Happy #GerryAndersonDay!
We've reached the end of this story! Thanks again for all of your support - I couldn't have done this without all your lovely comments!
I have got other Supermarionation stories in the pipeline so if you're interested, you know where to find me!
All the best. c:
A few months later...
"And that, gentlemen, is how we can increase our sale profits. Any questions?"
Jeff anxiously tapped the table and glanced up at the clock on the back wall.
"No questions? That's fine then. Thanks for listening and I'll see you all in two weeks time."
Jeff was the first one out the door after being dismissed and practically ran to the elevator, suitcase in hand. He met Susie on the ground floor and gave her an aimable wave.
"A new record, Mr Tracy." she smiled, handing him his coat.
Jeff chuckled. "Are you recording my times now?"
She smiled. "I think I should. You'd put Olympians to shame."
"It's my excitement sneaking up on me." Jeff opened the limousine door for his secretary. He closed the door and got in the passenger seat. "Drop me off at the office, Reg. I'll walk the rest of the way."
"Are you sure, sir? That's quite a distance."
"Well if I rock up in the limo they'll know I'm coming!" Jeff explained. Susie laughed at his enthusiasm.
"As you wish, sir."
Jeff stared out of the window the whole way back, trying to suppress his excitement. He'd booked the week off work to spend time with his kids since they were on a school break, but he hadn't told them. He wanted to surprise the.
He would be spending much more time with his sons from now on.
Reginald shortly dropped Susie and Jeff at Tracy Industries. They headed up to Jeff's office to collect the papers the businessman would be taking home as part of his 'homework' during his week off. As Jeff was about to leave, Chuck walked into the reception, his arm in a sling. Virgil had explained to Jeff what had happened and how the man had basically been held hostage himself and forced to work for Barrett, along with how he'd risked his life to save him, making Jeff eternally greatful to the man.
That much so that he'd hired him as an accountant.
"O-Oh! Good afternoon, Mr Tracy."
"Hi Chuck! How's the arm?"
"Sore, but I'll live."
"What are you doing back here? I thought you were on business over at Dandridge's place?"
"The conference finished early so I flew back here yesterday. I know things will be a little light during your vacation but I wanted to be here just in case anything comes up."
Jeff's eyes flickered to Susie, then back to Chuck. "I have a few projects on the backburner that you could start planning for, if you're up to it?"
"That sounds great, Mr Tracy!" the man smiled.
"Good! Susie knows all about them, so she'd be the best person to ask while I'm away." he gave Chuck a little push forward towards his secretary, and the man blushed, as did Susie. "I best leave you to it, then."
"Thank you, Mr Tracy." Susie beamed. "Enjoy your break!"
"Goodbye sir."
"Thank you. I'll see you when I see you!" Jeff smiled, walking in the elevator. He gave them a playful salute as the doors closed.
It had been a lazy, boring day in the Tracy household.
Scott was napping on the sofa, Alan stretched across his lap, asleep, as Scott idly flicked through television channels with the remote control. Across the room was John, sitting on the other sofa as he read his book with a sleeping Virgil and dozing Gordon wedged next to him.
There was a knock at the door.
Scott and John made eye contact, not expecting anyone to call by today. The only person who usually called was grandma, but they knew she was busy seeing her friends today.
Scott gestured towards the door with his head and John nodded, placing his book on the arm of the chair before heading towards the hallway and opening the front door.
"Dad?"
Scott frowned. Their father wasn't due back until Tuesday, was he?
Jeff walked into the lounge, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder as his hands rested on his hips. "Is this any way to greet your old man?"
The sound of his voice woke Alan, who squealed, waking up Virgil and Gordon. He launched over to his dad. "Daddy!"
"What are you doing here?" Virgil muttered tiredly, still heavy with sleep.
Jeff lifted him into a hug. "Hi boys! Guess who's booked himself off work for a week?"
Scott and John's eyes widened. "YOU?"
Jeff laughed, "Don't act so surprised."
"But you've never booked time off work! Ever!" John gasped.
Jeff ruffled his hair. "Well, things are changing. For the better, I hope."
Gordon pounced over to his dad and hugged his leg. "You're staying with us?"
"As long as that's okay with you boys!"
"Sure it is, dad." Scott smiled, helping Virgil up. "It's not like we're gonna kick you out."
"Or are we?" Gordon replied with a big grin on his face.
"You rascal! You'd never!" Jeff grinned.
"Wouldn't we?" John smirked.
Jeff laughed. "You boys will have to let me know if you want me to take you anywhere this week. We can do anything you want."
"Can we go to the the rocket museum?"
"I wanna go to the swimming pool!"
"To the gallery, maybe?"
"To the... actually, I agree with Alan. The space museum."
"I don't mind, as long as there's food there."
"Scott, you're so greedy!" Virgil rolled his eyes.
"So are you!"
"Am not!"
"Speaking of food, what are we having for dinner? Can we have takeaway?"
"Yeah, Chinese!"
"I wanted pizza..."
"Don't get doing those puppy eyes with me, Gordon! The don't work anymore!"
"So you admit they used to work?"
"I didn't say that!"
Jeff laughed as his sons argued with one another about what they'd be having for dinner. He'd missed it. He'd missed them.
It was good to be home.