17

"I hope I didn't put you on the spot" Franklin said to Ianto as he found the young man standing in the front foyer staring into space. The outer jacket he had on was one Franklin had never seen jack wear even though it was one that had been a Christmas gift several years ago. Expensive and well thought out only to see his son make a noise and place it to one side still in the wrapping. He didn't even know it was still in the house and was glad to see someone liked it. I made Ianto look … dangerous with the dark gunmetal grey Burberry's collar popped up. Ianto made a noise that told him the boy had no idea what he was talking about. "Your grandfather. His death."

"Oh. No. It's fine. It was not an accident. It was a hit. You were never allowed to see because it was done in-house. Some of those bodies were those who ordered the hit without the Old Man knowing what was happening." Ianto shocked him with his honest answer "They thought my grandfather was trying to take over the family business as he was doing some side deals. Turns out he was trying to go straight get out. Shame."

"You know… that makes sense. It never made sense to me that those friends would fight with a knife. They had guns and friends stand there. They just… stabbed him. Of course to make it seem accidental." Franklin nodded "Still ... your mother had a good upbringing with the Old Man?"

"Yes. He is a lovely man. I don't know if he knows who I am. He suspects I think. Why me Da changing my name was a thing. It was to hide us from the Old Man and that life. He drove me Mam into the grave then married the mistress, and then gave us her name. He did all he could to not only take up away from that life but to hide us from it. Of course… all for naught. As soon as I saw the Old Man I saw something familiar. So does he." Ianto shrugged. Franklin saw the dangerous stance in this man, saw the Old Man in the boy's manner and now saw why his son was gone. Jackson did not just care for this man… he loved him. Stupid fool had thrown away something that most never found in life.

"And so do I." Franklin finally said "Jack said you live on that side of the lights and the first time I saw you I saw your grandfather… the name threw me. Now it all makes sense."

"I work for the Old Man" Ianto said boldly "Yes. I am in the bookkeeping side of things. I do not usually go around shooting people or leaning on people but… I do know how to kill a car in my way."

Yes. That was hilarious. I must say … I watched that footage over and over again. The look on Jackson's face" Franklin started to laugh "good for you son."

Ianto nodded softly then he smiled, transforming and Franklin knew without turning to see that his son was approaching at speed, car keys in his hand.

"The roads are still congested" Franklin advised "Best take the chopper. Take the small one, can pop that down in a supermarket car park."

"Right, is Miles OK to fly?"

"Ready and waiting. Ianto, you are welcome to stay as long s you need. Oh… this afternoon… clothes shopping? You are clearly more refined than my son and I know a good man who…"

"I know a Master Tailor Sir. Always go to him and I already called him last night to see if he has any suits in stock not damaged in my size. He is putting together a wardrobe as we speak." Ianto assured him.

Franklin blinked, and then said softly "Well of course. I didn't mean to imply that just because you are from the other side of the lights that… well … I don't mean…"

"Dad. Stop talking. Ianto isn't taking offence… knows you are not saying anything rude. You are the one now panicking over your own words. Ianto has more control over his life than all your posse put together. Don't worry. He will shake this off like he does everything negative in his life!" Jack said, and then stopped talking as he looked at Ianto and visibly grimaced at his own words now.

"Pot… meet kettle?" Ianto asked sweetly.

Jack looked at him and then started to roar with laughter as he slapped his leg. Yeah. Practice what you preach. Let it go.

They headed for the chopper and Jack felt that amusement thrumming between him and Ianto. Jack hoped this upbeat Ianto could hang in there because they were about to enter a bad place. What was left of Ianto's home.

And it wasn't going to be pretty.