Epilogue
1938
Isaac had been quite surprised to find his name mentioned in connection with a misadventure described in the journal, but that was not what made him believe her. It was the sketch and the description of a father he'd never known. It not only contained past but future events and in instruction he couldn't ignore. To preserve a chain of events that would have consequences beyond his comprehension. It was strange to think his own father at this point in time was only two years old. Isaac had contemplated trying to make contact but Joan had persuaded him not to and that it would be dangerous to use the knowledge contained in the journal carelessly. It had served him well though there was one thing it didn't predict. Joan Kreiner nee Redfern died four months before she had a chance to see him fulfil his own personal prophesy. The other journal the one about the expedition to Siberia written by his father had to turn up in a shop for the Doctor to buy it. He waited one the corner leaning on his walking stick. Curiosity was what motivated him. He wanted to see the Doctor, but not the one he had met all those years ago at Farringham School masquerading as John Smith, the one that broke Joan's heart (Isaac knew he had been a conciliation prize on the rebound, the only one who didn't think she was mad), this Doctor was oblivious to what his later incarnation would do. It would be some time today he would arrive and Isaac would be waiting.
The Doctor looked like the sketch in the journal and as the figure receded into the distance Isaac felt a shadow come over him. His time was up he had done what had to be done. A sharp pain exploded in his chest. He tried to call out as he sunk to the floor. All he could think of was whether his four daughters would be alright without him.
The sombre group dressed all in black stood round the graveside as the priest carried out the service. Isaac would have been pleased his daughter, their husbands and his grandchildren had all turned up to see him off. There was someone else there watching from a distance. Two familiar figures who had come out of respect.