1

They settled into their seats and waited, the studio looking uncomfortable as some of their senior team were actually on the other side of the table sitting with the Harkness-Jones team.

This entire thing had blown the place apart in the week Walter had gone no contact pending this meeting and now things were going to get interesting. His father had schooled him on what to say, do and ignore so he sat with a strange feeling of excitement beneath the hurt while his father calmly fiddled with his pad and pen, George sitting with his own pad and pen poised.

"Walt. First of all, thanks for coming in on your vacation" one began and Ianto focused on the man to his right, a small man with a receding hairline and disparaging mouth to match. Ianto had never seen him before but knew from rumours that this was their problem. Dale's uncle was on the board of directors that ran the studio and right now … he felt like he was God and not afraid to smite someone.

Problem is … he had never met Ianto either. He was going to lean one way or another who truly holds power.

Walter didn't answer, nodding as he settled back, folding his arms to show annoyance and the man continued "This is a messy thing, unsettling for all concerned which s why we are trying to suppot you though this right now, hence some of our team there with you."

A lie. A blatant lie as they looked incredulously at their team members who had abandoned ship.

Walter finally spoke "Loyalty is something no money can buy."

Good boy. Ianto nodded, watching the fat fuck pull a face.

"These are very serious allegations. Dale has said that you made several passes at him … sexual advances that he rebuffed with shame. He knows should have spoken up sooner but still respected you. You also tried to your drugs share with him several times, he has tried to be a good friend and understands that hiding your habit was wrong but… you clearly need help son."

"He is not your son" Ianto finally spoke, bristling as he was unable to let that one pass "Walter Harkness-Jones is one of your hard hitting top billing stars and a bit of respect might not be remiss here. Walter is not YOUR anything right now. That is clear!"

"Well … pending the outcome of this investigation into the drug use, the slander due to you trying to say it's Dale that is coming onto you when he is not even gay … we will have to suspend production. This will be very costly for us and I am afraid I do not think the spin-off will survive this."

"No." Walter said softly "We can agree on that. By the time this fiasco is over … you will not have the franchise of Piney and Co left."

Ianto nodded letting Walter know he had said enough and they settled back to eyeball the fat man as his lackeys waffled on about contract clauses that had nothing to do with what was happening here. Besides … they clearly didn't know the contract either.

George watched Ianto work and wondered if he would consider working for him.