CHAPTER 120: The Chase

"STOP!  IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!" Yelled Action as he gave chase to the mysterious woman who went by the name of Leanne MacGregor.  She was the new chief suspect in the attempt to kill Policewoman Marina Beckett, Alan Cuffe, Madelyn Buchanan and Lily Feng.  Action had been alerted to Leanne's presence in Foundry Cove by his neighbour, Suzy Kent, an intrepid reporter who had done much to uncover who was behind these crimes.  Suzy had spotted Leanne in the street, confronted her and found out her name before being threatened by the strange woman.  Suzy then immediately roused Action, who grabbed his .38 service revolver and set off in pursuit.

Action had an athlete's physique and was able to run at speed as soon as he shot out of his front door.  Within seconds he had turned the corner into the main road and could see Leanne up ahead.  He yelled his challenge, all the while preparing to ready his revolver in case she was armed.  But the woman just walked casually ahead, not gathering pace but not slowing down either.  She completely ignored the challenge he had shouted and walked on.

"STOP!  POLICE!" he yelled again, gun in hand.  She ignored him and walked on.  Action was perplexed:  He was running at full speed and yet despite the fact she appeared to be casually walking he hadn't gained on her:  She was always constantly 30 feet away from him, he didn't understand how.  He now considered firing a warning shot to stop her but, suddenly, the brilliant white headlights of a car which was heading towards him momentarily blinded his vision.  

When he'd recovered his eyesight, seconds later, Leanne was nowhere to be seen.

Action was mystified by all this:  Where did she go?  How did she maintain that same distance from him despite his chasing after her?  He looked down the road:  It was the main road through Foundry Cove with no side streets for 500 yards in the direction she was heading so she couldn't have gone down there.  He frantically looked into people's front yards and in the communal garden in case she was hiding but she was nowhere to be found.  Perhaps she lived locally and had vanished into one of these houses?  He decided to go door to door, prepared to wake people up if necessary, to find her.  After two hours of this he'd turned up nothing:  No one had seen her, no one had heard of her name and although some people had heard him shouting to her to stop, no one had witnessed anything.  He went back home, called Precinct 13 and explained the situation to the head of the night shift.  An APB was put out for any units in the area who had seen her:  They were to detain her and take her to the precinct house.

The next day Action arrived for his shift despite only getting 4 hours sleep the night before.  This case had now moved up a gear and he was too restless and fired up to take things easy.  He headed straight to his desk in the squad room to file a full report on what he had seen and the actions he took the previous evening.  Seeing Action working frantically at his desk, Duty Sergeant Kitchen approached him.

"Did Night Shift find anything, Sarge?" Action asked.

Kitchen shook his head.  "They did a thorough house to house search and turned up nothing" he replied.

"Well, we've got a name, an age and a physical description so the next step is to get a photofit image of her and get it to all units." said Action.

"Have you considered that might not be her real name?" asked Kitchen.

Action said nothing but gave Kitchen a look that said "don't insult my intelligence".  

A uniformed policeman entered the squad room and said "The chief wants to see you, Action".  Action got up from behind his desk and went to the Chief's office.

Two other police officers were present, one of them being Cole Michaels of the Juvenile Investigation Team...or 'Mod Squad' as it was informally known as.

"Action!" bellowed the Chief.  "What's the latest on this woman?"

"I'm getting a photofit image of her so we can distribute that to all our mobile units, witnesses and newspapers.  We have a name...which is probably false but nonetheless a name she uses.  She gave her age as 27, which fits her physical description and another clue is that she says she's originally from out of town."

There was more Action could have mentioned:  The claims she was a hypnotist, or could levitate or that strange way she could just stay ahead of him as he chased her without breaking into a run.  To bring up those things to the Chief would probably lead him to being suspended and sent off to see a psychiatrist.  Instead, Action suppressed that information.

"So how did she get away?" said the Chief.

"She's skilled at escape and evasion, she managed to infiltrate Cuffe's house and plant a bomb and she's most likely the one who tried to shoot Lily Feng.  My guess is that she's a spook" replied Action.

"A spook?" the Chief didn't recognise the term.

"A spy, a secret agent...maybe one of ours, more likely a foreign agent.  That hint 'I'm from out of town' could be a clue.  It fits that she's works or has worked for some Intelligence agency."

The Chief paced up and down the office.  "Dammit!  If that's the case then we'll have the F.B.I. and the N.S.A. on our backs!  The paperwork...the paperwork!" he said.

"Sir...I want to get back out on the street, I want to shake down my informants...one of them should give us a lead." said Action.

The Chief nodded before turning to Cole.  "And I want your team to work their contacts and informants as well.  Apparently she's a fashionable young woman so she might be known in the latest trendy spots...your pimply squad should know where to look"

Cole said a brisk "yes sir!".

Action and Cole left the Chief's office and walked down the hall to the reception area together.

"So, Action, what avenue will you be pursing next?" Cole asked.

"Question everyone working for Cuffe and the Fengs.  Maybe this Leanne works in either organisation or has a contact in them.  I've asked one of Cuffe's Kittens to meet me here to give a statement.

"Well...if you need any help interrogating her then I'm available" said Cole.  "I mean I could be good cop, you could be bad cop"

"Easy bucko..." said Action.  "I know your angle:  This isn't a pick-up joint.  You get your squad out there into the clubs and I'll work with Miss Black Cat herself".  They could see, at the front desk, a strikingly attractive black woman who Action recognised from the time he had attended a Kitten Club meeting.  Her name was Yadira Rosado but was known publicly as Miss Black Cat:  Kitten of the Month for May 1966.  

"Yadira, good of you to come down" Action said.  "I need to ask some questions about the fire"

"Sure" Yadira replied.  "But I wasn't there so all I know is what I learned from Alan and Madelyn...oh, and what I saw on the news"

"Maybe you can shed some light on another matter" Action replied.  "Does the name Leanne McGregor ring any bells for you?"

"No, can't say it does" replied Yadira.

"Take a look at this picture...does she seem familiar?" he said, showing her the photofit image.  Yadira studied it for 10 seconds.

"Yeah, she does seem familiar.  I've seen her about...we did a show down at the Blue Velvet club last month and I saw her in the crowd.  It was weird; everyone was dancing and grooving but not her...that's why I remember...it seemed odd and out of place that she wasn't joining in.  Then, last week, I saw her again outside the Kitten Club in Newcrest when we had the big grand opening.  Again, she didn't come in to the club but she was hanging around for quite a while outside.  I remember arriving at the club in my normal clothes, going in to change into my costume and when I was ready I walked past the entrance and she was still there!  Half an hour after I'd arrived and still standing in the same spot!" 

 All this went into Action's notes but now he had to follow up this lead and head over to the newly built Kitten Club itself.

The club had opened only last week and was one of the brand new developments in Newcrest.  It looked pretty smart on the outside and Action was impressed.  He couldn't work out if Alan Cuffe, the founder of the Kitten Club and proprietor of Lothario magazine was the sexually liberated man of pleasure he made himself out to be or was he hiding something more sinister and criminal?

The interior didn't disappoint either.  It was large, modern and decked out in black, white and red.  Action sauntered past the bar and noticed the large dance floor in an adjacent room.  He nodded to the bartender "Is the boss in?" he asked.

"Upstairs" the man replied.

Action headed straight upstairs to find Cuffe and noticed his assistant, Madelyn, dressed up in her Kitten outfit and talking to a smart looking business type.

"Why, Detective Action, is this a business visit or....are you here for pleasure?" she said, flirtatiously.

"It's business today.  Is Cuffe around?" replied Action.

"He's over there...shame you're here on business.  Why not visit another time and have a little fun instead?" she said, winking at him.

"I might just do that" said Action.

Action saw Cuffe in the distance, talking to a member of his staff.  He sauntered over to the man and directly interrupted their conversation.

"Under no circumstances are the staff to reveal any of their personal details:  Last names, addresses or phone numbers.  You got that?" said Cuffe.  The man nodded.

"Mr Cuffe" said Action.

"Detective...you have this unerring gift of showing up when I'm at my busiest" replied Cuffe.

"I need to ask some more questions"

"I figured that the moment I saw you enter...let's go over here; it's more discrete."  Cuffe showed Action over to a seating area with deep, leather sofas.  "Do you like the place, Detective?  This is phase 3 of my grand business plan."

"What were phases 1 & 2?" asked Action.

"Phase 1 was the establishment of Lothario magazine, phase 2 was the creation of a social club and an image in human form..."

"The Kittens"

"That's right.  This is phase 3:  The building of a bricks and mortar venue for men of taste and sophistication to meet women who can satisfy those needs"

"Some might call that prostitution" said Action, cynically.

"Detective, I am disappointed with your grubby imagination.  This is not vice...no money changes hands for 'services rendered'.  This is a venue to facilitate liberated social interaction, I make money from club membership, food and drink and merchandising.  Now I thought you were investigating the attempts on mine and Madelyn's lives"

"And also my colleague, Marina" said Action.

"Of course.  I hear she's been discharged from hospital now.  Excellent news.  Now what do you wish to ask me about?"

Action pulled out the photofit image.  "Do you recognise this woman?  She goes by the name of Leanne McGregor" he said.

Cuffe took the image and looked at it, at one time holding it at arms length from his face.  "Hmmm, can't say I do" was all he replied.

"Look at it again.  This woman was standing for half an hour outside of your club on the opening day.  One of your closest members of staff remembers seeing her and I bet if I asked around more would recognise her as well.  Funny that you don't, seeing that you oversaw everything on that opening day."

"Well, the face does seem quite familiar..." said Cuffe, nonchalantly.

"She was also the woman seen standing outside your home on the morning of the fire, the woman seen talking to Nancy Landgraab."  

"I was a little preoccupied that morning with Marina at that time, so to speak"

"I bet you were" said Action, cynically.  "I'll ask you again; do you recognise this woman and believe me, Cuffe, I'll haul each and every one of your staff down to the station to interrogate them until I get a straight answer.  You could save a lot of lost time and business if you level with me now."

Cuffed hummed and eventually said "Yes, I have met her...only the once.  I met her at a bar in Willow Creek and got chatting.  I thought she had the potential to become a Lothario Kitten and offered her a position in my organisation.  She declined and looking back I think it was a good decision:  There was something in her manner that was cold and remote...not the qualities I look for in a Kitten."

"And on the day of the opening?" continued Action.

"Well....yes..." Cuffe was getting defensive now.  "A couple of times but I was too busy to take an interest in what she was doing there."

"I'm getting the impression you're not being entirely straight with me" said Action, a forceful tone in his voice.  "This woman clearly makes you nervous just talking about her.  What else do you know?"

"Look, Action, she's way above your pay grade.  Don't ask me how I know, I just know that she's best left to the F.B.I. or C.I.A. or someone at that level.  A local plod just won't cut it even if he does swagger around in a fancy suit."

"Is she a foreign intelligence agent?  I have good reason to suspect she is" said Action, homing in on what Cuffe had just said.

Cuffe paused and looked at a random patch of the carpet as he composed his thoughts.  "Yes...along those lines, Detective.  Like I said, she's above your grade."

Action stood up, pointed his index finger at Cuffe's chest and pressed hard.  "Don't hold ANYTHING back from me in future, Cuffe.  Or else I might just have to run a background check on your staff"

Action walked away but paused to speak with Madelyn again.  "Say, Madelyn" he began "do you recognise this woman?" he said, showing her the image.

"Yeah, that's the woman who came to fix the electrics in the living room" said Madelyn.

Action nodded and walked out of the club but as he did so he saw a familiar face, and not particularly a welcome one either.  Aurora Ahmed:  A career criminal who specialised in breaking and entry.  He'd busted her a few months ago for her part in a string of robberies but the D.A. cut a deal before she went to trial where she gave up some names of pretty important organised crime bosses in exchange for a suspended sentence.  Now she was here in the Kitten Club.

"Well, well, well, a bad penny always shows up" he said, sitting next to her.  "You should be doing jail time"

"I cut a deal with the D.A....I don't want to do another stretch in the slammer so...get this...I'm now a paid police informant.  Get a load of that" she replied.

"There's no justice in this world.  But seeing as you're an informant now and I'm still the law I need to put you to work."

"I charge a fee" she replied.

"I'm sure you do.  Here's 50 Simoleons to get you started.  I want to find this woman" he said, once again showing the image.  "The name's Leanne McGregor, age 27, probably foreign but speaks English fluently.  We think she's with some kind of secret agent."

Aurora studied the photo.  "And if I find her I want a bonus" she said.

Action then headed to downtown San Myshuno where he had more informants.  It was the same routine:  Show the photo and give out the name.  

After pounding the beat, he did see one more person he was keen on speaking with:  The woman who began this whole investigation when a folder containing photographs from a fashion shoot belonging to her was snatched by a local petty criminal working for someone higher up and unknown.  That woman's name was Penny Pizazz.

"Miss Pizazz" said Action as he approached her.

"Detective....Action, is it?" she replied.

"That's right, do you have a moment to talk?"

"Sure, Detective, what's up?"

"Those photographs that were stolen from you?  Were they all the photos that were taken that day?"

"Oh goodness me, no" she replied emphatically.  "The photographer will shoot reels and reels of film but only select the very best for publication, which is what I had in that folder."

"What happens to the other photos, the one's not chosen?" asked Action.

"Well, the photographer will have the negatives of those and the proof sheets:  That's a photo print of all the negatives...small, thumbnail sized images...on one photograph."

"Where can I find the photographer who took them?"

"His name's Michael Hemmingstamp but he's a British photographer who spends most of his time in the UK and only occasionally visits Sim City."

Action cursed under his breath.  He needed to see those photographs to see if one of them captured the gunman more clearly.  "Well, if you hear from him or he returns to the city can you give me a call straight away...here's my card.  Thank you"

Action headed back to Precinct 13 to report on and type up everything he'd gathered today then he finished his shift and headed home...late.  It had been a day of slow progress; of piecing together fragments of information about Leanne McGregor.  He had done pretty much all he could have done, it was now in the hands of the police force as a whole to use that information and hunt her down.

As he arrived at Foundry Cove he saw a familiar face lurking on the street corner:  Aurora Ahmed.

"Aurora, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"I've come to tell you, Action, I'm out."  She looked bothered by something or someone.

"What?  Did you find something out about McGregor?"

"I found things out and I don't want to be anywhere near your case...she's dangerous, Action, and you're out of your depth!  Take my advice; quit this case as well."

"What did you find out?" said Action, forcefully.  "Do you need more money?"

Aurora shook her head.  "You can't afford to pay that much to keep me involved!  This is my life, Action, and the risks are too great.  McGregor is highly dangerous and you'll be a gonner if you mess with her."

"WHAT.  DID. YOU.  FIND.  OUT?" He repeated, shaking her by the shoulders.  She shrugged him off. 

"No...I'm out.  Drop the case...hand it over to the Feds...or the Army." and with that she walked off into the night.

CHAPTER 119: Leanne

 

The offices of the trendy youth magazine, 'Hey, Wow!' were always a hive of activity.  Every day there was some new trend, a celebrity event...or scandal...or another cultural zeitgeist moment that needed to be reported on.  That was Suzy's job; to find what the 'now' was or to discover what might be the next big thing.  But she was torn between the pop culture phenomena she was meant to report on and what she was increasingly becoming obsessed by:  The conspiracy of The Triangle of Power and the suspicious...and even downright criminal...activities of the Landgraab family.

But today she had to focus on an article about fashion and just that.  There was a midday deadline to reach and she was determined to get the piece...about whether the colour pink should be worn by men...done so she could be free to research and write about the conspiracy.  After writing 500 words on  the new trend of a well tailored pink shirt for men was the in-thing she finished the article with a flourish and presented it to her editor.

"There you go, one article on men's fashion as promised" she said, handing the draft article to her editor.

"Very good, very good" she replied, giving the article a quick skim read.  "But...before you slope off on one of your crime articles I have a field assignment for you"

"Oh..." said Suzy, not expecting this. 

"Yes" replied the editor.  "There's the comic book convention in town:  With the Llamaman TV series such a hit I want you there to get the low down on where the kids are at with this show and the comic book scene in general.  Will there be Llamaman copycat shows?  Webweaver?  The Bulk?  Superiorman?"

"But comic books aren't my scene!" said Suzy.

"Neither was crime reporting but you picked that up quick enough.  Now go, and try not to give the nerds a heart attack"

Suzy headed down to San Myshuno to see what was going on at this comic festival.  It really wasn't her scene as she preferred movies, art, music and even television instead of comics.  When she got there she found a few stalls devoted to the Llama Man show plus a bit on real science focussed on space exploration.  However, the place was hardly a hive of activity...in fact, it was sparsely attended and most people looked bored.  Wherever the zeitgeist was, it certainly wasn't here.

But one person caught Suzy's eye.  She recognised her from somewhere and it took a while to put a name to the face...or at least, a nickname.  She was a trendy red headed young woman with a distinctive beauty spot on one side of her mouth and that's what rang a bell in Suzy's mind.  She was a model, but more specifically she was Miss Ginger, March's Lothario Kitten of the Month.  That meant she was close to Alan Cuffe and Suzy was very keen to find out more about the recent fire...and the attempted assassination in the Fashion District.

"Excuse me, you're Miss Ginger, aren't you?" said Suzy.

"Well, yes I am...are you a fan?" the woman replied, looking Suzy up and down and giving a smile of approval that could be mistaken for flirting.

"Not exactly" replied Suzy.  "I'm a reporter for 'Hey, Wow' magazine...oh, and I've wrote that article about Malcolm Landgraab in last month's Lothario magazine"

"I remember that article...so you're Suzy Kent?  Alan's mentioned you a few times" said Miss Ginger.  "By the way, my name's Tasha" she added.

"Pleased to meet you.  Do you have a few moments to spare?" asked Suzy.  "It's about Alan, actually"

"Sure...the scene here is deader than pleats.  What do you want to know about Alan?  I should warn you I DON'T do kiss and tell stories" replied Tasha.

"I'm not interested in gossip.  For one thing, how is he doing after the fire?"

Tasha took a deep breath.  "Not well, at least he's not his usual self." she said with a sigh.  "We haven't been having Kitten Club meetings at the moment and he locks himself away a lot of the time."

"What about Madelyn?  Does she keep you informed about what's going on?"

"She spends most of her time caring for Alan at the moment.  She's running the day to day business at the moment.  Alan is writing, painting and keeping himself to himself.  He seems distracted whenever I see him.  I think the fire has got to him deep down."

"Because it nearly killed someone?" Suzy pushed Tasha further on the subject.

"No...I mean, he cares that the police lady makes a full recovery but...there's something else bothering him, I'm sure.  It's not what happened, it's who did it.  That seems to scare him more than anything else"

"Do you have any idea of who that could be?  Has Alan or Madelyn said anything to you?"

Tasha shook her head.  "No.  I have no clue...we were all questioned by the police about the fire and the shooting a few weeks ago but I wasn't present at either.  I get my information well after the fact"

Suzy nodded quietly at this information and thanked Tasha for her time.  Alan suspected someone, that's for sure, but who?

Tasha left the scene but another person who was under suspicion had arrived:  None other than Nancy Landgraab.  The powerful maven of society saw Suzy and made straight for her with a look on her face that indicated she wanted to have it out with the young reporter.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in" said Nancy, dismissively.

"Nancy" replied Suzy, not wanting to rise to the bait.

"It's Mrs Landgraab to you" Nancy replied, coldly.  "I'll have you know that your hatchet job on my son has failed:  The D.A. has dropped all charges against him."

"I only reported on what he did:  Malcolm was selling drugs and everything in my article can be verified.  Now if your smart lawyers managed to cut a deal with the D.A. then that's not my problem" replied Suzy, defiantly.

"Just stay away from my family in future!" said Nancy.

Suzy paused for a moment but did not break eye contact with her.  Then, calmly, she said "you were in the area when the fire bomb went off at Alan Cuffe's.  What did you see?"

Nancy gulped.  "I don't have to answer that" she said, nervously.

"You just did...in a way.  Or should I be asking who did you see there that day?"

"You know nothing, little girl!" said Nancy before walking off in a huff.

Suzy nodded to herself.  The question that needed to be answered was who did Nancy see outside of Alan Cuffe's house that day?  Chances are it was probably the same person who tried to shoot Lily and Madelyn.

But the scene changed again with the arrival of her fiancé, Neil, who had just finished his first work shift of the day.  He saw Suzy, smiled and waved to her before jogging over to give her an enthusiastic kiss on the cheek.

"I stopped by your office and they said you were here...how's it going?" he asked her.

"Well, it's been a day of twists and turns.  I didn't expect to be here at this convention which, to be frank, is pretty boring BUT I've had some very interesting conversations which will need following up" she replied.

Neil narrowed his eyes.  "Conversations about...the 'Triangle of Power'?  Well then, let's talk about what you found out over a drink.  There's a bar right over there."  he said.

After they got their drinks and sat down, Neil could hear Suzy's account of her conversations with both Tasha and Nancy.

"I think this boils down to this" he began.  "Either the Landgraabs are trying to kill the Fengs and the Fengs retaliated by fire bombing Cuffe's home because Cuffe is in league with the Landgraabs OR someone else we don't know about wants to kill all of them."

"Oh you make it sound so simple and straightforward" said Suzy, gently mocking him.  "I'm more inclined to think a mysterious third party is involved."  

"You mean, the Visitors, or whatever they're called?" said Neil.

"Yes.  But we have no clues as to who they are...or even if it really is a group...we don't have one single name"

"Could it be Villareal or Goth?" Neil posed the question.

Suzy shook her head.  "I don't believe the Goths are involved, based on my dealings with them.  The Villareals?  Yes there's suspicion about the father but he's not linked to either Cuffe, the Landgraabs or the Fengs.  Oh it's so frustrating knowing that we just need one tiny bit of information to move forwards on this case!"

"I like how you say 'we' when it comes to investigating this:  I feel properly invested in it now" said Neil, smiling.  He looked at his watch "Oh crap!  I've just remembered that we're booked in to view the wedding chapel at 3 and it's 2:15 now!  Drink up, we need to get to Newcrest pronto!"

Suzy looked shocked and gulped down the last of her Sweet n' Spicy before grabbing her bag and running off to the subway station with Neil.  They'd managed to book a provisional date for the wedding at the most desirable and exclusive wedding venue in Sim City and they did not want to end up on the chapel's naughty list.

 

The moment they stepped into the chapel they knew this just had to be the place for the wedding ceremony.  It was furnished in white and pale colours mixing Edwardian, Belle Epoch and Gilded Age styles with a small pond and garden at the front, an expansive rear open air section for dining and a beautifully decorated chapel itself which intertwined flowers around the pillars.  Suzy loved it and Neil loved everything that she liked.  It was settled; this was to be the venue and they finalised the administration there and then.

That whole business took two hours and so it was straight on home for dinner.  Afterwards, as Suzy cleared away the dishes and Neil was engrossed with the latest episode of 12 O'Clock High, she was pondering all that she had learned today.  This case was eating her up.  As she put the last clean plate away and wiped the sink she turned to Neil and said "I want to pop over the road to visit Action...see if he can shed any light about the case?  Is that OK?"

Neil looked up from the TV.  "Yeah, that's cool.  Do you want me to come with you?" he asked.

"It's sweet you want to get involved by you've had a longer and harder working day than me so you relax and I'll see you in a bit.  I'll only be over the road."

Suzy walked over to Action's house and knocked at the door.  She heard footsteps approaching, a click from something and finally a voice from the other side.  "Who is it?"

"It's Suzy, are you free to talk?" she replied.  The door chain was undone and the door opened.  Action waved her in and holstered his service issue .38 revolver.  

"What's going down, sis?" he asked.

"Just our regular catch up on this case.  I had a little tete-a-tete with Nancy Landgraab and one of the Lothario Kittens:  Miss Ginger." she replied.

Action's face lit up "Oh Miss Ginger...I've had the briefest of pleasures meeting her.  And both of them gave information to you?  Even Nancy Landgraab?"

"Not directly" said Suzy.  "Tasha...that's Miss Ginger's name...said that Alan's taken this really hard and that it's playing on his mental health as if he knows more about it but can't speak up.  And when I put it to Nancy that she knew who set off the bomb and saw it happen she reacted extremely defensively.  That's when I realised that the rumour that Nancy was right outside Alan's house and was with someone is actually true.  Can you confirm that?"

Action took a deep breath.  "Yeah, we're looking for someone" he said.

"Do you have a name for them?" asked Suzy.

"We don't have a name, just a description.  She's young, long dark hair, dark brown eyes, always wearing the same outfit whenever there's been trouble and she's been around"

"You mean she's got criminal form?" said Suzy.

"Nothing we can nab her for.  But twice she's shown up where a crime's been committed and someone has pointed the finger of suspicion at her.  And there's something strange about her as well:  She's seen wearing this black and white dress with an orange sweater underneath and a black cap all the time.  Witnesses say she has this penetrating stare, as if she's trying to hypnotise them.  There's some more outlandish claims made about her but I chalk that up to a bit of hysteria."

Suzy wrote this all down.  "And that's all you know about her?"

"All I know.  Heck, I even questioned her some months back and noticed that intense stare but I didn't think much of it at the time until this fire at Cuffe's place and witnesses putting her at the scene.  I'm hitting a dead end trying to find her but I know you are useful when it comes to this kind of thing:  Your information in the past has helped us catch criminals, even though Malcolm Landgraab wriggled out of a sentence in court.  Can you help me track down this woman?"

"I'll do what I can.  Thanks for the tip off, Action"

Suzy left his house and was heading home when she saw someone right at the end of the street.  "I do not believe this." she said out loud to herself.  At the end of Foundry Cove was a woman crossing the road:  A woman in a black and white print dress, orange sweater, black cap and with long black hair.  Suzy had to think fast:  She could call for Action but if this was the same woman he was looking for then she'd be tipped off because she would recognise him as a policeman.  Suzy had to get a name at least, she would approach this woman directly.

"Hello there, can I speak with your for just a couple of minutes?" said Suzy, approaching the woman with a disarming and innocent smile.

"Erm, yeah, what's this about?" replied the woman.

"My name is Suzy Kent, I'm a reporter at Hey Wow magazine...have you heard of it?"

"I have, I usually read Smogue" the woman said, flatly.  "I'm not interested in a subscription"

"I'm not here to sell you a subscription.  I'm a fashion reporter and I saw your outfit and it's so much the in thing right now I wanted to ask you a few questions about it...if you don't mind.  I promise I won't take up much of your time"

"O...K..." the woman replied with a hint of scepticism in her voice.

"So where is that outfit from?  Do you know the designer's name?" Suzy asked, still innocently.

"I don't.  It's off the peg and I can't remember the name of the shop"

"That's a shame.  Is this a style of dress you regularly wear?  What attracted you to that outfit in the first place?"

"Yeah, it's my style and I like the pattern, the colour combination and it's as you said:  Trendy."

"That's great...OK, I just want to finish up by asking some background questions; probably won't end up in the article I'm writing but it's more for my notes really.  Can I get your name and age?"

"My name?" said the woman, her eyes narrowing.  "Well yes, my name is Leanne MacGregor and I'm 27 years old"

"And do you live in Sim City or are you visiting?"

"Both:  I reside but I'm not originally from here" now the woman looked very suspiciously at Suzy.  "What magazine did you say you worked for again?"

Suzy felt the Leanne's eyes glaring at her.  She felt like this woman was looking into her mind and soul as she did not blink once but maintained an intense eye contact with her.

"Hey Wow..." said Suzy, almost in a trance.  "I know a writer over at Smogue:  Davis Goode...he's kind of strange.  Have you read any of his stuff?"

Leanne suddenly snapped.  "He's their BEST writer and I won't hear a word said against him!  I don't believe you, Miss Kent.  I don't believe you're interested in what I wear...why did you approach me?  WHY?"

Suzy recoiled.  The intensity of this woman could be felt from a range of just two feet.  Suzy was now frightened of Leanne as there was something malevolent in the way she glared at her.  She had to get away.

"You can check with my office, I'm genuine!" Suzy replied, nervously.

"Oh I'll do that...and if I find you're lying to me I'll make you pay dearly!" said Leanne.

Leanne pointed a finger at Suzy:  It was long and thin, like a dagger held in the air and Suzy wouldn't have been surprised if at that moment Leanne had stabbed her with it.  Suzy started to back away without saying anything.  Leanne watched her walk off, tracking her all the way down the street.  Suzy turned and walked slowly so as to not look suspicious but instead of heading home, she headed to Action's house.  She knocked softly at the door.

"Action!" she whispered hoarsely "It's her!  I've seen the suspect and she's at the bottom of our road right now!"

The door rattled as it was unlocked and Action stood on the porch with his .38 service revolver in his hand.  "She's here?" he said, scanning the scene.

"Yes!  Right at the end of the road!  There!  She's heading past the communal garden!" exclaimed Suzy.

Action took his gun and ran down the road.  He could just about see Leanne walking away in the distance so he increased his pace.  The chase was on!

CHAPTER 118: Lunch Date

 

"...and add a touch of nutmeg and KERPOW!  Let the culinary magic take place!" Jeremy was treating Barbara to a special breakfast concoction:  Scrambled eggs a la Saint.  When he arrived in Willow Creek he basically knew how to boil water and now, after reading a bunch of cookbooks and watching the cooking channel he was imagining himself as a male Julia Child.

"It smells wonderful" said Barbara, who was taken aback by all this attention and level of detail Jeremy was putting into this breakfast.  The fact he was wearing sunglasses whilst cooking just made him look more cool.  But the proof of the pudding was in the eating and it was a hit with her.  

"You went the extra mile this morning" she said.

"Well, it's been a busy week for both of us...I thought I'd treat you and it's only just the morning" 

"Boy, has it been busy!" she replied.  "Ugh, I don't want to put a cloud on things but I've got to stop by the shop and do a stock update"

"Do you want any help with that?" 

"I don't want to put you out..."

"I don't mind at all" he said, taking her hands in his gently.  "This shop is our investment, I want to help out"

"OK then, but I promise it won't take long...but you can't go out looking like you're going for a run" she said.

After Jeremy had changed into something more sensible they headed off to Magnolia Promenade.  Pack's Clothing on a Sunday with no customers felt very relaxing to Barbara:  She could bask in her fledgling business, see the finer details of the shop's pop art design and contemplate more and ambitious fashion to sell.

"Right, I've checked the stock list and the weekly account ledger and it all adds up" said Jeremy as he exited the office and was walking over to Barbara.

"Oh that's good" she replied.  "I changed a couple of the outfits on the mannequins and all's looking good for tomorrow."

"And you'll be pleased to note that business was good last week.  Sales up on the previous one." 

"Are you my accountant now, Jeremy?"

"I come cheap...you only have to pay me in kind" he replied.

"Oh really?" she said suggestively.  

Jeremy gulped as he realised that he'd inadvertently said something risqué.  

"You're such a darling" she said to him, gently stroking his arm.  "Now, I've bored you with the stock taking; what would you like to do next?  Your choice" 

"You know...It's such a lovely day..." he began.  Barbara nodded enthusiastically.

"...and peaceful.  Just you and me, by the river, watching the paddle boat go by, lots of discrete places around here..."

"I'm liking the sound of this so far" said Barbara, anticipating what he was going to suggest.

"So I was thinking we could sit outside and..."

"...play chess.  Swell" she said, flatly.  After all that build up she should have realised that her loyal, upstanding and gentlemanly boyfriend was a bit of a square.  But fair's fair; she did make him do a stock check on a Sunday so why not have a game of chess as a way of reciprocating?

Jeremy won...Barbara had only recently taken up the game as a way of spending more time with him but Jeremy himself was only a novice a few months ago.  She had to agree with him that Magnolia Promenade on a Spring Sunday was a lovely spot for hanging out.

"You pushed me hard in that game" he said.  "Well done.  How about another game?  One a little bit different?"

"Like Checkers?" she replied.

"Nothing like that....come..." he said, standing up and taking her by the hand.

"Hmmm, now this is a game I could get very used to" said Barbara as their lips parted.

"I was thinking...how about I take you somewhere special for lunch?  Like the Villa Bovine?" he said.

"Now you're talking!" she replied.  "But I couldn't possibly wear this dress to somewhere like that"

"What's wrong with what you're wearing?  It looks fabulous"

"Jeremy, leave the fashion to me...trust me on this one:  For the Villa Bovine we'll need to look our best.  We can be home in 10 minutes, get changed, and be at the restaurant for lunch.  You can't wear a jacket with elbow patches to a place like that"

"Can't I?" said Jeremy, looking at his elbows to see what was wrong with his jacket.

"Of course not!  Let's go" she said, this time taking his hand.

Jeremy wore his trendy suit; the one that was recommended to him by Suzy Kent.  Barbara changed out of her outfit and into a brand new skirt suit she had purchased the day the bank approved the loan to buy the shop:  It was so new it was still in its box.  Jeremy's jaw hit the floor when he saw her dressed to the nines.

"I didn't know you had that suit" he said, looking up and down at her in amazement.  "You look...stunning"

"Thanks.  This is about the most expensive outfit I've ever bought...I was saving it for Suzy's wedding but I can't wait that long.  I'm glad you like it"

Jeremy more than just liked it, it was the kind of well tailored suit that would make him proud to be seen with her.

It was a risk choosing the Villa Bovine as they hadn't booked ahead but they were in luck.  There was one table for two available.

"Luck is on our side" said Barbara, as they were seated.

"Luck?  Pshaw!  You're too stunning to turn away" he replied.

"Hello...my name is Zane and I'll be your waiter today" said a dapper young man with a neat moustache and even neater waiter outfit.  "The chef's special today is Butternut Gnocci with fresh pesto and garnished with wild rocket and pine nuts...would you also like the wine list?"

Jeremy looked to Barbara to see if she wanted any and she nodded enthusiastically.  "Yes, thank you Zane"

"Voila" he said, handing them the list.  "I shall return when you're ready to order" 

"Would we need to signal to you when we are?" asked Jeremy.

"Sir, I will just know when the time is right"  said Zane, confidently.

"You know, I'm tempted by the butternut gnocchi" said Barbara.  

"How about a bottle of white to share?  I'll think I'll try this one...no...erm....maybe that one instead, he said choosing a wine based purely on how nice the description of it sounded."

No sooner had they shut their menus than Zane returned.

"Are you ready to order?" he said.

"Yes, I'll have the chef's special" said Barbara.

"An excellent choice, Madam.  And for you sir?"

"The minestrone...oh and the Zinfandel" Jeremy replied.

"Very good" said Zane, finishing writing the order down with a little flourish of the pen.

"Can we afford to eat here?" asked Barbara, nervously.

"I said the accounts were good and they are.  Between the shop making a profit and my salary we're doing OK.  Why not treat ourselves from time to time?"

"I'm so glad you're keeping an eye on things.  I sometimes think what big thing we should do next?" mused Barbara.  Jeremy froze for a moment:  A big thing might mean getting married and was he ready for that step?

"For example" she continued.  "Should we keep living in our little house with our fantastic neighbours or move out to somewhere a bit bigger?"

Jeremy breathed a sigh of relief.  "Well, our finances aren't quite there for a move.  We sunk a lot of savings into the shop.  But with moving, where did you have in mind?"

"Not far...Newcrest or another part of Willow Creek.  I don't want to have to commute a vast distance to the shop or lose touch with our friends"

"I'm glad you said that and not move to Canada" he joked.

"What's wrong with Canada?" she said, looking offended.

"Oh nothing...actually, I've never been there.   I just meant that it would be too far from our friends and work."

"Could our finances stretch to visiting my family in Montreal some time soon?" she said, smiling invitingly at him.

Jeremy froze again.  Meeting the parents...that's another bold move.  That was moving things along as well.  He thought for a brief moment; yes, the time was right to meet the parents.  "When I get some vacation time, yes.  I'd like that."

"I mean my brothers can get a bit rowdy and my dad distrusts all my old boyfriends but they'll all love you"

"Old...boyfriends?" he said, nervously.  

"Maybe we could also make a trip to Crested Butte to visit your family?" she asked, not picking up on Jeremy's comment.

"Well, there's not many of them left.  Mum and dad passed away a few years ago and it's just my two aunts now...but they'd love to meet you:  I've mentioned you in letters to them."

"Aww, how sweet you still write to your aunts" she said, reaching out to touch his hand.

Meanwhile, over at the next table, Geoffrey and Nancy Landgraab were engaged in a deep conversation.

 "I'm worried about what the Visitors might try next, Geoffrey" said Nancy, nervously.

"The fire was a warning, that's all.  Lily should never have brought Alan Cuffe into our confidence; he's not the right type of person.  If the rumours are true, he's seeking psychiatric help:  Anything he says about it will be dismissed as the ramblings of a man having a nervous breakdown." said Geoffrey, calmly

"But the police are all over this AND that shooting last month.  You know they still have me down as a suspect.?"

"I've sorted that:  They won't pursue you on that matter anymore."

"I've heard that damned reporter, Suzy Kent, made contact with Jonathan"

At this, Geoffrey put down his knife and fork and looked across at Nancy with a look of deep concern.

"That I did not know.  Hmmm, I can't say for certain what Jonathan might tell her...he only knows a few things, nothing seriously damaging but I do share your concern about Miss Kent:  Rest assured, I have a plan for dealing with her as well.  Changing the subject, I see that young Jeremy Saint is here with his girlfriend."

"You've taken a shine to him, haven't you?" replied Nancy.

"He's a decent guy, got a good head for business...his problem is that he's too honest.  I was thinking about luring him away from Dewey's and getting him to work for us"

"For what reason?"

"I need some people working close to me who can handle the legitimate arm of the business and keep the finger of suspicion away from us.  Saint is the kind of man I can trust to run a project that would make Landgraab Enterprises look squeaky clean.  Of course, over time, he'll learn how the real world works but Dewey's won't develop that side of him like we could."

Over at the restaurant bar, George and Edna Sneedley were having a drink whilst waiting to be seated.

"Oh look, George, there's that sweet young man Jeremy Saint sitting over there" said Edna.  George peered over his glasses to get a better look.  

"Who is he with?" asked George.  Edna narrowed her eyes and gave Barbara a hard stare.

"That would be his girlfriend...I don't know her name but she owns that vile clothing shop we visited last week" said Edna with a touch of disdain in her voice.

"Oh yes...there..." said George with a shudder.  He had one of his 'turns' in the shop when they visited.

"She'll lead young Jeremy to rack and ruin, mark my words" said Edna with a huff.  "Did you know they're not even married and YET share a house?  Disgraceful"

A waiter approached the couple.  "Mr & Mrs Sneedley?  Your table is ready for you, if you would like to follow me..." he said.

The Sneedleys followed the waiter but as they approached their table Edna was startled by Barbara laughing at a joke Jeremy had made.  The young woman had also crossed her legs at that moment and Edna was shocked to see that she was revealing a lot of thigh.  Edna recoiled, took a step back and bumped into the waiter, Zane.  The plates he was carrying from Jeremy and Barbara's table went flying into the air and landed in a heap on the floor.  Edna gave Zane a look of pure anger.

"You idiot!" she bellowed.  "Can't you see I was standing here?  Tsch!  This table and the floor is filthy...we won't sit at it, you must give us another!  If my suit is ruined I shall sent the cleaning bill straight to you!"

Jeremy and Barbara finished up their meal and settled the bill.  As they left, they passed a still angry Edna.  Jeremy felt awkward and knew he couldn't ignore her.  "Oh, hello Mrs Sneedley...I can...erm...really recommend the soup.  Well, erm, nice seeing you" he said, almost apologetically.  Edna returned a weak smile to him but looked up and down Barbara, not liking what she saw.

Jeremy and Barbara took a taxi home but he was starting to feel woozy and hot.  "I...don't...feel...well..." he gasped.

"You poor thing, was it something you ate at the restaurant?" she asked.

"I don't think so...my stomach's fine, it's just my head.  I might have been doing too much lately and have run myself down."

"Let's get you home...we've got some of that fast acting medicine in the bathroom cupboard."

When they arrived back at Foundry Cove, Jeremy's face was covered in red blotches.

"Oh dear, let me look after you" said Barbara, touching his face in concern.  She led him into the house where she found the medicine.  Jeremy eschewed the spoon and drank half the bottle on the spot.  

"I'll just lie down on the bed for a while...wait for the medicine to take effect" he said, staggering to the bedroom.

"It is supposed to be fast acting" said Barbara.  She picked up the bottle and read the label, which listed the side effects.  "Erm...Jeremy...I don't think you should have taken so much...it says here on the bottle..."

Jeremy suddenly appeared at the bedroom door.  "Well hello there!" he said in a seductive tone.  The blotches had cleared up and instead there was a mischievous look in his eye.

"...some side effects include a sudden burst of energy and increased libido" said Barbara, her voice trailing off.

"I don't think I praised you enough on just how stunningly beautiful you are" said Jeremy, taking her gently by the hand.  "And I certainly approve of your new outfit"

Barbara blushed...just what was in that medicine?  She didn't read the label for ingredients but instead took a large swig herself.  "I'm having what he's having" she thought.

They trotted off to the bedroom, their temperatures rising.

"Here's to us, darling!" said Jeremy, taking her by the waist.  She batted her eyelashes at him and they both succumbed to the moment.

 

CHAPTER 117: People of Interest

 

"In local news, police are still following up on the arson attack on the home of local businessman and publisher Alan Cuffe.  The condition of the off-duty policewoman injured in the fire is said to be stable and doctors are saying she should make a full recovery."  George Sneedley watched the television news intently:  This story was of great interest to him.

"Well if you ask me the wrong person got hurt in that fire" said his wife, Edna, in a supercilious manner.  "It should have been Cuffe himself" she added.

"I'd be cautious about speaking like that" said George.

"Why shouldn't I say that?  It's a free country...it's not like we caused the fire" she said.

"The police don't know that.  They haven't named a suspect yet and I have a sinking feeling it'll only be a matter of time before they decide we are people of interest in this matter" said George, solemnly. 

Edna bristled at this idea.  "Us?  But we're upstanding members of the community with no hint of a criminal record!"

"But we're open opponents of Alan Cuffe, Edna.  What if he's named us as likely suspects to the police.  I'm afraid we're going to have to prepare for that knock on the door"

Edna stood up and paced around the room.  She grabbed a plate of food from the dining room table and took a bite...this was her way of helping her concentrate whilst coming up with a plan.  "What if?...." she said without finishing the sentence.

"What are you thinking?" asked George.

"Do you know the name of the lead detective on this case?" she asked.

"Yes, I wrote it down on a notepad...let's see..." he said, picking up a pad from the table.  "...Ah, his name is Detective John Action".

"We need to get to him before he gets to us" said Edna.  "What if we...voluntarily...make a statement to him giving him our alibis and reasons why it couldn't possibly be us.  We go out of our way to be co-operative.  That way we are, visibly, off the police radar without any dent to our respectability"

"I like the way you think, dear" replied George.

The way Edna Sneedley thought came as a surprise to John Action, however.  Two seemingly random people showing up at his house to volunteer information about the case he was working on wasn't how he liked to do things...it was too close to his personal space for one thing.

"We're Edna and George Sneedley...concerned citizens and heads of The League of Decency" was their introduction to the hard boiled detective.

"And why are you here at my home?" replied a cautious Action.

"It's about this arson case you're charged with investigating" said George.  "Can we come inside and discuss some pertinent facts with you?"

Action grunted his assent and showed them inside.

"No doubt you will have heard of us and our organisation" said Edna, with a hint of pride in her voice.

"They have cropped up in one conversation so far" said Action, flatly.

"And I assume if you had spoken with Mr Cuffe and his associates then they would be firmly pointing the finger of suspicion at us" she continued.

"When I asked Cuffe about who might have wanted to do him harm he did suggest you...but you weren't the only ones" Action replied.

"Well, naturally, Mr Cuffe and I...I mean, we..." she said, indicating George "do not get along nor see eye to eye on the issues of today but we would never do anything like commit arson or any other crime to remove him"

"Never" added George.

"But you still want him removed?" said Action, who was still suspicious about why the Sneedleys were here telling him all this.

"Only in a strictly legal manner" said Edna.

"Strictly" added George.

"We...by which I mean our organisation, operate through raising public awareness of Mr Cuffe's nefarious activities, by lobbying local government and by putting pressure on retailers to stop stocking his vile magazine"

"Very vile" added George.  "Furthermore we both have alibis.  Edna and I were at a friend's place playing cards the day of the attack.  His name is Ken Pepper with two Ps and he had other friends who'll attest we were with them at that time.  I've taken the liberty of already writing down his name, phone number and address" and with that George handed Action a piece of paper.

Action took it, thinking this was all very organised and convenient.  "That's very helpful of you" he said, calmly.  "But what of other people in your organisation?  Would one of them be capable of carrying out the attack?  How many are in your League?"

"Four" said Edna.  "George and my good self, DOCTOR Julia Epstein..." she said, putting emphasis on the title 'Doctor'.

"I know Dr Epstein" said Action, flatly.

"...and Mr Scott Urban who is a postman, pillar of the community and former Army veteran" 

"So he'd have experience with explosives?" said Action, trying to unsettle Edna's false air of superiority.

"Oh no!  Mr Urban is just not the sort of person who would do that!" she said in protest.

"Thank you for the names; I'll check them out" but Action wasn't interested in Julia, who he knew was not capable of such an act...he didn't mention it to the Sneedleys but his prime suspect was still this mystery woman who he had a detailed description of but no name attached.  Still, this pair of busybodies could be kept on their toes for now...

"So you have nothing but our support, Detective.  As you can see we have nothing to hide" declared Edna.

"I'll check these alibis out, thanks for the list" said Action with a tone of finality.  The Sneedleys took the hint to leave.

Outside of Action's house, George turned to Edna and said "I think that went well.  Headed off his suspicions at the pass"

"I'm not so sure..." replied Edna.  "He doesn't radiate competence.  I mean, did you see the décor in his lounge?  Ugh, such an ugly pattern, low lighting...how can he think with such a hectic wall pattern?  No, he's quite unsuitable for that level of responsibility and I'm thinking of writing a letter of constructive criticism to the Police Commissioner"

"Edna, let's not bring more unwelcome police attention to us" said George, taking her gently by the arm and leading her away.

Willow Creek was on the far side of the city from where they lived and were only barely familiar with it.  "After all that I need a drink" said Edna.

George checked his watch "the sun is over the yardarm as we used to say in the Navy.  I think there's a bar nearby we can go to and talk about what we should do next with this case"

They eventually found the Blue Velvet bar in downtown Willow Creek.  It was a place George had once been to some years ago but it was by far a regular haunt unlike his familiar watering hole, the Rattlesnake Juice Bar.  It wasn't crowded when they arrived and he ordered a couple of glasses of red wine...Edna's favourite tipple.  They found a table to sit at, far apart from the barflies, so they could talk in more depth.

Edna sipped the wine, shut her eyes and let out a sigh of contentment.  It helped clear her mind and calm her after that encounter with John Action.

"Although I'm far from happy having a man like Detective Action investigating this case, I will defer to your judgement and not proceed with having him removed from it.  As long as he doesn't cast false aspersions on us."

"I think we've successfully blocked any serious investigation of us, Edna.  We have airtight alibis"

"Yes, but what about Julia and Scott?" 

"The attack happened in the morning and they're both shift workers who do the bulk of their work at that time.  Relax, Edna, have another drink and let's move on to what the League's next move should be."

Edna drank some more wine and looked around the bar: It was starting to fill up as the day wore on.  She cast a beady eye over the clientele to see the cut of their jibs...it was mostly young men and women aged between 20-40, professional looking types and not too many wild, Bohemian types.  More importantly, Edna thought, no one was behaving in a boorish or loud manner.  However, there was one person in the establishment, standing over near the open fireplace, who did meet with Edna's disapproval.

"Oh I don't believe it, George, but look who the cat dragged in" she said, nodding towards the fireplace.

"Is that Suzy Kent?" he said, peering over his glasses.

"The very same.  I cannot move about this city without either Alan Cuffe or Suzy Kent showing up.  Ugh, what is she even wearing...no, don't look, George: We don't want you to get one of your turns."

Edna, fortified by a couple of wines, decided she really needed a confrontation to make her day complete.  She stood up and staggered to where Suzy was standing but, uncertain on her feet, she sat down at a nearby table to have it out with a young woman she considered to be a bad influence on the youth of today.

For her part, Suzy noticed Edna's approach.  She let out a weary sigh.  "Oh what does that old ratbag want now?" she muttered to herself.

"That is.  The most hideous outfit.  I have seen on any woman" said Edna.  "Could you be revealing any more flesh?  I mean, pink stockings?  Really?  You dress like a child."

"You're drunk, Edna, George should take you home to dry out" replied Suzy, indignantly.

"The trouble with you young people is that you have no respect for your elders.  My George fought in two foreign wars for the likes of you!"

"So did my father and uncles" replied Suzy, coolly, before turning to the person she was talking with before Edna showed up.  "Eliza, we're going to have to continue our discussion later on...I need a change of air; there's a newly arrived stench." and with that Suzy walked out of the area.

Edna gingerly made her way back to where George was sitting.  "Well, I think I showed her" she said in triumph.  

"As per your recommendation I averted my eyes" replied George.  "But I'm proud that you stood your ground and sent her off with a flea in her ear"

Edna took a deep breath and realised she needed to go to the bathroom.  "I shall be right back" she declared.

Edna slowly made her way upstairs to the ladies room but her blood ran cold when she saw who else was present:  Suzy Kent.

"Oh no, not you again!" said Suzy, with a sigh.

"I thought you had the good sense to leave.  It turns out I was wrong" replied Edna.

"You're only happy when others are miserable.  What a sad way to live your life" replied Suzy.  "And for your information what I'm wearing is called 'fashion', it's none of your business what I wear and....these are tights, not stockings!" she said with an air of finality.

"Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyahhh, meh, meh meh, 'tights not stockings'" said Edna, running out of things to say and instead reverting to playground mockery.

At that exact moment, Summer Holiday entered the ladies room.  "Hey Suzy, I'm heading to the bar do...you...erm...what's going on here?" she said, noticing the confrontation between her friend and Edna.

"Another of your criminally underdressed friends?" said Edna, sneering at the newcomer.

"Look, lady, I don't know who you are but you shouldn't say mean things to my friend!" said Summer, who didn't normally get annoyed or riled up by anyone.  It took someone like Edna Sneedley to provoke such a response.

"In fact, I saw you earlier" Summer continued.  "You started the trouble, you...and...and...you're so darned nasty!  You've made me swear but by golly, by jeepers, I won't stand by while my friends are insulted by a...gosh darned troublemaker!" Summer's cheeks went bright red and Suzy had to smile at the sight of her friend coming to her aid in such a cute way.

"This establishment has truly gone to the dogs" said Edna, who threw her head back in a haughty manner and proceeded to march out of the bathroom with her dignity, in her eyes, intact.  Edna still needed the bathroom badly and instead walked into the one next door to where she was.  When she was finished she went downstairs.  However, the scene that greeted her eyes only made matters worse.

A young woman dressed in a Lothario Kitten outfit was handing out leaflets to the customers.  

"Lothario Club, grand opening, Newcrest, next Friday" she said as she walked around the club handing out the leaflets.

"Excuse me, sir" the woman approached George.  "Hi, I'm Miss Black Cat...would you like to come to the grand opening of the Lothario Club next week?  Sir?  Sir?  Are you alright?  Do you need medical attention?"

George was sitting there, shaking and making a low, unsettling gurgling sound.  He appeared to be in some kind of trance, not even noticing Miss Black Cat nor any of the other customers in the bar.  The longer he sat there, the more his shaking increased.  Edna spotted George and ran down the stairs.

"It's my husband having one of his turns!" she exclaimed as she ran to George's side.  "George!  It's Edna, I'm here to help you...what caused this?  George?" 

As he sat there shaking and making an unintelligible sound his eyes flicked over to Miss Black Cat.  Edna noticed the Lothario Kitten standing looking shocked and confused as to what was going on.  Edna, by contrast knew exactly what was the cause of George's turn.  "YOU!  You shameless Jezebel!  HOW. DARE. YOU!  You come in here in your underwear, trying to seduce vulnerable men and lead society astray!"

"I'm just handing out leaflets, Ma'am" replied the Kitten.

 "Come on George, let's not spend one single moment more in this den of vice and debauchery!" 

"Glurrgllelurrgleee" muttered George as she took him by the hand and walked out of the Blue Velvet.

They hailed a taxi where George could sit, motionless and undisturbed and travelled all the way back to Oasis Springs.  There, Edna led him by the hand to their bedroom where he lay in a foetal position, wide eyed and still mumbling.

"Tsch, all around us are low lives and decadents and it's we...the good citizens...who come under suspicion" she mused to herself.

There was a knock at the door and Edna took a moment to smooth a loose strand of her hair, see if her stockings were run-free and popping a mint in her mouth before seeing who it was.

It was a man with a light tan but very blonde hair and a neatly trimmed beard.  

"Hello, I'm looking for Mr & Mrs Sneedley.  My name is Vance Mannero and I'm very interested in the League of Decency" the man spoke in with a deep, authoritative sounding voice.  Edna was immediately impressed.

"Do come inside Mr Mannero.  I am Edna Sneedley, the lady of the house and co-founder and co-president of the League.  What is it that interests you?"

"Like you, Mrs Sneedley, I'm mad as hell about the way society is going!  Every day I see the country going to rack and ruin and I want to play my part in defeating the insurgent, immoral and frankly Communist influences on our great nation."

"That is what we are striving to do in the League, Mr Mannero.  Unfortunately my husband isn't well right now but I hope I can answer any of your questions in the hope of getting you to join our cause.  Do sit down, would you like macaroon?" she said, offering him a plate of them.

"Why thank you, ma'am, don't mind if I do....never had one before....hmmm, that's tasty" he said, sitting down next to Edna.

"Now tell me a little background information about yourself...we're a diverse bunch of professionals in the league: We have chefs, doctors and postmen.  How about yourself?"

"I'm a cop, ma'am.  I work out of the 13th Precinct and I can tell you I've seen some shocking things out there" said Vance.

"A policeman you say?" said Edna, smiling.  Now this interested her greatly.  "I don't doubt you've seen some terrible things in the line of duty.  I don't suppose you know a detective John Action, do you?"

"I do, ma'am.  We work in the same precinct.  OK cop, I suppose.  Cuts corners, bit of a lone wolf.  He's done a fair amount of solving cases"

"I detect some scepticism in your voice" said Edna.

"Well...he's not my kind of cop:  He's not a team player and doesn't play by the book.  In my opinion, we need to follow the letter of the law, the letter." said Vance, shaking his head.

"Do go on...another macaroon?" said Edna, now warming to her guest.