As they approached Pike street, Daphne shook her head in disgust. A large crowd had already gathered and she could feel the onset of a psychic vision. It was a scene that she definitely did not want to get involved in.
"Dr Crane, I really don't see the point in walkin' all this way when my blue sports car is right over-."
Frasier held up his hand to silence her.
"Daphne, please! This is a tragedy of epic proportions and it is my duty as a citizen to put an end to it! The very idea of the city of Seattle destroying a treasure like the Hirsh and Sons bookstore just infuriates me! A strip mall indeed! I'd like to see them try to close it down! I intend to stay here until-."
"All right, fine! We'll go to your bloody rally, although I don't see what good it'll do. Me brothers and I were always protesting things in Manchester and the only thing that we received in return was a night in jail! Do you think that stopped us? No! The very next day we were back on the street, protestin' the very same thing!"
"And did it work?"
"Are you kiddin? Me mum was so mad that we weren't allowed outside again for weeks!"
"Weeks? That sounds like a rather harsh punishment for a child." Frasier said.
"What were you protesting?"
"Birds." Daphne replied.
"Excuse me?"
"The bloody birds! Imagine, you're sittin outside mindin' your own business when a flock of birds sails overhead. How are you supposed to get anything done?"
Frasier stared at her, thoroughly confused. "That's fascinating, Daphne but I don't see how-."
"Oh my God, it's Frasier Crane from the radio!"
Frasier whirled around to find himself in the midst of a frenzy of fans that were just short of trampling him.
"He's come to join our cause!" a woman said, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him to a group of protestors. In her free hand, she held a large pink sign that read; Books... Not Boutiques
The woman's outburst was followed by hundreds of others; all yelling and chanting Frasier's name.
Proudly Frasier smiled and approached the rowdy protesters, who greeted him with more cheers and applause.
"We will not let Hirsh and Sons fall by the wayside!" Frasier yelled, causing a roar of support from the crowd.
Daphne watched in disbelief as Frasier went to join large group of protesters who were sitting in the middle of Pike street, much to the annoyance of nearby drivers.
Angrily the drivers honked their horns and shouted obscenities, but the protestors wouldn't budge. Instead the sitters waved their picket signs and shouted back.
Her legs tired of standing, Daphne walked over and joined them in the street.
Suddenly a booming voice startled her.
"THIS IS THE POLICE!" the loud, amplified voice yelled. "Everyone out of the street! Now!"
"NO!" The crowd yelled.
By this time, Daphne had joined the movement and was yelling along with them. Anything to forget about how her peaceful day had already been ruined.
She could be at home right now, reading her favorite romance novel. Instead, she was protesting against the very place where she had purchased that book.
"Save Hirsh and Son's Bookstore and you will save your soul!" an elderly woman yelled, bringing wild enthusiasm from the crowd. She waved her picket sign madly in the air, displaying the fact that she'd been a customer since the 40's and wasn't about to back down.
That was all the incentive that Daphne needed.