"So this is the famous Humour & Hijinks Festival. Do you know, I've never been before" said David Wright; a former friend from Julia's university days. Was this a date? Not in her mind it wasn't. Yesterday her friend, Suzy, was dropping not so subtle hints that she thought Julia had a little crush on this guy. Did she? Well, she admired David's intellect, his charming demeanour as well as his clean cut good looks but "crush"? Julia dismissed the idea.
"I try to go every month" replied Julia. "I first came here in my freshman year at college and I liked it. It gives me a chance to examine the psychology of humour"
"As well as throwing a custard pie in someone's face." said David. "Shall we get a drink?"
They headed over to the festival's Tiki Bar and got themselves a round of drinks. Julia was curious as to what David was doing now, as he was a postgrad and working on some kind of field work.
"What's this work you're doing now?" she asked.
David took a big gulp of his drink before answering. "You mean my field work? Well I wish I could tell you but it's government work...of a kind...and I'm bound to keep it secret."
"You're kidding me" said Julia
"I wish I was, Jules. There's been some kind of epidemic...although we're not sure it is an epidemic but we suspect it is...that's broken out in Strangerville and I'm working with this British scientist to see what the cause is. And that's all I can tell you."
"Golly gee! Medical emergency? Could I get a place on your team? Do you need a doctor to help find the cause of this epidemic?"
"Jules, my boss...this English guy...is a genius and he's a doctor, and scientist, and a bit of everything really. Say, though...I don't think I'd be betraying any secrets if I sought your expert medical opinion on the symptoms the afflicted have shown?"
Julia's eyes lit up. "Try me!"
"OK...symptoms are a rigidity in movement, like they're robotic, one eye enlarged, pupils dilated, face fixed in a hideous grin, enhanced strength and a complete disconnect with the world around them." said David, matter of factly.
"Hmmm" Julia said, stroking her chin. "My first guess is it's something neurological"
"That's what Cornelius...my boss...thinks"
"I'd like to meet him" she replied.
"I'm sure you would."
"Anyway, David, I've just spotted a friend of mine over there by the stage area. Her name's Joelene and she's a really talented singer. I think she's going to perform here tonight"
David looked across to the stage area and saw a very attractive woman with a long, blonde ponytail and wearing a cream coloured minidress that showed off her very shapely legs. She looked a star, he thought, even if he didn't know she was an entertainer beforehand although she did look familiar from somewhere...
"Julia, you made it!" said a pleasantly surprised Joelene. "I'm just doing one last sound check and then it's showtime"
"I wouldn't miss your debut at the Humour and Hijinks Festival for anything" replied Julia.
"Technically this isn't my debut; I performed here with the other Lothario Kittens back in March"
"That's it!" exclaimed David all of a sudden: He had remembered where he had seen this Joelene before but as soon as he'd said the words, he felt embarrassed.
"This is my friend, David. David, this is Joelene; I used to be her accompanist before she turned pro"
"Pleased to meet you" said Joelene. She was impressed by Julia's 'date', he was a dish and she gave Julia a knowing smile but it didn't register with her.
"Well you sock it to 'em tonight, Joelene." said Julia, giving her friend some encouragement.
A few minutes later the set started and Julia and David enjoyed the show, which drew in a lot of exhausted Pranksters and Jokesters. The Fall weather was starting to become cooler and some of the Jokesters were shivering from having buckets of water thrown over them by the Pranksters.
Julia and David watched the show and then wandered around the festival, taking in the sights and sounds with corny jokes being thrown around like confetti.
"I'm glad you've ended up living your dream of being a doctor and I will ask Cornelius if there could be a place for you on the team."
"Thanks, David. It looks like things are working out for you as well....it sounds exciting whatever it is you're doing."
"It is. So...are you still the dedicated workaholic?"
"I am very dedicated to my job but I have a good circle of friends and I do let my hair down from time to time. And yourself?"
"Me? I seem to have two lives: The one with Cornelius and the other member of the team, Peggy. She's smart but she's a bit full of herself. The other life is that on campus, hanging out with others on my course and around the place. And, well...there's...ach, never mind." he said, waving his hand as if he was wafting away a fly. He stopped short of mentioning Lauren, the Strangerville Librarian who he was attracted to but wasn't sure if it was unprofessional of him to pursue a relationship with.
Julia figured there was something he didn't want to talk about. Possibly a relationship or something else that was deeply private to him. It was at that moment that both of them was stuck for something to say to each other.
"It's been great catching up, Jules" said David, breaking the silence.
"Oh yes, it has. It would be nice to meet again." replied Julia, primly.
"I would like that. I trust I'm not making someone jealous if you and I were to meet socially?" he said, rather forwardly.
"Jealous? Oh no! You know me...dedicated to my work as always." said Julia, blushing awkwardly.
"Still the same girl I met in our freshman year." said David, smiling. "It looks like things are winding down here, can I walk you home or get you a cab?"
"That's kind but I've arranged to share a taxi with Joelene when this has finished. David, it's...." she said, not knowing what to say next. She had to admit to herself that her relationship with David was on a precipice. He was smart, handsome and eligible and on the surface all what she wanted in a partner but on the other hand her feelings weren't strong enough to make her flirt with him or offer encouragement in that department.
"Give us a hug, Jules...if that's OK with you?" he said, interjecting when she was stuck for words.
"That's absolutely fine. Good seeing you again." she said, sincerely and reciprocating his embrace with a firm hug.
David's evening continues in chapter 10 of CORNELIUS....
Suzy was finding it difficult to start her next expose: A look at the background and activities of Sim City's next most prominent family after the Landgraabs: The Fengs. She had all her notes and the forbidden text of Patrick Cornelius' book on the hidden secrets of the city right by her side but whereas the Landgraabs were awash with scandal, even at times revelling in it, the Fengs remained largely a mystery.
What she could determine is that Lilly and Victor Feng had known each other all their lives. They fled the chaos of the civil war in China with their parents in the early 1920s and began new lives in Sim City. Then nothing was known about what happened to them until a mention in a local newspaper from 1944 that Victor had won the Silver Star in Italy as a member of the 442nd regiment. Then nothing until 1951 when, suddenly, both of them are married to one another, they set up this successful electronics business and then it's upwards from there. Now they're entering politics and Victor is already on the City Council, looking to become the next mayor.
"Suz, can I get your opinion on this? I've been commissioned to create some Pop Art for a mod gallery and...well...I'm not so sure about this" said Neil, who had been working assiduously alongside her in their study. She wrote, he painted.
Suzy turned her desk chair around to have a look at what Neil was working on. "I like it a lot" she said. "Pigs Might Fly...yeah, I dig it."
"Hmmm, I'm not sure Pop Art is my style. But at least I gave it a go" he sighed.
"It's good to know you can do something even if it isn't to your taste. Your talent still shines through" she said to reassure him.
"I'm hungry. Shall we get some lunch?" he said, putting down his brush and palette.
"Good idea" she replied.
As they sat next to each other on the sofa and enjoyed their lunch Suzy tried to reassure Neil, who seemed bored and unenamoured with his latest work.
"The commissions are coming in regularly now...you should be pleased." she said.
"I know, I know...but I think I should be concentrating more on my signature work instead of taking the quick money to make something I don't really enjoy doing."
"It is building up your reputation though"
"Sigh...I know. I should be more upbeat. Anyway, the Flying Pig is almost finished. And speaking of finished, that was delicious. Say, if you're not too busy right now how about we sit outside and gather inspiration for our work?"
That inspiration turned out to be largely making goo-goo eyes at each other and being romantic...they didn't notice anything going on in the street.
"You know, we should go out and hit the town this evening" said Neil.
"Yeah, we haven't done that in ages. It'll be fab! Do you have anywhere in mind?"
"It's been a while since we visited the Pigeon Toed Orange Peel"
"That's pretty with it"
"That's my drift. What do you say?"
"Count me in!"
"Then it's a date. Anyway, I must head off in to town to see a gallery owner so I will see you later on." said Neil, giving Suzy a kiss before he left. She went inside to clear up the lunch dishes but as soon as she had loaded the dishwasher, there was a ring at the door.
When she looked through the window on her door she couldn't see anyone so she opened the door a little bit in order to poke her head around and see if there was anyone lurking and, sure enough, there was a man...a stranger...sitting on the love seat on the porch where she had been sitting only minutes before.
"Excuse me, can I help you?" she asked.
"You're Suzy Kent, aren't you?" he replied. Suzy guessed that this was a work related visit as she only used her maiden name these days when it came to her writing career.
"I am. If this is business related to either 'Hey Wow' or 'Lothario' magazines then can we make an appointment to meet at my office?"
"This is about both...and neither. I have information you might find useful."
"About?"
"The Fengs. Victor and Lilly Feng. I know you do exposes of the rich and powerful in this town."
Suzy didn't immediately reply but this guy could know something of use for her and the Fengs were a subject she intended to research.
"Alright, come inside. Go straight through to the door on the left. That's my work area, we can talk in confidence there."
The man scanned the house as he walked through it and Suzy noticed his intense gaze and almost unblinking eyes. She was hoping that Neil would return any moment now just in case this guy was crazy.
"Nice place you got here" said the man.
"Thank you...Mister?"
"Coburn, Spencer Coburn."
"This is my study, Mr Coburn. Can I get you a drink?" she asked.
"No. I will be brief and then I must go."
"Then take a seat and tell me your story" she replied, motioning him towards the sofa.
"It's like this, Miss Kent. I'm currently working on a campaign advert for Victor Feng...he's standing for Mayor in November"
"I know about that, Mr Coburn. So what's your role in this advert?"
"Nothing special. I'm on the set but I'm not one of the creatives. It's just I've seen things that seem odd."
"Odd in what way?"
"Mysterious people who have no names or titles just show up on set and they seem to be giving Mr and Mrs Feng orders..."
"What kind of orders?"
"I'm not sure...they reference things I don't know the meaning of. Something about triangles of power..."
Suzy sat bolt upright when Coburn mentioned that term. It was something that had appeared in Patrick Cornelius' mysterious book. Suzy got out a notepad and pen."
"I'm very interested in these mysterious people, Mr Coburn, can you describe them?"
"They wear black suits, often with these broad brimmed fedora hats...you know, the old fashioned kind. And they have these intense stares...like they stare into your soul..." Coburn shivered at this thought and Suzy remembered the time Action had described the same sensation whenever he had encountered Leanne McGregor.
"Ach, that sounds crazy, I know..." said Coburn, throwing up his hands.
"No...not crazy at all, Mr Coburn. I have had seen quite a few things that are hard to believe whilst doing investigative journalism."
"Well, this is the craziest part. I've lost a whole day of memory from my mind. It only happened 2 days ago but I cannot remember a single thing from the time I showed up to work to the time I got back home. Nothing. A whole day gone from my mind!" he said, clicking his fingers.
"What was your last memory?"
"I show up to work, I say hi to some of my colleagues then I go to check on something and...that's it. The next thing I know I'm back at home. I asked my colleagues what happened that day and they all tell me I clocked off early and that I looked ill....like deathly pale and mumbling incoherently. I went to the doctor's yesterday and they couldn't find anything wrong with me. Whilst I was in the waiting room I read your article on the Landgraabs and their strange history and then I thought the Fengs are another bunch of super-rich people who have some secrets and odd associates as well."
"And you sought me out?" said Suzy.
"Miss Kent...this blackout. It bothers me...I'm getting headaches and nightmares of strange men in black who suck out my brains...."
"I'll look into this, Mr Coburn" she said, brandishing her notebook.
"Thank you. You seem remarkably calm considering what I've just told you" said Coburn, inquisitively.
"Believe me, Mr Coburn, this isn't my first dance with the strange and unexplained"
Coburn got up to leave and as the two of them headed back to the door he spotted one of Neil's paintings on the wall.
"That's beautiful...it looks like an original" said Coburn.
"It is. It was painted by my husband. We honeymooned there as a matter of fact."
"You can tell him I like his work very much, Miss Kent"
She showed Coburn to the door but paused to look at the Patrick Cornelius book...she needed to dive deeper into the Fengs' lives.
Coburn left and went home, looking like a haunted man. Suzy's curiosity was piqued as she could see similarities between his story, the Landgraab's story and the Leanne McGregor case.
Suzy couldn't get the Fengs out of her mind that morning and, on an impulse, she decided to pay an impromptu visit to them. Her cover would be an article she would be writing about the election campaign. She did have a vague promise of an interview about their fashion style that was made some months ago so now was the time to cash that in.
Their penthouse apartment looked out over the entire downtown of Sim City and all the way out to the bay and beyond. Suzy figured the Fengs would like to live somewhere where they could watch over everyone.
She rang the doorbell and it was Victor Feng who answered it.
"Well, well, Miss Suzy Kent...star reporter for 'Hey, Wow' magazine...or is it 'Lothario'? Maybe even the Sim City Chronicle...it's hard to determine who exactly you work for." he said in a passive-aggressive tone of voice.
"Technically, I work for all three. Do you have some spare time right now to have an informal chat...about the election campaign and your public image?"
"Is this for one of your fashion articles or about politics?" he replied, dryly.
"Why not both?"
Feng peered at her but eventually said "Sure. Go right in and make yourself comfortable".
Suzy had never set foot in the Feng apartment before and she was struck by the modernistic decor and minimalist design. It appealed to her own Mod tastes very much. She then started to think how they would have made the money to pay for such a place.
Victor was behind her and he ushered her into the living room. They sat down on the sofa and, again, Suzy was struck by the views here; a veritable panorama.
"How is the election campaign going, Mr Feng?"
"Good. I'm currently 5 points ahead in the polls over my rival." he replied.
"That would be the candidate backed by the Landgraabs?" she enquired.
"Yes it would. But their money can't buy this election...not this time." His face turned sour at the mention of the Landgraab name.
"The vote might be split by a third party this time...I'm thinking of the League of Decency and Edna Sneedley."
"Pah, she's an irrelevance. A fringe crackpot at best." he said, dismissing Sneedley with a wave of his hand.
"Mr Feng, returning to the subject of campaign fundraising...who are your main contributors?" Suzy asked, remembering what Spencer Coburn had told her about the mysterious people in Feng's campaign.
"They mostly like to remain anonymous, Miss Kent" he replied, evasively.
"And that's our final word on the subject" came another voice, a stern female one. Lilly Feng had just entered the room.
"Miss Kent...I didn't know we'd scheduled an interview with you today" said Lilly, haughtily.
"Well, this is an impromptu visit...remembering your offer of one from earlier this year."
"Yes, well when we made you that offer you were just a fashion reporter. Since your article about the Landgraabs and Geoffrey's death you've changed your job description somewhat." Lilly's tone and body language was confrontational.
"I'm still very interested in your personal style, Mrs Feng." said Suzy.
"What you mean is who pays for this? We pay for this, Miss Kent, we do." came Lilly's sharp reply. The woman sat next to Suzy on the sofa without her stern, piercing gaze ever leaving her.
"Now listen here. If you wish to interview myself or my husband you must make an appointment first. We will not discuss our finances with you, nor will we break the confidences of our backers. Is that clear?"
"But..."
"I SAID IS THAT CLEAR?"
"Maybe we can schedule a more formal interview later on?" said Suzy, not rising to Lilly's bait.
"That would be acceptable" Lilly replied.
"In which case I'll thank you both for your time and I'll see myself out" said Suzy, getting up.
After Suzy had left Victor turned to Lilly and said "You know, I was handling the situation well"
"That one is trouble, Victor. I have always said so. The I-Ching tells me she is our enemy and we should treat her as one."
"Enemy? She did us a favour by exposing the Landgraab scandal. We can use her." said Victor.
"You must trust me, Victor, as you always have. Our destinies are intertwined...forever, as was foretold!"
COURTYARD LANE, LATER THAT DAY
"How did it go with the Fengs?" asked Neil after he and Suzy had come home.
"Not well...give us a hug, I could do with some love and affection right now" she replied.
"I'll fix us some dinner and you can tell me all about it" said Neil, giving her a big hug.
As they were eating Neil had some words of encouragement. "Well, they were hardly going to welcome you with open arms. I say you're over the target and if you're rattling them you're doing something right"
"I know...I just don't like the confrontation. I just wish..." she said, trying to find the right words to say next.
"...they'd just spill the beans as to what's going on? I know, but you're going to have to play detective again."
Suzy sighed. "Yes...and I've known this all along."
Neil put down his empty bowl and stood up. He walked over to Suzy and patted her on the shoulder. "But you're having the night off. Let's get ready to go and hit the town!"
"Wow, this place is really swinging tonight" remarked Neil as they entered the Pigeon Toed Orange Peel. The music wasn't the usual top of the hit parade stuff, but had a more edgy garage beat sound. The customers were all hard core dancers who were probably hopped up on amphetamines, he thought.
They grabbed a seat along the side of the club as the sofas there were made of plush velvet and were ideal for snuggling up with your loved one, which they'd discovered on previous visits here.
"Hmmmm, I'm digging the vibe here tonight" said Suzy.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It seems more intense and happening tonight" Neil replied. "I don't know this song though"
"It's a cover version of Taxman by The Beatles but I don't know who the band is. I know the song because I've had endless discussions with Travis about whether Revolver is a better album than Pet Sounds."
"What does he think?"
"Pet Sounds but that's obviously incorrect. Revolver is the best thing The Beatles have ever done"
"I've not heard either" said Neil. Suzy just gave him an incredulous stare but said nothing.
"I've been too busy to check out the music scene!" he said in defence. "Anyway we didn't come here to debate music" he said, making a move and moving closer to her.
After they had shared a moment of intimacy Neil stood up, grabbed Suzy by the hand and led her to the dance floor.
At one point Suzy looked across the dance floor and caught the eye of her friend, Julia. She was with Travis and another guy she didn't recognise. Suzy waved and her friend seemed excited to see her so she walked over and joined the little group.
"Julia what a pleasant surprise!" said Suzy, giving her friend a hug.
"Suzy...I'm not surprised to see you here" Julia replied. "I don't come down here that often but Travis convinced me to get out of the house and have a little of what he calls 'fun'" Julia replied.
"And are you having fun?" asked Suzy.
"Actually, I am" said Julia, thoughtfully.
"So who's your friend?" asked Suzy, nodding at the suave looking man with fair hair and a sharply cut suit.
"Well, now, that's an interesting story..." said Julia.
"So, Travis, how's the wedding planning going? What is it, three weeks to go?"
"24 and a wakeup" replied Travis.
"Well, as a newly wed husband I can advise you on the dos and don'ts of your big day."
"This is David, and we were at college together" said Julia.
"Hi, I'm Suzy" she said, introducing herself.
"Suzy Kent...I recognise you from your press photo" said David. "I find your recent work very interesting"
"Why thank you. So were you a fellow med student?" asked Suzy.
"No. History and psychology. But Julia and I met in our freshman year at the college book club and, well, we became friends throughout our time there. We haven't seen each other since... well... graduation."
"What do you do now, David?" asked Julia.
"I'm a post-grad at Britechester as well as doing some fieldwork and research over at Strangerville."
"Strangerville?" asked Julia, noticing that the obscure town just outside of Sim City was where Bella Goth was abducted a few years ago. "Is there anything of historical interest out there?"
"You'd be surprised" replied David, cryptically. He clearly didn't want to talk about it any further and suddenly turned to Julia.
"Jules...can I buy you a drink?" he asked. Julia seemed like a giddy school girl in his presence all of a sudden.
"Oh gosh, yes please. Just a coke, thanks" she replied, all wide eyed.
"Can I get you one as well, Suzy?" said David.
"Sure, the same" she replied.
As David walked over to the bar Suzy gave Julia a knowing look.
"What are you looking at me like that for, Suz?" asked Julia.
"You have a type" Suzy replied.
"A type? You mean men? Pshaw! You know me..."
"Yes I do" said Suzy, cutting Julia off because she knew it would be a lame justification about liking men for their brains. "You like intellectual fair haired men. If he's got blonde hair, an easy going smile and has 'Doctor' or 'PhD' in his title you go all soppy for them"
"Harumph...I've never been so insulted in all my life" huffed Julia, before her indignant facial expression changed to that of a naughty smile.
David came back with the drinks for the girls and said "It's local celebrity night down here. I've just seen that Lilly Feng by the bar. She's talking politics, as usual, probably trying to win votes for her husband."
Suzy looked over at the bar and saw her talking intensely with a man she didn't recognise.
The group chatted more and there was a dance or two but Suzy started to feel uncomfortable the more time went on. She caught up with Neil and took him to one side.
"Lilly Feng is here. I don't feel comfortable staying here, can we go home?"
They made their way back home where they had a little night cap and Suzy was filled with enthusiasm about all that happened in her day.
"I could tell she likes him and he seemed very happy to see her again. I wonder if there was a little romance between them back in college!"
"Suzy, you really should stop trying to act as a matchmaker for Julia. She fancied that doctor, he swanned off to Africa, and if you ask me she's determined to remain a spinster."
"Oh you're so anti-romantic at times! That guy is exactly the kind of man Julia's interested in only she won't admit it. He's handsome, intelligent, well educated and has some kind of mysterious field work assignment in Strangerville..."
"Oh no, you're not going to do an expose of him as well..." said Neil in exasperation, as he had seen Suzy fired up with questions and mysteries so many times before.
"No! Well, not yet."
"Right...that's me done for the day. I'm off to bed. Are you coming?" said Neil.
"Soon, darling. Soon" she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Suzy went to the study and looked at her notes about the Fengs. "Strangerville can wait...I want to know why the Fengs are so secretive." she said to herself.
