In The Shadows

The dark haired woman leaned back in his chair, watching him over her glass. “ They’ll be watching you. Extra carefully , for the first while. Being a new recruit with a troubled brother tends to set off a few alarms. But they also like to make themselves look good after screwing up royally so you’ll probably be held to a higher standard. I do hope you’re ready. ”

When he had come in here, he had planned to sit at his desk. He was polite enough that he wasn't going to kick her out of the chair now. "I am not at all surprised to hear that. Harry did say they did do more checks on me before I got this job. But I can understand them watching me, now I know what went on. Or kind of know."

It wouldn’t be long now. Lucas Bateman had shown up this morning for his first day at MI5. He’d spent the last hour or so in Harry’s office being told the story of his brother’s recent…time at the department. And his past time at the department. And his secret other life. It was a lot for anyone to take in let alone a new agent on his first day but it had to be done.

While waiting for the newcomer to enter his office, Anthea kept up with her emails and texts. There were a number of bored texts she’d started to type to her boss’ brother to amuse herself.

‘ How are the goldfish, William? ’

‘Did you really eat that horrible pasta from Lionni’s last night? ’

She sent them between emails she’d needed to answer. The younger Holmes hadn’t answered so she assumed he was either passed out or still on his most recent case.

The talk with Harry really seemed to be taking a while.

She was running out of things to do. Lucas’ office wasn’t set up with any personal belongings yet so she didn’t have anything fun to play with. And her emails were finally all caught up.

Sitting in his chair, she was taking a sip from one of the glasses she’d poured when the door finally opened.

He made his way to work. Where he was told he would be met by Sir Harry Pearce. Who by this point he had met. What he hadn’t known was that his twin brother had worked here. Lucas hadn’t seen or heard from John for years. The last time was sometime when Lucas has been on leave from the army. After there, there had been no contact. Once at Thames house, and being met by Harry, he then followed him to The Grid. As he walked in, he glanced around. His new colleagues already working and giving him a look he wasn't sure how to take. He felt as if he was the new boy at school. He followed Harry into his office.

"Right-o, I'll see you both in a moment." The other man told them then went out for his smoke.