The conversation

Adam jogged onto the Grid, clearly annoyed. He knew the Home Secretary preferred to deal with Harry and Ros but the woman didn't have to be so obtuse.

"Lucas called." Catherine announced. "Amy does have meningococcal septicaemia. The only reason she's still alive is that she had a seizure that woke Ros."

"Sweet Jesus." Alec shook his head. "Thank God for a mother's instinct."

"Yeah." Erin sighed. "Adam?"

"Anything with Arkady?"

"Nope." Beth shook her head. "He's former FSB. Not going to be easy to get to. He's probably a better trained interrogator than all of us put together."

"I doubt it." Zoe ran a hand through her short hair. "Adam wrote the manual on this. Where was it you were captured?"

"Syria." Adam stated. "Zaf with the Redbacks, Lucas with FSB, Harry in Northern Ireland, Ros with Yalta and Ruth at the hands of Mace. I think we have expertise in surviving strong interrogation covered." Alec nodded. He knew all about the escapades of his friends. Beth looked away.

"Alec? Shall we do the honours?" Adam watched the older man nod. Malcolm began issuing tasks as Catherine visibly paled.

"Catherine? Earth to Cath Reed?"

"Dad was tortured? I."

"He wouldn't want you to know. Think about it." Calum watched as Catherine bit her lip. "Would we want Charlie or Lilly to know? If it were us?" Tears filled her eyes as he spoke.

"No. But they're babies."

"Sweetheart, think about it." He hugged her. "To Harry, that's what you, Graham, Nicky and Gracie always will be." He kissed her hair as she nodded.

"I've got that report I picked up to go through." Catherine sighed.

"Ok." Calum released her. Smiling slightly she crossed the room.

Xxxxxxxxa

"Why do you want to go home?" Harry asked. Nick shrugged his shoulders as he walked beside Harry. Other holiday makers and tourists lined the street as Harry led the teenager towards a small Italian cafe.

"I'm losing my touch." Harry sighed.

"No your not. I bet when it comes to bad guys you're a lot scarier than when you are in "Dad mode."

Harry laughed.

"I hope so. Why didn't you want your mum here?"

"She worries. Why did you go after that thug?"

"I was angry. He's older than you and I despise bullies." Nick nodded. "I care about you. I saw red."

"I saw my father. George do that more than once."

"Really?"

"Yeah. To make Mum stay quiet." Harry looked at the Formica table. He could feel the anger rising in his chest. "I was only 7. I couldn't stop him. Mum made me promise not to try. Said I had to stay in my room until she got me. Seeing that today, brought it back."

"Nico."

"I know you'd never ever do that." Nick stated. "Anyway, did you hear what he called me?"

"Yes."

"He." Nick sighed. "My father was an intolerant man. He said the Bible said it was wrong. That being gay was an abomin, abomin. That it's bad."

"Then George was an ignorant man as well as a violent one. There is nothing wrong, sinful or abnormal about falling in love or who you fall for." Harry smiled at the boy. "I remember a man, a good, kind man that worked for D. Gentle, unless those he loved were threatened. Best techy, bar Malcolm."

"Of course." Nick smirked.

Harry picked up his tea cup.

"And it doesn't matter." Both turned to see Ruth carrying Gracie into the cafe. "Please don't. I'm a spook." She sat down as Nick and Harry exchanged glances.

"I was just telling our boy that there is nothing wrong with being gay, straight, bi or anything else." Harry explained.

"That's why I heard Colin mentioned. You know, people say your Dad and I were the romantic story on the Grid." She smiled as Harry held her gaze. "But it was Colin and Danny, although I don't think Danny shared his feelings."

"So. It doesn't matter if I am gay?"

"Son." Harry stared at him. "I don't care if you fall in love with a girl, boy or Martian. As long as you are happy and safe." Nick blushed as Ruth nodded.

"Don't label yourself. See how things crinkle out." She watched as he nodded. "Ros called. Amy is out of danger."

"Yey!" Gracie clapped her hands as Harry closed his eyes in relief.

"How about we go somewhere else?" Ruth smiled. "I have a friend, well a woman I met on my travels. Nessa, she said we could stay in her caravan for a couple of nights. In Barry Island. It's not far from here."

"Nessa Smith? Had a fling with the MP."

"Yes. She's off to see her in laws." Ruth watched as the men her life nodded.

Xxxxxxxx

Ros rested her head back against the white hospital wall. Closing her eyes she sighed as Lucas rested his hands on her arms.

"You're exhausted."

"How's James?"

"Being spoiled rotten by his auntie Sarah."

"Typical." Ros sighed.

"She's out of danger." Lucas spoke calmly, his voice washing over her. "Our baby girl is going to be ok." Ros nodded. She felt the tears well up inside, but was determined not to cry. "I was thinking about Cleethorpes. When you told me you were pregnant. I think the thought we could lose her." His voice broke as Ros pulled him to her. "Was more frightening than anything I've ever faced." Ros hugged his tightly as he held her. She had a feeling things were going to be ok.

Xxxx

A/n very slight cross over with Gavin & Stacey which I don't own either. Please review.