"Now, Mother, Darrin's got an important presentation to make and I don't want you to ruin things for him!"
"Oh I'll be good, Samantha dear...heh-heh-heh...eye of newt and toe of frog, let's give that Durward the head of a dog!"
"I can predict the rest of how this episode is going to go" said Liberty, as she watched the show on TV.
"You know 'Bewitched' is meant to be just a bit of fun, Libs" said Summer as she finished up the dishes.
"Yes, but it's the same thing every week! All these sitcoms are like that and don't get me started on 'I Dream Of Jeannie'...I mean, the way they depict the space program is highly inaccurate!"
"I won't! Anyway, food's ready...who wants some?" asked Summer.
"I'll be fine with just a coffee...I'll eat later" replied Liberty.
"Did someone say 'food'? I'm there!" said Travis, bounding into the room. "So what's happening?" he asked.
"Libs is down on Bewitched" said Summer, handing Travis a plate of food and Liberty a mug of coffee.
"Oh, that's a shame...hey, who do you think would win in a fight? Samantha or Jeannie?" Travis said.
"Television's so boring...why don't we do something more active instead?" suggested Summer.
"I'm up for that! I agree about the TV; it's all depressing news about Vietnam or dumb sitcoms at the moment." said Liberty. "How about hitting the gym, perk ourselves up?"
"Excellent idea, I really want to burn up some energy! Are you coming too, Travis?" said Summer.
"What, exercise? Running on machines that don't go anywhere? Lifting weights that don't need lifting?" said Travis.
"Oh come on, it'll be fun...we can be together having a work out" said Summer.
Travis thought about it and leaned in closer to Summer. "Will you be wearing your leotard?" he whispered to her.
"Yes" she said.
"Count me in" he replied.
After they'd gathered up their keep fit gear they headed to central Willow Creek to the gym. The girls were keen and raring to go...Travis less than enthusiastic.
Inside was busy but after getting changed Summer found a free treadmill and proceeded to do an endurance run. On the next treadmill was the senior gym instructor; Clinton, who had a reputation of being a hard taskmaster if you hired him as your personal fitness trainer.
Liberty decided that her reflexes and upper body strength needed working on she opted for the punching bag.
...and Travis checked out the gym's other facilities.
Meanwhile, back on the ground floor, Summer was getting into the groove but next to her Brent Hecking was struggling.
"Brent, lift your feet up more...and remember your breathing!" said Brant.
"It's alright for you to say that!" gasped Brent. "You were in the Army and sometimes I think you've become your old drill instructor! I'm strictly civilian!"
Travis, in the meantime had actually managed to get his fitness kit on and was trying out a punch bag. He figured it would be easier to manage than the treadmills or the weights.
Liberty watched Travis' punching technique. This wasn't about self-defence, although he had a weird moment a few months ago when he wanted to get a gun to protect the home, but fitness and Travis was exerting a lot of effort for not much gain there.
"Trav...try throwing a punch more from your shoulder than just jabbing with a fist. It'll work your muscles a lot better." Liberty said.
"OK...more shoulder...and....FIST PUNCH!" he yelled.
"Trav...you don't have to say 'fist punch' when you're boxing" she advised. On the other side of the room a young lady, who was also doing boxing training, looked at Travis and shook her head in disapproval.
Meanwhile, back on the treadmills, Summer was getting some grief from the instructor.
"You call that running, little lady? You need to pick up those feet and BREATHE, not flail about like a rag doll...PICK UP THOSE FEET!"
"I'll have you know that I competed at cross country running at school, and won trophies" Summer replied, indignantly.
"This ain't no cross country run at an all girls' school....THIS IS THE GYM! NOW HAUL ASS, SISTER!" he bellowed again.
At that moment Travis strolled in, looking exhausted. He saw the stand off between Summer and Clinton and walked over to intervene.
"OK, buddy, reign it in a little..." said Travis but when Clinton stepped off the treadmill he stood right next to him, his muscles bulging.
"Now what have we here..." said Clinton, menacingly.
Travis looked up at Clinton and gulped. "Ah, you're kind of big...well, this is my girlfriend and I think she's doing just swell there" he said.
"You look like you could enrol in some of our classes as well. Get some muscles on you" said Clinton to Travis.
"I've been working on my muscles...look, here's one right here" Travis said, pointing to his arm. "A work in progress you might say"
Liberty in the meantime had finished her workout and had headed upstairs to get a drink and take a breather. As she turned a corner in the narrow confines of the changing room she had quite literally bumped into Brent Hecking, who was wearing just a towel and had to quickly grab on to it before it fell completely to the floor.
"Oops, my mistake, Brent!" said Liberty apologetically. "You know how all fingers and thumbs I am!"
"I think I've retained my modesty" chuckled Brent, nervously. He tightened the towel around his waist. "It's as much my fault; my head in the clouds as usual." He seemed a little downcast.
"Is anything the matter, Brent?" asked Liberty. He sighed.
"Nothing serious...it's just that Brant is always on a health kick. Drink this, eat this, excercise more...some days I find it hard to keep up with him. I'm worried though that if I don't keep up with him and let myself go a little he might....oh, I think I might have said too much! Erm, let's say Brant might find another housemate." said Brent, embarrassed.
"I know you and he are gay, Brent" said Liberty. "We all do...well, except Julia. She hasn't picked up on the hints yet. But you can talk freely with me about you and Brant being a couple."
"Phew, that is a load off of my mind...wait, everyone knows? Oh, not important right now...oh yes, well you can see my problem: Brant's into the whole body beautiful and peak fitness ideal and I'm worried I'm not measuring up to that and if I don't...well...he might find another who does measure up."
"How realistic is that thought, Brent?" asked Liberty.
"Not really, but it creeps into my mind sometimes...like today." said Brent.
"Try not to let fear affect your judgement or trust in Brant..." said Liberty, sympathetically. Brant still looked unsure but then their conversation ended abruptly as Brant entered the room.
Back downstairs Travis had managed to bluff Clinton into thinking he was a lean, mean fitness machine and the overbearing instructor backed down and walked away from him and Summer.
"My hero" said Summer, appreciatively.
"Well, you know, it's about knowing when to stand up to someone and having an escape route worked out" replied Travis.
"Always the joker" Summer said. "But you're a cute joker, I'll give you that."
"So, are we done here? Would you like to take a walk by the river?" he asked, suggestively.
It was a warm, bright day with a light breeze which cooled the young lovers as they watched the wide, winding river.
"Hey, Summer...we timed this well...here comes the Delta Lady!" exclaimed Travis. The Delta Lady was an old 19th Century paddle steamer that had been refurbished and travelled up and down the river as a pleasure boat. It was very popular with tourists visiting the city and was an impressive sight whatever time of the day. In the evening it was all lit up to further dazzle onlookers.
"Do you know, I've never been on board" said Summer.
"Really? Never? Didn't your parents ever take you on it when you were a little girl? Haven't you been on it since?"
"When I was a girl it was still being repaired from that time a Japanese submarine torpedoed it."
"Yeah, that was a weird one...considering the war had already ended when that happened. Anyway, I should take you on a date on it. It's got a nice restaurant on the upper deck."
"Sounds great" replied Summer. "Let's move a little closer"
"Now you seem to be in a romantic mood today, Trav" she added.
"And you seem to be in a very energetic one" he replied. "How about we combine them both?"
"I like the sound of that!" said Summer and the two of them drew ever closer together until...
At that moment the Delta Lady passed right by Travis and Summer and the passengers on the deck let out a cheer when they saw the kiss. Travis waved back at them.
"That will give them something to talk about with their friends" said Summer. "But that was wonderful, Travis. I'm so lucky! And that kiss just makes me want to spring right up into the air!"
Summer got up and did precisely that.
"Wow, you are bouncy today!" said Travis. Summer sat back down beside him and they were about to snuggle again when they were joined by Liberty, who was still in her exercise clothes.
"I wondered where you two had got to" she said. "Aren't you going to go back in the gym?"
"We're done with the gym for today" said Travis.
"Aww, I feel really raring to go" said Liberty.
"Well, how about we head on over to Blue Velvet for a bit of dancing?" said Summer.
"Sounds good...I'll go back and get changed and meet you there." said Liberty. "Oh, and have you got a quarter? I'm going to phone Gary and invite him along too"
"Sure" said Travis, fumbling around in his pockets for a quarter he could give to Liberty. "The more, the merrier"
The Blue Velvet was packed and swinging and the music was blaring out loud...so loud they couldn't hear themselves talk; all that was left to do was drink and dance.
"Wow, this place is really happening!" said Liberty.
"Yeah, this is the best it's been in ages...shame I have to go to work soon" said Summer, at the top of her voice.
"What?" said Travis, suddenly.
"I...HAVE...TO...GO...TO...WORK!" replied Summer.
"WHAT? NO!" said Travis, looking sad.
Summer sidled up to Travis' side and spoke directly into his ear. "Yeah, sorry babe. We've been having so much fun I almost forgot I had to go myself."
Summer went to leave but had second thoughts. Maybe just stay to the end of this song... she thought.
But leave she had to, not before having a long and protracted kiss with Travis...and another...and another (the last one right in the doorway of the club). That left him and Liberty dancing, although not together.
"Hey, when's Gary going to get here?" he said.
"Anytime soon? Why, you seem keen to see him too!" she said, teasingly.
"He's a good guy, an honorary member of the Foundry Cove Gang"
"Oh, there's a gang now, is there? And why is he only an 'honorary' member?"
"We don't just hand out membership to any old guy, you know!" said Travis. "His membership is pending"
"And do you have little laminated membership cards as well?"
"Right next to my Lothario Club membership...oh, look, here comes Gary now"
Gary entered the bar and Liberty went right up to him to say hello and give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, sweetie, good to see you" she said.
"You too...I tell you, it's good to get out of the office: Work is just blah, blah, blah these days. Too much waffle and inaction." he replied. "So, you guys been hanging out here? Cool!"
"Let me get you a drink, Gary" said Travis.
"Thanks...a beer would be great. So, let's sit and have a chat, Libs" said Gary.
"What's happening in Foundry Cove...give me the latest" asked Gary.
"Apparently there's a Foundry Cove Gang that has membership cards" replied Liberty with a chuckle.
"Is there an application form?"
"I'm trying to get one for you" she replied.
"Ooh, you think I'm eligible?" Gary said, with interest.
"In more ways than one, sweetheart" she said, blowing a kiss.
"Sign me up then!" he replied.
Travis returned with the drinks. Liberty spoke up. "I've told Gary about the Foundry Cove Gang...have you got a membership application form he can fill in?"
"Buy the next round and you're automatically in" said Travis, raising his beer bottle.
"Deal" said Gary.
As they sat there in the Blue Velvet, Liberty and Gary were fliting with one another and having playful chats. Travis was beginning to feel like a third wheel and was missing Summer's company. He knew she had to work but in social situations like this, having her by his side would make him feel less self-conscious.
"I'm going to head back to Garden Essence" he said, eventually. "Got some work to catch up on. You two have a great time"
He left but Gary and Liberty were feeling that the main bar area was getting a little too crowded so they stepped out into the garden terrace at the back.
"I think I'm in the gang now" said Gary to Liberty.
"Just one more entry requirement to go" she replied.
"And what would that be?" he asked, his face being drawn ever closer to hers.
After they had kissed Gary said "Did I pass the entry requirement?"
"With flying colours" she replied. "I'm hungry, how about we head on to my place for a bite?"
"To eat?" asked Gary.
"That as well..." she said, flirtatiously as she kissed him again.
They headed back to Garden Essence, both giggling like kids, where Liberty grabbed a couple of plates of something Summer had made earlier. Their chef friend was a fantastic cook and there was always plenty in the fridge she had made to tempt the tastebuds.
"That's one of the things that makes me always want to come and visit" said Gary. "The other being you, of course" he said to Liberty.
"You romantic, you. You're always welcome; I know Summer and Travis really like you too."
"I hope so...it must get tricky around here trying to co-ordinate everyone's romantic life. Who's in, who's out"
"Oh tell me about it!" said Liberty rolling her eyes. "Well, I haven't heard from Travis so I'm not sure he's home and Summer's still at work which leaves us here on our own." she said with a smile.
"Coffee?" she added, suggestively.
"I'll take it with milk" Gary said...also suggestively but what he was suggesting was anyone's guess.
They got up and sauntered over to the coffee machine where Liberty brewed a fresh pot. "It's very quiet here" she said.
"Very" Gary replied.
"We could just tip toe into the bedroom for a coffee...and a chat...and some..."
"Exercise?" he said, whispering into her ear.
"Well, something like that" she replied.
"Let's skip the coffee and move straight on to exercise part" he added.
The two of them skipped down the hall to her bedroom and proceeded to get undressed. Then they quickly dived under the bedcovers for a bit of WooHoo.
Meanwhile, Travis had returned from a cycle ride and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water but the faucet immediately sprung a leak.
"Oh no...it's gushing everywhere! Just spurting out! I'll have to find the stopcock and shut it off. That's going to leave a mess on the floor..." he said, tutting and unaware of what was going on in Liberty's room.
After they had made merriment, Liberty and Gary were giggling like silly teenagers. "So are you sure your housemates are out?" said Gary, gently running his index finger over Liberty's breasts.
"Almost certain" she replied, smiling at him. "Shall we have a peek?"
"If they see us they'll know what we've been up to!" he said.
"They're my housemates, not my parents!" she replied. "I'm getting peckish, I want to raid the fridge!" she said, leaping out of bed.
"I need the john but I can't go out there in these underpants! Hang on, I'll put some clothes on first...wait, Libs! You can't go out there like that!" he said, noticing she'd put some panties and a bra back on.
"Catch me if you can!" she replied, playfully, as she scurried out of the door. Gary, in a panic, chased after her.
In the hall they were silently tip-toeing to the kitchen when they heard Travis' voice. "Hello, gorgeous, good day at work?"
"It was OK but I'm glad to be back home" replied Summer. Liberty stopped dead in her tracks and quickly shoved Gary into Travis' room; which was largely a study these days as Travis slept with Summer.
"We can't hide in here! What if Travis or Summer want to get a book?" whispered Gary.
"You hide under the bed, I'll hide under the desk...It'll be fine" replied Liberty.
That lasted all of 2 minutes before Gary piped up: "I really gotta pee!" he squeaked. "I'm going to make a break for the bathroom...wish me luck."
"Gary...nooooooo!" said Liberty, but too late; he was gone. Gary tip-toed down the hall, quietly opened the bathroom door and closed it...silently...with a gentle lock. Then he relieved himself in peace and quiet. It was only on the return journey back to the study when he bumped into Travis.
"Oh, hey Gary...so you and Libs decided to head back here?" said Travis.
"Yeah...I hope you don't mind..." began a nervous Gary in response.
"Look, man, you and Liberty are cool. If you want to get it on you go for it!"
"I meant, I hope you don't mind me using your bathroom"
"Oh, what? Sorry, man. Yeah, sure, that's cool too....but you know, if you want to go ahead with Liberty in the bedroom then don't worry about Summer and me: We're totally cool with that."
"Erm, we already did that." said Gary, meekly.
"Ahhhh, well....I'll just leave you two to chill out, man." said Travis, lightly punching Gary on the arm in approval. As Gary made his way back to the study, he was surprised to see that Liberty wasn't there but instead was Summer.
"Oh! Sorry...erm, have you seen Liberty?" he asked.
"She said she's gone back to her room and will see you there." Said Summer, matter of factly. "So did you guys have a nice time this evening?"
"Yes, thank you." replied Gary.
"You must tell Travis and I all about it" said Summer, cheerily and patting the empty space next to her on the bed. Gary took the cue and sat down.
"Not that much to report....we danced, had a few drinks..." he said. Fortunately for him, Travis entered the room.
"Hey, Summer...can I have a word with you for a moment?" asked Travis.
"Sure, babe, what is it?" she replied.
"Listen...Gary's on a date with Liberty and they'd like to be left alone, if you catch my drift" he whispered.
"I thought we could all hang out..." said Summer, innocently.
"Summer....they'd like to be alone. In Liberty's bedroom" Travis said, raising an eyebrow.
"But surely....ohhhhh, I see what you mean. Yes, how silly of me" she said, suddenly realising what was implied.
"And how about you and me, hanging out in our bedroom?" said Travis.
"Sure, shall we can have a catch up about our respective days, talk about what we'd like to do on the weekend and all kinds of neat stuff..." she said, perking up.
"Summer...we could do other things in the bedroom as well" said Travis, hoping the penny would drop.
"Ohhhhhhhh, I see" she said, suddenly realising. "Now that would be fun!"
Suzy couldn't help but go for a jog past her old neighbourhood. Courtyard Lane and Foundry Cove were just under a mile away from each other so it was no great effort to plan a keep fit run that would pass right by her old house and those of her friends. There was still a tether between her and them.
She was wondering if she's bump into one of them and, as luck would have it, there was Julia walking down the road towards her.
"Oh my goodness! Suzy!" Exclaimed Julia.
"Julia! You look great, how are you? Give us a hug!" replied Suzy.
"A hug...oh...erm...alright" said Julia, overcoming her aversion to physical expressions of friendliness for a moment to greet a dear friend.
"Out for a run, I see" added Julia. "Just how far away is your new home?"
"Oh not far at all; about a mile. You must come over sometime to see it. Now look at you; pretty frock, lovely jewellery...going somewhere special?"
"No, not particularly but it's a lovely, bright morning and I felt a bit more colourful today." said Julia. Suzy wondered if she was meeting someone special later on, knowing that Julia would rarely admit to such things, even to her closest friends.
"Once we've fully unpacked and up and running in the house Neil and I will have all you guys and girls over for a get together...now I must keep running or I'm going to get very cold very soon! Have a great day, Jules...whatever you get up to" she said with a knowing smile. There has to be a guy involved she thought to herself.
But there really wasn't. Julia just wanted to feel relaxed and positive about herself for a change. It was a warm day so thick, woollen turtleneck sweaters were out and a lightweight summer frock was in. It was that simple, but then Suzy's mind did race to all kinds of places and possibilities...
Julia was now going to head to the Spa: She much preferred it to the gymnasium as it was a calmer environment with no loud music playing, plenty of alternatives to just running and lifting weights and no sweaty jocks either!
Ahh, the peace and tranquillity of the steam room...free from the distractions of the world outside...just breathe in and breathe out and...
"Finally, I made it here! I'm telling you, the car parking options around here are dreadful? Did you struggle to get here as well?"
"What?" said Julia, startled into full consciousness again. There was a frustrated looking woman standing over her in the steam room.
"Do you find the parking here frustrating?" said the woman.
"I do not have a car. I took the bus here." replied Julia.
"Hurumph" said the woman, taking off her robe, hanging it up and sitting next to Julia.
"Well, I'm here now...time to relax." and with that the woman inhaled and exhaled deeply and loudly. Then she started to chant.
"Cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh, cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh, ohmmmmmmmm, ohmmmmmmmmmmm, cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh...I do this to equalise the air pressure in my lungs."
"I....see...." replied Julia.
"I'm also trying to inhale the steam as well to purify my lungs." continued the woman.
"Erm, I'm not sure it works that way..." said Julia but the woman wasn't listening.
Julia slipped away from the steam room and went to get changed into her exercise clothes. She really wanted to join a yoga class but it was full, so she went to a private room and did some meditation there.
"Calm....balance...centre..." she mumbled to herself. "I am in control, I feel fine, I am at peace..."
Yes, Julia had conquered all her stress...she was completely self-contained. Her work, that was for another day. Her life, that was in balance; just right for her needs. Her emotional state, peaceful. Relationships....well....she had friends and that would suffice. Indeed, she was going to meet up with an old friend this evening...
Once finished at the spa she put on her summer outfit again and headed back to Willow Creek to meet with Joelene, her most unlikely friend. Joelene was a singer and model and was once a Lothario Kitten who was the April centrefold for the magazine before she became disillusioned with it. Now she was just making a name for herself in pop music.
Outside the Blue Velvet bar, the two friends met.
"Julia! Great to see you! You look amazing in that dress; the colour suits you." said Joelene.
"Does it? It's something I just threw on this morning. Shall we go inside?"
The place was really busy and it was still the early evening. The girls had to fight their way to the bar but Jolene had spotted someone she recognised....and they recognised her.
"Joeene! What are you doing here?" said a young, dashing looking guy with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"J, nice to see you too" replied Joelene, giving him a peck on the cheek before sitting down at the bar. "Oh, let me introduce you to my friend, Julia."
J took a brief look at Julia and didn't register any emotion or interest. "Oh, hi" was all he could manage before turning back to Joelene. "So, I haven't seen you since that last club meeting you were at; what's been happening?" he asked.
"I've been on tour, I've done a few fashion shoots...WITH my clothes on, I'll have you know!" Joelene replied
Whilst Joelene and this J character were chatting, Julia spotted one of the dreaded Lothario Kittens at the microphone and singing.
"Why is she here?" Julia asked Joelene. It was J who answered her.
"Alan Cuffe's got a deal with the owner of this place: Saturday night one of the Kittens performs here. That's Skye, Miss June."
"Ah, my replacement!" commented Joelene.
Julia shrugged her shoulders. "Meh, she's OK...that's a backing tape she's singing to though, not a real live band."
Abruptly the music came to an end and Skye looked to the barman, who looked at her and shook his head. The Kitten looked embarrassed and gingerly held up the microphone to her mouth.
"Erm...it seems we have a bit of a technical problem here." she said, apologetically. "We're trying to fix it...alas, I don't have a piano accompaniment tonight."
Joelene leant over to Julia. "You could offer to play piano for her!" she whispered.
"Me? But that's a Kitten! I hate that scene!" replied Julia, indignantly.
"I was a Kitten once and we met when you accompanied me. Even Alan was in the audience that night. I hate to see a young singer stranded like that up there, no fault of her own when the equipment breaks down."
Julia nodded quietly, downed the last of her wine, and got up to walk over to the piano.
"Excuse me, Miss Skye or whatever your name is" said Julia, haughtily. "I am a pianist; you might recognise my friend Joelene over there. I will play the piano whilst you finish your set. I won't play anything lewd though; no hoochie coochie, no gyrating dance music and no songs with narcotic references if you please."
"How about 'Let's Spend The Night Together' by the Rolling Stones?" asked Skye.
"Definitely not! Let's see your set list...hmmm...no, no, certainly not! Ah, this one is acceptable." said Julia.
"OK, that's a groovy choice, let's do this." said Skye. She turned to the audience and spoke into the night. "Thank you everyone for your patience...help has arrived in the form of...erm, what's your name?" Skye whispered to Julia.
"Julia Epstein...DOCTOR Julia Epstein"
"OK...help is here from Doctor Julia Epstein, the medical maestro on piano. This is one you should all know, it's from the last Beatles album, Rubber Soul and it's "In My Life"...
Joelene, in the meantime was trying to make a good impression on J. He had joined the club not long before she left and she didn't get the chance to know him well whilst they were both members. He was handsome, charming and witty but things never went further than that, despite the flirting that would go on. However, on this occasion, J seemed more interested in Skye than her...
Once Julia and Skye had finished the song, the barman gave them a heads up that the backing tape was working again. Skye thanked Julia for coming to her rescue.
"You know, you're pretty good. I'd like to work with you again at a future gig. How about it?" asked Skye.
"I offered to help you out as a favour to our mutual friend, Joelene. As a rule I do not help any enterprise connected to Lothario. If you were to do a gig not under their umbrella, and I was free, I would like to accompany you in the future." Julia replied, firmly. Skye shrugged in agreement.
Julia went back over to the bar to join Joelene. "Jules, I hope you don't mind but can we split from this joint now?" said Joelene.
"Oh, why?"
"I don't like the vibe right now" said Joelene, looking in the direction of J, who was in turn smitten by Skye.
"OK, where do you suggest we go next?" asked Julia.
"You might not like this idea but hear me out...." said Joelene.
"THE ROMANCE FESTIVAL, SERIOUSLY!" exclaimed Julia once they'd arrived in downtown San Myshuno.
"I know, I know, you hate lovey dovey romance stuff but the bar here's really good and the food...wow, the food is some of the best in the city. We can avoid all the romantic stuff and just have fun."
"If you say so..." said Julia, looking on in disapproval at a couple chasing each other around and giggling like schoolchildren.
However, she did recognise someone very familiar to her; her aunt Elle. "Auntie Elle! Auntie Elle! Hello there!" she called out but Elle was in a world of her own and didn't hear Julia calling out.
"Can you wait a moment here, Joelene? That's my aunt over there and I want to say hello to her. I'll be right back." said Julia before trying to catch up with Elle. However, Elle had turned a corner up ahead and when Julia had caught up to where she had been, Elle was nowhere to be seen. Julia sighed and went back to find Joelene, who had already found something exotic to eat.
"You should try some of this, Jules. I can't pronounce what it is but it's delicious." she said.
"I will, shortly...I saw my aunt, you know, the one with the health problems just now but she ignored me."
"Accidentally?"
"I hope so. Her moods do change rapidly. I don't know whether I'm in her good or bad books at any given moment. Sigh, oh well, I'll telephone her later this week to see how she's doing. So...let me get one of those bowls."
Julia bought some edamame and enjoyed it. Once both women finished eating they checked out the scene at the festival.
"So what happens here, Joelene?" asked Julia. "I've always been put off by the name, 'Romance Festival'"
"Well, in theory you bring a date here or you hope to find a date and the environment is meant to inspire romance" replied Joelene.
"Sounds like a waste of time to me" said Julia.
Joelene smiled. "Oh Jules you really shouldn't be so down on love. This isn't sex, this is romance. The art of courting, of getting to know someone you're interested in a little better and sparking a bit of chemistry between people. It's a more wholesome version of what the Kitten Club gets up to."
"My parents were introduced to each other by a matchmaker" replied Julia. "A much better system. Their prospects were analysed and assessed and the matchmaker used all her knowledge to find the right people to match up. No need for dating and guesswork."
"Forgive me for bringing this up, Jules, but didn't you open up and feel a pang of romance between you and that doctor?"
Julia gulped nervously. "Well...I did but look how that turned out. Now a matchmaker would have assessed that Vincent's true loyalty was to helping the world instead of getting romantically involved with one person." she replied.
"OK, now there isn't a matchmaker here but there is a Love Guru." said Joelene.
"A what?"
"A Love Guru. She consults the tea leaves and gives sage advice on love and romance"
"And tea leaves are going to tell me who I should marry? Pfft!" said Julia, dismissively.
"Let's give it a go and see what happens..." replied Joelene.
"...and then there was my Aunt Irma who married this investment banker from New Jersey and THAT was a disaster for both of them! Split up after 8 months of marriage and she still hasn't married. She's sworn off men. Aunt Irma is such an inspirational figure in my life; encouraged me to become a doctor, helped me with my love of art and music..."
Within 3 minutes of meeting Saya Sakomoto, the Love Guru, Julia was pouring her heart and thougths out to this old, wise woman who mainly sat there nodding but saying little.
"And what about you, Joelene, what has led you here to see me and ask for my guidance?" said Saya, turning her attention to Julia's friend.
"I still haven't met a man since I had an accidental lesbian affair with a co-worker." replied Joelene, matter of factly.
"I....see..." said Saya, thoughtfully. "Was the other young lady?" Saya continued, pointing at Julia.
"Oh no!" said Joelene suddenly.
"Definitely not" added Julia. "I'm completely unromantic with men and especially women. If I get married, and I must stress 'if', then children and family are vitally important. Besides having an affair with a co-worker is most unprofessional."
"What about Vincent?" said Joelene.
"I did not have an affair with him!"
"But you thought about it" said Joelene.
"Alright ladies, I think I can give you both some advice: You will meet the right people at the right time...do not force it or rush things. You both have long journeys ahead of you. Sayonara."
As the Guru left their table, Joelene turned to Julia and said "so much for that. We're no closer to having a good time with any guys."
"Good job that's not what I'm looking for right now....hey..." said Julia, noticing someone she recognised across the square from where they were sitting. "...I know that man. Burr DeBenning, yes, he's a friend of Suzy's."
"Are you interested in him?" asked Joelene.
"Not really. But if I can attract his attention, I'll introduce you to him."
"Ooh, thanks. He does look cute and what interesting sideburns." said Joelene, looking the man up and down.
However, their interest was soon dimmed when they saw Burr eagerly talking with a woman neither recognised.
"I think we may have just missed that boat..." said Joelene with a sigh. "I'm sorry to have dragged you here" she added.
"It's been fun; not my scene but fun to watch. Ugh, not that couple though! Get a hotel room you two!" replied Julia. "Well, I'm going to head on home...I'm getting very tired."
"Jules, next time it'll be your choice of where we go...are you OK?" asked Joelene.
"Oh I'm completely fine...I am calm, balanced and centred" she said, with a little grin of smugness. "Don't worry about not finding a catch here tonight, I'm sure you'll meet someone you like and who likes you very soon."
"Excuse me..." said a man, approaching where Julia and Joelene were sitting. "Aren't you Joelene Scholl, the singer?" he said.
"I am..." she replied.
"I saw you in concert a couple of weeks ago...you were great. I'm a fan of your work" he added.
"Really? Are you going anywhere or can you spare some time here?" Joelene said, looking him up and down and smiling?
Action gulped down the protein drink whilst he checked the mail. Bills, and bills...and his Police Detective's salary just about stretched to cover them. "Dang, I need a case to secure a promotion and soon! My bank account's gonna be drier than Arizona at the rate I'm going!" he said to himself. But Action was a man of taste and style and it cost him money to maintain his lifestyle.
As he popped the last cheque in the mailbox he saw playboy millionaire, Alan Cuffe, jogging past his house. It had been a while since he'd seen Cuffe and rumour had it that the guy was losing his marbles over some incident. Well, Action had a hunch what caused it: A deep, dark secret that Cuffe refused to share with anyone. Maybe the good fortune of having the guy jogging past him right at this moment was too good opportunity for Action to miss out on.
"Alan, have you got a few minutes to spare?"
"Sure, Action...what's up? Is this about work or a friendly chat?"
"Mostly just friendly. How have you been? Anyone tried bothering since we last spoke?"
"You said this was a friendly chat but it sounds more like work"
"The two often collide...so? Life settled down to whatever it is you call normal, Alan?"
"Have I seen that strange woman since the fire? No, Action, I have not. Nor have I seen the man who I thought was following me...it must have been my imagination: I've been working too hard."
Action noticed that Cuffe's fist was clenched and that he looked nervous. His eyes darting left and right to see if anyone untoward was about.
"Well, we never did catch those people who tried to get you...or your assistant. You know where you can find me if there's anything bothering you. We can even keep it off the record." said Action, knowing that Cuffe was hiding something but that he wouldn't confess straight up here and now.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm doing fine. Gotta keep moving, you know?" said Cuffe before he continued his run.
"Yeah, I know..." muttered Action.
Later, at 13th Precinct Headquarters Action saw that Officer Marina Beckett was helming the front desk. Now Marina had some 'history' with Cuffe and Action's curiosity was aroused by his encounter with the man this morning.
"Marina...I bumped into a friend of yours this morning" he said to her.
"Oh yeah, who?" she replied.
"Alan Cuffe."
Marina hesitated a moment before replying. "Oh yes, did he have anything interesting to say?" she asked.
"Absolutely nothing at all, but I know something's bothering him. You know him a lot better than I do; do you know what's eating away at him?"
Again, Marina hesitated before answering. "He's not been the same since the fire. He's acting...erratic."
"You've not said much since the fire either. Do you know if those responsible have confronted either you or him since then?"
"Wait! No! You don't think I've held anything back since that day! My loyalty is beyond question!" she said, indignantly.
"I never said it wasn't. Listen, Marina, anything that Cuffe confides with you that pertains to the case...you let me know, OK?"
"Isn't the FBI handling it from now on?" she asked.
"You don't think the people who've been trying to kill Cuffe and do all those other things have left Sim City, do you?"
At that moment a young woman entered the station and made her way to the front desk.
"Well, Action, you've got a lot of work on today...you can either deal with this young lady's problem or deal with a breaking and entry at the Goth Mansion." said Marina.
Action looked the young woman up and down and liked what he saw...but he knew where the big case was.
"I'm sure this young lady's problem can be dealt with by Detective Michaels and his team. I'll take the Goth Mansion case."
Marina handed him a folder with some case files in it and Action went to the squad room to take a look at them and familiarise himself with the case.
The Goth Mansion was one of the oldest residences in Sim City, it's construction dating back to the 1870s. Mortimore Goth was a well-known author and his wife, Bella, a onetime model, bit part actress and now full-time housewife and socialite. They have two children and no priors...except for a few years ago when Bella Goth had gone missing for a time but had suddenly shown up alive and well some time later. Police didn't treat that as a crime at the time..."strange", thought Action.
He made his way to the Goth Mansion, keeping a look out for the officer who was first on the scene: Patrolman Jesse Navarro: A young, keen but somewhat reckless cop. Action would take charge of the crime scene once he was there.
The house was in an old and wealthy part of Willow Creek. Even among the "Gay Nineties" architecture of the surrounding neighbourhood, the Goth Mansion stood out as it was darker, more gothic and sinister looking...and that was just the outside. Inside the decor matched the exterior...apparently the Goths weren't big on lighting. Action walked up the stairs to find Officer Navarro, half expecting Vincent Price to emerge from the shadows.
Upstairs he found Officer Navarro pondering over an antique chess set.
"There's no time to be playing games, Officer" said Action.
"Oh, Detective Action! No...erm...I wasn't...I was waiting for a forensic team to dust this chess set."
"Well, I thought that Chess obsessed thief you arrested might have been responsible for the burglary. I hear she's out on probation."
"She is, but she didn't do this..." Action knew that the woman was a reformed criminal and one of his informants. "So, what is actually missing?" Action added.
Navarro pulled out his notebook and started to read what he had written down earlier. "Let's see...a crystal decanter and goblet set, a bronze bust of an Ancient Greek lady...said to be an original from about 300 B.C....some silverware and various books and papers."
"Books and papers? Why steal those? Are they especially rare editions?" asked Action.
"From my notes, not especially."
"OK, can you show me where the books and papers were stolen from?" asked Action.
"Yes...but aren't you more interested in the ancient sculpture or silverware?" asked Navarro.
"Not now..." said Action, curtly.
Navarro showed Action the bookcase that had volumes stolen from it. "Has it been dusted for prints?"
"Erm, yes sir...the only prints they could find match the family's and Miss Joiner's"
"Who's Miss Joiner?" asked Action.
"Mr Goth's research assistant. She's downstairs being questioned as a witness."
"Send her up here, Navarro"
Miss Janice Joiner was a nervous and distraught young woman in her early 20s. She was in the house when it was broken into and was now traumatised by what happened to her.
"I was downstairs, at Mr Goth's desk arranging papers for him, when these two people...wearing masks...burst into the room. They grabbed me and shoved me in the cellar, locking the door. I must have been in there for half an hour when a neighbour came to investigate what was going on and heard me banging on the door."
"Can you tell me what books are missing from this bookshelf?" asked Action.
"Oh that's Mr Goth's reference library. It's where he keeps books he uses for research for his novels. Oh..." she said, but suddenly she stopped in mid sentence.
"What's wrong?" asked Action.
"Well, as you can see these books are about the paranormal. The top shelf is the ghost section, then mythical beasts, legends and lore and so on but one section is completely missing." Miss Joiner replied.
"Which one?"
"UFOs and aliens" she said.
"Are those books particularly rare or valuable?"
"Not particularly. But Mr Goth likes writing notes in the margins of his reference books so they're unique. And there's a couple of books I'm not allowed to touch or read. Those are strictly private and for his eyes only. They're missing as well."
Action nodded his head. "Thank you, Miss Joiner, you've been very helpful." The distraught young lady left the room.
Checking the room one more time Action noticed a scrap of paper on the floor, probably torn from one of the pages of the books that was stolen. He put on a disposable glove and picked the scrap up gently with his thumb and forefinger. Examining it, the scrap had two handwritten words on it: WHY BELLA?
"Why indeed?" muttered Action.
He made his way downstairs where he was greeted by Sergeant Kitchen, who had taken over command of the investigation team.
"We've got a full inventory of what's been stolen...those busts should give the insurance company a nightmare." he said.
"That's a ruse...so was the stolen silverware" Action replied. "The real target for the thieves were his papers and reference books. We're not dealing with common criminals out to make a quick buck. Whoever did this wants information that only Goth has."
"A bunch of books about little green men? Come on, Action, why would anyone want those?" said Sergeant Kitchen.
"Because of what Goth wrote in them. He scribbles notes in the margins. I bet he's the kind of guy who slips notepaper with his ideas into books as well. Where is Goth, anyway?"
"In Europe on a speaking tour. He won't be back for another week."
"Dang! Any other witnesses?" Action asked.
"Oh yes...and you'll just LOVE her" said Kitchen, sarcastically.
Action went to see this other witness...another young lady in her early 20s but blonde, bubbly and wearing large glasses.
"Hi, I'm Honey...Honey Pleasance" she beamed.
"But of course you are" replied Action. "Can you tell me what you saw?"
"Well, I live nearby and I love to take walks along the beautiful tree lined boulevards, especially on a day like today with all the flowers and blossoms from the trees..."
"Just cut to the bit where you saw something suspicious"
"Oh, OK...well, normally I quicken my pace when I walk past the old Goth mansion on account of all the strange stories that you hear about the place but today I notice two people run out of the building and down the street clutching large, army style rucksacks."
"Did you get a look at their faces?"
"No, they were wearing masks. But they left the front door open so I summoned up enough courage to step inside the house because, as I said, you hear stories about the Goths and their home and those creep me out. Anway, isn't it an amazing place? I mean, still creepy but so much interesting stuff as well....oh, sorry, I'm just shooting my mouth off here, I really should focus you know? My tutor at college is always saying I should be more succinct in my speech....oops, I'm doing it again, aren't I?"
"Just a bit" said Action.
"To cut a long story short, I heard a banging noise from behind a door and I opened it and there was that woman trapped in a cellar. Then I phoned the police. Maybe I should have given chase to the thieves instead!"
"No, you did the right thing. The thieves may have been armed." said Action.
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that!" replied Honey.
"You mentioned that you've heard stories about the Goths...any ones in particular?" asked Action.
"Well, they do talk about that time Mrs Goth went missing." she replied.
"Was it a kidnapping or did she just walk out and return sometime later?"
"Oh none of those things..." Honey looked nervously around the room and leaned in closer to Action. "They say supernatural forces were at work. She was here, then gone and with no trace, then she returns with her memory all gone from that period of time."
That struck a chord with Action: A complete memory wipe of an event....just what had happened to him.
"Thank you, Miss Pleasance" he said.
"Call me Honey" she said, smiling broadly again.
"I sure will" he replied. "You've been most helpful."
After she had left Officer Navarro had a quiet word with Action. "That one is clearly tripping on something. I should pull her over to see if she's carrying any narcotics"
"Leave it" said Action, putting a hand on Navarro's arm to restrain his eagerness. "We've got a lot to do with this case. Is there another witness?"
"Just one more" said Navarro. "A Mrs Giordano"
"Si, I saw them run away from the building" said Mrs Giordano in a thick Italian accent. "And I tell you; one of them was a woman"
"A woman?" said Action.
"Si! Yes! I said a woman. I could tell....her shape, the way she run. A woman"
"You seem very certain. Well that's very helpful." said Action, writing down her statement and closing his notebook. With forensics moving in to do more analysis it was time for him to head back to the precinct house.
He typed up his initial findings in a report including his assessment that the papers were the real objective of the thieves and that the theft of a few objects d'art and antiques was merely a cover. He wasn't sure that would go down well with the Chief though as it wouldn't be a simple open and shut case...
He went to the station archives to find information about Bella Goth's disappearance. There were crime scene photos of her abandoned car, found in the outskirts of Oasis Springs, and the surrounding area but it was still a cold case...made freezing by Mortimore Goth's insistence that no charges would be pressed and that, in his view, no crime had been committed because Bella had returned alive and well, no ransom was ever demanded and nothing had been stolen; therefore, no crime had taken place.
But there was a mystery nonetheless and one that related to a crime that had just taken place. Mortimore Goth had done his best to conceal it but someone knew the truth of what happened to her and had obtained the evidence for themselves. Goth was out of the country right now but not Mrs Goth. Action determined to go and question her in person.
He travelled back to Ophelia Villa to see her. The forensic team had just departed and he saw Bella Goth standing outside the house with a small boy of about 8 years of age. Action deduced that he was her son.
Everything he'd heard about Bella Goth was true: She was alluring to the point of hypnotic, her very presence had a magnetic and sexual allure; this was accentuated by her dress which clung to every smooth curve of her body, her long arms and smooth finely sculptured shoulders exposed, the shortness of the hem revealing a perfect set of legs, accentuated by expensive dark hosiery. Her eyes and lips enticed as she looked directly into Action own eyes...it was an effort just to concentrate on asking her questions. She had to have been in her late 30s at least and yet she looked 10 years younger.
"Mrs Goth, I'm Detective John Action of the Sim City PD. I'd like to ask you a few questions." he asked, composing himself.
"Certainly but I did tell your colleagues everything I know about what was stolen. I'm afraid I don't know who could have committed such a crime or who had the motive or means. As for the items, we are insured." she replied, her voice a soft purr.
"Even your husband's files and notes that he wrote in all those books he had about UFOs?"
Bella paused before answering. "Alexander, dear, run along inside. I will join you soon." she eventually said.
"Yes Mother" replied the boy, looking sullen. He trudged off inside, pausing once to turn towards his mother for some reassurance, which she gave by nodding and smiling at him.
"So, Mrs Goth, about those books of your husbands..." said Action.
"I know of them but I've never read any. That is my husband's affair" she replied.
"So you don't know what he wrote in them or why he's interested in the subject?" asked Action. "Somehow, Mrs Goth, I don't quite believe you."
"Dectective Action, I resent that insinuation!" she said proudly and indignantly.
"Let me tell you my own story, Mrs Goth, a true one. A few weeks ago I was on a case and I found a lead, a really juicy one, and something happened. I went to meet someone to get information and I went missing for a few hours. Then I emerged, unscathed but with my memory of that meeting and the case I was working on completely gone: Sound familiar?"
Bella Goth said nothing.
"I have a good buddy of mine whose mind's been messed with as well. He went for a job interview but can't remember anything about what happened. A few days later and he's working at that company but now he's developed a hatred for people he once liked. Turned out he was subjected to brainwashing but he can't remember how it was done...again I ask you, Mrs Goth, is this ringing any bells?"
"Detective, I honestly cannot remember a single thing that happened to me during that time I went missing. That is the truth." she said, nervously.
"But your husband has an idea, which he wrote down in those books and which someone has stolen. So that means a few people know what happened...has he said anything to you about it, over the years?"
"My husband is extremely protective of me. He refuses to talk to anyone about my disappearance and that includes me."
"And you're not curious?"
"Of course I am curious, Detective! Six weeks of my life...SIX WEEKS...was stolen. When I got back I was prone to blackouts and falling into semi-consciousness for months afterwards. Mortimore cared for me but he also wanted to know what happened. So he went searching and...well...wrote in those books and kept a journal of the whole affair...what he knew of it. But he refused to share that with me, no matter how much I pleaded. Eventually caring for Cassandra and Alexander and my charity work occupied all my attention and when I recovered, I stopped asking Mortimore for information."
Action nodded and took a step closer to Bella. He could smell her exotic perfume and she seemed more alluring than ever to him. "When your husband gets back from his trip, I want to see him and he will see me! You tell him that."
FOUNDRY COVE, WILLOW CREEK
Geoffrey Landgraab huffed and puffed his way along the empty streets of Willow Creek. No matter how much he ran, he could never shift that bit of extra weight around his stomach. But, like his wife, he pushed himself onwards and onwards to try to keep fit.
"Geoffrey Landgraab" came a voice behind him. Geoffrey stopped and looked around. He saw a young man with red hair and casual attire walking towards him.
"Geoffrey Landgraab...we need to talk" said the man. Geoffrey instinctively knew who this person was despite never actually having spoken with him before.
"Ah...yes..." Geoffrey said nervously. "I usually deal with a young woman from your...organisation."
"She has been altered and reassigned. You will now deal with me: I am Luke Kendall. I am concerned information about our activities becoming known by others. Leanne McGregor had to be altered. What are you doing about the leaks, Geoffrey Landgraab?"
"I have conditioned one of my employees...a man who lives just over there...to be a willing puppet to our cause. He will provide no obstacles. And I believe you dealt with Detective Action."
"Affirmative"
"Nancy has arranged for Goth's evidence against us to go missing...as a matter of fact she's already accomplished that. That only leaves Suzy Kent. Shall I deal with her or will I leave her up to you?" said Geoffrey, sinisterly.
