Title: Voices in the Wind, Part Two of Four

Author: Emma

Characters: Canonical Torchwood Three members… sort of.

Rating: Some chapters definitely not safe for work.

Disclaimer: Oh, please. If I owned them, would I let some of those idiots write the scripts? And if I were making any money off them, would I be where they could find me?

Summary: A betrayal in Toshiko’s past pushes her into a dangerous liaison…

Author’s Note: Tosh’s drink is www.cocktailchronicles.com/2009/01/19/strong-medicine/

Part One is here
 

            The bar was away from the tourist haunts, in an area of town with nothing picturesque or historical to attract their attention. Hidden away on Bute Street, next to a Korean restaurant, with a narrow door nearly hidden by its own awning, it attracted people who wanted to get pissed alone. The owner was a former Royal Marine who didn’t tolerate much in the way of laddish behaviour, so women could feel safe on their own.

            Tosh slammed her cell phone down and waved the waitress over. “Would that guy over there” she said pointing at the bartender, “know how to make a penicillin?”

            “Yes, ma’am.” The girl gave her a cheeky grin. “And if he doesn’t know, he’ll look it up. Hooked up to the Internet, he is.”

            “Good. Tell him to start with two and keep them coming.”

            Five minutes later the waitress returned with two glasses on a tray. “He says he used juiced ginger and sugar in the honey instead of syrup, so it packs a bite.”

            “Don’t worry, I’ll bite it back.”

            She sat there trying to sort out her emotions and failing miserably. She had called her mother and it turned out that she had known all along. Her tears were anger at her husband for his deception and sorrow for her daughter, but she was a good Japanese wife and she wouldn’t go against her husband’s wishes. Toshiko had said some harsh things before hanging up, but she couldn’t find it in her heart to regret them. She would some day, she knew; but not yet. But her father she would never forgive. Never.

            “Do you mind if I join you? It’s so crowded in here and I don’t want to get hit on.”

             “Actually, I don’t think…” Tosh looked around. The place was empty except for a couple at the far end totally wrapped up on each other and a big guy with biker tattoos at the bar. She looked up. “Oh.”

            The woman was smiling at her. It was the sort of smile that invited you to join in appreciating the absurdity of the pick-up line, while at the same time tempted you to go along with the foolishness. Tosh tossed back the last of the cocktail she was holding for a little extra courage and nodded.

            “Go ahead.”

            The woman slid into the chair opposite her. “Thank you. I would have felt a total fool if you had said no. What are you drinking, Toshiko? You don’t mind if I call you Toshiko, do you? I could call you Doctor Sato, but that’s so formal, don’t you think?”

            Tosh slid her hand into her purse, reaching for her phone. “How do you know my name?”

            “I’m a fan. Of Torchwood, I mean. Yes, one of those crazy folk who follow you and take photos and post them on the Internet and trade conspiracy theories…” She burst into laughter at Tosh’s expression. “Oh, Great Mother, if you could see your face!”

            “I’m glad you’ve having fun,” Tosh said. “But now, if you don’t mind…”

            The woman reached out and touched the back of Tosh’s clenched hand. “Please, don’t be angry. Let’s start again, yes? I’m Meddha Ocypete. Call me Mary, everyone does, the Greek pronunciation is murder on an English tongue. I know about Torchwood because I spent fifteen years in the Department of Parapsychological Investigations.”

            “Why did you leave?”

            “Canary Wharf.”

            “Oh.” Tosh sipped at her drink. “Here comes the waitress with two more of these. I’ll share.”

            Mary laughed. “Thank you. What is it?”

            “It’s called penicillin. Guaranteed to kill all viruses and bacteria. And a few brain cells, but who’s counting?” Tosh smiled. “So Meddha Ocypete, what do you do for a living these days?”

            “I evaluate items, usually for idiots who want to own a piece connected to some nasty bit of history. You can’t believe how many people get a kick out of wearing a bracelet worn by a murder victim or putting something on the fireplace mantel that belonged to a mad nobleman.” She shrugged. “It pays for the luxuries. The bread and butter is buying and selling antique jewelry.  Actually, I’m here for the Gurdin auction… Ahhh. I see you’ve heard of it.”

            “We’re evaluating something from them right now.”

            “The anemone casket? Don’t look so surprised, Toshiko. Half of this year’s registered bidders had their eyes on that one, though no more than a tenth could even come near affording it.”

            “And you?”

            “Lady, no! I’m a poor former government official. Besides, that thing is dangerous. No, I was after a smaller prize.” She toasted Tosh. “And I got it. Want to see?”

            Tosh nodded. Mary opened her leather messenger bag and brought out a small package. She offered it to Tosh.

            “Go ahead. Unwrap it. I’m rather proud of my catch. Snatched it right out from under the nose of a Victoria and Albert buyer.” She giggled. “I may loan it to them for their next exhibition if they’re very nice to me.”

            Tosh opened the box and pulled aside the cotton coverings. Inside it rested a pendant. It was the most exquisite thing she had ever seen. A large moonstone surrounded by a wreath of tiny diamonds had been set in the center of a fine web of silver strands and hung from a delicate chain made of the same strands. It had the effect of making the moonstone seem to float in mid-air.

            “Beautiful.”

            “Try it on. Come on, try it on. It’s actually one of those few stones that have a positive legend attached to it. Owners swear that it gave them a sense of peace and security and helped them see clearly.”

            “Why do they sell it, then?”

            “It doesn’t seem to like to stay in any hand for too long. After a while owners get a sense that it’s time to let it go. Some pieces are like that. Come on, I think it will look gorgeous against that deep blue jumper. Here, let me fasten it for you.”

            She took the necklace and put it around Tosh’s neck, leaning forward to close the clasp. Tosh was suddenly very aware of her scent, something flowery and spicy with an undertone of musk. Mary seemed to be just as aware as she was; Tosh felt the long, elegant fingers tremble slightly as the necklace was fastened. She kept her hands on Tosh’s shoulders, stroking. Their eyes met, and slowly, as if waiting for any sign of rejection, Mary leaned down to brush her lips against hers.

            “I shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered. “But I wanted to.”

            “Me too.” Tosh said. “Wanted you to, I mean.”

            Mary’s smile made Tosh feel like her whole world was falling back into place. Mary repeated the kiss, a little harder and firmer, more of a promise than a question. Then she sat down again.

            “I’d like to spend…” she broke off, looking over Tosh’s shoulder. “I’d like to spend the day with you but I’ve already made other appointments. Who knew I would be so lucky as to run into you today? Or that we would fit so well.” She broke off. “Have dinner with me tonight?”

            Tosh nodded. “I’d like that. My place?”

            Mary’s look was one of pure delight and it made Tosh tingle. “Lovely.”

            Tosh pulled out a notepad, scribbled down her address, and passed it to Mary. “Seven?”

            “Seven it is.” She picked up her bag. “The back exit puts me closer to the parking garage. See you later, Toshiko Sato.”

            “See you later, Meddha Ocypete.”

            Tosh watched her leave. She felt like laughing. Who would have thought a day that had started so badly would end so beautifully? She fingered the pendant. She should put it inside the jumper. No sense running the risk of getting mugged. And besides, it was her business and nobody else’s.

            “Tosh?”

            She turned to see Andy coming towards her. She nearly gasped. For the first time she could see Andy clearly. She could see how powerful he was and yet how he limited himself, tied himself down to rules and moralities that made him so much smaller than he could be. She felt pity and a sort of contemptuous affection for him. How sad that he was wasting his time, his life.

            “Were you looking for me, Andy?”

            “Jack called me and said you were having a rough time of it.”

            “I was, a while ago.” Digging around her wallet she pulled out some bills and put them on the table. “But I’ve had time to think. Come on, walk me back to the Hub.”


edited for you-know-whats.