CHAPTER 92: Give Me Liberty

 

"Travis...we agreed we wouldn't eat so many meals in future...you've got to stop grilling!" said Summer at the breakfast table one morning.

"But man can't live on just cereal and toast alone!  Haven't you ever revelled in a grilled breakfast steak before?" said Travis, defending his corner.

"Yes...and it was because you served up grilled BBQ steaks and sausages for breakfast that we all gained too much weight.  No, we need to stay a lot fitter!" Summer rebuked him one more time.

Liberty Lee soon came and joined them at the breakfast table.  "Hi guys, what's up?"

"Well, not my waistline anymore" said Summer.  "If we're going to put anything on that BBQ in the near future it's that hideous Mu-Mu I had to wear"

"I threw mine out!" said Liberty in agreement.  "Anyway, Travis, I can't help but notice that you're dressed up smart today.  Having your day in court?"

"Ha-ha.  Actually I'm giving a presentation today at work.  The subject is 'Transformers, Resistors and Valves: The Next Ten Years In Solid State Circuitry'"

"Did you understand any of that?" said Summer.

"Some" replied Liberty.  

"Well, I have to finish off my last few slides for the projector so I will see you ladies later" said Travis, getting up.

"Leaving us with the dishes, again!" said Liberty.

"No need anymore!" said Summer.  "I hired us a cleaner...she'll be along later.  Anyway, I'm off to work now...sorry to leave you all on your own on your day off, Libs" 

"Oh don't worry" said Liberty, slyly.  "I have made plans!"

Indeed she had.  Once her housemates had gone to work, Liberty went to her room to get changed into her most Mod outfit; one she knew that her date she was meeting up with, Gary, loved seeing on her.  She made sure her make up was spot on, freshened up in the mirror and was feeling seductive and desirable.

She was meeting Gary at the Rattlesnake Juice Bar in Oasis Springs.  She'd been there a few times with Summer and Travis but she thought a restaurant was too formal for a first date and the beautiful Magnolia Blossom Park was too close to prying eyes.  A few drinks, some good chats and maybe...well...maybe a little bit of 'fun' as well was the objective.

Liberty's pulse raced when she saw that Gary had already arrived at the bar ahead of her.  She restrained the urge to run up to him and throw her arms around him as she didn't want to come across as weird...instead, she adopted a coquettish and alluring approach to this date.

"Liberty!" said Gary, smiling broadly and looking her up and down.  "You look amazing, as usual"

"Thank you, Gary.  I hope I didn't keep you waiting long"

"You haven't...shall we take a table outside on the patio there?"

"That would be lovely" she said and with that Gary ushered her towards a nice spot that afforded good views of the bay.

Liberty was feeling VERY flirtatious and barely restrained herself as she and Gary talked.  She batted her long eyelashes at him, made cute small talk and at one stage slipped one shoe off so she could indulge in a little footsie with her date.  For his part, Gary wasn't objecting at all, in fact he seemed smitten with Liberty's minxy games.

The date was going extremely well and Liberty had Gary's undivided attention.

"So do you think we'll actually get to the Moon in 3 years time?" he said, as a way of making conversation.

"Sooner than that" Liberty replied.  "We'll land an unmanned probe within the next year and then the way we're going we'll make a manned landing by '68."

"I guess I'm going to have to hurry up with my job application with Space Y if I'm going to get on the crew by then!" he joked.

"I want you on the ground and not too far away, Gary" said Liberty, suggestively.

"I'd bring you back the best quality of moon rock I could find if I went" said Gary, smiling and leaning in towards Liberty.

"Or you could bring me something special right here and now" she replied.

"I see where this is going" he said, standing up and taking her hand.  She stood close to him and then let natural magnetic attraction bring them together for their first kiss.

"Hmmmm, that was well worth waiting for.  Who needs the moon?" said Gary.

The two of them went inside to get a drink and the contrast between the romance and tranquillity of  the outdoor area and at the bar couldn't be greater.  A group of middle aged people sat looking morose and were complaining about the state of the world.

"...and that's why we need a concerted effort by the decent, long standing citizens of this city to oppose the moral decadence that pervades it!" said a sour faced woman.

"Well...I suppose people have no time for the classics and great art anymore" sighed a man in a red blazer who was sporting a thick moustache.

"Exactly!  You'll support my efforts, won't you Mortimer?" said the woman.

"I prefer not to get involved in politics" he sighed again.

Liberty grabbed drinks for her and Gary and left the bar to go sit down on a couch.  "Phew, it's all po faced and doom and gloom up at the bar with that crowd"

"That's Mortimer Goth, the writer and art expert" said Gary, pointing to the man in the maroon blazer.  "My folks know him"

"I've heard the name.  Anyway, on to happier things; cheers" said Liberty, raising her glass to his and clinking them.

The wine, the time and the chat went smoothly with some more snuggling on the couch between them before the date finally came to an end and both parted from each other with a tender kiss.  Liberty was ecstatic and skipped all the way home.  There she found a very tired and hungry Travis who was eating some of his family's vile fruit cake.

"I'm so tired I have to eat this" he said, pointing to the plate with his fork.

"How did it go?  The presentation?" 

"Oh, I think it went well....no one complained to my face so that's a good thing.  Hey you're all dressed up to impress...were you with your man?"

"Gary?  Yes!  I had a lovely time and it's official....we're an item!"

"Well done....anyway, I can't bear any more cake.  I'm going to bed.  Goodnight" said Travis, trudging back to his room.

Liberty sighed and shut her eyes.  She was missing Gary already and  wished he was here with her now.  Her daydream was broken by the sound of the doorbell.  Getting up, she walked over to see who was calling and saw that it was Gary!

"Gary!  What a wonderful surprise!" she said.

"Today was amazing...I didn't want it to end so I came around to see you once more" he said, excitedly.

"I'm so glad you did" she responded, flinging her arms around him, giving him a big kiss before leading him inside to spend the night together.

CHAPTER 91: What Julia Did Next

 

Julia Epstein said goodbye to Barbara and Jeremy and headed off for her "special evening".  She was nervous about this event:  She was wearing a brand new outfit, recommended to her by Barbara and mutual neighbour Suzy, which was...apparently...this season's "look" but one in which made her feel self conscious.  A bright colour, short and more elaborate than what she normally wore she was worried that it was too attention seeking.  However, she wanted to make a good impression.

But on whom?  Jeremy thought she had a hot date.  Barbara thought she was just trying to look good for the event she was attending.  The truth was somewhere in between.  She wanted to go and see a new exhibition of modern art at the Casbah Gallery and wanted to look stylish for that.  But her parents had also mentioned that the son of an old family friend was new in town and liked art so maybe it would be nice if they met up....clearly they were attempting to match-make for Julia, which she baulked at.  Why the pressure to find a husband?  Julia had never been the romantic type, never had a boyfriend at High School or even College.  She went through med school without ever going on a date.  It didn't interest her at all but...best pander to the folks, she thought, and enjoy the show.  Maybe this guy would be good company for the evening?

It was a beautifully serene dusk as she entered the gallery.  Already the place was filling up with interested art lovers and the Casbah was the premier gallery in Sim City.  It was also one of Julia's favourite places to hang out in.

She had a name and description of the man she was supposed to meet but the first person she encountered inside the gallery was someone she knew very well, but had mixed feelings about seeing.  Her auntie Elle.  Elle had a troubled mental history and could be very volatile.

"Hello Aunt Elle.  I didn't expect to see you here?  How are you?" she said.

"Thanks for asking.  I have my daily burdens to bear." replied Elle, coldly.

"What are you doing all dressed up like that?" said Elle, looking dismissively at Julia.  "That's not usually the look you go for"

"I know...I thought I'd try something a bit different as...well..." Julia stumbled over her answer.

"You're on a date?  A blind date by the looks of it!" said Elle, sharply.

"No, it's not like that....it's something mom and dad had planned"

"Tsch! I might have known!  Always meddling those two!  Well, don't hold out much hope that the person they've set you up with is some 40 year old fat accountant who's the son of one of their gossipy, judgmental friends of theirs!  That's about the best you can hope for!" and with that, Elle went on another of her rants.  Julia had to make her apologies and get away.

"Ugh...what is it with her?" thought Julia to herself.  "She's always undermining me and I've only ever tried to help her!"  she went off to the Ladies' to calm down and regain her composure...after all, this guy she was supposed to meet could be here already and she didn't want to make a bad impression.

"Families!" she thought.  "I'm always being the loyal daughter, niece, cousin...I have to respect the family, no matter how.....mad they make me!" that last thought worried her.  Both her aunt and one of her grandparents had psychological illnesses and she worried that it could be hereditary.  When she had more time, she would have to look deeper into the condition and learn more.

"OK....take a deep breath" she thought.  "I look.....what do I look like?  Got to look smart...presentable....were Suzy and Barbara right about this outfit!  Oh, I don't know anymore!"

She did her best, stepped out of the Ladies' room and continued to amble around the gallery looking for this man she was supposed to meet.  She made her way to the information desk to ask someone if anyone had left a message for her with them.

"Is there any message for Julia Epstein, or Doctor Julia Epstein....from a gentleman called Kerry Fry?"

"Let me see..." said the woman at the desk.  "Ah, yes, a Mr Kerry Fry did leave a message for you.  It said that he will be waiting in the mezzanine gallery on floor 1."

Julia thanked the woman and nervously went upstairs to the mezzanine gallery to meet this person.  She had a rough description of him: Late 20s, beard, dark hair, brown eyes and he had one of her...but she forgot to add that tonight she'd be wearing contact lenses instead of glasses.  She looked around for a guy matching his description on his own.

She didn't have to wait long:  Kerry Fry turned out to be the only man there who was on his own.

"Are you Kerry?" asked Julia

"Julia?" replied the man.

"Yes.  Nice to meet you" she responded.  "I hope you haven't been waiting long"

"I got here too early so I was just checking out a gallery or two.  Not to worry.  So....you look a little different to who I was expecting" said Kerry.  Julia gulped in nervousness.  "I mean I was expecting someone in glasses.  But you look nice; cool outfit you're wearing there"

Julia relaxed.  "Thanks.  It's new and I thought I'd give wearing contact lenses a go today." She looked at him and noticed he looked more hippyish than the description she was given of him:  The cheesecloth shirt worn open at the neck, the trendy striped pants and the Native American necklace he was wearing.

"It all works" he said.  "So, I've not been here before...have you?" 

"Oh I'm often down here; time permitting.  I could show you around?" she said.

"That'd be cool" he said, nodding.

They took a stroll around the 1st floor galleries with Julia pointing out works of interest.  "This section is for more modern work.  If you prefer the classics, then through here." 

"I dig it all; this is a great place" said Kerry.  "I think this one looks impressive"

"Ah the Matisse" said Julia as they stopped to look at the painting that had caught Kerry's interest.  "Such bold strokes of the brush!"

"It's a Manet" said a little boy standing nearby.

"I think you'll find it's a Matisse" replied Julia, politely.

"It's a MANET!" said the boy.  "I should know, my father is a world famous art expert.  The best.  And that painting is by Manet"

"I think the kid's correct, Julia" said Kerry, inspecting the sign next to the painting.

"Pthhhhht!  Told you so!" said the boy, sticking out his tongue before running off.

Julia felt embarrassed.  She had put her foot in her mouth and in front of this guy she'd just met.  He was a good looking guy and clearly a with-it person.  How could she recover from this?

"Kids, eh?" he said, shrugging his shoulders.  "Reminds me of this girl I went to school with...she always had to be right about everything" he chuckled.

"I guess" shrugged Julia.

"Hey, don't knock yourself out over that brat" said Kerry.  "The number of times I've had my confidence knocked by a kid have been too many to count!"

Julia smiled.  "Well, next time I'll read the labels more closely.  Anyway, would you like to see another gallery....or something else?"

"Actually, there's a guy I know over there who I've just got to say hi to otherwise he'll pester us as well.  I'll be five minutes, tops" and with that Kerry ran off.

Great.  She thought.  Could this date...or rendezvous or whatever this was supposed to be get any worse?  This is why she hated the idea and reality of dating:  All that effort and risk of showing yourself up.  She could see the wisdom in the tradition of the village matchmaker:  That's how her grandparents would have done it.

 Julia strolled around the gallery waiting to see if Kerry would return but she didn't have to wait long, he came jogging back.  "Sorry about that...now you have my undivided attention"

"Shall we go upstairs to see more?" she said, indicating the stairs.

"Yeah, groovy" replied Kerry.  

As they walked along they got to chatting more.  "So" Kerry began.  "I hear you're a doctor"

"That's right, at Sim City General.  I'm pretty newly qualified.  How about yourself?"

"Well, I'm in the medical profession as well but nowhere near your level.  I'm a physiotherapist."  

"Oh, so the next time I throw my shoulder out..."

"Come and see me" he said, smiling.  

"My folks told me that you'd only recently moved back here" she asked.

"Yes.  About a couple of months ago.  Yeah, for the last year I was living and hanging out in 'Frisco...Haight Ashbury to be exact.  Really exciting scene there.  Before that I was practicing down in Greenwich Village, New York.  Really cool scene there as well."

Those places didn't mean much to Julia.  "And how do you know my folks?"

"I don't...my folks know your folks through their Bridge club and so on"

They chatted some more and Julia felt more relaxed.  Finally, Kerry said "well, I've got a really early shift tomorrow so, yeah, this has been great meeting you and I had a fab time.  We should do this again sometime"

"Yes, I'd like that too" replied Julia smiling.  

There was a pause where neither one wanted to make the next move until it got too much and Kerry waved goodbye and left.  Julia turned on her heel and made her way in the opposite direction where she bumped into her next door neighbour, Neil Humphries.  Neil was by a canvass, doing some painting outdoors.

"Hey Neil" she said as she approached him.  

"Julia...nice to see you here.  What have you been up to?" he replied.

"Erm...kind of a date" she said.

"Kind of a date?" Neil was puzzled.

"Well, I met a guy but it wasn't a romantic date or anything like that...just a friendship, see how we got along thing."

"And did you?"

"Yes...he seems nice.  A relaxed, Bohemian type."

"Well that's good, isn't it?  I'm a bit like you, Julia:  I'm not normally the dating type...I have to force myself into social situations sometimes."

"But you met Suzy and that seems to be going well?"

"Oh yes...I sure got lucky there.  She's way above my league"

"I never knew you thought that way about yourself." Julia sighed.  "It's all so complicated to me...I just want to work, play music and go to nice places.  Adding romance just complicates things.  Anyway, I must be getting on now.  Nice painting, by the way."

Julia started to walk towards the subway station when a young, handsome man approached her.

"Excuse me, Miss, but do you have the time?" he asked.

"Yes, it's 8:50pm" she said, checking her watch.

"Thank you....I say, I saw you in the gallery earlier.  Do you like art?  I'm very into it" the man said, awkwardly.

"I do.  It was a good exhibition today, don't you think?"

"Definitely!" said the young man "By the way, my name is Rez"

"Julia.  Nice to meet you."

"I...I...think you are a very beautiful young woman.  When I saw you in the gallery I thought you were..."

Julia put up her hands.  "No...I'm sorry.  I don't know who you are!  I don't feel comfortable talking about this and here.  Please...I'm going home now.  Nice to meet you...bye!"

Julia headed on home to Foundry Cove but via Crawdad Quarter.  She was hoping to bump into a friend such as Suzy, Jeremy or Joelene to share her story of what happened that evening.  Fortunately, at the Blue Velvet club, she found Jeremy and Barbara.

"Hey" said an enthusiastic Jeremy.  "How did this evening go?"

"I think it went well....it was a good exhibition" said Julia.

"And anything else?" asked Jeremy, provocatively, as he suspected she was actually on a date.

"I met some interesting people.  Let's just leave it at that" she replied.

CHAPTER 90: The Accomplice

 If there was one person in Foundry Cove who was not putting on weight it was John Action.  Every morning he'd do his calisthenics, which included imagining the faces of the perps he wanted to arrest on his punching bag.  "You have the right....BAM!....to remain silent....punk!"

"Still packing a punch, eh Action?" said a voice.  Action turned around so see his old Marine buddy, Marcus Flex, jogging past.  Marcus stopped and the two men had a chat.

"Hey, Marcus....still doing the dawn run?" said Action.

"You know me...old habits die hard" replied Marcus.

"Do your housemates get annoyed that you get up at 5am?"

"Pah, civilians, eh?" joked Marcus.

"Semper Fi, dude" said Action.  "We should meet up soon, it's been too long, man"

"Hold you to it...gotta go, Action, but let's meet soon" and with that, Marcus continued his morning run.

Action went home to shower and get dressed for work.  There was a case that remained unsolved...the art theft at Oasis Springs.  Sure, they got the main thief but they never got the getaway driver and after weeks of chasing leads the Sim City PD had got nowhere with the case.

He went down to the lab to speak with their specialist: Bibi Stahler, on loan from the Munich police force in West Germany but an expert and fine analytical mind to consult.

"I have been looking at the various case files, Action" said Bibi.  "I would guess that the person you are looking for is approximately the same age as the thief; a young person, early to mid twenties.  This is based on the various witness reports and the nature of the crime itself: Not clinical or professional...more like opportunistic and chaotic.  This would indicate someone relatively inexperienced in crime."

"Good to know...you know your stuff" said Action, who gave her a finger pistol sign.  "I'm going to go through the police files to see if there are any new witness reports"

Action looked through the recent files and found one report from a witness that caught his eye.  A Kathy Hardin, age 26, from Windenburg, had overheard someone bragging about how they got paid a large sum of money for just driving really fast from The Solar Flare lounge in Oasis Springs to Windenburg.  It could be some loudmouth punk hot rodder but it could also be the elusive getaway driver as well.  Action telephoned Miss Hardin and asked for her to come down to the station to give another statement to him.

The first thing Action noticed about Miss Hardin was how her skirt perfectly hugged the contours of her hips.  The second thing was that she could be very specific on one or two points but annoyingly vague about everything else.

"I remember this guy...young, like recent college graduate young" began Hardin.  "Brown hair and wearing white shorts."

"What about his shirt or jacket?" asked Action.

"I don't recall those.  But the shorts were definitely white...oh, and his shoes: They were odd looking" she continued.

"By odd do you mean colour, style, size?" Action pressed her for greater detail.

"I mean odd looking.  I don't know, I can't quite put my finger on it.  Anyway he was splashing the cash around at the nightclub"

"Which nightclub?"

"I don't recall...but he was waving thick wads of banknotes around the club buying round after round and saying 'easy come, easy go...live fast and die young'"

"And what makes you think he'd got that money illegally?" asked Action.

"Because he said all he had to do to get it was drive up to that club that got robbed....The Solar Flare...wait in the van and then drive like hell once his 'friend' came out with the 'goods'".

"Who was he talking to about this?"

"Erm..." Hardin looked off into the distance trying to think.  "...this other young guy.  He had strange hair."

"When you say 'strange' what do you mean?" sighed Action.

"Just...strange.  Like sticking up, high.  Like it was glued" said Hardin.

"Miss Hardin, have you anything else you can remember?"

"I think that covers it.  But definitely brown hair, white shorts and...."

"Strange shoes.  I got it, Miss Hardin"  Action went to write up these notes but he needed something more to go on.  It was time to visit one of his street contacts.

Heading on down to Newcrest, Action spotted a couple of familiar faces.  One of them was the person he was looking for.

Whitney Crocker was a professional dancer by day but lived in a hippy commune down by Haight Simsbury.  She'd provided Action with some good information about anti-social behaviour down that way...anything that disturbed her "chakra". 

Joanna Thompson was a lady of dubious virtue.  Action had known her since he was a teenager, she the scrappy little sister of a friend and she liked to play people off of each other.  He didn't know what she did for a job but judging by the thigh length boots, the fishnet stockings and the low cut top he had a pretty good idea.  He also knew that she was one of the best sources of insider information in the city.

"Well, well, well, I didn't know you chicks knew each other" said Action, sauntering over to them.

"Unfortunately we do" said Whitney.  "I've been trying to convince Joanna here to move on; this is a peaceful place"

"A girl's gotta make a livin', doll" said Joanna.

"Don't you two give me evils, now.  I just want some information, that's all" said Action.

"And if I do, will you get her out of there?" said Whitney.

"And if I do, what do I get?" asked Joanna.

"The usual reward" said Action. "Which will be enough for Jo to move along of her own accord"

"What do you want to know?" asked Joanna.

"I'm looking for a particular cat; brown hair, white shorts...young, like student age young.  He's been acting like one of the last of the big spenders of late...oh, and he wears some kind of strange shoes"

"By strange do you mean..." asked Whitney

"Anything that seems out of place" replied Action, sharply.

"There's this dude who wears women's shoes..." said Joanna.

"Wait!  He wears women's shoes?" said Action, his eyebrows raised.

"Some guys like that kind of thing, Action" said Whitney.  "It's not illegal for men to wear women's clothes"

"No. That's not what I meant...I know a perp who wears women's shoes; busted him some time back for vandalism"

"So if I've been of help, Action, maybe you could let me have some of that sweet SCPD expense money" said Joanna, flirting with him.  Action reached for a wallet and gave her 50 Simoleons.  Joanna held the money up to the sky and, satisfied, tipped her hat to him and walked off.

"Tsch! Lowering the tone" said a dismissive Whitney.

Action returned to his car where he found that the Precinct were calling him on the radio.

"Zebra Adam 13 here...over" said Action.

"Zebra Adam 13...we have an update on that suspect. Kathy Hardin called in again...says she's seen our suspect over at the Narwhal Arms, Winderburg"

"On my way" said Action, getting the car underway and heading straight for Windenburg.

Outside of the club he met Kathy Hardin, who was looking agitated.  "That's him! The guy with the brown hair and white shorts...and look at his shoes!" she said, looking in the window to the club.  "He's even talking to that spiky haired weirdo I was telling you about"

"I see..." said Action, looking at the two disreputable looking young men in the club.

"Leave it to me" he said, going in to the club.  He sauntered casually over to the bar where the two young men were sitting.  

"Hey, I hear you're buying" said Action to the brown haired man wearing women's shoes.  The man looked at Action, recognised him, and tried to run away.  Quick as a flash, Action was on him, pinning one arm behind his back.  "Not so fast, bucko!"

A black and white was called to bring the suspect in and Action followed back to the station, where Bibi Stahler was waiting for him.

"Well done, Detective.  Now..." she added a pause.  "Are you sure you've got the right man this time?"

CHAPTER 89: Fight The Flab

 

"Hello?  Is that the Luxury Indulgence Gourmet Food Company?  My name is Suzy Kent and I'd like to register a complaint....well, me along with two of my friends joined your meal deal club last month and have been sampling the introduction menu these last few weeks and....well...we've all ballooned in weight.  I now weigh...well, I won't say over the phone but I'm also sending a letter plus incriminating before and after photos to show you what the effect your food has had on our bodies.  My friend Summer had to completely replace her wardrobe!  Your food should have come with a clear warning....no, '7 across: It might make you fat' isn't good enough.....I am informing you that I work with the prestigious fashion magazine 'Hey, Wow'....oh you've heard of them...well, I have no choice other than to recommend to my readership that they avoid your products at all costs unless they want to expand their dress size!   Good day!"

Suzy was now hitting the salads and was spending more and more time at the spa.  She just about squeezed herself into her leotard and hit the treadmills as well as spending hours in the steam room to help sweat out the pounds.  Barbara and Summer had also ballooned out on this diet that was billed as "luxurious but also healthy".  Well, all three of them didn't feel healthy right now; wheezy, exhausted and unable to bend properly was more like it.

Suzy pounded on treadmill for hours and, in between exercise classes, sketched some fashion ideas with her charcoal pencils and sketch pad...she was now getting inspiration from Mama Cass.  Neil joined her after his work shift to relax in the steam room whilst she ran and found himself surrounded by the creme de la creme of Sim City businessmen:  Victor Feng, Geoffrey Landgraab and Mortimer Goth; who all ignored him while they sorted out the world's problems.

Afterwards they sat outside at the nearby park where Suzy sketched some landscape images and Neil gave her artistic pointers.

"...and that is what we call a 'two point perspective' image" said Neil, as Suzy sketched.

"Thanks...I think I've got the hang of it now.  I really appreciate your artistic insight" Suzy replied.

"You're really coming along leaps and bounds" 

"Really?  Well, this is going to be an important additional skill for my work.  If I can sketch fashion ideas I can use them in articles."  Suzy then let out a groan and she sat bolt upright.  "I was going to go back and hit the gym a little more but my back's aching!"

"Don't over do all this exercise" warned Neil.

"Well, Barbara, Summer and I are shocked at what's happened to us...I have an image to protect, Barbara's got a lot of planning and work to do and she needs to stay fit and as for Summer...well, how's she going to feel when her housemate is slim and svelte and she's got to wear a Mu-Mu instead?"

"You know I love you whatever your shape...and Jeremy and Travis are good guys; they'll not care that you girls have put on a little" said Neil, trying to console Suzy.

"A little?  That company is dangerous!  But you're right...I don't want to end up in traction either."

"Speaking of Barbara" continued Suzy "I'm helping her out with her boutique plan...you work in retail, can you share some tips I can pass on to her?"

"Sure.  I'll make a note of some when we get home and you can give them to her.  Hey, I might even ask her for a job!"

"That'd be great!"

"Steady on...setting up a shop is expensive.  She might not have enough to hire staff at first" warned Neil.  "But if I can pass on some advice, I will"

They stayed at the park a bit longer while Suzy sketched some more and Neil gave advice before they headed home.  Suzy got to the bottom of the porch steps, paused and caught her breath.  "Oh...I'm just not fit at the moment...darn this extra I'm carrying right now!"  She seemed visibly upset.  Neil comforted her by putting his arm around her shoulders and hugging her.  He said nothing, but just held her gently to him.

"I'm determined to lose this weight" she said, defiantly.  "I feel unhealthy and I must look a fright"

"You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever met" said Neil.

"Oh you old romantic" said Suzy, blowing him a kiss.

Before they went inside, Suzy noticed a young man in his late teens wave to her.  She thought she recognised him from somewhere and waved back.  The boy walked a bit closer and smiled at her...curious, Suzy went over to him to see what he wanted.

"Oh hello Miss Kent...I don't suppose you remember me but I'm Jamie...you interviewed me at Pupperstone Park a few weeks ago.  I'd been stood up that day"

"Oh yes...I remember.  You were anxious about your date.  I'm sorry to hear you got stood up."

"Well, she's a bit like that....well, I was wondering, if it's not too much of an imposition....I mean, you're one of the trendiest and with it women in the city..." Jamie was stumbling over his words.

"Jamie...you want to ask me something?" she said, softly.

"Well...it's just that...I don't seem to be having much luck with the birds...I mean the girls.  I was wondering if you had any advice"

Suzy thought before saying "I have only three rules for a successful social life:  1.  Accept every invitation you're sent.  2.  Be nice to everyone you meet.  3.  Keep on going, never give up"

"And does that work?" said the boy.

Suzy nodded towards her front porch, where Neil had just finished taking out the garbage and was waiting on the step, waving to her.  "It worked for me."

Jamie looked towards Neil and nodded.  "Well, there's no point asking you out then" he said to Suzy.

"Sorry...If you were 5 years older and I wasn't taken then you  would have stood a chance"

"Thanks Miss Kent.  I'll let you get on with your evening" and with that, Jamie left.

Suzy walked back to Neil.  "Just a fan...now, you said I shouldn't exercise too strenuously" she said.

"I did." he replied.

"But is there another form of exercise that's more fun?" she said batting her eyelashes at him.

"I find sit ups or a punching bag quite enjoyable...oh, I see what you mean!  Well, it is a form of physical activity"

"That's what I was thinking" she said , flirtatiously.

"And you don't need to wear special exercise clothes" said Neil.

"Or clothes at all..." replied Suzy.

CHAPTER 88: Crunching The Numbers

 

Jeremy Saint arrived at the offices of Dewey, Cheathem & Howe with something weighing on his mind:  How much would he and Barbara have to raise to get that boutique up and running?  He knew one person in the company would have the answers...one who could calculate in his head the cost based on the idea, the plans, the refurbishment costs and the value of the property.  But this person was running late and Jeremy patiently waited in the lobby for him to arrive.

"Hello there, Saint, what are you doing down here?" said the very man Jeremy was waiting for.

"Actually I was waiting for you, Fanshawe" he replied.

"Shoot" said Fanshawe and the two of them walked upstairs to their office level.

"Did you get that business proposal I sent you?" asked Jeremy.

"The fashion boutique?  Yes I did...interesting idea, Saint, very interesting.  But I thought you were in legal compliance regulations, not commercial property?"

"Well, call this a 'side project' of mine, Fanshawe.  Anyway, by interesting you mean?"

"I mean the idea is sound, the market research was well done and shows promise.  But there's the matter of initial capital.  It's not going to be cheap"

"I guessed...do you have some numbers?" asked a tentative Jeremy.

"Not to hand, but my secretary does...I'll call her over.  Carol!" said Fanshawe, calling across to lobby to where his secretary was standing.  She was holding a stack of cardboard folders.

"Yes Mr Fanshawe?" asked Carol.

"The fashion boutique budget plan...do you have it with you?"

"Yes sir, it's here...give me a moment to dig it out" she said with an air of clipped efficiency in her voice.

She produced the folder and handed it to Fanshawe, who took a look inside before handing it on to Jeremy.  Jeremy gingerly opened it up, expecting the worst.  However, when looking at the final cost, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"So we'll have to take out a loan but it won't be a large one and, if the business does even reasonably well, you'll be able to manage the repayments" said Jeremy to Barbara once the two of them were back home.

"Well that's positive news" said Barbara, very satisfied at this bit of information.

"Another step closer, eh?" replied Jeremy.

"Thanks for doing all this; I really appreciate it...now, on to other things:  I need to get more exercise" said Barbara.  "I'm too static these days" 

"Well, let's make this a bit fun by going for a swim rather than do weights or running?" said Jeremy.

"A swim sounds great!"

They headed off to the Downtown pool for a swim and challenged each other to see who could swim the most laps.  After two, Barbara looked uncomfortable.

"Ouch!  My swimsuit is pinching me in all the wrong places!" she complained.  "It's too old, I need a new one"

There was one other person in the pool: An old man who looked exhausted.  He swam over to the ladder, got out, grabbed a towel and left.  Barbara let out a sigh of relief.

"Now he's gone....." she said as she took off her swimsuit. "Ahhh, that's so much better!" she said, tossing the suit to one side of the pool before swimming gently on her back, naked.

"What?  Barbara!  You!....You....can't do that!" said a nervous Jeremy.

"Do what?" she replied.

"Be in here....naked!" he said, wincing when he said the word 'naked'.

"Why not?  I didn't see any rules against it, there's only you and me here and this place isn't busy and besides, we can do this in Canada"

"We're not in Canada!" Jeremy was still frantic.

"Maybe not....but don't you like me like this; in nothing at all" she said, coquettishly, as she swam right up to him.

"Well....I do, but what if we get caught?" 

"Live dangerously, Jeremy!"

She playfully splashed him and he responded back and before long they were laughing and joking around.  They were also not disturbed their whole time in the pool, which was a relief to him.

Later they relaxed in one of the pool's hot tubs...which Jeremy insisted Barbara should wear her swimsuit in.  The pools were very popular today and he did not want to get chucked out by the pool management.

"Ahhh, this is so nice" said Barbara, shutting her eyes and enjoying the hot, bubbling water.  

"I noticed you were really putting in the laps back in the pool" said Jeremy.

"Well, I was more streamlined so I went faster" she replied, batting her eyelashes at him.

"You....there's a naughty side to you, Barbara Dubois"

"You love it though!"

"I sure do...and I'm not all stuffy and button down either:  Come here!" and he leant in and gave her a big kiss.

Eventually they left the pool and started on their way home when Jeremy had an idea.  "Barbara, just around the corner are the offices of Dewey, Cheathem & Howe.  It's a Sunday and only a security guard and the janitors are in...we could go in and get some more information about that shop site you want to buy."

"Are you sure we're allowed in?" replied Barbara.

"Sure...Hank, the guard, knows me!  It'll be fine!"

"Well, I didn't expect it to take THIS long to get to my office!" said Jeremy.

"I don't think Hank knows you as well as you think....but anyway, we're here now." replied Barbara.

"I asked my colleague, Fanshawe, for some information about city planning, retail and overheads...I'll search his desk, you look in that bookcase for anything that might help" said Jeremy, pointing towards a large bookcase along one side of the wall of the office.

They spent the best part of an hour looking around the office for the information they would need to help set up the boutique.  Barbara found some general books on tax for small stores and city planning regulations.  Jeremy found an in-depth guide to property in the Magnolia Promenade area and the information he needed to draw up a comprehensive loan plan to take to the bank.

They headed home soon after and when they got to Crick Cabana they found Judith Epstein, their friend and neighbour, waiting outside.

"Hi Judith" said Jeremy.  "How are you?"

"I'm...well....OK, you know" said Judith, but it was clear she was feeling awkward about something.

"Would you like to come inside for some coffee?" asked Barbara

"Actually, I can't stop...I'm off to a new art exhibition that's having its opening night.  I came by to ask you something...erm....about....fashion" said an awkward sounding Judith.

"Sure, fire away" replied Barbara.

"Remember when I asked you for some tips for how to dress for a trendy event and you pointed out this outfit in a magazine?  Well, I took your advice and bought it...the lot, the dress, the shoes, the tights...erm, does this look OK?"

"You look great and yes, that is ideal for your art event tonight:  Peppermint green and white are this season's colours.  I notice you haven't got your glasses on either"

"I'm wearing my contact lenses...I don't often wear them" she said, blinking wildly.  "Takes...a...bit of getting used to".  Judith was also tugging at the hem of her dress.

"No, that's the ideal length for this season" said Barbara, helpfully.  

"Sorry...I'm also not used to something this....well..." she said, embarrassed to say the word "...short" she said in a whisper.

Jeremy chimed in.  "Is there someone you're going to be meeting...someone a bit special?" he said with a smirk.

"Not that kind of thing!  I mean!  Me and some guy?  No!  I'm just trying to make a good impression on everyone there by looking more...what's the word?"

"Mod" said Barbara.

"Yes, Mod.  I fancied a slight change of image, that's all" said Judith, defensively.

"Well, I think you look very nice...what do you think, Jeremy?" said Barbara.

"Oh yes...very much so." he agreed; the finer points of Mod fashion lost on him.

"Thanks, Barbara, wish me luck...erm, I mean, making a good impression at this event....with everyone!  That is, no one in particular.  Bye!"

"I'll wager she fancies someone" said Barbara.  "It's a shame we're not going to this event tonight to find out"

"What?  Judith?  Fancies someone?  Come on, this is Judith we're talking about:  She hates romance!"

"So SHE says...no, feminine intuition tells me she's got someone special in mind....the question is; who?"