"I think they've gone" said Suzy as she looked out of the living room window.
"Who's gone?" asked Neil.
"The press. There's no shifty looking men with cameras hanging around outside, no one on our doorstep. I think the news cycle has moved on and I'm no longer a hot news item."
"Thank goodness!" said Neil.
"I know it's been tough on you, darling, and on some of our friends who've been caught up in this but thanks for standing by me throughout all this and I mean going back to before we were married."
Neil nodded but he didn't feel comfortable being feted. It was his husbandly duty, as far as he was concerned. He never had a big ego anyway and always admired how Suzy handled people so well.
"So that's an end of that" he said, eventually.
"Well, not quite..." said Suzy, looking away from the window and going to sit on a nearby seat. "There's a special event at Hey, Wow! magazine. I'm one of Sim City's people of the month. I've got to show my face there, meet more press, have my photo taken and all that..." she didn't seem happy about it.
"I see: The so-called perks of the job" he replied.
"Some perks...and I feel like I've been too off hand with my friends of late. Like they're not important enough to pay attention to anymore." Suzy sighed.
"But you were with Summer yesterday" said Neil.
"Yes, but we got to the bar and people kept asking for my autograph, or telling me how they love my work or how they love how I dress, do my hair, do my make up, do I have any tips? I didn't get much of a chance to actually talk to Summer and she's about to enter a really hectic time as well in the run up to her wedding. There was so much I wanted to say..."
"Like it or not, Suzy, you're a celebrity now."
"I like it not." she said, pouting.
"But you love to write and write about things people these days are interested in. That's going to attract attention...I'm sure you'll make it up to Summer but right now you've got to find that balance between your work and your personal life."
"As always you know just what to say" she said, standing up and giving him a kiss.
"But I have to get to this function at the office. Wish me luck and depending on how it goes I'll either return happy but slightly drunk or miserable and in need of putting back together. Bye, darling." she said as she grabbed her shoulder bag and headed out the door.
The event was a "faces of 67" photo shoot. All the people who were tipped to make it big by next year; 1967. Suzy spotted some familiar people: Baako Jang, Tiffany Lawson and Vanessa Jeong to name a few but there was one person present she knew about but hadn't met. Penny Pizazz. She could be considered a rival; Sim City's #1 fashion expert, but Penny had a TV show and Suzy was still a print journalist. They had crossed paths at various hot spots and social events but had never properly met until now.
"My chief rival...Suzy Kent. I finally get to say hello to you" said Penny, a very confident looking who oozed sassiness. Her greeting was friendly but there was an aura about her that left Suzy feeling she was definitely the junior fashion reporter present.
"Penny...lovely to meet you properly at last. I'm a big fan of your work." replied Suzy.
"As I am of yours. How come we've not met before given our work?"
"A bit of a mystery" said Suzy, smiling.
"Well, you've added another string to your bow with the crime investigations. It's not a subject I wish to touch." said Penny, her expression turning serious for a moment.
"That wasn't planned, a story just happen to land at my feet, so to speak. So what are you currently working on?"
Penny leant in and whispered closely to Suzy's ear. "A date has been added to The Beatles' American tour. They are coming to Sim City after all and I've landed an interview with them." Penny leant back, looked at Suzy's shocked expression and nodded a confirmation.
"Oh my gosh! Sorry, I'll keep my voice down! I take it this is an exclusive and to be kept under wraps for now?" said Suzy.
"Yes, if you don't mind. I don't want to brag but...hey, it's The Beatles."
"I understand and I'm very happy for you. But do you know what's going to be happening here, today? My publisher hasn't revealed much about the schedule."
Penny pointed to an older black man standing in the office and who had a faint air of disapproval about him.
"That's Mark Hanson, our photographer. You may have heard his name before: He gained fame as one of the first black war photographers in WW2. Of course he went on to cover Korea, the Cuban revolution and has recently returned from Vietnam."
"And someone thought he'd be ideal to photograph a glossy magazine studio shoot?" said Suzy.
"He's done fashion as well: Paris, Milan...You might remember that Suzy Parker shoot for Vogue back in '61 or '62, I can't remember exactly when."
"Before my time, Penny."
Hanson approached Suzy with a scowl on his face. "Are you Suzy Kent?" he said, gruffly.
"Yes...well, Suzy Humphries to be exact. Kent is my maiden name..."
"I haven't time for that. Is that the outfit you're going with?" he said, looking her up and down.
"Well, yes. Is this acceptable?" said Suzy nervously.
"Black and white on a multi-coloured background? Sure...sure..." he said but Suzy wasn't sure if that was a yes or no.
A little while later and Suzy was in full swing as a fashion model. Hanson snapped off reel after reel of film and by the end he managed to crack a smile. "You're very good at this, Suzy. You have a natural poise and grace often lacking in young people these days. You look like Grace Kelly and you have a style like Audrey Hepburn."
Suzy blushed at the comparison but thanked him. "Am I done?" she asked, politely.
"Yeah, OK, let's get these other kids on set..."
In a break between photo shoots Suzy and Penny found themselves seated next to each other again but before they could continue their conversation from earlier, Mark Hanson came over and sat next to them.
"You know..." he began to speak, before even any pleasantries were exchanged, "...I've seen all kinds of beautiful women pass through my lens; some great, some shy, some with that magic quality not easily put in words but you know it when you see it. You two definitely have it. You both have style and grace...not like pin-up girl, what's her name, over there!" he said, nodding towards Tiffany.
"Suzy...you could easily be a professional model. If you want to make a career move and earn some serious money, I can put you in touch with the right people"
Suzy blushed at the compliment but said "thank you, Mr Hanson, but I prefer to write about the fashion, not model it."
"Yeah, you've got smarts and I respect that. But just one word of advice....why not grow your hair long? You've got that Louise Brooks thing going and that died out with the stockmarket crash in '29"
Suzy laughed. "Mr Hanson, I like my geometric bob just fine. It's making a comeback."
Hanson shrugged and stood up. "Young women today...they know what they want. Sheesh." he muttered.
Penny looked at Suzy and smiled as well. "Let's slip away from here and head on to a groovy bar I know..." she said.
"I couldn't agree more..." Suzy replied.
The place Penny chose was quieter and the two young women could sit at the bar and converse without being disturbed.
"I'm starting to get fed up with being feted all the time. I've got reporters outside my home, I'm sent by the magazine to do photoshoots and interviews, one after another...you're famous in this town, does this happen to you?"
"From time to time...the thing is, Suz, is that you chose to work in the media and that comes with expectations from others. You could always up sticks and become a teacher in a small rural town if it gets too much." Penny replied.
"How do you cope?" asked Suzy.
"This..." Penny said, raising her glass. "Well, seriously, I ask myself what do I want to do? I want to be at the heart of the social life in this town. I look on, observe then comment on what I see and I accept that my wish to be at the heart of things comes with this cost of fame and dealing with it. The press intrusion is only occasionally: They move on to the next story at the click of the fingers. But the fame grants you access to more things."
"I wanted to write about fashion and I took this turn and ended up becoming an investigative journalist."
"Yeah, and you took on the Landgraabs. I'd worry less about the press intrusions and more about what they're going to do for revenge."
Suzy took a sip of her wine and nodded. "I fear this is merely the beginning of something much bigger. You see, Penny, my next piece is going to be about the Fengs."
"You don't make life easy for yourself!" said Penny, looking astonished.
"I know...and I wonder how much I can put my husband through yet another investigation of the rich and powerful. You see, there's that matter of an attempted assassination of Lily Feng a few months back which is linked to that theft of your fashion portfolio...."
Penny went wide eyed in shock at that reminder. "You're going revisit that? The police couldn't even get any leads...except for that obnoxious British photographer who took the pictures and he vamoosed back to England when he found out the cops wanted to talk with him."
"Maybe I'll have to travel to England then..." said Suzy.
The last day of Summer was a wistful time at the BFF household. Liberty, as was her wont, was dreaming about the stars, the Moon and her boyfriend. She thanked her blessings that she had a loving companion, good friends and the most amazing job anyone could wish for.
Summer and Travis were in the kitchen talking about wedding preparations. It was now a month to go before they tied the knot and there were seemingly endless tasks still to do.
Whilst Travis just wanted the thing over and done with, Summer was relishing the planning and had typed out list after list of what needed to be done. The church had been booked, and the catering, music and a whole slew of other things but now it was a matter of chasing up those invited guests who had been slow or unresponsive in replying. She was loving all of this right down to exercising vigorously in order to maintain her shapely figure so the wedding dress would still fit.
Travis brought her a cup of coffee and said "Summer...don't burn yourself with all this. We've got all the things sorted that we need to sort out: Let's just coast and relax before our big day."
"Relax? Travis we have dozens of little tasks left to do! The little name cards for each guest at the reception still needs chasing up. The florist gave us square centrepiece vases instead of round...that will clash with the shapes of the tables!"
This sailed completely over Travis' head. "OK, if you're sure you want to go down this route to madness, be my guest. I'm heading off to work now; don't wear yourself down." he said.
Summer finished typing out her revised wedding schedule, showered and got dressed and then decided that she would check in on all her friends. She didn't want to be alone at home on her day off because that was boring. Once dressed, she went to visit Barbara and Jeremy but they weren't in: It was probably another busy day at their shop.
Next she moved on to visiting Action who was at home, albeit in a somewhat undressed state...
"Come on in..." boomed Action. "...Excuse my state; I worked the nightshift last night."
"That's cool..." she replied, noticing his bulging biceps for a moment before recovering her senses. "How did it go?"
"The usual: Muggers, hookers, drunks and pimps for the most part. I'm still working these two murder cases though and I think I may be close to a breakthrough."
"I can't imagine doing your job. You need to be tough, I guess. Tough and well built to handle anything..." she said, her voice trailing off when she saw his muscular physique again.
"I keep in shape because you never know who or what is coming at you next!" he said, with steely growl in his voice.
"Hmmm, I can't say I relate to that but it's so nice that the police department have you working on our side."
They discussed his work and her wedding plans, which were two topics diametrically opposite to each other. After 20 minutes, and Action saying he really needed to take a shower, Summer decided to pay a visit to another neighbour.
She found Julia looking bleary eyed and surrounded by medical textbooks and journals.
"Sorry the place is in such a mess..." Julia said by way of apology but to Summer the house seemed in pristine order with the exception of all the books lying around.
"No need to apologise, Jules. Say, I could help you put this stuff away and do a bit of tidying." said Summer, ever her cheerful self.
"That's kind, Summer, but I'm sure you have more important things on your mind like your wedding preparation." said Julia.
"Well, yes, but I've done all I can on that front for now which is why I'm visiting all my friends today!"
"I welcome the break from the studies" Julia replied. "And how's Travis coping with the wedding planning?"
Summer let out a sigh. "He's relaxed...maybe TOO relaxed about it. He doesn't want to get too involved in the planning though: He just thinks all that happens is that we show up at the chapel and that's that. He's leaving most of the work to me. I just hope he doesn't go on another eating binge and he ends up not being able to fit into his suit!"
"Sounds like some of my uncles! In my family, we have so many festivals, get togethers and special events my mother is a mistress of organisation: Rumour has it she was on General Eisenhower's staff during the war...SNORT!" She laughed in her unusual, nasal style.
"Well, she will sure come in handy when it comes time for you to get married!" said Summer but Julia's smile suddenly vanished when she said that and Summer immediately recognised that romance was a subject that made Julia uncomfortable.
"Sorry to mention that, Jules."
"No...no...you made a reasonable point that most people wouldn't think twice about...it's my hang up, I know. It's not like I never want to get married but...it's difficult to explain. I just hate the process of courting, that's all."
"One day it'll all come together for you, I'm sure, Jules." Summer nearly patted Julia on the knee as a way of encouragement but thought better of it.
"...let me help with that pile of dishes" Summer added.
Next on her list of people to visit, it was the turn of their newest neighbour, Joanna. She was a college student but lived off campus so she could usually be found in half the time.
"Come on in, excuse the mess..." came Joanna's voice after Summer had knocked on the door. When Summer went inside she thought the place looked great and couldn't see any mess.
"You shouldn't apologise...you've got the place looking great OH MY GOSH WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?"
Summer suddenly caught sight of Joanna and the girl was covered head to foot in a thick layer of soot.
"Yeah, excuse the mess...I mean, me" Joanna replied. "I was clearing out the chimney and...well...I got it wrong and the soot came rushing down and covered me, and the kitchen. Now I'm having to clear it all up. Have a seat."
"So how's college going?" asked Summer.
"Great...I've never experienced anything like it. Such a world away from what I'm used to but the course is really interesting and it's keeping me busy." Joanna replied.
"I never went to college" said Summer. "I spent a year at catering school but that's what I like: Hospitality and all that."
"Well you've got your big day and all that. That's one heck of a catering event!"
"Yes it's going to be and I've personally scrutinised and chosen the meal and canapes. Listen, Joanna, when I got engaged you'd only just moved in and we didn't know you well but these last couple of months have seen us get friendlier and you're now part of our little community. We still have a couple of places left at our wedding: Would you like to come as our guest?
"Yeah, sounds cool. I've never been to a fancy wedding before. Thanks, Summer." said Joanna, her face lighting up with joy.
"Never been to a wedding before? Wow." replied Summer, slightly shocked.
"It's just that where I grew up, people didn't tend to get married..."
Summer hadn't realised just what an impoverished background Joanna hailed from before. It was eye opening to get a glimpse into a world of poverty, desperation and the grim life of the ghetto. After leaving the cosy confines of Foundry Cove she headed over to the more wealthy and genteel neighbourhood of Courtyard Lane: Home of her second best friend, Suzy, and her husband Neil.
Being married and moving away from Foundry Cove hadn't hurt their friendship and Suzy was overjoyed to see her friend.
"Summer, wonderful to see you. Now how is everything going with the Big Day? Let me tell you from experience that the last month just races by!"
"Yep...I feel there's no going back now! I've been going through a rollercoaster of emotions from initial excitement, feeling overwhelmed, purposeful and now I can't wait for the day itself!"
"And how's Travis bearing up? No cold feet from him?" Suzy joked.
"Oh he's being his usual self: 'maintain an even strain' as he says. He's not as gushing as I am about getting married but I can tell he's keen on it."
"That's great..." Suzy was about to say something else but she was interrupted by the arrival of Neil."
"Honey, have you seen the Burnt Umber?" he called out.
"Erm...is that a shade of paint? You left some tubes in the lounge; it could be there." Suzy replied.
Neil entered the lounge and he was startled to see Summer there; startled and embarrassed as he was still in his pyjamas.
"Oops, ahhh, yes. Sorry about my, erm, appearance" he said apologetically as his cheeks turned red. "It's just that I had a flash of inspiration for my latest painting and I just leapt out of bed this morning and forgot to shower and get dressed."
"No need to apologise, Neil" said Summer, turning her head away from him to spare him any further embarassment.
"I tell you what, Sum." said Suzy, standing up and clapping her hands. "How about you and I go somewhere for a drink and a catch up and we'll leave our resident artiste to find his Burnt Umber?"
The place they settled on was the Rattlesnake Juice Bar; somewhere where they hadn't been for some time. Suzy advised not going to a bar that was more local because of all the press attention she'd been receiving lately and that reporters had been known to camp outside of the Blue Velvet Nightclub.
The bar was busy but the girls found room to order a couple of glasses of wine and have a conversation without having to raise their voices in order to be heard.
"My advice for the big day..." said Suzy "...is make sure you can get a drink. You'll be buffeted by family, friends, photographers and caterers all wanting to say congratulations or ask you questions and whilst they'll manage to get a drink quite easily, you won't. So if you're feeling parched, you just give me the nod and I'll make sure you get a drink!"
"That's great advice, Suzy, and I'll remember about the nod." Summer replied.
"Excuse me, are you Suzy Kent?" said a young woman suddenly butting in to Summer's conversation with her friend.
"I am" said Suzy.
"I just love your column in 'Hey Wow' and congratulations on that big article in this month's issue. I had no idea about the Landgraabs" continued the woman.
"That's nice of you to say so" said Suzy, respectfully.
Suzy returned to speaking with Summer. "So can you give me a hint about what your dress is going to be like?"
"No. That's a secret known by only me and Liberty..." said Summer.
"Hey, you're that Suzy Kent from that magazine!" said another woman, suddenly recognising her.
"Yes, yes I am. Are you a fan?"
"A BIG fan...so, about Malcolm Landgraab..."
And it continued this way for about an hour. Summer and Suzy would be talking and a fan would show up and interrupt them. Suzy would always be polite and answer a couple of questions but to Summer it appeared that fame was starting to take over Suzy's life.
Eventually Summer said goodbye to Suzy and made her way home. There was a small matter of bringing in the mail, which contained junk, bills and a few RSVP returns from wedding guests confirming their attendance. As Summer checked her mailbox, an acquaintance stopped to say hello.
"Hello, it's Summer, isn't it?" said the woman who Summer recognised as model and night club hostess Tiffany Lawson. They had met once earlier on in the Summer at Suzy's old house when she was being interviewed for Suzy's magazine.
"That's right: You're Tiffany from the Lothario club" Summer replied.
"You've got a good memory. I was just passing and thought I'd call in on Suzy but she doesn't live there anymore."
"No, she moved out and bought a house in Courtyard Lane with her husband" said Summer.
Tiffany nodded as she had been at the wedding herself. "Yeah, that makes sense. Going up in the world and all that. I see she's doing really well after those articles about the Landgraabs. Good for her"
"I can write down her new address and phone number if you like." said Summer, ever the helpful one.
"Thanks, yeah, that would be great. And you're keeping well?" Tiffany asked.
"Sure...couldn't be better. In fact I'm getting married myself soon." said Summer, beaming with pride.
"To that same guy you've been dating? What's his name? Trent?"
"Travis...and here he is now. I'll go and write down those contact details for you" said Summer passing Travis on the steps as she went inside.
"Now I know you from somewhere..." Travis said to Tiffany.
"A lot of men say that" said Tiffany, raising an eyebrow in a suggestive manner.
"Don't tell me...It's...erm...were you in the news not that long ago?"
"Not the news but you're probably thinking of a magazine. Shall I tell you?"
"No. I'm keen to guess. A magazine you say? Hmm, not a music one. What genre?"
"Men's lifestyle"
Travis thought for a moment before his eyes went wide. He was about to say something as the penny dropped but Liberty, who had recently arrived back from work, suddenly interrupted him.
"From Suzy's wedding, Travis" she said.
"That must be it...although you seem more familiar from somewhere else" he said. Summer then appeared on the porch and handed Tiffany a piece of paper with Suzy's phone number on it.
"Thanks, Summer. I gotta go now but nice seeing you again...and you, Travis. Meowwww" she said, mimicking a cat raising its paw.
Back inside the house the three housemates sat down for dinner and when Travis excused himself to go to the bathroom, Summer and Liberty could have a private talk.
"She's never been rude to me or anything like that but that Tiffany always rubs me up the wrong way. There's something there, I can't put my finger on it, that doesn't seem right."
"If you ask me she always looks like she's on the prowl for men" replied Liberty. "Not surprising considering she poses naked for magazines."
"I was asked to pose for Lothario magazine once..." said Summer. Liberty just stared agog at her.
"Really? How did that happen?" she asked, shocked at her friend's revelation.
"I once met Alan Cuffe and he asked me. I said no, of course"
"Of course. I wonder if Travis reads Lothario?" mused Liberty.
"Well, if he does he won't be doing so after October 8th, that's for sure! I shall be enough for him." she said, haughtily.
Once the dishes had been put away and Liberty went off to do some reading before her bedtime, Summer and Travis found themselves alone in the kitchen together.
"Travis my dear..." she began. "Do you read Lothario magazine?"
He sensed a trap being set and gulped. "Only for the articles, Summer my love"
The scene was vibrant, the booze flowed and so did the conversations. Politics, culture, business and...sex...were the items on the social agenda. Everyone agreed; this was one of the best Kitten Club parties held at the Cuffe mansion.
"DRINK UP! TALK TO SOMEONE YOU'VE NEVER MET! THIS...IS A DREAMY...PARTY!" shouted Alan Cuffe to his assembled guests as he raised a glass of champagne.
"At least Alan's on good form" quipped one of the male guests, J. Huntington III. He was a relatively new member of the Kitten Club and already had his Gold Membership upgrade. J. was one of the types of young, ambitious and liberated young men the club was designed to attract and he found the heady mix of hobnobbing with businessmen, celebrities and sports stars exciting to be around. And then there were the women....not just the Kittens themselves but the beautiful people of Sim City as well.
J. was talking with Cuffe's right hand woman; Madelyn. She, in turn, was very interested in this young hunk of a man. There were plenty of empty bedrooms at the Cuffe mansion if things got spicy...
"I'm glad he's being sociable...he's had a few days up in his country cabin but all of a sudden he wanted to be here tonight." she said to J. "But enough about Alan, I'm interested in finding out more about you" she said, suggestively.
As Madelyn hung on every word that came out of J.'s mouth some of the Kittens had noticed something wrong.
"Tiffany...Alan's collapsed on the couch. Do you think he's alright?"
"I don't know, Yadira, he looks completely out of it. I'll go and check on him."
"Tiff...shouldn't we send for a doctor?" said another Kitten.
"I think there's one guest out in the garden who's a doctor, Skye" said Yadira. "Maybe I should fetch him"
"We should tell Madelyn as well" said Skye. "She'll know what to do"
Tiffany went over to the couch where Alan lay and crouched down next to him. "He's breathing, well that's good at least, but he's dead to the world for all intensive purposes. The music, the talking...we've got about 30 people here and he's sleeping through it!" she said.
"Normally he has great stamina" said Yadira. "Well...you know what I mean" she added, sheepishly.
"Yeah, we know, and we've all seen it close up in action" said Tiffany with a cynical tone to her voice. "Skye, let Madelyn know what's happened"
Skye trotted over to Madelyn and whispered what had happened to her. The older woman nodded and turned to J.
"I'm sorry, J, I have a little matter to deal with. I'll catch up with you later." Then she turned to Skye and said, quietly. "I need you and the other girls here to keep the guests occupied and distracted. I'll send Jenny to fetch Dr Lewis. Now show me where Alan is."
Skye pointed in the direction of where Alan was lying and Madelyn gracefully sauntered over to him, smiling all the while.
As Madelyn crouched down next to Alan she put her hand lightly on his shoulder to see if he was alright. He suddenly sat bolt upright, took a look around the room and blinked a dozen times.
"What? Wait...no! This is wrong! Stop it, Madelyn...stop the party! Stop the PARTY! STOP THE PARTY!" he cried. Everyone then stopped dancing and talking and looked over in his direction with the music still blaring out of the speakers.
Alan noticed everyone was looking right at him and his head dropped as sweat dripped from his forehead. "I....I....can't stand all this noise" He muttered. "I need peace...and quiet..."
Dr Lewis came rushing in from the garden and tried to examine Alan but he was brushed off. "I'll book an appointment with your secretary tomorrow, I promise" he said. "I need peace right now." The Doctor nodded and said, softly, to Madelyn that the party should stop and everyone go home so Alan could get some rest. She nodded.
"Sorry everyone, Alan's come down with an illness and he needs immediate rest and recuperation. Thank you for coming." she announced.
"I've never seen Alan like that before" said Yadira to Tiffany.
"This is bad...I don't know what's going on, but I've noticed something wrong with him for some time now. How this will affect the business and us, I don't know know" said Tiffany, ominously.
One by one the guests left until only Alan and Madelyn remained. He stood up, brushed himself down and went over to the wet bar to fix himself a double whisky. Madelyn followed and sat down next to him.
"Alan...what's wrong?" she asked.
"You know what's wrong. It's 'them'. Madelyn make a note of this...DO NOT WRITE THIS DOWN! I want all Lothario staff, including the Kittens, to undergo monthly blood tests. The results are to be known only by me."
"But, Alan..." Madelyn interjected.
"No. My mind's made up. Monthly blood tests. Including you and me."
"May I ask why?" she said.
"So we know who's real and who is one of 'them'" he replied, cryptically.
"One of them? Do you mean Nancy, Victor or Lily...or one of their staff?" asked Madelyn.
"No! You know, Madelyn. You know deep down...you've seen what I've seen. The laser, the bomb, that...woman."
"The mysterious one John Action called 'Leanne'?"
"Yes...she's one of 'them' but how many of them are there, walking the streets, watching our every move? Planning acts against us? Eh? And what's to stop them infiltrating my organisation?"
Madelyn struggled to see what he was driving at. "I'd understand things better, Alan, if I knew who we were dealing with a bit more. You seem to know more than me on that point."
"That's just it...Madelyn..." he said, tapping the bar with his index finger. "Once you know they exist...how can you go back to being normal? I've...seen things now...I know things....and it's hard to think of anything else knowing that they're out there."
"I see, Alan" she said, nodding. She didn't, except that he was clearly having a nervous breakdown. Sure, she'd heard rumours that the assassins were either a criminal gang or even Soviet agents but Alan was taking it to extremes the way he sounded. No, he wasn't their target and neither was she...it's unfortunate that Alan had stumbled on some criminal gang or spy ring. That's all. She'd look after him; she'd make the doctor's appointment and then probably send him back to the cabin for more rest.
In Madelyn's mind, Alan was overreacting to something that was perfectly rational but probably criminal in nature. She would sort everything out without fuss. Nothing serious to worry about.
Suzy entered the house in a fluster. "Phew, the commute home was horrendous!" she said, kicking off her white go-go boots. "And there was just a ton of work to get through as well...oh, hello..." she said, noticing how he was dressed. "You do realise our wedding's tomorrow?"
"I know. I have something special planned for this evening though. I've booked dinner for us at Chez Llama." replied Neil.
"Oh my gosh! That's wonderful! I can't go dressed like this though! Make way, you just go and do something out there while I get ready....when did you book the table for? 8 o'clock? I might just about be ready in time but only if you get out of the way...mush! Mush!"
It seemed like an age but Suzy was just about ready in time for them to reach Chez Llama for their booking but there was a heart in the mouth moment when the maître de couldn't find the booking listed...it had transpired that they'd misspelt "Humphries".
They were led to their table and Neil was amazed at how beautiful and svelte Suzy was. Tomorrow she would be his wife. Even though they'd been living together for the last few months there was something magical to him about the difference from that to being married. A sense of connection and permanence to it.
Their table was near the piano it was a quieter evening at Chez Llama than when they were last here, which suited both of them.
"You look amazing, Suzy" said Neil. "I haven't seen you in that dress before, it's lovely"
"Thank you, sweetie. I am always impressed when you wear your white Tux. It makes you look like James Bond."
"Although he has dark hair. I don't think the world is quite ready for a blonde James Bond." he replied.
"Well, I am certainly ready for something to eat...with a Martini on the side!" said Suzy.
Neil attracted the attention of the waiter, who arrived promptly. This is what you get when you go somewhere luxurious for dinner, Neil thought. He ordered confidently for the two of them and Suzy noticed how much he had grown from the shy, sensitive artist she had met at the Fashion Quarter all those months ago. For her, she couldn't wait to be married to this man...even mulled it over in her mind to elope with him right here and now.
"So you're still not going to tell me what your dress looks like?" asked Neil.
"No way...you'll see tomorrow. I don't know what you'll be wearing." she replied.
"A smile" he said, suggestively.
"Silly. Now is everything arranged? Andre's got the rings?"
"He has. Church booked, caterer booked, car, honeymoon all booked. Relax, let's just enjoy the rest of this evening; our last as singles."
The food arrived and it lived up to Chez Llama's reputation: Strange, odd looking but exquisite to taste. Suzy wondered how she would eat hers and, indeed, what parts of the meal were actual food and what was inedible but there for show?
The meal was superb and the couple strolled home in the warm evening air. Neil put his arm around Suzy as they walked, taking in the views across the river and into the city. They didn't need to say much; they were snuggled and happy to enjoy the evening before the big day tomorrow. When they got home, there was still a buzz and their ardour was not dimmed by the walk home. They decided to retire to bed and woohoo one more time as an unwed couple...
"Just the alarm clock dear...don't worry, I'll switch it.....OH MY GOODNESS! IT'S 8am and we're getting married at 2! So much to do!"
Suzy leapt out of bed, naked, and started to run around the bedroom, trying to find something. "My lingerie! It was in a pink box! I put it on top of the chest of drawers!"
"Relax, you put it under the bed yesterday" said Neil, getting gingerly out of bed and fumbling around on the floor, also naked, trying to reach the box placed under the bed. "Now get in the shower: You take longer to get dressed than me"
Neil put on a robe and made breakfast whilst Suzy showered. The two of them were now focussed on getting ready for the wedding and the calmness and romance of the evening before was swept away and replaced by anxiety and urgency. Suzy got dressed in, what for her, was a very basic outfit and grabbed the box containing the special lingerie for the occasion plus a few other items she and Summer would need as bride and bridesmaid. She kissed Neil on the lips one more time as they said goodbye for now.
"See you at the church" he said, softly.
Suzy ran across the road to the BFF house, where she was greeted by Summer. The two hugged and Summer ushered her friend inside.
"Did the dresses arrive?" asked Suzy, frantically.
"Yes they did along with the shoes, relax, I'll put some coffee on" replied Summer.
"Are Travis and Liberty about?" said Suzy.
"Liberty's flight from Florida isn't due until 10am and Travis is out running errands for me so he won't be in our way. So, we can have coffee and get prepared! I'm so excited!"
They had their drinks and laid out the Bridal wear. Suzy opened the pink box to reveal two fine lace corsets; one in white and one in powder blue. They came with colour co-ordinated hosiery as well.
"Wow, how much did this set you back?" asked Summer.
"A pretty penny but this is a once in a lifetime day for me so I think it's worth it"
The girls began the process of getting changed and Summer was highly impressed by the quality.
They put some bathrobes on top to keep them warm but at that moment the doorbell rang. "Who could THAT be?" said Summer.
"Oh that'll be the stylists" replied Suzy.
"I didn't know you'd hired stylists!"
"Absolutely! I managed to pull in a few favours at the magazine and obtained the services of Perri of Mayfair"
"NO WAY! Perri of Mayfair! Beauticians to the stars and royalty!"
Suzy answered the door and a flamboyant man and a short woman entered the house. "I am Gerard of Perri of Mayfair and this is my assistant, Yutte. Oh which one of you is the bride? Doesn't matter, you are both goddesses! GODDESSES! Yutte, bring in the equipment! Where will the magic take place? Here? I need LIGHT! I need music! Now I will attend to the bride and Yutte, the bridesmaid! Oh what exquisite skin you have, my darling!" he said, stroking Suzy's cheek.
For Neil, matters were less complicated. He dressed himself but his outfit was very elaborate as well: He'd opted to wear a classic grey morning suit. He gave his shoes a polish until he could see his face in them, got dressed, made sure his tie was straight and then waited for the arrival of his best man: Andre.
The doorbell rang and Neil poked his head through the drapes to see who it was...as expected, it was Andre.
"You've got the rings, right?" said a nervous Neil as he opened the door.
"Relax, buddy" replied Andre, reaching into his vest pocket and producing the tiny velvet box with two gold rings in it. "Anyway, you're looking smart and I've got the transport right outside. Are you ready? This is the big one...let's get you to the church on time!"
Andre had been a little too efficient...when they arrived at the church there was no one else there except for the staff but the florist had already been and decked the place out. Neil stood at the altar and took the whole view in: Soon this place would be full and a beautiful bride would enter through the doors at the back. Well, he hoped she would.
The other guests were arriving now...there was Travis and sitting next to him was Tiffany Lawson. It was clear that Travis had recognised her from Lothario magazine but he was too shy and tongue tied to strike up a conversation with her.
Eliza Pancakes was the next to arrive and she looked utterly miserable, sitting at the back all alone. Neil reckoned that she and her husband, Bob, must have had an argument and he decided not to come. As he didn't know Neil or Suzy, there was very little reason for Bob to be there other than as support for Eliza and, well, according to gossip they weren't exactly the kind of couple that supported each other.
Julia had arrived and sat in front of Eliza. Neil didn't recognise her at first as she had her hair done up in a beehive bun and was dressed elegantly.
And then there were the assorted relatives and work colleagues, some of whom Neil had never met. With each minute the reality that this wedding was going to happen grew and grew. The guests were in place, Andre was by his side, the minister said some reassuring words and the pre-ceremony music began to play.
Andre went down the aisle checking on all the arrangements and looking out for anything out of place. Then he saw a white limousine park outside of the church. He quickly ran back to Neil. "She's here!" he said, "game on!"
Outside, the chauffer parked the limo, got out and opened the door to the back. First to step out was Summer. She handed the bouquet she was holding to the chauffer as he helped her out and then collected it again, holding it in the traditional manner in front of her. Summer looked in through the chapel windows and saw all the guests.
"They're all here, Suz, are you ready?" she said.
Suzy took a deep breath. "As I'll ever be." The chauffer opened the door to her side and she swung her legs out elegantly as she had practiced as he gently took her hand and helped her out. Summer checked Suzy's dress out to see if it needed brushing down or straightening but, as usual, her friend was perfectly attired. Suzy suddenly had a thought: She knew Neil would be inside, waiting for her, but did Jeremy show up or was he still angry at her and staying at home?
Summer and Suzy walked slowly up to the chapel's entrance, the bride's heart thumping at a rate of 120bpm. Summer nodded to her friend to reassure her and held her arm in support. The two of them had opted for bridal gowns of the same design, but in different colours: Suzy's in white, Summer's in powder blue. Suzy had a veil and Summer a tiara of flowers.
As the harpist started playing "Here Comes The Bride", the ushers opened the doors to the chapel and the ladies stepped inside. Everyone inside turned to look at them and let out an audible gasp.
"Wow! What a dress!" said Travis under his breath.
"It's quite....short!" remarked Julia.
"It's the current style, I guess" said Eliza.
"She'd never cover up those legs in a million years and I don't blame her!" said Tiffany.
"She's...perfect" said Neil to Andre.
Suzy made her way up the aisle and stood next to Neil. "Glad you could make it" he said with a wink. "You look..."
But he was cut off by the minister, who began the ceremonial spiel. "We are gathered here to witness the marriage of Neil Samuel Humphries and Suzanne Elizabeth Kent..."
"Do you, Neil Samuel Humphries, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife? To have and to hold, to love, honour and cherish, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
Neil took a deep breath and said "I do"
"And do you, Suzanne Elizabeth Kent take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? To have and to hold, to love, honour and obey, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
There was a noise at the back of the church: Jeremy had entered it with Barbara and were standing at the back. Suzy turned to look at him and their eyes met. Jeremy's face broke into a warm smile and he nodded to her.
Suzy turned back to face Neil and smiled as well. Then she said "I do".
"If anyone has any just reason why these two should not be married, let them speak now or forever hold their peace"
Not a word was said. Travis sat on his hands because the joker part of him always felt the urge to stick them up and say "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"Then by the power invested in me, I pronounce you Man and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
Some of the guests stood up to applaud at that moment and both Suzy and Neil felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with euphoria and deep, deep affection for one another. Neither could help themselves so they had another kiss and held hands before the music started up again.
Andre spoke up at this point. "If the guests would like to make their way to the chapel gardens now for the photographs"
The happy couple led the way with everyone else following. It was now time for the photographs and the reception.
Most of the guests were either Suzy and Neil's neighbourhood friends or work colleagues and when someone from each sphere met each other the conversation could get...interesting. Julia found herself sitting next to Tiffany at one stage.
"Hello, I'm Julia, Suzy and Neil's neighbour. How do you know the couple?"
"My work brought me in to contact with Suzy. She works for a style magazine and she occasionally submits some freelance articles to Lothario and I'm on the staff there. I'm Miss January."
"Oh..." said Julia, her face suddenly dropping.
She floundered around for something to say before realising they had a mutual friend other than the bride. "I know Jolene Scholl, she used to work for Lothario"
"Oh you know, Jolene do you?" said Tiffany, her face suddenly lighting up. "Yeah, she left to pursue her singing career. She's currently on tour in a production of Sweet Charity but she still drops a line from time to time." The two women's initial frostiness gave way and they started to talk about Jolene's solo career.
Meanwhile, out in the garden, Neil was doing the thank yous and the greetings. "Baako, Anaya...lovely to see you here. This is my best man, Andre...."
Andre in the meantime looked out of the corner of his eye and thought "wait a minute, is that Miss January over there?" before reaching for a breath mint.
Barbara, Jeremy and Travis all went outside. Jeremy offered to get everyone a plate of food and that afforded the chance for Barbara to have a little, hushed conversation with Travis.
"How's he doing today, Barbara? Shown any weird signs?" asked Travis.
"He was grumpy all morning until we got to the church and then, suddenly, his mood changed. He's a lot calmer and doesn't grumble when he hears Suzy's name." I hope the occasion has softened him.
The last person Neil greeted was Action, who approached him with a big, broad smile on his face.
"Neil, my man! Lay some skin on me, bro! You did it, you won the prize!" said Action, holding out his hand for Neil to gently slap in the fashionable street way.
"Thank you, Action. My face is already aching from all the smiling I'm doing." replied Neil.
"Let me get you something to drink...they've already opened up the champagne and you don't want to miss out. I have this buddy, a fellow cop, who didn't get a single drink on his wedding day: The guests all drank the place dry and he was being ushered from one old aunt to another so he never got a little tipple. I'm going to make sure you don't become that man!"
Meanwhile, a very jet lagged Liberty Lee sat at the bar with Baako. "Whoa, sister, you look like you could do with a pick-me up? Where have you been?" he asked.
"Cape Canaveral...and yes, I need a coffee, not another glass of champagne or I'll fall asleep right here!"
Baako laughed and ordered a coffee for her but as he raised his hand to order the drink, he caught sight of his wristwatch and it was telling him he had to perform the first wedding dance song in 5 minutes!
Baako raced downstairs, checked the tuning of his guitar and announced into the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the happy couple to the dance floor where they will have the first dance"
Neil led Suzy to the dance floor where they danced, cheek to cheek. Suzy was impressed at his dance moves...not that long ago they were nearly non-existent.
"You've been practicing!" she said.
"All that time we spent down at the Orange Peel club...is everyone looking at us?"
"They are"
"I think they're all looking at you" he said, smiling.
After that initial dance, everyone else joined in and the party was in full swing.
Summer was waiting for Travis to join everyone down here but he was still finishing off a slice of the wedding cake. She got impatient and put her finest go-go dancing skills into practice.
But eventually he made his way over to her. "You are an amazing maid of honour...and the best looking one I've ever seen" he said.
"I can go one better..." she said, suggestively.
"...steady on, all in good time!" he added, knowing where she was going with this one.
"So you think of me as marriage material then?" she asked, coquettishly.
"Now you stop that! You don't try to trap me like that! This is Neil and Suzy's day." he replied, gently wagging his finger at her.
"Nice dodge, boyfriend!" she said.
Suzy and Neil were still flirting with each other. "You know, there's something about you that reminds me of a 1920s Flapper" said Neil.
"Relatives say I take after my grandmother, who was THE iconic Flapper...I can do a mean Charleston if you want to see"
But at that moment something drew her attention away from Neil. She saw Jeremy, sitting alone, and decided she had to talk with him. "I'll be back shortly" she said to Neil. patting him reassuringly on the arm.
Suzy made her way to where Jeremy was sitting. "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked.
"It's your wedding" replied Jeremy.
"Is Barbara still here? I haven't had a chance to talk with her yet."
"She's in the bathroom at the moment." he replied, looking around awkwardly and saying nothing more. He traced the rim of his champagne glass with his finger.
"Are you OK?" Suzy asked.
"Oh me? Yeah, sure! It's a wonderful occasion and congratulations." he said, his eyes looking around the garden.
"Do I make you uncomfortable? I can go if you'd prefer but I'd prefer to catch up...look..." she said, in all seriousness "...I know something has caused a rift between you and me lately and if I can help fix it..."
"...I know. I know..." he said, awkwardly. "I can't express what's going on...I've been short tempered a lot lately and, well, I don't know why but today that seemed to have gone away. Seeing you up there, looking....well...incredible...I forgot why I was angry." he let out a nervous chuckle. "It sounds crazy..."
"It doesn't. I'm so glad you and Barbara came today, I mean that. And I want us to be friends. You were the first person to help me when I moved in. You were always the kindest, most dependable man and..." she was struggling to find the words.
"I know. In another world..." he said, helping her out. Suzy nodded.
"In another world where I hadn't met Neil and you hadn't met Barbara..."
"Well, here's to our real world and our real partners" he said, raising his glass in a toast.
"To our real partners" she said, charging her glass to his. After they drank, they stood up and looked at one another again. "Friends?" she said to him.
"Friends" he replied, warmly, and then they hugged.
"I must get back to my husband!" she said, giggling like a girl. "Say hi to Barbara for me"
As Suzy walked off Jeremy watched her for a moment "remember, she is your enemy!" sounded a voice in his head.
"No!" he muttered under his breath.
"Suzy Kent is your enemy!"
"She...is...Suzy...Humphries! Not...Kent...anymore...break...the...cycle...BREAK...THE...CYCLE!" He was grimacing in pain now as he fought back the dark thoughts that were encroaching in his mind, telling him what to think and do. Finally he hurled his champagne glass into the hedge in frustration and the voice went away.
"Jeremy? Are you alright? Sorry I took so long but I got chatting to Liberty and the time flew by!" came Barbara's voice from across the dance floor.
"I'm fine..." Jeremy replied, taking a deep breath.
Andre appeared at the microphone, tapped it to see if it was switched on and did a loud AHEM into it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, the bride and groom are ready to depart so grab your bags of confetti and all assemble out the front to wish them a very happy honeymoon!" he said.
Suzy made some quick farewells and hugs before she grabbed her wedding bouquet. She found Summer near the wedding limo.
"Oh Summer" said Suzy. "Thank you so much for your help and encouragement"
"It was a wonderful day...now you and Neil go and have a great honeymoon and send us a postcard!"
"I will...thank you again!" and Suzy hugged Summer one more time.
"Ah, there's my beautiful wife!" said Neil, who had tracked them down. "Would you like me to escort you to the car?"
"That would be delightful, Mr Humphries" she said. Neil held out his arm and she put hers in the crook of his. Then he led her to the waiting limo, ushered her in and shut the door before the chauffeur held the door open for him on his side. Then with a final wave, the happy couple drove off...tin cans clanking behind the car.
The guests threw the last of their confetti and then, one by one, they all caught cabs home. At the end it was just Summer, Travis and Liberty left.
"Well guys, time to head back." said Travis. "I booked us a cab"
The taxi arrived and they piled in the back, all laughing and in a buoyant mood. Liberty still had a champagne bottle and a couple of glasses she took from the reception. Once they arrived home, she stumbled out of the cab and said "I'm beat...I've had about 4 hours sleep in the last two days. I'm gonna crash!" and with that she staggered off to her room.
"Well, that just leaves us. Are you ready for bed?" asked Travis to Summer.
"Well..." she said slowly. "It's such a romantic evening"
"It certainly is and once again, you look amazing. You almost upstaged the bride" Travis replied.
"Oh you think so?" she said "Tell me more"
"Well, let's retire to the bedroom and I'll sing your praises some more"
They say actions speak louder than words and instead of singing Summer's praises, he let his hands and his lips express his fondness for her...for which she was an appreciative audience.
"You can help me out of this dress" she said. "But be careful...that's delicate lace"
"I will be the model of carefulness"
He helped her out and then marvelled at the lace corset underneath.
"Now, do you have enough energy left in you?" said Summer seductively.
"I've found whole new reserves!" he said, excitedly. "All of a sudden, I love weddings!"
