Chapter 2
...
Early the next morning, James lay awake in bed, thinking of his conversation he had with Olivia the night before, wondering if she could be correct in her assumption that it was a message intended for him. He just didn't know who the culprit could be or why they were trying to send him a message.
None of it made much sense.
He did find it suspicious that he received his personal effects from Skyfall after he had taken care of Sciarra on Olivia's orders. It warmed his heart, to know that she had put her trust in him, to take care of what she had started. The amount of trust and faith she had in him, always left him speechless. He was grateful for everything she had done for him, even if his actions spoke otherwise.
Feeling, Olivia stir, he lay still as she turned over to her other side so she was now facing him. Her eyes were still closed, as she snuggled in closer to his side with her head now resting on his chest as she gave a contented sigh, as she continued to sleep.
He wrapped his arms tighter around her and gave a small smile at seeing how peaceful she looked. She fitted perfectly against him as if she was always meant to be there. He guessed in a way she had been. It was moments like these, that he missed the most when he was away on missions.
The feel of her surrounding him always made him feel calm and gave him comfort. But the feeling was replaced with loneliness and loss when he was away for long periods of time. It was one of the reasons why he was dreading going to Rome. He didn't know how long it would take before he found the information he needed about this mystery organisation. He would go to Sciarra's funeral as Olivia ordered, and hopefully it would provide some answers about the ring he had acquired as well as the identity of the Pale King.
They had so many questions with very few answers that were starting to make James aggravated that their progress was going slower than he had anticipated.
"If you think any louder, you will wake up the whole street." Olivia, mumbled into his chest before her eyes opened and she looked up at him.
"Sorry, go back to sleep. It's still early," he tried to reason with her hoping she would do what he asked.
She ignored his concern, knowing there was something bothering him.
"What's on your mind, James? And don't lie to me."
"Nothing is wrong, Olivia. I'm just thinking about everything you said last night."
"There is a possibility I could be right, James. But there is also the possibility that I'm not. The personal items Moneypenny gave you may just be that with no strings attached." She tried to sound convincing, but from the look on his face, she could see that he didn't believe a word of it.
"I seriously doubt that Olivia, and so do you. You wouldn't have mentioned it last night if you didn't think there was something suspicious about it."
"What if I am wrong, James. What then?"
"Better to be safe than sorry. Where this organisation is concerned, we can't afford to take any chances."
She gave him a smile at his reply and tried to stop the laugh that wanted to break free.
"What's so amusing?"
"You do realise that you sounded like me just there, don't you? Except more masculine."
He gave his own smirk in response, "It seems that your M days are finally rubbing off on me."
"It took long enough." She fondly told him. "Now go back to sleep, if it's still bothering you, we can discuss it more in a few hours." She pressed a kiss to his chest, before falling back to sleep.
Staring at the ceiling, he wondered how he would have gotten through all of this without her. While she didn't have the answers, she gave him the strength to see all of this through to the end.
"James… If you don't go to sleep in the next few minutes, I'll drug you if I need to" She murmured into his chest.
"I love you too, Olivia." He whispered into the darkness.
Giving a faint smile, he closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep before he had to meet with Tanner and Q.
/*\*/*\
The next time James woke, he was alone in bed. The side Olivia usually slept on was now cold. Sitting up, he looked around the room, for any sign of her. It was only when he heard the TV in the living room and the smell of breakfast being cooked that he felt himself relax.
Looking at the clock, he noticed it had just gone after seven. He had to meet Q, at nine for his examination. It gave him a few hours at most with Olivia before he had to leave for Rome.
Throwing back the covers, he walked over and grabbed his robe from the hook behind the door. Putting it on, he went into the kitchen to see Olivia, in the middle of cooking what smelt like scrambled eggs.
As if sensing she was being watched, she turned towards him. "So, Sleeping Beauty finally decides to wake. I was wondering if I would have to blow my cover and call Q to tell him you wouldn't be able to make your appointment."
"Do that and you will give the poor man a heart attack." He smirked.
She turned back to the scrambled eggs and gave the contents a stir. "Probably wouldn't be the best idea."
He walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Once this matter has been dealt with, we can let Tanner, Q Moneypenny, and probably Mallory know that you are still alive."
"Perhaps not Mallory. He might think I've come back to haunt him, and take my old job back."
James pressed a kiss to the side of her temple, "Now, would that really be a bad thing. I for one would love to have you back as, M."
"I know you would, but that job isn't me anymore, James. I've let that life go. Sort of. Now will you get me some plates or bowls to put this in."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Releasing her from his hold, he moved over to one of the top cupboards and grabbed two white ceramic bowls and placed them on the counter.
"I'll get the tea, shall I?"
"No, you can go and sit down. Last time I had you in the kitchen you nearly burnt the place down and that was only by making toast." She dished out an even amount of scrambled egg into each of the bowls, then placed the dirty pot in the sink.
"Fine, but don't say I don't help. I did offer."
"Out." She ordered, pointing towards the living room.
"I'm going." He told her exasperated and did what she had ordered.
Once she was sure he was gone, she gave a smirk and started to make the tea. It was another five minutes before she was satisfied that she had everything. Placing the two bowls and cups on the tray, she walked into the living room to see James, fixated on the TV.
"Anything interesting?" She placed the tray on the coffee table, before taking a seat next to him.
"Just more headlines on what occurred in Mexico." He placed the control on the couch and took one of the bowls from the tray.
"I should have known. Just make sure you don't destroy half of Rome as well while you're at it. You may as well just tell Mallory what you are doing."
"No chance of that, Olivia. He would never authorise it and it would mean telling him everything. It's best he remains in the dark for the time being."
"All right. But if he has you tracked he will find out sooner or later." Olivia warned taking a bite of her scrambled egg.
"That's easily avoidable. As you no doubt know." He gave her a smirk.
She ignored the jibe and instead kept her attention focused on the TV, as the reporter started to discuss MI6's merger with MI5.
"When was this decided?" She looked at James.
"A few weeks ago apparently. Didn't I tell you?"
"No, you didn't. What the hell are they playing at?"
"I don't know, but the intelligence service isn't like it once was. It's changing. You can thank our friend C for that."
She gave a scoff, "I might have guessed he had something to do with it." She put her bowl on the table no longer hungry.
"When does he not?"
"Christ, James. Everything I worked for seems to be disappearing left, right, and center. They managed to get rid of me, wasn't that enough?"
"Olivia, look at me." He commanded her softly.
She looked towards him resigned.
"You have done more for this agency than all of them put together. They may forget your years of service, but those who care about you won't. Tanner, Q, and Moneypenny aren't too thrilled with these turn of events. Mallory isn't either. I think he is finally realising just how much bullshit you had to go through on a daily basis."
"And you?" She challenged.
He took her hands in his. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. The same goes for many other agents in the service. You may not be there anymore, but I can assure you they haven't forgotten everything you have done for them over the years."
"Thank you, James. I guess it's just difficult to get used to all these new changes and knowing I can't do anything to try and stop it."
"I can understand that, but if it's any consolation. You will always be my M."
"Thank you." She told him sincerely taking comfort in his words.
"Anytime, now eat your breakfast before it gets cold." He kissed her on the lips tenderly, before letting go of her hands so they could both eat their breakfast.
The rest of the news was uneventful by the time they had finished and their dishes were placed back on the tray.
"When do you need to leave?" Olivia asked him, standing up.
"I've to meet, Q at nine. So, half an hour at most."
"Then you had best go and get ready, wouldn't want to keep him waiting." She leaned down to pick up the tray with their dirty dishes and headed in the direction of the kitchen.
James watched her go, before making his way into the bedroom to get showered and dressed. He would have preferred Olivia to have joined him in the shower, but knew if it was the case, then he would likely be late. Not that it would bother him, but the quicker he got everything sorted out with Q, the quicker he could take care of what he needed to do in Rome. Preferably without the repeat of what happened in Mexico. If he wanted to ensure that he stayed off the radar, he would need to make sure that he didn't cause any more attention to himself, which would prove more challenging giving his reputation.
Turning on the shower, he took off his robe and stepped under the warm spray of water, letting it ease out some of the tension he had felt over the past few hours. He had only been in for a few minutes when he heard the shower door open. Turning around he saw Olivia enter, giving him a smile.
"Permission to join you, 007?"
Hearing her say his number caused a shot of arousal to go through him, "Permission granted, Ma'am."
Gently grabbing her waist he pulled her closer towards him as he leaned down and captured her lips in a long warm kiss that left her short of breath. His hands roamed her body, and she returned his kisses, eagerly wanting more.
"If we keep this up, I'm going to be late." He whispered against her mouth, before his lips traced the line from her neck to her jaw with small, hot kisses, sending exquisite shivers through her.
She could feel her heart pounding, as she tried to stifle the moan that wanted to break free from her lips as she reached up and placed her hand on the back of his neck holding him in place.
"Then we had best make this quick, James." She told him breathlessly, feeling him softly turn them so her back was pressed against the shower wall. She let her eyes close, as she felt James' hand trail down her body, softly teasing her skin, causing her to shiver with anticipation
"With pleasure."
She didn't know what the fascination was over shower sex, but she guessed it was now time she finally found out.
/*\*/*\
Centre for National Security - London
Max Denbigh, sat in his office and accessed the Nine Eyes programme on his laptop. The programme itself was remarkable, and would be the future for intelligence agencies. No more would they have to rely on agents to infiltrate terrorist organisations to gather information. Nine Eyes was everything an agent could be and more. It could see and hear everything, nothing would get past it. It would strengthen national security around the world.
However, it would only be possible if he could obtain a co-agreement between nine countries. The only country who didn't seem to be on board was South Africa. He was so close to putting the programme online, yet he was held back by one vote.
The programme itself had taken years to build, and it was all thanks to one person that it was possible. It was just a shame he had been killed before he could see his work make history. They had 007 to thank for that setback. The sooner he closed down the double-0 division the quicker they could get rid of Bond. He was too high a risk to be kept around. The only reason he still had his license was because of his old boss. Now she was dead and gone, there would be no one to protect him. He was alone. He doubted Mallory would stick his neck out for him, not after what occurred in Mexico City.
Typing away on his keyboard, he brought up the CCTV footage in M's office from yesterday watching the debriefing he had with 007. Turning up the audio he sat back and watched what had occurred before he had shown up for his appointment.
"You can start anyway you like!" Mallory sat down in his chair behind his desk after showing Bond, the newspapers.
"Take your time 007, but in five minutes the head of the joint security service is going to walk through that door and I've got to explain to him; how one of our agents, decided to potter off to Mexico, all on his own and cause an international incident."
"With all due respect, Sir… It could have been worse." Bond told him almost bored.
"Worse? You blew up half a bloody block."
"Well better half a block, than a stadium full of people."
"You had no authority! None! As you know we are in the middle of the biggest shake-up in the history of British Intelligence. The ink is barely dry on this merger with MI5! And already they are itching for a chance to scrap the double-0 programme forever! And you have just given them one!
"You're right, Sir. You have got a tricky day ahead." Bond informed him sarcastically.
Mallory stood up and looked down at 007 unimpressed with his attitude.
"This is an unofficial question…
Denbigh sat forward in his seat, intrigued as to how this would play out.
"Mexico City. What were you doing there?"
"It was just a coincidence." Bond replied, his face impassive. "I was taking some overdue holiday."
"Okay. Fine. As of this morning, you are officially grounded. I'm standing you down from all operations indefinitely.
Bond stood up and redid the button on his coat and gave Mallory a fake smile. "Very good, Sir."
Denbigh watched as Bond started to leave, only for M to stop him.
"007," Mallory called out.
Bond turned and looked back at him, "Sir?"
"I don't know what you're playing at, but whatever it is… it has to stop. Now."
Denbigh stopped the video and thought over everything he had just heard. Bond was hiding something. Something he didn't want anyone to know. He just didn't know what it was. Bond's fiasco in Mexico wasn't just a coincidence. He knew what he was doing or rather going after. The question was who had given him the lead about Sciarra. His old boss was dead. So how did he get the lead? It wasn't just a coincidence, unless, she had left him something after her death that gave him a lead to Mexico. He wouldn't have put it past her.
Denbigh had heard all about the famous, Olivia Mansfield, with her stern efficiency and practicality. Loyal to a fault for Queen and Country, she always stood by her agents, defending their actions, especially Bond's. He had read over the mission reports, half the things he had done would have caused his license to be revoked all those years ago. She had even faked his physical and psychological examination results, so he could be cleared to go back out in the field.
It made him wonder just how deep their relationship actually went that caused her to risk her own career for him, on more than one occasion. Closing down the CCTV footage he decided it didn't matter, she was dead and Bond was now alone and unprotected. It would make getting rid of him that much easier.
/*\*/*\
Bond's Apartment - Notting Hill, London
Olivia felt James slump against her back completely spent as they tried to get their breathing under control. She wondered how people made shower sex look like the easiest thing in the world considering they had spent ten minutes trying to find the perfect position.
"Well, that was… different." Olivia said breathlessly as she felt James separate and move gently apart as he pulled her away from the shower wall and back into the warm water, as it continued to rain upon them.
"Good different?"
Olivia turned to look at him, with a smile, as they stared longingly into each other's eyes.
"More than good, James."
"I'm sensing a 'but' in that statement."
"It's just- I don't I think I will manage another one of these shower escapades at my age. But, with that being said, I can't deny that your exuberance certainly makes it very rewarding." M smiled at him with a look of utter adoration and love.
He took her face in his hands and drew her to him, kissing her once again. Her arms wrapped their way around him, and he pulled her closer against him, causing their wet bodies to be once again pressed together as he kissed her ardently.
They took pleasure in the moment until a loud ringing sound echoed around the bathroom causing James to let out a moan in frustration as he broke the kiss.
"What the hell is that?"
"The alarm, telling me you only have forty-five minutes to get ready for your meeting."
James leaned back and gave her a look of disbelief. "You set a bloody alarm?"
Olivia couldn't hold back her laugh at seeing James pout knowing that their little shower interlude had come to an end.
"It isn't funny."
"If you say so, James, but since the alarm has spoken we had best freshen up before you go anywhere."
"I"m going to kill Mallory for arranging this bloody meeting." James muttered, unwrapping his arms from Olivia and reached for the soap and sponge.
"Well, you were the one who decided to blow up half a bloody block."
"Yes, but it was your orders that sent me there."
M ignored him and took the sponge and soap from his hands and started to lather up the sponge, before replacing the soap back on the small shelf behind her.
They lingered in the shower for another five minutes, taking turns washing each other, their soapy caresses were soft and loving, both determined to make the moment last as long as possible.
Olivia didn't know the next time they would get a moment like this, with just the two of them, without the job getting in the way of their personal lives. She was determined to enjoy every moment without allowing him to revert back to anymore strenuous physical pursuits in the shower.
"James, I need to get out. I don't need to be any more wrinkled." She stated when she felt James' hands once again start to roam her body as she turned off the water.
Opening the shower door, she stepped out and grabbed the white fluffy towel on the silver towel rail.
As she quickly wrapped it around herself, James' arms found themselves around her as he pulled her in for another hug.
"You don't need to worry about lines and wrinkles, Olivia. I love you regardless. Besides, with the amount of scars I've accumulated over the years, you are definitely the more attractive of the two of us."
"I seriously doubt that." She muttered feeling herself relax in his embrace.
"It's the truth," he declared and placed a tender kiss to her temple.
"I'll take your word for it, James. Now, you had best go and make a start on getting dressed."
"Yes, Ma'am."
She felt the warmth of his body leave her as she watched him head towards the bedroom. Giving a smile, she quickly dried herself and placed the used towel in the laundry hamper. Picking up her silver dressing gown, she slipped it on and tied the belt at the side of her waist.
Looking back at the shower cubicle through the steam, she gave a smirk, before following after James into the bedroom.
Taking a seat in front of her dresser, she watched James in the mirror as he started to get dressed into one of his navy three-piece suits. She hoped his meeting with Q wouldn't take long, she wanted to spend a few more hours with him before he had to leave for Rome. Olivia had meant what she said when she didn't know what waited for James. That alone gave her an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"What are you thinking about?"
She came out of her thoughts realising that James was now standing next to her.
"Just wondering the next time we will get more than twenty-four hours to ourselves."
Reaching out for her hand, he gently pulled her up from her seat and into his arms.
"Once I find out all I need to know and take care of the organisation Sciarra works for, I'm all yours."
"I know James." she whispered, looking up at him. "Just be careful and try not to cause too much damage will you."
"For you, I'll try."
"That's all I ask," she reached up to straighten his tie. "Now, you had best go, otherwise, you will be late."
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
"I know you will," she replied with an air of sadness in her voice.
James gently traced her face with his fingertips, trying to memorise every last detail.
"I'll still be here when you get back, James."
"You had better be," he whispered, leaning down and placing one last kiss to her forehead before reluctantly pulling away from their embrace.
Following James to the front door, she watched him leave with a heavy heart. The sound of the door closing, caused Olivia to wrap her arms around herself wishing it was James' arms instead.
"Hurry back, James," she whispered to the empty apartment, before making her way back into the bedroom, and started to get dressed for the day ahead.