Chapter 32: The Party continued.
Dinner is to be served in the large tented area outside. There will be a few short speeches made while dinner is being served.
Tanner, Bond and M all keep their eyes open for an unexpected guest.
Groups of people socialize in the back garden, in the tent and in the house itself.
Judi is trying to behave neutral but continually seem to lean towards her new love. Kenna and Fiona watch this will interest.
The drinks are liberally flowing and Maggie moves to chat with all three MacKenzie women.
Maggie tells them, on her second glass of champagne that Ms. Judi has been arm and arm with Mr. Tanner since Mr. Bond was called away on business.
Fiona tries to steer the topic away from gossip but Katrina mentions James showing up at an ungodly early hour to take Emma away...because Judi had a migraine.
Maggie giggled. "I don't think that was the case...there is a secret there that I am told to keep silent. Emma's man is a lot closer than London if you catch my meaning?"
The other women were silent and trying to decipher the tipsy ladies ramblings.
Katrina frowns. "She told Callum her man was in London?"
"Her man is right here now and if you watch closely he never stops looking at her. I am sure you will figure it out." Maggie giggles.
"Fiona and I already found the group wedding photos...I was going to show James later. We swear that the woman in the picture with James Bond is Em but she denies it." Kenna states as she looks around conspiratorially.
"So if M's lover is here and she is lying about being here 40 years ago with uncle James...what on earth is going on? I don't think I want my father involved with a woman who is not what she appears to be. I have some friends that I can have investigate her."
"Oh Fiona you are far too serious all the time relax and it is not as if the woman is actually dating Callum. My poor brother is over the moon for her but she is being strictly business. I will admit that there is something strange going on. Kincade acts nervous if I mention her much and when I asked to come to the house he said no...too much construction going on."
"That is true. They are blasting bloody tunnels and they have engineers and technicians everywhere wiring the place for satellite and the entire thing. A department of defence section of the government it is. Emma is the head…I can tell by how all the workers act nervous around her and call her ma'am."
Fiona frowns. "Mr. Bond did mention he was leasing the place out to the government agency he works for and that Em was his boss. That is how we assumed he met Judi."
"Mr. Tanner works for them also. I think he is her assistant." Maggie whispers as people wander past them standing in the house.
"Well who could her man be?" Katrina asks. "I know it is not Kincade. He told me that he did flirt with her when she first arrived but that was all."
"You are right there Katrina...he did feel a competition with your brother for a day or two but that dissolved...I think he finally realized who the object of her affections actually is." Maggie whispers.
"Enough gossip girls...we need to get seated soon for dinner." Katrina guides them outside just in time to hear her son begin to make the announcement.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The largest cheer goes up for the announcement of Katrina and Kincade's wedding...no date set. James wonder if it is against any rules to ask M again after such a public announcement by Alistair about his parents finally getting married.
Of course the younger ones all clamour during the congratulations for Callum Jr.'s graduation.
M is at a table with Callum, Katrina, Kincade, Alistair and Maggie. Bond, Tanner, Judi, Ryan, Fiona and Kenna are at the one beside them. Kenna has made sure that she is beside James who is beside Judi.
M is starting to think that maybe the team from London took care of the situation as they begin to clear the area for a dance floor.
Occasionally she looks at their table to find Bond's eyes meet hers. Callum's arm is often resting on the back of her chair as they all chat and laugh during dinner.
"M will you do me the honour of the first dance?"
M smiles at Callum and nods. James is going to hate this part and she hopes he takes Judi for a dance.
The young people are getting loud and the alcohol is flowing. A DJ sets up and begins the evening with some slow older music to appease Kincade and Katrina who everyone watches dance.
M notices Tanner catches her eye and points to his mobile as he walks out of the tent. By this time two songs have gone by and Callum allows M to switch partners and dance with Kincade.
"How is the evening so far lass?"
"Fine but Tanner just took a call...oh...James and Ryan have gone to find him."
Judi is dancing with Fiona at this time and they are giggling. M needs to speak with her daughter about drinking too much when...who is M kidding...Judi should never have to be mission ready.
This has gotten out of hand. Now her son is off with James and Tanner getting details on possible threats to this party.
"You look worried."
"I am worried. What if a gun fight erupts at this party? Friends and family will get hurt just because of me."
"No because of a bad person wanting to do stupid things. Not you. This is the same bloody excuse James Bond gave for not coming home and in the end who did that hurt the most? His brother...Monique, me and the boy who never got the chance to know him. Staying away to protect those you love...well...it's noble but then they become bitter for your absences."
M smiles and suddenly rests her head on Kincade's chest. "You are a very wise man Mr. Kincade. I had no relationship with my children the last 15 years because of that very thing. It is my job to protect them...to protect you all."
"Nonsense...it is your job to share the burden and have a life also lass."
James, Ryan and Tanner return and stand by the bar drinking. Kincade goes to dance with Maggie and M moves to join them at the bar but Alistair weylays her and asks for a dance.
Kenna and Fiona join them at the bar and then drag Ryan and James to the dance floor after making the rounds of dancing with their father.
Kenna holds Bond as close as she can as she peaks at Tanner and Judi. "Don't look now James but I think Judi's eyes may be wandering to your friend."
James instinctively looks for M who is dancing with Kenna's older cousin. James looks confused until he turns to see Judi and Tanner in the other direction.
Judi is a little drunk by this point and holding Bill very close. Judi pulls Bill down into a quick kiss...damn them...M is going to be pissed.
"Oh they have been friends for years."
"Good I was hoping you had an...open relationship...I have something to show you later in the den."
"Oh really? I don't think it is wise for use to go off alone during this party...someone may notice."
"I was actually talking about showing you the wedding pictures from my parents's wedding, with your family and Emma in attendance."
"What?"
"She dated your uncle, James. They came up here 40 years ago for my parents wedding and the two families are in a group photo together. Fiona and are are certain it is her. So was my father and aunt but Emma assures them that it was not her. Still it is weird that she would lie about it if she was here...I mean what an interesting story to tell. She comes here with a boyfriend only to do the same thing again 40 years later. This time she claims that she left her boyfriend at home but Maggie hints that he is closer."
"I am not sure what you are talking about but now I really want to see those pictures."
"I do just wish she would give father a chance...he is over the moon for her. The beginning of the week we thought war with Kincade for her was eminent. That is why father was adamant that aunt Katrina get up here as soon as possible. Kincade and auntie Kat were made for each other and I think Em is made for father."
"I'm afraid I have to disagree with you there but let's go see those pictures for curiosity sake."
They move off to head to the house when who should exit the back of the house but the woman they have been waiting for all evening.
Alistair breaks away from M to go greet his guest, Clare Dower, but at the same time Bond and M do the same.
Alistair greets her and Dower simply smirks at M. "So M you have ingratiate yourself with the country set I see. Do these poor people even suspect the kind of thing you represent in their midst."
Ryan, Tanner, Kincade and the MacKenzie family have gathered by the back of the house to greet the new guests.
"Callum I think this better move to a private room to protect your other guests." M tells him in a stern voice as she glares at Dower. Bond grabs Dower's arm and turns her back into the house.
Tanner and Ryan each grab the arm of a man who accompanied her. Kincade wanders over to the side of the building to gather the guns he placed there.
Judi and Maggie see the lot of them filter into the house and follow.
Once in the den M asks that everyone leave Bond and Tanner with Dower and her men.
Callum is still confused and insists. "No...I want to know what is going on here and it is my home so I have the right."
"Silly man. You will soon learn with M here that you really have no rights. I think she has been holding my uncle in London since Bond caught him three days ago. I can't imagine your house was in that great a condition what will all the gunfire."
"What? Katrina and others exclaim.
Kincade walks in from the front of the house with two shotguns and Tanner calls for M's attention. M moves to the side of the room to speak with Tanner.
James speaks up. "Ryan get everyone out of this room. I am not bloody ordering you out of the house just out of the room now!" Bond looks fierce as Kincade hands him a shotgun.
"I will take them to the sitting room. Please...everyone this is a matter of national security move along." Ryan raises his voice to those gathered.
The MacKenzie family is shocked and outraged but Judi and Tanner push them all into the sitting room to await orders from M.
Tanner goes on his mobile to speak with Q. The team was delayed but picked up three mercenaries outside of town. They are working on if there were more.
Dower and her men sit arrogantly quiet. "Did you know about these mercenaries?" M asks.
"No."
"I already have enough to arrest you Dower but if you hurt anyone at this gathering I will have Bond kill you all and deal with it later."
Dower looks shocked all of a sudden as words now fly out of her panicked mouth. "I had nothing to do with them but there were 6. Uncle's lieutenant called and told me...protection detail he called it."
M looks to James. "I will get them...I may need help. Tanner what is the news?"
"Ok Q says they were approaching from the other direction and has satellite imagery up now. There are three figures coming from the north. What do you want to do?"
"Go get the family and bring them all in here. I will take Kincade once I explain."
The large group moves back into the den. Tanner moves the two guards out of the room and with Ryan they take them to Kincade's range rover. In the back there is a bag of supplies.
Tanner zip ties them and locks them in the car.
They return to the room as Bond is giving out orders. "Alistair you and the ladies rejoin the party. Enjoy yourselves. If you hear gunfire I want you to listen to Ryan and Tanner for instruction...get everyone in the house and out of the way of any windows."
"What the hell is going on here?" Alistair challenges.
"Dear Alistair do you all not understand who is in your midst? This is M!"
"Shut up Dower or I will shut your mouth for you Bond threatens."
"No...my career is over so screw you and the old bitch who holds your leash!"
Everyone freezes...enthralled by the drama.
"M is the bloody head of MI6 and Bond is her killer agent lover...he is giving his estate to her for services rendered apparently...to reopen a base here in Scotland...their cozy little love nest. It was attacked during a storm the other night."
The shocked look on everyone's face says it all. Bond takes his tie off and gags Dower.
"M...do you have this?" Their eyes meet and she nods. "Come on old man. We have some hunting to do. I hope you know these lands as good as you do home."
"Aye lad...lets go get these men."
They leave out the front and Callum turns on M. "He is your lover?"
M says nothing. Judi and Ryan try to move the occupants out the door. Alistair goes with Maggie but Katrina hovers by the door without leaving and Callum and his girls refuse to leave.
"Are you going to answer my question? I think I deserve an answer considering you are endangering my home and family."
M whirls on him. "I owe you nothing. This is unfortunate but Bond is the best man I have for this job and the team will arrive within 30 minutes. They will take out this rubbish before anyone at your party even notices."
"Is this even legal?" Fiona asks.
Tanner answers. "Clare Dower is deeply involved with a terrorist organization and MI5 & 6 operatives are on the way to arrest her."
"Once the threat has been neutralized and the guest leave I will give those of you involved here tonight what details I can share if I feel up to it. Until then go enjoy the party." M gives them this order as she waves them out the door
The MacKenzies leave M and Tanner in the room with Clare Dower. Katrina hovers behind.
Katrina makes eye contact with M as she comes to guide her from the room. "If I lose that man tonight...after so long...I will hold you responsible."
"I know." M says bleakly as she moves Katrina from the room and closes the door.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bond and Kincade move through the tree line in the darkness. Kincade told James of the ridge to one direction and that leaves them limited choices of paths through the woods. Hunting trails that Kincade knows.
Once they get far enough away they take position and wait for the mercenaries to come to them.
They do not have to wait long. The first man tries to walk cautiously past them but Bond jumps up and smashes his face ripping off the night vision goggles and tossing them to Kincade. Bond uses the knife Tanner handed him in his bag of supplies to cut his throat silently.
Kincade is shocked but uses the glasses for a moment to look for other signs. Another is headed their way to the left. "Hand me the knife boy." Kincade whispers. James places it in his hand as Kincade stands and throws it into the man.
James pounces but the man gets off on shot. He hopes to hell the old man was down again and the the music at the party covers the sound. James retrieves the knife from the man's chest and finishes him off. Now he has another pair of goggles.
By now the third man may know something is wrong. Bond reaches Kincade. Shoot him as soon as you see him...he will be ready for us.
The two scan the area. Eventually to the right a twig snaps as the third sees them at the same time. He fires his machine gun at them. Bond fires his pistol but misses as the man goes behind a rock.
Kincade has already gone uphill and is working his way along the tree line of the rise to attempt to flank him. He halts suddenly at a bullet hits the tree near him. He tries to calm his breathing and waits silently. The man begins to move towards Kincade.
James reloads his pistol and puts it back in his holster. Kincade is drawing him out so Bond follows with the shotgun. The man is waiting for Kincade to leave the tree line. Bond knows the old man is in trouble.
If he steps out there is a good chance the man will pick him off. James moves quickly and shoot a blast towards him without really having a good shot. It does what it is suppose to and makes him turn towards Bond.
Kincade exits the tree line and fires directly into the midsection of the man. Bond runs up quickly and puts a bullet in the groaning man's head.
Kincade looks a bit shell shocked. "Are you alright old man?"
"I may be...sometime soon...but now...this old heart needs a rest."
Just sit there. I will drag the bodies and mark the site. James looks at his phone and gets the proper GPS for the team when they arrive.
"Come on the team has arrived and you need to see to your guests."
"What will M tell them?"
"She will tell them nothing until we return. Kincade...what the girls said earlier...about M being here once before with James. Was that true?"
Kincade nods silently. "Don't get angry boy...it was long ago."
Bond is angry...he is furious but he wants to see the pictures Kenna spoke of, when she was trying to seduce him.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Within 30 minutes M is with Tanner handing Clare Dower and her men to the team in the drive at the front of the home away from the guests.
"Get them back to London after you claim the other bodies."
"Yes ma'am."
The Mackenzies filtered in and out of the house seeing to the guests and laughing while keeping an eye on out for Kincade and Bond to return.
Katrina and Callum stayed close by Maggie who tells the what she knows of her time at Skyfall so far.
"I just noticed the yesterday about Em and James...it was a shock but not so much that she is the head of MI6."
"Maggie...you must be quiet about this." Callum says. "It could be a danger to us all."
"Yes and that woman had better not lead my Kincade away to get hurt!"
Maggie puts her arm around Katrina. "There...there. I am sure that James will take good care of him. You should just see how he dotes on the entire family."
"We will all have plenty of questions." Callum says as they see James round the house looking for someone. Ryan is at his side in an instant as Mr. Tanner exits the back of the house after finishing the hand over with M.
Judi rushes to him and jumps into his arms.
Many of the guest have left but the youngsters in the tent party on with the loud music that managed to cover the sounds of the chaos around them.
Kenna moves to Bond and hugs him. "What ever you did...I will be here for you since Judi is not."
"Kenna I am with M."
"That can't be serious."
"It is. I plan to marry her."
"Even after she lied to you about being here 40 years ago and sleeping with uncle James?"
"She never lied...she just didn't mention."
"It is still a sin of omission."
"STOP IT! If you want some explanation come with me and her code name is M the letter, not short for Emma like you all assumed. Much like you all assumed I was with M's daughter Judi when I was not."
James sighs and urges the family back into the den.
M is still debriefing the team in the drive at the front of the house when Judi comes to claim her.
"Mum...the shit is about to hit the fan...you had better be there to defend yourself or stop the fighting. Kenna has thrown herself at James and he is demanding to see pictures of Callum's wedding...now!
M waves the team off with the information James texted about the location of the other bodies. Then she follows Judi back into the house for damage control.
Bond looks angry and about to snap. He turns on his heals and pulls Kenna towards the house.
"Come I want to see this proof for myself."
The rest follow. Kincade is engulfed in a hug from Katrina.
Alistair joins them all in the den as Ryan shuts the doors and Bond pulls Kenna further into the room.
"Those pictures...you told me about...show them now!"
"I would like you to unhand my daughter now." Callum states as he stares at Bond.
"Shut it Callum! I would rather you had not had your hands and lips all over M every second you could get her alone." The venom in Bond's voice shocks them all.
Kenna brings the album down and opens it to show James. It hurts to see images of his parents...it always has but to see Kincade and Katrina standing near James Bond and Olivia...that is like a dagger to his heart.
How could she keep this from him. My god...Olivia slept with his uncle.
"Now see hear...I think you should all leave. Tomorrow when sober, we will come calling at Skyfall for an explanation about all this." Callum says angrily as he looks at M entering the room with Judi.
"Callum, I agree. Everyone out." M says but no one feels the need to move right away.
"So you and Bond are actually lovers? You are bloody old enough to be his mother!"
"Callum...enough!" Kincade warns as he places the two shotguns on the desk.
"And you knew and brought this danger into our home...your own family was at risk." Callum turns and shoots his venom towards Kincade.
Katrina takes Kincade's hand and says. "I think you should drive them home. We need to settle down and clean up a bit."
Kincade nods sadly. "Aye...I will come back later."
M now stands in the middle of the room commanding all attention.
"Fine...damn...stubborn...Scots." M says under her breath. "Before anyone leaves this room. You are now under the blanket of the official secrets act of Great Britain and whatever happened here tonight must not be spoken of. These two houses are linked through history and family. So let us let calmer heads prevail tomorrow and accept that we cannot divulge all that has gone on here."
Kenna laughs. "What about the fact that Judi and Tanner are lovers and that for some reason James says you are his? Is that covered by your official secrets act?"
Fiona elbows her sister. "Shush...you're drunk!"
"I am not so drunk as to think it is normal for a man that looks like him to want a woman so much older, who slept with his bloody uncle...it is just...wrong! Who...is...what and to whom? Is Judi James' cousin in real life? Is she uncle James' daughter?"
"The room goes silent but for Judi, and Ryan who cry out, NO!"
"Before this escalates further we will leave." M turns on her heels and walks out the door and her family follows, leaving an angry and confused group of hosts behind.
M climbs in the back with Tanner, Ryan and Judi. Kincade and James are in the front.
Ryan tries to break the silence in the back. "Well that was a fun party."
Judi and Tanner begin to giggle and Kincade just smirks in the rear view mirror.
James is driving...fuming mad...how could she...after all they have been through.
M twists her hands in her lap as she ponders the look of disgust on Callum and Kenna's faces once they knew. James will burst in anger soon...it is coming off him in waves.
Why would James want her...she feel so bloody old and tired right now. It was bound to end in disaster or death and that party was a disaster and there was death just thankfully none that mattered.