The ride back to the warehouse was silent and quick. Watson was waiting for them when they returned. "Did you acquire the manuscript?" he asked Irina as she stepped out of the van.
She was about to answer when Jack did it for her. "We were unable to retrieve the artifact."
Watson stared at Jack in disbelief. "What do you mean, you were unable?"
This time Irina answered. "He means that the manuscript wasn't in the vault. Someone had taken it out before I got there."
"Who?"
"A man named Sark," Jack answered. "Now, if you don't mind," he continued, "I'd like to check in with Kendall and get the hell out of Japan." He took hold of Irina's arm and together they walked away from Watson and toward their rented car. He pulled his cell phone out and dialed Kendall. This was not a conversation he was going to enjoy, he just knew it. Kendall wasn't going to be pleased with either of them, but he was sure to be pissed at Irina, even if it wasn't her fault.
"Kendall, its Jack. We are out of the bank and are just now leaving the warehouse where we met Agent Watson." Pause. "No, we were not able to pick up the Rambaldi artifact. It seems that Sark was here and was able to get into the vault. It was gone when Irina went to retrieve it." There was another long pause on Jack's end and Irina could hear Kendall yelling from where she stood a few feet away.
She motioned to Jack and asked for the phone. He obliged and let out a sigh, waiting for her tirade to begin. "Kendall, listen to me. The manager of the vaults showed me a document that Sark gave him which I supposedly signed, granting him access to the vault. Trust me, I would never willingly let Sark anywhere near the contents of that vault." She paused as Kendall fumed on the other end. "I don't know how he learned about it, but the vault is empty and we're going to have to deal with the fact that Sloane and Sark now have a very important Rambaldi artifact." Another pause. "Okay, we'll be back as soon as possible." She hung up, then turned to Jack. "He wants us home as soon as we can get a flight."
"Okay." He motioned to the car. "Get in. You can call the airport and get us tickets on the way back to the hotel."
They got in and Jack started the car, pulling away from the warehouse. Irina called the airport and began to ask about flights. A couple of minutes later, she hung up and turned toward Jack. "The earliest flight out is tomorrow afternoon." He nodded. "I booked our seats. We leave at 2."
"Good, that means we have one more night together."
She looked at him, unsure of whether she should ask what was on her mind now or later, when they were at the hotel. He sensed her dilemma and quietly asked, "Irina, what's the matter?"
She took a deep breath before starting. "Jack, what happens when we go back to LA? I'll be back in custody and you'll continue looking for Sloane. How are we going to go home and pretend nothing happened?"
Jack knew they should wait to continue their conversation until they were back at the hotel, but he had to remind her of something. "Irina, do you remember when Kendall first told you you would be helping us on this mission?" He saw her nod and he continued. "Do you remember what he said?" She shook her head. "He said you would be removed from your cell and placed in a CIA safe house, under surveillance."
Irina looked at her hands, which were placed in her lap. "I remember that now. But I was under the impression that the offer only stood for when the mission was completed successfully." Could he understand how terrible it would be to be back in that cell after having such a glorious time out of it?
He smiled. "Well, I'm sure that even if that was Kendall's intention, he can be persuaded. I don't want you to be back in that cell anymore than you do."
"Jack Bristow!" she said, laughing. "Are you planning on manipulating a higher-ranked officer? For me?" She smiled at his amused expression, which turned serious as her laughter died. He turned toward her. "I would do anything for you, Irina."
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before returning to her seat. There was a comfortable silence for the rest of the ride to the hotel. On their arrival, Irina left Jack in the lobby, promising to meet him back in the room fifteen minutes later. Jack made his way to the room, wondering what she was up to. In the room, he settled himself on the bed with the TV on to wait for her return.
True to her word, she returned 15 minutes later, a smile planted firmly on her lips. "What are you up to, Irina?" Jack asked as she sat next to him on the bed.
"Not much, Jack. Just repaying you for last night." She caught his lips in a kiss. "Go get ready. We're expected in the dining room in an hour." She stood and pulled him up and into her waiting arms. They ended up in a tight embrace.
Jack lightly kissed her forehead. "Why don't we just spend the day here?" He started to kiss her neck.
She gently pushed him away. "No, Jack. Let me do this. Please?"
He sighed. "Okay."
"Good. Now, go."
"Yes, ma'am."
She settled herself on the bed, waiting for him to be done so she could have the bathroom. This will be good, she thought. We'll have tonight together, then return to LA ready to face whatever will challenge us. She heard the water run, only to be shut off a few minutes later. Jack emerged soon after, clad in only a towel. He walked to the bed and offered her his hand, which she took. "All yours," he said as he pulled her from the bed.
"Thanks." Irina entered the bathroom, closed the door behind her, undressed and turned the water on. She stepped under the spray, praying Jack would be able to convince Kendall to her go into a safe house. After this trip, she was quite sure the tiny cell would suffocate her.
Her shower was brief and she was soon back in the bedroom, getting dressed. She carefully dressed in a black skirt and red top before returning to the bathroom to do her hair. Jack sat on the bed, watching her as she did all this. "Irina," he said. "Are you alright?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, I'm fine." She stepped into the doorframe, finished pining her hair up, and smiled at him. She glanced at the clock: their hour was almost up. "Are you ready?" She stepped into her shoes as he nodded and stood.
He crossed to her and took her hand in his. "Let's go, then," she said. They left the room and headed toward the dining room. On their arrival, they were met by the same man as the night before. He led them to the same secluded room.
Seated at the table across from Jack, Irina knew that the last 20 odd years, and everything that went along with those years, had not been in vain. They were finally able to see each other and spend time together. But, for the zillionth time that day, Irina couldn't help but feel that it could, and would, be taken away. Jack seemed to sense this and reassured her. "If Kendall doesn't agree, he's even dumber that we all thought."
She laughed. It felt good to laugh, with all her worries pressing down on her. She somehow felt at ease. Knowing Jack was going to fight as hard as he could for her also helped.
Dinner was served and they ate in silence. Jack didn't know what to say that could ease her further and Irina didn't know how to voice her fears. Dinner was finished and dessert served and still, neither spoke.
He tried to think of something to say, but couldn't. She didn't really need him to say anything; just having him there was good enough for her.
