CHAPTER 91: What Julia Did Next

 

Julia Epstein said goodbye to Barbara and Jeremy and headed off for her "special evening".  She was nervous about this event:  She was wearing a brand new outfit, recommended to her by Barbara and mutual neighbour Suzy, which was...apparently...this season's "look" but one in which made her feel self conscious.  A bright colour, short and more elaborate than what she normally wore she was worried that it was too attention seeking.  However, she wanted to make a good impression.

But on whom?  Jeremy thought she had a hot date.  Barbara thought she was just trying to look good for the event she was attending.  The truth was somewhere in between.  She wanted to go and see a new exhibition of modern art at the Casbah Gallery and wanted to look stylish for that.  But her parents had also mentioned that the son of an old family friend was new in town and liked art so maybe it would be nice if they met up....clearly they were attempting to match-make for Julia, which she baulked at.  Why the pressure to find a husband?  Julia had never been the romantic type, never had a boyfriend at High School or even College.  She went through med school without ever going on a date.  It didn't interest her at all but...best pander to the folks, she thought, and enjoy the show.  Maybe this guy would be good company for the evening?

It was a beautifully serene dusk as she entered the gallery.  Already the place was filling up with interested art lovers and the Casbah was the premier gallery in Sim City.  It was also one of Julia's favourite places to hang out in.

She had a name and description of the man she was supposed to meet but the first person she encountered inside the gallery was someone she knew very well, but had mixed feelings about seeing.  Her auntie Elle.  Elle had a troubled mental history and could be very volatile.

"Hello Aunt Elle.  I didn't expect to see you here?  How are you?" she said.

"Thanks for asking.  I have my daily burdens to bear." replied Elle, coldly.

"What are you doing all dressed up like that?" said Elle, looking dismissively at Julia.  "That's not usually the look you go for"

"I know...I thought I'd try something a bit different as...well..." Julia stumbled over her answer.

"You're on a date?  A blind date by the looks of it!" said Elle, sharply.

"No, it's not like that....it's something mom and dad had planned"

"Tsch! I might have known!  Always meddling those two!  Well, don't hold out much hope that the person they've set you up with is some 40 year old fat accountant who's the son of one of their gossipy, judgmental friends of theirs!  That's about the best you can hope for!" and with that, Elle went on another of her rants.  Julia had to make her apologies and get away.

"Ugh...what is it with her?" thought Julia to herself.  "She's always undermining me and I've only ever tried to help her!"  she went off to the Ladies' to calm down and regain her composure...after all, this guy she was supposed to meet could be here already and she didn't want to make a bad impression.

"Families!" she thought.  "I'm always being the loyal daughter, niece, cousin...I have to respect the family, no matter how.....mad they make me!" that last thought worried her.  Both her aunt and one of her grandparents had psychological illnesses and she worried that it could be hereditary.  When she had more time, she would have to look deeper into the condition and learn more.

"OK....take a deep breath" she thought.  "I look.....what do I look like?  Got to look smart...presentable....were Suzy and Barbara right about this outfit!  Oh, I don't know anymore!"

She did her best, stepped out of the Ladies' room and continued to amble around the gallery looking for this man she was supposed to meet.  She made her way to the information desk to ask someone if anyone had left a message for her with them.

"Is there any message for Julia Epstein, or Doctor Julia Epstein....from a gentleman called Kerry Fry?"

"Let me see..." said the woman at the desk.  "Ah, yes, a Mr Kerry Fry did leave a message for you.  It said that he will be waiting in the mezzanine gallery on floor 1."

Julia thanked the woman and nervously went upstairs to the mezzanine gallery to meet this person.  She had a rough description of him: Late 20s, beard, dark hair, brown eyes and he had one of her...but she forgot to add that tonight she'd be wearing contact lenses instead of glasses.  She looked around for a guy matching his description on his own.

She didn't have to wait long:  Kerry Fry turned out to be the only man there who was on his own.

"Are you Kerry?" asked Julia

"Julia?" replied the man.

"Yes.  Nice to meet you" she responded.  "I hope you haven't been waiting long"

"I got here too early so I was just checking out a gallery or two.  Not to worry.  So....you look a little different to who I was expecting" said Kerry.  Julia gulped in nervousness.  "I mean I was expecting someone in glasses.  But you look nice; cool outfit you're wearing there"

Julia relaxed.  "Thanks.  It's new and I thought I'd give wearing contact lenses a go today." She looked at him and noticed he looked more hippyish than the description she was given of him:  The cheesecloth shirt worn open at the neck, the trendy striped pants and the Native American necklace he was wearing.

"It all works" he said.  "So, I've not been here before...have you?" 

"Oh I'm often down here; time permitting.  I could show you around?" she said.

"That'd be cool" he said, nodding.

They took a stroll around the 1st floor galleries with Julia pointing out works of interest.  "This section is for more modern work.  If you prefer the classics, then through here." 

"I dig it all; this is a great place" said Kerry.  "I think this one looks impressive"

"Ah the Matisse" said Julia as they stopped to look at the painting that had caught Kerry's interest.  "Such bold strokes of the brush!"

"It's a Manet" said a little boy standing nearby.

"I think you'll find it's a Matisse" replied Julia, politely.

"It's a MANET!" said the boy.  "I should know, my father is a world famous art expert.  The best.  And that painting is by Manet"

"I think the kid's correct, Julia" said Kerry, inspecting the sign next to the painting.

"Pthhhhht!  Told you so!" said the boy, sticking out his tongue before running off.

Julia felt embarrassed.  She had put her foot in her mouth and in front of this guy she'd just met.  He was a good looking guy and clearly a with-it person.  How could she recover from this?

"Kids, eh?" he said, shrugging his shoulders.  "Reminds me of this girl I went to school with...she always had to be right about everything" he chuckled.

"I guess" shrugged Julia.

"Hey, don't knock yourself out over that brat" said Kerry.  "The number of times I've had my confidence knocked by a kid have been too many to count!"

Julia smiled.  "Well, next time I'll read the labels more closely.  Anyway, would you like to see another gallery....or something else?"

"Actually, there's a guy I know over there who I've just got to say hi to otherwise he'll pester us as well.  I'll be five minutes, tops" and with that Kerry ran off.

Great.  She thought.  Could this date...or rendezvous or whatever this was supposed to be get any worse?  This is why she hated the idea and reality of dating:  All that effort and risk of showing yourself up.  She could see the wisdom in the tradition of the village matchmaker:  That's how her grandparents would have done it.

 Julia strolled around the gallery waiting to see if Kerry would return but she didn't have to wait long, he came jogging back.  "Sorry about that...now you have my undivided attention"

"Shall we go upstairs to see more?" she said, indicating the stairs.

"Yeah, groovy" replied Kerry.  

As they walked along they got to chatting more.  "So" Kerry began.  "I hear you're a doctor"

"That's right, at Sim City General.  I'm pretty newly qualified.  How about yourself?"

"Well, I'm in the medical profession as well but nowhere near your level.  I'm a physiotherapist."  

"Oh, so the next time I throw my shoulder out..."

"Come and see me" he said, smiling.  

"My folks told me that you'd only recently moved back here" she asked.

"Yes.  About a couple of months ago.  Yeah, for the last year I was living and hanging out in 'Frisco...Haight Ashbury to be exact.  Really exciting scene there.  Before that I was practicing down in Greenwich Village, New York.  Really cool scene there as well."

Those places didn't mean much to Julia.  "And how do you know my folks?"

"I don't...my folks know your folks through their Bridge club and so on"

They chatted some more and Julia felt more relaxed.  Finally, Kerry said "well, I've got a really early shift tomorrow so, yeah, this has been great meeting you and I had a fab time.  We should do this again sometime"

"Yes, I'd like that too" replied Julia smiling.  

There was a pause where neither one wanted to make the next move until it got too much and Kerry waved goodbye and left.  Julia turned on her heel and made her way in the opposite direction where she bumped into her next door neighbour, Neil Humphries.  Neil was by a canvass, doing some painting outdoors.

"Hey Neil" she said as she approached him.  

"Julia...nice to see you here.  What have you been up to?" he replied.

"Erm...kind of a date" she said.

"Kind of a date?" Neil was puzzled.

"Well, I met a guy but it wasn't a romantic date or anything like that...just a friendship, see how we got along thing."

"And did you?"

"Yes...he seems nice.  A relaxed, Bohemian type."

"Well that's good, isn't it?  I'm a bit like you, Julia:  I'm not normally the dating type...I have to force myself into social situations sometimes."

"But you met Suzy and that seems to be going well?"

"Oh yes...I sure got lucky there.  She's way above my league"

"I never knew you thought that way about yourself." Julia sighed.  "It's all so complicated to me...I just want to work, play music and go to nice places.  Adding romance just complicates things.  Anyway, I must be getting on now.  Nice painting, by the way."

Julia started to walk towards the subway station when a young, handsome man approached her.

"Excuse me, Miss, but do you have the time?" he asked.

"Yes, it's 8:50pm" she said, checking her watch.

"Thank you....I say, I saw you in the gallery earlier.  Do you like art?  I'm very into it" the man said, awkwardly.

"I do.  It was a good exhibition today, don't you think?"

"Definitely!" said the young man "By the way, my name is Rez"

"Julia.  Nice to meet you."

"I...I...think you are a very beautiful young woman.  When I saw you in the gallery I thought you were..."

Julia put up her hands.  "No...I'm sorry.  I don't know who you are!  I don't feel comfortable talking about this and here.  Please...I'm going home now.  Nice to meet you...bye!"

Julia headed on home to Foundry Cove but via Crawdad Quarter.  She was hoping to bump into a friend such as Suzy, Jeremy or Joelene to share her story of what happened that evening.  Fortunately, at the Blue Velvet club, she found Jeremy and Barbara.

"Hey" said an enthusiastic Jeremy.  "How did this evening go?"

"I think it went well....it was a good exhibition" said Julia.

"And anything else?" asked Jeremy, provocatively, as he suspected she was actually on a date.

"I met some interesting people.  Let's just leave it at that" she replied.

CHAPTER 90: The Accomplice

 If there was one person in Foundry Cove who was not putting on weight it was John Action.  Every morning he'd do his calisthenics, which included imagining the faces of the perps he wanted to arrest on his punching bag.  "You have the right....BAM!....to remain silent....punk!"

"Still packing a punch, eh Action?" said a voice.  Action turned around so see his old Marine buddy, Marcus Flex, jogging past.  Marcus stopped and the two men had a chat.

"Hey, Marcus....still doing the dawn run?" said Action.

"You know me...old habits die hard" replied Marcus.

"Do your housemates get annoyed that you get up at 5am?"

"Pah, civilians, eh?" joked Marcus.

"Semper Fi, dude" said Action.  "We should meet up soon, it's been too long, man"

"Hold you to it...gotta go, Action, but let's meet soon" and with that, Marcus continued his morning run.

Action went home to shower and get dressed for work.  There was a case that remained unsolved...the art theft at Oasis Springs.  Sure, they got the main thief but they never got the getaway driver and after weeks of chasing leads the Sim City PD had got nowhere with the case.

He went down to the lab to speak with their specialist: Bibi Stahler, on loan from the Munich police force in West Germany but an expert and fine analytical mind to consult.

"I have been looking at the various case files, Action" said Bibi.  "I would guess that the person you are looking for is approximately the same age as the thief; a young person, early to mid twenties.  This is based on the various witness reports and the nature of the crime itself: Not clinical or professional...more like opportunistic and chaotic.  This would indicate someone relatively inexperienced in crime."

"Good to know...you know your stuff" said Action, who gave her a finger pistol sign.  "I'm going to go through the police files to see if there are any new witness reports"

Action looked through the recent files and found one report from a witness that caught his eye.  A Kathy Hardin, age 26, from Windenburg, had overheard someone bragging about how they got paid a large sum of money for just driving really fast from The Solar Flare lounge in Oasis Springs to Windenburg.  It could be some loudmouth punk hot rodder but it could also be the elusive getaway driver as well.  Action telephoned Miss Hardin and asked for her to come down to the station to give another statement to him.

The first thing Action noticed about Miss Hardin was how her skirt perfectly hugged the contours of her hips.  The second thing was that she could be very specific on one or two points but annoyingly vague about everything else.

"I remember this guy...young, like recent college graduate young" began Hardin.  "Brown hair and wearing white shorts."

"What about his shirt or jacket?" asked Action.

"I don't recall those.  But the shorts were definitely white...oh, and his shoes: They were odd looking" she continued.

"By odd do you mean colour, style, size?" Action pressed her for greater detail.

"I mean odd looking.  I don't know, I can't quite put my finger on it.  Anyway he was splashing the cash around at the nightclub"

"Which nightclub?"

"I don't recall...but he was waving thick wads of banknotes around the club buying round after round and saying 'easy come, easy go...live fast and die young'"

"And what makes you think he'd got that money illegally?" asked Action.

"Because he said all he had to do to get it was drive up to that club that got robbed....The Solar Flare...wait in the van and then drive like hell once his 'friend' came out with the 'goods'".

"Who was he talking to about this?"

"Erm..." Hardin looked off into the distance trying to think.  "...this other young guy.  He had strange hair."

"When you say 'strange' what do you mean?" sighed Action.

"Just...strange.  Like sticking up, high.  Like it was glued" said Hardin.

"Miss Hardin, have you anything else you can remember?"

"I think that covers it.  But definitely brown hair, white shorts and...."

"Strange shoes.  I got it, Miss Hardin"  Action went to write up these notes but he needed something more to go on.  It was time to visit one of his street contacts.

Heading on down to Newcrest, Action spotted a couple of familiar faces.  One of them was the person he was looking for.

Whitney Crocker was a professional dancer by day but lived in a hippy commune down by Haight Simsbury.  She'd provided Action with some good information about anti-social behaviour down that way...anything that disturbed her "chakra". 

Joanna Thompson was a lady of dubious virtue.  Action had known her since he was a teenager, she the scrappy little sister of a friend and she liked to play people off of each other.  He didn't know what she did for a job but judging by the thigh length boots, the fishnet stockings and the low cut top he had a pretty good idea.  He also knew that she was one of the best sources of insider information in the city.

"Well, well, well, I didn't know you chicks knew each other" said Action, sauntering over to them.

"Unfortunately we do" said Whitney.  "I've been trying to convince Joanna here to move on; this is a peaceful place"

"A girl's gotta make a livin', doll" said Joanna.

"Don't you two give me evils, now.  I just want some information, that's all" said Action.

"And if I do, will you get her out of there?" said Whitney.

"And if I do, what do I get?" asked Joanna.

"The usual reward" said Action. "Which will be enough for Jo to move along of her own accord"

"What do you want to know?" asked Joanna.

"I'm looking for a particular cat; brown hair, white shorts...young, like student age young.  He's been acting like one of the last of the big spenders of late...oh, and he wears some kind of strange shoes"

"By strange do you mean..." asked Whitney

"Anything that seems out of place" replied Action, sharply.

"There's this dude who wears women's shoes..." said Joanna.

"Wait!  He wears women's shoes?" said Action, his eyebrows raised.

"Some guys like that kind of thing, Action" said Whitney.  "It's not illegal for men to wear women's clothes"

"No. That's not what I meant...I know a perp who wears women's shoes; busted him some time back for vandalism"

"So if I've been of help, Action, maybe you could let me have some of that sweet SCPD expense money" said Joanna, flirting with him.  Action reached for a wallet and gave her 50 Simoleons.  Joanna held the money up to the sky and, satisfied, tipped her hat to him and walked off.

"Tsch! Lowering the tone" said a dismissive Whitney.

Action returned to his car where he found that the Precinct were calling him on the radio.

"Zebra Adam 13 here...over" said Action.

"Zebra Adam 13...we have an update on that suspect. Kathy Hardin called in again...says she's seen our suspect over at the Narwhal Arms, Winderburg"

"On my way" said Action, getting the car underway and heading straight for Windenburg.

Outside of the club he met Kathy Hardin, who was looking agitated.  "That's him! The guy with the brown hair and white shorts...and look at his shoes!" she said, looking in the window to the club.  "He's even talking to that spiky haired weirdo I was telling you about"

"I see..." said Action, looking at the two disreputable looking young men in the club.

"Leave it to me" he said, going in to the club.  He sauntered casually over to the bar where the two young men were sitting.  

"Hey, I hear you're buying" said Action to the brown haired man wearing women's shoes.  The man looked at Action, recognised him, and tried to run away.  Quick as a flash, Action was on him, pinning one arm behind his back.  "Not so fast, bucko!"

A black and white was called to bring the suspect in and Action followed back to the station, where Bibi Stahler was waiting for him.

"Well done, Detective.  Now..." she added a pause.  "Are you sure you've got the right man this time?"

CHAPTER 89: Fight The Flab

 

"Hello?  Is that the Luxury Indulgence Gourmet Food Company?  My name is Suzy Kent and I'd like to register a complaint....well, me along with two of my friends joined your meal deal club last month and have been sampling the introduction menu these last few weeks and....well...we've all ballooned in weight.  I now weigh...well, I won't say over the phone but I'm also sending a letter plus incriminating before and after photos to show you what the effect your food has had on our bodies.  My friend Summer had to completely replace her wardrobe!  Your food should have come with a clear warning....no, '7 across: It might make you fat' isn't good enough.....I am informing you that I work with the prestigious fashion magazine 'Hey, Wow'....oh you've heard of them...well, I have no choice other than to recommend to my readership that they avoid your products at all costs unless they want to expand their dress size!   Good day!"

Suzy was now hitting the salads and was spending more and more time at the spa.  She just about squeezed herself into her leotard and hit the treadmills as well as spending hours in the steam room to help sweat out the pounds.  Barbara and Summer had also ballooned out on this diet that was billed as "luxurious but also healthy".  Well, all three of them didn't feel healthy right now; wheezy, exhausted and unable to bend properly was more like it.

Suzy pounded on treadmill for hours and, in between exercise classes, sketched some fashion ideas with her charcoal pencils and sketch pad...she was now getting inspiration from Mama Cass.  Neil joined her after his work shift to relax in the steam room whilst she ran and found himself surrounded by the creme de la creme of Sim City businessmen:  Victor Feng, Geoffrey Landgraab and Mortimer Goth; who all ignored him while they sorted out the world's problems.

Afterwards they sat outside at the nearby park where Suzy sketched some landscape images and Neil gave her artistic pointers.

"...and that is what we call a 'two point perspective' image" said Neil, as Suzy sketched.

"Thanks...I think I've got the hang of it now.  I really appreciate your artistic insight" Suzy replied.

"You're really coming along leaps and bounds" 

"Really?  Well, this is going to be an important additional skill for my work.  If I can sketch fashion ideas I can use them in articles."  Suzy then let out a groan and she sat bolt upright.  "I was going to go back and hit the gym a little more but my back's aching!"

"Don't over do all this exercise" warned Neil.

"Well, Barbara, Summer and I are shocked at what's happened to us...I have an image to protect, Barbara's got a lot of planning and work to do and she needs to stay fit and as for Summer...well, how's she going to feel when her housemate is slim and svelte and she's got to wear a Mu-Mu instead?"

"You know I love you whatever your shape...and Jeremy and Travis are good guys; they'll not care that you girls have put on a little" said Neil, trying to console Suzy.

"A little?  That company is dangerous!  But you're right...I don't want to end up in traction either."

"Speaking of Barbara" continued Suzy "I'm helping her out with her boutique plan...you work in retail, can you share some tips I can pass on to her?"

"Sure.  I'll make a note of some when we get home and you can give them to her.  Hey, I might even ask her for a job!"

"That'd be great!"

"Steady on...setting up a shop is expensive.  She might not have enough to hire staff at first" warned Neil.  "But if I can pass on some advice, I will"

They stayed at the park a bit longer while Suzy sketched some more and Neil gave advice before they headed home.  Suzy got to the bottom of the porch steps, paused and caught her breath.  "Oh...I'm just not fit at the moment...darn this extra I'm carrying right now!"  She seemed visibly upset.  Neil comforted her by putting his arm around her shoulders and hugging her.  He said nothing, but just held her gently to him.

"I'm determined to lose this weight" she said, defiantly.  "I feel unhealthy and I must look a fright"

"You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever met" said Neil.

"Oh you old romantic" said Suzy, blowing him a kiss.

Before they went inside, Suzy noticed a young man in his late teens wave to her.  She thought she recognised him from somewhere and waved back.  The boy walked a bit closer and smiled at her...curious, Suzy went over to him to see what he wanted.

"Oh hello Miss Kent...I don't suppose you remember me but I'm Jamie...you interviewed me at Pupperstone Park a few weeks ago.  I'd been stood up that day"

"Oh yes...I remember.  You were anxious about your date.  I'm sorry to hear you got stood up."

"Well, she's a bit like that....well, I was wondering, if it's not too much of an imposition....I mean, you're one of the trendiest and with it women in the city..." Jamie was stumbling over his words.

"Jamie...you want to ask me something?" she said, softly.

"Well...it's just that...I don't seem to be having much luck with the birds...I mean the girls.  I was wondering if you had any advice"

Suzy thought before saying "I have only three rules for a successful social life:  1.  Accept every invitation you're sent.  2.  Be nice to everyone you meet.  3.  Keep on going, never give up"

"And does that work?" said the boy.

Suzy nodded towards her front porch, where Neil had just finished taking out the garbage and was waiting on the step, waving to her.  "It worked for me."

Jamie looked towards Neil and nodded.  "Well, there's no point asking you out then" he said to Suzy.

"Sorry...If you were 5 years older and I wasn't taken then you  would have stood a chance"

"Thanks Miss Kent.  I'll let you get on with your evening" and with that, Jamie left.

Suzy walked back to Neil.  "Just a fan...now, you said I shouldn't exercise too strenuously" she said.

"I did." he replied.

"But is there another form of exercise that's more fun?" she said batting her eyelashes at him.

"I find sit ups or a punching bag quite enjoyable...oh, I see what you mean!  Well, it is a form of physical activity"

"That's what I was thinking" she said , flirtatiously.

"And you don't need to wear special exercise clothes" said Neil.

"Or clothes at all..." replied Suzy.

CHAPTER 88: Crunching The Numbers

 

Jeremy Saint arrived at the offices of Dewey, Cheathem & Howe with something weighing on his mind:  How much would he and Barbara have to raise to get that boutique up and running?  He knew one person in the company would have the answers...one who could calculate in his head the cost based on the idea, the plans, the refurbishment costs and the value of the property.  But this person was running late and Jeremy patiently waited in the lobby for him to arrive.

"Hello there, Saint, what are you doing down here?" said the very man Jeremy was waiting for.

"Actually I was waiting for you, Fanshawe" he replied.

"Shoot" said Fanshawe and the two of them walked upstairs to their office level.

"Did you get that business proposal I sent you?" asked Jeremy.

"The fashion boutique?  Yes I did...interesting idea, Saint, very interesting.  But I thought you were in legal compliance regulations, not commercial property?"

"Well, call this a 'side project' of mine, Fanshawe.  Anyway, by interesting you mean?"

"I mean the idea is sound, the market research was well done and shows promise.  But there's the matter of initial capital.  It's not going to be cheap"

"I guessed...do you have some numbers?" asked a tentative Jeremy.

"Not to hand, but my secretary does...I'll call her over.  Carol!" said Fanshawe, calling across to lobby to where his secretary was standing.  She was holding a stack of cardboard folders.

"Yes Mr Fanshawe?" asked Carol.

"The fashion boutique budget plan...do you have it with you?"

"Yes sir, it's here...give me a moment to dig it out" she said with an air of clipped efficiency in her voice.

She produced the folder and handed it to Fanshawe, who took a look inside before handing it on to Jeremy.  Jeremy gingerly opened it up, expecting the worst.  However, when looking at the final cost, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"So we'll have to take out a loan but it won't be a large one and, if the business does even reasonably well, you'll be able to manage the repayments" said Jeremy to Barbara once the two of them were back home.

"Well that's positive news" said Barbara, very satisfied at this bit of information.

"Another step closer, eh?" replied Jeremy.

"Thanks for doing all this; I really appreciate it...now, on to other things:  I need to get more exercise" said Barbara.  "I'm too static these days" 

"Well, let's make this a bit fun by going for a swim rather than do weights or running?" said Jeremy.

"A swim sounds great!"

They headed off to the Downtown pool for a swim and challenged each other to see who could swim the most laps.  After two, Barbara looked uncomfortable.

"Ouch!  My swimsuit is pinching me in all the wrong places!" she complained.  "It's too old, I need a new one"

There was one other person in the pool: An old man who looked exhausted.  He swam over to the ladder, got out, grabbed a towel and left.  Barbara let out a sigh of relief.

"Now he's gone....." she said as she took off her swimsuit. "Ahhh, that's so much better!" she said, tossing the suit to one side of the pool before swimming gently on her back, naked.

"What?  Barbara!  You!....You....can't do that!" said a nervous Jeremy.

"Do what?" she replied.

"Be in here....naked!" he said, wincing when he said the word 'naked'.

"Why not?  I didn't see any rules against it, there's only you and me here and this place isn't busy and besides, we can do this in Canada"

"We're not in Canada!" Jeremy was still frantic.

"Maybe not....but don't you like me like this; in nothing at all" she said, coquettishly, as she swam right up to him.

"Well....I do, but what if we get caught?" 

"Live dangerously, Jeremy!"

She playfully splashed him and he responded back and before long they were laughing and joking around.  They were also not disturbed their whole time in the pool, which was a relief to him.

Later they relaxed in one of the pool's hot tubs...which Jeremy insisted Barbara should wear her swimsuit in.  The pools were very popular today and he did not want to get chucked out by the pool management.

"Ahhh, this is so nice" said Barbara, shutting her eyes and enjoying the hot, bubbling water.  

"I noticed you were really putting in the laps back in the pool" said Jeremy.

"Well, I was more streamlined so I went faster" she replied, batting her eyelashes at him.

"You....there's a naughty side to you, Barbara Dubois"

"You love it though!"

"I sure do...and I'm not all stuffy and button down either:  Come here!" and he leant in and gave her a big kiss.

Eventually they left the pool and started on their way home when Jeremy had an idea.  "Barbara, just around the corner are the offices of Dewey, Cheathem & Howe.  It's a Sunday and only a security guard and the janitors are in...we could go in and get some more information about that shop site you want to buy."

"Are you sure we're allowed in?" replied Barbara.

"Sure...Hank, the guard, knows me!  It'll be fine!"

"Well, I didn't expect it to take THIS long to get to my office!" said Jeremy.

"I don't think Hank knows you as well as you think....but anyway, we're here now." replied Barbara.

"I asked my colleague, Fanshawe, for some information about city planning, retail and overheads...I'll search his desk, you look in that bookcase for anything that might help" said Jeremy, pointing towards a large bookcase along one side of the wall of the office.

They spent the best part of an hour looking around the office for the information they would need to help set up the boutique.  Barbara found some general books on tax for small stores and city planning regulations.  Jeremy found an in-depth guide to property in the Magnolia Promenade area and the information he needed to draw up a comprehensive loan plan to take to the bank.

They headed home soon after and when they got to Crick Cabana they found Julia Epstein, their friend and neighbour, waiting outside.

"Hi Julia" said Jeremy.  "How are you?"

"I'm...well....OK, you know" said Julia, but it was clear she was feeling awkward about something.

"Would you like to come inside for some coffee?" asked Barbara

"Actually, I can't stop...I'm off to a new art exhibition that's having its opening night.  I came by to ask you something...erm....about....fashion" said an awkward sounding Julia.

"Sure, fire away" replied Barbara.

"Remember when I asked you for some tips for how to dress for a trendy event and you pointed out this outfit in a magazine?  Well, I took your advice and bought it...the lot, the dress, the shoes, the tights...erm, does this look OK?"

"You look great and yes, that is ideal for your art event tonight:  Peppermint green and white are this season's colours.  I notice you haven't got your glasses on either"

"I'm wearing my contact lenses...I don't often wear them" she said, blinking wildly.  "Takes...a...bit of getting used to".  Julia was also tugging at the hem of her dress.

"No, that's the ideal length for this season" said Barbara, helpfully.  

"Sorry...I'm also not used to something this....well..." she said, embarrassed to say the word "...short" she said in a whisper.

Jeremy chimed in.  "Is there someone you're going to be meeting...someone a bit special?" he said with a smirk.

"Not that kind of thing!  I mean!  Me and some guy?  No!  I'm just trying to make a good impression on everyone there by looking more...what's the word?"

"Mod" said Barbara.

"Yes, Mod.  I fancied a slight change of image, that's all" said Julia, defensively.

"Well, I think you look very nice...what do you think, Jeremy?" said Barbara.

"Oh yes...very much so." he agreed; the finer points of Mod fashion lost on him.

"Thanks, Barbara, wish me luck...erm, I mean, making a good impression at this event....with everyone!  That is, no one in particular.  Bye!"

"I'll wager she fancies someone" said Barbara.  "It's a shame we're not going to this event tonight to find out"

"What?  Julia?  Fancies someone?  Come on, this is Julia we're talking about:  She hates romance!"

"So SHE says...no, feminine intuition tells me she's got someone special in mind....the question is; who?"

CHAPTER 87: Men About The House

 

Travis was soldering a circuit board when he heard the door to his bedroom open.  "Hey, sweetie" he said, assuming it was his girlfriend, Summer.

"That's a bit familiar" said the voice of Liberty Lee, his housemate.

"What?  Wait?  Liberty, I thought you were Summer!  And you're only wearing a towel!  What gives?"

"I've just got out the shower and I remember you have a book on electronics I really need to look at for work...if I got dressed first I'd forget"

"Yes, but....your towel's slipping" said Travis, averting his eyes.  "Just be quickly find the book....erm...it's over there" he said, wafting his hand towards the bedside table"

Liberty looked.  "No, that's not the one I meant...your other electronics book" she bent over to look at the lower shelves of the bookcase and Travis got a look at a lot more than he should have.

"It's certainly not there!  Here, let me help you" he said.  He wanted Liberty out of his room before her towel fell off and Summer would enter.  As he began to get the book, his first worry did not happen....however, his second one did.

"What's going on here?" said Summer upon entering the room and seeing Travis and Liberty rummaging around on the floor with Liberty wearing nothing but a bath towel.

"I can explain!" blurted out Travis.  "Liberty needed a book"

"That's right" said Liberty.

"And wearing a towel is just how you go about asking for that?"

"Oh, is that a problem?" said Liberty, a look of puzzled innocence on her face.

"Hmm-hmmm.  Just a bit.  You've never shared a house with a dating couple before, have you?" said Summer.

"Oh, I see now......silly me" said Liberty.  "I'd better get dressed"

"And I'll find that book for you and leave it on the table.....THE KITCHEN TABLE!" said Travis.

Liberty left the room, but Summer still looked unimpressed.

"Tsch, that Liberty....she's so kooky!" said Travis, trying to diffuse the tension.  But hey, you're the only girl for me, Summer.  You know that"

"Prove it" she replied.

"Well....I'm not one to refuse a challenge...." he said, leaning in to Summer.

"OK, apology accepted" said Summer.

"Well, I have to go to work now....I have to say this was a surreal experience this morning" said Travis, getting up and giving Summer one last peck on the cheek.

She waved him goodbye and went to catch up with Liberty and, politely, tell her that parading around the house in just a towel and going into Travis' room was NOT OK.  However, she found her housemate was excited about something.

"I just got a call from Gary!" she said, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.  "And he's stopping by for a bit"

"And who's Gary?" asked Summer.

"The guy I'm dating!  You HAVE to meet him!"

"I must meet the guy who can turn one of my best friends into a giddy little schoolgirl in excitement" replied Summer.

The doorbell rang and Liberty leapt to her feet and dashed to the door.  "Hey there!" she called out.

"Hello" said the young man at the door.  He gave Liberty a peck on the cheek so Summer assumed that it was Gary who'd arrived.

"Come on in, Gary...I'll introduce you to one of my housemates, Summer.  Summer this is Gary"

"Hello there!" she said, smiling at the handsome young man.  Summer turned to her friend and, in not such a subtle manner, indicated that she thought he was a catch.

"Would you like to have a coffee...or tea?" asked Summer.

"Coffee thanks" said Gary.  "Wow, this is a swinging pad you've got here"

"We like it" said Liberty.  "It's a shame Travis isn't here to complete the scene" she added.

Summer went off to make the coffees but she didn't want to rush it...Liberty and Gary wanted some alone time so they could be cute with one another.  Summer thought it was sweet seeing them flirt playfully with one another.

"You look great, Liberty" said Gary

"Awww shucks, thank you.  You look good as well....I really want to..." and Liberty explained, using some colourful language, what she would like to do with Gary which he heartily approved of but agreed that now wasn't the time nor the place.

Once the coffees were made, Summer turned on her innocent charm to make Gary feel at ease.  This was a particular gift she had:  Making people feel important and at home.  Her amusing anecdotes about life at Garden Essence made him smile.

Gary stayed for about three hours before he had to go to work.  Summer knew when to take her cue to back off and leave him and Liberty alone.  After he had gone, Liberty rushed to Summer to talk to her even before the front door had properly shut.

"Well, what do you think?" asked Liberty, wide eyed.

"I think he's lovely; he's clearly crazy about you" replied Summer.

"We've found a good pair of guys, Libs" said Summer, thinking once more about Travis.

CHAPTER 86: Reasons To Be Cheerful

 

"Good morning....Jarrod, I'm Dr Julia Epstein and I believe you're going home today?" said Julia, checking the patient's notes.

"Uh, yeah, I've got to get a shot before I do" said the boy, looking nervous.  "Will it hurt?"

Julia looked at the notes again and saw that Dr Murakami was Jarrod's consultant.  "Well, the needles and techniques are getting better all the time.  Whatever you feel will soon wear off.  The important thing is getting you all better and then you can go home and have lots of playtime" she said, trying to reassure the boy.

Julia checked the boy's temperature and blood pressure, updated the chart and moved on.  She was determined to clear her case load and bag that long awaited promotion.  Her next stop was Miss Kacie Roche who had a curious case of blotches and rashes all over her skin.  

"Good morning, Miss Roche, I'm Dr Epstein and I'm here to do a few tests."

"Yeah....just do what you have to do, Doctor" said a weary sounding Miss Roche.

Julia checked her eyes with her pen torch but that seemed to disorient the patient.  Checking her temperature she found that it was just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Finally, she took an oral swab for testing.

If there was one area Julia could improve her medical skills, it was analysing patient samples.  She'd been studying hard and observing the other, more experienced doctors to improve her skills and she wanted to get a good result this time so she could make progress in clearing cases instead of spending a whole day doing test after test because she'd read the data incorrectly the first or second time.  Taking extra care with the patient sample, she put the saliva swab in the chemical analyser and meticulously followed the procedure to get the best results.

Once she had the lab report, she was intercepted by Dr Murakami.  "Ah, Dr Epstein...what have we here?  This is Miss Roche's sample report, if I'm not mistaken" she said, gently snatching the report from Julia's hand.

"Looking at these results, what do you think is the most likely diagnosis of Miss Roche's illness?" said Dr Murakami.

Julia thought hard: She had only seen the results of the test for a moment but....the swirling rash, the disorientation....she remembered something from a lecture at medical school.  "Triple Threat, Dr Murakami!" she blurted out.

"Indeed.  Triple Threat.  Well spotted, Dr Epstein.  Of course a doctor as young as yourself won't have the experience to treat Triple Threat properly so I'll be taking over the case" said the senior doctor.

"But...will I get credit for making the diagnosis?" asked Julia, nervously.

"I will be sure to mention you in my notes" replied a calm Dr Murakami.

Julia was worried that Dr Murakami would go back on her word; she'd done that before.  She rarely gave credit or even shared it.  Julia walked to the hospital lobby to check on who had been admitted and needed an examination.

"We have this little lady, Kristy St Clair" said Francesca, the senior nurse who was on the admissions desk today.  She pointed to a very dainty and prim little black girl who was standing bravely with her father at the desk.

"She doesn't think there isn't anything wrong with her, Doctor" said Mr St Clair.  "but she's been off her food and been very lethargic at home"

"Well, let's see if we can get to the bottom of this, eh Kristy?" said Julia, in a friendly  and reassuring voice.

Julia took Kristy to a hospital bed and did her checks on the child from asking about why she'd gone off her food to taking her temperature and looking into her ears and throat.  Things were progressing well when Julia felt she was getting unnaturally hot and flushed.  Unless someone had ramped up the heating in the hospital she was starting to come down with something!

"Ugh....must....get....to....pharmacy...." said Julia to herself.  She knew she'd caught Triple Threat and wanted to stop it before she came down fully with it.  Treating it very early, if you knew the symptoms, was crucial.

She staggered down the corridor to Pharmacy, where she slumped up against the counter there.  The pharmacist on duty looked shocked.

"Dr Ephraim!" 

"It's...Epstein"

"Sorry, Dr Epstein....what's the matter?"

"Triple Threat....need....medicine...now"

"For you?  Sure....let's see.  That's for bloated head....no, that's for torpid liver....hmmm....coated tongue..."

"TRIPLE THREAT! NOW!" said Julia, raising her voice.

"Ah, got it!  Here we go and if you'll sign right here..."

But Julia didn't wait.  She glugged the whole bottle down in one go.

The effects were almost instantaneous and soon she was standing upright, able to see properly and get on with her shift.  She went back to check on Kristy St Clair.  

"How are you settling in, Kristy, are you comfortable?" she asked.

"I want to go home, really there's....nothing....wrong....oh I feel sleepy all of a sudden" said the little girl.

"I'll go and chase up that lab report" said Julia.

Back at the lab, Julia encountered Dr Murakami again.  "Looking for this?" said the Chief Surgeon, holding Kristy's medical notes.  "Your diagnosis, Dr Epstein"

"Erm....my initial thoughts were Bloated Head, judging on my initial examination" Julia replied.

"And you'd be correct.  I must say you're on fire today" said Murakami, unaware that not half an hour ago Julia had a raging temperature.

"Thank you, Dr Murakami" said a humble Julia.  

"Actually, you've done well these last couple of weeks....how about we move you up one level?  It'll mean extra work, lots of study and more responsibility"

"I'll take it!" said Julia, standing straight and smiling.

"Good, that's what I like to hear from a young doctor on my team"

The long awaited promotion at last!  Julia left the lab and punched the air in triumph when no one was looking.  She finished her paperwork and ended her shift with a spring in her step....time to unwind!

One of the surprising things about her social life right now is that she'd become friendly with a young woman she should, on the surface, despise.  Jolene Scholl was an attractive swinging chick and a Lothario Kitten; the epitome of the permissive and sexed society.  Julia was none of those things and she even downplayed her own attractiveness as a reaction against the mod culture.  However the two women had struck up an unlikely friendship because they had many things in common:  They loved music and the arts and had similar senses of humour.  Now they had arranged to meet up at the Harbor Quarter Gym to exercise and hang out.

They changed into their exercise leotards and began to work out running on treadmills and doing calisthenics.

"So....phew....I got a promotion today" said Julia.

"Congratulations, you were wondering if your boss had it in for you if I remember" replied Jolene.

"I know, but I think she's warming up to me now.  How about your work?"

"I've been doing photoshoots for the forthcoming Lothario book.  Modelling is new to me and there's a lot of posing and pouting involved.  A far cry from medicine!"

"I hope it's not....well....too shocking.  Your photo shoot I mean"

"It's mainly fashion although I did have to lie across one of those Ford racing cars in my Kitten outfit.  But I don't want to shock you!"

"I like you too much to judge" said Julia.  "Phew!  That run was exhausting...how about a swim in the pool downstairs?"

"Now we're talking!" replied Jolene.

"Now this is exercise I really like!" said Julia.

"Hmmm, I agree" replied Jolene.  "Don't look now, Julia but I think that guy is checking you out" she said, nodding towards a well muscled young man with longish hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

"No...he must be checking you out" replied Julia.  "You're the one who gets into the magazines"

"Nah-ah....it's definitely you he's interested in.  What do you think of your admirer?"

"Hmmm, I'm not sure.  I don't have a type, really.  I suppose I'm more drawn to personality and intellect than chiselled biceps, strong chests and pert....calves".  Julia shook herself out of looking at the man and focussed once again.

"Anyway this was great and we must do it again some time soon" said Julia, hopping out of the pool.

"I enjoyed it too" said Jolene.  "I was only gently teasing you about that guy...but don't sell yourself short in that department; you're cuter than you think."

"I'm just holding out for Mr Right when...and if...he comes along" said Julia.

She said her goodbyes to Jolene and headed home, still feeling light headed and happy about her promotion.  As she got to her house, she saw the local pizza guy returning home from a delivery.

"Hello!" said Julia, enthusiastically. "A lovely evening, isn't it?"

"Erm...I guess.  I made more than usual in tips this evening" said the pizza guy, not sure what to make of this overenthusiastic woman on his route.

"That's wonderful...from small acorns grow mighty oaks!" said Julia.  "I got promoted today"

"Cool" said the guy, looking around him to see if she was perhaps talking to someone else.

"And you should always be grateful...promotions, extra tips, being admired from afar...."

"Admired from afar?" said the guy, confused.

"Yes.  I'm saying that tonight you are the local pizza delivery guy but tomorrow...."

"It's my day off...I thought I'd go bowling"

"Make the most of it!" said Julia.

"Yeah, well, thanks....I guess.  I gotta go" said the pizza guy.

"Bon chance!" said Julia, looking up at the night sky and smiling that....finally....she was moving up in the world.