11

Jack drove carefully back to the house and parked next to the remains of Ianto's vehicle.

"Where is Babbit?" Jack asked softly.

"Rhia has him" Ianto muttered. "I need some stuff from the SUV, the wreakers will be here this afternoon for it."

He slid from the SUV and Jack saw him grimace as he hit the ground.

"Jack!" Victoria ran to him, "Thank God, I knew you'd beat it. So silly!"

"Mum!" Jack said slowly, "I deserved to have the book thrown at me, I've been a bloody fool and have no-one to blame but myself!"

"If that Ianto …"

"Mum!" Jack roared, "I've heard enough of your opinions!"

"Hello Victoria" Ianto said as he stepped around the vehicle and her face changed.

"You! I'm calling the police, you're trespassing" she shrieked and Jack grabbed her by the arm and dragged her towards the house.

"Enough mum," he growled, "I am trying to fix this, you are bloody not helping!"

"Coffee?" he turned and smiled at Ianto who was peering into the SUV.

"Damn!" he muttered, "My phone must be in here somewhere!"

He turned to face them and Victoria saw his pale, tired face for the first time.

"You poor thing, when did you last sleep" she cooed, rushing to him, the previous five minutes of insults forgotten. "Come in and sit down"

"I fixed that stupid Trespass too" Jack said with a sad smile, "I know I was being stupid when I was doing it, sorry."

"Mmm." Ianto hesitated, then followed Jack inside.

Jack fussed around the kitchen, giving Ianto one of his cups and sitting down nervously.

"What was in the letter?" he asked.

"I told him that we couldn't fix our family if there was a conviction between us, we needed time together" Ianto shrugged, "Not apart."

"Ianto" Jack reached for his hand, "I'll do whatever it takes. Please, I need a chance."

"A chance." Ianto frowned, "One more?"

"I know I'm not worth it to you but for the kids?" Jack looked hopefully at him and Ianto sighed.