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Chapter 32 - Lift Answers

Rose and the Doctor appeared in the bedroom they had stayed in when they visited the White House so many months ago.

The Doctor turned his head and looked at the bed. "Ummm….I could lock the door and-"

Rose rolled her eyes at him. "You have it bad today, don't you?"

"Oh, I really do. Have you seen you?" He insisted.

She smiled and put her hands on his hips as she stood in front of him. He looked her up and down. She wore simple, royal blue scuba crepe sheath dress that hugged her curves beautifully. He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her nose with his.

He whispered, "Rose. I want to run my hands across every curve. Every beautiful part that is you. I am yours. Completely. Everything that is me, is yours."

She could feel his lust over powering every other emotion that he felt at the moment. She kissed him and immediately felt him grab her bum and press her close to him. She felt the bulge in his pants. He whispered in her ear, "We'll be quiet. Just a few minutes."

Her lip quivered as he kissed her neck and unzipped her dress. She spoke in his head. 'This is not a good idea.'

He whispered, "It's a great idea. The best idea I've ever had." He pointed his sonic screwdriver towards the door and she heard it lock. He pushed her dress off of her shoulders and it fell to the floor. He was completely lost in kissing her chest. She closed her eyes and fought back a moan.

'Baby, what if someone comes-'

He whispered, "Oh, I hope you do."

She smiled and her brain shorted out as he cupped her face and kissed her lips. He was such an excellent kisser.

He stood up and looked at her. "Okay. Seriously. I'll put your dress back on and leave you alone. You can say no. Just say it."

She looked at him for a moment. "I can't say that."

He crashed his lips into hers. She never felt him take off her bra nor her knickers but was nude nearly immediately as he walked her back to the bed. She lay down and watched him take off his jacket, vest and unbutton his trousers.

"Is this okay? Or shall I take off the shirt and tie?"

She smiled, rose up and caught his lips again. She pulled him down with her as they continued to snog. She felt his stiff member between her legs and stroked it. He kissed her breasts and ran his hands gently across them as he told her, 'I love these curves. All of them. All of you.'

She bent her leg and felt him slip inside of her. He thrust slowly and continued to kiss her. He suddenly stopped and looked towards the door. He held up a finger. "Shh."

She whispered, "What do you hear?"

He looked back in her eyes, "They are further down the hall."

'Baby, this is mad.'

He smiled, kissed her and began to stroke again, 'Let them catch us. I don't care. I need you so much. You needed this, too.'

She started to moan and wrapped her legs around his back.

'Rose. Try not to shout.' He told her as he pressed himself deep inside of her.

She made a quick shout that he muffled as soon as it came out of her mouth with his kiss. He continued to kiss her to muffle her moans as he thrust faster inside of her. He pressed her hands beside of her head and ran his hands down her body slowly. Taking in every curve and detail. He stood up as his fingers reached between her legs. He whispered, "Some more of my favorite curves. And how about that? Someone besides me, came in here."

She rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you said that."

He smiled and lay back down on top of her. He whispered, "Rose. Would you do it all over again?"

She smiled, "What? Have sex inside of the White House? This wasn't the first time."

He looked back at the door and held up his finger. "Shh…nah, it's nothing."

She looked into his eyes again. "We need to get dressed."

He groaned and stood up. "Right. Ummm… Towel. Need a towel. Stay there."

She giggled as she watched him walk into the loo and return with a small hand towel. After they cleaned one another up, she saw him toss the towel into the trash. She pulled back on her dress. "Let's hope that doesn't become part of some conspiracy."

He looked back at it as he tucked in his oxford and put back on his vest. "Ah. It's never been a problem before."

"Before?" She asked quietly. "How many times have you done this?"

He laughed as he put on his jacket. "Turn around. I'll zip you up."

She turned around and held her hair away from the zipper. She felt him kiss her neck, "Are you going to answer me?"

He smiled, "I've already answered that."

She turned around and looked at him.

He smiled and kissed her quickly. "You're the only one I've ever made love to. Brand new body. Completely different Doctor."

She smiled and turned around to walk to the door.

He exhaled slowly in relief. He mouthed the words, "Shut up, Doctor. Just shut up."

Then he pointed at her as she walked away. "You know. I've never noticed this before. I think you're a bit jealous, Rose."

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First Lady Caroline Shepherd sat in the residence. She had just sat down her phone when she looked up and saw Rose and the Doctor walk in. She smiled warmly. "What a lovely surprise! Howie said John would be joining us, but I didn't realize you would be here, Rose. It's wonderful to see you!"

Rose walked over and they hugged one another. "John asked me to join him."

Caroline smiled, "I'm so glad he did." She looked at the Doctor. "And John. Your hair."

He hadn't thought about his hair. Rose had just been running her fingers through it. He imagined it was probably standing up every which way. He ran his hand through it and cleared his throat. "My hair?"

"Do you think you might need a trim? It's just….everywhere." She asked him seriously.

He was speechless. "Well…. I don't know. Rose?"

Rose smiled at him. "It's fine. He was in a bit of wind, earlier. Thank you, Caroline."

He smiled back at her. "Yes. A really nice bit of wind."

Rose spoke in his head, 'I should have noticed that before we left the bedroom.'

He chuckled, "It's fine."

Caroline Shepherd folded her arm with Rose's and they walked together into the dining room. The Doctor put his hands in his pockets, exhaled his relief, and followed them.

Caroline spoke, "You're just in time for lunch. Well, it's probably dinner for you by now."

Rose smiled, "Yes."

"Howie will be right up. He never skips a meal."

Howie's booming voice was heard as he walked into the dining room to join them. "Although, I've thought about it lately!" He smiled at Rose and kissed her cheek. "It's damn good to see you, Rose. Pete didn't come?"

The Doctor shook his head. "Ummm…. no. Pete has had an accident. But, he'll be alright."

Howie shook the Doctor's hand. "An accident, huh? What the hell did he do? Jackie Tyler hit him? I'm on her side. She's no left-handed wife. Well, yeah... actually she is-"

Caroline became angry. "Howard Franklin Shepherd! Really!"

The Doctor looked confused, "I'm sorry. What? Jackie is a what?"

Caroline waved her hands. "Please, don't ask me to explain. Please, sit down. Let's have lunch."

Rose looked back at the Doctor and they both laughed under their breath. Howie held the chair out for Caroline and then sat down, and the Doctor did the same for Rose.

Howie put his napkin on his lap just as a member from the kitchen staff walked in with two plates. Caroline informed them, "There will be two more joining us."

The kitchen staff member nodded his head, "Of course, ma'am."

Howie looked at his meal and groaned his dissatisfaction. It was a lovely display of grilled scallops with tomato relish.

Howie shook his head. "This needs some whiskey."

Caroline rolled her eyes and mouthed, "Of course, it does."

Rose laughed under her breath.

Howie fetched his decanter of whiskey and three glasses. He sat back down. "Caroline, sweet thing. Do you want any?"

She made a face of disgust. "No, thank you."

"Rose?" Howie asked.

She waved her hand. "No. That's not my thing at all."

Howie smiled and poured two glasses of the whiskey. "Well, John. I don't have to ask you. Cheers."

They toasted and sipped the whiskey. Both of them coughed, violently.

The Doctor exhaled slowly, "Oh wow. What is that? Feels like my esophagus is on fire."

Howie shook his head violently and stomped the floor with both of his feet. "It's a new thing I'm bottling. Good. Huh?"

The Doctor smelled of it. "It doesn't have a smell."

Howie laughed, "Ole man Joe Kennedy made his fortune selling it."

The Doctor realized what was in his glass. "Oh wow. I've never had any of this. I thought it was clear?"

Howie took another sip and coughed, "This has been sitting in a whiskey barrel for a few years. That's the reason it has the color to it."

Rose and Caroline exchanged a look.

Caroline, anxious to change the subject, "So, Pete has proposed? There is to be a wedding?"

Rose smiled, "Yes. We were all surprised."

Howie nodded his head. "So, she's finally going to make an honest man out of ole' Pete. I've been wondering for a while if that was something he was considering."

Caroline smiled, "I think it's wonderful! I understand that you were there?"

Rose smiled, "Yes. We all were. A friend of ours was talking to Dad about his and Mom's first date. She doesn't really know about ...well…."

Howie nodded, "That this is a different Jackie Tyler? Oh yes. That other one, all ... well... I'm not one to speak ill of the dead."

Caroline looked surprised, "Since when?"

Howie slammed his hand on the table. "Well, if I was to acknowledge the corn, I'd admit...she would have beat the Devil, that woman. That woman had the patent on being a real bitch."

The Doctor covered his face and laughed, "Oh wow. I understood that."

Rose looked confused. "I sortof did."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "We need to talk about something else. We don't need to get Howie all wound up about-"

Howie sat back. "Hell woman! I know what I'm talking about! That other Jacks... she was separated from ole Pete."

Caroline looked surprised, "When did they separate? I didn't know that."

Howie pointed at her. "Because Pete didn't tell anyone. I knew, because I had to advise him of some...legal matters."

Rose asked, "What sort of legal matters?"

Howie crossed his arms, "I'm not a divorce lawyer, but I had enough sense to see what she was demanding wouldn't have left ole' Pete with nothing but a pair of socks and the drawers he was wearing."

Caroline rolled her eyes in complete embarrassment. She whispered, "Oh geez."

Rose shook her head. "I'm sorry. What?"

Caroline put her hand on Rose's arm. "Please don't make me explain." She looked back at Howie, "But! Anyway. Then there is this Jackie!"

Howie nodded his head. "Yes. And I have to admit, I really like her. Well, you know that, Rose."

Rose smiled, "I do."

Two members of the kitchen staff returned with two more plates of food and a tray of salads. "I apologize. I had left the salads, Mr. President."

Rose smiled as a lovely Greek salad was sat in front of her. "Thank you. This looks nice."

Howie moaned. "The pot rusher here is going to starve me to death. John. Look at this! Can a man live off of this?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "They are just looking after you after your heart surgery."

Howie groaned. "I'm in a state over it." He threw his napkin on the table. "John. Let's go have a chat while the ladies eat. Maybe if my stomach starts to eat my tailbone, this will look like a smart sprinkle." He grabbed the decanter and his glass.

The Doctor nodded and followed Howie into the other room carrying his glass.

Once they were in the room, Howie slid the door shut. He took another drink and shook his head. "Oh my shit. That's powerful stuff. So, you come to apologize?"

The Doctor nodded as he slid back open the door a bit and winked at Rose, "I've come to make peace with you. I suppose if you need an apology, yes. I apologize."

Howie waved his hand to excuse him. "Hell, I'm sorry, too." Howie collapsed in the chair. "I spoke to you right after I had just found out my approval rating has dropped."

The Doctor looked confused. "Why?"

"This idiot that has decided to run against me. He's all over the television making it out that I'm not healthy enough to hold office for eight more years. It gave me a case of the raw jaw. Then, I heard Banner was missing. I assumed it was you."

The Doctor sat back in a chair where he could see Rose in the other room. "Well, it was me. I've taken Banner. See, I confess."

Howie pointed at him, "I damn knew it. You shit. I ought to knock your galley west, but….I like to you too much."

The Doctor nodded his head, "Well. There's that, then."

"Where do you have Banner?"

"He's someplace safe. Someplace he can work on a way to reverse what's happened to him."

"Someplace he's not going to destroy half a town and bring it to light that we knew about it the entire time? I'm trying to get re-elected, you know."

"He's secure. He can't go anyplace."

"Your word?"

He nodded, "My sincere word."

Howie nodded. "Okay, I'm happy then. He's all yours. One less thing for me to worry about."

The Doctor looked back at Rose. She was laughing about something with Caroline. He could feel she was enjoying herself. He smiled at her, "So Howie. How are you feeling?"

Howie nodded his head and sat down his glass. "I'm feeling pretty kedge today."

The Doctor sipped his drink and his eyes seemed to sweat. He blinked and rubbed his eyes. "Kedge? What does that mean?"

"I'm good. Doctor Smith looked me over just this morning. He told me he would call you later."

He nodded. "He did. He says you are under a lot of stress. Your blood pressure is up."

Howie rolled his eyes. "Ugh. John. I'm the President of the United States. This isn't a something you can sit back and relax. Shit needs to get done."

"I realize that. But, Howie. You've got to figure out a way to reduce this stress. Or a way to deal with it."

"I have a new heart! I'm fine-"

"That heart won't last long the way your blood pressure is now. You can do it, but as a friend, rethink this re-election."

Howie grunted and waved his hand to excuse him. "I don't want to jabber on about this. What happened to Pete?"

The Doctor smiled at Howie's way to redirect the conversation. He had done the same thing himself so many times. "Pete's alright. We were in a lift at Torchwood, when it….dropped."

"Dropped? Someone cut it or something?"

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. Jake is looking it over now. Apparently, there was an explosion as it hit the bottom floor. That shouldn't have happened."

"But, Pete is alright?"

"He's cracked his skull. Just there on the top. I'm keeping him sedated for the next few days. It's really close to where he was injured before. He's on some strong medication to keep his brain from swelling and causing more problems."

"But, you feel he won't have any problems?"

"I'm doing everything I can."

Howie nodded his head. "Well, that's all anyone can ask. Keep me posted."

The Doctor nodded, sipped his whiskey unconsciously and immediately regretted it. The liquid seemed to make his hair stand on end. He noticed Rose shiver. She looked at him and shook her head. He smiled and sat down the glass on the table.

"Howie. " He coughed with the strong liquid still stinging his throat. "Have you ever heard of a man by the name of Nick Fury?"

Howie's eyes grew large. "You knew Fury?"

"No. I didn't. I just know of him. There was something that was left in his care that I need to find."

"Something that's going to destroy the world?" Howie asked.

He smiled, "Surprisingly, no. A trunk of research that belonged to Howard Stark. Tony has stumbled onto something and he's going to need it. He doesn't know it exists."

Howie listened and shook his head. "I don't know anything about that. But, you are welcome to look for it. The base where Fury was killed stored a lot of classified things like that. It's possible it was moved after the Cyber invasion."

"That's what I'm thinking."

Howie nodded. "It needs to be kept quiet that you're looking for it though. If someone realizes it's something important like that, it will disappear for sure. Hmmm…. How about that soldier? Rogers?"

The Doctor pointed at Howie. "Yes! That could work. I'll talk to him."

Howie sipped his drink, "Yes. Anything you need from me, just let me know. I trust you. That will give ole Rogers something to do for a bit. Hell, he probably knows what you are talking about."

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Jake Simmons stood in his office rubbing his shoulder and looking out of the window. He had just injected himself with the pain killer the Doctor had given him. It had gotten late that evening and the lights of the Zeppelins that floated over London seemed to dimmer than normal. Maybe it was the medicine. Maybe it was the lights in his office. He sighed, slipped his arm back into the sling, and pressed the button on his phone to order something to eat.

Just as he finished his dinner request, two Torchwood agents walked in.

Jake leaned against his desk and smiled painfully at them. "So, Grey. Did you find out anything?"

A young man with closely buzzed grey hair nodded. "We might have a problem."

Jake shook his head and closed his eyes. "Not words I want to hear. Let's sit down."

Grey and the other agent followed Jake to the sofa and chairs to sit down. Grey pointed at the young man with him. "You remember Nash?"

Jake nodded his head and smiled. "Of course. It's nice to see you again, Nash."

Nash rubbed his hands together nervously, "I really wish I could report better news, but this explosion seems to have been planted."

"Planted?"

"Yes, sir. Someone in the building no doubt. We have video of someone down there just moments before. I've got the rest of the Wolves looking to ID him. We didn't get his face. It's our suspicion that Doctor Smith and Rose…umm…Smith, were the targets."

Jake sat back and groaned. "This is not good at all. How can you be sure? Director Tyler was in that lift, as well."

Grey looked back at Nash and sighed, "There were flowers delivered. To Doctor Smith's office, just moments after it happened. Late, no doubt. The card said, 'Enjoy your trip.'"

"Signed?" Jake asked.

Nash nodded his head, "Yes. D. Idles."

"Dorian Idles is dead. President Shepherd had men go in and eliminate him."

Grey shook his head. "Maybe a copy cat? Maybe someone trying to get into Doctor Smith's head?"

Nash rubbed his face. "Maybe someone just hell bent on something?"

Jake groaned and rubbed his shoulder. "This shit isn't good. Not at all. I've just finally gotten John and Pete on board to have Rose back in the building. Someone is here watching."

Grey nodded his head. "That's our assessment as well."

Jake's phone rang in his pocket. He took it out and looked at the caller and groaned. "Boys. Let me handle this." He took the call and the image of the Doctor filled his screen.

The Doctor smiled, "Hey, Jake. Find out anything?"

Jake nodded his head. "Well, I was just sitting here with two of the Wolves discussing that. Turns out it was just a faulty lift. We're contacting the contractor in the morning to give it another look, but that's our assessment."

The Doctor looked surprised, "Really? Well, that's certainly unexpected."

Jake bit his lip and nodded his head. "Yep. Just a one in a million chance that you and Pete were the ones in the lift when it collapsed. How is Pete?"

"Oh, he'll be fine. I'm going to take him with me to keep an eye on him. These Wolves from your old unit, I'd like them to work with Lance while I'm gone."

Jake nodded his head. "Of course. I've already explained that to them. They are anxious to work with Rose again."

The Doctor grinned, "How's the shoulder?"

Jake groaned, "It hurts like a fucker. I'm grateful for this pain medication."

"Let me look at it before I leave. It shouldn't be popping out as much as it is. Something isn't right there."

Jake shook his head. "I'm fine. It can wait."

The Doctor sat back and sighed. "Alright. Well, that's all I had. I'll probably be by sometime tomorrow."

Jake shook his head. "Rose has a lecture tomorrow-"

The Doctor nodded, "Right. Okay. Well. I'm going to let you have that. Your guys and mine."

Jake smiled, "Testing me, huh?"

He pointed at him, "Take care of my girl."

"We've got it."

The Doctor ended the call.

Jake groaned, dropped the phone, and held his head in his free hand. "And I really hope that's not going to bite me in the ass."

Grey looked confused at him. "Why not just tell him the truth?"

"Do you think that we'll ever be able to get Rose back in here if he knew? I want a complete squad on her, along with the Quauhtin that she will have. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING can happen to this woman. Destroy the flowers and don't let this information leave this room. Do we understand one another?"

Grey nodded, "Well, yes sir! But-"

Jake shook his head. "I don't want to discuss it. Not now."

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