CHAPTER 118: Lunch Date

 

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you want any help with that?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you my accountant now, Jeremy?"

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

"Oh really?" she said suggestively.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Like Checkers?" she replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No sooner had they shut their menus than Zane returned.

"Are you ready to order?" he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"For what reason?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They trotted off to the bedroom, their temperatures rising.

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

 

CHAPTER 117: People of Interest

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you thinking?" asked George.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action grunted his assent and showed them inside.

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

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

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

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

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

"Never" added George.

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

"Only in a strictly legal manner" said Edna.

"Strictly" added George.

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

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

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

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

"I know Dr Epstein" said Action, flatly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes, but what about Julia and Scott?" 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER 116: Going Steady

 

There she sat; Summer...a picture of loveliness, a sweet look of innocence upon her face as she ate her breakfast whilst watching I Love Lucy on the TV.  Her turtleneck sweater hugging her body without a wrinkle, showing off every wonderful curve and then beyond...down to her long, tapering legs.  Travis Scott felt like the luckiest guy in the world to be dating such a hot chick....not only dating her, living with her as well.  He inhaled deeply, sucked in his stomach (which, to be honest, he struggled to keep in shape) and prepared to sidle next to her to enjoy some intimacy on the couch...."here goes", he thought.

But just as he was about to sit right next to her the third member of the household, Liberty, had sprinted into the room and plonked herself right in the spot that Travis was eyeing up.  

"Heya, roomie!" said Liberty.  "Lovely day today, got anything planned...hey, Travis, come and sit down next to us!" she said, patting the seat next to him which put Liberty in between Summer and him.

"Yeah, great" he said, unconvincingly.

"Summer and I have a day off today" continued the effervescent Liberty.  "What about you?  Hey, we could make a day of it, just the three of us!"

"I have to go to work in a couple of hours" said Travis, trying to figure out how to drop a subtle hint that he wanted some time with Summer alone whilst he was still here.  That was the trouble with this house share:  Once romance had entered into things, privacy and intimacy became complicated.

"Oh, that's a shame" said Liberty.  "Still, Summer, you up for a girl's only day of fun?" 

"That sounds great!" said Summer, but as she looked towards Travis she could detect a hint of sadness in his face:  He wanted to be part of the fun, she knew it and her instincts about people were seldom wrong.  

Summer finished her breakfast and went to the kitchen to tidy up...even though they had a maid who came in to clean the place, Summer couldn't help herself tidying up here and there:  It was the way she was raised.

Summer wanted more one on one time with Travis but she too felt the 3 way house share often got in the way.  As she finished washing her breakfast plate she turned her head towards Travis, who was still sitting on the couch, and batted her eyelashes at him as a signal to "come hither".  He took the hint, made his excuses to Liberty, and walked over to the kitchen.

"Hey, you" said Summer.  She took his hands and held them.  

"I wish I didn't have to go into work today" said Travis.

"I know...I know, but we can make the most of the time we have until you have to leave"

"I really want to spend more time with you, Summer; it's frustrating that every time we get a quiet moment together...something happens or Liberty walks into the room.  You know, we just got together...I never properly asked you if you wanted to go steady with me"

"Well...here's your chance" said Summer.

"Summer....I dig you like no other girl.  Will you go steady with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask"

"Let's retire to the study for a bit of....erm...study" said Travis, winking at her.  They scurried off whilst Liberty seemed oblivious as to what was going on.

That hour went all too quickly and Travis had to head to work, leaving the girls to plan the rest of their day.  

"I miss him already..." Summer sighed.

"Aww, bless.  It's so cute when you two get all sentimental for each other" replied Liberty.

Summer shut her eyes, took a deep breath and opened them again.  "You know what, Libs...we've been stuck inside for too long.  It's here, work, here again.  We need to get out and get active!" she said.

"Oh I know that look!" replied Liberty, a note of caution on her face.  "You want to go to..."

"The...GYM!" replied Summer.  "Work those muscles!  Tone that body!  Feel fresh and alive!" she continued.

"Fresh and alive?  How about worn out and half dead..." replied Liberty.

"Come on!" said Summer, lightly punching Liberty on the arm.  "We need to GET ACTIVE!"

MOVERS & SHAKERS GYMNASIUM, 11:23am

"How about we head over to The Blue Velvet club instead?" said Liberty upon arrival at the gym.

"This early?  No, we need to work up a sweat!" replied Summer.

"Sounds icky" said Liberty.  "OK, how about instead we head on over to the river for a nice stroll and a chat?"

"Are you wimping out on me, Liberty Lee?"

"Not so much wimping out more like...suggesting alternatives" said Liberty, trying to sidestep things.

"Come on, I promise you we'll go somewhere to drink AFTER the exercising.  My treat"

"Your treat?  Why didn't you say so earlier...let's go!" said Liberty, eventually caving in.

The girls ran upstairs to the locker room and changed from their trendy street clothes into their exercise gear:  Summer in her sleek, form fitting leotard that was especially designed and made for the gym, yoga and dance class and Liberty in a pair of old shorts she had, some long socks left over from her college field hockey days and a lightweight singlet vest.  Summer knew that the treadmills were a members favourite:  They were the new, electrically powered ones instead of the old ones which were mechanical and powered by running itself.  Liberty looked around and saw a vacant weight lifting apparatus.  She moved the pin that adjusted the amount of weight on the device to the minimum setting.

Summer had managed to involve the personal trainer for Movers & Shakers in her running routine. 

"INACTIVITY!" he bellowed to her.  "The curse of the modern American lifestyle....now pick up that pace, lady!"

Liberty, in the meantime, had her own challenge.

"...Ugh.....hngh....eeeeaaarrrggghhhhh....ONE!" she said, as she did her first lift of the weights.  "...nggghhh....hnghhhh....aaarrggghhhh....two...whoa, pause there for a moment" she said to herself.  As she sat there, resting, she noticed that Julia Epstein was also in the gym.  She was doing some stretches and sit ups instead of using the apparatus but whilst Liberty's muscles ached she thought that she could combine being at rest with being friendly.

"Julia!  How are you?" said Liberty, enthusiastically.

"I'm fine, thank you...I am halfway through my exercise routine...you?" Julia replied.

"Me?  Phew, I'm putting in the effort, the hard yards, the distance, you know" said Liberty, in a voice that indicated that she'd done 20 times more effort than she actually had.

"Look at Summer there!" said Julia, pointing to their friend who was still being cajoled by the instructor.  "She's really going for it!"

"That's our Summer!" said Liberty, wondering where Summer got her energy from.

Summer stopped running and but instead of staggering over to the others covered in sweat and with a face the colour of beetroot, she bounded over with a skip and a jump with only slightly pinker cheeks to show for her exertions.  She lit up when she saw Julia. 

"Julia, fancy seeing you here...give us a hug, it's been too long!" she beamed.

The three of them chatted and swapped recent stories of what they'd been up to but they hadn't realised that time was marching on and that it was nearly 1pm.  Summer suddenly had a plan.

"Say, what are you up to this afternoon?" she asked Liberty and Julia.

"I'm working the evening shift so, nothing" replied Julia.

"Now we're all fired up, how about we have a little fun?  What about we all head down to the Orange Peel club?"

"That sounds acceptable" replied Julia.

"I arranged to meet Gary this afternoon but I could call him and arrange to meet us there" said Liberty.

"Sounds like a plan!" said Summer.

They all rendezvoused at the Orange Peel club but on seeing one another, Gary and Liberty were overcome with affection for one another and rushed into each others arms.  

"Hey sweetie, so good to see you. Mwah!" said Gary, kissing Liberty squarely on the lips.

"Hmmm, It's wonderful to see you too" said Liberty, holding him tight to her.

"Harumph!" muttered Julia, quietly to herself.  She really didn't like public displays of affection.

"Let's get inside before the dance floor fills up" said Summer, grabbing Julia gently by the elbow and escorting her inside the discotheque before she became ill.

Everyone was having a fab time but when Summer and Julia went to the bar for some food and drink, Liberty and Gary used the opportunity to sneak off to an alcove where there were some very comfortable love seats designed for two...

After a few moments of smooching Gary said to Liberty "What's with your friend and her kissing hang up?" 

"She's just more of a prim and proper type.  In another dimension she's Mary Poppins" replied Liberty.  "But other than seeing people kiss...or cuddle, or stroking each other's hair, or touching knees (she really hates that) she's great company...a good joke teller."

"Oops, watch out...she's coming back...time to hit the dance floor again" said Gary, taking Liberty by the hand and leading her.

After another hour of dancing both Gary and Julia had to leave for work.  Gary offered to escort Julia part of the way as she was unfamiliar with Newcrest.  That just left Liberty and Summer and the latter's energy levels just hadn't dropped all day.

"You know what I'm thinking?" said Summer, with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Oh no, what have you got planned now?" asked Liberty in trepidation.

"DANCE OFF!"  cried Summer, punching the air.

 They challenged each other to the Watusi, the Mashed Potato, The Twist, The Go-Go before Summer pulled out her trump card by smashing the Hully Gully.  Liberty conceded defeat.  The girls decided it was finally time to head home.

Travis was already home and having his dinner.

"Hey...what did you two get up to today?  Oh, by the way, the coffee machine is broken" he said.

"Why didn't you fix it?  You're an engineer" said Summer.

"I didn't want any coffee" said Travis with a shrug.  "You're looking perked up, Summer but Liberty looks tired out"

"Oh we just went to the gym and had a dance off at the Orange Peel club afterwards" said Summer.

Liberty said nothing but instead opened the cupboard under the sink and reached for the toolbox.  She then proceeded to fix the coffee machine.

"How was your day, Trav?" said Summer.

"Oh you know...circuit boards, punch cards and reel to reel tapes...the usual" he replied.

While Liberty was focussed on the repair Travis and Summer managed to have a hushed conversation.

"I missed you today, Trav....Liberty had Gary to dance with but I didn't have you" said Summer.

Travis said nothing but instead reached across the table to stroke her cheek.  Eventually he said "well, the evening is still young...you and I can still do something together".

Summer yawned.  "I'm sorry, Trav, I don't mean to imply I'm bored...I'm so tired after everything I did today.  Can we not go out but instead stay here tonight?  I think we should move our conversation to our bedroom"

"Our bedroom?" said a puzzled Travis, who still...technically...had his own bed and room.  "Oh...I see" he said as the penny finally dropped.  "Our bedroom.  I hope you have enough energy for one more thing..." he continued in a suggestive tone.

"Oh I have enough energy for that!" said Summer, cottoning on.  Travis then whispered something in her ear.

"You're right!  It will be our first ever time" she replied.

"Hey...I've finished fixing the coffee machine!" said Liberty.  "Oh...they've left the room" she added after looking around the kitchen.

Summer and Travis didn't spend much time in the bedroom either in conversation or with beginning intimacies.  As soon as the door had shut, they were taking each other's clothes off and kissing passionately.  

"I can't believe....it's taken us this long....to do this..." said Summer in between kisses and gasps of excitement.

"The wait is over, baby" replied Travis.  Once they were both fully undressed they fell into the bed, clutching one another as they began to woohoo.  

It was Travis who woke first.  He looked over at Summer, who was fast asleep with a smile upon her face, and gently brushed a strand of loose hair out of her eyes.  He turned to look at the bedside clock:  It was only 9:30pm and he decided to get up for a while.  Putting on his pyjamas, he went into the kitchen to get a glass of water and think about the fantastic time he'd just had:  Summer didn't disappoint in the bed, that's for sure.

There was a knock at the door.  Travis looked through the window and saw it was Jeremy.

"Hey buddy" he said, opening the door to his friend and neighbour.

"Just a friendly call...how are you doing?" said Jeremy.  "Wait a minute...you look like the cat who got the cream"

"Oh I most certainly did" said Travis, grinning broadly.

"You mean?  You haven't...you know...done....'it'....with Summer before now?" said Jeremy, fumbling over what words to use.

Travis shook his head.  "It gets pretty hectic around here, man" he replied.  "There never seemed to be the right time when we were both together and alone until now".

Jeremy nodded and patted him on the shoulder.  The two friends didn't need to say another word on the matter.

CHAPTER 115: Cops n' Doctors

There are few pleasures in life quite like the taste of Brochette by the light of a cold, San Myshuno morning.  It was the reason why she took a diversion from her regular route into work just to sample a little piece of indulgence.

She sat down the savour the taste and looked out over the Arts Quarter; it was well before rush hour and only a handful of souls were out and about this morning.  She knew that in precisely 15 minutes this place would be awash with commuters and the lonely food stall would have a throng of hungry and eager customers all trying to cram in a pre-work breakfast they missed at home.

A busker was setting up nearby but Julia had no time to stay and watch the performance.  She headed over to the subway but when she passed the busker she saw that it was Rez, a familiar face around here and someone who awkwardly tried to hit on her some weeks ago.

"Julia!  You're here!  Stay a while and I will sing a song especially for you!" he exclaimed.

"I really don't have the time..." she replied.

"I've been experimenting with Flamenco guitar..."

"Please, don't do this on my account"

"Here goes....JULIA...I LOVE YOU!  I GIVE YOU MY BULL AND MY COW!" he sang loudly, jangling the guitar strings in the Flamenco manner.

"Please, stop" said Julia, all clenched up.  "I have to go to work now" she said, gritting her teeth whilst she walked to the subway station.

"SOMEONE GET ME A ROSE!" yelled Rez.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Sim City Medical Centre: 8:01am

There was a commotion at the hospital.  One of the private rooms had a police guard standing outside and the senior surgeons were all busily heading for the intensive care ward.  Nurse Francesca Griffiths pulled Julia to one side to bring her up to speed as to what was going on.

"It's been crazy like this since yesterday...policewoman was the victim of an arson attack and, as you've seen, there's a police presence on site and Dr Murakami is personally looking after the case.  They've got a burns specialist and a plastic surgeon flown in from Chicago to deal with this." said Francesca.

"Golly...should I volunteer to assist?" asked Julia.

"Murakami wants you to take over a whole bunch of her cases.  Relieve the pressure on the top surgeons by doing a lot of post op care"

"I can do that...it's more than my usual grind of chores Murakami gets me to do...give me the case files and I'll get to it" said Julia.

"Hello Mrs...Hager" said Julia, hurriedly checking the notes.  "Ah, I see those are nasty blemishes on your face.  I'll need to check your eyes, ears and get a swab from your throat..."

"Will it hurt?" said Mrs Hager.  "That's all I want to know:  Will it hurt?"

"There might be some slight discomfort as I'll have to swab the back of your throat" said Julia.

"In other words...it will hurt"

Another patient.

"Now, Mrs Lewis, just take this now and I'll write out a prescription for you to take to the pharmacist.  You take it 3 times a day on an empty stomach." said Julia to her next patient:  Mrs Vivian Lewis.

"This?  This is going to cure me?  I've had a bad back, bad knees, my stomach hurts, I can't even move my left elbow anymore, and then there's the headaches but this...pink goop...THIS you say is going to cure all that?"

"Yes, Mrs Lewis.  That is precisely what it's going to do" replied Julia.

Mrs Lewis raised a sceptical eyebrow.  "I had better not be just sugar, water and pink food colouring like last time!" she said as she gulped down the medicine.

Another patient.

"Tell me I'm not going to die!  I'm too young!  Tell me I'm not going to die!" said the extremely nervous patient.

"You're not going to die" replied Julia, flatly.

"Say it with more conviction!" said the woman.

"*sigh*...You, are seriously not going to die of....oh hello...actually you're going to have the opposite:  It appears you're now eating for two" said Julia, checking all the symptoms and looking at the test results.

"Oh!" said the surprised woman.

During a brief respite in her shift, Julia drank an energy drink concoction of her own design to boost her flagging energy levels.  It had been extremely busy picking up the senior medics workload but she relished the challenge and believed it helped her chances of promotion.

More patients, more tests but Julia couldn't find any more information about the injured police woman.  The guard was ever present and the specialists came and went from her room.  Julia was just too low down on the pecking order.

The shift ended but another one was about to begin:  She had her regular, weekly, slot playing piano down at the Blue Velvet Club.  She changed out of her scrubs, into her red skirt and top, and headed off to the club.

She played a few jazz standards and took a couple of requests before her break in sessions.  Grabbing a giant pretzel and a glass of fizzy fruit drink to stave off the hunger, she sat down at a table to get some rest.

"I liked your set" came a man's voice.  Looking up, she saw that it was Cole Michaels; a police officer she had recently met.

"Oh...did you?  Thanks.  It's 'Cole', isn't it?"

"That's right, Julia" he replied. "May I join you for a bit?"

"Oh yes, by all means" 

 

"I've never been here before but I was tempted to come when you and Jolene told me you performed here.  I like it." said Cole.

"Jolene's not here tonight; sorry to disappoint you" replied Julia, who thought that Cole was interested in her friend.

"Not to worry; I got to see you perform and you're very good" said Cole.  

Julia blushed.  "Well, you know, I'm not a professional or anything..." she said.

"If I didn't know you were a doctor already I would have said you were a professional pianist"

"You're too kind" said Julia, still blushing and dropping her head bashfully.

"I might make this a regular haunt from now on" he said, smiling.  "May I buy you a drink?" he asked.

"Sure!  Another fizzy fruit cocktail please" she replied.

Cole went to get the drinks in and they continued to chat.  "Anything exciting happen at your work today, Julia?" he asked.

"Not for me, but we've got your colleague still in intensive care.  It's not my case so I can't tell you much" she said.  Cole nodded.

"She works at the same precinct as me, but in a different department" he said.  "I hope she pulls through...Action's the lead detective on that one."

"Well, you've got the best on the case" said Julia.

"Yes, we sure do....say, change of subject...how about you and me hit the dance floor?"

"Well...I don't really..." she said, bashfully.

"Come on, I bet you dance as well as you play" he said, taking her gently by the hand.  Instead of resisting, Julia took it, stood up and they headed for the dance area.

They danced and had a pleasant conversation.  Julia found herself enjoying this.  At one point Cole took her hand and they jived;  eventually he twirled her around and she spun, her skirt flaring out and showing her legs in full.  Julia almost stumbled but Cole caught her by the waist and she ended up with her hands on his shoulders.

"Whoa, steady there" he said.  There was a brief pause as she felt his gentle arm around her waist but she didn't know what to say.

Cole broke the silence.  "That was nice...." he said, but his face turned serious.  "I want to swing past the hospital and check on Marina...that's my colleague.  I've had a great time; we must do it again"

Julia nodded.  The two said their goodbyes and walked away from the Blue Velvet in opposite directions.  She found herself skipping most of the way home.  She really did have a great time tonight...with a man.  Of course, she was focussed on her work and there was no question of a relationship.  Besides, how could she be sure he even thought of her romantically?  Crazy suggestion, why entertain the thought?  No, he just enjoyed her company as a friend.  Yes, a friend.  He would obviously go with someone like Jolene; someone beautiful, sexy, fun loving.  And Jolene was looking for a steady relationship now so Cole would be the ideal man for her to hook up with.  No, Cole was definitely a friend, nothing more.

Nevertheless, when Julia pictured Cole in her mind she let out a happy sigh.