0:00

Hey. And

0:07

when you download the Kroger Ap, you'll enjoy

0:09

over five hundred dollars in savings every week

0:11

with digital coupons. And don't forget few points

0:13

to help you save up to one dollar

0:15

per gallon at the pump. Wanna. Save

0:17

even more with a boost membership you'll

0:19

get double few points and free delivery.

0:24

Kroger. Brush for every one. Savings

0:26

may vary by state. Restrictions apply see

0:28

site for details. This

0:32

episode is brought you buy A B

0:34

C's hit drama will Trend. Special Agent

0:36

Will Transfer is observing were others don't

0:39

see the crucial clues that make or

0:41

break your case. Ramon Rodriguez dollars as

0:43

will draft Special Agent from the Georgia

0:46

Bureau of Investigation using his gifts of

0:48

observation to solve thrilling and compelling cases.

0:50

Week after week will driven Season premiere

0:52

Tuesday at age seven central on A

0:55

B C and stream all who. Everyone.

1:00

Before we get into the next episode a

1:02

tower for we want to plug another one

1:04

of our shows called Story yes we know.

1:06

What? A unique name. Story. Is a

1:08

series with a new premise, genre, and

1:10

cast of characters every season. right?

1:12

Now we have two seasons out and both are

1:15

complete. Season. One is a

1:17

dramedy about five friend walking across the

1:19

country from Washington State to Key West

1:21

is loosely based on true events. And.

1:24

Season two is a mystery thriller about a

1:26

couple trying to rekindle their marriage by going

1:28

on a ceiling trip. Only. To find

1:30

themselves shipwreck during a storm. They. Wash

1:32

up on a Hebridean island where a strange

1:34

man lives in an old stone house. We.

1:37

Know lot of people hate waiting for new episodes

1:39

and everyone wants the stories they binge to be

1:41

complete. So. While you wait for more tower

1:43

for check out story by seven lamb. You.

1:46

Can listen to whichever season interest you are.

1:48

How listen to both. Were. Even working

1:50

on a season three right now. Just.

1:52

Search For Story wherever you listen to podcasts.

1:55

Also. Don't forget to rate and review. Thanks.

1:57

Everyone. Now. for the next episode of

1:59

of Tower 4. 7LAM

2:06

Productions presents Tower

2:09

4. Season

2:13

3, Episode 5,

2:15

The Choice. Season

2:30

3, Episode 5, The Choice. So

2:41

you didn't actually discover the body? Mike

2:43

did? Yes. He

2:46

was with the person before they died. The

2:49

guy couldn't walk anymore, so that's when he came

2:51

to get me. When

2:53

we got back to the man... He

2:56

was dead. And

2:58

why didn't you mention this before, Miss Reed?

3:01

Because she was worried about getting in trouble. Gene

3:04

stepped between me and the deputy. The

3:06

deputy Eugene said was actually law enforcement.

3:09

He admitted the other men were possibly company

3:11

men, but wasn't sure. But

3:14

I was. The man the deputy

3:16

called Emil was the man who visited me that

3:18

one stormy night. He

3:20

had the scar to prove it. Fire lookouts

3:22

aren't supposed to leave their post unless directed

3:24

to do so, and she had trouble believing

3:26

Mike because, well, he's been going a little

3:29

stir crazy. In

3:31

Tower 4? Out here in

3:33

general. It seems to me more than just a

3:35

little. I have an injured officer and a missing one. He

3:38

said, officer? Was

3:40

he still playing up the ruse? Or

3:42

was this deputy not really law enforcement either?

3:46

He was lying about something, and that's why I didn't

3:48

mention any of what Mike told me when he came

3:50

back to the tower. Emil!

3:55

Yes, sir? Sir? A

3:58

Company man addressing the deputy as a law enforcement? Her.

4:01

Okay, he able to get

4:04

signal no sir, Signal Jima

4:06

talk to you in Private

4:08

Amber, Stay here. Where

4:11

Am I going? I

4:14

was him off at the base of the tower

4:16

a certain your needs to the right at the

4:18

stairs. For the injured and I see. The

4:21

deputy was winning all over the

4:23

place. Super animated seems seems to

4:26

be tricky. To.

4:28

Send another man appeared. From my cabinet

4:30

started walking down the street. Was

4:33

set the when you think as it's the injured

4:35

diner too long ago. When did

4:37

he go up there? Has

4:41

been around started. There. Was

4:43

no net behind. Hello!

4:49

As expected, seen the deputy, any other men

4:52

all huddled under the tower. But

4:57

then distracted I walked to the trail for

4:59

the went by. Hello!

5:11

All. Those Molson.

5:14

Woman isn't. Really

5:17

there. Ever. Any

5:20

of the jumped out on the she's had been

5:22

around the sixteen. Watching that told you

5:24

to stay put have wasn't going

5:26

anywhere. What what the hell are

5:28

you doing? Nothing I I heard

5:30

something mike or an animal soon

5:33

grabbed my arm and me like

5:35

he gonna pull me back but

5:37

he thought. He peered into

5:39

the darkness a moment before grabbing his flashlight Office

5:41

Dell. He

5:44

glided the been a long thick bark and

5:46

brush. I don't

5:48

see anything small. Forward

5:51

hurting my breath. Are

6:00

you from his credit but the would

6:02

the hell? Seriously you put me in

6:04

hot water? What did they say? They

6:07

said we need to leave. It isn't

6:09

safe here. Recalling reinforcements to

6:11

search. One. Other men as been

6:13

stabbed. Amber I don't believe it. Know

6:15

you think is fake and you think

6:17

it's fake blood. No I don't believe

6:19

like that. Him oh Jesus matches on

6:21

his way up here. Now we're gonna

6:23

help this poor guy back to the

6:26

chopper. You

6:28

know if he dies or be to dead bodies things

6:30

to me. He's not going

6:32

to die. We need to get him to hospital.

6:35

Make Things Hill Nj. Nj.

6:38

The. Guy.

6:40

On the trail. Nj Just

6:43

the name. His name.

6:45

Know the name. We.

6:48

Gave him. We. But

6:50

I didn't respond. Amber

6:52

The fucking Guys Bed. Make

6:54

didn't do that. How. Do

6:56

you know. Because. He told you

6:58

this is why we don't get involved. What?

7:01

Are you talking about getting involved? is

7:03

my. Job. You know what I mean. There

7:05

were rules and you broke him and now we're

7:07

fuck. You know we may be out of a

7:09

job, both of us. what? Then you could always.

7:12

Gamble less. Funny. Come

7:14

off. Grabs

7:16

my arm and once again food me forward until

7:18

we are just in front of the base of

7:21

the house. Enough And

7:23

once again, I pulled free. Do

7:25

you get what's going on right

7:27

now? Know? But I

7:29

never did. The Just listen to me.

7:31

Right now we need to go. They. Told

7:33

us to get on the helicopters the season's over.

7:35

We're going back with the injured. We.

7:38

Both looked over at the stairs for the man holding

7:41

it's. like forced to smile. He'd been

7:43

listening in the names. Oh

7:46

God for going backward Bennett's You need

7:48

to go up there and pack your

7:50

things quickly. Hills around.

7:53

The didn't see any of the other men now. Where.

7:55

Did they go? Throughout. Search.

7:58

For. Nasa's on his way up. The him on

8:00

the trail Now we need to get back so

8:02

hurry up grab what you need so we can

8:04

go. As

8:07

is so live it isn't

8:09

I knew seen with the.

8:11

Keeping. Things for me. I

8:14

wonder what happened? The bleak. To.

8:16

Keep really to stab someone. To

8:21

the child something do they not would leave.

8:24

The think he was a. Side:

8:31

sorry. I.

8:34

Didn't. Expect anyone to be in the tower right

8:36

now. This. Guy a meal

8:38

score with good a steering. Me:

8:40

what's going on sorry of still

8:43

looking around My police was born.

8:45

A part of what. I.

8:49

Apologize, But

8:51

orders. See, This is what

8:54

happens when you. Why? Amber? Yeah,

8:56

that makes sense, because why women might

8:58

be hiding in a cupboard that holds

9:00

for. Mugs I turned to a

9:02

meal. Find anything. But

9:05

he didn't answer. just hurry up and

9:07

pack. Amber. Well. They.

9:09

Made is a little harder. Just hurry,

9:11

I'll get outta your hair. Seen

9:15

as me a walked out the door but before

9:17

he defended the stairs. The. Meals

9:19

from back. I really am

9:21

sorry. Hopefully. You.

9:24

Can pick up the pieces. Yes,

9:27

He descended the stairs as I inspected the

9:29

damage. Hubbard's and

9:31

tours of all open science things

9:33

were thrown about the room. And

9:48

went to my desk to see my notebook. For on

9:51

of course. Make

9:54

wasn't crazy, pet was

9:56

obvious now. He

9:59

of a scary. He

10:02

is Sam Hurry. Up and

10:04

went to the window appeared

10:06

that I. Could just make out scenes figure

10:08

at the bottom of the stairs to the glare. I

10:14

ignored his shout and to the another glance at the

10:16

room. For grabs my

10:18

backpack and started picking up all my clothes

10:20

strewn about. To

10:24

grab a few my books

10:27

close to his or flashlight

10:29

military service and banana chips.

10:32

I was really it. Everything else

10:34

to say. I

10:36

wondered if I would ever be able to come back in

10:39

case I forgot something. The

10:43

table was turned on it's side. Say

10:46

puzzle I Five thousand

10:48

piece topical island destroyed.

10:52

The pieces litres the floor. Separated

10:54

or in small towns. Except.

10:58

One section. And

11:01

the ground amongst the mess as an intact

11:03

section of sea. Turtles and sand. Tracked

11:08

foot. Section of

11:10

nearly three hundred pieces split. Along

11:12

the ground. See.

11:17

The. Moment. Kings trying to pick up

11:19

the pieces. Then

11:22

down put the turtles. He

11:24

says fell apart my hand. Six

11:30

year. Old?

11:32

A piece of. Nope. Just

11:35

as a youth. Seen

11:39

was right behind me. As of the paper

11:41

and my pocket. Yeah. What

11:44

the hell was taken so long? The guys bleeding

11:46

out? Or did you forget. Sorry but

11:48

us this place. What

11:50

frickin' look at a gene. Not easy

11:52

to find on my shit. It's. Not like you

11:54

have a lot. And. Not leaving anything

11:57

important. You. Can buy anything that's missing. Not

11:59

a. They lose their jobs right? I

12:03

know you've got savings. Let's go find.

12:05

Done. Anyway, One

12:07

is a. Grabbed the radio on my way out

12:10

a habit but I didn't need it now. So.

12:13

I just turned. And

12:15

walked out after. Gene. Is

12:18

written. On the piece of people say the chance

12:21

to read and. Go

12:24

ahead Maria! Coller

12:29

to get ready, but I'm not sure if we'll

12:31

be sending largest get anywhere from her friends. Okay,

12:35

what are the ambulance? Or

12:39

I were on our way back now. Let's

12:43

go Amber we watched. I

12:45

have to go to the

12:47

bathroom now. Can it wait?

12:49

No can't He gave me

12:51

a suspicious look. The guy

12:54

is bleeding out since like

12:56

his boss, Still, And

12:58

I seen as helping him and they aren't even have we

13:00

to the field. Yeah. Fine,

13:02

hurry up, I'm gonna help them.

13:05

Don't belong to you know, be

13:07

wrong on it. He

13:10

started off away and staff his soldiers

13:12

and had dropped for the came back

13:14

over didn't. I'm

13:19

sorry. Okay, all of this is

13:21

a lot. Okay, I'm not trying

13:23

to be an asshole. Sometimes

13:26

it just comes naturally. Always

13:28

with the quips, he grabs my

13:30

face into history. Now

13:34

please hurry will be at the drop zone. As

13:37

he walked on sale I hurry to the

13:39

outhouse. Actually,

13:48

it wasn't much written. Tests.

13:51

Don't. Trust him. And.

13:54

A. Number. Of

13:59

cyclists. this Emil had to have

14:01

left it. He said, pick up the

14:03

pieces. But then why?

14:06

Was this his number? Don't

14:10

trust him. I

14:14

looked around, seeing if I could spot Emil. But

14:17

the area was quiet and

14:20

dark. The chill ran

14:22

down my spine. It felt

14:24

eerie. I never had

14:26

that feeling before. Outside

14:29

that one stormy night. But

14:32

now, I was thinking

14:34

about Mike's stories. Ah,

14:37

another shiver. As

14:46

I headed for the trail, I looked

14:48

up at my cow. The

14:50

dark cabin reflecting the same evening. I

14:57

had slowly moved in front of the moon. Just

15:00

enough light was available, but I didn't need my

15:02

flash. The

15:05

trail wasn't as covered here, and it only took

15:07

ten minutes for me to see the field and

15:09

helicopter over the nearest town. What

15:16

does that say? Something

15:19

is in the woods, it matters. Before

15:21

I could even locate the source of my news, I

15:23

didn't want to come behind you. You're

15:26

drinking the water. Touch

15:34

me! Come on, how many times do

15:36

I have to say it? The same amount

15:38

of times I have to. He pounced

15:40

on me again. Get off!

15:44

He was fucking high. This is bullshit.

15:46

Is it? I told

15:48

you I'm not perfect. But

15:51

a fucking prostitute? Prostitute? I

15:54

noticed the confusion, and that's when

15:56

I pieced things together. The time,

15:58

the phone call... Earlier

16:01

he he. Has

16:04

to decide to care for a living room. The

16:08

some compound and papa hominem of least

16:10

he underwear and he also. Not

16:12

a hooker. I'm. Leaving

16:14

unless you busy I

16:17

would attack you own.

16:20

Views. Are you see

16:22

video least? let me through twelve.

16:25

Going to say oh, I'm a

16:27

person, You know What? Do you

16:29

really complain? What does that happen?

16:32

I'd given you everything you needed,

16:34

not everything and crafts. my person's

16:36

having. He

16:39

wants, That's all you have. It's

16:41

all I need. Room you don't

16:43

have money, doesn't have a place

16:45

to stay, doesn't have any friends

16:47

your family will to do when

16:49

I don't care. I can't say

16:52

here. Another night watching you get high and make

16:54

poor decisions. You walked out. Now

16:56

be the poor decision know same

16:58

here will be. I'll wait for

17:01

your cause the he was the

17:03

reason for a long time. He.

17:07

Was right about now having. Money or mapping

17:09

the recall. My family. And

17:11

I would rather sleep on. I'd walk around a

17:14

park bench and be with him one more night.

17:17

As I waited for the elevator. I heard

17:19

the apartment door open. His

17:22

son around the seen standing in the

17:24

hallway leaning against the law. Amber. thinking.

17:32

About in the elevator and to one more

17:34

of a bitch and a whole winning it

17:36

of law. He

17:38

will ever see one like me.

17:40

Promise you that. Good.

18:23

How. He

18:25

didn't know what happens you. Get

18:31

happens here. I think

18:33

I should be the one asking the questions now. My

18:36

cat dragged me into the woods and now you're standing

18:38

in a small area of bush's that was reached by

18:41

a thin stream of moonlight. You. Just

18:44

above us and al sizzling. it's

18:46

head keeping close. lots of our

18:48

movements. Ember. What

18:51

the fuck Are you in

18:53

Fucking new? It knew what,

18:55

make a new were helping

18:57

them. That's. That's what

19:00

not true, don't fucking like

19:02

some sort of secret of

19:04

the things you've really fucking

19:06

greetings married But I didn't

19:08

answer. Saw him tissue. Enough

19:10

is enough. For.

19:13

Science class not far from us causing like

19:15

such. She. Was

19:17

on edge, constantly looking around

19:19

like seen as waiting. For

19:21

me, I know, Of

19:23

indexing. Listening. His

19:26

hair was settled in clumps with dirt

19:28

and twigs. It looked like

19:30

he any scratches on his cheek and arms. They're

19:35

after me. Amber, Those guys

19:37

are cops. Say no? Of

19:39

course you do. You always

19:41

have snuck through bullshit. Like

19:44

I should stop here. Average

19:46

to describes I. Don't

19:50

hurt yourself. You don't understand.

19:53

No. I don't,

19:55

And I'm big enough to admit that. Synthesis

19:59

Sutton. from us, and Mike once

20:01

again startled. Carl just then looked in the general

20:03

direction of the noise. Goddammit.

20:06

Mike, I know I haven't

20:08

been completely honest. Okay, that's true, but

20:11

if you think I know- I do! I

20:13

mean, fucking hell, Amber, I confided in

20:15

you! I told you everything!

20:18

And you sat there munching banana chips and

20:20

sipping coffee like you were my friend! I

20:23

am! You're not. And

20:25

you never were. Amber? Gene's

20:28

gonna come looking for me if I don't start walking

20:30

to that helicopter. Just

20:33

tell me. Whoa.

20:36

We don't have time. Then tell me

20:38

quickly. I felt myself getting

20:40

slightly choked up. I

20:43

felt so bad for this man. Maybe

20:46

we didn't know each other that well, but

20:48

I felt like I knew him well enough. And

20:51

here he was, mad that

20:53

I'd been lying to him all this time. And

20:57

I couldn't blame him. I

20:59

hated being in this position. I'd

21:01

been in his shoes plenty of times before.

21:04

Well? Amber, are you okay?

21:07

He's coming this way. Mike pounce,

21:09

grab my arm, and just pounce hard. Just

21:11

tell me what's going on here. I...

21:15

Oh... No. His

21:18

mouth twisted as he looked away. He

21:20

nodded slightly and loosened his grip. He walked

21:24

to the edge of the moonlight, half his body

21:26

now in shadow. Mike...

21:32

He turned towards me, only half his face visible.

21:34

My job here was to keep you

21:36

company. Well, you succeeded. I

21:40

don't think I have. Sorry. Amber!

21:44

Tell me something. What? Did

21:46

you ever tell me the truth? Yes.

21:49

But not always. No. Not

21:51

always. My name is Amber, though. Everything

22:01

I told you is the truth. Everything

22:03

I said about what I saw and what I heard

22:05

out there. Every story from

22:07

my past. I know. I believe

22:11

you. Amber! Gene

22:14

was close now, on the trail. I

22:16

have to go. Where? What?

22:19

Where will you go? I have to get out

22:21

of here. They're after me. I

22:23

nodded, agreeing with him. I

22:25

may not understand much, but I did understand

22:27

his worry. Head

22:29

to the highway. Okay. Do

22:32

you know the way? He shook his head. Do you

22:35

have anything? Food? Water?

22:38

Protection? He held up his empty

22:40

hands. Palms up. I

22:42

have nothing. He locked eyes a moment.

22:45

I didn't know what to say. Amber! The

22:49

owl above swooped down just over our heads, before

22:52

weaving through the trees and disappearing into the

22:54

darkness. Gene was

22:56

close. He falls like the

22:59

beam bouncing up and down until he stepped and

23:01

started shining it through the woods, making the shadows

23:03

of the trees grow and dance. Goodbye,

23:06

Amber. I've

23:10

disappeared into the dancing shadows. My

23:13

heart sank. The

23:15

beam of the flashlight got closer. Amber!

23:18

Are you in there? I

23:20

was so confused. What

23:22

do I do? I look

23:24

towards the trail, towards Gene, and

23:27

back to the woods, towards the direction in

23:29

which Mike ran off. Back

23:32

and forth, back and forth, frozen

23:34

within decision. Amber?

23:38

Amber. Amber. Earth to

23:40

Amber. Sorry. Was I,

23:43

uh, zoning out again? Looked

23:45

like you're, uh, kind of far away

23:47

from here. Sorry about that. Just

23:50

thinking. About what I said? About

23:53

no. What did you say? When

23:56

the hell did you zone out? After we ordered drinks?

23:59

No, no. We were talking about the differences

24:01

between small-town life in Austin. Right,

24:04

and you said that you were looking

24:06

for something different. Although, you wanted to

24:08

really go to a beach town, possibly

24:10

Florida somewhere. Yeah,

24:13

I don't have money, so that's a fight dream.

24:16

It's not. If you just... What? Save

24:18

up? I've tried. It's

24:20

my fault for working so many charity events and

24:23

offering up my time. I

24:25

haven't focused on me. But you can do that now. Or,

24:28

I can move to Wyoming where Gene

24:30

says there's a job just waiting for me. But

24:32

then you'll have to deal with Gene. Won't he

24:34

be your boss? Yes,

24:36

but I'll be a fire lookout. You really

24:38

want that solitary life? I can't

24:41

afford anything else. I motioned to

24:43

the plate in front of me with most of the food

24:45

already gone. We were at a fancy

24:47

restaurant downtown. Ace offered

24:49

to pay, although I told him I just wanted

24:51

quality time to talk. We

24:53

could have easily gone to McDonald's, but he

24:55

insisted on somewhere nice. What are

24:57

you gonna do in the off season? I don't know.

25:00

Girl, are you really considering getting back together

25:02

with Gene? You told me he cheated on

25:05

you multiple times. He said he's changed. Change

25:08

my ass? Trevor said the same shit.

25:11

He's not going to get back together with him.

25:14

But you said you've been talking to him on and off.

25:17

But it's just talking. It's been going on

25:19

for a long time now. Ever since

25:21

you left me alone in the jazz club. Man,

25:23

so all this is my fault. It's

25:27

no one's fault. I wanted something

25:29

different. This is different.

25:32

It's not a beach, but it's the woods. And

25:35

I love nature. You know that.

25:38

I'll be surrounded by it. And

25:40

yes, I'll have to talk to Gene at times, but

25:42

for the most part, I'll be alone. Till he

25:44

catches you off guard in the off season, swoops

25:46

in with a pickup line. He said just mix

25:49

drink and smirk. Where do you even

25:51

plan to stay when you get up there? Don't tell

25:53

me Gene's place. A motel. Uh huh.

25:56

I'm not going to live with Gene. His

25:58

mouth's twisted as a- Rolled his eyes.

26:01

It's the truth. Well it seems like

26:03

you already have your mind made us

26:05

but I yeah I haven't given them

26:07

an answer yet. When do you have

26:09

to next weekend? As a girl you

26:11

don't wanna support you no matter what

26:13

think you are. Really think about the

26:16

decision because I make many for one

26:18

when it comes to guys. And

26:21

I do think using and his job and

26:23

this idea of being alone in nature the

26:26

sort of terrorists that smith me. and as

26:28

you said, it's not me. This time

26:30

he was mean If. My. Drink and

26:32

from May as. A

26:35

I wasn't thinking this whole thing through. Listen,

26:37

just do what you feel is right for you.

26:41

I know and remember you don't owe

26:43

Gene anything. It's a huge and oh

26:45

Trevor, anything for health and the other

26:47

guy out there who expect a certain

26:49

kind of woman to put up with

26:51

certain kind of bullshit. You

26:55

deserved focus on the so you deserve a

26:57

guy you can trust. Amber.

27:03

To. Jean Sweeney. The. Flash

27:06

I been with moving from Maryland, bouncing

27:08

sad as a whole over me and

27:10

the small clearing places. Amber are you

27:12

in? There is a determining. Factor:

27:16

Would. Come back to the

27:18

late. And back to the

27:20

was. Thanks

27:23

to me. But.

27:27

I knew I couldn't seem. Audibly

27:31

wasn't a smart idea. I need

27:33

many bad decisions in the past.

27:35

Amber: Why try to mix things

27:38

up now? Amber

27:40

the like fully income this me

27:43

now causing. Me: To be. Seen

27:45

hat see me regardless

27:48

because been around in

27:50

there. And

27:52

or know. What

29:07

The hell? Was. I doing sitting for

29:09

my trust and someone I'm fairly

29:11

new would so sorry for the

29:14

first sentence days. But

29:18

he couldn't see him now of

29:20

is running aimlessly Salsa past month

29:23

plan to my mind how of

29:25

mine and my conversations I thought

29:27

we i had a whole new

29:29

understandings putin I was i just

29:31

trying to trick. Me says into believing.

29:36

Nights: Where are you. I.

29:50

Shall we feeling this morning. Good.

29:54

I'm glad. if i

29:56

knew years as a lightweight and what know leftism

29:58

us I thought

30:00

about the couple days after he ditched me

30:03

how he threatened to leave and how I Was

30:06

worried he would So

30:08

I masked my feelings of disappointment and hurt and

30:10

just tried to talk to him like everything was

30:12

normal What

30:23

But of course things weren't normal with him you

30:27

find him constantly amber Cheese

30:30

stalker. What were you doing watching

30:33

me all night? No I

30:38

think those are known as nightmares and sorry

30:41

to hear that same stuff as

30:43

before Well,

30:49

if you must know I was

30:51

going to the bathroom I unlike you

30:54

cannot piss for my tower I Mean

30:57

I can but it's not easy Satisfied

31:01

sorry, of course he was I

31:08

remembered us talking about meaningful coincidences

31:11

and now more than ever before I believe

31:14

in it Mike Make

31:22

Where the hell was he? Hammer

31:37

Yeah, Mikey thought you were taking a

31:39

nap need me to sing you to sleep

31:43

What's that Dream

31:45

about a certain event

31:48

then something happened in your real life that had

31:50

to do with your dream Whoo

31:54

a riddle, I love riddles. Is

31:57

this like the female doctor one or did

31:59

I? I'm serious. Young?

32:03

Young. The

32:07

day he got back from the supply drop, things got

32:09

deep. I

32:12

remember thinking to myself that I

32:14

should be taking notes, but I

32:16

didn't. Instead, I watched my bowl

32:18

of ravioli spin in the microwave as I talked to

32:20

him about his ex and his dad. You

32:24

know, maybe I don't always get your references, but

32:26

you never seem to get mine, and mine are

32:28

way easier. The way

32:31

you present them. What the heck does

32:34

that mean? Like, I'm already

32:36

in on the joke. Who's subtle? Okay,

32:39

sorry. I'll work on that. Anyway,

32:42

Sarah, she always liked to chat

32:44

about meaningful coincidences. Always wanted

32:47

to find more of a purpose to

32:49

living her. I don't know, maybe that's

32:51

not the right analysis. She always wanted

32:53

to find a purpose to this world.

32:55

There, maybe that's better. Don't

32:58

a lot of people? I guess.

33:01

I think so. Finding purpose is

33:03

important. I may not be

33:05

religious, but I understand why a lot of people are.

33:09

I remember grabbing the bowl by the very top

33:11

and taking it to the table. The clear spot

33:13

beside the puzzle. But is it

33:15

about finding purpose or coping with the way things

33:18

are? Well, coping

33:20

with the way things are or with certain

33:23

events can help a person find

33:25

their purpose. The way to push

33:27

forward? Yeah. I remember

33:29

staring at the puzzle, imagining myself

33:31

on the beach. I

33:34

always wanted to find my purpose, but

33:37

never felt I could. You're

33:40

right. This stuff is deep. Oh

33:43

no. This is just barely scratching

33:45

the surface. Wasn't

33:48

that the truth? Things

33:50

got deeper than that when he mentioned his

33:53

father walking out. Holy

33:57

shit. It's

34:00

written on the spillover a huge cliff.

34:06

Jesus. Christ Amber, focus on where

34:08

you're going. To

34:13

let go of the near tree and took

34:16

a step back. Has

34:20

the far enough away from the trail

34:22

my tower now so it's time to

34:24

take out my flashlight. And

34:27

ran the beam along with the search until I

34:29

saw the land to send. Find

34:33

new or I was. And.

34:44

My. I tried

34:47

to focus on. The here and now. That

34:49

it didn't take long before I was drifting off

34:52

again. My.

35:09

Come on, don't agree with. For me

35:11

wish that I could have them with my

35:13

in power for not in a romantic sense that

35:16

to to see what he was up to

35:18

from time to time. Make I

35:20

got a question for you. Cops

35:23

thing with them. Like

35:26

the time Gene was so adamant about me

35:28

checking up on him. Yeah,

35:31

where do you up to? Make.

35:39

The team didn't. Buy that. And I

35:42

guess he had read enough to. Believe

35:44

because not long after make

35:46

changed his mind. Does

35:49

that mean you've decided against leading again? Why?

35:56

Me: Why? I

35:58

mean. Why did you see? Your mind. He.

36:01

Said you're on the trail already heading out.

36:03

He didn't have the means of plants, so

36:05

why did you decide against it? What made

36:07

you change your mind? All. Of. A sudden

36:09

I know more. Than

36:12

never made sense to. Me: Someone

36:15

happy life When he eventually.

36:22

Hamburg dumb ass is.

36:24

He thought that random guy with the weird. Arm. And

36:27

hand was Jerry. He

36:33

slowly kissing every in together over conversations

36:35

with all the new information they gave

36:37

on the sat across from each other

36:39

at the fire pit. Earlier. It

36:43

made. Me feel bad about some of our

36:45

conversation among other. Posters

36:47

top. Part

36:50

of it fibers Now he was

36:53

obviously one more. Maybe I should

36:55

say need to talk. To

36:58

me you're thinking of leaving again.

37:01

Like event back and forth back

37:03

and forth. I remembered one day

37:05

while working on my part on

37:08

talking about my city engagement Trevor.

37:10

I thought maybe make the same

37:12

over someone they are obviously not

37:15

having. Passed.

37:18

And that was true. Okay,

37:21

but you're dealing with said and you're

37:23

not opening up. Have to fly him

37:25

cry. That

37:28

was to two and a Made me

37:30

feel bad about pressing so hard about

37:33

his past. Everything

37:35

you concentrate too hard on the negative

37:37

memory. How

37:40

now you really think that most of

37:42

the times we talk you bring up

37:44

the sad stories from your past. The

37:47

alcoholic gags the deceased mother,

37:50

the absent father, and his.

37:52

Friends Writer's Block Should

37:55

I go on. i

37:59

would have want that. And he had plenty.

38:11

But who do you amber? Mike,

38:15

where are you? If

38:18

I couldn't find him, I was

38:20

really screwed. Oh

38:23

shit. I

38:27

heard a helicopter. Was that

38:30

gene leaving? I

38:34

walked out from under the canopy of the tall pines

38:36

and furs to the rock ledge and looked

38:41

up. There it was. It looked like a

38:43

ranger helicopter. It headed

38:48

north over a section of canyon and

38:50

trees and mountains. Well,

38:54

made my decision. I made

38:56

my choice. There was no

38:58

going back now. I

39:10

took a moment to sit overlooking the

39:12

forest. The rock ledge

39:14

wasn't so steep here, so I hung

39:16

my legs over and wondered if I

39:19

made the right decision. But I was

39:21

exhausted now. Tim Mikey

39:23

wasn't anywhere. I

39:25

hoped he was okay. Again,

39:27

my mind started drifting

39:29

to past conversations. Like

39:32

the one about fleshing out his characters. I'll

39:37

definitely be back, but now it's important

39:39

to go deeper into Jason's backstory. The

39:41

character needs more fleshing out. Does

39:44

that mean flashbacks? Because you're planning on doing this in a later chapter? I

39:46

mean, we've already met Jason. Sure,

39:50

yeah. Will there be time jumps? There

39:52

has to be. Remember, he doesn't see Skylar

39:54

again, so he's much older. I

39:57

loved when we talked about his books. And

40:00

he asked me my advice and my opinions. But

40:02

that's not a time jump, right? I

40:05

thought that was gonna be gradual. Yeah,

40:07

you're right, it will be, but I think

40:09

flashbacks are necessary. Think

40:11

you'll do them for Olivia? Nah,

40:14

I don't. Can

40:17

I ask why? Because she's

40:19

not the main character of the story. Oh

40:24

man, if only he knew what

40:26

I was trying to do with that conversation. Assisting

40:30

it's a fit my narrative. But

40:33

that's what I wanted to do. Explain

40:36

more. I

40:39

shouldn't have kept the gene stuff a secret. Not

40:41

when he showed up at my tower. It

40:44

was dumb and not a way to build

40:46

trust. Especially after

40:48

he confided in you. I

40:52

heard movement behind me. Hello?

40:56

Mike? I did a

40:58

quick sweep with the flashlight. It's

41:00

all nothing. Mike?

41:16

Mike, if you're there, please come

41:18

out. I'm here to help. That

41:21

wasn't a lie. There would be

41:23

no more lies. No more

41:25

fibs, no more half truths, no

41:28

more secrets. Nikki?

41:35

Yeah. I

41:38

just want you to know I haven't forgotten. About

41:40

what? About everything you've told me. I

41:43

know there's been this disconnect between us lately,

41:45

but we still have several more months

41:48

together. What does that mean?

41:50

It just means I haven't forgotten. The

41:52

classical music, the bulldozing, the

41:54

mystery combo. All

41:56

of it. That was the first

41:59

moment that I- realized I

42:01

wasn't happy with what I was doing anymore.

42:05

I was always unsure before. Even

42:08

with Mikey, I told

42:11

him that I thought he wanted to hear. But not

42:14

Ben. Not a few

42:17

nights ago. I

42:19

actually believe you. You

42:21

didn't before? Because the woods played

42:23

tricks on people, okay? We went over this, Mike.

42:26

Right, but now I'm wondering if the credibility was

42:28

backed by anything other than your worry from my

42:30

absence. Wow. You

42:33

think you're pretty important, huh? You

42:35

want me to stay. Doesn't mean you

42:37

have to be cocky about it. And it also doesn't mean

42:39

it has anything to do with what we've talked about. Maybe

42:42

you don't remember, but I was helping you with

42:44

the caches before your drunken night. No,

42:47

no, I remember. So you can assume

42:49

all you want, Mike, but I do

42:51

think you were witnessing some strange occurrences. But

42:54

it's hard to judge so far away, you

42:56

know? But I still believe you.

42:59

To an extent. Sure, to an

43:01

extent, but it's like what we talked about earlier. Perspective.

43:06

Maybe some of the stuff he had been

43:08

experiencing couldn't easily be explained. But

43:11

I was willing to give him the chance. The

43:14

company obviously had their secrets. And

43:17

so did Jean. I knew

43:19

sometime within the next month or so I would try

43:21

to set up another meeting with Mike. I

43:24

wanted to see him. I wanted

43:26

to talk to him in person. What

43:29

are you doing right now? Working on my puzzle.

43:32

You still haven't finished that thing? Did

43:34

you miss where I told you it

43:36

was five thousand pieces? How

43:38

far are you? Oh man. I'm

43:42

almost done. There's this

43:44

dark blue and black section that's being a pain

43:46

in the ass. But I think

43:48

I might be able to get it done today or

43:50

tomorrow. Just gotta focus. What

43:52

a momentous occasion. I

43:54

plan on celebrating when it's done. Not

43:57

with vodka, I hope. No.

44:00

No more drinking for a while. Same.

44:13

I remember wanting to mention another meetup then.

44:16

But with the way things had been, I held back.

44:20

It wasn't the time yet. But I

44:22

remember Gene asking me about it later that night. You're

44:25

not planning on meeting up with him again, are you? I

44:28

never met up with him the first time, Gene. But

44:31

you tried. Relax, I'm not going

44:33

to. Why would you even ask? Because

44:36

of the way you're talking. To him

44:38

or you? Amber,

44:40

I'm serious. You can't do it. Sometimes

44:43

it felt like Gene was reading my mind. I'm

44:46

not going to. He seems to be okay

44:48

right now. Alright, but he

44:50

can be unpredictable. It's not safe. That's

44:52

why I'm so adamant. You

44:54

really think he's a danger? I

44:57

think he's capable of being erratic. Aren't

45:00

we all? I'm your boss, Amber,

45:02

and I'm telling you to stay away. There

45:04

was that tone. I hated it.

45:07

But also, I

45:10

hated the line. Until this

45:12

job, I always tried to be an

45:14

honest person. But here I

45:16

was, every year, with a new

45:18

backstory. A bunch of new lies.

45:21

And while Gene deserved it, I didn't

45:24

feel right-lined to him either. I

45:26

didn't feel right-lined to him either. Mike!

45:53

I heard more noises. But

45:55

as I searched the woods, I thought about that

45:57

night Gene threw a superior position at me.

46:00

Jane was feeling threatened by mine and Mike's

46:02

bending. But

46:04

it wasn't until the next night that truly

46:07

got me seething. What

46:14

do you want from me? Where is he?

46:17

How the hell should I know? I've been

46:19

calling. Have you? Yes.

46:22

Maybe he went to bed early. What's with the third

46:24

degree? Because there's a fire,

46:26

and come on, he's slid through those

46:28

tremors. I don't know.

46:31

I'll try calling again, but there's only so much I

46:33

can do. Just keep at it and

46:35

call me back. I

46:39

remembered being a little jittery after the tremors.

46:45

Mike, you copy? It

46:50

took more than a few tries, but eventually,

46:52

he did respond. He

46:54

was shocked by the fire, but not so

46:56

much about the tremors. I

46:59

found that odd, but not

47:01

as odd as the way he was acting.

47:05

Mikey, I know I

47:07

say this a lot, but... are

47:09

you okay? Amber, I...

47:15

What the hell? Mikey,

47:20

were you gonna say something? Uh,

47:22

one second. But

47:30

I waited longer than a couple. Oh,

47:34

oh. What

47:36

weird noise in the background when he talked. Mike,

47:39

what's going on? I gave

47:41

him some more time. Mike,

47:43

where are you? Is something wrong?

47:46

What's going on? This

47:54

job could really be a headache sometimes. I

48:01

tried contacting Mike every ten or so minutes. I

48:06

then contacted Gene to inform him, and that's

48:08

when things got heated between us. What

48:11

do you mean he wasn't shocked by the tremors? I

48:13

don't know, he wasn't. He didn't see the fire?

48:16

No, that he was shocked

48:18

about. Hmm. What, Gene?

48:21

Nothing, just something seems off, though. Off

48:24

with Mikey? Jesus Christ, can

48:26

you stop already? What? Mikey?

48:30

Sorry, it's not like I'm doing that the

48:32

fuck with you. Sure. I'm

48:34

not that spiteful. We'll just give

48:36

it a rest and be a little more professional. Seriously?

48:42

Yes, I'm serious. You're taking this shit too far,

48:44

and if you ruin this for us... And

48:47

how the hell would I do that? But

48:51

now I knew, as I continued

48:53

my trek through the dark woods. To

48:56

think, that fight was just last night.

48:59

It went on for a while, too. He

49:02

laid into me, all

49:05

over the radio, until I

49:07

finally cut him off and changed channels. I

49:13

remember having to calm myself before contacting

49:15

Mike. I started

49:17

all friendly, making a reference to Cheers. Then

49:21

somehow, things got heated between

49:23

us. And

49:27

I felt bad because I was forced to

49:29

lie to Mike more. And

49:32

he knew, because he called me a liar.

49:36

It wasn't right for me to get defensive, but

49:38

I did. At first. Then

49:42

again, I forced myself to

49:44

calm. And that was when I

49:46

realized, enough was enough.

49:56

Thank you for watching. I

50:10

remember staring at a tower. He'll

50:12

I think didn't really want to

50:15

do this anymore. If

50:18

you want to leave, I totally understand.

50:21

And if you think that I have some evil plan to

50:23

make you stay, I don't. I

50:26

just want you to be happy. So

50:28

if this job isn't working out for you, then

50:31

go, Mike. Seriously, I

50:33

won't be upset. And

50:35

Gene, well, Gene can take over

50:37

for tower four. Or

50:39

help. I can. And then

50:41

Gene can take three. What

50:43

I'm trying to say is that things

50:46

would get worked out if you left. It's

50:49

fine. If things are really bad

50:51

for you, then go. When

50:54

Jerry left, we figured things out. We

50:57

can do the same with you. Don't do

50:59

anything you don't want to do. And

51:01

I meant it. All of it. Although

51:04

I had no idea how Gene would

51:07

react. They're the

51:09

company. But whatever their

51:11

purpose for Mike, it wasn't

51:13

important enough to drag this guy

51:15

down anymore. And if

51:17

they let Jerry go early, they could

51:19

just save for Mike. For his

51:22

mental well-being. My whole life

51:24

has been doing things I don't want to do. I

51:27

was actually surprised he responded. But

51:30

we ended up talking more. The

51:32

whole time I stared out at his dark power.

51:35

And it wasn't until he mentioned his therapist in

51:38

the airplane analogy. I

51:40

realized how much him and I... ...we

51:43

each other. Maybe

51:46

it was some stupid Nicholas Sparks

51:48

romantic fantasy bullshit. But

51:50

it made sense to me. I've

51:53

spent a large portion of my life trying to help

51:55

others even when I was just as broken or as

51:57

lost as they were. Sometimes

51:59

worse. Coming out

52:01

here and working on my book was supposed

52:03

to be a new beginning and when things

52:06

got...weird, I focused on that instead. And

52:08

when things got...uh... Too

52:11

weird? Sure. When

52:14

things got too weird, I wanted to leave, but I didn't.

52:17

And why's that? Because of Gene?

52:20

Because of me? I wanted him to say

52:23

it was because of me. But

52:26

he didn't. Partly, but also

52:29

because of Jerry. What

52:32

did he mean by that? Um...what?

52:36

Is this like some weird connection

52:38

you and Jerry share with the tower? Um...oh?

52:48

Hey! You're

52:58

not even sure? I'm

53:01

not sure. I'm not

53:03

sure. I'm

53:05

not sure. I'm not sure. I'm

53:09

not sure. I'm not

53:11

sure. I'm not sure.

53:15

I'm not sure. Mike!

53:20

The Jerry connection didn't make sense until he

53:22

showed up at my tower today. Granted,

53:25

that wasn't Jerry, but

53:27

Mike thought it was. I

53:32

didn't get much sleep last night, and that

53:34

was because I was worried about his abrupt

53:37

disappearance during our conversation. I

53:39

ended up staying and working on the puzzle, just

53:41

waiting for him to respond to me. And

53:44

I finally finished the puzzle. I tried

53:46

calling him to tell him the happy news. He

53:49

stole the interesting news. And

53:51

for good reason. Please,

53:55

Mike! Please!

53:59

All the stuffy toys. told me.

54:01

All the stuff he went through. I remembered

54:05

wanting to tell him everything I knew,

54:07

but instead, I held

54:09

back. But I also

54:12

didn't mention anything to Jean, and I didn't call Jean

54:14

when Mike fainted. Not that

54:16

it mattered now. He still didn't

54:18

trust me. I

54:25

swung the beam of light to my right. But

54:28

again, it saw nothing. And

54:30

that's when I remembered his description of a

54:32

bunker in the field and the... people.

54:37

Then... oh shit.

54:41

Oh, this is true, right? And

54:44

here I was, in the middle of the woods.

54:47

How alone. Is anyone

54:51

there? I

54:55

made my way through small clearing and

54:58

around the boulder. With trees, bushes,

55:00

and tall grass. And

55:05

movement. Hello?

55:07

I was starting

55:09

to hear movement to my left and right.

55:13

Okay. Screw

55:15

this. I

55:18

hurried through some thick grass, sweeping the flashlight

55:21

from side to side, checking my surroundings. I

55:25

heard more movement. It sounded

55:27

like the faintness in the footsteps. All

55:30

I could think about now was Mike's horrific

55:32

story of a man getting his face back.

55:40

I started running. There was another open area

55:42

ahead of me. That's where I needed to

55:45

get to. It's just

55:47

too dark here. I

55:51

ran for the field, hearing more movement to my

55:53

side. Someone was following me.

55:56

I ran harder. Almost

56:01

there, almost there. Suddenly,

56:06

I was struck in the back of a head. I

56:09

saw stars as I hit the ground and

56:11

rolled along leaves and grass. You

56:16

son of a bitch! That's

56:18

what you get, you... oh

56:20

shit. It

56:23

was hard to focus. I

56:26

was in a daze. I

56:28

felt a boot under my stomach. It

56:32

lifted and pushed me over. Now

56:35

I'm staring at a blurry night sky. Oh,

56:38

god damn it. Are you

56:40

fucking kidding me? What?

56:44

Fisher, you caught me? Aww.

56:48

Go ahead. Hey, we got

56:50

an issue here. Did you find him? No,

56:53

but I thought I did. I

56:55

thought he was chasing me. Him or a

56:57

damn rat. But it turns out it's the

57:00

girl. What girl?

57:02

The Tower Three girl. Three?

57:04

Yeah. What the fuck is

57:07

she doing out here? Hello?

57:13

She ran off after Mike, knows the last word from base. Well,

57:16

I hit her on the back of the head with a damn rock. She's

57:19

still alive? Yeah. What

57:21

the hell was going on? I

57:24

was trying my best to focus, but

57:26

I couldn't. Oh,

57:30

how bad is she? I don't know. She's

57:32

rolling around in pain. Hey.

57:38

Hey. You with me? Yeah.

57:44

Mike. Here.

57:48

She's pretty out of it. What

57:50

do I do? Hold on. Let me make

57:52

a call. Stay on this channel. All right. I was finally

57:55

able to force my eyes open all the way. But I

57:57

was still seeing no one. stars

58:00

and not the ones in the night

58:03

sky. Hey, I

58:05

didn't mean to... you know...

58:08

you came running up. What did you

58:10

expect? I...

58:13

didn't... uh... You

58:15

did? You most certainly did.

58:19

She... came out of nowhere.

58:21

I thought you were Mike from one

58:23

of those creepy plots. I... I...

58:27

didn't... I wasn't sure

58:29

what I was saying, but eventually I

58:32

was able to roll onto my side and reach out

58:34

to touch my head. I

58:37

felt... wetness and

58:39

matted hair? What

58:43

did she say? Hit me with a... look?

58:47

Arla? Yeah? Go ahead.

58:50

How's she looking? She seems to be

58:52

coming too, but damn it if I

58:54

didn't hit her hard. Alright. Well,

58:57

I called it in and...

59:00

they said to... take

59:02

care of her. What?

59:05

I thought we weren't to kill any... I

59:08

thought we weren't supposed to... well,

59:11

you know... It's what I was told. Take

59:13

care of her. She's gone after Mike.

59:16

She left her post. Disobeyed orders. Is

59:18

the Ranger no? Arla, I'm telling you

59:20

what they told me. Goddammit.

59:23

Are you serious? I could

59:25

now make out the things that were being said.

59:30

I didn't want to believe them. No.

59:36

She's a liability. Get

59:39

it done. We'll

59:41

run out. Oh

59:43

shit. I rolled

59:45

fully onto my back as the stars flowed

59:47

and my vision came back. I

59:50

could see the dark figure standing there in

59:52

the tall grass shaking his head. Oh...

59:57

fucking hell. I couldn't

59:59

force him. the word. I couldn't

1:00:02

scream. What the

1:00:04

hell was this? Did

1:00:07

I just hear that right? I'm

1:00:11

sorry. Oh shit.

1:00:15

Oh shit. I was

1:00:18

in intense pain and trying to crawl back,

1:00:20

even though there was nowhere to crawl

1:00:23

back to. The

1:00:26

man approached and pulled

1:00:28

a gun from his waistband. No.

1:00:33

Oh please.

1:00:36

I'm sorry about this. How

1:00:38

could they do this? The

1:00:40

man aimed the gun at my head. I tried

1:00:44

to scream, but nothing came

1:00:46

out. So

1:00:49

instead, I just closed

1:00:51

my eyes and

1:00:54

went to my happy place. Tower

1:01:26

4. Written and edited by

1:01:28

Robert M. Lamb. Starring

1:01:31

Jack Austin as Mike, Gina

1:01:33

Coyle as Amber, and

1:01:36

Brian Messick as Gene. Co-starring

1:01:39

Corey Pettit, Nick

1:01:41

Keeney, Austin Medlin, Pat

1:01:43

Pacta, Bonesy Rather, Jarvis

1:01:46

Bailey, Zilong Zhou, Clifton

1:01:49

Smith, and Stephen Rose. Music

1:01:52

provided by TACO at

1:01:54

soundcloud.com/made by TACO. Additional

1:01:57

tracks from pon5.com and

1:02:00

artlist.io and brett

1:02:03

wilkins at facebook.com/wilkins music

1:02:05

fl if you

1:02:07

enjoy tower four visit sevenlam.com for more podcasts

1:02:09

such as this one don't

1:02:12

forget to rate and review and follow

1:02:14

us on facebook instagram and twitter at

1:02:16

sevenlam podcasts and

1:02:18

we want to give a special thank you to

1:02:20

everyone who has donated via our website or on

1:02:22

patreon we wouldn't be able to do this without

1:02:24

you so from everyone here

1:02:27

at sevenlam thank you this

1:02:37

has been a sevenlam production