Note: Thank you to all that have been supporting this story. The end is soon upon us. I hope to wrap this up in just one more chapter. This one has much drama... and some closure. It's been a roller coaster ride and I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have in telling it!

Chapter 21

Backing up a step, John smiled while having enough common sense to eye Jack warily, as he answered, "Now, Jackie boy... let's be reasonable."

"Reasonable?" he barked, moving a step closer, the gun unwavering in his hand. "Let's see, what have you done so far?"

"You have been stalking my employee."

"Next, you illegally gain entrance into his home, where you plant a hidden camera in his bedroom. You leave a calling card, wanting him to know the safety of his home had been compromised... and now you are staying here, on one of my father's properties - without a doubt working for him," Jack hissed, his breath coming quicker now, as his rage continued to escalate. "No, John... I say the time for reasonable has long passed - with the only solution remaining; to put you out of my misery, once and for all."

John's eyes momentarily widened in fear, before he placed that blase look back upon his smug face. "Jack, you're not fooling me. We both know you're not a killer. And, as I'm unarmed... murder is exactly what it would be."

"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to? You are never unarmed."

John winked, before asking, "Want to frisk me down? For old times sake?"

"You just don't get it, but I'm coming to realize you never have. I wouldn't touch you again if my life depended on it. Now... let's move this inside and have us a nice little chat... " Jack demanded, motioning John forward with the flick of the wrist that was holding the gun.

Remaining immobile, John proceeded to taunt him further; in what Jack knew was John's way of testing his boundaries... but feelings that Jack was unaccustomed to having getting the best of him. "What if Ianto's life depended on it?"

"Do you have a death wish, John?" Jack snarled, as he pulled back the hammer, aiming it directly at John Hart's skull, his finger poised and ready to pull the trigger.

Eyes widening in shock, John began to finally show fear. "Fuck, you mean it. Eye Candy means that damned much to you. Son-of-a-bitch, never thought I'd see the day Jack Harkness fell in love. But, that's exactly what's happened here. Foolish me... I thought if it ever happened it would be with me."

"Extremely foolish. I would have never loved you. It was never anything more than sex, John. Accept it and move on. We could have been friends, in the end, but you had to play your games and try to drag me into your illegal activity. Now, this is what we're going to do. You are going to pack your bags and you will leave - now. And, should you ever decide to return - I will shoot you, no questions asked."

"You are a blind fucking asshole, Harkness. Do you delude yourself that you will solve Ianto's problems with my absence? This is bigger than you realize. But, I think you know that, don't you?" John prompted, determined to make Jack squirm and suffer, most particularly now that it appeared he wouldn't have the pleasure of getting his hands on Ianto Jones.

"I am more than aware of the problem of my father... one that I am already dealing with, but... humor me, John... tell me what dear old Dad has planned for Ianto... " Jack rasped out, watching John closely as he backed into the cottage.

Jack followed John as he moved around, haphazardly throwing clothing and personal items into his cases, waiting for a glib answer to result... never expecting Hart to tell him exactly what was going on. "I'm the only thing that's keeping your boy alive. He's been letting me move at my own pace. Of course, I've been doing so for my own reasons - that has nothing to do with his plans. However, he wants the documents Ianto possesses."

"Documents?" Jack asked casually, knowing exactly what he was referring to, the shares that were in hispossession now... along with an additonal amount of other's that Ianto didn't even know he possessed yet. In fact, when this nasty business with John was resolved, he was poised to tell Ianto they had what they needed to initiate a corporate takover, with the cooperation he had recently acquired from the other board members.

"Don't play coy, Jack. It doesn't suit you," John snapped, as he closed the last case. Turning to face him, he laughed coldly, "When I'm gone, nothing will stop your father from taking your lover out by his own hand... hmmmm, just as he did Ianto's father. Oh yes, I know about that. It's always good to have leverage on such a man. Now, I guess I will be going... I only wish I could see the fireworks, along with poor Jackie's despair... "

"Fuck you, John. As always, you underestimate me. I have this well under control... and Ianto under my protection. My father is on the verge of losing everything... and by the time he realizes, it will be too late... " Jack smiled without humor, relishing the moment that was coming soon that he could put his father firmly in his place.

"Believe that if you want, Jack. It is you that underestimates your father's determination, I think. Look how long he has gotten away with murder, embezzlement and God knows how many other crimes. You can't touch him. He knows more than you will ever know. Face it and give up, before he kills you too," John hissed back, seeing something in Jack's eyes that told him that Jack was winning this battle; yet not wanting him to enjoy his victory or believe that it had been truly won.

Jack shrugged his shoulders uncaring of John's thoughts, before saying, "Make sure you have everything. There will be no doubling back. I will follow you out of town... and if attempt to turn back, I will end your miserable existence, without a moment of hesitation."

"You are a fucking asshole... and I'll be glad to be rid of you," John snarled into Jack's confident and determined face.

"The feeling is mutual," Jack agreed, keeping his eyes and weapon trained on John.

Owen looked over at Ianto, giving him what was meant to be a smile of reassurance, before he said, "Don't worry, Ianto. Jack knows what he's doing. He'll be fine."

"You're not fooling me, Owen. You are worried about him too," Ianto said, turning a narrowed eyed gaze upon Owen.

"Maybe so... but Jack needs to do it his way," Owen grumbled, more worried than he would ever admit to the man he had sworn to his best friend to protect.

"You know where he's going, don't you?" Ianto asked, unable to shake his own feelings of doom.

Owen frowned, as he glanced at Ianto in irritation. "You were there. Did you hear him tell me anything about Hart's location?"

"No, but you know... don't you? I don't care how you know... just admit that you do know," Ianto said, determined to force the truth from Owen.

"Fine, he might have slipped that John was at his father's cottage, before you joined us. That doesn't matter, though. I promised Jack to get you to safety... and that's exactly what I'm going to do," Owen spat out, as he tried to shake off all the bad feelings he had about this... all of it.

"I know that... but, we both know Jack isn't thinking clearly about that. His concern for me puts him at risk, when he should be allowing us to help him. Come on, Owen... Jack needs us - and I think you know it."

Owen glared at Ianto, as he clenched his hands on the steering wheel, unable to dispute Ianto's words. Pulling off to the side of the road, Owen quickly turned around, changing his direction. His eyes sliced to Ianto as he clipped out, "Okay, Ianto you win. We're going after Jack. We will watch and wait... and if we need to move in, you are to stay safely behind me. Any questions?"

"None at all. Thank you, Owen."

"I care about him too, Ianto. More than you know... and I know Hart too well. If he realizes Jack is lost to him forever, he's gonna snap. Hopefully, Jack has it under control... and if not, I sure hope we get there in time," Owen said in a harsh breath, more scared than he wanted to admit, before increasing his speed.

"I hope so, too. God... I couldn't bear it if anything happened to him now... " Ianto said, speaking in a mere whisper.

Owen nodded, as he patted Ianto on the knee. "We'll get there in time, Ianto. We have to... "

Jack watched as John slid into his jacket, before he placed his cases into the back of his car; his senses telling him something wasn't right out here... something was different. Pivoting around, he tried to determine the source of his unease, but unable to pinpoint it. He just had the feeling they weren't alone... but he couldn't find find anything in which to base his concerns. He flinched, as John slammed the trunk closed, his nerves suddenly feeling more than frazzled.

"Getting jumpy there, Jackie? You know, it's not too late to change your mind... You can always come with me. We could have so much fun together," John told him, with a wink.

"Not happening, John... and you know it. Now, get in the car and drive out of town. Then the state. You will not return or I will kill you on sight. Any questions?" Jack asked, keeping a stiff stance and his senses on the alert for any sudden movements on John's part.

John began to laugh, when his eyes focused on the trees not far behind Jack. Smiling in recognition of what Jack was soon to discover to be a fateful occurrence. "I think plans have changed, Jackie boy."

Jack swiveled around, his eyes clouding in fury as he watched the slow approach of his father, an automatic gun in hand with silencer intact. He grimaced, realizing a situation that was well in hand, could now be spiraling out of his control. "Well, I should say this is a surprise... but I guess it's not."

"Where is he?" Jack Harkness, Sr. yelled at the both of them.

"He?" Jack asked, pretending not to understand the question, while forcing himself not to pull the trigger.

"It's over, Jack. It's time to finish what was started years ago. I never should have let that kid live. He wasn't supposed to be so reslilent... so strong... so determined," his father hissed, eyes bulging... his face looking wild, untamed and virtually insane.

John chuckled from behind Jack, foolishly believing in his own safety now that his partner in crime had arrived. "Whoa, looks like one flew over the cuckoo's nest."

"Shut your fucking mouth, Hart. I'll deal with you in a minute," he returned savagely. "Now, Jack... where are the shares Ianto Jones holds... and where the hell is he, or I swear I will kill you now."

"Killing me won't gain you the shares... nor will it give you Ianto Jones. In fact, dear Dad... he doesn't have them. I have them in a secure location... one that will be revealed to the world should you persist in these actions," Jack answered, smiling maliciously at his father. "In fact, it no longer matters. As we speak, a special meeting is being scheduled... one that signifies a corporate takeover. Hmmm, and I wonder who is going to be at the head of that assault."

Jack laughed, as his father's hand shook, his face reddening in disbelief and rage. "That's not possible. They don't have the authority to do this without my knowledge."

"Oh, but they do when the holder of the majority of the shares is instigating a takeover. It's over, Dad. You've lost... and I hold all the cards. Your board was more more than cooperative when it was revealed the company would stay in the Harkness family... but, that's not quite the case. Once the takeover is complete - I will generously sign it over to it's rightful owner. Ianto Jones."

"Over my dead body," he rasped out, as his hand clutched at his suddenly heaving chest, his vision become blurry in his pain and rage. "I'll kill you now... both of you. Then, I will find your lover and do the same."

John rushed forward, preparing to plead for his own life, realizing his mistake almost immediately. He watched in fear as the elder Harkness managed to shoot the gun out of Jack's hand, laughing as Jack clutched his hand in pain. "I'm with you. I can still help you... " Words trailing away as he fell to the ground, as silent shots penetrated into his chest. His eyes barely able to focus, he reached his hand out towards Jack. "L-loved you, Harkness. In my own way," he whispered, before his breathing ceased to exist.

Jack lifted his eyes to his father, showing no fear... but realizing his life was now truly over. His sole regret having not told Ianto that he loved him. "Well, that's another murder... what are you waiting for, Dad? Finish it now."

His father advanced forward, aiming his gun directly at his chest, before he barked, "What happens next is up to you, Jack. First, you will take me to those files... and then you will turn Ianto Jones over to me. Your deaths can be easy or so very unpleasant. In addition, if you don't do as I ask - I will go to the hospital and kill Ianto's comatose mother. Your call, Jack. What's it going to be?"

"Fuck you, old man. You will kill her regardless. You are evil and insane. I'm not making any deals with you," Jack hissed, keeping his eyes trained on his father's; while observing the silent movement from behind him - artfully keeping the despair at bay when he viewed Ianto moving in behind Owen.

"I was hoping you'd see it that way, Jack. Nothing will give me greater pleasure than killing you - outside of filling your lover's head with lead," his father spat out as he began to pull the trigger, to find it shooting off into the distance when his back was assaulted with multiple shots.

As he fell to the ground, Owen and Ianto rushed forward, with Ianto kicking the weapon away from the hand of the crazed man, rushing forward to clutch onto Jack, pausing briefly to look down at John Hart's dead body. Ianto embraced him tightly, whispering his words of relief against Jack's neck. "Thank God, you are okay. I was so scared. Damn, I've never been so scared... "

"I'm fine, Ianto. All but a throbbing hand. Later, we will discuss your disregard for my instructions," Jack said sternly, leveling his gaze towards Owen. "However, if you hadn't, more than likely I would be dead now."

"Exactly," Owen clipped out. "You got your boy here to thank for that. He was determined that you needed us... a feeling I shared... and here we are."

They all looked down in contempt at the old man writhing in pain on the ground, his eyes all but rolling back into his head. Jack nudged Ianto forward, encouraging him to find his closure, before it's too late. "There he is, Ianto. I'm going to call the police now. Say what you need to say to him."

Ianto nodded, his eyes filled with tears and pain, looking at this man that had destroyed his younger life... the same man who had almost taken from him what meant the most of all - Jack. He hunched down to his level, noting how Jack had retrieved his gun as he called the authorities... and how Owen kept his weapon firmly trained on the elder man. "It's finally come full circle, old man. You lay there dying... as you should have so many years ago. I could kick you now, while you lay there helpless... but, I'm a better man than you. I don't give a damn if you die or go to prison for the rest of your miserable life. As far as I am concerned it's over. I've wasted too much of my life hunting you. Now, at last, I'm going to live my life."

Owen wasn't so generous, as he watched the old man trying to lash out at Ianto. He kicked at his side harshly, as he barked, "Don't say a word, fucker. This is Ianto's moment. You have nothing to say."

Jack nodded in approval as he gave the details to the dispatcher, eyes focused on the relief that seemed to be flowing from Ianto. He was going to be okay now. Regardless of how his father had met his end, it was over. Ianto could move on now. Not wallow in his need for revenge or fear... he could truly live now. And, Jack hoped that would include him.

Ianto stood up, pausing to spit down on the body of a moaning and trembling Jack Harkness, Sr., saying in closing, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of my father's company... well, that is until I sell it to your competitor. I won't taint my hands with anything you have touched."

"You worthless bastard... just like your f-father," he rasped out, only to cry out in pain as Owen kicked him with brutal force, laughing as he viewed the affects.

"It's okay, Owen. The man isn't worth the effort... but this man, most definitely is... " Ianto replied, as he moved towards Jack, pulling his lips down to meet his in a slow kiss... not one of lust, but one born of a deep, abiding love - one that he knew would last a lifetime.

Hearing the sirens in the distance, Ianto decided to make a declaration he wasn't certain he should be making... but unable to hold it inside any longer. "I uhmmmm, don't know if you want this, Jack... but hell, I gotta say it."

"What is it, Ianto?"

"I love you, Captain Jack Harkness, so fucking much it hurts," Ianto whispered, both of them chuckling as they heard Owen's groan from behind them.

"Well, here's a little secret Jones, Ianto Jones. I am head over heels in love with you too... " Jack echoed fervently, clasping Ianto tightly to his chest, more than anything thankful for this man being brought into his life. "Everything's going to be fine now, Ianto. Next, we will get the company into your hands and you can dispense with it as you wish... see to your mother's recovery, one that I'm hopeful you will be soon realizing... and move forward, hopefully with me firmly established in your life."

Ianto watched as the squad cars quickly materialized, answering Jack with clear certainty. "That you can count on, Jack. You're stuck with me now."

"I wouldn't have it any other way... "

TBC