Those first words returned to haunt Jeff, reminding him that this time there was no holding back.

"You're not a child anymore, Scott."

John's arrival changed everything.

The atmosphere in the conference room had grown stifling as the failure to track the video became evident. Muttered curses filled the air but John had swept in carrying two big bags, commandeered the large conference table and started removing his electronics.

The air changed to one of less than subtle interest, and as John plugged in the three laptops he'd brought with him and connected the laptop that had been left for his dad – after Flinn's approving nod of course – the murmur of curses turned into murmurs of interest.

John gave his Dad a one-armed hug before slipping some headphones on and steeling himself to watch the video. Although John's arrival had given him some marked relief Jeff still shuddered and turned away – he couldn't bear to see that happen to Scott again – and found his Ma and Alan watching him, his youngest with an air of uncertainty but his Mother, as always, knew exactly what to do.

'Alan, take your Dad out for a walk.'

'But Ma – '

'But Grandma – '

'Only a quick one. Gordon and Virgil will be back shortly, if I'm not mistaken, but your Dad could use some fresh air.'

'Yes Grandma.'

Jeff stood and was immediately pulled into a brief but tight hug by the diminutive woman. Ruth let him go before turning to the Detective.

'I wish I could say it was nice to see you again, Detective Flinn.'

'Ma'am. I wish the same.'

'Don't let me stop you.'

'Yes, Ma'am.'

Ruth Sally Tracy eyed the people in the room who had unconsciously stopped to watch the interaction, and with a clearing of Flinn's throat they all returned to their work, several faces blazing in embarrassment. She nodded to the detective.

'When Jeff and his boys return please send them upstairs. I'll be waiting.'

'Yes, Ma'am.'

'And please make sure your team orders dinner. I imagine Virgil and Gordon will grab drinks and sandwiches but I want to make sure you all get a hot meal into yourselves.'

'I'll make sure they all eat.'

'See that you do, Detective Flinn. I expect you to join us at 7pm sharp unless there is a breakthrough.'

'I – uh – '

'Seven pm sharp, Detective.'

Sally turned and left before Flinn could get another word in.

'You best do as she says, Detective. There's no arguing with Grandma once she's made up her mind.'

'I remember, John.'

'Good. You might as well accept you're having dinner with us.'

Flinn sighed. John was right. He remembered how Mrs Tracy had gently steamrollered over both himself and his team to get Jeff out of the room and sent back to their rooms and his sons. She'd been right, of course. Once Jeff had returned to his boys he'd become much easier to deal with.

He watched John for a moment longer before turning to go see what the rest of his team were doing.

'Flinn – two things.'

'Yes, John?'

'You surely aren't still a detective?'

'For the sake of your father I am.'

There was a twinkle in Flinn's eye and John couldn't help but laugh.

'Fair enough.'

'And the second thing?'

John didn't answer straight away, his fingers still flying.

'John?'

'I – I think I've got him.'

'Are you sure?'

'I'm positive. He has more computer skills than Cowlishaw ever did but he made a fatal mistake.'

'And what was that?'

The grin John flashed back was grim and feral at the same time. Flinn found himself grinning back.

'He underestimated. Underestimated the Tracys. Underestimated me.'

'Who is it?'

Jeff, Alan, Virgil and Gordon arrived back to see the whole room mobilising.