THE SOUND OF SNOW: PART 10
Matt Carter Jnr stood outside the shabby little tourist office and glanced down at his watch for a moment. He was sure he had the right place, CIA intel was usually pretty reliable and well, where else would Torchwood hide itself, it was the lamest looking cover so he had to be right. He noted the two CCTV cameras pointing down at him and proceeded to wave frantically into the lens holding up his FBI identification in one hand and his overstuffed brief case in the other. On first appearance anyone looking would have mistaken him for the fictional Fox Mulder of the 'The X Files', Matt never complained it always got him dates with cute guys and any other attention he needed. He wasn't disappointed when a curvaceous, doey eyed, brunette came to the door and let him in. He flashed a white smile and handed over his ID for inspection.
"The names Matt Carter, I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and I need to see Toshiko Sato and Ianto Jones, if they're here."
Gwen met the startling green eyes and flashy smile with an apprehensive grin, she pressed the com in her ear.
"Jack get up here."
Matt edged a pace back to give her a little space and took in the neat surroundings of the quaint little shop, it had Ianto's tidiness stamped all over it. He turned his smile inwards and happily recalled his ex, widening his smile, if that were at all possible. A tall man blustered into the room and suddenly everything else seemed to vanish from the space as Matt held out his hand.
"You must be Captain Harkness. I'm Special Agent Matt Carter, I'm here because you are currently investigating some unusual deaths connected to the mobile phone transmissions?"
Jack assessed him quickly, Matt felt like he'd just been stripped naked, their eyes met.
"You asked to see Tosh and Ianto." Came the guarded response to his introduction.
"Yes, Captain. Toshiko has specialist knowledge regarding sonic modulators and Ianto and I were at university together.... them both being here is purely coincidental. I'm a telecommunications specialist amongst other things. But Ianto calledand asked if I'd come."
By now Jack was studying his ID badge as well and giving him an appraising look.
"You'd best come with me then." The badge was handed back and Matt fell into step behind the oddly attired man in front of him, the woman, whom he assumed was Gwen Williams was following behind him. He followed, finding it difficult to keep pace with the long strides of Captain Harkness, they went down a tunnel that smelt distinctly off and entered a lift. The three of them stood facing one another and it was Jack that spoke next.
"So, you knew where to find us then?"
Matt couldn't help but offer up an apologetic smile. "Everyone knows where to find you Captain Harkness."
He noticed Gwen's eyes widen in surprise and Jack burst out laughing. It was a rich and beautiful sound and Matt just couldn't help but laugh with him as Jack gave him a decent slap across the back of his shoulder.
"Welcome to Torchwood Matt."
They stepped out of the lift and were faced by a large cog style door. "This way."
Matt couldn't help but gasp as he stepped through the door and into the cavernous base of operations for Torchwood 3. He had heard rumours of course, everyone in the intelligence community had. But rumours bearly matched up to the reality of the hi tech kit and..... fuck, they really DID have a dinosaur! Unphased he gaped in wonder as the pteranodon swooped in for a look at the new arrival.
"Wow, she's beautiful."
Jack was quietly impressed with his cool reaction.
"She's Ianto's pet."
Matt was steered forward. "Tosh this gentleman is here to see you, apparently."
Tosh leapt up from her place and held out her hand. "Professor Carter. It's good to meet you at last."
Matt grasped her tiny hand. "Likewise Miss Sato, I came as quickly as I could."
Jack was standing back arms folded across his chest, slightly defensive and glaring at Tosh. "You were expecting him?"
"Yes Jack. Don't worry he's friendly. Ianto vouched for him."
Jack was frowning now. "He did?"
"You said I could call in anyone Jack and I have."
He nodded. "Yes, I did. Ok. Where's Ianto?"
"Still in the autopsy bay. Owen won't let him up until his heart rate is stable."
Jack practically stomped in the direction of Owen's domain leaving Tosh to apologise for Jack's posturing once again. Matt didn't mind, but he was worried about Ianto.
"Tosh, before we get to work I'd like to check in with Ianto."
"You knew him from University, he was saying."
Matt smiled putting his briefcase on a vacant chair. Gwen had joined them now and extended her hand.
"I'm Gwen, by the way. So you and Ianto?"
Matt shook her hand which surprised him with its soft feel and strength of grip.
"Yes. He was a literature student and I was doing my masters. We.. er, well we went out pretty much through the whole three years he was at Cambridge. I asked him to come back to the States with me, but his Father died around that time and he wouldn't consider leaving the country because he was worried about his mother. My visa's ran out and I had to go home without him."
Gwen's eyebrows almost in her hairline. "Oh, wow. He never mentioned it before.
Matt nodded. "I'm not surprised, Ianto never was one for gossip, he was an intensely private person when I knew him."
Tosh was glaring Gwen from over Matt's shoulder. "He still is, you'll need to wait before you see him Matt. Jack will need to talk to him first."
Matt nodded suddenly catching on to what Tosh hadn't said in so many words.
"He and Captain Harkness are?"
Tosh nodded and Gwen merely rolled her eyes. "They're pretty casual." Gwen informed him.
"Casual? Ianto casual? Things have changed."
Tosh grasped his arm and directed him to sit at her terminal and Gwen took that as a dismissal of sorts. Tosh waited until her colleague was back at her own desk before turning to Matt.
"Ianto loves Jack so don't get any ideas. Otherwise you'll have me to deal with."
Matt grinned at her and held up his left hand, a wedding band glistened on his finger. "You've nothing to worry about."
"Good, coffee?"
Matt smiled again. "Did Ianto make it?"
Tosh laughed. "Sorry, no, but mine is the next best option."
Jack trotted down the half dozen steps into the autopsy bay and discovered Ianto dozing lightly on the exam couch still hooked to Owen's monitors. He paused a moment to look at Ianto's peaceful face before turning to his medic who was hunched over a microscope.
"Owen?"
Owen looked up from his work and then across to Ianto. "What's up Jack?"
"I need to talk to Ianto, in private. We have a guest. Tosh is working with him go talk to them. I'll be up in a minute."
Owen nodded sliding off his stool, knowing full well that Jack was politely kicking him out. He left in a hurry.
"Don't get his heart rate up!"
Jack nodded and took the stool and moved it so he could sit beside Ianto. He grasped Ianto's left hand in both of his.
"Hey Jonesy wake up."
Ianto's eyes cracked open and he yawned expansively. "Am awake... see... eyes open... really."
Jack hitched a brief smirk and brought Ianto's hand to his lips. "Your friend Matt Carter is here to help Tosh."
Ianto rolled his head to face Jack. "Good, he'll know what to do."
"Ianto, I have to ask....."
"He's trustworthy Jack. I trust him and I know you don't trust me right now after Flat Holm, but he is ok, I promise you." Ianto frowned as Jack shook his head.
"I do trust you, implicitly. It wasn't what I wanted to ask. I know you guys have history."
Ianto nodded surprised at the hint of insecurity underlying Jack's words.
"History Jack, in the past where it belongs."
"Ok, how do you feel? Do you need anything?"
Ianto shook his head. "I need coffee and Owen says I am banned and I need you and I'm banned from that too for the time being. I think he's scared I am going to have a cardiac arrest or something."
Jack kissed his fingers. "Don't worry, we'll make up for it, I promise."
"I'll hold you to that. Now you get up there and stop fretting and catch the bad man Jack. Matt can help you, I know he can."
Ianto's hand was gently placed back down and before he left Jack caressed Ianto's cheek with his fingertips. "I'll send him down to say hi."
"Thanks Jack."