Tower 4 - S1E7: The Combo

Episode Date: February 22, 2021

Mike is getting annoyed with Amber, after she once again doesn't believe him. He turns off his radio and takes some time for himself. But he ends up focusing more on the journal and surrounding mysteries rather than his writing. After Mike gets a drunken call from Amber one random night, he discovers the strange numbers on his laptop just may be a lock combination! But to which lock?Music:"Fantastic Dim Bar," "Lone Harvest," and "Relaxing Piano Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Tower Score Demo" by Brett Wilkins @ WilkinsmusicFL Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Even with sleeping pills, I couldn't get much rest. I'd gone through my computer but found no missing files and no new ones. I saved the word document with the numbers and looked for any clue as to what they could mean. I also had loose papers everywhere. I'd been writing and writing. Not my story, but about the tower in the woods. Hey, Mikey. The smoke is dissipated.

The fire lasted longer than I thought it would, but I told you it would go out. I ignored her feeble attempted conversation. In fact, Amber began to annoy me. Her and Jean didn't believe me about anything, so screw them. Mikey, you there? I went back to the table and decided that what I should really do is draw a map. Draw a map of the area and mark the spots where I saw the weird carvings. The journal mentioned the carvings too.

Maybe I could mark those as well. Earth to Mike? I kept trying to think who would break in here and why would they type out a series of numbers on my computer? Could it be the father and son? Could it be Amber or Gene? Or maybe some other hiker Just trying to fuck with me Come on, Mike, you're a smart guy

All of this ties together It has to Right? It has to What the hell is wrong with me? T' It didn't have to I stopped drawing and stood

The papers covered my desk Tons of notes and theories strewn about Shit Maybe I was crazy was this stir crazy I was now nervous to exit the tower wearing that thing could appear I made bathroom and shower breaks short

quick to get back to my loft above the trees it was real right stop Mike it is real it's all real Mike Mike what

there you are what is it Amber no Amby Not today. Not yesterday either. Yeah. Are you mad at me? No.

Seems like you are. I'm not. Are you writing? Uh, yeah. Well, that was a blatant lie. I'm busy, Amber. Is there something you need? Wow. Do you mean to bother you? But what the hell could be keeping you so busy if you're not writing?

I don't really feel like talking about it right now. You're still trying to figure out who broke into your place, aren't you? So is there something you need? You know, you can talk to me. Actually, I can't. I made the mistake of telling Amber about the numbers on my computer. All she did was formulate some excuse about how the screen must have been pressing against the keyboard. You can, Mike.

Only if I want to be called crazy. I never called you crazy. Well, I can't handle all the bullshit excuses you and Gene seem to come up with. Have you talked to Gene recently? And how would I do that? I don't know. You just made it sound like you have? have. Not since over, Arch.

Mike, it really could be the screen. What? The laptop. One time, I closed my laptop while it was still on, and it never went into sleep mood. When I opened it, the thing sent out an email with several old vacation picks to everyone in my address book. Luckily, it was just vacation picks. Ugh, it would have been a lot worse. Seriously? I don't think you should worry about it.

That's easy for you to say. Your property wasn't messed with. Your door wasn't open. Maybe you forgot to lock it. I don't want to go through this again. This is exactly why I don't want to talk. Because I'm not a conspiracy nut. So I'm not crazy? I'm just a nut.

I was joking. Where are you? Yes. I miss talking to you. You've been distant the last few days. And it sucks. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I know it does.

And you're being all sarcastic so you don't have to share your true feelings. Honestly, I can't stand any of this anymore. It wasn't a damn bear, and I'm not imagining classical music. And someone did break into my tower. You can't stand it anymore? I mean, what is this? I don't know, Mikey. You really don't.

But can I be honest with you? Have you not been? No, I have, but I'm worried about you. I believe you. I really do. But I also feel like I should provide some... sort of ground, some sort of reality. Because I'm not being realistic.

Because I think you're relating a series of coincidences that have no relation. What do you mean? Several different things happen that seem odd. To you, they're all related. I never said that. But maybe they aren't. And furthermore, maybe you're reading into things because you're actively searching for a link to these coincidences, which doesn't exist. Thank you, Carl Young.

I don't get the reference. Really? It's an old one. But also unrelated, since Amber was actually describing the polar opposite idea that Young presented. Not that I remember much about the Swiss psychiatrist. In fact, I hardly knew anything. An ex at mine used to be super into studying and reading about astrology, telekinesis, predictive dreams, and UFOs, all things that could be linked to Young and his beliefs, including his theory on synchronicity, the idea of meaningful coincidences.

But now Amber's comments were making me think. I never believed in Young's philosophy, but my ex did, which led to many late-night debates. Sorry, Mike. But my old references only extend to pop culture, namely music, movies, and TV. I guess I'm not well read. It's fine. I understand what you're trying to say, and I understand that you're trying to help. But you've got to understand that everything you're presenting is complete bullshit to me.

Really? That's how it is? Something is happening out here. not happened happening and you and jean are disregarding everything i say shit maybe i am going a bit stir crazy it sucks living in a wifiless cabin surrounded by a vast emptiness but the things i've seen and heard were real emptiness huh not too long ago you were relishing that emptiness bird watching became a fashion remember the grouses the warblers the swiss the hawks then i had a fucking dinosaur outside my tent growling and roaring and I didn't know if I'd make it through the night and the only comforting

thing you can say is maybe it was a bear but guess what it wasn't a bear I'm really sorry if you're misinterpreting everything I'm saying but I truly am worried about you don't be but I am you want to know something about Jerry something that I left out and fear it may drive you well he did start going a bit crazy the woods and the emptiness got to him Gene was genuinely concerned. He told me to keep in contact with Jerry because he was worried Jerry may try and kill himself, I guess. So I did.

I started contacting him more. But all he ever talked about was some random, psychotic bullshit about how he was going to be kidnapped and how people were watching and listening to him, listening to his every word. It was scary stuff. But you didn't believe him? No.

Because when he left and I took over in Tower 4, I saw and I heard none of it nothing and that's why you don't believe me that's why I'm posing believable and credible reasonings to your findings because I don't want you to wind up like Jerry

I like talking to you Mike I can't explain it but I do but you don't believe me I don't know what to believe I just think it's getting to you what is it's the woods

the towers the loneliness the emptiness my mind raced here she was again treating me like I was Jack Torrance trying to cling to my sanity as I fell deeper and deeper into paranoia and delusion

Mike, you're still there? I'm gonna go now Mike, wait I'll contact you if there's a fire Mike I turned off the radio and placed it calmly on the table Don't listen to her, Mike. That's when I thought about the words over the radio.

Don't trust them. It was also written in the journal several times. Who was them? Who should I not trust? Them. Don't trust them. Why? Why shouldn't I? Because they don't know what they're talking about. Sorry, Mel, but this isn't the first time.

I'm gonna trust them over you. You could be damn sure of that. Because you don't love me anymore. That's not true. Bullshit. You're always out to get me. Here we go again. I'm out to get you. They're out to get you. Why? Why, Mel?

I don't know. Because you want out of this relationship. Because they never liked me to begin with. Because you never gave my friends a chance. Yes, I did. They didn't like me from the beginning. They've always tried to sabotage our relationship. It's not them.

It's you. You started this fight. You start every damn fight. Look at you. You're drunk. Again. What happened to quitting? I'm an adult.

I'm allowed to drink. Stop being so controlling. I'm not doing this again. Fine. Run away, pussy. You always do when times get tough. You make the times. It's tough!

Oh, fuck you! You promised you would stop! And you promised to tape me on an Alaskan cruise! Jesus! Your son... How long have you been drinking? How long has he seen you like this? He's in bed.

Is he asleep? Have you checked on him? Yes! Stop acting like you care about us. You don't. You obviously never did! We could have had a nice night together, but then you had to go and bring this shit up again!

He's asleep, huh? Doesn't look like it to me. Looks like he's eating gummy worms and watching horror movies. Hey, buddy. Don't you talk to him. You don't care. I don't care. Really? He can eat candy. He's a fucking kid. He's eating candy because you probably didn't feed him dinner. It's 2 a.m. on a school night. Be a fucking parent.

Don't tell me how to raise my kid. Listen, I'm not doing this anymore. I can't. I just... I can't. You're not. You're drunk, my friends tell me they saw you with another guy last night, you're definitely lying to me, and you're off your meds again. What? I know, Mel. I know you are.

You don't care about me. Says the person who got caught cheating. I didn't sleep with him. I'm done. You never loved me. If you loved me, you wouldn't leave us. What? You're walking out, just like his real father.

I'm not like him and you know it. You promised change. I've given you over three years of my life and nothing. Nothing has changed I'm trying No you're not And I'm not gonna give you another chance to drink Lie or cheat on me again

Because you're a pussy Sure whatever helps you cope You're not man enough to stick by the people you love Go ahead and leave us You fucking asshole I'm leaving you You Remember that

Your son deserves better Fuck off What are you doing? I want to say goodbye to Nate. You won't say anything to my son. You're abandoning us. Get out of my house before I call the cops. You know, as much pain as you put me through,

I really do hope you get some help. For your son's sake. Don't you ever come around me or my son again, ever! You liar! You never loved us. Fucking asshole! Goodbye, Melinda. You piece of shit!

That's right, pussy! By the way, I'm dead. Fuck him! And I don't even feel bad about it! Because you're a worthless piece of shit! Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you!

Fuck you! Why, Mike? Why are you thinking about that night? That's when I noticed one of the sheets of paper I used to draw the maples of importance. I flipped it over and saw. saw part of the outline for my story. Here I was wasting time on complete bullshit

when I should be working on my writing. If someone walked in right now, they would think I was a nut. Maybe Amber was right. Maybe this was all nothing. Mere coincidences and happenings that would lead nowhere. But someone was in my tower,

and I did hear something in the woods. I went over to the bed and laid down. I needed to do. to sleep. I wanted to sleep, but I couldn't. Still, I closed my eyes. Days Passed slowly, I bounced back and forth between my story and the mysterious journal. It was hard to concentrate on either. Days were quiet, but that might have been because I kept the radio off, only turning it on for a little while throughout the day in case Amber had urgent news.

The three days had passed, and she hadn't said a word. Nights were tough because that's when we used to talk the most. I wanted to talk to her now, but my stubbornness kept me from doing so. Instead, I started a piece of paper with two lines written in scratchy cursive. The idea was to find out why, but was there a reason, and if so, would it suffice? I honestly couldn't tell if this was a rewritten line from the journal or an original line for my story. There were pages strewn about the table. My laptop was open and waiting to be used, but I couldn't bring myself to type anything.

I was stuck. Again, I had nowhere to go, nothing to do, and I couldn't sleep. Mike? Are you there? Oh shit, I'd left the radio on. I'm sure you have the radio off, and I don't blame you. I was a bit of a cut. I shouldn't have been so condescending. I did believe you.

I mean, I do. I still do. I don't know. She sounded drunk. I hope you decide to talk to me again. Because I really do enjoy talking to you. The days were just flying by. And now everything's fucking stalled. And I'm...

bored. I'm sad. And I don't care if this comes across as pathetic. I'm not ashamed. And if your radio is off, then I'll just have to call tomorrow. And the next day, and the next, until you accept my apology. Maybe That's it

Maybe I can ignore you into talking to me But if not I hope you're at least working on your story Because I will be the first in line to get a copy And you will sign it for me I'll make you She was drunk

You know I have another way Another way that you might talk to me I got you present Well kind of But it's good You'll like it, I'm sure But it's

Far from you Maybe you're cooped up though I'm looking for an excuse to explore Anyway I left you something I don't shoot, forget about it

I was going to keep it a surprise but it doesn't matter you're probably not even listening it's alcohol liquor

thought that to be more more specific Um, half a bottle. I kept the other half or... Well, I... Drink it. Um, drink it.

Don't tell Jean. Oh, God, don't tell Jean. Maria sneaks it into the supplies for me, usually, but I actually brought this one. This bottle. Um, but it's a gift for you. Uh, the only thing is, it, it's far. I couldn't walk it all the way to your place. Plus, I know how much guys hate the pop-in, but I left it in the supply cache.

And I'm sure you're wondering where? Well, it's, it's on a path. And yes, it's a very far walk. But I figured you may want to take that walk for some pretty good Baca. If you look at your map, the path is off of three posts. It's called Wind Walk, halfway down, and intersects with a Shoshone Trail, about 15 miles from your tower. So you'll have to decide. if the hike is worth it.

Okay, well, I guess that's it. Um, I'll try contacting you again tomorrow. Gotta keep trying. So, um, have a good night, Mikey. Oh, and I almost forgot. The code for the lock on the supply cache is 14.28.5. Write it down. Night night.

I nearly fell out of my chair. Jesus Christ. The number. The goddamn number. How could I be so dense? I saved the file. The numbers. There. 1.2337. Holy shit. Really? Really? Really? Just a bow?

No arrows? There has to be... I had a bow in my hand as I dug around the shack looking for arrows. I even pulled up two loose floorboards but found nothing. I had a plan to go out, but I wouldn't execute said plan without a weapon. Come on, Jerry. If you were worried about being kidnapped, wouldn't you have some more protection? Hunting squirrels my ass.

I left the shack and glanced at the roof. Every time I left the comfort of the loft, I was on edge. But if I could use the bow, that would be something. Not much, but something. Come on. I inspected every inch of the shack. Maybe there wasn't anything here. Maybe he hid them somewhere else,

but I hide them separate from the bow. Okay, maybe I'll need to make my own. Because that's something I know how to do. That's when I noticed a small group of rocks by the corner of the outhouse. The rest of the back wall was surrounded by dirt. Hmm. I was nervous to dig under the outhouse, but fuck it. It was my shit, so who cares?

Luckily, I never hit anything disgusting. Instead, I found a plastic garbage bag. I pulled it out of the dirt. It was wrapped and taped. Jackpot. Okay, better. I was right. Jerry must have hidden the bow and arrows before he was forced out of the tower,

before Amber took over. The bag hidden under the outhouse had 11 arrows. Each carefully crafted and smoothed to the touch. He knew what he was doing, which worried me. The stone tips were carved and sharp. Now, two days later, here I was once again practicing. I spent two hours in the morning and two in the evening taking aim at different markings on the trees. The last time I fired an arrow, I was in Boy Scouts.

I was definitely rusty, but slowly getting the hang of things. At least I was hitting the trees now. A few more days and I may even be good At least good enough to feel comfortable traipsing through the woods again There we go Yeah A few more days

And that's what I gave myself. Three more days of practice. I even up the amount of time adding two more hours each day. I was hitting everything now. Would I have been recruited to fight in Genghis Khan's army? Probably not, but I could hold my own against the native Wyoming wildlife, squirrels included. It was around nine when I set out. I couldn't believe it.

Could this be the reasoning for the numbers? It had to be. I still had no idea who typed it on my computer, but I was about to find out. When I reached the supply cache in the field near Site 5, I was ecstatic. Once again, I saw deer in the distance, but they trotted off the moment they noticed me. Okay, let's see. 1.2337. It didn't open.

Shit. Really? Really? I tried again, but the combo still didn't work. Son of a bitch! If not this, then what? What could those numbers mean? Then I remembered how Amber told me there were several caches all over the area.

It had been over a week, but it was now time to break the silence. Amber, you copy. Amber, you there? I need to talk to you. Hello, Amber. Shit. Was she giving me the silent treatment now? Amber. Amber, you copy. Yep. I'm here, Mike. What's going on? You okay?

I'm just waking up and I have a bit of a headache. headache. Sorry to hear that. I have a question. Oh, now he's ready to talk. Yeah, I am. It's been over a week. I know. Listen, Mike, um, I'm sorry about before. Truly. I, I believe you. Do you? Yes, but I need your help. My help? With what? How many supply caches are there around here? Around Tower 4?

Yeah. Oh, shoot, I don't know. They're on your wall map, though. They are? The brown boxes, see them? Um, no. Well, look. See them now?

No, because I'm not in the tower. What? Where are you? I... Site 5. What the hell are you doing out there? Searching the supply cache. You really want that pine cone? The code didn't work.

What code? The code I had. Code? Combination. It didn't work. Where did you get a combo from? I'll tell you later. Why? Because I don't want to go through all that.

Oh, what? Explaining shit, just for you to brush it off as something else. I'm not going to do that. No. No. I said I was sorry, and I said truly. And when I say truly, I truly mean it. I found a combination in my tower.

What do you mean, found? Like, I discovered it. Okay, Columbus. Where? In a drawer? No. Like, you really can talk to me. I promise, I won't treat you like... Like I'm the fucking lead in a Twilight Zone episode? I don't think you're crazy.

Then do me a favor. What's that? Tell me where all the nearby supply caches are. Right now? Yes, so I don't have to backtrack. But you will have to backtrack. There's one on overarch pass, one on three posts, another by the highway, one by the station, another on Shoshone. Uh, there's one halfway between us.

Oh, shit. What? Uh, did I happen to call you in a drunken... stupor? At one point, yes. If you want the vodka. It's not the vodka. It's still there. Amber, the combination is not the one you gave me.

So you have hurt me. You've been ignoring me for a long time, Mike. Most of the time I've turned the radio off. But you heard me. Once. I apologized. I know. More than once.

The combo I got is from my computer. What are you doing? talking about the numbers on my computer i told you it wasn't a random mistake or some smashed keys someone put the numbers there it's a lock combination and the only locks around here are attached to these boxes oh mike don't you dare patronize me i wasn't going to this is your chance amber if you believe me if you believe i'm not crazy if you truly are sorry tell me exactly where every cache is around Tower 4. And she did just that.

Although I was only able to check out another two that day. The others were too far to make before nightfall. And there was no way I would be traversing at night. Not with that thing stalking the woods. The next day I was back to searching. Are you there yet? Almost. I think.

Did you bring the map? Yes, but measurement with my fingers isn't as accurate as I've hoped. If you left at nine, you should be close. I did and I am. I see it now. Let me know. Ha! It didn't open. Mike, we're running out.

So what now? The one by the Ranger Station? No way. That's like two miles from the station. You can't walk that far. You don't want to try overarch? I do, but not today. I won't have enough time.

It was already three in the afternoon. I needed to head back to the tower now before it got dark. You wouldn't happen to know the code for this one, would you? Sorry, I don't. I only know the one on Wind Walk. But you want me to ask Jean? No, I don't want him to know what I'm doing. You sure?

Maybe we should tell him your place was broken into. Oh, now she believed me. No. Don't say anything to him. Oh. Okay. So overarch? Yeah.

I dreaded heading back that way. No contact with Amber and that... ...thing. Where else? Only two others by you. I had copied the wall map icons to my small... but it wasn't easy to read. The one by the highway? No, that's closer to me. There's one between us on Wind Walk. That's the one with your present. Um, the other is south on the Shoshone

trail. Maybe I'll try for that tomorrow. How far is it? Finger measurements still not up to par? Not at all. For you, it's about 15 miles to the Wind Walk Shoshone intersection. That's where the vodka is stored. But if you want the other cash, it's another 8 to 10 miles south. or Shoshone. That's the only way? Fastest way. Okay. Tomorrow it is. I'm going to head back now. Sounds good. I have to make a call to Jean since they'll be making a food drop within the next few days. Okay, but don't tell them about my treasure hunt.

Your expedition is safe with me. Promise. Thank you. Call me if you need anything. We'll do. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

That night. whole search. Was it pointless? Before I fell asleep, I decided to barricade the door again with the chairs. I've been doing that every night since the break in. I didn't need any surprises. Mike, you copy? I'm here I talked to Gene You didn't tell them anything, right? No, of course not

It was about the drop I I got you some banana chips Oh, you're too good to me It's the least I could do, you know Is this an extension of your apology? No Well, I appreciate it

I also had an idea Do tell Since that cash supply You're going to visit is between us maybe I can meet you there tomorrow. At the cash? At the one on wind walk. Really?

Is that too forward? Are you not ready to make first contact? It's not that. I just surprised is all. Consider this to be an extension of my apology. You don't have to. I know. But I did like the idea.

It was a 15-mile hike. It would take all day and if anything weird were to happen, maybe she could see it or hear it firsthand. But I couldn't lie. I was a bit nervous about meeting her. Mike? Yeah, sorry. If you want to, sure.

That would be... Nice. Well, we already know what's in the wind, Walk, one. True. But maybe we could indulge a little bit. Meet up there, have a couple drinks, and head down to Shoshone. What about Jean? What about them?

You won't be upset. We're both leaving our posts. Eh, what's one day? You mean it'll be our little secret? I can keep a secret Can you? Of course It'll be a long hike for each of us

Maybe something we'll look forward to Besides the cash, of course Right Should I bring a tent? We'll both bring one No funny business on our treasure hunt I'm not that kind of girl Too tense it is

Okay then Well, I'm going to head to bed now Both have a long trek tomorrow It'll wake up early Right Now this was more about our meeting rather than the mysterious combo. But I could also head toward the highway cache

since I'd already be heading west. That would mean two nights out in the woods, though, and I dreaded the thought of being out there at night. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Amber was there, too. Regardless, I'll make sure I'm prepared. What time? Um, I need to leave a little earlier than you, so seven. For you?

Then you leave at eight. We should get there around the same time. Okay. I'll call you tomorrow. Good. Pack late, but bring enough water and food for the whole day. It's not an easy track. It never is, but okay. Talk to you tomorrow. Night. Mikey. was a killer. Worse than the hike to Enos Lake, but at least it wasn't Enos Lake.

I dreaded going back to overarch. I really hope that the Shoshoney cashed to the magic box. I was running out, and if this didn't work, I really would look like a crazy person. Amber, you copy? No answer. I last heard from her an hour ago. Weird she wasn't in contact for so long. Amber? It wasn't like her to not respond. I had to pick up the pace. When I reached the cash supply, I was surprised to see where it was located, on the edge of a ridge overlooking a large portion of the forest. It was beautiful. Two yellow-chested birds flew by my face, most likely western metal arks.

Looks like I beat her here. I saw the post that marked the intersection of the trails. The Shoshone heading north dropped down a steep incline. I made my way to the edge of the rocky cliff face and peered over. It was a long way down, but I couldn't help it admire the view. Amber, you copy? Amber, you close? I'm here. Amber?

Where was she? She left earlier than me. I could use a drink. Why not? I didn't feel like waiting, and it was my present. She couldn't be too mad if I had a couple swigs before she got here. Let's see if her vodka is as good as she says. I crouched down and thought back to her drunken call.

What was the coat again? Come on, Mike. Think. It was 14284, 1428, but it didn't open. Why didn't I write it down? I heard movement behind me. I grabbed my bow and spun around but saw nothing. Amber? But I saw no one.

Heard nothing. Whew. Okay. What was the last number? Five? Maybe it was five. Fourteen, twenty-eight. Five. Holy shit, it opened. Just then I heard someone running behind me.

Amber? When I spun around, I had no time to react. Something hard hit me in the side of the head. head and I was instantly knocked out. Tower 4. Written and edited by Robert M. Lamb. Story by Robert M. Lamb and Dylan Whitehead. Starring Jack Austin as Mike. Gina Coyle as Amber.

Brian Messick as Gene. Co-starring, Corey Pettit. Music provided by Kevin McLeod of Incompetect. and Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash Wilkins MusicFL. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7Lam.com for more audio dramas such as this. Also, don't forget to follow 7Lam on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, at 7LAMP podcasts. Seven Lamb Production.