"Martini's it is." Kate looked up. "I think I'll just have a Cesar Salad. I'm not that hungry. What about you?"
"Seafood pizza." Bond said. "You know, I never thought of eating Italian food in Canada."
"You learn things when you travel, Mr. Bond." He grunted.
"You switch between saying 'James' and 'Mr. Bond' all the time. Just choose one and stick with it."
"Sorry, James." Kate said sarcastically. Bond was going to chastise the girl for her sarcasm when he saw Felix walking towards them. Bond stood.
"Good to see you again, Leiter." Bond said as he shook his friend's hand. "This must be a dangerous assignment if they sent you up."
"Too bad I'm just liaison again." Leiter turned to Kate. "You know that Bond and I go way back. Man, we've had some fun times."
"Leiter, Kate Winters, CSIS." Bond said. Kate raised her hand to shake Felix's, yet Leiter took it and kissed the back of her hand.
"The pleasure's mine." He said
"Yes. It is." Kate replied coolly. Despite her comment, she smiled and motioned for the two men to sit. They all sat around the small, round table.
"Three again," Leiter said as he pulled out a menu. "Have you decided on what you want, my dear? It's Bond's bill, so be as expensive as you like."
"I think I'll just have the Cesar Salad. James and I have already agreed on martinis with lunch." The Ice Princess replied. Leiter grinned and looked at Bond and the British agent smiled. "What?" Kate asked.
"Nothing, my dear." Bond said.
"Well, now that we're all here," Leiter started, "I have some information on Desjardins and how SNOWBLINDE gets its cash." Bond and Kate leaned in and Leiter lowered is voice. "Well, you know how Desjardins is an oil investor? Well, in 1982, he invested all he has in the new-and what is now the leading oil company in the world- Avalanche Oils. Ten years later in 1992, a pipe line of Avalanche's rival company blew and their oil was leaked into the ocean, costing millions and making the company go out of business. Avalanche Oils became the leading oil company in North America and Desjardins became a millionaire."
"Avalanche's CEO?" Bond asked.
"One Robert Stallis." Leiter replied. "Why? You think Stallis and Desjardins are in on it together?" Kate, who was chewing on a piece of bread, stopped and leaned in closer.
"Well, a small business man needs help and an organized crime man needs money." Bond said simply. "In any case, I want both their dossiers to read over tomorrow."
"I'll call CSIS tonight." Kate said.
Their food and drinks were brought out and the trio ate. Kate picked at her salad and gingerly drank her martini while Bond and Leiter continued to talk. They discussed their previous assignments together and what countries they had both visited. They went on like that for an hour. Finally, Kate stood up.
"Excuse me, gentlemen." She said, "I need to use the restroom." Bond and Leiter stood as Kate turned and walked into the building. The two sat again.
"So, what do you think?" Bond asked. "They call her the Ice Princess at CSIS-or so I'm told."
"She lives up to it." Leiter laughed, "She's quite the looker, though. She seems to be melting down to you, what with the first names and all."
"She's only saying it because of our cover. Did you know that we're madly in love?" Bond asked.
"I never would have guessed." Leiter commented.
"Yet…" Bond muttered, "Her ice is too thick. What ever caused this must have been bad."
Kate returned to the two men sitting in silence. She sat between the two and looked at them. Leiter had his hands clasped in front of his mouth as if he was praying and Bond sat back, looking into his martini glass.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing." Bond signaled for the check. "I suppose we should get back to the hotel. I'm quite tired. Care to come up for a quick drink?" he asked Leiter.
"No," he said, "I need to get back to calling around, gathering information and the like." The three stood. Leiter took Kate's hand. "Au revoir, Miss Winters." He said.
"It was a pleasure, Mr. Leiter." Kate said sincerely before she turned and walked out of the courtyard. Leiter winked at the British agent before he left as well.