AN: Sorry this took a while and thank you everyone for being patient with me.

Warning: There is description of cutting in this chapter, which may be upsetting.

Chapter 23

...

Mathis takes the boat back to Bond and M's hotel to meet the agents who should be at the location. Even if they were too late to provide M and Bond with back up. There's still a clean up operation that needs to be carried out, and he knows all too well, how long they can take.

If they arrived here sooner, then perhaps all of this could have been avoided, and White would be in custody. He has lost his own agents thanks to White and his associates, and SIS were nearly looking for a new head of MI6. He warned M, but it wasn't enough. He just hoped Q managed to find a location on White so they could end this once and for all.

As the boat pulls into the harbor, Mathis got off and started to walk up the path to the main entrance to the hotel. Upon approaching, he sees the area swarming with agents trying to get the situation under control. Looking at the audience that has gathered, he can hear their protests, with the majority asking what's happening, while others remain silent.

"So much for espionage." Mathis murmurs under his breath. M's going to have her work cut out for her when she returns. He can already hear her protests about the situation.

He stops in his tracks when he hears someone call out to him. Turning to his right he sees one of his agents, walking towards him. At least one of them is alive at least, he doesn't know how many he may have lost until he saw the bodies.

"Where are the other agents?"

"We lost, Alessandro. The others are helping M's agents with details of what happened. But we are missing Montagna, Beringer and Forester."

"Forester, is dead. We can thank Miss Lynd for that. As for Montagna and Beringer I'm not too sure. Have you tried to contact them?"

"I have Sir, but I'm getting no reply from either of them."

"Then they are probably dead." Mathis said regretfully. "Keep trying, and let me know if you hear anything. We need to recover Forester's body and find both Montagna and Beringer."

"How do you propose we do that, Sir? Montagna and Beringer could be anywhere."

"I'm aware of that, which is why I need to speak to the lead agent in charge?"

"That would be Agent Conner. I'll take you to him."

Mathis follows after the younger man, as he leads him into the hotel, where the reception is swarming with agents.

"Did Bond manage to find M?"

"Eventually, though the extent of M's injuries I do not know." Mathis informed his agent.

"Let us hope it's nothing too serious." The agent mumbled, under his breath, but Mathis still heard his words.

He hopes for everyone's sake that it isn't the case. Bond will be out for blood, and he doubts anyone will be able to stop him.

/*\*/*\

Hospital S.S. Giovanni e Paolo

James lies on the hospital bed, the back of his shoulder; cleaned, stitched and bandaged. He thought it would be the last time he would be in one of these beds, well for a while at least. Moving to get more comfortable, he felt his stitches pull causing him to wince out in pain.

He pushed his pain aside and instead tried to focus on how Olivia is faring. He wants nothing more than to see her, but his doctor ordered him to stay put until she gives him the all clear. Two hours pass since the doctor carried out tests to see if there is any muscle and tissue damage. It wouldn't surprise him if there was, after being shot in the shoulder a few weeks prior then, being stabbed so soon after. He knows there is a chance there could be nerve damage. That's all he needs. He can't afford to be out of commission longer than necessary, he needs to go after White and especially Mitchell for what they have done. Vesper could wait, she will get what's coming to her. If White doesn't kill her first.

Bond hopes that Mathis will be in contact soon, with a location from the tracker in the briefcase, giving them White's whereabouts. If he doesn't, it will allow White to go once again and off the radar. If that's the case he will need to contact Felix, and see if he had any information. The small holiday he and M planned is over before it really began.

He should have known his plans for a peaceful holiday wouldn't last long, not with his reputation. He's just relieved he hasn't lost Olivia. Now Bond can understand why M was so unsure of their relationship. She knew he would find it hard to keep his relationship separate from the job, especially when it's her life on the line. He wants nothing more than to take his revenge on White, but he knows Olivia wouldn't want him to be motivated by revenge. She would want him to play it by the book and take their relationship out of the equation, which is easier said than done.

A part of him knew he should step aside and let another agent bring White in. He's too personally involved, but another part of him doesn't trust anyone else to handle this. This is between him, Mitchell and White and he will make sure he is the one to finish it.

The sound of footsteps walking towards him caused him to come out of his thoughts as he sees Doctor Castro approach him. If there is any bad news about Olivia, she is hiding it considerably well.

"Have you any news on, Olivia?" James asked hoping that she had at least something she could tell him about her welfare.

"She's still unconscious and hasn't shown any sign of waking. We have carried out an CT scan and the results showed no sign of swelling in in the brain. We are monitoring her around the clock for any changes."

"But she will wake up?" James asked fearful for the answer.

"It's hard for us to say at the moment, but there is a strong chance that she will. We won't know the full extent of the damage until regains consciousness." Doctor Castro told him softly.

James felt his throat dry up of all sudden at the news. She had to wake up. He couldn't lose her. Not now.

"When can I see her?"

"When you've had some rest."

"I don't need rest…"

"You were stabbed in the shoulder that is still recently healing from a bullet wound! You were lucky there is no permanent muscle and nerve damage!"

"I can still move my arm can't I? I'm fine."

The doctor gives him a disapproving look, which James ignores.

"Look, are we done here?" He asks with annoyance as he continues to stare at the doctor with contempt.

"No, we aren't. If I find out you have left that bed or this room without my consent, I will sedate you for the remainder of your stay in this hospital. Are we clear?"

"Well, if that's the case… I would like to discharge myself from your care."

"You are in no fit state to discharge yourself, Mr Bond."

"I've had worse. Trust me, If there was anymore damage to my body I would bloody well know." Bond tells her in annoyance, "Now, are you going to get me those papers, or do I need to get them myself?"

"You are not going anywhere…"

"It's my decision and you can't keep me here!"

"If you let me finish." She raises her voice slightly, "I was going to say that; you aren't going anywhere until I have your discharge papers ready, which will be in a few hours after I finish my rounds. But until those papers are finalized, you are staying in that bed until I tell you otherwise."

James, knew it is the best deal he is going to get. "Fine, but if you aren't back in two hours, I'm gone."

"Mr Bond…"

"Time is ticking, doctor," he mocked giving her a forced smile at seeing the cold glare she was giving him.

James looked away from her unfazed. He had been on the receiving end of worst in the past, manly from, Olivia. What he wouldn't give to see her walk through that door like she had done when he was recovering after the torture from Le Chiffre. But it seemed this time, it would be him who would be walking through her hospital room instead.

He could still feel Doctor Castro's eyes upon him, "Don't you have other patients to see?" He calmly asks with a trace of anger in his voice.

The doctor narrows her eyes, before turning to leave his room. She could feel his eyes burn into her back with every step she took. She wondered how anyone could put up with him, especially Olivia. She didn't know the extent of their relationship, but it seemed that the woman meant a great deal to him.

Closing James' room door behind her, she continued on her rounds hoping he wouldn't try anything stupid.

/*\*/*\

James waits until she has left, before throwing back the covers and gets out of the bed. At least he didn't have to worry about an IV this time round. Standing up, he looked down at the hospital gown he is wearing in disdain. Seeing his clothes on the chair, he noticed his polo shirt is ruined, the jeans were salvageable at least even if they are still soaked through with water. He would need to contact Mathis and have him collect his and Olivia's things from the hotel.

As he approached the door, he turned the handle, opened the door slightly and looked up and down the corridor. From what he could see, there is another ten rooms next to his own.

Looking back down at his attire he decided he needed to find a change of clothes, to try and at least blend in. He had no desire of being caught by Doctor Castro, so soon after she had left.

Stepping out into the corridor he makes a start on the daunting task of checking each of the rooms to his right in the hopes of finding a change of clothes and more importantly, Olivia.

/*\*/*\

Hotel Cipriani – Venice

Mathis follows after Hutchinson, who leads him to a man in his late forties, with black hair showing small specks of white that was shaved close to his head. He wasn't much taller than Mathis, and his south London accent sounded tired as he speaks to three agents next to him.

As if knowing he is being watched, Conner finished giving his orders to the three agents, before he turns and his chartreuse eyes bore into Mathis' own.

"You must be Mathis?" Conner took a few steps towards him so they were standing face to face. "Give me one reason why I should trust you?"

"If it wasn't for me, M wouldn't know of White and Vesper's plan. Then where would we all be?" Mathis told Conner calmly not letting the other agent intimidate him.

"And I would like to remind you that I've lost two, if not four of my best agents ensuring that your boss was safe!"

"Well, it seems your agents did a lousy job! White and Mitchell still managed to evade capture!"

"In case it escaped your notice, but it was thanks to one of your agents that was nearly responsible for not only the death of Bill Tanner! But who also put the life of your boss and Bond on the line. So, do not stand there and lecture me on lousy agents, Conner!"

Mathis stars at Conner waiting for his next move. He is in no mood to stand and argue with a pompous agent on who is to blame for what has happened, but he will be damned if he stands around doing nothing.

"Forgive me, Mathis. But I needed proof that you are indeed on our side." He held out his hand for Mathis to shake.

Mathis narrows his eyes, before finally reaching out and quickly shaking the other agents hand before letting go.

"What have you found?"

"Truthfully, Mathis. We are just starting. I'm sure your agent here has told you we found the body of Alessandro?"

Mathis gives a nod of his head, "Yes, I'm fully aware. I just hope it was quick."

"From what my agents have told me, it was a bullet to the skull." Conner informed him. "Mitchell, never was one for slow deaths."

Mathis looks over at the extravagant hotel building, which was supposed to be Bond and M's safe haven for a few days, but instead turned into their worst nightmare. Their relationship would now be out in the open for all of her agents to see. He could already see the committee and the Prime Minister, pulling her in for an inquiry about protocol. It seemed the couple could never be left alone.

"I take it you are aware of…"

"Bond and M's relationship?" Conner smirked. "Yes, I'm fully aware having seen the CCTV footage and the check-in information."

"Then you will know that this could cause problems for M in the future?" Mathis stated. "She has already endured enough."

"Yes, I'm aware of the trouble M has had in the past from the minister and the committee, which is why any evidence of them together will be destroyed once it has been analysed."

"And what will the report say? The minister will know you are hiding something vital from him." Mathis warned.

"My report will say what I have observed."

"Which is?"

"That M, decided to take a short break and she asked Bond to be her bodyguard for the duration of her vacation. Mitchell was overseeing the transfer of White and Vesper into MI6 custody, when Mitchell revealed himself to be a traitor." Conner calmly told him. "Wouldn't you say that is what happened? After all, it was you that informed us of Mitchell's betrayal."

"That seems correct." Mathis agreed satisfied that he could let M know that her relationship with Bond was still safe from the minister.

"M stands by all her agents, Mathis… especially when the minister likes to interfere. This time we can repay the favour. We look after our own, and M has more or less proven that over the years."

The sound of Hutchinson's phone ringing, caused Mathis and Conner to look over at the younger man.

"Excuse me."

They both watch as Hutchinson, walks a few feet away, before answering the call. They see his eyes widen as he looks back over in their general direction, while continuing to talk animatedly with whoever it is on the other line.

It was a few seconds later, before he hangs up the call and walks back over to them.

"Sir, Beringer is alive." Hutchinson informed both men.

"And Montagna?" Mathis asked having a feeling he already knew the answer.

"He didn't make it, sir." Hutchinson regretfully informed Mathis. "We need to get agents to his location."

"I'll have a team sent along with some of your agents, Mathis." Conner informs him, as he takes out his radio.

"I appreciate it. I also need a few agents to recover Forester's body."

"Where is he?"

"In a yacht located in the harbor of St Marks. I'll give you his mobile number and you can trace his exact location. I also need to see Bond and M's hotel room."

"Very well, I'll have it arranged."

Mathis gave a nod in acknowledgement and turned to Hutchinson. "Did Beringer, say how badly injured he was?"

"Just that he was badly cut and bruised, but no life threatening injuries."

"All right... make sure he seeks medical attention. We can't afford to lose anyone else today."

"Sir."

Conner walks back over to them, "A team will be with you in a few minutes Hutchinson." He informs the younger man before turning to Mathis. "I need your agents details. Come with me."

Mathis follows after Conner to one of the stations that has been set up on site. He watches as Conner accesses one of the laptops. Giving him Forester's number, Mathis watches as the satellite image on the monitor pin points Forester's exact location.

"I'll send the information to a few of the agents who are with your man Hutchinson, to recover your agents body. Perhaps they will find more evidence at the scene."

"I appreciate the help, Conner."

"Don't mention it. If you're ready, I'll take you to Bond and M's room. What is it you hope to find that my men won't?"

"Truthfully, I'm not looking for evidence. I need access to their room for some items to take to the hospital. If there is any new leads, do you actually think Bond will sit back and do nothing?"

"Perhaps this time it's in his best interest if he did. He's too personally involved. We don't need him motivated by revenge for what has happened. It will raise too many questions."

"What kind of questions? Mathis asked curious.

"The committee and the minister already thinks M favours Bond over all her other agents. There have even been rumours that M is sleeping with him." Conner kept his voice low. "Which obviously isn't a rumour, but they don't know that. If Bond goes on a man hunt intending to kill every one who is responsible for M's current condition, then it's going to prove that their original theories were in fact correct. It could cause M more problems than what she already has to deal with."

"And what problems would those be?"

"The minister has been looking for a way to revoke Bond's license. It's not exactly a secret round SIS. The only reason they haven't done so, is because of M." Conner stated. "She is the only person standing in their way of getting rid of Bond for good. If he slips up, it falls back on M. They will look for anything to get her out of the equation. And when that happens…"

"They can get rid of Bond as well." Mathis, finished finally realising just how high the stakes actually were.

"Exactly. If the minister manages to replace M, Bond is no longer safe. You need to make him see reason, Mathis."

"He won't listen to me. The only person he listens to is, M."

"Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to make him listen."

"This is Bond we're talking about Conner! If it wasn't for M being in the hospital or him being injured, he would already be out there looking for Mitchell, Vesper and White. Once we get a lead; there will be no stopping him."

"I know." Conner agreed in defeat. "But he needs to control his anger and thirst for revenge, Mathis. It won't do him, or M the world of good. He needs to play this one by the book, otherwise… it's game over. And everything M has done for him over the years will have been for nothing."

Mathis found himself agreeing with everything Conner had said, but that didn't mean James would listen. Once the wayward agent has an idea in his head, no amount of reasoning would get him to change his mind. He would see the task through until the end, even if it cost him his own life in the process.

/*\*/*\

Holding cells - MI6

Villiers sits on the bench of his small six by six cell, elbows resting on his legs, as he holds his head in his hands. He has lost track of the days since he has been locked in his cell on the sub levels of MI6. He has no idea why he was under suspicion having never spoke with Le Chiffre or his girlfriend. Tanner had questioned him constantly for hours In the hopes he would spill whatever it was he seemed to be hiding.

He knew the ins and outs of the mission having organised most- if not all of it himself, sharing most of the details with Mitchell. Other than that he had kept the mission under wraps, just as M ordered. But it seemed someone had set him up and now he was paying for it.

Looking around at the white walls of his cell, he is slowly going mad. No one had been down to see him since Tanner had brought him here. Standing up, he walks over to the bulletproof glass door and looks out into the corridor seeing two agents standing at the main entrance to the cells.

He was currently viewed as a traitor to Queen and Country, it is no wonder no one would speak to him. He has to prove his innocence, but he couldn't do it locked up in here.

He informed Tanner he had contacted Mathis about the inconsistencies with Miss Lynd's file, which probably didn't help his case. It was a blatant lie, one of which Tanner probably found out.

If he had just called Mathis once he looked though Miss Lynd's file after having sent it to M, then perhaps all of this could have been avoided and the matter cleared up. The only reason he hadn't was due to the Prime Ministers special advisor contacting him, asking for an update.

At the time he had thought nothing of it, thinking that the Prime Minister was just doing his routine check-up on finding out what M is currently up to. It was only when Haines had told him to keep their conversation under wraps that his instincts should have told him something was wrong with the whole scenario.

Now thinking back on it, it was slightly odd that Haines had contacted him just a few minutes after he had sent the file to M about Miss Lynd. It made him wonder if he had been keeping tabs on their searches. He should have told Tanner, but he didn't think the other man would have believed him. Now, he was locked up while Haines had managed to continue with his life and job as normal.

He needed to get in contact with Tanner and tell him what actually occurred. Anything to help clear his name. His job would be no more, but right now none of that mattered. Tanner and M needed to know about Haines' behaviour. It wouldn't surprise him if he was apart of M and Bond's capture, maybe even a member of Quantum, which Tanner had accused himself of being member of.

He is brought out of his thoughts when he hears a group of voices at the top of the corridor where the two agents are standing guard. From the silhouettes he could make out three men and one voice he thought sounded familiar.

Feeling his throat dry up; he watches the two agents who are standing guard, walk away causing an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach. Hearing the door to the cells open, he watches as the three men enter the corridor.

Villiers kept his eyes on the three men as their footsteps echoed around him as they walk closer towards him. Taking a few steps back, he could feel his palms sweating as his nervousness and uneasiness grow as the men stopped outside his cell.

"What are you doing here?" Villiers tries to keep the fear from his voice.

"Now, is that anyway to greet your visitors, Mr Villiers?" The man gives a grin seeing the fear in Villiers eyes, before turning to one of shorter men to his right. "Open the cell."

The shorter man gives a nod and steps forward and starts to unlock Villiers cell, then takes a step back to allow his boss to enter.

The man looks around the cell unimpressed, "MI6 really should think of decorating in here. It's all so very dull. Wouldn't you agree Mr Villiers?" His brown eyes bore into Villiers steel blue.

"I've had other things on my mind to notice."

"Ah, yes. I was quite surprised that your own boss and her Chief of Staff would lock up such a loyal employee such as yourself."

The fear Villiers felt was overtaken with a feeling of anger, "You know why? It's your fault as to why I'm here!"

"True, and I appreciate you keeping our conversation a secret. So, I think it would be only fair that we give you something in return."

Villiers narrows his eyes, "What makes you think I would take anything from you?"

"I'm the only person standing between your freedom or a future locked up in this cell. So, it would be wise for you to take what I have to offer, Mr Villiers."

"And what is that exactly? A life of being corrupt and going behind the governments back? I would rather rot in here than take whatever it is your offering me!"

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear Mr Villiers. I said I was the only person standing between you and your freedom. I didn't offer you to work for me." The man stated an evil glint in his eye.

Villiers takes a few steps away from him, feeling his back press against the wall. The man's words finally making sense on what he actually meant. He looks around for a way out of the cell, but the only exit was guarded by the three men in front of him.

"Do you actually think you will get away with this?" Villiers kept his eyes on the man as he reaches inside his jacket pocket.

"Oh I don't think." He pulled out a small razor blade. "I know." He smiled. "You see, all it takes is to pay a few agents off and they turn a blind eye." He ran his thumb along the blade, testing its sharpness.

"It's your lucky day Mr Villiers. I'm in a generous mood. So I will make sure this is over with as quickly as possible. I can't promise it won't hurt, because it most certainly will."

The helplessness returned, and Villiers knew there would be no way he was coming out of this encounter alive.

"Hold him!" The man orders his two colleagues who spring into action.

Villiers tries with all his strength to break free of the hold that the two men have on him. The drag him over to the bed and restrain him so he is lying on his back.

He sees the man to his left, pull up the sleeve of his shirt, exposing his wrist. They were going to make it look as if he took his own life. The thought made him feel sick.

He continues to try and struggle free, but the heavy weight of the man on top of him holds him in place, while the other holds his arm in a tight grip.

"Did you know Mr Villiers that the human body can retain on average 5.5 liters of blood? Hard to think that so much blood is needed for us to survive."

Villiers feels the cold blade press against the skin of his wrist, then a sharp pain causing him to scream out in agony.

"Scream all you like. There is no one here to hear you." He whispered close to his ear, before repeating the action to his other wrist, causing another scream from the man on the bed.

Villiers feels the weight lift from his chest, and the blood flowing freely from the cuts on his wrists. He couldn't stop the stray tear that escapes from his eye, knowing that there is nothing he can do and no one will be coming to save him.

"Enjoy your freedom, Mr Villiers." The man tells him mockingly.

Villiers could feel himself become short of breath as he tries to lift his head, before falling back weakly against the pillow. Trying to keep his eyes open, he could make out his killer cleaning the blade with a handkerchief, before placing the blade in his hand, pressing his fingers against the metal.

He felt the mans warm breath near his face, giving him some heat to the coldness that had begun to settle throughout his body.

"It's such a shame MI6 have lost another employee. First it was Tanner, and then it was M... now you. Only Mr Bond is left, and he will be joining all of you soon enough."

Villiers tries to speak, but no words would form.

"Sh, don't try to fight the inevitable. You will eventually lose consciousness and before you know it, you will be dead."

Hearing Villiers, breathing start to become heavy. The man stood up, and looked down at the dying man and couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face at his handy work.

Villiers eyes had already begun to close; his pale skin and bed sheets are stained crimson from the blood that is flowing freely from the deep cuts on each of his wrists. The man couldn't help but think that there is something fascinating about watching someone's life slowly diminish. Especially, when it was he himself who made it all happen, and no one would ever find out the truth.

Turning to leave the cell, he stops in the doorway and turns to look back at the younger man on the bed.

"Goodbye, Mr Villiers."

Villiers faintly hears the men leave the room and the sound of his cell being locked. The pain is starting to lessen and he knew he didn't have much time left. The surrounding area is silent. No one would be coming for him.

Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, he finally lets his eyes close as he surrenders himself to the fate that is waiting for him. As the minutes tick by, he can feel his breathing start to even out, before finally coming to a stop.