10
Jack sat in the cells waiting for some divine guidance.
John came instead and stood there glowering at him before finally offering him a ride home.
The damaged SUV sat in his driveway and Jack walked around it slowly noting the damage.
Tosh walked out of the house and stood watching as he ran his fingers of the point of impact. When Victoria followed her out, he watched her grimace at the hulking wreak.
"So! Have you eaten?" she asked and he shrugged.
"Ianto wanted me to get his documents and papers for his CV" Tosh said as she left and he looked at the envelope in her hand with a sigh.
When he saw Ianto's jacket on the back of the sofa and he burst into tears, dragging the jacket into his hands and burying his face in it.
The next day Jack went to see the lawyer who told him that Ianto had already sought to have the charges dropped but it had to go before the judge to get them dropped.
An afternoon slot was available and he walked calmly to the dock and then looked at Ianto who was sitting in the gallery. His face was pale and Jack could see he hadn't slept.
"This is File HJ44503 Case of Domestic Assault Causing Injury."
The judge looked over his glasses at the man he knew. "Captain?"
"Sorry sir" Jack hung his head, "I have no defence."
"Your honour, Mr Harkness-Jones has petitioned to have all charges against his husband dropped. He is here today to speak on his husband's behalf" Jack's lawyer droned, then turned and pointed to Ianto who was wringing his hands.
"Captain," the Judge said softly, "Given the letter I read this morning from your eloquent husband, I have decided to honour his request to drop all charges against you."
Jack sagged in the dock with relief.
"However" the judge cleared his throat, "I am hereby ordering you undergo anger management classes, take personal counselling and well as not missing any more marriage counselling sessions. If I see you up here within six months for a similar offence I will not be lenient."
"Thank you your honour" Jack whispered as he wondered what the letter said.
"Mr Harkness-Jones," the judge addressed Ianto who shakily rose to his feet, "You cannot protect your children from the harsh realities of life but your valiant desire to reclaim you family is admirable and I wish you all the best."
"Adjourned"
Jack stumbled from the dock and his lawyer thrust him at John who dragged him outside where the SUV was waiting.
Ianto was sitting in the passenger seat with his eyes closed and Jack resisted the urge to hold him as he slid into the driver's seat.