Second Chances: Slaying A Paper Dragon
A series of "accidents" plagues the local "Knights of the Round Table" show, which is being run by Rick Simon's son-in-law, Ian Whitecloud. When the owner of the franchise enlists Rick and A.J. to help track down the cause, it starts a deadly chain of events that may cost one of the Simons their life.
(This is a work of fiction. No money is being made on it, and the characters from Simon and Simon and Six Million Dollar Man are owned by Universal Studios and are only being borrowed for a little while. .)
"All right, Milords, Miladies, Honored Guests! His Royal Majesty greets you and welcomes you to The Knights Of the Round Table!"
The feasting guests paused, wiping their mouths and cheering gustily, as servants bustled between the tables. A stream of champion knights paraded around the arena, as the Duke of Ages announced their names and deeds.
"Sir Artemus of Shershire, the Grey Knight, defender of the crown at Glasgow!"
"Sir Persival the Brave, the White Knight, honor is his name!"
"Sir Ian the Just, the Blue Knight, Right is his might!"
"Sir Peter the Strong, the Black Knight, Champion of the Lists!"
As the roll call finished, seven knights and squires stood at the ready, then two by two they competed in jousts, with the Black Knight facing the victor of the other six.
"Come on, Sir Persival…you can defeat him!" "Sir Artemus, come on, you can do it!"
Calls and cheers rang out as the last two knights came at each other, with clanging shields and racing horses. As they met in the middle of the arena, each one's staff splintered, then a loud laugh was heard as the shafts veered towards the crowd. Suddenly there was a scream. "Oh my God…it got the Black Squire!"
Quickly the other attendants ran into the field of competition, and the knights immediately made way for the stretcher bearers, who picked up a young man who was bleeding from his arm. They raced for the exits as the crowd cheered.
At once the King held up his hands.
"No more fighting, I declare this joust over, in the name of celebration!"
A startled look from the three knights met his gaze, then each got down in obstenance to him as he raised a toast. As a low murmur rose from the audience, the King spoke.
"To the champions of the Round Table….may we meet again in the spirit of honor! Now greet each of our Knights!"
Hurriedly the champions mounted their horses, then circled the ring to the cheers of the crowd. As the lights came on, an unseen voice spoke. "Thank you for being our guests here at the "Knights of the Round Table! Please be sure to take all your belongings with you and exit to the gift shop!" Led by Sir Ian, the "Knights" rode into the tunnel leading to the stables, then got off their mounts and led each one to his stall. As he came back out, Sir Ian shed his persona and became Ian Whitecloud. Stopping to check on the young man being taken to an ambulance, Ian saw the other knights gathering, and went to join them.
"Hey, what happened to Bobby? Did anyone see where he was when he was hit? Have they taken him to the hospital?" Each of the young men, now in the process of shedding their makeup and costumes, stopped what they were doing and questioned the senior "knight".
"Slow down, guys..I'll tell you what I know. Somehow Bobby was on the other side of the weaponry, but he was supposed to be in the corner tending to the Black Knight. Now, " Ian stopped, holding up his hand at the agitated men facing him.
"The doctor says he's going to be all right, but they're taking him for an X-Ray just in case. Bobby's going to be out for a few days, though. Thank God for his reflexes …." Ian paused, then managed a grin.
"All right, …. Bobby's going to be at Phoenix General…so after the next show we can go see him."
As the others left, a familiar presence wandered into the backstage area, and upon spotting him, Ian went to meet him.
"Mr. Peterson….thanks for coming! I thought you were attending the show tomorrow!" he said, enthusiastically shaking the older man's hand.
"Good thing I did….I'm going to have to get a report on how that staff got broken and why that young man was in the wrong place." Clyde Peterson replied, putting an arm on Ian's shoulder. "Now I know what you meant by "accidents"… I think we'd better bring in your special investigators, if you know what I mean." he added.
A relieved smile covered the young trainers face.
"I do, sir….I'll call my father-in-law and his brother..they'll figure out what's going on!" Ian reassured him. As he parted ways to go to the hospital, he stopped at his office, and grabbing a phone, dialed a number from memory.
"Dad? It's Ian…listen, I need your help."
