9

Ianto's father had not spoken to him since the evening, the flight back home spent on peaceful humming as Ianto went over sings in his head. Jack watched the older man's hands clasping the seat and knew he was pissed. He had to do something.

"Ifan, can I take a moment of your time?" Jack asked quietly "Without… ah… ears? A personal matter I need advice on."

They moved to the bedroom of the plane and sat on the bed. "Conan had a question, one hidden and we only found it right before going on."

"What?"

"A shot of Ianto kissing Mica. I don't know if they were going to make out he was a paedo or what but… Ianto got really upset about it and we were ready to pull lot of the entire damned thing. Conan apologized and said they would not ask it, Ianto made it clear that any and all attempts to pull his family into anything would be met with anger. He actually warned him with the fanbase… you would have been proud. He sounded… almost like you. He made it clear that there was no mention of his sister and her children to be made."

Ifan stared long and hard at Jack.

"Ianto did that with the song… he did it as a warning, I think. To show he has hidden teeth. Connan was given a gift, but also a double edged one. Rhiannon and her surrogacy are safe." Jack assured the man like it was a true story "He was so upset for her. He loves his sister and knows her surrogacy was something not to be spoken about. He has not told you because he is so upset. He was in tears over it. Didn't want you mad as well. He said you would be enraged on his behalf."

"Son of a whore" Ifan leaned back, and Jack knew Ianto was off the hook. The anger redirected at Conan who could take it. After all, they had talked things through all right.

Conan would protect Ianto for now… as he hoped for something later.

.

.

"Right. So… good news or great news?"

Jack looked at Toshiko and said softly "Bad."

She made a face.

"Tosh?"

"If his father gets another conservatorship, Ianto is bound for another five years." She said sadly.

"Right. Now… what are you squirming about?"

"It's lapsed."

"What?"

"The conservatorship!" she grinned "It's out by almost nine months. If he can last another three months in that house… there can be no renewal. Ifan has forgotten, or thought Ianto just was complaint now… in three months he cannot renew. He would have to reapply all over again and in the meantime…"

"Ianto would be free." Jack gaped.

"Exactly."

"So that great!" Jack laughed, "so what was the good news?"

"No… no that's the good news. The Great News is that Mica is not Rhiannon's."

Jack stared at her silently for a while then in a low warning tone said "We know that,"

"No…. I mean... no legal adoption was made. If you look really close, you can find the original birth certificate that names Ianto as the father. Conan's people could too if they were so inclined, as could and press reporter that got their interest piqued. When he leaves, we can snatch her up and take her. Legally, he is the father. Not even custody papers anywhere!" she giggled "They were so sure Ianto would just play along, they never legally finalized anything!"

"Fuck."

"Look… here is what I am thinking. Over the next three months we prepare... get our ducks in a row. Then, the day after the re-file is no longer available, he simply… leaves. That day we also cleanout his bank accounts, move what we can and take Mica too. By the time Ifan realizes what is happening… we are already in the wind." Owen cuts in.

"And if he remembers?"

"I have no doubt that that might happen. We prepare for a snatch and grab too" Owen nods. "Worst case scenario… we get John involved. I know… messy, loud and public but at least Ianto would be protected.

"We will prepare for whatever we can and hope for the best. I have to get him out of there before he cracks" Jack wanted "If his father manages to lock him on for another five years, he will not make it."

"I know, we all know."

"So, we have a plan?"

.

.

Ianto was not so sure, so sure his father would sell this out, would pip this at the post. He was also trusting Jack and nodded, deciding that it was worth the risk.

For his little girl.

And their freedom. God, really? It might be that easy?

But how.

How do they get him out of there, Mica safe and Ifan left with no way to snatch them back.

That was something Jack and Toshiko had to sort out between themselves…. And maybe bring John into the mix.

Whatever it takes.

As long as Jack is by his side, Ianto felt he was strong enough to do this.

They just needed to last the time…. Then watch for the signs.

To run.