Yesterdays Heroes Once More. Part Eighty One ... A Parting of the Ways

 The Doctor and his Party had finally arrived at Candlestick Park with the help by their new friend Duke "Duck" Bill. 

The Car Park was empty, as it was too early for any of tonight's audience to be arriving. This should make locating Johnny Ringo easier the Doctor thought.

Duck had parked near to the main Ticket Office, as he knew that door would allow the Doctor into the Stadium. 

As the everyone exited the Taxi The Doctor turned to Duck and shook him firmly by the hand. 

"How Much do we owe you ?" said the Doctor

"Nothing Doctor, the Hotel has an account with Checkmate Taxi's and would have already made the payment to the Office. I will get my cut when I return to the Office tomorrow. " Duck replied.

" You deserve a Tip, to say Thank You from us " The Doctor said reaching in to his pocket.

He placed $10 dollars in Duck's hand, this was some of the Money the Doctor had received earlier from the Pawn Brokers. 

"It's Too Much " said Duck trying to give the Money back.

"You deserve it, anyway if my tip for betting on Blue Box does not bring you any money, at least you will not be out of pocket " The Doctor said smiling.

Duck accepted the Money.

Then The Doctor reached inside his Jacket and brought out an envelope, it was same one that Manny had given him back at the Hotel.

"What's this ?" asked Duck puzzled

"It is a Thank You for you charming Daughter" the Doctor replied

Duck took the envelope and opened it. From inside he withdrew a Black and Photo of  The Impossibles.

He looked at it, and then began to open the Envelope that was not sealed. He peaked at what was inside and gave a gasp.

They had all signed it and had written "To Dora, Thank You From the Impossibles.

 

Duck laughed " Dora will be blown away by this !"

"Well that was the promise I made to you earlier today" smiled the Doctor. He continued "There is something else in the envelope for her also. It was the Boys idea"

Duck put his hand back into the envelope, this time he withdrew some smaller pieces of paper. Turning them over Duck could see that there were tickets for tonight's concert.

"Four Tickets" The Doctor exclaimed. " Maybe Dora could take you and your wife and a friend" he suggested. The Doctor continued " The Boys said that if there is time they may invite you all back stage after the concert."  He hoped that the concert would go off without a hitch and the incident with Johnny Ringo and the Robbery would never happen.

Duck just stood silent, and just looked at the tickets. He was lost for words. After a minute he placed the Tickets along with the signed Photograph back into the envelope. Then looking up at the Doctor with a tear in his eye finally spoke.

" Thank You, you have made my Girl the happiest person in the world. " Duck said them he stepped forward and hugged the Doctor, then Phooey, Jack and Reggie.

The Doctor was a little taken aback by this, as he was not one for being emotional himself.  Jack was not used to this type of physical contact either,.... However he understood the sentiment. Phooey just giggled and Reggie licked Duck's face and barked, as he knew that he was not to speak in public. 

Duck reached into his top pocket and withdrew a small card.

" Here, this has the number of the Taxi Office on it. If you have need of my services again, you can contact me via Checkmate Cabs"  He said handing it to the Doctor.

The Doctor took the card and smiled. " Goodbye Mr Bill, Thank you for everything" The Doctor said shaking Duck's hand again. 

Jack and Phooey did the same. Reggie jumped up and licked Duck's face and barked again.... and with that the foursome turned and walked towards the door marked Ticket Office. 

Duck got into his Cab .  He placed the envelope carefully on the seat beside him and turn the ignition, and Bessie sprang into life and lurched forward.  Duck was off to collect his daughter Dora, who he knew would be still outside the Star Hotel awaiting a glimpse of The Impossibles as soon they would leaving the to go to the Concert Venue. She would of course want to go home and change if she was going to be seeing her favorite band.

As he headed back to Hotel he remembered that the Horse Race had now began.  He turned on his cars radio. 

"  500/1 "  Duck said laughing. "It will never win!, anyway I have had a nice day." he continued.

 His day was only going to get better, even if he did not know of it yet.

What happens next..... Will the Doctor solve the Mystery of Johnny Ringo ? Will he solve the Mystery of the Flashing Light on the Tardis' console ? and would he find out the identity of the man in the hood, that  Johnny Ringo had told the Police about ?

Hopefully all these Questions will be answered next time.

So until then ..... ENJOY !

Yesterdays Heroes Once More. Part Eighty ... Destination Candlestick Park

 After making contact with the Impossibles, a group of Young Super Heroes, and having them agree to help him on his quest to battle The Grand Master, The Doctor and his team were now going to look into the Mystery at Candlestick Park.

The Mystery was, how could a Cowboy Outlaw from the Old West be alive and in modern day San Francisco ? The Doctor had his suspicions as indicated with the Flashing Light he had noticed on the Central Console back in his Tardis. This information about the Light he had decided to keep to himself for the moment.

They had left The Star Hotel, the temporary home of the Impossibles reuniting with their friend.... The Taxi Driver called Duke " Duck" Bill.

Duck was happy to see them again too, he ushered them into his cab. 

Now on to Candlestick Park which would be the venue for the Impossibles Rock Concert later that evening and the place that Johnny Ringo would try to steal the takings from the Box Office.

Duck turned the Key in the ignition, after a few bangs and a lot of sputtering the Taxi lurched forward.

" Sorry about that Folks, but old Bessie has seen better days" Duke said patting the Dash Board.

" Bessie ?, you call your Cab Bessie ?" asked the Doctor.

"Yes, I named her after my first Girl Friend, who now happens to be my Wife, and Dora's Mom" replied Duck.

" I like the name " said The Doctor.

"The problem is that Poor Old Bessie may look good on the outside and inside, but under the Hood is another story. The Sea Air and Temperatures plays Havoc with her Engine. I am forever having her in the Shop having bits and pieces replaced. She needs a new heart, however I cannot really afford that. So that is why I have a bet on the Ponies from time to time trying to win enough money to have her fixed permanently." Duck explained.

"So she needs a New Engine then" replied The Doctor.

"Yes, she does..... But with Dora wanting to go to University next year, and the amount of debt we have taken on so my older Son can finish his degree, and the Bills and Taxes on the House, that leaves little to fix Bessie." Duck explained further.

"You, have a Son also ?" said Phooey who was listening in on the conversation.

" Yes, his name is William , he plays Collage Football. He is really good and has been contacted by some professional Teams recently. He is 6 ft 5, as big as a Barn. Dora calls him Big Bill. When he comes home he eats us out of house and home. Sweet kid, gets his looks from his Mom. " Duck said with a smile pointing to a Photograph  that was placed next door to the Dashboard.

The Doctor reached forward and took the Photo. It showed a Young Man dressed in a Football Helmet.

" Fine looking Chap !" the Doctor exclaimed.... passing the Photograph over to the back seat so Phooey, Jack and Reggie could see it more clearly. 

"He was studying engineering, and is doing well, but because of the Sport he is falling a little bit behind in his studies.  I have offered to help pay for some private tutoring, but where that money will come from I do not know....... But if he gives up his Sport that could mean he will never become a professional player where he can earn big bucks. If that does not help, he would always have his engineering career to fall back on.  Its a hard choice." Said Duck shaking his head.

The Doctor and his team all felt sad for Duck and his family.

" The Boy should follow his Dream, fulfill his destiny " said Jack 

"Yes, you only have one life" said Phooey.... Hearing this the Doctor smiled.

" I agree  " said Duck, the decision is his, his Mother and I will support him which every way he wants to go.  We will find the Money some how "

The Taxi had stopped at some traffic lights, and whilst Duck waited to move off he said

"Doctor, you are an intelligent Man, see if you can pick me out a winner at one of the next race meetings ! " 

 Duck handed the Doctor his News Paper that he been reading previously.  

" I think there are at least three more races at Bay Meadows today" Duck said as the Traffic lights changed and the Taxi moved off once again.

The Doctor turned the pages of the Newspaper until he found the Horse Racing section.

 

Looking at his Pocket Watch the Doctor saw that it was just a few minutes before 5.00pm. From looking at the New Paper he could see that there was a Race at 5.00pm, 5.30pm & the final one at 6.15pm. It was too late to make any bets on the 5.00pm race, but hopefully time to bet on at least one or more of the two.

Looking down the list of Riders and Runners the Doctor noticed something. It was a name he had seen before, but where ?. Then he realized where he had seen that name before.  Covering himself with the Newspaper so that neither his friends or Duck could see him.... The Doctor reached into his inner jacket pocket. He took out the piece of paper which showed the  Front Page Head Line on the Copy of The City on The Bay News from the following day that Radley and Thaddeus had found when researching Johnny Ringo.  Down the bottom of the page was printed.

"Tim Travel Wins on Blue Box 500/1" Which meant that a  Jockey named Tim Travel won a race on a Horse called Blue Box that was a rank outsider at 500/1. So if the Doctor could convince Duck to put a $10 dollar bet on the horse to win, he would received back $5000 dollars which would help him hopefully buy a new engine for Bessie, and also help towards some of debts that the Bill family were running up.

Quickly folding the paper copy of tomorrows daily Newspaper and replacing it in his inside jacket pocket,  the Doctor announced that he had spotted a good bet...... but he got Duck to promise not to put too much money on the Horse.

At the next set of Traffic lights that the Taxi had to stop at, Duck glanced at the details on the page of his News Paper that was from today....

"500/1 "..... he scoffed, " That sounds more like a Mule than a Race Horse" he smirked. 

"I am sure I have heard good things about this horse" The Doctor fibbed.

"Okay Doctor, I will take your advice. I will place $10.00 dollars on Blue Box's nose to win." he chuckled. "5000 Bucks would help restore Bessie back to health, pay some bills and help my Kids, but as the race is coming up soon do mind if I pulled over and used a Call Box to telephone my Bookie ?" He asked.

" No we do not mind " said the Doctor. What would a 5 minute delay mean to them.... nothing The Doctor thought. 

Duck spotted a Pay Phone on the side of the Curb and pulled over. Taking the News Paper from the Doctor jumped out of the Taxi and hurried to the Phone Booth.

The Doctor and his crew watched as Duck made his phone call.

In just over a couple of minutes Duck was back in the Cab, and he was laughing with tears in his eyes. 

"Max my bookie thinks I am mad, but is always happy to take my bets and my money "  Duck said as he started up Bessie and pull away.

From the Street Signs The Doctor could see that they must be near to Candlestick Park.  It was now 5.20pm. They would arrive in good time to have a scout around to see if they could find any trace of Johnny Ringo and the source of the blinking light warning  he had noted on the console.

As Duck pulled into the Car Park, the Doctor felt a little guilty. He would never use future facts to help in any financial transaction usually.... But Duck and his Daughter had helped him on their mission, so they deserved a reward.  He had considered giving one of the items that he had shown the Pawn Broker from his Blue Hanky, but that could end up with Duck having to answer awkward questions of why he had them, and where they came from.  The Doctor pondered that could a win of $5000 dollars really hurt or destroy the time line...? The Doctor thought not. Any time the Doctor interacted with anyone in any Time Line, there was always a risk things could change in a way that he did not contemplate. 

The Taxi Cab stopped opposite one of the many doors that surrounded the Stadium. Duck knew that this door should be open at this time of day as this was where the Public could buy tickets for any show or Sporting event that was due to take place at Candlestick Park.

Next Time the Team enter the Stadium, and discover the truth behind Johnny Ringo's appearance in the 20th Century. 

Until then..... Enjoy !

Yesterdays Heroes Once More. Part Seventy Nine. Finally Exiting The Hotel, and a Surprise Meeting.

 Whilst unknown to the others that Jack and Phooey were trying to find Reggie, The Doctor and the Impossibles had arrived at the Reception Desk.

Behind the desk was a very young man and a slightly older woman with glasses.

" Good Afternoon Gregg, Good Afternoon, Carole."  said Lee.

Both of the Hotel receptionists Smiled, and returned the greeting.

 " We have ordered a Cab to take our personal Doctor and his family to Candle Stick Park . Has it arrived" Manny added

Carole replied "yes it had arrived, and was waiting at the private exit so to avoid the large crowds that had gathered out front ". Carole pointed towards the front doors that were situated behind The Doctor and the Impossibles. .

"Yes, we have had to added extra security to keep your Fans and well wishers out" Gregg added

" Mr Saloon has even had to ask for the Police to help out, as he was worried that things would get out of hand when your Band leaves for the concert later on. " Carole said

The Doctor looked behind him. Through the open front doors the Doctor could see that a much larger crowd had amassed since they had arrived  earlier on during the day . As well was the Fans, there were news cameras. The chances of them leaving without being filmed would be hard. The Doctor always avoided any publicity as this would leave a trace of his visiting there.

"Would you like one of the Bell Boys to escort your party to the side exit ?" Asked Gregg.

"No need, we know where it is, Mr Genn will take them" said Walter winking at Lee.

Then the 3 Impossibles and the Doctor walked back to where Jack and Phooey were standing. As they they did,  Walter was muttering something into the Doctors ear. 

"Where is Reggie" the Doctor asked

Jack pointed his Umbrella towards the Urn.

"Great is a great place to hide" Said the Doctor smiling " Are you ok in there Reggie ?" the Doctor added.

"Yup" came the reply from the Echoing Urn

Then after bidding a farewell to each other, the 3 Impossibles walked across the main reception area towards a sign saying " Moonlight Ballroom"  Turning the 3 waved and exited through the two double doors. A couple of seconds later Lee reemerged and walked back to the Doctor and his Party.

" Are you a duplicate ? " whispered Phooey.  

Lee nodded. And then with great care to make sure that he would not be spotted, Reggie climbed out of the Urn and stood in between The Duplicate, Jack, Phooey and the Doctor. 

Jack and the duplicate in front, with  The Doctor and Phooey at the rear, and Reggie sandwiched in between. 

"Ears Reggie" Whispered the Doctor pointing to the top of Reggie's head

Reggie's ears were showing so Reggie made them flop forward. 

"Better" smiled the Doctor.

"You don't talk very much!" said Phooey to the duplicate.

The Duplicate smiled and shock his head.

" From what Multi Man told me Penry,  not all of his duplicates are able to or needed to speak. We see them as real people, but they are only an extension of the real Multi Man " the Doctor informed a very puzzled Phooey

Then the Duplicate directed the Doctor and team along passed the reception desk and along another passageway  to where the Taxi would be waiting for them.

As the were about to pass the Reception Desk Jack pulled out his umbrella, just he needed to open it to hid Reggie. Lucky enough both Carole & Gregg where dealing with another Hotel Guest so had not noticed the group moving across the entrance hall,

The silent guide lead the group along a corridor, around a corner and down some steps. There was a door. It was marked with a sign that read "Fire Exit". The door was not manned, as it could only be opened from the inside. The duplicate pushed the bar on the door, and the door opened. 

Multi Man's duplicate looked out and seeing the coast was clear walked out through the door.

And then he pointed.....

"There it is !" exclaimed Phooey seeing a yellow car parked in the alleyway outside the Hotel.  

Then Phooey exited the door followed by the others.

They all looked around them. The alleyway was partly covered and was dark. The pavement outside the door was very damp and dirty .  Also was very messy, but empty of any crowds.  There was only the Taxi Driver who had his back to them and his Cab.

Then the  Duplicate  closed the door behind them which automatically locked. He was now like them locked outside the Hotel

The noise of the door closing with a thud made everyone jump.

They all turned and looked at the Duplicate .

"It does not look like the most glamorous exit to this fine establishment, but it will do. Thank you" said the Doctor to the Duplicate shaking his hand. The Duplicate  smiled.

"Do You want me to give you a Hong Kong Phooey Chop ?" asked Phooey realizing that the Duplicates job was now done. 

The Duplicate just smiled and shook his head

He turned and walked back against the closed door. He indicated that they should all sand back, then he raised both hands and clapped them together.

. ...... And he exploded into a cloud of dust, as the other Duplicates had done in the Hotel Suite earlier. They all watched as his dusty form gradually  fell on to the pavement. 

The dust from this explosion soon disappeared thanks to the wet floor it had landed on.

Soon there was no trace that the Duplicate had ever existed. 

"Very off putting" exclaimed the Doctor.

"Amazing!" said Phooey.

"It's Dark Magic " was Jack's reply

Reggie said nothing as he had been commanded by the Doctor. He stood sniffing the Air.  There was something he had smelt other than Garbage  Cans and Damp Trash.

  Then his eyes widened 

and he ran off towards the Yellow Taxi wagging his tail and had began to bark.

The Taxi Driver all of this time had had his back to the door and was deeply engrossed reading his newspaper, so had not noticed or heard the the group exiting  the Hotel.  Let alone seen the Duplicate explode. Whilst waiting for his fare, he had turned on the Radio in his cab and was listening to a live Horse Race. Having opened all the doors to his Cab, he was so he could hear better was enjoying  listening to the race. 

Reggie getting excited as this was his friend Duke Bill. He rushed up to "Duck" barking loudly.

On hearing the Barking he looked up from his Newspaper......

"Hello Again, my little friend" he said.  It was Duke Bill. The Taxi Driver that they had met earlier on in the day.

He Patted Reggie on the head, as the others in the party walked up to see why Reggie was making a fuss.

Duke looked at the Doctor and said

" Candle Stick Park ?" 

"Yes , Candle Stick Park " replied the Doctor shaking Duke by the hand.

Next time the journey continues to the concert venue.

But until then..... ENJOY