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Chapter 2 - Pete's Plan

"I'm sorry." the Doctor laughed not believing a word he was hearing. "You want what, again?"

They were sitting in the modest kitchen, each with tea in their hands.

Jake took a deep breath and repeated it again. "You know that Rose isn't safe. We can't just have her living here in this house in the middle of town. We need her someplace where she can be protected. There are flats near Torchwood that have guarded entry and security. Anyone could walk into here where she is now. Last night proved that someone is watching her. Who would have thought to attack her at a playground of all places?"

Pete interjected, "By the way, you never said. What were you two doing on a playground?"

The Doctor blushed and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Eh...well.. " he drug out the vowel. After all, this was Rose's sort-of father.

"Swinging." the Doctor answered.

"Swinging?" Pete questioned.

"Yep." the Doctor said, popping the 'p'. "We were on a date. I figured the park would be fun."

Pete rose his eyebrows and seemed to accept his answer.

Jake just laughed quietly at the Doctor's obvious embarrassment. He made a mental note to get the full story from him later. Granted, he didn't think the Doctor would tell him anything anyway. He didn't seem that type.

"Gosh! I've not even asked. How is Rose doing?" Pete realized.

The Doctor tossed his head to the side. "She's going to be alright. Physically. She's been through a lot though." he looked all around the room, except at them. "She's beginning to realize some things that will be difficult to sort out. For anyone. She might need some...I don't know...help. " He couldn't help but add, within his own thoughts, "And it's all my fault."

"Well, that's something else we wanted to talk to you about, Doctor." Jake interjected.

The Doctor looked questionably at the men. Pete smiled uncomfortably. "Well, it's like this, Doctor. We could move you and Rose to a secure flat, while you two go traveling for a bit."

"Traveling?" asked the Doctor. "Where?"

"Anywhere." Pete replied. "Take a long holiday. We have to keep up the appearance that Rose is recovering. Jackie has always said that she was always happier when she was traveling with you. Torchwood isn't safe for her at the moment with someone there working with these kidnappers. I think some time away, while we get it sorted could be the ticket."

"Where? I haven't a TARDIS anymore?" the Doctor inquired raising his eyebrows. Granted he was growing one in the next room, but no one needed to know that. Not even Rose at the moment.

"Anywhere! The Earth is a big place. I'll pay for everything, just go and show Rose a good time. It might help her get her mind off of everything that has happened here. I can have my secretary plan everything out. A great tour to see and experience some of the best Earth has to offer."

The Doctor raised his eyebrows and whistled. "That's extremely generous, Pete. I don't know if Rose would do it or not. I have some experiments here that I will have to sort out."

He was thinking of the growing TARDIS. How in the world could it leave it here alone? It was the only shot he had at taking Rose someplace where she really would be safe.

"Not to mention, this would have to be up to Rose to even move. So much of her life lately has been decided for her. I see what you are saying, clearly, I do. I agree with you as well, but is this really the best solution?" the Doctor questioned.

Jake spoke up, "You know mate, I knew this was going to be a hard sale to you and Rose. But, it really is for the best. We can leave security here to help, but it's not a long term situation at all. Although, she's going to have to have security from this point on. Always."

Pete continued, "Torchwood is clearly not safe for her, so I want her to take an extended leave of absence. More than just the usual medical leave. She won't like it, I'm sure. But, Jake can step in on any project she has going on. Until we get this sorted, I want her under 24 hour surveillance, or supervision."

And that was it. The Doctor finally saw what they were saying. Rose really wasn't going to like this one bit. He didn't either. Her, never being able to go anywhere on their own again? Never really being alone again? Her work, which she seemed to love, now off limits. All for her protection.

The Doctor leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face in frustration. "I can't believe it. How has it came to this?" he asked. "She was supposed to be safe. With her family. And instead she's being kidnapped, hit by a car, shot, a target for xenophobics? "

He signed. "I didn't mean any of this. This is not how it was supposed to be." More to himself than to anyone else.

"Be that as it may," Pete began, "It is how it is now. We have to take steps to ensure her safety. And yours."

"Mine?" barked the Doctor with a high pitched voice.

Jake spoke up. "Yes. Yours'. What do you think they would do if they found out what you are?"

"And what am I?" asked the Doctor as he looked at Jake.

"Ugh..." Jake stammered. "Some ...super smart, alien. Human-ish person. Know it all about everything. From another dimension. But, clever..." Clearly embarrassed, but still trying to make a point with the Doctor.

The Doctor considered for a moment, and then threw his head back and laughed. Pete and Jake sensing the tension dropping, begin laughing as well. They all laughed until tears formed in their eyes.

"Well, you have me there." the Doctor admitted, still chuckling. "Thanks for the laugh, Jakey-boy!"

Pete, trying to return to his serious demeanor, "So, think about it. Talk it over with Rose, and let me know what you two decide." he declared. "Granted, I'm leaving Shakes and a few of his men here with you guys from now on. Don't worry about them, they won't get underfoot."

The Doctor nodded his head to show he agreed with him. As they all headed to the door, Pete turned and said, "Oh, almost forgot this." He reached in his pockets and pulled out a small box. "Here, Doctor." he said as he handed it to him. "This is a phone. As a Torchwood consultant, I'd like to be able to reach you whenever -"

"But I've not decided if I want to work with Torchwood yet." the Doctor reminded him.

"Quite right" Pete agreed as he buttoned back up his jacket. "But, you need to have a way to get in touch with people if something else happens and Rose hasn't given you her phone to hang onto. Take it as a gift from Torchwood as we hope you will continue to help us in the future. And if that reason doesn't suite you, take it from Rose's family." Pete patted the Doctor on the shoulder.

The Doctor was stunned. He took the box and looked up at Pete. "Thank you."

Jake opened the door and stepped out. But Pete stopped, turned to the Doctor then said, almost as an afterthought. "If Rose is up to it, I'll send a car around tomorrow afternoon. Come over to the house and have dinner with the family. I'm sure Jack's will love to see everyone. I would be surprised if she doesn't show up here today. "

The Doctor nodded. Then Pete continued, "Think about what we talked about and try to have an answer for me by then. Alright?"

"Right." replied the Doctor unenthusiastically.

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