November 23, 2005
Week 30 - Hero Worship 2
Episode 3
Harry talks with Kagen in his office. "I figure the 'Fringe' section should be about four pages each issue," he says.
"Sounds good to me." Kagen looks around. "I'm feeling a bit thirsty, friend. You happen to have anything to drink available?"
"I've got some diet Coke in the fridge, in the coffee room."
"I was imagining something a little stronger, maybe?"
"Sorry..." Harry shakes his head. "Anyway, I think you should pick a different cult phenomena to focus on each issue... and maybe we can have a sidebar or two to talk about anything else that comes up that might be interesting..."
"Sure, sure..." Kagen gets up and walks toward a display of colorful toys that hangs on one wall. "What've we got here?"
"That's my action figure collection. I've been building it since I was a kid. Star Wars, Star Trek, Simpsons, all in mint condition... Some of 'em are pretty rare, worth a fortune..."
"Is that right?"
There is a knock at the door and Shari Kern steps in, holding some papers. "Rantz asked me to give these reports to you," she says, handing them to Harry.
"Thanks... Shari, have you met our distinguished new editor, William Kagen?"
Kagen stares at her. "Well, now, this is more like it!" He takes her hand and kisses her palm. "How'd you like to have a drink with a famous author tonight, pretty lady?"
"Get off me!" She pulls back her hand and wipes it on her pants leg. "Harry, tell this pig that if he ever touches me again, I'll break his jaw!" She storms out to the hall.
"Spunky!" Kagen says, grinning.
"She is that..." Harry leans back in his chair. "Listen, I think the best way to get started is for you to prepare a list of subjects we could cover for the first three or four months. How soon do you think you could put together something like that?"
"Oh, no time at all, no time at all..." Kagen looks at doorway. "I tell you, friend, there's nothing like a good woman, nothing. Particularly a young and feisty one!"
"Yeah, well, don't go harassing my staff. Try and keep yourself on a leash while you're in the office."
"Don't you worry about me, son. I'm just a harmless old man..."