Interrupted Thoughts

Summary – Irina's thoughts during her first meeting with Jack. Takes place during Cipher

A/N – This is my first piece of fiction. Sort of testing the waters if you will. Short. Also critical feedback is appreciated. I can take it.

Disclaimer – I own nothing...sigh



The noise of the gates interrupts my count.

I turn around annoyed. Only years of training kept my features still and calm, but inside I was nothing but turmoil. I could feel my blood pounding in my ears, and I silently give thanks to whatever form created the universe that I hadn't had lunch yet. Being behind glass was humbling enough; I really didn't need to vomit all over the floor. I tuck my hair behind my ear to give me time to collect my thoughts and to calm my stomach. Then I stand.

In the brief seconds it took me to pick myself up off the floor, I evaluate my husband. The pictures did not do him justice. Before I turned myself in I had reviewed pictures of my family. I wanted to prepare myself for changes time had made. However, I was not ready enough for seeing him alive, fully dimensional, and with a glare that I am sure is reserved for the worst enemy. That struck a nerve; I am his enemy. I expected to be; at least that is what I told myself. Up until now I still had the image of Jack, my husband, in my mind. No two dimensional picture changed that. Now looking at him, seeing the glare, that image is shattered.

I spoke first, I had too. It was one thing to see him; it was a different matter to hear him. His face did not move as my mouth moved, though his eyes grew sharper. I briefly think of Sydney and wonder how many boyfriends Jack had frozen with fear. That is if he was around. I know they are not close. In some ways they are too alike, and that is what keeps them apart. I finish my speech, he opens his mouth.

He spoke. I again give thanks to the unknown God that I was able to speak first. The years had changed Jack physically, but his voice was the same. I have heard its tone through all kinds of emotions: cooing to newborn, laughing with friends, tender in love, passionate with pleasure, and now it was stone cold with hate. I have to resist the urge to shudder.

He is finished. What he said was not shocking. I will admit to be a little dazed on the timing. I thought it would take him longer to visit me. I underestimated his protective nature of Sydney. I would do well to readjust my thinking. There is one thing I have learned from being married to the man, do not underestimate Jack Bristow.

He turns to go. I can't let him, a major problem I have.

I speak, whether it is taken as a message, a warning, or a threat doesn't really matter to me. I just needed the last word. I always had to have the last word.

He pauses, but keeps moving.

I smile he always did let me have the last word.