CHAPTER 239: The Intern Blues

 

"Why is there so much evil in people?" Julia thought to herself.  She hadn't been at work long and today's list of patients showed the dark side of life in the city.  A stabbing victim, a woman who had been beaten by her pimp until her face was unrecognisable and a young man who had overdosed on heroin had required her attention either fully or in part with other doctors.  And they weren't much source of encouragement either:  One of the senior surgeons seemed to have a callous indifference to these patients as he kept muttering about how dealing with the dregs was preventing him from operating on better, more wealthier invalids.  Other junior doctors cracked bad taste jokes about the sick.  Her work colleagues weren't as nice or friendly as those she had known and worked with since she started at this hospital:  Harper was now on nights, Francesca took on a senior administrative role which paid better and she needed to earn more money to look after her daughter on her own.  And as for fellow doctors, she was still haunted by memories of Vincent Bledsoe...

She took a moment to calm herself down in the bathroom mirror; she was a professional and she had to put her feelings to one side in order to do her job properly.  She left the bathroom and grabbed a medical chart for a Mr J.J. Gotcha.

James Jefferson Gotcha, age 46, resident of Sim City, profession:  Businessman.  Symptoms:  Spiral warts, coated tongue, bowel moths, torpid liver...eugh, this sounds rough, thought Julia.

When she entered Mr Gotcha's cubicle he managed to stir himself slightly from his bed.

"Well helloooooooooo nurse!" he muttered.

"Not nurse.  Doctor.  I am Doctor Julia Epstein and I will be dealing with your case.  Now I have a list of symptoms but I would like to perform some tests on you."

"You can perform any test you like, Doctor" he said, trying to sound flirtatious but with a raspy wheeze to his voice.

"Please, Mr Gotcha, try to take this seriously and less with the attempts at a witty come-on.  There are strict rules about doctors and patients fraternising; rules which I adhere to 100%."

"Now you're just playing hard to get..." he replied, forcing a smile on his face.

"I think your wife might object" she said, pointing to his wedding ring.

"Dang!  I keep forgetting to remove that!" 

"OK, now sit up, Mr Gotcha...I'm going to do an examination which might hurt you more than it hurts me..."

After her shift Julia made her way home.  All the while she kept thinking about all the sleazy men she had encountered at work since she started at the hospital.  It was mostly patients who were trying to hit on her but by now she had heard every cringeworthy pick up line that was out there, endured some pinched bottoms and even some gropes.  It made her seethe inside and she had even complained to her boss, Dr Murakami.

"I know it is unacceptable behaviour and we have strict rules but we must treat patients, no matter how leery they get.  Goodness knows how many comments and inappropriate physical contact I have had over the years, Dr Epstein, but we can't go running for help every time a louche man tries his luck with female staff.  It's just the way some men are."

"But there has to be a deterrent, Dr Murakami!  Something that will make men think twice!"

"What, call security?  A waste of their time.  No, you have to learn to brush the minor annoyances of these patients off...it's what women have been doing for all time."

"But if these men cross the line....I mean, there's got to be a word for this kind of activity...sex discrimination...."

"If you feel truly threatened, and your safety is at risk yes, call security.  But those same leery men are looking for weaknesses in women...they resent us being doctors, lawyers and scientists and they'll try to make us look weak.  Don't give them that excuse!"

Julia was annoyed at how blasé Dr Murakami was, but given her older age and growing up in a more traditional Japanese-American environment, she had accepted her role and limits in a way Julia hadn't.  Well, sex pests was something to bring up at the next League of Decency meeting.

Julia had decided to play host for the next meeting and had made some cookies for everyone.  Then she got changed into her League uniform...she knew George and Edna were sticklers for detail so she made sure she cut no corners with looking smart.

The first guest to arrive was the newest recruit:  Vance Mannero.  

"Hello, Vance, you're the first here...would you like a sugar cookie?" she asked, being the perfect polite hostess.

"I would, thanks.  It's been a while since we all met together for League business" said Vance, gruffly, as he took a cookie.

"It has.  I suppose with Geoffrey Landgraab's death and him being our benefactor we haven't had much time to get together.  Do the police still think it was an accidental death?"

"As far as I know, yes.  They haven't ruled out suicide either...anyway, it's not my case; Homicide are on it."

Julia looked shocked at the word 'homicide' and tried to find something else to talk about.

"So....what do you think of men who pester women at their place of work?" she asked.

After getting Vance's opinion on the subject, which involved rubber hoses and alleyways to teach people a lesson, the others began to arrive for the meeting.  Julia hadn't put together an agenda or anything, this was more about getting the club together for a social gathering in preparation for something more serious in the near future.

The male members of the league gathered around the kitchen table to eat the cookies, the women sat of the sofa and George kind of went between the two groups, not sure which one to gravitate towards more.

Julia told Edna her thoughts and worries about men being sex pests and Edna nodded appreciatively before letting out a little chuckle and waving her hand dismissively.

"Oh I know all about that sort of thing, my dear" she said, heartily.  "I have a slap that's more powerful than my slight figure would suggest.  I recommend you develop a powerful slap as well...works wonders."

"Mind you, I don't meet many of those sort of men...and my George is never anything less than a gentleman, aren't you, dear?"

"Yes Edna." said George, meekly.

"If you can't keep a man in line verbally, you need to dissuade them with force" said Edna, emphatically.

"I'm not a physical person, Edna, and I dislike confrontation of that sort" said Julia.  "I just hate the way some men view me as a kind of object.  I mean, they just look at you and without getting to know you or your personality or mind they just lust after you!"

"I'm going to get some cookies." said George, uncomfortably.  His memory still fresh from Geoffrey Landgraab lusting after him when he was being Beulah.

"Julia, don't think I'm unsympathetic" said Edna, after they too grabbed a few cookies for themselves.  "I think what's going wrong with men is this permissive society.  I blame the war; everyone back then thought this would be their last time to...well...you know...have carnal knowledge so standards went woosh, straight out of the window!"

"I think one of our missions in the League is to make men gentlemen again.  We need fewer men like The Rolling Stones and more like Cary Grant.   I will add that to our next agenda." said Edna.

An idea was now percolating in her mind...yes, a new quest...and one that would take a swipe at Alan Cuffe and his pornography empire.

The amiable chatter went on and everyone agreed that a good plan to put into practice would be to encourage better gentlemanly behaviour from men which was in line with the League of Decency's charter.  One by one the guests left but Scott Urban volunteered to stay behind to help Julia tidy up.

"That's very kind of you, Mr Urban, but I can do this..." said Julia.

"It's Scott, ma'am, and I don't mind helping.  I sure did like those cookies and had more than my fair share so the least I can do is help you tidy up." he replied.

He grabbed some plates and coffee cups and took them over to one of Julia's two sinks in the kitchen area.  

"Those dishes go in the right hand one, Scott" said Julia.

"Yup, got it...I was forgetting you are of the Jewish persuasion and that y'all have two kitchen sinks" 

"That's alright, Scott, but I'm impressed that you know about that.  Not many people do and I'm always being asked why there are two sinks."

"I like to do my research, Miss Julia.  Anyways, I really dug what you had to say about men being gentlemen and I agree:  I was brought up in a small town where there were good Christian values...well, I mean, Jewish values are also in line with the whole...erm...godliness thing...I mean no offence."

"None taken.  Do you know, Scott, this morning I was down in the dumps about how men are just letches these days but this meeting tonight...you, George and Vance, have restored my faith a little.  George is always a courteous and faithful husband, you are always polite and respectful and Vance...well...I guess he's there for when men step out of line...."

"Yup, he sure is like that, nyuk" said Scott with a smile and a chuckle.

"Are you in a rush, Scott?  I can't face any more paperwork this evening and I was just going to have a glass of wine and relax in front of the TV but if you'd like to stay a bit more then you're more than welcome because I'm enjoying our conversation."

Scott gulped and nodded.  "That would be mighty fine, Miss Julia."  he said, his heart starting to pound faster.  He had a crush on Julia but he realised he was a working class boy from a small town and an army background whereas Julia was intelligent, well educated and sophisticated.  But just a few minutes in her company made him feel happy.  Maybe the divide between them was too vast but...then...maybe not if the stars aligned just right?

CHAPTER 229: Don't Tell The Wife

Edna couldn't quite put her finger on it but George was acting out of character lately.  He seemed more emotional and quick to change mood.  One minute he was talking about his work in great detail, the next he would look furtively out of the living room window as if he had feared something that lurked outside...

"George, is there something bothering you?  You seem a bit jumpy at the moment" she said, quizzically.

"Oh nothing in particular, my love...I've got a lot on my plate work wise..." he said defensively.

"My love?  You don't usually talk in such a flowery manner..." 

"Don't I?  Well, maybe I don't heap enough praise on you for all the wonderful things you do, Sugar Pie"

"George!  Mind your language!  We have a League of Decency meeting later today and it sends out the wrong message if you go around calling me 'sugar pie' in public."

"Sorry dear...I will mind my manners when we're out there"

And out there was Uptown San Myshuno, the heart of the city.  Edna was scoping out the scene because in a few hours the League of Decency were going to hold a rally there.  Already hanging around there was a young man with a Beatnik style beard and glasses (at least Edna thought he looked the Beatnik type) who was checking a large and professional looking camera.  She decided to approach him.

"Hello there, Edna Sneedley; the League of Decency...thank you for coming along today.  Now we shall be assembling over there, by the fountain, where there will be some speakers and a more informal discussion with members of the public.  You can position yourself anywhere you like as long as you don't block the speaker whilst they're giving a talk and if you want any shots of myself then please don't hesitate to ask....after all, I have a great respect for our Fourth Estate...."

The man looked confused.  "Excuse me, Miss Sneedley...I have no idea what you're talking about."

Now it was Edna's turn to look confused.  "But aren't you here to cover the League of Decency rally?"

"No, ma'am, I'm here for a publicity shoot for rising pop star Lisa Richardson"

At that moment a lively young blonde woman popped up next to the photographer and introduced herself.  "Hey there, Lisa Richardson...Lil' Lisa according to my publicist.  Groovy to meet you...I don't discriminate against my older fans."

Edna shook her head and just walked off.  

She went to get a drink from somewhere but there was only one coffee shack in the area and none of the bars around here were open so a coffee it would have to be.  She cursed under her breath that she didn't bring along a hip flask of something stronger with her today.  However, she didn't have much time to rue that decision as a very flamboyantly dressed young man who sported a very thin moustache and obviously dyed blonde hair approached her.

"This much talent..." he said, cryptically, holding his thumb and forefinger close together to indicate a tiny amount.

"I beg your pardon?" replied Edna.

"That Lisa Richardson, she's got practically no talent, no personality but she has a good agent and can pout for the camera.  May I join you?" said the young man, indicating an empty seat opposite Edna.

"Erm, why, yes...I don't see why not.  So you know that young, brash and overly self-confident girl, do you?"

"For my sins, alas yes." he replied, sitting down.  "I have to in my line of work:  Style critic."

Now Edna wouldn't normally approve of a man like this one who dressed in an outrageous manner, dyed his hair blonde and with a camp voice but something about his blunt cynicism appealed to her.

"A style critic you say?  And how are you with all the latest styles and fads?" she asked, probingly.

"Fads come, fads go...style endures.  I don't care if it's mini, midi or sackcloth as long as it's worn with class.  I mean, look at the models...Suzy Parker, Jean Shrimpton and Colleen Corbett; all classy.  Marianne Faithful and Lisa Richardson; trashy.  By the way my name is Diego Lobo...and you are?"

"Edna Sneedley; Chairwoman of The League of Decency." 

"Oh so YOU'RE the Edna Sneedley I've heard about.  Enchante, madam"

He had heard of her...now she was liking him more.

"Yes I am, Mr Lobo.  I hope what you've heard is all good."

"Honey, I've heard so many things about you:  Good and bad.  I neither approve nor disapprove of your organisation:  If it gets rid of nasty, cheap fashion I'm all on board.  Now might I say you have a strong look going there, Mrs Sneedley...may I call you Edna?  Good.  You look a lot like Joan Crawford but I would suggest updating the look:  Jackie Kennedy's Chanel style needs an update.  Do check out Pierre Cardin, I think he would suit you."

"Oh Mr Lobo, you do flatter me....but DO go on..."

Meanwhile George was about to begin the opening speech of the League's meeting.  "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  My name is George Sneedley, vice-chair and membership secretary of The League of Decency...today we have many guest speakers addressing a wide variety of topics including lawlessness, the fight against Communism, jaywalking, littering, public health and sexual mores....but first up is Dr Julia Epstein of Willow Creek Community hospital to talk about the importance of child health in our local community..."

There was a small ripple of applause from the small crowd as Julia walked up to the podium.  Acknowledging her audience she began her talk in a hesitant tone until she found her confidence as her topic became more technical about medicine.

Afterwards Edna was approving of Julia's speech but still took the time to lightly criticise her presentation.  "On the whole, very good, young Julia but you need to hook your audience in with your opening statement... I recommend beginning with something startling and terrifying to really grip the crowd!"

George came over to chat with the two ladies.  "What did you think, George?  About Julia's speech?" asked Edna.

"Oh quite nice, actually.  Quite nice" he said, in a faintly vague manner as if his mind was elsewhere.

Edna was too busy looking around for a member of the public in attendance to give a League leaflet to so she didn't notice George's manner, but Julia did.

"George..." Julia began "are you alright?  I saw you at the Blue Velvet Bar last night and you seemed distracted..."

"No you didn't" snapped back George.

"I'm sure I did...we spoke outside the bar..."

"I wasn't in the bar and if I were I wasn't distracted" he again snapped but in a hushed tone that wouldn't alert Edna.

"Now here comes our next speaker, Scott..." interjected Edna, who hadn't paid any attention to Julia and George.  "Now have you still got that schedule George?  We must keep to the schedule"

"Yes dear...it's your turn to announce the speaker, Edna" he said, glancing at his clipboard.

"Right, best get to it!" she replied.  She then made a clicking noise with her lips, as if to indicate thirst.  "I wish there was a place to get a drink around here..."

She approached the podium and smiled at the crowd.  "I am very pleased to introduce our next speaker.  A brave young man who gave 4 years of his life to our fine military in defence of our nation against the Communist aggressor...Technical Sergeant Scott Urban, now Mr Scott Urban..."

Scott stood behind the podium and began his speech.  "It was during basic training back at Fort Hood, Texas, where I had a personal epiphany...It was on viewing a training film about syphilis..."

Whilst the speech went on and Edna watched on, enthralled, Julia took the time to approach George privately.

"George, I did see you in the bar last night...if there's anything you want to talk about, remember I am a doctor and what you tell me is in the strictest confidence."

George bit his bottom lip before responding but eventually he spoke.  "Yes...I was in the Blue Velvet last night but please don't tell Edna!  It's not her kind of establishment.  She went in there once but ended up having a furious row with that Suzy Kent woman.  I don't know what possessed me to go in there last night but...lately...things have been a little...erm...how can I describe this?  Well...it's like I have two lives at the moment...and it's juggling them with the knowledge that I have...I...I...well, it began as a simple thing, really, and it got out of control...and now I know things I shouldn't and I don't understand them either..."

Julia couldn't make head nor tail of what he was saying but it sounded like he was trying to confess to having an affair.  She tried to respond, tactfully.

"Is there...another woman, George?" she asked.

Again, he didn't immediately respond but looked down at the ground at his feet and then he did another thing she found strange:  He looked at hers and with a tilt of his head his gaze went slowly upwards, looking at Julia all the way.

"No...well, yes...well, kind of, but not in an infidelity way.  You know in the Bible there's the part about thinking about another woman is the same as knowing them?  I mean, you must have that in your version..."

"The Talmud?  Yes, I know the reference.  So is this about desiring another woman?"

"No...well, possibly, only...well, this other woman's more of an ideal than an actual person.  It's something within me...except it's not that simple as it's about what I...and she...witnessed..."

"But this person doesn't exist?" asked an increasingly confused Julia.

George shook his head and said "No, forget it...just don't tell Edna that you saw me in that bar!" before he walked away.

Everything after that was an anti-climax for both George and Julia but Edna was buoyed up by a crowd of nearly 30 people showing up and listening to the speeches; not all at the same time, however.  George went home to get changed for work but Edna wanted to continue her canvassing by going to see an old acquaintance:  Nancy Landgraab. 

Nancy was there to answer the door and she greeted Edna with a warm-ish smile.  "Edna, what a pleasant surprise, do come in."

"Thank you, Nancy...once again, my condolences on dear Geoffrey's untimely passing.  How are you coping?"

"Well enough; fortunately I'm kept busy with the business, the Landgraab Foundation and all our subsidiaries.  My father has returned to help run the company and Malcolm has been such a blessing in this troubling time.  Come through to the sitting room...would you like a drink?"

"Oh would I ever!" said Edna, smiling enthusiastically.

They walked through to the spacious lounge where Nancy poured Edna a whisky and soda.  "So..." began Nancy as she handed Edna the drink "...how have you and George been keeping?"

"We're fine...in fact doing quite well.  We had a League of Decency rally today and it was a qualified success if I do say so myself."

"Do have a seat, Edna.  I know my Geoffrey was always supportive of your cause."

"He was, Nancy, our biggest supporter.  I've also spoken with your father; a great man and he too was enthusiastic about what we do."

"Was he really?" replied Nancy, raising an eyebrow.  "Well, we've got some shared values, Edna.  You and your organisation are broadly aligned.  We do still have the same enemies..."

"Oh yes...pests.  As it happens I'm running for office; for city councillor."

"Yes, but there's still people that need bringing down, Edna.  I think that needs to be a priority." Nancy said, emphatically.

"Well, I can be more effective if I'm on the council"

"Yes, indeed.  And, frankly, the Fengs need pulling down a peg or two."

"So can I count on your support?" said Edna, pushing her point.

"Hmmm....yes, I think you can.  Anyway, I must be getting on Edna.  I'll see you to the door and hope to see you again." said Nancy.

The two women stood up and Nancy escorted Edna to the door.  Edna felt pleased to secure Landgraab support and she felt emboldened as she headed back down the valley to Bedrock Strait.  George wasn't home yet but Edna felt she deserved a victory drink.

CHAPTER 228: Is There Something Up With George?

It could have been Julia's imagination but it seemed of late that Dr Murakami, Scourge of Willow Creek Hospital, was acting nicer around her.  No barked orders, no contradictory instructions, no stealing of Julia's patients in order to massage her casework statistics and no traps set for Julia to fail.  Maybe, finally, Julia had paid her dues...

She was also allowed to diagnose and treat patients without having Murakami or some other doctor take over the case from her.  Indeed, some of the more junior staff started coming to her for advice.

The first patient of the day was Candace Vargas, age 34.  She had developed a nasty cough, aching limbs and was coming out in a rash as well.

Julia ran all the tests she thought might be relevant:  Bloods, urine, x-rays and even a stamina and lung capacity check on the treadmill.  By the time she was done with her patient, Miss Vargas was thoroughly exhausted.

The result was, however, that Julia's diagnosis was spot on.  Even a second opinion by Murakami confirmed what Julia had thought.  Another successful treatment and another feather in Julia's cap.  All done by herself.

A rejuvenated and healthy Candace Vargas was prepared to be discharged but she had some last words to say to Julia.

"Dr Epstein; I was sceptical at times about all those treatments, scans and exercises you performed on me but I must say I've not felt better in weeks.  I was wrong to doubt your judgement."

"That's alright Miss Vargas; I just like being thorough.  The upshot is you're 100% healthy...although I would recommend you give up smoking."

"I'll bear that in mind, Doctor" said Miss Vargas, smiling.

Julia took a few moments to return to the staff room where she could write up her case notes.  Sitting in her usual spot was senior orderly Mr Ghandi; who was spending every spare moment he had to study for his medical degree.

"Ah, Doctor Epstein, I hear you managed to cure a patient before lunchtime" he said in his strong Indian accent.  

"It's been known before, Mr Ghandi." she replied with her tongue in cheek.  "How are your studies going?"

"Very good, very good.  I'm studying the cardiovascular system.  Fascinating stuff.  Maybe one day when I am qualified I will think about specialising in cardio-thorasics."

"Aiming high...that's what I did."

"Doctor Epstein, paging Doctor Epstein to reception" came the bored sounding drone of the Hospital's PA system.

"I am needed elsewhere..." she said to Ghandi and with that she headed off to reception.

Julia was being paged so she could attend to her next patient:  A man named Jonathan Oglesby and his surname reflected his behaviour...he liked to ogle Julia as she examined him.

"Well hellooooooo" he said in a soft purr of a masculine voice.  "Or should I say, 'enchante'?"

"No, just hello" Julia flatly replied.

"I can see I'm going to be in very capable hands, and so soft and delicate as well..." he said, reaching out to stroke one of her hands.  Julia recoiled and became stern.

"Just cut that out, Mr Oglesby...it doesn't pay to annoy your doctor; after all there are numerous painful and intrusive tests we can perform on you!"

"Don't threaten me with a good time!  Ah-fwa-fwa-fwaaaaah" he said in his lounge lizard voice.

"Why is it that 8 out of 10 male patients over the age of  30 try to hit on me?" Julia complained to her friend and colleague, Harper, afterwards.

"Those older guys struggle to come to terms with competent women in positions of authority" replied Harper.  "They're trying to send a message to you that they're still in charge and not you.  Plus, you're pretty.  At the end of the day men are dominated by their eyes and Johnsons."  

"So do you have the same problem as well?" asked Julia.

"I am a nurse so leering men tend to want to be babied and cosseted by me.  That all changes when I take their temperature with a thermometer....and I will spare you the gory details about that procedure."

After her shift Julia got changed and headed off to downtown Willow Creek to catch up with friends at the Blue Velvet club.

However, just before she went inside she noticed George Sneedly standing further down the road and looking nervously around him.  She wondered what might be bothering him and so went over to say hello.

"George!  George, hello.  I didn't expect to see you here." she said as a way of greeting.

"Oh, hello Julia...ah, yes, I was in this part of town on....erm...business.  That's all.  I'm afraid I got a little lost; I don't know Willow Creek very well." he said, haltingly.

"Where were you trying to find?  Maybe I can help you?" said Julia; wondering what George was looking for.  He did come across as nervous, almost embarrassed. 

"Oh I'm fine now...fine....fine..." he said with increasing emphasis every time he said the word.  "And you're keeping well, are you?" he asked, hesitatingly.

"Yes...work is intense but that's the way I prefer it and I still get time to play the piano.  I've missed our society meetings; are there any plans for one in the near future?"

"I think so.  Edna's handling that side of things right now.  I've been very busy with work...and...other...things..." he said, again his voice trailing off as if something was on his mind.

"George, are you feeling well?  You can tell me, I am a doctor after all"

"Well, I've been a bit under the weather of late but I don't want to bother you with it"

"It's no bother, George..." but as Julia was trying to talk to him his attention was being drawn to other young women walking along the street.  She wasn't even sure if he was even listening to her as she spoke.

"All these young people out in their trendy clothes...I suppose it's the done thing these days." he mused.

"I thought you didn't approve of the latest fashion trends?" said Julia, puzzled by George's behaviour right now.

"Oh normally I don't...I'm just making an observation" he said, his attention focussed on two young women who were wearing cutting edge designer outfits.

The conversation dried up and Julia said she had to get ready to perform at the Blue Velvet club and said her goodbyes to George.  He appeared to be under some kind of stress but she didn't have time to dwell on his issues.

It was really buzzing in the Blue Velvet and Julia made lots in tips from her playing.  It was a double bill that evening as her set took place after local music star, Bakko Jang, opened the evening.  After both sets they got together for drinks along with Julia's good friend and neighbour, Barbara.

                                            

"Great set, Julia" said Barbara.

"Yeah, you were smokin'" said Baako.

"Is that good?" Julia asked, not knowing a lot of slang.

"That's real good.  We should perform more together" added Baako.

"I'd be up for that" said Julia.  The three of them chatted some more but Barbara noticed George Sneedley warming his hands over the fireplace.

"It's that Sneedley man over there.  You know him, Julia?" she said.

"I do.  It's strange he's warming his hands when it's August" Julia replied.  It was even stranger to find George alone in the Blue Velvet bar.  The man cut a solitary and unfashionable figure in this vibrant and sociable venue.

Barbara continued speaking.  "He's been in my shop a couple of times over the last two weeks, shopping for his wife although I've met her as well and she's stick thin so what he's buying for her is too big."

"Maybe he isn't buying for his wife..." said Baako.  "I don't know the man but if he's like a lot of middle aged men who act strangely then it's about cheating on the wife."

"Edna and George are very devoted to one another" Julia said as a rebuttal.  "It can't be that..."

"Well those clothes aren't for himself either!" said Barbara.  "I mean, he's not into modern fashions...he's made that clear...and where Mr Sneedley goes Mrs Sneedley isn't far behind."

 "She ain't here at the moment" said Baako.

"True...but...I mean, there's got to be something up with him.  There's too many things not adding up here" Barbara replied.

Julia thought about it.  Yes, something was off about George but she couldn't figure out what.  Maybe things would become clearer at the next League of Decency meeting?