Slipping Through

Chapter 14 - Adrift
Written by: Totally4Ryo
Date Written: 8/13/08
Rating: PG 13
Word Count: 6955
Fandom: FAKE/Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Dee/Ryo, Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys, Toshiko, Owen
Spoilers: FAKE – all through to volume 7, Torchwood - up to “Adrift”
Warnings: Dee being… Dee. And of course, two sexy male couples (but if you aren’t into that, why are you reading FAKE and/or watching Torchwood?)
Summary: AU version of “Adrift”, with Dee and Ryo being involved. Can they change the outcome? Or should they? Both men are well aware of paradoxes, and know they should tread carefully.
Author Notes: So Grace Musica picked up where my muses were being stubborn with the Interlude. In exchange, I agreed to cover the entire “Adift” episode.

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Toshiko turned at the sound of the cog door opening. Already having an idea of who it could be, she smiled as Ryo entered, carrying a cardboard box. The half Japanese man returned the computer expert’s smile, and continued to walk across the Hub to the table before the couch, where he set the box down.

Toshiko took off her glasses, putting them down on her desk and stood up. “You would think after spending a day chasing after drunken Blowfish and Retconning half a shopping center, you’d want to stay away from here for the evening,” she said in a way of greeting.

Ryo chuckled. “Rumor has it that you lot are going to be burning the midnight oil tonight. So Dee and I figured we might as well provide some dinner.”

Tosh giggled. “You mean you were listening in on our frequency again, weren’t you?”

Ryo grinned. “We keep the channels open here and there, just to make sure.”

“Smells good,” Tosh remarked, sniffing the air. “And I think it’s Sheppard’s Pie.”

“That it would be, Neesan. It was Dee’s turn to make dinner tonight. Lane family recipe.”

Tosh giggled. “Deep down inside that big bad New Yorker is just a sweet Irish boy, huh?”

Ryo rolled his eyes. “You should see him at St. Patrick’s Day.”

“Speaking of, where is Dee? You didn’t leave him home to eat dinner alone, did you?”

“Nah. He’s with Jack and Ianto, helping them with the bodies. That was quite a little bloodbath you had there tonight.”

Tosh lost her smile. “Yeah. It was. Jack almost ended up calling you in. If it got worse, he would have.”

Ryo placed comforting hands on her shoulders. “If we heard it get any worse, we would have been calling, saying we’re on our way.” He gave her an encouraging smile. “Now, that casserole dish should keep it warm for a couple of hours,” he said as they heard the cog door open. “So Dee and I plan to stick around and help with any clean up.”

“I’m sorry that tonight’s autopsies will be just humans,” Owen’s sarcasm floated across the Hub from the door.

“Only tainted from alien tech,” Ianto remarked after a grunt.

They heard Dee’s chuckle. “Don’t you know, Ianto? Everyone is tainted from alien tech.”

“Indeed,” Ianto agreed.

“Sometimes I wonder,” Jack added.

“Especially you, Dee,” Owen replied.

“Pen coc,” Dee muttered, and then grunted as he shifted the weight he was hauling.

Tosh and Ryo turned to watch the three men bring in the bodies of the dead.

“Ianto, once we clear the victims, you know what you need to do,” Jack instructed as Ryo went over to help the men. “Dee, Ryo, you can give a hand with the autopsies, and bagging and tagging. Toshiko, I want you to make sure we have all living witnesses. Once Gwen gets back from the police station, Tosh and Gwen can start the Retconning. As soon as we’re finished here, we’ll join in.” Jack sniffed the air. “And somehow, everyone needs to find time to eat. We’re going to need it. Except you, Owen.” The dead man scowled at Jack, who pretended to ignore it. “Thank you, guys,” he added, winking at Ryo and Dee.

*** *** * *** ***

Hours later, Dee and Ryo followed Ianto down to the tombs. “I appreciate your helping us tonight, especially since you have a new flat to be settling in.”

“No biggie,” Dee remarked. “Owen’s old place was already furnished and we still don’t have much to move. We’re all set up, and ready for the next Torchwood after hours poker party.”

“Next time, someone call Jack out on cheating, please,” Ianto requested. “It would be interesting to see what chores he would amass by playing fairly.”

Dee laughed. “Well, you know, I can always cheat some too. I know how to deal to cheaters. It came in handy for a couple of undercover assignments I had.”

Ryo rolled his eyes, but did not bring up that on the evening in question, he was aware of not only Jack cheating, but also Dee. His husband, however, was more discreet in his transgressions than the Captain.

“Oh, that would be a pleasure. Please do.” Ianto smirked, his mind already on the possibilities.

“So, explain this again,” Ryo requested. The two former detectives had the general idea of what needed to be done, but it was the first time they were to see it carried out.

“One of our victim’s had wounds that Owen could not conceal to make it appear as another form of death,” Ianto explained as they entered the chamber. The two freelance agents nodded their heads in agreement. “Meaning we can’t release the body to the family. However, the family does have a right to closure. A car fire would be best. If we do it right, burned beyond recognition.”

“Using another body so Candice Merryman can be kept here for further study?” Dee asked.

“Exactly. It’s not exactly the best thing to do, but under circumstances, it’s the only way we have,” Ianto explained with an apologetic look.

“Understood,” Ryo replied with a nod.

“Then you will head out with Gwen to work with the local police and make sure the reports end up just as we expect they should be,” Ianto further instructed.

“Well, we seem to still be getting a well-rounded education,” Dee remarked. “Alrighty then. Let’s get this going then.”

They stopped before the wall of vaults. Dee and Ryo’s eyes automatically went to cell 3, assuring all was well, or as much as they could tell. Both men’s heads snapped up and they traded a glance, as if realizing something for the first time.

“Is there anything wrong?” Ianto asked, looking over a clipboard.

“Um, no,” Dee commented. He started to walk over to stand next to Ianto. “We’re just…” He seemed to suddenly drift off. Ryo caught the slight shiver that Dee managed to suppress to anyone but his husband, his eyes on the cell next to where he was now standing.

“Just?” Ianto asked, starting to look concerned.

Ryo walked over to stand behind Dee. “Dee?” Ryo asked.

Dee placed his hand on the door of the cell, looking odd.

Ryo touched Dee’s back gently. “Dee, please don’t tell me you’re seeing spooks fly out of there.”

Dee shook his head. “No.” He took a deep breath. “I’m fine. No ghosts.” His eyes went to the cell again. “Just out of curiosity, who is this?”

Ianto looked over the electronic clipboard. “Katherine Griffin. Torchwood employee, died in 1898.”

Dee whistled.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Dee?” Ryo asked, rubbing Dee’s back. “What happened?”

Dee shrugged. “Dunno. Just felt something go up my spine. Just a little case of the creepy-crawlies being down here in the Torchwood catacombs.”

“Do you want to go back up?” Ianto asked.

“Hell no. I’m fine now. There’s nothing in there but dust and bones of some long gone Torchwood employee. I imagine had it been Alice or Emily, I’d have really had the creeps.” Dee gave Ianto his patented smile meant to convey he was okay.

Ianto looked at his clipboard again and pointed out two nearby cells. “Alice, and over there is Emily. Glad to introduce you.”

Ryo rolled his eyes, chuckling.

“Thank you so much for that, Ianto,” Dee remarked. “Ever the efficient tour guide.” He glared at the amused Archivist. “So, is this where you keep all the bodies?”

Ryo was glancing over Ianto’s shoulder and catching a note for cell 3. Failed Torchwood experiment. Extremely dangerous. Do not open under any circumstances for risk of widespread death. Ryo smirked. So that’s how they managed to avoid anyone from opening that drawer over the years. The fanboy in Ryo took over as he thought about how Emily must have taken great joy in calling Jack a ‘failed experiment’.

“Once I’m finished here with Candice, we’ll go over to what I’ve started to call the depot,” Ianto answered Dee. He was making notations on the clipboard, and then signed it off. He closed the drawer. “This way, gentlemen.”

“The depot, huh?” Dee mused as they followed Ianto further into the vaults. “Just what everyone needs, the Body Depot,” he joked weakly, trying to get his mind off the fact that they were, for all intents and purposes, walking through an underground mausoleum, where for most of the bodies stored, was not their final resting place.

Ianto and Ryo laughed as they flanked each side of Dee.


## ## ## ##

Dee was straddling Ryo, glass of wine in his hand, as Ryo leaned up to softly nuzzle his chin. It had been a quiet day over at the Hub, which meant Dee and Ryo spend some of the day shopping, before going back to their flat for an early evening. They had just finished eating dinner, and were relaxing on the couch with some wine and soft music. Both men knew it wouldn’t be long before they would end up in the bedroom, making slow love. It had been a while since they were able to draw it out, rather than a quick spin before dropping off to much needed sleep.

The problem they found with Weevil hunting was it turned them on. Immensely. More than solving a case, and seeing justice done. Helping Torchwood with aliens, and learning more about other races, came in with a close second. While never voiced, each man thought about their lives now, and wondered would they ever be able to go back to being merely detectives, seeking out the bad humans.

Dee moaned softly at what Ryo’s mouth was now doing to his neck. He pulled away, draining his glass and setting it on the side table. Grinning at Ryo, he ran a hand down Ryo’s chest, covered only with a thin undershirt. He opened his mouth, about to suggest moving things into the bedroom when Ryo’s mobile went off.

“Damn,” Dee swore as Ryo picked up the phone.

“It’s Toshiko,” he said to Dee, before answering. “Yes, Neesan. The channel has been quiet tonight, so what’s up?” He gave Dee a half-hearted shove away, as the younger man started to nibble his neck.

“Well… um, working hard tonight, huh? Long night. Missing people? Does Jack know? No, huh? Okay, I can do. It might take a bit to get it together. So give us about an hour or so? Later.”

Dee pulled away from Ryo, studying him. “Tosh is working late and Jack doesn’t know, huh?”

Ryo nodded. “I got the impression that Gwen doesn’t know she called us either. Neesan asked for sushi. I’ll bet she told Gwen she was just ordering food.”

Dee sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Well, okay. Missing people, huh? As in Rift activity?” When Ryo nodded, their eyes met, knowing what was going on. “At least we know this isn’t going to end up coming back just before dawn after running all over town, right?”

“Right. We bring sushi, act interested, and try to convince Gwen that what she’s doing isn’t good.” Ryo pursed his lips as Dee frowned. “What?”

“I can’t say she’s entirely wrong. She’s right that Nikki needs closure. She’s right in feeling that Torchwood at least owes the families something.” He let out a sigh. “On the other hand, Jack is taking care of the victims. Only… Nevermind.” He gave his husband a soft kiss, before standing up, collecting his empty glass. “Good thing that’s exactly what we had for dinner tonight and there’s leftovers.”

Ryo watched Dee cross the living room toward the kitchen. With a sigh, he stood up. “Look, if it makes you feel better, I’ll do the talking with Gwen. Then tomorrow, you can have a little visit with Jack. Because I know you feel that they are both wrong and right at the same time.”

Dee nodded. “There really isn’t an easy answer to it.”

“Except that Nikki must never see Jonah as he is now,” Ryo stated, going to the fridge and opening it.

Dee nodded again. “I have to admit that I agree with you there. If it was Bikky….” Dee took a deep breath, telling himself that nothing like that could ever happen to their son. “If he was that lost, that beyond help of any type, I’d rather remember the boy we knew. Does that make me a bad father?” Dee leaned against the counter frowning. “After all, a parent’s love is supposed to be unconditional.”

Ryo took a deep breath and after placing the containers on the counter, slipped his arms around Dee’s waist. “I’d like to think that once we got over that scream, we’d accept things as they were. I’d like to hope so, at least. But Dee, we’ve seen things that almost everyone else out there could never understand. And I still can’t give you an honest answer. However, for Nikki, it’s best if she never knows.”

“But Gwen still needs to know,” Dee commented. “I think that’s why Ianto will do what he does.”

Ryo patted Dee’s chest. “Then we’ll let Ianto do the honors. Now, let’s pull this together and go deliver the food. The sooner we do, the sooner we’re back here and… I think there’re a couple of silk ropes with your name on them.”

“Oh? Let’s go then.”

*** *** * *** ***

When Dee and Ryo entered the Hub, they found themselves within a flurry of activity, despite there only being the two women there. The women did not notice the ex-detectives’ arrivals. Dee and Ryo stood off to the side, admiring how the they worked together, fluidly. That they were beautiful women, even while frowning as they studied a readout together, made it more interesting to watch.

Finally Dee cleared his throat loudly and went over to the two in front of Toshiko’s computer. “Good evening, ladies. I hear you were hungry for homemade sushi for dinner tonight,” he said, his eyes scanning everything he could see.

“Dee,” Gwen greeted relieved. With both hands full of paper, she threw her arms up to hug the handsome former NYPD detective. “Am I glad to see you. Ryo, you too. And you’re both angels for bringing us food.”

“Break time, ladies,” Ryo announced, placing the containers with the sushi on the table at the couch. “If you will excuse me, I’m going to boil some water for the miso soup and green tea. Then while you eat, you can tell us what you are up to while the Captain is away.” He winked at Tosh after Gwen gave him a hug, then sauntered off in the direction of the kitchen.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Tosh replied, sitting down on the couch and opening the containers with the sushi. “We figured since you both were also cops, you can give us a hand with this investigation.”

Dee sat down on the edge of the table, facing the women.

“When Tosh told me you were bringing us dinner, I was also hoping that you already know something to help,” Gwen explained as Dee set out the travel Japanese dishware Toshiko had bought for them. “I realized while we were waiting that you had mentioned Jonah’s name before.”

“And damn you and your good memory,” Ryo remarked, carrying over a kettle of boiling water and a ceramic tea pot. “That was a long time ago.”

Dee grinned as he opened the small packages of miso paste and dehydrated seaweed into the bowls that came with the set. Ryo was poured water into the tea pot, before handing it to Dee, who poured the water into the bowls. Though the two men had already had dinner, they both decided to have some soup and tea while they talked.

Gwen frowned over at Ryo. “What’s that mean, Ryo?”

Dee handed Gwen a bowl with miso soup, while Toshiko set a plate with tuna and salmon rolls, which were Gwen’s favorite, before her friend. Tosh smiled as Dee handed her a bowl.

Ryo accepted the bowl from Dee while he waited for the tea to steep and met Gwen’s eyes. “It means that what we know came from an episode of a TV show.”

“Which is obviously paralleling with our world. Just like the manga,” Gwen pointed out. “How off was that of your courtship?”

Dee slurped some of his soup from the bowl loudly. Japanese tradition is to sip the soup from the bowl, but one did not slurp miso soup. The action caused Gwen to stare at him, while Toshiko giggled, already learning the dark haired man’s tactics. “Well, they did leave out the baby I had,” Dee remarked, seriously, his attention going back to taking another sip.

Gwen’s eyes went wide. “What? Baby? What baby? You mean, Bikky is really yours?” She stared bug-eyed at Dee in shock and intrigue.

Dee realized taking that second sip was a mistake as he found himself in a spot between spitting out the liquid or choking on it. Ryo tsked as he started to rub Dee’s back, nudging the hand his husband still held the bowl to his mouth. “Yes, Gwen,” Ryo remarked, watching Dee. “And we were able to pick out the genetics so we had a half African-American, half-Russian son with blond hair and café au lait skin, despite neither of us being of African-American or Russian descent. At least we think Dee isn’t.” He winked at his husband, referencing his mysterious heritage.

“At least not African-American,” Tosh agreed, catching onto the other’s teasing, and joining in.

Dee lost it then, almost losing the bowl if Ryo’s hand was not there to catch it, as he spit the soup out.

Gwen got up to smack Dee as Toshiko and Ryo joined in Dee’s laughter. “You bastard!” she shrieked among the laughter. “Piss off, Dee!” She smacked his arm again.

Dee gazed up at her, still laughing, accepting the napkin Toshiko offered him. “C’mon now. If you really believed that….” His sparkling dark green eyes met hers.

Gwen started to see the humor, even if she was red in the face for falling for it. “Well, there’s Jack with his talk,” she commented, then giggled. “And you were so good.” She finally started to chuckle more.

Dee winked at her. “Yeah, that’s what I’m constantly told.”

“Dee!” Ryo laughed as the Welsh woman turned redder.

“I’ll take your word for it, Dee,” Gwen commented. She looked up to Ryo. “Or rather, I’ll take his word.”

“He is,” Ryo affirmed.

“Thank you for that, Ryo,” Tosh laughed.

“Now,” Dee said, putting his bowl down. “We know for fact that the manga followed true to our courtship, however, we have no proof that it goes both ways yet. Not to mention that little side story Tosh showed us, called ‘Like Like Love’, ‘cause Bikky’s not ready to go to college yet, but Ryo and I are married and we’ve been living together as a family,” he pointed out the odd manga story belonging to FAKE. “Yes, we saw an episode called “Adrift” that dealt with Jonah Bevan. But we can’t be sure all the facts are the same until you tell us. So start from the beginning. Then we’ll go from there.”

Gwen nodded. “Okay.”

They waited until Ryo poured everyone tea and settled himself on the couch next to Tosh. “Okay Gwen, from the beginning. Everything from the moment you found yourself involved with this,” Ryo prompted her.

----------

When Gwen was finished, realizing neither man stopped her for questions, she looked hopefully over to them. He own experience as a former PC, added to working for Torchwood, made her nervous of their lack of response. “So?” she asked both men. She looked over to Tosh for support.

Tosh smiled up at Ryo sweetly. “As you can see, we have all the evidence you need, and we’re not even close to finished yet.”

Ryo stood up, collecting their empty plates. “Let me get these clean first,” he said. Both women caught the look he gave Dee.

“Um, I think I’ll help him. If you both feel like getting back to work, we’ll join you there.” Dee winked at them.

“Dee!”

Gwen and Tosh traded looks as Dee gathered the bowls and rushed to join his husband. Gwen tried not to frown as she got a sinking feeling. Tosh patted her arm. “Let’s get back to work. Remember, they’re not Jack, who has the final word.” She grinned slyly as her eyes settled on Dee. “Even if one of them thinks he is sometimes.”

Gwen giggled. The two women stood up and went back to their work. At first it was with effort they ignored the two men having a quiet conversation in the kitchen, but soon enough they got caught up with their work, forgetting about Dee and Ryo.

They looked up when they realized they were no longer alone to find Ryo there, his eyes taking in all their work. Dee chose to wash their dinner dishes. Their discussion lead Ryo to take on the bad cop role, since Dee was still of the opinion that Gwen was not the only one at fault. Dee would go easy on Gwen. In return, the younger American would also be the one to confront Jack later.

“How long did it take you to put this together?” Ryo asked.

Tosh smiled at him. “Since this afternoon.”

Gwen was gathering the printouts that were scattered about the work stations. “I have a war room,” she announced to Ryo.

Ryo grinned at the Welsh woman, giving her a wink. “Got a Risk board set up or something?” he teased.

Gwen made as if she was ready to leave. “Want to join me? I need to get this latest batch up.”

“Sure,” Ryo said. With a hand to indicate she lead the way, he added, “Ladies first.” He glanced back at Tosh with a smile before following Gwen down toward the cells, where she set up her ‘war room’ – a central command of sorts, with printouts of those gone missing around the time of reverse spike activity, along with catalogue cards indicating that the person’s time of going missing coincided with a reverse spike.

Ryo’s eyes went wide as he looked at the walls already half covered with printouts, and the map with red dots indicating where in Cardiff someone disappeared. Even if knowing what to expect, he could not help but be affected by the immensity of the problem by actually standing in the area, and it was only half complete from what he knew it would be once the two women were done with their research.

“Here we are,” Gwen announced. She gazed coyly at Ryo. “But maybe you already knew about this?”

“I knew what to expect the first time I was out on a beat. Still threw me when I had to run three blocks to catch a crack head,” he stated as he carefully touched a flyer. It connected to him. This was real, it was happening to people in the city he temporarily called home. It was no longer just a series on the telly.

Gwen laughed nervously. “You have a point.” She started to put up the flyers, and sort out catalogue cards, stamping them to indicate reverse rift activity before placing it with the matching flyer.

Ryo continued to quietly study the area for a few minutes, allowing Gwen to work. Finally, with his hands in his pockets, he said, “You know you’ve stepped – no, vaulted – into a quagmire.”

Gwen looked around at the walls. “I didn’t mean to,” she explained. “It was supposed to be just one person. Jonah Bevan. But how do you ignore everyone else?” she asked softly.

“We’re all just pieces of an engine, Gwen.”

“If it’s the Rift that’s causing it, then it’s our responsibility to do something about it.” She turned to face Ryo, waiting for his response.

Ryo shrugged. He thought he knew what to say until he found himself on the receiving end of a statement that Gwen delivered to Jack in the episode – still might deliver to the Captain. It was highly possible, but Ryo couldn’t be sure anymore. Just by him and Dee being there that evening already changed events from playing out exactly as he knew them to. If only he could be so sure the outcome could just as easily be changed. The universe had a wicked sense of humor, he decided as he kept his silence.

“Look Ryo, I won’t be able to sleep knowing there’re all these people out there, and the loved ones they left behind, and we’re not doing anything to help.”

Ryo sighed, his eyes once again taking in the scope of the situation by the walls around them quickly becoming filled with flyers. “And how are we supposed to help all those people? There’re seven of us – if you include me and Dee. And there’s….” He indicated with a wave of his hand all the missing, both knowing she was not yet done with the wall.

“I don’t know,” Gwen replied honestly. “First we need to gather facts, yes?”

Ryo took a deep breath. “You might not like the facts.”

Frowning Gwen stopped from putting up another flyer to look over at Ryo. “Come again, love?” she asked.

“Like… when you think a lover’s working late, but you find out they’ve been sleeping with the secretary down on the 4th floor,” Ryo tried to explain without giving away too much.

Gwen turned. “How could this be wrong? Who’s right in ignoring it?” she demanded. Folding her arms, she added, “Besides if Rhys would be cheating on me, I’d like to know.”

Ryo caught the next words before they flew out of his mouth. She did eventually tell Rhys about Owen, even if the poor man had been Retconned after. Besides, marriage changes the rules. She was probably right concerning herself. Ryo realized that he did not know which he would prefer had it been Dee. He felt himself relax on that. Dee was an outrageous flirt, especially when he was after something to solve a case or get information, but even with friends and strangers. It was his husband’s nature, and Ryo knew that was all it was. Dee would never sleep with anyone but him. His husband hadn’t even for years before Ryo finally told him that he loved him.

Ryo cleared his mind. He knew his mind was being diverted because as a cop, he could appreciate where Gwen was coming from. In most normal situations, he might even side with her. Then there are some things that are best not knowing. He set his mind back to his task at hand, determined to make her see she was going about it the wrong way.

“You work in a city where people ignore aliens in the sewers,” he explained. “Where I’m from they imagine things in sewers.” He sighed heavily. “Gwen, this is going to sound incredibly condescending, but I’m going to say this because I am a parent and you aren’t.” He swallowed, realizing even just the thought was difficult. “If you could tell me, point blank, right now, that there was no way I would ever get back to see my son, I wouldn’t want you to tell me.” As Gwen stared at him in disbelief, he went on. “I don’t care if it’s a lie. I… wouldn’t want you to take my hope away.”

Gwen shook her head slowly. “That’s called denial, Ryo. It’s not good, you know.” Her brown eyes pierced his even darker eyes. “Maybe I just need you to have a talk with Nikki. You know, expecting what’s on the beat, but still having to run those blocks the first time?” she appealed to him. “Ryo, Jonah’s mother – her life is on hold. Would you want to do the same for you and Dee?”

“Yes,” Ryo replied firmly. “I would put my life on hold for my son.”

“I don’t see that,” Gwen remarked, only seeing a man who was settled comfortably into his new life. Yes, she knew the two former NYPD detectives were still waiting, hoping for a chance to go home, no matter how long it took them. Yet their lives were far from on hold. Most of the decisions for them to take on new lives were theirs – Torchwood only helped them once they made their decisions. Torchwood, Jack kept saying, was responsible for Ryo and Dee’s well-being, because they were victims of the Rift. If that was true, then she had hope Jack would feel the same once she had all her evidence together, and a presentation worked out. All those people were victims of the Rift, which made Torchwood responsible for them too.

Ryo seemed to miss her point as he rambled on. “For Bikky? I would tear the world apart. Nikki still has hope right now. That her son will come back one day. I’ve seen mothers who kept their children’s rooms the same for decades, still waiting. Still holding onto hope.”

“So have I! It’s not healthy. They need to move on. Those poor parents deserve more. Nikki deserves more. If you would just speak to her, you’d understand.” She shook her head in frustration, folding her arms again. “And what if we can bring him back?” she asked. “That would be better, wouldn’t it?”

Ryo pinned her with a firm stare, his eyes meeting hers. “Then you don’t tell her until you are absolutely sure you can bring back her ‘child’.”

Gwen shrugged. “If I can find Jonah, or even give her closure.”

“If you just want to give her closure?” Ryo asked, taking a step closer to Gwen. “If that’s all you want?” He watched as the woman nodded. “Give her a body.”

Gwen stepped back from Ryo, a hand to her mouth, looking horrified.

“I’m serious, Gwen,” Ryo insisted.

“I’m not!” Gwen spat out. “If I give her a bloody body, it will be her son’s, or none at all.” She stared at Ryo as if staring at a murderer. “I know you wouldn’t want to know, but as a father, really, how can you even suggest that?”

“I would rather have the memory of a son I love!” Ryo insisted. “Than someone back I don’t even know.”

Gwen realized they had just crossed a line, that there was more truth to what Ryo was not saying. She placed a hand on his chest. Staring up at him, she demanded, “Tell me, Ryo. What happens then? What becomes of Jonah?”

Ryo sighed, running a hand across his forehead. “I can’t, Gwen. Timelines and all that.”

“More of that paradox mumbo jumbo, I presume? Yet look at you, interfering with your own opinions. Wouldn’t that cause a paradox?”

“Probably,” Ryo admitted. “But remember, parts of an engine. Besides, I like to think there’s a reason Dee and I are here, knowing what we know.”

“Then why won’t you bloody talk to me, Ryo? Tell me how it ended up in the episode. Then sit down in that conference room and tell all of us everything you know that’s in store for us. Prepare us.”

Ryo shook his head firmly. “No. Even Jack agrees with that. However, he does trust us with discretion. That is probably another reason why we were hired on as freelance agents. Look Gwen, someone else has a lesson to learn with this. If I give you the shortcut, the whole exercise is meaningless.”

Gwen rolled her eyes, patting Ryo’s chest where her hand still was firmly planted. “Stop right there, Ryo. The only thing I want to hear from you is whether you will help us or not.” She removed her hand. “’Cause if it’s no, then you and Dee can just get out and leave us to work.”

“No,” Ryo replied with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Gwen.” He gave her a wry grin. “You won’t like the way I help.”

“Right.” She turned and went back to putting up the flyers. “Then I won’t invite you to the meeting either. Good night, Ryo. And thank you for the delicious dinner.”

Ryo found himself sighing again. He realized his hands were at his sides, balled in fists, as his teeth started to clench. He took a deep breath and turned to leave her to her work. With his back to her, he stopped just before the steps. “Gwen.”

“I won’t stop,” Gwen replied, still working on the wall. “Not unless you give me a good reason.”

“I wasn’t going to. I’m just going to say one thing,” he turned to look back at her, “and I want you to think on it.”

Gwen paused in her work, then turned to find Ryo by the stairs, looking at her in the dimly lit room. She waited for him to continue.

“When you find out – and you will, you’re nothing if not persistent -- when you do find out? She won’t want to know,” Ryo said quietly in the dim. “She will resent you for taking away that hope. Seriously. She will be hurt, and angry, and she will lash out at you, even though you were trying to help.”

Gwen gazed at Ryo, surprised at the information he gave her.

“The support group?” Ryo went on. “I think it’s great. I think it’s just what they all need. Fund that. Get a pro in there, to give them grief counseling. If you need, Dee and I will help convince Jack to allow Torchwood to release some funds for it.”

Gwen worried her lower lip while Ryo spoke. She nodded. “I’ll consider the support, but I’m still going ahead with this. After all, you’re not my boss.”

Ryo’s eyes flashed, as if he wanted to say something, but stopped himself. Not even Jack, her boss, would be able to order her to cease her efforts. He gave her a small, tight smile. “Like I said, you’re nothing if not persistent.”

“Well, thank you for not patronizing me. I’ll give you that,” Gwen stated.

Ryo laughed. “You’d probably shoot me if I did.” He winked at her, before looking serious again. “When you need help, come find us, me and Dee. We’ll help you.”

Gwen studied him. “I assume that means other than the investigative part?”

“No. After. After you hopefully make the right decision, after you gather all the facts before running to Nikki.”

“Ryo? Does Jack… Nevermind. I’ll find out soon enough myself,” she stated.

“You’re both right. In your own ways. Ask Dee, he’ll tell you that you’re both wrong. Maybe we’re both right.”

Gwen sighed. “Thanks. Now I have work to do. And I’m certain you had previous plans with your husband before Tosh interrupted you. Have a good evening.” She started to turn back to the wall, muttering, “Just don’t forget to bring back Jack’s coat.”

Ryo grinned when he heard the last part. “Actually, I have a nice Gordian knot to go tie on a wide mattress,” he remarked cryptically.

“Oh God!” Gwen exclaimed, but was grinning.

“Good night, Gwen,” Ryo called out in a singsong voice.

“Go home already. Good night, and tell Dee that I said the same.”

Ryo started up the stairs, while Gwen went back to work. She could not stop her giggling, cursing Ryo for planting the mental image she now had.

----------

As Ryo entered the main Hub area, he called out, “Laytner!”

Dee, who was sitting with Tosh at her station, the two having been watching CCTV, turned. “Who?” he asked.

“You. Cutie with the green eyes,” Ryo remarked. “Let’s go. We’re outta here for the night.”

Dee made a show of looking around. “Gee, I don’t know anyone that goes by just the name ‘Laytner’,” he mused.

Ryo grinned and crooked a finger at Dee.

“What?” Dee asked innocently. “Want to play with Gordian knots, do you?”

Tosh covered her mouth and bending her head slightly downward, started to giggle softly.

“What?” Ryo asked, playing along with Dee. “It’s a cultural tradition. Back me up on this, Tosh.”

Dee laughed as he stood up, bending to kiss the Japanese woman’s forehead. “Good night, sweetheart. I have to go now. Apparently I have a date with a big knot.” His eyes shifted to Ryo and with a cocky smirk, he commented, “This is Wales, so wouldn’t it be more appropriate for it to be King Arthur and his big sword in a stone?” He winked at Ryo.

Tosh blushed a deep scarlet, still giggling into her hand.

“Okay,” Ryo announced, his eyes on the poor woman, “we’re going to make her head explode.”

Dee laughed and patted Toshiko’s head. “Easy there.”

Ryo went over to kiss one of her still red cheeks. “Ja Neesan. You’re gonna have a busy couple of days, I think.” He slipped his arm around Dee’s waist, drawing his husband away from the work stations and over to their jackets.

Dee looked over toward Jack’s office. “He’s not really home, by the way. His coat is gone.”

“Well, I imagine he and Ianto are having fun weevil hunting,” Ryo commented.

“That was last night,” Tosh called out. “Tonight, is date night. If Gwen and I are lucky, they’ll go back to Ianto’s for the night.”

Dee and Ryo smiled at each other. “We’ll collect our dishes tomorrow,” Dee said as they put on their jackets. “I put them somewhere that won’t upset Ianto’s order of things for the time being.” They waved to Tosh and headed out the cog door. “Tosh is encouraged to keep going until Jack tells her otherwise,” he said low as they started to make their way up to the Information Booth.

Ryo sighed, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. “I told Gwen too much. But I didn’t tell her everything.”

Dee nodded. “So we heard,” he admitted.

“So now she’s pissed at us.”

Dee smirked at that statement. “That should be an honor. That puts us in good company, considering the people who normally piss her off.”

Ryo let out a little chuckle.

“But you didn’t tell her enough to stop her,” Dee pointed out. “And Tosh is willing to go on for now. Tosh didn’t ask about Jack, and I didn’t offer the information.”

“Gwen almost did, but stopped herself. If she had been armed, she probably would have shot me until I talked about what she finds” Ryo quipped.

Dee pulled Ryo closer as they got into the lift. “So maybe some of the pressure will be off Jack now, too. I mean, with her already being pissed off at us. We can hope that if she has us to blow up at, she might tread a little more cautiously around Jack with this.”

“Gwen backing down. Are we talking about the same person?” Ryo asked, amused.

“I said approach cautiously, not run the other way,” Dee pointed out.

Ryo chuckled a little. He already felt himself relaxing with Dee. The other man had a way about him that could do that for Ryo without even trying.

“You know,” Dee mused thoughtfully, as they left the lift. She reminds me of a couple of people we know, when they really want something.”

“Got a point there,” Ryo had to agree.

“You know, I’d lose respect for her if she did back down. She sometimes goes down the wrong path, but I admire her dedication. Besides, we all fuck up sometimes.” He started to rub Ryo’s back as they entered the Information Booth. “She just needs to change her angle of attack somewhat on this case.” Dee stopped them to turn Ryo to face him. He rested his forehead against Ryo’s. “Sounds like advice you would give someone a while back, eh?”

Ryo found himself grinning, smiling up at Dee. He put his arms around the other man’s neck. “Love you,” he intoned and kissed his husband.

Dee returned the kiss. “Love you, too.” After another kiss, they left the Information Booth, holding hands for the walk to where they had parked their car.

“Now,” Dee asked slyly, “can I be a bad boy and drive tonight?”

“If you drive, you will have to be suitably punished when we get home,” Ryo remarked.

Dee’s grin grew. He took the keys from Ryo’s other hand. “Anyway, I’m not near as bad as Jack behind the wheel. Admit it.” He kissed Ryo and opened the doors.

Ryo rolled his eyes as he got into the car.

----------

Gwen returned to the main part of the Hub to find Toshiko still in a blush while she worked. Sitting down next to her friend, she said, “Those two. They’re almost as bad as the other two.”

Tosh looked over to Gwen. “Sometimes I think they’re worse.”

Both women giggled, needing their clear their minds of the mental images left behind before giving their full attention to the work ahead of them.

----------

Over the course of the next couple of days, Dee and Ryo spent as little time as possible at the Hub. If they had Weevils to bring in, they found excuses to leave as soon as the Weevils were secure in their new home.

Dee still intended to speak to Jack, but decided to let the ill-fated conference go on. It was easy to figure out what they had just missed when they arrived at the Hub late one afternoon to accept a Retcon job. The tension was thick in the air. After spending a short time in the Captain’s office obtaining the information they needed for their assignment, Dee decided it was best to let Jack simmer down from the confrontation before confronting him. With snickers, Dee and Ryo decided that they would not do anything to stop Gwen from walking in on Jack and Ianto, hoping their presence did not change that.

Later that evening, they got a call from Jack. The Captain stated that Ianto and he were having a little trouble with Weevils that night, and if they would be willing to help. The night ended with the four leaving the Hub after settling in Torchwood’s newest charges, showered and changed in clean clothes. They went out to have dinner together before the two couples split up, once again Jack going back with Ianto, while Dee and Ryo went home to their flat.

They knew when Gwen had walked in on Jack and Ianto when they arrived to see Gwen leave. Dee also knew his time to speak to Jack was now limited. So later that evening, after they followed Gwen to assure that she still met with Andy, Dee and Ryo came back to the Hub. Thankfully, Jack was in his office, working on paperwork, while Ianto made them coffee. Ryo joined Ianto, idly chatting with him while Dee went to Jack’s office.

Dee knocked on the frame of the open door. Jack looked up and smiled at the handsome ex-detective. Dee was dressed in a blue striped shirt, tucked into tight black jeans. “I would think you and Ryo would have better things to do at this time of the night than hang around here,” he remarked, as invitation for Dee to enter.

Dee took his usual seat, in his usual position, which made Jack smile more. The Captain shifted his chair in the pretense of being able to see Dee without the other man’s boots that rested on the edge of the desk in his view.

“I would think it’s time to be having fun and not paperwork,” Dee commented, indicating Jack’s desk.

“It never ends,” Jack sighed dramatically.

Dee grinned. “So our Chief would constantly complain. I can sympathize. Ever since Ryo and I were placed in charge of our unit, sometimes it felt as if we spent more time behind a desk than out in the streets.”

Jack nodded. “So what really brings you here, Dee?”

Dee sat up, removing his feet from the desk and pulled his chair closer to rest his elbows on the desk. “Honestly?”

Jack studied the other man. “I’m going to take a guess you know what’s going on around here that no one is talking about.”

“Before I say what I feel needs to be said, I need to know something, Jack.”

“Go on.”

“If Tosh was able to find some way to stop it….?” Dee caught the Captain’s eyes.

Jack sighed heavily. “To be honest, Ianto and I had an idea of what they were working on. We knew you joined them that one night. I know what Ryo said to Gwen,” he admitted. “I checked CCTV after I left the conference room. But, yes, I let them work. I made myself scarce from the Hub because I was hoping Tosh could find someway to stop it.”

“Why don’t you admit that to Gwen? Just that little bit might make a huge difference, you know.”

“Because that would give her reason to pursue it more. She’d think she could find the clues to help Tosh find a way.”

“Would that be so bad, Jack?” Dee asked softly. When Jack looked up at him, Dee smiled at him. “Look, tough guy to tough guy, we both know we’re just marshmallows inside.” Dee sat back in his seat. “You’re a beautiful man, Jack. But it goes beyond physique. It’s that heart of gold of yours. But you don’t like to wear it on your sleeve. I can understand that. But sometimes… the world won’t crumble or fly off to the sun because you let someone know you care. And you do care, Jack. What you told Tosh when you recruited her, what your hopes and dreams are still for Torchwood all say that you care more than all of us together can.”

Jack studied Dee. “What are you getting at, Dee? It’s not your way to take the long path.”

Dee grinned. “Just calling you as I see you, Captain.” He winked. “The reason for my visit right now? Simple.” Dee leaned over again, resting his arms on the desk, green eyes meeting blue. “You should take Gwen over to Flat Holm. Let her see what you’re doing, why you do. And let her see why no one must ever know. You don’t have to be a hard ass all the time, Jack.”

“I didn’t think I am. But there are times that I have to be. I have reasons…”

“You have a full team that you can trust, Jack. Not just Ianto, but three others that can help you shoulder the burden. Tell me that once Gwen understands it all that she won’t offer to help, knowing that Torchwood is providing for the victims of the Rift.” Dee’s look turned challenging, daring Jack to deny what he said.

Jack started to frown. “No.”

“Why?” Jack started to open his mouth, but Dee cut him off. “Because this is your responsibility? Because you’re in charge of Torchwood? Because being in command is equal to isolation? Take a look at yourself, Jack. I’m not saying you don’t have your secrets to isolate yourself, but have you looked at your team you have now? You achieved what you wanted Torchwood Three to be. It’s not Torchwood One by a long shot. It’s not even the same as when you found yourself in charge. Jack, you have a team, but you also have a family. And families shoulder certain burdens together.”

Jack stood up and started to pace in the small confines of the office. “It’s not that easy, Dee.”

Dee shrugged. “Gwen… she means well, but she doesn’t understand. She can’t because she doesn’t have the whole picture. So, knowing Gwen, do you honestly think this is going to stop her? And then what, Jack?”

“You tell me, Dee,” Jack snapped. “You seem to know exactly what’s going on. Talk about withholding secrets.”

Dee’s glare met Jack’s. “And you, of all people, should understand why. However, I’m here. Talking to you. This is going to end badly, Jack. Very badly. I’d love to just lay down the entire scenario for you, but since you watched Gwen and Ryo on CCTV from that other evening, then you heard Ryo, and he’s right. There are two people who need to learn a lesson. And you both won’t if we give you the answers. I am willing to point you to the right road, but that’s all.”

Jack continued to glare at Dee for a while, the younger man not flinching from the hard stare.

“Keep glaring, Jack. The way I see this is, we can end this right now, and watch innocent people get hurt. Or you can continue to listen to what I’m willing to tell you about this, and seriously consider what I have to say. Hopefully even take my advice, but that’ll be your choice in the end.” Dee shrugged, leaning back in his chair again, once again setting his booted feet on Jack’s desk. He rested his hands on his stomach, lacing his fingers. “So what’s it going to be, Captain?”

Jack shook his head. “Maybe if Gwen took your approach sometimes, damn you.”

Dee chuckled. “We’re working on her, don’t worry.” He winked.

“So, what do you suggest?”

Dee took a deep sigh. “Gwen is going to end up at Flat Holm. Tomorrow, I think, but I can’t be sure.” He forestalled the question he saw in Jack’s face. “And you’re going to show her around, then after it’s all said and done, admit to her what you’ve been doing there. Then fold to her. You’re going to just let her go off and do what she feels she might.”

Jack looked at Dee amazed at how much the other man said.

“Technically, it’s all hypothetical,” Dee pointed out. “We’re assuming the show parallels what happens here. Except for two factors that the show didn’t have.”

“You and Ryo,” Jack replied.

Dee nodded. “I’m not sure what type of ripple effect that will cause. So far, everything seems to be going along with the episode, even if there were some ‘scenes’ added with Ryo and me.” Dee grinned. “Gwen walked in on you and Ianto shagging in the hothouse earlier tonight, didn’t she?”

Jack laughed. “Yes. She did. I can’t really say she was unhappy about it.”

“Who would be walking in on you two?” Dee remarked, without thinking. Once he realized what he said, and looked at the arched eyebrow of his boss and friend, Dee found himself blushing. “Well… there are various reasons why Ryo and I watched Torchwood.”

Jack smiled at Dee. “I’ll consider what you said.”

“Um, would you mind if you call me once you come to a decision. Either way, Ryo and I are planning on arriving with Gwen whenever she does, even if she doesn’t know it.” Dee winked at Jack.

“You’re casing her out?” Jack asked. “Does everyone have a secret project going on behind my back?”

“I just told you,” Dee defended, holding his hands up. “Besides, remember that we have an idea of how she gets her leads.” He winked at Jack, and started to stand up. “By the way, Ryo and I had a great evening the other night. But you must let us pay one of these times.”

“Why have you spend money you technically get from me on me?” Jack asked. “Tell you what. How about inviting us over for dinner one night. Who knows, maybe the four of us can have a game of strip poker or something after.”

Dee laughed. “In your dreams, Captain. Especially since you cheat. But I’m onto you, so be warned. I’ll talk to Ryo and get back to you on that dinner invitation and when.” He winked at Jack. “I’m sure you want to finish your paperwork, so you can get back to better things with Ianto. Meanwhile, I plan to take Ryo home soon and have my way with him.”

“Why can’t we compare notes one of these days,” Jack asked with a playful pout.

“That could be up for stakes for poker night,” Dee remarked. He looked beyond the glass of Jack’s office to see Ianto and Ryo sitting on the couch and talking. “I smell coffee, so I think Ryo and I will hang around long enough for a cup before hitting the road.”

“I think I’ll join you on that, and then back to paperwork,” Jack remarked.

The two men left the office to join their significant others at the couch, even if the thought of Ianto actually being such to Jack had never occurred to the Captain.


*** *** * *** ***

The next morning found Dee and Ryo up extra early, preparing to head down to intercept the boat Gwen would take to Flat Holm. Their original plan was to find a way to sneak on it before Gwen showed up.

Their plans were changed when Dee’s mobile went off. Looking at the caller ID, he looked over to Ryo. “It’s Jack,” he said, then answered the call. “Good morning, Jack. Do you have a job for us?”

“Actually, I do. Can I pick you up?” Jack asked.

Dee looked over at Ryo. “Um yeah. Can I ask where we’re going?”

“Another victim of the Rift. I thought you might want to give me a hand with getting him settled in over at Flat Holm.”

Dee started to grin. “How long before you can be here?”

“Five minutes. I’m in the SUV right now.”

Dee snorted. “We’re on our way down. And Jack?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks.”

“We’ll talk about it on the way,” Jack said, before cutting the call.

Dee looked over to Ryo. “We need to get downstairs, and meet Jack.”

Ryo looked amazed. “What does he want?”

“Apparently some help with another victim spit out from the Rift.” Dee grinned at Ryo, grabbing their coats, handing Ryo’s his. “Let’s go.”

“This should be interesting,” Ryo mused. “Then again, whatever you had to say to him last night didn’t seem to put him in a bad mood.”

The two freelance agents left their flat, Ryo making sure the door was locked. Dee took Ryo’s hand in his as they walked to the elevator. “That’s because I talked to Jack, not yell at him.”

Ryo snorted. “How different than from what you were with the Commissioner.”

“That might have a lot to do with my actually liking Jack,” Dee remarked with a wink.

Ryo laughed as they left the building.


*** *** * *** ***

“I’ll take it from here, Helen,” Jack said, showing up in the doorway. Helen, one of the caregivers looked confused and worried. Gwen had worked herself up into a frenzy.

Jack attempted to talk to Gwen, to explain, but she wasn’t hearing it. She discovered the room where Jonah was and demanded for Jack to open the door, allowing her to enter. Before he inserted the card to open the door, Jack stared at Gwen. “There are things, complicated things, that you don’t understand. Gwen, please…” He forced their eyes to meet. Softly, he said, “You can’t make any promises until you hear me out. Once you know everything, I’ll honor whatever decision you come to.”

Dee and Ryo hovered in the next corridor while Gwen spoke to Jonah. They were gone by the time Gwen left the compound by herself. Jack followed a few minutes later and went over to Dee and Ryo. “I couldn’t stop her,” he explained. “I tried to get her to stay longer.” He shrugged uncertainly. “But you know Gwen.”

Ryo nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we do. I think you have some explaining to give her.” He placed a comforting hand on Jack’s shoulder. “But we’re not going to let you do this alone. She’s going to stay until she understands the big picture here.”

Jack gave Ryo a crooked smile. “She’s a stubborn one.”

A snort came from Dee. “Yeah. But be warned, because it might not only be Gwen.”

Jack looked over to Dee in question.

“Just go, but don’t let her get to you,” Dee explained. “And if she does, we’ll be there to keep Gwen from going.”

Take took a deep breath. “Okay.” He studied the two men. “So it really gets that ugly?” he asked, as they started to leave the compound.

Dee pointed in the direction from where they came from. “Uglier than that scream of his,” he replied, placing a hand on Jack’s back, as Ryo walked on the other side of Jack.

“Was it Ianto?” Jack asked, since he got no reply from Gwen.

“Why don’t you ask him yourself when this is over?” Ryo suggested softly.


They found Gwen exactly where Dee and Ryo knew they would, and where Jack suspected. Dee and Ryo lagged behind, allowing Jack to sit down beside her on the rocks of a cliff overlooking the channel, and explain how he had taken two victims from the vaults of Torchwood and set up a place where they could receive care, rather than being left alone in their own filth. Gwen finally had to know, to understand that Jack was not the monster she was starting to think he was.

“Jack, if you lost someone, wouldn’t you want to know?” Gwen asked when Jack refused to allow her to bring Nikki in to see her son.

Jack turned his head, to gaze out to the channel, a look of longing on his face. Gwen got to him.

Ryo and Dee knew that. They knew what was on Jack’s mind, who he was thinking of, and why he finally gave into allowing Gwen to bring Nikki to the island. It reminded the two of what was ahead for Torchwood, and now for Dee and Ryo. Grey was bound to show up at some point. The one thing the two men did not have is a reference of how much time passed between episodes. They knew in some episodes, references were made telling of other missions between the episodes. Talking to various members of Torchwood, they heard of missions and cases from the time since Gwen joined that were new to them. So they knew what was coming in the near future, but were helpless to know exactly when. Jack was going to find his long lost little brother soon, but it would not be as he hoped.

As Gwen covered Jack’s hand with hers, she asked, “Let me try, Jack. Please?”

Dee cleared his throat and walked over to stand behind the two sitting. He gazed out into the channel, before looking down to find both Jack and Gwen looking up at him. He felt Ryo standing right behind him. “No, Gwen,” he stated firmly. “You can’t.”

Gwen stared at up Dee in amazement. Her look shifted to Jack, who was still looking up at Dee, as if trying to draw support from the ex-detective. When she looked back up, her face started to reflect her anger at his disruption. Especially since she knew Jack was about to give in and give her permission to speak to Nikki.

She stood up. Dee took a step back, giving them room so the agitated woman would not fall over the cliff. The steel intense look of his eyes told her his step back was not in fear of her or a retreat in any way. Gwen drew herself to her full height and stepped into Dee’s personal space. “What do you mean by I can’t.”

Dee shook his head. “You can’t. Gwen, listen….”

She jabbed Dee in his chest with a finger. “No, you listen. If that was your son, would you want someone to be telling me that I can’t?” she demanded, raising her voice.

Dee nodded, swallowing hard. He was acutely aware of the reverse situation at that moment. What if they could not get back? What if they could, but not for months, even years in their own time? They had until evening of the day they found themselves going through the Rift before someone would be concerned. The Doctor had been off before. Dee remembered him telling Rose she was gone for twelve hours, even actually she was gone for twelve months. Bikky knew his dads well enough to know they would not miss calling him in the evening for anything. If the boy did not consider them being in any trouble, he sure Mother would, who was looking after Bikky. The woman Dee called his mother would start to worry. Then Ryo’s aunt, Elena. Eventually, their friends and Ryo’s grandparents. What of them? He started to wonder. What would they all be thinking?

He shook his head of the thoughts. He had to concentrate on only one thing at that moment. To stop Nikki from learning the truth of her son.

“Gwen, there are some things families should never know,” Ryo’s voice came from next to him.

Dee nodded. “Gwen, you did a fine job with investigating this, behind Jack’s back. But one thing we’ve learned in all our years as detectives is you need to know the big picture before coming to conclusions.”

“What is there more to know?” Gwen insisted. “Jonah is alive. Okay, so he’s different, but he’s still the boy who wants to see his mother.”

“Did you promise him that you’ll bring her here?” Ryo asked.

Gwen stared at Ryo, and then looked down to Jack, who remained sitting. The Captain was wise enough to understand it was up to Dee and Ryo to set things right.

Unknown to Gwen, she had planted the seed in Jack’s mind, not that he had ever forgotten his brother. He still wondered what had happened to him, and despite the impossibility over time itself, he still had hope of one day being reunited with his younger brother. It was not only a vow he made to himself, but one to his mother when he left to join the Time Agency. He had ulterior motives that he hid well, hoping that through the Time Agency, he could save his brother. Maybe even his father. It was a promise he had made to his mother, and one he had not given up on. Even if his mother was now long dead – or long ahead in the future, depending on how one looked at it. Either way, the last time he had seen his mother, he left her with the hope of finally finding Grey.

Dee and Ryo seemed to know that, and understand him. That was why Jack decided to let the two Torchwood freelance agents take over in handling Gwen.

Gwen shook her head. “No. Not yet. But I intend to bring her here.”

Dee took Gwen by her hand. “Gwen, did it occur to you that what you saw in that room is not all there is to this? Did you wonder what is it that keeps him here, along with all the others?” He squeezed her hand, getting her attention. “Do you have that little faith in Jack? Or do you believe that he enjoys keeping prisoners? Locking people away from their families? How about asking him why? Let him show you what’s so complicated about this. Do you actually believe you work for a cold-hearted monster? Or have you realized yet that Jack cares more than you can imagine?”

Gwen stared at Dee, then to Ryo, who nodded, giving her an encouraging smile.

“Ask him, Gwen,” Ryo backed Dee up. “Let him show you everything. Then when you make your decision, if you need us, we’ll be here for you. Torchwood would help you help Nikki.”

Gwen nodded. She squeezed Dee’s hand back before turning back to Jack. The Captain looked up. “Jack, help me understand. Please?” she asked him.

Jack gave her a tight smile, his eyes glistening. “Sure,” he said. “It won’t be pretty, but I owe you that much. All I meant was to spare you.” He stood up, dusting off his greatcoat. “I think it’s best you spend the rest of the day here. Help me out, while I make my rounds, checking on everyone. We have another who was returned from the Rift early this morning. Dee and Ryo helped me bring him here. I should stay and make sure he’s settled in properly. Or as properly as we can.” He held his bent arm out to her in offer. As she hooked her arm around his, he asked, “Shall we?”

“Yes,” Gwen replied.

Dee and Ryo parted to allow the two to head back to the compound. As they passed, Jack stopped them to look back at the couple. “Thank you,” he said with a wink.

“It’s not going to be easy, but believe me, it’s easier than what could happen,” Ryo commented, giving Jack a smile.

Dee and Ryo watched as Jack led Gwen back to the compound. When they were gone from their sight, Ryo looked at his watch. “Well, we seem to have a few hours to kill around here. Sightseeing?” he asked Dee.

Dee grinned. “Yeah. I think I’d like to start with the lighthouse. Seems like a nice private place.” He winked roguishly as he took Ryo’s hand. “Shall we?”

Ryo returned Dee’s grin. “Sounds like fun. Let’s go.”


*** *** * *** ***

Gwen found Dee and Ryo at the dock when she stumbled over to them later in the day. Jack was not with her, but they could see him standing in the distance. The two stood up, and she fell into Ryo’s arms, crying. Ryo held her tightly. “It’s okay now,” he soothed her.

“How can you say that? Do you even know?” she asked, still crying. She rested her head on Ryo’s shoulder.

“Yeah. Remember, we were there for a while already before you stormed in. We saw. We heard. I thought we understood just from what we saw in the show, but to listen to that….” Ryo’s voice dropped off, lost in the memory of earlier in the day.

Dee stood behind Gwen, placing a hand on Gwen’s back. “Be thankful that Jack found people who can handle going there day after day, knowing what to expect. People who still care for them, do whatever they could. Jack comes here at times, just to check on things, see for himself that they are not abused. That they are cared for. Being treated as human as possible under the circumstances.”

Gwen nodded in agreement as Ryo pulled a hankie from his pocket and started to wipe the tears from her face. “I hope you apologized to Jack,” he said.

“Yes. And he apologized to me. Seems we both have some issues to work through.” She gave a ragged brief laugh. “And here I thought that would only apply to marriage.”

“It applies to family,” Dee said. “Torchwood is more than a job. Jack is more than a boss. We understand. In some ways, that’s how it is in CI back where we’re from. We were a family. Just like Torchwood is now our family too.”

“You’re right,” Gwen agreed.

“So?” Ryo asked. “Do you know what you’re going to do next?”

“Yeah.” She took a deep breath, and looked up at Ryo, meeting his eyes. “Help me. Please? Nikki needs closure. Jack, he said he’d take on the role of the bad guy when Jonah is back in an upswing mood, and tell him that his mother isn’t allowed to come here.” She shook her head. She looked at Ryo, then Dee, with a thought in her eyes.

Dee rubbed her back. “First we handle Nikki. Then we’ll sit down, you, us, Jack and Ianto, and figure where to go from there about the other families.”

“You’re right again.”


*** *** * *** ***

Three days later, a body washed ashore at Sully. Andy was called in, because the body was identified as 17 year old Jonah Bevan. Gwen received a call from Andy.

“What did you do?” he asked.

“What?” Gwen asked, in confusion.

“If that truly was Jonah’s body, what was done to him?”

“How should I know?” she asked. “Did you speak to the coroner?”

Andy took a deep breath. “The official story is that his body was caught at the bottom of the Taft, and when it eventually was released, it was caught in currents.”

“Well there you have it. I’m sorry it had to end this way, Andy. I guess it had nothing to do with Torchwood,” Gwen stated. “Thank you for letting me know.”

“What did you find there, Gwen? At Flat Holm?”

Gwen sighed. “Nothing, Andy. There was nothing there.”

“Bloody great.”

“Let it go, Andy. You have a body. Concentrate on getting Nikki through this.”

“Damn strange thing,” Andy commented.

“What’s that, Andy?”

“I wonder how Interpol got involved. The investigation was turned over to two bleeding Interpol officers.”

“I don’t know.” Gwen paused, as if thinking. “Andy, I’m busy here. I’ve been neglecting my duties while helping you. Give my sympathies to Nikki. Would you like to meet for tea? Maybe tonight after your shift?”

“Yeah, sure. If nothing else, I hope you’ll have more answers by then.”

“I don’t have any answers. I only know what you told me. Jonah’s dead, Andy. Time to move on.”

“Yeah, right. Torchwood did make you hard.” The call disconnected.

Gwen looked across the Hub at the two men who were lounging around by the couch. They had just come back from Weevil hunting. They were talking to Jack and Owen, while Toshiko and Ianto went out to get them all lunch. She got up from her workstation and made her way over to them.

Clearing her throat as she approached, she asked, “Is it safe to join this conversation?”

“Depends on your definition of safe,” Ryo remarked amused.

Owen let out a snort. “Ryo and I are attempting to show Jack and Dee the finer points of rugby.”

Gwen looked at the two other men, and knew it was hopeless. She started to laugh. “I’m going up to reception and wait for Ianto and Tosh,” she said, still laughing.

“I should get back to the bay,” Owen stated, leaving Jack with Dee and Ryo.

“The next quiet night we have,” Gwen heard Ryo say as she walked away, “we’d love to have you and Ianto over for dinner.”

“I’d have to check with Ianto, but I think that’s a deal,” Jack said. He smiled at the two. “I should be going over some paperwork until lunch is here.”

“We’ll find something to keep ourselves busy around here,” Ryo assured Jack.

Gwen turned at the cog door, to find Jack going into his office, while Dee and Ryo sat down at Toshiko’s workstation, apparently to do more reading on alien life and/or tech.

She thought she would feel upset, mad, and maybe even hating herself for what she had done. Instead, she felt relief. Jonah Bevan may have been returned through the Rift, but he was forever lost to the world. Gwen knew it was better that way. At least now, Nikki would have closure. Later that afternoon, she was to sit with Dee, Ryo and Ianto about how to give a few other families the same closure.

It was enough for Gwen.

When she was to meet with Andy, she planned to use a little Retcon, so he would forget the GPS and the boat. Andy did not need Flat Holm in his mind. It was too dangerous, because she knew Andy would never let it rest.

Dee and Ryo were right. There were some things that no one should know. That’s why there was Torchwood.