Picture Perfect Chapter 3

Jack was busy getting ready down in his bunker. He'd showered, sorted out clean clothes and made sure he looked good. Climbing back up the ladder into his office, he looked at his watch. 6.35pm, time enough to sort through a few folders.

Going down to Tosh's workstation, Jack picked up the first one. Jack read through the report Owen had made on the dead Trandrox that was found floating in the Bay a few days ago. Jack though it had fallen through the Rift straight into the Bay and drowned. Owen confirmed his theory. He signed the report.

Next was Tosh's translation of a document that was found in a waterproof pouch with the body of the Trandrox. It was like a biography of his life. His status on his planet. His craft. His marital status. Jack signed this and put a note in for Ianto to photocopy this and file it separately.

He checked his watch again 6.44pm, time to go. His heart was beginning to beat faster at the thought of seeing Ianto again. He'd dreamed of this very moment for over a year, now it had finally come true.

Taking the smaller car, so as not to be too conspicuous, Jack pulled out into traffic and headed towards Cardiff City Centre. Going down Lloyd George Avenue, he started to hum to himself, then switched on the radio. The music was interrupted by a news bulletin.

'….it's thought that the fire was started deliberately by teenagers, who were seen close to where it first started. Police now have them on custody. Fireman say the blaze has been brought under control, but St Mary Street still remains closed to all traffic. Please avoid the area if you can, say police. So far only one person has been taken to hospital. A young man in his early twenties suffering from burns to his arms and chest' said the reporter. 'He's been named as Ianto Jones, who's flat it seems, was the target of this arson attack….'

Jack put his foot down on hearing the news. He picking up the car's mobile phone and called Owen.

"Jack?"

"Have you heard the news?"

"No, Jack, no I haven't. Why?"

"Ianto's flat was set on fire."

"What? Where is he now?"

"In hospital. Police say kids did it."

"Where are you, Jack?"

"At the police cordon St Mary Street."

Jack flashed his ID and they let him through.

"I'm through."

"Shouldn't you be on your way to the hospital?"

"That's why I called you."

Owen sighed. "I'm on my way."

"Thanks." Jack hung up.

Parking behind the fire truck, Jack got out and went to the building where Ianto's flat was.

"You can't go in there, sir," said a Fireman.

Jack showed him his ID. "He's one of my team."

The Fireman nodded, letting him enter. Jack made his way to the fourth floor and Ianto's front door. It was charred black around the letter box. Going inside, he saw the trail leading from the front door to the middle of the hallway.

"Looks like they poured petrol through the letter box an set it alight. He burnt himself trying to get out the door."

"Did you see him?"

The Fire Inspector shook his head. "He was already on his way down the stairs in a chair." The man eyed Jack.

"Torchwood. He's one of mine."

The man nodded. "Kids."

"I hear the police have them."

"Yeah. Three were taken to the station down at the Bay about 5 minutes ago. There're not saying anything." The man dug in his coat pocket. "I found this in the bedroom. He was obviously meeting someone tonight." He gave Jack a envelope. "I don't think he got to finish it."

On the envelope were the words Dearest Jac

"Here, you might as well have it. The police will only open it."

Jack took it. "Thanks."

"I hope he's gonna be okay. They say he's in his early twenties."

"Yeah. 24."

The man sighed. "I better get on. I need to get my report typed out if we're gonna get those kids for this."

Jack thanked him and headed back to the car. He sat in the drivers seat thumbing the envelope. Opening it carefully, he took out the piece of paper and read it.

You'll think I'm crazy, but I wrote this for you after we first met xx

You wear your coat like armour

But does it keep you from all harm?

It billows out behind you

How I long to take your arm

For you to lead me through your world

To teach me all you can

But I am just a mere mortal

And you the ever living man

All my love IJ J

Jack's eyes misted over as he kissed the poem and put it back in the envelope.