Chapter Text
I’d been communicating with my contact for a few months now, at first I wasn’t sure who to contact when I stumbled upon the information I found at work. It seemed as though someone was using the data we had stored and protected for some of the bigger money lenders around the world, and financing their own pockets. At a quick glance, when reviewing the accounting, it appears as a simple transactional or currency exchange glitch.
After all, you always lost or gained a penny or two here or there, but this … this was happening more frequently and over a wide variety of accounts. It wasn’t just a penny either, some accounts lost up to ten percent in a single transaction. I planned to discuss with my boss what I discovered, however after a closer inspection, all the funds travelled in and out of several numbered accounts, on it’s own it didn’t seem to matter, but bundled all the funds together and people, banks, companies were losing millions over the course of weeks. There was no way my boss hadn’t noticed.
Rather than assume that was the case I performed a simple test and asked my boss to review my findings to make sure my assumptions were correct. Not even a day later, my report was handed back to me, my boss told me that I had been unequivocally and irrevocably mistaken, the issues I tracked were glitches from currency exchanges and coding issues, nothing for me to be concerned about. Right then and there I knew my boss was involved.
I simply agreed, showing appreciation for their input. Doing my best not to raise suspicion and left it as is, over the next few months, my boss seemed to believe I had forgotten all about the glitch. Yet, I couldn’t, maybe if I had I would find myself in the current predicament I am now. Instead of following my boss’s advice, I made sure to track it all on my own, to find as much information as I could.
After four months I contacted my friend, who worked with the British government, not that they’d be very helpful as I was working out of the States, but Eve knew a lot of people, and she could help me get to the right one.
However, April 9th was a day that would live forever in my mind as the day everything changed for me.
I was enjoying a peaceful walk along the lakefront, when a man named Felix Lieter appeared in my life. He was straight to the point, nothing but business, and ever since then his voice became one of familiarity and safety, every time I heard his husky voice on the phone I knew someone was backing me, it brought a sense of safety knowing I wasn’t on my own. He told me the day he’d been assigned to work with me, no matter what he’d make sure to protect me, to keep me as safe as possible, as a man who worked for the CIA I had no reason to doubt him.
Of course, I didn’t trust him just because he said he was CIA, I made a point to test him out somewhat, even asking him for the phrase I gave to Eve as proof she sent him. He passed, obviously.
Soon enough we became friends, he was cheeky, miserable at times, yet always ready to step in. Eventually, our communications began to increase in frequency, the accounts began to show an alarming increases of ‘glitches’. Felix suggested I gather as much data as I could and pass it on to him, I was hesitant at first not because I didn’t trust him, rather, because I had a feeling I was being watched.
I asked him how I was going to get him the data, but he simply stated he would take care of everything. True to his word, he did, I ended up winning a week in Monte Carlo, at a fancy casino resort, all expenses paid, along with a stipend for the casino.
I knew it was him who arranged everything, especially upon seeing the personal messenger the casino sent informing me of my win. My boss although shocked, didn’t hesitate to let me go. Telling me it was a great opportunity to drum up contacts for our company as well, and despite the smile he had on his face, something told me it was all a facade, a game he was playing to see which one of us would flinch first.
The next 48 hours were a whirlwind, I was transported from my work, to my home packing up everything I would need for a week, and being directed to the airport where I was ushered on to a private jet. It was all exceedingly glamorous, I never expected any of this, nor did I expect anyone to take any of my research and data seriously.
As I sat in the luxurious jet, letting the shock of what was about to happen ebb away, the flight attendant came over and passed me three things, first a glass of champagne, second the documentation I would need to enter customs, and finally an envelope that had been left for me. This was my point of no return, I took in a deep breath opening the rather simple brown envelope.
Inside was a phone number, a key card and a letter:
‘Cleaner,’ I chuckled as I read my code name, it was the most ridiculous code name in the history of code names. However, Felix insisted, saying I was cleaning the company of wasteful people. Once my giggles and nerves were under better control, I began to read the letter again.
‘Cleaner,
Inside you will find a key card and a phone number, when arriving at the Casino, do the whole tourist shock act, you know what I mean ‘wow, I can’t believe this is happening’ type of deal, like you are probably doing right now.
On the third night of your stay, go down to the Casino, enter the Mint room. Go to the blackjack table located next to the bar. On the second round of blackjack, double down, and then fold. Don’t worry about the money. Get up and head to Room 3504, the keycard will grant you access.
You will find a computer on the desk, insert the memory stick, the computer will take over uploading the information the moment the USB is connected.
Once it’s completed, wipe down anything you touch, and exit the room.
We will not be able to meet, but my associate and I will be watching you. If you notice anything amiss, if there are any problems, call the number on the paper. Memorize it.
Ask the flight attendant for a match and burn both papers. This is a CIA plane, everyone onboard are CIA agents, it won’t be anything out of the ordinary for them.
Thank you for all you are doing. Your efforts will not be forgotten.
FL’
I took a moment to memorize the instructions and the phone number.
Once I did my best to memorize everything in the letter, I called the attendant over asking for some matches. I lit both pieces of paper.
I took a deep breath, I really hoped I was doing the right thing.
- - - - - - - - - - -
The flight and the drive to the Casino was beyond extravagant, it felt like I was a Royal. I couldn’t help but wondered if this is how the Queen felt when she travelled, if she travels, does she travel? I shook my head out of my own stupid notions and focused back on the task at hand. I needed to register and play the wowed tourist, which wasn’t a difficult role to take.
The marble in the entrance to the Casino was grand, the pillars, the granite counter tops, the sheer amount of money that practically dripped from every inch of the foyer left me speechless, this place had changed from the last time I was here. I couldn’t believe how much had changed in six years.
James was sitting on one of the chairs in the foyer, when Felix told him they had a mole inside Spectre, he couldn’t believe it. He most certainly didn’t expect to see someone who looked like you, to walk through the door. ‘The Cleaner’ that’s what Felix called you, he said it was safer to give you, your own code name. Apparently, you were being followed and he already had to take care of a few undesirables who almost gotten too close for comfort to you, apparently without your knowledge, the information you had was damning to Spectre and they wanted to stop your digging. Truthfully, he was surprised you were still alive.
Yet, despite everything Felix told him, James didn’t trust you.
In fairness, he didn’t trust a lot of things, he never trusted a helpful stranger (no one was ever that nice, no matter who they were), never trusted anyone who was willing to sleep with him the moment they met (despite, how good looking he was, he couldn’t possibly be everyone’s type), never trusted someone who didn’t have some sort of hobby (you can’t simply be satisfied with your lot in life, it wasn’t possible), but most importantly, he never trusted something that looked too good and you certainly looked too good.
Not just because you were beautiful, no, but in the way you held so much innocence in your face, yet the way you walked told him you were confident, you were a contradiction. The way you reached out wanting to do the right thing, he heard how Eve and you were friends, but still no one ever wanted to do the right thing just because, there was always a catch, and no one ever looked that innocent or wondrous. People were cynical, critical, and never appreciated anything.
Yet, the look on your face, told him everything he needed to know, you were in awe of everything around you, if this wasn’t an act, if this was genuinely you, then how in the hell did you get mixed up with Spectre, the most evil, villainous and conniving organization to have ever existed.
“Monsieur Bond?”
“Oui” James motioned his hand, looking towards the concierge, while keeping his peripheral on you.
“Telephone for you” the concierge directed him to the counter, how considerate for the concierge to provide him with the phone which just happened to be right beside where you were standing, as you were checking in; well no time like the present to introduce himself. He couldn’t stop the grin on his face, as he wondered how innocent you truly were.
I waited at the counter, while the manager got everything ready for me, “You will be staying in room 2035, here is your key, mademoiselle” he handed it to me, while giving me a slight bow, “your itinerary, of course feel free to add or take away anything you would like. These are simply suggestions, to help you enjoy your stay.” I took it, offering a slight nod, thanking him for his assistance.
I couldn’t help notice the gentleman that came and stood beside me. He had a striking jaw, and even though I couldn't really see his face, his eyes were piercing even from the glance I had taken.
“We reserved the very best table for you, in our most exquisite dining room. Table 104” I smiled at the Manager, trying to bite back a laugh, I knew for a fact 104 was not the most exquisite table, it was right beside the kitchen entrance.
“I see,” I began clearing my throat, “correct me if I’m wrong, is not table 104 right beside the kitchen entrance” I asked with my most innocent look I had.
The manager appeared nervous, as he took in a deep swallow, “You've been to our Casino before, mademoiselle?”
“Does such a notion surprise you?” I tilted my head at him, “I suppose you feel I am too much of a commoner to have been here before? Or is it simply because you feel anyone who simply won a trip, could never have enjoyed spending time in such a beautiful Casino, such as this?”
“No. Of course, not” the man took out his handkerchief and began dabbing the sweat forming on his forehead.
I did my best not to smirk or chuckle at his uneasiness, “Good. In that case, I do believe table 25 has the best view of the lake. Not to mention a close enough distance to the fireplace, where it will be warm but not so stifling it would cause me to sweat, and within an appropriate distance to the entertainment, but not so close it would make it difficult for me to enjoy my meal or a charming conversation. Am I correct?”
“You are indeed, I am sorry for the blunder, it was simply …”
I held up my hand stopping him from his tirade of platitudes, “Please make sure my table, table 25 is reserved and ready for me this evening. I would hate to go above you, and speak with Monsieur Lavage, with regard to how I was treated in this hotel.”
“You know the Owner?” The man’s eyes widened.
“I do. Now about my table?”
“Of course, we will make the necessary changes. Table 25 will be ready for you, is there anything else you require, mademoiselle?”
“A bottle of Armand de Brignac Rosé, I believe the figs are in season, are they not?”
“They are indeed”
“Some lovely fresh figs, and oh yes, some lovely strawberries and raspberries as well, sprinkled lightly with sugar. Please have it sent up around 3 p.m.”
“I’ll put the order in right away.”
“Merci”
“Merci, I will make the arrangements for your table touts-suite”
Bond was having a hard time listening to the information that was being told to him, it was menial really, just informing him his car had arrived and was delivered to his parking spot, the keys would be delivered to the concierge in ten minutes. He thanked the attendant and hung up the phone.
So you weren’t as innocent as he assumed. You knew your way around people with money, or how to treat people who expected someone to have money. What impressed him more, was the fact you were not rude, but stated what you wanted without guilt or embarrassment. He wasn’t going to lie, that was hot.
He took the moment you walked away to turn and bump into you.
“Oh, I’m so sorry”
“No, please, my fault, I should pay more attention” I offered, I truly hadn’t seen the man walk away from the counter, as I’d been focused on putting away the ‘itinerary’ I’d been provided.
“No, it was mine. I was too excited from the news I just received and wasn’t looking where I was going” Bond offered, you smiled coquettishly at him, he wasn’t an idiot, he knew the effect he had on people, if he didn’t he would make a pretty sore agent. “Please allow me to buy you dinner tonight, as an apology”
“That would be lovely, unfortunately, I already have plans, perhaps some other time. However, it’s really me who should buy you dinner, after all I’m the one who bumped into you.”
“Well, we bumped into each other, how about you pay for my dinner one night, I pay for yours the next, and that way everyone is even.”
I couldn’t help giggle at his charm, he really did have striking features, but I also knew never to trust a stranger, especially one that exuded such charm.
“Monsieur Bond! Monsieur Bond!” he turned to look at the concierge that called him, as the man held out the keys to the Aston Martin, Q sent over. James nodded his thanks and readily took it, when he turned back, you were gone.
Right, you were definitely not as innocent as you appeared to be, no one that innocent could move so stealthy away from him. He was impressed, you were definitely intriguing.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I took the opportunity to go for a walk around Monte Carlo, it was a lovely city and I hadn’t been in ages. As I passed each street, fond memories came to the forefront of my mind, my feet taking me to one of the well known stables in the area, it belonged to the Casino. I found a seat easily enough in the stands, it was lovely watching the equestrian tournament. Despite my objections, flashes from the last time I was here riding Comet came flooding back, a smile etched it’s way on my lips as I remembered walking away with a blue ribbon. I let out a deep sigh, a different life. A different time.
“Fancy meeting you here” I turned to the gentleman who took the seat beside me, a smirk appearing on my lips.
“My mother always taught me there’s no such thing as a coincidence”
“Smart woman”
“Mmm, more than you know, is there something I can help you with Monsieur Lavage?”
“I saw your name on the registry, I didn’t think you’d ever come back here”
“I won a trip”
“I noticed that too”
“Anything escape your notice?”
“Nope.” He undid his blazer as he adjusted himself in the seat, “No doubt, Monsieur Lieter must be some kind of man to have your interest”
I turned to look at him, “I’m sorry who?”
“Come now, pet, do you not remember? I know you quite well”
“You seem to be forgetting I hate that term” my hands clenched against my knee, “clearly you don’t know me as well as you think you do.”
James had been following at a distance, the way you handled that concierge, dropping the owner’s name, that was not something done on the fly or with well regarded research, that was done with knowledge, with acquaintance of the man and the area. The fact the man beside you had mentioned Felix made it unsettling, no one was supposed to know Felix was involved, that was the whole point of James being here.
He sent a quick message to Moneypenny asking them to check on Lieter, and to check the comm chatter in and around his area.
“True, my sweet. I always forget you hated the word ‘pet’. Honestly,” Lavage leaned back crossing his legs “I don’t understand why you hated it so much.”
“Other than the fact it’s demeaning” I narrowed my eyes at him, before turning my attention back to the tournament, “What do you want?”
“I’m here on behalf of Monsieur Lieter, he asked me to give you a message”
“I told you, I don’t know who that is”
“Well that’s surprising”
“Why?”
“It was his plane you rode in on”
I could feel a cold sweat forming on my spine, “Maybe there was a mixup at the airport, I just got on the plane they told me.”
“Hmmm” Lavage had that snicker on his face, the one that always riled me, I wanted to slap it off him so much, “I doubt the airport is that stupid”
“Excuse me, Lavage” I stood from my seat “I must be on my way, lovely seeing you” I waved as I passed him.
He held my wrist, keeping me there a while longer, “I will be seeing you, it is after all my hotel, and it has been such a long time since we last saw each other”
I removed his hand from my wrist, leaning down to his ear, “Touch me again without my permission, and I’ll make sure to hit you so hard, you’ll never stand up again.”
I stood and walked away from him, heading towards the Riviera. I often went there to gather my thoughts back when Lavage was in my life and managed to rile me up in the way only he could.
James decided to stick with you, with each passing moment he was surveilling you, you became more and more interesting.
Moneypenny told him she heard from Felix, he has no idea who Lavage is, and why he made contact with the Cleaner. Interesting. Either the man had a far enough reach on someone he was still hung up on, or … he was part of Spectre, and truly either of those options wouldn’t have shocked James in the least. He watched as you took a seat on a bench in front of the Riviera walkway, he wasn’t quite sure but he thought you were crying. He wasn’t supposed to really be doing this but … oh, screw it!
“Think you need this”
I looked up, subtly wiping the tears as a tissue was in front of my face, I looked up to see Monsieur Bond, that’s what the concierge at least called him. I closed my eyes, hoping to quell the emotions rising within me, this was not what I’d been expecting. I nodded my thanks as I took the tissue, he motioned to the seat beside me, I shifted over a silent indicator he could take it.
“I forget how beautiful Monte Carlo is, haven’t been here in years” James started, he didn’t want to ask and do the whole ‘why you cry’ bit, so he focused on something else, especially since he knew why.
“Yeah. I haven’t been here in about six years”
“Bad clams?”
“Excuse me?” I turned to look at those piercing blue eyes, not quite understanding what he was getting at.
“The last time you were here, did they serve you bad clams? Is that what kept you away?”
I giggled at his statement, there was a smirk on his face, “How did you know” I bumped his shoulder.
“That’s the look you had. The 'I had really bad clams, can’t get the taste out of my mouth' so don’t bother asking look.”
I chuckled a little more, he really was rather charming I had to admit, plus he didn’t give that creepy vibe, “More like it won’t leave me alone”
“Hmmm, sorry to hear that”
“Not as sorry as he’ll be”
“How do you mean?” James was intrigued by the tone you took, was that what this was all about? You seeking revenge on your ex-whatever he was?
“Nothing. Just … talking nonsense.”
“I’m all for talking nonsense, sometimes it makes the best and most intriguing parts of a conversation”
“Until reality sets in”
“True, but you know how you push away reality?”
“How?”
“By having dinner with me tomorrow” he had a genuine smile on his face, and the way he stated it was smooth, a lot smoother then most pick up lines I’d experienced. Yet, something in my gut told me I needed to keep my distance.
“Dinner sounds lovely …”
“Great”
“However, as mentioned and stated previously I am otherwise engaged”
A smirk appeared on his lips, “What could you possibly be doing that is so much better than having dinner with me?” James tried, he needed to keep tabs on you, especially now that the owner of the casino was involved, your safety was a priority.
“I will be going to the opera”
“Really?” Somehow even the way you said it, sounded like you were exasperated with the idea.
“It was part of the prize”
“Well then you don’t really have to go”
I wanted to say ‘no, I really did,’ but there was just something about that smile and those piercing eyes “All right, fine, but just dinner.”
He held up his hands, “Just dinner, I’ll be a perfect gentleman”
I let out a chuckle, “No such thing.”
“I gotta ask, what happened that made you so cynical”
“I’m not a cynic”
“Right. You just don’t trust people”
“Like you do?”
“All right, maybe I don’t; but I’m willing to learn”
“Sure you are. I gotta get going, but what time?”
“How about 830?”
“Sounds good, join me at my table. Table 25”
“It’ll be my pleasure. I didn’t catch your name”
“Avery Smith”
“That’s not your real name, is it?”
“So much for learning to trust” I chuckled as I stood from the bench, I began heading away, but stopped and turned to look at him, “but you’re right, it’s not my real name.”
James couldn’t help the smile on his face, you were certainly not what he expected, clearly the file they had on you was incorrect. He’d have to talk to Q about it, but for now, he needed to figure out what was going on with Monsieur Lavage “Q, you there?”
“Always at the ready, 007”
“Tell me all you can about Lavage the owner of the Casino”
“Right, well I hope you’re somewhere comfortable, there’s a lot here to go through …”