The street lights flickered on up and down the street, illuminating the road as the day grew late. And even with the new time limit that Mr. McNallie set up, the only thing that was progressing probably the annoyance against that stupid whistle from the neighbors. It's sharp noise ringing out in the otherwise quiet night.

"We really need to get these guys out...huff" Panted Daphne as she leaned for a second against Velma's back. They had been running all out, trying to catch the guys as they dashed across and needed a short breather. Hoping that the other woman had enough energy to push back against her and not fall over in the attempt.

"Yeah, but I wish that we had a second to think..." Velma sighed, shooting a look towards the old man. While she loved the man like a grandfather... he was starting to get to a point that she wanted to put him in a home with his antics. Daphne and Velma had gotten to the point that when time was starting to run out, they would actually let the guys dash past unharmed, just to avoid the man making a racket. All eyes darted from the goal, to the little old man off to the side to make sure that whenever he moved for the whistle, someone would have to run.

"Come on you guys, you can do better." Came a shout from the peanut gallery.

"Five minutes never felt so short..." Daphne groaned as she notice the man reaching for his whistle from around his neck. Pushing off to give chase as Scooby made a move to get across. But the Dane had far more energy than she did. The game had become more of a countdown then anything that they were having fun with. But they were too tired to argue against him once his mind was set. Not that words would have worked anyway, since he was as stubborn and hardheaded as they came. There was only one person who could stop him...

"Oh come on..." Fweeeeeeet. "That was a weak attempt Daphne. I've seen you outrun a tween to a sale in less time." Fweeee-PHUMP!

Finally getting fed up, the one person who could put the fear of god into the older man had appeared! Standing maybe a smidgen taller than Velma, the older woman made up for the lack of stature with her pure presence. And her scowl could make even a grown man cringe. Mrs. Johnson had put up with his shenanigans for too long. And it was late and she just wanted to enjoy a nice cup of tea before going to bed. But her pleasant peace had been cut into by his incessant whistle blowing. And she made sure to grab the little noise maker in mid tweet.

"MISTER McNallie!" She chided, letting the whistle go to rap a short but sturdy ruler into her palm. It was mainly for show, but the retired teacher would take no sass from the gentleman. Staring him down over her half-moon glasses that had slid down her nose a bit. And he his wide eyed look let her know that the intimidation was working. He quickly put up his hands in his defense, trying to stutter out an excuse that would pass by her. But she was not giving him any leeway.

"I don't care what you have to say, let these poor kids finish playing their game in peace." She shot him a stern look, tapping her ruler a few more times.

"Move it mister, or do I have to drag you by your ear... Like your mother used too!" She threatened, making the man pull back.

"You wouldn't dare?" He gasped, covering his ears like a little kid.

"You bet I would, now move it!" She waggled her ruler at him, her hands making some very convincing ear pinching maneuvers.

Bowing his head, the old grizzled vet caved into the pressure from the retired old school marm. Her pen being mightier than his machine gun. Picking up his lawn chair, he tromped himself off their lawn and was forced to march back to his own house, whistle and all.

"You may resume." Mrs. Johnson said before she left, following the older man to make sure he left the gang in peace.

"Yes!" Came a victorious yelp from most of the gang. Daphne and Velma falling to the grass to take a much needed break. Fred and Shaggy made no move to cross, taking the time to catch their breath from all their running. A unanimous time out had been called! Though Scooby excitedly rolled around on the grass, being silly as dogs tend to be.

"Ugh... I love the man, but yeesh!" Daphne shook her head from her rather comfortable spot on the grass. Enjoying the coolness of the grass on her back, helping her recover from the heated ordeal. Though she wished it had been a clearer sky night, as the clouds covered the sky for any kind of star gazing. Pity that house had been finished, or she would have bugged Fred to sneak out again on a clearer night.

"You said it Daph." Fred agreed, only a short bit away and settling a knee to the ground.

"Ok! Five minute break, then let's get back to the game!" Shaggy joked, earning him several groans and some handfuls of grass tossed weakly his way. But after a while of sitting, most of the gang had recovered enough to get back to their feet. Thankfully with all the chases they have endured in the past, their recovery time from running was pretty quick. And at least in this situation, they didn't have to immediately take off running like their life depended on it.

"Come on Daph, it's getting late and these guys need to be gotten before it gets too late." Velma grunted, rolling up and getting to her feet before offering her hand to help up the other woman.

"Uggghhh..." Daphne groaned, taking the extended hand and pulling herself up to her feet. "Quit using logic against me. It's working..." She said with a weak smile, giving Velma's hand a squeeze before letting go.

"Let's do this!"