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 62: Boyfriend Material

 

Suzy Kent staggered home at 6am on a Sunday morning from 'Hey, Wow!" magazine's annual awards ceremony. Stepping out of the taxi, she smoothed her black velvet dress and wearily walked up the stairs....bed was calling. She was disappointed that she didn't win the "New Writer of the Year" award but, frankly, relations between her, her editor and her publisher were strained at the moment. But the free food and drink plus the company and special guest stars; Welsh singing sensation Tom Power and top singer-dancer Nancy Fontana were headline guests.

Suzy trudged up the steps to her home and put the key into the lock of her front door...within seconds she stumbled into her bedroom and crashed out on her bed.

At around 11am she awoke with the realisation that she'd arranged to meet her love interest, Neil Humphries, in just under an hour...not only that, he was due to come around to her place. In a panic, she shot out of bed, whipped off her evening dress and underclothes, hit the shower and scrambled around trying to choose and outfit to impress Neil with. She really wanted to wear her green, leaf pattern dress but was fretting over whether it was too short and would put a nervous fellow like him off...but on the other hand he had seen her in it before and on that occasion the date went REALLY well. She risked it and chose the green dress.

In the nick of time, she was washed, dressed and made up just as he was arriving. At first she didn't quite recognise him.

"Do you like it?" he said, as a way of greeting.

"Like it?" she replied, desperately trying to work out what he was referring to.

"I grew it a little, like you suggested" he continued. Then the penny dropped...his hair, Neil had let his hair grow a bit.

"I really like it" said Suzy, impressed. The new hairstyle suited him. "Come on inside...I'll get some coffee on, fresh brewed. Would you like some?"

"I'd love some" said Neil. Suzy went to gently pat him on the arm as a way of greeting but Neil recoiled, as he was often wont to do. Suzy looked a little upset at this, but Neil blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, nervous reaction" he said as a way of apology.

"I don't bite" said Suzy, with a coquettish smile. She put the coffee in the machine and they went to sit on the couch together.

"I do like your hair, Neil" she said.

"Thank you and...erm....you look really nice as well. I remember that dress from our trip to the Casbah Gallery. Nice" he said, drumming his fingers on his knees. He could smell Suzy's perfume; it intoxicated him and he found himself shuffling closer to her, quite instinctively. Suzy, taking the cue, shuffled towards him as well until they were touching, side by side.

"Well, this is nice" said Suzy, looking into Neil's eyes.

"Very" he replied. He shifted slightly to make himself more comfortable but his right hand accidentally touched Suzy's thigh. He withdrew it almost immediately. Suzy took his hand and placed it back on her leg.

"I like it" she said, softly. Neil began to stroke her silky soft leg and liked the sensation...Suzy was smiling as well. They gazed into each other's eyes with Neil's heart beating 10 to the dozen but, conversely, he was feeling bolder now.

"Does that feel nice?" he asked her, as he gently stroked her leg.

"Hmmmm" said Suzy, shutting her eyes and enjoying his touch. "More" she added.

Neil duly obliged and found himself feeling less nervous. "I'm wondering..." he said, "are you wearing stockings or pantyhose?"

"That's for me to know..." she said, gazing longingly at him as her faced inched closer to his "...and you to find out"

At that moment, the coffee maker went PING! Neil was suddenly distracted and the sexual tension dissipated for the moment.

"I tell you what" he said "I'll make the coffee" and with that he stood up and went into the kitchen. Suzy smiled wryly and silently cursed the coffee machine's complete lack of romance but she too stood up and followed Neil into the kitchen.

"Forget about that" she said, grabbing him by the hand "What do you want right now? I bet you it's not coffee"

"No..." he said "I really want...I really want....to...do....THIS!"

The kiss was everything both of them wanted. They completely forgot about the coffee, went back to the couch and made out. When they did pause for air, Neil was feeling bold and asked her "shall we make this official? Boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"I thought you'd never ask" she replied, putting her arms around his neck and kissing him some more. The next couple of hours went like a blur and Suzy was thinking that at this rate they might reconvene in the bedroom but a buzzer alarm on Neil's wristwatch went off.

"Darn" he said. "I've got work in an hour"

"Take a day off!" said Suzy, clenching him around the waist.

"I can't...but I'm so, so glad we've had this time together. We'll do this again...and again...and it'll be brilliant!" He gave her one last, big kiss that lasted all the way from the living room to the front door as they shuffled towards it without breaking contact.

After saying their goodbyes, Suzy shut the door and almost fell faint. "Wow!" she said. Finally, she had breached the romantic defences of Neil! "That guy has the most AMAZING hands!" she said, fanning herself in all the excitement.

But there was no time to take it all in; there was another knock on the door. Maybe it was Neil, changing his mind and wanting to stay with her? Alas, no, but it was a nice thing nonetheless...the visitor was Summer Holiday.

"Oh my gosh, Summer, come in quickly....I've got amazing news!" she said, excitedly.

"What is it? Did I see Neil walking down the road? Are you and he?"

"YES! He and I are an item...it's official. And, well, it got a bit steamy in here just now!"

"It's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for!" said Summer. "Barbara says that about Jeremy"

The two girls gossiped for a bit but then Suzy had an idea she wanted to put past Summer. "Neil's got a work shift now and I've got free time...how would you like to go out for some drinks and a girly catch up whilst helping me with my story?" she said.

"OK, who are we trying to track down now?" said Summer, knowing what "helping with a story" meant.

"Malcolm Landgraab...I want to find out where he is; we're not going to confront him but I do want to observe him with his school friends...he's up to something, I'm sure"

"I know where we're going" said Summer. "The Bowl-O-Rama"

"That was one uncomfortable cab ride" said Summer, practically hunched over when they arrived at the Bowl-O-Rama.

"Tell me about it" replied Suzy. "Let's take our places in our usual spot and we can spot Malcolm approaching"

The girls went to the upstairs bar area, took their seats at the bar and ordered drinks and snacks. Popcorn was on offer and Suzy grabbed a bowl.

"Right...what we're looking for is Malcolm dealing with other high schoolers in illegal substances...narcotics, mainly" said Suzy.

"WHAT?" Replied Summer. "We're doing the Vice Squad's job for them?"

"Just a little investigative journalism." said Suzy. "I'll turn over whatever I find to the police, don't worry, and we won't be confronting him. I just want to see what he does and get some pictures" she said, pulling out a small camera from her handbag.

The girls spent half their time looking out the window, trying to spot Malcolm Landgraab, but he hadn't shown by the time of their second glasses of wine. A well dressed man in a suit sat next to Summer.

"Now let me guess your name" he began. "It's melodic...like a song upon the night air. The syllables trip off the tongue effortlessly and it conjures up images of symphonies and sonnets"

"It's Summer, actually" she replied.

"Summer...well that's just perfect" he said, smiling. "My name is J.J."

"Which stands for?"

"Just Jealous of the man who has stolen your heart" said J.J.

Summer chuckled. "Nice try, J.J....really, I hadn't heard that one before"

"Well, fortune favours the bold as they say" he said, raising a glass in cheers at hers.

"J.J....if you were ten years younger, maybe. Plus I don't think your wife would appreciate our conversation" she said, noticing his wedding ring.

"Ah the giveaway" said J.J., wistfully. "Well, may I buy you and your friend a purely platonic drink?"

"We wouldn't turn down such generosity" said Summer and her and Suzy enjoyed a third glass of wine.

It was getting near dark and Malcolm hadn't shown up yet. Summer got to her feet but felt a bit tipsy. "Whoa, this stuff really goes to your head!" she said. "I need to get home...are you going to be OK if I go?"

"Sure" said Suzy. "I don't think he's coming...most of the teens here are already heading home."

"Tell you what...you go one way, I'll go the other and we'll do one last loop of the place to see if he's hanging around the back or something"

"Agreed. I'll check the front, you check the back...and either of us see him, just signal" said Suzy.

The girls split up and Summer realised just how many hidden niches there were around this part of Newcrest. If Malcolm Landgraab wanted to conduct an illegal drug trade, he could easily do it out of sight around here. After a 10 minute search, neither girl had spotted him...he had got away, this time.