Hello Lovely Readers!

Sorry this update took awhile. I'm sick so hopefully my writing didn't suffer too bad for it ;)

One more chapter after this and then that all

As always I love reviews!

Enjoy :D

Part 3: The Plan

Clara spun around ready for a fight. Instead of some thug assailant she found herself face to face with another cigarette girl. Clara felt a pang of envy. The young woman's coffee colored skin looked stunning in the dark uniform. She shot a fearful look over Clara's shoulder at the office where the men were talking.

"Come on." the girl whispered, "If they catch you we're both dead."

Obviously this girl knew what was going on around here or at least part of it. Clara carefully took in her appearance. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and a spark of defiance which probably served her well in a place like this. She was also beautiful. This wasn't someone to take for granted, though because of her sex and skin color Clara was sure people often did.

Clara nodded, agreeing to follow her. This was someone she clearly needed to have a conversation with. They slipped back down the dingy hallway filled with flickering incandescent light from the hanging metal lamps. The inconsistent light silhouetted the girl in her pin-up style uniform. The clicking of their heels and the whirling of fans echoed unnervingly in the oppressive silence.

They slid through the black painted door and out into the main lounge. The thick gray smoke which clouded the room enveloped them. No one seemed to have noticed they ever left. The patrons still lounged in the booths, expressions vague. And the pianist in the corner continued to play the endless melody of the living dead.

If Clara were a praying woman she would have prayed now. That this wasn't a bum steer or a trap and this dame could help her find Rose.

"Who are you?" Clara asked.

"The name's Martha Jones, but the real question is who are you? I know you don't work here and if I know, than believe me, Davros does."

An icy chill ran down Clara's spine. The name Davros was legendary. At least in certain circles, like Clara's. He was the boogeyman, the name on a file, the ghost in the nightmare of every investigator in the city.

Davros ran and controlled the import and trafficking of dope in New York. There wasn't a back-street deal he didn't have a hand in. But he was untouchable, a phantom. He was the Moriarty to the NYPD's Sherlock. No one could ever finger him for a crime.

John's unit had tried linking him to his operations for years. They knew Dalek was being used to launder his money. Though Clara doubted anyone thought Davros would ever be on site. Her mind flicked back to the cold, emotionless voice from the office.

That's why all of this was happening.

John's investigation had gotten too close. And it wasn't enough to simply kill him. Davros had to send a message. That way no one else would come poking around. He had to make an example out of John. Clara's heart contracted at the thought.

"You're here for the dame aren't you?" Martha said, watching her face.

"Do you know where she is?"

"First I want to know who you are."

Martha was testing her. This doll was smart something Clara admired.

She grinned, "Detective Oswald, Clara Oswald."

"Nice to meet you Detective." Martha returned the smile.

Clara signaled to John and David who were watching across the room. Acting casual they made their way over to them. Martha's smile brightened when she saw David, but he didn't seem to notice.

"This is John and David, they're with me. So do you know where she is?"

Martha hesitated before deciding to trust them. It was her neck on the line too.

"I saw them carry her in. I don't think they even realized I was there. They must have used knockout gas on her and she was hog tied. Other than that the girl appeared to be fine. Simeon had her taken into Davro's office."

So Rose was here. That was swell. Part of Clara had been afraid she was being stored somewhere offsite until the drop tomorrow. She was a professional and didn't let the relief show on her face. That didn't mean she didn't feel it though. Of course they still needed to figure out how to get to Rose.

John apparently was thinking the same thing, "We need a distraction."

He lightly brushed his fingertips over Clara's arm to still the anxiety he knew she was hiding. How did he know her so well?

"I've got an idea." said Martha with a devious expression. "But I'm going to need help."

David nodded in determination, "Count me in."