Tower 4 - S3E8: The Couples

Episode Date: June 17, 2024

Mike and Amber meet a hiking couple and decide to travel with them in the hopes of having transport to the nearest town. But can they trust the couple..?Music provided by:Taako @ Soundcloud.com/madebyTaakoAdditional tracks from various artists @ Pond5.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everyone, if you're enjoying the podcast, don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X at Seven Lamb Podcasts. Seven Lamb Productions presents Tower 4. Season 3, episode 8, The Couples. I stood. My hands hovering over my gun. The figure on the rocks moved out of the shadows, revealing a hairy-faced but fit build. The man smiled through his beard and brushed his long hair from his eyes.

Hey there! Hello? The man lifted his shoulders, shifting a large hiking pack behind him. sleeping bag flopped onto his head until he knocked it back with a quick jerk. Let me guess. You're heading to the highway? Amber and I shared a look, which caused the man's smile to slowly fade. Yeah. Us too!

Us? I heard movement to our left. I gripped the gun, ready to pull it. Oh, hi! A woman walked out of the woods, snapping her button on her pants. She also carried a colorful hiking backpack. I, uh, didn't realize anyone was over here. Probably would have went a little further to release myself.

I forced to smile, and so did Amber. Are you too worried about the fire? That's what's got us in a hurry. I was just going to ask that. Amber took a step forward and brought her hands in front of her. Yeah, we've been Russian ever since we heard the alert. Us too. Never heard anything like it. They flew right overhead.

We figured we'd get a text, but you know how I can be out here. Oh, yeah. The couple came down the creek toward us. I quickly moved my hand away from my gun and pulled down my shirt so it was concealed. We only stopped here to rest of a moment since we've been hiking all day. Along the creek. But when they got about ten feet from us, they stopped. I could see in their eyes that they were confused about our appearances.

Scratches and bruises on my face and arms. Amber's bandaged head, the fact that only Amber carried a backpack, which wasn't very full. Are you guys all right? Amber looked to me. Concerned. Then back to the couple. We've, uh, had some troubles. Oh?

We were in a car accident south of here. Oh, my God. Off the highway? No, um, one of the side roads. This is our first time out here. And, well, our fault for deciding to come out just before nightfall. Ended up hitting a deer and veering right off the road. Jesus.

So, yeah, we're, uh, pretty beat up. We were trying to get to the ranger station, but, um, I've lost the map, something my boyfriend won't let me forget. She shot me a dirty look. Oh, man, time to act. Yeah, well, we should have just stuck to the road and made our way back to the highway. Like I said, hours ago. Yeah, the Ranger Station, you're pretty far from that. Yeah, that's past site three, right, babe?

Oh, it's way up there. Really? I thought it was right off one of the trails that crossed the creek. No, no, no. It's far. Well, now without a map And our inability to use this damn compass She smacked the zipper, playfully irritated, then slid her backpack on It's a little embarrassing to admit, but we're kind of lost I mean, we've been following the creek for a while now, but nothing

Oh wow, yeah You should have headed back towards a highway, I'm sure someone would have helped you there Somebody definitely would have picked you up and driven you into town And I'm sure you've tried your phone? Amber took her phone out of her pocket, spun it around in her hands, and frustratingly tapped the screen twice. It's dead. I told you to charge it.

What does it matter? Haven't had signals since we left Du Bois. Still. And what about your phone? She put her hand on her hit. I didn't say anything. Exactly. He lost his in Du Bois.

We should have known by that time that this trip was fucked. Oh, sorry for the language. It's totally fine. I don't normally curse, but we've had a hell of a time. Oh, yeah, I bet. We're pretty close to one of the trails. We are? Amber actually seemed genuinely surprised about that.

Yeah, just about a mile up that way. He motioned up the creek. Mm-hmm, you were on the right track by following the creek. You would have hit a trail eventually, but not the ranger station. No. We've been sticking close to the creek. We just stopped to get some more water, relax a bit, and... pee.

You're welcome to walk with us And we could give you a ride into town Bingo That would be awesome Thank you Oh, of course But we need to get moving with that fire out there We don't want to get caught in it

Are you guys parked right off the highway? Oh yeah, not far from the trailhead In one of those small gravel locks Great, that'll help us out so much By the way, the name's Leroy and this is Carrie We alternated shaking hands I'm Amber and this is Mike Nice to meet you

After introductions, we stood there for a good ten seconds, awkwardly. So, you guys ready? Nope, wait, I haven't refilled my bottle. Hurry up, Kerr. Actually, do you mind giving us just two minutes so I can change out my bandage? She rubbed her head. I got a nasty cut on the back of my head. Of course.

We'll be up there by that big rock when you're ready. Sounds good. Leroy and Carrie walked up the creek as Amber knelt down and then zipped her backpack She grabbed my wrist and pulled me down so I knelt beside her But the whole time I kept focused on a couple What do you think? What do you mean?

You kind of took the reins there? You think it was a bad move? I don't know They seem trustworthy enough No offense, but I don't trust anyone or anything in these freaking woods I know, but I thought it might be a good way to get a ride once hitting the highway. Think about it. If the highway is watched, they may be our best way out.

They're not the watchers. Amber joined me and staring at the couple. Carrie was bending down, gathering water into a large blue bottle. They could be. So, do we take that chance? What do you mean? I think we've already decided. Are you upset with me?

No, I had nothing, but I can't help but be skeptical of everyone. I know. Just then, Leroy looked over. Catch him a staring. Shh, tear some strips. Amber tossed a shirt to me. Think he caught us? Yeah, so let's be a little less conspicuous.

Right. Dang it. Can't get it. Hold on. I look for a sharp rock. What happened to your other shirt? Couldn't find it. You okay with me ripping this one?

I don't give a shit, Mike. I found a rock that looked suitable and stretched the shirt to make it easier to tear through. You know? We have gauze. Uh, it's okay. This shirt's ripped anyway. Leroy nodded and turned back to Carrie. Lier.

She smiled and shrugged. Mike, would they really have all this equipment if they were lying? Aaron did. When he was Kyle, he looked like a hiker, backpack and everything. And trust me, I lost my cool when I went through it all. So yes, they could just be looking the park. Okay. I finished tearing too long street.

as Amber removed her old bandage. They're up there talking. Yeah, I see. You think they're suspicious of us? Your story seems somewhat believable. I was trying my best to come up with something. She lifted her hair as I scooted closer. My lies made me look like a dumbass, though.

You mean because heading to the ranger station wasn't a good idea? Hell no. Why the hell wouldn't we just head back to the highway to flag down a car? Good point. I never was good at improv. No? We locked eyes. I could tell she knew what I was getting at.

Okay, it's a little different when I'm not put on the spot. It comes naturally then? Yeah. Let's just hope they don't ask too many questions about our accident. Yeah, and don't worry. It makes me look dumb too because I followed you. I took a moment to look again at the couple. Carrie had put away her water bottle and now they were just standing there,

chatting and waiting for us. If they do ask more questions, keep it simple. Kiss. Kiss? Keep it simple, stupid. Oh, right. What did you think I meant? Nothing.

But she looked over her shoulder at me and smiled ever so slightly. You know, Mike. We might have to. After what? Kiss. She motioned to the couple with a slight head nod. Leroy and Carrie shared a quick peck and leaned against each other. You know, to play the park.

No, I know. We sat in an awkward silence as I finished wrapping her head. I do plan to ask them a few more questions, though. Just to see. Okay, but don't push. If they are telling the truth, we could be in Du Bois or Jackson within a few hours, Mike. Talking to the police. I'm not getting my hopes up, and you shouldn't either.

You're right. Sorry. No need to apologize, but even if they are telling the truth, we don't know what's waiting for us on the highway. you're all done how'd it look not bad but when we get to town you should see a doctor okay you're ready wait i don't trust anyone out here but i think you made the right choice with the story and asking for help you know the way to the highway you know the trails so you'll know if what they say is true you'll know if they're leading us the right way i will so if you see anything odd let me know And if they aren't who they say they are, what will we do then?

Same as we did here. We'll improvise. I put an extra clip in your bag just in case. You mean magazine? Sure, whatever it's called. You have an extra one now. I can't hurt anyone, Mike. I don't think I could pull the trigger even if I had to.

I didn't think so either. But I'm glad I did. She forced to smile. Hey, uh, we should really get going. Sorry. We're ready. Thank you. Twenty minutes later, we were on the trail heading towards the highway.

Couldn't believe we were so close to wind walk, but Amber did say we couldn't cut diagonally because of the terrain. And you've been out here for four days? Amber continued to question the couple while I walked behind everyone, keeping my eye on our surroundings. Yep, we were planning on a full week, but once a helicopters came through with that announcement, We knew things were serious. And you've been here before. Oh, yeah. How many times, Lee?

Shit, I don't know. Five or six? Yeah, all over, too. That's why we know where the Ranger Station is. You guys are way too far to reach that. Highway is definitely the best option. This is your first time out here? Yeah.

But you only brought one back? How long did you plan to hike for? Just a couple days. I heard there were some really nice scenic spots. We, uh, brought two bags, but Mikey left his behind. He felt there wasn't any need to bring it, although that was because I thought the Ranger's station was closer. Oh. Were they buying this?

Hopefully. It was a pretty bad crash, huh? Leroy was looking back at me. Oh, uh, yeah, it was. What road did you say you were on again? Shoot, I don't remember the name. 117? She looked over at me for confirmation.

I don't remember. You were the navigator. Of course. We took it because we were looking for a good place to park. I thought there was a trailhead around there, too. I don't remember any dirt or gravel roads around here. Oh, well, it's not too far. The only intersection I know of is where 26 meets 191, but that's way south, by Jackson Lake.

Oh, Lee, there's definitely smaller roads. On this side of the highway? I think so, yeah. This far up? I don't know, but definitely by the two lakes. Jackson Lake. No, the lake's on this side. Oh, okay. I never noticed, I guess.

I know there are roads down by the campground and university, but that's closer to 26, and they're not small little side roads. This one was definitely smaller. Maybe even a private road, but it was on the map. Mikey here should have been driving slower. I wasn't driving that far. fast. I'm just messing around, babe.

She stopped, turned, kissed me on the lips. It was quick, but I was taken aback. I'm not blaming you. It was both our faults. He continued walking, but I couldn't help but think about the feeling that kiss just gave me. We hear about people hitting you all the time. Nasty, nasty accidents.

We veered right into a ditch. The car almost rolled. Oh, wow. So, where did you two end up hiking? We heard of some spots along a Windwalk Trail. This is Wind Walk. This is? Amber was really laying it on thick.

I had to force myself to not roll my eyes. Yeah, Wind Walk goes all the way to... What is it, Leroy? Shoot, I don't remember. Shoshone? Here. Carrie pulled out a map. Here you are. She handed it to Amber, who looked it over.

There was something funny about the way Amber acted, pretending not to know a thing about these woods. Hmm. This map is different than the one we had. Alright look, see this? This is a trail we're on. See? Not too much further to the highway. Bull. It's like what? Ten more miles? No, I'd say five, maybe six. Big difference. Saves us an hour. Yeah, well, an hour ago we saw some smoke. Did you guys see it?

No. Just heard the alert be a helicopter. We even tried to flag them down, but they didn't see us. Too much tree cover. Yeah. I'm hoping they can get it under control quickly. Oh, no. Oh, it makes me so sad. Can you imagine all of this burning?

Ugh. What breaks my heart thinking about all the animals? Me too. That actually seemed genuine. It seems like they're taking it seriously, though. Leroy, who was walking in front, look back. Our eyes met. I didn't know if it was just because I was skeptical, but I noticed he kept giving me weird looks.

Was it because he was skeptical of us, too? Was I not conversing enough for his liking? I decided to jump in. Sad that you guys had to cut your trip short because of the fire. That wasn't the start of it. What do you mean? Carrie looked to me with a saddened face. Last night we had our stuff stolen from our little camp.

Really? Yeah. Freaking jerks. They took some of our cooking equipment, some food, my LED lamp, and, ugh, what else? They took your knife, too. Yeah, my knife. Can open her and some other little stuff I left outside the tent. They took some of our clothes, too.

Oh, yeah. My long-sleeve clay shirt that said, Hiker Babe, left it outside to dry, and they took it. No, I was super intrigued. Did you see him do it? Carrie said she did. I didn't say I saw them steal our stuff. I said I saw them run off. There were two of them, but I didn't get a good look.

It was dark. One of them had long hair, maybe a woman. That's all I know. Well, it wasn't us. Oh, no, I know that. Your backpack would be a lot bulkier if you had all our stuff. But who does that? Seriously.

I told you, maybe they're homeless. Homeless people don't live in the woods. Oh, they can, if they're hermits or something. Jerry's cave came to mind. Well, that sucks. Right? Oh, tell me about it. That and then the fires, and we were like, nope, that's it.

Time to go. And we normally spend, like, a whole week out here. That seems like a lot, no? Oh, we love it, don't we, Lee? Oh, yeah. We have to camp out by the creek. It intersects with several drills. See, I remembered that.

Told you, babe. She turned and smiled at me. That's why I thought we'd be good following it up. Makes sense. Did it, or was she just being nice? But we also travel other places, too. We're always heading up different spots. I mean, we like Yellowstone, but they're just so busy nowadays, you know?

Oh, they better hope that fire doesn't head north. Can you imagine? They'll take care of it before it gets to any of those sites up there. Did you know they still have lookout towers here? Amber and I glanced at each other. I saw our bite her lip trying to stifle a chuckle. Really? Like fire lookout towers? Yeah. It's probably how they spotted the fire and why they're warning everybody. Seems like they're useful then.

I'm sure. We've walked by a couple of them out here before. We heard a certain area of the forest was closed. Did she really just say that? Yeah. Yeah, I think it's past Shoshone. It is. There used to be another camping site, over that way. And Lake. That's right.

I'm not sure why it shut down, but we never go that way anyway. It's been shut down for like five years, right? Maybe more. That long? That seemed like a genuine question from Amber. I too was intrigued. I remember Amber mentioning it getting taken off the map. I think they had some issues with the trails.

Maybe even a bear attack. Oh, stop. He's messing around. It wasn't a bear attack. How do you know, Carrie? It could have been. It would have been on the news, dork. Anytime an animal attack happens, they report it. I mean, come on, how many videos have we seen about bison and stupid people walking right up to them to take pictures and pet them?

That's Yellowstone, not down here. They still report it! Have you heard of any bear attacks north of here? Not Yellowstone, but in Bridger Teton or Shoshone? No, right, babe? Not recently. Oh. That seemed like another genuine question from Amber.

That is something you got to worry about, though. I didn't realize it at first, but Leroy was looking at me again. Oh, yeah? Um, wait, what? Bears. They're out here. We've seen them. Only twice, but they never came close.

Yeah, well, I wouldn't even care if they did. We have bear spray. Something tells me you two don't. We don't. Did you leave it in the car or forget it altogether? I think we just forgot it. What is it? bear spray. It's like

mace. You spray it at the bear and I think it burns our eyes or something, but it doesn't cause any lasting effects. It's humane. I bet it still stings like a mother, though. We've never had to use it, but just in case. You know? No, yeah, it's a good idea. We should have brought some,

huh, babe? Not sure if I was seeing things correctly, but it kind of looked like amber blushed. Next time. Yeah, let's just focus on getting our truck towed back to town. Truck? Thought you said it was a car. Shit.

What did I just say? Truck? Yeah, you drove my car, dummy. We wanted to take the truck because of the roads out here. But the stupid thing keeps breaking down. It's why we took my more reliable car. I guess I'm really out of it today. Totally good it.

You guys have been through a lot. She smiled comfortingly at me, then turned to Amber. How's your head? Not too much throbbing anymore. man did it hurt I was a little nervous right now but I hope we were able to recover well enough damn it Mike

So, what do you think? Does it matter? We're already with them. They seem legit, though. Now? Yeah, sure. How much longer till the highway? I don't know. Three miles, maybe. Damn it. We were taking a quick break because Leroy had to pee now. I was watching the woods where he walked off.

Carrie was waiting by the woods edge, drinking some water, distance away. Both Amber and I continued to watch and chat, although we kept our voices down. What are you looking for? Nothing. Nothing? Did you find it? Nope. I guess I took it out with everything else. Well, here, you can borrow ours. Carrie came over digging in her pack. She pulled out a roll of toilet paper and handed it to Amber. Biodegradable, so it's not soft, but it's better than leaves. Thank you so much. Where did Leroy go? Over that way.

Oh, I can see him coming back now. And he was coming back alone. Good. Okay. I'll go over this way then. Watch my backpack, babe? She looked like she was trying to stifle a laugh. I rolled my eyes in return and smiled.

I will. Do you need anything? Me? No, I don't think so. No water? Or what about a granola bar? The thieves didn't take everything. I'm fine, really. Just focused on getting to the highway. But do you guys have food and water?

Uh, some. I reached down and grabbed Amber's backpack. Oh, okay. Carrie gave me a weird look and quickly spun around to face her approaching boyfriend. What just happened? We ready? Hey, babe. Uh, no. Um, Amber just walked out to go to the bathroom.

No. Okay. Yeah, um, hey, really quick, can you help me with something, too? What the hell was going on? Then I realized the grip of my gun was showing. Shit! My shirt must have lifted when I bent down to pick up Amber's pack. Shit, shit, shit!

I quickly covered it. Strike two. too, Mike. I wanted to believe she didn't see it, but her awkward spin and the fact that she was now over by Leroy holding his arm and whispering something. Damn it. Hey, uh, everything okay? Not sure what that question would gain me as far as answers, but I wasn't sure what else to do. Yeah? Why?

Uh, oh, uh, no reason. No reason? No reason? There definitely was a reason. The reason being, I think your girlfriend just saw my gun. And spies for Iris or not, they wouldn't feel comfortable with me carrying. That's for sure. I looked to the woods where Amber had gone. I didn't see her. Come on, Amber. Get back here. I need you. I look back down the trail to see Leroy and Carrie still talking. Leroy smiled at me. Hey, when your girl gets back, we'll take off. There shouldn't be much longer now. Okay. Yeah, sounds good. I looked back towards the direction Amber went. Where was she?

Hey, while we wait, I have a question. I turned my attention back to Leroy and Carrie as they slowly approached side by side. Yeah? Leroy held up the map. What road were you two on again? Oh, um... One something, right? Yeah, I can't really remember.

Because I don't see a road on here at all. He held the map to me. I quickly looked at over, wondering what to say. next. It's probably, it's probably just not on this map. Amber said ours was different. Yeah, that makes sense. The map was covering my view of both of them. I started getting nervous. But also maybe there was no road, no truck, no deer. What? I pushed the map from my face. Now! It's too late. I was sprayed in the face.

By what I thought was mace, then tackled to the ground. Get back, care! Get the gun! Get the gun! I couldn't see anything. My eyes were burning. That's when I realized this wasn't Mace. It was bear spray. She just shot me with bear spray.

I could feel Leroy reaching, and I tried my best to push him off, but he had me pinned. I couldn't open my eyes at all. He grabbed up my shirt and waist and eventually... Shit! He got the gun free. There! Get it, carry! Right there! I landed a good knee and his gut and screwed for him. I got and squirited for just a moment to see him roll to his side.

I closed my eyes again due to the excruciating pain, but need him again. I rubbed my eyes with one hand and crawled to the other. No, you don't! I heard him scramble up. Get the goddammit! I got it! He kicked me and once again pounced. But this time I felt the stick of the blade just under my chin.

Stop moving! The point dug into my skin, through my beard. Don't move! I blinked repeatedly trying to rid myself of the burning pain. Tears continued to stream down my face, but it wasn't just me. Through my furious blinking, I saw Leroy also struggling. He leaned over me holding the knife. Tears also pouring down his face.

The bear spray got him, too. Just not as bad. What do we do? What do we do? Just stay there. Keep the gun on him. Okay. I continued to squint and blink.

I could just make out Carrie moving to the side. The gun aimed at me. Who are you? I looked back over to Leroy, blurry face through all the tears. Ah! Who are you? You guys a couple of fugitives or something? Tell us the truth.

No. Tell us then. I knew the car accident story was bullshit the moment you said it. He rubbed his eyes with his shirt sleep while still keeping the knife under my chin. Who are you? Leroy, let's just go. Let's just go. We have his gun. Let's go. Just don't follow us, okay?

Hold on, Kare. God damn stupid spray. You got it everywhere. I'm sorry. I just sprayed it straight. I've never used it before. Leroy pressed the knife harder. We didn't break the skin before. He did now. Talk, man. Talk. Leroy, please. Let's just go. He won't follow. Carrie, watch the woods.

I am. No, you're not. Yes, yes, I am. I don't see her. Well, that girl's going to come back soon, so keep looking. I know, but I don't see. Care? Drop the gun now. Please, please.

Now! Please! I blinked hard once, letting tears run, then opened my eyes the most that I could. I saw Amber as a watery blob standing behind an am. amorphous Carrie. I blinked hard again to try to focus. Amber held the gun to Carrie's head. Drop the gun, Kerr. Now! Do it! I saw Carrie drop the gun and moved it aside before I had to close my eyes again. You drop the knife and get off him. The weight was lifted off my chest as Leroy got up.

Amber, I can't keep my eyes open. It's still fucking burn. They hit me with bear spray. I know, I heard. Carrie, take out your water bottle, slowly. And you stay right there. You move one inch, I'll shoot her. Just do what she says. Here.

Toss it by him. I heard the water bottle land next to me. I tried opening my eyes again, but I couldn't see where it was. where it was. To your right, Mike. I slid out of the backpack and rolled to my side. I felt around blindly. Higher by your shoulder.

There I was. Okay. Now, you move over by him. No sudden movements. Okay. I poured water into my hand and wiped my face. I then sat up and poured it directly into my eyes, flushing them as best I could. We don't want any trouble.

Doesn't seem that way. You lied to us. Who are you people? Just a couple trying to get to the highway. She was sticking with a couple story? Are you on the run from the cops? No. But we do need to get out of here.

Why? You don't need to know that. How you doing there, Mike? Uh, a little better. It took a good five minutes before I could finally open my eyes fully in for longer than five seconds. This stuff is no joke. I slowly rose and stumbled over to Amber. I dragged her backpack behind me.

Here, I'll take it. She put on the backpack slowly, not lowering her gun, which was still pointed at Carrie. We only did this because we knew you were like, okay? We didn't plan to hurt you. We just wanted to leave. We... We promised. You can go and we won't say a thing.

I poured more water into my hand and rub my eyes with my shirt collard. Mike. Yeah. Are we sticking with the plan? They're obviously not employees. Employees? So we press on. She handed me my gun.

We have to. I bent down and grab the bear spray. I put it in Hamper's bag. Okay. Then let's make sure they have nothing else, right? What are you going to do? We're not going to hurt you, but we do need you. We need your car. Then just take it. I'll give you the keys. Just leave us.

Amber looked over to me and shrugged. I shook my head. We needed them too, to drive us. No, we need you to come with us. Why? Just take the car, okay? He reached into his pocket. Hey, no movement. Keep your hands clear. I pointed my gun at him while still rubbing my eyes.

This stuff would probably take a while to completely wear off. Okay, okay. Sorry. You said like three miles left, right? Roughly. Sorry, guys. But you're going to have to come with us. And before we leave, we have to search you and your packs. Please, can we just stay here? Sorry, no.

We need your help. It's going to be all right, Carrie. We'd only been walking for a good five minutes before Carrie started crying. And her waterworks had been on and off for the last half hour. We searched all their belongings and put their knives and phones in Amber's pack. Both Amber and I walked a good ten paces behind them. Mike, what happens if they try something in the car? If the highway has watched, we need them to drive.

They're airing fire warnings via helicopter. I'm sure they know others are in the woods. So the plan is still to head south? Yeah. Okay. How about when we get to the highway, you let us go. You take a car and... Carrie, stop.

No. Why do we have to go with you? Keep walking. Why us? Keep walking. I felt bad, but once we hit a town, we'd let them go. We told them that while searching their bags, but of course they didn't believe us. And why would they?

Or a couple liars with guns. Mike, you'll hear that? It was a helicopter. That towards the highway? No, I don't think so. Are they searching for you? Leroy was looking back at us as we walked. No, there's a fire.

Leroy seemed to have his doubts, but I don't know how he could since he saw smoke. I think it's flying north of here. Good. Let's hope the highway's clear. I don't know. Oh, holy shit. I thought we'd never reach it. We made it to the highway, which was barren and quiet. Uh, I remember a few more cars when I drove this.

Yeah, I'm wondering if they closed it down already. Because of the fire? But neither of us answered. Where's your car? Over this way. We were exposed, but there was no one around. It was Erie. Here it comes.

What? The truth. My fingers are crossed. So are mine. We followed Leroy and Carrie around a group of bushes into a large gravel lot. And there, on the edge. Parked half in yellow grass, a blue Subaru outback. I heard Amber let out a sigh of relief.

I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath in as well. All right. You can have your keys back in a minute. I unlock the doors. Go ahead, Amber. But she was checking her phone and shaking her head. What? Signal keeps going in and out.

It's okay. Let's focus on this right now. Amber nodded and climbed into the back seat. Okay. Take your backpacks off. It did so. Hand them to Amber. They moved.

slowly, which irked me, that they were scared. That was obvious. One at a time, Amber put their packs in the back. Okay. Now what? I handed Leroy the keys. Go ahead. You're driving. I watched him slowly climb into the vehicle. Now you. Carrie went around the other side. I climbed in at the same time she did, but kept my gun pointed at Leroy. You got her, Amber? Yeah. Okay. Let's go. You two really aren't on the run.

You'll find out soon enough. Where am I going? South. South to where? Just south right now. Come on, man. Don't make us do this. Relax.

We're just trying to get to a police station. A police station? That's right. Let's go. My heart was beating rapidly as Leroy slowly pulled out of the gravel lot and onto the highway. I don't see any cars. Amber, would they close the entire highway? I don't know.

It's possible, but it's crazy they'd do it this early. I can't even see smoke from here. Me either. Why are you trying to get to a police station? Carrie! We need to talk to the police. We know you guys don't trust us, but we really do need help. We're not bad people.

Were you attacked by someone? You could say that. And that's all that should be said. And that's all we need to know. I locked eyes with Leroy in the rearview mirror. A good ten minutes passed in silence. Amber and I kept checking the woods and sky, but at one point she checked her phone again.

Well? I could try. Guys are really scared, huh? We're just making sure we aren't being followed. Followed? Who's gonna follow you out here? We haven't seen one single vehicle, and if you guys aren't worried about the police... Amber and I shared a glance. You aren't, right? Why would you have me drive you to a police station if you were?

If you want to contact the police, you can use my phone. We're Leroy's. Really? Let's not talk anymore. Amber? How long till we get... Whoa. Look at that. I leaned up between the front seats. Oh, shit.

Mike? That's a roadblock. Ahead of us. Two black SUVs lined up across the road, blocking it. Can we get around that? Around that? I can't drive my car over the side. We'll freaking roll. They probably just have the roadblock to keep people out of the forest. Or to keep people in. Stop the car.

What? Stop the car! Are you serious? I pushed the barrel of the gun against his head. I'm serious. Stop the car! Jesus! The roadblock was about 100 yards from us. Two men dressed in tactical guns.

gear came from around the front of the right vehicle. Those aren't cops. No, they aren't. Who, who are they? Tactical gear. Yeah, we, uh, we need to turn around. What? Turn the car around now.

Right here? How do you know those aren't police? The men before us pointed. Made some other quick hand gestures. Another guy came from around the back of the left SUV, talking on our radio. Turn the fucking car around now! But... Do it!

Uh! Just then, Leroy was shot. Right in his chest, blood spurted across the windshield and the roof of the car. Leroy! Leroy! No! Oh my God! Oh my God!

They're ready at us! Shit! His foot came off the break, but I leaned over the center console and grabbed the wheel and yanked hard. Hit the gas! He were shot! Oh my God! He was shot! Hit the gas, Carrie!

What? Hit the fucking gas! I can't! Carrie! I... In the panic, she reached over and stepped on the pedal with her left foot. She was trying to cover Leroy's injury in the process. Help me!

Help him! Please help him! Keep your foot on the gas! We got the car around and heading north. I ease the wheel to the center and we sped off. Amber peaked out the back windshield. Mike, what if they have a blocked up north too? We'll have to find out.

Move to the side, Carrie. I can't see. He's bleeding. I know. Lean to the side. I was trying to see over her head and blood soaked and crack her windshield. Help me. Help me. You got to help. We have to stop. We have to call 911. We can't stop.

We started slow. I noticed in her panic, Carrie had let her foot off the gas and she turned to face us. She was trying to cover Leroy's wound with her hands. Blood continued to pour out. Please! My phone! I need my phone! Carrie, the gas!

Stay on the gas! Harry, you gotta take the wheel, okay? Mike can't keep driving like this. He can't see. What about Leroy? We'll help him, okay? Take the wheel! No!

No, we have to stop! We have to go an ambulance! Oh shit, behind us! Carrie, take the fucking wheel! She did, and I spun around. An SUV was behind us and closing in fast. A big man leaning out of the passenger window taking aim. Mike!

Get down! God damn it! I dropped my gun in the chaos. I reached down under the seat and grabbed it. I can't do this! Keep driving or we all die! She swerved to the side in front of the SUV, which was only two car lengths behind us now.

I look to Amber. Ready? She nodded. Make every shot count. Go! We fired at the SUV, and I was in the driver with a pistol after the window swirled. I aimed as best I could at the driver.

I hit him in the arm. He screamed in pained and veered hard left. Holy shit! He rolled right off the road. Oh my god. Jesus. Nice shot. Thanks.

What happened? What happened? Are we safe? No! I followed Amber's gaze. The other SUV was quickly approaching. Shit, Carrie, keep your head down! I think they hit her back wheel! Help me! Leroy! Keep driving!

Why are they doing this? Appeared over the backseat to see a big burly mustache man reloading his rifle. I couldn't believe this was happening. I can't see! Carrie, you're doing good. We're gonna get out of this. Just keep her steady. Okay... Leeroy... I can't.

Heads down! A car tilted to the side. It was only a matter of time before we were forced off the road. We were aiming on our tires. Shit! I was aiming for the driver again. They were relentless. The SUV swerved back and forth.

Amber leaned up once the machine gun fire stopped. She quickly aimed. Fuck you! I leaned over the back seats to see the passenger holding his neck, bloods. holding his neck, blood spurting out. He had dropped his gun and fallen back into his seat. Just then, the driver leaned out and aimed a handgun. I aimed too.

But he was aiming low up. Just then, the other tire burst. Sending us spinning. The car jerked and veered. The SUV came closing in and rammed us. The driver's airbag deployed, knocking the gun from his hand. The mustache passenger completely ignored his injury. Leaned out the window and aimed a handgun.

Gary, hit the brakes! I can't! Hit the brakes! She jumped over on top of the wheel and slammed down the brakes with both feet. The car jerked and spun. Amber flew into me. I looked up to see the passenger hang on for dear life as both vehicles been gearing off the road on the dirt and gravel. The passenger fired into the air wildly as the vehicle is tilted.

Hang on to something! Hang on to something! Hang on to something! Ah! We're going to be. We're going to be. I don't know. I'm going to be.

I don't know. I don't know. ...thenes. ...then... ...their... ...their... Dad? Tower 4, written by Robert M. Lamb, edited by Mia Sukvili and Robert M. Lamb.

Starring, Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber. Brian Messick as Jean, co-starring, Ariel Hack, and Cody Lohman. 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 For, visit 7Lam.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. And a special shout out to Seven Lamb patrons Bradley Williams and Brad McQuaid. Thank you for the support. version.