Chapter 19
Bond hides the car off the road. Q says the farm in question is just over the next rise. He grabs the listening equipment as he pulls on a rain jacket and places it all in his pocket.
A steady rain has begun and he hopes it still works through the sound of rain. He places an ear bud in his ear. "Q can you read me?"
Yes. It appears that Clare Dower has a meeting In London early tomorrow and will likely be leaving there shortly. I hope you can get enough to warrant our investigation of her.
"I am sure she will slip up. She seems too arrogant not to advertise her intentions and now that we know she is White's niece you are running all her allies and supporters Q.
Yes Mallory has made it his personal mission to uncover all Clare Dower's secrets. I do wonder how a charmless bitch like her managed to smile enough to get elected in the first place.
"Likely a good actress in University...I swear that is how they learn to accomplish what they do."
Be that as it may, she is no Maggie Smith.
"Yes, true and with your little toy I hope to prove it."
Yes and fast so you can get home and enjoy your vacation before too long.
"I plan on being there by tomorrow even if I grab White and we take a side trip to London for a day."
Bond walks over the hill and looks down on a small farm with a barn. There are two cars parked beside the barn. That must be where they are meeting.
Bond makes his way to the back far corner of the barn and sets up his listening equipment. Q has a direct line to whatever it picks up. He crouches and looks through the slots between the barn boards.
Will this do then uncle?
Yes as long as the unwanted attention I was telling you about doesn't find it.
Ph Saw...that woman is too busy playing with her handsome agent to figure this out.
What agent?
A James Bond...he is from Scotland.
BOND IS ALIVE?
Yes...I met him
I had heard he died months ago...damn it all! I thought I was finally rid of that nuisance much like that sadistic Raoul Silva. MI6 finally did something right killing that bastard.
Who is Silva?
A sexual sadist whose operation has interfered with Quantum's many times in the past.
He was involved in M's disappearance for 4 days and the reason Mallory is currently in her seat while she convalesce for a month.
If Silva took her I can understand...that man would have tortured her. Perhaps he has done something to redeem himself in my eyes.
Silva tortured her? She looked unharmed to me.
Don't be so naive my dear. Knowing Silva he raped her.
M is just an old woman why would he...
I think you underestimate her my dear. M is lethally smart and she is an attractive woman and there may be a history between them that is unknown to us.
Still she should move out of the way for the next generation.
I agree and I owe her a bullet wound to her leg. As for Bond...he must be removed. Do you think we can turn Mallory?
No and he is next in line...I know...I have been trying to get myself in his place but it is not working. Should we send a woman to seduce him and cause some chaos.
That does not work in this day and age Clare and you know it. Sex scandals are not the career destroying things they once were. But then again...you think M is sleeping with Bond?
He seemed rather protective of her in her office when I was there and then he is giving MI6 the family home near Glencoe...called Skyfall.
I never took Bond for a man that would enjoy being the subordinate in a relationship...such an alpha male. M is definately more of a handful for him than his normal vacuous arm candy.
She is a bloody old bitch to still be occupying the top chair at MI6.
Yes and I want you there or at least someone who is partial to our cause. M and Bond have pushed Quantum into the shadows long enough. It has taken years to rebuild and we are not anywhere, where we once were. My contacts in various governments have lost seats of power. Many of our financial backers have stopped trusting us with their funds but they still believe in the mission.
We just need time to convince them again uncle that oil is not going to be the commodity of the future. Water is. I need to leave...I have a meeting tomorrow.
Yes...yes of course. We must stay in the shadows for some time yet. Perhaps if M is having an affair with an agent...that will push her out. There is a double standard with women in positions of power.
Yes uncle. I will begin probing into that possibility for future use.
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Clare Dower leaves with her driver leaving only White and his man in the barn folding maps and gathering paperwork.
"Did you get most of that Q?"
Yes...M says you can get him and bring him in.
Bond begins collecting the equipment and suddenly whirls around at a sound behind him. Bloody earbuds and rain made it possible for someone to get the drop on him.
An arm lashes out forcing James to drop his equipment to defend. Suddenly there is a blow to the back of his head...damn it there were three men with White...was the last conscious thought James manages as his world turns black.
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Lunch ends with Callum inviting M and Kincade for a walk around town. They agree and once outside the restaurant Callum extends his arm to M before she can take Kincade's.
They stroll down the street with Callum pointing out places of interest. M remembers doing the same 40 years ago with James Bond.
Katrina and Kincade have slowed their pace and are in deep conversation.
"I know you alluded to not having interest in a relationship Em but I was wondering for whose ears that was for?"
"What do you mean?"
"Was that for Kincade, Katrina or me?"
"It was for everyone...I am not trying to insult you Callum or your sister but I think after what history I have heard between those two...it is best Kincade tread lightly. I was just trying to help him with that."
"Is that truly all you have been helping him with Em?"
M stops walking and looks at Callum seriously. "Is this still all just competitive nature between you and Kincade?"
Callum meets her eyes in all seriousness. "I am very attracted to you Em and yes...Kincade and I have had a history of competition where women are concerned but that is just because I knew he belonged with Katrina."
"So you were protecting your sister's interests only."
"Well yes...but I was attracted to Anne but I would run a marathon to spend time alone with you Emma."
M looks uncomfortably down at the ground. "You thought Kincade and Katrina should have married?" M says trying to divert the conversation.
"Yes and my bloody strict father was an ass. Katrina's first love was Andrew and she was heartbroken that it was only a fling to him but then Kincade wooed her and she came to life. She became a better person and so full of life. The Bonds were off on military training and Katrina fell in love with Kincade and him her."
"The boy...Alistair he is Kincade's son isn't he."
"Yes he is. We could never say and Katrina became flirtatious with every man she could to divert our father from the truth. The old Mr. Bond would have sent Kincade back to Ireland to what cruel abusive family he had left there, if my father and he had known the truth."
"My father still had hopes that Andrew would marry her so they waited for his return. Katrina and my father went to Skyfall one evening to discuss matters with the Bonds. It did not go well. They told him outright that the child was likely Kincade's and he did love her and offered to marry her."
"So why on earth did he say no if he knew the truth?"
"My father was an angry old bastard to tell you the truth."
M laughs and nods in agreement. "You were not...and you married a lovely woman and had two lovely girls."
"Yes I did and you...you were there. I do not know why you are hiding it but you are that woman who came to my wedding with James Bond."
M is silent...she has to change the subject. "Lovely day today."
"I had the wedding photos out and the girls were looking at them. Our consensus is that you were here but did not want your children to know that you came to Scotland with a man you were not married to."
"That would seem logical but no."
"You are not going to admit it are you Em?"
"Admit what?"
"Plausible deniability. You are an intriguing mystery Em...if that is your real name. Don't worry it only makes me like you more.
M was worried about this...damn it!
"I am sorry that I cannot have a relationship...I just…"
"I am not asking for a long distant relationship in this day and age it is possible but I would love to have a fling with you."
"What!"
"Sex Em...causal sex. It doesn't have to be all encompassing love at our age. You are a widow and I am a widower...we may need some attention to physical needs now and then and I do come to London every month."
"You want me to become your casual lover? I don't know that I can do that."
"Just think about it. We can go out to dinner this week and then there is the party...if nothing else, I will consider it time well spent with a beautiful interesting woman. Come on...promise me you will think about it."
M will think of little else and when James finds out...Callum may be in trouble. They now stand by the stone arch of a small park to wait for Katrina and Kincade to catch up.
"I will think on it Callum…"
Just then Callum grasps her shoulders and pulls her to him crushing his mouth against hers. M's eyes go wide in shock as she attempts to pull away. Normally she would have a biting remark and give him a slap for his presumptions but it is better not to rock this boat any further.
M glances behind them hoping Kincade did not see that. The other couple has not yet rounded the last corner.
"That wasn't too bad was it?"
Callum looks down on her with a look of passionate longing that makes M feel uncomfortable and ready to flee.
"I...I am shocked...to say the least."
Kincade and Katrina arrive all smiles as they enter the park. Stopping any embarrassing kissing and personal desires.
"Katrina did you ask Kincade to dinner tomorrow night?"
"Yes and did you ask Em?"
"I am doing that right now dear sister."
M looks to Kincade slightly panicked.
"Well I would like it but we have the children to deal with."
"Oh come on now Kincade...they are adults and likely having fun together. Who's to say they won't make plans for themselves." Callums says as he winks at M.
"I will not make any promises Callum. Our host may return by tomorrow."
"Oh yes...James Bond Jr. Katrina wait til you meet him. It will explain why Kenna is beside herself and M's daughter Judi is the luckiest woman in the world."
Kincade frowns. "I wouldn't say that now Callum. I think anyone who finds love, regardless of age is lucky."
M smiles at Kincade as they head back to the car to escape from this mess she keeps falling deeper into. She will drown in the misunderstanding of those around her soon.
At least it distracts M from the bitter realities of the past and the abuse she encountered at the hands of Silva. She has barely had time to think on the bitter memories of what that monster did to her on that island.
Truth be told M just wishes James were back and the two of them could steal off to London. Away from all the craziness that is Skyfall, past and present.
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Fiona rides ahead with Ryan as Tanner, Judi and Kenna stay in a slow walk.
"So how did you meet James Judi?"
"Ah...through my mother actually."
"Really. I thought your mother was a teacher...and James works for the government with you Bill?"
"Yes James does work with me and Em...she does some consulting work with government departments...teaching the basics to new immigrants to Britain who are working for the government."
"That would be an interesting job."
"Oh my mother has one of the most interesting jobs in the world."
"You can ignore my prodding if I come on too strong or seem rude but I heard you are married already?"
"Ah...yes but it has been over the last two years...ever since my father died things have gone to hell."
"I'm sorry to hear that but then you met James and everything must be amazing now."
"Oh! It's different alright."
Tanner looks at Judi and smiles. "Not in a horrible way...right."
"Oh no! Not at all. I didn't mean to sound morose but the challenges of a new relationship with children in tow are overwhelming. I feel like I have no identity but as a mother and then I compare my mother's life to mine and I feel insubstantial."
"I am sure you no longer feel that way with James...in all honesty Judi...James Bond is the most attractive man I have ever met. No offence Bill...you are quite a catch yourself."
Judi almost bursts out laughing but holds it together as she looks at Tanner with pity. "Poor Bill...always hiding in the shadows. I think it is time for you to come out into the light."
Tanner smiles at her and nods. "James is...well a rock star at work so to speak."
"I bet." Kenna adds. "So when did you fall in love Judi?"
"Oh it seems like so long ago now...I can hardly remember. It is good to be out and socialize...mum and Ryan both agree that I needed to be out to find a good man...someone to treat me well. One who is kind and loving."
Judi's eyes dart toward Tanner who is riding slightly ahead of her. Kenna smiles at her and nods as they begin to trot towards the others.
Bill Tanner has only spoken to M's children on the phone. The actual meeting and spending time with them was not expected and very surreal. Judi both looks, and sounds like her mother, just with less intensity.
The poor woman has been through a great deal this week and is just trying to hold it all together. It is too much for M to expect her to go on with this physode.
Why M can't admit she has taken James as a lover is beyond him. No one at work will be at all surprised...after only one meeting Mallory deduced that M was sentimental about Bond.
As for Bond...Tanner has known for years that he was smitten with her. Regardless of the womanizing...when M was in the room he only had eyes for her.
The first formal function that Tanner attended with both of them...he knew.
Bond was suppose to be gathering intel but his eyes never left her for long. It wasn't fear of screwing up in front of the boss...it was him watching her interactions with others.
It was the first time Tanner ever saw Bond in shock. When M exited her office in a floor length navy ballgown.
Kenna trotted off ahead and Judi smiled at him and truth be told it made Tanner's heart speed up a bit.
"Tanner what are your thoughts on all of this with my mother?"
"I think that they have both hovered around each other for a long time. Bond more or less admitted to me that he fell for her the first time he met her but was forcing it down in denial because she was unavailable."
"Yes I knew that and it is a shock...what with the age difference."
"It is even more of a shock because it is true love...Bond never cares if a woman is married...any female is fair game...not with M...there was too much respect there."
"Ryan and I wonder what would have happened if he had tried when my father lived? It would not have gone well for him."
"I have no doubt of that Judi. It has taken him a lot to wear her down. You know how stubborn she is. He broke into their flat piss drunk once and encountered your father...did you know?"
"No...what happened?"
"Your father took care of him and they put him in bed but he confessed his love for her right in front of them. Your father was angry at first but saw the humour in it later. Your mother was beside herself in shock."
"I can imagine...she didn't believe him did she?"
"No but he stopped breaking in until your father died and then his excuse was that he was checking on her."
"So when did they get together?"
"He wore her down and on a complicated mission to South Africa where she was pretending to be his mother and I was her lover...he took my place."
"Tanner! You sound disappointed."
"Truth be told I was…I had the opportunity to play the role and it was...very enlightening."
"You are under her spell too?"
"No...well...I...sorry...I do care about her a great deal. I want to see them happy...I would like to see you happy too Judi. I met your husband and his lover, remember."
"Argh...I don't want to know. I will find out his version when I go back...then I will call you and compare notes, if that is alright?"
"You can call me anytime you like Judi. I am here to serve."
"I thought that was just for my mum?"
"I cannot think of anyone else I would rather help than you Judi. Even more so if it speeds your divorce and then maybe you could come to London and share a meal with me to celebrate?"
"Why Mr. Tanner...you've got a date."
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Olivia laughed with Jamie at breakfast as he sulked about his porridge. She made faces and tried to get him to eat for his poor exasperated mother.
Jamie laughs at her and so do the rest of the occupants of the breakfast table.
"I was going to go riding today if you two wish to join?" Andrew asks.
James smiled. "I would love to...dolly how about you?"
"I haven't ridden in an age. It will be fun."
"Fantastic. Charmian?"
"Of course you cannot go without me beating you two again...what will this make it 12 years running for you and I Andrew. Not so many with you baby James...you have been hiding for 5 years."
"One day we will beat you...and that may be today Charm." Andrew adds.
"Good we will get cleaned up and meet you in an hour. Dolly, you can bug Charm and Monique for riding clothes." James says to Olivia.
Monique nods, "I have just the thing...you will just have to roll up the legs my dear."
James laughs at her. "Such a cute little doll but none of the clothing fits right."
"That is the curse of being so short."
Charmian laughs, "believe me it is more difficult being a tall woman. I have to get men's clothing sometimes."
Charm and Monique take Jamie and Olivia upstairs to find some suitable clothing as Andrew calls Kincade telling him of the plans.
Monique's jeans are too long and a bit tight over her hips but she manages and then one of Andrew's t-shirts and plaid shirts tied at her waist complete her borrowed gear. Olivia ties her long blond hair back into a ponytail and joins with everyone downstairs.
Within a few minutes Kincade arrives with 5 horses. Dolly is given the one known to be the gentlest.
Charmian Bond is obviously an expert by the way she wanders around her animal and adjusts the straps to suit her.
James holds Olivia's horse for her as Andrew helps her onto its back and winks at her. "Dolly you look like someone out of a western film wearing my shirts like that. You do them far better justice than I."
"Stop flirting with my girl brother...I have had enough of that with your son."
"I am just appreciating beauty. I am a lover of beautiful women of all shapes and sizes James and if it bothers you...even better. It show dolly that you care...I have always had to help you by knocking you upside the head you stubborn clod."
Charmian interjects before the two begin to really fight. "Enough you two! Let us begin your yearly demise to my superior riding skills."
The rest of the morning is spent riding through the highlands until they are so hungry they need to stop.
Charmian beats her younger brothers in a race and continues her undefeated streak. Olivia enjoys the scenic views and other than a few comments and attempts at banter, is free from James' constant attempts to seduce her.
After they eat, Olivia cleans up and then plays with Jamie once his is up from his nap. James always hovers nearby to comment on her abilities with the lad.
"You will be a great mother dolly."
"Thank you. This little one has made me think that it is something I want for myself."
"I don't suppose I can convince you to begin trying tonight?"
"Mr. Bond! I'm shocked that you would even consider sex for something other than your personal enjoyment."
"With you I would. Hell I would marry you this week if Callum would agree to share his event."
Olivia looks up from her place sitting on the floor stacking blocks with Jamie.
"You're bloody serious, aren't you?"
"Yes...I am."
James Bond kneels beside her and takes her hand. A look of utter panic crosses her attractive face and he knows that he is doomed to disappointment.
"I was going to make it official as I ask, but by the look on your face...the answer is self-evident. Well...I tried."
"You never officially tried but stop now anyway. You know the answer before you asked and that is the only reason you did this...you are still trying to trick me into bed and fill my head with ideas of marriage and children as if that is a girlish fantasy that I have had in my mind my entire life."
James frowns. "No...I. I know how it seem but I would do it...you know that much to be true don't you?"
"Yes...I believe that you would but it would not end well for us."
"You are probably right dolly….it wouldn't. Well you can't blame me for continually trying."
"No and I honestly knew that this week would be about me saying yes or no to you. I am shocked that you are willing to go the extra mile and ask for something more than a tumble in the sheets."
At that moment Jamie decides the conversation the adults are have is interesting…"tumble...sheets."
James and Olivia look down at him. James smiles and laughs and Olivia looks panicked.
"No Jamie let's not say that. How about we play a game?"
"Tumble...in sheets."
James cannot contain his mirth as the boy picks the very game he wishes to play with dolly.
"Jamie that game is for me and dolly to play. It is not for you...yet...young James."
"No...me play with dolly!"
Olivia rolls her eyes. How will this one get explained to Monique and Andrew?
To be continued…..
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Note: If you enjoy my stories I would like to direct you to one that can only be found on Tumblr.
I have added this new story to the lovely and talented detectivecaz's tumblr page devoted to some wonderful art and fanfics.
It can be found on tumblr at: it-is-not-yet-the-end.
The new story is called: Shock and Awe.
Summary: An unexpected tryst causes Bond to do some soul searching.
Rating: Mature
If you enjoy it, feel free to PM me here and or leave comments and likes on tumblr.