Tower 4 - S4E2: Painful Clarity

Episode Date: October 20, 2025

Mike and Jerry continue their chat while playing a game of pool, but Mike is having a hard time believing what he's hearing. Can Jerry convince him?Music provided by:Taako @ soundcloud.com/madebytaakoAdditional tracks:"Dark Places" by Art_Munson @ Pond5.com"Sad Melancholy Acoustic Guitar" by Gestonwreen @ Pond5.com"On My Own" by Trent Thompson @ Artlist.io"Flash in the Pan" by Company Gun @ Artlist.io"Troubles" by Katrina Stone @ Artlist.io"Break the Chains" by Ikoliks @ Artlist.io"You Wanted so Much More Than That" by Assaf Ayalon @ Artlist.io"Skies Above" by Caleb Etheridge @ 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. Before we get into episode two, we want to mention that episodes three and now four are on our Patreon page. Patreon.com slash seven lamb, the number seven, LAMB. You can listen to both episodes months early and completely ad-free. You can also plug the ad-free RSS feed right into your podcast app for easier listening. Just make sure you're on the four-lam tier, which is $10 a month. Episodes five and six will also release at least a month early, but probably two. And we have tons of other content under that tier as well. Once again, that's patreon.com slash seven lamb, the number seven, LAMB, and you can listen to episodes three and four right now. Just ten more minutes, dad.

I let you sleep on that. another half hour. Yeah, but why do we have to get up so early? Because it gets hot in the middle of the day. We shouldn't hike then. We should rest. Plus, it's camping. You're supposed to get up early when camping.

Now come on. I kicked his foot in the sleeping bag. All right, fine. Once we get to the lake, you can take a nap and sleep in all you want. Okay? Yeah, okay. Do you want me to cook you something, or are you just going to eat one of your bars? I'm not hungry yet.

I was sitting on the large rock by the little campfire I made to heat up the water. I was loving this. I bought all this new equipment. but it wasn't anything fancy. I didn't want fancy. You should eat something. I can get this fire going again if you like. Not now. I just woke up later. This was a special trip. One I wanted to take since this section of the woods was closed for years when we used to live here. Now that we were back, I wanted to show my son my old secret fishing spot. A spot my own father showed me nearly two decades ago.

You wanted me coffee? Ugh, no, not that kind. For whatever reason, this area always seemed to be under construction with new trails or controlled burns, which was upsetting. This section of the forest was way nicer than much of Yellowstone, way less touristy we should have done this more when we used to live here

except you aren't going through a midlife crisis then hey I'm not going through a midlife crisis now sure dad hey can't a father just want to spend some quality time with his son we could have seen a movie instead

oh stop this is important if you say so I do Now, let's start packing. Maybe when you see the lake and we get some fishing in, you'll change your tune. I got to pee first. Well, go on then.

Where? Where? It's the woods. Anywhere. What if someone sees? Who's going to see? There's someone here. Just then, he pointed to someone on the trail.

That was strange. The guy was. was oddly dressed. We slowly walked towards the man. He wore a collared shirt, slacks, and large headphones. He also carried a weird transistor radio-like gizmo. Not your typical hiking attire. Uh, hello?

The man abruptly spun around and yanked off his headphones. Who are you? I was told this sector was clear. What are you doing here? The man seemed on edge. Sector? My son and I are hiking out to Enos Lake. This trail was closed.

Didn't you see the sign? Sure, I saw what was written, but it looked old. And how could it still be closed? It's overgrown. So what? I've been over here before. When? Years ago.

I wanted to give my son a child. chance to see it. You need to leave. Oh, come on. Because the trail is overgrown? Because the woods over here are closed. You can head to Yellowstone. We don't want to go to Yellowstone. What is this? Just then, two other men came out of the woods. They weren't even on a trail, and these guys were dressed differently. They wore gray coloralls in dark boots. One jumped on the radio. Dad, what's going on? I don't know. I thought we were clear.

Hey, if there's an issue... Copy that, Fisher. Something seemed off. And as the two men got closer, I wish I had my hatchet on me. Hello there. Did you miss the sign? No.

Like I said... Lance, copy? One second. Go ahead. It's a code eight from the higher-ups. Copy that. It looked like my intuition was accurate. As both men in coveralls reached into the uniforms, I turned quickly.

Son! Run! Jesus! With a kid Keep working Yeah Okay Think they're gonna give us car detail and clean up

No, we have our orders here We can't leave while the Wranglers are out They'll give it to someone else Fisher, it's done By site five? Yeah Okay, stay put We'll send someone out that way now

Copy Don't they have someone on surveillance, on drone detail? Probably fucking Barry. Of course. What do you think they'll do with the bodies this time? Who the hell knows? Tower 4 Season 4, Episode 2, Painful Clarity nice shot i gave him a look of irritation as i wasn't enjoying myself as much as he seemingly wanted me to

so if these people are so dangerous why didn't you talk to anyone who this amber or jean or your friend or the police because apparently i wasn't sure if i could trust them why do you say apparently because He looked over to the others playing pool two tables down He constantly looked over at them checking to see if they were used dropping And he turned back to me My memory isn't what it used to be Get in line

Mike, that's why I'm here Yeah, but this is all bullshit If you thought you were in danger in these woods You would have left or at least told someone They didn't want me to leave And apparently They wouldn't let me there was that word again how what how how how did you know they didn't want you to leave and wouldn't let you

because any time i mentioned anything abnormal they downplayed it i was going stir crazy that's what they apparently told me so you stay no i didn't i mean not the whole time why wouldn't you leave right away if you thought they were dangerous i didn't know they were dangerous at the time. I didn't know anything about them or even really what was happening. But you talk to them every day. Amber. I talked to Amber. But not every day. I couldn't. Why? Uh, I don't really know. What? I don't remember. But I assume it was because I didn't want to. Or Or, you look frustrated. If you knew more, if you had an idea, you'd understand.

Jerry looked back at the front door as someone knew came in. An older woman with short hair. He was really suspicious of everyone. Hey. I'm sorry. What was your question? I rolled my eyes. Set up my shot.

I didn't have a question. I hit the cue ball, but didn't sink the 13 I was in. for. When did you leave? After I saw too much, I couldn't handle it. I felt I couldn't trust anyone, so I just left. But apparently they found me and... And that's when they made you forget? Yeah. What do you mean by that? I was already having issues with my memory. But after I left, they made me truly forget. My memory faded fast. I was trying to follow this guy's story, but it was hard, really, really out there. So forget the other lookouts or Rangers or whatever.

Why don't you go to the police now? It's not that easy. I don't have any proof. You can't just tell them? Seriously? Go to the police and tell them what? I don't know. Whatever the hell you're telling me right now.

I'm telling you because you experienced the same shit or close to it. I told you. You were a fire lookout as well. This year. Those scars you have are not from a car teaboning you earlier this year. You were not in a coma. Bullshit. You grabbed the chalk, rub someone to his pool queue.

It's not. But trust me, I knew it wouldn't be easy for you to, uh, come to terms with it all. Come to terms? He bent down, lined up a shot. What about your friend? The friend who apparently knows me, but I don't know him. What about him? He took a quick practice shot.

What's his deal? We're helping each other. He helped me remember what I could. So he says all the same shit. For the most part. We looked up at me. We both know how dangerous this company is. How dangerous these people are.

But I don't know him. No. At least not right now. But maybe if you remember. Remember? It went back to a shot, aimed. There we go. I mean, this is ridiculous.

You told me you're going to help me remember things I forgot, but I didn't forget any of this. Why are you meeting with me then? I don't know. Because you were given the date. Okay, fine. Sure, I already told you I did forget some things due to my accident, but that's what it was. I don't know what you're talking about with all this fire lookout nonsense. I've never even been to Wyoming.

Yes, you have. And you were there for about two months before disaster struck. What disaster? The fire. That's what ultimately forced you out. Way different than what happened to me, but I didn't get the opportunity to work with any subjects like you. Subjects? That's what I heard.

From who, your mysterious friend? That's right. Who is this friend? You won't remember him, but he helps set you up here. And I assume you're purposefully not giving me a name? I can't. He's too important. Hell, you're lucky you got mine. I feel honored.

You should, because I'm putting myself in a really vulnerable situation right now. Again, he looked around the bar. Then why tell me your real name? Because you know of me. I'm hoping it helps stir something within you. Ah, really? Yeah. Jerry Campbell?

That's right. Couldn't believe it, but that actually did give me that weird deja vu feeling just now. What the hell? Listen, the reason why I'm here, the only thing we're trying to do is help you with remembering what you went through. But you don't even remember all of what you went through, right? Yeah. And who the hell are you to tell me what I went through?

You see how crazy that sounds. I may not remember everything, but I remember more than you. How? I have my ways. Your friend? And another way. But that's not important. Of course, but how can I trust what you're saying?

Maybe you're misremembering everything. You said you were a fire lookout. Maybe all of that, all of what you're talking about, happened to you, not me. Oh, shit happened to me. But there wasn't any fire. at least nothing that wiped out half the woods below the ranger station how do you know maybe you don't remember or maybe you're thinking of another mike he laughed and made his way to the cue ball i'll give you that my memory isn't what it used to be but i know what i say is true but it took time time and some precautions you lined up a shot And sunk another ball.

You grabbed the chalk again and smirked. You don't think I questioned everything, too? It's just not even comprehensible. Sure it is. You're just fighting it, which is understandable. But if you just... Just then a glass shattered. The bartender dropped a glass.

Sorry, my fault. Be careful, dear. But the sudden noise caused Jerry to flip his pool cue in his hand as if it was now a weapon. His other hand hovered over his hip. Is this guy packing? Holy shit. He was.

He relaxed and turned back to me. Gave me an awkward look like he was suddenly embarrassed. I, uh, I think I'm done. Mike, wait. I really want to get back home. Your home? Yeah, that's right. My home.

That you bought or rent? Rent. He walked around the table, keeping his eyes on me the whole time. From who? What? Who do you rent from? A guy named Horace, Horace Williams, who owns the home. It's a studio with a small upstairs bedroom, duplex really.

You talk to Horace? Of course. You pay him. Every month. In person? Once. So you see him around? Yeah.

He nodded, but instead of a full agreement, it seemed almost like he was indulging me. I felt like pandering. You sign a lease? Yes. You remember that? Well, yeah, I mean, sure, I do. He nodded slowly. We're pandering?

Okay. Listen, I don't have to explain all of this to you. Of course you don't. He bent down, took a practice shop before lining up the real one. You don't have to believe me. But I hope, at some point you do. Why? Because...

I need your help. This time you missed, the five ball bouncing off the edge of the corner pocket. Yeah, I'm not interested. I think you would be if you could remember. I highly doubt that. We motion to the table since it was my turn now. I reluctantly went to the cue ball.

I bent down, lined up my shot, but just as I pulled back. My father ran out on me too. I scuffed the shot, knocking the cue ball to the left and into the opposite corner pocket, scratching. What? My father ran out on me, too. So fucking what? We both have shitty fathers? Cool. You're not the least bit curious, how I know? No. And I don't care about your fucking friend either. I'm done here.

Mike, we need to keep talking. No, no, I'm done with the stupid game and this stupid nonsense. He walked over to me and stood me. my way. Did you really sign that lease? Uh, yeah. Of course, I signed a fucking lease. Why Alaska? What? Why did you pick Alaska? Because I wanted to get away to somewhere new. To work on my book. Do you work a day job? Yeah. Yeah, I know. Then why ask? How was your first day? What? You just kept bombarding me with questions. What was your first day like? I... I don't remember.

But you remember it? Yes. You applied? Uh, yeah, I mean, I got the job, yeah. But do you remember applying for it? I, I, just move. I pushed past him into my beer, gulp the rest, and walked away. But he followed.

Leave me alone. Everything I say is true. I don't care. I know other things about you, Mike. I don't care. Put some cash on the bar and then gave a half-wave to the bartender as I walked outside. I know about your mom. Good for you. I was curious why he knew these things, but he was annoying me so much. I just wanted to get out of here. I need to know everything you experienced. I'm done here.

Mike! Stop fucking following me. I'm not interested in what you're selling. Hey. I'm serious. Stop following me. I know about Melinda and her son, too. Uh, Nate, right? Took everything in me not to lash out, but how the hell did he know about her? Okay, what are you? An ex-boyfriend of hers?

Or do I have some LinkedIn or Facebook page I forgot about and didn't delete and that you're just getting all this information from? What? No. Then how do you know her? I know a lot about you. Because of your friend? Yeah, I've seen your file. This was so weird. He said file in my mind. mine instantly went to Dr. Romero and Dr. Browning.

You friend of psychiatrist? A therapist? No. Ugh. He took a step closer. Do you... See things? What?

Do you see things? Have visions? I slowly looked up at the fluorescent sign again. I could feel my heartbeat quickening. I had to look away. You do, don't you? Don't you? No. He nodded solemnly. He seemed like he was trying to think of something else to say, something else to keep me here.

Okay. Okay. If you take anything for anxiety, depression, sleep, anything. Stop taking it. I don't take anything. Nothing? No. I lied just to end the. conversation. Well, that's hard to believe. Why? Because if that were the case, I would think you'd be interested to talk more. I shrugged. Well, if you are taking anything, stop. Or if you're

thinking of taking anything, don't. Sound advice, you got it. Another lie. Okay. Now I'm leaving. Don't follow me. I mean it. I don't plan to. But, Mike, if I were you, I would keep our conversation between us. I wouldn't mention my name to anyone. It could hurt us both. And if you do start seeing things, things that you don't understand, reach out. If you don't take any medication, you'll definitely see things. I did see things, but little did he know I also saw things when on my medication. Take my number. You pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket, handed it to me, before looking around nervously again, surveying the small gravel parking lot. You already had it written down? I hope things wouldn't go this poorly, but

I like to be prepared. Right. I shoved the slip of paper in my pocket, nodded sarcastically, and went to my car. Hey, Mike? Yeah? Melinda passed away. That hit me like a punch to the gut. What? She passed away. But your father's alive. That hit even harder. What the fuck? I was about to say something, but he started walking away, past the entrance to the pub.

He continued to look around nervously, surveying the area, handed his hip. Who are you so worried about? Them? You're nowhere near Wyoming. He turned back to me. They watch, and they listen. Instant deja vu.

he took another glance around before walking again what the hell before climbing into my car I looked back at the parking lot and bar everything felt super eerie now was I being ridiculous or was this all a stupid joke or shit was I in a nightmare right now

By the time I backed up, Jerry was gone. No, there's no way this was real. There's no way what he said was true. No fucking way. But after my weird But after my weird meeting, I got nothing done. I tried writing a bit, but all of this stupid bullshit stuck with me and pulled my focus. It took some time out to research the fire in Bridger-Tenton National Forest.

So many acres burned, but they were finally able to gain control of it and put it out after weeks. It was an interesting read, but confusing why he thought I was there. I mean, none of what that guy said really made sense. Did I pay rent? Did I see my landlord? Seriously? But I sat on the bed still questioning everything. After researching the fire, I looked up Melinda. I found her obituary.

How the hell did he know about that? How did he know I even knew her? And who was his damn friend? God damn it. I had a feeling tonight would be a rough night, so I reached for my prescription. I hesitated a moment. If you take anything for anxiety, depression, sleep, anything. Stop taking it.

It was dumb, but I decided to at least try to sleep without it tonight. The last time I skipped the night was bad, but... Oh well. I closed my eyes, but it took a long time for me to fall asleep. He has more and more questions kept entering my mind. Why was he the one I met? Why did my meeting with him feel important? How did he know about my nightmares and panic attacks?

How come he couldn't remember a lot? And why did he mention dad? How would he know he was still alive? Does he know my dad? Does his friend? What the hell was this all about? And you gave him your real name your real name? I'm hoping it sticks with him

You said he thought he was talking to me in the forest, right? Sure, but that is very risky Let them try to do something Easy there, save that mentality for later You want to bring the fight to them, not the other way around I thought they had added security now But at least you can see them You know who not to trust

You said the bar was clear Still I knew he was right and that's why I wouldn't mention the truck last night. But what did he expect? All of this was risky. Well, what am I supposed to do now? We knew this was a possibility.

You have to wait. We've been waiting. Yeah, well, things have been a little stressful over here. The DoD is ready for another tour and evaluation, especially after the incident. I thought you said they had already sent out an inspection team. They were strictly topside to deal with local law enforcement in the fire departments. You know they pulled departments from all over. It's why they were able to gain control.

Otherwise, the fire could have spread west of the highway and north to Yellowstone. But now they want to see progress with your work? They were giving Spencer time to get a handle on the situation. Let things die down. But they're ready now. Do you have something to show them? I told you we did. It's ready?

Well, no, but we're getting there. The problem is they don't care about side effects right now. Spencer plans to use you and Mike as examples for a soon-to-be-ready product. Me? My memory is completely gone. But Mike's isn't. Progress. What will they say? The heads? I don't know if they'll care much. Non-scientists don't care about the process, only the outcome.

But Spencer wants to show them something, because they've been having doubts. With Mike's rewriting and non-issues with genome malfunctioning or physical abnormalities, it might be enough. To think Spencer was willing to off him. Yeah. Why would he do that? that if he was so important. Archer worries Spencer, and for good reason.

Plus, Spencer didn't know an inspection would be coming so soon. He may be able to push them off, though. In fact, he's hoping for one more trial run. Seriously? Next year. He's rebuilding Tower 4 now. Do they have someone? They're vetting as we speak.

So they'll test again. And keep monitoring you two. The problem is there's no guarantee what happens with Mike. At least if he comes around, we can proceed with our initial plan. The time is short. Okay. Well, then. Should we really wait? We don't have any other choice.

Without Caldway or Archer, we can't make a move. I still think that's bull. You can gather what you have. You can go public. With what? With whatever you can grab. I have a family. Just talking to you puts them at risk.

Not to mention if things go public and we don't have a plan of escape, Iris will move or wipe out the entire facility and everyone down here, including the creature. If that happens, that's decades of research and tons of people gone. But... And ever since Emile, there's been tighter control over the whole facility. Spencer even put me in charge of finding a mole. What mole? Really?

Who do you think? He knows Emil is working with someone. Now he's having me do reconnaissance on all the workers on level 2 and 3, and that may expand. You don't think... We can't chance it. I make the wrong move they could find me. I shouldn't even be talking this long. Will they use the, uh, subjects on level four?

Spencer doesn't trust them, but I wouldn't put it outside the realm of possibility. He's got two actives at his disposal. But the only way he's ever been able to extract real information is to hurt them. Basically torture. Is that what happened to a meal? I don't know. Is it because the poor subjects don't want to talk, or they can't? I think they don't want to tell him anything.

So he forces it out. Remember, you're all connected. So then what? Give Mike a week, as planned. If you were able to talk some sense into him, at least make him question things, he'll come around. I mentioned everything you told me to. Good.

But what if he doesn't come around? If he doesn't, we'll figure something else out. What? I don't know. Is there any... other way to make him remember? Well, not when I'm stuck here. What if you talk to him?

I can't. You know that. The only reason I'm able to talk to you? I know. I know. Okay. Well, what if I... Force him? Kidnap him? I could... keep him off his medication? The medication doesn't even keep his mind at bay. The microdosing isn't working for him.

I looked at the transcripts of his sessions. Could you send out something else? I don't think I could get approval from Spencer without him looking into it. Then maybe I should just force him. You know, make him detox. It won't matter if he's not willing to free his mind. If he comes around on his own, though? That's a big if.

Give me a little more time. And in my spare time, I'll try to figure something else out. Fine. Chuck won't be back until Friday anyway. Chuck? The captain of the chartered boat. Right. That's good.

And when that time comes, get out. You have to get out of there. I know he's being monitored, but you didn't recognize anyone in the bar. Even the patrons who came in later. No, and I'm hoping that's because we had nothing to worry about, but we can't afford to take anything for granted now. If Mike doesn't come around and something happens to you, I'm on my own. I can't do this on my own.

What do you mean? Didn't you say Spencer is bringing in a new Tower 4 occupant next year? Funny. Stay out of harm's way, okay? I know you got that anger inside of you, but remember what I told you. You have to keep it at bay, and stay out of Ketchikan. No hero shenanigans. Let's just cross our fingers and hope that Mike is as inquisitive here as he was at Tower 4.

Fuck tea, after last night I needed coffee. I had a crazy nightmare. I was surrounded by fire, running for my life. It was so intense. seemed like I could feel the heat. Damn that guy for putting these damn doubts in my mind. Once I was startled awake at five in the morning, stayed up. I tried riding, but nothing came.

Instead, I paced and thought more about what Jerry said, which was all nonsense. Nonsense, Mike? Is that why you're waiting by the window until you see Mr. There he was. Mr. Williams. Please, Mike. Horace. What's going on?

I, um, I have a weird question. Shoot. Do you, do you happen to remember my first day? When you moved in? Yeah. Sure. You called. I emailed you the lease.

You signed it. And they moved in. Right. I guess I just mean, When I moved in. I'm sorry. I don't follow. You remember me actually moving in?

I remember a moving truck. I rented it? I assumed. No? Did I have movers? Yeah. You were there showing them where to put things. I even offered the fellows some gatorade after they were finished.

Oh. He gave me a sympathetic look, his bushy eyebrows arching all the way up his forehead. You feeling okay, Mike? Yeah. uh sorry i just i know you have trouble every now and again the awkwardly motioned to his head it definitely comes in waves well i remember the movers and i remember you being happy about moving in okay uh thanks sure thing now i'm off to work can't be late again he smiled climbed into his car glad you were able to get a car too Me too

He backed up out of the driveway I went back inside See Mike Jerry doesn't know what he's talking about I took my coffee to my small square dining table for two I stared out the window wanting to believe that I had just settled things

But my mind continued to race Because he did still mention your father and Melinda Linda was easily explained Anyone could look up her obituary But my father But he never mentioned dad by name Yeah he said dad was alive Which was probably true

But I didn't give a shit I tried looking for him before And came up with nothing Who cares if he's still alive He's still an asshole And who cares of his own dad Ran out on him too Did that mean Jerry and I shared a special bond

No it didn't but as I continued to sit there and stare at the window at the forest and mountains beyond my mind continued to race things still didn't sit quite right with me Although I hated that he put thoughts in my head that forced me away from my writing, the next couple days were filled with a bit more investigating. I did more research about the fire in Bridger Tenton Forest, finding out that they believe it started due to a lightning strike. It took weeks to put it out fully.

and many fire departments from all over the state, and even neighboring states helped, worrying about it spreading north to Yellowstone. I didn't see any mention of fire lookouts, though, and definitely no mention of any tower four. I then tried searching social media, even creating a quick Facebook account to see what I could find about Melinda, but there wasn't much. She had a page with hundreds of old photos, but nothing new. Mostly bikini shots of her in her 20s and several of her partying. red solo cups in hand. Only a few of Nate as a baby, and her wall only had a good

10 RIP posts. No one said what she died of, but my guess was an OD. I couldn't get confirmation on that, and I wasn't about to try to get a death certificate. It seemed like an invasion of privacy at that point. She was dead, and that's all you needed to know, Mike. I thought about Nate. That poor boy. I wondered how he was doing. where he was living. I felt a bit of that deja vu and suddenly a shortness of breath. Oh, no.

Close my eyes as my heartbeat quickened. Please, no. But when I opened my eyes, I only saw a white, sterile hallway. It was so bright. What the fuck? I shook myself out of it, but the pain in my chest was still there. I looked over to the pill bottle on my nightstand. Amadralapam. I've never heard of this.

I didn't take my I didn't take my prescription at all. I didn't feel all that much different and I surprisingly slept okay the last couple of nights. Now it was Tuesday, and I was at work, but still feeling weird about everything. So, how was your date? What? Saturday. Didn't you have a date? No. I told you. Nothing like that. Just met someone.

Someone's secret? I wasn't sure how much I should say. I'd already gotten a lot of looks over the past few months because of all my baggage. Did I really want to throw in a mysterious guy, too? Just an old friend An old friend Here? I thought you recently moved here Clark was probably my closest friend in Ketchikan He actually got hired only a week before me

Yeah, no, a friend of a friend Who just so happened to be in town visiting someone else Oh That didn't seem suspicious at all Well nice to know that some friends are able to get you out and about With my memory the way it is I just couldn't remember even making the plans to meet up. How did you then?

Wrote it down on my calendar months ago, I guess. Must have no need be visiting. Right. Hey, I gotta take a visit. I'll be right back. Clark started for the bathroom. Hey, Clark. Yeah?

Sorry, real quick. Do you remember the first day I started working here? Yeah, don't you? Not really. Wait, you don't remember orientation or training? Oh, well, yeah, I guess I remember. that, vaguely. But it's more, I don't remember applying for this job or having Pete hire me. Oh, can't you chalk that up to the memory loss due to your concussion or whatever?

Yeah. Have you talked to a doctor? About this? No. Out of curiosity, are you still taking prescription medication? Yeah. Does it help? Kind of, but... A little suspicious of it. Of the medication? Yeah. Why? Because I tried looking it up online and there isn't any information on it.

Now, my psychiatrist says it's a newer product, but... Well, there you go. Do you think that explains it? Did he say if it's on the market? It should be, right? If I'm taking it? Sure. But I didn't see any info.

No testing, no clinical trials, no reviews or online discussions. Why don't you talk to your psychiatrist about it more? I might. I'm also thinking about going to the pharmacy after work, see if they have any ideas or details. Hey, if that makes you feel better, for sure. Now, I gotta take a piss and make a call. I'm gonna take my 15 now. Okay. Clark hopped on his phone and walked off. Ah.

I went to the pharmacy right after work. Hey there, Mike. Hi, Wendy. Picking up? No, I have a question. I put the pill bottle on the counter. What's that? Something wrong with your prescription?

Have you read or heard about I'madrolapam? She looked at the bottle a moment, reading the label, and looked up at me over her glasses. She nodded. Sure, yeah. Oh, really? I couldn't find much about it online. It's, uh, newer.

I mean, I heard that from my psychiatrist. No, I get it. You want to make sure it's safe. Yeah. Mike, everything you've been prescribed has been FDA approved. She pointed to the label. Which means testing at clinical trials, applications, and reviews. But if you formed a kind of allergic reaction, that's something you should...

No, no, it's fine. I just didn't think much of anything with my last couple prescriptions. I take them because they're prescribed. described, you know? I don't know why I got the urge to suddenly look into it, which obviously wasn't true. I felt like I was embarrassing myself with this over-explanation. She didn't care. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to make sure it was safe and, uh, right, for me. I understand. Sorry, I gotta get that.

I nodded as she went to the back behind the shelves of prescriptions and answered the phone. Um, Mike, right? I spun around. The bartender for Benny's pub was standing behind me holding a bottled soda and a bouquet of flowers. Oh, uh, hi. so you didn't trust me no it's not that it's just it was Thursday now and before work

I had my appointment with Dr. Romero I ended up telling him about my meeting along with a lot of stuff that had taken place afterwards I just couldn't find anything online and I know you said it was new Mike I'm just teasing it's totally fine if you're uncomfortable then you should do a little research

as long as it's reasonable and I don't mind you ever getting on second opinion. It's your body. Right. If you ever want me to recommend anyone. No, no, it's fine. So, this guy really got into your head, huh? Just some of the things he said, I was surprised he would know.

But the more I think about it, the more I think was someone messing with me. Because I remember before the accident, I found my invoices for my utilities at my mom's place, the storage unit, and funeral costs. It's all on record. So is my actual accident. I have an accident report, hospital stay, and expenses, insurance information, and so on. I have the files in my email and printed out and even organized in my filing cabinet. I may not remember everything, but it all coincides with me heading north. Exactly. I'm sure he doesn't understand to the full extent how your car accident affected you.

Yeah, but I still didn't tell Dr. Romero everything. I didn't tell him Jerry's name, not because I cared all that much. More so, even after all my discoveries, something still didn't feel right. You still seem to be wrestling with us, though. Is it that obvious? Well, you're still looking into things. Yeah. And you mentioned the red truck.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday, I felt like someone was following me. You think I'm paranoid? Do they follow you to your house? Not exactly. They turned left at the three-way stop. Oh, so do you really think they were following? I guess not. Sorry, Mike. Not trying to put doubts in your head, just asking questions.

Yeah, I know. What did you say this mysterious guy look like again? I don't think I described his physical appearance. Oh, maybe you didn't. But he had dark, thick, shaggy hair, a beard, maybe six foot two. He had a rugged look. Right. I still didn't give the name, but I was uneasy even.

giving the description. My honest opinion, I think the guy must took you for somebody else. Named Mike? Could be. Yeah, maybe. I think I even mentioned that to him. What did he say? I don't remember.

I think he didn't believe me. Listen, don't give it any further thought. You did your research, you found that nothing of what he said is true. Or at least it doesn't add up. And the things that seemed fishy, he could have easily found online or made up, right? Right Now Let's get to how you're feeling this week

Without the extra stuff How's the new prescription treating you? That was one of the things I didn't mention to Dr. Romero How Jerry said to lay off any medication It's uh Fine I didn't want any scolding No matter how minor so I lied

Nightmares None Panic attacks Uh no I couldn't tell him I'd missed the last five days no matter how rough a couple of them were. That's good. So what else do you have lined up for the rest of this week and weekend? Work, writing. Same old stuff? Yeah. Well, you know what I'm going to say. Actually, I got up from my chair, and over to the bedside table, grab my phone.

Everything okay? Yeah, I did get someone's number on Tuesday. Oh, well? I did get someone's number on Tuesday. woman? Oh, yeah. I thought you were taking a break from dating. I was. I mean, I am. It just happened naturally. She approached me at the pharmacy. When you were investigating. Yeah. What's her name? Lacey. Pretty name. She was the bartender in Mountain Point at Benny's pub. Oh. Yeah. I stared at her number in my phone. I assume if you got her number, you plan to call her? Actually, we already said, up a date for tomorrow. What I was thinking about canceling.

Why? I'm just not ready. Well, obviously you do what you want and feel is necessary. If you're not ready, you're not ready. Yeah, but you think I should go, right? Does it matter what I think? Yes, but I'd like it if you spoke candidly. Really?

Yeah. After this week, I'm just questioning myself and maybe all these decisions I've been making a wrong. Maybe I do need to get out more. and take it easy. Since you want me to speak candidly, I do think you should get out more. Being social, while hard, could help your mental state.

You have friends that have been asking you out to bars and cards and you have potential suitors you've gone out with. Yet, you end up cutting them all off. So I should go? As your friend, I'd say yes. As your psychiatrist, I say whatever suits you. I set the phone on my desk, contemplating.

But speaking, again, if you find are attractive and you think you may have a fun time, why not go? Yeah, well, what should I do then? I have to leave. I was replying to an email from Miles since he couldn't make any more calls until tomorrow. So this is how we had to converse. If you can't figure out another way, It's a lost cause.

The only other option is to get him myself. But could I actually do that? Could I actually kidnap someone? Mike was a big dude. It wouldn't be easy. Plus, I could possibly be watched. Even here in Mountain Point, I was on high alert. Every night when the old woman Helen, the Ben and Breakfast owner,

offered me food or services, I kept my gun handy, just in case someone else was with her. I heard movement now, coming from the hall. It could just be one of the other tenants, although I believe they left days ago. Or maybe it was Helen herself, but still, I listened, waiting. If Mike dropped my name, they would try to find me.

Part of me wanted them to find me, even though Miles was against that. Hell, maybe they did find me, but they didn't plan to take action. Maybe they just wanted to watch my movements. Who knows how many people they had here to begin with? How many watchers? I didn't hear any more movement from the hall. So I went back to the bed, grabbed my tablet, and finished my message. I know you want me to keep a low profile, and I have, but I leave tomorrow at midnight.

If you do figure something else out and need my involvement, let me know. Otherwise, I'll be back in Washington by Sunday, and we'll have to formulate a new plan altogether. I sent it, and wondered if I'd hear back from him before I left. The next morning I woke up No nightmares, no panic attacks, but that was because I took one of my pills. Dr. Romero was right. I was being paranoid, and whoever that guy was,

he didn't really know me. And while I felt a little bad because he seemed like he wanted help, it was obvious he got me confused with someone else. I'm not exactly sure how the date got in my calendar, but I'm sure there was a logical explanation. I couldn't lie to myself, though. I still had that weird internal feeling,

a feeling of unease, but I did my best to push it aside and focus on the now. And now, I was shaving. I'd confirmed with Lacey about our dinner tonight. I didn't have to work, so I planned it right until I left to pick her up. Today was going to be a good day. That is, until... I cut myself on the chin. Damn it.

Blood instantly dribbled out. I hated these stupid scars on my face. It was always hard to shave over and around them. I damped some toilet paper and blotted the cut. But when I pulled the paper away and saw all the blood, I was hit in the mirror by a vision of my bloody face rolling in a car, shattered glass and crunching metal. The image lasted no more than a second, but I saw it clearly. What the hell was that?

I quickly wrapped up shaving and left the bathroom. A minor hiccup to start my day, but man, I took my pill last night and I see my car crash. Maybe the medication just needed more time to enter my system since I took so much time off. Yeah, that's it. Just got to get back to taking them every night. Screw what Jerry said. If I wasn't in a car accident, then what the hell did I just see? I didn't end up getting much writing done.

I tried, but ended up just pacing. And while normally that might annoy me, I was just happy to not be dwelling on Jerry's wild stories in my past. Around 6.30, I went to a local florist not far from me to grab some flowers. Lacey said she really liked flowers, even mentioning the one she had the other day that she'd gotten for her grandmother. So I decided to get some before picking her up. What the... Hi, can I help you with something?

The florist was rearranging some of the arrangements on the back shelf. But I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Black Dahlia's. There had to be a good 20 bouquets. Is something wrong? Uh, no. No. It's Miss Hurst. She wanted to mix things up. I'm not a fan of black flowers. I got so many now. I don't know what to do with them. I instantly thought of Sarah in our debates.

Normally, you can't even get Dahlia's this time of year, but Miss Hurst has a magic touch, I guess, and a very green thumb. Um, well, they're pretty, but I'm looking for something a little more varied. For a special occasion? A date. You don't know her favorite types, do you? No, it's our first date. All I know is that she likes flowers, so I figured a bunch of different ones,

of varying colors. Okay, we can do that. I'll grab you an arrangement with a good variety of lovelies. Thank you. And that's when you came to Alaska. And that's when you came to Alaska? Yeah.

Oh. Not exciting? No, no, it's not that. Sucinct. Sucinct? Sorry. Am I not using that word correctly? Um, you are, if you think my story was short and to the point. And abrupt. Maybe that's the better word for it.

She smiled before taking another bite of her sea bass. Sorry, I'm always a little self-conscious because I never know what I should say. Oh, well, don't feel like you have to say anything. I don't mean to be pushy. No, it's not that. It's just after the accident, I don't always remember. remember everything. Right. But you said after the accident. Sure.

So what about before? Oh, okay. Well, I did mention I'm from Livermore. I lived there my whole life until Mom passed away. I always loved the West Coast, although I never traveled much. But I guess that's why after Mom, I decided to try someplace new. So I quit my job and headed out. But in the accident. And that's when you decided on Alaska?

I guess. You don't know? I don't remember. What about you? You know, the waiter, the couple over there, and you work as a bartender. I've obviously been here a while. 20 years now. You like it?

Love it. It's really growing on me. So you don't know why you chose Alaska? I'm fairly certain it had to do with getting away. Looking for something new. And you like it? Yeah, I haven't gone out much. Hiking, maybe twice, but between...

work and writing. That's right. A writer. Well, an aspiring writer with nothing published. You got to start somewhere. Sure. Dinner was going well. It was funny because I thought nothing of this girl last week. She was just someone who poured me a beer. But then our meeting by happenstance, and here we are. And to think I almost decided against coming out because of Jerry's bullshit and my paranoia. But then... Hey, out of curiosity. That guy at the bar last week. Yeah? Did you know him?

It seemed like you didn't. I didn't. Did you? Uh, no. She quickly took a bite after that answer. Oh, why do you ask? She took a sip of her water before answering. He was just asking a lot of questions when he came in.

But you'd never seen him around? I actually had. Earlier last week, and then he was here several months. go on business. I believe that's what he said. Oh, okay. I'm only asking about him because he was, you know, asking questions. And then at one point, I saw you guys get into a pretty heated discussion. At least that's what it looked like for my end of the bar. And then you both left together, abruptly. We actually didn't leave together and followed me, but I wanted no part of what he was bugging me about. Which was? We locked eyes a moment before she took a breath, embarrassed.

Sorry, I don't know why I'm prying. He said he could help me remember things. Oh, is that right? That's what he said. He say how? Not really. Did he say how he knew you had trouble with remembering? Or did you tell him?

I didn't tell him. And that's weird, right? It was. Especially if he followed you. Well, only to my car. Oh, okay. Listen, if he gives you any problems, you can call. It's fine.

I handled him. She nodded, understandingly, then took a sip of her water. Have you talked to him or seen him since? This was weird. No. Why? I'm sorry. This is really coming off strangely, isn't it?

A bit. I ask because, apparently, some of the locals say he's been walking around Mountain Point being a bit of a creep. Uh, creep? That's what they say. What makes him a creep? She just shrugged. He seems fine to me, but I don't know. Just loitering and walking through certain areas that don't get a lot of foot traffic

and asking weird questions. So I remembered you two talking at Benny's and the way you two were talking. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Oh, yeah. Everything's fine. Haven't seen or talked to him since. Smile slowly grew on her face. Hey, why don't we get some more drinks?

Is that okay? Sure. Tim. Yeah, Lace? Can you get us some more drinks? I'll just take another genitonic, and, um, you want the same thing you got, Mike? Old-fashioned, yeah. Maker's mark, right?

Unless you suddenly got a shipment of Four Roses. Sorry. Maker's mark is fine. Okay. I'll go let the bar know. Thanks, Tim. Not to be too focused. but I'm having a good time.

Yeah, me too. Miles never responded to my message, and he didn't call. I couldn't wait any longer. And while I wanted to try to reach out to Mike one more time, I knew that it was way too risky. So instead, I packed my two bags and prepared for my departure. Chuck was in town and let me know he still planned to leave at midnight. I checked my watch, still had a couple hours.

As I packed my few things, I kept hearing what sounded like a dog crying outside. I looked out the window, but I looked out the window, but saw, saw only the darkness in the woods behind the small bed and breakfast. Hmm. I grabbed my gun and went to the door. I went into the hallway and looked both ways. It was dark. I doubt Helen was asleep, but it was eerily quiet.

Helen knew this was my last night, but she said if it was late to just go out the back door that's where I headed now I went through the small den and over to the back entrance I pulled the tiny curtain back over the small window and the door

this was probably dumb but I walked outside anyway behind the B&B and Bar was thick woods I pulled out my phone and turned on the flashlight Searching the wood line. It didn't take long before I saw the poor thing in a trap.

Shit. And it wasn't a dog. It was a wolf, a young one, maybe two feet tall and four feet long. Still scary. Oh, boy. I didn't remember much anymore. I didn't see things. I didn't get flashes or have nightmares anymore.

But I did get deja vu from time to time. Like right now. I wish I knew why. Okay, okay. I'm gonna help you. I felt compelled to help. I pocketed my phone, now relying on just the fifth. streams of moonlight.

I picked up a stick and held it up. This is from my own protection, buddy. I inched closer and closer. How am I going to take your foot out? Okay, let's try this. I got a little closer. The wolf couldn't pull back anymore with the chain reaching as far as it could still attached to the state. Here we go.

I tossed the stick to the side. It drew the wolf's attention just long enough for me to grab the hand while I the scrub of its neck. Easy! I wrestled with it as it thrashed. But I got a good grip and forced the wolf down, keeping its legs on the ground. I quickly stepped on the latch, freeing its bloody paw. There! Shit!

He snapped at my other arm, just barely getting there. Blood poured down my arm. Damn it! Okay, okay! I picked up another stick. This one thicker than the last. Then I tossed the poor wolf a good three feet and raised the stick. Ah!

No! You're free! Go! It took a second to stare at me before running off into the woods the best it could with one injured paw. I wondered if it would be okay in the long run. Would it heal? or would the poor thing succumbed to the injury, or other wild animals? I didn't wonder too long because blood was still pouring down my arm.

Shit! I held the injury for a moment when a wave of deja vu washed over me. I hadn't felt it like this in a long time. And that's when it hit me. I left the woods, let go of my arm, and called Miles. Pick up, pick up, pick up, pick up, but he didn't. So I sent a quick text, and then email. Thinking about what he said about Dr. Spencer and the subjects,

along with what I just experienced, I had an idea. I told Miles he needed to hurt the creature. We ended up only having two drinks I was a little We ended up only having two drinks before leaving. I was a little disappointed because I was really liking the feeling the alcohol was giving me. Now that I wanted to drive all intoxicated, I just thought it would

help me sleep all tonight and let go this past week. But then Lacey leaned over in her seed. Hey, it's still early. Would you want to keep hanging out? I can make drinks at my place. Well, the situation was much like that of Becky where I didn't quite feel a connection.

I did feel like this was something I needed. You don't have to if you don't want to. No, I do. I'd like that. She smiled and leaned back in her seat. You grabbed her flowers, which were at her feet. Thank you again for these. They're beautiful. You're welcome.

I didn't know what type to get, so I got an assortment. I see. That was a good choice. She took a moment to smell of them. Oh, wow. What? You even got a dahlia, a black dahlia. I looked over, surprised by her finding.

Normally, you can't get them this time of Europe here. The florist had a bunch. Didn't know they were in the assortment. Lacey pulled the floor. flower up and smell it. Usually, I'm not a fan of black flowers. I didn't plan to get them. I specifically... Mike, watch out!

I turned my attention back to the road. Shit! Suddenly I was hit with another flash. This one with a raging fire in the woods driving some small vehicle and animals running for their lives. Mike! I slammed on the brakes. Hey, are you okay?

My hands were glued to the steering wheel. I had to force myself to loosen my grip. What was that? It looked like a dog. Lacey climbed out and I quickly followed. It's dead. Is it a dog? No.

It's a wolf, a young one. Oh. Poor thing. It just came running out of the woods. Yeah, that happens up here. I looked at my hands. You were shaking. Hey.

You really okay? Uh, yeah. You kind of went white and froze back there. Sorry, I, uh... I should have mentioned that sometimes I have these, uh... I guess you can call them panic attacks. Is that what that was? I think.

Because of your car accident? Yeah. She nodded, comfortablyly. Well, luckily it wasn't anyone's pet. Yeah. Let's get going. I bet you could use another drink now. I was just thinking that.

I had to wait a couple of hours. before the dome operating room was empty. I walked over to the control terminal. I could hear the creature, but I didn't want to see it, and I couldn't let it see me, so I left the shutters down. I couldn't believe I was about to do this. I couldn't call out right now, but I saw Jerry's last message.

I had no idea if this would work, but I had to act fast while Jerry was still presumably in Mountain Point. I brought up the electrical current. Once the current was flowing, I did a quick scan of the room to make sure no one left anything here. I also looked to the elevator. It wasn't in use. Okay. I quickly retracted the chains.

I then enacted the charges which would penetrate the creature. Hurry, Miles. Hurry. There we go. I'm sorry. I knew the creature was in pain and that's why I hoped to God this work. Tower 4. Edited by Mia Sukvili and Robert M. Lamb.

Dialogue editing by Amber Simpson. Starring, Jack Austin as Mike, Mitchell Lee as Jerry, and Nick Cornelius as Miles. Co-starring, Sean Wise, Megan Austin, Jose Carabayo, Chris Titoly, Maurice Shelton, Bonesy Rather, Clayton Flood, Hannah Flood, Douglas Salway, Ryan Glover, Emma Raider, Wesley Morris and Robert M. Lamb.

Music provided by Taco at SoundCloud.com slash made by Taco. Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash Wilkins MusicFL. Kevin McLeod of Incompetec.com. And various artists at artless.com and pawn5.com. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7lamb.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also, don't forget to follow 7LAM on Facebook, Instagram, and X, at 7LAMP podcast.

And if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon. You can visit patreon.com slash 7LAMB, and you can donate as little as a dollar a month, and it all goes to helping us create content such as this podcast. We also have multiple tiers to choose from with tons of bonus content like bloopers, bonus episodes, live streams, scripts, and new shows. Creating audio dramas is super time-consuming and expensive, so Patreon really helps us out. Again, that's patreon.com slash 7 lamb, the number 6.000. 7 L-A-M-B.

Hope to see you there. We also want to give a special thanks to all our patrons. You guys help us keep going. And we want to give a special shout out to our 7-LAM-tiered patrons, Carter Jule, Chris Williamson, Jacob Tolbert, Brad McQuaid, and Kelly Foles. From everyone here at 7-Lam, thank you. Ah!