CHAPTER 124: An Offer You Can't Refuse

 

"305 Simoleons for the monthly bills is not as bad as I had feared" said Jeremy to himself.  He'd just completed his morning run, noticed the pile of unpaid bills on the kitchen table, wrote out some cheques and then posted them off.  Sure, it was a dent in their savings, savings they desperately needed to keep the boutique going and to put aside for a bigger house, but not too bad this month:  The shop needed to make a more money...it was doing OK right now but it was still early days.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Geoffrey Landgraab out on his daily run.  His route often took him down Foundry Cove and the two had a cordial, but very formal, relationship with each other.  However, this time Geoffrey had stopped his run, done some push ups and then signalled for Jeremy to come over to him.

"Jeremy, nice to see you" said Geoffrey.

"Mr Landgraab" 

"I don't know how you do it" said Geoffrey, smiling.  "You have that washboard stomach and yet I, who run twice a day, still have this paunch!"

"Well...erm...maybe I've got an overactive metabolism, Mr Landgraab?" replied Jeremy, not knowing what an appropriate response to Geoffrey's point would be.

"That must be it...anyway, I wanted to have a little discussion with you.  Are Dewey's still underpaying you?"

"They pay me just fine" replied Jeremy.

"But only fine...I've seen your work, I know how hard working and conscientious you are and I know J.J. Gotcha well enough to know he keeps his employees down.  I've got an offer for you, young man: Come and work for me" said Geoffrey, standing tall and looking Jeremy straight in the eye.

"Work for....Landgraab Industries?" replied an incredulous Jeremy.

"You sound shocked" said Geoffrey.

"I am...I didn't think you'd want to directly hire a middle-management guy like me."

"Oh I know you well enough to know that you're the kind of man who's reliable, dependable and could put this company on a better footing."

Jeremy thought about this for a moment.  There was a lot to ponder; on the one hand he was being charmed and flattered by Geoffrey.  On the other he hadn't forgotten this was a man behind a lot of very shady dealings, whose wife and son were trying to stop his close friend Suzy from exposing those dealings and who had plans to demolish Foundry Cove and replace it was some industrial facility.  He could turn Geoffrey down flat, here and now, or.... but before he could think of the alternative Geoffrey spoke again.

"Wouldn't you like to move out of here and into a bigger, better house, Jeremy?  I mean, you and your girlfriend Hannah..."

"...it's Barbara"

"Oh yes, Barbara.  Well she has this boutique to run; quite a trendy spot I'm led to believe, and that's not a cheap thing to run.  Work for me and I'll double your salary... that will ease your financial woes a little bit more."

Jeremy thought; yes it certainly would.  Would Barbara like the idea of him working for Landgraab though?  Also, would Suzy?

Jeremy thought some more and his gaze shifted from Geoffrey to the mysterious tree that led to some strange glade.  Geoffrey knew the truth about that tree and the glade.  Geoffrey knows a lot of things and working for him might get to the truth, he thought.

"Well, I'll need to give your offer some thought, Mr Landgraab and talk it over with Barbara but I have some conditions:  If you think they're reasonable then I'll strongly consider your offer."

"Name them" replied Geoffrey, calmly.

"First, I don't want anything to do with your wife's side of the business and we both know what that entails."

"I do.  That's why I want you on board...to make Landgraab Industries a better company and not have people whispering behind my back that we're just a bunch of crooks." Geoffrey replied.

"That goes for Malcolm as well: I don't want to get mixed up in his troubles.  I know he had the charges against him dropped recently but still..."

"I agree" said Geoffrey.  "You see, that's another reason to hire you: You can be a good role model for him!  Anything else?"

"Foundry Cove...I won't work on any project that seeks to demolish it" said Jeremy, firmly.  Geoffrey took a sharp intake of breath.

"That's a more difficult one to arrange; the plans have been submitted to city hall" he said.

"Well, this is where I live.  Where my friends live.  I'll tell you what, if I did come to work for you I'd find you a better site." said Jeremy.

Geoffrey looked at the tree and sighed.  "Well, there are important things about this area that is of particular interest but I'll promise you not to rush the project...so you can find this alternative"

"Then I'll think about your offer and get back to you" said Jeremy.

"Yes, I must be in the office within the hour...think about it, Jeremy, think about the move on up!" said Geoffrey before he started to run again.

"He offered you a job on the spot?" said Barbara when Jeremy told her.  "Just now?"

"Yes...I said I'd think about it" Jeremy replied.

"You're going to say no, aren't you?"

"Why?  Think about it...he's got this whole street marked for demolition:  I can stop that if I work for his company.  I can also find out about that tree, the glade, the mystery of the Triangle of Power and so much more and I could do that from working on the inside"

"You're taking this job to be a detective?" Barbara had a note of concern in her voice.

"Well, the money's VERY good so there's that: We want to save for that house and make the boutique a success"

"I don't want the money if it puts you at risk!  That's what I'm worried about...Nancy and Malcolm; well, you know the rumours that they run a large criminal organisation." she said.

"I'll be careful; I'll just look in some documents, steer the development away from our homes and...maybe...help Geoffrey distance his company away form the criminal activities.  I think he genuinely wants to make Landgraab Enterprises more legitimate." said Jeremy, giving Barbara a reassuring touch of her arm.

"I'm still not sure but...well, we could use the extra money.  But promise me you won't do any James Bond stuff!" she said.

"I'll have a vodka martini, shaken, not stirred" he said.  "Anyway, I've got to get to work now...I might have to hand in my two weeks' notice."

Barbara had the boutique to run as well but the idea of Jeremy taking a risk in accepting Landgraab's job offer played on her mind.  It wasn't just a risk resigning a stable job to take up another with a company that had a bad reputation, it was that if he was caught snooping around he might face a legal...or even physical...threat to himself.

But she couldn't dwell on these issues for long as already the customers were streaming in and she was there on her own to deal with them.  

She flitted from one customer to another, answering questions and guiding decisions.  Suits seemed to be the in-demand item for the male customers and she had to diffuse tensions between two women customers who were eyeing up exactly the same outfit but which each of them claimed "they saw it first".  However, there was a familiar face in the shop.

"Miss Dubois!  Anything new in stock for me to try?" said the trendy teenager who had entered.

"Gillian Hills; we just can't keep you away!  Yes, we do actually and when I get the chance I'll show you" replied Barbara.

"Hey, thanks for helping me model some of your outfits last week...I sent the photos to one agency and they were impressed.  I've got an interview on Saturday with them."

"Oh that's good news...well, the modelling you did helped publicise the shop so it was mutually beneficial."

But at that moment yet another person had entered the shop and it was, again, a familiar face but not someone Barbara had formally met but someone she had seen coming and going from the house of her neighbour, John Action.  This had to be his girlfriend, the mysterious Katherine, who hardly anyone in their little neighbourhood group had actually met.  Barbara noticed she had a sharp, flipped bob hairstyle that fell over one eye, high cheekbones that showed off her immaculate make up and her movements were graceful and smooth.  

"Hello, welcome to Pack's Clothing.  My name's Barbara and I'm the manager...well, actually the owner...am I right in thinking you're Katherine, Action's girlfriend?"

Katherine smiled and nodded graciously.  "Yes I am; are you a friend of his?" she said.

"I live right next door to Action" said Barbara.

"Wow, that sounds like a wild, happening scene.  Can I come?" said Gillian, who was standing right next to them.

"No, Gillian, I live next door to a man called John Action" Barbara replied.

"Oh, silly me!  But if you do hear about any really wild parties, you let me know:  I'm 18 in 4 months" said Gillian, giggling and running off to look at some more clothes.

"Ah, John's mentioned you and your boyfriend, Jeremy lots of times.  He speaks very highly of him." said Katherine.

"Well, I'm biased but I think highly of Jeremy as well.  And we all feel safer when John's around.  Anyway, if I can help you find something to wear just let me know...I'm happy to help and we must all meet up for coffee some time."

"We must!  I almost feel like a resident of the Cove!" said Katherine, with a chuckle.

Barbara was rushed off her feet serving Katherine, Gillian and a whole slew of other customers that the shift ended without all the mannequins being re-stocked.  Her feet were aching so instead of spending another couple of hours putting new outfits on them, she headed straight home.  Jeremy had got in from work ahead of her.

"Phew, what a day!" said Barbara, taking off her shoes and giving her toes a flex.

"Busy was it?" asked Jeremy.

"I should say so!  Oh, and I met Action's girlfriend, she was in the shop.  She's absolutely lovely."

"I've only ever seen her from afar" said Jeremy before taking a deep breath.  "I've given this job offer some more thought."

Barbara sighed and sat down.  "I thought you would" she said.  "Can I just say, first off, that whatever you decide I will support you only you know that I think you might be taking a risk and I don't want to see you get hurt"

"I really appreciate those words" he replied, reaching out across the table and holding her hand.  "However, I have to look at more than just the financial situation.  Pretty soon Foundry Cove will be bulldozed and we'll all have to find somewhere new to live but I can stop that from happening if I go work for Geoffrey.  I know...we know...there's something sinister going on in Sim City and that the Landgraabs are involved.  I can't avoid the truth, Barbara, and I don't want to either.  There are men, just like me, serving in Vietnam and taking huge risks so we can be free...I want to get to the truth in the same spirit as them by not cowering."

Barbara smiled and squeezed his hand.  "Promise me you'll be careful." she said softly.  Jeremy smiled and nodded.

Barbara yawned. "What a long, tiring day it's been; I'm heading to bed.  Are you coming?" she asked.

"Shortly.  There's one last thing I think I need to do" Jeremy replied.

As she went to bed he went next door to see Suzy and Neil.

He explained to them what he intended to do and how he was going to use the new job to gather information about the Landgraabs and what their plans were for this neighbourhood.  Suzy was surprised at this information, Neil sounded a note of caution.

"This is the Landgraabs we're talking about here.  I know, from personal experience with their Arts Foundation, that they promise to give but they take much, much more from you." he said.

"I know, and that's why I think I have an advantage:  I know right from the start that they're not to be trusted so I will keep my guard up." replied Jeremy.

"I don't know, I'm not sure you should do this.  I think you should talk him out of this, Suzy" said Neil.

Suzy, however, just nodded.  "I can see many advantages to this plan" she said.  "Information is key and my card is marked by that family.  They trust you, Jeremy."

"They'll keep you on a short leash" said Neil.

"I know...at first.  But we have to stop the redevelopment and find out about that tree and why it leads where it does!" said Jeremy.  "I'm willing to play my part in protecting our community and getting to the truth."

"Well, you seem determined" said Neil.  "You're a brave man" he said, getting up and shaking Jeremy by the hand.

"We must meet up when you're free and discuss what to do next" said Suzy.  "I feel like we're on the verge of finding the truth!"

CHAPTER 123: The Closet

 

GRANADA PLACE

"Alan, Kerry Fry is here to see you" said Madelyn, calmly and efficiently, to her boss Alan Cuffe.

"Excellent, show him in" Alan replied.  His office at the newly built Kitten Club in Newcrest wasn't finished yet so he still received business visitors at his home.  Fortunately the place was large enough to be a home, party and workplace all in one.

"Kerry!  How are you doing?" said Alan in a very familiar and relaxed style.  "I read your article and I liked it.  I liked it a lot" 

"I'm glad Mr Cuffe" replied Kerry.

"Call me Alan and step this way to the lounge...on second thoughts let's do this in the dining room; we can use the table to write down some notes." said Alan, still recoiling at the memory of the last time he had a meeting with someone in the lounge when the fire bomb went off.

"So I liked your article about conservationism, very good ideas which you expressed well.  It'll need a bit of editorial polishing so it can read more fluently and to fit the two-page format in the magazine but your article is the kind of thought provoking material Lothario needs in between the more...titilating...fayre our readers come to expect." said Alan.  Kerry looked pleased.

"The Friends of Gaea are a growing organisation; we hope to open our own dedicated office and staff it full time; as long as we can get more backing and investment." replied Kerry.

"Well this publicity from your article in my magazine should help that" said Alan.  "Although not with some types..." Alan set the bait and waited to see if Kerry bit.

"...you mean those fuddy-duddy types?" said Kerry.

"Yeah, the League of Decency and all that" said Alan with a chuckle.  Now he waited to see how Kerry would respond.

"Oh them" replied Kerry.  "Funnily enough, I know one of them..." he added.

"Oh really?" said Alan in mock surprise.  "Tell me more over a drink...Oh Madelyn!  Two sweet n' spicies if you've got a moment"

___________________________________________________________________________

SNEEDLEY BURROW

"Good morning, my sweet" said George, giving his wife Edna a kiss on the cheek.

"George!  Really!  This is most forward of you...out on the front patio: What would the neighbours say?" replied a shocked Edna.

"What neighbours?  Johnny Zest is probably still asleep and there's no one else."

"Ah, I heard a rumour that a family is going to be moving in to the house next door in the next few weeks.  We have to keep standards high and lead by example.  Not that I didn't appreciate the kiss but such things should only be done indoors with the curtains firmly shut."

"Sorry, dear." said George.

"Never mind, I have some exciting news I want to share with you" she said.

They sat down at the chess table and Edna took a moment to compose herself before speaking.  "George, the League of Decency is doing well so far but I need political contacts to further our cause.  So I've contacted a local citizens legal and civic group which is campaigning for more police action in fighting crime.  I think I can raise our points with them and get them accepted."

"That is exciting news, dear" said George.  "It will go well with our recruitment of that policeman; Vance Mannero.  A bit of what they call 'legal muscle' will do us no harm"

"Indeed" said Edna.  "However, it will mean me having to go into the City a couple of days a week.  I won't be around the house as much.  It's been such a long time since we haven't been able to spend at least half the day together." 

George hummed thoughtfully and said that it was a shame but after they had their conversation he walked off to the bedroom and looked at himself in the vanity table mirror.

"Maybe..." he thought to himself.  "...If Edna's going to be out of the house for a few hours a couple of days a week then She could make a return.  Hmmmm."

THE VILLA BOVINE

"Thank you for inviting me here, Alan.  I can't normally afford to eat here on my wage"

"Not at all, Marina" replied Alan Cuffe.  "It's good to see you back on your feet"

"My feet were one part of me that didn't suffer burns" replied Marina with a chuckle.  She was badly burned when a fire bomb planted in Alan Cuffe's house exploded and she was caught in the blaze.

"How's the recovery going?"

"Well.  There's some scarring on my arms and body but fortunately my face, legs and vital organs weren't harmed.  I'm back home now although not back at work yet."

"Anyway, this lunch is my treat....if you hadn't visited my house that day..." said Alan.

"It would have been you or Madelyn caught in that fire" said Marina, soberly.

Alan nodded, it had been a close shave.  "But here's to recoveries" he said, raising his wine glass.

They enjoyed some small talk before Alan steered things towards what he wanted to talk about.  "Any news on the investigation you're allowed to tell me?"

"Well, we have a prime suspect now" replied Marina.  "Leanne McGregor.  Do you know her?"

Alan thought about his response before saying "I've seen her about but only met her the one time.  She didn't leave much of an impression at that time."

"Well, she has now" replied Marina.  "The theory we're working on is that she's some kind of spy: Probably Soviet"

A Soviet Spy?  Alan smiled to himself.  So that's what they think?  If only she was...

_______________________________________________________________________

SNEEDLEY BURROW

Edna was in a flurry of activity:  There was to be a meeting of the League of Decency today and she wanted everything to be just right from the food and drink, literature to read and...of course...the minutes of today's agenda to prepare.  George was busy sorting out the former, and Edna was typing away in the study to prepare the latter.

Then it was a matter of putting on the official League uniform; Edna was particularly fond of the boots.  As George put his blue turtleneck sweater on she grilled him on the preparations.

"This is a very important meeting today...we have our newest member joining us for the first time.  Now are the canapes ready?"

"Yes, Edna"

"And did you sent Vance the uniform?"

"I did...including the jacket"

"Excellent" said Edna, clapping her hands in delight.

All was ready and Edna checked her watch to see who would arrive on time.  On the stroke of the hour she saw Scott Urban and newest member Vance Mannero at the front door.  She brushed herself down one more time, checked her hair in the mirror before sauntering over to the door to greet them in an apparently effortless glide.

"We're just waiting for Julia to arrive..." said Edna.  "And if she's not here in the next 5 minutes we shall begin our meeting.  Scott, I want to introduce you to Vance.  Vance is a policeman" she continued with a note of pride at saying the word "policeman".

"Good to know you, Vance" said Scott, shaking his hand.  Both men had iron like grips.  "Did you serve?"

"101st Airborne" replied Vance.  "You?"

"2nd Armoured" said Scott.  Both men nodded in silent respect to one another.  "But I'm with the postal service these days."

"It's still public service" replied Vance.

Julia then arrived not long afterwards and they commenced with the meeting with Edna handing out the agendas.

"First of all I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, Vance Mannero...or should I say more accurately...Police Officer Grade 3 Vance Mannero." she said.

There was a polite ripple of applause among the others and Vance nodded in acknowledgement.  

"Now we were to protest outside of the Kitten Club this weekend but it has been brought to my attention that the League of Decency are under suspicion of starting the fire at Alan Cuffe's home so we need to change our tactics for the time being.  Rest assured, the protest of Cuffe's businesses will take place at some point in the future."

"But it's obviously not us trying to actually harm Cuffe!" said Julia.  "Surely the police can see that!"

"I'll tell you something for nothing, little lady..." said Vance.  "...most cops are looking for the easy bust.  Your...I mean, our...group aren't going to say boo to a goose if we're suspected.  The cops investigating the fire aren't exactly the City's brightest and best."

"Nevertheless we must let caution be our guide." said Edna.  "So we're going to shift our focus away from Cuffe and onto that scurrilous rag that's corrupting our youth:  Hey, Wow"

They talked a bit about tactics they could use against that publication and at the coffee break Vance took George to one side to have a talk.

"I hope you're liking our society, Vance" said George.

"I am, and I see a lot of potential here" Vance replied.  "But..." he said leaning in closer to George "...I'll let you in on another bit of information:  Cuffe, Hey Wow, all the stuff you see on TV...that ain't the root cause of the problem"

"It isn't?"

"No.  It's the Communists behind it all" said Vance.  "Communism, George.  The cops know who's trying to kill Cuffe and his associates.  It's a Russian spy, a Communist agent.  But the weaklings over at the Commissioner's office don't want to stoke tension with the Soviets so they keep it quiet."

"Really?  I didn't know" said George, shocked.

"So we've got to keep an eye out for these infiltrators and spies running amok about our city, George.  You a military man?"

"US Navy for 10 years" replied George.

"Navy, good man!" said Vance, punching George in the upper arm.  "You see, we gotta protect the womenfolk, our communities, George.  That's why I've joined the League.  Now Edna's a great ideas woman.  She's got spunk and I like that.  But you're the strong, silent type, I can tell that.  You and me and Scott; we've got to step up to the plate, take a big swing and score a touchdown against the subversives who are funded by the Soviets.  Edna's the drive, Julia's the brains but we've got to be the muscle, do you hear me, George?"

"Erm...yes!" 

"Good man!  Good man!" said Vance, punching George enthusiastically in the arm again.

It was agreed that the next step shouldn't be a public protest but instead running exposes on what Hey Wow magazine prints, calling in on radio talk shows, TV shows and other media to raise public awareness of the alleged 'debauchery' in these publications and others like them.  The public protest side was too risky when the police were looking for any signs of public disorder.

After the meeting concluded Edna was exhausted and needed a little pick me up.  She changed her clothes and headed to the basement bunker the Sneedleys had built, back in '62 in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, where they kept a wet bar.

"Phew!  So much to do, Edna, so much...and it's going to get busier now I'm going to get more politically involved" she said to herself as she poured herself a stiff drink.

"Ahhhhh, that's better" she said, downing the drink.  "Now where's George?" 

George was tidying up as Edna returned upstairs.  He looked at her with pride but Vance's words were still ringing in his ears:  He, George Sneedley, had to protect his wife from the evil subversives in the world!

"You know I will protect you from any harm, Edna" he said.

"Of course I do, George." she replied.

"I mean, I'm just as capable of physically taking down any attacker as Vance or Scott.  When I'm stirred up I don't hold back."

"Now what's brought this on, George ?" said Edna, wondering why he was talking about protecting her from harm and beating attackers up.

"Well..." he said, trying to gather the words he wanted to say.  "I know I've had a couple of turns in public lately and that some people think that because I'm a cook I'm not....very....erm....manly".  That last part was difficult to articulate for him.

"Not manly!  Nonsense!  You're all the man I ever need" said Edna with a huff but then she thought of another reason why George might be talking about this.  "George...are you having trouble with your particular organs?"

"My particular organs?  Oh, no!  There's no trouble there I can assure you.  I mean, anytime you want to...well...you know...do THAT I am more than capable."

Maybe it was the drink inside her, maybe it was the rush of adrenaline Edna felt whenever she hosted a League meeting or maybe it was George declaring that 'anytime you want to...', she now suddenly felt amorous.  

"George..." she said, coquettishly.  "...how about we put that to the test?"

 "What, now?" said a surprised George.  "But we haven't done this since November 1965!  Let's not stand out here where everyone can see us.  Let's go to the bedroom!"

"Not the bedroom, I've just changed the bedding" said Edna.

"Then you don't mean...."

"Yes!  The closet!" said Edna, her eyes wide with excitement.

They ran off, hand in hand, to the big walk in closet down in the bunker, giggling like teenagers.  

"Oh George!"

"Oh Edna!"

They fell into a passionate embrace just outside the closet and George had to open it by sliding it across with his foot as he had Edna's lips firmly attached to his face.  They stumbled backwards into the closet, somehow slid the door back and were there in the pitch black.

"There's something exhilarating about doing this in a pitch black atomic bunker where no-one and I mean no-one can ever find us!" said Edna.

They fumbled around undoing George's belt and pants and pulling them down, lifting up Edna's skirt and trying to undo her garter straps without being able to see anything but the awkwardness actually turned them on even more.  There was banging and crashing and even shouting but the two of them had the best time they'd had since they threw a small party to celebrate Alan Cuffe moving out of their neighbourhood.

Finally, it all came to an end and while they nuzzled in a pile of fallen coats, Edna thought that it was time to face the world again.  She, miraculously, emerged without a single loose hair or smear to her make up.  George, on the other hand, could only stagger out.

"We must do that again in the Summer...." he muttered with an inane grin on his face.

CHAPTER 122: Travis Get Your Gun

 

"Travis, you look worried" said Liberty Lee to her housemate one morning.

"That's because I am worried, Libs." he replied, earnestly.  "That maniac that was in our street the other day...the firebomber and assassin...walked right past our house.  Right past it!"

"And?" said Liberty with a shrug.

"What if they hadn't walked past but entered our home instead?  What then?  We'd be all dead, that's what!"

"Why would they have entered our home?" asked Liberty, still not understanding Travis' concern here.

"Why did that last bunch of criminals break in our home and vandalise it a few months ago?  Because we and this house are here.  That's twice now we've been at the epicentre of some criminal activity and we can't be complacent anymore!" Travis was emphasising his point and Liberty sat up and didn't even try to ridicule his concerns even if she didn't share them.

"So, what do you propose we do?" she asked.

"What I do, Libs.  I need to step up and become the protector of this household.  I don't want anything bad happening to you or Summer and it's my responsibility to keep you two safe here.  I'm going to buy a gun."

Liberty said nothing but took a deep breath.  Travis owning a gun, keeping one around the house?  She was not comfortable with that idea.

"Right...I've done thinking about this" continued Travis "and now I'm going to do some research".  He stood up and left the room.  A minute later, Summer entered and sat down next to Liberty.

"Summer...you have to stop him!"  said Liberty.

"Stop him from what?" Summer replied.

"He wants to buy a gun!"

"WHAT?  Why?"

"He wants to protect us from maniacs breaking into the house"

"OK, this has come right out of the blue...I'm going to have to talk to him.  Wait here" said Summer, getting up and marching off to confront Travis.

She found him, strangely, in Liberty's bedroom reading a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine.

"I'm torn between getting a revolver or semi-automatic pistol" he said, not looking up from the magazine.  "What do I want to go for?  9mm is easier to shoot, .45 has more stopping power.  Ooh, a .44 magnum; I wonder what they're like?"

"Travis, can you put that magazine down for a moment and talk about this?" said Summer.

Travis turned his gaze away from it and at her.  "Your safety is paramount with me" he said.

"I realise that.  But let's sit down and talk about this.  You, who have never wielded anything more lethal than BBQ tongs in your life, now want to get a gun."

"Why not?  It's a wild, wild world out there" he replied.

"I'm worried that you're going to harm yourself instead of protecting us.  You've got no experience of handling a gun:  You're not like Efrem Zimbalist Jr in The F.B.I. you know."

"So I should go with the lighter calibre pistol then?  Something I could manage?" 

"No!  That's not what I'm saying.  I'm saying getting a gun is too big a step for you.  For us.  Do you know what you're doing?"

Travis nodded.  "You're right.  I need some more expert advice.  Say, I could get something like what Action has:  A Colt .38 Detective."

Summer rolled her eyes but then an idea hit her.  Action:  Get him to talk Travis out of this crazy gun fixation.  As he went back to his magazine she went to the phone and called their neighbour.

Within minutes Action had arrived and Summer went to meet him on the front porch, out of Travis' ear shot.

"So what's this I hear about Travis wanting to pack some heat?" asked Action.

"He's serious!  He's out the back there going through a gun magazine and reading the reviews." replied Summer.

Action shook his head.  "Some cats can handle a piece but I can tell Travis ain't one of them.  Leave this with me."

Travis emerged from the back room and saw Action out on the porch talking with Summer.  

"Hey, Action my man...cool to see you and you're just the kind of guy I wanted to have a talk with.  I want to buy a gun; is the .38 Colt Detective a good one?"

"Good for me, bad for you.  You need to knock that crazy idea out of your head that you need to pack a piece." said Action, bluntly.

"Oh..." Travis didn't predict Action would cut him down so curtly.  "It's just that with, you know, that maniac running around and that break in we had I needed to step up and do my civic duty in protecting the...you know...womenfolk."

"Womenfolk?  Who do you think you are?  Some 1880s homesteader?" said Action.  "Let's go inside and talk facts."

The two men went inside whereupon, without saying a word, Action produced his sidearm from a shoulder holster, emptied the cylinder of ammo and handed the empty revolver to Travis. 

"Go ahead, take it.  Hold it.  Aim it...NOT AT ME!"  Said Action, suddenly grabbing Travis and pointing his gun hand away from him and to a picture on the wall.   "How does it feel in your hand?  Could you aim that at someone and shoot them?  Could you?  Because if you're life is threatened by someone coming at you, you have to shoot to kill.  Can you actually do that?  Your hand is trembling" he said, looking at Travis holding the gun.  Travis lowered it and shook his head.

"Maybe I should get lessons first.  Go to a range" he said, meekly.

"That makes more sense" said Action.  "That woman we're after; she's not coming for you or Summer or Liberty.  You want to help us get her and others like her?  Keep your eyes open and report anything suspicious you see.  Watch out for our neighbours and leave the violence to the professionals."

Summer and Liberty invited Action to stay and while Travis made the drinks the girls thanked their cop neighbour for his help in talking sense.

"Well, I've made Foundry Cove a little bit safer today but I've got to get moving:  I'm a man with a lot going on" said Action, downing his drink and getting up to leave.

"I guess you must think I'm a prize chump" said Travis, sheepishly to Summer.

"Not at all...you just got carried away.  I find the idea of you wanting to protect us very noble and gallant" she replied.

"I could always fend off attackers with my BBQ tongs" he replied.

"Come here, give us a kiss you great big loveable white knight!"

Their moment of romance was abruptly interrupted by a ring on the doorbell.  "Did Action forget to take his gun back with him?" said Travis.  However it wasn't Action, it was Jeremy Saint.

"Oh hey, Jeremy, how's it going?" asked Travis.

"Fine thanks.  Barbara's gone off to some fashion trade fair for the day and I've got a spare ticket for the Humor & Hijinks Festival.  Fancy coming along?" said Jeremy.

"We haven't been to that in a long time" replied Travis.

"Well, I'm off to work soon so you should go and have a good time" said Summer.

"Hell...why not?" said Travis.

As the two guys arrived at the festival they could see it was already in full swing.

"Say, Jeremy, are you with either the Pranksters or Jokesters?" asked Travis.

"Neither.  I never bothered.  Barbara supports the Pranksters" Jeremy replied.

Travis nodded, a thought had just come to him.  "Jeremy...this festival contains a metaphor for life.  You're either a prankster or a jokester.  Jokesters like words, they like talk, they think and they work things out in their heads.  Pranksters are the practical ones, the do-ers, the ones prepared to get their hands dirty."

"O.......K" said Jeremy, sceptically.

"Take the two guys I know the best:  You and Action.  Now you, Jeremy, are a Jokester.  You deal in words, ideas, you read a lot...you think a lot"

"I'm not sure how to take that" said Jeremy.

"No, buddy, that's not a bad thing at all.  But Action, he's a Prankster.  He sees, he acts.  He's like a tiger ready to spring into action."

"That is his name after all" replied Jeremy.  "So which are you?" he added.

"I'm not sure...yet.  Today I tried to be a Prankster but I think in my heart I'm a Jokester.  I've got to work that one out"

"Do you really need to?  I mean, really?" said Jeremy.

They were more interested in talking and eating from the vendors than the comedy on offer at the festival.  As they chatted and Travis tried to expand on his new idea they were joined by a young woman who had declared for the Pranksters.  She gave her name as Ulrike Faust.  

"So what made you choose the Prankster team, Ulrike?" asked Travis.

"It's part of a dare.  I've been challenged to cause as much mayhem as possible on the Jokesters this evening and I never back down from a direct challenge." she replied.

"You see, Jeremy?  That's classic Prankster behaviour.  My theory holds" said Travis.

"OK...I'm now going to plant a big custard pie into that person's face!" said Ulrike, getting up and reaching into a bag.

"It's funny being back here" said Jeremy.  "The last time you and I were here I met Julia for the first time"

"Oh yeah, I remember!  She wouldn't stop talking to you...I think she liked you back then" replied Travis.

"Yeah, maybe" said Jeremy, a little embarrassed.  "That night I almost asked her out.  I chickened out though and thank goodness I did because a week later I met Barbara!"

"You liked Julia?" asked Travis.

"Well...yeah, she's a bit of a know-it-all and talks the back legs off a donkey but...she's smart, decent, cute..."

"I'll let you in on a little secret: I found her cute as well.  Do you remember that first party we threw?  She wore this blue dress and, man, for a while I was attracted.  But Summer was always the one for me..."

"What about Liberty?  Didn't you say you liked her for a while?"

"I wasn't serious.  Nope.  I was always faithful to Summer."

"That red head you met at the Waterside Warble...what about her?"

"Oh that was a one night stand!  She doesn't count!"

Ulrike returned to their table.  "Ha!  I snuck up on them as they were preparing to light a firework and BAM!  They'll be washing the whipped cream out of their hair tonight!" she said.  "You two still just sitting here?"

"Hey, Ulrike...what about this for a prank?  I talk normally to someone and then, suddenly..."

"I don't think you're Prankster material, Travis" said Ulrike.  She smiled, patted his cheek and left.  Travis sauntered over to where Jeremy was watching the stand up comedienne.

"Travis.  Why don't you stop trying and just kick back and take in the evening?" said Jeremy.

"It wasn't that long ago that I was trying to give you the same piece of advice." Travis chuckled. 

CHAPTER 121: Stretch

"So this is the fancy place you like to go to, eh?  Looks impressive" said Francesca Griffith to her friend, Julia Epstein."

"It's great here" replied Julia.  "It's better than a gym, I can tell you...it's a beautiful, quiet setting and not filled with sweaty bodies"

"That depends on whose body is sweaty" said Francesca in a risqué manner.  "OK, this sounds good...I've not been to a spa before, or done any yoga.  I attend jazz dance classes but that's about it."

Francesca had taken Julia's invite up to go visit the spa with her as she'd been very busy with work and family lately.  Her daughter, Stefanie, had only just recovered from a nasty illness and was back at school and catching up on her ballet classes, which she loved.  Her husband, Rod, had taken their daughter into town to resupply Stefanie with school items as she was always losing pencil cases, bags, books and shoes.  This afforded Francesca the chance to hang out with friends.

They entered the Perfect Balance Spa and the décor took Francesca's breath away.  "Indoor fountains and streams!  Hmmm, the smell of incense and Jasmine...why haven't I heard of this place before?" she said.

The two women went to get changed into their exercise clothes and headed upstairs to the yoga lesson.  They were the first ones to arrive so Julia clued Francesca in on what generally happened.

"It's not exhausting but there is a lot of bending, stretching and balancing" said Julia.

"The first two I can manage...not sure about the third" replied Francesca.

Julia and Francesca waited for the yoga instructor to arrive and they got their hopes up briefly when the door to the room swung open.  However, it wasn't the instructor...instead it was someone Julia knew:  Kerry Fry, and he looked surprised to see her.

"Hey, Kerry, I didn't know you worked here...are you our instructor?" asked Julia.

"No...I work in reflexology and massage" he said, jerking his thumb in the direction down the corridor.  "I just came in to say we've had a call from the yoga teacher to say he's running a little late.  I must say it's nice to see you here" he said, looking Julia up and down "...and your friend; I don't believe we've met...hi, I'm Kerry" he said with a smile as he made eye contact with Francesca.

"Francesca..." she replied.  "I'm a work colleague of Julia's"

"Francesca, lovely name and healing the sick, wonderful" said Kerry, still looking at Francesca; his eyes being drawn to her legs.  "Well, I play my small part in that line as well but in a more therapeutic way than actual medicine" he added.

"I've never tried reflexology" said Julia.

"Well maybe you should pop along to my little neck of this place and give it a go after you're done here" said Kerry.  "Oh, by the way...my 'Friends of Gaea' group are having a little fund raiser this weekend...it'd be wonderful if you could come along.  You and Francesca" he said, handing out a business card with the name of the organisation and address on it to the two of them.  

"This weekend I'll be very busy with my husband and daughter" replied Francesca.

"Oh..." said Kerry, his face dropping at that revelation.  "...well, anyway, I've got clients waiting.  Julia, if you'd like to visit afterwards I'll have a chair waiting just for you".  Kerry winked at Julia and left the room.

"How do you know that guy?" asked Francesca.

"Oh he's the son of some friends of my parents...they set me up on a blind date with him some weeks ago and...well...he's pretty nice..." said Julia.

"Yeeessssss" said Francesca, with a tone of scepticism in her voice that Julia didn't pick up on.

Then things started to happen all at once.  More people arrived for the class and the instructor eventually showed up.  Julia noticed a late arrival and another person she knew:  Her auntie Elle, who was wearing all white exercise clothing.  Elle had suffered from long term psychological problems and Julia was worried if she was on her medication or not...if not she could act very violently and unpredictably.  Elle didn't seem to notice Julia's presence as she took her place at the front of the class.

Francesca leaned closer to Julia and whispered "isn't that?"

"Yes, my aunt Elle...she hasn't spotted us.  I should go over and say hello" replied Julia.

However the instructor clapped his hands to signal the start of the lesson.  "Hello everyone, sorry I'm late.  If you'd all like to take off any shoes you're wearing and take your positions, one person per mat, then we'll begin...."

This was a beginners class so the stretches and positions weren't too difficult.  A lot of it involved controlled breathing.  It was only when it came time to balancing on one leg that there was trouble:  Francesca's knee gave way and she collapsed onto her mat in a heap.  Julia's first instinct was to rush to her aid but the class was moving on to the next step and she instead dithered while Francesca gathered up her wounded pride and got back on her feet.

"Psst...are you alright?" said Julia at a whisper so she wouldn't incur the ire of the instructor.

"More embarrassed than hurt, Jules" replied Francesca.  She stood up, brushed herself down and resumed the lesson with only a hint of redness in her cheeks.

After the class they had a joke about it and all was well but Julia had another thing on her mind.  She saw Elle leave the class abruptly and wanted to see if her aunt was alright so she told Francesca she'd meet her downstairs whilst she had a catch up with Elle.

"Auntie Elle!  It's me, Julia...we were in the same yoga class just now" said Julia, catching up with Elle; who was just about to have a massage session.

"Oh yes, Julia...sorry, I didn't see you in there.  How funny that we're here together" replied Elle, serenely.

Julia turned to the masseuse and asked if she could speak with her aunt in private for a few minutes. The young lady said "of course" and stepped outside.

"Auntie Elle, how are you?" asked Julia.

"Doing better, Julia, thanks" replied Elle.  "I'm taking my medicine and my therapist recommended I should try yoga to help keep my negative feelings and outbursts under control."

"And has it?"

"I think so...I'm taking things slowly at the moment.  Is that friend of yours back there the one I insulted and threatened?"

Julia nodded ruefully.  "She's a nurse, she understands"

"I'm so, so sorry about that...and all the times I was nasty and cruel to your other friends.  Tell her I'm sorry if I don't see you before I leave"

"Will do, Aunt Elle....hey, if you're doing this yoga regularly then maybe I'll see you here again next week?"

"Yes.  That would be nice." replied Elle.

Julia headed downstairs to have a shower and get changed and there was now a little spring in her step as she was happy in the knowledge that her aunt was looking the best and most healthy she'd had been in months.  Francesca was just touching up her make up as Julia finished getting dressed and she asked how Elle was...Julia was pleased to say she was fine.

"Well, that was actually quite fun and I feel energised" said Francesca as they left the spa.

"Will you go home now to see Rod and Stefanie?" asked Julia.

"Actually I was going to meet up with Harper...she wants to hit the clubs" said Francesca, rolling her eyes a little at the idea.  "Say, why not join us?"

Julia bit her bottom lip.  "Won't I be muscling in on you two?  After all, three's a crowd" she said.

"Well in that case you must have a friend you can ask to bring along too.  Harper wants to go to the Orange Peel club as neither of us have been there before."

"I've been a couple of times" said Julia.  "If we can find a payphone I know just who to call to join us"

"Barbara...so good of you to join us!" said Julia.  "I would have thought you'd be off with Jeremy this evening."

"Boy's night out with Travis and Liberty's boyfriend.  Just me, my lonesome and I Dream of Jeannie" replied Barbara.  

"I'm with work colleagues, I'll introduce you to them" said Julia. 

"Nice...and I hope you're going to hit the dance floor instead of perching on a stool by the door!" said Barbara, tugging at Julia's arm.

Francesca saw Harper Newell up at the bar and went to greet her.

"Hey, Harper" said Francesca.  "Sorry I'm a bit late...Julia and I were over at the spa just now"

Harper turned around and saw Julia and Barbara in conversation on the far side of the dance floor.  "You brought Dr Epstein with you?  We're the rank and file, she's officer corps" she said.

"Don't be silly.  Julia's not just a doctor, she's my friend and you and her get on great at work.  We're always having a good gossip at break times."

"Yes, that's at work, this is play" said Harper.  "I'm here to have a good time, I just hope I don't have to mind my P's and Q's with one of the doctors around"

Julia went over to Harper and Francesca and introduced the both of them to Barbara.  Then she ordered what she knew to be a house specialty at The Orange Peel Club:  The giant pretzel.  Meanwhile Harper was impressed that Barbara owned Pack's Clothing.

"I was in there last week and that place is great!  You own and run that?  Wow, amazing!  I love your stuff!" she said.

"I'm glad to hear that" replied Barbara.  "I'm trying to convince Julia to come in one day but she's a bit resistant"

"Only because I don't do fashion, Barbara.  I like things not too with it" replied Julia.

"You are so in need of a makeover, Doctor...I mean, Julia" said Harper.  "Barbara can do your outfit, Francesca can do your hair and I will do your make up"

Julia gulped nervously and munched on her pretzel more.  

"Anyway, we didn't come here to chat!" said Francesca.

"We didn't?" said Julia.

"We came here to DANCE!" 

"Oh...well, I suppose I can do a little bop" said Julia.  The other girls goaded her onto the dance floor where they formed a tight little group.

"It's a bit short on men tonight" said Harper, dismissively.

"Who needs them?" said Francesca.  "I'm a married woman.

"I've got a steady boyfriend" said Barbara.

"I'm not really into dating" said Julia.

"Oh yes, what about that Kerry guy?" asked Francesca.

"Ooh, Julia's got a beau, has she?" said Harper.

"No!  Not at all!  It's not like that!  We've been on two platonic dates, that's all" said Julia.

"He does have an eye for the ladies though" said Francesca.

"He's very into conservationism and natural healing" said Julia.

"I didn't think all that hippy stuff would appeal to you, Julia?" said Harper.

"Well, not normally, but...well...he makes it sound interesting.  Anyway, can we go for one evening without talking about men?  It should be a challenge, a test.  Go one evening where no one mentions men."

The other three girls all looked at each other and shook their heads.  "Nah!"

It got late and the four of them staggered out of the Orange Peel to head home.  Harper, tipsy, hugged Julia.  "You're alright, Doc...for a doc" she said.

Julia and Barbara headed home to Foundry Cove, exhausted.  "It looks like Jeremy's made it back home.  Well, goodnight Julia; thanks for inviting me and introducing me to your friends."

"My pleasure.  Goodnight." 

Julia went inside her home, took off her clothes and changed into her nightgown.  Of everything that happened today the thing that pleased her most was that her Aunt Elle was improving.