CHAPTER TEN

Joseph Tarrant marvelled at the water tower on Roald Dahl Plas. It was his first ever visit to Cardiff. In his line of work he didn't get to go out much, but he had put in a special request with his CO and his wish had been granted, basically because no one else wanted the job.

Every body at MI5 hated Torchwood and the leader of Torchwood Three was especially unpopular. The man was considered a loose canon and two contracts issued from Frobisher's office had already failed to put the man down. Joseph didn't get involved in the politics, didn't care about them. What he cared about was people, which was why he was here, not for Harkness' benefit, but for one Ianto Jones. Joseph had only the met the young Welshman briefly a couple of times, but he had instantly liked the intelligent wit and quiet courage that the young man had displayed at their meetings. Joseph had also recognised a deep hurt carefully hidden under the dry humour and if one chose to look closely enough it was only visible in the depths of his oceanic eyes. For Joseph it had been love at first sight. Of course, he'd never said because in his job you just didn't and now he wished he had because Jones was dead and he had lost his chance.

Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood Three was listed as Ianto's next of kin, an ex- lover so rumour had it. It didn't surprise him really, the Captain did have a reputation second to none. It saddened Joseph no end that the boy was probably just another mark on Harkness's bedpost. He gazed about at a group of Japanese tourists who were ambling in the direction of the Millennium Centre with cameras held up to capture the unique the unique building in pictures to be forgotten by the time they got home; then took another glance at his watch.

Harkness was late, probably deliberately so.

No surprises there, the man had no respect for any of the government run organisations. Admittedly after the whole embarrassing Harold Saxon affair, who could blame him. Joseph had begun to lose faith himself. They'd be gossiping about it in CIA HQ for the next 1000 years, after all it there was their president that had bitten the bullet, well been disintegrated anyway. It was a shame really because he was the most promising leader the States had had for years. Still none of all that was any excuse for tardiness and quite frankly it was disrespectful. He knew that Harkness was well aware of his presence on the Plas, there were enough CCTV cameras around. Joseph did not like being kept waiting by a man whom he considered to be beneath him.

When he finally saw Harkness, he recognised him straight away. It was his job to. But everyone knew what the foney Yank looked like, his mug shot graced many a staff room dartboard. Joseph Tarrant sucked in a short breath and stuck out his beautifully manicured hand the moment Harkness was close enough to shake it. Which he didn't. He gave Joseph a rather down his nose look, even though Joseph himself was very slightly taller. Joseph withdrew his hand. Fine, if that's how he wanted to play it.

"I'm Joseph Tarrant. MI5 anti terrorism branch."

"Captain Jack Harkness, but you already know that. You have news of Ianto Jones?" Jack got straight to the point, which Joseph appreciated but he met Harkness' look with one of disdain. "Perhaps we should take this inside?"

Harkness shook his head and folded his arms defensively across his chest. "Just tell me what you know."

Joseph nodded stiffly, alright then.

"Mr Jones was killed last week in Afghanistan, whilst assisting us with the closing down of a terrorist cell run by Jason Murry. He left me with instructions to give you this, should anything happen to him." Joseph noted the colour drain from Harkness' face as he handed over a plain envelope to the older man. Harkness snatched it from his grasp.

"How? What happened to him?" He demanded angrily.

Joseph was unphazed by the posturing. "I'm not privy to the details, but I understand it was a missile attack launched by the Americans. We lost two of our own people as well as Mr Jones. I'm sorry. I just wanted to know if there was any family at all that we could contact."

"You're talking to him." Was hissed between gritted teeth.

Joseph inclined his head, taken aback by Harkness' reaction to the news, but he didn't let it show. Perhaps this man wasn't the inhuman prick everyone claimed he was. "If it is of any consolation Captain. I am sorry for your loss. I only met Ianto a couple of times, but I liked him a great deal. I got the impression he was a good man."

"He was. Where's his body?"

"None of the bodies have been recovered. The American's informed us the target site was completely destroyed." Joseph replied crisply.

"So you've no proof then?"

That was awkward to say the least. "I am quite sure that our counterparts across the water are certain of the outcome Captain. We were shown the satellite footage of the attack. Now unless there is anything else, if you will excuse me. I have a train to catch."

Joseph turned his back on the deflated looking man and walked away.

"Jack,

I don't even know where to begin. I hate the madness of my life, the uncertainties, the not knowing. Did you ever love me? I suspect not. How can you with the life that you are forced to lead? My mam used to tell me off for having a 'well worn look' on my face. Some days I feel like I am older than the universe itself. I have seen too much and I know I will always carry these things on my back no matter what. Some how, all that was bearable when I was with you. Just in those moments when you'd whisper my name in the dead of night I was able to forget my own pain and feel alive, really alive.

I'll be dead if you ever get the chance to read this. Mr Tarrant kindly agreed to pass this on to you. Though the truth is I do not know why I am bothering to share my last thoughts with you. Unfortunately you are all I have. It's a bit pathetic really that I am come to this. I really believed for a while there that things would be good for us.

My flat is paid for, sell it and give the money to Owen and Tosh, there's no one to leave the contents too so you may as well just throw everything out. I haven't left anything personal there. My neighbour has the cat, just tell her to re home him if she can't keep him. If there is a body to deal with, put me in the morgue next to Lisa.

That's all really.

Give my love to Owen and Tosh and tell them to sort it out and get together, they're good for each other.

Ca Choel Jack

Ianto

Jack carefully placed the letter on the boardroom table and looked at Owen and Tosh.

"I'm sorry."

Owen glared angrily at Jack. "Are you telling me he went over to MI5 after he left us?"

Jack nodded. "They apparently asked him to help, because of his knowledge of the alien technology. The Americans wanted to know about everything that Murry had, to make sure it was safe to blow it all to hell. As soon as they were given the all clear they did just that. None of the British team got out. Acceptable losses so I am told. I think Ianto knew it would be a one way trip. Actually I think he was counting on it. Either way it's done and UNIT has been cleaned out as well."

"How long have you known?" Tosh demanded.

"I received this letter yesterday. I've been making some phone calls over night to try and get some more information about what happened to him."

Owen slammed his fist down on the desk, making Tosh Jump.

"Fuck, this is all your fault Jack." He lurched to his feet and made for the door.

"Where the hell are you going?"

"To get pissed and give Ianto a decent send off. Come on Tosh, lets get out of here."

She rose to her feet and followed him out of the room.