Doctor Who: War Machine by Ian Stuart Black Read Free Book Online

said Dodo.
    ‘Why not?’ The Doctor was surprised. ‘Very helpful couple of young people, I thought.’
    Dodo forced a smile. ‘You’re right.’ She looked to see whether the Doctor noticed anything different about her. He didn’t seem to. This was extraordinary, she thought. For everything about her, she knew, had changed. But he was totally unaware. That was a good thing. It would make what she had to do all the easier.
    She glanced down the darkened street beside them. A truck had been parked near the entrance to a warehouse. She knew what it meant. In the shadows beside it she could make out the indistinct figures of three men. They stood motionless, looking towards her and the Doctor. As she got used to the dim light, she could see what they were wearing – long duster-coats, like hospital attendants. One of them was holding a small case. As he moved under a street light she could make out what he took from it. It glinted in the light, a hypodermic syringe.
    The men moved forwards towards them, and she deliberately turned her back on them. She didn’t need to are them close in, as she was aware of every movement. She gave a little nod, a signal – moving her head to indicate the Doctor, backing away a step or two to leave him isolated. He was oblivious of any danger.
    She was conscious that the men came within twenty yards, then they backed into the shadows.
    Dodo knew what was expected of her.
    ‘You know, Doctor,’ she said. ‘Polly and Ben have gone off in the wrong direction. The taxi rank is the other way.’
    ‘Are you sure?’ he asked.
    ‘Positive. I’ve seen three go past.’
    ‘Very well,’ the Doctor agreed. ‘We mustn’t be any later. Lead the way. I’ll follow.’
    They set off down the darkened pavement.
    The leader of the three men saw them turn.
    ‘We’ll pick up Polly on the way back,’ said Dodo casually as she walked on smartly.
    ‘As you say,’ the Doctor agreed. He had his doubts, but Dodo seemed to be quite sure and, after all, London was her city. They hurried on.
    He stopped sharply. Someone shouted to him. ‘Doctor!’ called Ben.
    A taxi pulled up beside the Doctor.
    ‘Here we go!’ said Ben. He and Polly jumped out. ‘We saw this one coming up, and this gentleman doesn’t need it.’
    They handed a grandly-dressed little man out of the cab. His overcoat was too long, his shoes were tied with string, his hair was matted, and all about him spoke of the streets of London – a lifetime of tramping those streets, and sleeping underneath arches.
    ‘It’s all yours, guv,’ said the tramp grandly. ‘Welcome to it.’ He was clutching a large parcel. Probably all his worldly possessions, thought the Doctor. ‘First time I ever took a taxi anyhow. But it was a celebration. "Case dismissed". So I stay out of jug.’ The tramp gave a wave and set off. Tata, then!’ he called over his shoulder.
    ‘Not so blooming fast, mate,’ shouted the taxi-driver. ‘What about the fare?’
    ‘Change a tenner?’ asked the tramp.
    ‘Not likely.’
    ‘Hold on,’ said Polly. ‘I’ve got change. I’ll fix it.’ ‘Thanks, miss,’ said the driver. ‘Hop it, mate,’ he added in the tramp’s direction. Then he turned to the Doctor. ‘Right, guv. Where to?’
    ‘Ah. Let me see. This address.’ The Doctor showed a card to the driver, and was suddenly aware that Dodo was no longer with him.
    ‘Dodo... Dodo... Are you coming?’
    Dodo moved back reluctantly. Chance had forestalled her. She could see the patches of shadow, unmoving, waiting further down the alleyway. There was no way of getting the Doctor to head down that path now. She climbed into the cab.
    Polly followed. ‘Where are you staying, Ben?’ she asked.
    ‘There’s a Services Club not far off. I’ll walk.’
    ‘Meet me tomorrow at the main desk in the Post Office Tower,’ added Polly, ‘and I’ll stand you lunch.’ Ben looked at her cynically. ‘I’m no deb’s delight, you know.’
    ‘I can see