Enter the Dead: A Supernatural Thriller

by Mark White

‘Sounds like a good idea.’

  ‘It’s a terrible idea.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Am I the only one around here who thinks there’s a certain amount of skill involved in copywriting?’

  ‘That’s not fair. You know I don’t think that.’

  ‘Well, seemingly Tom and every bugger else does.’

  ‘Maybe you should give her a chance. She might be better than you think.’

  ‘I doubt it. Anyway, it doesn’t look as if I’ve got a say in the matter.’

  ‘What’s she like, this…’

  ‘Gabrielle. She seems okay. She’s certainly keen enough. Blonde, attractive, fresh from university. Tom certainly knows how to pick ‘em.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Sorry?’

  ‘What do you mean: ‘Tom certainly knows how to pick ‘em’?’

  ‘I mean, that every intern Tom takes on just so happens to be female and good looking. No wonder there are always rumours about him.’

  Luckily for Sarah, Sam was too focused on checking his phone to notice the redness spreading across her face.

  ‘Rumours?’ she asked, as casually as she was able given the fact that only five hours earlier she’d been lying in a hotel bed with his cum swimming around inside her. Unable to hide her embarrassment, she stood up and walked to the kettle and then to the sink, her eyes closed as she pretended to stare out of the kitchen window.

  ‘Oh, come on,’ Sam said, oblivious to his wife’s behaviour. ‘How many times have I told you about Tom’s roving eye? The randy sod would flirt with a dog turd if it was wearing a skirt. Why do you think Jane and him are always at each other’s throats?’

  ‘Jane’s hardly the easiest woman in the world to live with. She’d start an argument with herself if she stared in the mirror long enough.’

  ‘True, but it’s no wonder she’s always on edge. Far be it for me to fan the flames, but they do say that there’s no smoke without fire.’

  ‘I thought Tom was supposed to be your friend.’

  Sam looked at her quizzically. ‘What’s with you all of a sudden?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Why should you care what Tom Jackson gets up to in his spare time?’

  ‘I don’t care,’ she replied, annoyed with herself for showing her emotions. Of course she knew about the rumours, didn’t everyone? She’d even interrogated Tom about the other girls, many times, to the point where he’d threatened to end it all if she didn’t stop banging on about his supposed flings. She was hardly in a position to stand on the moral high ground, but even so, couldn’t Tom at least pretend that their affair meant something to him? It certainly meant something to her: there were times when her mind would be so utterly consumed by thoughts of him that she couldn’t think straight. She hated feeling so vulnerable, hated the hold he had over her, but as time went by she was becoming increasingly dependent on him; like a drug that tasted so good but would ultimately lead to ruin. She knew what she had to do, but every time he called or texted her, her heart would rush as if injected with adrenaline and she would hear herself agreeing to meet him, seemingly powerless to control her tongue as she discussed with him the time and location of their next sordid encounter. As far as Sarah Railton was concerned, whilst guilt was undoubtedly a powerful emotion, it came a distant second to lust.

  ‘Look,’ Sam said. ‘It doesn’t matter about Tom. I don’t give a damn about who he chooses to employ, but I do give a damn when he forces them onto me.’

  ‘Sounds to me like you’re just going to have to go with it and give her a chance. It’s not for long, and you never know, she might turn out to be better than you think. I’m sure Tom has his reasons for asking her to help you.’

  ‘I’m sure he has.’

  ‘Anyway,’ she said, desperate to change the subject. ‘Enough shop-talk, okay? I’m home early, I’m too tired to cook, and I can’t be bothered to engage in any meaningful conversation. Which can mean only one thing.’

  ‘Let me guess: takeaway and a movie?’

  ‘My thoughts exactly.’

  Sam smiled and winked at her. ‘When you’ve been married as long as we have, you learn to read each other’s minds.’

  A vision of Tom sporting nothing but a sexy grin and a white towel flashed before her. She grinned mischievously at Sam and said the first thing that came into her head:

  ‘I wouldn’t try reading my mind if I were you.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Sam scrolled down the screen, paying close attention to the text, occasionally raising his eyebrows or guardedly nodding his approval. Gabrielle Williams sat anxiously beside him, like a schoolgirl waiting for her teacher to comment on her latest homework assignment. She’d spent far more hours working on this particular task than was necessary, staying until nine pm the previous evening. Not that she was about to mention this to Sam; she didn’t want him to know how much effort she’d put in.

  ‘You know,’ he said, eventually diverting his attention away from the screen, ‘this really isn’t that bad. In fact it’s actually rather impressive.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘If you carry on like this I’ll be out of a job by the end of the week.’

  ‘I doubt it. I’ve seen your portfolio. You’re brilliant.’

  ‘Yes, well,’ Sam replied, blushing, ‘when you’ve been playing with words for as long as I have you end up becoming best buddies. I certainly wasn’t as competent at your age. You’re a natural.’

  ‘Yeah, right.’

  ‘I mean it. You’ve captured the corporate tone perfectly. This is precisely the sort of material that the guys at Pilko will want to see.’

  ‘You mean boring and dull.’

  ‘No, I mean traditional and true to their obsession with the company’s heritage.’

  ‘So,’ she said, staring eagerly at him like a puppy begging for treats. ‘Can you trust me with some more?’

  ‘I don’t see why not. See what you can do with the ‘Company Vision, Mission and Objectives’ section. I’ve had a stab at the first draft, but maybe you could take a look at it and make some suggestions. I’ll make a start on the product pages.’

  ‘Sure, no problem. When do you want it?’

  Now there’s a question. ‘Erm…how about we meet first thing tomorrow and run through what you’ve got?’

  ‘Sounds good. And thanks for the praise; it’s reassuring to know I’m on the right track.’

  ‘Well, you are. You certainly are.’

  She stood up to leave, throwing him a disarming smile as she turned around. He found himself ogling her glorious behind as she walked away; two succulent buttocks rubbing together beneath a tight skirt that was at least one size too small. Like a charmed snake, his eyes followed her every step until eventually she rounded the end of the corridor and disappeared from view, leaving him to ponder what it would be like to bury his face between those heavenly cheeks.

  ‘I wonder what Sarah would have to say if she saw you lusting after the intern, you dirty old man.’

  ‘Huh?’ Sam snapped out of his trance to see Tom Jackson peering at him over the cubicle partition to his right. ‘Bloody hell, Tom. What do you think you’re doing, creeping up on me like that? Are you trying to send me to an early grave?’

  ‘It’s my job to creep up on people: that’s the only way to catch the slackers out. Why do you think I wear shoes with rubber soles? So the lazy buggers can’t hear me coming, that’s why.’

  ‘I once read that Jack the Ripper employed the same tactic. You’re not all there, are you Tom?’

  ‘Of course not…you’ve got to have a screw loose to work in a place like this. Anyway, how’s my new intern getting on?’

  ‘Better than expected, that’s for sure.’

  ‘I knew you’d like her.’

  ‘To be honest, I’m quite surprised.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘You do have eyes, don’t you?’

  ‘What? Are you suggesting
that just because she’s young, good looking and eager to please, that she can’t possibly be intelligent and articulate as well? That attitude went out with the dark ages, Sam.’

  ‘Of course I’m not suggesting that. It’s just that, well, you know…’

  ‘I know what?’

  ‘Come off it, Tom! She dresses like a fucking porn star, for Christ’s sake!’

  ‘Consider it a perk of the job, my boy.’

  ‘I suppose. Anyway, whatever she looks like, she’s as sharp as a razor. She’ll do well for herself, that girl. If she can fend off the blokes, that is.’

  ‘She’s already got a bloke.’

  ‘Hardly surprising. I bet they’re lining up.’

  ‘As a matter of fact, he just so happens to work for this firm.’

  ‘Seriously? Who is it?’

  ‘Not sure I should tell you. Wouldn’t want to make you any more jealous.’

  ‘I’ll have you know that I’m a happily married man. Go on then, put me out of my misery. I bet it’s one of those young metrosexuals working in the photo studio.’

  ‘Not even luke-warm.’

  ‘Go on, then. Who’s the lucky bloke?’

  ‘You’re looking at him.’

  Sam threw Tom a double take. He could practically feel his jaw dropping to the floor. ‘Fuck right off, mate. Not even you could bag a girl like her.’

  Tom beamed back at him, as pleased as Punch to see Sam’s reaction. ‘I think you’ll find I could. Indeed, I think you’ll find I have.’

  ‘B-O-L-L-O-C-K-S! You’re old enough to be her father!’

  ‘So what? If it’s good enough for Rod Stewart…’

  ‘And there is the minor issue of you being married.’

  ‘I repeat: So what?’

  ‘Oh, I’m glad to see you’re working so hard at patching things up with Jane. I thought you two were getting back on track?’

  ‘We are, but that shouldn’t prevent me having a little fun occasionally.’

  ‘I think you’ll find the correct term is adultery.’

  ‘Whatever, Sam. I’ll tell you how I see it, shall I? I love Mars Bars, okay? They’re by far and away my all-time favourite chocolate bar, and they’ll always be my default option.’

  ‘I don’t like where this is heading.’

  ‘But every now and again - not often mind you - I fancy eating something different.’

  ‘What…like a Turkish Delight or a Snickers?’

  ‘Exactly! That’s why we pay you the big bucks, Sam. Turkish Delight…I couldn’t have chosen a better example.’

  ‘It’s a pathetic analogy, Tom.’

  ‘Really? I thought it was rather good.’

  ‘Pathetic.’

  ‘Well anyway, it doesn’t matter. All you need to know is that old Tom is having it away with a gorgeous babe nearly half his age.’

  ‘How long do you think it’ll be before everyone else working here finds out? It’s only a matter of time; if you don’t say anything then I guarantee she will. What do you think the Board will make of that, eh? Their precious sales director banging the innocent intern.’

  ‘Firstly, that girl is far from innocent. And secondly, nobody will find out.’

  ‘How can you be so sure?’

  ‘Because I trust you to keep it a secret.’

  ‘It’s not me you should be worried about, it’s her! She’s bound to talk.’

  ‘Her lips are sealed; apart from when they’re wrapped around my cock, that is.’

  ‘You’re out of your mind!’

  ‘I know. It’s great, isn’t it? Seriously though, she won’t say a word. Let’s just say the two of us have an unwritten confidentiality agreement.’

  ‘What’s in it for her?’

  ‘Plenty.’

  ‘Such as?’

  ‘You’ll see. Now listen,’ Tom said, checking his watch and shaking his head. ‘I’ve got to dash. I just thought I’d let you know my dirty little secret. To be honest, it was becoming impossible not to share it with somebody. It was driving me insane keeping it all to myself.’

  ‘I suppose I should feel honoured, but I think you’re making a big mistake, Tom. You’re going to get found out. I guarantee it.’

  ‘No I won’t. But do me a favour, Sam. Whatever you do, don’t tell Sarah.’

  ‘Sarah? What’s she got to do with this?’

  ‘Women talk, Sam. If Sarah knows, then one way or another it’ll find its way back to Jane.’

  ‘Sarah wouldn’t tell anyone.’

  ‘Please? For me?’

  Sam sighed heavily. ‘Okay, Tom. I won’t say a word.’

  ‘Scout’s honour?’

  ‘Fuck off.’

  And then, like an amateur Billy-the-Kid, Tom made a gun shape with his right hand, pointed it to Sam and winked at him before making a clicking noise. ‘See you later, cowboy,’ he said, disappearing behind the partition wall.

  ‘Arsehole,’ Sam said, although there was nobody there to hear it. The fucking nerve of the guy, he thought, shaking his head and returning his attention to the computer screen. If he was being entirely honest with himself, there was a definite tinge of jealousy, especially when he closed his eyes and imagined what Gabrielle Williams must look like spread naked across the bed on all fours. But it was only a tinge, and it didn’t last long. By far the main emotions were pity and relief. Pity: because he felt sorry for Jane. Relief: at the strength of his own marriage and the knowledge that whatever happened, he would always be as true and loyal to Sarah as she undoubtedly was to him…

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  ‘Tom Jackson speaking. Can I help you?’

  ‘You twat!’

  ‘Sarah?’

  ‘You fucking arsehole!’

  ‘Sarah…what in God’s name are you doing calling me at work like this?’

  ‘I wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth.’

  ‘Hear what. Christ’s sake, Sarah, what is the matter with you?’

  ‘Have you been sleeping with the new intern? The one you’ve got working with Sam.’

  ‘Hang on a minute, where-’

  ‘Just answer the question, will you? Yes or no.’

  ‘Look, it’s not what you think. What does it matter, anyway? It’s not exactly like you and I are married, or even boyfriend-girlfriend for that matter.’

  ‘Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable.’

  ‘How did you find out?’

  ‘What difference does it make how I found out?’

  ‘Sam told you, didn’t he?’

  ‘Of course it was Sam. Who else could it’ve been?’

  ‘The bastard. He promised to keep it to himself.’

  ‘Come on, Tom. You know as well as I do that Sam shares everything with me, including the slut his best friend happens to be screwing on the side.’

  ‘Hang on a minute. You’re hardly in a position to be taking the moral high-ground here. In case you’d forgotten, Sam’s best friend also happens to be shagging his wife. You’re not exactly innocent in all this.’

  There was a prolonged pause from the other end of the line. ‘I know I’m not innocent, but that’s not the point, is it?’

  ‘So what is the point?’

  ‘I just…I don’t know. I just thought that there was more to me and you than sex. I thought I meant something to you.’

  ‘Oh, come on Sarah, I never led you on or promised you anything.’

  ‘I know,’ she replied, her voice weakening. ‘But you know how I feel about you.’

  ‘I know, and I care about you too. That’s why I didn’t want you finding out about Gabby. I knew it would upset you. But I’m married, Sarah, and so are you. And yes, my marriage isn’t exactly flourishing at the moment, but I’ve no intention of leaving Jane and you know it. And you’ve no intention of leaving Sam either.’ A pause. ‘Have you?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Well then, let’s not start crying and taking everything so seriously. We have a great time together and I think t
he world of you, but that’s as much as I can give you, okay? That’s as much as I’ll ever be able to give you.’

  ‘I don’t think I can go on like this.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You know what I mean.’

  ‘What? Are you telling me it’s over?’

  ‘According to you, Tom, there isn’t anything to be over.’

  ‘Stop trying to twist things, Sarah. That’s not what I meant and you know it.’

  ‘I’m not sure I do. Look, Tom, I think it’s better if we don’t see each other again, at least not in that way.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’

  ‘Don’t tell me I’m being fucking ridiculous! Let’s look at the evidence: you don’t love me, you’re screwing at least one other person who, thanks to my husband, I now know about. And as far as you’re concerned, Jane is your wife and she always will be. Hardly an attractive package for me, is it?’

  ‘I can’t believe he told you. The insipid fucking wanker.’

  ‘Don’t you dare! Sam is the only innocent party in all of this. By all means blame me if you’re too chicken-shit to hold a mirror up to your own face, but don’t take this out on Sam.’

  ‘So we’re finished? Just like that?’

  ‘Afraid so.’ The sound of tears came down the line. ‘Goodbye, Tom. Have a nice life.’ She hung up, leaving Tom standing alone in his office with the phone still pressed to his ear.

  The bitch, he thought, replacing the receiver into its cradle and slumping into his chair. How dare that fucking bitch dump me? Nobody EVER dumps Tom Jackson, especially not some mediocre hag like Sarah-fucking-Railton. For the following five minutes he remained motionless, dumbfounded as to the conversation he’d just had. He wasn’t particularly upset to have lost Sarah – there were plenty of other younger, more attractive women available to him at the click of his fingers – it was the humiliation that upset him more than anything else. His pride had taken such an unexpected battering, and by who? By somebody who obviously cared more about her pathetic excuse for a husband than she did for her amazingly talented and handsome lover, that’s who. Not once did it occur to Tom to turn the finger of blame towards himself, and not once did he consider the hurt he had evidently caused his best friend’s wife.