He lay, gazing up at the sun, while the air (or so it seemed to him) went on twanging with the explosion as if someone had hit the bass register of a piano with a sledgehammer. ‘I wasīlinding flash of white light there was the ear-splitting crack of a monstrous explosion and Bond, despite the protection of the tree-trunk, was slammed down to the pavement by a bolt of hot air which dented his cheeks and stomach as if they had been made of paper. I can’t imagine he’ll try a rough house, but you never know.’ ‘I may be able to help,’ said Leiter.

She’s a good looking girl.’ He smiled at Leiter. I’ve got an assistant, a Miss Lynd, and I’d like to hand her over to you when I start playing. I’m afraid I haven’t got anything very specific for you to do, but I’d be grateful if you’d stick around the Casino this evening. I’m glad Le Chiffre seems as desperate as we thought he was. ‘The opposition has got me, and probably you and Mathis too, all weighed up and it seems no holds are going to be barred. But, anyway, here I am.’ ‘ I’m delighted you are,’ said Bond. With Mathis and his boys here, there may not be much that isn’t taken care of already. ‘ Anyway, I’m under your orders and I’m to give you any help you ask for. ‘Apt to be a bit jealous of their scoops,’ he admitted.

I expect your fellows are much the same in London.’ Bond nodded. In fact, Washington’s pretty sick we’re not running the show, but you know what the big brass is like. They think it’s just as important as your friends do and they don’t think there’s anything crazy about it at all. Said, looking into his drink, ‘ so I’m particularly glad you didn’t get blown to glory.

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming