Chapter 7

John Hart scowled as he watched the surveillance cameras around his house. He was being watched. If not him... then his house. It could only be the work of one man. Fucking Jack Harkness. He was supposed to be completely neutralized – if such was ever possible... but if the distraction of the likes of Ianto Jones wasn't enough, John knew nothing ever would be. What had made Jack suspicious? Had the auction been too obvious? John realized in some respects Jack was very much like himself. Suspicious nature to the core. If something looks too good to be true, then it probably was. John could see how Jack could have that perception of Ianto Jones' appearance at the auction. If it hadn't been staged solely to distract Jack on this particular night – he would have jumped in and placed the winning bid. Having that Welshman at his mercy was a thought he'd thought about on more than one occasion. Something he planned to make a reality before he was finished with both of them.

He jumped when he heard one of his security team calling him over to one of the monitors... while in his thoughts barely remembering he wasn't alone. "What is it, Todd?"

"I'll play the footage back, Sir." He set up the playback before pushing the button. "Look off to the far right. See the car that is parked?"

John squinted his eyes to see the dark car shrouded by not only the darkness but the vehicle color itself. "Yes. It's barely discernible, though."

"Yes, but I can zoom in closer." His employee did exactly that, in the process a brief flash of light catching what was in the driver's hands. "It looks like binoculars, Sir. Not the type found at a sporting goods counter, either."

"No. Looks very professional." John's eyes were filled with ice as he looked at the monitor. "Do you have anything else?"

"Nothing to identify either the car or driver... but the car is gone now."

John knew the answer to his question before he even asked, "How long has it been gone?"

"It appears to have left immediately after Miss Hallett." Flinching under his boss' angry stare, he apologized, "I'm sorry I didn't catch this sooner, Sir. Should I send one of the men after them?"

"Fool," John hissed under his breath. "The house is being watched. If anyone leaves they will be followed as well. This should have been observed before Lisa left. I will have to get someone not at the house after them." He moved closer to his suddenly frightened security man, his eyes blazing with rage. "If anything happens to compromise Lisa's assignment – you will answer to me. I don't have to tell you what a bad position that is to be in..." John exited the surveillance room without a backward glance, uncaring of the man that now feared for his life. He shook his head as he moved to his study, knowing he had to act fast. Jack might be with Ianto Jones... but he was far from distracted from business. John needed to get this under control – now. And... he knew precisely the weapon to use.

"Well well, Captain Harkness... you do know how to dine in style," Ianto quipped as the waiter placed their dinners in front of them, only leaving after seeing that they had everything they needed.

"Only the best for you, Mr. Jones..." Jack purred as he laid out his napkin, his hand reaching out for the knife to cut into the succulent prime rib just placed before him.

Ianto performed the same ritual on his baked salmon, his eyes looking around the large, yet empty room in wonder. "I can't believe you booked a private dining room... and in one of most elite restaurants in New York."

"Believe it, Ianto. I can be very generous when it pleases me..." Jack whispered, his eyes displaying much more hunger on his dinner companion than he was on the perfectly cooked meal in front of him.

An astounded gasp followed. "You are so very bold, Sir."

"Sir? Didn't we discuss that already? Don't make me start punishing you for all your transgressions..." Jack told him, his eyes continuing to hotly move over all of him that his eyes could reach. Jack reached across the table to run his fingertips along the back of Ianto's hand. "In fact, it would be my pleasure."

Ianto nearly choked on the succulent salmon, his eyes lifting to find them ensnared by the deepest blue eyes he'd ever seen on anyone. "I-I never know what to say to you."

Jack gave an overtly sexual laugh, unbeknownst to him shooting directly into the Welshman's groin. "I am often dubbed as being outrageously outspoken. It's who I am. I'm afraid it's unchangeable."

"Well, I'm sure it's all a part of your charm." Ianto quirked a brow at his dinner companion, unwilling to admit just how charmed he was... yet aware that the intuitive captain probably realized that only too well.

Jack's eyes lingered on Ianto's lips, in this moment wanting nothing more than to feel them beneath his own. His voice dropped, deep and hungry, eyes filled with need. "Do you know what I want more than this delicious steak?"

Ianto laid down his fork, suddenly finding it impossible to look away from the magnetizing man across from him... that strange scent suddenly hitting him again. "I uhhhh might have an idea."

A low growl followed. "Yeah. I think you have a very good idea. However, I want a great many things, Ianto Jones. A kiss would satisfy me, though – for now."

Ianto laughed nervously. "Somehow I thought we'd make it through the main course."

Jack's fingers moved along the back of Ianto's hand, desire burning inside of him; unable to stop thinking of how Ianto's hands would feel moving over him... and how his lips would taste broken open under his. "I know I'm moving fast... and that we've just met. Also, I know this is all new for you. I think you feel the same, Ianto. Tell me that I'm wrong..."

"It's very fast, Jack... but I can't deny anything you say." Ianto swallowed slowly. "I just broke up with my girlfriend today... and I've never been attracted to a man – ever. I don't want to rush into anything."

Hunter instincts immediately processed Ianto's – I just broke up with my girlfriend. That was indeed encouraging, and made him want to pursue him more ferociously. Jack really didn't want a rebound affair with Ianto. He didn't know why... but he knew he wanted so much more. He wasn't going to be a hypocrite and say he was sorry about Ianto's break-up with Lisa. In his opinion it was good for a number of reasons. One, that girl was bad news... and two, Ianto was now a free man. He couldn't help but feel more and more encouraged. Standing to his feet, Jack clasped his hand around Ianto's, gently tugging him to do the same. Watching as he slowly stood, Jack whispered seductively, "There's always a first time for everything. Isn't there?"

As Ianto stood to his feet that scent once again assailed him. He didn't know what it was. In fact, he could only identify it with Jack. First, on the night they met... and even more predominantly now. "That scent..." Ianto moaned. "I asked you before – what is it?"

"Pheromones," Jack huskily purred. "It's unfair of me to use them... but sometimes desire makes them uncontrollable. You, Ianto Jones, release them."

His eyes slitting half closed, Ianto murmured, "I like them. They smell really... nice."

"I'm glad you like them." Jack's eyes devoured Ianto's mouth, his tongue sliding out to moisten his own lips... his hunger gnawing at him deeply. "Can I kiss you, Ianto? Here and now?"

Ianto nodded, uncertain of what he was getting into, only knowing he was running headfirst into the line of fire. "Yes. Kiss me, Jack."

Jack framed his hands on the side of Ianto's face, his breathing beginning to elevate... a state that surprised the normally in control Jack Harkness. His mouth moved closer, breath gently fanning the gorgeous Welshman's lips. He growled his satisfaction when their breath mingled... knowing the taste of this man would soon become an addiction. "So beautiful," Jack whispered as his lips moved closer. When a nervous breath passed through Ianto's lips, Jack closed the slight difference that separated them; his lips beginning to skillfully move on the soft ones beneath his. It was a gentle yet thorough exploration. His tongue slowly began to swipe at Ianto's lips, not demanding entrance... but ardently encouraging the response. It didn't take long for Jack to be rewarded the prize he sought. "Mmmmm..." Jack growled, his tongue learning the inside of this man's mouth... his desire to enjoy the full package quickly beginning to consume him.

Ianto's hands reached out to clasp tightly at Jack's hips, a deep moan escaping as he felt his cock responding in kind. He had all but forgotten his surroundings when he heard the insistent buzzing, and the phone flashing on the table. Pulling back Ianto advised him, "Uhhhh. I think someone wants you, Jack."

Reluctantly, Jack pulled back, knowing he had to take all calls tonight, swearing to himself that this had better be important. "I'm sorry, Ianto. I have to get this... hazards of the job."

"I understand. Shall I step out?" he asked as Jack flipped his phone open.

Jack shook his head, knowing that would be the correct thing to do... but right now finding propriety the last thing on his mind. "Stay. Please." He frowned when he recognized the caller ID displayed. It wasn't Tosh, but her backup. That wasn't good. "Jergenson? What's happening?"

"Captain, I'm afraid things took a bad turn. There was no time to alert you. It all happened so fast."

Hearing sirens moving away, Jack clipped out, "Where's Tosh?"

"She was shot, Sir. It doesn't appear to be fatal... but she's being transported to Metropolitan Hospital now." Jergenson paused, allowing his commander to process the information. "There was a fatality, Captain. Lisa Hallett was hit with multiple shots."

Jack's gaze moved to Ianto discreetly trying not to listen. "How did it happen?"

"Tosh and I had the bust under control. We have possession of the smuggled drugs... along with some collars. I've never seen anything like this drug. As the unit was collecting the evidence, and the suspects maintained, more shots rang out. I was focusing on keeping Tosh still while we were waiting for the EMS."

"Shots by whom?" Jack asked as he motioned Ianto towards him, knowing he needed to tell Ianto of his ex-girlfriend's demise... along with needing him to identify the body.

"That's the strange part, Sir. Detective Cooper fired the shots at Miss Hallett. Tosh hadn't informed me that she was to be involved," Jergenson explained in confusion.

Jack hissed sharply. "She wasn't to be involved! I'll handle her once I am assured of Tosh's condition. I'll be at the scene shortly." Jack's eyes blazed in fury. "Make certain Cooper doesn't go anywhere."

"Yes, Captain. I'll make sure of it."

Ianto swallowed nervously, knowing something was very wrong. As he watched Jack pocketing his phone, he gently asked, "SIr? Is there anything I can do?"

Jack nodded. "I'm afraid I have some bad news, Ianto. There's been a shooting. Lisa has been shot."

"Lisa?" he whispered. "Shot? That can't be." Looking at the sympathy in Jack's eyes, he knew his words were true... and that it was very bad. "Is she-"

"I'm afraid so, Ianto." Jack reached out to pull the Welshman against his chest. "I don't have all the details yet... but I've been told she didn't make it. I'll need someone to identify her body. If there is someone else to be called I can do that..."

Shaking his head, Ianto bleakly offered, "There's no one. I'll do it."

Jack pulled back, knowing they needed to get moving, regretful of how this night ended in so many ways. "I'm sorry the evening ended like this. I hope we can try again sometime."

Ianto couldn't think of making plans right now. All he could think about was Lisa being dead. Despite how things had turned out for them, she was someone he'd once cared for very deeply. It would take time to process. "I'd like that, Jack... I just can't think about it right now. I hope you understand."

Jack placed a quick kiss on the top of his head. "Of course, I do. I'll be here when you're ready, Ianto Jones. You are more than worth waiting for." As he led Ianto out of the restaurant, Jack decided he had much to do to pass the time while he waited for Ianto. There was this investigation, Tosh's recovery... and right now most important to him was dealing with Gwen. He needed to hear what she had to say for herself before his final decision was reached. In his mind the matter was already resolved. She'd overstepped her bounds once again. It was more than possible that she had led up to the events that had been the cause of Tosh's injury, not to mention the death of Lisa Hallett. The end of the line had arrived for Gwen Cooper. She would learn that very soon.

TBC