The Noble Rose was probably the most sophisticated hotel in Cardiff. The lobby's floor was covered in thick swirling pink carpets, there were huge soft plump white leather sofas, with antique coffee tables and the staff wore smart, high quality red uniforms with a rose on their breast pocket.
The Doctor couldn't help but whistle in awe and even Jack (who has seen more of his share of hotels) was impressed. Elizabeth kept glancing at things, trying to get every detail memorised.
"Hello I'm Dr John Smith and this is my brother Jack and our niece Elizabeth I was hoping our suite was ready" the Doctor said flashing his psychic paper to the receptionist.
"Ah yes sir just let me check the computer records" the receptionist said pleasantly. Damn the Doctor thought I forgot hotels these days need the booking on the computer. "Here we are, just on time as well" the receptionist said beaming handing the card key to the Doctor "enjoy your stay"
"I'm not an expert on these things" Jack started, but a glance at the Doctor he changed he tune "ok maybe I am, but to have a booking on the hotel computer wouldn't that imply someone rung ahead?"
"I didn't" Elizabeth said when both men glanced at her.
"If she didn't and I didn't and you most definitely didn't…then who did?" Jack asked
"We've been expected" the Doctor said "and you Captain Harkness said I was making a mountain out of a mole hill. Come on lets check out our suite"
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The suite was just as grand as the lobby. Three separate bedrooms joined by a lounge with a large bathroom, all three of them whistled in awe.
"Sweet" Jack said kicking his shoes off and throwing himself onto a sofa "I could get used to this kind of life"
"Don't" the Doctor said "we're only staying here till will solve this"
Jack rolled his eyes and turned the TV on flicking between programmes. There was a knock on the door and a shout "special delivery"
The Doctor frowned and answered the door.
"Delivery for Ms. Williams" the man said holding out a large bouquet of blood red roses.
"Thank you" Elizabeth said pushing the Doctor out of the way and accepting them. She took a great huge sniff and smiled "lovely"
"Who would send you flowers?" Jack asked frowning
Elizabeth rolled her eyes "relax Dad I haven't got a boyfriend or something like that"
"Good because I don't want you to get hurt" Jack said with a strange look on his face that the Doctor almost thought could be a mix of affection and contentment. The look on Elizabeth's face was slightly similar; the Doctor couldn't help but wonder if he missed something.
"So who are they from?" he asked changing the subject and pulling the two out their trance.
"Wait here's a card" Elizabeth said pulling a card and ripping the envelope, she cleared her throat and read it out "dear Elizabeth, congrats you and the two idiots have begun the hunt but can you keep up with your prey? Meet me at Wolfie's tonight at seven and only you. From the Bad Wolf Corporation"
"You're not going" Jack snapped suddenly "it's dangerous and you could get yourself killed or worse kidnapped"
The Doctor blinked, isn't getting killed worse than getting kidnapped? What the hell is wrong with Jack's priorities?
"Look you want to solve this, right? You want this over and done with right? Then let me do it. I'm not a kid; I've experienced such horrific things-"
"Which is why you should try and stay safe" Jack shouted "Jesus Elizabeth, I promised your mother, I promised to myself that I will keep you safe, this isn't keeping you safe"
"I'm not a freaking china doll" she shrieked "I could do what I want! I'll go now if I have to, but I should do this, we need to do this"
"If you even try to leave this suite I'll lock you in your room" Jack snarled
"Fuck you" Elizabeth snapped storming towards the door. But Jack ran after her and scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder. She kicked and screamed but he wouldn't let go. He threw her onto the bed and shut the door behind him, locking it. "I HATE YOU" could be heard.
There was a slight heartbroken look in Jack's eyes when he heard it but he just walked to the sofa and turned the TV up, he looked up at the Doctor and mumbled "it's for the best"
"Of course" the Doctor agreed. But he wanted to know why Jack was acting like the way he was, but one look at the Captains face and he knew it wasn't time to ask.
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Elizabeth let out a strangled scream against her pillow before sitting up. The room was prepared for her, not for any normal guest but for her. Her favourite chocolates were sitting on the vanity table besides her favourite non alcoholic drink. The toiletries were her favourite brand; the dressing gown hanging up was in her favourite colour.
She frowned and opened up the wardrobe. It was filled with brand new clothes. Casual and night time. All in her style. Whoever done this, has been following her…making this feel even more creepy and the mystery deepen slightly.
She pulled out a dress and some flat pumps. She could get ready for that meeting now…but how to get out without Jack seeing? She wandered to her window and grinned, directly below it was a fire escape. Whoever prepared this knew her and Jack perfectly.
She was going to do this and nothing Jack says will change her mind.