DON'T LOOK NOW: PART SIX
Ianto leant his head against the cold glass as Jack drove them back to the Hub. He couldn't decide whether he was more angry with himself or his mother. How could she not know? Why had she lied to him? He had never seen her so hurt and so mad with him. Perhaps she didn't know, maybe something had been done without her knowledge or co-operation, Torchwood wasn't the only organisation with memory affecting drugs. Had they raped her? Ianto closed his eyes feeling sick to his stomach with guilt at what he had just put his mother through and with sadness when he realised it was unlikely she would ever want to speak to him again.
He could sense Jack glancing at him every so often but it was painfully obvious that the older man had no idea what to say to him. There was no comfort, words would be meaningless right now and Jack was wise enough to know that much and Ianto appreciated him for not trying. It led him to wonder whether or not his father had really died from cancer. Ok so maybe that was a little paranoid. He'd have to talk to his sister too. No doubt his Mam had already been on the phone to her after Ianto's visit. Was his sister going to send him away too? Ianto was sure she would, they had never been very close anyway. Still, she was the only family he had left. He felt Jack's hand briefly squeeze his knee and Ianto offered him a faint smile by way of thanks, it was the best gesture...so Jack...so comforting in it's simplicity. He stared out of the windscreen not registering the passing of streets or brief halts at the traffic lights until Jack slammed on the brakes. Their passage down a one way side street was suddenly blocked by a black transit van. Jack was about to reverse when he noticed one had slid in quietly behind them cutting off any escape. Ianto sighed and undid his seat belt and he and Jack stepped out of the SUV with their hand guns out they were confronted by four suited men. Jack glanced worriedly toward Ianto to check that he was able maintain a hold on his weapon.
One of the men stepped forwards and Ianto was fleetingly reminded of Agent K from the Men in Black movie.
"We've come for Jones." His accent was unidentifiable.
Jack swaggered forward looking far more confident than he felt. "You can't have him." The Webley was held unwavering. Ianto looked from his own gun to Jack's and the three pointed at them. This was not going to go well and he really didn't want anyone else to die, not for him at least. There had been too much loss, too high a price had been paid and he knew full well that there would only be more to come. An idea struck him and to the horror of everyone else Ianto jammed the barrel of his own weapon under his chin. It took Jack a moment to register what their assailants were staring at. He did a double take aghast.
"Ianto what the hell are you doing?" Jack's face paled visibly.
Ianto sucked in a frightened breath. "Two things are going to happen." His voice gave away just how nervous he was. "You guys are gonna let Jack go, unharmed. Jack you are going to drive away in the SUV and leave me here." He tightened his grip on his gun.
"What the fuck are you doing?"
"No arguments Jack. I will not have anyone else die, not over me....I need answers...this is the only way. If none of you co-operate I will shoot myself."
The four men backed off a pace, but Jack held his ground gaping at Ianto. "Yan, don't...don't do this."
The transit van behind the SUV drove away with a screech of tyres.
"Don't be an ass Jack. Just go, please. I'll be ok they need me alive. I need answers Jack."
Jack didn't move. "I am not letting them take you."
"Yes you are. I am asking you. I know then that you and the others will be safe, my family will be safe. Jack you know I am right!" Ianto's resolve strengthened. "Please Jack."
Uncertain Jack lowered his gun taking a pace toward Ianto, who backed off. "Do it for me Jack." Ianto stepped slowly in the direction of the first van that had stopped in front of the SUV. "Please Jack.....please I don't want anyone to die here. They'll only come back and maybe some else will get hurt. I might be with Gwen or Tosh...I really can't risk that. You know I am right."
Slowly and reluctantly Jack nodded keeping his face rigid in an effort to hide his hurt. "I'll come looking for you. You know I won't give up."
Ianto smiled warmed by his lover's resolve even when he knew it was likely he would never see him again. "I'm counting on it Jack." He watched as Jack turned away in a swirl of great coat.
Jack sighed unhappily retreating and getting back into the SUV. With a last look at Ianto he floored the accelerator and reversed the SUV out of the street and drove away.
Ianto, still with his gun under his chin pulled out his mobile and dialled Jack's number. He was relieved when Jack picked up the call.
"You away safely? No one following?"
"No one's behind me Yan...I will find you...stay safe."
Ianto hung up and lowered his weapon.