Paralyzed - Chapter 17: The Clearing - Part 3/4

Episode Date: May 4, 2021

Before they head north to Alaska, Jake and Rae have a talk about Roland's mental state. Then Jake and Roland hop on a boat and head to Mountain Point, where they meet their guide Barbara Braun. Barbara takes them around the area, even showing them the old ship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, I'm walking, I'm walking here! My name is Arthur Phelps. I'm a cop for the Kenneth Heights Police Department. I solve all kinds of cases, but lately I've been helping my quote-unquote friend solve cases of his own. His name is James Locke, and he's a private investigator. We have a love-hate relationship, but lately it's been a lot more love than hate, which is good because we make an awesome team. If you want to follow his adventures, check out Atlas Avenue Beat by Seven Land Productions.

It's a film noir spoof that follows lock as he solves cases and moves dames. But I'm in it a lot, too. So is my girlfriend Daphne and my cop partner, Paul. If you're looking for a good audio drama that'll make you laugh out loud, then go to 7lamp.com or search for Atlas Avenue Beat wherever you listen to podcasts. Chapter 17 The Clearing Heart 3

No, what I'm saying, Ray, is that she's going through some serious shit. You knew that already. And then she fucking calls out this woman for abandoning a child. She did. Right, but that's not what we're after. And she's one to talk. Don't. Don't what?

Roland was too fucked up to check up on her child. Stop, Jake. I told you that in confidence. I'm alone in my hotel room. Relax. Where is Roland now? I'll be taking some uppers under a cold shower. She looked like shit this morning.

Did you go to the police department? They couldn't help us. They had even less. involvement in the disaster than I thought. Rescue only. So instead, they gave us a few names of some local fishermen and addressed to the marina. Of course. Exactly what I said she should do. What? I told Roland I'd try to get her a ride out from Washington. Well, she wanted to leave from Vancouver. Which I thought was pointless, but I guess it makes sense since you two talked to Anna. Didn't even know she knew her whereabouts. We didn't get that much from her, except that

apparently a couple agents beat us to her. FBI? How? I'm not sure. I thought FBI wasn't involved until Roland in Summers. Trust me, it doesn't make any fucking sense. Maybe you ain't a lied to us, and maybe she's fucking bad shit like her husband.

Either way, we need a hurry. Worried your director will find out what you're up to? I'm worried I may not have all the details to the Layden Falls case. And if I get blindsided, I'm fucked. So what's the plan? Did you talk to Roland? Not today.

She didn't answer. When did you call? Two minutes before you. You need to make sure she's okay and remains level-headed. Not a fucking babysitter, Ray. She wants to get fucked up by all means. But the nightmare shit, seeing David? The vices are probably fucking her up even worse.

Did she say she saw him again? It's been at least twice now. She's not the only one. To see David? To see things. She mentioned that girl. Julia? Yeah.

What about her? She said you were keeping in touch that Julia was experiencing a lot of the same symptoms. I guess that's what we're calling them. She was, but I haven't talked to her in some time now. Okay, well, we head out today. After the precinct, we bought some supplies. I talked to a local fisherman who's going to take us up

and roll and booked as a guide when we get there. To catch a can? Well, actually, Mountain Point. Just south of Ketchkin. That's where the ship capsized. Is the ship still there? They par buckled and towed it. Apparently arrests outside of a near-rein-fair sanctuary.

Did you get permission to board it? No. But will you? Roland wants to. Of course she does. She's going about this all wrong. What do you mean? I mean we stayed in the same hotel that those kids stayed in.

Powell? Yeah, him and his girlfriend. You're there now? That's where we stayed for the night. And? And nothing. I don't think Roland slept last night. Listen, Ray, I thought about it.

If we don't find bodies, I'm out. The bodies won't be there, not in the ship. She wants to explore the surrounding area, too. Of course. I know Roland's method seem a little. but she's experienced things that neither knew nor I have, which maybe means... Means we're following an insane person down a dark path. She's not insane.

No? You want to know what she told me today? You want to know why we're heading the mountain point instead of Ketchkin? Because of the ship? She knows the bodies aren't on the ship. Then why? Because David visited her last night, and he told her he knows where to look. It was nearly eight at the marina and prince rupert. It was nearly eight at night when we arrived at the marina and prince Rupert.

We had taken a flight from Vancouver to save on time. At first, I wanted to travel the entire way by boat, but after seeing David, my plans had changed. I didn't tell Jake everything that was discussed between me and David, worried that he wouldn't believe me. A fisherman by the name of Joe Copper was taking us north. I paid him with what was nearly the end of my funds. I'd need to talk to Ray soon about sending more money. Not exactly sure why we had to leave in night. It's an eight-hour trip, right?

That's right, eight hours. But I may be able to shave off a bit of time if you're in a rush. No, it's fine. Nah, no rush, except we had to jump on this boat rather than getting a room for the night. Shane and Erica didn't stain Prince Rupert. None of them did. You cops? Investigators.

Investigators, huh? Well, what do you want with that old ship? I think there may have been foul play? Joe Copper was an older man with a white beard and glass eye. He looked to be straight out of a Hemingway novel. His arms were freckled and the hair on his back stuck out of his plaid overshirt. Nah, nothing like that. It's about the missing people. It's been years. You ain't going to find them now.

The sun was slowly sliding over the horizon, giving way to the starry sky. Yeah, we're not expecting to find anyone. We're meeting someone in Mountain Point tomorrow. They're going to take us around the sight. I shrugged at Jake, wondering. why who's explaining so much. Who cares what this guy says? We didn't have to explain ourselves, but maybe Jake was just covering our tracks. Ever since that accident, the ship's been steering clear of that whole area. They still pass through, of course, because Ketchikan's a hot tourist

spot, but them captains know to stay away from the rocks. The fog can be pretty bad up here, huh? Sure can. But don't you worry? I've been on the water since I was a toddler. I know how to steer them better than anyone. We won't be getting too close. I wasn't worried. Actually, can you tell us if we are close? To what? Some rocks. Too sure? We won't be near anything for a while now.

The way we're passing, we have to go up towards Duke Island, on the outskirts. Go with the currents, you know. So the only thing we'll be close to is maybe some humpbacks. You gotta watch for cruise ships? Sure, but like I said, They don't get close. They take a new course now. We won't have any problems. You two may want to get some sleep, though. No, I'm fine. I was worried about nightmares. Really?

Calm down. It's Tylenol. Sure. What are you looking for? I'd rather not. There's a reason we're out here right now. I'd like to know. So would I. Okay. More this.

Listen, Jake. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I'll know it when I see it. David? Maybe. He shook his head and made for the stern. He may be annoyed, but it was the truth. I didn't know what I was looking for. David said he knew where to look, that the bodies were out there, waiting.

He told me to follow the light. You know, after the accident, nearly every fisherman in the area helped with the rescue, didn't even need authorities to tell us. It was straight up Dunkirk. We came to the rescue. You were there? I made it later than the others, but I made it. Oh, I made it.

It was a crazy sight, I tell ya. Missing passengers? What anything happened to him? The waters around here are more dangerous than they appear. If the temperature don't get you, the currents will. It was a survivor. Yes, a girl. Is that what this is about?

Kinda. Huh, classified. I get you. You don't have to worry about me. We wish we could say more. Understandable. The girl made it. Yes, well, luck was on her side. That's all it was. But you think the others... Sadly, if they washed ashore, it doesn't matter.

No? Not at this point. She was lucky because some hikers found her. She washed up in the right area. Right. And that were six years ago. Yeah. attention to me. You really should get some sleep.

Both of you. I'm okay. Well, I'm not. Going below deck. You two have a good night. There are blankets in the cabinet by the bed. Thanks. So, you're a night owl like me.

Sure. You could say that. You could say that. Well, that shit was not comfortable. My stomach. I told you to take something. Come on, it's this way. You sure, David tell you?

There's a sign right there. Wait, hold up. What? We're FBI, but we need to downplay everything. What? Don't say too much. You're the one going into details with fucking Ahab. Yeah, well, it's different now.

We're officially in Alaska. I already called. Right, but there's a field office in Anchorage. We talk to any local law enforcement. We need to play it safe. Keep things low-key. Flash the badge. Badge will work, but we don't want anyone in the field office checking in on us.

Okay? Okay. Oh, hello. Hello, hello. You must be who Barbara is waiting for. Come in, come in. Is she here? Of course. She's always early. When we reached Mountain Point, it was just after 7.30. Jake and I entered a local B&B where an old woman was now leading us into a dining room.

You can leave your things there. Thank you. There, pouring a cup of coffee, stood a tall, burly woman with shaggy hair under a tight beanie. She smiled warmly with her thin lips and nodded. Detective Carlisle. Yes, you can call me Sam. How are you? We shook hands. Good.

Name's Barbara Braun, but you can call me Barb. And you are. Jake Mazaro. I know Jake hated using his real name, but he had to. His badge was the only thing we had that could get us authorized access. But it's why he wanted to downplay everything, which was understandable. Nice to meet you. Hope this isn't too early for you. Not at all. Off and up at this time. I'm a hunter.

Please, please. Have a seat. Coffee. I'll get it, dear. Don't do that, Helen. I'm perfectly capable. Helen here runs the only B&B in the area. She's sweet, but she needs to learn to take it easy. But I'm not doing anything at the moment. Uh, dear? Sure, thank you. And you? Yes, please. Now, you two want to visit the ship. Is that right? Yes, but we'd also like to explore where the ship capsized. This has to do with the missing persons? To an extent. Helen brought us our coffee.

didn't ask about cream and sugar, instead placing both in the middle of the table. Thank you. Thanks. Oh, you're very welcome. What I really wanted, no, what I needed, was to spike it. I didn't sleep at all last night, and I had a feeling convincing this woman to take us to the site wouldn't be easy. Now, why on earth would you want to revisit the site? It's been six years since the accident.

We have our reasons. Ah, so it's classified. It involves one of the passengers. One of them. Yes. Barb, I'll be in the other room if you need me, dear. Okay, Helen. The old lady shuffled out of the room as Barbara propped your feet on the near window sill.

You FBI type are all the same. You've dealt with FBI before. Once. I was an officer for 25 years. Worked in Catch a Cam my whole life. FBI came through once. I want to say it was a decade ago. Looking for a fugitive who fled north.

I tensed up at the word fugitive. I catch him? The guy could run, but he couldn't hide. changed his name, but other than that, didn't try very hard. Could have at least grown a beard. Most men up here have one. FBI came in and swooped him up. Of course, they didn't tell us anything.

Why would they? You from Anchorage? No. You're not. I decided to let Jake take the reins. We were called in. All this ties to an old case. Could be nothing, so we're having us a quick look without bothering the boys up here.

Hmm. well however you guys run it is no business of mine i understand you got your job and i have mine just wish we could be filled in from time to time we're just doing our job when i called they gave you my name no one from the office would want to help and no one knows the backwards like i do the problem is it's been six years so if you're looking for bodies you won't find any we looked everywhere i headed the search at the time You did? That's right. Put in charge.

But nothing. Those bodies were dragged out to sea. That's what everyone says. There was never any foul play established, other than the absent-minded captain. We searched and searched, but nothing came of it. We read the story. The girl, Michelle Collins. She washed up on shore.

Right. Drifted for some time. She's lucky. Did you talk to her? Personally, I maybe had a few words. Eli took care of her. until family was notified. And Eli is...

The sheriff. Listen, even if others washed ashore, odds of them surviving the woods, it's low. Real low. Collins was lucky. It was only a week in hikers' founder. By now, far too much time has gone by.

Yeah, we figured the others aren't alive. But you still want to go out. A hell I can take you, but it'll cost. I don't do anything. anything for free. I wouldn't expect you to. I can even take you to the old mill where that girl was hold up. That would be perfect. How long did search efforts last? Two weeks. That's all? When they found that girl, it was a week after, and boy, was she on her last leg, barely surviving. They figured if they didn't find another of the missing persons within the next week, all hope was lost. A few locals

spent a little more time out there, but we had to end it when we did. Those woods are a dangerous place. People go missing more often than you think. Tourists? It's happened, sure. But also locals. Alaska has the most missing persons per capita. You should know that. More than 2,000 people go missing here every single year.

Some are eventually found, but many, and I mean many, disappear without a trace. You can't take the dangers here lightly. Hell, about a month before the cruise ship accident, three of Ketchikan's finest hunters went missing. and they were never found. Really? Yeah, no one expected it.

These guys were lumberjack types, you know? Big outdoorsy guys. Spent all their time out there, hunting Blacktail. How could they get lost? Lived in Alaska all their lives. But it happens. Blacktail, I thought about my dream, the deerhead in the void. Then I thought about what Michelle had said with the creatures on the ship.

They weren't masks, but actual deerheads. It was a month prior they disappeared. That's right. Around here? Not here, here. Closer to where the ship capsized. What? South of here.

If you'd like to talk more about it, I'm sure we could set something up with Eli. No, no. I'd like to see the mill where Michelle was found and the site of the accident. And if there's any other points of interest. Okay. Well, I see you brought two packs. Did a bit of research beforehand. I should check them.

It won't be an easy hike. Need to make sure you have all the necessities And if you want to see everything It may take a few days I've done part of the Appalachian Honey You still ain't ready for this Shit, serious?

Well, I'm not joking You have time? A few days? Maybe. Could take longer. It all depends On what? Whether you two find what you're looking for While Jake and I already had packs, Barbara felt the need to check them.

It would be too difficult to travel back and forth, so we would be out in the woods until we found the bodies. you know you're lucky she's willing to help we would have found someone after our meeting Barbara felt we still needed some supplies so she drove us to the local shop to pick up some more food fire starters and new flashlights now we were back at the B&B waiting for her to be ready you really think we'll find the bodies we have to that wasn't my question I know I need a drink later when we're gonna be out in the woods for the next few days and if it takes long If it takes too long, you'll be on your own. I planned on it anyway.

More Tylenol? What's it to you? Everything! I'm following you because you're supposed to know what you're doing. Instead, you're getting fucked up and following a dead man. You'll be sorry when we find the bodies. Sure, but if a search team couldn't find them. If you don't believe me, why are you here? It's not that. It'd be a lot easier to believe you if you could put that shit down.

I need it. It's illegal. Then arrest me. Ha, maybe if you slept. Maybe if you saw what I saw. Looks like you're running low. Good luck finding more where we're going. Jake was right.

I wasn't in the right state of mind. I'd been jumping back and forth between uppers and downers, which I could feel fucking with my head. Not to mention, some of the shit I bought had to be laced with something. But it didn't matter now. I was stuck with what was left. And in two days' time, I'd be out. Shit.

I'll show you to the ship first. I'll show you to the ship first. It's not far. Just around this bend. Why'd they drag it over here? They needed it out of the way for the other ships. Tourism isn't going to stop. We were told ships took a different route. Most of them, yeah, but some take their chances. With the channel clear, it really isn't much danger.

But sometimes superstition prevails. Barber steered her small pontoon boat along the coast. We could see a highway just over the ridge. Every so often, an old beat-up truck would pass by. They've been slowly tearing it down. For parts. They couldn't salvage it? I guess they gave out.

It's definitely a sight, though. A couple minutes later, and we rounded another bend. And there it was, the large, rusted ship sitting in an alcove. The water line higher than normal, meaning part of it had to still be underwater. Portholes were cracked, and several tarps covering the rusted rails flapped in the breeze. Look at her. Wow. Looks like a forgotten Disney ride.

Can we get on it? No public access. Are we public? You won't find the bodies up there. They scoured the ship. But we need to check if... I didn't finish my sentence, because something had caught my eye. Well, not something, but someone.

David. He was on the upper deck, looking out. Rolling, you okay? What? Huh? Is there more of that sentence, or... No, I... I don't...

But I couldn't take my eyes off of David. He didn't do anything. He just stood there, hands resting on the broken railing. He was looking out. I turned and looked at the other shore. That's when he slowly raised a hand and pointed. That was where we needed to go. Okay, David, I understand.

Roland! What's going on? Nothing. This was good, but you're right, Barb, the bodies aren't here. So we are looking for bodies? Glad I made you guys pay up front. Roland. They aren't here.

No, they wouldn't be. There's nothing here. You sure? Yeah. Can we see the site now? Sure, sure. Let's just turn her around. Just up here.

Just up here. boat close to shore but didn't stop. Instead, we glided down a small channel along the calm water until we reached an old dilapidated dock. Rusted nails jutted from the posts. Planks rested slightly in the water. What the hell is this? Trail to the old sawmill.

Is this where Michelle was found? No, no, not here, but not far. We'll hike there tomorrow. We don't have time now? No, it'll be dark soon. It's hard to believe such an accident took place here. Right? Look around.

pristine it's like it never happened but it did after Barbara tied up the boat we made our way along the shore the sun was slowly disappearing behind the tall spruce and birch trees So they searched this whole area? That's right. We did. Both banks for miles. You said that Michelle was found not far from here?

Not far, but not close either. Old hiking trail you can only reach by kayak. The one gravel road that led to the mill has been unused for decades. She was lucky hikers were even in the area. But you expanded the search, the area? Because of her? Of course. But like I said, nothing turned up. Not to be mean, but only six missing isn't bad. It could have been a lot worse.

A lot worse. Yeah, but those families, I mean, on a personal level? On a personal level, I did everything possible. Sheriff, too. I'm honestly not sure why you feel the need to be out here. There are no bodies and everything here has been cleaned up. Everything is back to normal. Whatever case you're working on, I ain't going to be solved here.

Sorry to say. But maybe here, I was now. Now staring across the water at the far bank where David stood. His hair disheveled, closed dirty, body bruised. He didn't point in any direction, but just stood there, staring at me. Was there more to that? What? You said, maybe here.

Yeah. Roland sometimes doesn't think before she talks. I can assure you, we won't find anything. I will. What? David slowly made his way along the bank before turning and heading into the woods, disappearing from view. Roland?

I'm going to find the body. bodies. Okay. She's, uh, tenacious. I could feel Barbara and Jake staring at me, but I didn't face them. Instead, I look toward the other bank. That's where we would need to go. That's where we would find Shane and the others.

Written by Robert M. Lamb. Edited by Joe Hawthorne. Starring, Amy Luray as Roland. Cadabelle as Ray. Jack Austin as Jake. Ariel Hack as Michelle. Brian Messick as Captain Hiltz. Mitchell Beck as Ansel.

Mark Koroftus as Oliver. Co-starring. Christina Lewis. Ray Rojas. Amber Simpson. Nick Englehart, Corey Pettettit, Jeff Leeson, Chris Detoley, James Brown, Gina Coyle, Caitlin Spring, and Robert M. Lamb. Music provided by Kevin McLeod of Incompetec.com. Eldridge Tachala of Nemesis Black at Reverbnation.com slash Nemesis Black.

Amber Lynn Nicole on Facebook at Amber Lynn Nicole. And Brett Wilkins at Wilkins MusicFL. If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to rate and review. Visit 7lamb.com for more audio dramas such as this one. This has been a 7Lam production. Thank you.