Julia looked at the business card she'd been given by Edna Sneedley when she was treating her for a slipped disc. "The League Of Decency...stopping the moral rot and decay in society. Phone Mrs Edna Sneedley at 555-5705". Julia pondered calling that number: She'd liked Edna's pitch about the League and as a moralistic young woman who recoiled at all the sex, violence and drug use that was becoming more commonplace in movies, TV and especially magazines she thought that maybe she could lend some support to the cause.
She called the number and waited for an answer.
"The Sneedley Residence, the lady of the house...Mrs Sneedley speaking" came the formal and haughty voice at the other end.
"Hello...this is Julia Epstein...Doctor Julia Epstein" she added the emphasis on Doctor to help remind Edna of who she was.
"Oh yes, Doctor Epstein, how lovely to hear from you. I must say you worked wonders for my back; I haven't had any trouble since"
"That's good news, Mrs Sneedley. The reason I'm calling is to find out more about your League of Decency: I'm potentially interested."
"Good...good...excellent" said Edna, also putting emphasis on a word. "Well, George...that's my husband...and I are free to talk with you this morning if you are free. You are? Excellent. Our address is The Sneedley Residence, Bedrock Straight, Oasis Springs"
Julia made her way to their house and there, out the front and pruning a flower bush, was Mrs Edna Sneedley. She put down her gardening gloves and secateurs and came to greet her visitor.
"Mrs Sneedley, thank you for inviting me to your home" said Julia, trying to make a good, positive impression.
"Delighted you could come" said Edna, who initially smiled but then a slight look of disapproval came over her face as she looked Julia up and down.
"I suppose all the young women these days are wearing those....mini skirts" she practically spat the words out. Julia looked embarrassed all of a sudden.
"Oh...this" she said, tugging at her skirt. "Well, I'm very busy and this skirt is practical to wear as I rush about" Julia tried to say this with a light hearted chuckle. "I didn't think it was too provocative though"
As Edna led Julia towards the house to meet her husband, George, she commented more about Julia's attire. "Don't you find that men gawp at your legs, that you have too much on show?" she said.
"I've not noticed. I don't like to bear a lot of flesh, Mrs Sneedley" she said indicating her long sleeve turtleneck sweater "and I wear thick tights with my skirts". This, she hoped, would somehow compensate for her skirt.
"I suppose so" replied Edna. "Ah, let me introduce you to George" she said. George Sneedley was seated on an outdoor stool, reading a book called "The Decline And Fall of Today's Youth".
"George... I want you to meet Dr Julia Epstein; she's the young lady who fixed my back" said Edna.
"Pleased to meet you. What was that I heard about skirts?" he said, his interest seemingly piqued.
"Oh I was just reassuring your wife that I try to strike a balance with my skirt length by wearing thick tights to not show flesh"
"Oh...you don't wear stockings?" said George, slightly crestfallen. He shook his head "I'm afraid standards have fallen in the youth of today; seeking simplicity over stylishness"
"Now George" said Edna "There's no need to be so harsh on our newest recruit. I'm sure there are more important things we could talk about"
Julia felt nervous; she had, inadvertently, failed the test here just by what she wore; which she didn't think was immoral.
"Don't worry, Doctor Epstein, we wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable" said Edna. "And I can tell you're a very moral and upstanding young woman in your work and, I'm sure, your personal life as well"
"Oh I am, Mrs Sneedley"
"Call me Edna" she said, smiling whilst her gaze remained fixed at Julia's eyes. Let me take you for a tour of my house whilst I explain what the League of Decency is about.
"Society today is at a crossroads, Julia" began Edna. "Since the big war, we have all become too complacent: We have wealth, prosperity and comfort but have forgotten our strength and values along the way."
"I understand, Edna" replied Julia "I come from a strong Jewish family and we were raised to respect our elders and value tradition"
"Oh you're Jewish are you?" said Edna, curiously. "Well that's interesting. I agree; your people do place a lot of value in the family unit. George and I have forgone having children but I do respect motherhood and the importance of good parenting...in the traditional manner"
Julia was looking at a bookshelf in the Sneedley house and the titles all seemed to fit a theme: SEX, DRUGS AND THE END OF THE WEST. COMMIES UNDER YOUR BEDS. A CALL FOR BETTER MORALS. I WAS A MIDDLE AGE SEX MANIAC. REPENT NOW! AN ANALYSIS OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR IN YOUTH.
Julia picked up that last title and flicked through it. "Oh a very informative text" said Edna. "It shows how the Permissive Society is destroying the West."
Julia turned a few pages in the book and noticed a photo of someone she recognised. "Hey, that's Alan Cuffe...founder of Lothario magazine and The Kitten Club!" she said.
"Oh a terrible man. Did you know that he used to own the house next door where he would host his wild parties? Thank goodness he's moved" Edna replied.
"He once tried to recruit me into his Kitten Club." said Julia, putting down the book. Edna looked shocked.
"You didn't...." she stammered.
"No way! I turned him down there and then on the spot" said an indignant Julia.
"Good for you! He's exactly the person we need to bring down and George and I have been working on some ideas"
"Well count me in on that. Mrs Sneedley, I may not have impressed you at first but I want to join the League of Decency and help you end Alan Cuffe's pornographic business"
"Oh never mind about your choice in clothes...as long as it's not wild we can forgive the eccentricities of youth. As far as I'm concerned, you'll be an asset to our society"
"How many are in your society?" asked Julia.
"Oh you're our third member"
After a productive first meeting, Julia headed back to Willow Creek to relax and maybe play some piano at The Blue Velvet club. It was very busy tonight and she had to fight her way to the bar.
"I've not seen it so busy!" she said to a very svelte looking lady sitting next to her.
"Good luck trying to get served in here tonight" the lady replied. "They've put some complimentary snacks out to while away the time as they deal with each customer" she added.
Julia looked down the length of the bar and noticed a familiar and unwelcome presence: Alan Cuffe. He was there in his lounge robe accompanied by a friend and two fashionably dressed young women who Julia recognised as Lothario Kittens. At least they weren't wearing the club uniform in here, thought Julia.
"Hey, it's the Hot Doc!" said Cuffe, making a pistol shape with his hand and pointing it at Julia. "We meet again...now are you sure you don't want to be a Kitten, like my friends here?" he said, giving the flanking girls a squeeze around their waists. They giggled.
"Do not refer to me as 'the hot doc' Mr Cuffe. It's DOCTOR Epstein to you. And no, I never want to sell myself out by joining your organisation"
"And furthermore" said Julia, her back well and truly up "take your hands off those women; they're not your property!"
"This is a free country, Doctor Epstein..." said Cuffe, his face now a scowl "They're consenting adults and might I remind you of the First Amendment?"
"Alan, you never do anything unless you can work your own personal angle into it" said Abigail. "It won't be 'just one article' with Suzy, will it?"
"I don't disclose my business in public, Abi, you know that"
Julia had remained quiet in the meantime. So this woman is Suzy's boss and Cuffe's trying to get her friend and neighbour to work for him? Interesting, she thought, very interesting!
