The final chapter ...

Five Go Mad in Cardiff

Chapter Twenty Three: Four Departures and an Arrival

Everyone was up early on Friday morning. In the flurry of activity, Bunmei tried to be everywhere at once. However, when he saw the packed travel bags and realised his sister and Owen were leaving he burst into tears and refused to be consoled. Toshiko's heart went out to him; she loved her little brother very much. The minutes ticked by as she tried to cheer him up until her father insisted they leave. He was driving them into Cardiff to catch the early train.

"I don't like to leave him like this," she protested. She was halfway to the car and Bunmei, in his mother's arms, was crying piteously.

"He will get over it. Now please, we have to leave."

"Got an idea," said Owen. He dug in a side pocket of his travel bag. "Here, Bunmei. Will you look after this for me? 'Til I come back again?"

The little boy sniffed loudly, took the mouth organ in both hands and held it tight. "You come back?"

"Yeah, I'll be back. You keep good care of it 'til I do. Okay?" He ruffled the boy's hair. "See ya soon." He waved and got into the back of the car.

"Bye." Toshiko hugged her mother and brother then got into the front passenger seat. She waved until they were out of sight. "I'm going to miss him so much."

"He will miss you too. Thank you, Owen. I will make sure he does not damage your instrument."

"No problem. Can always get another one." He smiled as he thought of something. "You might not be thanking me soon, sir. He knows how to play it." Mr Sato groaned.

There were a lot people going into the railway station. Mr Sato had to pull up some distance from the entrance and Toshiko and Owen hopped out quickly. They waved as he drove off before heading inside to join the mass of people waiting on the platform.

-ooOoo-

It was a more leisurely start to the day in the Jones house. At seven thirty, they were all sitting down to breakfast. Mrs Jones was telling Rhiannon about the party the night before. Ianto was pleased his mother had enjoyed it; she needed to get out and see people. Rhiannon was not particularly interested but listened politely. It was the last working day of the week and most of her attention was on planning her night out with Johnny Davies.

"Sounds great, Mam. I'm going to have to get cracking or I'll miss the bus." She pushed back her chair and went upstairs.

"What time are you off, Ianto?" asked his mother. On the surface she was calm and confident but underneath she was looking into the abyss of empty days and nights. She was going to miss her son. A lesser woman would have played on his love and persuaded him to stay but she was determined he finish his education.

"Mrs Cooper said she'd pick me up around nine." Ianto sipped his coffee. His packing was done bar a few final bits and pieces. "Why don't you come with us to the station? There'll be room and I'm sure she won't mind."

"Oh, I don't know, dear. I have things to do."

"More important than seeing me off? Please, Mam."

"I'll see."

Knowing that meant she would, he grinned. "Good."

Rhiannon came back into the room doing up her coat. "I'll be off, Mam. When you are home next, Ianto?"

"Christmas." The two siblings had declared a truce but things had been said and done this week that threatened to sour their relationship forever. Ianto did not believe he would ever be friends with her again, or that he wanted to be, but he would be civil for the sake of his mam.

"Right. Well. Have a good flight. Bye, Mam." With that she was off.

Mrs Jones sighed. Ianto noticed and knew what it meant but there was nothing he could do about it. He felt how he felt. He finished his coffee. "Want a hand clearing up?" he offered.

-ooOoo-

A few streets away, Jack was helping Mrs Cooper with the washing up. Over the past week he had grown to like Gwen's parents and appreciated the way they had accepted him into their home. He had tried to be a good house guest but had undoubtedly upset their normal routine.

"Looks like rain later," said Mr Cooper coming in from the garden. On fine mornings, he liked to take a few minutes outside while he smoked his first pipe of the day. "Pity if it's like this tomorrow, all those bonfires ruined."

"That big one in the park is covered with something or other," said Mrs Cooper.

"Sensible. You know, Mary, we should go along. Those fireworks last night reminded me of when Gwen was young and we had a little do in the garden. Remember?"

"What's this? Not telling Jack more baby stories, are you?" Gwen came in and plonked her cape over a chair.

"I was just saying we had nice bonfires and fireworks when you were little. Don't know why we stopped."

"I do," said Mrs Cooper. "You set fire to the Pughs' hedge."

"I remember that," agreed Gwen with a laugh. "You and Mr Pugh running round trying to put it out. It was so funny."

"Never did look right after that. Your father wants to go to the firework display in the park tomorrow. What about you? Want to come?" Mrs Cooper dried her hands on a towel.

"I can get the tickets, if you're interested," offered Mr Cooper. He knocked out his pipe.

"Go on, Gwen," encouraged Jack. "Won't be as good as last night, of course, but what could be."

"Huh." She thought about it and decided she might as well go. It started early and she could arrange to meet up with friends there or later. "Yes, all right, I'll come."

"Good. I'll just get ready and we can be off. Five minutes." Mr Cooper went out into the hall.

"Better make sure he's got everything." Tactfully, Mrs Cooper followed her husband leaving Gwen and Jack alone.

Jack put down the tea towel. "I'm going to miss you." He stepped forward and hugged her. "Look after yourself."

"I will if you will." She hugged him back. "I forgot to tell you last night. Mark Lynch's friendly copper was one of the uniformed sergeants. He's going up before the Superintendent today, might lose his job."

"He should. He very nearly killed Owen and Andy." Leaking information about the investigation had put Lynch onto Andy Davidson and when he had been seen with Owen, both had been compromised.

"I know. I'll write and let you know what finally happens. Might even find out where Lynch got those creatures." She put her cap on. "Is that straight?"

He looked at her critically. "Yep. I was thinking, why don't you come and see Ianto and me? You can't spend all the money you earn and flights aren't that expensive. We'd love to see you and we'd give you a good time."

"Me, go to the States? I don't know."

"Think about it. Please?" He had made the offer on the spur of the moment but he meant it.

"It's such a long way. Oh, what the heck! I'll think about it but don't hold your breath."

"Gwen, are you ready?" called Mr Cooper.

She and Jack went into the hall. Mr Cooper said goodbye to Jack and wished him a safe journey and Gwen hugged him one last time. Then they were outside, off to work like thousands of others across the city.

-ooOoo-

The early train was full but Toshiko and Owen were able to get seats together in the corner of a carriage. The other occupants were all businessmen who sat in silence reading newspapers or dozing. Intimidated, the two young people spoke only a little then got out books. Toshiko dozed off, her head on Owen's shoulder, and jerked awake at Reading. The carriage had emptied and there was only one other passenger, a man fast asleep in the opposite corner.

"Not much longer," said Owen.

"I've still got to get to Cambridge." She stretched and eased cramped muscles.

"I'll come with you to Liverpool Street. Help with your bag."

"You don't need to do that. I can manage."

"I want to, and I am, so don't argue."

"Okay." She took his hand, tracing a line across his palm. "You took an awful risk going in that cage. Why did you do it?" It had been bothering her and now seemed the right time to ask.

He thought about his answer carefully and decided on the truth. "I didn't have a choice. It was go in under my own steam or be pushed. You'll think it stupid, but I didn't want Lynch to think I was a coward."

"He was a criminal. Why care about what he thinks?"

"I liked him, no matter what he was." He shrugged. "What can I say, I'm a lousy judge of character."

"Maybe. But you're also very brave because I know you really did it to save Andy." She kissed his hand. "You're my hero."

They kissed gently.

-ooOoo-

Cardiff railway station was not as busy as earlier in the day when Mrs Cooper parked outside the entrance. She got out with Mrs Jones and watched as Jack and Ianto removed their cases from the boot.

"This is then, Mam. Look after yourself." Ianto hugged her tenderly.

"I will. Ring me when you arrive." She blinked back tears.

"I will. It won't be until tomorrow, sometime during the afternoon I suppose." He had not checked the time differences.

"Fine." She let him go. "You go careful now." Saying goodbye in public was easier for them both as they did not like creating a scene.

To one side Jack was hugging Mrs Cooper. "Thanks so much, Mrs C. You're a great landlady."

"It was a pleasure having you. I'll miss your singing!" Jack had continued to sing when in the bathroom; the acoustics were ideal.

"Bet you say that to all the guys!" He turned to Mrs Jones and hugged her. "Be strong, Mrs J," he said quietly. "It'll get better."

"I hope so. Keep an eye on Ianto for me."

"Sure will." He released her and stepped back. "Guess we'll be off then. Thanks for the lift."

"Bye, Mam," said Ianto giving his mam a final hug and kiss.

"Safe journey," called Mrs Cooper and the two boys hefted their cases and went into the entrance. The women had decided earlier not to wait with the boys on the platform.

"You okay?" asked Jack as they showed their tickets at the barrier.

Ianto could not answer, his throat was full of unshed tears. Leaving his mam was harder than he had expected and it wouldn't take much for him to turn round and go back to her side. She appeared so alone, standing in the dark clothes that marked her out as a widow.

"Ianto?" prompted Jack.

"Yeah, I'm all right. What platform?"

-ooOoo-

At half past twelve Gwen was at her desk, piled high with papers, and thinking of lunch. Still assigned to Inspector Gittins's team, she had been helping him with the paperwork. Her eyes ached from checking statements and medical reports and she needed a break. She was working tomorrow too, or at least as much of it as was needed. With her friends all gone, she didn't mind and it was good for her career. When the telephone rang to say she had a visitor, she got her coat and bag and went into reception. He was sitting on the bench next to a elderly couple reporting a lost cat. He got up when she appeared.

"Rhys, what are you doing here?" She put on her coat intending to go outside. The station was a hotbed of gossip and she didn't want her love life to become the main topic of conversation.

"Wanted to see you. I knew you'd have lunch no matter how busy you are."

"I normally go to the canteen but ..." Her colleagues would see them there, better to find somewhere else. "Let's go to the milk bar."

"Okay." He held the door open and followed her through.

"You haven't said what you're doing here." She couldn't think why he had turned up in Cardiff. Friday was his day off but he had never come to the city before unless they had arranged to meet.

"I've got something to tell you." He smiled, a mixture of pride and secretiveness. "But let's get somewhere more private and out of the cold." He took her arm and they walked quickly among the lunchtime crowd.

The milk bar was busy serving cheap but tasty lunches to office workers and housewives. Rhys and Gwen were lucky and got a table for two along the back wall. They ordered coffees and poached eggs on toast.

"What is it then?" she asked.

"Got a new job. Mechanic with the little garage in New Street. Can start next month."

On the long journey back to Trecastle on Monday, he had told Nerys and Bryn Burton about his fear he was losing Gwen. They had been sympathetic and supportive of his ambition to be a mechanic. Poring over the Western Mail that night, Rhys had found two job advertisements and applied for them by telephone the following day before he lost his nerve. The first job had already gone but the one with Davies Motors was still open. The owner was looking for someone to replace his son who had decided to try his luck in London. Rhys had come to Cardiff and met Ray Davies that Friday morning. They had liked one another straightaway - Mr Davies saw promise in the enthusiastic young man – and tentatively agreed a starting date that gave the Burtons time to replace him on the farm and for Rhys to find accommodation in Cardiff.

Rhys went on. "I did it so I could be near you. 'Cos I love you, Gwen. I love you so much. So it's up to you. Do you want me to take the job?" He watched her carefully.

Gwen was astounded. After years of prevaricating, Rhys had actually done something about his life. It was what she had wanted, what she had pressed him to do. Rhys – loyal, loving Rhys - had done all this for her. He wanted to make her happy. Perhaps it was her feeling of loneliness after her friends had gone but she could remember only the good times with Rhys. He was funny and attentive and if he couldn't dance, well, she could teach him. Suddenly Gwen's future didn't look so empty. And, she thought, practical as always, seeing one another regularly would prove whether they could make a go of it or not.

"Of course you've got to take it." She leaned across the table and kissed him.

His grin stretched from ear to ear. "I'll go back straight after lunch and confirm everything. Don't want Mr Davies to change his mind. You know what this means? I'll be living here, in Cardiff. Be able to take you out dancing and to the pictures."

"I know! Now, about that, where are you going to live?" They held hands across the table and discussed the future.

-ooOoo-

Toshiko put her bag on the overhead rack then leant out of the train window. Owen was standing on the platform having accompanied her across London. They had a few minutes before the train was due to depart and suddenly didn't know what to say.

"Call me tonight, love," said Owen finally. "Any time, you know I'll be up." He rarely went to bed before midnight.

"I will. I don't know when I'll be in London again."

"If it's too long, I'll come to Cambridge and find you!" he promised. The whistle blew announcing the train's imminent departure. He reached up and kissed her briefly. "Love you."

"I love you too." The train started to move and Owen held her hand, the one bearing his ring, until it was gently tugged from his grasp.

-ooOoo-

The Pan Am flight took off on schedule with a full passenger load. Jack and Ianto had seats on the left hand side over the wing and they watched the ground recede as the machine climbed high into the sky. They were on their way. Back to their life together at Harvard, a life full of new possibilities now they had discovered their mutual love.

Jack settled back in his seat. He was on the aisle and had been leaning over Ianto to see out of the small window. He checked the other passengers; mostly businessmen with one or two couples who appeared to be returning home after a holiday in Europe. That's what I'm doing too, he thought. Going home. And Ianto was going too. When they had left Harvard, Jack had not been sure that Ianto would return with him. His sense of responsibility could have kept him in Wales with his family. Instead, he and Jack had a stronger commitment than ever and that made Jack very happy indeed.

"I am so pleased you're here," he said. "I thought you might stay in Wales."

"I thought about it," admitted Ianto. "Then I thought of the mess you'd make of our apartment and knew I had to come back." He grinned.

"I'm not that bad. There will be a bit of mess though, when we get back."

"We left it tidy enough."

"After moving the furniture, I mean."

"Why are you moving furniture?" Ianto was baffled.

"Gotta push the beds together," said Jack confidentially.

Ianto felt the colour rise in his face. "We'll leave them where they are! Don't want people getting the wrong idea." Fellow students tended to spill into all the rooms when they gathered in the apartment.

"Oh."

"Don't look like that. We can still … dabble."

Jack grinned. "I like the sound of that. That stopwatch is going to come in very useful."

"I still don't understand how but no doubt you'll show me."

"You can bet on it."

Ianto became serious once more. "You've been a tower of strength for me, Jack, and I'm very grateful. But it's a two way street; I'm here for you too. You're the one who says it's important to share so that's what we'll do. And we start with," he lowered his voice, "you shooting those men."

It was obvious from Ianto's tone that there was to be no escape for Jack, and in truth he would like to talk about it. It wasn't everyday he had to shoot people. "All right, I will. But drinks are on the way." He could see the stewardesses moving down the aisle. "Let's wait until we've got them."

"Okay. But you are not getting off this plane without talking. I mean it." He reached out and took Jack's hand. "We face everything together. Right?"

"Right."

And there it ends. Thanks so much to all of you who have read, reviewed, alerted and made this a favourite story. I really appreciate it - Jay