"Ok kids, what have we got?"

Ianto was handing out coffees as Gwen was bringing up a photo of David Thomas on the screen before them.

"Ok, David Thomas born 18th July 1952 in Bristol, raised in London. Has a degree in Business Science and run 3 very successful companies, the last one involved in cybernetics. He ran a tight ship from all accounts, most if it looking very legitimate."

The picture changed to David Thomas and a group of others in front of the Torchwood building in was surrounded by 4 others that Ianto automatically counted them off in his head as Gwen continued talking.

He knew this story, most of it anyway. As a researcher under Riley Jenkins she had taught him to do his homework, know thy enemy.

As he faded back to the conversation he felt rather than saw Jack's eyes were on him. He focused back on Gwen, shifting uncomfortably as he picked up his pen as a cover to note something down feeling awkward under his gaze.

Jack got the hint and was now himself focused back on Gwen.

"He was headhunted by the Torchwood corporation in the late 90's where he ran the research department, strictly recall and reapply. Assimilating alien technology for use in the mainstream for the greater good."

Ianto snorted as they all stared at him. Vaguely aware of the stares he looked up.

"What? Come on you didn't have to work there to know they were not looking for a cure for world hunger or anything. Everyone in that department had a manifest to look for one thing only……….the next weapon."

Gwen took her cue from Jack to continue as he nodded his head in her direction without taking his eyes off Ianto again until she started talking once more.

"Ok, it seemed that after the battle he disappeared, thought to be among the dead, well he is listed among the dead but…"

At this she hesitated, glancing up and Ianto then at Jack looking for a cue.

"Go on Gwen."

"2 years ago he resurfaced in Cardiff, started a small company in small time surveillance, running in home security systems that sort of thing. I've already told Jack, but I met him on a callout in my days as a PC. It was for noise disturbance, neighbor complaint. He was the most oily, smooth man I have ever met and he took great delight in showing off his latest electronic toys. It seemed he was working on some kind of in home help robot. It was pretty out there, looked like there was no way it could ever move let alone do the hoovering. Anyway, from here seems to have fallen off the radar and has been pretty quiet for the last 6 months, his security business seems to have gone out of existence and the trail seems to have run cold. I do have his last known address so Owen and I thought we could check it out?"

Jack nodded.

"Any lead we can follow up on right now is a plus. Ok, Tosh, what did you get from the trace?"

"They've covered their tracks well, they looked to have used a scrubber to cover their tracks but I am following a ghost trail back to a multi server…"

"Tosh?" Owen interrupted…."English please."

Slightly flustered she continued

"The trail ends at a big communal server where it is impossible to trace back to any one source. Sorry Jack"

Jack nodded.

"So that brings us back to the photos. Ianto?"

Jack watched as Ianto recounted a watered down version of the Riley Jenkins story he had told. Once he had finished Jack gave his orders for Gwen and Owen to check out the house David had been living in. Tosh resumed her fine tweaking project for the energy rift.

"Ianto, you're with me."

anto raised an eyebrow at the request as the others left the room.

Jack simply cut him off before he had a chance to roll his eyes or open his mouth.

"We have to go and check something out and I don't think I want any of the others around when we do."

"Doesn't normally bother you Sir..." Ianto replied dryly.

Jack leered at him with a lewd smile.

"Ah now you're just putting thoughts in my head and as much fun as that is, not exactly what I had in mind for now. Believe me, for where we are going and knowing you as well as I do, you will not want an audience for this."

Jack's tone was serious and Ianto felt like he was freefalling. He hated not being in control; whoever was doing this knew where to hit him and what to do it with to make him feel vulnerable. He felt blindsided as parts of his life he thought he had buried had suddenly made their way to the surface.

As if sensing his disquiet Jack stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder squeezing slightly, pulling him out of his reverie.

"Come on, I'll meet you at the SUV, couple of things I gotta grab first."

He pulled Ianto up and pushed him out of the door.

*******************

Jack pulled into the street where Ianto's flat was. The young man had not said a word for the entire journey.

He pulled the SUV up outside of his flat.

Finally Ianto spoke,

"What are we doing here Jack?"

"I brought some surveillance sweepers to do a check of your apartment for bugs. I wanna see how far this has gone."

Jack hesitated before continuing.

"You need to get some gear; I want you where I can see you so you will be staying over at the Hub for the next few days until this blows over."

"Jack,no!"

"Ianto that is not the answer I was hoping."

"Jack, you can't protect us 24/7, whatever this is they haven't……"

"Ianto I can make this an order but I would rather not."

Ianto sighed and stared out of the windscreen,

"You have so much past Jack, how to you stop it from taking you over?"

Jack looked at him thoughtfully then joined his gaze outside of the vehicle.

Taking a deep breath Jack answered.

"Try not to drink alone?"

Jack tried for a joke and both men smirked.

Then Jack grew more serious.

"No, you make better ones to replace the bad, only you need twice as many to cover them up. Keep moving forward and try not to look back too much is my motto."

"What happens when they catch up with you?

"Like I said, try not to drink alone. Come on, let's get this done."

The climbed out of the SUV together, mounting the steps to Ianto's apartment.

Ianto produced his keys and opened the door.

Immediately Jack unclasped the briefcase and took the sweeper equipment out handing one to Ianto. They split up with Jack taking the kitchen lounge and hall and Ianto taking the bedrooms, bath and laundry. It didn't take long and by the time they had finished they had a total of 5 bugs laid out on the table.

Jack glanced at Ianto's face which had grown serious. Without taking his eyes from the collection on the table Ianto muttered…..

"I'm just going to go pack."

And he moved off to the bedroom.

Gathering the offending items Jack placed them in the briefcase.

He would have Tosh look at them back at the Hub though he doubted there was anything to be gleaned from them.

He took up position on Ianto's couch as he waited for Ianto to finish, grateful that he was giving in.

tbc