#12 The party
A lot has happened before the party... #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11
I was standing near the window, wearing my velvet tracksuit and holding a cup of my beloved Earl Grey. From time to time I’ve been lurking at the street, but all I could hear was a ticking noise. I looked at the clock at the wall. Three hours to go.
I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never been at any kind of party at the MI6 before, not to mention a party thrown in order to honour a retiring double-0. What is more, I haven’t heard from Amanda since the day she told me she had decided to leave the section. Perhaps I should have called her to ask how she felt, but in the recent weeks I was thinking only about myself. Again. Amanda’s been there for you when you both went to Geneva. You didn’t even know her, she didn’t know you, but it didn’t stop her from listening to you, I thought. And now you act like you’ve completely forgotten about her. You’re such a selfish bitch, Kath.
I took a sip from the cup and I promised myself to say sorry to Amanda that night, no matter how embarrassing it would be to admit my mistake. I looked through the window one more time just to see a heavy traffic. All the silver cars somehow resembled Bond’s Aston Martin DB10...
Out of the blue, someone knocked on my door.
“Hi Kath! Are you ready for your big night?”
It was her. Eve. More beautiful than ever, wearing a long, gold dress. It was tailored.
“Wow!” I shrieked as I approached her to give her a hug. “It really is a *big* night, isn’t it?”
“Now it’s time for you to join the elite. You have to look the part,” she preached, pointing to my wrinkled velvet tracksuit. “I’ll see what I can do,” she added before I could respond.
I laughed loudly and Eve went straight up to my bedroom. She opened the wardrobe, and I observed her going through my clothes.
...
An hour later I was sitting in a chair in front of my mirror. Eve was standing behind me, looking at my reflection and trying to figure out how to stylize my hair. My eyes followed the movement of her delicate hands, but from time to time I kept peeking at my outfit - a long, navy blue dress, covering my arms, but exposing my collarbone. It was one of those dresses with a high slit up the side.
“Do you really think that dress is appropriate for tonight, Eve? I’m afraid it’s a bold choice...”
“Of course it is,” commented Eve, gently turning my head to the right. “Both appropriate and bold. Exactly what you need to impress Mallory.”
“I really don’t see what it has to do with him. It’s just a dress.”
She sighed.
“Oh, Kath... Until tonight Mallory has known only your double-0 side,” she turned my head to the mirror again, so she could say this right to my face reflected in the glass. “He’s very much aware of your beauty and intelligence, I’ve already noticed that, but he’s still looking at you through the knothole of your profession. You know, for this man life is all about work... And there’s only one way you can make him change his priorities.”
“You mean... I will get him if I show up there, looking stunning?”
“You will get him if you show him what a wonderful person you are.”
As Eve said this, she started to pin my hair.
“The right outfit can help you to make this statement. And besides,” she continued, “Bond will be there as well. You two could have some fun... and you could try to make Mallory jealous,” she whispered into my ear, smiling. “I’m sure that Bond will *love* seeing you in that dress... How was your mission in Monte Carlo? The whole MI6 talks about it.”
“About the mission?”
“Yeah... and about you and Bond,” answered Eve. “Someone has heard your last conversation on the corridor and started to spread the gossip.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Right... Walls have ears as they say... I should have seen it coming...”
I stood up, starting to check myself out in the mirror.
“Well, what can I say... erm... To cut a long story short, our time at the casino was... perfect... uhm... until that last feral night,” I said and looked at Eve’s reflection in the mirror. “I was just about to sleep with Bond... and, believe me, I *truly* wanted to be *his* that night... but... then...” I turned around, so I could see her, and continued. “I got your message about Mallory... and... uh. I told Bond yet I couldn’t do this. I started to ramble on about my doubts... You know, making up some bullshit about not being sure... uhm...”
Eve seemed not to be impressed, but at the same time I could tell she didn’t judge me. I continued, gesticulating more and more chaotically.
“Uhm... At first he was concerned... he kept asking me why is that... but then he realized the reason must have been hidden in the message,” I said and paused. “He got it immediately. He’s a double-0 after all... He’s still mad... and refuses to talk to me.”
“Wow. Good for you that you didn’t end up in bed with him... It’s better that way if you and Mallory are about to have an affair...”
“Eve! How can you say that so casually...”
Eve’s phone rang.
“Yes, Q? Okay, thanks. We’re coming,” answered Eve and looked at me. “Oh, come on, Kath, our chauffeur has arrived!”
I sighed and gave her a hug.
“To hell with Bond, Kath. Tonight’s all about M.”
...
I haven’t been very talkative, even though both Q and Eve tried their best to cheer me up. Q didn’t know what was going on, but he could tell I had some unresolved issues on my mind.
“Don’t know what is it, probably some girly stuff, but now it’s time to forget. A party can be a purgatory experience” he said as we entered the MI6 Headquarters.
“Thanks, Q. It means a lot,” I replied when I squeezed his hand.
“At your service, Kath. Let me know when you get tired, so we can leave this introvert-unfriendly place.”
We were invited to a huge hall on the ground floor - I didn’t even know such place at the MI6 Headquarters existed. There were no decorations apart from the navy blue curtains covering the high windows. The only people I recognized were the other fourteen field operatives. The rest seemed to be just the anonymous members of the crowd, and I wondered if the double-0 section really employed all of them.
We still had some time, as the party was about to start in a few minutes. Q went to see his fellow members of the Q-branch and Eve introduced me to Bill Tanner, M’s chief of staff.
“Katherine Targett, I’ve heard a lot about you. Most of it has been good,” he said, playfully winking at me.
“Bill Tanner,” I replied, shaking his hand. “I’ve been wondering how does the most trusted man in MI6 look like. I have to say I’m not disappointed.”
He smiled broadly and asked the waiter to bring us glasses of champagne. His laugh and voice were surprisingly pleasant to listen to. Wearing a plain black suit, Tanner looked like an ordinary Englishman, which made him more suitable to be a double-0 than any other real member of the section.
I’ve been often looking around, as I didn’t feel confident enough in a new place full of unknown people. God, I hope Eve and Bill won’t find this rude.
And then I’ve seen *him*.
Mallory.
The most important man in the entire SIS.
He was standing somewhere in the middle of the hall, getting ready to begin the party. He was talking to a few men I've seen for the first time in my life.
He didn’t stand out, but looked the part. As usual, his suit was a little bit more traditional than what other men were wearing, but I wouldn't call it old-fashioned. His hair, combed backward, seemed extremely tantalizing that night and the cut of his black-coloured suit underlined his good posture. My word, a fine figure of a man, I thought.
After a few minutes, the men left M alone.
“Good evening. It’s a real pleasure to see you all here,” announced Mallory, looking around the hall. “As you know, we’ve gathered here to celebrate the successful years in service of one of the members of our section, 005, who is commonly known as Amanda Clarke. Amanda, please come.”
Everyone, standing around M, started to turn their heads. Amanda got out of the crowd and joined Mallory.
“Your country has only the highest respect for you and your many years of service. It has been a long time full of both triumphs and sacrifices. Some of them even left quite a mark... What you endured, most people never recover from. But I hope you will recall you time of service with great affection. We are all exceedingly proud that you’ve been a member of this family and we all wish you a good retirement. Raise your glasses for 005!”
We all did as Mallory requested and drank the champagne. Mallory shook Amanda’s hand and she took the microphone from him.
“Thank you, sir. I’m speechless right now... It’s been a pleasure to work with you... Actually, it’s been a real pleasure to work with you all...”
“Actually, it’s been a pleasure to work with *her*,” Tanner, who was standing behind me, whispered into my ear. “They don’t make such double-0s anymore.”
I turned around to look at him.
"Hey! I assure you they do," I replied, feeling overlooked. "But I get what you mean. Amanda's really special."
"She is," Tanner said, his eyes still focused on Amanda.
“You like her a lot, don’t you?”
He smiled mildly.
“It doesn’t matter now. Who cares?”
“Perhaps she does. You can never know,” I whispered.
He lowered his voice.
“She’s got her eyes on someone else. It’s not easy to compete with all of those... double-0s, you know.”
“It’s never easy, but it makes sense only if you try.”
“Oh, Kath. I tried. But what chance do I stand against James Bond himself?”
Just as Tanner said this, Amanda finished her speech and we all started to clap.
“Bond?” I objected, raising my voice so Tanner could hear me. “Come on, it’s not like every woman in this section fancies him...”
“I’m afraid the majority of them do fancy him,” Tanner replied and rubbed his chin. “But I appreciate the advice. Now, please excuse me, Kath. I’ll be right back,” he said and went towards Amanda.
I quickly lost the track of Mallory when nearly all men from the double-0 section approached Amanda. They shook her hands and placed kisses on her cheek. Some of them even gave her flowers. Amanda looked lovely in her long, bottle green dress. This is her night. She deserves it, I thought. Some slow music started to play in the background. I observed Amanda from a distance and kept waiting for the men to leave, so I could congratulate her and apologize.
“May I have this dance?”
The question sounded familiar. Not because I’ve heard it before, but because I knew the wonderful tone of that voice. I nervously turned around.
“Sure,” I said a bit surprised, but put my hand in Bond’s hand. Perfect opportunity to talk. Maybe he’ll finally give me the chance to explain everything.
“I remember that you wanted to *explain* something to me... So... here you go,” said Bond dryly a few seconds after we began to dance.
“To what do I owe this pleasure? The last time I tried... you didn’t want to talk,” I said calmly, but confidently.
He embraced me tighter.
“Maybe you should have tried harder?”
"Maybe...” I answered, lifting my head up to look into his eyes. “But I decided to give you more time. I thought you needed it. That you needed to... change the perspective.”
“You let go easily,” he looked at me with disappointment. His eyes were cold. “That’s a shame. Cause I don’t.”
He kissed my right hand and then held it tight in front of me.
“Do you know how embarrassing it is for me to watch you tonight...? To see how you pretend not to care...? To be here, remembering how you ignored me?”
“I didn’t ignore you, James... it was you who...”
He pulled me closer. So close, I could barely move freely.
“You did ignore me. And why? So you could focus on *someone* else... You've got a soft spot for him, admit it, Kath," he added angrily. "To me, it seems like you don’t realize how much you risk here... but I can save you. I know that you feel something for me as well. I just don’t understand why you’re so afraid to surrender to that feeling.”
I didn’t say anything, as I felt less and less comfortable.
“You don’t have to be afraid. We can still make this work. How about... umm... that we run away together,” he whispered into my ear. “Now. And you instantly forget about that plan to ruin your career...”
A thrill went up my spine. Not only did his words touch me, but also I realized champagne wasn’t the only alcohol Bond drank that night.
“Let go of me, James,” I said, trying to free my left arm by moving it away from him. I couldn’t do the same with my right hand, as Bond held it close to this chest. “Let go... You don’t know what you say anymore. You had *way* too much...”
“Is this not what you wanted, Targett? To have me at your beck and call? Now you do... Can’t you see that I’m in love...? Leave with me, please...” he murmured beseechingly.
“James, I think you’ve had enough for today. Let me take care of this lady,” said a deep, semi-friendly voice and I felt someone’s breath on my bare neck. I was very much aware who has come to my rescue. I turned my head back and saw Mallory, but Bond wouldn’t let me go. We stopped dancing.
“Ladies and Gents, may I present you the stars of the show: a double-0 and her superv...”
M’s mouth bent down at the corners.
“I suggest you stop *now* before you say something you’d regret,” said Mallory firmly.
Bond looked at my face and loosened the grip. He gave my hand to Mallory.
“Very good, sir,” Bond added sarcastically.
Mallory placed his right hand on my waist and my left hand touched his shoulder, while I kept looking at Bond. He quickly disappeared in the crowd, as the floor has been already filled with dancing couples. I turned my head to Mallory.
“Thank you, sir,” I sighed and swallowed hard. “I thought I could control him...”
“My pleasure. Don’t think about it anymore.”
We danced slowly in silence. Apart from the music playing in the background, the only sound I could hear was my heartbeat. It unintentionally gave away my excitement. If I wanted, I could explain this being a result of the way Bond had treated me, but I decided not to say anything. Mallory, as a true gentleman, didn’t comment on it or didn’t give me a hint that he had noticed.
At first, I didn’t dare to look Mallory in the eye, as I was afraid of my own reaction. But I knew I had to take chances. It’s now or never.
“Sir... may I ask you a question?” I whispered as the song was coming to its end.
“Please ask.”
I looked at the hall over his shoulder, making sure Bond wasn't around.
“Sir, perhaps I ask for too much, but... I’d love to dance with you one more time. Just one more time...” I smiled mildly, “but I wonder... if your wife wouldn’t mind it.”
I couldn’t believe I was brave enough to say this. My heart was pumping. Everything or nothing.
He gave me a questioning look.
“Oh, I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t want to sound rude...”
“Katherine, there’s nothing wrong with the question. I’m just surprised, because I don’t have a wife,” he said and caressed my waist. He moved a bit closer and added: “I got divorced shortly after I completed my service in Northern Ireland. It was a long time ago.”
His openness astonished me, as I knew he didn’t have to give me any details. He seemed to be less defensive than he had been during his conversations with Bond.
“I’m sorry to hear that, sir. I didn’t want to be indiscreet...”
“It’s only indiscretion if I’m offended. And I’m not,” he whispered into my ear when the music got quieter. “Besides, I’d love to dance some more, you’re a natural dancer.”
I blushed as Mallory said this.
“Oh, that’s good to hear, sir,” I laughed.
For the next few minutes I remained in my supervisor’s arms. We had a charming conversation, although I controlled myself most of the time. Of course I intended to give him a hint, somehow let him know that I’m interested in him, but at the same time I didn’t want to overdo it. It all had to be subtle.
At some point I realized that my heart started to betray me again. Even though we kept it professional, our bodies were close enough for Mallory to feel how much my heart wanted to leap out of my chest. Subtle, I thought.
He didn’t say a word, he just observed my face with his extraordinary green eyes and somehow I managed not to look away. I got an impression that he liked the way my hair was done. I remembered that feeling well from the day I’ve met him for the first time... I felt pure happiness, despite the circumstances being a bit embarrassing for me, but the tricky part was, I didn’t feel embarrassed in front of Mallory. Part of me wanted him to see what kind of person I am and how much I crave him.
“Thank you, sir,” I said, as the music stopped playing, gently touching his arm for the last time that night. “It’s been an honour.”
“Thank you, Katherine,” answered Mallory. “Have fun tonight.“
I turned my back on him and looked around. I noticed Amanda standing alone next to one of the windows. I grabbed two glasses of champagne from the nearest table and approached her.
“Would you like some champagne? I’ve been wondering... erm. May I speak with you alone?
“Katherine! Long time no see!” exclaimed Amanda, clearly delighted with the sight of me. “Sure you can, let’s go.”
“After you.”
Before I followed Amanda to the corridor, I felt the urge to turn around. I couldn’t help thinking someone’s eyes were on me. Being a secret operative has taught me many things and one of them was to always pay attention when you’re being watched. It was a basic instinct that they had to remind you existed, but it didn’t have to be trained. Ironically, I knew I was safe at the party, but I began to worry Bond was still there, observing me from the shadows.
I had to find out what was going on, so I turned my head and saw Mallory standing in the back booth, leaning against the wall. I locked eyes with him and then Amanda grabbed my arm.
“Hey, Kath, are you coming?”
Yeah, Amanda. I’m coming, I thought, trying to join her without losing my sight of Mallory. Is it just me or did he... really watched me after our dance? Or was he only being a gentleman...? No... this dance was something far more than just a courtesy... I know that, because... I’ve never felt like this in my life before. I feel like I could dance with him for the rest of my life.
***
To be continued
