Tower 4 - S3E5: The Choice

Episode Date: February 19, 2024

Amber realizes Gene has been keeping things from her, and after finding her tower ransacked, she's had enough. She thinks back on past events to what eventually led her to this point. It doesn't take long before she's presented with a choice: Go back with Gene or go after Mike? Which will she choose?Music provided by:Taako @ Soundcloud.com/madebyTaakoAdditional tracks:“Skies Above” By: Caleb Elthedrige @Artlist.io “Last Survivor” By: Rene Gijzemitjer from Pond5.com“Being Watched- Tense Percussion” By: TheDoctorCaptain from Pond5.com“Slow Eerie Piano Atmopshere” By: Wesbilenmusic from Pond5.com“Dark Place (Mysterious, Acoustic Guitar)-30 Sec” By: Art_Munson from Pond5.com“1 Hour of meditation music for reiki and relaxation” By: CyanSkyStudios from Pond5.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey everyone. Before we get into the next episode of Tower 4, we want to plug another one of our shows called Story. Yes, we know. What a unique name? Story is a series with a new premise, genre, and cast the characters every season. Right now we have two seasons out and both are complete. Season 1 is a dramedy about five friends walking across the country from Washington State to Key West. It's loosely based on true events. And season two is a mystery thriller about a couple trying to rekindle their marriage by going on a sailing trip, only to find themselves shipwreck during a storm. They wash up on a Hebrideen island where a strange man lives in an old stone house. We know a lot of people hate waiting for new episodes and everyone wants the stories they

binge to be complete. So while you wait for more Tower 4, check out Story by Seven Lamb. You can listen to whichever season interests you, or hell, listen to both. We're even working on a season three right now. Just search for story wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, don't forget to rate and review. Thanks, everyone. Now for the next episode of Tower 4. Seven Land Productions presents Tower 4. Season 3, episode 5, The Choice.

So you didn't actually discover the body. Mike did? Yes. He was with the person before they died. The guy couldn't walk anymore, so that's when he came to get me. When we got back to the man, and he was dead. And why didn't you mention this before, Miss Reed?

Because she was worried about getting in trouble. Gene stepped between me and the deputy. The deputy who Gene said was actually law enforcement. He admitted the other men were possibly company men, but wasn't sure. But I was. The man the deputy called a meal was the man who visited me that one stormy night. He had the scar to prove it. Fire lookouts aren't supposed to leave their post unless directed to do so.

so, and she had trouble to believe in Mike, because, well, he's been going a little stir-crazy. King Tower 4? Out here in general. It seems to be more than just a little. I have an injured officer and a missing one. He said, officers. Was he still playing up the ruse? Or was this deputy not really law enforcement either?

Gene was lying about something, and that's why I didn't mention any of what Mike told me when he came back to the tower. Emil! Yes, sir. Sir? A company man addressing the deputy as sir? Okay. You able to get a signal? No, sir.

Signal? Gene, may I talk to you in private? Amber, stay here. Where am I going? I watched them walk back to the base of the tower. They stopped underneath to the right of the stairs where the injured guy sat. The deputy was pointing all over the place, super animated. Jean seemed to be trying to calm him.

Just then another man appeared from my cabin and started walking down the steps. Was that the one who bandaged up the injured guy not too long ago? When did he go up there? I spun around, startled. There was movement behind me. Hello? I looked back at Jean and the deputy and the other men all huddled under the tower, talking. With them distracted, I walked to the trail, to the woodline.

Hello? Mike? But there was no answer. No more movement. Mike? Are you there? Amber! I nearly jumped out of my shoes. I spun around to see Jean marching up.

I told you to stay put. I wasn't going anywhere. Well, what the hell are you doing? Nothing. I heard something. Mike? Or an animal. Jean grabbed my arm and made like he was going to pull me back, but he stopped. He peered into the darkness a moment before grabbing his flashlight off his belt.

He glided the beam along the thick bark and brush. I don't see anything. Come on. He pulled me forward, hurting my wrist. Jean, stop. Jean, let go. Gene! I pulled free from his grip.

What the hell? What the hell? Seriously? You put me in hot water. What did they say? They said, we need to leave. It isn't safe here. They're calling in reinforcements to search.

One of their men has been stabbed, Amber. I don't believe it. No? You think he's faking? You think it's fake blood? No, I don't believe Mike stabbed him. Oh, Jesus. This. Nash is on his way up here now, and we're going to help this poor guy back to the chopper.

Hmm. You know, if he dies, that'll be two dead bodies, thanks to Mike. He's not going to die. We need to get him to a hospital. Mike didn't kill N.J. N.J. The, uh, guy on the trail. N.J. Just the name.

His name? No, the name. We gave him. We? But I didn't respond. Amber, the fucking guy is dead. Mike didn't do that. How do you know? Because he told you, this is why we don't get involved.

What are you talking about? Getting involved is my job. You know what I mean? There were rules and you broke him and now we're fucked. You know, we may be out of a job, both of us. What then? You could always gamble less. Funny. Come on.

He grabbed my arm and once again pulled me forward until we were just in front of the base of the tower. Enough! And once again, I pulled free. Do you get what's going on right now? No, but I never did. Then just listen to me right now. We need to go.

They told us to get on the helicopter. The season's over. We're going back with the injured guy. Bennett. We both looked over at the stairs where the man holding his leg forced to smile. He'd been listening in. The name's Bennett. Okay.

We're going back with Bennett, so you need to go up there and pack your things quickly. I looked around, but didn't see any of the other men now. Where did they go? They're out searching. But Nash is on his way up. I see him on the trail now. We need to get back, so hurry up, grab what you need, so we can go. Fine.

I was so livid, and I knew Gene was still keeping things from me. I wonder what happened to Mike. Did he really just stab someone? Why? Did they try something? Did they not believe him? Did they think he was a threat? Sorry, sorry.

Jesus! I didn't expect anyone to be in the tower right now. This guy, Emil, sure it was good at scaring me. What's going on? Sorry. I was still looking around. My place was torn apart. What the... Fuck!

I apologize. But orders. See, this is what happens when you lie, Amber. Yeah, that makes sense. Because why wouldn't Mike be hiding in a cupboard that holds four mugs? I turned to Amel. Find anything? But he didn't answer.

Just hurry up and pack, Amber. Well, they made it a little harder. Just hurry. I'll get out of your hair. Gene and Emile walked out the door, but before he descended the stairs, amel turned back. I really am sorry. Hopefully, you can pick up the pieces.

Yeah. He descended the stairs as I inspected the damage. Cupboards and drawers were all open. My things were thrown about the room. I went to my desk to see my notebooks were gone. Of course. Mike wasn't crazy. That was obvious now.

Either was Jerry. Either was Sam. Hurry up. I went to the window and peered down. I could just make out Jean's figure at the bottom of the stairs through the glare. I ignored his shout and took another glance about the room. I grabbed my backpack and started picking up all my clothes. about. I grabbed a few of my books, some clothes, my favorite flashlight, toiletries,

thermos, and banana chips. That was really it. Everything else could stay. But I wondered if I would ever be able to come back in case I forgot something. The table was turned on its side. My puzzle! My 5,000-piece tropical island. Destroyed. The pieces littered the floor, separated or in small chunks, except one section. And the ground amongst the mess was an intact section of sea turtles and sand. Hmm. I dragged it with my foot. A section of nearly 300 pieces slid along the ground.

Revealing? What the... Amber, let's go! One moment, Jean, trying to pick up the pieces. I bent down and flipped the turtles. Pieces fell apart in my hand. Holy shit. There is something here.

A folded piece of notebook paper. But just as I opened it. Hey! Gene was right behind me. I shoved the paper into my pocket. Yeah? What the hell is taking so long? The guy is bleeding out, or did you forget?

Sorry, but, uh, this place... This place... Well, freaking look at it, Gene. It's not easy to find all my shit. It's not like you have a lot. I'm not leaving anything important. You can buy anything that's missing. Not if we lose our jobs, right?

I know you've got savings. Let's go. Fine. I'm done anyway. I wanted to grab the radio on my way out. Out of a habit. But I didn't need it now. So I just turned and walked out after Jean. Something was written on the piece of paper, but I didn't have a chance to read it. Gene, you copy?

Go ahead, Maria. Haley came in, and she wants to know if we're getting the other chopper ready now. Tell her to get it ready, but I'm not sure if we'll be sending it out just yet. Any word from our friends? Just to wait to see. Okay, what about the ambulance? Should be here real soon. All right, we're on our way back now.

Okay, sounds good. Let's go, Amber. Wait. What? I have to go to the bathroom. Now? Can it wait? No, I can't. He gave me a suspicious look.

The guy is bleeding out. His leg is wrapped. Still. And I see Nash helping him, and they aren't even halfway to the field yet. Fine. Hurry up. I'm going to help him. Don't be long.

Hurry up, no be long. Got it. He started to walk away, then stopped. His shoulders and head dropped as he came back over to me. I'm sorry, okay? All of this is a lot. Okay. I'm not trying to be an asshole.

Sometimes it just comes naturally? Always with the quips. He grabbed my face and kissed my forehead. Now please hurry. We'll be at the drop zone. As he walked down the trail, I hurried to the outhouse. There actually wasn't much written. Just don't trust him.

And a phone number? What? What the fuck was this? Emile had to have left it. He said, pick up the pieces. But then why? Was this his number? Don't trust him.

I looked around seeing if he's. I could spot a meal, but the area was quiet and dark. The chill ran down my spine. It felt eerie. I never had that feeling before. Outside that one stormy night. But now, I was thinking about Mike's stories. Another shiver.

As I headed for the trail, I looked up at my tower, the dark cabin reflecting the faint moonlight. Cloud slowly moved in front of the moon, but just enough light was available that I didn't need my flashlight. The trail wasn't as covered here, and it only took ten minutes before I could see the field and helicopter over the nearest hill. But then I froze. Something was in the woods to my left. Before I could even locate the source of the noise, I was grabbed from behind. I dragged into the woods.

Don't touch me. Come on. How many times do I have to say it? The same amount of times I have to. He pounced on me again. Get off! He was fucking. high. This is bullshit. Is it?

I told you I'm not perfect. But a fucking prostitute? Prostitute. I noticed the confusion, and that's when I piece things together. The time, the phone call, the abundance of questions earlier? And it took a step to the side to peer into the living room. Yep, suspicions confirmed. The topless woman in the lacy underwear and heels was not a hooker.

I'm leaving. Let's talk more You're busy I want to talk You owe me I owe you Are you insane Then at least let me finish

What I was going to say I'm not perfect You knew this But can you really complain What does that mean How am I giving you Everything you needed Not everything

I grabbed my purse and bag See What That's all you have It's all I need Where will you go You don't have money, you don't have a place to stay, you don't have any friends, and your family won't take you in. I don't care! I can't stay here another night watching you get high and make poor decisions.

You walk out, that'll be the poorest decision. No, staying here will be. I'll wait for your call. But he would be waiting for a long time. He was right about me not having any money and not being able to call my family. But I would rather sleep on the sidewalk or on a park. archbench than be with him one more night. As I waited for the elevator, I heard the apartment door open.

I spun around to see him standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall. Hey, Amber, you're making a big mistake. I got in the elevator and took one more look at the rich, pathetic asshole leaning against the wall, smirking. You won't ever meet anyone like me. I can promise you that. Good. Thank you. Good? Yeah.

I didn't know what happened to you. Uh, what did happen to you? I think I should be the one asking the questions now. Mike had dragged me into the woods, and now we were standing in a small area of bushes that was reached by a thin stream of moonlight. Just above us, an owl swiveling its head, keeping close watch of our movements. Amber. What the fuck?

I knew it. I fucking knew it. I knew what, Mike? I knew you were helping them. That's... That's... What? Not true?

Don't fucking lie. So, so what? Are you guys a thing? Are you guys fucking dating? Married? But I didn't answer. I saw him kiss you. Enough is enough.

A branch cracked not far from us, causing Mike to jump. He was on edge, constantly looking around. Mike, Gene is waiting for me. I know. I've been watching. Listening. His hair was disheveled and clumped with dirt and twigs. It looked like he had new scratches on his cheek and arms. Did you really stop that guy?

They're after me, Amber. Those guys aren't cops. I know. Of course you do. You always have. That's not true. Bullshit! Mike, I have a job here. Everything you described, I... Don't hurt yourself.

You don't understand. No. I don't. And I'm big enough to admit that. Some bushes shook not far from us, and Mike once again startled, crouched and looked in the general direction of the noise. God damn it. Mike, I know I haven't been completely honest, okay?

That's true, but... If you think I know... I do. I mean, fucking hell, Amber. I confided in you. I told you everything. And you sat there, munching banana chips, and sipping coffee like you were my friend. I am. You're not. And you never were. Hey, Amber? Gene's going to come looking for me if I don't start walking to that helicopter.

Just tell me. Why? We don't have time. Then tell me quickly. I felt myself getting slightly choked up. I felt so bad for this man. Maybe we didn't know each other that well, but I felt like I knew him well enough.

And here he was, mad that I'd been lying to him all this time. And I couldn't blame him. I hated being in this position. I'd been in his shoes plenty of times before. Well? Amber, are you okay? He's coming this way. Mike pounced, grabbed my arms, and shook once hard.

Just tell me, What's going on here? I don't know. His mouth twisted as he looked away. He nodded slightly and loosened his grip. He walked to the edge of the moonlight, half his body now in shadow. Mike, he turned towards me, only half his face visible. My job here was to keep you company.

Well, you succeeded. I don't think I have. I'm sorry. Amber! Tell me something. What? Did you ever tell me the truth? Yes.

But not always. No. Not always. My name is Amber, though. But there was no smile. Everything I told you is the truth. Everything I said about what I saw and what I heard out there. Every story from my past.

I know. I believe you. Amber! Jean was close now, on the trail. I have to go. Where? What? Where will you go?

I have to get out of here. They're after me. I nodded, agreeing with him. I may not understand much, but I did understand his worry. Head to the highway. Okay. Do you know the way? He shook his head.

Do you have anything? Food? Water? Protection? He held up his empty hands. Palms up. I have nothing. He locked eyes a moment. I didn't know what to say.

Amber! The owl above swooped down just over our heads, before weaving through the trees and disappearing into the darkness. Jean was close. I saw as late. The beam bouncing up and down until he stopped and started shining it through the woods, making the shadows of the trees grow and dance. Goodbye, Amber.

I've disappeared into the dancing shadows. My heart sank. The beam of the flashlight got closer. Amber, are you in there? I was so confused. What do I do? I looked towards the trail, towards Jean, then back to the woods, towards the direction in which Mike ran off.

Back and forth, back and forth, frozen with indecision. Amber? Amber. Amber, Earth to Amber. Sorry. Was I zoning out again? Look like you're kind of far away from here. Sorry about that.

Just thinking. About what I said? Uh, no. What did you say? When the hell did you zone out? After we ordered drinks? No, no. We were talking about the differences between small town life in Austin. Right, and you said that you were looking for something different.

Although you wanted to really go to a beach town, possibly Florida somewhere. Yeah, but I don't have money, so that's a pipe dream. It's not. If you just... What, save up? I've tried. It's my fault for working so many charity events and offering up my time. I haven't focused on me. But you can do that now. Or I can move to Wyoming where Gene says there's a job just waiting for me.

But then you'll have to deal with Gene. Won't he be your boss? Yes, but I'll be a fire lookout. You really want that solitary life? I can't afford anything. anything else. I motioned to the plate in front of me, with most of the food already gone. We were out of fancy restaurant downtown. Ace offered to pay, although I told him I just wanted quality time to talk. We could have easily gone to McDonald's, but he insisted on somewhere nice.

What are you going to do in the off-season? I don't know. Girl, are you really considering getting back together with Gene? You told me he cheated on you multiple times. He said he's changed. Change my ass. Trevor said the same shit. East, I'm not going to get back together with him. Well, you said you've been talking to him on and off. But it's just talking. It's been going on for a long time now.

Ever since you left me alone in the jazz club. Man, so all this is my fault. It's no one's fault. I wanted something different. This is different. It's not a beach, but it's the woods. And I love nature. You know that.

I'll be surrounded by it. And yes, I'll have a bit. to talk to Jean at times, but for the most part, I'll be alone. Until he catches you off guard in the off season, swoops in with a pickup line. He sipped his mixed drink and smirked. Where do you even plan to stay when you get up there? Don't tell me Gene's place. A motel.

Uh-huh. I'm not going to live with Gene. His mouth twisted as he rolled his eyes. It's the truth. Well, it seems like you already have your mind made up. But I don't. I haven't given him an answer yet. When do you have to?

Next weekend. Listen, girl, you know I'm going to support you no matter what. Thank you. But really think about your decision. Because I make so many poor ones. When it comes to guys, yeah. And I do think Gene is dangling this job and this idea of being alone in nature as a sort of carrot. Which makes me an ass?

You said it, not me. This time, it was me who sipped my drinking smart. Maybe Ace was right. Maybe I wasn't thinking this whole thing through. Listen, just do what you feel is right for you. I know. And remember, you don't owe Gene anything. Just like you didn't owe Trevor anything.

Or hell, any other guy out there who expects a certain kind of woman to put up with a certain kind of bullshit. You deserve to focus on yourself. You deserve a guy you can trust. Amber? Did Gene see me? The flashlight beam was moving slowly now and bouncing shadows all over me in the small, clearing of bushes. Amber, are you in there?

I faced the trail in light and look back to the woods, then back to the light, then back to the woods. Could I trust Mike? I don't know, but I knew I couldn't trust Jean. This probably wasn't a smart idea, but you've made many bad decisions in the past, Amber. Why try to mix things up now? Amber? The light fully encompassed me now, causing me to squint.

Gene had to have seen me. Regardless, I quickly spun around and ran after my... Amber! No! I'm going to be able to be. I'm going to be. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to

the same. Thank you. What the hell was I doing? Putting all my trust into someone I barely knew who I just saw for the first time today? Mike? But I couldn't see him now. I was running aimlessly. Thoughts of the past month.

flashed in my mind. All of mine and Mike's conversations, I felt like I had a whole new understanding. But did I? Or was I just trying to trick myself into believing? Mike! Where are you? Mike? How are we feeling this morning? I'm okay. Good, I'm glad. If I knew you were such a lightweight, I wouldn't have left you so much.

Yeah. I thought about the couple days after he ditched me, how he threatened to leave and how I was worried he would. So I masked my feelings of disappointment and hurt and just tried to talk to him like everything was normal. Hey, Amber, what were you doing it for in the morning? Um, what? What were you doing it for in the morning?

I saw your light was on. But of course things weren't normal with him. You lied to him constantly, Amber. Geez, stalker. What were you doing? Watching me all night? No, I woke up around then. Bad dream.

I think those are known as nightmares. And sorry to hear that. Same stuff as before. No. Not this time. Oh. So, what were you doing? Well, if you must know, I was going to the bathroom.

I, unlike you, cannot piss for my tower. I mean, I can, but it's not easy. Oh. Satisfied? Sorry, I just was curious. Of course he was. I remember just talking about meaningful coincidences. And now, more than ever before, I believed in it.

Mike? Mike! Where the hell is? What was he? Hey Amber. Uh, yeah, Mikey? Thought you were taking a nap? Need me to sing you to sleep?

Please, no. What's up? If you had a dream about a certain, let's say, event, then something happened in your real life that had to do with your dream. Would that mean anything to you? Ooh, a riddle. I love riddles. Is this like the female doctor one?

Or did the icicle melt? I'm serious. Young? Young. The day he got back from the supply drop, things got deep. I remember thinking to myself that I should be taking notes, but I didn't. Instead, I watched my bowl of ravioli spin in the microwave as I talked to him about his ex and his ex. dad. You know, maybe I don't always get your references, but you never seem to get mine,

and mine are way easier. The way you present them. What the heck does that mean? Like, I'm already in on the joke. Too subtle. Okay, sorry. I'll work on that. Anyway, Sarah, she always liked to chat about meaningful coincidences. Always wanted to find more of a purpose to living, or... I don't know. Maybe that's not the right.

analysis. She always wanted to find a purpose to this world. There, maybe that's better. Don't a lot of people? I guess? I think so. Finding purpose is important. I may not be religious, but I understand why a lot of people are. I remembered grabbing the bowl by the very top and taking it to the table, a clear spot beside the puzzle. But is it about finding purpose or coping with the way things are? Well, coping with the way things are or with certain events can help a person find their purpose. A way to push forward?

Yeah. I remember staring at the puzzle, imagining myself on the beach. I always wanted to find my purpose, but never felt I could. You're right. This stuff is deep. Oh, no. This is just barely scratching the surface. Wasn't that the truth? Things got deeper than that when he mentioned his father walking out. Holy shit.

I tripped and almost fell over a huge cliff. Jesus Christ, Amber. Focus on where you're going. I let go of the near tree and took a step back. I had to be far enough away from the trail in my tower now. So it was time to take out my flashlight. I ran the beam along the cliff's edge until I saw the land descend. I kind of knew where I was.

I think. Mike? Mike! Mike! I tried to focus on the here and now. on the here and now, but it didn't take long before I was drifting off again. Mike, come on, don't ignore me. Part of me wished that I could have been with Mike in Tower 4.

Not in a romantic sense, but to just see what he was up to time to time. Mike, I got a question for you. Yeah, copy. Hey, what's up? What's up? Like the time Gene was so adamant about me checking up on him? Yeah, what are you up to? Mike?

Oh, sorry, nothing, just working on my book. But Gene didn't buy that. And I guess he had reason not to believe. Because not long after, Mike changed his mind. Was? Does that mean you've decided against leaving again? Yeah. I'm gonna stay.

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? Because I don't want to end up like Jerry. But that never made sense to me.

If he was so unhappy, why wouldn't he want to leave? Amber, you dumbass, because he thought that random guy with the weird arm in hand was Jerry. I was slowly piecing everything together. All of our conversations with all the new information Mike gave while we sat across from each other at the fire pit earlier. It made me feel bad about the fire. Some of our conversations not long ago, where I pushed him to talk. Why would you push at all? It's my personality.

Plus, it's obvious you 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. I remembered one day, while working on my puzzle and talking about my shitty engagement to Trevor, how I thought maybe Mike was bipolar. So what?

So you're obviously not happy With this place on my past And that was true Okay, but you're dealing with shit And you're not opening up I have to pry and pry You're not my therapist That was true too

And it made me feel bad about pressing so hard about his past 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 friend, writer's block. Should I go on?

I thought that's what you wanted from me. Why would I want that? Depressing life stories, remember? And he had plenty. But so do you. you, Amber. Mike! Where are you? If I couldn't find him, I was really screwed. Oh, shit. I heard a helicopter. Was that Jean leaving? I walked out from under the canopy of the tall pines and furs to the rock ledge and looked up. There it was.

like a ranger helicopter. It headed north over a section of canyon, then trees and mountains. Well, I made my decision. I made my choice. There was no going back now. I took a moment to sit, overlooking the forest. The rock ledge wasn't so steep here, so I hung my legs over and wondered if I made the right decision. But I was exhausted now, and Mikey wasn't anywhere. I hoped he was okay.

Again, my mind started drifting to past conversations, like the one about flushing out his characters. I'll definitely be back, but now it's important to go deeper into Jason's backstory. The character needs more flushing out. Does that mean flashbacks? Because you're planning on doing this in a later chapter? I mean, we've already met Jason. Sure, yeah. Will there be time jumps?

There has to be. Remember, he doesn't see Skylar again because he's just much older. I loved when we talked about his book. And I loved when he asked me my advice and my opinions. But that's not a time jump, right? I thought that was going to be gradual. Yeah, you're right, it will be, but I think flashbacks are necessary. Think you'll do them for Olivia?

Nah, I don't Can I ask why? Because she's not the main character of the story. Oh man, if only he knew what I was trying to do with that conversation. Listing it to fit my narrative. But that's what I wanted to do. Explain more. I shouldn't have kept the gene stuff a secret.

not when he showed up at my tower I was dumb and not a way to build trust especially after he confided in you I heard movement behind me Hello Mike I did a quick sweep with the flashlight

but saw nothing Mike? Mike, if you're there, please come out. I'm here to help. That wasn't a lie. There would be no more lies. No more fibs, no more half-truths, no more secrets. Mikey?

Yeah. I just want you to know I haven't forgotten. About what? About everything you've told me? I know there's been this disconnect between us lately, but we still have several more months together. What does that mean? It just means I haven't forgotten. The classical music, the bulldozing, the mystery combo, all of it.

That was the first moment that I realized. I wasn't happy with what I was doing anymore. I was always unsure before. Even with Mikey, I told him what I thought he wanted to hear. But not then. Not a few nights ago. I actually believe you.

You didn't before? Because the woods played tricks on people, okay? We went over this, Mike. Right, but now I'm wondering if the credibility was backed by anything other than your worry for my answer. Wow. You think you're pretty important, huh? You want me to stay. It doesn't mean you have to be cocky about it, and it also doesn't mean it has anything to do with what we've talked about.

Maybe you don't remember, but I was helping you with the caches before you're drunk in night. No, no, I remember. So you can assume all you want, Mike, but I do think you are witnessing some strange occurrences. But it's hard to judge so far away, you know? But I still believe you. To an extent. that? Sure, to an extent, but it's like what we talked about earlier. Perspective. Maybe some of the stuff he had been experiencing couldn't easily be explained, but I was willing to give him that

chance. The company obviously had their secrets, and so did Gene. He knew sometime within the next month or so I would try to set up another meeting with Mike. I wanted to see him. I wanted to talk to him in person. What are you doing right now? Working on my puzzle. You still haven't finished that thing? Did you miss where I told you it was 5,000 pieces? How far are you?

Oh man, I'm almost done. There's this dark blue and black section that's being a pain in the ass. But I think I might be able to get it done today or tomorrow. Just gotta focus. What a momentous occasion. I plan on celebrating when it's done. Not with vodka, I hope. No. No more drinking for a while.

Same. I remember wanting to mention another meetup then. But with the way things had been, I held back. It wasn't the time yet. But I remember Gene asking me about it later that night. You're not planning on meeting up with him again. are you? I never met up with him the first time, Gene.

But you tried. Relax. I'm not going to. Why would you even ask? Because the way you're talking. To him or you? Amber, I'm serious. You can't do it. Sometimes it felt like Jean was reading my mind. I'm not going to. He seems to be okay right now. All right, but he can be unpredictable. It's not safe. That's why I'm so adamant.

You really think he's a danger. I think he's capable of being erratic. Aren't we all? I'm your boss, Amber, and I'm telling you to stay away. There was that tone. I hated it. But also, I hated lying. Until this job, I always tried to be an honest person.

But here I was, every year with a new backstory. A bunch of new lies. And while Gene deserved it, I didn't feel right lying to him either. Mike! Mike! I heard more noises. I heard more noises. But as I searched the woods, I thought about that night Gene threw a superior position at me.

Gene was feeling threatened by mine and Mike's bonding. But it wasn't until the next night that truly got me seething. What do you want from me? Where is he? How the hell should I know? I've been calling. Have you? Yes. Maybe he went to bed early.

What's with a third degree? Because there's a fire, and come on, he slipped through those tremors. I don't know. I'll try calling again, but there's only so much I can do. Just keep at it and call me back. I remembered being a little jittery after the tremors. Mike, you copy? It took more than a few tries, but eventually, he did respond. was shocked by the fire, but not so much about the tremors. I found that odd, but not as odd as

the way he was acting. Mikey, I know I say this a lot, but are you okay? Amber, I... What the hell? Mikey, were you going to say something? One second. But I waited longer than a second. Where was he? There's a weird noise in the background when he talked. Mike, what's going on?

I gave him some more time. Mike, where are you? Is something wrong? What's going on? This job could run. really be a headache sometimes. I tried contacting Mike every 10 or so minutes. I got nothing. I then contacted Gene to inform him, and that's when things got heated between us.

What do you mean he wasn't shocked by the tremors? I don't know. He wasn't? He didn't see the fire? No. That he was shocked about. Hmm. What, Gene? Nothing. Just something seems off, though. Off with Mike.

Mikey? Jesus Christ, can you stop already? What? Mikey? Sorry. It's not like I'm doing that to fuck with you. Sure. I'm not that spiteful.

Well, just give it a rest and be a little more professional. Seriously? Yes, I'm serious. You're taking this shit too far, and if you ruin this for us... And how the hell would I do that? But now I knew, as I continued my trek through the dark, woods. To think, that flight was just last night. It went on for a while, too. He laid into me all over the radio until I finally cut him off and changed channels. I remember having to calm

myself before contacting Mike. I started all friendly, making a reference to cheers, then somehow things got heated between us. And I felt bad because I was forced to lie to Mike Moore. And he knew because he called me a liar. It wasn't right for me to get defensive, but I did at first. Then again, I forced myself to calm. And that was when I realized enough was enough. I remember staring at his tower, realizing I didn't really want to do this anymore.

Hey, if you want to leave, I totally understand. And if you think that I have some evil plan to make you stay. I don't. I just want you to be happy. So if this job isn't working out for you, then go, Mike. Seriously, I won't be upset. And Gene, well, Gene can take over for Tower 4. Or hell, I can.

And then Gene can take three. What I'm trying to say is that things would get worked out if you left. It's fine. If things are really bad for you, then go. When Jerry left, we figured things out, we can do the same with you. Don't do anything you don't want to do. And I meant it. All of it.

Although I had no idea how Jean would react. Or the company. But whatever their purpose for Mike, it wasn't important enough to drag this guy down anymore. And if they let Jerry go early, they could do the same for Mike, for his mental well-being. My whole life has been doing things I don't want to do. I was actually surprised he responded. But we ended up talking more. The whole time I stared out at his dark tower.

And it wasn't until he mentioned his therapist in the airplane analogy. And I realized how much him and I needed each other. Maybe it was some stupid Nicholas Sparks' romantic fantasy bullshit. But it made sense to me. I've spent a large portion of my life trying to help others even when I was just as broken or as lost as they were, sometimes worse. Coming out here and working on my book was supposed to be a new beginning, and when things got weird, I focused on that instead. And when things got... Too weird?

Sure. When things got too weird, I wanted to leave, but I didn't. And why is that? Because of Jean? Because of me? I wanted him to say it was because of me, but he didn't. Partly, but also because of Jerry. What did he mean by that? Um, what? Is this like some weird connection you and Jerry share with the tower? Um, Mike?

Mike. Mike? Mike! The Jerry connection didn't make sense until he showed up on my tower today. Granted, that wasn't Jerry, but Mike thought it was. I didn't get much sleep last night, and that was because I was worried about his abrupt disappearance during our conversation. I ended up staying and working on the puzzle just waiting for him to respond to me. And I finally finished the puzzle.

I tried calling him to tell him the happy news. He still didn't respond And for good reason Please, Mike Please All the stuff he told me All the stuff he went through I remembered wanting to tell him everything I knew

But instead I held back But I also didn't mention anything to Jean And I didn't call Gene when Mike fainted Not that it mattered now he still didn't trust me. I swung the beam of light to my right, but again saw nothing.

And that's when I remembered his description of the bunker in the field and the people. Them. Oh, shit. All that stuff was true, right? And here I was, in the middle of the woods. Alone. Is anyone there?

I made my way through a small clearing and around the boulder. More trees, bushes, and tall grass. And more movement. Hello? I was starting to hear movement to my left and right. Okay. Screw this. I hurried through some thick grass, swiping the flashlight from side to side, checking my surroundings.

I heard more movement. It sounded like the faint sound of footsteps. All I could think about now was Mike's horrific story of a man getting his face bashed in. I started running. There was another open area ahead of me. That's where I needed to get to. It was too dark here. I ran for the field, hearing more movement to my side.

Someone was following me. I ran harder. Almost there. Almost there. Suddenly, I was struck in the back of the head. I saw stars as I hit the ground and rolled along leaves and grass. You son of a bitch That's what you get you

Oh shit It was hard to focus I was in a daze I felt a boot under my stomach It lifted and pushed me over Now I was staring in a blurry night sky Oh god damn it Are you fucking kidding me

What? Fisher, you copy? Oh. Go ahead. Hey, we got an issue here. You find him? No, but I thought I did. I thought he was chasing me.

Him or a damn rat. But it turns out it's the girl. What girl? The Tower 3 girl? Three? Yeah. What the fuck is she doing out here? Hello?

Hello? She ran off after Mike. That was the last word from base. Well, I hit her on the back of the head with a damn rock. She's still alive? Yeah. What the hell was going on? I was trying my best to focus, but I couldn't.

Oh. How bad is she? I don't know. She's rolling around in pain. Hey. Hey. Hey. You with me?

Yeah, I am here. She's pretty out of it. What do I do? Hold on, let me make a call. Stay on this channel. All right. I was finally able to force my eyes open all the way. But I was still seeing stars and not the ones in the night sky.

Hey, I didn't mean to, you know, you came running up. What did you expect? I didn't... You did. You most certainly did. Jesus! Just came out of nowhere! Thought you were Mike or one of those creepy fuchs.

I... I didn't... I wasn't sure what I was saying. But eventually, I was able to roll onto my side and reached up to touch my head. I felt wetness. and matted hair? Did he say he hit me with a rock? Marla.

Yeah, go ahead. How's she looking? She seems to be coming too. But damn it if I didn't hit her heart. All right. Well, I called it in and, uh, they said to, um, take care of her. What? I thought we weren't to kill any...

I thought we weren't supposed to. Well, you know... It's what I was told. Take care of her. She's going after Mike. She left her post, disobeyed orders. Does the Ranger know? Arlo, I'm telling you what they told me.

God damn it. Are you serious? I could now make out the things that were being said. I didn't want to believe them. No. She's a liability. Get it done. Kid it, done.

We'll run out. Oh, shit. I rolled fully onto my back as the stars slowed and my vision came back. I could see the dark figure standing there in the tall grass shaking his head. Oh, fucking hell. I couldn't form the words. I couldn't scream. What the hell was this?

Did I just hear that right? I'm sorry. Oh shit. Oh shit. I was an intense pain in trying to crawl back, even though there was no where to crawl back too. The man approached and pulled a gun from his waistband. No. The police.

I'm sorry about this. How could they do this? The man aimed the gun at my head. I tried to scream, but nothing came out. So instead, I just closed my eyes and went to my happy place. Tower 4, written and edited by Robert M. Lamb, starring Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber, and Brian Messick as Gene. Co-starring, Corey Pettettit, Nick Keeney, Austin Medlin, Hacta, Bonesy Rather, Jarvis Bailey, Zillong Zoe, Clifton Smith, and Stephen Rhodes. Music provided by Taco at soundcloud.com slash made by taco.

Additional tracks from pawn5.com and artless.io. And Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash Wilkins MusicFL. if you enjoy tower four visit seven lamb.com for more podcasts such as this one don't forget to rate and review and follow us on facebook instagram and twitter at seven lamb podcasts and we want to give a special thank you to everyone who has donated via our website or on patreon we wouldn't be able to do this without you so from everyone here at seven lamb thank you This has been a seven lamb production.