"30 days and a wakeup"
"What's that, darling?" asked Suzy to her fiancé, Neil.
"It's now 30 days and one wakeup until our wedding day" he replied.
"I know! So you're counting down the days as well, how utterly cute! Give us a kiss" she said, leaning in to plant one right on his lips.
"Anything left to do?" he asked.
"Well, we need to chase up on some of those RSVPs for the wedding. For example, Julia hasn't responded yet" said Suzy.
"Really? That's not like her...she's usually very efficient" said Neil.
"I know...so whichever one of us sees her first, give her a gentle reminder."
"So noted...anyway, I must get to work now; have a great day and I'll see you later" he said, getting up and going to the door.
Suzy watched her man walk off, took a deep breath and thought about what she was going to do next. She did have a work assignment: Take photos of downtown Magnolia Promenade with all the beautiful people in the latest fashions but she thought that wouldn't take long and she had another idea brewing in her mind...
She pulled on her favourite white go-go boots, grabbed her camera and house keys and set off.
She didn't have far to go; in fact it was only across the road to see her neighbour, John Action. They'd met up the day before and exchanged information about this mysterious case involving a conspiracy between rival factions operating in the city. The most mysterious were the group known only as "The Visitors". It was they who had erased part of Action's memory.
She knocked on the door and he unlocked the door and let her in.
"Hey, Action...how are you today? It was interesting catching up with you yesterday: Gave me a lot of things to think about"
"Such as?" replied Action.
"Well...the Visitors for one thing...these almost unearthly capabilities of theirs, it's...it's amazing. I think you might like to see something I've found."
"What's that?" asked Action.
"You know that tree just down the road there? Next door to you? Well...it has a little secret of it's own. I think it's connected to our case." Suzy replied.
"Oh it's our case now, is it?" said Action, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Like you said: You work your side of the street and I'll work mine. But we're working towards the same goal."
"You got me there" replied Action. "OK, so tell me more about this tree"
"The Landgraabs are interested in it. They want to buy up this area, bulldoze it, build some kind of industrial plant but...and here's the crucial thing...they want to preserve that tree at all costs."
"Why?"
"I think that's best explained by showing you...." said Suzy, smiling enigmatically.
Suzy led Action down to the large tree that grew between his place and Jeremy's. She rummaged around the tree, pulling aside the creepers, vines and foliage that covered the secret entrance hole until she found it, pushed the bark that covered the precise point aside and peered in to see that the way was clear ahead. A passing little girl couldn't help but notice this strange activity around the tree.
"Aha!" Suzy declared. "The path is clear...now I have a flashlight so I can see the way; do you...?"
"Have one right here, sister. And I bought a few other little goodies along with me." Action said, patting his shoulder holster which held his .38 service revolver.
"OK then, here we go!" said Suzy.
"You know, the last time a lady tried to lead me into the trees she turned out to be a Viet Cong agent" he said.
"Well...I haven't seen any Viet Cong on my two previous trips; I think you'll be safe from them" she replied, drolly.
They made their way down the dark tunnel. By now Suzy was adept at knowing where the dry path was and avoided getting too deep into the little stream that ran across it. When they emerged on the other side, her go-go boots were still in a pristine state.
Action took a deep breath and looked around him. "OK...just how is this possible? I mean..."
"The distance we walked? We should be right smack bang in the middle of the container park and yet we're here with no sign of any buildings or the city whatsoever? I have no idea, Action. This is my third time here and I'm still none the wiser."
"You know those samples you got me last time? Feds took 'em, the whole lot. I never saw the report" said Action; a touch of bitterness in his voice.
"Should we get some more? I was going to take some photos of the place." said Suzy.
"OK, I'll get the samples, you take the pics" Action replied.
"Surely you can't use the police labs to get samples analysed?"
"Well; we're going to have to find someone privately who can do it. Heck, I'm doing all this out of office hours; you dig?"
Suzy nodded and began to search the area for interesting things to photograph. As on her two previous visits to the grotto, she was struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the place.
"Yo...Suz...are you just going to stand around there watching the flowers or are you actually going to get on with some work?" said Action, grumpily.
"Wow, Neil never gives me that kind of stick" she replied, indignantly.
"That's because that man is soft, like Kleenex, when you're around. You're with Action now and that means ACTION!"
"OK, I'll take some photos. What are you doing?" she asked. Action had reached into his jacket and pulled out a series of small sticks, which he attached together to form one long pole. Then he clipped on a spool and threaded some thin wire down the pole.
"That is a fishing pond, this is a fishing rod. Capice?" he said, preparing to cast. "I didn't think you and Dobie Gillis did some fishing here on your last visit so I came to sample some of what's in this pond"
Action began to fish, hoping to catch a bright, rainbow coloured one that he spied but it was too adept at avoiding the bait as it twisted and turned in the water. He did manage to catch something that looked like a minnow but which had different markings and colourings from the ones he was familiar with. However, as he tried to put it in a glass jar filled with the pond water, the fish fell apart into flakes.
It was the same with Suzy and her attempts to gather plant and flower samples: Every attempt to uproot or snip a flower head resulted in the plant turning into slush. Other than the glass jar, Action had brought some police forensic bags along with him to put samples in so the best they could do was gather up some of the mushy specimens and hope the person examining them could find something useful.
As Suzy walked off to get a cutting from a sapling, Action noticed something out of the corner of his eye: It was a bright, glowing orb which floated through the air and left a sparkling trail.
"Wait, Suzy! Look out!" he shouted to her, pointing to the orb.
"What is that?" she exclaimed.
"I don't know but I'm takin' precautions!" he said, pulling out his .38 service revolver.
"Is that necessary?" said Suzy, aghast at the sight of the gun.
"With all that's gone down in this crazy-ass case, yeah, I'd say it's necessary!" he responded.
The orb floated on a path that would make it intersect with Suzy if she kept going to the tree she was trying to sample. She stopped when it blocked her way.
"Looks like it don't want you to go that way" said Action, his pistol trained on the orb. "OK, Suz, you gotta back up there...towards me"
Suzy gently walked backwards until she was standing next to Action. The orb turned to face the pair of them and started to move closer. Action tightened his finger around the trigger but held fire. "I don't think that thing wants us here...we got our samples, let's just make for the tree and head home"
"What...if it follows us back there?" asked a nervous Suzy.
"Then I call for the cavalry" replied Action.
Suzy and Action backed up towards the tree and Action made sure she entered the tunnel first with him covering her. The orb continued to follow them, slowly, but made no other threatening move. Finally Action, without ever dropping his aim, stepped in to the tunnel and they quickly made their way back to Foundry Cove. The orb did not follow them any further.
"I think...after that...we need a drink!" said Suzy, once she'd stepped back into the Cove.
They went back to her place where she poured a gin and tonic for her and a Bourbon for him. She sat down to take a load off her feet but Action paced the room impatiently.
"That was wild!" said Suzy. "Now do you see what I'm talking about? And that strange ball of light? I mean, what do we do now?"
"We get this evidence checked out" said Action. "I'll cash in some favours I have with people in the know."
Action, however, was thinking about other things on his mind...his decision to cool things with Katherine and stay away from her for one. She'd been by his side, a source of encouragement throughout and she'd put up with his sudden mood swings so he was still wondering if he'd done the right thing when he shut her out of his life for now. But his instincts told him that things were getting too hot and dangerous and he was worried for her safety...he'd said he preferred to have her by his side every step of the way and he meant it...now he felt like such a damn hypocrite for changing his mind....but, again, that strange ball of light, the murderous activities of these Visitors and their strange abilities told him he'd made the right decision in the end...dammit, why did having to be right have to be so painful?
Action, however, was thinking about other things on his mind...his decision to cool things with Katherine and stay away from her for one. She'd been by his side, a source of encouragement throughout and she'd put up with his sudden mood swings so he was still wondering if he'd done the right thing when he shut her out of his life for now. But his instincts told him that things were getting too hot and dangerous and he was worried for her safety...he'd said he preferred to have her by his side every step of the way and he meant it...now he felt like such a damn hypocrite for changing his mind....but, again, that strange ball of light, the murderous activities of these Visitors and their strange abilities told him he'd made the right decision in the end...dammit, why did having to be right have to be so painful?
As Action downed his drink, the front door opened and Neil walked in, fresh from work.
"Hello darling" said Neil as he headed towards Suzy to give her a kiss. "First shift is over, thank goodness!" he continued, not noticing Action sitting on the sofa. Suzy did a little throat clear to indicate they weren't alone.
"Oh, hello Action" said Neil, turning around and noticing his neighbour sitting there. "So is this a social visit or have you two been up to some detective work?"
"The latter" said Action.
"And, boy, did we find some more interesting things in the grotto!" said Suzy.
"I'm all ears" said Neil, enthusiastically.
"Well, I'll let your good lady wife-to-be fill you in on the details; I need to get going. Later guys; stay sharp".
Neil and Suzy nodded farewell to Action as he left and Suzy was left to explain to Neil what was going on. She told him of the expedition to the grotto with Action, how he caught a small fish and is taking that to get examined and of the strange ball of light that followed them. Neil sat and listened; both amazed and aghast.
"OK, that last detail sounds really strange" he said. "That just ups the ante a bit; a glowing ball of light that followed you? Is that natural? Is it some kind of device or invention?"
"I honestly have no idea, Neil" said Suzy.
Neil hummed while he thought. Then an idea came to him. "I'm wondering...yes...I've seen something that was unusual at Municipal Muses recently. Something that might relate to the case. I'm going to get changed out of my work clothes but then we should go down there"
They headed downtown to the museum with Neil starting to feel pumped up and excited now; he had an idea and was running with it. It was all well and good Suzy and Action taking on mysterious balls of light but, in his own way, he might have a lead on this mystery that would shed valuable light on it.
"So what is it that you want to show me?" asked Suzy.
"A painting, a specific one...I want your opinion on it" said Neil, still enthusiastically but enigmatically. He took her by the hand and led her up the stairs to the second floor and there, tucked away in the corner, was the painting he was searching for.
"There it is...the one at the top. The title is "Sylvan Glade: Forbidden" but note the colours used here...exactly the same pink twilight glow the glade has and even though the painting's an abstraction, you can see that it corresponds to to the view of the glade if you're standing by the main tree."
"Yes..." Suzy said to herself "...YES!"
"But here's something strange...this is by an unknown artist" said Neil, enigmatically.
"Surely the museum knows?" replied Suzy.
"You'd think, but I spoke with one curator here and they said they didn't know who it's by and the little sign says 'by an unknown artist'"
"We have to find out who painted this!" said Suzy, getting more excited. "They might be able to reveal more about that place!"
"Well, I'll look into it...put out some feelers into the art scene"
They left the museum and sat down by the bayou to talk about the things they discovered today and about other, more immediate things.
"Did you get that RSVP from Julia?"
"No, I haven't seen her today; I've been working."
"I'm not judging; but on our way home we should chase her up on it"
"I'm not judging; but on our way home we should chase her up on it"
"Anything else?"
"We need to change the seating plan for the wedding breakfast...my aunt Claire can't be in the same eyeline as my uncle Burt; don't ask, it's complicated"
"I think we both need a drink...
The two of them headed off to the nearby Blue Velvet Club for some refreshments. Suzy, in particular, was keyed up with excitement about everything that was going on right now...there would be no respite or cooling down now.
The Blue Velvet was buzzing with activity; just the kind of vibe she needed right now. Neil had completed one work shift and was soon to start another so he was tagging along, starting to feel weary. Suzy spotted a couple of familiar faces, old and new: At the bar she got talking to Skye Warner, the latest Lothario Kitten dubbed "Miss American Curl" and her predecessor, Joelene Scholl who was Miss Whiskers and Kitten of the Month for April. Joelene had quit the organisation to become a singer and Suzy could feel some tension brewing between the two ladies.
"So you're my replacement, eh?" said Jolene, looking Skye up and down.
"Hardly a replacement, darling" replied Skye in a dismissive tone. "More like the newest model"
"Well you know the thing about the latest models: They tend to become out of date pretty soon" said Jolene, equally dismissively before walking off.
"Well, she should know" said Skye to Suzy, who had kept out of this matter.
"It's all getting catty over at the bar...quite literally" said Suzy to Neil.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I have to get to work now...I will see you tonight." he said, kissing her on the cheek. They said their farewells and Suzy was wondering whether she should head off home now or stay for a little while. The music and general vibe, squabbling Kittens aside, was buzzing. She decided to stay for another drink and think over all the things in her mind from the glade, the mysteries and the wedding plans.
What shook her out of her thoughts was the sight of the very person she wanted to see this evening: Julia Epstein. Now was the time to chase her up on that wedding invitation...
"Jules, how wonderful to see you...I wanted to see you about..."
"The wedding RSVP? I know, I know, I've been slack; Put me down as a 'yes' and I'll have the kosher meal option, thanks for remembering."
"Yes. BUT IT'S NOT A DATE! It's just two friends catching up, platonically." said Julia.
"I'm sure it is" said Suzy, not wholly convinced. After all, Julia was wearing her party dress that was cut in a way to attract attention.
"I don't want to keep you from your friend but can I ask a huge favour?" asked Suzy.
"What do you need?" replied Julia.
"Action, Neil and I have found some strange plant and fish material in that strange glade...could you take a look at them, cast an expert eye over them?"
Julia hummed and didn't know quite what to say. "When you say 'strange' just how strange are we talking about?"
"Well, it's not lethal or dangerous if that's what you mean. It's just...well, odd, really"
"I will see what I can do...probably do it at a time when my supervisor isn't on duty" said Julia.
They talked a little more but Suzy didn't want to get in the way of the "platonic" evening with Kerry so she said goodbye and headed home. As she turned the corner at the end of the road she bumped into Alan Cuffe.
"Alan! Is there a Lothario event going on this evening because your newest Kitten is at the Blue Velvet"
"Yes, that would be Skye...she's doing the usual promotional stuff plus some singing. I'm just going to check on her as this is her first official public Lothario event." replied Cuffe.
"I thought I'd let you know your former model, Jolene, is there as well and the claws have come out with Skye and her" said Suzy.
"Oh, Jolene...." said Cuffe shaking his head. "She had so much potential"
"Her singing career's been doing well" said Suzy.
"Not quite what I meant" replied Cuffe. "I'll be along to smooth the waters"
"Oh, just one more thing Alan...I've made a few more discoveries in my ongoing investigation..." said Suzy.
"I really don't have the time..." replied a hesitant Cuffe.
"But these are pretty big things, Alan, could be the scoop of the year"
"Look, every writer trying to get published in Lothario tells me that a dozen times a day. Submit your article and I'll check it out."
"Alan...apart from Action and Madelyn, who did you speak to after the fire?"
"I talked with the police, of course..."
"Who else?"
"No one of significance, don't concern yourself with such matters, Suzy" Cuffe turned and started to walk off.
"They did something to Action's mind....The Visitors"
Cuffe stopped in his tracks and turned slowly back to face Suzy.
"Don't go down this path, Suzy..."
"Just give me a name, a lead!" she replied.
"Hey! You're Alan Cuffe! You're here!" came a shrill voice from a young man.
"I certainly am" replied Cuffe, suddenly snapping back into his easy going persona.
"I'm a big fan of Lothario magazine, Mr Alan Cuffe. Would you sign an autograph for me? It would be a great honour." said the young man.
"Sure thing young man...do you have a pen and paper?" said Cuffe.
"I don't...but I noticed this young lady has" said the man, nodding at Suzy. She duly obliged and handed Cuffe the items. He noticed that she'd written something on the top page and flipped it over to write his signature on the next one.
"Who shall I make this out to?" asked Cuffe.
"To James Sprague, Mr Alan Cuffe" the man replied.
"To James Sprague...be a tomcat...all the best...Alan Cuffe...there!" he said, tearing off the page and handing it to Sprague.
"Thanks Mr Alan Cuffe!" said Sprague, enthusiastically, but as he checked out the signature he held it up to a nearby street lamp and looked at it closely. Suzy found that a strange flourish for him to do.
"And if you're an avid fan of Lothario, James, I can tell you that Miss American Curl is in the Blue Velvet Bar right now, performing." added Cuffe.
"Alan, I really need to talk with you!" said Suzy, desperately.
"Another time, Suzy" replied Cuffe, handing back her pad and pen before walking off.
As she watched Cuffe walk off into the distance she softly said to James Sprague. "Your timing stinks!"
