Katz - Zombie Slayer Box Set, Vol. 2 [Books 4-7]

Gayle Katz

In Your Face Publishers

Blue Bell, PA

Copyright 2019 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 meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission from the author. For permissions contact:

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

Visit the authors website at GayleKatz.com

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There were several people seated around the crates, each trying to stay as cool as possible, while covering their faces with hoodies or handkerchiefs. Several held papers or other objects in their hands to fan their faces.

All right, said a raspy female voice at the front of the room. Were here for our monthly meeting. Thank you all for jo jo jo, she said, her voice stuttering. Sorry, joining us today. I know its a hot summer day, so lets get this done.

What are we going to do about the zlayers? called out a voice in the back.

She chuckled. Dont you worry about them. I know where they are and where theyve be, I mean been. She stopped to have a coughing fit. Sorry, next time please bring something good to drink.

The voice called out again. Theyre interfering. Look at how many zombies theyve killed. No sooner is a new zombie created, then the next one gets killed. By now, the man had stood up and was coming around the table.

Please remain seated, she said. Did you know that if we kill the zlayers that even more will appear?

The room suddenly filled with agitated questions and comments.

Settle down please. But its true. And Id prefer to know who Im dealing with, rather than trying to hunt down some new zlayer.

The man returned to his seat, but he wasnt done yet. I still say we kill them all. We may not be able to bite and turn them, but we can eat them. He pounded the table.

Hear, hear! everyone in the room called out.

She banged on the table. Order! she yelled. Soon everyone settled down. OK, team. Lets get this strict, I mean straight. Im the zleader here, and you do what I say. When I say dont kill the zlayers, I mean it!

Everyone looked away in submission.

But there will come a time when I say to kill all the zlayers, truthsayers, and mentors included! And that time shall come!

The room broke out in noise. She decided to run with it, as she wouldnt be able to restore order after this announcement.

zzz

Owen abruptly woke up. He almost knocked his lamp over trying to find the switch. Once light flooded the room, he flung off his covers and sat up. It took a moment for him to realize that he was safely at home. What was that mess I just dreamt?

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Owen and Charlie were seated in Stewarts apartment. It was still sparsely furnished, despite Stewart having lived there for almost one year now. Charlie had a look around. She guessed that the furniture came with the rental. She shrugged. It was just stuff anyway. She believed it was far more important to spend time with friends and family, and not get too attached to objects.

Hello? Earth to Charlie, called out Owen. Were going to have a chat about things.

Charlie sat down on the couch with Owen. Stewart, their mentor, sat directly opposite them on a worn out, club-style chair.

Owen yawned.

Sorry for keeping you up, said Charlie in a mocking manner.

Oops, sorry. I didnt sleep well last night. Nightmares.

Stewart ignored the exchange. Thanks for coming. You may notice that Zan isnt here.

Charlie frowned. Thats understandable. She must still be grieving the loss of her mother.

I heard her dad is out of the hospital and recuperating at home, added Owen.

Yes, that was very sad. I dont think that Mrs. Goldberg had an agenda in the past, but unfortunately, someone at the hospital must have drawn her into the zombie conspiracy, said Stewart.

Charlie laughed. Its conzpiracy.

Owen chuckled too. Anyway, didnt we guess that it was Dr. Arora? asked Owen.

Yes, most likely, but she has others working for her too, said Stewart. Anyway, something is up at the hospital. But for now, Id like you both to stay away. This plot seems to be going much deeper. This isnt your average zombie outbreak. Stewart looked into Charlies eyes, hoping shed understand.

Wow, said Charlie. I never thought Id see the day that there would be something like a normal zombie outbreak. She took a sip of her soda, and then frowned as she read the label. I should be drinking diet soda, not this sugary stuff.

Well, with this second, human-created zombie outbreak, its been more about eradicating the cause. The zombies themselves arent the issue. The issue is that there is a gang that has been actively running here since at least last spring.

Charlie put her unfinished soda back on the table. Owen had already finished his, so he pointed at hers. She nodded. He gratefully grabbed it and took a sip.

So, where do we start then? asked Charlie.

Stewart shrugged. For now, we monitor the situation. See if anything weird happens.

Because nothing weird ever happens in Portland, said Owen. He laughed, and the others laughed with him.

zzz

So, what are you doing now? asked Owen. We could grab a bite to eat. They both walked back to their cars.

She shook her head. Nope, I actually have a date.

Owen stopped walking. No way! I thought you werent going to date until you were 30-something. He tried not to laugh.

Funny. I met this guy at this soap shop on 4th. We had an interesting conversation about zombie films. Then he asked if Id like to grab a coffee sometime, so I said yes. She turned and headed back to her car.

Thats cool, said Owen. But you know I have to check him out.

Charlie smiled. Well, you can, but I think he likes girls, not boys. She laughed.

Funny. OK, but let me know. My truthsaying abilities will spot a dud from a mile away. He opened the door of his car.

Yeah, thanks, she said, trying not to get annoyed. She could look after herself after all.

Say, what are you going to tell him about your job? Owen called out.

Um, Ill just say I do student tutoring. She opened the door of her car and hopped in. She didnt hear Owen chuckling after that.

zzz

Thanks for joining me for coffee, said Paulo. Since Ive moved to the United States, its been hard meeting people.

Im sorry to hear that, but there are some great people in Portland. Hey, its even difficult for me to make friends.

He smiled at her. I find that hard to believe.

She smiled back. Yep. Im a martial arts expert. I train my best friends, Zan and Owen. Zan doesnt need much help, or so she says, and Owen needs to learn how to have greater confidence. Anyway, if anyone messes with you at school, just let me know. She winked at him.