Chapter 25: Weevil Hunt
Ianto walked away from the pub, relieved to be on his own for a while. The arrival of the four extra Jacks had been overwhelming, especially all the attention he had been getting personally. The information they had imparted had also been overwhelming: Weevils returning to their home world; Torchwood becoming a world-wide organisation; Jack leading it for the next 2,500 years. It was just too much to take in all at once.
He was shaken from his thoughts when his mobile rang. He fished it out of his pocket, recognising the number displayed. "Jack," he acknowledged.
"Are you free for a Weevil hunt?" Jack's voice was tinny and Ianto realised he was in the SUV.
"Yeah. The others have gone home. What's happened?"
"A couple of Weevils have been seen at the Corten Brothers warehouse, on the industrial estate. Where are you? We can pick you up."
We? Ianto thought; Jack 4 must be with him. "I'm on St Mary's Street, not far away," said Ianto, starting to jog towards the Hub.
"Meet you at the roundabout in a few minutes." Jack cut the connection and Ianto picked up his pace; he'd just make it.
The hunt for the Weevils was great fun; Ianto could not remember one he had enjoyed as much. The three men located the warehouse, tracked the Weevils and in a short time cornered them in an abandoned Portakabin. Jack 4 had taken the lead, 'speaking' to the Weevils and enticing them into the open. Ianto had not been sure what language Jack 4 was using, if any, but they obviously understod him perfectly. The Weevils had been completely tractable after this and Ianto and Jack had watched in awe as they had conversed with Jack 4. After about 10 minutes, the two Weevils had willingly sat in the back of the SUV and settled down for the drive to their nest at old St Mary's church. Jack 4 joined them in the back of the vehicle, talking to them all the while. Ianto had been unnerved at having unrestrained Weevils sitting only feet from him and had kept the can of spray in his hand throughout the journey. The Weevils were dropped outside the church.
"I'm going inside with them," announced Jack 4, getting out of the SUV. "I'd like to talk with some of the others."
"If you're sure," said Jack, not willing to go with him even though he was immortal. "Can you find your way to back to the Hub from here?"
Jack 4 gave him a hard stare. "I've lived in this city for nearly 3,000 years, I think I can find my way around!" He turned on his heel and walked off with the Weevils.
Jack pulled a face at Ianto, "I get cranky in my old age." He started the engine and pulled away. "Shall I drop you at your place?" he asked, hoping Ianto would prefer to return to the Hub with him.
"Please." Ianto saw the disappointment on Jack's face. He let him suffer for a few minutes then added, "You're welcome to stay."
Jack's face broke into a delighted smile. "I thought you'd never ask!" he protested.
"I know. That was the idea," replied Ianto straight-faced.