S4E7: Paranoid

20th from Strand Releasing.

“Deep in the American South, a back alley absent bar harbours a deadly secret.”

Countess Elizabeth Bathory and her glamorous coven of vampires keep their killer instinct sharp by praying on lonely singles through dating apps, seducing and slaughtering to preserve their youth. But when Elizabeth swipes right on the wrong profiles, a cunning undercover vampire hunter and a band of emotionally stunted bros, the hunt spirals into hilariously horrifying

chaos. Rist cutters a love story producer Adam Sherman writes and directs this hilarious horror comedy that stars mean a civari, Stephen Dorf.

Tom Baringer, Rosa Salazar, Tyrese Gibson, Lockman Monroe and more.

Don't miss vampires of the Velvet Lounge in Select Theater's March 20th, tickets on sale now. God damn it. They're back, I tell you. They're in the damn barn stealing our shit! Are you sure it's not animals?

Right, goons. Baby, you're awesome. No, no, there's no way. Not that much, noise, a grab and machete gun from the closet and quickly loaded it. Hell yeah, what the hell you're doing!

They're on our property, aren't they? And if they aren't animals, they're probably just some young kids. No, no, no. They ain't kids. I told you that.

But you don't know. Yes, I do, Gwen, yes I do. You hear that? I'm calling the police. Go ahead, I'm gonna handle this before they even get here.

Hell yeah, wait. I grabbed a flashlight and machete's 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. These were your ordinary, front 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 a barn and ran the flashlight over the handle and locked. It was still in place. Best come out now, I went for my keys to unlock the barn door when, 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 work benches, 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 a jar, it must have climbed up onto the drums to get in. If there's someone inside, come out now, I'm armed and the police are on their way.

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 woodlight. That's right, get out of here. And if you come back, I will shoot. You hear me?

You come back here, and I'll shoot on site. When 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 when

“was right this time, maybe it was just some pesky raccoons, but then what the hell though?”

That wasn't any raccoon. Who's there? But that's when I startled them.

Several minutes passed, but I didn't hear anything more.

“I was too late, which meant the sheriff would be far too late.”

Yeah, yeah, I heard you, but they're gone. That's right, they're gone. I rested 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?

Seven Lamb Productions Presents, Tower 4, Season 4, Episode 7, Paranoid. Thank goodness it's a term that just often misused even among many that may consider

themselves well first in psychology and psychosis.

But to understand it, one must actually dive deep into young kids' self, because to understand

“the theory, you should also stand the man.”

My fast forwarded into the three-minute mark. But to bring this about, one must recognize seemingly meaningful coincidences through unconscious material that is brought to the conscious mind. There is a blending of both the philosophical and scientific basis for synchronicity. Many therapists can easily find value in birth, while some skeptics are finding that

these are you and sometimes even sight-to-guess the existence of concepts like paranormal phenomena, astrology and alien beings. This is why young series of synchronicity have been highly controversial. It has also been. 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. But this doesn't mean that there aren't mere coincidences. Just that the idea of coincidences can expand and a more prominent sense.

I skipped ahead again, this time by pressing the 30 second 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. 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 remember thinking that that was the only good part of the breakup. Not having to continue with this bullshit. Except now I was interested more than ever, especially after her call. The example of them also 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. It took a while for the clouds to burn, and when they did, all I could see was fire.

The forest in 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 the hands again, this time they didn't eat my back. It came over my face slowly, moving their way over my cheeks, their eyes, they slowly pulled me back onto the bed and slowly went away.

I stared up at the stars for a long time until the shadow and figures seemed to pass me. By my face, was it the bird, and 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 couldn't make any other shape, it's out of the light. It was the heart. My eyes shot open, but the hell was all that?

I'd often had the dream of floating in my childhood bed after dad took off, 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 Gerry, 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?”

Yeah, I thought you'd be out of least a week, like...I didn't say that. No, I know, you didn't say anything. I was just taking the necessary precautions. So you'd gotten enough people? No, but both the late night boys and the afternoon team have split hours to cover.

Also Bat took a couple of shifts. I'm down two people, remember? Sure. I said 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.

I mean, I've never experienced anything like this.

I didn't know if you'd even be allowed to work. A loud? You're part of an investigation, no? No. Not anymore.

Seriously? What happened? 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.

Then that's good news. Is it? What? It 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. Also, before I let you go, I'd like to come in and grab some things out of my locker. That's all right. Sure. Yeah.

That's fine. 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. 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.

The call was Sarah Helpett 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, it was no clerk here.

lobby and over to the elevators.

I kept my eyes on him, suspicious of his suit. Man seemed to pay me no mind, but I still felt uneasy. Why is suit? Since no one else was here, I got nervous. It was just about to walk out when…

Can I help you? Ah, the short stalkie clerk startled me. Oh, I would like to check out early. Can I do that? You were booked for tonight as well.

Yes, but it's before check out 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? Won't you the one who thought you might stay longer? Oh, uh. Yeah. 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 quail in my paranoia, but every person that drove past me or walked across the crosswalk was suspicious. On my way home, I just had to stop and get a coffee and something to eat. Coffee wouldn't necessarily help calm me, but I was a bit groggy from the booze last night

and I realized I didn't eat anything all day. Hi, Bear. What can I get me in this morning? Uh, hey Alice, it's Mike. Oh, hey Mike.

You want me to use it all? No, 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 hadn't store for me.

That's all? That's all. That's all. You got it, Mikeie. [GASPS]

Another flash.

“This time, a radio sitting on a counter.”

Mikeie, you there? Amber. There you are. Let me get swept in. No, I don't think-- wait, what time is it?

If you knew, uh, you were drunk, so it makes sense. It was even bad or you left, but judging by how drunk you seemed last night, I assumed you probably slept it off. Slipped what off? The idea of you, uh, on eating?

What are you talking about? You said you wanted to leave, remember? Oh.

Are you having second thoughts?

I, uh, I was drunk last night. Oh, thank God. What? Thank you, don't remember. No, I-- I don't.

Told you, it was good vodka. Mikeie. Yeah. Are you OK now? No.

“You seemed like you were going through some selfless night,”

and maybe I didn't help, so I'm sorry. What did you do? I didn't do anything. Remember you and you being-- I get to you when-- Jesus!

Mikeie. I was in the drive through, still by the speaker. Mike, um, do you pull it forward? Yeah, yeah, uh, sorry. As I pulled up to the window, I saw the guy behind me

throughout a frustrated hand wave. Hi there, Mike. Everything all right? I, uh, I don't know. I heard what you're going through,

so I can only imagine how you feel. She gave me a sincere look as she passed me my coffee. No? How? Oh, just heard it from someone here

that knows someone you work with. I'm just like that. I was now suspicious of Alice. I'm glad you're OK, though. Thanks.

Take it easy, Alice. Wait, you're bagel. But I ignored her, pulled around the side of the building and instantly parked. I was having trouble comprehending all that just happened.

But the hell was that? I saw everything so clearly. I heard it. I felt it. I was there.

I was shaking just like it laces. And again, I felt something internally. It wasn't exactly sure what it was. I heard anger in the dawned on me. I thought about Sarah.

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.

It's not about bitch.

“Through the coffee out of the window and took off.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

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 lit at the floor. There was still blood as well. 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 splatter on the door and handrail of the stairs. I was numb looking at my laptop and pieces on the floor, clothes on the ground outside my closet, or 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. 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. I turned my attention to the four-way stop

where a Navy blew SUV during 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 to face behind me. On a porch across the street, a woman was outside sipping some coffee, your 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?

“I waited until the weed-waking man went behind his other short row of hedges,”

facing me on the way before I made my way around. Mr. Williams's side of the house. 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. What? The room in the back was bare. No furniture, no picture frames, nothing.

Did he leave? Why? Why, Mike? Because it's all a lie. He's probably in on it, too.

It was done believing I was overreacting. I was ready to fully submit to the paranoia. I had a right, too. Something was happening here and I just needed to find-- Oh, what the hell?

It 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-wacker and his kids were quiet.

Were they inside? What are you doing here? Nice to see you again, too, Mike. I'm serious. 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 agent-- Yeah, yeah, I know. They'll get back to you, and then you'll get back to me. I'm sure.

Will? 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. OK. Would you like to go inside?

But that's when I noticed not only was the weed-wacker man back outside 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.

No. What? No.

No, you don't want to go inside.

That's right. OK. 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. How go first?

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 talked to him, right? Yes. And where is he? I don't know what you mean.

Did you knock? Of course I knocked. I also called. I'm not sure then. But you did talk to him?

Yes. We talked to a lot of people. Several coworkers. Your boss, Miss Lace. 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. I looked into Iris myself, but I didn't find much. OK. 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? 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 to your yesterday is not a common occurrence. In 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. Now, maybe you're part of Widsec. Widsec? 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. 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. 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 plan to look into this company more,

but with me being off the case. I figured there's 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 trust anyone. Well, if you are a part of witness protection,

“maybe you should make a call or two to get yourself out of this dangerous situation.”

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?

It was finally giving up.

Yeah, thanks. You gave a friendly nod and made his way to his car parked 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 weedwacker, his kids, and a couple across the street 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? 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 weed.

I knew nothing of it. How did he know? He didn't say. Seriously? I think you should go talk to him.

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. Fine.

I'll go officially clear your name. Yeah.

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. 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 a very good reason for the color I choose. Although I think you and every man here knows that whatever I pick will likely be the wrong choice. Well, at least you won't be caught off guard with this appointment.

Now I like here. Have a seat, Felix. I'll make this quick. Chief, I stop. Okay.

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.

Show me three clothes 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. 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?

Iris? Yes. Yeah. No. Oh.

Okay. Anything else? Yeah. Your ex-wife. Her name was Maya, right?

Ah shit. Yeah. Good call. Well, maybe blue eyes it is. (Music)

Hey, Lewis. Hey, Rick. There she is. Sorry, Emily. Crazy couple of days.

No. I know. I'm not a problem. 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 figured you'd let me do it. Well, it's slow now. 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 figured you'd be another five minutes anyway. Why do you say that?

Because someone said he was waiting for you. No. Guy over there. What the... Wind did he come in?

He's been here a couple hours. Really? Played some pool, but mostly, he kept to himself. Good mind. No, go ahead.

Hey. Hey. I watched Lacy come in, put her jacket and lunch away, and chat with the day bartender, Jack. I asked him when I got here if Lacy was coming in.

He said she had the night shift, so I decided to leave here. Mike, what are you doing here? I said a man came to you and paid you to keep me busy for the night. All right? She looked around before answering.

Yes? I told you that. Why didn't you tell the cops? What?

“Why didn't you tell Detective Dunbaugh, where he's partner or anyone?”

I left it all out. I know. I'm asking. Why? Because I don't want to be involved. And 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 Lacy. I attacked you. Scream for your life. Why didn't you tell them that? Because...

Because... Yeah.

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? 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 soon.

No. Are you telling the truth? Yes. Are you okay? You look rough. Seriously?

Sorry. Is 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. 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. 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. 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. Wait a draw attention.

They reminded me of when she called Jerry over the first met.

I felt like Jerry now. It seemed like everything he said was true when I was so fucking pissed. I didn't believe him when it mattered most. Mike? No, I was stuck.

You have any way to contact Jerry? No, I'm sorry. Well then, I really am thought. Why? Because I can't trust anything or any one.

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... Just need to get out of here.

The bar or mountain point. All of it. I need to leave. Then why don't you? Just Mike.

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 sells 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. I appreciate it.

“Do you really think people are following you and watching you?”

Well, 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 I didn't have to.

And eventually I knew I'd have to leave. Now I was heading home. But as I got closer to my home, my heart started to beat faster, so 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. The park tube 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. Some of it could shoot me thinking I was a burglar. I waited to the woodline 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.

Because ever since that incident, my life had spiraled out of control.

“It took another 20 minutes before I made it behind Mr. Williams' house.”

When I did, I crouched down behind the nearest tree, which was still a good 20 yards from the big backyard's chain length 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 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. Hard to 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, 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.

“Man went over to my back door and tapped it lightly with the end of his flashlight.”

He's knocking. I moved a little closer to try to get a better look, but the man still wasn't facing my way. That isn't till my back door opened, revealing another man inside.

And this man... will be 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 being a moment from within my place before it cut off. And we're waiting for me. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house.

I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house.

I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house. I'm not going to be in the house.

I'm not going to be in the house. 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. What about you? You need your room back? I believe it's still available.

Yes, please. Just for tonight? For now, but can I? Of course. You already knew what I was going to ask.

I wonder if you thought I was being fishy. Thanks. 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. I looked down at the neighborhood. I neighborhood. And the forest and mountains beyond. I didn't take my shoes off.

I just climbed onto the bed and grabbed this stuff. I just bought it at the corner store. I'd stop there after my steak out session. I bought some necessities for the night. Another six pack.

I was getting used to beer. And an old faithful bottle of vodka. It reminded me of 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. Not my therapist. Not my boss.

Not my co-workers. Not the cops. That's why I didn't call them now. I couldn't reach out to anyone. No.

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.

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? Would he ever call back? Would he ever come back? No.

But I had nothing else to do. No, we're else to go.

So I just called and called and called.

[MUSIC PLAYING] My eyes fluttered open. I'd fallen asleep sitting upright in the bed with my shoes still on. Two-thirds of a vodka bottle in my lap. Some of it had spilled out of the sheets.

I could feel the dampness on my legs. Damn it. My head was robbing. I felt sick.

“I drank way too much and way too short of time.”

Again, I have to stomach.

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. 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? Mike? It's Jerry. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Tower four, written by Robert M. Lam. Edited by Miyasuk Foli.

“Dialogue editing by Jack Austin and Miyasuk Foli.”

Starring Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coil as Amber, Ryan Messick as Jean and Mitchell Lee as Jerry. Co-starring CJ Garcia, Joseph Dahl, Mike Payne, Ariane Marquezie, Mark Corofftis, Ryan Duncan, Damian Vincent, Veronica Wolfarth, Corey Kine, Car Ying Lao, Walter Mack, and Megan Austin. Music provided by [email protected]/madebytaco.

Brett [email protected]/Wilkinsmusicfl. Kevin McCloud of Incompetect.com. And various artists at artlist.io and pond5.com. If you enjoyed Tower four, visit 7Lam.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also, don't forget to follow 7Lam on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

At 7Lam podcast. And if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon. You can visit patreon.com/7Lam. The number 7LAMB. And you can donate us a little to $1 a month.

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Again, that's patreon.com/7Lam. The number 7LAMB. Hope to see you there. We also want to give a special thanks to all our patrons. You guys help us keep going.

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[Music] This has been a 7Lam production. [Music]