Ch 23

He was surprised to find that he had dozed off. he woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and something frying and opened his eyes. Rose had not joined him in his sleep, he noted with disappointment.

Taking time to freshen up and to change his shirt which still smelt a bit of Koi with a hint of Rose's perfume, he made his way downstairs.

Jackie was already sitting at the table, her hair covered by a scarf, reading one of the tabloids she was so fond of. She held what appeared to be the first cigarette of the day in one hand and a strong cup of tea in the other.

She looked up at John as he entered the room, "Little Miss," she gestured up at the ceiling, "is still in one of her snits."

Seeing the worried look on his face she took pity on him, "she's not mad at you silly," she patted him lightly on the arm, "it's Pete on her black list. She'll come 'round and see it's for the best."

Then as if he didn't exist she went back to her tea and her paper, completely ignoring him.

Pete joined them next, he ploughed through his full fry up and several cups of tea before announcing it was time for them to get going.

John had only managed a half cup of tea, his stomach jumpy at the thought of Torchwood but he had promised Pete he would do this and he was a man of his word.

Or rather, he hoped he was.

The drive to Torchwood was strained. The limo was large enough to hold 6 people or 8 if they were all on friendly terms, but Pete insisted on sitting right next to John, "don't worry," he used his best fatherly tone, "this is all going to be routine stuff. Some blood work, checking to make sure your systems are all working, things like that."

Then he paused, "sorry, keep forgetting this is all a bit new to you," he grinned apologetically.

They rode in silence for a while, then a though struck Pete, "do you two, I mean The Doctor and you, share thoughts? I mean I know you have all his stuff crammed in here," he tapped John lightly on the forehead, "but does it get updated? If he went somewhere now would you pick up on it or vice/versa?"

John considered this for a moment then shrugged, "I don't really know," he admitted, "I haven't really thought about it."

Pete leaned in a bit closer, with a naughty expression on his face, "I wonder if he knows, or can feel it when you and Rose..." he winked knowingly.

John looked at him a bit confused, not exactly sure what Pete was getting at. This made the other man chuckle, "you know when you..." he made a gesture that got his point across.

"I hope not," John swallowed hard and turned so he could get a bit of distance from Pete's highly amused eyes and looked out the window.

Pete didn't speak again until Torchwood Towers came looming into view. He reached into his briefcase and handed John a pass card, "clip that on your collar," he instructed, "it'll get you past security."

John read it as he put it on, "John Smith, consultant, Alien Affairs," is what the card said.

"It's not exactly a lie," Pete laughed, "you're an alien and you're having an affair with my stepdaughter," he opened the car door and gestured for John to join him, "let me show you around!" he spread his arms wide as if to embrace the imposing building.

Once inside Pete led John to what looked like a medical office's examination room. They were quickly joined by another man, "John, his is Rob, he is my right hand man and I trust him with my life," he introduced the stranger, "and now I trust him with yours."

He walked to the doorway and Rob followed him, John could hear the two men chatting, and wondered if it would be bad form to pry the window open and make a break for it. But before he could give that much more thought Pete glanced back at him, "don't worry all of this will be strictly confidential. You're in good hands."

At that Pete left the room and John felt the intense gaze of Rob now focused on him.