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Chapter 2: No Place for Kids
oOo
"Say that again, and I won't give you any jelly babies," said the Doctor. He produced a small bag from his jacket pocket. "Jelly Baby? Anyone?"
Clyde was on the point of reaching out for one when Donna said, "No, Doctor. It's too early. Wait until after they've had breakfast, hm?"
"If you say so," the Doctor replied.
Donna, the Doctor, and the kids all chatted in much the same fashion all the way to the café. Occasionally the Doctor would pop a jelly baby into his mouth, just because he could, with the result that, by the time they reached the café, he was nearly full.
oOo
The café was rather quaint looking. It looked like a home one might find way out in the country, the type that was full of frills and laces and things of that sort; indeed, when they entered, the Doctor nearly gagged at the fussiness of it all.
"I thought it was supposed to be pleasant!" said the Doctor. "This is just sickly." As in sickly-sweet.
"Looks rather like my grandmum's house when I was a kid," said Donna.
Nothing much more was said, and it was about two minutes before they were greeted by a hostess. The girl gathered up five menus, all lined and decorated with yet more lace, and led the group to a table with a frilly tablecloth and chairs to match. They had been seated right next to a large window, which they took pleasure in looking out so that they wouldn't have to look at the interior of the café. With the occasional look at their menus, they eventually decided what to order. Their food arrived rather quickly, which surprised the Doctor somewhat, but that did not matter.
The Doctor was even more surprised when he took a bite of his breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and a blueberry muffin. He had expected the food to be just as fussy as the decorations, but he was wrong. Donna, Rani, Luke, and Clyde had much the same reactions with their meals.
While the group was eating, they discussed what they were going to do for the day; during lulls in the conversation, they were able to hear snippets from other tables, and it was one snippet in particular that caught their attention.
"I'm not sure," a man in a suit was saying.
Another man replied, "If we leave now we should get to the Grove within the hour."
It was just past ten o'clock in the morning, according to Clyde's watch. The Doctor turned around, after consulting Clyde about the time, and saw two men sitting at a small table rather close by. They were both wearing expensive looking suits and were sipping cups of coffee. One had grey hair and glasses and the other, brown hair. Just as quickly, the Doctor turned away, but continued to watch the two men from their reflection in the window.
"I don't want to get there early, though," said the brown haired man.
"Neither do I," said the man in glasses. "But it's better early than late. You know how the boss gets."
The brown haired man nodded. "Last time that happened, he threatened to do to us like he did with the others." What is was the boss did, the man didn't say, but judging by his expression, it wasn't anything too pleasant.
"In that case, we'd better leave," said the man in glasses. The other man nodded.
The men asked a nearby waitress for the check and once they had paid for their meal, got up and left. The Doctor's eyes followed them all the way out of the café, and once they had exited, turned to Donna and the rest of the group.
"Do to us like he did to the others?" The Doctor quoted. "I wonder what that means."
"No idea," said Donna. "But if you're thinking what I think you're thinking, then I guess it will eventually be found out?"
The Doctor grinned. "Donna Noble, you are a genius!"
Smiling, Donna replied, "That means a lot, coming from you, space man."
"Well, you're a Time Lady now. It's a given you'd be a genius like me."
"That didn't sound stuck-up at all," Donna commented.
"Oi!"
Luke, Rani, and Clyde laughed.
"We can investigate after we're finished eating, however," said the Doctor. "Right now, I want to finish my breakfast. Delicious stuff."
"I thought you were full from eating jelly babies?" Luke asked
The Doctor, mouth full of food, shrugged in response.
The Doctor, Donna, Luke, Rani, and Clyde finished their breakfasts then, once they had paid for their meal (rather, the Doctor paid via psychic paper), they got up and left the café. Once they stepped outside, it was decided to split up into two groups and investigate separately; that way, more ground could be covered. The two groups would meet back up at the hotel later that day, around dinnertime, to tell each other what was found, if anything. So, Donna and Rani decided to split into one group, and the Doctor, Luke, and Clyde would be in the second group. Then, after some discussion of where to start, as well as a few safety tips so the kids would not get into trouble, the groups separated.
The Doctor, Luke, and Clyde watched as Donna and Rani walked off in one direction.
"Will they be safe?" Luke asked.
"Of course they'll be safe," the Doctor replied. "Donna is a very capable woman."
"I mean, what if they get into any kind of trouble?" Luke asked. "Not that they will, but what if? They don't have passports with them saying who they are."
"You worry too much, Luke," said Clyde.
"Clyde is right, Luke," said the Doctor. "Let go of your worries for now. Focus on the fun and adventure of it all!" He was nearly bouncing up and down with enthusiasm. "Ready for some fun, you two?"
Clyde looked at the Doctor with some worry. "Are you ok?"
"Ok? I'm feeling great," said the Doctor. "Always did love a good mystery."
"I can see why Mum likes you so much," said Luke.
The Doctor grinned in reply.
The three of them set out, but during the course of the day, none of them learned anything of significance. The Doctor only hoped that Donna and Rani learned something on their mission, anything, any tidbit of information, that would be of use. As it turns out, Donna and Rani did learn something, although it wasn't until they were almost ready to give up. Their search, so far, had been as fruitless as the other group's, bust just as they were getting ready to head back to the hotel, their fortunes changed.
Donna and Rani had agreed to pretend as though Rani was Donna's adopted daughter, and that the two were planning on moving to the area and, as such, were curious to learn about their potential future home. Under this guise, they went around town asking people for information. They learned quite a lot, but nothing to their advantage regarding the Grove. Unfortunately, just as they were ready to go back to the hotel, they realized they were lost.
"There's a police officer over there," said Rani, pointing.
"It's rude to point," said Donna. She was beginning to enjoy the role of a mother, even if it was just pretend. Ignoring Rani's eye-roll, Donna continued, "He'll probably know how to get to the hotel."
So Donna and Rani approached him and asked for directions, which the cop was only to happy to give. Then, seized by a moment of inspiration, Donna asked the officer about the Grove, although she phrased her question in such a way as to make it sound like she had merely heard rumors about it and wanted to find out if they were true or not. So, Donna asked.
"My adopted daughter and I really want to learn more about your town," Donna said. The officer gave her a look, which plainly said he wondered why Donna told him Rani was adopted, since it was rather obvious already; but, he remained silent. "We're thinking of moving here."
"In that case, welcome!" said the officer with a grin. "What would you like to know?"
"Well, we've already researched homes and jobs and such, but we're very curious about what activities locals like to pursue," said Donna. "Back in England, my daughter and I belong to several social clubs. We like to keep up with the local scene, you understand. We're sociable people and like being able to belong to a group. Helps keep us up with what's going on, both on the inside and outside."
"Are you talking about country clubs?" the officer said. Donna nodded, so the officer continued. "I know of a few. There's a very nice one in Napa, the Silverado Country Club."
"We want something closer to the Point Reyes area," Donna replied.
Before the officer could reply, Rani interrupted. "We heard something about a country club here in Sonoma County," she said. "The Grove, I think it's called."
"The Bohemian Grove?"
Donna and Rani nodded.
The officer chuckled. "That's no country club," he said.
"What do you mean?" Donna asked.
"I mean that it's not a country club," said the officer. "I don't know a whole lot about it, but it's a club only for influential people and political leaders, and potential leaders. And it's gender exclusive. Only males are allowed to join."
"Sexist chauvinists," Rani muttered.
The officer laughed. "Sure seems that way," he said. "And it's near impossible for anyone else to go there because of all the security. A couple guys actually succeeded in infiltrating it a few years ago, but they're the only ones to do it and not get caught."
"Where is it?" Donna asked.
The officer gestured with his hand in the general direction of the Grove. "Some distance that way, in Monte Rio. But like I said, it's impossible to get inside unless you're a member."
Donna smirked. Clearly, the officer had no idea of the Doctor's TARDIS. And of the perception filters.
"Interesting," said Donna.
"I agree, it is," said the officer. "But if that's all, I need to get back to work. I'm on patrol duty right now."
"Oh, of course," said Donna. "Patrol away. And thank you for helping us!"
"It was my pleasure," said the officer. He tipped his hat. "I hope you enjoy your stay here."
"We will," said Rani.
Thanking the officer once more, they said good-bye and headed back to the hotel. Once the arrived back in the room, they waited for the Doctor, Luke, and Clyde to get back to tell them what they had found out. It wasn't long before the males of the group returned, but in the meantime, Donna and Rani relaxed and watched television. During the commercial of a rather boring show, the Doctor, Luke, and Clyde returned.
"Oh, we didn't think you'd be back yet," said the Doctor. "But no matter." He turned off the television with his sonic screwdriver (and probably damaged the electrical cords in the process) and sat down on the bed next to Donna. Luke and Clyde sat down next to Rani on the other bed.
"Did you learn anything?" Donna asked.
"Sadly, no," said the Doctor.
"We saw a cat chasing a squirrel," Clyde said, "but that's the most interesting thing we saw all day."
"How about you two?" the Doctor asked, looking at Rani, then at Donna. "I hope you had better luck than the three of us."
Donna and Rani smirked.
"Judging by their smirks, I'm guessing they did," said Clyde.
"What did you find out?" Luke asked.
"Come on, out with it!"
"Be patient, Doctor," said Donna. "Honestly, you remind me of Mum sometimes." The Doctor chose to ignore that last comment.
"It all started when we met a cop to ask for directions," said Rani. "Donna pretended like we were moving to the area and wanted to know more about it." Rani then proceeded to tell the Doctor, Luke, and Clyde what she and Donna had learned about the Grove.
"Very interesting," the Doctor mused. There was silence for a moment. "And you say it's nearly impossible to get inside?"
Donna and Rani nodded. "That's what he said," Donna replied.
The Doctor grinned at her. "Luckily, we have the TARDIS." He clapped his hands together. "Now, since it's dinner time, let's all go out and get something to eat. We can decide what to do about our new-found information later tonight. Or tomorrow morning. Whichever works for you."
"Or we can discuss it tonight and make the final decision tomorrow morning," Donna said.
"That too," said the Doctor.
With that said, the Doctor, Donna, Luke, Rani, and Clyde all went down to dinner at the hotel restaurant. The restaurant was only open for lunch and dinner, which was the reason why they had not eaten there that morning. After the meal, which had been rather delicious (consisting of Italian food), everyone went back to the rooms to discuss the information they (rather, Donna and Rani) had learned.
A decision had to be made as to what course of action they should take next, and many theories were put forward, each of which the Doctor rejected. Finally, once the kids started yawning, the Doctor announced that he and Donna would discuss things with each other, then tell Luke, Rani, and Clyde of the final decision the next morning.
After the kids had fallen asleep, Donna decided to take a shower. She was all sweaty and grimy from walking around all day, and needed to feel at least somewhat clean. So she went into the bathroom and turned on the water for the shower.
Knock knock.
"What is it?" Donna called out, stepping into the shower. She didn't have to keep quiet, for the kids had all decided to sleep in a room by themselves, leaving Donna and the Doctor alone.
"Donna?" came the Doctor's voice.
"What?"
"Donna," came the Doctor's voice, louder this time.
"I can't hear you," Donna replied. She heard the door handle rattle, and then a squeak as the door opened and the Doctor stepped into the bathroom. Donna made sure the solid blue shower curtain hid her completely as he did so.
"Donna?" the Doctor repeated.
"Yeah?"
"I just wanted to let you know… I'm going to be out on the balcony," said the Doctor, voice clear and crisp, next to the curtain. "So once you're done, could you meet me out there so we can talk about what to do?"
"Okay," said Donna. "Unless you want to talk about it here in the shower."
"Huh? But I'm not dirty." The Doctor thought a moment. Then, with realization, "Ah! Um…no, that's all right."
Donna's head popped around the curtain and she gazed at the Doctor with an amused expression. The Doctor steadily avoided looking at her.
"It's all right, space man, only my head is showing."
"Oh." The Doctor gazed at Donna's face, slightly blushingly due to the fact that Donna wasn't wearing a thing behind the shower curtain. "You want to discuss the Grove situation in here?"
"I was kidding about that, Doctor," said Donna, grinning. She disappeared behind the curtain. As she began shampooing her hair, she told him, "I'll meet you on the balcony."
"Okay," said the Doctor. He left the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
Smirking to herself, Donna finished her shower and stepped out. Once she was finished drying her hair, she got dressed into a pair of pyjamas and, before stepping outside, put on a bathrobe. She then went out onto the balcony and stood next to the Doctor. They each stood silently for a moment, gazing out at the night sky, sprinkled with stars.
"So what do you think we should do?" The Doctor asked at last, breaking the silence.
"Oh, I dunno," Donna replied. "I figured Luke, Rani, and Clyde could come with us to the Grove. I mean, even though its only male adults allowed on the premises, they could use perception filters to hide themselves."
"That's one option," said the Doctor. He sighed and placed both his arms on the railing, leaning against it, in a way.
"Is there something wrong with that idea?"
"Not at all; it's a brilliant idea."
"But what?"
"How do you know there's a but?"
"Doctor, with you, there's always a "but"," said Donna.
"Well yeah, there is," said the Doctor. "It's just…you ever get those feelings where you just know something, yet you can't explain it?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I have one of those feelings right now," said the Doctor.
"Really?" Donna asked, curious.
The Doctor nodded. "Yeah. I just have this overwhelming feeling that we need to get Luke, Rani, and Clyde away from here as quickly as possible. Something dangerous is afoot."
"Like what?"
The Doctor shrugged. "I don't know. The something dangerous could be something or someone, and I certainly don't want to risk Luke, Rani, or Clyde being hurt. So, either way, we need to get them away from here. And it's not just an ordinary danger, because they've faced those before."
"You mean its something much more than that?" The Doctor nodded. There was silence between them for a moment. Then, Donna said, "They're not going to want to go home."
The Doctor shook his head. "No, they're not. But they'll have to, because I'll never forgive myself if something happens to them."
Donna nodded. "Well, I guess we'll have to break the news to them in the morning."
"Yes, we will. And then we'll take them straight back to Sarah Jane's. I don't want them arguing with me about it, either, because this is not something I'm going to budge on."
The Doctor fell silent again. For the next hour or so, Donna and the Doctor made various small talk, and then, upon yawning, Donna decided that she needed some sleep. So, she left the Doctor on the balcony and climbed into bed. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
o
The next morning, Donna and the Doctor told Luke, Rani, and Clyde what they had decided. Just had Donna had predicted the night before, neither of the kids was happy with the decision; but the Doctor, true to his word, did not give into the arguing that took place. He checked out of the rooms and then he and Donna, leading three very unhappy teenagers, walked back to the TARDIS.
The Doctor materialized the TARDIS inside Sarah Jane's attic. He commented that Sarah Jane was going to have to designate a parking space there, just for the TARDIS, since he came so often, but no one laughed except for Donna. Falling silent, the Doctor opened the doors and, upon finding Sarah Jane there, explained the situation to her. Sarah Jane nodded in understanding and, after telling the kids that whenever the Doctor said no to solving a mystery, it indeed meant something very serious, said good-bye and watched with Luke, Rani, and Clyde as the TARDIS dematerialized, leaving silence in its wake.