Santa Anita Park was everything Daphne had expected, acres of parking lots leading up to a race track with botanical gardens on one side, and the City Hall on the other, with a golf course just on the other side of that. As the mystery machine pulled up to the front parking, it might have been the first time that the old van did not seem out of place as it parked alongside what seemed to be a fleet of news vans.
"Would you look at all of those," said Fred, "It looks like they have every news station in the county here."
Stepping out, Fred shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off a sea of glass windscreens and a throng of cameras setting up in front of the building. But the sounds of more vehicles arriving all around, each bearing an affiliate marking from a wholly new station took his impression of the scene from annoyance to astounded.
"Make that every news station in the world," said Fred.
Adjusting her skirt suit, Daphne fiddled with her fake press badge before tossing Fred his camera bag.
"The tickets Waller gave us will let us pass through the mob, once inside we have to find a way into the West End Race Club to have a look at the Bravo offices," said Daphne.
"We should mingle a bit first, try to blend in," said Fred.
"Maybe we'll find out what all this press is for." With a nod from Fred, Daphne started making her way to the front gate and into the crowd of people slowly being let in to the tracks. Even with the gardens spread around the entrance, Daphne could not help but look over at the nearby stables and think of how herded and claustrophobic she felt.
Worse still, the odd white ball she had seen around Fred's head was buzzing about, invisible to all other eyes. Laughing at a bump on a palm tree, trying to peel gum from off the ground, and holding up a paperclip it had found on the ground like a treasure while dancing about. If this "stand" was some sort of manifestation of Fred's spirit, it at least had his energetic and inquisitive nature, though it leaned more immature than Fred himself was, or at least allowed himself to be.
Thankfully security didn't seem too tight as they took seats near the back of the clubhouse boxes near the finish line. A platform was set up with a microphone and the usual flags and potted floral decorations expected of what was some sort of international announcement. Stranger still was the ramp leading up to a second microphone which was lower than the main podium.
"Over there Daph, on either side of the podium," said Fred, adjusting the lens on his camera to zoom in, before handing it over.
"I see, they're maps of the United States drawn in colored sand on the track. With a red line traced from one end to the other," said Daphne.
The sound of a trumpet called out and an entourage of people came out onto the perfectly kept track with a man in a wheelchair pushed up the ramp to the stage. As they all paused for photos, Daphne recognized Joshua Bravo alongside state governors, international ambassadors, and a couple of automobile manufacturing presidents.
"Daph, what is going on here?" asked Fred, nervously.
Setting up to the podium, the master of ceremonies, with a red sash and top hat, waved to the crowd before addressing them.
"Honored guests of the international press, we welcome you to our illustrious racetrack this day. We were only too happy to host this event at the request of one of our distinguished members of the Board, Joshua Bravo, who has come to make an announcement. Mr. Bravo." said the master of ceremony.
Wheeling up to his microphone, Joshua Bravo swatted away the hands of his attendants before sitting up as best he could. The very paragon of age, he seemed the very antithesis of his family, for Daphne did not see a trace of makeup on his face to hide his liver spots, moles, facial scars, or wrinkles.
"For those of you not familiar with me, or my family, I am Joshua Bravo, grandson of Bryce Bravo, who famously finished last place in the historic Steel Ball Run race. Last in the race, first in business, my grandfather built our family's name through enterprise in many ventures, including his support of the sport which brought him fame, though not by way of skill and willpower. And though many have laughed at our legacy, a legacy built on the back of a man who came in last place, we have long pointed out that the difference between first and last is measurable by time and distance, but the gap between those who finish last and those who fall along the way is measured by preparation and determination." said Joshua, to approving applause from the crowd.
"But I did not invite the world press here today to merely talk about my family legacy, but of our future. In partnership with state authorities, businesses, and the international racing community, I am here to announce a new race for a new generation."
The roar of engines echoed through the stands as all eyes turned to the source of the noise. Rolling down the track in a file formation were cars and roadsters of all kinds, but the ones which Daphne recognized made her feel sick in the pit of her stomach.
"Red Max, The Ant Hill Mob, Peter Perfect, and Dick Dastardly. They've got half the Wacky Racers in that lineup," said Fred.
"The Steel Ball Run Race was one-hundred and thirty years ago, and I say that's long enough to have to wait for a sequel. It is my pleasure to announce a sequel to that race, following the same course, to begin in one month's time. From San Diego, California, to New York City, the race will be a no rules, off road, roller derby with a grand prize of fifty million dollars."
The clicks of cameras and the buzz from reporters rose at the announcement as Joshua continued to go over the details with sweeping hand motions to his business partners.
"That's going to be a nightmare to insure all the racers," whispered Daphne.
"I don't think insurance is the first thing on his mind," said Fred, slowly standing as he took hold of Daphne's arm to help her to her feet.
Ducking past security, they found their way into the office buildings where the fake press badge doubled as a lockpick for the glass door barring them from the West Edge Race Club offices.
"One second Daph," said Fred, peeking inside just as the door opened. A flash of light flew through the office air, snickering as it went. Returning in front of Fred's face, it gave a salute before pulling a flower from behind its back which it presented to Daphne with a smile.
"Well aren't you a little charmer?" said Daphne as Suspicious Minds smiled and rubbed its head in synchronism with Fred.
"Cameras are disarmed, we're good to go inside," said Fred.
Navigating their way through the offices which overlooked the track, they found their way to Joshua's office and once again picked the lock. Closing the door behind them, Daphne did her best to adjust her eyes to the blue-tinted light from the window filters.
"I'll be honest, my conscience never had much of a problem with our investigations because we were always working for the person who owned property, so we were always welcome. This is the first time we've really done breaking and entering though," said Fred.
"Are you finding this more worrying or exciting?" asked Daphne.
"A little of both. It's just different I guess," said Fred.
Opening a drawer, Daphne started looking through files. Part of this seemed more like Velma's comfort zone. Gathering data and analyzing it. Folders filled with various business contracts made it difficult to even know what they were looking for.
As Fred rummaged through Joshua's desk, Daphne looked over her shoulder to see Fred's Stand looking at a wooden panel along the bottom of the wall in the far corner. Closing the file cabinet, she walked over and saw wear marks on the lacquer finish. Pressing against the wood, she felt it was on a track and slid it to the side revealing a safe.
"Safe down here Freddie," said Daphne.
"Yeah, down here Freddie," said Suspicious Minds, echoing Daphne as it giggled.
"You shouldn't encourage it," said Fred, "I'm still not sure what to make of it to be honest."
Suspicious minds stuck out its tongue at Fred before floating about the room looking for mischief.
"I don't want to downplay you finding this safe, but we can't even be sure if there's anything worthwhile in here, and that's even if we can get the thing open," said Fred.
A flash of light came and went which left Daphne holding her head in a mild headache.
"The quicker we're done in here, the better," she said.
"Will you quit floating around?" asked Fred, getting up to try to catch his Stand as it floated back and forth between precise spots near the clock, the calendar, and a plaque on the wall.
"Fred, tell me the numbers by where it stops," said Daphne as she turned her attention to the safe.
"Eight, twenty-three, and nineteen," said Fred, afraid of what the implication of those numbers would be.
A few twists of the dial, and a new attempt to get the order correct, and with a pull of the handle the safe was open. Pulling out the top folder, marked 'new steel ball run' Daphne saw an old paper envelope, yellowed with age, and took it from the safe as well.
"The last Will and Confession of Bryce Bravo," said Daphne.
"Isn't it usually Will and Testament?" asked Fred, trying to swat his stand away as it floated around his head.
Sliding the envelope into her jacket, Daphne stood up and steadied herself against the desk from a sudden dizzy spell which made her see double.
"You okay Daph?" asked Fred, helping her to her feet.
"Yeah, I just need a moment."
"President of NWP Development," said Fred, pointing at the sign on the desk, "We've been on this case for the better part of a week now and I still don't know what NWP stands for."
The sound of the door opening sent a jolt down Daphne's spine as Joshua Bravo wheeled himself into his office.
"NWP stands for two things, Nim, Weezer, and Paramoure were founding members of the board of trustees that Bryce conned into saying the company was named after them. But the real story is that NWP stands for North-West Passage, and only a handful of people know that," said Joshua, as he put down the brake on his wheelchair.
Daphne saw Fred's stand hiding behind Fred's head in panic, and from the way, Fred was gripping the edge of Joshua's desk she could see her was nervous.
"You'll understand that my family is rather fond of secrets, but as I understand you kids enjoy meddling in other people's business so that alone makes us natural enemies. Now, I would appreciate it if you don't waste my time with any line like, 'Oh, we didn't realize this was your office' or 'we got lost on our way to the restroom.' Just tell me why you're here," said Joshua looking up from his chair to get the measure of the two of them.
"How about, your niece Jebedissa sent us to investigate a key, someone tried to kill us in the hospital, and now we're making your business our business?" said Fred.
"That's fair. Though to be honest, I could just call in security, have you arrested, and in court, my lawyers would have a far easier time of proving your intentions to blackmail or extort me over your case of trying to tie a mystery assassin to me," said Joshua, lifting a smartphone to his ear.
For a man pushing ninety years old, Joshua had all the menace of a crime boss still in his prime, and a red glow in his eye that matched his heartbeat. Heartbeat? Why was it that she could see an aura around and through him? In a flash of red the entire room seemed to change color as Daphne felt she could see through Joshua, not like x-rays, but to the center of his being. He was no aged man at the end of his life, but a man in his prime, wearing a mask of age.
"Oh, well. Magenta was right, the two of you did come in contact with the bone. That changes things. I doubt anything short of the Phantom Zone could hold the two of you now," said Joshua as he flipped up the footrests of his wheelchair and stood up. Turning ever so slightly, he grasped the door to his office and quietly closed it behind him. Tugging at his neck, he pulled up and discarded the facemask of old age he wore, as the light in the room grew ever darker as Joshua's Stand manifested by his side, matching his dark red aura.
It seemed a mirror of Joshua, but with engine turbines upon its shoulders and long-bladed arms without an elbow joint or hands. A menacing stand with goggles and an expressionless face which regarded them coldly. Turning around, Joshua looked them down as a man ready to engage as his stand began to make a noise like an airplane engine revving up.
In that instant, it was not fear which filled Daphne, but resolution. She felt her breathing settle as a calming light enveloped her side of the room, and stepping forward her legs regained their strength as a figure of indigo light appeared at her side, with a body marked with violet gemstones arranged in clover motifs across its body.
"Let's go, Crystal Blue Persuasion," said Daphne as she faced down the darkness.