Jean and Lionel's House ~ Holland Park, London
Lionel hung up the call with Jean and turned to Alistair.
"Can I help you?"
"I was actually looking for Jean, but since she isn't here. Is Judy about?"
"She's still at work."
The sound of the front door opening, caused Lionel to roll his eyes.
"Or not." he murmured under his breath.
"Have you heard from… Oh, hello Alistair?" Judy stopped in her tracks.
"Me and Lionel and were just talking about you." He gave her a beaming smile.
"Really? What about?" Judy asked taking off her bag and coat.
"Define talking? All you asked was is Judy was about?"
"So, I did Lionel. Perceptive as always."
"Well, she is here. What do you need to talk to me about Alistair?"
"I was hoping to ask you and Jean out for a spot of lunch, but since she isn't here. How would you feel about joining me, we could pick Sandy up on the way."
Judy gave him a calculating look. "Alright Alistair, what are you after?"
"After? What makes you think I'm after anything? All I want is to take two gorgeous women out to lunch."
"And what about Lionel?" Judy asked looking over at the older man.
"What about me? In case you haven't noticed, I don't exactly fit into the woman category."
"No, but I'm sure Alistair wouldn't mind if you join us."
"No, not at all. The more the merrier." He clapped his hands together enthusiastically.
"Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll pass." He walked past Alistair and sat himself on the sofa.
"Are you sure mate? It's on me."
"What will be? The bill or the food."
"Maybe both." Judy joined in.
"I only ask you out to lunch and this is the thanks I get. I feel so attacked right now." Alistair pouted.
"Come on. I'll take you up on your offer. Poor Sandy could be doing with a break." Judy gave Alistair a smile.
"Now you're talking. We'll leave in ten. Should give you enough time to freshen up."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Judy crossed her arms over her chest.
He put his hands up in front of him indicating he meant no harm.
"Well… what I meant was if you would like to freshen up. You don't have to of course."
Judy narrowed her eyes at him "Give me five minutes."
Once she had left the room, Alistair gave a quiet sigh in relief. While Lionel tried not to smile.
"That was a close one."
"Maybe next time you should keep your mouth closed Alistair."
"I think I may. How is Jean Li? I wasn't aware she had planned a weekend away?"
"It was sort of last minute."
"I see. Give her my best won't you Li."
"Of course, I'm sure she will be thrilled."
The sound of the phone ringing again caused Lionel to murmur under his breath.
"I'll get it Li."
Lionel's eyes widened. "No, it's quite alright Alistair…"
"Hello?"
'Is the Admiral there?'
"Admiral? I'm sorry I think…"
Lionel pulled the phone from Alistair's hand. "Give me that."
"Hello?"
'Admiral, How are you?'
"Never better."
'Good, good. I just not long had M in my office. You never mentioned anything about your relationship.'
"Well, we wanted to keep it hush hush you know?"
'That I do. I have to say I was quite surprised myself when she told me. The two of you never seemed to be able to tolerate each other never mind live with each other.'
"Time changes people as they say."
'Mm, quite. Well, I offer you my congratulations. Perhaps you will manage to make her see sense where that agent of hers is concerned.'
"I'll try my best."
'Good. I asked M if you would like to join me for a small get together I'm hosting tomorrow night, but she told me you were both busy.'
"Yes, we agreed on a quiet night in."
'Nonsense to that. I'm sure M won't mind if you reschedule it.'
"I suppose…"
'Good, it's settled then. I will see you both tomorrow evening at seven. The party is being hosted at my family estate at Reeves Mews, located in Mayfair.'
"Very well, we shall see you then."
'Goodbye Admiral.'
Lionel placed the phone back on the receiver and inwardly cursed.
"Everything alright mate?"
"No. Everything is not alright Alistair." He told the younger man annoyed.
"Why did he call you Admiral Li?"
Lionel gave a nervous chuckle, "Oh that. That was just a nickname. He's an old friend."
"I see. Are you meeting up with him?"
"Yes, he asked me and Jean over for a small get together he is hosting tomorrow night."
"Who is hosting a get together?" Judy asked walking back into the room and picked up her coat.
"One of Li's old friends."
"Yes, which means I won't be here tomorrow Judy."
"That's fine. Just make sure you inform mum."
"Yes, that would be a good idea. She is invited too." Lionel put his hands in his trouser pockets.
"Shall we go Alistair?"
"Of course. See you later Li." He play punched Lionel on the arm.
"Would you stop that?"
"Sadly no. Anyway have fun tomorrow with the lovely lady and your old friend."
"I'll try Alistair."
"I'll see you later Lionel." Judy gave him a smile.
"What? Oh yes… see you later."
The sound of the front door closing caused Lionel to come out of his thoughts. He was annoyed at Jean for her stories when he himself had landed them both in a bigger mess. Jean wasn't going to like this. He hoped there were no other surprises waiting for him. He wondered if James and Olivia's weekend holiday was going better than his current predicament.
/*\*/*\
Carey Court Hotel ~ Torquay
Olivia let out a content sigh loving the feel of James' arms surrounding her as he lightly traced her arm with his fingertips.
"You do know we can't stay in bed all day don't you James?"
She lifted her head from his chest to look up at him seeing him smiling in amusement.
"No harm in trying is there?"
She gave him a smile of her own, and rested her head back on his chest.
"No, but it would defeat the purpose of this weekend away that you were so adamant for us to come on."
"I know, but there was a reason for this short break."
"Are you going to elaborate?"
"Now where would the fun in that be Olivia?"
She moved out of his embrace causing James to wonder where she was going. He kept his eyes on her, as she started to search their discarded clothes.
"Lost something?" He raised his arms behind his head as he watched her amused.
"You could say that."
She finally found what she was looking for and lay herself back under the covers, bringing them up so they covered her above the chest as she dialled Lionel's number on the mobile.
"I should have known. I don't know whether to feel offended or amused."
"Oh, shut up." She held the mobile to her ear, giving James a reproachful look.
"Well?"
"It's engaged. You don't think anything has happened do you?" Olivia asked worried as she ended the call.
"I highly doubt it. Besides Jean or Tanner would call you first."
Olivia narrowed her eyes, "Perhaps, but the more I think about it. If something did happen I highly doubt they would tell me."
James lowered his left arm from behind his head motioning Olivia to lay next to him. Giving in she nestled herself at his side, feeling his arm wrap around her.
"You, need to have a little faith in Tanner and Jean. If anything got out of hand Tanner would know to contact you, he wouldn't let anything get out of hand."
"And Penny? What about her?"
"As I've told you, Lionel won't believe her as he knows Jean is in London, and we are here. So, I'm sure the man will put two and two together."
Olivia gave a sigh. "I know, but it only seems fair to give him some warning at least. From what we saw of Penny she can be annoying."
"Now that- I do agree with."
James noticed she was trying Lionel's number again and rolled his eyes.
"Who the hell is he on the phone too?"
"The man probably has other people in his life Olivia. Or it maybe it's Alistair. You know how that man can be."
He tightened his hold on her, remembering all too well what the other man was like round Olivia, Jean and Evelyn. He was never the jealous type, but he found Alistair rubbed him the wrong way. Whether it was his attitude, or his open flirtations he didn't know. He only knew to keep an eye on him.
"Don't remind me James." Olivia told him in warning.
She could feel herself becoming frustrated, any other time she would leave it, but there wasn't something sitting right with her. She felt James hand on top of hers as he pried the mobile from her hands.
"James…"
"It's obvious, the man is busy. You can try again later."
"Fine." She told him annoyed.
"Besides I can think of a few things to take your mind off everything."
"Oh really? And what would that be?" She found it hard not to smile as she looked up at him.
Whatever James was about to say was cut off as Olivia's mobile started to ring. James smirked at seeing the caller ID. Before Olivia could take it from him, he quickly answered it.
"Tanner. We were just discussing you. It's all Olivia can talk about after se…"
Olivia sat up and grabbed the phone from him.
"Tanner, ignore…"
'It's Jean.'
Olivia knew she was no doubt trying to hide her laugh at the situation.
"Is everything alright?"
'It's- fine. Look, I was wondering if it would be okay if Lionel could spend the weekend with me?'
"That's it?" She asked in disbelief.
'Yes. If it's not possible…'
"Jean, it's fine. We should have thought about it beforehand."
'So, myself and Tanner can pick him up?'
"I suppose. But he will need to sign…"
'I know, I know the secrets act. Tanner is fetching a copy.'
"Good. Oh Jean I need you to contact Lionel, I have something I need to tell you…"
'Hold that thought Olivia. Tanner is ready to go. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.'
Olivia pulled the mobile away from her ear, looking at it in disbelief.
"She hung up on me."
Olivia heard James laughing behind her and shot him a dirty look.
"It isn't funny."
"Oh, she has you down to a tee Liv."
She grabbed the free pillow behind her and whacked him with it.
"So, that's the game you want to play." He gave a smirk and grabbed the pillow causing Olivia to move out the way, but wasn't quick enough to prevent her head being hit.
"Oh, you are so going to pay for that Mr Bond." She told him gravely, an evil glint in her eyes.
He grabbed the pillow he was laying on and gave her a smirk. "Bring it."
"You asked for it." She gave a smirk of her own.
The two of them started to hit each other with pillows, Olivia gaining the upper hand causing James to lose his pillow leaving him defenseless.
"You shouldn't be so cocky James." Olivia told him sweetly.
She gave a squeal in surprise as James grabbed the pillow, pulling it from her grasp and tossed it aside. She felt him pushing her back onto the bed, pinning her there with his weight. The two of them were breathing heavily as James looked down at her with a grin.
"No, It's you who shouldn't be so cocky Olivia." He murmured against her lips.
"Duly noted Mr Bond." She told him breathlessly.
"Though you may want to grab one of those pillows this isn't exactly comfortable."
"Whose fault was that?" He leaned over to the side of the bed to grab a pillow.
He realised his mistake when he found himself on his back with Olivia straddling his hops holding him in place. James narrowed his eyes and was about to reach up his arms to flip them back over. Olivia saw the move and grabbed his arms pinning them above his head.
"Another lesson James. Never, let your guard down."
"If this is the outcome, I'm certainly not complaining." James felt his mouth become dry.
"I thought you wouldn't. " She leaned down to whisper in his ear.
"I guess you won't have any complaints about a shower either." She gently started to press feather light kisses down his jaw.
"Are we sharing?" He mumbled.
She leaned back and looked into his eyes smiling. "What do you think?"
"I think you need to release my arms."
Olivia loosened her hold, as James used his now free arms to sit up and wrap themselves around her holding her flushed against his chest.
"I take it, you like the idea then?" She brought her arms up and loosely wrapped them around his neck.
"Most definitely, besides we have a few more hours to kill before we need to get ready." He softly caressed her back with his fingertips as he slowly kissed her enjoying the feel of her in his arms and getting lost in the moment.
It was after a few minutes that Olivia broke the kiss and felt James rest his forehead against hers.
"Ready for what?" She asked curious.
"You'll see."
Olivia leaned back to look at him, wondering what it was exactly that he had planned for them. If it was what she was thinking, she only hoped he knew what he was getting into. She knew he had bought a ring, having accidentally found the small black velvet box a few days prior. She remembered him asking her two months ago if she had ever considered marriage. At the time she felt shock that he had asked such a question, but she didn't regret the answer she had told him if he were to ask her in the future. At one time, she would have laughed at such a notion, someone her age agreeing to marry someone who could pass for her son. But now, she didn't regret the three years they had been together, quite the opposite. She would gladly spend the remainder of her life with him, no matter how long that would be.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Us." She told him truthfully.
"That's a bit ominous. Should I be worried?"
"Far from it James. I was thinking back on something you said after we arrived home after the little get together at the café."
She watched as he tried to think back on their conversation, and had to hold back a smile seeing the look of realisation as he finally remembered.
"You haven't changed your mind have you? Because there is no rush Olivia."
"I know James, and no I haven't changed my mind. Have you?"
"No, I meant every word I said to you that day. But if you do go off the idea, it wouldn't change my feelings for you. I love you too damn much to let you go." James told her truthfully.
Olivia brushed a soft kiss to his lips whispering the words she never tired of saying.
"I love you too James." She softly told him.
"I know you do. Now go and start the shower and I'll be there in a moment."
"You had better be otherwise I'm starting without you." She placed one last kiss to his lips before pulling out of his embrace.
James released her and watched as she disappeared into the bathroom. Once he was sure she was out of sight and the shower had been turned on. He got up and walked over to where he had dropped their bags earlier. Unzipping the side compartment of his bag, he took out the small black velvet box. He knew after tonight, their lives would change, and he was looking forward to the prospect. Walking over to the bedside cabinet, he placed the ring box in the top drawer for safe keeping. He had everything planned. He just hoped they got through their evening without any unwanted interruptions. Olivia's voice calling out to him caused him to come out of his thoughts. Smiling, he went to join her.
/*\*/*\
MI6 – Fifteen minutes prior
Jean tapped her fingers on Olivia's desk wondering if the minister had got in contact with Lionel. He hoped he didn't mess it up. It wasn't as if it was exactly hard. All he had to say was thank you for the congratulations then hang up.
"Jean, if you're that worried. Call him."
She looked towards Tanner biting her lip in worry, before finally giving in and decided to call him. After a few rings she heard his familiar gruff voice filter through the receiver.
'Hello?'
"Did the minister call?"
'Well, you see about that…'
"What have you gone and done Lionel?"
Tanners ears picked up at that wondering what mess they had gotten themselves into now.
'It was going well until he mentioned he was hosting a small party.'
"Yes, which I told him we couldn't… Please tell me you didn't?"
'I told him we had arranged a quiet night in. He basically told me you wouldn't mind if we reschedule, and before I know it we have accepted his invite to his 'get together' as he put it.'
"Oh Lionel." She rubbed her forehead with her hand feeling the onset of a headache at the mess they had gotten themselves into.
'So, what's the plan of action? You were lucky I managed to grab the phone from Alistair otherwise we would be in an even bigger mess. I had to tell him I was meeting an old friend.'
Jean gave a sigh. "I'll contact Olivia and see if she will allow you to join me for the weekend."
'Are you sure that's wise?'
"I can only try and see. I'll call you back."
'Alright.'
Jean hung up the call in frustration.
"What's happened?" Tanner got up from the sofa and walked towards her.
"Myself and Lionel are going to the ministers get together apparently. I need to call Olivia and hope she will allow Lionel to stay with me for the remainder of the weekend."
"Olivia is really going to have our heads now. Call her, and I'll get another secret's act for Lionel to sign as well as arrange transport for us to pick him up. It just means we will have to let Ross in on this little secret."
"Are you sure that's wise? What if he let's something slip?"
"Relax Jean we can trust him. Now, make that call to Olivia. I can't see her denying your request."
Jean watched as Tanner left the office and dialled Olivia's number. She didn't have to wait long before she heard James' voice and tried to fight back a laugh as he heard Olivia no doubt grabbing the phone from him. She heard the worry in her voice and felt guilt wash over her for lying to her, but she wasn't about to ruin Olivia and James' weekend over this mess. Jean rolled her eyes, as Olivia's tone went from worry to disbelief at her question if Lionel could join her this weekend? She felt relief wash over her as Olivia agreed, and informed her she already had the secrets act covered.
Jean heard two sets of footsteps approaching that she never caught whatever it was Olivia was trying to tell her. She looked towards the doorway to see Tanner and an unknown man who was looking at her in disbelief.
"Hold that thought Olivia. Tanner is ready to go. Enjoy the rest of your weekend." Jean quickly hung up the call and waited for Tanner to introduce them.
"Jean this is Ross. Ross, Jean."
The younger man gave her a nod in acknowledgement not knowing what else to say.
"Did she agree?" Tanner asked breaking the silence.
"She did. I'll just quickly call Lionel then we can go."
Ross watched as Jean made a call to her husband, before turning to Tanner.
"Who is going to watch the office?"
"I'm sure it can run fine on its own for an hour. I've diverted all calls to my mobile so we should be fine if we hurry back."
Ross didn't question it. He hoped Tanner knew what he was doing. They listened as Jean finished her call. Tanner all but thinking that at least one part of their plan was working.
Standing up, Jean bent down to grab her bag from the floor and walked towards the two men.
"Shall we go?"
"We're all set if you are ma'am." Ross informed her.
"Jean will do." She gave him a small smile.
Tanner rolled his eyes. "Don't ask Ross, just go with it."
"Alright. After you Jean." Ross found it strange saying his bosses name, until he remembered that this wasn't his boss.
Tanner gave Ross a smile as he followed after Jean causing Ross to shake his head. He didn't know the full details of what had fully happened earlier, but chances were he would be finding out soon enough. He just hoped it didn't cost him or Tanner their jobs in the process.