transcript

Speaker 1:
[00:02] Warning, the following film is so intense. We are only allowed to advertise it for 15 seconds.

Speaker 2:
[00:10] Excuse me?

Speaker 1:
[00:11] Zussie Bates. They will kill you. Only in theaters March 27th. Rated R.

Speaker 3:
[00:21] God damn it.

Speaker 4:
[00:22] Elliot.

Speaker 3:
[00:24] They're back, I tell ya. Who do you think, Gwen? Are you serious? They're in the damn barn stealing our shit.

Speaker 5:
[00:44] Are you sure it's not animals?

Speaker 6:
[00:46] Raccoons?

Speaker 5:
[00:48] Maybe a possum?

Speaker 3:
[00:50] No, no. There's no way. Not that much noise. I grabbed my shotgun from the closet and quickly loaded it.

Speaker 7:
[00:58] Elliot, what the hell are you doing?

Speaker 3:
[01:01] They're on our property, aren't they?

Speaker 5:
[01:03] And if they aren't animals, they're probably just some young kids.

Speaker 3:
[01:07] No, no, no. They ain't kids. I told you that.

Speaker 5:
[01:10] Well, you don't know.

Speaker 3:
[01:11] Yes, I do, Gwen. Yes, I do. You hear that?

Speaker 2:
[01:19] I'm calling the police.

Speaker 3:
[01:21] Go ahead. I'm gonna handle this before they even get here.

Speaker 5:
[01:25] Elliot, wait.

Speaker 3:
[01:27] I grabbed a flashlight and my keys and made my way outside. First the fire, now this. Couldn't believe this shit was happening again. Gwen said kids. These weren't kids. Where the hell would kids even come from over here? No, these are the same assholes tormenting the people down in Moran and on the other side of the highway. These were your ordinary, run-of-the-mill thieves, stealing anything they could. Tools, equipment, food, batteries, anything they could get their hands on. And local law enforcement wouldn't do a damn thing about it. I reached the barn and ran the flashlight over the handle and locked. It was still in place. Best come out now. I went for my keys to unlock the barn door when... What the? There was a noise from outside, but the back entrance should have been locked too. Come out with your hands up. I made my way around the side. I had a few beat up workbenches, barrels, old drums, and extra wood on the outside. All stuff I'd meant to get rid of years ago. I looked up, noticing that the above window was a jar. They must have climbed up onto the drums to get in. If there's someone inside, come out now. I'm armed, and the police are on their way. Shit! I heard running and saw shadows moving behind the barn, but by the time I reached the back, all I saw were a few low branches shaking at the wood line. That's right. Get out of here. And if you come back, I will shoot. You hear me? You come back here, and I'll shoot on sight. Gwendin seemed to think that they'd taken anything before, but they had. I may have a lot of junk, but I know when stuff goes missing. As I stood there slowly gliding my flashlight over the dark woods, I thought maybe Gwendin was right this time. Maybe it was just some pesky raccoons. But then… What the… Hello? That wasn't any raccoon. Who's there? But that's when I startled them. There was definitely more than one, but I stood my ground and continued to search the woods. Several minutes passed, but I didn't hear anything more.

Speaker 8:
[04:27] Elliot! Sheriff's on his way.

Speaker 3:
[04:30] I was too late, which meant the sheriff would be far too late.

Speaker 9:
[04:34] You heard me?

Speaker 3:
[04:37] Yeah, yeah, I heard you, but they're gone.

Speaker 10:
[04:40] Gone?

Speaker 3:
[04:42] That's right, they're gone. I rested the barrel of the shotgun on my shoulder and made my way back to my barn to see what all they got their grubby little hands on. What was missing this time?

Speaker 11:
[05:04] SevenLand Productions presents Tower 4 Season 4 Episode 7 Paranoid.

Speaker 6:
[05:36] Synchronicity is a term that is often misused even among many that may consider themselves well-versed in psychology and psychosis. But to understand it, one must actually dive deep into Jung himself. Because to understand the theory, you should also understand the man.

Speaker 2:
[05:56] I fast forwarded to the three-minute mark.

Speaker 6:
[05:58] But to bring this about, one must recognize seemingly meaningful coincidences through unconscious material that is brought to the conscious mind. There is a blending of both the philosophical and scientific basis for synchronicity. Many therapists can easily find value in both, while some skeptics lead findings that devalue and sometimes even fight against the existence of concepts like paranormal phenomena, astrology and alien beings. This is why Young's theories on synchronicity have been highly controversial. There has also been...

Speaker 2:
[06:37] I grabbed the small dot marker and pulled it further along the video, which was mainly narration over images of the brain and weird art pieces. None of what was said so far had been helpful.

Speaker 6:
[06:47] But this doesn't mean that there aren't mere coincidences. Just that the idea of coincidences can expand in a more prominent sense.

Speaker 2:
[06:58] I skipped ahead again. This time by pressing the 30 second button a few times. The video stopped on the image of an oval headed gray alien with large black eyes and a triangle of light shooting from its head. A buffering ring appeared and did its repeating circles, which would normally be annoying, but for some reason I was drawn to the alien head. I fixated on it, feeling some type of way. I decided to stop watching for now and put the phone aside. The thing wasn't loading and I wasn't retaining any of the information anyway. Not that I ever really could. I remembered once trying to read through several of Sarah's books after we got into a fight. I wanted to try to be more understanding and show her I was willing to work on myself. Then, it didn't matter. I never finished any of the books and we soon broke up. I remembered thinking that that was the only good part of the breakup, not having to continue with this bullshit. Except now, I was interested more than ever, especially after her call. The example of the monsoir was a fine story, but I didn't see how it actually applied to anything in my life. If what Jerry said was true, fine. Maybe all of it was real, but hearing the bird in my room and having that recurring dream of floating above my childhood home, what did that relate to? The paranormal? Another dimension? Aliens? This time, my bed was drifting further. My neighborhood had gone. All I could see were the stars above and clouds below. I was higher than ever before. Yet, I could still hear the bird. It took a while for the clouds to part. And when they did, all I could see was fire. A raging fire burning trees as far as I could see. The forest and mountains completely engulfed. Even though I wanted to see more, I couldn't lean over any farther as my tiny wrists were chained, which maybe was a good thing. This way, I wouldn't fall into the flames below. As the bed drifted, I felt the hands again, but this time they didn't yank me back. They came over my face slowly, moving their way over my cheeks, then eyes. They slowly pulled me back onto the bed, then slid away. I stared up at the stars for a long time, until a shadow and figure zoomed past me, right by my face. Was it the bird? Then another shadow, and then figure. This one wasn't moving fast, but gliding, hovering over me. Its winged body blocking out some of the stars, I could make out its shape, its outline. It was the hawk. My eyes shot open. What the hell was all that? I had often had the dream of floating in my childhood bed after dad took off, but the damn dream continued to alter and become something I didn't quite understand. But as Sarah said, some people try to find deeper meaning, so maybe it was pointless to even try to dissect. The thing was, I didn't care all that much about my dreams as I did my panic attacks and deja vu and weird flashes. But without Jerry, I didn't think I could figure any of it out. But how could I go through life, especially here, now, paranoid as I was, untrusting of everyone around?

Speaker 10:
[11:29] Yeah, I thought you'd be out at least a week, Mike.

Speaker 2:
[11:33] I didn't say that.

Speaker 10:
[11:34] No, I know, you didn't say anything. I was just taking the necessary precautions.

Speaker 2:
[11:40] So you got enough people?

Speaker 10:
[11:43] No, but both the late night boys and the afternoon team have split hours to cover. Also, Beth took a couple of shifts. I'm down two people, remember?

Speaker 2:
[11:53] Sure.

Speaker 10:
[11:56] Listen, if you want to come back...

Speaker 2:
[11:58] It was the way he said it. It's like he wasn't just surprised, but... Pete.

Speaker 4:
[12:04] Yeah?

Speaker 2:
[12:05] You expected me to come back, right?

Speaker 10:
[12:09] Sure, I told you. I thought it'd just be a little while longer. I mean, I've never experienced anything like this. I didn't know if you'd even be allowed to work.

Speaker 2:
[12:20] Allowed?

Speaker 10:
[12:22] You're part of an investigation, no?

Speaker 2:
[12:25] No, not anymore. The case is closed for now, Pete, so can I come back to work? Is it? Seems like maybe you're not sure.

Speaker 10:
[12:52] but I'm still a little bit rattled from the whole thing. It's been a clusterfuck here, trying to rearrange shifts, because I didn't know what was gonna happen.

Speaker 2:
[13:02] Right.

Speaker 10:
[13:03] But yeah, if you want to come back...

Speaker 2:
[13:06] Just let me know when.

Speaker 10:
[13:08] Okay.

Speaker 2:
[13:09] Also, before I let you go, I'd like to come in and grab some things out of my locker, if that's all right. Sure.

Speaker 10:
[13:15] Yeah, that's fine.

Speaker 2:
[13:18] Thanks. I didn't really care about getting back to work. I needed money, but more importantly, I just wanted to talk to Pete and the rest of the work crew without being too suspicious. The best way to talk to any of them would be around others during a shift. Although I'd try today when grabbing some things out of my locker. The detectives may have dropped my case, but I didn't. Without Jerry, it was up to me to find out more.

Speaker 12:
[14:01] From the executive producers of Stranger Things comes a series that asks the question, are you sure he's the one? Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen is an atmospheric psychological horror set in the five days leading up to an intimate wedding. Starring Camilla Morrone and Adam DeMarco, this isn't just a story about cold feet, it's about the visceral anxiety and mounting terror of realizing you might be marrying the wrong person. As Rachel questions whether Nikki is truly the one, her doubts spiral into something darker, and the show explores the ultimate horror. How can you ever be certain you've made the right choice? It's edgy, and it's not a spoiler if it's in the title. Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen. The only question is, what is it? Watch Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen on March 26th only on Netflix.

Speaker 2:
[15:10] While I was still determined, I couldn't help but feel a bit of discouragement as well. A call with Sarah Help put some things in perspective, but raised my paranoia to an all new height. I went to the front desk to see if I could check out early. Hmm, there was no clerk here. I was about to hit the bell again when I saw a man in a suit enter, walking through the lobby and over to the elevators. I kept my eyes on him, suspicious of his suit. The man seemed to pay me no mind, but I still felt uneasy. Why a suit? Since no one else was here, I got nervous. I was just about to walk out when...

Speaker 8:
[15:51] Can I help you?

Speaker 2:
[15:53] The short, stocky clerk startled me. Oh, I would like to check out early. Can I do that?

Speaker 8:
[15:59] You were booked for tonight as well?

Speaker 2:
[16:01] Yes, but it's before checkout time.

Speaker 8:
[16:03] Right. Sure. I can do that for you.

Speaker 2:
[16:06] Thanks.

Speaker 8:
[16:07] Thought you were going to need the room for more days, but it ended up being less, huh?

Speaker 2:
[16:11] What?

Speaker 8:
[16:12] Weren't you the one who thought you might stay longer?

Speaker 2:
[16:15] Oh, yeah. That's right. I did tell this guy that when I first came in. Again, I was suspicious of someone, and for no real good reason. I was trying my hardest to quell my paranoia, but every person that drove past me or walked across the crosswalk was suspicious. On my way home, I decided to stop and get a coffee and something to eat. Coffee wouldn't necessarily help calm me, but I was a bit groggy from the booze last night, and I realized I didn't eat anything all day.

Speaker 6:
[17:04] Hi there, what can I get for you this morning?

Speaker 2:
[17:07] Hey Alice, it's Mike.

Speaker 5:
[17:09] Oh, hey Mike, you want the usual?

Speaker 2:
[17:12] No, I'll take a plain bagel toasted with cream cheese and a large black coffee. I kept the order simple. I just needed fuel. I had no idea what the rest of the day had in store for me.

Speaker 6:
[17:23] That's all?

Speaker 2:
[17:24] That's all.

Speaker 5:
[17:25] Okay, you got it, Mikey.

Speaker 2:
[17:29] Another flash, this time a radio sitting on a counter.

Speaker 5:
[17:33] Mikey, you there?

Speaker 2:
[17:42] Amber.

Speaker 5:
[17:43] There you are. Let me guess, slept in?

Speaker 2:
[17:47] No, I don't think...

Speaker 13:
[17:50] Wait, what time is it?

Speaker 5:
[17:52] It's noon. But you were drunk, so it makes sense. It was either bad, or you left, but judging by how drunk you seemed last night, I assume you probably slept it off.

Speaker 13:
[18:04] Slept what off?

Speaker 5:
[18:06] The idea of you, uh, leaving?

Speaker 13:
[18:10] What are you talking about?

Speaker 5:
[18:12] You said you wanted to leave, remember?

Speaker 7:
[18:15] Oh.

Speaker 5:
[18:16] Are you having second thoughts?

Speaker 13:
[18:18] I, uh, I was drunk last night?

Speaker 5:
[18:21] Oh, thank God. What? You don't remember?

Speaker 10:
[18:27] No, I...

Speaker 13:
[18:28] I don't.

Speaker 5:
[18:30] Told you it was good vodka. Mikey?

Speaker 2:
[18:33] Yeah?

Speaker 5:
[18:35] Are you okay now? You seemed like you were going through some stuff last night. Eh, maybe I didn't help, so... I'm sorry.

Speaker 13:
[18:44] What did you do?

Speaker 5:
[18:45] I didn't do anything. Remember? You ditched me.

Speaker 1:
[18:50] I ditched you?

Speaker 13:
[18:51] When?

Speaker 6:
[18:53] Jesus! Mikey?

Speaker 2:
[18:55] I was in the drive-thru, still by the speaker. Yeah, yeah, sorry. As I pulled up to the window, I saw the guy behind me throw out a frustrated hand wave. Hi there, Mike.

Speaker 5:
[19:13] Everything all right?

Speaker 2:
[19:15] I don't know.

Speaker 10:
[19:16] I heard what you're going through, so I can only imagine how you feel.

Speaker 2:
[19:22] She gave me a sincere look as she passed me my coffee.

Speaker 1:
[19:25] No?

Speaker 2:
[19:26] How?

Speaker 5:
[19:29] Oh, just heard it from someone here that knows someone you work with.

Speaker 2:
[19:34] And just like that, I was now suspicious of Alice.

Speaker 5:
[19:37] I'm glad you're okay, though.

Speaker 2:
[19:39] Thanks. Take it easy, Alice.

Speaker 5:
[19:42] Wait, your bagel.

Speaker 2:
[19:44] But I ignored her, pulled around the side of the building and instantly parked. I was having trouble comprehending all that just happened. What the hell was that? I saw everything so clearly. I heard it. I felt it. I was there. I was shaking, just like at Lacy's. And again, I felt something internally. I wasn't exactly sure what it was. Hurt. Anger. And it dawned on me. I thought about Sarah. I hadn't felt this feeling since the day Sarah ended things. I was just about to take a sip of my coffee when I thought about Alice knowing about what I'd been through. Ugh, what if she was in on it?

Speaker 1:
[20:33] Son of a bitch.

Speaker 2:
[20:37] Threw the coffee out of the window and took off. I left my bag in the car as I checked my home. The place was still a mess. Chairs and table overturned, glass shards and wood splinters littered the floor. There was still blood as well. I wasn't even sure what to do right now. I left the door open and went upstairs and checked out my room. I saw some blood splattered on the door and handrail of the stairs. I was numb looking at my laptop and pieces on the floor, clothes on the ground outside my closet and more blood on the carpet. Mr. Williams had to hear all this. A minute later and I was next door. His car was here. Where could he be? I even called before knocking and no answer. Mr. Williams, it's me, Mike. Are you here? Like everything else in my life, this was fishy. I looked to my left, where two houses down, a man was outside, cutting around a short row of hedges. His two young kids played in the driveway with chalk. I could swear at one point the man looked up at me. This felt like the damn Truman show. I turned my attention to the four-way stop where a navy blue SUV turned the corner, disappearing past a two-story home. It seemed like the same one I saw parked at the other corner. Mr. Williams! Son of a... I turned to face behind me. On a porch across the street, a woman was outside sipping some coffee or tea and reading her tablet. Even if Mr. Williams were to answer the door and invite me in, I wouldn't go. We could talk right here, in front of all these witnesses. Down the street, a man walked his dog. Witnesses? Or spies? I waited until the weed-whacking man went behind his other short row of hedges facing the other way before I made my way around Mr. Williams' side of the house. I checked out every window, but the curtains were drawn. Damn it. I went to the back of the home and found one window where the curtain was caught just at the corner. I shaded my eyes and could just barely see inside. What? The room in the back was bare. No furniture, no picture frames, nothing. Did he leave? Why? Why, Mike? Because it's all a lie. He's probably in on it too. I was done believing I was overreacting. I was ready to fully submit to the paranoia. I had a right to. Something was happening here and I just needed to find... What the hell? As I came from around the house, I almost bumped into Detective Dunbar.

Speaker 9:
[24:37] I thought I heard someone over here.

Speaker 2:
[24:39] You heard me? That's when I noticed the weedwhacker and his kids were quiet. Were they inside? What are you doing here?

Speaker 9:
[24:47] Nice to see you again too, Mike.

Speaker 2:
[24:48] I'm serious.

Speaker 9:
[24:50] I am... I wanted to try to talk to you.

Speaker 2:
[24:52] About the case?

Speaker 9:
[24:53] No, I told you. It's not a case anymore. At least not mine. The federal agents...

Speaker 2:
[24:59] Yeah, yeah, I know. They'll get back to you and then you'll get back to me. I'm sure.

Speaker 9:
[25:03] Well, yeah.

Speaker 2:
[25:06] So then, why are you here? I was nervous right now. To be as suspicious as I was, there was no way in hell I'd trust this man.

Speaker 9:
[25:14] I just wanted to talk, Mr. Archer.

Speaker 2:
[25:17] Okay.

Speaker 9:
[25:18] Would you like to go inside?

Speaker 2:
[25:20] But that's when I noticed not only was the weedwhacker man back outside with hedge clippers, but also the woman across the street was accompanied by what was probably your husband, also sipping tea or coffee and reading. And the dog walker was closer as well. No.

Speaker 9:
[25:35] What?

Speaker 2:
[25:37] No.

Speaker 9:
[25:37] No, you don't want to go inside?

Speaker 2:
[25:40] That's right.

Speaker 9:
[25:41] Um, okay.

Speaker 2:
[25:43] I felt right here in the open was best. Detective Dunbar looked around a moment trying to process how abruptly I was speaking. We can talk right here.

Speaker 9:
[25:52] That's fine.

Speaker 2:
[25:53] Good. I'll go first. Where's Mr. Williams?

Speaker 9:
[25:56] Huh?

Speaker 2:
[25:57] Mr. Williams. I stepped onto the driveway and motioned to the house, then car. Where is he?

Speaker 9:
[26:03] How should I know?

Speaker 2:
[26:04] You talked to him, right?

Speaker 9:
[26:06] Yes.

Speaker 2:
[26:06] Then where is he?

Speaker 9:
[26:07] I don't know what you mean. Did you knock?

Speaker 2:
[26:10] Of course I knocked. I also called.

Speaker 9:
[26:12] I'm not sure then.

Speaker 13:
[26:13] But you did talk to him?

Speaker 9:
[26:15] Yes. We talked to a lot of people. Several coworkers, your boss, Ms. Lacey.

Speaker 2:
[26:19] Talked to Pete about Iris?

Speaker 9:
[26:22] No.

Speaker 2:
[26:22] Why not?

Speaker 9:
[26:23] Because my partner and I were taking off the case. But that's why I'm here now.

Speaker 2:
[26:28] I didn't know what he meant by that.

Speaker 9:
[26:30] I looked into Iris myself, but I didn't find much.

Speaker 2:
[26:33] Okay. So?

Speaker 9:
[26:34] So why do you mention it?

Speaker 2:
[26:36] Why do you care?

Speaker 9:
[26:37] Because I'm interested.

Speaker 2:
[26:38] Interested in what?

Speaker 9:
[26:39] Interested in why everyone I've talked to about this incident has been lying.

Speaker 2:
[26:43] What?

Speaker 9:
[26:44] Between you, your boss, Ms. Anderson, Shand and the feds, it seems like I can't get a truthful word out of anyone. What happened here yesterday is not a common occurrence. And the fact that my instincts are telling me something's wrong.

Speaker 2:
[26:59] I know what that's like.

Speaker 9:
[27:01] I shouldn't be here, Mr. Archer.

Speaker 2:
[27:03] Mike.

Speaker 9:
[27:04] Thanks. Mike, I did a background check on you, and you never had anything to do with this Iris company. So I don't understand the reference. Now, maybe you're part of WITSEC.

Speaker 2:
[27:14] WITSEC?

Speaker 9:
[27:15] Witness Protection. That's the only logical reasoning I can come up with where federal agents would get involved, especially the way they did.

Speaker 2:
[27:22] Because they took Clark away?

Speaker 9:
[27:24] And our case.

Speaker 2:
[27:25] I still didn't trust this man, but all the outsiders were still here, save for the dog walker who was near the end of the street now. But the kids were outside playing again, so I felt reasonably safe right now. I wasn't lying to you when I said I didn't know what was going on.

Speaker 9:
[27:39] Then why did you mention Iris?

Speaker 2:
[27:40] Because they wanted me here. They were why I got my job, okay?

Speaker 9:
[27:45] You worked for them?

Speaker 2:
[27:47] No.

Speaker 9:
[27:48] Then I don't understand.

Speaker 2:
[27:50] Yeah, me either.

Speaker 9:
[27:55] Okay, Mike, you don't have to talk to me. I plan to look into this company more, but with me being off the case, I figured there's not much I can do at this point. Not officially anyway.

Speaker 2:
[28:05] I actually found a bit of solace in the fact that I wasn't the only one confused and upset about what was going on. I'm telling you the truth. For some reason, they wanted me here, and right now, I just don't trust anyone.

Speaker 9:
[28:19] Well, if you are part of Witness Protection, maybe you should make a call or two to get yourself out of this dangerous situation, if that's what this all is.

Speaker 2:
[28:26] But I don't know if it is.

Speaker 9:
[28:28] You don't know?

Speaker 2:
[28:29] No.

Speaker 9:
[28:30] But you know about this company, Iris?

Speaker 2:
[28:32] Because Pete mentioned them. It looked like he wasn't believing a thing I said.

Speaker 9:
[28:39] Just be careful, okay?

Speaker 2:
[28:42] He was finally giving up. Yeah, thanks. He gave a friendly nod and made his way to his car parked in front of the driveway. I watched him drive off. I turned my attention back to the house. For a moment, I thought I saw movement by the upstairs window. That's when I noticed that the weed whacker, his kids and a couple across the street weren't outside anymore. I was alone.

Speaker 1:
[29:12] Shit.

Speaker 2:
[29:14] I didn't go back inside. I instead went to my car and got the hell out of there.

Speaker 3:
[29:52] Hey, Felix.

Speaker 9:
[29:53] One second. Yeah? You went to question that Mike Archer more? What? You talked to him today? How the hell you know?

Speaker 3:
[30:04] Chief just asked me what the hell we were doing when I walked by his office.

Speaker 13:
[30:08] I told him there was no we.

Speaker 10:
[30:10] I knew nothing of it.

Speaker 9:
[30:12] How did he know?

Speaker 3:
[30:14] He didn't say.

Speaker 9:
[30:15] Seriously?

Speaker 13:
[30:16] I think you should go talk to her.

Speaker 3:
[30:18] It's better than him coming to talk to you.

Speaker 9:
[30:22] It wasn't anything serious.

Speaker 7:
[30:23] All right, man, but don't drag me into any bullshit.

Speaker 9:
[30:28] Fine. I'll go officially clear your name.

Speaker 7:
[30:35] Yeah, come in. Oh, it's you.

Speaker 9:
[30:41] The chief was holding up two tiny color swatch cards. He held them out to me.

Speaker 7:
[30:45] What do you like better, baby blue eyes or Maya blue?

Speaker 9:
[30:49] You expecting another child?

Speaker 7:
[30:51] No, no, it's for the bathroom. Chloe and I got into it yesterday, and it seems I need to be more involved. All this renovating and interior decorating has really driven a wedge between us lately. But honestly, I cannot even tell the difference between these colors.

Speaker 9:
[31:07] You should tell her you trust her judgment.

Speaker 7:
[31:09] But we're a team, Felix, and I should care just as much as her. That's why she's giving me final say. But I have to have a very good reason for the color I choose. Although, I think you and every man here knows that whatever I pick will likely be the wrong choice.

Speaker 9:
[31:25] Well, at least you won't be caught off guard with disappointment.

Speaker 7:
[31:28] Not like here. Have a seat, Felix. I'll make this quick.

Speaker 9:
[31:36] Chief, I-

Speaker 7:
[31:36] Stop. Just stop, okay? You got well more than enough to keep you busy.

Speaker 9:
[31:43] The abruptness bothers me.

Speaker 7:
[31:45] That's not for you to care about.

Speaker 9:
[31:46] It was my case.

Speaker 7:
[31:48] But it isn't anymore.

Speaker 9:
[31:49] Have you heard anything from them?

Speaker 7:
[31:51] It's been a day, Felix. A day. Show me three closed folders from the last two months, and maybe I'll reach out. But until then, it isn't important.

Speaker 9:
[32:02] I just-

Speaker 7:
[32:03] It isn't important.

Speaker 9:
[32:06] Yes, sir.

Speaker 7:
[32:07] So please, let it be, and get to work on something else.

Speaker 9:
[32:13] Okay.

Speaker 7:
[32:14] That'll be all.

Speaker 9:
[32:15] Right.

Speaker 7:
[32:17] And I mean it. No more harassing this Mr. Archer. Just forget him. Understood?

Speaker 9:
[32:25] Understood. One question, chief.

Speaker 7:
[32:31] Make it quick.

Speaker 9:
[32:33] Ever heard of a company called Iris?

Speaker 7:
[32:35] Iris?

Speaker 9:
[32:36] Yeah.

Speaker 7:
[32:37] No.

Speaker 9:
[32:38] Oh. Okay.

Speaker 7:
[32:41] Anything else?

Speaker 9:
[32:42] Yeah. Your ex-wife, her name was Maya, right?

Speaker 7:
[32:47] Ah, shit. Yeah. Good call. Well, baby blue eyes it is. Hey, Lace.

Speaker 4:
[33:30] Hey, Rick.

Speaker 13:
[33:32] There she is.

Speaker 4:
[33:33] Sorry I'm late, crazy couple of days.

Speaker 13:
[33:36] No, I know, not a problem.

Speaker 4:
[33:39] I saw some boxes in the back. Are those the missing cases?

Speaker 13:
[33:42] Yeah.

Speaker 4:
[33:42] You inventory them?

Speaker 13:
[33:44] No, because we still have five left. I figured I wouldn't worry about it till we were empty.

Speaker 4:
[33:49] Meaning you figured you'd let me do it.

Speaker 13:
[33:51] Well, it's slow now.

Speaker 4:
[33:53] Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 13:
[33:54] If you want, I can take care of it.

Speaker 4:
[33:56] No, it's fine. I was late. Let the punishment fit the crime.

Speaker 13:
[34:01] Sure, but I figure you'll be another five minutes anyway.

Speaker 4:
[34:05] Why do you say that?

Speaker 13:
[34:06] Because someone said he was waiting for you.

Speaker 4:
[34:09] Who?

Speaker 13:
[34:10] Guy over there.

Speaker 4:
[34:12] What the? When did he come in?

Speaker 13:
[34:15] He's been here a couple hours.

Speaker 4:
[34:17] Really?

Speaker 13:
[34:18] Played some pool, but mostly he kept to himself.

Speaker 4:
[34:23] You mind?

Speaker 13:
[34:24] No, go ahead.

Speaker 4:
[34:31] Hey.

Speaker 2:
[34:33] Hey. I watched Lacey come in, put her jacket and lunch away, and chat with the day bartender, Jack. I asked him when I got here if Lacey was coming in. He said she had the night shift, so I decided to wait here.

Speaker 4:
[34:47] Mike, what are you doing here?

Speaker 2:
[34:50] He said a man came to you and paid you to keep me busy for the night.

Speaker 8:
[34:53] Right?

Speaker 2:
[34:55] She looked around before answering.

Speaker 4:
[34:58] Yes, I told you that.

Speaker 2:
[35:01] Why didn't you tell the cops?

Speaker 4:
[35:03] What?

Speaker 2:
[35:04] Why didn't you tell Detective Dunbar or his partner or anyone?

Speaker 4:
[35:09] I left it all out.

Speaker 2:
[35:10] I know. I'm asking.

Speaker 3:
[35:12] Why?

Speaker 4:
[35:14] Because I don't want to be involved.

Speaker 2:
[35:15] Involved more than you already were?

Speaker 4:
[35:18] I fucked up. That's obvious. So yes.

Speaker 2:
[35:21] Why not tell the police I attacked you?

Speaker 4:
[35:24] Why would I?

Speaker 2:
[35:26] Because I did, Lacey. I attacked you. I've screamed for your life. Why didn't you tell them that?

Speaker 4:
[35:31] Because... Because...

Speaker 2:
[35:35] Yeah?

Speaker 4:
[35:36] I felt bad, Mike. You didn't mean to. At least that's what you said. And I hate to say this, but I've gotten worse bruises from working on my car.

Speaker 2:
[35:44] Are they still in contact with you?

Speaker 4:
[35:46] Who?

Speaker 2:
[35:47] The man who approached you with the pointed throw.

Speaker 4:
[35:50] No. I haven't seen him.

Speaker 2:
[35:52] And he hasn't texted you, contacted you in any way?

Speaker 4:
[35:55] No.

Speaker 2:
[35:56] Did you know Clark?

Speaker 4:
[35:57] Clark?

Speaker 2:
[35:58] Yes, Clark Shannon.

Speaker 4:
[36:00] No.

Speaker 13:
[36:01] Are you telling the truth?

Speaker 4:
[36:03] Yes. Are you okay? You look rough.

Speaker 2:
[36:08] Seriously?

Speaker 4:
[36:10] Sorry.

Speaker 5:
[36:11] Does that mean?

Speaker 2:
[36:12] What's mean is that everyone is keeping me in the dark.

Speaker 4:
[36:15] I'm not.

Speaker 2:
[36:17] So you say.

Speaker 4:
[36:19] What do you think it is that I'm not telling you?

Speaker 2:
[36:21] Why didn't you tell the cops that some man gave you money to keep me busy?

Speaker 4:
[36:26] Because I would have had to tell them what happened afterwards, and then it wouldn't have looked so good for you.

Speaker 2:
[36:31] Damn. She was telling the truth.

Speaker 4:
[36:35] Right?

Speaker 2:
[36:37] Fine. Although she was probably just trying to save her neck.

Speaker 4:
[36:41] Listen, if there's something I can do for you, I will. But I told you everything I know. I told you all I know about that guy Jerry. But you said you wanted to know what was going on with you. That I don't know.

Speaker 2:
[36:54] No one seems to know. Not the detectives, not my coworkers, no one in my life. I went to talk to Pete and Beth and Norris after talking to Detective Dunbar. No one had anything for me. Even Pete just held to his story about not knowing anything more than what he already told me.

Speaker 4:
[37:11] Mike, if you're in danger, why didn't you tell the cops? Why didn't you tell them about what happened with us?

Speaker 2:
[37:17] Because I can't trust them either.

Speaker 4:
[37:19] The cops?

Speaker 2:
[37:21] Anyone! Shit. Way to draw attention. It reminded me of when she called Jerry over when we first met. I felt like Jerry now. It seemed like everything he said was true when I was so fucking pissed I didn't believe him when it mattered most.

Speaker 4:
[37:39] Mike?

Speaker 2:
[37:41] No, I was stuck. You have any way to contact Jerry?

Speaker 4:
[37:45] No, I'm sorry.

Speaker 2:
[37:47] Well, then, I really am.

Speaker 4:
[37:51] Why?

Speaker 2:
[37:53] Because I can't trust anything or anyone. I have to constantly look over my shoulder. I don't know who's watching, listening or following. My life here is most likely a lie, and... I just need to get out of here.

Speaker 4:
[38:11] The bar or Mountain Point?

Speaker 13:
[38:14] All of it.

Speaker 2:
[38:15] I need to leave.

Speaker 4:
[38:16] Then why don't you?

Speaker 2:
[38:18] Just might. That's when I started thinking about it. Could I just pack my shit and go?

Speaker 4:
[38:25] Well, if you need a ride, my cousin has a boat, he sails to Washington often.

Speaker 7:
[38:32] Thanks.

Speaker 4:
[38:35] For what it's worth, I am sorry about everything, and I hope you're able to get through what you're going through.

Speaker 2:
[38:43] I appreciate it.

Speaker 4:
[38:45] Do you really think people are following you and watching you?

Speaker 2:
[39:23] While I stayed at the bar for a long time, I didn't get drunk, I aced myself. Instead of heading home, I turned the other way down the street, slowly moving past the SUV. I didn't see anyone inside it. This was probably stupid, but I had to know. Parked two blocks down, I made my way across the street and behind a row of houses. A lot of people were armed here, so I had to be careful not to be seen. Someone could shoot me thinking I was a burglar. I made it to the wood line behind the houses and entered the dark woods. I heard a wolf far off. It brought my mind back to two nights ago when I hit that poor animal with my car. Was that a sign of things to come? Because ever since that incident, my life had spiraled out of control. It took another 20 minutes before I made it behind Mr. Williams' house. When I did, I crouched down behind the nearest tree, which was still a good 20 yards from the big backyard's chain link fence. I waited there for over 30 minutes just watching. I wasn't sure what I really expected until I saw a bit of light from Mr. Williams' upstairs window. Not a lamp or a ceiling fan light, but a flashlight. The beam glided over the window before disappearing from view and shrouding me upstairs into darkness once again. So Mr. Williams is home. But another five minutes passed and nothing. I debated about what I should do. Part of me wanted to go knock on his back door, but I figured that could be a bad idea, especially if he was trying to avoid me. Or it could lead to another scuffle if he was... Oh shit. The back door opened and a figure stepped out. It was a larger man. I could tell because of the back porch light. I couldn't see his face, but he wasn't Mr. Williams. The man went over to my back door and tapped it lightly with the end of his flashlight. He's knocking? I moved a little closer to try to get a better look, but the man still wasn't facing my way. That is until my back door opened, revealing another man inside. And this man, holy shit, was Dr. Romero. What the hell? So he was in on it too. This was fucking crazy. I was right not to trust anyone. What do these people want with me? Why were they in my house? The bigger man stepped inside and closed the door behind him. I saw the flashlight beam a moment from within my place before it cut off. They were waiting for me.

Speaker 1:
[43:02] Warning, the following film is so intense. We are only allowed to advertise it for 15 seconds.

Speaker 2:
[43:10] Excuse me?

Speaker 1:
[43:12] Zussie Bates. They Will Kill You, only in theaters March 27th, rated R.

Speaker 2:
[43:41] When I entered, it was the same guy behind the desk.

Speaker 8:
[43:43] You're back.

Speaker 2:
[43:45] And you're still here. Maybe he was in on it, too.

Speaker 8:
[43:48] Coworker had an emergency, so I'm back for the overnight.

Speaker 2:
[43:52] Ah.

Speaker 8:
[43:52] What about you? You need your room back? I believe it's still available.

Speaker 2:
[43:57] Yes, please.

Speaker 8:
[43:58] Just for tonight?

Speaker 2:
[44:00] For now, but can I?

Speaker 8:
[44:02] Of course.

Speaker 2:
[44:03] He already knew what I was going to ask. I wondered if he thought I was being fishy. Thanks. But before I handed over my card, actually, are there any other rooms available?

Speaker 8:
[44:17] Yeah. Would you like a different one?

Speaker 2:
[44:20] Please. I couldn't believe what was happening right now. I had no idea what to do. I pulled back the curtains. I was on the other side of the building now. I looked down at the neighborhood, my neighborhood, and the forest and mountains beyond. I didn't take my shoes off. I just climbed onto the bed and grabbed the stuff I just bought at the corner store. I'd stopped there after my steakout session. I bought some necessities for the night. Another six-pack, I was getting used to beer, and an old faithful bottle of vodka. It reminded me of Melinda's usual late night buys. I hated it, yet here I was. Difference being, I had a real reason to drink. Not that that was an excuse, but how the hell else was I to cope with all this shit? I used the end table to pop the cap. I was truly lost. I couldn't trust a single goddamn person, not my therapist, not my boss, not my co-workers, not the cops. That's why I didn't call them now. I couldn't reach out to anyone. Well, that wasn't entirely true. I turned my phone on speaker and set it next to me. I didn't know if I could trust Jerry, but he was the only person who gave me any kind of answers.

Speaker 6:
[46:06] Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message.

Speaker 2:
[46:10] I didn't leave a voicemail, I just hung up and dialed again. My mind raced. I just wanted answers, but I knew I wouldn't get them. I wouldn't get them unless Jerry got back to me. Where was he? Did he write down the right number? Would he ever call back? Would he ever come back?

Speaker 6:
[46:29] Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message.

Speaker 2:
[46:32] Who knows? But I had nothing else to do, nowhere else to go, so I just called and called and called. My eyes fluttered open. I'd fallen asleep sitting up right in the bed with my shoes still on and two thirds of a vodka bottle in my lap. Some of it had spilled under the sheets. I could feel the dampness on my legs. Damn it. My head was throbbing. I felt sick. I drank way too much in a way too short a time. Again, with an empty stomach. With my eyes only half open, I reached around from my phone. I could read the alarm clock. It was four in the morning. Of course. Who the hell could be calling me this late? I felt like I was going to throw up. I made minimal movements, but eventually found my phone. What? Who is it?

Speaker 10:
[48:15] Mike, it's Jerry.

Speaker 11:
[48:50] Tower four, written by Robert M. Lamb, edited by Mia Soukveli, dialogue editing by Jack Austin and Mia Soukveli. Starring Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber, Ryan Messick as Jean, and Mitchell Lee as Jerry. Co-starring CJ Garcia, Joseph Dahl, Mike Payne, Arian Marchese, Mark Kourouftis, Ryan Duncan, Damian Vincent, Veronica Woolfarth, Corey Kine, Kar Yang Lau, Walter Mack, and Megan Austin. Music provided by Taako at soundcloud.com/made by Taako. Brett Wilkins at facebook.com/wilkinsmusicfl. Kevin McLeod of incompetech.com. And various artists at artlist.io and pond5.com. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7lam.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also don't forget to follow 7lam on facebook, instagram, and x, at 7lam podcasts. And if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon. You can visit patreon.com/7lam, the number 7 L-A-M-B. And you can donate as little as a dollar a month, and it all goes to helping us create content such as this podcast. We also have multiple tiers to choose from, with tons of bonus content like bloopers, bonus episodes, live streams, scripts, and new shows. Creating audio dramas is super time consuming and expensive, so Patreon really helps us out. Again, that's patreon.com/7lam, the number 7 L-A-M-B. Hope to see you there. We also want to give a special thanks to all our patrons. You guys help us keep going. And we want to give a special shout out to our 7lam tiered patrons, Arnulfo Martinez, Daniel Wolfman, Probester One, Cedric, Brad McQuade, Chris Williamson, and Carter Jewell. From everyone here at 7lam, thank you. This has been a Seven Lime Production.