Author's Note: Here we have Suzie's tale. It'll be somewhat longer than Alex's, because I have more ground to cover. Just to be safe, I'll take two chapters to tell Suzie's beginnings at Torchwood, simply because we know so little about her. I may do the interlude I mentioned after I have Suzie's story told. I'm tinkering a bit with the timeline for both TW and TF. And as if the cooling temperatures here in North Carolina aren't enough to convince me that it's fall, there's hockey and football on TV, and one of our local grocery stores is carrying Hickory Farms summer sausage. Mmmm!
Chapter Two
Suzie: Something More than This
Cardiff, Wales, UK
January 2000
Suzie wasn't there when the tall, dark-haired American came sweeping through the halls of the hospital, a small young woman clutched protectively against his chest, but she did hear all about it when she reported for her shift as a lab technician that evening. The girls she worked with thought it was incredibly romantic (Suzie rolled her eyes at that), until they were informed that the man's wife had a miscarriage and was hemorrhaging. That promptly ended any fawning, aside from one bint who muttered, 'he still looked awfully heroic, coming in like that.'
Heroic. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Suzie shook her head and got back to work. She didn't think anything more about the girl and her husband. There was too much to do and she had too much to prove, too much to offer, to stay a lab tech. She forgot, at least, until she was heading for her break in the wee hours of the morning and a soft voice hailed her from inside one of the patient rooms, "Excuse me? If you see Dr. Elango. . ." The voice broke off, and in spite of herself, Suzie ducked into the room to find a slim, dark-haired woman struggling into a sitting position. The lab tech swore under her breath and carefully eased the woman upright. She was rewarded with a weak smile and a breathless, "Thanks. Guess it took more out of me than I realized. Uhm. Have you seen Dr. Elango?"
Her accent marked her as an American, though she was rather soft-spoken. Then again, it was very early and most of the other patients were still asleep, just as this girl should be. Suzie answered, "No, not real familiar with Dr. Elango. Is there someone else I can get for you?" The girl shook her head. . .she was Suzie's age, if not younger. Dark hair, dark eyes. . . extremely fair skin, now actually pale. Blood loss or pain? And she looked exhausted, like whatever sleep she was getting was fitful at best. Suzie would have been the first to tell anyone that she wasn't that empathetic, but right now, she found she couldn't leave this girl on her own.
"No. My husband should be back in the morning. Things went. . .really pear-shaped at his place of work, and he's having to put the pieces back together on his own. 'Sides, I think he's still upset with me for not telling him about the miscarriage," the American replied. Ah. So this was the girl whom the others were discussing. The girl smiled at her tiredly, adding, "Thank you for your help, I don't want to keep you from your work." If Suzie had been looking for an escape route. . .after all, she did have to eat. . .there it was. But. . .she stayed put. In fact, she sat down and scooted the chair a little closer to the other woman.
"Why didn't you tell him?" she asked curiously, then belatedly remembered her manners. It was a good job that her dad wasn't around. Suzie flinched at the thought, and then offered her hand to the American girl, saying, "I'm Suzie Costello, by the way, one of the lab techs here. And I'm on my break right now, so you're not interrupting my work. But really, why didn't you tell your husband about the miscarriage?" Suzie swore to herself that if the girl said her husband would have blamed her for it, she would figure out a way to save this girl and make the bastard pay, no matter what it took.
Instead, her companion said softly as she shook Suzie's hand, "You'll laugh at me, but I didn't realize what was happening to me at first. I know, stupid girl, doesn't realize when she's losing her baby. But. . .I didn't even know I was pregnant. I think Dr. Elango said that I was around six weeks and my period has always been kinda erratic. . ." She blinked back tears, summoned up a brave smile, adding, "And please forgive me for my lack of manners. I'm Lacey Harkness. It's a pleasure to meet you, Suzie Costello, though I wish it could have been under better circumstances." Suzie squeezed her hand. Honestly, it didn't sound stupid at all to her. It wasn't as if she was nine months gone and hadn't realized she was pregnant.
"Nothin' to forgive. Are you okay? I mean, there's no infection, or are they checking that?" Suzie asked, choosing not to release the other girl's hand. Lacey bobbed her head, and Suzie took that to mean that she'd be all right. Deciding that Lacey and her husband seemed to be okay to comfort each other, Suzie decided to distract her new acquaintance by asking, "Lacey. . .is that a family name? I'm familiar with families called 'Lacey' or 'Lacy' in Ireland." The other girl shook her head with a small smile.
"It's short for 'Alexandra.' My nickname was originally 'Lexie,' and don't ask me who gave me that, 'cause there seems to be a difference of opinion. Anyhow, I couldn't say 'Lexie' properly when I was little. . .the best I could do was 'Lacey,' and it stuck. Although, Mama tells me that when she was growing up, she knew boys named 'Lacey.' Then again, when my grandfather had a posting where Grandmother and the children couldn't accompany him, they lived in the South. And Americans born and raised in the South have unique names," Lacey replied, a mischievous grin lighting her face. Suzie couldn't help but grin back. . .until the alert on her wrist watch alerted her that her break was over.
"Ah, dammit! Uhm. . .I do need to get back to work now, my break's over. I'll see if I can send Dr. Elango on back to you. . . and if I can, I'll come see you before you leave hospital. I enjoyed talking to you, Alexandra Harkness," Suzie replied. She was rewarded with a bright smile and a squeeze of her hand. For that reason (and others), Suzie did return to the room during her lunch/dinner break a few hours later. She told herself that she wanted to make sure that Dr. Elango did see Lacey. . .but the truth was, she was lonely.
TWTWTWTWTW
The next time Suzie saw Lacey Harkness, her shift was ending and she decided to check on her new American friend on the way out. However, the other girl wasn't alone. . .a very handsome man with a somewhat anachronistic dressing style was sitting on her bed beside her, stroking her dark hair back from her forehead. Suzie hung back, listening as the man said, "I just wish you had told me sooner, Lace. Yes, you take care of me, but it's also my job to take care of you. You. . .you could have died, Lace, I thought you would die!" His voice broke on the last word and Suzie swallowed hard.
"Jack, I didn't even realize I was pregnant. When I called you, I was watching the celebrations on tv and I remembered that you had a mission tonight. I was a little late, and I thought when the cramps started that it was. . .well, you know," Suzie's new friend replied. She reached up to caress his cheek before slipping her hand around the back of his neck, adding, "And by the time I did know what happened, you were trying to put the pieces back together. I'm sorry I didn't tell you and I am so sorry that I worried you. The last thing I wanted to do was scare you. But I promise, I did see a doctor and there's no danger of infection. If. . .if we want to try to have kids, there shouldn't be a problem. We. . .we never talked about it before. I don't think we even talked about it after you asked me to marry you."
"I. . .I hadn't thought about it myself, honestly. You'll be an amazing mother. . .I don't know what kind of father I'd really be, but I know you'll be a fantastic mom," Lacey's husband replied, and Suzie swallowed hard at the absolute conviction in his voice. She blinked back tears, thinking that she should come back later, that she shouldn't be listening to this oh-so-personal conversation. But. . .she couldn't leave. Her legs wouldn't move, wouldn't take her away from this room and this conversation.
"I don't know, Jack. I'm not really sure I would be a good mother. I mean, I didn't know I was pregnant and I still can't figure out what I did wrong, why our baby died," Lacey replied and the anguish in her new friend's voice nearly broke Suzie's heart. Her husband seemed to feel the same way, for he scooped Lacey into his arms, holding her against his chest. The pair clung to each other, both weeping softly. Suzie's earlier wariness of Lacey's husband receded a bit, but she still didn't fully trust him.
"You will be a wonderful mother, Alexandra Elizabeth! You take wonderful care of me, you were practically a second mother to your sisters. . .I don't want to ever hear you say that you wouldn't be a good mother!" her husband said fiercely through his tears. He pressed a light kiss to her forehead, continuing, "And it wasn't your fault that the baby died. Okay? It wasn't your fault, you didn't do anything wrong. . .but that doesn't help, does it?" She shook her head against his shoulder. They clung to each other and feeling more and more ashamed, Suzie started to leave. Unfortunately, that attracted the attention of Lacey's husband and he called, still holding Lacey tightly, "I'm sorry, did you need to examine my wife?" Examine. . .? Oh.
"No. . .no, I was just leaving for the day and wanted to make sure Lacey was all right. I see she's in the very best of hands," Suzie stammered and waved a little as Lacey's head came away from her husband's shoulder. She was rewarded with a small smile, which disappeared while her husband eased her back into a reclining position and thumbed away her tears. However, it reappeared as she beckoned Suzie into the room. Part of the tech's mind was swearing that she should leave and go home, get some rest. . .but her feet had other ideas, as they carried her into the room and said, "I'm Suzie Costello, one of the lab techs. I met Lacey earlier in my shift, and wanted to make sure she was all right." Stupid! You already said that! She blamed it on her exhaustion. . .and maybe a little on Lacey's husband. He was truly. . .oh my.
"Captain Jack Harkness, pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my Lacey. She mentioned that a lady was in earlier, talking to her when she couldn't sleep. I know how lonely she's been since we arrived in Cardiff," Jack Harkness replied, shaking Suzie's hand. Captain? To the best of Suzie's knowledge, there were no American military bases here, and both Lacey and her husband had American accents. He. . .what was he doing? Kissing her knuckles? In spite of herself, Suzie began to blush, not just at the action, but at the way she was reacting to his lips brushing across the back of her hand. And oh God, he smelled so good! There was a light thump and Jack Harkness glowered at his wife, pointing out, "I was just saying hello!"
"Yes, and Suzie is turning the same shade as a tomato. Dial back just a touch so she doesn't burst a blood vessel," Lacey replied with an affectionate grin. Suzie blinked, looking from the husband to the wife and back again. Lacey's smile broadened as she added, "He does this with everyone. So you're headed home for the day?" Suzie shook her head, and then nodded, feeling more and more lost by the minute. One minute, Jack Harkness was comforting his wife and weeping with her over the loss of their and now he was. . .? Lacey said softly, "Suzie, look at me." That, she could do, and raised her eyes to meet the dark eyes of her new friend, who continued, "Don't think about it too hard. This is the way we operate, how we handle things."
Suzie blinked, shook her head one last time, and then whispered, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm going home. It's really okay that he was flirting with me?" She didn't know quite how to react to this. Her own family was. . .well. The less said about that. She met people (not just men) who flirted with someone different when their partners weren't around to see them, she met people who flirted with others when their partners were in full view and fuming, and even partners who reacted with quiet resignation, but she never encountered anything like this.
"Like I said, he does it without thinking half the time. It's part of how he communicates. No, it doesn't bother me at all. . .as I've said on more than one occasion, if Jack doesn't flirt, I need to check him for a fever," Lacey replied with an affectionate smile for her husband. She grew more serious, adding, "It doesn't mean he cares for me any less, Suzie. That's just. . .just the way he is. And I love him too much to ever ask him to be something he's not. I fell in love with him when I was seventeen and it's only grown stronger with time. But right now? You need to head home, Suzie, you look absolutely exhausted. Jack. . .why don't you drive her? Visiting hours technically haven't started yet." They hadn't? A quick glance at her watch told Suzie that the American girl was right.
"You'll get more rest before I come back?" Lacey's husband asked, eyeing the dark circles under her eyes with obvious concern. Lacey bobbed her head, her eyes already drooping, and he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. However, while Lacey was clearly exhausted, she also wasn't about to take a mere kiss to her brow. She tilted her head up, captured her husband's lips with her own, sliding her hand around the back of his neck at the same time. Suzie's eyebrows climbed into her hair, especially after she heard Jack Harkness moan softly. She couldn't help but grin when they separated, the husband looking very dazed. He said breathlessly, "Right. And I should go now, before I give your doctor something to yell at me for." Now that, Suzie had no trouble understanding. And for some reason, just after knowing him for a matter of minutes, she also had no trouble believing that if his wife wasn't recovering from a miscarriage, Jack Harkness would have absolutely no trouble with making love to her in a hospital room. No, no trouble at all.
"Oh, believe me. I will not let that slide. No one talks to my husband that way, not even my doctor. You lost a child, too, and I won't let him berate you for something that isn't your fault. If this isn't my fault, then it's not your fault, either," Lacey said grimly. Suzie turned her head to hide a smile. Not in amusement, but in anticipation. Lacey's expression gentled as she kissed her husband's cheek, adding, "Now, drop off Suzie, go home, take a shower, get some breakfast. You're losing weight. I'll not have you wasting away while I'm here." Suzie bit back a giggle when she punctuated this last statement with a light poke to his gut.
That provoked a yelp and Jack Harkness grasped his wife's hand, pulling it to his lips, and pressed a soft kiss to her palm. She smiled at him, murmuring, "I love you so very much. Get some rest, and I'll see you in a few hours. Suzie, he's been up for pretty close to twenty-four hours. Keep him awake until he gets you home, could you? I can't take care of him while I'm here, so I'm counting on you to do it for me." Suzie had the impression that she was given an honor that most people didn't receive, so she nodded solemnly. The dark-haired man rose to his feet, kissed his wife's hair and with a wink to Suzie, left the room. Suzie could only follow. What else could she do?
TWTWTWTWTW
Over the next two weeks, Suzie found herself spending more and more time with Jack and Lacey Harkness, even after she was released from hospital. They rarely discussed Lacey's miscarriage-that pain, when she wasn't utterly exhausted, was private. The sadness in her eyes remained, but she never spoke of it. Nor did they speak of how Jack was handling it, if he was at all. Suzie did learn that Lacey was a military brat, and that Jack had served, but he was rather noncommittal about what branch. She grew up in several states and Italy, remembering most of the Italian she learned as a child. What she couldn't remember, Jack supplied. And just as Lacey told her that first morning in the hospital, Jack flirted with everyone. Male, female, it didn't matter. What really intrigued Suzie, however, was how men reacted to the handsome captain's flirting. . .even straight guys didn't seem to mind his attentions. In truth, Suzie couldn't imagine why anyone would mind. Then again, Jack was becoming her friend and in addition to being incredibly gorgeous, he was also smart, funny, and compassionate.
And, as she learned quickly, Lacey had no issues with his flirting, either. It wasn't simply a brave face. . .she truly didn't mind. She simply watched him with an amused, affectionate smile. The third or fourth time this happened when the three were together, Lacey leaned over and whispered softly to Suzie, sounding very proud, "That's my husband." Suzie looked back at her new friend, who was beaming. She could only smile back, understanding what Lacey was saying. There were curious allusions Lacey occasionally made to 'for as long as I have him' or 'I won't be around forever,' which made Suzie think that her new friend believed her husband would outlive her. However, she didn't talk about this mysterious illness or that belief. For now, she would respect that silence. For now. Not forever.
And really, Suzie's time with Jack and Lacey was the only good thing in her life. She was growing more and more bored in her job, her father was. . .well, he was no longer in her life and she was happy about that, but those demons continued to haunt her. And much as she hated to admit it, her boredom had grown more pronounced since she met Jack and Lacey. So, when Jack suggested during lunch one day that Suzie walk with him to get more chips, Suzie glanced at Lacey, who just smirked and waggled her brows at Suzie. That was obviously a 'go ahead, I think you'll like it.' It, of course, being whatever Jack had to say.
They had been walking a short amount of time when Jack said quietly, "I know you're bored with your job. Of course you are. You're absolutely brilliant." Suzie started to speak, but Jack shook his head, stopped and put his hands on Suzie's forearms. She was too startled to flinch and Jack went on, his blue eyes boring into hers, "You are. You are entirely too brilliant to waste your talents with a job that bores you. Lacey mentioned that there was a. . .shake-down at my workplace?" There was the slightest hesitation in his voice, but Suzie nodded. Lacey mentioned it more than once, when Suzie commented on the shadows in Jack's eyes. Jack continued, "Last man standing, and I've been tasked with rebuilding the organization. I think there's a place for you. Are you interested?"
Of all the things Suzie expected to hear, a job offer was at the very bottom of the list. She licked her lips, barely forcing out, "What. . .what would I be doing?" Jack's smile warmed his face and Suzie's heart. He released her forearms, offering his arm. She hesitantly slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow as they began to walk again. He didn't speak for several moments, and Suzie had the impression that only part of it was for dramatic effect. Jack, she learned over the last few weeks, had a strong sense of the dramatic. But, it seemed he was also gathering his thoughts, deciding what he would say next.
"You'll think I'm taking the piss, but what I'm about to tell you is the truth. You'll be helping to save the world. Interested?" Jack asked. It was more than a little odd, hearing the oh-so-British slang in that American accent, but Suzie focused on what he was telling her. Not helping to save lives, which was noble of course and what she was doing at the current job, but helping to save the world. Like so many little kids, boy or girl, Suzie once dreamed of saving the world, until painful reality set in as she grew up.
"Does. . .does Lacey know what you really do?" she asked. She wasn't even sure why she asked that, but for some reason it was important. Jack nodded slowly, and Suzie understood. She whispered, "That's why she was so angry when the doctor accused you of not being there for Lacey after the miscarriage. Whatever happened. . .it happened on the night that she lost the baby." His jaw tensed and Suzie hugged his arm, murmuring, "Oh, Jack. I'm so sorry!" He covered her hand with his own. So many things were making sense now.
"We're still rebuilding. We'll all be doing more than one thing, including Lacey, especially after I train you in the use of weapons. She'll be primarily doing office work while she recovers. Are you okay with the possibility that you might need to fire a gun?" Jack asked soberly. It was so different from his usual demeanor, Suzie found herself paying closer attention to what he was saying (and wondered in the back of her mind if maybe he did that on purpose). She thought briefly about what she would do with that gun if someone tried to take what they wanted from her again, then dismissed it and focused on what he was truly asking her. After a moment, she raised her eyes to meet his and nodded. Jack smiled then and said, "Then after lunch, I'll take you where we're going. All three of us are going. And we'll have you back in time for your shift at the hospital."
He was as good as his word. After retrieving the chips, the trio headed back to his car. During the brief drive, Jack explained that she would need to keep an open mind about what she was about to see (studiously ignoring Lacey's murmured, 'a very open mind'). Suzie began to see what he meant when they pulled in front of the Roald Dahl Plass…more specifically, the Millennium Center. Suzie raised her eyebrows, staring at Jack, but it was Lacey who smirked and said, "Watch and be amazed, m'dear." She took Suzie's hand as Jack stepped forward. . . and vanished. Lacey's smile widened and she said, "C'mon. It's okay."
Suzie stepped forward, still clinging to Lacey's hand as if her friend was all that stood between her and the abyss. And maybe she was. Together, the two women stepped forward and Jack again became visible, beaming at them both. Suzie whispered, "Wha. . .where did. . .I don't understand!" Jack's grin became bigger and Lacey just squeezed her hand reassuringly. Then the floor seemed to give way under her and Suzie yelped. Neither Jack nor Lacey acted worried. . .if anything, Jack's smile broadened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. By now, Suzie realized she was on a lift, and that they were going down. . .but where?
Her question was answered as Jack said softly, "Welcome to our lair. This is where we protect Earth and humanity." Suzie stepped out into the. . .lair. . .and turned in circles, looking around in astonishment. Jack continued, "It's properly called the Hub. Would you like to see more?" Suzie nodded, utterly entranced with the alien environment. And, as she soon learned, there was a reason for that. She learned about Queen Victoria's meeting with a mysterious man, a young blonde girl, and a werewolf (?); and she learned of the queen's desire to create an institute to protect the people of this country and even this world from alien threats. By the time Jack began telling her of the Rift in Cardiff, she really had no trouble at all believing that there were aliens. . .some that wanted only to be safe, and others who wanted humanity to never achieve their potential. And if Suzie joined Jack (if?), then she would help to guard humanity against those aliens. . .and, on occasion, against itself. The tech knew entirely too well that sometimes, people were their own worst enemies.
Lacey remained quiet through Jack and Suzie's entire conversation, and when Jack finally asked, "Does this sound like something that would appeal to you, Suzie Costello?" Looking around the lair. . .around the Hub. . .at the equipment that was almost literally light years beyond what she was accustomed to, Suzie repeated the question. Equipment that was literally the best, thanks to this place's status with the Crown. . .work that wouldn't bore her to tears. . .a boss who seemed to understand and appreciate her curiosity and passion. . .and getting to see her new friend, whose quiet acceptance eased Suzie's own loneliness.
"Yes. . .yes, it does! When can I start?" Suzie blurted out, her voice almost squeaking with her excitement, and Jack grinned. Suzie noticed the glance that passed between the husband and wife, and in spite of herself, she asked, "Whose idea was it? To ask me?" By now, she was growing accustomed to the Looks that sometimes passed between the two, although she wasn't yet familiar with either to realize what those particular Looks meant. And if she wasn't so anxious, she would have face-palmed in sheer embarrassment.
"It was Jack's idea. . .I'm auxiliary, if I'm anything. He did ask me if I thought you'd be interested, and I told him that it was worth asking," Lacey replied gently, her eyes warm with affection. She squeaked as Suzie threw her arms around her and hugged her fiercely. It was the first time she ever hugged Lacey, first time she hugged someone in a long time. But Lacey wrapped her arms around Suzie in turn, holding her securely and stroking a hand gently over Suzie's hair as the British girl breathed, 'thank you, oh thank you so much.'
"In answer to your question, as soon as you give your two week notice, Suzie. I'll start working on adding you to our system and get your badge set up. Welcome to Torchwood, Suzie Costello," Jack replied, huffing a little as Suzie released Lacey to squeeze him, too. He winked at his wife over Suzie's head, returning the embrace gently. And to her amazement, as Jack held her, Suzie actually felt safe. Not just because she instituted the contact, but because. . .she felt safe. As if Jack would physically put himself between her and any danger that came along. Jack added, "Twenty-first century is when everything changes. . ."
"And we've gotta be ready," Lacey chimed in. There was a mock growl from Jack, but Suzie didn't care as she hugged Jack yet again. She had a new job and a new future. And oh, how she would shine!
TWTWTWTWTWTW
Late that night, now alone in their flat together, Jack Harkness watched his wife slowly undress. In the weeks since her miscarriage and the murder-suicide that left Jack in charge of Torchwood, most of his time was spent dealing with everything Alex left behind. And while the man had been a good Director and good administrator, there was a particular mess left behind that Jack never really suspected. Dealing with that particular situation took up most of his time, and what prompted Jack to consider hiring someone new when Lacey mentioned how bored and unhappy Suzie was at her job.
But now, it was time to tell Lacey what he had been doing while she recovered her strength and attended her therapy sessions. She wanted him to at least talk to someone, but that was. . .he would deal with his grief and guilt his own way. Oh, in his mind, he knew that nothing he had done caused his child's death, but just like Lacey, it was hard to accept that. Since he couldn't save their baby, he focused his attention on taking care of Lacey when he could and taking care of the lost souls now under his care the rest of the time. At the very least, when the Doctor came, if he was gone longer than he anticipated, Lacey would be able to do what was necessary for the lost souls. He hated that she might have to take up that burden, but Rose told him about the Doctor returning her a year after their departure, rather than the few hours he intended.
As Lacey slipped into bed beside him, her long dark hair now loose about her shoulders, Jack pulled her against his body and she happily cuddled close. He kissed the top of her head, murmuring, "Got something to tell you." She slid her arms around him, pressed a soft kiss to his shoulder, and then laid her head on his chest. Jack recognized the pose. . .it meant that she was listening. And so, he told her, "That night. . .while I was cleaning up the Hub, I found something. Or someone. Several someones. I've told you about the Rift and how it takes things and people? Sometimes, it returns those things and those people." Lacey froze and Jack told her about those whom the Rift returned. She lifted her head from his chest so they could meet each other's eyes, but Lacey's hand began to stroke his hip. It was, he realized after the first few times she did it, a way to calm them both.
"What's going to happen to them? You're telling me this for a reason," Lacey finally observed. Jack nodded and with a deep breath, told her about Flat Holm Island and the facility that would house and care for the Rift returnees who were unable to take care of themselves or unable to find a place in society. He already made arrangements to start interviewing staff to take care of the returnees and sent requisitions for additional supplies. And he ended up telling her more than he planned, as he also explained that if there was a way to ease them back into society, he wanted to find it. But. . .he was afraid they were too traumatized. When he finished, he stared at his wife, wondering what she was thinking. At length, she asked softly, "You've done this, all of this, in less than three weeks?" He nodded. . .there was still a lot to do, but he got things started. Lacey shook her head and murmured, "I am so proud of you. You're still reeling from everything that's happened, and already, you're working on a way to resolve this situation. Where are they staying in the meantime? I'm guessing not in a hotel?"
"No," Jack admitted reluctantly, "I moved them to a Torchwood safe house and have an old friend looking after them." He could have told her that it was a former lover. . .Lacey didn't tend to be jealous, especially not when it was a lover from before she was even born. But mentioning former lovers did have a rather interesting affect on his wife's libido. . .and sex was out of the question for a little while longer. Lacey was already chomping at the bit, but Jack was remaining firm on this. There would be no lovemaking until she received the release from her doctor. He wasn't willing to risk her a second time. Not when he still had nightmares about seeing the blood soaking through her trousers.
And fortunately, she wasn't interested in arguing about sex right now (although, the way her fingertips kept circling his nipples, she might be gearing up for one). Instead, she observed, "Yeah, can't imagine you'd want to leave them in the Hub by themselves. Even if there is just one person looking after them, they have a warm place to sleep and food. I am so proud of you, Jack. Maybe they'll never be able to return to the lives they had before, but maybe they will. What about their families? I'm assuming that the Rift isn't real picky about who it takes." No, definitely not picky. It took fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, and sometimes even children. And he thought of that, it was just. . .
"I don't know, Lacey. I don't want to keep families separated, but the way some of these people are when they come back? It seems cruel to let the families think they're dead or lost, but it may be crueler for them to see what's been done to the people they love," Jack told his wife and Lacey abandoned her attempts to drive him insane, choosing instead to hugging him tightly, before pressing a soft kiss to his chest. He thought about Jackie Tyler, imagined her trying to track down every lead she could find for her daughter during that year she feared Rose was lost to her. But not all mothers were like Jackie Tyler. . .not everyone was strong enough to handle the truth when they saw what the Rift could do. There was always such a fine line at Torchwood: things that seemed compassionate at first glance ended up being horrifically cruel, and things that seemed cruel were revealed to be compassionate. Jack had to do what was best for his new charges. . .even if that seemed to be cruel to their families.
"I wish I knew what to say. . .wish I could help in some way. All of this is still so new to me," Lacey admitted. Jack stroked her cheek with his knuckles. It helped. She helped. Just by listening, she helped. He wasn't real thrilled with the notion that she was working for Torchwood in any way, shape, or form, but he couldn't deny that the information she gathered then put into the system helped with the subsequent missions. He still didn't want her to become a field operative, but he would accept any support she gave him. Jack had the uncomfortable feeling that he would need all the support he could get. . . UNIT seemed very displeased that Jack was now the Director of Torchwood Three, such as it was, and Yvonne Hartman?
Well, he would be cutting ties with her. And the charter, designating the Doctor as Public Enemy Number One? Already gone for Torchwood Three. He couldn't do anything about what Torchwood One (yet), but he would continue to protect and deflect attention from the Doctor as much as possible. He was musing about what other things would be necessary when Lacey began stroking his chest again and murmured, "Jack? Is this place an institution, like a hospital?" He blinked and looked at her, nodding slowly. Lacey was frowning thoughtfully as she continued, "Before I worked up the courage to ask Alex if there was something I could do for Torchwood, I did a lot of needlepoint projects and knitting, things to keep my hands and mind occupied. The really good ones I sent to Mama, Daddy, and the girls, but the fair ones I kept. Maybe I could give them to Flat Holm? What do you think?"
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask about what, and why the hospital would need the items she mentioned, but fortunately, his brain engaged before his mouth did. Even if Lacey's needlepoint and knitting didn't do anything for the inhabitants of Flat Holm, there was also the matter of the staff. He said slowly, "I think my wife is a lovely, amazing, generous young woman, and I am incredibly lucky to have her in my life. Put your handiwork in the foyer, and I'll box it up. Even if the inhabitants can't appreciate them, I'm pretty sure the staff will." That earned him a wide, happy grin and Jack leaned forward to kiss the corners of her mouth.
"I can't be a proper Torchwood operative, Jack. I accepted that a long time ago. I mean, yeah, I did kill that bounty hunter, but that was pure luck. And I still have nightmares of it gutting you," Lacey acknowledged, her fingers sliding across his abdomen where he was ripped open. Jack shuddered, partly at the reminder and partly at the sensations evoked by his wife's touch. She continued after a moment, "But this? This I can do. And if you don't mind, I can ask Mama to send us Bronnie's pictures and sketches. I won't tell her where they're going, exactly, just that they'll be brightening up a hospital."
Jack wasn't too sure about that, but he was always game for seeing his young sister-in-law's sketches, and so he agreed. With that settled, Lacey settled against his side once more, fingers moving in soothing strokes across his skin. He kissed the top of her head, quietly proud of his wife, for so many reasons. Jack felt her breathing even out as she fell asleep, but kept stroking her hair. Lacey's suggestions shouldn't have been as surprising as they were, not when Corinna believed that it wasn't just grand gestures and sweeping changes that made things better, but little things. Little things could mean the whole world. . .just as the petite woman in his arms meant so much to him. He smiled and drifted off to sleep.