14 Chapter 12 Epilogue (Cathexis)

Hey guys, I hope this rounds everything up… lord knows it's taken me long enough to get here! Strangely enough, this practically wrote itself really. And it was completed before the last chapter (11) which for me at least is unusual! I hope it's okay…!

Ten years later, Jack Harkness slipped quietly into the back of a courtroom to watch the proceedings. A feisty lawyer, with grey eyes, and long brown hair twisted into an elegant knot on top of her head, was just sitting down. She glanced up, as if sensing she was being watched. Seeing him, a frown creased her brow, for a brief moment before she seemed to dismiss him and focus back on the case at hand.

When the judge's gavel finally fell on a successful hearing, Jack waited a moment, watching Cathy as she shook hands with her happy clients and accepted the congratulations of her peers. One man, in a dark suit spoke to her for a moment, before at her insistence, reluctantly left. It was only then, as she was gathering her case notes together, in a nearly empty courtroom, that Jack made his way over to her. "Cathy?" She looked up.

"Hello, Jack. I'm glad you could come." She smiled briefly, before leading the way from the courtroom, smiling again as Jack opened the door for her. Once outside Jack offered her his arm, which she took, allowing him to lead the way, as she looked carefully around her. It didn't take long for the pair to catch up and order lunch in a nearby restaurant. Jack, aware that he may be called away at any moment asked the question they had yet to come to. "So, what did you want to meet me for?"

"It's about the weekly payments that have been going into an account, which is apparently mine, since the account was opened." Cathy started, "I can't find out anything about them except that they are from 'Torchwood'." Jack nodded.

"Is there a problem with them?" He asked.

"No, it's just- What are they for? I don't need charity money, I'm an independent woman now."

"Well, they were arranged for you as a sort of… pay-back. If you like. Torchwood owes you a debt, which can never be repaid. The money was to support you for as long as necessary. A sort of compensation scheme, arranged by my boss. But if you're happily living on your own two feet, I can arrange for the payments to stop."

"I would prefer that, I think. As far as I am concerned Torchwood owes me nothing that I can remember, so their debt is forgotten; forgiven." Jack nodded, a slight shadow crossing his features at the mention of Cathy's lost memory. The young woman didn't seem to notice however, simply glancing out the window.

The moment was interrupted by Jack's mobile going off and buzzing across the table. He smiled apologetically and answered it, "What's up Ianto?" There was a long pause before Jack replied, "Yeah okay, I'll meet you there… Yes, I have… Okay. ...Will do. Bye." Jack looked up, "I've gotta go- emergency in a shopping mall. Ianto says hi though." he added before getting up. Cathy nodded understandingly and stood up herself, allowing Jack to hug her briefly, before making his way out of the restaurant, greatcoat swirling behind him, oblivious to the stares he attracted from men and women alike.

Cathy watched him go for a moment, feeling like she ought to know him better than she did, but not having any significant memories about him to explain the feeling. She just felt happy and comfortable in his company now, as well as safe. She sighed and picked up her belongings, before attempting to pay for the bill, which she found was already paid in advance to a Torchwood tab. She called a taxi on her mobile to take her back to the office.

Finis

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this and a special thank you to those of you who have reviewed. Especially cjh4ever who has reviewed every chapter as she went along- I hope I've succeeded in answering your questions. ; ) Carrie

Do Not read unless you're really desperate for a sequel!

I've not got anything planned or written, but there is a possibility, maybe, for a maybe sequel...

Just as she was exiting the restaurant Cathexis looked across the street to where a crowd was starting to gather. She froze when she recognised the slumped figure of- Jack Harkness in the centre of the gathering crowd.