Chapter 10:  The Bargain Is Broken

Bond sat in his comfortable chair behind his desk in the 00 agents office back at HQ.  His desk phone started to ring quietly and Bond picked it up.  His ears were greeted by the unfriendly tones of Money Pound “Report to Wayne King immediately!” she said and then Hung up on Bond before he could answer her with a witty joke. 

It was a lovely day back in England and the morning sun shone brightly through the 00 office window.  Bond walked out of his office winking at his own secretary as she gave him a cheeky smile.  Jools walked briskly down the corridor to the lift that would take him to the top floor and King’s office.  The past few days had shot by and Jools still hadn’t heard from Cherry since they arrived back. 

Jools smiled at the glaring face of Money Pound as she spoke on the intercom “001 is here, Sir.”

The reply came and Bond was sent into Wayne’s office.  Inside Wayne sat behind his desk and opposite him sate Cherry Poppin. 

Wayne looked at Bond and watched him take his place standing behind Cherry.  “I’ve been told about the bargain made by Miss Chastity Lock with Miss Poppin for and on behalf of MI6, but I’m afraid she neither had the authority or the state of mind to be thinking rationally at the time the bargain was made and as there is no written documentation regarding this affair, MI6 will not be wasting valuable funds on setting up Miss Poppin in the Witness Protection Programme.”

“But Sir-” cried Bond before Wayne cut him off. 

“Instead Miss Poppin and I have reached a new agreement.  As 002, 003, 004 and 005 were all assassinated by Jardon and Hunt, we’ll need to replace them.  Cherry has more than proved she is capable of the job, and a rogue assassin will think twice before shooting at an MI6 agent without good reason.  Therefore Cherry Poppin will become the new 002.  Bond I want you to take her under you wing so to speak and show her around a bit.  Dismissed.” 

Bond is completely speechless and so silently escorts the new 002 to her new desk. 

Back in the 00 agent’s office the place is still deserted as the only other two remaining 00 agents are still on assignment. 

Bond looks at Cherry in her new smart suit and is still speechless, so he simply follows orders and says “What would you like to see first?”

Cherry strolls over to Bond with her hands behind her back until she’s pressed up against Bond.  Then she wraps her arms around Bond’s firm shoulders and pulls him close.  The two agents kiss and Cherry asks “So how did you overcome Swallows and Geeva the first time we met?”

Bond grins and wrapping his arms around Cherry’s slim waist replies “I used my secret weapon.”

Cherry smiles and whispers “Then I insist you show me you secret weapon first…”