CHAPTER 85: In The Name Of Action

Action was pushing the limits....he had a daily routine to keep his body in A-1 shape because, in his line of work, being stronger and faster could just give him the edge over a violent perp.  No pain, no gain was his motto when he worked out.  Action was a man who worked hard...but also played hard as well.

Unfortunately, it seemed more like playing hard to get.  He'd been working long, arduous shifts at the police department and had excluded his social life in the process.  His girlfriend, Katharine, was busy too and they'd hardly seen each other in the last two weeks.  Were they drifting apart?  That question had cropped up more than once in recent weeks but Action was torn....he was very fond of her, enjoyed every moment they got to spend together but so many things got in the way of them meeting up and he feared that it was becoming too easy to take a rain check with her.  Well, today there could be no excuses...sure, his fitness regime would take up most of the morning but after that he decided that time spent with his girl was going to be the priority.

He'd set up a date with her at the Villa Bovine: An upmarket Italian restaurant specialising in steaks done the continental way.  After showering he put on his cutting edge red and black silk lounge suit and made his way to Newcrest, eagerly anticipating meeting Katharine.  

"Table for two in the name of Action" he said to the Villa Bovine's hostess.

"No need to be that strict, sir, we're only here to help" said the surprised and alarmed hostess.

"No, you misunderstand...my name's Action."

"Oh I see.  I do apologise, sir, how silly of me....yes, I have your booking here and your companion is already waiting for you."

"Oh is she" said an intrigued Action.  The hostess led him to his table where he saw that Katharine was already there; a vision in thin wisps of yellow.

"Dang, girl, you look like a cross between Aphrodite and Cleopatra!" said an impressed Action.

"High praise indeed" said Katharine.

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting long" he replied.

"Well, I know a lady should keep a gentleman waiting but I'm not your usual lady"

"That's OK, I'm not your usual gentleman either"

They both smiled at each other and Action nonchalantly waved to get the waiter's attention.

"Welcome to the Villa Bovine, sir and madam; my name's Zane and I'll be your waiter today.  Would you like the wine list first?"

"Tell me, Zane, do you still have the '62 Chianti Classico in the cellar?" said Action.

"We do have a few bottles of that vintage, sir, yes"

"I think you'll like this one, Katharine...do you mind if I order for both of us?" said Action.

"You seem to know a good thing when you taste it" she replied.

"And when I see it" said Action, raising a seductive eyebrow to her.  "Then the '62 Chianti it is then."

"Have you always been this smooth, Action?" said Katharine.

"Ever since I could walk and talk, darlin'" he replied.

"So..." began Katharine.  We've got a lot of catching up to do"

"I know...I've been bad at making time for you" said Action.

"I'm to blame as well." She replied.  "Don't beat yourself up"

"I get enough of that with my job" he said.

They ordered their meals and drinks and sat back to enjoy a fine lunch.  After some initial awkwardness about them not meeting each other much, they soon let that care slip away as smooth as the wine slipped down their throats.  Now they were back to being intimate friends who shared a frisson whenever they were together.

Action had only made plans for lunch but he didn't want this day to end so soon so he put it to Katharine that nearby was the Orange Peel club where they could dance and let their hair down.  She readily agreed.

"You know I just realised something" said Action.

"What's that?" she replied.

"We've never danced together"

"Let's change that, shall we?" she said, offering him her arm.

They did it all:  The Watusi, The Mash Potato, The Twist, Monkey Style....and they owned the dance floor.  Their moves only outshone by the unspoken passion of the moment.  Things were getting steamy and The Orange Peel had a way of lowering the inhibitions of people who frequented it.

"Hmmm, this is good" said Katharine.

"You said it, girl" replied Action.

"How about we....." she said, in between kisses.

"...move to your place or mine?  Let's say mine" he replied, kissing her once more.  "But first, I need to go to the bathroom."

He went downstairs to the gaudily lit bathrooms at the Orange Peel.  After he did what he needed to do, he helped himself to one of the complimentary manly colognes on offer...he weighed up the choice of Heave Ho or Machismo X.  He opted for the latter and checked to see if he had any prophylactics on him just in case he had to use the vending machine nearby.  He was good to go.

They made their way back home to Willow Creek, arm in arm.

"This has been a great day, Action.  Thanks for planning it" said Katharine.

"I just booked the restaurant...the rest was pure us, baby" he replied.

She rested her head on his shoulder.  "Pure us" she repeated, contently.  "So, we're back on?"

"We never stopped" he replied, smiling at her.

They arrived at his house and she noticed a few cans of paint on the porch.  "Been doing some decorating?" she asked.

"Well...last week I renovated my bedroom.  Sorry for the mess outside but the trashman doesn't come until Wednesday."

They went straight to bed and Katharine was impressed by the new look of his room.  "A real man cave" she said.

"Just making it a place of comfort...and passion" he said.

With the lights down low and the music from the club still ringing in their heads, the two dived under the covers for a night of passion.  When Action awoke, he found that Katharine wasn't next to him...instead, he could smell something cooking coming from his kitchen.  The girl had only gone and woken up before him and was making breakfast for them both.

"Let's make a promise" he said, looking at his meal and smiling.  "We don't leave it so long until we meet again?"

Chapter 84: On A Perfect Day

 

Suzy Kent saw magazine proprietor, Alan Cuffe, going for an exercise run past her house and she decided to catch his attention as she had something on her mid she wanted to raise with him.

"Mr Cuffe!" she shouted.  Cuffe stopped and turned to face her.

"Suzy....how many times do I have to tell you, call me Alan."

"Oh, sure, Alan.  Do you have a moment?"

"For you, Suzy, always"

"I need a way in with the Landgraabs...Malcolm has approached some friends of mine trying to get the dirt on me...I know I'm on to something a lot bigger here; but I need some inside dope, so to speak"

Cuffe thought for a moment before responding.  "You're really serious about this expose, aren't you?  Well I don't know Malcolm Landgraab at all but I know his parents.  Leave this with me"

"Thanks Alan" said Suzy.  Alan gave her a double pistol finger sign off and continued on his run.

She could hear a phone ringing in the distance and then realised it was HER phone!  She ran quickly back home, not an easy feat in go-go boots, and made it just in time to answer.

"Hello, Suzy Kent here?" she said, gasping for air.

"It's Neil...you sound exhausted, what have you been up to?"

"Well....I was outside and heard the phone ring halfway down the street.  How are you?  It seems like ages since we hung out"

"It's been too long, Honey.  I was wondering if you were free today?  I'm heading over to Lykke Centre and could really do with seeing you"

"Try stopping me!" she replied.

She wasted no time getting to the ultra-modern Lykke Centre with it's impressive views of the harbour and modern sculptures set among scenic walkways.  Neil was already there and when the two saw each other they ran towards each other and embraced tightly.

"Hmmmm, you feel good!" said Suzy.  "Hey, remember there was a time when you'd flinch if I tried to hug you?"

"I was very uptight back then.  You've brought me out of my shell, that's for sure.  Let's sit down and enjoy the view"

"This is a lovely spot, Neil.  You have good taste" she said.

"Thanks.  I like to come down here and paint sometimes.  So much inspiration" he replied.  "Next time, I would like to paint you...with the sailing boats in the background."

"My very own portrait?  You romantic, you!" she said before leaning and and giving him a warm, loving kiss.

Neil was left speechless after that.  They continued to make out until he grabbed her hand and started showing her all the impressive, large modern sculptures the Lykke Centre was renowned for.

"You've shown me what you like here...let me show you what I like in particular" said Suzy.

"What?" replied Neil.

Suzy laid down on the ground and looked skyward.  "The sky.  Today is particularly blue with the whitest, puffiest clouds I've seen in a long time.  Will you join me?"

"What, on the ground?"

"Have you never just lain down and watched the sky?" she said, tilting her head up towards him.

"Erm...not since I was a child"

"Give it a go, now" she said, patting the ground next to her.

"But what if people see us? Won't it look weird?" he said, looking around.

"Probably....but let's have a little fun anyway" she replied, again patting the ground next to her.

Neil looked sceptical but eventually he joined her on the ground and looked up at the clouds...now he could understand why she wanted to do this: The view was inspiring.

"You know..." he began to say "this is what I like about being with you; you inspire me to try new things, to loosen up, to let my mind race away"

"I have my uses" she joked.  "How about we head over to the club over there" she said, pointing at the Discotheque Pan Europa.

"What better way to follow lying on the ground, looking at the sky than to dance and listen to loud music?" he said with a smile.

Suzy was right at home on a dance floor, grooving to the latest hit record.  Neil could only look on in awe and thank his lucky stars he was her boyfriend.  She was equally adept at striking up conversations with people she barely knew.  She wasn't a flirt or social gadfly...she was just at ease in a group and he could see how good she would be in her career as a journalist with her finger on the pulse of pop culture.

After a few hours dancing, drinking and socialising Neil and Suzy walked arm in arm along the embankment and towards the subway station.

"So, what happens next?" asked Suzy.

"You mean, 'your place or mine'?" he replied.

"Just that"

"I wish I had more than a small apartment to wine and dine you in" said Neil.

"Mine it is then....I have a nice bottle of red wine that needs sharing"

"Sounds good to me" said Neil, warmly accepting the offer.

He got a lot more than that when they ended up at Suzy's house.  They made a meal together, with Neil concocting a fine tasting salad dressing, enjoyed lively banter and he then offered to do the dishes.  In short, he felt totally at home at her place.

As they snuggled on the couch Suzy turned to Neil, gazed into his eyes and said "I wish this day wouldn't end"

Neil nodded.  "It's been perfect"

"Even the bit where I made you lie on the ground?" joked Suzy.

"In hindsight, that was the highlight"

Suzy thought for a moment and bit her bottom lip as she toyed around with an idea she had in her head.

"Neil?"

"Yes, darling?"

"Why not make this day last longer?  Why not stay here?" she asked.

"What, stay over the night?" he replied.

"I was thinking something longer term....why don't we....you know...."

"Live together?" he said, his jaw almost hitting the floor.

"Too much?  I've said too much!" said a worried Suzy.

"No!  Not at all!  I like it!" he said, touching her arm and smiling from ear to ear.

"Great!....Wow, this is going to be so fab!" she said, enthusiastically.

"I know....but, well, we need to establish whether my bed is more comfortable or yours...so how about we..."

"Test mine out first?" she said, flirtatiously.

"You took the words right out of my mouth" he replied.

 

CHAPTER 83: A Little Extra

 

Jeremy had returned from his morning run to find that Barbara had gone in to work and, mysteriously, a new pie chart had appeared on the study noticeboard.  He looked at it, not recognising it as anything from his place of work at all.  Instead it was an expenditure/projected profit analysis of the retail market in clothing.  Could this be a project Barbara was working on?  But she worked at Hamburgerman fast food restaurant!

He didn't have time to dwell on this as he had to get to work himself but the thought was in his mind that Barbara had a little secret....it made her seem more cute as it clearly wasn't a terrible one otherwise she wouldn't have left a huge, incriminating pie chart for him to see.  Nevertheless, he had a wry smile about it.

When Barbara finished her morning shift at Hamburgerman she went straight home.  Now that she had some numbers about how much the shop would cost, she would need to save up, probably work double shifts and look for extra income.  She had a contact at the Farmers' Market who said some money could be made from people harvesting plants and fruit they've grown themselves so she went around the back of Crick Cabana to gather some lavenders for sale.  However, as she bent down to gather the flowers, she noticed that her work blouse seemed a little too snug fitting....yep, she'd put on weight; probably as a result of all those lovely meals out she was having with Jeremy.  It was time to hit the gym!

She didn't like the little roll of fat when she looked in the mirror but luckily her sports kit still fit her so, after giving herself a little motivational pep talk, it was time to hit the treadmills and work off that "little extra".

She was at the running for nearly an hour; longer than she'd ever run since leaving school sports.  The official trainer at the gym warned her to take it easy but Barbara wasn't having any of it.  On and on she went until every muscle from her waist to her toes was aching and she was going the colour of beetroot.

Eventually she'd had enough and proceeded to stagger upstairs to the showers...why did they have to be on a different level in this place?  She was finding it very difficult to move her very stiff legs but, fortunately, help was on hand from a familiar source.

"Whoa, Babs...take it easy there!" said John Action.

"Action...thank...*phew*...goodness you're here" she gasped in reply.

"Save your breath, I'll help you upstairs"

"They....should....*gasp*....put an elevator...in here..."

"Thanks....." she said and she continued to stagger to the showers.  The hot water was soothing on her sore muscles and after 10 minutes she emerged to get changed and head home.  She didn't feel so bad after a soothing shower but she decided to take the bus home rather than a subway and walk the extra distance, even though that was the quicker way home.

But between the bus stop and the gym, she noticed there was an argument brewing between an old lady and a familiar, public figure:  Magazine boss and party animal Alan Cuffe.

"It's disgusting what you print!" said the old lady.

"What, the recent article on modern American culture by Pulitzer winning author Norman Brainer?" replied Cuffe.

"No!  I mean all those naked women!"

"Jealous?" said an indifferent Cuffe.

Barbara wanted to hear more but the bus arrived and she had to force herself to get on it....fighting her sore body.  She got home and realised she had another work shift in an hour...she could always opt out but there was that issue of money once again:  She really wanted to put a deposit down on that shop.  She would do the second shift of the day and make it up to Jeremy in quality time later.

"Hey sweetheart..." said Jeremy as he got home.

"Hey" Barbara replied, kissing him on the cheek.  "Gotta run...I'll see you tonight" 

"What?" responded a confused Jeremy.  He didn't know she was on two shifts today.  What was going on with her lately?  He headed inside, got a bite to eat and headed off to the study to eat and go through some work reports.  The house felt lonely without Barbara and after finishing his dinner he looked back at the pie chart and noticed something that evaded his attention this morning.  It was an address on Magnolia Promenade.  Could this be the answer to the mystery?  Jeremy made a note of it and headed off to the Promenade to find out.

The address turned out to be an abandoned store.  Walking around it, Jeremy didn't see anything particularly outstanding about the place...it was run down, empty and needed work just to keep it from falling down.  Why was Barbara interested in here?

He headed home and finished off the reports in the study.  Barbara came home and Jeremy decided to talk to her about the old store and the pie chart.

"Hey, honey" he said.

"Jeremy!  I'm glad you're still awake.  I've missed you today....sorry I didn't tell you I'd be doing two shifts today"

"Well, we're here together now.  You don't have to do extra shifts at work; we're financially OK"

"I know....it's just...."

"The shop?" Jeremy asked.  Barbara was taken aback.

"You know about the shop?" she said, her eyes wide in surprise.

"I guessed.  A clue here, a clue there.  Want to tell me about it?"

"I was going to wait until I'd done all the research first....this is just an idea at this stage:  I've signed nothing and not spent any of our money.  Jeremy, I don't want to stay working at a fast food joint, I want to set up my own shop.  A boutique.  Now I've done some research; Suzy helped me and there's definitely a market for trendy clothing designed for young people here in Sim City.  I found that location and it's going cheap...but I know it needs a lot of work done to it..."

"Oh it certainly does" said Jeremy.  "And you've worked this all out without telling me"

Barbara looked embarrassed.  "Well....I was frightened you'd laugh at my idea.  You being the big businessman and all that" she said.

Jeremy smiled.  "I'm hardly 'big' at my company.  I'm a glorified pen pusher.  But no, I'm impressed with what you've done so far.  Do you have a deposit ready to put down on the place?"

"Nearly.  I've got some money my parents gave me....it was for a downpayment on a place of my own but as we live together I figured I could put that towards the shop."

"OK....and, well, like I said we're doing OK financially so......." he left that point hanging in the air.

"You'll help?" said Barbara.

"I'll help too" said Jeremy, taking her hands in his.  The two of them smiled lovingly at each other.

CHAPTER 82: In The Stars

 

Some people, like Travis Scott, when they wake up prefer to prioritise breakfast over a wash and getting dressed.

Others, like Summer Holiday, prefer to wash, get dressed and put on makeup before eating breakfast.

And this is how both Travis and Summer found each other when they both sat down to eat one Tuesday morning.  That was part and parcel of sharing a house...the neat one, the messy one and the one who keeps odd hours; like their housemate, Liberty Lee.  However, Travis and Summer had developed romantic feelings for one another and that added a whole new layer to their house share.

For example, hitherto Travis had eaten his breakfast in his P.J.s and not cared about his appearance until after he had something to eat and drink...but now, with Summer sitting next to him looking stunningly beautiful and immaculate, he felt self conscious about his state of dress.

As soon as he finished eating he hurried off to the bathroom to get washed and then get dressed....and hoping he had something clean and smart to wear to impress Summer.  He was rummaging around for some after shave he kept in his desk drawer when Liberty walked in.

"Oh no....you're not going to put on that awful after shave you have...what's it called again?  Heave-Ho?" said Liberty, looking disconcerted.

"What's wrong with Heave-Ho?  It has that fresh, nautical smell!" said Travis

"No, it has a maritime smell....it makes you smell like a trawler.  Please, if you really like Summer, you'll put that bottle away...preferably in a trash can"

Meanwhile Summer had problems of her own.  As she was putting some breakfast dishes in the sink, the faucet sprung a leak.  

"Oh no....I can't fix this in my nice dress!" she said to herself.  "Erm...I should get someone in to fix it!  No, Daddy taught me how to replace a washer and I'm going to do him proud and fix it myself!  But should I change out of these clothes first?  Oh no, it's getting worse...OK, where's that wrench and packet of washers?"

Travis was trying to wash any trace of Heave-Ho off of him whilst Summer grappled with the leaky faucet.  When Travis emerged into the lounge, he found a seemingly nonchalant Summer sat on the sofa...unaware that she'd only just finished changing the washer and mopping the floor just seconds ago.  Easy listening music was playing on the record player.

"Hey there" she said.

"Hey" he replied, sitting down next to her.  He thought about making a move but decided to play it cool.  Summer, meanwhile, thought he'd gone off her as he showed no interest.

"Erm...got much on today?" said Summer, breaking the awkward silence.

"Work in an hour" replied Travis.  "You?"

"Nothing....a day off."

"Oh....well, I wish I had a day off as well"

"What would you do if you had?" said Summer, looking at him directly.

"Maybe something like..........this" and he stretched out his right arm and put it around her.

"Hmmmm, that's more like it!" said Summer.

"You know I'm serious about us" said Travis.  "I know I've got to get to work soon and I wanted more uninterrupted time to show you how much I dig you, Summer..."

"Why wait for then?" she replied.  "Make the most of every moment, Travis"

Travis stood up, took her by the hand and...seizing on her words...took the opportunity to show his affection.

"Wow...Travis....I had no idea!" said Summer.

"About what?" he replied.

"That you're a fabulous kisser...come here, let's do that again!"

They kissed, caressed and smooched losing all track of time before an alarm buzzer on Travis' wristwatch sounded.

"Dang...time for work.  I will definitely see you later"

Summer waved him off to work but couldn't help doing a little victory jig after he left.  

"I didn't want to interrupt" said Liberty as she entered the room and caught Summer posing flirtatiously.

"Oh!" said an embarrassed Summer.  "I...well....you know"

"I know...say, there's an astronomy exhibition in town and there's going to be an observatory and everything.  I was just going to head down there; do you want to join me?" said Liberty.

Summer thought it over for a few seconds.  "Sure.  Why not?  It looks like a nice day out.

"There it is" said Liberty after they'd arrived in downtown San Myshuno. "A genuine reflecting telescope...right, I'm going in.  Will you join me?" said Liberty, gazing in wonder at the device.

"Actually I'm going to look at these other exhibits for a bit.  Shall we meet in the bar in an hour?"

"OK, sure" said Liberty before going into the small room where the telescope viewer was.

Summer walked around, looking at the displays and astronomy exhibits including a pair of life size rockets that were used to put satellites into orbit.

The subject matter wasn't really Summer's thing and she soon got bored.  She knew she couldn't bother Liberty either right now and thus went to the bar a little earlier than planned.  Sitting at the bar she ordered a sweet n spicy and chatted with the bartender for a bit about how business was slow here because the science nerds didn't like drinking in this bar as it was too trendy for them.

However, Summer was soon joined by a very welcome and familiar face:  Suzy Kent.

"Suzy!  What a wonderful surprise to see you here!"  she said, enthusiastically.

"Summer!  Good to see you too.  Have you seen Malcolm Landgraab pass through here?"

"No I haven't, and are you still on that story?"

"I never stopped being on it.  Dang, I must have missed him by minutes!"

"Anyway, this gives us a chance to catch up....what's happening?" continued Suzy.

"Well.....the big news is that Travis kissed me this morning" said a nonchalant Summer.  Suzy gave her a playful punch on the arm.

"Way to go!  That deserves a drink or two!" said Suzy, walking over to the bar to place an order.

The two friends drank, gossiped and were a little worse for wear when Liberty caught up with them.

"I got to see the rings of Saturn clearly and...well look at you two!" she said.

"Well we had things to celebrate, didn't we Suzy?" said a tipsy Summer.

"How about I help you girls on to the subway before I head off to work?" said Liberty.

"That would be great...." said Suzy, struggling to stay upright.

The friends made their way back to Foundry Cove, where Summer crashed out.  Travis had finished his shift and went to look in on her but found her fast asleep.  He slipped her shoes off and pulled a blanket over her before getting a bite to eat and being to tired to stay awake and turning in himself.

When Summer woke up, she found Liberty had just come home.

"I hope you don't think I'm an awful lush, Liberty" said Summer.

"Well...you did say it was a celebration.  You know, next time you might have to help me get on that train home!"

CHAPTER 81: The Low Glass Ceiling

 

Julia gulped down the energy drink; an old family recipe that would sustain her through her busy work day at the hospital.  She'd been putting in long shifts in the hope of a promotion.  She'd also hit the books to keep up to date with the latest treatments and medical breakthroughs, got through her patient workload and even spent time keeping the hospital clean and in order, which was beyond her pay grade.  She just wanted that promotion.

Heading off to work, she felt determined to put in a really good day...clear the waiting list, treat the patients and work on her chemical analysis skills.  She outlined her plan to get noticed for promotion to her best friend, Francesca.  

"So I'm going to waste no time today...I'll treat patients, clear the beds, take lab reports: The lot.  And by the end of the day even Murakami's got to notice".  Dr Murakami was the senior surgeon and someone who was notoriously hard to impress.

"Well just be careful not to overdo it" said Francesca, sounding a note of caution.

"Me?  Overdo things?  I don't know the meaning of the word!" said a highly positive Julia, her mood enhanced by the family recipe energy drink she'd had earlier.

Grabbing a set of patient notes Julia walked towards the wards whilst checking them.  The note read "Patient:  Lulu Strang.  Diagnosis:  Stomach virus.  Treatment:  Antibiotics in liquid form."  Right, thought Julia, I'm on to this!

She took the medicine over to Miss Strang's bed.  She hadn't been Julia's patient but the diagnosis was there and the medicine needed administering.

"Good morning, Miss Strang.  I'm Dr Epstein and looking at your notes it looks like you were diagnosed with a stomach virus"

"Eurrrugh....yes" said Lulu Strang, in a weak voice.

"Well, your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic.  I'll give you a dose now and here's a prescription for some more.  Take it orally 3 times a day for a week.  If the symptoms persist, contact us again and we'll check you over and perhaps change your medication but in all likelihood this will work"

Right...Julia thought to herself...job done, one down, move on... Next patient, Adrian Savalani, age 33, complaining of high temperature, earache and intermittent acute stomach pains.  Julia entered the room where Mr Savalani was and introduced herself to the man there who seemed like he normally was in good condition and kept himself fit but was clearly not well.

"Please tell me you're going to be my doctor" said Adrian.

"I am...does my reputation precede me?" said Julia.

"No...but I'd much rather be treated by someone who looks keen and eager and not world weary...OWW!" he said, clutching his stomach.

"Here, lie down and let me examine that" said Julia.

"Whoa, steady on! Ask me to dinner first!" said Adrian.

"Oh a comedian are we?  Well, I'll have you know I'm of the Grand Order of Pranksters" said Julia.

"Ugh, the enemy" said Adrian.

"A minute ago you were happy that I was your doctor"

"Yes, but you might trick me with a hand buzzer or fake poop in the bed."

"I'm strictly professional" said Julia.

"That's what my ex wife used to say...before she went out on a contract kill...that's a joke, by the way OW!" he said, clutching his side.

Julia examined him by feeling around his abdomen and then checked his ears with an Otoscope before finally taking a swab from his mouth.  She had an inkling as to what might be troubling him.

"So which part was the joke?" asked Julia.  "The part about you having an ex wife or that she was a contract killer?"

"Both" said Adrian, lying back on the bed in some discomfort.

"I'll just get your swab sampled and I'll be back later"

Julia took the sample down to the lab and had it examined as she wrote up her notes and looked in a few medical textbooks to follow up on her hunch.  When the report came back it confirmed her suspicion:  Gallstones.

Returning to Adrian's room she held the file out and announced to him "Well, I think I know what's troubling you...it's...."

"Gallstones, Mr Savalani." said the voice of Dr Murakami as she entered the room.  "Fortunately for you we have an effective treatment for them that won't require surgery.  Thank you, Dr Epstein, I'll take things from here"

"But..." said Julia, her voice quiet but sad as her moment was being stolen by a senior doctor.

"No buts, Dr Epstein.  Now if you can go and make sure the nurses have prepared the vacant rooms properly for incoming patients that would be great.  Run along now."

Julia felt Murakami had stolen the case and the patient away from her and made her look small in front of him.  Disappointed, she went and did as she was told.  Francesca tried to console her but Julia knew there'd be no promotion today.  No chance to shine and, as such, she saw out her shift.

She went home and had dinner but was now feeling too low to read any number of medical journals she had earmarked to check out.  Her phone rang and it was George Sneedley, but he wasn't ringing on official League of Decency business.  

"I hear you treated a friend of mine in hospital...Adrian Savalani.  He said you were very good" said George.

"Thanks...I hope he feels better soon" she replied.  "Oh is there another meeting planned yet?"

"There are forces and wheels in motion as we speak...Dr Epstein...we will be in touch."

Julia hung up the phone and sighed.  Maybe some music could lift her out of her funk?  She headed on down to the Blue Velvet club not to listen to or dance to the blues music there but because they had a piano and a part of the evening devoted to an open mic slot.

She was surprised to see a few people she already knew:  Magazine editor Abigail Whitaker and her neighbour Jeremy Saint.  He was there as Barbara was working at Hamburgerman and he, like Julia, was at a loose end.  But Jeremy was more interested in dancing than talking.

"You know, Julia" said Jeremy "I never used to be into this kind of music...I was more a Lawrence Welk or Mitch Miller kind of man myself but Barbara and Action have encouraged me to give the Blues a go and I'm really enjoying it!  You should get up and give it a go!"

"That's great, Jeremy" said Julia.  "I dabble a bit on piano but I'm not much of a dancer"

"Go on, Julia, have a little fun...it sounds like you could use it" said Abigail.

"Oh...OK then...don't say I didn't warn you if I tread on your toes"  Julia stood up and shuffled along to her one and only dance move:  The Indifferent Bop.

"Excuse me for interrupting" said a woman with a long, blonde ponytail.  "You play the piano, don't you?  I think I've seen you in here playing before"

Julia recognised who this woman was:  She was one of the Lothario Kittens.  She was often in here hanging on Alan Cuffe's right arm...usually there was another of the Kittens on his left one as well.

"I do play" said Julia, cooly.

"Oh I'm hoping you can help me out of a bind.  You see I sing here once a week and my regular accompanist can't make it all of a sudden and I'm booked to sing at 9pm.  I was wondering if you could help me by accompanying me this evening.  I know it's short notice but my set is quite short...only 5 songs."

Julia took a deep breath.  As a member of The League of Decency she should be against this woman but she wasn't in her Kitten outfit and this singing gig had nothing to do with Lothario Magazine & Clubs.  It would be churlish to flat out refuse the request.

"What are you going to sing?" asked Julia.  The woman, whose name was Joelene, told her.  "Right, I can do 4 of them but I don't know the 5th.  Can you sing 'House Of The Rising Sun' because I know that one?"

"Sure!" said Joelene, her face beaming with joy.  "Let's do this!"

The set went down well, with both women getting a big round of applause and a hatful of tips, which Joelene shared with Julia.  Afterwards, they went to get a drink together at the bar.

"You've got a terrific voice" said Julia.

"Thanks...you're very good on the ivories yourself" Joelene replied.

"So you're part of the Kitten Club?" asked Julia.

"Yeah" said Joelene, smiling.  "Hey, weren't you in here last week giving Alan a piece of your mind?"

"I was.  I must be frank here: I disapprove of the whole Lothario business.  You've clearly got talent, why waste it posing semi-naked in magazines or being a hostess in his clubs?"

"Well, I'm not forced to do any of those things...I was very shy and withdrawn before I joined the Kitten Club.  Alan, his business partner and the other girls have given me a lot of confidence and through the club I've gotten to meet all kinds of influential people; some of them in the music and entertainment business.  I won't be a Kitten for long, but it's given me a start to what I want to do; sing and entertain people."

"Well, I just don't understand why Lothario has to be a part of that but....I enjoyed being part of the gig tonight and...well, I hope the other Kittens are as nice as you are"

"They're a pretty good bunch of girls...we stick together.  But I know what the Lothario brand stands for isn't for everyone...I respect your viewpoint"

"Well, let's drink to a successful night!" said Julia, raising a glass.  It wasn't successful at the hospital, where she felt her progress was obstructed by a low built glass ceiling, but for one night all that was forgotten.