A Difficult Explanation (Broadchurch+Torchwood)

Chapter 9- Broken Promises

"Take a seat, Jack." Alec said, lacing his fingers together and setting his elbows on the table.

Jack just shrugged and sat, leaning back in his chair. He then saw the faint tear on the Detective's cheek and his eyes lit up. He leaned forward. "You okay?" He asked lightly.

Alec raised an eyebrow and pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt the wetness on his skin. His eyes widened. -What the hell? W..What happened?- He wiped away the tear, his gaze remaining blank. "Fine."

Jack leaned back, quirking an eyebrow, but saying nothing more.

"I just need answers Jack."

Jack shrugged, "Then ask away."

Alec shook his head. "Not here." He stood up and motioned for the Captain to follow. The Detective lead the way to the familiar interrogation room. On the way down there, D.S. Ellie Miller stopped them. "Sir." She said quietly.

Alec sighed. "Miller, I don't have time for this."

"Oh really?" She said, her voice raising, causing Alec to flinch softly. He hadn't expected this.

"So you're saying you don't have time for the family? You don't have time to carry out your promise? We are getting nowhere without you!" She hissed, her fists clenching. "You're too busy running around with someone that doesn't even matter! We have had several looks into this man and he means nothing!" She sighed heavily and drew in a short breath. "You have reached the end of his case Alec! And you know you have!" She growled angrily.

Alec froze. He flattened himself against the wall, watching Ellie gain ground on him. She looked at him, anger and disappointment flashing in her eyes. "You let them down." She said harshly before turning on her heels and walking to her office.

-What have I done?- He thought. Alec squeezed his eyes shut and lowered his head. He had been so focused and wrapped up into discovering who Jack was that he had broken his promise, leaving the family lost and broken.

Alec turned around and pushed past Jack, ignoring all the stares as he left the station. He walked at a fast pace, having no idea where he was headed. He was angry, annoyed, depressed, and disappointed. His mind was racing.

-This is just like Sandbrook... - He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. - I've failed again.- Memories swirled within his head, causing his vision to shift. He leaned against the nearest wall, thankful no one was around. The Detective quickly popped two pills, dry swallowing them. He coughed softly.

When his vision cleared, Alec set off once more.

-"Doctor! Please!" Jack called rushing over to the man who stood on the edge of the cliff. "Please!" He paused. "It isn't worth this!"

Tears fell down the Time Lord's face. "But it is...." He muttered, defeat echoing in his voice. "I've failed... failed everybody."

"You could do so much more!" Jack pleaded. He took a step closer, watching the Doctor's head hand. "I can't." He said softly. "Leave me Jack!"

The Captain shook his head. "Never! Please!"

The Doctor shook his head. "Jack..." He mumbled, another tear falling down his face. "There's no point. I'm out of regenerations anyway. J...Just leave me."

Jack took another cautious step forward. "Doctor... please... step away from the edge."

The Time Lord shook his head. He remained silent and leaned forward.

Alec blinked slowly, finding himself on the fence of the cliff. He sighed heavily and stepped over it. He looked over the edge. -Long way down...- He thought, mind wandering. Tears fell down his face. He had failed everybody. Would people miss him if he was gone? Would it be a coincidence if he landed in the same place as Danny? Did his life even matter?

The Detective sat on the edge of the cliff, small rocks falling onto the sand below. He sighed heavily, his legs dangling over the edge.

-Just imagine it...- He thought. - Jumping right off. Everything would vanish. Pain, Depression, Broken Promises....- He looked over the edge, watching the waves peacefully crash against the surface. -Letting people down... It's all I've ever done. Maybe it's time to escape.-

Alec wiped the tears off of his face, allowing fresh ones to fall. He felt everything break. Nothing seemed right anymore. His whole existence was a mistake.

-But what about the Latimer's? I...I can't leave them.. Or can I? Everyone feels the pain once in awhile....-

He sighed heavily and stood up, overlooking the edge. -No more pain.-

(Yes it is short but I was inspired)