Chapter 3 - The Untravelled Road

...

James kept his eyes on M, as he began to tell her everything that occurred in his other timeline. He noticed the shock and disbelief on her face as he told her about Mathis' arrest only for them to find out he was innocent. Then how he had handed in his resignation, to spend his life with Vesper, which he now realised was a pipe dream and made him want to smack his other self for going along with the insane idea. It was when he got to Vesper's betrayal and death that he realised he felt no emotion as he recalled how he tried to restore life into her lifeless body. If he had been given this chance back then, he would have used it to ensure Vesper stayed alive, and it would probably have resulted in M's death at the safe house in Italy. He couldn't allow that to happen. She survived Mitchell's confrontation once, he would make she survived it again.

As he continued to look at M, he wondered if the older woman was actually believing what he was saying, or was just humouring him. Hell, if their roles had been reversed he doubted he would believe a word of it either.

When he started to tell her about Mitchell's betrayal, he saw her face pale as she stood up and walked over to the window, her eyes staring out into the distance. He knew It would be hard for her to hear after all Mitchell had been her personal bodyguard for five years, and she had never suspected he could be the enemy.

"How did he do it, James?" M asked turning to face him. "How did fake his tests when they came back clean every year?"

"The minister and his personal advisor, Guy Haines are in league with Quantum. They have members everywhere in our government, so anyone of them could falsify Mitchell's test results to make him look innocent."

"Christ, who else in the government is a part of this organisation?"

"There was Dryden, who was selling government secrets to White. Hence, why they are always one step in front of us as well as many more associates we didn't know about until later on. We never did manage to track them all down." James told her softly.

"And what of White? What happened to him?"

"We don't know. He disappeared off the radar after Dominic Green killed himself and the minister and Guy Haines were arrested. I also tracked down, Vesper's boyfriend, Yusef Kabira in Kazan where he was seducing a woman who worked for Canadian intelligence. She even had the same love knot necklace he had given Vesper."

M closed her eyes as she felt the onset of a headache. "Earlier, you mentioned you went rogue. Why?"

James rested his head back against the pillows as he stared up at the ceiling. "After White escaped, you sent me to track down a man known as Edmund Slate. I killed him and you weren't too thrilled with the outcome. Afterward, I met a Bolivian agent, who led me to Green. I followed him to Austria where I infiltrated a Quantum meeting. It was there we found out about Haines and other government personnel who were in league with Quantum."

"That doesn't explain why you went rogue, James."

"After I interrupted their meeting, Guy Haines' bodyguard followed me to the roof. There was a struggle and I pushed him off the edge. I looked down to see him land on an SUV, he was still alive. However, it seemed Green, killed him and pinned the blame on me. Then there was the death of Mathis. The minister already knew I was a loose canon, so what better way to get rid of me, than by framing me for murder for both Mathis and Haines' bodyguard." James said simply. "You lost your trust in me when you found out. You even wanted to bring be in for investigation."

"James…"

"It's all right. It hasn't happened yet, but if it does, at least this time you'll know that I had nothing to do with it."

"Yes, well hopefully it won't come to that situation again." M murmured as she sat back in the chair next to Bond's bed.

James looked over at her, "you seem sure of yourself."

"Don't you?" M raised an eyebrow. "I thought it was you that wanted to change certain events."

"I do, but after the minister framed me, he called you into his office and ordered a capture and kill order out on me. M he more or less threatened your life, if you didn't bring me in."

"And did I?" M inquired needing to know if she had betrayed him.

James gave a small smile, "you tried. You said told me I was clouded by revenge due to Vesper's death, but you couldn't have been more wrong that day, M."

"What do you mean?"

"It wasn't Vesper that motivated my revenge, it was nearly losing you that caused it. I couldn't let White or Quantum get away with them nearly taking you from me. I guess you could say Vesper was just a cover to hide my real feelings for you."

M sat back in her chair, lost for words at what James had just told her. He couldn't be serious, but the way he had said it with such raw emotion, she couldn't ignore that what he had told her was the truth. It made her wonder how long he had been harbouring these feelings. Had she been to blind to see it? Or did she choose not to? The latter seemed the most likely option.

"Yet, you seemed to want to give up your career for her, the first time around." M couldn't help but remind him of his earlier words.

"Yes, and I was a foolish bastard who didn't know any better. Everything I ever wanted was right in front of me the whole time; my career, you, and I chose to give it up, for what? A woman who played me and took me for a foolish bastard."

"Well, I certainly agree with you on the foolish bastard part." M couldn't help but jibe, "I have been telling you that for months. However, you didn't know about Vesper's betrayal James, hell there was nothing in her file that sent up red flags. If there had been, I would have gotten someone else from the treasury to deliver the funds to you."

"I know, but I should have realised sooner that she had an ulterior motive. Maybe if I had, she would have been brought in for questioning rather than end up dead."

M thought over his words, wondering if they could get the younger woman on their side. It would certainly help them gather information on the organisation that much quicker than it seemed they did the first time around. James may be able to account for everything that happened, but she knew memories could be unreliable in some incidents. Perhaps, it was better to have Vespers' version of events to fill in any missing gaps that it seems they may have overlooked when James first encountered this organisation.

"What are you thinking about, M?" James asked seeing the faraway look in her eyes.

"Miss Lynd. We need to try and get her on our side, James and you're the only person she seems to trust. She hardly said a word to me when I arrived. She only spoke with Mathis and that was to inquire about your health."

"What are you saying, M?" James asked an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"You need to play on her trust, James. Get her to open up to you."

James shook his head in disbelief, "I'm not sleeping with her…"

"I never asked you to. Just tell her you have found some information that discredits her and that you are willing to help and protect her, but only if she tells you everything she knows."

"And if she does, what then?"

"We'll offer her protection. She will no doubt lose her job, but after Quantum is brought to an end we will give her a new identity so she can start a new life. Or we resort to plan B."

"And what's plan B?" James asked not sure if he wanted to know what M was thinking.

"We fake her death."

"You can't be serious. White already knows Vesper is still alive, so that plan would never work."

M crossed her arms across her chest, "Then what do you suggest, James. After all, you have already lived this life once already. What do you propose we do?"

James sighed unsure of what they should do, he knew M had a point, but it could completely backfire, but then again faking her death may not change much of the current timeline.

"Well, what's your decision, James?" M asked impatiently.

"We'll go with plan A. if it has to come down to it, we can fake her death, but as soon as she tells us everything she knows, that decision may be out of our hands. They will do anything to get those winnings, chances are they will probably kill her before we have the chance to protect her."

"Perhaps, but it's a situation we will need to prepare for regardless of what happens. As long as we get the information we need, we will worry about the consequences afterward."

James gave a nod in agreement. It was the best idea they had at the moment unless there was another way.

"There is option C," James said looking at her.

"Which is?" M asked narrowing her eyes.

"White's estate is a few miles from this facility. Myself along with a few agents could apprehend him and bring him in for questioning or better yet eliminate him."

M shook her head, "No. You're not fit enough to go on a mission, James, let alone take out an assailant, you can hardly hold a spoon without your hand shaking for Christ sake. How are you going to manage to fire a weapon?" M argued. "We don't even know if Mr White will even be there this time around. We could be walking straight into a trap!"

"It's a chance we may have to take M. If White is nowhere to be found when agents arrive, it gives us the opportunity to set up surveillance around his estate. It will give us eyes and ears and provide us with more information on what he and Quantum have planned. "

M narrowed her eyes, it could work, but there was also a high chance that it could all backfire and then they would be back to square one. It was several seconds before she came to a decision.

"All right, we'll do this your way, James." She agreed resulting in his eyes to light up at the prospect. "However, I still want you to speak with Miss Lynd. You may have found out everything from her the first time around, but a second time won't hurt just to make sure there was nothing overlooked."

She saw him deflate a little at her second request, which caused her to inwardly smile. He may have lived through all of this before, but she was his boss. She would be the one giving the orders.

"All right, but that's as far as it goes. I've already slept with her; I don't need a repeat performance."

"James, you have the chance to see her again."

"Perhaps, but I buried her a long time ago, M. She may still be alive here and now, but she is and was nothing more than a passing face."

M shook her head, having never seen him so emotionally detached. It was unnerving and was just further proof that what he was saying was true.

"And me? You told me I died in your arms, James. If you had been given the chance further down the line in your original timeline, would you think the same about me? That I was nothing more than a passing face?"

James grabbed her hand in his own before she could walk away.

"No. I never loved Vesper, M. That's why it was easier to let go of her memory after we captured Yusef. I cared for her on some level, I won't deny it. I'm not a completely heartless bastard. You on the other hand, when you died, I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing you again. You stole my heart without even knowing it. So, no, you would never be just a passing face M. Even if I wasn't given this second chance, I would never have forgotten you. Even if I met someone new I would never be able to love them, as much as I love you."

He looked for any reaction from her, but she held her mask firmly in place, either in shock or denial that he couldn't possibly feel such feelings.

"You don't have to say anything, M. I'm content with you knowing about my feelings since I never got the chance to tell you before you died."

M was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. Pulling her hand out of James' gently hold she told them to enter.

"Ma'am, Mathis wishes to speak with you. He said it's quite urgent."

"Did he say what it was for, Mitchell?" M shot a sideways glance towards James, warning him to stay quiet.

"Not in so many words, just that it's in regards to Miss Lynd."

"Very well, where is he?"

"He's in the garden's, ma'am."

"Thank you, Mitchell. I believe I can find my own way without an escort."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, ma'am. It may not be safe to speak with Mathis unsupervised."

"I'm sure she can handle a conversation just fine, Mitchell. Mathis won't hurt her unless there is something you aren't telling us."

M turned her head to look at James, giving him a murderous look.

"What are you implying, Bond?"

"Me? I'm not implying anything. I am merely observing the fact that this facility is relatively safe. Well, as safe as it can be given the circumstances."

"That's enough, 007!" M hissed in warning.

"Oh, and what circumstances would they be, Bond?" Mitchell demanded taking a step closer.

"That's enough both of you! We have more urgent matters to be dealing with than you two behaving like children! Now, if the two of you are quite finished, I'm going to speak with Mathis. Mitchell, get in contact with Tanner and tell him to expect a call from me in a few hours. I may need to update him on any new information we may uncover.".

"Very well, ma'am, I'll get right on it," Mitchell replied giving Bond one last glare before he left.

"What the bloody hells were you thinking, Bond? You can't accuse someone without evidence. I may believe you about Mitchell, but we need solid proof that he actually is working for Quantum. If he even suspects that you know about him being a double agent, then events are just going to repeat themselves. If not a lot worse than the first time around."

"You've made your point, M. I just don't want you to be alone with him. How do we know Mathis even does want to speak with you? It could have been a ploy to get you to leave with him."

M rolled her eyes, wondering if his over-protective behaviour was what she would have to put up with from now on.

"Well, we'll soon find out, won't we?" M muttered before starting to leave.

"Promise me, you'll be vigilant M. Don't trust anyone."

M turned to look back at him, "Even Mathis?"

"Yes. I know I said he was innocent, but you can never be too careful."

"Very well. Try and get some sleep, James. I'll be back shortly."

M left the room and started to walk down the corridor that would lead her out to the gardens. Perhaps some time away from James would do her the world of good. Everything that he told her still hadn't fully sunk in. It made her wonder if she was dreaming as none of this could be real, but it seemed it wasn't the case. Bond's feelings, on the other hand, she didn't know how to deal with. If it was an infatuation she could understand, but love? It was absurd. She could pass as his mother, better yet his grandmother. She couldn't allow him to throw his life away and tie himself to someone like her. However, it seemed she didn't have much choice in the matter. Bond's mind was already made up, she just had to decide what to do about it. She wondered how everything had changed in such a short amount of time. It made her miss the old Bond, at least he was easier to deal with than this new version.

As she rounded the corner, she came face to face with Mathis.

"Ah, M. I thought you would still be with, James," Mathis said giving her a smile.

"I was, but I was informed by Mitchell that you had to speak to me about an urgent matter."

Mathis looked at her in confusion. "I haven't seen Mitchell since yesterday, M."

M felt the blood drain from her face, "Are you positive, Mathis?"

"M, I would remember if I had." He replied his smile disappearing when he saw the worry in her eyes. "Are you all right?"

M didn't answer, but instead turned and hurried back down the corridor she had just come from, hearing Mathis' footsteps behind her.

Upon entering the main reception, she looked around for any sign of Mitchell.

"Is everything all right, ma'am?"

M turned to Peterson, "Where's Mitchell?"

"He left here about five minutes ago."

"Did he say anything to you as to where he was going?"

"He said something about calling Tanner outside, as the reception was bad."

"Christ, this is all we need."

Peterson looked over at Mathis, who looked as out of the loop as he was about the situation.

"Ma'am, what's happened?"

"I recently discovered new information that Mitchell has been a double agent. I wanted solid proof before I accused him, but it seems that information is no longer needed."

"Are you sure, ma'am?"

"Well considering he told me that Mathis wanted to speak with me in the garden, which was a complete lie, then yes, I would say the man has an ulterior motive, wouldn't you?"

Peterson didn't want to believe that one of their own would be a traitor, but even he had to admit Mitchell's behaviour recently had caused suspicion amongst himself and other agents. They thought nothing of it at the time, but perhaps they should have said something sooner.

"We may be able to track him, ma'am, if he hasn't disabled his tracker or mobile."

"I won't hold my breath, Peterson but it's worth a try. I want you to contact Tanner and fill him in on the situation. Hopefully, he will be able to find his whereabouts. Mitchell couldn't have gone far."

"Is there anything else, ma'am?"

"Yes, have Tanner look into every file we have on Mitchell as well his personal life. I want to know everything that he has been hiding over the years."

"Right away, ma'am."

M watched as Peterson pulled out his mobile and started to make the call.

"I have a feeling there is more to this tale than what you have said, M. If there had been new information I would have been aware of it."

"Perceptive as always, Mathis, but I'm afraid that information will have to remain classified for the time being. I hope you understand."

"I do, but I hope you can trust me when the time comes, M."

M gave a faint smile, "I'll keep that in mind, but until then there is something that you can do for me."

"Which is?"

"It appears Miss Lynd is not as innocent as we originally thought. She has been working for an unknown terrorist organisation. I need you to question her."

"And if she refuses?"

"Then it's down to James to try and persuade her. We need to find out what she knows, it may help us find Mitchell and the rest of this organisation.

Mathis watched as Peterson talked adamantly on the phone who he assumed was Tanner.

"I'll see what I can do. However, if what you're saying is true, M. Then our troubles are only beginning and we will have a lot more to worry about than just Mitchell."

"I know, and that's what worries me," M admitted, as Peterson ended the call and made his way back over to them.

"Well?"

"Tanner can't find any trace of Mitchell. His tracker and phone have been disabled. There is nowhere of knowing where he has gone."

"Shit!"

"Tanner and Q branch are looking through Mitchell's files for any clues as to where he may have gone. Hopefully, they will be able to find something that may help find his location or who he is working for."

M knew it would be a waiting game for the time being until they had something to go on.

"Will there be anything else, ma'am?"

"No, I want you and the other agents to surround the perimeter, especially the garden. If Mitchell so as much sets foot back in this facility I want him apprehended. Shoot him if need be, but I want him alive. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'll let the other agents know."

"Thank you, Peterson. Mathis with me."

Mathis gave the agent one last look, before following after M.

"Why would Mitchell disappear now? Did he know that you suspected him?"

M shook her head, "No, considering I only found out a few hours ago." She trailed off realising what a fool she had been.

She had told him to guard the corridor before Bond woke up. The man no doubt had heard everything.

"M?"

"We need to speak with, James."

"What about, Vesper?"

"She will have to wait for the time being." M stopped and turned to look up at him. "I also need to know that I can trust you, Mathis."

"I would never betray you, M. If this was about Bond's kidnapping, I was too late to warn him. By the time I found out, he was already speeding out of the car park."

M searched his eyes for any trace of deceit but could find none. She wanted to believe him, but after Mitchell, she didn't know what to believe anymore. It would be best if she let James decide if Mathis was trustworthy considering her error of judgment.

"I want to believe you, but I think it's best if James makes that decision."

Mathis stood unsure what to make of M's words. The woman really was an enigma. It was no wonder politicians were often infuriated by her.

As they continued to walk down the corridor, they finally stopped outside James' room.

"How do you think James is going to take the news about Mitchell?"

M inwardly groaned at Mathis' question already dreading the conversation.

"Not well I imagine, but he needs to know."

Mathis merely nodded, as M opened the door and stepped inside. He didn't miss the smile on James' face before it disappeared.

"What's happened?" James asked becoming alert as he looked between him and M.

"Mitchell is missing. He lied about Mathis waiting for me in the garden, for what reason I don't know. I have agents surrounding the perimeter and Tanner looking into his files and personal life."

"What about his tracker?"

"Disabled along with his phone. We don't know where he is."

"Why would he run as well as lie about you meeting Mathis in the garden?" James looked over at M. "It makes no sense."

M looked over at Mathis, "I believe, he may have overheard our full conversation. I had him guard the corridor, he could have easily listened in on what we were discussing. Hence, his interruption, he probably used me meeting Mathis in the garden as a diversion, so he could escape without anyone noticing or piece together what he was up to. Also the fact your little outburst when he was in the room probably didn't help matters."

James let out a curse, knowing if Mitchell heard everything then he would no doubt tell Quantum everything. They would be sitting with a blind eye all over again. Except this time, James had a feeling that the results would be much more severe, and there would be nothing they could do to stop it. They were on borrowed time. They had to find Mitchell and fast, otherwise, his second chance would have been for nothing.