Tower 4 - S2E5: Eavesdropping

Episode Date: March 18, 2022

Mike is on to Amber and Gene, and learns quite a bit from their conversations. But he doesn't know exactly how to handle this new information. So after some careful consideration, he decides to play a game; one where he's actually ahead of the curve.Music:"When the Tide Breaks Free" by James Forest @ Artlist.io"Foreboding" by Kyle Preston @ Artlist.io Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey everyone, Robert here, writer and creator of Tower 4 and Seven Lamb Productions. Seven Lamb has recently partnered with Voyage Media to produce a new show called Fever Dreams, A Pulp Collection. This anthology series will explore a multitude of genres including sci-fi, horror, thriller, and so many more. Really, anything pulpy. In fact, the first episode is out right now. It's an eerie detective story that features the voice of Ian Glenn, who you may recognize as Jora Mormont from Game of Thrones. You can listen to fever dreams by going to feverdreams podcast.com or searching for fever dreams wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, stick around after this episode of Tower 4 for an exclusive trailer.

Thanks and enjoy. Seven Lamb Productions presents Tower 4. Season 2, episode 5. eavesdropping. I sat next to my bag, staring at the tiny metallic object I had pulled out of my arm. I can't believe I didn't notice it was there. I hadn't made an effort to clean myself up yet, so some blood was still dribb. burbling down my shoulder and arm as I sat there, shirtless.

So, Mike, what now? I look behind me. Was Jerry out there? Was it that guy? Kyle? I didn't make any effort to hide my bare chest or wounded arm. This was it, right? Some kind of tracker? Fuck these people. Fuck Gene.

Fuck Amber. While I was filled with anger, I was actually more consumed with a question. Why? Sarah would love that. more movement to my left it had to be jerry jerry was worried about the radio but it wasn't the radio he had to worry i went through my bags until i found my bottle of sleeping pills and weren't a ton left now i dropped a small tracker inside i wanted it they want to know where i am okay fine i'll play their little game i was often able to catch Melinda lying to me. Let's see if I could do the same for Amber and Jean.

I put the pill bottle in my pocket and walked back to the stump. Amber, you copy? Amber. Go ahead, Mikey. Hey, I, uh, I feel like I should be truthful. Truthful? Yeah, I wasn't completely honest with you before. No?

No, I, uh, I lied. About what? I was thinking of leaving. You were? Yeah, I'm actually on the trail now. Which one? Three posts. Why?

Because I had enough of this place. But why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you contact me so we could talk? I didn't want to be talked out of it Oh I waited a moment I wanted to see if she had more to say I figured I'd let her continue the conversation

Mikey What's wrong? I just had enough But I thought we talked it through, didn't we? Kind of, yeah But it wasn't enough I don't know Did something else happen?

What do you mean? Well, I know you were going through a lot The numbers, the journal, the classical music, getting lost. Has something else happened? Now to fish for information or let it be? No. No? No, nothing else happened.

The isolation was getting to me. It's not helping with my book. It's not helping with my writing or my sanity, and I was just ready to call it quits. Was? Does that mean you've decided against leaving again? Yeah. I'm going to stay. Why?

Why? She was asking why? What do you mean why? I mean, why did you change your mind? You said you were on the trail, already heading out. You didn't talk to me and just left, so why did you decide against it? What made you change your mind all of a sudden? I looked down at the dried blood on my arm, because I don't want to end up like Jerry.

I don't know. Dear really care, Mike. It's just a question. It's a question designed to drag this out, and we both don't want that. No, it's a question designed to get an answer. An answer you already have. Is it really that easy for you?

Is what easy for me? To push your emotions aside in an effort to feign a state of rationality. Jesus, maybe you have been reading my books. But no, Mike, I am being rational. I don't think you are. You're projecting. I'm the only one who shed a tear over this whole ordeal. We both knew this wasn't working.

The reason why we both kept it going was purely based on emotions and irrational thought. So you are taking some blame. It's not 50-50, but it would be ridiculous to me to shift all the blame on you. We made mistakes, both of us. And those mistakes are enough to call it quits? I don't feel close to you anymore. Come on, Mike. The love's faded.

I know you feel it too. Now who's projecting? No. Yes, you're packing your bags because you're done. You say you don't want a relationship. I told you right away. I never wanted anything serious. You pushed for that.

You said yes. I got on my knee and you said yes. What about that? What was I supposed to say? You did it in public. In front of my family. Months ago. You've had plenty of time since then.

And that's where I'll take the blame. Why'd you wait until now? I wanted to see if my feelings changed. I wanted to see... I know what this is really about. I do. You're leaving this relationship for another one. I am not leaving you for another guy.

Who's Carson? Carson is a friend. Right. It's a friendship, not a relationship. Not yet. If it becomes one, it becomes one. But I don't want to be pressured to have anything more than what I want. You just didn't want a relationship with me.

I just didn't want the same type of relationship as you. But that's bullshit. and you know it. Did you cheat on me? Never. And I find it appalling that you would ask. It's a legitimate question. In all honesty, would it have mattered if I said yes? Is that an admission? No. Again, I wouldn't do that.

And you're asking all these questions, not because you care about the answers, but because you want to keep dragging this out. I don't want that. You want your clean break. You don't? I'm not Mel, Mike. I'm not saying you are. Let's make this as easy as possible. You know I hate messy. You know what's funniest about all this?

What? That if you didn't want the same kind of relationship and you weren't happy, then why didn't the universe send you some sort of sign to get out sooner? You still don't understand, do you? I guess not. There were plenty of signs. I just... I just didn't see them until my love had faded. I didn't want to think about Sarah, and that day it ended, but Amber had brought up her engagement gone sour,

and it just popped into my head. Honestly, though, it was the best thing for me. I could have married that creep. I couldn't believe we were talking about this now. We were chatting like everything was normal. Little did she know that I'd heard her conversation earlier with Gene. They were hiding things from me. They didn't want me to leave.

Or at least Jean didn't, and Amber was just going along with it. Regardless, I wanted to know what was going on. Jerry didn't want me to leave either. What do you think, Mike? About what? About what I just said. Oh, yeah, it was better you found out he was a cheater before he sealed the deal. Yeah.

Don't get me wrong. I was hurt. I couldn't stop crying at the time. But I know it was a good thing in retrospect. The funny thing is, I had a feeling. A feeling about what? About his damn secretary. She would often forget to take down my...

calls or patch me through. She always had these snide remarks. Honestly, I should have seen it much sooner. Then why didn't you? What do you get in that, Mikey? You think maybe you didn't want to believe it? We're still talking about my ex-fiancee, right? I am. Okay. Why? I don't know. Just seems like that question could apply to a lot of things right now. Like? Are we really going to do this? I know what she meant. And honestly, I didn't want to go down this road because I had a new plan and a new goal. I didn't care what she thought now, or even what she said. We don't have to.

Okay. Do you, uh, maybe want to tell me about your engagement going to ride? Not really. Not over it yet. Oh, no, I'm over it. You just don't want to talk about it. That's fine. That's reasonable. As long as it's not because of me.

What do you mean? We've talked about a lot, Mikey. You've opened up and so have I. I don't know why this would be any different, unless you're not really over it like you say you are. I am. Really? Okay.

I won't push anymore. Push? Like I did with Sarah? Like how I apparently pushed her into a relationship she didn't want. Why would you push at all? It's my personality. Plus, it's obvious you want. want or maybe I should say need to talk says who says me you were thinking of leaving again

mike you've been back and forth back and forth so what so you're obviously not happy with this place not my past okay but you're dealing with shit and you're not opening up i have to pry and pry you're not my therapist maybe not but i'm someone to talk to we've done it for months now i wanted to tell her everything everything I knew. I wanted to mention how I was on to her, but I held back. Mikey, you ever think you concentrate too hard on the negative memories? What? No. No? You really think that.

Most of the times we talk, you bring up these sad stories from your past. The alcoholic ex, the deceased mother, the absent father, the deceased friends, writers' block. Should I go on? I thought that's what you wanted. wanted from me. Why would I want that? Depressing life stories, remember? That was a joke, Mikey. You just went through your whole relationship with Cheater von Scumbag and his 90 words per minute slut mistress. What do you consider that? Yeah, that was one story. It was part of your

introduction when we first met. So was my favorite color. I don't dwell on the past. I face it. And I may bring it up from time to time, but it's just a story now. That's one perspective. But what about my life lesson? What about how my story ended? I think it was good for me. Catching him cheating before marriage. I mean, shit, that's great. I could have actually married the bastard and been a part of some sick twisted thruple. Thruple? A thrice couple? What makes you think you'd be an active member of their romance? Douche. I think what you share is comparable to my stories. No. Do you ever notice that when we talk, I'm usually the one trying to lighten the mood? You know why that is? As much as I like hearing you talk about the past, I'm trying to make it something to move on from. Not obsess over.

Okay, so what about my book? That's a prime example. But you've helped me work on it. Sure, yeah. Hoping that you can get past your writer's block and complete a dream, right? You've wanted to focus on writing for a while now. Here's your chance. The problem is you're not writing anymore. You're venturing out, looking at cash boxes, fixating on weird nightmares and threatening to leave. You should be sitting in your tower, watching for fires, and working on your book.

Wow. It was so blatantly obvious now. She was trying to get me to stay. She was laying it right in my lap, but I was okay with it. Her and Jean wanted me to stay in my tower, and I planned on doing just that. I don't know. I left it. Well, almost. The radio was missing, so the one I carried with me was mine. Did Jerry take it from here and put it on the stump for me to find? And if so, was he not worried about being followed? All right. Time to get to the bottom of this. First thing first, I turned

off my radio and made sure the spare was also off. And I got to work. I started tearing things apart, opening drawers and cabinets. I pulled the bed away from the wall and I lifted the mattress and the gun of the frame. Pulled the water cooler bag, checked the corners of the ceilings, and the floor panel, every crack had had enough. I wanted to know if there was any other way that could find me, track me, listen, or watch. I knew they were doing it. Jerry knew it too. I checked each drawer of the desk under the table and even the chairs.

Okay, after a couple of hours destroying the cabin, I went outside. I looked under the walkway railing, nothing but a couple of caterpillars in a wasp nest. I then climbed on the railing and leaned against the outside wall of the cabin, checking underneath the roof. Just another wasp nest and some spider webs. Hmm. I jumped to the roof and pulled myself up. God, I needed to lose some weight.

My feet dangled until I could get myself halfway up. Part of the roof cracked under my weight. Shoot. Come on, Mike. I used all my strength to get my right leg up and over and then rolled myself up onto the roof. I took a moment to catch my breath, but just a moment. Then I was back at it. I checked the roof, careful not to slip on bird shit.

It was a long way down. But, it's again, nothing. Well, fuck! The sun was going down. I took a moment to rest. I sat on the edge of the roof, my feet once again dangling. Okay. So no cameras, no mics.

I was exhausted. It was a super long day. I must have walked over 20 miles, if not more. Then all this bullshit searching the cabin, but I had an idea now. Something I needed to do, which was about to make it a super long night. Amber, you copy? Wow, you're up late. So were you.

I'm having trouble sleeping. What's up? You were right. About what? About me. Care to allow me. I always considered myself a realist. But maybe.

Maybe I'm more of a pessimist. Although that came over time, I never was like this before. You think maybe it's because you've been through a lot recently? Dad wasn't recent. No, but Psycho was. And your mom, right? And the broken engagement. Where does that fit in the timeline?

Hey, Mikey. If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. No, I want to. That's why I called you. Oh. Sarah was after Psycho. Was she the Carl Young girl? She was, and we only dated for a year, but I...

I thought she might be the one. So what happened? She didn't feel the same way. I don't think she ever really did. I was trying to make something happen. I was trying to force a spark. She liked me. that's for sure, but never the same way.

Never the same feelings like I had for her. But you're engaged? She said yes, but she didn't really want marriage. I asked her in front of her family. What was she supposed to say? Ouch. The problem was she dragged it out. Six months went by before she called it quits.

Wow. She waited that long? That's what upset me. Why would she do that? Did you ask? She said it was because she was trying to hold out and find those feelings for me. Last day we spoke in person while she was packing.

She said there were signs for us not to be together, but she couldn't see them until her love had faded. I'm sorry, Mikey. So was I. But now I think back and I can't figure out if I was truly in love with her or if I was just latching onto something right after my relationship with Mel. Mel was a fucked up relationship, so yeah, maybe you meet Sarah and think to yourself, Hey, this chick is okay because she's normal.

That makes sense. I think that's what it was. I'm not saying that to diminish my actual feelings for her, because I did have feelings for her. I just, I wonder if they were as strong as I originally thought they were. So are you saying you're happy you didn't get married? No. I love Sarah.

I mean, well, I don't know. Maybe. Mikey, are you telling me this all now because you can't sleep? No. it's because I feel bad. I should have told you I was contemplating leaving again. There's just something about this place. But I thought things were getting better.

I thought they were too. Then why did you think about leaving again? Did something else happen? You can tell me, I promise, I won't tell Gene. Actually, you can tell Gene. I feel like I made things weird when I called him from Overarch after my trip to Inos Lake. I wish I could contact him and let him know I'm okay now.

Do you really think he cares? I would just like to make sure. I don't think you have to worry about it. You're back on the tower, back watching for fires, and working on your book. It's fine. Okay, yeah. Hey, Mikey, it's kind of late. I think I'm going to go to bed.

But if you want to talk about anything else, feel free to reach out. Okay. Oh, and Mike, you do realize that Sarah loved you, right? She was so in love with you that she was blindsided and... Unable to see the signs to not be with you. But then was it true love? Could have been more as a friend, but it still meant she wanted to be a part of your life.

But she saw signs to leave. I pushed her away. Yeah, possibly. But she still loved you, and she loved you enough to try. Take solace in that. Thanks, Amber. Good night.

Night, Mikey. She did try. That's true. I set the radio down on my sleeping bag and zipped up the window of my tent. I couldn't be too far from the stump where I found the radio earlier today. I was completely exhausted. No sleep in nearly 30 miles of walking. My ankle's on fire and tomorrow I'll be sore as hell but it'll be worth it.

Because I wanted to see what conversation I could eavesdrop on now. I changed the channel and sat there in the dark, waiting patiently. 30 minutes passed and nothing. There was a chance she wouldn't try to call Jean now that it was so late, but I'd stay here as long as I had to. I brought food and water and patience. Even though I was both And even though I was both physically and emotionally drained, I never went to sleep.

I stayed up all night again, sitting with a radio on my my lap, thinking about Sarah, Mel, and mom, sometimes even dad. The sun was up now and I knew it was time to try. Amber, you copy? Amber? Amber? Amber. Amber. What's going on? What time is it? I don't know. Just wanted to call and tell you I'm heading to Overarch. What? Why? Why? To talk to you. Gene. I need to apologize for before. You must think I'm crazy about that stupid bullshit at Enos

Lake. Mike, that was a long time ago. I told you he probably doesn't care. Gene also lied to her about talking to me, so I went with that too. And he thought I was leaving. You must think I'm going stir crazy. Do you want me to call him? No, no. I need to get out anyway.

Clear my head. That's a long-ass hike. I've done plenty already. What's one more? Are you serious? right now? Listen, I'll leave now and ain't to be back before too late. Why don't you let me call him first? Here's the thing, Amber. I'm actually already heading that way,

so don't worry about it. Are you serious? What time did you leave? Early. But I'm calling because the radio may cut out soon. I'll be back in a little bit, though. Okay. I guess if you say so. And don't worry, I have the bear spray. I quickly changed the channel and waited. A good 15 minutes passed.

Was she really not going to call Jean? Or was she still trying to talk to me? I didn't want to change the channel back in case I missed something, so I waited. Another five minutes passed when... Gene, you copy? Gene? Go ahead, Amber. Mike's still going through some stuff.

Well, what did he say? Is he leaving? He's going to Overarch. Overarch. What for? He says he was going. wants to talk to you, to apologize? For what? Acting crazy, I guess.

Tell him not to worry about it. I tried. He was adamant. Really? It's not a big deal. Maybe not to you, but it was to him. He's heading that way now. What? No. Tell him to stay in the tower. Does it matter? It's a far walk for no reason.

Tell him you talk to me and everything's fine. He already left Gene. He did? Uh... Uh, one second, Amber. I held the radio up to my ear waiting in anticipation. A few minutes passed. What was he doing? Amber, you there?

I'm still here. Are you sure he left? He said he did. I'd contact him again. What for? Tell him to head back or stay. Or stay? Sure, Gene.

Sure. You want me to try to convince him. Is there anything I should say to him? Tell him I'm fine and I understand. That's all. Okay, one second. I switched the channel over to one and waited. Mike, you copy? Mikey. But I refrained from answering.

Mikey, you there? You can't be there already, can you? Mike. Mikey. Damn, maybe you really did leave early. Okay. I quickly switch back to the other channel. Gene, you copy?

Yep. What did he say? Nothing. I think he's already there, or at least already out of range. Seriously? Are you sure? No, but he's not answering. All right. All right, look, I'll talk to him. He needs this, Gene. I see that. Thanks Amber

Yeah, no problem Now the tricky part I sat there in my tent For two straight hours Switching back and forth between channels I'd wait five seconds switch the channel Wait five seconds switch the channel Over and over when

Copy Go ahead I don't think you left Amber He said he was going that way You want me to try him again? No, he's not there How do you know? Yeah Gene, how do you know

He would have called by now Not necessarily Amber He's probably just ignoring you No He wouldn't do that We chatted last night He seemed good

He seemed calm and rational He got some stuff off his chest Like what We talked about exes Oh well he's not at overarch You know that for sure Gene Well where else would he be Taking a piss or a nap

Try him again Gene was adamant I hadn't left And for good reason too Fine I switched the channel Mikey, you copy Mikey, you there? But I didn't answer.

Mike? I switched the channel and waited once again. This was a fun game. Gene? Yeah. I tried him again. Okay, just give it some more time. If he's really going to overarch, I'll chat with him,

but can you keep trying him every so often? Yeah, sure. It seemed like Amber didn't know, but Gene sure. did. Again, I switched back and forth between channels. This was a waiting game, an important one. I ate some ravioli while I switched back and forth. Another few hours passed. Amber tried contacting me, but I just didn't respond. I had to keep waiting.

It was like nothing now. All my time was spent daydreaming. In fact, I was thinking about the time I waited up for Mel. The night her phone miraculously stopped working, and she showed up late, drunk, and sloppy. Amber, you copy? Yeah, I tried, Dean. I've tried a few times. No response.

Have you tried him? He's probably trying to reach you. He's not. How do you know? He might be trying to reach you right now. No, Maria's on the other radio. There's nothing. I'm telling you, he's sleeping or something.

It's four in the afternoon. So, maybe a nap. A six-hour nap gene. Come on. I'm telling you, okay? Just keep trying. I changed channels. Mike, you there?

Here we go. Yeah, I'm here. Oh, geez. What the... Where the hell you've been? Did you go to Overarch? Did you talk to Jean? No, I, uh, I decided against it.

Oh. Then where were you? I've been calling. Sorry, turned back, but I turn my radio off. Why would you do that? Oh, same reason I didn't bring music last time. I just wanted to get out and enjoy nature. Clear my head, remember?

I wanted some time to reflect. You're acting weird. am i yeah do you regret telling me about sarah no you don't feel guilty no then why it take you so long to turn your radio back on it's been hours i just forgot really sorry about that oh okay so are you not going to talk to dean then can you just tell him for me really that's what i suggested earlier and it was a good suggestion just tell them i'm sorry and i'll be a good little fire lookout from now on. You know this is a dying job, right, Mike? Eventually, they'll replace all of us with drugs. What are you saying? You saying I'm not doing a good job? I'm saying you have a tendency to make things

harder for our kind. Sorry about that. Mm-hmm. Okay. I'll let Gene now. Thanks, Amber. I changed the channel and waited again. A good 10 minutes went by when Amber finally called. Gene? Go ahead. You were right. He never went to Overarch. Told ya. What's he been doing? He decided to head back, but he turned his radio off. Wanted some peace and quiet. I didn't say so, but that kind of hurt. It seemed like he just didn't want to talk to me.

He headed back? That's what he said. Hmm. Okay. What? I... I don't think he ever left. You think he lied about it? Then that means he was ignored. That means he was ignoring me for even longer.

I mean, maybe he really did turn off his radio, but I don't think you went anywhere. You don't think, Gene, or you know? Why would he travel that far for a sorry? He's been acting weird. Weirder than usual. Well, you should tell him to keep his radio on just in case. You know, we do rely on communication around here. I'll make sure to remind him.

But also, he wanted me to contact you and let you know he's sorry, and he's going to be a good little fire lookout. Good to hear. Anything else? No. Okay. Thanks, Amber. I climbed down to the tent and had a good stretch. I was sore in my lives a week. I really needed to get some sleep soon. I had to look around.

I was far on three posts, but Gene was pretty sure I'd never left the tower. which is probably due to the fact that I left the small metallic disc and the pill bottle on my bed. I was on 100% sure, but something told me I wasn't able to be tracked anymore. Otherwise, Gene would have made a bigger deal about it like you did yesterday. That meant I was free to roam around and finally find out what the hell was going on. But I would need help. Tower 4. Written and edited by Robert M. Lamb.

Starring, Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber, Brian Messick as Gene, co-starring, Amy LaRae. Music provided by Kevin McLeod of Incompetect.com and Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash Wilkins MusicFL. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7LAM.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also, don't forget to follow Seven Lam on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at Seven Lam podcasts. Now playing, from Voyage Media. A naked woman picked up the recently decapitated head of a goat that had been sitting in a large silver-colored bold.

She held the goat's head high above hers, its dull black eyes staring emptily as she threw her black hair and allowed the blood to trickle down the front of her body. When the lights go down, what stories really stick with you? I shined my light on the first body. I had a sinking feeling when I got here, but I didn't want to believe it until I saw it. A slash across the man's neck opened his carotid artery. He was bathed in his old blood. Face was frozen in horror.

A face I knew well. Presenting fever dreams, an anthology of dark genre stories, horror, crime, sci-fi, united by that undefinable edge that categorizes Pulp Fiction. I went back to the chamber. I stood exactly where Sean was when the light consumed him. I shined my flashlight around the six mirrored walls. Infinite reflections blinded me for a moment. Making me lightheaded. My eyes settled on a crystal piece, the only thing hanging on any of the walls. A man's face set inside a raging sun.

The eyes started to glow. Now playing from Voyage Media, in association with Seven Lamb Productions, creators of the hit audio drama Tower 4, a new descent into darkness in every episode. Season 1 of Fever Dreams, a pulp collection, available anywhere you listen to podcasts.