Untouchable

[silver butterfly]

Third chapter up, not completely happy with it but here it is

Chapter 3

His body was numb. Shock ran through his body as he stared at the girl in front of him. He was dreaming, that was what his body told him. He had to be, because there was absolutely no way that Martha, could be standing right in front of him, looking equally as stunned to see him.

Shaking his head, Jack realised how they both must look in front of Cam. If he didn’t act soon, the mission would go down the drain, and the last few months would be for nothing. Catching her eye, he sent her a warning glance, as he extended his hand forward.

“Matt Sanderson” he introduced himself to her “Nice to meet you”

*

Martha closed her open mouth, catching the message in Jack’s pleading eyes. Play along with me.

“Martha Mackenzie” she replied, still in shock, but having recovered enough to shake his hand. A shiver ran down her spine, as his skin touched hers. This was the most contact they had over the past two months. Phone calls between them went unanswered; contact in the street was limited.. This was the first time she’d seen him in weeks, let alone touched him. And I miss it

That sudden thought sent her mind reeling. ‘No you don’t, you have a boyfriend’ she reminded herself ‘you have to focus on that-‘

“Eh, Martha?”

She shook her head, realising she hadn’t been following the conversation, or listening to a word Cam was saying

“What?” she blurted out

Cam looked at her, eyes suspicious. No doubt he had seen the reaction between the two. “Haven’t you been listening? I said that if Sanderson needs anything, he could come to talk to you. That’s ok, isn’t it?”

She smiled at him, determined to clear her thoughts of Jack or Sanderson or whoever he was.

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

~

Behind the stage, Martha leaned against the wall, eyes closed. She drew in a shaky breath willing her hands to stop shaking. This had to be some horrible nightmare; there couldn’t be any other explanation. Not only because he was here, but because of the simple fact that it was Jack that was here.

Rubbing her temples, she thought back to the last time she had seen him. They hadn’t seen each other, much less spoken since that day. She had tried her hardest to avoid him, making excuses as not why to see him. She needed space, he couldn’t face her, they were busy. She knew it was all complete lies; he was hurting just as much as she was. The memories of their last conversation still lingered in her mind. Hurtful, regretted words were thrown at each other, each cutting her as sharp as when she had thrown a framed picture of them down on the ground. The glass had shattered and she had walked away and out of his life.

“Damn it Jack!” she muttered angrily, wiping away a tear. She was not about to start crying now and especially, not over him.

Footsteps sounded nearby, breaking Martha from her thoughts, causing her to whirl around, facing none other than Jack. For a moment, both were silent. The shock of seeing him was slowly beginning to wear off, only to be replaced with a rising anger. After what seemed an eternity of silence between the two, Jack finally spoke.

“What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing…Jack. Oh wait!” she replied, voice raised with anger “That’s not your name is it? Matt Sanderson; what the hell is going on with you? Is this some sort of game to you-”

She was cut off as pushed her against the wall, covering her mouth. Her eyes grew wide at the physical contact, but he seemed to take no notice of it.

“Listen to me Martha” Jack whispered, voice cold as he spoke to her “ I can’t explain what’s going on; not here, not now-”

She pushed him off her, eyes blazing. He had no right to talk to her like that, not after everything that had happened. “So what am I supposed to do?” she asked heatedly “Tell me Jack, am I supposed to pretend that everything’s fine? Act like I don’t even know you and forget that there’s something between us-”

“-There is nothing going on between us,” he cut across, voice hard with bitterness “you made sure of that.”

~

Silence fell before them, as the sentence hung between them. She opened her mouth, and then closed it because really, what was the point of arguing now. He knew exactly what would hurt her. And he had said it.

“Martha-”

“Don’t say it Jack,” she said quietly. “Just…don’t say anything”

Jack looked away, avoiding the hurt look in her eyes. “I owe you an explanation, I know. Right now…I can’t tell you anything and I’m sorry.”

She gazed at him, crossing her arms. “Fine. I get it, you can’t tell me anything and I can’t say anything” The brunt of her anger had gone, but she wasn’t finished with him. He still owed her an explanation But for now, she would have go along with…whatever the hell was going on.

“Something like that” he replied “I need to make a few calls, get this situation sorted out first.”

She nodded accepting this. “When do I get to find what’s going on?”

“Soon, I promise”

Jack stopped at the look on Martha’s face; he had said exactly the wrong words. Her face became a cold mask, voice hard as she pushed past him “Don’t make promises you can’t keep,”

With that she turned to walk away, leaving him alone once again

[Tasha]

wow that was great. Poor Jacky/Matty and Martha Sounded like a bitter breakup, but they still love each other

More please

[puja]

Was really beginning to miss this; glad you updated!

I agree with Tasha, it must have been an awful break-up Here's wishing this will make them close again *hopes*

Great chapter. More soon please!

[-lolly-]

Must have been one hell of a breakup... This is great please update again soon!

[Zetti]

Awww. Sorry I never commented before but I lose track of all the fics I read.

Poor Jacky or Matty as I should say.

More soon xx

[beckyboo]

She is still so clearly in love with him

Oh to sound like everyone else

Must have been a pretty bad break up!

Update soon

[silver butterfly]

fifth chapter up and a warning for some slight course language

Chapter 5

“So, explain this to me again?”

Peter’s voice was remarkably calm as he spoke to Jack over the phone. His soft tone and carefully pronounced words made him sound normal, as he explained the situation again. Almost.

“Martha’s here. In the club. She’-” Jack stopped talking abruptly. There was a low growling at the other end. He gulped inwardly; no this was definitely not a good. Combined with peter initial reaction, it could only mean one thing.

“What the hell is Martha doing there?”

Jack winced taking the phone away from his ear for a moment. Judging from the amount of yelling on the other end, confirmed his worst fears. Peter was most definitely pissed off.

“She could jeopardize the whole investigation!” Peter was yelling into the phone “You do realise that?”

“I know, but-”

“Know what? That months of time and effort spent on bringing down Reynolds‘ll all go down the drain all because of your ex-girlfriend”-”

“She won’t say anything” Jack tried again, wincing at Peter’s words, Ex girlfriend “She promised not to-”.

“And how can you know for sure?” he shot back “I mean, can you really trust her that much?”

“If you don’t believe she’s can keep her mouth shut, why don’t you come down and talk to her yourself,” he said avoiding the question. Fill her in on all the details while your there.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” the other man scoffed “ I thought you’d told her everything now were screwed-”

A pregnant pause ensued before Jack finally spoke. “I thought you’d a least give me more credit than that Peter” his voice was light, even. “Do you really think I value the mission that much?”

Peter sighed. Despite this mess, Holden was doing a credible job infiltrating the drug circler. Already, they had brought down a few of the big names and joints. Much to Reynold’s displeasure.

On the other end of the line, he rubbed his forehead thinking. ****, what were they going to do?

“Peter?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m here” he finally replied “look, uh, don’t say anything to Martha yet. I’ll come down tonight and sort this out-”

“You can’t” Jack said resigned “not tonight at least”

“And why not?” Came the sarcastic reply “ Please, tell me you’ve got more good news”

Jack shifted at the other end. “They given me first assignment” a the noise of disbelief sounded at the other end “My first mission starts tonight”

~

Martha stared out the window of Cam’s office. Absently she traced the window, feeling the cool glass under her fingers. Her eyes drifted south to the figure hurrying, down below. He was on the phone, arguing with whoever it was on the other end of the line. The person, judging from the way he held the phone was giving Jack hell.

And, he deserves it

“Martha?”

“Hmm?” she said tearing her eyes away the window. Cam was standing in the doorway, arms crossed. “You said you wanted to see me?”

He nodded wordlessly, closing the door. Her eyes travelled back to the window. Jack was gone. A small cough sounded in the room and her attention focused back to Cam. An unreadable expression had settled on his face as he leaned against the wall, his fingers clenching as his gaze settled upon her. Something was bothering him; that much was obvious to Martha. “Something wrong?”

She smiled at him wryly, “Shouldn’t I be asking that question?”

“I don’t know you tell me”

She tilted his face up to look at him, startled at the anger and suspicion clouding in his eyes. A jolt of fear rushed through her body. Surely he couldn’t know what was going on? Jack, surely wasn’t that sloppy in…whatever he was doing?

“what’s that mean?” she asked cautiously “I’m not the one who looks off his rocker-”

“Matt Sanderson” he stated agitatedly “what don’t you tell me what’s going on between you two-“

“-What are you-“

“-And don’t lie to me Martha,” he said angrily shaking his head “I know something’s going on. When I introduced you two to, you looked like you’d seen a ghost…or at least seen him before”

She avoided his eyes “We met a bar-“

“Bull****” he snarled grabbing her arm. His fingers dug in sharply, right below the elbow causing her to let out a small cry of pain

“Fine!” she cried, still struggling against him “You really want to know-”

“-Yes! Damn it Martha-”

“-I slept with him”

He let go of her arm, both of them breathing hard. He stepped back from her, expression stunned. “You and him-“

He was silenced from an angry glare from Martha as she rubbed her arm. There would be a bruise tomorrow. “One night stand; he’s my best friend’s ex. I haven’t seen him since then” Her eyes flickered away from him.

“Why didn’t you-”

“Because it’s not exactly something I’m proud of!” she retorted “how was I supposed act when I saw him; welcome him open arms in front of you?”

Martha collapsed on a nearby chair, covering her face with her hands. The guilt began settling at the pit of her stomach at the lies he was saying. That she hoped he was buying. ‘For Jack’s sake anyway’

An arm snaked around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him as he sat beside her. It was gesture that should have made him feel warm and comforting. Her head rested against his chest, his hands stroking her hair gently. It what was meant to be an affectionate gesture, an apology, but they couldn’t erase an unfamiliar icy feeling gnawing inside of her. Martha closed her eyes willing it to disappear, but instead it seemed to grow inside her, lingering in the spaces between their unspoken words.

[Tasha]

Poor Martha Poor Jack Great chapter. Cam needs to get his horrible arms away from Martha

More please

[puja]

Great update!

I won't be best pleased if a bruise is left on Martha's arm Damn Cam!

Quick thinking from Martha though. And aww, it was cute how Martha hoped Cam was buying her lies; for Jack's sake Maybe there is a chance of reconciliation *hopes*

Hmm, Jack's first mission. Fingers crossed it goes well for him. Oh, and why was Peter getting so annoyed with Jack? It wasn't like he planned for Martha to be there!

Absolutely loving this; can't wait for the next chapter

[silver butterfly]

so...its been a while since i posted another chapter. i apologise for the delay, it's been a crazy few months, but i'll try and post more regularly now i've got some spare time. thanks to all who reviewed you guys are awesome!

Chapter 6

It was dark and deserted, when Jack arrived at Gerry’s beach. Cautiously, he maneuvered himself out of the car, eyeing his surroundings warily. Seeing that all was well, he relaxed somewhat, grasping the small tote bag in his hand.

Reaching the rickety fence that edged the cliff top, he gazed outwards at the ocean, and then at his watch. 5 minutes to go.

“Are they here yet?” The voice spoke tensely in his ear

Jack leaned casually against the fence, touching the earpiece Peter had given to him.

“Not yet; but I’m early and Stewart assured me the guy is never late-”

“-Are you ready for this?”

“Wouldn’t be here if you thought I wasn’t, would I Peter?”

The man on the other end paused, emitting a soft chuckle. “Yeah that’s true, but do you think you’re ready?”

Jack paused, rubbing his forehead

“I’m ready, but part of me doubts that I’ll ever get used to this.”

On the other end, Peter nodded thoughtfully. Part of you could get used to being undercover, but nevertheless, it didn’t get any easier.

He remembered the first time he went undercover. The secrecy, the excitement and thrill that coursed through him as danger progressed. He almost wished he was there with Jack. Almost.

Being undercover meant that he had shied away from people; distanced himself from anyone he knew. It was difficult to know who you could trust; one mistake or slip up could cost the whole operation. Or someone’s life.

He thought back to his last undercover mission. The operation had almost been blown because an officer had let slip to close friend, who in turn had been connection to the person they were to take down. They had completed the operation but with some casualties, mainly friends of his.

This reason of trust was why they didn’t tell anyone anything, and the sole reason for his anger at Jack.

But being distrustful of people also came at a price.

The faces of his friends and brother had never strayed far from his thoughts each night he spent undercover. Nor did the guilt, that had ate at him on sleepless nights .

Almost having perceived his thoughts Jack spoke again “Does she know yet?”

“About the mission?”

“What else?”

Peter sighed heavily, closing his eyes. “We broke up last week…she hasn’t found out yet”

There was silence on the phone as Jack contemplated this, thoughts of Martha not far from his mind.

“I’m sorry, Peter”

Peter shrugged “It’s not your fault; it was too good to be true anyway”

“You two were really good together, though.”

The older man closed his eyes, her face fresh in his mind. “Yeah” he murmured “We were…”

The distant rumbling of car geared both men into action.

“Is that them?”

“Yeah it is” Jack said, a thrill running through him “Here we go”

~

Jack watched as two men, got out of the car. Between them was a bag, much like the one he carried. Except the one they held was full of drugs. Drugs that were probably worth around what he made in a year.

No wonder Reynolds was living it up.

“You got the money?” the thug snarled, as he walked up to him

“You’ve got the goods?” Jack shot back, unnerved.

The thug eyed him distastefully, reaching for the bag, he offered. Examining the contents, he showed it to the man next to him, who nodded approvingly.

“Looks to be in order”

He handed over the duffle bag to Jack. His eyes narrowed in suspicion, as Jack examined his own bag.

“Hang on, haven’t I seen you somewhere?”

Jack stopped rifling through the bag, glancing disinterestedly at the thug. “I would have remembered you if we’d met before”

On the other end of the earpiece he could here Peter waiting in anticipation

The thug frowned intently at him, his voice was more insistent this time “No, I’ve definitely seen you somewhere before!”

Mentally, Jack ran through the list of drug sellers he’d arrested in his career, hoping that this guy wasn’t one of them. If this guy was…he was definitely screwed.

“Ah-ha!”

The thug pointed a finger at him. “You…”

‘Oh crap-’

“You used to work at Millers Bar, didn’t you!” the thug looked triumphantly at him and Jack relaxed somewhat. 'Millers' was his previous place of employment, before he’d been offered the job at The Rocket Club.

“Yeah, I, uh, used to work there” Jack agreed, relieved as the thug went on.

“For a minute,” he laughed harshly “I thought you were one of those scumbags that arrested me few months back”

Jack laughed along, watching as the thugs walked back to the car. It seemed as if in those brief few minutes, the air had turned colder. Or maybe it was just his insides that felt like that.

He leaned against his car, closing his eyes, trying to slow his racing heart.

On the other end of the earpiece, Peter let out a breath he seemed to have been holding

“That was close”