After School; Cardiff, Wales

Ianto Jones found the police reports and employment records and downloaded everything. When he ran a background check he found an information block. Overriding the classified status was possible, but he would leave it for Jack to handle. Jack enjoyed breaking rules.

An alarm on his phone sounded. A quick check of the time said he needed to pick up Anwen and Trefor. With the new woman, he wondered if Gwen wanted the kids taken home instead of brought to the hub. He dropped her a text message. Then grabbed his coat.

He remembered to check notes after climbing into the car. Anwen's report was due on Wednesday. She insisted on writing about advances in equine medicine. The information he looked up about home-schooling and expectations for ten year olds said her teacher was in for another shock. Mrs. Llewyllen would question whether or not Anwen was the one doing her homework again. The winter break project required an impromptu presentation to prove Anwen knew the material.

Wales Community Daycare was closer than Blodau Glas Academy. The facility had impressive security and was open to parents who worked for city or state government and others whose occupations meant abduction risks like Torchwood. Miss Stella, one of the providers, carried Trefor as she often did. More than once she'd commented on the possibility of autism. Trefor had a temper, required space and some routine. Having met General Trefor Williams, a future version, he doubted it. Which he couldn't explain to Miss Stella. He suspected Trefor's problems had more to do communication and control. When he learned, he'd probably settle down. The general had anger issues, but his temper ran cold not hot.

"He got into a fight today." Stella handed him over inside the class room. "A three year-old took a toy from a nonverbal four year-old." Trefor had a bruised face. "He took it back."

"How bad is he hurt?"

"A few bruises. He could have really hurt the boy with blocks. He didn't try." Stella straightened out Trefor's hair. "I've worked with kids for fifteen years and I don't understand Trefor." She met his gaze. "Did his sister have problems at this age?"

"I don't know." Ianto died before Anwen was born, and when future Torchwood returned him, Anwen was already ten years old. "I can ask Gwen."

Stella hesitated. "Does he get enough attention at home? I rarely see his parents."

Trefor would not tolerate being ignored for long. Much like his biological father. "He does. It's simply convenient for me to drop him off and pick him up. Rhys owns his own business. Gwen is a Torchwood investigator. My schedule is more flexible." Trefor rested against Ianto's shoulder. The toddler was only quiet and cuddly when he'd had a bad day.

Stella nodded. It wasn't the first time they'd had the conversation. That required explaining his connection to Gwen and Jack. Stella didn't say anything, but her facial response to finding out he was the uncle's boyfriend spoke volumes. She didn't like the arrangement.

"I will be late to pick up Anwen."

"We didn't call immediately because the bruises are minor."

"Gwen will call you."

Stella nodded but didn't look convinced.

"Do you hurt?" Ianto carried Trefor toward the car.

"No." A beat. "Want sister."

That was normal at least. He asked every day about Anwen. He insisted on having one of her stuffed horses. Ianto kept one in the back of his car. If Trefor was hurt or scared or hungry, he demanded his sister. Anyone seeing it could easily misinterpret. Anwen would play with him and read to him and was the closest when he had a nightmare. But she wasn't taking care of him.

"Horse!"

Ianto struggled to fasten the car seat first. The cuddly toddler routine might have been for Stella's benefit. It wouldn't be the first time he tried manipulating those around him. The radio had to be on an oldies station. He babbled an attempt at the words, mimicking his sister and Rhys.

Once at Blodau Glas Academy, Anwen climbed into the backseat immediately. "What happened to Trefor's face?" She fastened her seatbelt.

"Mean boy."

Ianto explained what Stella told him before turning out of the school car park.

"Why didn't she call mom?"

Ianto wondered that himself. Stella's explanation sounded good at the time. Parents had sued over lesser things.

"There is a boy who picks on all the kids. I don't think he bothers Trefor much. He's a bad target." She sounded proud. "He'd punch instead of cry."

"Does your mother know?"

"I don't know." Anwen obviously hadn't thought about it.

"Did you talk to Trefor about bullies?" Ianto figured he already knew the answer.

"Yeah. I told him if the bully tried hurting one of the other kids he needed to help."

"Stop mean boy." Trefor repeated.

"There are kids in his group with problems. The bully should have been dealt with by now."

The kid's parents were probably connected. Gwen would need to schedule a parent conference. Jack might have to make calls.

"Are we going home?"

"Yep. There is a new woman, Dr. Nelson, at the hub."

"Mom needs to see Trefor's face. Then she can call Miss Stella."

Ianto pulled into a car park and picked up his mobile. He called Jack instead. He didn't want to tell Gwen over the phone, and she didn't want Dr. Nelson to see the kids at the hub.

"Are you back at the hub already?" Jack asked.

Ianto explained the situation.

"Bring them to Torchwood. Gwen will feel better if a full medical scan is done."

Ianto suspected Gwen wasn't the only one who would feel better.