Chapter 3 - Anonymous Call

The stereo speakers were at their maximum volume capacity. As loud as he could get them to go without having to endure any unpleasant feedback from the speaker housing or from the vibration against the rear window. Jack’s car was a well-used Chevy Malibu. It was much more presentable than his apartment kitchen at the moment. And with the now familiar chords of his beloved Metallica beginning to sound, he diverged his brain. The only goal he had was to create enough venues of escape for his clouded mind. If he allowed his mind to rest, the thoughts of isolation and paranoia would overtake him and he would have to resort to a trip downtown. Jack wanted to avoid that mess. He knew he had some kind of mental disorder, but the music pounded and drove the self-doubt away.
Jack stopped at a payphone near an old gas station. It was the type of place that most people would pass up given that the rusted out propane tank near the payphone looked like it was on the verge of a colossal failure. With the Metallica beats stabbing their way through his head, he quickly got out of the car and called the News Now station’s Viewer Hotline just to see if he could pique any interest.
“News Now Viewer Hotline Welcomes You Loyal Viewer! Thank you for your call! It is loyal viewers like you who keep us in the News Now!…press one to report News Now in your area…para Espanol marque el numero dos…”
Let’s see if there really are any six-legged dogs running around thought Jack as he pressed the number one button on the keypad.
After a moment’s pause, a female voice began to speak…”Hello Jack, I have three words for you…Quit calling us!!!” It was Cindy the News Now Viewer Hotline operator.
“How’d you know it was me?”
“Metallica stinks even worse over the phone.”
Jack mulled this over and recognized his oversight…car door open….car stereo volume loud.
”Could be anybody though…right?” he asked.
“Jack, you call from the same number everytime…we know this number…do you have any actual news to report or are you just here for some free advice?”
“Well, Cindy, I was on my way to work when I thought I would call and tell you about this six-legged dog I saw laying by the side of the road.”
“Jack, there is no such thing as a six-legged dog. Today’s earlier news report turned out to be somebody’s illegal pet monkey that got away from its owner and went looking for its real family.” Cindy reported.
“Oh. I knew there was something not right about that story.” said Jack.
“Look, if you need to talk to somebody, try calling the Thousand Oaks counseling center. They have actual doctors trained to help you and they’re open 24 hours. Let me get the number for you….”
Her voice trailed off as he hung up the phone. Jack suddenly had a craving for bacon and eggs. He got in his car and took in the music again. The wall of sound was enough to drive his thoughts toward his next destination…Pops Waffle Stop.