The Guards would note his absence and alert others; which left him vulnerable. Vladimir made a poor attempt at shrugging off his concern of being alone but could find no comfort in it. How did he feel about the present situation? He couldn't say, his feelings had changed since the discovery at The Nijmegen Company. He could not decide whether he felt indignant or grave, one emotion overpowering the next before he could identify the last.
The dismay of having a guard assassinated had swept through the Company - Shocking as it was, was that not what they expected since the first homicide attempt or at least the second? - It had not been as evident as they had thought. To speak the truth, they didn't note any suspicious happenings that night at all. How blind could they have been! Was there not any evidence that supported this murder inquiry?
The murderer had certainly succeeded in making himself memorable: The Company had always been conscious of the lives they had to protect and the lives which could create a ruse, although at times they didn't want to. They didn't want to class this suspected lonesome, sadistic, megalomaniac as a threat. But the killer had created that possibility and it was the company who would now have to live with it. The triumph of having wounded the Nijmegen's pride, as well as their reputation, had been as devastating as the murder had expected. Vladimir wondered how many extremists would now take advantage of the occasion.
If civilians were asked to depict what impression the Grenadier Guards and the Nijmegen Company elicited many would describe a powerful force driven by the heavy heart of duty to protect the monarchy and fight with bravery in the front line. They were depicted as an impenetrable shield, not one other forces would belittle. They would wonder how little effort they had put in into protecting the Queen as well as each other. But in reality, they had done everything that was in their power to repel terrorists. What talk their little hiccup would cause, what nonsense would be circulated!
Vladimir wasn't certain why he had been instructed to make his way to The Buckingham Arms. He was sure that he had heard his Colonel contact, and successfully gain the attention of, MI5. Why they need to choose him as an applicant to use to their avail he didn't know. Thankfully the service's feelings towards him being selected were neutral, but he feared that they wouldn't reach a conclusion with his compliance and intelligence alone. The way they worked would always remain a mystery to him and no amount of that was worth contemplating since there was nothing that he could gain from it. But yet, he still did - and Vladimir had to give them credit for it.
In the hours that had passed since being informed of MI5's intentions, he had almost come to understand why they needed an active Grenadier Guard at their disposal but he didn't approve of it. How dangerous it would be to let The Secret Intelligence Service into his life! He would become more vulnerable than he was at present, his name would be widely spoken off, and where he travelled he was sure that the Psychopathic Megalomaniac would follow. He had every reason to believe that rumours would reach the murderer about his interference and be fearful of them.
Walking through the entrance of The Buckingham Arms was an uncomfortable affair. He was still grieving for Christopher. In spite of not having spoken about his friendship with the gentleman publicly, his colleagues noted the bond he and Christopher-Lee maintained -similar to that of two siblings-. He reflected on the subject of his friend. Why was he murdered? Did he know that he was going to die? He continued to muse about his deceased companion and he was just about to formulate some answers when he heard someone approach him.
"Mr Smythe I presume?" inquired a stern voice.
There was a brief silence between them. He didn't feel threatened by her but he was curious about what MI5 intended to do with him. If only Vladimir could ask her freely: What have you planned? What rules must we abide by? Will I be in danger? Because it is making me distressed that I do not know. Rather than gather the eloquence he possessed and console his worries, he stood and offered her his hand. Greeting her with cordial civility.
She beheld the gentleman as he spoke. She now understood the degree of The Nijmegen Company's authority and the pressure they applied to their personnel. Only a fool would mistake his unsuited demeanour for humility. She tried to take pity on the gentleman that stood before her, but she couldn't; She understood how difficult it must be for him, to be swiftly employed by MI5 -after the recent affairs- with little knowledge of the endeavour or outcome, however, she had experienced worse.
He stood next to the bar silently with his arms folded and his head turned towards her, his face bearing a smile which she could only describe as charming. She admired his figure from her position: Vladimir was a tall, well-developed man with pale skin and broad shoulders. His manner, she could not help but note, seemed to be unnaturally reserved. What caused him to act in such a way? The Agent rarely allowed herself to imagine what soldiers experienced when they were ordered to defend their countries which mercifully surrendered under the protection they provided. It must be a burden to carry such a task for months.
She introduced herself as Vivian and went on to explain the details The Company had provided on the homicide account, as well as the assurance of the Field Marshal's confirmation of the account. She explained it vaguely and quietly to avoid civilians overhearing the sensitive information.
Vladimir nodded in understanding not wanting to be reminded of his friend's death any further.
"I am aware that I am rushing you, however, due to the severity of the recent events we must get you to a secure location quickly. We have two witness protective housing options available for you, we can rehouse you in the east of England immediately this will involve you leaving all your commodities and loved ones for security's sake-" She suggested "Or you may stay in your current home but have a designated MI5 agent live with and shadow you for the duration of this investigation, however, this is the least secure option."
Vladimirs stomach dropped, how was he supposed to make such a decision? He turned away and pondered for a moment forcing his shocked expression into submission - To speak the truth, he'd rather not leave his possessions and loved ones behind - He had learned not to rely on luxuries when in service due to the possibility of being deployed elsewhere but found their absence a hindrance. He humphed behind his palm, so long as he was safer than at present he didn't care about how much securer the east of England was.
"The latter is fine" he agreed, rising from his seat.
She nodded in understanding and gestured towards the door. Vladimir was quite taken back at the efficiency of the situation, he swore that they were in the bar for no longer than 5 minutes. He gave a psychological shrug, what did he expect? Hollywood films rarely gave an accurate representation of the secret services and the encounter needed to be quick to ensure his safety.