"Only two blocks left, Dr. Smith."

The cab driver glanced back at the man behind him. He looked frantic; he was running his hand through his hair and looking at his phone.

"The signal hasn't moved," John said. "So yes, it looks like this is the place."

The cabbie, named Adric, nodded. This strange man had given him a bit of information as to what was going on. Apparently, his girlfriend had been kidnapped. And the nabbers wanted him to meet somewhere to exchange money for her.

By the look in Dr. Smith's eyes, he was ready to murder.

Adric made a left turn and headed down a one-way street. He really hoped it wouldn't come to that; Dr. Smith seems like a nice man. He hoped that this stranger would get his girlfriend back in one piece.

He knew of Rose Tyler; she was a famous model. He'd be lying if he said he did have a picture of her on his bedroom wall. He liked seeing that her boyfriend cared so deeply for her.

As they approached the building, someone on the line spoke. A woman's voice. "Okay, the police are about ten minutes out. They're tracking you as you're tracking her."

John nodded. Adric glanced back at him in the rearview.

"You know this is a trap, right?" the voice on the other line said.

"Yes," John said, voice strangled.

"Then it's best to wait for the cops."

The handsome doctor shook his head as though she could see it. "I can't do that, Clara. I don't know what will happen if these assholes see the fuzz. They may hurt Rose or worse. I need to go in alone and see if I can negotiate."

"And if you get shot?"

Adric put the cab in park and turned around to watch. The waning sun cast a glow on the doctor's face.

John swallowed. "As long as Rose is safe."

He truly did not care what happened to him. These assholes took his girlfriend; they were going to pay. If that meant he got hurt or died in the process, fine.

He can't lose her. His Rose. His heart.

"Sir?" Adric said.

John glanced up. "We're here," the cabbie said quietly.

The doctor fumbled for his wallet. Adric shook his head.

"No charge."

John looked at him. "What?"

"No charge for this ride, sir. I want you to get your girlfriend."

A small smile formed on John's lips.

"I'll also wait in case you need a ride afterwards."

John was taken aback by this man's kindness. He was a kid, probably eighteen or so, and he was helping him navigate his messed-up situation.

"That is very kind of you."

Adric shrugged. "Go get your girl."

The doctor nodded and then grabbed his phone. "I'm going in, Clara."

Silence for a few seconds. Then she spoke. "Okay, they're about five minutes out. Keep me on the line. I'll start recording."

After exiting the vehicle, John slowly approached the entrance. It was your typical run-of-the-mill abandoned building. Clara had muted herself so they could not hear her and the police promised a silent approach. John swallowed hard as he turned the doorknob and crossed the threshold.

His eyes adjusted to the dimming light and then he began walking. His shoes lightly clacked on concrete.

If we make it out of here, I'm smothering Rose with love and affection for a month. She'll be so sick of me.

He wandered around for a minute or so before entering a room on his right. When he did, he saw Rose bound and gagged on a chair. Her hair hung loose over her face as her head was down.

Anger rushed through him as he approached her.

"Rose!"

She looked up at him. Her left eye sported a shiner.

They hurt her.

The Oncoming Storm was building inside him; his blood was now boiling.

He let out a growl.

"John," a voice behind him said. A familiar voice.

Turning on his heel, he saw River Song.

"River," he spat out.

She's a dead woman.

She slowly approached him and placed a hand on his upper arm. He shrugged her off. She tried it again, gripping it this time. She turned him to look at Rose.

Leaning close to his ear, she spoke. "Do as I say and I'll let your precious model go."

John growled and his head whipped to her. "What the hell are you doing, River?" He yanked his arm free this time.

River smirked. "Something I should have done a long time ago." With that, she shoved her lips onto his.

He pushed her off immediately, not reciprocating. Rose made a muffled sound.

"I don't think I need to tell you, Dr. Song, that you're fired." He spat the words out as he wiped his mouth. He felt violated and a twinge of guilt flowed through his veins. He knew he didn't initiate it, but Rose still saw him kiss another woman. Or at least, saw another woman press her lips to his.

I love you, Rose.

She chuckled. "Not if you want Rose to keep all that hair."

John growled. River smirked.

He shook his head. "Why?"

The curly-haired woman laughed and walked over to the blonde. John's eyes were focused on his girlfriend; one wrong move and that was it.

He knew other people were there, waiting to take him apart. He didn't care.

He would die for Rose.

"Because I want you."

John's eyes snapped to River's. "What?"

She sighed. "It's no secret, John, that I've always carried a torch for you. I've tried showing you time and time again, but you were so focused on this bitch," she gestured behind her. "After you humiliated me at the Halloween party, I knew I had to do something drastic to get you to see me for me."

"See you as what, River? A kidnapper?"

She turned and yanked Rose's chin up to look her in the eye. John took a step forward and a gun was aimed at him.

"You can set her free, John," River said. "I only want you. Agree to be mine and she'll be let go."

The bow-tied doctor rolled his eyes. He vaguely heard a car door closing.

The police!

And Clara was on the other side of his phone, recording the whole thing.

He folded his arms and raised an eyebrow at Dr. Song. He once thought of her as a brilliant scientist. Now she was nothing but trash to him.

She stood in the way of his most precious item in the entire world.

"We will end you, John Smith. We will end your laboratory and force you into destitution if you don't agree to my terms." River turned to Rose. "We will kill her in front of you and you'll be heartbroken. Heartbroken and destitute for the rest of your life."

"And how will you do that, River? I haven't committed any crimes."

She smiled; a sinister smile.

"My cousin can draw up false charges when he's Prime Minister."

John paled, his blood running cold. He glanced at Rose and her eyes were as wide as his.

"Prime Minister?"

"Yes, I believe you've heard the slogan," a male voice said as he approached from behind. He stood next to River Song, a smirk on his face. Rose made a strangling noise.

John was frozen in shock.

"Vote Saxon."