Paralyzed - Chapter 18: Downfall - Part 4/5

Episode Date: August 3, 2021

Jake and Rae discuss the findings in Alaska. Jake also informs Rae that he's been doing some research and can't link the agent names given by Anna Popowski. Later, Jake calls Barbara Braun and asks her about the three hunters found at the scene. Meanwhile, Roland mistakes another van for the one following her and trouble ensues. She quickly leaves, worried that she'll be spotted. Music:"MeasuredPaces" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"safety" by Elderitch T'Challa of Nemesis Black @ reverbnation.com/nemesisblack 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, everyone. If you're enjoying the podcast, don't forget to rate and review. Seven Land presents. Paralyzed. Chapter 18. Downfall. Heart 4. And I asked Ansel about the names. The ones Anna Popowski mentioned to you and Roland. Yeah, he's never heard of them either. Did you do a search?

Yeah. Across all field offices? Most of them. Are you sure you have the right names? She said Lewis and Walcott, but she didn't seem too sure about him. There's only four Lewis's and one Walcott in the bureau. That's it. And they all work different fields, security, finance, linguistics.

So? So they wouldn't be in the field. Does that matter? What do you mean? Well, you weren't supposed to be in the field, but you were. I mean, I'll look further into the names, but these people are in completely different areas of the country. The odds of this one Walcott teaming up with someone in security or linguistics to check up on before anyone even knew where she was located?

Nah. What if they weren't FBI? CIA? Or just cops? No, she said they were like us, but it doesn't make sense. How would they find it so fast? I don't think she even had the right names. Well, on the subject of names, Roland said David gave her a list.

Of names? Yeah. Okay. And? And... She didn't remember any of them. Jesus Christ. Seriously?

She'll talk to David again. I can't believe we're constantly relying on information from a dead kid. It's fucking nuts. She found the bodies in Alaska when no one else could. Well, the longer this drags on, the more I'm thinking it was pure luck. Keep telling yourself that. Forget Roland right now. What do we do about Sunderland?

That's huge. Have you told her? No. She hasn't answered. When was the last time you talked to her? Um, Monday? I mean, it's gotta be the same, right? Has to be.

They'd finally identified the other three bodies in the Alaskan woods. Of course, but what's the significant? A lot about the scene had been revealed at this point. You have time? Sure. Let's go over it. You know, this would be so much easy if you were here. I can't take more time, Jake. And if you're gonna use this as a way to flirt...

Okay, okay, fuck it. The layout of the bodies. Yeah? Let's talk about it. It's similar to Terrell Lake. Similar, but not the same. None of the murder scenes are the exact same. Ray, Gora Seifers, Sky Sand, and Dale Troop, and Roger Bailey were all hanging.

Erica and Shane, well, Shane wasn't even identifiable at first with his head caved in, but dental records revealed it was him. Erica fought Shane off. More like finished him off. He stabbed her. looks that way. I think he was working on getting the bodies up. And she stopped him? What did the report say? There was a struggle, but without them reporting on the hangings, it's really impossible to credit any of their statements.

So, what do you think? If it's like some is at trust, then Shane was doing some very bad things. So his girlfriend tries to stop him? Maybe he was working on her next. She was stabbed through the stomach. The bodies at Tara Lake were hung, and then gutted. Yes, well, they're not exactly the same, right? What do you make of Sunderland, then? The three other bodies in the woods were finally identified.

Nick Phelan, Landon Smith, and James Sunderland. Well, I think it's safe to assume it's the right Sunderland. From Sefton's notebook? Sure, yeah. The ex-cop who showed us around the sites, Barbara Braun. She told us about three hunters that went missing. shortly before the cruise disaster. But again, a lot of people go missing in Alaska.

They were hunters. In one of Michelle's earlier statements, she mentions Deerman. There were three of them. Right. If Sunderland is part of this, it would make sense. Roland mentioned trust at the farmhouse, and Roland and David both saw Patricia Sanders at the campground. Well, this is creepy as fuck. These people are dead.

Fucking dead people, right? Jesus. Even if we do figure this. out, how are we going to convince anyone? Now you know why Roland can't come forward. Can you contact Braun and ask her about Sunderland? Maybe get some info on him and his hunting pals? Really would rather not.

She knows my name. If I call now... You're the one who decided to use your real name. Got us access, right? Flash the badge, get access. We need to look into those hunters. I mean, people go missing all the time up there. Right, but Sunderland is a name we have with no current connection. and if it happened right before the ship disaster.

I'll see if I can find a workaround. What are you going to do in the meantime? I glossed over April Law's case after making a few connections, but maybe there's more. If Trust Sanders and now Sunderland can make an appearance during these horrific nightmares turned reality, then who was there for law? And Dwyer and Montgomery?

One case at a time. You're the one getting ahead of yourself. We're not positive about Sunderland yet. Give me some something. time. I'll see what I can find out. Fine. And if Roland can lay off the booze and talk to David again, get those fucking names. If there's more than what we have, we need to know. I will. She won't answer my calls. Aw, you thought you guys were closer. I don't need to be close to her. In fact, I'll keep my safe distance at this point. That's one way to build your ego. You weren't around

her. I was. You should keep your distance too, Ray. I'm in Florida. How much further do I need to be? Well, you could always come back to D.C. Jake. No, for real. All jokes aside. Tell me you honestly don't miss me. Can we not do this, please? That night was fun, and I know you feel the same way.

It would never work. I don't want the bullshit that you have to say to make yourself feel better. I want the real ray. The real ray would never give you another chance. Let me know what you find on Senderland. Hey! ma'am we're closed just locked up it's not five yet it's five after i'm checking on a package you'll have to wait for it tomorrow no please ma'am please for fuck's sake it's important just

tell me if it's here i'm not supposed to it'd be under emily grace i'm not supposed to do this it's urgent way here i hurried down to the post office after waking up late, super late. I'd stayed up all night and slept most of the day. That's what I get for driving around all night looking for a fucking brown van. I needed Ray's package because I was completely out of money. I didn't want to spend another night in the backseat of my car. Five minutes later, the worker returned. Emily Grace? Yes, Grace was my middle name. Ray used that instead of Roland. You got ID? No, I, uh, I don't. I need to see an ID.

I know. I know. I have packages delivered PO box often. Is there a note with the package? Seriously, I can't. Please. There should be a note. There has to be a note.

You have to call the sender. I know her, but it's... And you need to come back tomorrow. Please. I need the fucking package. Do we have a problem here? No. No.

I'm sorry. Please. It's just really important, and I've been waiting for it. You should have got here sooner. I know. Come in. Wait there. I stepped inside and stood by a large poster board of a smiling mailman. The worker walked off and another five minutes passed.

I found it. A number? Yes. One second. The worker hopped onto their cordless phone. Yes, is this Willowray? Hi, yes. I have an Emily Grace here at the United States Post Office in Ronald Washington. She's here to pick up a package from you.

Can you verify your name and address real quick? Okay. I also have a note here with a non-digit number. Can you verify the number since Ms. Grace does not have her ID? This is how we have to do packages. It was our way of playing it safe. Okay. Yes.

That's it. So she's good to receive the package? Okay. Thank you. Bye. Here you go, Miss Grace. Thank you. She said to call her soon.

Oh, okay. Have a good night. Instead of opening the package right. Instead of opening the package right away, I just stared at it. what's the matter I didn't turn around but I knew David was sitting behind me nothing

you're worried no I'm tired just tired you're worried you'll waste it it's my money no no not anymore raise help helping you Roland

I know she is I'm not gonna waste it you wasted what you've already had maybe Maybe that's because of you. Me? Why don't you show up when I need you? I do.

No. Do you need me now? No. But here you are. I helped you in Alaska. So fucking what, David. So fucking what? They didn't even report it accurately.

Does that matter? How can I proceed if everything's a fucking challenge? But he didn't have an answer. I spun around to face him, almost expecting him not to be there, but he was, sitting in the backseat, his eyes completely white, unblinking. You're not David. No, no. I told you I'm not David. But as he talked, his elips didn't part, as if we were once again communicating telepathically. What do you want from me? You made me a promise. I made David a promise, not you, whatever the fuck you are. And I don't need your

fucking help. So stop fucking appearing and fucking with my head. Am I? Am I? Are you what? Fucking with your head. I just want to be left alone. I just want peace. You'll have peace. But for now, you're here to help. I don't need your help. You do. Because when the darkness comes, I will cease to be. Good. Fucking cease then. I don't need your help. I need you to leave me alone. I realized both of my fists were clenched. I took a deep breath and relaxed, stretching my fingers. Please, go. Roll rolling.

Go. Roll. I said go! I grabbed the package and threw it at David's expressionless face. It flew through him and bounced off the back window. He slowly dissipated, and that's when I saw the brown van over the package, through my back window. Motherfucker. The van was parted.

parked in the lot next door, a small mart. I hurried towards it, half expecting it to peel out. But no. Inside, I could see a man on his phone chatting away. Who the hell was that? Hey! Get out of the car! Whoa!

I yanked the guy out and threw him to the pavement, his phone bouncing away. What are you doing? What do you want from me? What? I don't know. Who are you? Why are you following me? I'm not.

You're just... We're not. Please. I had my gun pointing at his head the whole time. Please, don't! I was seething. I was about to pull the trigger when... We're just touring, man.

Just touring. Touring? I peered into the back. There, tons of music equipment, blankets, and a cooler. What the fuck? Did I cut you off for something? I'm sorry, okay? Shit.

You haven't been following me? I don't know who you are, man. No, fuck no. What the hell's going on here? I spun around to see two guys and a girl exiting the mart, hands full of snacks and drinks. Oh my God! She's got a gun! Hey, uh, what's going on? She attacked me!

I completely fucked up. Without saying a word, I lowered the gun and ran back to my car. As I drove off, I could see multiple people outside on their phones. The girl was filming me. Fuck, fuck! Fuck! It was time to get out of here, and I had to get as far away as possible now. This is Jake Mazzaro. Ah, yes. I was wondering if I'd hear from either of you.

Can you believe they found those bodies? Right after you two take off, too. It was a real shock and disappointment for sure. You know what's crazy? What's that? The bodies were discovered on one of the smaller islands we passed. At first, I thought it may be the one we landed on. Remember the deer?

I do. But I couldn't be too sure, you know. A lot of those islands looked the same, and we covered a lot of ground when we were out there. Yes, I'd really be shocked if we were so close. Still, you two were right. Gotta give you props on that. Even if it was a bit out of left field. Sadly, it's not something we're necessarily happy to be right about.

You know, a couple of your boys came down and took over. That's what I wanted to ask you about. Were you at the scene? No, no, just heard about it. Well, three other bodies they found. Crazy, right? I knew those guys. You mentioned missing hunters before.

That was them? Sure was. And for them to be found with all the missing cruise ship bodies, I mean, wow. Surely is unbelievable. I don't have any way to explain it, but I'm sure your boys will have some fun. Are you working the case? No, no, that'll stay with the field office up there, at least for now. That's too bad.

Why do you say that? Because he came all the way out here, right? And then they reassign it. I'm assuming that's what happened. Uh, more or less, yeah. What I really wanted to know was about that. these hunters. But I thought you just said you weren't working the case.

Yes, well, I'm not directly involved. Ah, okay. More that confidential stuff, huh? Well, sure. What do you want to know? Anything and everything. Where is it? Shit.

Hello? Called Bob. And? You're sitting down? Yeah. Sunderland and his pals went missing roughly a month before the cruise ship disaster. Okay. Autopsy came back.

Both Nick Phelan and Landed Smith were cut. Ribs spread. They were gutted. Sunderland? Nope. Want to know he died? No, let me just guess. Dehydration.

What? Yeah, fucking weird. Also, they found their packs. In the woods? Yeah, other side of the island. They were buried. Buried? They think maybe one of them, most likely Sunderland, was hiding them.

And Phelan and Smith had rope around the wrists. I'm assuming they packed rope. It was more found in the packs, yeah. Dehydration? They found plenty of water in the packs, too. Weird. But the bodies weren't hanging. No, but he probably tried, right?

I don't know. Why? Because from what Roland said, David didn't hang those bodies or kill those people. Someone else did. He shot people. That was afterwards. She was with him the whole time in the diner and farmhouse. Julia, too.

So Sunderland didn't do it. What about Shane? I really wish Roland would call back. Roland would call back. I thought you were talking to her. Ever since I mailed her another care package, she's been M-I-A. This is fucking ridiculous, Ray. How does she expect us to help if she can't even bother to keep in touch?

Jake was right. It was frustrating. I often gave Roland the benefit of the doubt, but this was too much. You know, fucking Joyce has my nuts and advice right now. Who? EAD. I thought you wanted his job. The only way I can get it is if this becomes something. If not, I either rot and say,

cyber get fucking canned. At this point, most likely the latter. Can't you just behave? I can't change the pass, Ray. All you can do is learn from it. I fucked up. I'm dealing with it. But I don't think I can do anything else. I thought you transferred. I did. But it wasn't your choice.

What the hell did you do, Jake? Nothing. Don't want to talk about it? No. Well, Cyber Division can't be that bad. It's not that. It's just... Not where I belong. But if they can, my ass...

Do you really think they will? It's a strong possibility. I've leaned on Dad's reputation enough that it's starting to piss him off. What are you saying? Nothing. I'm not saying anything. Uh, okay. Ray. What?

I want to see you again. What are you talking about? I fucked up. I took my licks and I'm admitting it. Admission was never the issue. I want to see you again. You want to fuck No I want more than that

Long distance doesn't work We know that from experience Are you seeing somebody Maybe I am What are you? You know Roland told me you were going to use this As a way to win me back Jesus, the chick swoops in, demands help

And spreads rumors and disappears Is she wrong Fuck whatever she said I'm here trying to... Hold that thought Jake, I'm getting a call Is it Roland? Holy shoole Shit, it is. I'll call you back.

Wait. Roland, you have a lot of nerve, especially after you just... Ray, I'm falling apart. What? I attacked this guy, because I thought he was following me. I pointed my gun at him. Oh, shit, you didn't... He's fine, but I almost shot him.

Almost. I thought for sure he was following me. But he wasn't? No, falling apart. Roland, why don't you come back here? Stay with me. I can't put you in harm's way like that. I can't. Well, you can't go around almost shooting people either. Do me a favor, Ray. Another one?

Please, check on Julia. Last I heard she was fine. Check on her again. And keep checking on her. Please. Okay, Roland. Where are you now? I'm not sure. I've been driving for a while. I'm pretty tired. Okay. I wanted to talk to her more. About Sunderland, about Alaska, about the captain. But she seemed distant, distracted. But I had to ask one more thing.

Roland, have you talked to David again? Roland... Roland... What's that sound? My car stalled. That's your car? No. My car stalled on... on the train tracks.

What? Roland, are you in trouble? I... I can't get the car going. It won't start. Roland, are you actually on the tracks? Is there a train coming? I see a light. Oh my God, are you drunk? Get off the tracks. I can't. The car won't move.

Roland! I'm trying to start it. It won't work. Then get out of the car. David says not to worry. Get out of the car, Roland. Roland, get out of the car now. I was going to. David says not to worry.

Well, don't listen to fucking. David, listen to me. Get out of the car. It's almost here. And the car won't start. I keep trying, but it won't start. That's why you have to get out. Get out of the car and run.

Run! Okay, let me try one more time. David says try it one more time. Fuck, David, get out. Oh, shit. What? Roller? Are you there?

Rowland! Paralyzed. Written by Robert M. Lamb. Edited by Rose Hayes. Starring, Amy Lurray as Roland. Catabelle as Ray. Jack Austin. as Jake, Ariel Hack, as Michelle, Brian Messick, as Captain Hiltz, Mitchell Beck, as Ansel, Mark Koroftus, as Oliver, Rachel Stidham, as Mayor,

Brandon Levine, as Ed, co-starring, Corey Pettettit, Aud Andrews, Ashley Brooks Plumstead, Adam Ibin, Christina Lewis, Dennis Caldwell, Richard Ashwell, Lindsay Riley Walter Riddle Alexander Dottie Sheila Morris Dylan Whitehead Ali Holcomb

and Robert M. Lamb as David Music provided by Kevin McLeod of Incompetec.com Eldorich Tachala of Nemesis Black at ReverbNation.com slash Nemesis Black.

If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to rate and review. Visit 7LAM.com for more audio dramas such as this one. This has been a seven lamb production.