Q - vacation part 2

[0_0_7]

They had island hopped through the Caribbean and today found them on the small island of St. Vincent. White sand beaches, comfortable huts set on the water, palms swaying in the warm ocean breeze. Bond could not have asked for a better spot to relax. He had been swimming and emerged from the water, skin golden from the sun and water beading on his skin and running down in rivulets. He spied Q and smiled at him, walking to meet him.

"I think we should go to the marina and rent a boat," he said. "We could snorkel on the reef. It would be fun. What do you say?"

Comments

[quartermaster_q]

"Ten thousand US in hundreds and twenties," Q replied, slipping the money back into the envelope.

He was a bit cross that Eve had provided Bond with a car when she knew he'd been working on one for months now.

Perhaps he'd get lucky and Bond would destroy the damn thing.

[0_0_7]

The car was utterly disappointing. He could have bought it in any showroom. No tricks, no thrills. Just a car. That certainly took the luster off it a bit.

"I want you to keep three thousand in reserve," he said. He pocketed the gun and a phone after checking to see the number. He'd need that if he were asked. Then he turned the engine over and started off. "We've got time for the scenic route, don't we?"

[quartermaster_q]

"Of course we do- Walter Kippling," he said, trying not to laugh as he read off the name on Bond's fake ID. "Oh, that will never do. Let's just pretend we didn't see that. ...God, mine's worse. Tyler Thomas? That's a dreadful name."

[0_0_7]

"Oh, those are atrocious. Whoever came up with those needs sacked," he huffed. He smiled though and drove off into the night, taking the long way along the beachfront road so they could enjoy the sight of the moonlight on the ocean.

Bond was quiet, disturbingly calm as he put the car through the gears. This was something Q didn't get to witness and silence over the comms didn't make it clear. Bond was preparing for battle, for whatever that might mean. It was all in his head and with his eyes on the road...Double O Seven slipped into place.

[quartermaster_q]

Q watched him, letting the silence settle until they neared their destination.

"There will be parking around the back. Our intel says there's a password. Tonight it should be 'songbird'."

[0_0_7]

"All right, Tyler," Bond said, thinking that for as awful as it was it was more suited to the night than "Q".

There was parking around back and Bond got out and pocketed his keys. He waited for Q to fall in at his heel, then they went to the club. The intel was good and Songbird got them inside. Eyes turned to them and Bond seemed t inflate, puffing up his chest and pulling his shoulders back.

"Let's get a drink," he said, happy to let people get a good look.

[quartermaster_q]

While Bond seemed to go right to the bar, Q was free to glance around a bit, playing the part of a nervous younger lover.

It all seemed fairly innocent at a glance, until you noticed some of the differences in age among the various 'couples', and other uncomfortable details.

Following Bond to the bar, he waited for the other man to sit before joining him. Silent and allowing the double-o to order for him as he casually looked around for their target.

[0_0_7]

It wasn't until they had their drinks and Bond had his glass to his lips that he spoke.

"So what do you see?" he asked, not looking at Q but rather at a nubile young man standing on the wall waiting to be commanded.

[quartermaster_q]

"No sign of our man yet. Perhaps he's in the VIP area. You might need to spend a bit of cash to get an invite," Q said quietly, aware that they were being watched, and slipping easily into the role he knew he needed to play.

Leaning over, he ignored his drink in favour of pretending to fight for Bond's attention. His hand rested on the other man's knee, and he smiled sweetly as he pretended to whisper something filthy in Bond's ear.

"There's a man at the end of the bar watching us," he whispered. "I think he might be one of the owners."

[0_0_7]

Bond immediately pushed him back. "Keep your seat," he said, harsh and sharp.

At that the man at the end of the bar moved in. Bond watched him approach and as he did the double-o laid a possessive hand on his young companion.

"New to our little club," the man said. Bond nodded once. "It's lovely to have you, Mr..."

"Bond," he replied. "James Bond."

He had never done well with aliases.

[quartermaster_q]

Q said nothing, aware of his place in a club like this, and though he was careful not to stare, he did make a point of looking at the man- The way any curious newcomer might.

The man nodded his approval, then offered his hand. "David North," he replied. "It's always nice to see new faces now and then. You in town for business, James- Or just pleasure?" he asked, glancing at Q with a faint smirk.

[0_0_7]

"On holiday," he replied, not lying in the least. "We've been making our way from Florida to Trinidad. And then, sadly, it will be back to the dull reality of the working world."

He watched Q watch North and after a moment he reached up to touch Q's jaw with just one finger. He'd never had a sex slave himself but in his line of work he had encountered plenty and all the well trained ones, for as much as that thought turned his stomach, were easily disciplined. Bond assumed that was because they'd been broken. So he touched Q's jaw to get him to look away rather than saying anything. And it was the most absent gesture, as if he'd done it a hundred thousand times.

"It's a lovely club," Bond smiled. "I understand my money might be good for something a bit more lively than just drinks?"

[quartermaster_q]

When Bond touched him, Q shivered involuntarily before obediently turning his gaze down at the floor.

That clearly pleased North, since he smiled faintly at the sight of the young man's shiver.

"Depends what interests you," he said. "We have some slightly more private areas. Places where one can try their luck- or be entertained. It all depends on what your pleasure is."

Q's expression was blank, but internally he was frowning. Two separate VIP areas. That complicated things.

[0_0_7]

Bond tried to decide from what he knew of Taro what he'd prefer. The man wasn't even here yet and Bond thought he might not want to jump right into the private area. He hoped he was right...

"I'm quite partial to cards," he said, then smiled darkly. "And if I win I might be inclined toward other pleasures," Bond added, looking at Q for the briefest moment with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

[quartermaster_q]

It was a clever move, and Q would be sure to tell Bond so- Later.

North smiled, then nodded at Q. "Friends aren't allowed in the game room unless they're willing to work. I suspect you're not the kind who likes to share though. He'll have to either stay out here, or you can pay to check him. That's what most of the guys do. Safer that way, you know? They're less likely to meet someone else. Money tends to make the pretty ones unfaithful."

This was all irritatingly familiar, but Q knew better than to say or do anything- Though it was taking all his self control not to kick the idiot right in the...

He kicked Bond's stool instead, belatedly realizing how stupid that was.

[0_0_7]

Bond's reaction was swift. One hard look and one sharp backhand right to the chest.

"You don't tell me what you want," he scolded. Then he looked to North. "I've no doubts of his loyalty, no matter how much he's offered. He has no say, anyway," he said blithely. "And I do like to keep him close. He's so pretty, don't you think?"

That was clearly a challenge, not Bond searching for a compliment. North understood the tone and the hard look in Bond's eyes.

"He's clearly special," the man said, knowing better than to say anything more. "If you'll follow me I'll show you to the tables," he added and then lead the way to the operation upstairs.

[quartermaster_q]

Q didn't relax until the pair were gone, taking his drink and moving to a small table out of the way. It was important to go unnoticed in a place like this. He didn't want to be harassed while keeping an eye out for Taro.

North led Bond to a door behind the bar, leading him down a short hall with three doors, one, of which, was painted red. North, however, opened one of the plain white doors, reviling a small room with a large round table where several men were playing cards. There were also a few younger men as well- Some serving drinks- and at least one on his knees beneath the table, though North didn't even spare them a glance.

"I'd like to introduce you all to Mr. Bond. Jackson, deal him in next round- His first thousand chips are on the house, alright?" North smiled, smacking Bond cheerfully on the back.

[0_0_7]

Bond knew the power play, fronting him a thousand. Start him off owing the house, even if it appeared to be free. Bond nodded politely, though.

"How kind," he said. "I think I'll holiday on this island from now on."

He could hear the sounds of the bar where Q was out there, all alone. Bond felt an awful stab of guilt leaving him alone. Q was right, people could vanish too easily from a place like this.

"So, gentlemen, what's the game of the night?"

"Poker," the dealer said. Bond nodded and took his seat. His first hand was useless, as was his second. But his third provided him an opening.

"Four nines. Do I get anything for the Q?" he asked, then laughed. The rest of the men laughed as well. It was a good hand, just not the winner this round. He hoped Q was in a position he could talk.

[quartermaster_q]

Q's eyes were on the door, holding his glass to his lips as he spoke.

"I believe our friend has just arrived. He doesn't seem to be interested in a drink though. Looks like he's headed right through to the back. ...He's leaving his 'friend' out here. Should I make contact?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

Bond didn't answer right away, taking another hand and appraising his cards. He laid down two and said, "Yes." He paused a moment so Q would get it then he added, "Just two"

THe men at the table didn't notice the lag and were busy placing bets. The door opened and Taro walked in. Everyone looked to who had entered and one man frowned.

"Come to take all the money?" he asked bitterly. Taro only looked at him then nodded at one of the attendant boys. He ducked out immediately and mere moments later came back in with security.

All the men, Bond included, sat in silence as the cheeky man was escorted out, his winnings left on the table. Taro took his seat.

"Poker tonight?" he asked and the dealer nodded. "Excellent."

[quartermaster_q]

Q finished his drink, then went to the bar and ordered two, carrying one over to the young man that Taro had left behind.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?" Q asked quietly. "I'm not used to being left on my own."

The young man lit up, nodding eagerly, looking relieved when a man who'd been making his way over turned away- clearly not wanting to bother if the boy wasn't on his own.

Q couldn't help but notice how thin the other man was- and, at a closer look- that he wasn't so young really. In fact, Q was certain Taro's friend was at least a few years older than himself.

"I hate being left," he said, scratching absently at his arm, and gladly taking the drink Q offered.

Q nodded, then smiled faintly. "I'm Tyler, what's your name?"

The other man shrugged, then looked down at the table. "Um- It's David. I'm not supposed to call myself that now though. My master, um- He calls me boy."

Q's heart broke a little at that, and he frowned before growing bold.

"Well I'm not your master. I think I'd rather call you David."

David looked shocked, then smiled and laughed quietly, easily falling into conversation with Q. They chatted away mostly about innocent things at first, but eventually the topic turned to Taro.

"I've been with him since I was... Ten, I think. He took me off the streets, gave me a home," David explained.

Q listened quietly, hoping Bond could hear as David talked about his life with Taro, and then eventually started talking about why they were here, n the island.

"He's a genius. He does things with computers... Wild things. He's made a new thing that- Well, I shouldn't say, but, um- The men who own this place, they have friends who want to buy it. Taro says he wants to milk it though, just another couple nights, to see their best offer. He's smart that way. ...What does your master do?"

"Oh, I don't know. I don't go to work with him," Q lied with a shrug. "He's not my master though. He'd have to earn that title."

Q's casual defiance was deliberate- He could tell it impressed David quite a bit.

[0_0_7]

Bond listened carefully as he played cards, doing well enough to stay in the game while purposely losing more than one hand. The men didn't talk of anything other than the game and when Bond found himself at an even thousand he smiled and looked around.

"I'm back down to the house's money," he announced. "Can I buy everyone a drink? I'm parched."

The men smiled, all but Taro.

"What do you mean, the house's money?" he asked, then he smirked. "Oh, it's your first night here. Might not want to blow that, friend. Make a sound investment with it instead."

"Oh?" Bond asked. "Do you have an insider tip for me?"

Taro nodded to the door. "What's worth spending money on in a place like this other than what's behind the other door? You can use that thousand for a playmate. Or if you already have one you can use it for an audience."

[quartermaster_q]

Q divided his attention between Bond's conversation and his own, waiting for the right moment to speak again.

"Yes, I agree," he said to David, who smiled and started chatting again- Unaware that Q was speaking to Bond.

[0_0_7]

Bond heard and understood. He waved his hand at the dealer and collected his thousand.

"The offer for drinks still stands, then, but I'll use my own money. The game's been fun but I've left my accessory alone long enough."

"Which one was yours?" Taro asked.

"Purple shirt, dark hair," Bond replied.

"I don't remember him. Maybe I'll let you buy me that drink, James." Taro waved off his hand, too, but left his money.

"Everyone else tell the boy. This round's on me," Bond assured them and walked out with Taro. "Are you on holiday here as well?" he asked casually on the way to the bar.

[quartermaster_q]

Q pretended not to notice Bond returning, but David tensed the moment he saw Taro return to the bar.

"I should go," the man said, leaving Q at the table and quickly making his way to Taro's side. Q, on the other hand, didn't move. Sipping his drink and paying Bond no mind. It was deliberate- Acting as an excuse for Bond to assert himself in front of Taro, and proving to David that he was serious about not being owned. He had a feeling that sort of attitude might prove useful later. If he could encourage a bit of rebellion from Taro's pet, David might become a valuable resource.