FOR YOUR EYES ONLY…
Moving their luggage from one hotel to the another was not a problem for Caroline.
She had been looking forward to their stay at The Fleming Villa for a few weeks.
Well, ever since she saw their internet page and convinced James to book a room there.
He agreed to only two nights because of the cost of the Villa.
Caroline agreed. Normally, The Agency would pick up their expenses
when they were on Assignment.
But, James said the Villa stay would not “fly” past David
and it was outrageously priced anyway.
The Fleming Villa, called GOLDENEYE, was the actual home to the writer, Ian Fleming,
who wrote all 14 James Bond novels in Jamaica at his home.
…while I still do a certain amount of writing in the midst of my London life,
it is on my annual visits to Jamaica that all my books have been written.
Ian Fleming
Fleming’s books had always sold well, but in 1961 sales increased dramatically.
On 17 March 1961, four years after its publication and three years after the heavy criticism
of Dr. No, an article in LIFE listed From Russia, with Love
as one of U.S. President John J. Kennedy’s ten favorite books. Kennedy and Fleming had previously met in Washington.
This accolade and the associated publicity led to a surge in sales
that made Fleming the biggest-selling crime writer in the US.
James had a bitter sweet feeling about moving up to an expensive villa with
it’s own private airport close by. He didn’t like the idea of being so far from the main part
of town. His bodyguard, Bowman, would have to stay at another hotel close by
which was not really close by. James didn’t want to alarm Caroline that maybe this stay
at the Villa was not in their best interests.
Upon arriving at GOLDENEYE, Caroline was in awe of the place…
yes this is what she wanted and she wanted James to love it, too.
James was not convinced even after walking around the grounds with Bowman,
to make sure it was safe to stay there. His only consolation, was that Michael Majors
was staying there for a lot longer than they were going to stay and he was safe.
James and Caroline settled into the place and had dinner at the restaurant in the villa.
“Caroline, you look beautiful tonight, my love.”
“Why Mr. Jamison, you finally noticed me. Thank you for the lovely compliment.
I’m sure you will relax after you have a drink.
“What are you drinking, my love?” James asked.
“A martini.”
“Shaken or stirred?”
“Now, that’s better, you are getting in the 007 mood.” Caroline smiled at James from across the table.
After the waiter took the order, Caroline could see that James still needed
some convincing to relax and enjoy this beautiful expensive villa.
“After dinner, my darling, I have a special surprise for you.”
“What did you do, throw away my Hawaiian shirt?”
“James, don’t be silly. Would I do something like that?”
The drinks came to their table along with Michael Majors.
“I thought I would find you two love birds out here.
Do you mind if I join you for just one drink. I hate to drink alone.”
Mr. Majors didn’t wait for an answer and pulled up another chair to James’ table.
“Michael, please join us. James and I were just talking about you.”
“Yes, we were saying that you should met our Aunt Beatrice in Texas,
she loves her cocktail hour, too.”
“I would certain enjoy meeting your famous Aunt.
She’s all over Facebook with those outrageous stories. I wonder where she
gets all of her information?”
“Michael, I truly think you would get a kick out of her.” James said with a note
of sarcasm in his tone.
James wonder why Michael Majors showed up tonight.
Probably wanting information on the body that the police found earlier today.
“What do you think about that poor woman they found on the beach?”
“Michael, James and I were thinking you might know more than we do.
Any leads on who did it?”
“From what I hear from my sources, it was a suicide.”
“Suicide, really?”
“That’s going to be how it’s going down. Not murdered, just took her own life.
What a pity, so young all and a writer, too. The police just want the case closed
as soon as possible.”
“Well. I’m glad it’s all over. We were guessing who she was.”
Caroline replied to Michael’s comments.
“Her name was Penny Peters, didn’t you meet her when you staying down at
the other hotel?”
“We don’t know her and have never met her,” answered James.
Which was true; they didn’t know her except that she was an agent
and they really didn’t meet her. James smiled at Michael and said,
“Cheers, here’s to unsolved mysteries.”
After Michael Majors couldn’t get any more details on the so-called suicide, he left the table with a cheery wave and was off.
“Now, we know for certain that it was Penny Peters,
who they found on the beach this morning, you can relax, James.
The police don’t suspect foul play. There won’t be an investigation.”
James still didn’t relax even from that news, he felt that they were being spied
on by someone. He didn’t want to spoil, Caroline fun time so he kept his silence.
After dinner, James and Caroline retired to they room, tiny as it was.
James was use to a suite with multiple rooms. He felt cramped in the room.
James wondered if he could endure two nights in the place.
There wasn’t much to do except go to sleep.
He put on a pair of Hawaiian pajamas, that Caroline didn’t see him pack.
Now, won’t she be surprised.
“James, why are you wearing those pj’s?”
“I wanted to surprise you, my love. I sneaked them in my luggage.”
“Give my the top of your pajamas. It’s cold in here and I can’t find my nightgown.”
James took off his top and throw it to Caroline.
“Nice catch. Are you coming to bed now?”
“In a minute.” Caroline put on the pj top in the other room
and called out to James. “Do you see that recorder by your side of the bed, James?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Please, press the button that says PLAY.”
James did what he was told and pressed the PLAY button on the recorder.
What he heard next was the Beach Boys song,
“Kokomo”
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go, Jamaica Off the Florida Keys there’s a place called Kokomo That’s where you wanna go to get away from it all Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand We’ll be falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band Down in Kokomo
James started laughing as he saw Caroline coming out of the bathroom
wearing his Hawaiian pajama top and sexy thigh high boots dancing
to the rhythm of the song. Caroline sure knew how to entertain
and surprise him and he loved it. He had to get a photo of this, so he grabbed his phone
and shot a few shots of Caroline now, dancing on the bed.
Her finale,
was pulling out, of her boot, the newly acquired small pistol,
complements of Mr. Majors, and aiming it James.
“For Your Eyes Only.” Caroline said.
(to be continued)
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