The following weeks seemed to rush by, there was so much work to catch up on after their trip to the factory. Luckily, Balinor took over the selection of the new staff for the factory, allowing his son to focus on his other projects. It was on a Friday, a month later before Balinor called both Merlin and Arthur to his office to let them know what was happening.
"The police have already found sufficient evidence to charge the group. It seems all the managers were involved to some degree or another. Except the original financial director, although I do think he was negligent but he was nearing retirement. All of the group have been let out on bail, but can't go near the factory. Also, it seems Valiant has been implicated, so you won't have to deal with him. I have put Gwaine in charge of the factory for now, on a trial basis. It's about time that young man settled down, he has a good brain but needs to focus." Balinor grinned at his son, "Don't worry, he will still be popping in to keep me informed."
"I'm surprised Gwaine agreed," Merlin said. "I thought he didn't want a permanent post."
"He didn't but he was the best available. Now you two, I want to thank you both for what you did," he turned to his son. "Your observation skills were outstanding on this, not that I have forgiven you for collapsing… again."
Then looking at Arthur, "The help you gave was also appreciated, it can't have been easy but you have proved your worth to the company. You will notice I have increased your pay from the next paycheck onwards. I hope we can keep you in the company; I would hate to lose you." The older man grinned, "And what's more, you seem to be able to cope with my self sacrificing idiot of a son!"
"Oi!" Merlin said at his father's comment. "I'm not an idiot!"
"You are when it comes to your own health. You have caused your mother and I to many grey hairs! For someone with a very keen intelligence you can be a total idiot," Balinor said. "Your mother has demanded that you both come over for Sunday lunch. I think she has adopted you Arthur. Do as you are asked, it's just not worth the hassle otherwise. My wife is a lovely woman be she can be ruthless when she feels like it."
Arthur smiled, "Thank your wife for me, but I promised my sister I would take her out for Sunday lunch this weekend, and she can be a witch if she doesn't get her own way."
"Then bring her as well. That way we both win, my wife will be happy and your sister will be taken out for lunch. I understand Gwaine is down this weekend so tell him to come as well. Your mother seems to adopt all sorts of strays," Balinor muttered rolling his eyes.
"And you love her for it," Merlin teased back; turning to Arthur the raven haired man smirked, "Just watch it and remember she loves me best!"
"Off course, she doesn't know me very well yet," Arthur replied.
Leaving the office, both men were pleased with the report they had received. When it was time to go home, Merlin turned to Arthur, "Get to mine about seven."
Arthur nodded, "Sure you don't want me earlier, to help cook?"
"No, that's alright, I've cheated slightly. I put on a veggie curry in the slow cooker this morning and Mum made me a pudding for everyone. Also Gwen has promised to bring something for you meat eaters." Merlin grinned.
"I'll bring some beer," Arthur offered. "You need beer to go with curry, somehow wine just doesn't do it."
Merlin rushed back and made sure everything was tidy, his cleaner wasn't due in until Monday. Then he set the dining room table, a room he seldom used, but would be nice to entertain for a change. Checking the curry and making sure all the condiments and extras were ready, Merlin went to shower and change.