Tower 4 - S4E7: Paranoid

Episode Date: March 23, 2026

The next episode of Tower 4!! Music provided by: Taako @ soundcloud.com/madebytaako   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of per...sonal data for advertising.

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Starting point is 00:00:03 God damn it. Elliot. They're back, I tell you. Oh. Who do you think, Gwen? Are you sure? I heard them. I didn't hear any who.
Starting point is 00:00:20 Are you serious? They're in the damn barn stealing our shit. Are you sure it's not animals, raccoons, baby a possum? No, no. There's no way. Not that much noise. I grabbed my shotgun from the closet and quickly loaded it. They're on our property, aren't they?
Starting point is 00:00:46 And if they aren't animals, they were probably just some young kids. No, no, no. They ain't kids. I told you that. Well, you don't know. Yes, I do, Gwen. Yes, I do. You hear that? I'm calling the police. Go ahead. I'm going to handle this before they even get here. Elliot, wait!
Starting point is 00:01:09 I grabbed a flashlight and my keys and made my way outside. First the fire, now this. Couldn't believe this shit was happening again. Gwen said kids. These weren't kids. Where the hell would kids even come from over here? No, these were the same assholes tormenting the people down in Moran and on the other side of the highway.
Starting point is 00:01:38 These were your ordinary, run-of-the-mill thieves, stealing anything they could. Tools, equipment, food, batteries, anything they could get their hands on. And local law enforcement wouldn't do a damn thing about it. I reached the barn and ran the flashlight over the handle and lock. It was still in place. Hmm. Best come out now. I went for my keys to unlock the barn door when...
Starting point is 00:02:11 What the... There was a noise from outside, but the back entrance should have been locked too. Come out with your hands up. I made my way around the side. I had a few beat-up workbenchers, barrels, old drums, and extra wood on the outside, all stuff I'd meant to get rid of years ago. I looked up, noticing that the above window was ajar. They must have climbed up onto the drums to get in.
Starting point is 00:02:45 If there's someone inside, come out now. I'm armed and the police are on their way. Shit! I heard running and saw shadows moving behind the barn. But by the time I reached the back, all I saw were a few low branches shaking at the woodline. That's right. Get out of here. And if you come back, I will shoot.
Starting point is 00:03:09 You hear me? You come back here and I'll shoot on sight. Gwen didn't seem to think that they'd taken anything before, but they had. I may have a lot of junk, but I know when stuff goes missing. As I stood there slowly gliding my flashlight over the dark woods, I thought maybe Gwen was right this time. Maybe it was just some pesky raccoons. But then...
Starting point is 00:03:40 What the... Hello? That wasn't any raccoon. Who's there? But that's when I startled them. There was definitely more than one, but I stood my ground and continued to search the woods. Several minutes passed, but I didn't hear anything more.
Starting point is 00:04:09 I was too late, which meant the sheriff would be far too late. Yeah, yeah, I heard you, but they're gone. Gone? That's right, they're gone. arrested the barrel of the shotgun on my shoulder and made my way back to my barn to see what all they got their grubby little hands on what was missing this time 7 Lamb Productions presents
Starting point is 00:04:49 Tower 4 Season 4 Episode 7 Paranoid I fast forwarded to the 3 minute mark I grabbed the small dot marker and pulled it further along the video which was mainly narration over images of the brain and weird art pieces. None of what was said so far had been helpful.
Starting point is 00:06:32 I skipped ahead again, this time by pressing the 32nd button a few times. The video stopped on the image of an oval-headed gray alien with large black eyes and a triangle of light shooting from its head. A buffering ring appeared and did its repeating circles, which would normally be annoying, but for some reason I was drawn to the alien head. I fixated on it. feeling some type of way. I decided to stop watching for now and put the phone aside.
Starting point is 00:07:11 The thing wasn't loading and I wasn't retaining any of the information anyway. Not that I ever really could. I remembered once trying to read through several of Sarah's books after we got into a fight. I wanted to try to be more understanding and show her I was willing to work on myself. Then, it didn't matter. I never finished any of the books and we soon broke up. I remembered thinking that that was the only good, part of the breakup, not having to continue with this bullshit.
Starting point is 00:07:42 Except now I was interested more than ever, especially after her call. The example of the Monsieur was a fine story, but I didn't see how it actually applied to anything in my life. If what Jerry said was true, fine. Maybe all of it was real, but hearing the bird in my room and having that recurring dream of floating above my childhood home, what did that relate to? The paranormal? Another dimension? Aliens? This time my bed was drifting further. My neighborhood had gone. All I could see were the stars above and clouds below. I was higher than ever before. Yet, I could still hear the bird. I took a while for the clouds depart. And when they did, all they could seem was fire.
Starting point is 00:09:04 A raging fire burning trees as far as I could see. The forest and mountains completely engulfed. Even though I wanted to see more, I couldn't lean over any farther as my tiny wrists were chained, which maybe was a good thing. This way I wouldn't fall into the flames below. As the bed drifted, I felt like. the hands again, but this time they didn't yank me back. They came over my face slowly, moving their way over my cheeks, then eyes. They slowly pulled me back onto the bed, then slid away.
Starting point is 00:09:44 They stared up at the stars for a long time until the shadow and figure zoomed past me. I'd by my face. Was it the bird? Another shadow, and then figure. This one wasn't moving fast, but gliding, hovering over me. It's winged. body blocking out some of the stars I could make out its shape, its outline. It was the hawk. My eyes shot open. What the hell was all that? I had often had the dream of floating in my childhood bed after dad took off,
Starting point is 00:10:19 but the damn dream continued to alter and become something I didn't quite understand. But as Sarah said, some people try to find deeper meaning, so maybe it was pointless to even try to dissect. The thing was I didn't care all that much about my dreams as I did my panic attacks and deja vu and weird flashes. But without Jerry, I didn't think I could figure any of it out. But how could I go through life, especially here, now, paranoid as I was, untrusting of everyone around? I thought you'd be out at least a week, Mike. I didn't say that.
Starting point is 00:11:17 No, I know. You didn't say anything. I was just taking the necessary precautions. So you'd got enough people? No. But both the late night boys and the afternoon team have split hours to cover. Also, Beth took a couple of shifts. I'm down two people, remember? Sure.
Starting point is 00:11:37 If you want to come back... It was the way he said it. It's like he wasn't just surprised, but... Pete... Yeah? You expected me to come back, right? Sure. I told you. I thought it'd just be a little while longer.
Starting point is 00:11:57 I mean, I've never experienced anything like this. I didn't know if you'd even be allowed to work. Allowed? You're part of an investigation, no? No. Not anymore. Seriously? What happened?
Starting point is 00:12:14 I mean, sorry. You don't have to say. The case is closed for now, Pete. So can I come back to work? Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, then that's good news. Is it? What?
Starting point is 00:12:28 Seems like maybe you're not sure. Sorry, Mike. You caught me off guard, and no offense, I'm still a little bit rattled from the whole thing. It's been a cluster fuck here trying to rearrange shifts because I didn't know what was going to happen. Right. But yeah, if you want to come back. Just let me know when. Okay.
Starting point is 00:12:52 Also, before I let you go, I'd like to come in and grab some things out of my locker. That's all right. Thanks. I didn't really care about getting back to work. I needed money, but more importantly, I just wanted to talk to Pete and the rest of the work crew without being too suspicious. The best way to talk to any of them would be around others during a shift. Although I'd try today when grabbing some things out of my locker. The detectives may have dropped my case, but I didn't.
Starting point is 00:13:22 Without Jerry, it was up to me to find out more. While I was still determined, I couldn't help but feel a bit of discouragement as well. A call with Sarah helped put some things in perspective, but raised my paranoia to an all-new height. I went to the front desk to see if I could check out early. Hmm. There was no clerk here. I was about to hit the bell again when I saw a man in a suit enter, walking through the lobby and over to the elevators. I kept my eyes on him, suspicious of his suit.
Starting point is 00:14:15 The man seemed to pay me no mind, but I still felt uneasy. Why a suit? Since no one else was here, I got nervous. I was just about to walk out when... Can I help you? The short, stocky clerk startled me. Oh, I would like to check out early. Can I do that? You were booked for tonight as well?
Starting point is 00:14:38 Yes, but it's before checkout time. Right. Sure. I can do that for you. Thanks. I thought you were going to need the room for more days, but ended up being less, huh? What? Weren't you the one who thought you might stay longer? Oh, yeah.
Starting point is 00:14:54 That's right. I did tell this guy that when I first came in. Again, I was suspicious of someone and for no real good reason. I was trying my hardest to quell my paranoia, but every person that drove past me or walked across the crosswalk was suspicious. On my way home, I decided to stop and get a coffee and something to eat. Coffee wouldn't necessarily help calm me,
Starting point is 00:15:36 but I was a bit groggy from the booze last night, and I realized I didn't eat anything all day. Uh, hey, Alice, it's Mike. Oh, I'll take a plain bagel toasted with cream cheese and a large black coffee. I kept the order simple. I just needed fuel. I had no idea what the rest of the day had in store for me. That's all?
Starting point is 00:16:01 That's all. Another flash. This time a radio sitting on a counter. Amber. Slept in? No, I don't think... Wait, what time is it? How drunk you seen last night.
Starting point is 00:16:39 I assumed you probably slept it off. Slept what off? The idea of you... What are you talking about? You said you wanted to leave. Oh. Are you having second thoughts? I, uh, I was drunk last night?
Starting point is 00:16:58 Oh, thank God. What? No, I... I don't. Told you, it was good for me. Vaca. Yeah. Now?
Starting point is 00:17:14 You seem like you were going through some stuff last night. What did you do? I ditched you? When? Jesus! Mikey? I was in the drive-thru, still by the speaker. Yeah, yeah, uh, sorry.
Starting point is 00:17:41 As I pulled up to the window, I saw the guy behind me throw out a frustrated hand wave. Hi there, Mike. Everything all right? I, uh, I don't know. I heard what you were. going through. So I can only imagine how you feel. She gave me a sincere look as she passed me my coffee. No? How? How? Oh, just heard it from someone here that knows someone you work with. And just like that, I was now suspicious of Alice. I'm glad you're okay, though.
Starting point is 00:18:17 Thanks. Take it easy, Alice. Wait, your bagel. But I ignored her, pulled around the side of the building and instantly parked. I was having trouble comprehending all that just happened. What the hell was that? I saw everything so clearly. I heard it. I felt it.
Starting point is 00:18:34 I was there. I was shaking, just like at Lacey's. And again, I felt something internally. I wasn't exactly sure what it was. Hurt. Anger. And it dawned on me. I thought about Sarah.
Starting point is 00:18:52 I hadn't felt this feeling since the day Sarah ended things. I was just about to take a sip of my coffee when I thought about Alice knowing about what I'd been through. Ugh! Who she was in on it? Son of a bitch! I threw the coffee out of the window and took off.
Starting point is 00:19:56 I left my bag in the car as I checked my home. The place was still a mess. Chairs and table overturned, glass shards and wood splinters littered the floor. There was still blood as well. I wasn't even sure what to do right now. I left the door open and went upstairs and checked out my room. I saw some blood splattered on the door and handrail of the stairs.
Starting point is 00:20:27 I was numb looking at my laptop and pieces on the floor, clothes on the ground outside my closet, and warm blood on the carpet. Mr. Williams had to hear all this. A minute later and I was next door. His car was here. Where could he be? I even called before knocking and no answer.
Starting point is 00:20:58 Mr. Williams, it's me, Mike. Are you here? Like everything else in my life, this was fishy. I looked to my left where two houses down, a man was outside cutting around a short row of hedges. His two young kids played in the driveway with chalk. I could swear at one point the man looked up at me. This felt like the damn Truman show.
Starting point is 00:21:26 I turned my attention to the four-way stop where a navy blue SUV turned the corner disappearing past a two-story home. It seemed like the same one I saw parked at the other corner. Mr. Williams! Son of a... I turned a face behind me. On a porch across the street,
Starting point is 00:21:48 a woman was outside sipping some coffee or tea and reading her tablet. Even if Mr. Williams were to answer the door and invite me in, I wouldn't go. We could talk right here in front of all these witnesses. Down the street, a man walked his dog. Witnesses? Or spies?
Starting point is 00:22:07 I waited until the weed-wacking man went behind his other short row of hedges, facing the other way before I made my way around Mr. Williams's side of the house. I checked out every window, but the curtains were drawn. Damn it. I went to the back of the home and found one window where the curtain was caught just at the corner. I shaded my eyes and could just barely see inside. The room in the back was bare. No furniture, no picture frames, nothing. Did he leave? Why? Why, Mike, It's all a lie. He's probably in on it too.
Starting point is 00:23:00 I was done believing I was overreacting. I was ready to fully submit to the paranoia. I had a right to. Something was happening here and I just needed to find... Oh! What the hell! As I came from around the house, I almost bumped into Detective Dunbar. I thought I heard someone over here. You heard me? That's when I noticed the weed whacker and his kids were quiet. Were they inside? What are you doing here? Nice to see you again too, Mike.
Starting point is 00:23:26 I am, I wanted to try to talk to you. About the case? No, I told you. It's not a case anymore. At least not mine. The federal agency... Yeah, yeah, I know. They'll get back to you and then you'll get back to me, I'm sure.
Starting point is 00:23:40 Well, yeah. So then, why are you here? I was nervous right now. To be as suspicious as I was, there was no way in hell I'd trust this man. I just wanted to talk, Mr. Archer. Okay. Would you like to go inside? you like to go inside? But that's when I noticed not only was the weed whacker man back outside
Starting point is 00:24:00 with hedge clippers, but also the woman across the street was accompanied by what was probably your husband, also sipping tea or coffee and reading. And the dog walker was closer as well. No. What? No. No, you don't want to go inside? That's right. Um, okay. I felt right here in the open was best. Detective Dunbar looked around a moment trying to process how abruptly I was speaking. We can talk right here. That's fine. Good, I'll go first.
Starting point is 00:24:32 Where's Mr. Williams? Huh? Mr. Williams. I stepped onto the driveway and motioned to the house, then car. Where is he? How should I know? You talk to him, right? Yes. Then where is he? I don't know what you mean. Did you knock? Of course I knocked. I also called.
Starting point is 00:24:49 I'm not sure then. But you did talk to him? Yes, we talked to a lot of people. Several co-workers, your boss, Miss Lacey... Talk to Pete about Iris? No. Why not? Because my partner and I were taken off the case, but that's why I'm here now. I didn't know what he meant by that.
Starting point is 00:25:07 I looked into Iris myself, but I didn't find much. Okay, so? So why do you mention it? Why do you care? Because I'm interested. Interested in what? Interested in why everyone I've talked to about this incident has been lying. What?
Starting point is 00:25:21 Between you, your boss, Miss Anderson, Shand, and the feds, it seems like I can't get a truthful word out of anyone. What happened here yesterday is not a common occurrence, and the fact that my instincts are telling me something's wrong. I know what that's like. I shouldn't be here, Mr. Archer. Mike. Thanks. Mike, I did a background check on you, and you never had anything to do with this Iris Company. So I don't understand the reference.
Starting point is 00:25:49 Now, maybe you're part of Witzek. Wittzek? Witness protection. That's the only logical reasoning I can come up with where federal agents would get involved, especially the way they did. Because they took Clark away? And our case.
Starting point is 00:26:03 I still didn't trust this man, but all the outsiders were still here, save for the dog walker who was near the end of the street now. But the kids were outside playing again, so I felt reasonably safe right now. I wasn't lying to you when I said I didn't know what was going on. Then why did you mention Iris? Because they wanted me here.
Starting point is 00:26:20 They were why I got my... job, okay? You worked for them? No. Then I don't understand. Yeah, me either. Okay, Mike. You don't have to talk to me. I planned to look into this company more, but with me being off the case, I figured there's
Starting point is 00:26:39 not much I can do at this point, not officially anyway. I actually found a bit of solace in the fact that I wasn't the only one confused and upset about what was going on. I'm telling you the truth. For some reason, they wanted me here, and right now I just don't want me. trust anyone. Well, if you are part of witness protection, maybe you should make a call or two to get yourself out of this dangerous situation,
Starting point is 00:27:02 if that's what this all is. But I don't know if it is. You don't know? No. But you know about this company, Iris? Because Pete mentioned them. It looked like he wasn't believing a thing I said. Just be careful, okay?
Starting point is 00:27:19 He was finally giving up. Yeah, thanks. He gave a friendly nod and made his way to his car, parked at him. in front of the driveway. I watched him drive off. I turned my attention back to the house. For a moment, I thought I saw movement by the upstairs window. That's when I noticed that the weed whacker, his kids, and the couple across the street
Starting point is 00:27:44 weren't outside anymore. I was alone. Shit. I didn't go back inside. I instead went to my car and got the hell out of there. Hey, Felix! One second. Yeah?
Starting point is 00:28:34 You went to question that Mike Archer more? What? You talked to him today? How the hell you know? Chief just asked me what the hell we were doing when I walked by his office. I told him there was no wee. I knew nothing of it. How did he know?
Starting point is 00:28:51 He didn't say. Seriously? I think you should go talk to her. It's better than him coming to talk to you. It wasn't anything serious. All right, man. But don't drag me into any bullshit. Ah, fine. I'll go officially clear your name.
Starting point is 00:29:12 Yeah, come in. Oh, it's you. The chief was holding up two tiny color swatch cards. He held them out to me. What do you like better? Baby Blue Eyes or Maya Blue? You expecting another child? No, no, it's for the bathroom.
Starting point is 00:29:30 Chloe and I got into it yesterday and seems I need to be more involved. All this renovating and interior decorating has really driven a wedge between us lately. But honestly, I cannot even tell the difference between these colors. You should tell her you trust her judgment. But we're a team, Felix, and I should care just as much as her. That's why she's giving me final say. But I have to have a very good reason for the color I choose. Although, I think you and every man here knows that whatever I pick
Starting point is 00:29:59 will likely be the wrong choice. Well, at least you won't be caught off guard with this appointment. Not like here. Have a seat, Felix. I'll make this quick. Chief, I... Stop. Just stop, okay?
Starting point is 00:30:17 You got well more than enough to keep you busy. The abruptness bothers me. That's not for you to care about. It was my case. But it isn't anymore. Have you heard anything from them? It's been a day, Felix. A day.
Starting point is 00:30:32 Show me three closed folders from the last two months and maybe I'll reach out. But until then, it isn't important. I just... It isn't important. Yes, sir. So please, let it be, and get to work on something else. Okay. That'll be all.
Starting point is 00:30:52 Right. And I mean it. No more harassing this Mr. Archer. Just forget him. Understood? Understood. One question, Chief. Make it quick. Ever heard of a company called Iris?
Starting point is 00:31:12 Iris? Yeah. No. Oh, okay. Anything else? Yeah, your ex-wife. Her name was Maya, right? Ah, shit.
Starting point is 00:31:26 Yeah, good call. Well, baby blue eyes it is. Hey, Rick. There she is. Sorry, I'm late. Crazy couple of days. No, I know. Not a problem.
Starting point is 00:32:16 I saw some boxes in the back. Are those the missing cases? Yeah. You inventory them? No, because we still have five left. I figured I wouldn't worry about it till we were empty. Meaning, you figure you'd let me do it. Well, it's slow now.
Starting point is 00:32:30 Yeah, yeah. If you want, I can take care of it. No, it's fine. I was late. Let the punishment fit the crime. Sure, but I figure you'll be another five minutes anyway. Why do you say that? Because someone said he was waiting for you.
Starting point is 00:32:46 Who? Guy over there. What the... When did he come in? He's been here a couple hours. Really? Played some pool, but mostly it kept to himself. Do you mind?
Starting point is 00:33:01 No, go ahead. Hey. Hey. I watched Lacey come in, put her jacket and lunch away, and chat with a day bartender, Jack. I asked him when I got here if Lacey was coming in. He said she had the night shift, so I decided to wait here. Mike, what are you doing here? You said a man came to you and paid you to keep me busy for the night, right?
Starting point is 00:33:32 She looked around before answering. Yes, I told you that. Why didn't you tell the cops? What? Why didn't you tell Detective Dunbar or his partner or anyone? I left it all out. I know, I'm asking. Why?
Starting point is 00:33:51 Because I don't want to be involved? Involved more than you already were. I fucked up. That's obvious. So yes. Why not tell the police I attack you? Why would I? Because I did, Lacey. I attacked you. You screamed for your life. Why didn't you tell them that?
Starting point is 00:34:09 Because... Because... Yeah? I felt bad, Mike. You didn't mean to. At least that's what you said. And I hate to say this, but I've gotten worse bruises from working on my car. Are they still in contact with you? Who?
Starting point is 00:34:24 The man who approached you. pointed through. No, I haven't seen him. And he hasn't text you, contacted you in any way? No. Did you know Clark? Clark? Yes, Clark Shand. No? Are you telling the truth? Yes. Are you okay? You look rough.
Starting point is 00:34:45 Seriously? Sorry, does that mean? What's mean is that everyone is keeping me in the dark. I'm not. So you say. What do you think it is that I'm not telling you? Why didn't you tell the cops that some man gave you money to keep me busy? Because I would have had to tell them what happened afterwards,
Starting point is 00:35:05 and then it wouldn't have looked so good for you. Damn. She was telling the truth. Right? Fine. Although she was probably just trying to save her neck. Listen, if there's something I can do for you, I will. But I told you everything I know.
Starting point is 00:35:23 I told you all I know about that guy, Jerry. But you said you wanted to know what was going on with you. That I don't know. No one seems to know. Not the detectives, not my coworkers, no one in my life. I went to talk to Pete and Beth and Norris after talking to Detective Dunbar. No one had anything for me. Even Pete just held to his story about not knowing anything more than what he already told me.
Starting point is 00:35:49 Mike, if you're in danger, why didn't you tell the cops? Why didn't you tell them about what happened with us? Because I can't trust them either. The cops? Anyone! Shit. Way to draw attention. It reminded me when she called Jerry over when we first met.
Starting point is 00:36:06 I felt like Jerry now. It seemed like everything he said was true, and I was so fucking pissed I didn't believe him when it mattered most. Now I was stuck. Do you have any way to contact Jerry? No. I'm sorry. Well, then, I really am fucked. Why?
Starting point is 00:36:29 because I can't trust anything or anyone. I have to constantly look over my shoulder. I don't know who's watching, listening, or following. My life here is most likely a lie and... I just need to get out of here. The bar or mountain point? All of it. I need to leave. Then why don't you?
Starting point is 00:36:55 It just might. That's when I started thinking about it. Could I just pack my shit and go? Well, if you need a ride, My cousin has a boat. He sails to Washington often. Thanks. For what it's worth, I am sorry about everything, and I hope you're able to get through what you're going through.
Starting point is 00:37:20 I appreciate it. Do you really think people are following you and watching you? While I stayed at the bar for a long time, I didn't get drunk. Ace myself. It was nice not to be constantly looking over my shoulder, or at least feeling like. like I didn't have to. But eventually I knew I'd have to leave.
Starting point is 00:38:13 Now I was heading home. But as I got closer to my home, my heart started to meet faster. I saw that same blue SUV parked on the corner. Instead of heading home, I turned the other way down the street, slowly moving past the SUV. I didn't see anyone inside it. Okay. This was probably stupid, but I had to know.
Starting point is 00:38:52 I parked two blocks down and made my way across the street and behind a row of houses. A lot of people were armed here, so I had to be careful not to be seen. Someone could shoot me thinking I was a burglar. I made it to the wood line behind the houses and entered the dark woods. I heard a wolf far off. It brought my mind back to two nights ago when I hit that poor animal with my car. Was that a sign of things to come? Because ever since that incident, my life had spiraled out of control.
Starting point is 00:39:24 It took another 20 minutes before I made it behind Mr. Williams' house. When I did, I crouched down behind the nearest tree, was still a good 20 yards from the big backyards chainling fence. I waited there for over 30 minutes just watching. I wasn't sure what I really expected until I saw a bit of light from Mr. Williams' upstairs window. Not a lamp or a ceiling fan light, but a flashlight. The beam glided over the window
Starting point is 00:39:56 before disappearing from view and shrouding the upstairs into darkness once again. So Mr. Williams is home. About another five minutes passed and nothing. I debated about what I should do. Part of me wanted to go knock on his back door, but I figured that could be a bad idea, especially if he was trying to avoid me.
Starting point is 00:40:18 Or it could lead to another scuffle if he was... Oh shit. The back door opened and a figure stepped out. It was a larger man. I could tell because of the back porch light. I couldn't see his face, but he wasn't Mr. Williams. The man went over to my back door and tapped it lightly with the end of his flashlight.
Starting point is 00:40:35 He's knocking? I moved a little closer to try to get a better look. look, but the man still wasn't facing my way. That is until my back door opened, revealing another man inside. And this man, holy shit, was Dr. Romero. What the hell? So he was in on it too. This was fucking crazy. I was right not to trust anyone. What did these people want with me? Why were they in my house? The bigger man stepped inside and closed the door behind him. I saw the flashlight beam a moment from within my place before it cut off. They were waiting for me.
Starting point is 00:42:01 When I entered, it was the same guy behind the desk. You're back. And you're still here. Maybe he was in on it too. Co-worker had an emergency, so I'm back for the overnight. Ah. What about you? You need your room back? I believe it's still available.
Starting point is 00:42:17 Yes, please. Just for tonight? For now, but can I... Of course. You already knew what I was going to ask. I wondered if he thought, I was being fishy. Thanks.
Starting point is 00:42:29 But before I handed over my card, actually, are there any other rooms available? Yeah. Would you like a different one? Please. I couldn't believe what was happening right now. I had no idea what to do. I pulled back the curtains. I was on the other side of the building now.
Starting point is 00:43:07 I looked down at the neighborhood, my neighborhood, and the forest and mountains beyond. I didn't take my shoes off. I just climbed onto the bed and grabbed the stuff. I just bought at the corner store. I'd stop there after my stakeout session. I bought some necessities for the night. Another six-pack, I was getting used to beer, and an old, faithful bottle of vodka.
Starting point is 00:43:31 It reminded me a Melinda's usual late-night buys. I hated it, yet here I was. Difference being I had a real reason to drink. Not that that was an excuse, but how the hell else was I to cope with all this shit? I used the end table to pop the cap. I was truly lost. I couldn't trust a single goddamn person,
Starting point is 00:43:55 not my therapist, not my boss, not my coworkers, not the cops. That's why I didn't call them now. I couldn't reach out to anyone. Well, that wasn't entirely true. I turned my phone on speaker and said it next to me. I didn't know if I could trust Jerry, but he was the only person. who gave me any kind of answers.
Starting point is 00:44:30 I didn't leave a voicemail. I just hung up and dialed again. My mind raced. I just wanted answers, but I knew I wouldn't get them. I wouldn't get them unless Jerry got back to me. Where was he? Did he write down the right number?
Starting point is 00:44:47 Would he ever call back? Would he ever come back? Call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message. Who knows? But I had nothing else to do. nowhere else to go, so I just called and called and called. My eyes fluttered open. I'd fallen asleep sitting up right in the bed with my shoes still on
Starting point is 00:45:39 and two-thirds of a vodka bottle in my lap. Some of it had spilled onto the sheets. I could feel the dampness on my legs. Damn it. My head was throbbing. I felt sick. I drank way too much and way too short of time. Again with an empty stomach.
Starting point is 00:46:02 With my eyes only half open I reached around from my phone. I could read the alarm clock. It was four in the morning. Of course. Who the hell could be calling me this late? I felt like I was going to throw up. I made minimal movements, but eventually found my phone. What? Who is it?
Starting point is 00:46:35 Mike? It's Jerry. Tower 4. Written by Robert M. Lamb. Edited by Mia Sukvili. Dialogue editing by Jack Austin and Mia Sukvili. Starring Jack Austin as Mike. Gina Coyle as Amber. Brian Messick as Jean and Mitchell Lee as Jerry. Co-starring C.J. Garcia. Joseph Dahl. Mike Payne. Aryan Markeese. Mark Kiroftus.
Starting point is 00:47:37 Ryan Duncan. Damian Vincent. Maronica Wolfarth. Corey Kine, Kar Yang Lau, Walter Mack, and Megan Austin. 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.io and pawn5.com. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7lam.com for more podcasts such as this one.
Starting point is 00:48:09 Also, don't forget to follow 7LAM on Facebook, Instagram, and X at Seven Lamb Podcasts. And if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon. You can visit patreon.com slash seven lamb, the number seven, LAMB, 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.
Starting point is 00:48:36 Creating audio dramas is super time-consuming and expensive, so Patreon really helps us out. Again, that's patreon.com slash seven lamb, the number seven, 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 seven-lamp tiered patrons, Arnolfo Martinez, Daniel Wolfman, Probester 1, Cedric, Brad McQuaid, Chris Williamson, and Carter Jewell. From everyone here at Seven Lamb, thank you. This has been a seven-lam production. Thank you.

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