3

It was worse than he thought. Not only was Lucia sinking her claws into the lies, she was perpetuating them by screaming loudly like he was killing her, even though he was just standing there in the room with her.

Then she started smashing things, the baby screaming with fear in Jack's arms at the sounds as Lucia screamed as well. By the time the police turned up Jack was ready to collapse, the 911 operator still on the phone as he thanked the operator.

"He attacked me!" she cried, collapsing on the floor like she was injured "look what he did. He attacked me, threw things, oh god. My baby, I was holding the baby when…"

Jack again felt disconnected as the cuffs went back on and he was led away.

.

.

Owen was shaking his head as he signed the bail papers, leading Jack out of the cells black… again. By this time Jack was mute, unable to process anything, too overcome with confusion and grief over what was happening to even defend himself.

They got to Owen's car and Jack saw the bags, knowing these were his things Lucia probably threw at Owen. He got in the car and closed his eyes, his hear pounding as he tried not to cry. Men don't cry. This was nuts.

Jack became aware of the length of time they had been in the car not speaking and he raised his head to see a country lane's hedgerows flashing past the windows "Owen?"

"Look, I have to hide you. Clearly these mad bitches are up to something and until we sort it out you are not safe. Even a fart right now can be accused of being mustard gas" Owen replied as he turned the wheel and they crunched up a long drive "I am dumping you on my childhood friend. Please be nice and please behave. He is… nervy. Hates people and is only doing this as a favor to me. OK?"

Jack nodded, picking up his bags and following Owen who froze and cursed softly before saying "Wait."

"What?"

A huge black monster of a dog appeared from nowhere, its head low like a predator as it stalked towards them. Owen smiled "Hi Janet, it's me. Where's your sister?"

As if called, a pale honey coloured monster dog appeared from the other side.

"Wow, big" Jack managed to say as these things stalked towards them.

"Rhyffahu" a voce roared.

The two dogs instantly transformed into fuzzy monsters with tongues and happy dancing.

"Rolly what?" Jack asked.

"It means release" the voice said and Jack turned his head to find a man standing there in dark trousers, a matching waistcoat that was open and a white button up shirt that was unbuttoned at the collar and had the sleeves rolled up to reveal soft hair on his arms, his steely blue eyes were shielded as he stood with that cute button nose and… well… he looked like a librarian trying to unplug a drain or something.

"Hi Ianto" Owen grinned "the girls still don't like me eh?"

"Don't worry about it, they only like me." Ianto replied "Tibetan Mastiffs are known to be stubborn."

"They are gorgeous" Jack crooned, crouching to cluck at them and the black one… Janet… looked interested while Myfanwy seemed uninterested in him, turning to follow Ianto inside with a flick of her large tail.

Jack followed Owen inside, dumping the bags in the main foyer of the old style country home. It was full of wood, books and tit tat. It was very lived in and… comfortable. He loved it immediately.

"Right, you must be parched, come sit and I shall make a brew" Ianto offered.

"Oh god yes pleeeeeease" Owen begged with his hands, making Jack look at him like he was nuts.

Soon he knew why.

Oh wow.

"So, we have the files, everything here in hard copy like you prefer, we also have a memory stick with the footage and such you asked for, Toshi will be here tomorrow" Owen said as he finished the muffin he had chomped down on, rising with a grin.

After Owen had left a cat appeared, sleek and pretty with a tuxedo chest. Ianto waved a hand distractedly "Beware of that one. Hates Owen… they all do. Frankenfurter is a tease."

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" Jack blurted "right?"

Ianto looked at him with surprise "Well, you are the first to recognize that. Mind, not many people come here. Oh, and the overly fat fucker over there under the pot plant stand is dangerous. He will trip you, try to sleep on your face… do NOT give him any excuse to sleep with you. He is a killer in a furry coat."

"And what is his name?" Jack asked, the last few days seemed to be in another place and time, this place another realm altogether.

"Meatloaf." Came the bland reply.

Jack found himself laughing, then the first sob escaped. Jack broke down, sitting in the chair by the fire cuddling a cat as he wept like a fucking heroine in a romance novel, feeling totally ashamed of himself for getting into such a mess.

Ianto simply banked the fire and settled back to read a book like nothing was happening.

For which Jack was eternal grateful.