William walked into the Hilton Hotel, carrying a pizza and some anti-inflammatory medicine. While waiting for the elevator, he pulled out his phone and dialed Bond's number.
The phone rang for several seconds before it was answered. "Hello, who is this?" Bond's voice came through.
"Hey, Craig, it's William Devonshire. Do you know who I am?"
There were sounds of Bond waking up, his breathing becoming heavier. "Of course, is there anyone in England who doesn't know you? Super genius and super madman."
"Madman? Me? Who says that? How could I be a madman?" William asked, puzzled.
"Haha, you don't know? William Devonshire, perhaps you should check yesterday's English newspapers. The super genius predicting the Nasdaq crash—is he a genius or a madman? Isn't that hilarious? Two days ago, you were hailed as a national genius, and now you're the laughing stock. This joke could keep me amused for a year," Bond mocked, likely still upset that William had knocked him out with a tranquilizer gun earlier.
"Alright, I'll check the newspapers. But, Mr. Bond, if I were you, I'd first listen to why I'm calling," William replied with a teasing tone.
After a brief silence, Bond said, "Fine, William. Tell me, did you handle the matter with the Skyplane?"
"You already have the answer in your mind, don't you, Captain Craig Daniel? Let's see, 'wow,' former Special Air Service captain. You really are elite. This way, it saves me the trouble of having to deal with Mrs. M coming after me if anything happens to you."
"What?" Bond asked urgently, knowing that William wouldn't call him without a reason.
"The plan to blow up the plane failed. Our banker, Mr. Le Chiffre, could lose hundreds of millions of dollars, and we've captured his intermediary, Alex Dimitrios. What do you think Mr. Le Chiffre, having lost so much money, will do next, Mr. Bond?"
"He'll find out who leaked the information," Bond replied calmly.
"Correct. Now, Bond, you have two choices: first, if you care about the lady by your side, send her away. Second, if you don't care, perhaps you can help me deal with the people Le Chiffre sends. Consider it my favor for making this call."
"No, I have a better plan. I'll send Solange to a safe place and then wait in the hotel, capturing anyone who comes my way. Mrs. M will be pleased with my actions," Bond said.
William smirked, "Suit yourself, Bond. Don't underestimate Le Chiffre. He's not just a banker; he's from Algeria. You know the situation there—it's full of mercenaries and assassins. Be careful, Bond."
After a moment of contemplation, Bond replied, "Thanks, William. I'll be cautious. I've dealt with these kinds of people before."
"Good. By the way, I left a Glock 17 and five magazines in the drawer beside your bed. Hope it helps."
"Thanks. We're even now, William."
Bond hung up the phone, walked to the bedside, and woke Solange. He opened the drawer to reveal a Glock 17 and a pouch with five magazines.
"Hurry and get up. We have trouble. I need to take you to a safe place," Bond said as he picked up the Glock 17, attached the magazine pouch to his waist, put on his jacket, and grabbed Solange to leave.
William didn't worry about Bond. He knew how formidable the man was. This Bond was different from all the previous ones—a guy who could fight through a horde of adversaries. Being the strongest in the Special Air Service with preparation, few could take him down.
Entering his hotel room, William discarded his clothes into the trash can, changed into a hotel robe, and took a shower to wash off the smell of gunpowder.
William returned to the room, where he found Alexandra awake, reading a magazine on the bed. He smiled and kissed her forehead, "Why are you still up so late?"
Alexandra put down the magazine and replied, "I woke up and didn't see you. Couldn't sleep. Where did you go, honey? It shouldn't take that long to buy something."
William lay down next to Alexandra, holding her. "I had to take care of some business. Don't worry about me. How are you feeling now? Any better? I bought some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicine. Do you need one?"
Alexandra playfully pinched William's waist and laughed, "It's all because of you, you stubborn bull. I'm in so much pain, but I don't need the medicine. I'll be fine in a couple of days."
"Haha, my dear, you really surprise me. Aren't Brazilian girls supposed to be passionate? You're so beautiful, and yet I got to be your first. It's quite unexpected," William said with a chuckle.
"I won't be like others. I want to save my most precious thing for someone who truly moves my heart. I've seen too many girls fall and lose themselves for petty gains since I started modeling at 15. How many of them end up well?" Alexandra said, her mood turning somber.
"Alright, sweetheart. I'll take good care of you. Everything will be fine. You're not alone anymore. I'll help you, I promise," William comforted her, holding her tightly.
"Mm," Alexandra hugged William tightly, resting her face on his chest. They quietly talked about their past until they drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, William's phone rang, waking him up.
He answered the call, and Bond's voice came through, "Mr. Devonshire, Mrs. M wants to meet you. We'll be at the Nassau Ocean Club. A helicopter will pick you up soon." He hung up before William could respond.
William glanced at the time on his phone. Damn, it's only 7 AM. If they want to see me, why not come to Miami? Damn it.
Getting out of bed, he dressed quickly.
"What's wrong, dear? Do you have to go out?" Alexandra asked sleepily.
"I need to go back to Nassau to meet someone. Will you be okay on your own today?" William asked.
"No problem, honey. I'll just rest at the hotel today since I'm not feeling well. I'll wait for you to come back," Alexandra replied, understandingly.
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll be back as soon as I can. You can keep sleeping. I'll tell the front desk to send breakfast up at 8:30. What would you like to eat?" William asked.
"Anything low-calorie will do. The hotel staff knows how to prepare food for models. You go ahead. I'll sleep a bit more," Alexandra said, burying her face in the pillow.
"Alright," William said, kissing her on the forehead. "Love you, dear."
"Mm, I love you too," Alexandra mumbled back.
William washed up, put on his suit, and headed to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. After arranging for Alexandra's breakfast with the front desk, he received a call that the helicopter had arrived.
An hour later, William found himself at the Ocean Club in Nassau, where Mrs. M and Bond were waiting for him outside the hotel.
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