Little Dipper

Progress

"Wow, people are really enjoying the new stuff." Bill commented as he watched someone hand Dipper money for a clone of their kid. Robbie's music was playing loud and clear outside and chairs had been bought by Gideon and brought in so people didn't have to sit on the grass to watch him. Meanwhile, Gideon was doing his own show and the whole yard was packed with customers of both shops.

"It's amazing, we're already almost at our quota!" Mabel said excitedly. "And no one's been scammed or tricked or anything!"

"Look alive, a group's heading for the tour." Wendy said, nodding to Bill.

"Whoops, that's my cue." Bill adjusted his bow-tie and headed over. "Good day, everyone! Welcome to the Mystery Shack!"

Soos showed someone a cool-looking trinket and then walked with them to the register. "And if you spend up to $30, you get a bumper sticker for free!"

"Ohh! I better look around more, then!" The woman said, going back to the shelves.

"Closing time soon." Mabel looked at her watch. "I can't believe how busy we've been all day!"

"And it's only Day 1." Wendy reminded her.

"Stan is going to dance his feet off." Mabel rubbed her hands excitedly.

–

Stan pulled up to park and ran his hands through his hair. "Okay...pride at stake here, let's get this over with. It's been a while since I came in here, but I think I still got it." He grabbed his bag and got out, heading for the doors. The valet came forward and he handed over his car keys before watching the car be driven to the garage. "Here we go, Stan. Time to play." He cracked his knuckles and headed in to check into the attached hotel.

–

"Now, there's something I haven't seen in years." A middle-aged man murmured to himself in Spanish as he watched the valet park a red car that had "STNLYMBL" on the license-plate. "But I heard he was dead. How is this possible?" He turned to one of the other men in the room. "Find out who owns that car and keep an eye on them."

"Senor?" The other man questioned curiously.

"Did I stutter? Go!" He waved his hand and the man headed out to investigate. Then he sat down in a chair and changed the cameras, searching the crowd of people. It couldn't be...but who else could it be?

–

The plan was perfect, foolproof even. He'd win just enough in one place to keep under the casino's radar, then move on to another place. He'd done it before and he would do it again. But, was that enough? He needed to somehow let Mabel know how he was doing. Wasn't there a game-show he could join? He spotted a pay-phone and considered checking in at home, but decided that Bill had things well in hand (probably) and made his way to the tables to start his plan

–

"I'm bushed." Mabel flopped onto the couch.

"You've had a busy day. And even after the shop closed, you had to use magic to help Bill." Gideon sat down next to her. "At least that's only every 48 hours."

"Sorry it's not longer." Bill looked over from helping Dipper put together a puzzle. "I don't have that much power, even with all the kids in this town."

"It's alright, Bill." Mabel smiled. "We understand." She looked at Gideon. "Thanks for helping out."

"You know I'm always happy to, darlin'." Gideon grinned.

Mabel looked towards the phone. "...Think he's gonna call?"

"Who, Stan?" Bill shrugged. "Guy like that, I doubt it."