CHAPTER 232: Jamie's Luck Turns

Rohan had arrived at my house thirty minutes early.  I could sense the nervous energy in him as he stepped through the door, his eyes darting around the place until he saw my guitar and then they widened.

"Is that it?  The new guitar?" 

"It sure is, Rohan buddy.  It sounds sweet; I'm bringing it to the gig today."

"Yeah...about that gig.  I mean, should we be going ahead with it?  Are we ready?"

That's what was bothering him:  Our first gig as the Bluestones.  It was a combination of rehearsal and gig.  We'd booked the club house at Desert Bloom Park and were going to do a jam session plus go through a few numbers but this time we'd be inviting people we knew and any member of the public could come and watch.  Now Rohan was getting cold feet...

"Step into my office".  I jerked my thumb towards my room and we went in there, away from the attention of my parents.  Rohan was still twitchy so I turned to face him directly and gave it to him straight.

"I know we're taking a step up today but it's not that big.  It's a free show so we won't have to refund any money to disgruntled customers, it's another rehearsal session for us but this time we're trying our act out in front of a small crowd.  You can't back out now, Rohan, think of Efrain and Lulu...especially her.  Think of those big, blue eyes welling up with tears because we've had to cancel today."

Rohan bit his lip and looked worried.  "I'd sure hate to let Lulu down" he said.

"That's the spirit!  So come on; all for one and one for all.  We're the Bluestones after all!"

"OK...but can I stand at the back where I can't be seen much?"

"Rohan, you can perform behind a bush if it means you can play.  C'mon, let's get down to the park!"

"HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO EVERYBODY!  We're The Bluestones and we're gonna be performing right here in just a few minutes so get your dancing shoes on and prepare to GROOVE OUT!"

I didn't expect Efrain to be so pumped up and I'm glad he stepped up to do the introductions instead of me.  I'd just mumble something like "flargh-aargh-fnargle".  I was giving Rohan a pep talk inside the den and Lulu was outside telling the public that we were going to be performing in a few minutes.

Efrain was going to speak again but he had his microphone levels dialled up to maximum and there was some feedback, which hurt his brain.

Lulu was looking all bright eyed, keen and eager...as she usually does about everything.  She greeted me very enthusiastically.

"Jamie!  This is it!  This is really it!  I think there'll be a good crowd here today...I can just feel it!"

"Great to hear, Lulu.  Are you OK to share lead vocals with Efrain?" 

"Sure...sure...he's going to do the first number with me on harmonies and then we'll switch places for the second."

Lulu has this all figured out so I go and give my guitar one more tune up before we start.  Efrain is just about ready and he introduces us as the fabulous Bluestones.  I look over at Rohan and he is, as he discussed, tucked away at the back.  I'm ready to go, as is Lulu...it's showtime!

We let rip with our first number and Efrain's voice was loud and gravelly sounding, which was ideal for the song and a great way to begin the set.  OK, so I missed a couple of notes and I couldn't see where Rohan was half the time but the vocals were impressive:  Efrain on lead, Lulu doing the backing vocals and they were sounding good!

A small crowd started to gather around us and at least no one booed.  I noticed Eliza Dudley was in the crowd and she's this serious, classically trained musician so if she wasn't giving us hassle then we must be doing a few things right.  I caught her eye and she smiled a little, which I took to be a good sign so I turned to Efrain and gave a little jerk of my head in Eliza's direction to alert Efrain of her presence.  Of course he tried to flirt with her from the stage...

"Thank you very much...that's our interpretation of the current hit single 'You're Gonna Miss Me'.  We're The Bluestones and I'd like to introduce you to the band.  I am Efrain Webber...bass and vocals.  On lead guitar is Jamie 'lock up your daughters' McGregor..."

I roll my eyes in disbelief that he's called me 'lock up your daughters'.

"...and on Hammond and rhythm guitar we have....where's he gone?  Ah, there he is...the silent hunter himself:  Mr Rohan Elderberry.  Finally we have the lovely, the delightful Miss Lulu Strang on vocals!"

There was a ripple of applause among the audience but suddenly it went South when Lulu and Eliza saw each other.  I could sense trouble was brewing.

"BOOOOOO!  BOOOOOOOO! DOWN WITH LULU STRANG!" 

"What is your problem, Eliza?"

"You!  Boyfriend stealer!"

"You don't have a boyfriend to steal"

"Ah!  So you admit you steal other people's boyfriends!"

"Stop saying those things!"

"And you smell weird!"

"At least I never spent any time in the loony bin!"

"It was a rest hostel...I have problems with my nerves, Lulu!"

"That's it, Eliza...you give it to Lulu with both barrels!" 

Now top teen model and 'it girl', Gillian Hills, is wading in to the argument.  She hates Lulu as well and I can't understand the animosity she generates amongst the other girls at school.  Every interaction I've ever had with Lulu has been great.  What is going on?

"OK, guys, let's start playing again...it'll drown out their row.  Efrain, what's the next number on the set list?"

"Erm...it's 'Psychotic Reaction'."

"SERIOUSLY?  Our next song is 'Psychotic Reaction' with that fight going on?"

"Well, we can claim they're doing a theatrical performance piece that accompanies the song"

I stand there, torn between smashing Efrain over the head with my guitar or with that mic stand.  Both are expensive so I restrain myself.

"OK then...1, 2, 3, 4!"

I made sure I cranked the amp up to nearly full in order to drown out the argument between Lulu and Eliza and I think we got through that song and the next one OK.  By the time we got to the last tune on our set list, I realised that it was Lulu who was meant to be lead singer!  I looked across the stage area and saw that Eliza had stormed off, making theatrical bad smelling hand gestures as she flounced off.  Lulu realised where we were in the set and came running back just in time.

I was thankful that we made it to the end in relatively good shape.  The small crowd showed their appreciation, some were even enthusiastic, and others threw some coins our way.  I was anxious about the scrap between the girls but Efrain said that if it got us some publicity then he was OK with it.  Plus he said it was kind of horny watching two hot chicks fight.  I was worried one or both of them would get hurt.

We packed up our instruments and started to go our separate ways but Lulu stuck around and helped me finish clearing up the performance area.  With Rohan and Efrain gone, it was just the two of us.  As I finished putting the rest of the trash in the bin, I saw her standing there looking at me as if she had something more to say.

"Jamie...I really appreciate the way you include me in the band...and the friendship you show me" she looked shy and awkward as she said that.

"You've added so much to this band.  You're the reason we could put a show on today."

"That means a lot to me"

I can see a sensitive side to Lulu.  Those comments from those other chicks must really get to her.

"Lulu, you have 3 guys who think you're fab.  And, well, none more so than me."  I blush as I say that.  Lulu then breaks into a big smile and her big blue eyes light up once more.

"Oh Jamie you're so, so great!"  She takes a few steps towards me and throws her arms right around me to give me one of her big, strong hugs that take you by surprise because she looks waif-like and fragile you don't expect such strength.  I catch the waft of her lavender scented perfume and enjoy the sensation of her body pressed to mine.  I don't want the hug to end but it has to, eventually.

I'm excited but I'm also nervous right now.  Lulu's just given me this big hug, she's told me she thinks I'm great and she's stuck around so it's just us two so the signal is she wants to be with me more but...and this is a big but...I've learned the harsh way that when you think things are moving on romantically anything, and I mean ANYTHING, can derail the moment without any warning.  I am now attracted to Lulu and I want to be with her more but what's the right thing to say and do now?  What if I blow it like I always do?

"So...do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" she asks me.  OK, that's a signal to ask her to hang out; it's got to be.

"No.  I am free for the rest of the day...and evening..."

Lulu looks at me with those big blue eyes and she's smiling but she's not venturing anything more:  I have to make the move.

"So, Lulu.  How...would...you...like to....erm...get a bite to eat....with me!  You and me, you know, go for some lunch?  My treat, of course...and we can hang out, talk about the band, music, and stuff?"

"I'd love to, Jamie.  It doesn't have to be fancy but some place we can, as you say, hang out."

"Great!  Let me grab my guitar case and let's head!"

Lunch with Lulu Strang, an actual girl who wants to share a meal with me, it is!  Fan-tastic!

We head to the Sunny Side Diner, which is in my price range, and get a table there.  I can't believe I'm going to have lunch with a chick!

We're given a pretty nice table, away from the kitchen, and settle down.  Lulu doesn't sit down immediately.

"Jamie, I have to go to the rest room.  If the waitress takes our order whilst I'm gone can you order me a chicken salad with a side order of fries and a Pepsi?"

"Sure thing...you know what's on the menu without even looking at it"

"Yeah, I've been here lots of times before"

That got me thinking...who has she been here lots of times before with?  My paranoia is kicking in and I try to suppress it.  I have this little voice inside of me that tries to ruin my love life.  It's always expressing doubts, always sabotaging what I say and do.  Rationally there is nothing wrong with Lulu's statement that she's been here lots of times before...it could be with family, or friends and so what if she's been on dates here with other guys?  That's normal.  That doesn't mean she's a SMELLY BOYFRIEND STEALER...stop it, naughty internal monologue.  You just stay quiet!

"Well, I'll remember that for when the waitress comes.  See you in a bit" 

I try to sound nonchalant so I don't come across as nervous but I remember a time when I was on a date, the girl said she had to go to the bathroom and she never came back.  It's little things like that which play on my mind.  I need to let go of the negative thoughts.  This is Lulu, she wanted to be here with me and we've become friends over the last few weeks.  There is no sensible reason she will abandon our lunch date.

The waitress comes and Lulu's not back yet so I go ahead and order for us both.  OK, it's been a while and I'm now starting to get nervous.  The drinks arrive and Lulu's not back yet.  I spy the Sneedley's over on the other side of the restaurant and they give me a little wave and I wave back.  Lulu still hasn't appeared.  Oh...no...

But then, as the waitress comes over with our food Lulu vectors in from the rest rooms and makes her way back to the table.  She came back!

"Sorry I took so long...hmmm, this food looks good.  I'm famished!  Anyway, Jamie, let's talk about our next gig..."

And that little nasty voice inside of me shuts up.  Lulu and I have a great time over lunch and we talk about music, school and anything that pops into our minds.  I don't feel awkward or lost for words when I'm with her.  This is great.

"Again, I'm really sorry I let Eliza and Gillian get to me earlier on" 

"That's OK, Lulu, they shouldn't have gone off at you in the first place."  I am curious, though, why Lulu is hated at school so much but I don't want to ask.

"You make a couple of mistakes in 9th grade and it haunts you for the rest of your school life."

"The school social hierarchy, eh?"  Weak words of support from me but what the heck did she do back then?"

"I bet boys don't have to go through all this!"

"Ah, that's where you're wrong.  We do but it manifests itself differently.  We all have to defer to David Watts.  What he says goes, what he wants to happen happens...he's like a Roman Emperor at Buckingham High.  Thumbs up and you're accepted, thumbs down and you're not."

"Did he give you thumbs up or thumbs down?"

"Thumbs down right from the start.  I don't know what I did to get a thumbs down but...well...here's the thing.  The Bluestones:  That's my entire friendship group."

"Awww, Jamie.  That's sad but at the same time really sweet" And she reaches across the table to hold my hand.  It's lovely and soft.

"Quality over quantity I say.  I really like the guys in the band.  Rohan's really sweet and Efrain's just a bundle of energy but I like you the best.  You're thoughtful."

And she fixes her big blue eyed gaze at me, I don't let go of her hand.  Eventually our gazing at one another is interrupted by the waitress.

"Is everything OK?  Can I get you anything else?"

"Everything was fine...I'm good, are you good Lulu or would you like dessert?"

"No, I'm good as well."

"Can we get the cheque?"

"Sure thing.  Are you two heading on to the Romance Festival later?" The waitress says suggestively, noticing that Lulu and I are still holding hands.  I look at Lulu, seeing if she would approve or not of the idea.  She's smiling.

"I've not been before...have you, Jamie?"

"No.  Would...you...like to go.  With me?"

"Sure.  Sounds fun"

Well, that's it then:  I'm going to the Romance Festival with Lulu.  The waitress smiles, hands me the bill and I pay up.  Then Lulu and I leave and where we're headed, I'm not sure.

"The Romance Festival starts in a couple of hours, Jamie.  I'd like to go home for a bit, have a shower and change into something more suited for the evening.  I've got the flyer for the festival with all the information on it:  Shall I meet you there at 6?"

"Yeah, I'll do the same and meet you there..."  At the Romance Festival.  I'm going to go to the Romance Festival with Lulu and this is so exciting my heart is pounding hard.  I've gone from a zero love life to...well, a date with a girl who doesn't flake out or run away.

I go home and change...but into what?  I opt for this trendy jacket which has zippers instead of buttons and a pair of off-white pants.  I hope it's OK...I don't have much in the way of "date wear".  Then I make it to the subway and trek downtown to the city centre.  When I get there, I find Lulu has arrived at the festival before me.

I almost didn't recognise her at first because her appearance had changed remarkably since I last saw her at lunchtime.  I was able to recognise her by her eyes and round face.  For starters her hair was all curls and then her outfit was black from neck to foot, from her tight fitting turtleneck sweater, black flared skirt, leather boots and even her stockings created a soft black haze around her legs.  I was stunned at how sexy she looked compared with the cheerful waif I had known until now.

"Lulu...wow, you look amazing!" 

"You're not so bad yourself"

"I noticed your hair...did you go to the salon?"

"I'll let you in on a secret..." she said, looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping before leaning towards me.  "...it's a wig"

"I'd never have guessed"

"I like wearing wigs sometimes...my own hair is short and there's only so much I can do with it so now and again I'll wear a wig if I want to really go wild"

I wonder what she means by "really go wild".  Roll with it, Jamie, she's obviously put in a lot of effort for this evening.

"Well, I think you look sensational.  Soooooooo, have you ever been to the Romance Festival before?"

"No.  Have you?"

"No.  I guess we'll find out what it's all about as we go along."

"I think the clue is in the title, Jamie" she said suggestively.  I'm starting to really believe she wants me as much as I want her.  Man she looks amazing and I'm seeing another side to her.  Not just the fun, bouncy girl who's always coming up with ideas but a sultry and enticing young woman.

"Let's see if we can get some inspiration from it..." I said, smiling at her.  We walk on right into the midst of the festival and without any conscious effort I find my arm and hers are interlocked.  OK, we're doing a little bit of physical intimacy now.

There's a crowd up ahead getting refreshments and I offer to buy Lulu a drink but when I get to the front there's just one drink:  This pink coloured liquid that is labelled some kind of tea.  I'm reluctant to try it but two things make me get two glasses of the stuff:  One, it's incredibly popular with the festival goers and two, they're giving it out for free.

We get this tea and take a seat wherever we can.  There are two older women sitting opposite us and one of them, a red headed lady, seems very familiar but I can't picture where I've seen her before.

"Hello there" says the woman.  "How are you enjoying your evening?"

"Well, we've only just arrived."

"It's our first time here."

"It's actually our first date" says Lulu.  I look across to her and smile:  She considers this a date!  I feel definitely relaxed now...well, I'm also feeling warm and I think it has something to do with the tea.

"Aww, that's so sweet.  I advise you go go easy on that tea, son, by the way"

"Thank you, ma'am" 

"I love your hair, Miss.  I wish I could get it to curl like yours but mine steadfastly refuses to do anything except be straight and lifeless.  Alas, it's a family trait amongst the women in my family:  My daughter's hair is also straight and won't curl."

And that's when the penny drops...we're talking to Morgan Fyre's mom!  The resemblance is uncanny.  So Lulu makes some small talk with her about hair and first dates and all that stuff and I just nod along to be polite whilst the lady lets loose some information about her daughter which leaves no doubt in my mind that she is Morgan's mom.

I look over to the next table and I spot another familiar couple:  The parents of Judy Keith, my long time crush.  I'm surrounded by the parents of girls I've either dated or wanted to date.  I wonder if we'll bump into Lulu's folks whilst we're here.

Once we're finished with our teas, we get up and take a stroll around the festival to see what else is going on.  Once we're out of earshot of the parents, I whisper to Lulu.

"That lady we were talking to...that's Morgan Fyre's mom.  And over there are Judy Keith's parents"

Lulu looks surprised.  "No way!  She seemed like a nice lady...not much like Morgan"

"You don't get on with Morgan?"

"No...she is such a massive hypocrite and flake!  Says one thing but does another."

"Yeah, I know..."

"Oh, that's right...you dated her a couple of times I hear"

"You heard about that?"

"There aren't many secrets at Buckingham High.  Is that something you don't want to talk about?"

"Better get it off my chest...yeah, I went out with Morgan a couple of times but I wouldn't call them dates...I mean, not like you and me tonight.  We met up and...well...you said it yourself, she's a flake."  I'm starting to feel a warm glow inside of me and my desire for Lulu is increasing.

"Lulu...what you said back there, to Mrs Fyres, that we were on our first date."

"Was I wrong to say that?  Do you see this as...platonic?"

"No!  Not at all!  I mean...well...I'm glad we're on a date because...I really dig you.  You're fun, really positive, you say what you mean, you actually came here with me tonight and that means so much...and...and...what the heck!"

I noticed other people throwing rose petals in the air and I suddenly and spontaneously decide to do the same.  Lulu laughs as she's showered in petals.

Then all of a sudden, as the petals rain down, I find my hands are holding hers.  Once again, I didn't consciously go to hold hers, it just happened spontaneously.  They're so soft and warm and I can't let go, not that she's letting go either.  Lulu is now looking at me with those big blue eyes and I know for sure she digs me as well.

"Well, what are you waiting for you two...kiss already!  This is the Romance Festival" says a food vendor who is standing nearby and is witnessing everything we're doing.

"Well, shall we?"

"Oh yes, Jamie...now's the time"

Oh boy.  That.  Was good.

"Jamie...I'll add 'great kisser' to 'talented guy'.  I'm having a wonderful time.  Thanks for everything."

"Everything?"

"Your friendship first of all, your kind words, letting me join your band and for this evening."

"I would like more evenings like this"

"So would I"

We spend about another hour at the festival but both Lulu and I are getting tired so we agree to head home.  Almost every step of the way we are holding hands and on the subway she rested her head on my shoulder.  I walked her home to her place and even though she was tired I was still won over by how stylish and wonderful she looked.

"Thanks for a wonderful day, Jamie"

"Thank you for being a wonderful companion"

"So...I guess...we're an item now"

"Yeah, that's a pretty safe bet.  So, what next?  Are you free tomorrow?"

"Hmm, I've got lots of homework so tomorrow's not good.  I'll definitely see you at school though"

"Maybe we can hang out for a bit after school?"

"I'd like that, Jamie"

"Well, before I say goodnight...there's just one more thing..."

The second kiss was even better than the first.  I don't know how long we kissed for but we only broke apart when we needed to breathe.

"OK, I'll see you on Monday....boyfriend.  Purrrrrrrr"

"I will see you then...but can I phone you tomorrow evening for a chat?"

"You got it!"  She blew me a kiss and then went inside her house.  I smiled to myself and had a spring to my step all the way home.

So Lulu Strang is now my girlfriend!  It's strange how life goes:  I've spent years pining for Judy Keith and she only just about knows my name.  And I've had crushes on most of her friends as well:  Colleen, Gillian and Halley and then there was that brief on-off affair with Morgan.  Yet it was cute, bouncy Lulu that has trumped all of them.  She is just so much fun, I feel relaxed around her and I'm not so hung up when I'm around her.  She has made the band more lively and positive just by being in it and she's having the same effect on me.  When I get home I go straight to bed...but Lulu is occupying my thoughts as I settle down.  I've done it...my life is now on the up...finally.

CHAPTER 215: EXPOSE (DOWNFALL PART 3)

"Our top story this morning...Police have seized documents at the Landgraab Corporation building in the ongoing investigation into fraud and murder allegations connected to that company.  There have been no arrests so far but police say that given the strength of the evidence they have so far it won't be long before some, or more, people in the company will be arrested.  Police also refuse to confirm or deny rumours that members of the Landgraab family themselves will be taken into custody..."

"Suzy, darling...come and see this!  It's all happening with the Landgraabs!" said Neil

She walked over to the sofa where he was sitting, watching the TV.

"Jeremy..." she said, softly.

"What's that?" asked Neil.

"Jeremy.  He must have found something really incriminating.  This is huge...when they say 'murder' that must relate to the attempts on Madelyn Buchanan's life and that murder case Action is working on.  That's going to drag Malcolm Landgraab into the investigation.  Wow.  This is it, Neil, the unravelling of all that family has been doing."

"And your article is going to hit the newsstands any day now..." he said, looking knowingly at her.

"The significance isn't lost on me..." she replied.  "I might get called in to be a witness"

At that moment the telephone rang.  "That might be the D.A. now..." said Neil, half joking.  Suzy went to pick it up; she had a knot in her stomach through nerves.

"Hello...Suzy Humphries speaking" she said.

"Hey, Suzy...it's Alan Cuffe here..." said the voice at the other end of the line.  Suzy let out a sigh of relief that it was Alan and not the authorities.

"Alan, nice to hear from you, it's been ages since we last spoke."

"It has, Suzy; far too long.  Say, have you got some free time today to drop round the mansion?  I want to talk with you about...recent developments.  I don't want to say more over the phone, you never know who's listening."

"Erm...I'm due in the office today but I can swing by your place this morning.  Sure."

"Great.  See you then." and he rung off.  Suzy turned to Neil and shrugged her shoulders.

"That was Alan Cuffe of all people" she said.  "Wants to see me about 'recent developments'"

"How did he sound?" asked Neil.

"Quite positive, almost happy." she replied.

"Could be a good sign...another who's happy that the Landgraabs are getting their just desserts." he said, turning back to watch the news.

Suzy grabbed her handbag and house keys and kissed Neil just before we left.  "I'll see you later, darling.  I'll head straight to Alan's and then to work." she said.

She rang the doorbell but instead of a butler appearing at the door it was Alan Cuffe himself.  He was smiling and seemed genuinely pleased to see Suzy.  

"Suzy, wonderful to see you, just wonderful.  Come inside...actually, let's go out the back to the garden because it's a beautiful day" he said, welcoming her enthusiastically.

"I see you're in fine spirits, Alan" she noted.

"I am feeling very well thank you.  As you may have heard I had to go into a private hospital to undergo some treatment brought about by overwork, stress and some fever the name of which I can't pronounce.  Ha-ha.  And Madelyn and the Kittens have been taking very good care of me in the interim."

"I bet they have..." said Suzy, knowingly.  There's nothing Alan loved  more than to have all his Lothario Kittens, in their skimpy cat outfits, fawning all over him.

Suzy was impressed by the garden.  "It's mainly a project of Madelyn's" he said.  "I'm not much of a horticulturalist but she is"

"So I've heard..." said Suzy.  During her research into Malcolm Landgraab, Madelyn's name was often mentioned in relation to drug cultivation and sales.  It made sense that she 'grew her own'.  "It's lovely out here, Alan, and I can see a painting in progress on that easel.  Do you paint?"

"I do.  Something I've taken up recently in order to help my state of mind.  I know your husband is a very talented artist who has found some success."

"Neil is so gifted as a painter...and, yes, his work is now selling enough that he was able to quit his day job.  He paints mainly landscapes...that view over the lake and the mountains here must provide plenty of inspiration for painting." 

"I paint mainly nudes" he said.  Suzy was not at all surprised.

"Did you want to see me about something specific, Alan?" Suzy asked.

"Yes.  As you know I own a significant stake in your magazine, Hey Wow.  When your article about the Landgraabs was read by the editorial board there were....shall we say 'mixed' feelings about whether to publish it or not.  The key issue in the sceptics minds were what the legal ramifications for the magazine would be if the Landgraabs sued."

"I can assure you, and the editorial board, that everything I wrote in that article has a credible source."  said Suzy.

"I'm sure it does, Suzy.  That's why I'm confident the magazine would win if it went to court.  I think the Landgraabs have overstepped the mark in trying to silence me and my close associates and the city would be better off if they had their wings clipped.  That is why I'm going to personally foot the bill for the legal defence of the magazine...and you."

Suzy was taken aback and didn't respond immediately.  Eventually she managed to say "that's very generous of you, Alan."

At that moment Madelyn Buchanan appeared and she too seemed happy to see Suzy.

"I'm so glad you were able to come" she said.  "As you can see, Alan and myself are entirely at ease with...recent developments." she said, trying to sound cryptic but Suzy knew she was referring to the troubles the Landgraabs were currently going through.

"Have you spoken with Detective Action, Madelyn, about his recent investigations?" asked Suzy.

"That there have been two attempts on my life, specifically?  Yes he has.  Sadly, we can't rest easy until this McGregor woman is behind bars but at least her paymaster might soon be." replied Madelyn.

"The article Suzy wrote is damning evidence against Malcolm, that's for sure" said Alan.

Madelyn looked at Alan and nodded approvingly.  There was something in her expression and body language that outwardly seemed calm but betrayed an underlying anxiousness as well.  You're still concealing something, Madelyn... Suzy thought.  

She also suspected that Alan was unaware of Madelyn's secret that she was holding back.  She may be his right hand woman, a confidant and much of the reason why the Lothario company was a success but whereas she knew all of his life, he had still much to discover about hers...

Suzy didn't want to dig deeper at this stage.  Alan's offer of legal protection if the Landgraabs threatened to sue was very generous and his influence in getting her article to be published couldn't be understated.  To now dig up dirt about the goings on of his personal assistant would be ungenerous of her after Alan had been so helpful.  Unprofessional conduct for a journalist?  Maybe.  But Suzy felt that Madelyn's secrets didn't have the same amount of maliciousness and destructiveness of the Landgraabs'.

"Well, I must be getting to the office now.  Alan, Madelyn, thank you so much for your hospitality and generosity.  Goodbye."

Within the hour Suzy had arrived at the offices of Hey, Wow! and found a flurry of activity there.  Photographers, advertising reps, printers, staff writers and about a half a dozen gophers were all scurrying around the place.  One of the sub-editors called Suzy into his office the moment she arrived.

"Suzy, sit down, I have to brief you on what's going on today" he said, motioning towards the sofa opposite his desk.

"What's up?" she replied as she sat down.

"You.  You're what's up"

"What's going on?  It seems like everyone is on panic stations" she said.

"They are.  It seems your article is causing a stir and the issue's only just hit the news stands.  We've got press from all the major newspapers and TV networks pestering us for a comment and...an interview with you."

"Wow." she said, shocked.

"Yeah, 'wow' just about describes it.  Now the editor has said that you're not to do any interviews until we've checked things through with our legal department first.  You're to lie low here, in the office, until it's time to go home.  You don't answer the phone, you're not available and we'll bring lunch to you so you're not ambushed by reporters if you go out."

"So what am I supposed to do in the office all day?" she asked.

"You were hired as a fashion journalist...do some fashion journalism for a change!" he said and with a wave of his hand he dismissed her from his office.

As she went back to her desk she saw Gillian, a teenage aspiring model, parading around the photo studio.  A few months ago Suzy had provided her with contacts in the fashion industry in exchange for information about Malcolm Landgraab.  It seemed Gillian had put those contacts to good use because she was here modelling clothes for the in-house stylist.

"OK...give me more, sweetheart!  Give me your left!  Now your right!  Turn and look over the shoulder!  Look up!  Look down!  Great!  I'm loving it!  Now I'm spent...OK, Gillian, take 5.  Sharon, I want my coffee now!  SHARON!"  Today's photographer had a voice that bellowed throughout the office and Suzy wondered if he would end up shattering a window.  Gillian stepped away from the backdrop and lights and came over to greet Suzy.

"Suzy!  Hi there!" she said with a big smile all over her face.

"Gillian, you're looking great.  How's this gig going?" Suzy replied, looking all around the photo studio.

"Oh this is the best!  I'm going to feature in next month's issue!  Suzy, thank you so, so much for giving me a start in my dream job!"

"That's alright.  You've taken to it well"

"Gillian, love, we need you in the next outfit:  Number 6" called out the photographer.

"Oops, that's me!  Gotta go!" said Gillian to Suzy.

"Well, I'm meant to help out here so I'll be hanging around.  See you after you've changed.

"OK, give us more attitude, Gillian...challenge the camera...defy it!" said Suzy, trying to coax a particular look out of her.  "That's it!  That's what we're looking for!"

"OK, Suz, I've finished the roll" said the photographer. 

"Perfect, Gillian, you're a natural." said Suzy.

When the work day ended, Suzy went to leave the office building by the main front door but she could see that there were reporters out the front, presumably there to try and doorstop her with questions about her article.  She was worried and hesitated about going out through that door as other work colleagues were pestered by the reporters as they left.

There was a noise behind her.  "Psst!"  Suzy looked around and saw Neil standing at the other end of the reception lobby.  "Suzy...this way, we'll get you out via the loading bay!" he said in a loud whisper.  She didn't hesitate to take him up on the offer of escape.

"Neil, what are you doing here?" she asked as he maintained a 5 foot lead on her, checking left and right to see the coast was clear.

"The TV news has been running a LOT of stories about the Landgraabs and you made the midday news.  I knew the press would be down here like a pack of wolves trying to catch a wounded deer so I thought I'd act as your bodyguard."

"It's greatly appreciated, love!" she said, admiringly.

"I say we don't head straight home; the press are probably camped out there as well.  We need to lie low for a few hours, go somewhere where they'd never think of finding us..." said Neil.

"Do you have anywhere specific in mind?" asked Suzy.

"The Romance Festival!" he declared.

"This is a great idea...no press and only a handful of middle aged couples; as it always is.  Absolutely the worst place for a single person under the age of 40 to meet another single person." said Suzy, giving Neil a kiss out of appreciation for his concern for her and quick thinking.

"Hey, we met at the Romance Festival" He protested.

"Oh yeah...so we did.  But how random was that?"

"Not random...providence!"

They got some exotic food from a vending stall and sat down to eat and discuss things.

"The article gets published tomorrow..." said Suzy.

"Great publicity for Hey, Wow...and you of course.  Are you ready?" asked Neil.

"I've been ready for months now.  The more I've learned since the beginning of the year, the more I've been horrified by what that family has done...not just recently, but for the last 150 years.  But I feel I've barely scratched the surface in this investigation." 

"More about the Landgraabs?  We still don't know what's underneath that mansion nor what Gregory Landgraab's role in it all was."

"Not just that...the book alludes to dark secrets of the Feng family.  Once the fallout from the Landgraab article settles you can be sure two smart cooklies like Lily and Victor Feng will have their guards up."

"That's for another day to think about..." said Neil, raising his glass in cheers.  "Hey, there's the Goths over there and...do my eyes deceive me?  They're smiling and having a good time!"

"They are smiling!  I've never seen Mortimer smile before and I've seen him twice and the Humour and Hijinks festival where he did not even crack a grin.  I wonder what they're so happy about?"

"A rival gone?  Or at least going?" suggested Neil.

Mortimer noticed Suzy and Neil and he looked at them both.  He just stared for two seconds and then smiled, nodding at the pair.  Suzy nodded back in acknowledgement.

"I think you maybe right, Neil" she said.