CHAPTER 243: She's Behind You

With Barbara still off work ill, it was left to Jeremy to open the shop this day.  He had never run the store without her before and he resolved he would attend to the business and let their shop assistant, Toni, deal with the customers' queries.  

He was also brooding on Suzy and Neil's request to try and find out more about the Landgraabs and the mysterious 'visitors'.  He was persona non grata around their offices and wouldn't dare take one step into the Landgraab Building, lest he fell foul of their security.  Besides, they weren't above murder to further their aims...

Toni arrived just before opening time and Jeremy kept her informed about Barbara's condition and what he wanted her to deal with today.

"So you deal with the customers and fashion enquiries and I'll run the store and keep things spick n' span." he said to her.

"Is Barbara alright?  I hope it's nothing serious" said Toni, looking concerned.

"The doc says it's a 24 hour thing.  She's resting today and will be back tomorrow, hopefully."

"Wish her all the best from me, poor thing." 

Trade was brisk but a little on the light side that morning.  When it got around to lunchtime Jeremy pondered his predicament about the Landgraab Corporation...he did have one contact there that he could tap for information but whether they would help him was another matter.  He thought about the implications before he decided to make the phone call.

He picked up the receiver and dialled the number...waiting a few seconds before the operator answered.

"Landgraab Corporation, which department or specific individual do you wish to speak to?" said the pleasant sounding receptionist at the other end.

"Darrin Lew, Property Acquisitions, please"  Jeremy replied.

"Who shall I say is calling?"

"Just say it's Mr Jezza.  He'll know who that is."

Meanwhile at the Landgraab Corporation building, Darrin Lew was off to his office after attending a departmental meeting.  He was glad it was over because he was in danger of being overwhelmed by tedium.

At that moment he was intercepted by the new guy who shared an office with him.  Darrin thought that he wanted help operating the photocopier or wondering where the mail room was.  He was a nice enough guy, Darrin thought, but very green when it came to working in such a large company as Landgraabs.

"Darrin...phone call for you on your extension." 

"Who is it?" asked Darrin.

"Someone called Mr Jezza...said he knows you."

"Mr Jezza?  Hmmm, I can't place the name.  OK, I'm coming." said a puzzled Darrin.

Darrin headed back to his office and picked up the phone receiver on his desk.  "Darrin Lew speaking"

"Darrin...it's Jeremy, Jeremy Saint" came the voice from the other end.

"You!  I should slam the phone down right now!" Darrin replied, very annoyed but not raising his voice so his colleague couldn't hear him.

"Please...hear me out!  Can we talk about something important?"  said Jeremy, panicked.

"How important?" answered Darrin.

"It's continuing our work with the corporation...that level of importance"

Darrin shook his head, rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh.  "OK...let's meet.  But not around here.  There's a cafe in Windenburg we can meet, discretely..."

Jeremy noted down the address and said goodbye, the meeting was set for 2pm.

Darrin put down the phone receiver and said and did nothing for a few seconds as he wondered what it was the Jeremy wanted to talk about.

"Is everything OK, Darrin?" asked his young colleague.

"Yeah...fine..."

"Who was that, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Old business...before your time here..." was Darrin's vague reply.

Up one level and on the other side of the building, a meeting was taking place that affected Darrin Lew...although he was completely unaware it was taking place and that he was the subject of the discussion.

"I think I have discovered who Jeremy Saint's co-conspirator is within the company, Mrs Landgraab." said Alice Ethington; the eyes and ears of the Landgraab Corporation.  A seemingly efficient, courteous and pretty young secretary but who had the ability to be aware of everything that went on in the company and who answered only to Nancy Landgraab and her father, Malcolm Landgraab III or "Big Mal" as he was known.

Nancy's interest was piqued.  "I thought it was Fanshawe" she said.

"That's what most of us thought, Mrs Landgraab.  His rapid departure from this firm and back to Dewey, Cheathem & Howe after our internal investigation was seen as a sign of guilt but we never had any concrete evidence it was him.  However, our wiretap detected an incoming phone call from Pack's Clothing Boutique in Magnolia Promenade."

"A business owned by Jeremy Saint..." said Mrs Landgraab.

"Indeed, Mrs Landgraab.  The wiretap shows it was a man calling and he identified himself as 'Jeremy'"

"So who was he calling?" asked Nancy.

"Darrin Lew...he is deputy head of Property Management."

"Darrin Lew....well, well..." said Nancy, sounding surprised.  "I never suspected it was him."

"With all due respect, Mrs Landgraab, I did.  The two would often sit together at lunch times and I observed them having brief meetings now and again.  Although I was never able to ascertain what their conversations were about to gather any evidence of collusion between the two of them.  These meetings took place before we increased the security of the company, I might add."

"Yes, yes" said Nancy with a nonchalant wave of the hand.  "So what did Saint want with Lew?"

"Saint wants to meet up with Lew at the South Square Coffee House in Windenburg at 2pm"

"Well then, you'd better get there and see if you can find out more."

"Yes, ma'am." was Alice's polite and curt reply.

After his phone conversation with Darrin, Jeremy had a word with Toni.

"I'll be going for a little while.  If I'm not back by 5pm can you lock up the store?"

"Sure thing, Jeremy." she replied without asking why he was leaving early.

Jeremy got in his car and drove down to Windenburg for his meeting with Darrin.  After parking up and heading to the address he was given, he was met by a stern looking Darrin Lew.

"You've got a nerve!" said Darrin, angrily.

"Darrin, I can explain..." replied Jeremy.

"You jumped the gun!  I said we needed to play the long game, get more evidence and then go to the Feds but you had to go running to them as soon as one document came your way."

"Look, can we sit down and discuss things calmly before people notice us rowing?" said a nervous Jeremy as he looked around the square.

Darrin nodded and they went to sit down at a table outside of the coffee shop. 

 "I know that to you it looks like I acted prematurely and without thought but that incriminating dossier that came my way would implicate Geoffrey and his lackeys only for a short period of time.  If I held on to it they would have transferred that stolen money to their offshore account and the Treasury wouldn't have been able to find anything." said Jeremy, by way of explanation.  "Besides, they were going to arrest and charge Geoffrey later that day..."

"They would have just got him; I was planning on bringing the whole family and company down!" said Darrin, still seething.  "And wasn't it just convenient that he died that day as well...his crimes going to the grave with him.  Now I'm back to square one and you're no longer at the company to help me!"

"Aren't there others who would help?  Like Fanshawe?" asked Jeremy.

"Fanshawe jumped ship before he was pushed.  He's back at DC&H." said Darrin.

"I didn't know..."

"Well, now you do.  So what's the purpose of this meeting, Jeremy?"

"My colleagues who have been working from the outside to expose Landgraab have come across new information that is of potential interest.  It also involves Victor and Lilly Feng."

"Feng?  What is this information?" asked Darrin, now intrigued.

"Both the Landgraab family and the Fengs are working in collaboration with an organisation known only as 'The Visitors'.  Have you come across them before?"

"Can't say I have.  I know Landgraab and the Fengs collaborated on a few projects years ago but they seem to have gone cool on each other of late.  Do you have any more information on these visitors?"

"Not much...well, not much that I can tell you.  They seem to supply hi-tech equipment to the Landgraabs and have aided Victor's political career over the years.  I've heard rumours they may be a Soviet front...I was wondering if you could have a look around in the company files to see if there's any mention of them."

"Is this a reference to the source of Gregory Landgraab's great fortune?  Those files, along with every file that has anything to do with Oasis Springs is the highest level of security.  My clearance doesn't go that far."

"But you know how to sidestep clearance to get to them though?"

Darrin sighed.  "Yes I do...and you know I do.  But it's a risk..."

"But you said your operation to bring the company down has stalled.  I can tell you what to look for but I can't get the files in person.  You can but you don't know what you're looking for."

"The Visitors?" asked Darrin.  

"Yes, and more.  Try searching for them plus dirigibles and the tunnel that runs under Affluista Mansion.  Then try looking for material pertaining to the tree in Foundry Cove.  Finally 1947 seems to be an interesting year.  That's when the Visitors first made contact with Victor Feng and there may be references to that in the files."

Darrin made notes in a small pocket book and put it back in his suit jacket.  "I'll see what I can do.  The heat at the Landgraab Building has died down a little but I still need to look over my shoulder now and again..." he said.

What neither man knew was that they were being watched.  Alice Ethington had discretely followed them to the coffee shop and had taken cover in a cloister next to it where she could observe Darrin and Jeremy without being spotted.

"So will you help?" Jeremy asked Darrin.

"I'll get back to you.  I'm not promising anything; the information you want might be well above my security level, but if I find anything, I'll let you know." Darrin replied.

"Well, I'd better be getting back to the shop.  All the best, Darrin" said Jeremy.

Darrin still looked put out but with some reluctance said "you too, Jeremy"

Alice had overheard only a few words but they were enough to convince her something nefarious was going on.  She decided not to follow Jeremy Saint but to see what Darrin Lew did next.

Darrin stood up and walked away in a direction that was towards the Landgraab Building so Alice decided to follow him from a distance.  As she broke cover she found Jeremy walking towards her but he hadn't realised who she was.  Quickly, she turned her face towards the coffee shop and looked in the window in an effort to not be spotted.  He passed by, oblivious to her.

Back at the Landgraab Corporation Alice gave her report to Nancy.

"Unfortunately from my vantage point I could only make out a few things they were saying, Mrs Landgraab, but I thought it prudent to remain undetected."

"That's acceptable...but what did you hear?" Nancy replied.

"There was some talk about Geoffrey and the Treasury Department then they mentioned Victor and Lilly Feng..."

"Did they now?" said Nancy, intrigued.

"And then they mentioned something about visitors and that Saint wanted Lew to look into them.  I don't get the reference as to who they were talking about."

"Don't worry about that, Alice.  I get the reference." Nancy replied, cool and calmly.

"It looks like Saint wants Lew to pass on company information to him but Lew seemed very reluctant to do so."

Nancy sighed.  "I warned Geoffrey not to trust Jeremy Saint..." she said.  Then she slapped the palms of her hands on her desk and stood up.  "You did well, Alice:  You shall be rewarded for your diligence."

Alice smiled.  "Thank you, Mrs Landgraab.  If I can be of any other service..." she said as she took the cue to stand as well.

"You've done enough for now.  Please return to your regular duties.  I will deal with this situation from now on."

"Of course, Mrs Landgraab."

"I'm so glad we can count on diligent young people like yourself" said Nancy, with her best and most insincere smile she used to wrap people around her finger.

CHAPTER 242: A Career In Retail

 

"...and in world news the French President, Charles DeGaulle, concluded his world tour by visiting French Polynesia, which belongs to France..."

Barbara and Jeremy were having their breakfasts whilst watching the morning news on TV.  There was the image of a grey haired DeGaulle walking around a tropical island, pointing at this and shaking hands with various local officials.  France had a few islands in their possession in the Pacific, with New Caledonia and Tahiti being the most promient.  Jeremy noted just how tall DeGaulle was as he seemed to tower over everyone else.

"How old is that guy?" asked Jeremy.  "My dad spoke about him when talking about World War 2 and he was already a general."

"Mid to late 70s, I think" Barbara replied.

"You're not sure?  I thought you were French!" 

"I'm FRENCH-CANADIAN with the emphasis on 'Canadian'.  He's not my president, although my Uncle Pierre would like him to be."

"...the President also witnessed the testing of France's latest atomic bomb at the Mururoa Atoll."

Both Jeremy and Barbara then saw a massive nuclear explosion on the TV screen and an image of DeGaulle, surrounded by military figures, wearing a radiation suit.

"Well...that's one way to end a world tour" mused Barbara.  "Anyway, time to get dressed..." she added.

"I'm really looking forward to today..." said Barbara, who hadn't stopped talking since they turned the TV off.  She was pumped up after breakfast and her morning run and ideas and thoughts were flowing from her.  Jeremy mostly nodded and said "yes".

"...I know we've taken a big risk in backing a new designer but Poppy is a really out there label and I think their latest collection is going to be a hit with the young and trendy crowd." she said.

"Are there that many young and trendy in this town?" asked Jeremy.

"Absolutely, Jeremy.  I keep my ear close to the ground and know the teenagers and student types in Sim City pretty well.  They're all crying out for those European style fashions and we're the only boutique in town supplying anything like that.  But there's risk with the Poppy collection:  It's slightly more expensive than most ready to wear items, there's no menswear range to go with it and...well...the more straight laced won't like it, especially that League of Decency."

"We'll see by the end of the week what the receipts are...speaking of which..." Jeremy replied, pointing to the small office he had in the next room.  He left the bedroom and went into the study whilst Barbara got dressed.

He got to work going over the accounts and was going to write up a financial statement for the month's business when he noticed that they had gone into the red with the new line of clothing.  Deep down he thought Barbara's fashion hunch was going to backfire:  After all, the hype of the mini skirt, the total look and the Mod culture was bound to burst at some point.  It might be different in Europe or Canada but America might about to lurch back the more conservative Eisenhower days; the time when he was a boy and young teenager and which had left an impression on him.

Barbara had finished getting dressed and entered the study.  When Jeremy looked in her direction he saw that she looked anything but conservative.  Her striking pink and lilac outfit and white boots were the height of the current fashion and she had leaned completely into the new trends and why not?  She was young and beautiful but was she the present, the future or already the past, he thought.

"There's my businessman...how's it looking?" she asked, sitting down in the study's more comfortable chair.

"Like we discussed...we've taken a risk.  We're slightly in the red this month." he said, matter of factly.

Barbara shrugged her shoulders.  "I still believe we'll have a hit on our hands.  But isn't risk part of running a small business?" she said.

"It is...but as I've always worked for large businesses a single shop is a bit out of my zone." Jeremy replied.  "I've always been the nervous one out of us so forgive me if I sound more pessimistic."

"You're also the brave one, Jeremy.  Be straight with me; are you happy co-owning the boutique with me and being an independent businessman?"

"Wow...that's...erm...a question!  It's hard to put into words...when I lost my job at Landgraab I felt relieved.  I thought about asking for my old job with J.J. Gotcha again but I wanted to try something different.  I know precious little about fashion and only slightly more about running a business but...yeah...it's been rewarding these last few weeks.  I like being with you all day, that's for sure."

"I love having you by my side" Barbara replied.  "I'm not just being hopelessly naive about the boutique...we've had good word of mouth, trade has been decent and we got that ringing endorsement from Jean Shrimpton herself!  I know you don't know who she is..."

"Some kind of English model, I think"

"Yeah, she's a huge name in fashion.  The first woman to wear a miniskirt in public!  What she wears people copy and she came to our little shop, bought some items and told people about us.  That's what inspired me to go further with the mod fashions.  We got free publicity that day.  If we succeed then that's great, if it fails then it was all part of the adventure."

"I love your infectious enthusiasm, Babs.  It's just that I've been thinking of a house move for us and...well...other things which will...erm...improve our lives going forwards...with the whole...you know...settling down thing and...uhm...making things official with room to expand our...unit...I was thinking next Spring..."

"Have you got a diamond ring to go with that speech?" joked Barbara.

"Oh no!  This isn't an official....I mean, I want to make it official but consider this a placeholder proposal for now..."

"It's time to go to work, Jeremy"

The two of them would typically arrive at the boutique at 8am, in time to give the place a polish and to restock and redress the mannequins.  Barbara gladly accepted the help of Jeremy in getting the shop ready because it was exhausting when she had to do it on her own and their one shop assistant, Toni, could only arrive at 10 minutes before opening time because of how far away she lived.

Jeremy was poking at his belly with his index finger and Barbara paused from polishing the counter top to find out what he was doing.

"What....may I ask...are you doing to yourself?" she asked.

"This suit is a terrible fit and my belly is overhanging my belt just slightly.  I think I've piled on the pounds." he replied.

"I have a better one in your style out the back...you can wear that if it would be more comfortable" she responded, trying to be helpful.

"I'll take you up on that.  Meanwhile have I got time to have a quick jog around the block to work this off?  I usually find a bit of exercise helps fight the flab."

"OK, Toni's due any minute now and if it gives you piece of mind then go for it."

As Jeremy went for his run, Barbara went to put some music on for the shop and prepared for the 9am opening.

No sooner had Toni arrived and the sign on the door flipped from "closed" to "open" than the first customers arrived.  One was a very familiar face:  Liberty Lee.

"Libs...how lovely to see you!  I thought you'd be down at Houston" said Barbara, greeting her friend and neighbour.

"I fly down there this evening.  My shift on the Gold team isn't until tomorrow." Liberty replied.

"I lose track; I know there's a spaceflight launch today but I can't remember which number Gemini it is"

"XI:  Conrad and Gordon.  We're still trying to get better at docking and spacewalks." said Liberty.  "But today I want something special!"

"Ooh, how special?" said Barbara, intrigued at what Liberty had in mind.

"Well, it's Gary's birthday in just over a week and he's invited me to Chez Llama, then on to dancing at the Kitten Club so I want something smart, swanky and up to the minute that would look great at both places and will make his jaw drop.  I need to find something today because I fly out to Houston tonight and won't be back until the day before our date, and I'm likely to be too tired to go clothes shopping then."

"I think I have just the thing..." said Barbara, with a smile on her face as she envisaged the perfect outfit for Liberty.

Meanwhile Jeremy had returned from his run, freshened up in the staff bathroom and changed into a better fitting suit.  He then wasted no time in getting back to work, which consisted of customer service.

In the boutique was a young, blonde woman who was dressed head to toe in pale pink, including a pale pink beret which she kept on whilst in the shop.  When she saw Jeremy holding a clipboard of items for sale she correctly deduced that he worked in the shop and made a bee line for him.

"Excuse me, do you work here?" she said in a bright, pleasant sounding voice.  

"I do...in fact, I co-own this store.  How may I help you?" he responded.

Jeremy noticed that she was very pretty, with prominent cheekbones, bright green eyes and full lips.  Her blonde hair was trendily cut so that when it reached the shoulders it curled outwards.  A pretty face always froze Jeremy in his tracks.

"My, I am in luck...the co-owner no less.  I'm looking to buy an outfit that will...what's the word?  'Dazzle', that's it.  I want to buy an outfit that will dazzle when I wear it."

"Would it be for any special occasion?" Jeremy asked.

"Erm...nothing specific...I just want to impress people with what I wear.  Be noticed...but only by the right kind of gentleman or lady"

"Something aspirational, perhaps?" said Jeremy.  The woman put a gentle hand on his arm and smiled enthusiastically.

"You put it perfectly, yes, 'something aspirational'.  I feel you understand me on this one.  So intuitive, tee-hee." she said, with a coquettish giggle.  This just made Jeremy tense up more.

"Well, madam..." he began.

"Oh do call me Sally, Mr?"

"Saint, Jeremy Saint"

"Saint by name, saint by nature perhaps?  Silly me.  I am in your capable hands."

"OK...Sally...let's look at what's in our range that would be ideal for you..." he said, nervously.

At various times since the boutique had opened, there was a little drama being played out in it.  Whether it was the Sneedleys denouncing the store which led to George Sneedley having a panic attack or a bunch of mean teenage girls picking on fellow teenager, Lulu Strang, there were these moments when it looked like things might turn nasty and today was no exception.

The problem occurred when Jeremy, Barbara and Toni were all on the other side of the boutique and three customers had a set to at the front.  Jeremy noticed some raised voices and turned to see where they were coming from when he saw three customers, two men and a woman, getting tense and angry.

"You should be ashamed of yourself!  You belong in prison you do!" said the woman, a lady of around 40 who had blonde hair and wore a green pants outfit.  She had directed her comments at an older, grey haired man whose fashion choices were a mixture of old and new.  Alongside the traditional button up vest and classic cut pants he wore his shirts sleeves slightly rolled up, with a white cravat and his hair was longer than most men his age...it was practically like the Rolling Stones.

"And what crime have I committed?" said the man, who had a mischievous and slightly leering expression on his face.

"You know!  Your poor wife...." replied the lady.

"Habeus corpus...produce the body, dear lady.  Maybe I can explain the matter over dinner this evening..."

"Ugh, no thank you.  You disgust me!" she responded in a huff.  "In fact, I will telephone the police right now..."

At this point the second of the two me intervened.  A large black gentleman with a neatly trimmed beard stepped in between the two squabbling customers.  

"Now, now.  There's no need for that and, besides, you've got no proof of any crime to accuse Mr Villareal of."

"I could have you arrested for making a false allegation in public, Miss." retorted Villareal.

"Jacques, I'd advise you to stay quiet as well.  This is not the time nor the place for a spat." said the black man.

Jeremy excused himself from Sally and went over to find out what was going on. 

"Excuse me, is there a problem here?" he asked.

"Not anymore, sir." said the black man.  "I think everyone is going to go their way and cool down."

"Harumph..." said the lady, stomping off.

"I could have handled this, Eric" said Villareal.

"You were pouring petrol on the situation, Jacques.  Now play it cool for the moment.  Sorry, sir" Eric said, turning to Jeremy.  "sorry to have troubled you".

Jeremy and Eric walked away from Jacques Villareal and, in a soft voice, Eric informed Jeremy what was going on and Sally was nearby, hanging on every word.

"You see, that's Jacques Villareal.  He's a bigwig around town, owns a large estate out in Windenburg.  Well, back in '60 his wife went missing and no trace of her has ever been found so, naturally, folks around here think he must have bumped her off, catch my drift?"

"I did not know that.  Well, thank you Mr...."

"Lewis.  Eric Lewis, glad to know you.  You've got a fine establishment here and I hate to see a moment like that ruin the place."

"Thank you, Mr Lewis.  I will keep an eye out for any more potential trouble between those two" Jeremy replied.  Eric Lewis walked off to check out some clothing leaving Jeremy alone with Sally, who looked admiringly at him.

"You handled that very well.  I thought that man looked familiar!  If you ask me, he did it!" she said.

"Anyway, where were we?" said Jeremy, trying to change the subject.

"Something dazzling" Sally replied.

"Oh yes, now let me check my handy little clipboard here..."

"You check away...I like a man who's thorough..."

"Gulp"

"Ah yes, I see right here an outfit that might be right for you.  Do you like black or white or a mixture?" he said, regaining his composure.

"All of the above...don't let the pink fool you" she replied.

"Then here we go...it's the latest thing, it's from the hottest new designer in town:  Poppy.  It's a black and white patterned outfit...I believe inspired by World War One ship camouflage...or maybe a particular species of butterfly...erm, I'm not explaining it very well..." he stammered.  Once again, Sally put a soft hand on his arm.

"You're doing wonderfully..." she said.

He looked down at his clipboard again "It says here that it's inspired by the French Mod look with Pierre Carin flourishes and it's the Total Look:  The dress comes with complimentary stockings or tights, shoes, gloves and a pillbox hat.  I think it's called that because it resembles a WW2 pillbox."

Jeremy inwardly cursed himself for making military references when dealing with this woman.

Sally looked at the outfit up and down with a keen intensity.  "Yes...YES" she said out loud.  "I want to try it on...not all of it, just the dress and the hat"

"Certainly" said Jeremy, who then asked for her size before getting a dress and hat from the racks.

A few minutes later she emerged, looked at herself in the mirror and walked about the shop in glee.  "Oh, Jeremy, it's divine!  It certainly dazzles!"

"I'm glad you like it" he said, politely.

"I'll take it all!  The dress, the hat, the shoes...I'm a size 9.  And I'll have these absolutely adorable gloves and the tights as well.  Jeremy, you are a wonder!" she exclaimed.

"Thank you" he said, embarrassed.  He had to admit, though, that Sally looked amazing in that outfit.  "If you're satisfied I'll get those other items and ring you up at the till."

"You're so kind.  I'm buying this in expectation really, not for any special event.  I just want to look my best for...well, Mr Right...whoever he is."

"Looking your best is always a good thing in my opinion" he said, sheepishly, trying to find something complimentary to say to her without trying to flirt or encourage her flirtation with him.

"May I ask, are you a married man, Jeremy?"

"No...not yet.  I have a girlfriend...well, she's more than just my girlfriend.  She's my business partner, my best friend and my soul mate...." he said, turning to look where Barbara was, his face beaming with pride.

"...I just haven't gotten around to asking her to marry me, yet.  Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so personal at work.  You want these items, let's go to the till."

"Oh don't apologise, Jeremy.  You're a romantic at heart, I can see that.  Is that her, the strawberry blonde in that fabulous pink dress with the lilac circles?"

"Yes, that's her"

"Oh she's beautiful!  You lucky, lucky man.  I could tell, only the best for you.  Oh you must put a ring on her, Jeremy, make it official!" Sally gushed, her eyes fluttering in excitement.  "How wonderful it is to meet you...I just wished there were more men like you out there:  Kind, helpful and dedicated." she added with a sigh.

"I'm sure you'll find one...the outfit should help." he said, trying to find the appropriate words to say to her.

Across the shop Barbara and Liberty had found just the outfit for her date with Gary.

"This dress is amazing!" said Liberty.  "I want it!"

"OK, I agree...this season is all about colour and the bolder the better" said Barbara.

At the end of business Jeremy totalled up the receipts and gathered Barbara and Toni to announce the day's takings.

"We...made...a...profit!  A big one, actually.  Two men's 3 piece suits, high end so that's always good business and 3 complete outfits with accessories from the Poppy collection." he announced.

"I knew it!  I knew it would be popular!"  exclaimed Barbara.

"Well done, Barbara.  And Jeremy as well..." said Toni.  "Hang on, Barbara...you don't look well."

Toni had noticed that Barbara had suddenly developed a nasty rash and it covered her face and arms.

"That looks pretty bad." said Jeremy.  "Did you come into contact with anything?"

"I did go into the storeroom to open up a box of those Korean gloves...oh no, I remember feeling itchy after opening all those plastic bags...ow...OWWW...my skin stings!"

"Toni, can I leave you to lock up?  I'm getting Barbara back home immediately!"

Jeremy helped Barbara to their car and instructed her not to scratch the itchy parts of her body.  Then he drove back to Willow Creek as fast as was legally possible.  Once back home, he took her to the bed and unzipped her boots and took them off whilst she let down her hair and took out the large earrings she had been wearing.  

"Oh I feel tired and itchy..." she said, lying out on the bed.

"I'll phone the doctor" he said, heading out of the room and over to the telephone.

It turned out her skin had a reaction to the plastic packaging she handled in the stockroom and the doctor prescribed some lotion and tablets to treat the illness.  Barbara soon fell asleep and just as Jeremy was going to sit down in the lounge and watch some TV, his phone rang.

"Hello, Jeremy Saint here?" 

"Jeremy, are you free this evening?" it was Suzy Humphries' voice.  

"Erm...yes.  Barbara's not well and has gone to bed and I was just going to watch TV.  What's up?"

"Neil and I want to talk with you about something important...there have been developments in our little mystery..."

Suzy and Neil lived in the next neighbourhood along in Willow Creek and it didn't take long for Jeremy to get there.  When he got inside, he found them excited that he was there.

"So what's the latest development?" he asked.

"What do you know of Victor and Lily Feng?" Suzy asked.

"Practically nothing." Jeremy replied.

"Their names didn't come up when you worked at Landgraabs?" asked Neil.

Jeremy shook his head.  "No.  I don't remember them being mentioned by anyone.  What's going on?"

"I've been doing some more research into the secret workings of this city...I've covered the Landgraabs and now I've turned my attentions to the chapter in the book about the Fengs.  They too have a rags to riches story and somehow they're part of this Triangle of Power" said Suzy.

"Oh yes, that.  Landgraab, Feng and Goth." said Jeremy.

"No, not Goth.  They're not the third part." said Neil.

"Then who is?" asked Jeremy.

"That part we're not sure of.  It's not a family, it's more like an organisation." said Neil.

"This organisation seems to pop up in the lives of the Landgraabs and Fengs, giving them assistance and material benefits that greatly benefit them and propel them to vast wealth and power.  Now in your time at Landgraab did you ever hear anyone talk about 'The Visitors'?"  asked Suzy.

"I don't think so..." said Jeremy.

"Did you overhear any strange conversations, or see any documents that seemed more out of the ordinary than usual?" asked Neil.

"Well...there's that tree in Willow Creek.  The one that leads to a weird place we can't explain.  And there's the brainwashing machine in company headquarters.  Oh yes, and there was that time Nancy acted all hyper and paranoid after....Lily Feng was shot at!" Jeremy said, excitedly, when he remembered that last detail.

"Do you still maintain any contacts within the Landgraab Corporation?" asked Suzy.

"I've not spoken to anyone there since I was fired" Jeremy replied.

"I know it's a big ask but we really need to find out more of what's going on with Landgraab and the Fengs.  Could you dust off one or two of your old contacts and ask them to look into a little matter...."

CHAPTER 233: The Hottest Gear

"OK, Barbara...you've got that look in your eye.  You seemed pleased as punch about something"

"Moi, Jeremy?  Maybe I am pleased about something."

"OK, we've had our anniversary...both of when we first met and our first date.  I've remembered your birthday...so what is it?  Halloween isn't for another few weeks..."

"The new stock is arriving today.  You know, that Carnaby Street fashion house has sent me some of their most exciting new clothing?"

"The stock that we paid quite a hefty price for?  I was sceptical when you said we should import directly from England."

"Jeremy, I know this stuff will sell.  We're heading into the Fall/Winter season and we need to freshen up our stock.  Everything British is cool right now:  The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, James Bond, Tom Jones, Mary Quant, Ozzie Clarke, Michael Caine.  This stock is what the young Mods in London are wearing and the Americans are lagging behind on this!"

"You make it sound like the space race"

"It's a culture race and the US is behind England right now.  I'm a Canadian:  I'm part English, part French and part American.  I can see things from a more balanced perspective.  Now eat up, darling...we've got to get to the shop early to set things up."

There was an air of palpable excitement about Barbara and Jeremy hadn't seen her this mix of anxiousness and excitement since she started the boutique.  They arrived in time to take delivery of boxes and boxes of clothing and then began the task of dressing the mannequins with the new items.

"It's just women's clothing, Jeremy, so just change the outfits on all our female dummies" said Barbara, getting into her role of shop manager.  

Jeremy had a sharp cutting knife in his hand and was slicing through the packing tape to open up the boxes.  He pulled out an item of clothing that was wrapped up in tissue paper, laid it across a table and opened it up.  A see-through black whisp of nothing much was contained within and he held it up to see what on earth it was...some kind of VERY diaphanous blouse.

"Erm...you're going to have to help me out here, Babs.  What is this?"

"That's a negligee, Jeremy.  It's part of an intimates collection.  In that same box should be some matching bras and knickers."

"Trust my luck to pick out underwear..." he said.  He had to admit it looked sexy and wondered if Barbara would like to model a set.

It took an hour and a half to dress all the mannequins and the result was that the female section of the boutique looked radically different to what had been for sale just yesterday.  It was a bold collection of outfits, to be sure, and Barbara was impressed by them but also had a small, nagging doubt as to how popular they would be with customers.  Just how many Mods were there in Sim City?

It was now 8:40 and there was time to kill before opening time.  Toni, their shop assistant, hadn't arrived yet so it was just the two of them, alone.  Barbara was excited at the prospect of opening the shop and having amazed and thrilled customers flocking to the boutique.  When she was feeling excited she tended to feel romantic towards Jeremy.  She took his hands and kissed them, gently saying "thank you for being a part of all this.  I wish we could just jump ahead 20 minutes in time so we won't have to wait."

 "What to do in 20 minutes?" said Jeremy, suggestively.  Barbara saw that look in his eye and smiled suggestively back at him.

"Well...Toni might show up any moment now so keep those dirty thoughts to yourself, Mr Saint!  However there was one outfit I was keen to display but we've run out of mannequins.  I was thinking I would become a human one myself and wear what I think is my favourite outfit of the new collection."

"It wouldn't be that black negligee set by any chance?" he asked.

"No, silly!  I'd catch a cold in that!  No, you wait here and I'll change out of this outfit and show you." she said, giving him a coquettish wave before disappearing into a changing room.

When she emerged Jeremy's jaw figuratively hit the floor.  He was also stuck for words, so striking was Barbara's outfit.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Ah...I...well...it's..."

"You don't like it?" she said, her glee suddenly gone and a worried look replacing it.

"No!  I mean, yes!  I mean...you look amazing!"  Said Jeremy, desperately trying to encourage her again.

"Do you think so?  This is THE Mod look!  I love the hat and the little boots as well.  I've long wanted a Mondrian dress and now I have one!"  Barbara was happy again in an instant her frown became a smile once more.

"Wait a minute...that outfit is still property of the business, not us." said Jeremy, his business mind suddenly kicking into gear.

"I will pay for it out of my own savings...I have to have it!  Everything:  The dress, the hat, earrings, boots and tights."

"I think you've outdone Suzy in the Mod stakes.  If we're ready to go, let's open up and see if your hunch pays off"

Toni arrived on the stroke of 9 and then 10 minutes later their first customer entered the boutique...but it was a man and thus the new collection wasn't what he was looking for.  It wasn't until nearly 10am that the first female customer entered and already she saw something interesting.

"Good morning, Madam, are you interested in this particular outfit?  It's brand new, from the House of Poppy all the way from Carnaby Street."

"Really?  The customer's face lit up at the words.  "I mean...it's so radical, so fab, it's great gear!  It reminds me of....erm...what does it remind me of?"

"You mean the contrast of the cream and black colours?  The Total Look?"

"A Rorschach ink blot test!  But in a good way!  I've gots to try it on!" 

"Certainly madam, the changing rooms are right along here."  Barbara was elated; an impressed customer!

 

Jeremy was likewise busy dealing with customers, all of whom were interested in the new range.

Lots of customers wanted to try things on, but there were no sales yet.  Barbara, Jeremy and Toni were all busy serving but the success or failure of this new range depended on sales and Barbara was now starting to fear that it was too experimental, too cutting edge to find success in this one city in the US.  Sim City was not as cosmopolitan as New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco nor a massive media and star driven place like L.A.

It took just one customer to determine the fate of this range.  A beautiful red headed young woman of college student age who had tried on many outfits but had yet to find the one she was truly interested in.

She said her name was Daphne and she was an amateur sleuth by trade, along with some other friends from college.  She wanted something in pink and purple; her two favourite colours and which she claimed were her signature look.  As it so happened there was one outfit in the new range that fit the criteria and it was a strapless minidress that was designed to be worn formally or at some trendy hot spot in town.  It came complete with complimentary accessories and when Daphne had tried it all on, she was ecstatic.  

She emerged from the changing room and stepped into the main shop, under the spotlights and modelled dress.  Barbara and Jeremy were impressed as this girl looked like a professional model.  This didn't go unnoticed by the other customers and when they saw Daphne taking centre stage in the boutique, it prompted a flurry of enquiries about whether Barbara had more in stock.

After Daphne had purchased the outfit, three other customers were interested in it and the stock flew off the shelves thereafter.  The 'ink blot' outfit also sold well and Barbara was relieved that at last she was making sales.

At the close of business they sat down in their little staffroom and went over how the day went.  It was one of Jeremy's ideas to install fridges stocked with food because he figured money and time could be saved if the option to eat on the premises existed.

"In the end we sold one male suit, two 'inkblot' outfits, 3 men's sweaters, 2 of those pink and purple party frocks and even 2 of those lingerie sets...in black." said Barbara, looking over her accounts book.

"At the mark up we put on those clothes we're well in profit today" replied Jeremy.  

"I knew those Mod fashions would sell, I had a good gut instinct" said Barbara.

"I won't doubt you again" said Jeremy.

"Mind you, you've become quite the salesman.  That man's suit, one of the party frocks and the sweaters were all down to you.  If you weren't already co-owner of the shop I'd have had to pay you a commission."

"I've always been able to learn new things quickly" he replied.

"Well, I'm very happy things are working out for us!"

"Indeed they are!  Say, how about we do our traditional thing and head on down to the Salty Paws Saloon for a few drinks, a little dance, some more drinks and a romantic evening stroll along the harbour?"

"And show off my new dress!" said Barbara.

"They won't know what hit them" replied Jeremy.

The sun was setting when they arrived at the Salty Paws Saloon; they had never been there during daytime but it was their regular, favourite watering hole.  Jeremy was still amazed at how fabulous Barbara looked to the point of being transfixed by her.

They had arrived just ahead of the crowd.  The Salty Paws could get very busy as the evening wore on with both people and cats...

Jeremy and Barbara noticed Eliza Pancakes was there as well...without Bob or their baby.  "Bob must have volunteered to babysit" said Jeremy.

"Volunteered?  Or maybe Eliza volunteered him?" said Barbara with a wry smile.

It wasn't long before the expected throng of patrons started showing up, some familiar, others new faces.  One familiar face was part of the extended "Foundry Cove Gang"; people who were close friends or family of those living in Foundry Cove.  On this occasion it was Francesca Griffiths, Julia's work colleague and best friend.

"Barbara!  Oh my gosh you look amazing!  Wonderful!  Is that a new outfit?  Where did you get it from?"  Francesca gushed enthusiastically.

"This is brand new...arrived at the shop first thing this morning and I had to have it.  We've got more in stock if you're interested"

"Oh I have to visit your boutique again, it's been too long.  Now can I get away with wearing a dress like that?"

"Of course you can!  Jeremy, do you think this dress would look fab on Francesca?" said Barbara as she put her boyfriend on the spot.

"Well...I mean...well...yes.  If you like bright colours and I think you do given the red and orange you're wearing." he stammered in reply.  "Let me buy you and Barbara a drink!  I could sure do with another..."

As Jeremy ordered another round of drinks Barbara managed to have a conversation with Francesca.

"How are things going right now?  How's Stefanie?" Barbara asked, sensitively.

Francesca nodded.  "We're getting there...the routine of work and school helps and everyone's been great, really great but I miss Rod so much and there are times when the grief gets to us.  Fortunately those days where I cry...and Stefanie as well...are getting fewer and farther between.  Julia's babysitting tonight and she's wonderful."

"She is...and she's great with children; has a natural rapport with them."

"I just wish she could find a good husband and start a family of her own" mused Francesca.

"You know what Julia's like with relationships...nothing romantic." said Barbara.

"Well, I'm not so sure anymore...she's been on a couple of dates, you know?"

"No way!  I didn't know." said Barbara in surprise.

"She doesn't talk about it much and the men she went out with were not right for her.  The thing is, there's a man who's perfect for her but...well...he's not around." said Francesca with a shrug.

"Vincent..." 

"Yes, Vincent.  She still holds a candle for him.  I hope and pray he comes back from the Congo to Sim City because he's the only man she's ever had genuine feelings for."

Barbara looked around the bar and noticed Eliza dancing with a man she didn't recognise.  "Oh now there could be trouble..." she said to Francesca.

"Oh Eliza, why be so blatant about it?" said Francesca, shaking her head.

After downing a second drink, Barbara and Jeremy were ready to hit the dance floor but her energy had left her and it was a struggle do manage anything more than zombie like shuffle on the dance floor.

"I think I should take you home" said Jeremy.

"Ugh, I think you should as well...My eyelids are so heavy right now!" Barbara replied.

"I'll call a cab and you can take a nap on the way home, come on, my gorgeous Mod fashion model"

They said goodbye to the regulars at the bar, especially Francesca and a tipsy Eliza (who was enjoying the attention of some men in the place), caught a cab and went home.  All the way Barbara had dozed off and rested her head on Jeremy's shoulder.

He looked at Barbara as she slept and thought about their future together.  She was the one, for sure, and he should put a ring on her finger but with only 4 weeks to go before Summer and Travis' wedding he didn't think it right to propose now because that might be seen as stealing their thunder.  Best to wait until after they return from honeymoon...but then when to plan his wedding for?  March or April 1967 at the earliest.  A spring wedding?  Maybe...

He thought about popping the question, when and where and how, all the way home whilst she slept in the back of the cab but when they got home she had woken up and had perked up a little.

"Hmmm, so good to be home" she said as she headed for the bedroom.  Before she kicked off her boots and took another moment to inspect herself in the mirror.  "Wow!  I love this outfit...it's my new favourite"

"You certainly turned heads...especially mine.  Once again, I'm so fortunate to be your boyfriend" said Jeremy.

"You are adorable and say all the right things..." she said, smiling at him.  

Like "would you do me the honour..." he thought to himself.

Barbara went towards him, threw her arms around him and gave him a big kiss.

"Hmmm, I thought you were tired?" he said when they broke apart for air.

"I was back at the Salty Paws...but now I'm feeling all sexy."

"You are, are you?  Then maybe you'll appreciate this!"

"Oh yes!  Hmmm, more!  Or maybe...we should move this to the bed?  Would you unzip me from my dress...carefully?"

"I will be the personification of delicacy"

Barbara threw her cap across the room and once out of her new dress she kicked off her boots and started to undress him.  Then they went straight to bed, got under the covers and had a steamy bit of woohoo.

Well, maybe not a white wedding now... he thought, mischievously.