Rotting Rage

by Gayle Katz

  Rotting Rage

  Jane Zombie Chronicles

  Book 2

  Gayle Katz

  In Your Face Publishers

  Blue Bell, PA

  Copyright © 2018 Gayle Katz

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the author. For permissions contact:

  gayle@gaylekatz.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living, dead, or undead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Visit the author’s website at GayleKatz.com

  Table of Contents

  ________________________________________

  Rotting Rage

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  Chapter 1

  ________________________________________

  I’m barely awake when the dog starts licking my face. He’s sitting right next to the bed. Rocky is always excited to start the day and, clearly, he wants me to start mine too. Tail waging. Jumping up and down. Barking so he feels like he’s part of the conversation.

  “Good puppy,” I say to the sweet four-legged creature with bad breath exhaling in my face. I don’t think he’s a puppy anymore, but he’s our baby and that’s how I see him. I grab a tissue from my nightstand and wipe the dog slobber off of my face.

  A moment later, the alarm clock rings. Peeking at the clock, I see it’s 4:00 a.m. I feel movement next to me and turn my head to see Jack sitting up, staring at the window. I couldn’t see him that well. He’s only a figure in the dark since it’s still pitch-black out. Instead of getting out of bed, he leans over and kisses me on the cheek.

  “Time to get up,” he says.

  “Ugh. Is it morning already?” I reply, groggily.

  “Uh-huh,” Jack says.

  “Get us started, alright? You hop in the shower first. I’ll be there in a minute or two, OK?” I assure him.

  “Sure thing, but don’t fall back to sleep.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  “I gotta get to the station by 5:00 a.m. this morning. Lots of stories to track down today.”

  “Mmhmm,” I mumble into the pillow.

  I feel him roll back over to his side of the bed and get up. The dog immediately jumps on to the bed, takes Jack’s place, and licks my face again. I can feel the dog staring at me.

  “You know,” I compliment the dog as I pat him on the head, “you’re much better than any alarm clock.”

  The next moment, I hear the bathroom fan click on as I’m still lying on my back. That exhaust fan sound is unmistakable, fluttering up to speed to echo a groaning whine I often make myself at this ungodly hour. I can also hear the screech of the shower turning on. Our shower has a mind of its own. Sometimes Jack can stand there for several minutes trying to achieve the perfect temperature. Even then, once in the shower, the water temperature can vary greatly and without any warning. God forbid if you accidentally flush a toilet, the water temperature freaks out. It’s an adventure for sure.

  Still not in the mood to get up and officially start my day, I bask in everything that keeps me going: Jack, Rocky, and my job. Jack and I have a good thing going here. We really hit it off after the disaster at Scarlet Peak. After we graduated from college, we moved back into the area. I took some extra convincing, but Jack's mindset was on aiding the local community in the aftermath of the devastation of campus and being at least a small part of the recovery effort. In truth, we both felt a need to stick around and witness something beautiful built over the nightmare of our past so we could finally put it all behind us.

  To that end, Jack managed to snag a pretty sweet job as a reporter and anchor for the local television station. The pro is that he’s able to get a job in his field. The con is that he’s basically working three jobs, but only gets paid for one. See, the thing is that when you work for a smaller company, you wear many hats and need to pick up the slack. In Jack’s case, that means he has to not only tell the news on-air as the anchor, but also get the story as the reporter and produce the story for air as the video editor. Don’t get me wrong. Out of all the things you can do with your life, it’s not a bad gig and sometimes can be a fun job. You’re not cooped up in an office all day. You get to meet new and somewhat interesting people. And, most important, you get to learn the entire industry. It is exhausting, though... at least that’s what Jack says.

  It doesn’t help that he takes all of his cues from the assignment editor, who is quite demanding and definitely means business. From the way she acts, you’d think she’s in charge of handing out the assignments in a top ten market, like New York or Los Angeles. I feel like someone should remind her we’re in Scarlet Peak, New York. We’re so small, I’m not sure we even get a ranking.

  Moving in together made sense at first to help us both heal and get past the incident at Scarlet Peak in friendly, understanding company. We love and support each other. We’re best friends and more. It also became an easier way to balance the bills during our blossoming romance, and served as a barometer for a potentially successful marriage someday. Two years later, I graduated and Jack was able to get me a job at his place as an associate marketing manager. What does that mean? It means that my days are filled with helping to promote the television station in order to increase our viewership and revenue. It was a steep learning curve, but I knew I was up to the challenge. Plus, I didn’t want to let Jack down considering that he recommended me for the position.

  I peek at Rocky snuggling up next to me, staring, and then I look at the clock again: 4:15 a.m.

  “Yes, I hear you, Rocky. Gotta get my lazy ass up and start the day.” The dog peeks his head up, seemingly acknowledging my words.

  It’s still dark as night outside, but somehow my body moves and I find myself slowly stumbling into a bright bathroom. I stop for a moment. I can’t see much. As my eyes begin to adapt to the intense lights, I hear the dog hop off the bed and watch him follow me. The door creaks as we walk in and Jack greets us.

  “Glad to see you’re finally up and awake,” he says.

  “Up? Yes. Awake? Not so much, but Rocky is ready to go,” I yawn.

  “Ha! Who’s a good boy?” Jack says from inside the shower. Rocky barks, recognizing that he’s part of the conversation.

  Then Jack turns his words back to me, “Well, get in here already. The shower is cooperating for once and the water is the perfect temperature.”

  “I’m coming.”

  “Hurry up, Gorgeous. We don’t get to see each other that much during the day and I’d like to get an eyeful of you this morning, if you know what I mean.”

  I take off my robe and nightgown, slide the shower curtain back, and step into the steaming hot shower. There he is. He’s a sexy, soapy man I think to myself and it makes me giggle. There is something so silly and cute about my ruggedly handsome man covered up in soft, delicate, little soap bubbles.

  “What’s so funny?” he asks, a smile creeping onto his face. “You’ve never seen a naked man covered in suds?”

  I smile and kiss him.

  “Anything interesting on
the agenda for today?” I ask.

  “Not sure. Gotta get to the station and talk with Gina about assignments. Knowing her, I won’t be bored. What about you?”

  “I have a couple of potential clients lined up for today who might be interested in advertising with the station.” I answer.

  “That sounds like a pretty good day so far, right?”

  “Yeah. If they spend enough, maybe the station can hire someone to help you.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  “I just hate that you work such long hours. You’re always exhausted.”

  “I’m tired for sure, but it’s great experience. A couple more years here and I might be able to write my own… uh… our ticket outta here, ya know?”

  “Mmhmm. Good catch.” I smirk. “We’d be making more money and everything and that’s great, but what about us?”

  “What about us?”

  “You know. We’ve been together for six years. Don’t you think we should make it official?”

  “Now’s not the right time, Jane. You know that. I need to move forward in my career a little more. So do you.”

  “I know, but it’s not like I need a fancy ring or anything. And we can always upgrade it later if we want to.”

  “No. No. You gotta do something like that right the first time.” Jack says, “You deserve the best and that’s what you’re going to get.”

  “I have the best. I have you.”

  Jack kisses me. I wrap my wet arms around his slippery body.

  “We have too many expenses right now. Paying off our student loan debts. Mortgage. Insurance. And those contractors who repaired our roof charged a lot. I’ve been meaning to check on their work, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

  “I understand.”

  “We’ll get there, OK? I’m done. The shower is all yours. We’ll talk more later.”

  He kisses me again and hops out of the shower. “I’ll get breakfast started,” he says as he dries off and leaves the bathroom.

  I move closer to the showerhead, close my eyes, and let the hot water hit me and run down my body.

  4:30 a.m.

  Fifteen minutes later, I go down the carpeted stairs, into the not so modern kitchen, and join Jack and Rocky for breakfast. I almost kick a large pack of sports drinks Jack left on the floor, “you know, we really need to move these.” Jack ignores my comment.

  “Here’s your breakfast burrito,” Jack proudly announces, “I microwaved it myself.”

  “You’re quite a cook.” Sarcasm pops out of my mouth. “Did you take the dog out?”

  “Yep. Already done. He should be good for a while.” Jack turns to the dog and gives him his breakfast too. “Who’s a hungry puppy?” he asks, rhetorically.

  “We have to find a less stinky dog food,” I hold my nose. “It’s definitely less offensive than his steady diet of putrid zombie hands years ago, but still pretty rank.”

  “I’d like to, but you know dog food is expensive, especially when you mix the wet and dry together. Plus he’s already eating better than we do.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  The dog sits at attention for a time watching us talk until hunger compels him to chow down. Rocky loves the stench. Jack also slips a new bowl of cold water beside him.

  “Thanks,” I reply as I take Jack’s breakfast creation. “Which one is it?”

  “It’s the Canadian ham and egg one.”

  “You know I’m trying to stay away from meat.”

  “Yes. I know. I also know you need your protein.”

  “I guess.”

  “OK, wrap it up and take it with. I gotta get in a few minutes early today,” Jack says as he grabs his trusty backpack and hurries me out the door.

  Before leaving, I turn and stoop down to have a chat with the dog. “Be good today, OK?” I say. “We’ll go for a long walk when we get home tonight,” and pat him on the head. Rocky’s tail wags back and forth. I can tell he’s looking forward to that walk. So am I.

  “If we’re getting into work extra early today, does that mean we also get to leave early? Rocky’s really looking forward to an evening walk and I don’t want to go when it’s pitch black out.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Chapter 2

  ________________________________________

  Driving to work in our little clunker of a car reminds me of how much we need a new one. It’s basically a box with wheels, doors, and a steering wheel. Everything else is either broken or in the process of falling apart. Despite its condition, something seems to keep it working.

  “How many miles do we have on this thing already?” I ask.

  “A little over 100,000 miles, but she’s still going strong.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  I love him with all my heart, and I understand his point in giving our careers a chance to gain some traction, but something is really gnawing at me this morning. Reflecting on the mileage of the vehicle, I’m starting to draw parallels between it and my relationship with Jack. His constant reassurances are that things are good enough as is. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling the stagnation. I wonder if we’re turning into this car – spinning our wheels back and forth year after year without actually going anywhere.

  Jack’s day starts so early, but I technically don’t have to be in until 8:00 a.m. or so. It would be so nice to sleep in, but then I’d have no way of getting to work since we only have one car right now. I guess I can take public transportation, but it takes longer and, if I miss my bus, I’d have to wait another forty-five minutes for another one. So right now, that’s a sacrifice I have to make in order for our life together to work. It’s not so bad. And for Jack, I’ll do anything. That’s why I get to work way too early and stay too late, just like Jack. And just like Jack, I’m exhausted. I can only hope I’m impressing my boss too.

  ***

  The commute to work only takes between ten and twenty minutes, depending on traffic. There’s also a little, wooden bridge that overlooks a steep, watery gorge. It’s our little shortcut into town. The sound of the tires rolling over the uneven wooden planks of the bridge stresses me out, though. If this bridge ever falls apart, it’s a long, long way down to the bottom of the gorge. It’s a frightening thought because I feel like one day the bridge is going to collapse. I just hope that we’re not on it when it does.

  As Jack drives, we continue to talk about the day.

  “Do you think we’ll be able to grab lunch together?” I ask.

  “I’m not sure to be honest. If I’m still out on assignment, that might be difficult. I’ll try, though. I promise.”

  “OK.”

  “How about you? I thought you said you have client meetings today.”

  “Yeah, I do. I can’t remember when they start, but I don’t think they’re over lunch.”

  “Well, why don’t we just play it by ear?”

  “Sure.”

  We pull into the parking lot, snag a prime spot, and, seconds later, Jack pops out of the car like toast. He comes around the other side to open the door for me. He’s quite a gentleman, you know? It’s part of his charm. That’s just one of the many reason why I love him.

  “You’re certainly perky today,” I point out.

  “Yep. It’s a good day,” he declares.

  “You say that everyday.”

  He smiles his usual reassuring bright glow that always melts away my worries. We walk into the somewhat small, unassuming brick building, kiss, and go our separate ways. He heads toward the noisy newsroom and I veer off to the main office area, which is still quiet at this early hour.

  It’s a little before 5:00 a.m., much too early to start work. I drop my bag at my desk and decide to make a pot of coffee. I never drank coffee before this job. Considering how early I have to get moving in the morning now, coffee is the only thing that puts a little pep in my step. Jack drinks his black, but my stomach can’t handle that caustic stuff. I need to dilute it a lot by adding some
cream and sugar. It makes it much more palatable and still gets the job done.

  Considering how small the station is, the coffeemaker is pretty nice. You’d think it’d be one of those plain coffeemakers with the no frills glass pot, but no. Instead, it’s one of those fancy-schmancy coffeemakers that takes whole coffee beans, makes a somewhat loud grinding sound like you’re starting a lawn mower, pulverizes the beans into coffee grounds, and produces a lovely-smelling coffee that’s intoxicating and fresh. I fill up my cup, add my cream and sugar, and mosey back over to my desk. I sit down in my comfy chair, inhale the now sweet-smelling coffee fumes, and look over my schedule for the day.

  “Oh crap!” I say aloud to no one, “I forgot the meeting with the car dealership today at 11!” I may have gotten my days confused.

  I pull out the presentation my boss and I prepared on the station. The presentation focuses on how we plan to reach his target audience and increase the foot traffic to his many dealerships. This is the guy who also wants Jack to endorse his family of dealerships. Despite the poor salary Jack makes, people in the local area have grown to like him on the news in the evening. I guess he’s a local celebrity of sorts. Damn! How could I forget something as important as that?!

  I run over to Jack in the bustling newsroom. He’s already in deep conversations with his assignment editor boss lady.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt.”

  “What’s up?” Jack asks. His boss looks annoyed.

  “I forgot to mention that we have a meeting scheduled for 11:00 a.m. today with that car dealership owner, Jason Hamilton. He might spend a nice chunk of change with us and he wants to meet you over lunch today.”