Hide and Seek

Chapter 11 – A New Venue

Donna was back in her cell and her mind was ticking over with all that the Master had told her. She was part of game, a game of hide and seek that this 'Master' was playing with the Doctor. He could find her just by her DNA, but it was not going to be easy. That was what Harry had been doing to her then, just for once she was glad that there was a piece of alien material inside her. That meant, Donna thought to herself, that wherever she was, the Doctor would be able to find her. Even if she escaped he would be able to reach her. So she just needed a way out.

In the week that followed her meeting with the Master, Donna got herself into something of a routine. That involved eating, trying to plan an escape and sleeping.

Intruding in on her routine were thoughts of dying. Much as Donna tried to keep her subconscious in order, it wouldn't play along and she found herself thinking of what would happen if the Doctor couldn't find her. Wondering what would tip this madman over the edge. He was expecting to see her again this week, he liked her and had said so. She would be given free reign of the house eventually if she behaved herself. The one thing she wasn't to do was try to escape, but the Master insisted she wouldn't possibly be able to do that.

As one of the suns began setting over the city it started to glint off the glass roofs of the buildings opposite. It was that time of day that she loved, when the first of the two suns went down against the violet sky and cast sunlight into the dark shadows of her cell. As she looked over the city appreciating the myriad lights from the multi-coloured rooftops she again regretted that her building was the only one without a glass roof. That was a pity she thought because not only could she appreciate the beautiful sky she could also make an escape.

She understood why her roof didn't have glass tiles, but she wondered if somewhere else in the building the roof may be made like this. As long as she kept calm and alert there may be a way out of here yet.

At the end of the week, the Master decided he would move Donna into the house, which he had rented out on Canthion for the duration. He'd used the place before and found it convenient as he could shut down access to certain rooms as when he needed to. He had employed three Canthions to keep the place ticking over. Washing, cooking, shopping, and cleaning. He couldn't wait to welcome Donna to his world.

Donna arrived in the main part of the house three days later. She was buzzed into the left wing and heard the doors clang and lock shut behind her. She didn't fail to notice the cameras set at strategic points throughout the trip to this room. It was clear that although she was going to be afforded some freedom, she was still a prisoner here.

Instantly Donna walked into the room she noted the beautiful glass ceiling. This was her escape. Break through the ceiling, break through the tiles and she would be onto the roof. Then she could away. How? She wasn't sure yet. She had to think this through, mustn't be hasty. She must lure the Master into thinking she was weak and frightened, suss out the routines and plan the best time make her escape.

Feeling her spirits rise for the first time in days, Donna closed her eyes and smiled.

Opening them again, she paid more attention to her surroundings. The room was circular but spacious, mainly neutral in colour with bright accessories that clashed with each other. The Master was there already, lying sprawled across the floor and he jumped to his feet as she walked in.

It was a thrill to be in so much space after the claustrophobia of the last few days, although Donna realised that she and the Master were likely to be the only two people here. Of course there were those funny little hunchbacked men but they were unlikely to be any company, they didn't even speak English.

"You'll stay in this room most of the time." The Master said. "Bathroom's through there," he pointed.

"Thanks," Donna retorted, absently looking around. "I like what you've done with the place."

"Good," said the Master who'd now moved to the far side. "Far as I'm concerned you'll do exactly what I want, whenever I want."

"And I thought I was going to have a good time," she replied airily. "Except that you're here," she added.

Donna studied him, trying not to look scared of him. He looked normal in a simple white t-shirt and jeans. She noticed the muscles in his arms and tore her eyes away again.

"All right, I'll do what you want. I'll follow you around like a puppy if you want. But you have to allow me some of my own space. And switch off those bloody cameras."

"Not going to happen," the Master assured her. "You carry on, you won't even notice the cameras."

A Canthion brought her a coffee and the Master suggested that she settle in. Donna raised her eyebrows. Of course, absolutely, she had so much to unpack.

"And," said the Master. "We'll get to know each other even better as the days go on."

Donna nearly spat her coffee out, and gave the Master a bemused expression.

"You'll find I'm very easy to get to know," said the Master drawing out the last word in a deep sultry voice.

Donna got up and walked over to him, "I'm having none of that, thank you," she shouted. "Over my dead body."

This prompted a quick survey up and down of her body. "I'm not fussy."

Donna shrugged "The Doctor will not let you get away with this." She noticed that this didn't seem to bother him.

"Perhaps we should start today," he suggested.

"Stop looking at what you can't afford," Donna retorted.

"Will I need a whip round then?" he asked, searching in his pockets.

Donna found it very hard not to look at him whilst he was putting forward his proposition.

His brown hair was cut close to his head and his eyes whilst sometimes wide in innocence were often undercut by a manic tone. He had a dangerous air to him, which she might in other circumstances have been attracted to, but right now she wished she were as far away from him as possible.

Sadly for her he caught her looking at him and she turned away briskly. Watching the cameras she fiddled with the belt around the waist of her dress.

"Pretty good view, eh?" he muttered, his eyes lingering on her.

Part of Donna was deeply annoyed and she reached out a hand to slap his face. He caught her hand before it connected and winked at her on the way out of the room.