A (0:00)

Hey, welcome to Scary Stories and Rain. Real quick. Before we begin, I just want to remind you that if you want to subscribe to this podcast for just 2.99amonth, you'll get rid of all of the ads across every single episode and you'll be automatically entered to win all of my giveaways that I do every month. Right now we have a PlayStation 5 on the line, so if you want to be entered to win, subscribe for just 2.99amonth, get rid of all of the ads and you'll also be supporting the podcast, which is highly appreciated. And last thing before we begin, I just wanna say thank you so much for being here and I really hope you enjoy this episode. If you thought goldenly breaded McDonald's chicken couldn't get more golden, think Golder because new sweet and Smoky Special Edition Gold Sauce is here made for your chicken favorites at participate at McDonald's for a limited time. I'm Scott Hanson, host of NFL Red Zone. Lowe's knows Sundays are for football. That's why we're to help you get your next DIY project done. Even when the clock isn't on your side. Whether that's a new Filtreat filter or Bosch and Cobalt power tools, Lowe's has everything you need to feel like the MVP of diy. So get it done and earn your Sunday Shop now in store and online. Lowe's Official Partner of the NFL hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now. I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month is back. So I It would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of network's busy taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com I was 8 when I got my pen pal. It was a project. We were to write a letter about ourselves with our mailing address and our picture included. Then we'd tie each letter to a balloon and let them go. The goal was to practice letter writing and befriend someone in the process. To be honest, it wasn't such a bad idea if you ignore how dangerous it was. I think most of the kids got other kids to write too. Maybe a couple of them got tourists just dropping by for a week or two. It was just luck whoever found your letter was your pen pal. The first letter I got from my pen pal was as innocent as you could get. Percy and his wife Molly had sent a photo of them with their animals. They had a dog named Jukebox who was a husky malamute mix, a Maine coon cat named Indigo, and a box turtle named Webster. I found myself wishing they could be my family. I wished that I could snuggle up with Jukebox and take walks with Percy and Molly. I was a kid from an unstable home life, and I craved the normalcy Percy and Molly had. I told them everything. I told them when my sister got mad and hit me. I told them when our foster parents got mad and hit Addison. I told them about being kicked out and meeting our neighbors, an old couple who never failed to be Addison and I's safe space for about six months. Percy was my best friend. That is, until I was moved to a different home and I didn't tell him I was moving. I could have sent a letter to his address and told him, but I remembered the last letter he had sent. It had no postage stamp, meaning it had been hand delivered. Something about that fact terrified me so much I told Addison about it. She slapped me around a bit and then forbade me from talking to Percy. He's probably a pedophile. God, you're so stupid, she said after lecturing me on why I shouldn't have responded to him. Years passed, but Percy never forgot. He was the only one outside of the Landrys who knew that Addison and I shared a different birthday. Despite being twins, he never failed to send a birthday card on 6 May, no matter what foster home we had jumped to. The cards were your stereotypical drugstore birthday cards. Percy and Holly always wrote a handwritten note below it, wishing me a happy birthday. As the years dragged on, I started to realize how creepy that was, how unsettling it was that he knew what foster home I had moved into, that he was keeping tabs on me somehow. It wasn't until I met him in person that I realized how dangerous both he and Molly were. It was a normal night for Addison and I. We were hiking down the road that would take us to the Landrys, who we knew would be the only People up at 2am Though our last foster placement had taken us miles from their home. Every time we were kicked out, we would make the hike, rain or shine. Addison spent the bulk of the walk telling me how horrible I was and that I had caused this Addison does that a lot, and I have begun to realize that she blames me even when it's her fault. I have come to believe that she can't blame herself because it hurts too much. So she blames me. And she hurts me because she knows I'm the only one who will put up with it. She stopped mid insult when a minivan came up behind us. The engine made an awful c clunking sound. Addison would know why. She's an expert with cars. She grabbed my arm gently. Don't talk and follow my lead, she said softly. I barely nodded confirmation. The minivan stopped next to us and the passenger window was rolled down. I didn't recognize the woman, curly short hair and a pudgy face, but the man I recognized. I sucked in a gasp of air when I saw him, causing Addison to squeeze my arm tighter. What are you two doing out here all by yourselves? The man asked. Addison put on a sweet smile. Oh, we're just walking home. This one got sick, she says, referring to me. I looked at the ground so I didn't have to look at his face. How about we take you? It's far too late to be walking home. Addison shook her head. We're fine, you understand, she says, shooting daggers at the man. He smiles pleasantly. Get in the car, he says in a cold voice, smile gone from his face. Addison meets his stare. Not a chance, fat man, she shoots back, breaking into a run and dragging me with her. She screams as she runs, yelling about being kidnapped. She's trying to make sure someone hears her, but I think we both know that everyone in this town is dead asleep except for the Landrys, who are stone deaf. She yells anyway. She screams louder than I've ever heard her scream before. I see the Landrys farmhouse as we run, and I almost think we're going to make it. That Addison's running saved us until a hand grabbed my hoodie and yanked me back. A strangled yell escapes my throat as the jacket chokes me. Addison skids to a stop and comes right back for me. Let him go. She screams the same anger back, only this time she's more angry than I'd ever seen her before, and for the first time it's not at me. Molly dear. Some help called Percy, who now had me firmly in his grasp. Of course, she called from the van, emerging with a gun. I suggest you shut it, girl, and get in the van. Addison stops screaming, but her eyes convey just how much she wants to rip them to pieces. Addison does what they say, climbing in the van and sitting in the back where Molly told her to. Molly slams the door shut and then looks to me. Otto, you've grown so much. She exclaims like a grandmother seeing her grandchildren. Please let us go, I say, making my voice sound extra pathetic so they'd feel bad. Oh honey, after seeing how those people treated you, we had to do this. No child should be treated like that, she says, clicking her tongue. You'll come home with us and we'll be a family. I'm sure you'd love to see Jukebox, Percy said and Molly giggled. But we can't, I say, and I know it was the wrong thing because Molly's smile drops. Why, of course you can. You're our boy. I shake my head. But I'm not. This is kidnapping, I say more forcefully. Molly grabs my chin in her hand so tight I know I'll have bruises. We're saving you from all those so called parents. And from her. Holly pointed a shaky hand to Addison, whose face was pressed up against the glass. Please let us go, I say again. Molly's face softened, but Percy doesn't let up. We'll make you dinner when we get back. Aren't porkchops your favorite? She asks sweetly as she opens the van door, pointing the gun at Addison to keep her from jumping out. No, please. Please. I start to scream. Percy slaps a hand over my mouth as he shoves me in the van, slamming the door shut behind me. Addison grabs me and pulls me into the very back. She cups a hand to my ear. Listen, we need to jump them, okay? Together we might be able to take them. I shake my head. They're psychotic, Addy and strong. There's no way I they know me. Addison looks at me, horrified. It's Percy and his wife. You know my pen pal from second grade. Addison's first face goes pale. They think I'm their son. If I play the part, maybe I can get us out. They don't like you, but if you obey them, maybe they'll be nicer. Okay? Addison gritted her teeth in protest. Please, Addie. It's the only way. You always said adapt. So let's adapt to the situation. Addison let out a haggard sigh and nodded. I knew how much she hated agreeing to things, especially adults who tell her what to do. I don't remember how long the drive was, but somewhere along the way I recognized the bridge that led into town, which means we were heading outside of town and farther away from the Landrys. They stopped at a farm. It still had an old style barn next to the house and a wraparound porch. I heard the barking immediately and knew it was Jukebox. Come on, molly called when she opened the door. I crawled out first, Addison behind me. Addison had always been good at acting, so when she assumed the role of a meek, terrified girl who would do anything you asked her to, I knew she was acting, even if her performance was a bit too accurate. Jukebox came running up to us from behind a pickup truck, licking both me and Addison Juke down. Percy called the dog immediately sat but looked at me with chocolate brown eyes, tongue hanging out of his face. He made a cute sight, but even though I was meeting the dog I wished was mine. My fear outweighed my childhood excitement. Come on, kids, Percy calls. Addison and I entered the house along with Jukebox. I see Indigo trot towards us from the kitchen. She meows a greeting and then runs upstairs. Girl, you can follow Indigo. I'm sure you'll know what room is yours, molly says in a cold voice portraying just how much she hates her. Addison said a quick yes, ma', am, which I had never heard her utter before, and race upstairs. Molly seemed pleased and led me to the kitchen. Here you go, son, percy says, plating pork chops and green beans on a plate. Molly pours a glass of milk and I stare at it when they place it in front of me. What about Addison? Molly frowns. After all she's done to you, she doesn't need dinner, she spits out. I shake my head, but I've been mean to her, too. Like the time we were four and we tried to drown each other in the bathtub. Or when I pushed her into the wall and she got a concussion. Or the time Molly cut me off. But you, my dear, have gotten past that. Until she can tame that anger, she doesn't need to eat. I couldn't eat the dinner they made me. I lied and said I wasn't hungry and that I would eat it tomorrow. Molly insisted on tucking me in, despite the fact that I was 13 and that I wasn't her son and that she had kidnapped me. It was scary seeing how normal she thought her behavior was. Reading me a bedtime story and kissing my forehead, wishing me good night and turning on a nightlight with stars all over it. In fact, the whole room was decorated with the universe and stars because I had told Percy in a letter that I loved space. It took six days. Addison hadn't eaten anything in that time, and even though we had gone without food before, never for that long, on top of being weak from hunger. She had pissed them off by throwing something at Molly when she came in to give her water. When I saw Addison after the beating, I gasped. Her whole body was bruised, and for the first time she had no fight in her eyes. It terrified me when all I saw in her eyes was loneliness and sadness and pain. We're getting out of here, Addie. Promise. I snagged the keys off the counter on the fifth day and grabbed a painkiller to stick in Jukebox's food later. I took painkillers for Addie on the sixth day and managed to sneak into her room. If the pain was dulled, she'd have more luck moving. I unlocked the door for easy access and played nice the whole time. That built up trust. Just enough trust that they didn't check Addison's room at my request. She's sleeping, I said. Molly smiled at me, brushed hair out of her eyes, and said she wouldn't. And she didn't. I waited until I was sure that they were asleep before walking up the steps, careful to avoid the steps that creaked. I slowly opened Addison's door and helped her limp out. I pointed out what steps creaked and helped her down. I held the screwdriver in my hand as time tightly as I could. We went out the back, which didn't have a screen door that creaked. I checked to see if Jukebox was sleeping. He lay on the porch, snoring loudly. I helped Addison to the truck and opened the door slowly before buckling Addison up in the back and taking a deep breath. The engine would wake them up. I had to move quick, start the truck, throw it in reverse, throw it into drive, and get out. I practiced the motions and finally took a deep breath and started the truck. The engine was so loud I was confident it would wake Jukebox. I threw it in reverse and turned the wheel all the way right. The tire spun until they caught gravel and we flew into a 180. I threw the car into drive and took off. I had no idea where I was going, but that didn't matter. As long as we got away from that house, everything would be fine. I just drove, my head barely peeking out enough to see the road. Addison was falling asleep in the back, clutching her broken ribs. Thanks, Otto, I heard her say, despite the blood rushing in my ears. I drove until I reached a town and then I found the police station. I told them everything and showed them Addison. They got us both to a hospital, got our statement, and called our social worker. Percy and Molly were gone where that still haunts me. I am 26 now, living with my wife and our 2 year old son. Addison got her act together and apologized for how she treated me. She's my closest friend besides my wife, but that week changed us both. The GPS on my family's phones are never turned off. No one but me, my wife or Addison drops my son off at daycare. I never give out my phone number to strangers. Every person I meet I scrutinize, I keep handcuff keys on me at all times and I am constantly paranoid. But despite doing everything to keep keep my family safe, I have never been able to outrun Percy and Molly. Every year on my birthday since then I get a birthday card from them. But what scares me the most is when they comment about my son Alan. When Molly writes, he looks so much like his father, I just can't wait to meet my grandson. Does it ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void? But with LinkedIn ads, you can know you're reaching the right decision makers. A network of 130 million of them. In fact, you can even target buyers by job title, industry, company, seniority, skills and Did I say job title? See how you can avoid the void and reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads. Spend $250 on your first campaign and get a free $250 credit for the next one. Get started at LinkedIn.com, terms and conditions apply. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Checking off the boxes on your to do list is a great feeling. And when it comes to checking off coverage, a State Farm agent can help you choose an option that's right for you. Whether you prefer talking in person, on the phone or using the award winning app, it's nice knowing you have help finding coverage that best fits your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Learning through play starts with Lego Duplo. With Lego Duplo, toddlers can develop real life skills while having fun with colorful bricks made just for them. Large, easy to grip and safe to explore. When children express themselves with Lego Duplo, they build patience, problem solving and empathy. See your child learn perseverance and self expression with everything they imagine and create. Visit lego.com preschool to learn more. I have been living on the streets for a couple weeks now. Having recently turned 18. My parents decided to surprise me with the boot out the door. I think they were planning this since they found out I was gay a couple months ago. My fault was being stupid enough not to get a job and save up beforehand I cared too much about my academics and focused most of my time on studying. Guess that didn't exactly pan out. My birthday was the day after graduation. I begged and pleaded and even offered to go to conversion therapy, but they didn't budge. I came back home to the locks changed and my stuff packed in a suitcase. I had to unenroll from the university I was accepted to because I could no longer afford it. Even with loans and my scholarships. I couldn't afford the rooming fees and my parents would no longer help me out with filling out anything. I also lost all my friends when they found out about my sexuality, so I couldn't find a couch to crash on regardless. I had some money saved up from birthdays and holidays, but that was quickly used up at motel stays. The towns around me were full of dying businesses and declining populations, so I decided to use up the last of my money and go to a nearby city. I won't go into details as to the exact location out of safety concerns. I guess it doesn't matter because what's happening here is probably happening everywhere else. The first day I arrived, I tried to look for jobs, but who wants to hire a job? Disheveled teenager? I didn't have anything nice to wear for interviews. Besides the cost of transportation and even hygiene, upkeep was hard to maintain. Essentially, I was screwed. For the time being, homeless shelters were all closed or they only prioritized women. I soon found myself in a homeless encampment. I couldn't sleep anywhere else. The parks had security roaming, and everywhere else I would find myself being the victim of attacks or even people throwing crap at me for entertainment. I had enough pride not to beg, though I was sure I could find something soon. I am not sure how people wound up here, but it was a small makeshift settlement under a highway. Tall, rusted steel held up the highway, looming over our tents and garbage that we held onto as mementos as people whizzed by going off into their perfect little lives. It felt like we were stuck in a bubble. As time went on and people advanced, we just stood still, stuck in this dreadful purgatory. There were even fences around the area covered with blue tarp, hiding away our shame from the rest of the city. I was still luckier than most of the people around me, though. I still had all my senses and I didn't have any chronic conditions like HIV or any drug addictions. Life hadn't beaten me down that path yet. The first night I spent in this area, I was getting ready to settle in for the night, pulling myself up on one of the bridge bases in the center of the encampment when I heard rustling from all around me. It was as if everyone had the sudden idea of hiding in their tents. I looked around me, all alarmed. Could it be the cops? Hey kid, you got somewhere to stay? I heard a man's rough voice ask before coughing violently. I'm sorry, I replied. Do you need a tent to stay in? I got extra room in here if you want. He replied while gesturing at his side. Small dirty tent. It looked like it could barely hold one person, let alone two. I think I'm good Nathan. The boy's fine. A bundled up woman with dirt streaks on her face appeared out of nowhere pushing me away from him. Hon, you shouldn't be here. Are you sure you have nowhere else to go? She whispered. No. Why? What's going on? I asked, quite alarmed. She shifted her gaze and pushed me towards her tent. It was much larger than Nathan's. Its bright yellow plastic covering, which had seen better days, was now held together by duct tape. Listen kid, there's a couple rules you have to follow. You can stay here, but you need to know them by heart. Follow? She asked in a hurried tone. I merely nodded as I looked around. The tent had a small cot, an oil lamp, and there was a pile of clothing in the corner next to a shopping cart. It might not have been much, but it was way better than being out in the streets empty handed. Rule 1 they only come out when the sun sets. They go back into hiding when the dawn breaks. Her worried tone was getting a bit harsh. Nothing made sense. Who is them? I tried to ask who they were, but I could tell she wouldn't answer until she finished. Rule number two do not let them know of your presence. You're screwed if you do. Last rule. Whatever you hear or see, do not go out. Even if it's your friend or friend, family members, voices screaming for help. Do you understand me? She said, trying to put up a brave front, but I could tell she was scared as she could ever be. Okay, I got the rules, but who are they? I asked, trying to get something out of her. Being kept in the dark about anything like this just wouldn't put my mind at ease. We can talk about it tomorrow, but tonight you need to rest. In a couple of hours it'll be midnight and we should both be asleep by then. She hastily said while putting out a bunch of blankets on a sleeping bag. I gently smiled and began to make my way into the sleeping bag as much as I wanted answers. I was exhausted from the entire day. I knew I had to keep my guard up in case she wanted to hurt me, but somehow her presence made me feel safe. She seemed so genuine, friendly and warm. All qualities that I never saw in my own mother. I closed my eyes for a second and before I knew it I was in the depths of the dark abyss known as sleep. I am not sure what time it was when the barking and cries of dogs startled me awake. I laid in the sleeping bag trying to make sense of my surroundings. The inside of the tent was dark but because of the flimsy plastic I could see the silhouette of objects outside. The street lights casted an eerie glow onto everything. I could feel it before I heard or even saw it. I'm not even sure how, but I felt my fight or flight reaction kick in. Every hair on my body rose and I could feel this tension in the air like lightning before it struck. The air turned putrid with the smell of decay and wines of all the animals got louder. I wanted to close my eyes but I couldn't help but look out to see what it was. I looked over to my right and saw the silhouette of a hunched over person. There was something extremely wrong about it though. Its arms were down to its feet and I could see the protruding bones of its back. It had long messy hair and a large dog like snout for a nose. I thought maybe the distance was distorting its shadow but something about it was so unnerving I wanted to close my eyes and go back home. It wandered away after a short while but my fear still lingered throughout the night. I didn't sleep a bit and I waited until the woman got up. Morning kid, she said with a smile while getting up. I never got your name, I said while looking down at the floor. Name? Sandra. What's yours? Matthew, I whispered. I saw something last night. She got silent and made a serious face. She started getting off the cot and made her way to a table grabbing a water bottle for me before taking one for herself. What did this one look like? She took a sip before asking, what do you mean this one? There are more. I'm going to be honest kid, I don't know what they are. They started coming out of the sewers a couple months back right after the forest fires. From what I've seen the local authorities know about them but they can't do much about it. They only come out at night. Night I think they're getting stronger though. They never came close to this area but they must be getting more comfortable with people. What do they do@blinds.com it's not just about window treatments. It's about you. Your style, your space. Your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because@blinds.com the only thing we treat better than windows is you. Visit blinds.com now for up to 45% off site wide plus a professional measure at no cost. Rules and restrictions apply. I don't know. I don't want to know. All I know is that noise attracts them. They don't do much when you're asleep. So why are there still people around this area? Shouldn't we leave? And go where? This is the only area of this section city that cops don't care. They basically rounded us up and dumped us here. Besides, it wouldn't matter anyways. Her voice got lower with that last part. What do you mean? I asked. Rumor is those things are everywhere. I met folks that encountered them from all over the country. Whatever is happening, it ain't just here. Do people try to fight them? I think old Jacob heard of a man who shot one several times, but it wouldn't go down. She almost whispered. Do you? I think that's enough talk for now. They can hear when you talk about them. I don't want any more talk of this. Not looking for trouble Here. Eat up. I opened a can of food. It ain't much, but it'll get your belly full for today, she said before essentially interrogating me on my life story. That night I tried to sleep, but once again I found myself wondering about what those creatures could be. Right as I was about to close my eyes, I felt it. That static in the air and the smell of decay. The cries of dogs filled the air. Except this time I heard a dog bark right outside of the tent. Rudolph. Rudolph, get back here, boy. I heard a man yell as quietly as he could. From the shadows. I could see the dog run up in front of our tent, barking at a shadowy figure. It was taller than the one last night, but had the same long, bony arms that reached down to its knees and ended up in sharp, curled up talons. It used it to snatch up the dog and ripped it in half, silencing the dog's barks with a loud, horrible whimper and splattering the plastic of our tent with a dark liquid. Rudolph. The man cried out, grabbing some sort of stick and hitting it with his might. But the figure merely grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the wall of our tent, ripping through, causing both of them to fall over right in front of me. I just sat there in complete shock, trying to register what was was happening. All I heard was yelling from both Sandra and the man that was being held down by the creature. Its bald head was splattered with blood, its eyes were completely icy and dead and it had a twisted smile that revealed shark like teeth drenched in blood. It opened its mouth and a large black tongue covered in small black spikes slithered out and went down the Manhattan throat. The man's screams quickly turned into a sick gurgling noise as the thing's tongue reached further and further into his throat. Blood splattered all over and I felt some wet substance hit my face. I felt a pressure around my arm and I was lunged to my side. I tried to scream, but felt a hand wrap against my mouth. It was Sandra, only she was silently hushing me while pulling me aside from it. We ran out into the pitch black of the night, running through the labyrinth of tents full of silent yet terrified bystanders. Eventually we reached a corner of the encampment which contained a rusty broken down car covered in blue plastic tarps. She motioned me to crawl underneath it while trying to cover me with the tarp. Quickly kid, we don't have all all day. Just stay under there and be silent. No matter what you hear, do not come out. Not even if it's my voice. Just wait until the sun comes up. She whispered rapidly. I tried to get a glimpse between a crack of the tarp, but I could barely make out anything other than the outlines of Sandra. She seemed to grab a nearby pipe and held it against her in a defensive maneuver. Rudolph. A raspy, crackly, yet animalistic voice screamed out of the darkness. It sounded as if someone was playing a recording of the dead man's last words and combined it with that of an animal just learning to speak. Rudolph. It found us. It pranced on all fours and walked towards our area. Its naked body was now drenched in red liquid dripping from it like rain. Sandra tried to hit it with a pipe, but it merely grabbed it with its large claws and raised her up with the other one by the throat, digging into her throat slightly. She tried kicking and wriggling out, but it opened its mouth and stuck its spiny black tongue down into her throat as well. I closed my eyes and covered my mouth to avoid avoid making a sound After a while I stopped hearing the sound of stifled screaming and gurgling, but I was too scared to open my eyes. I heard its wet footsteps crawl over to me, but I was too scared to look. I merely closed my eyes and held my breath so it didn't hear me. It hissed in that disgusting inhuman voice. I heard the metal of the car bend and creak as that thing crawled on top of the car. I laid there on the cold concrete for what must have been hours, counting down the seconds before the sun rose. It must have been around dusk when I finally heard that thing make its way off the car and into the darkness that was being lit up by the dim orange cast in the distance. I peeked through the tarp to make sure it was leaving and it slightly turned around and made direct eye contact with me. Its blood coated face grinned slightly, barely revealing the sharp edges of its teeth, but it merely walked away proudly, like a predator after a satisfying hunt. I laid there until I felt the heat of the sun boil the concrete into a smoldering rock, burning my skin, which forced me to get off it. I walked back into the direction of the tents, looking around to see the inhabitants crowding around the front entrance of the encampment. There was a large group of police officers and men in black suits pushing away. Everyone stay back. There's nothing to see here. Go back into your tents. A burly old man yelled into a loudspeaker as he motioned his officers to step forward. Sandra's tent was already sealed off in yellow tape and several detectives stood all around it. The cops stood outside motioning bystanders to move out while muttering under their breath. Damn, another one. At least whoever is doing this is doing way more about those bums than our politicians. Ay, you think those suits know something about what is doing this? I bet it's some Jack the Ripper copycat. Nah, I bet it's aliens. They snorted and chuckled to themselves before a burly one spotted me in the crowd. Hey, that one has blood on his face. Kid, stop right there. I felt like a deer in headlights. I stumbled backwards looking for a way out. I was not going to go to jail. I knew they were going to pin this on me. I heard shots behind me and a bystander fell near me. I didn't get a chance to see who it was before I felt a pressure run into me, causing the both of us to stumble onto the floor. It was one of the cops putting pressure on my arms and another one put handcuffs on me. They were trying to drag me away before one of the men in suits stepped up. Imagine fast hydration combined with balanced energy. Perfectly flavored with zero artificial sweeteners. Introducing Liquid Ivy's new energy Multiplier, Sugar Free. Unlike other energy drinks, you know the ones that make you feel like you're glitching. It's made with natural caffeine and electrolytes so you get the boost without the burnout. Liquid IV's new energy multiplier Sugar Free Hydrating Energy. Tap the banner to learn more. Mike and Alyssa are always trying to outdo each other. When Alyssa got a small water bottle, Mike showed up with a four litre jug. When Mike started gardening, Alyssa started beekeeping. Oh come on. They called a truce for their holiday and used Expedia Trip Planner to collaborate on all the details of their trip. Once there, Mike still did more laps around the pool. Whatever you were made to outdo your holidays. We were made to help organize the competition. Expedia Made to Travel this episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords and a VPN, you try to be in control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it and they might not be as careful. That's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com podcast for 40% off terms. Apply Havlas Espanol Spries du Dzoich koml Noszk if you used Babbel, you would Babbel's Conversation Based techniques teaches you useful words and phrases to get you speaking quickly about the things you actually talk about in the real world. With lessons handcrafted by over 200 language experts and voiced by real native speakers, Babbel is like having a private tutor in your pocket. Start speaking with Babbel today. Get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription right now at Babbel.com Spotify spelled B A B-B-E-L.com Spotify rules and restrictions may apply. Shopping is hard, right? But I found a better way. Stitch Fix Online Personal styling makes it easy. I just give my stylist my size, style and budget preferences. I order boxes when I want and how I want. No subscription required. And he sends just for me pieces plus outfit recommendations and styling tips. I keep what works and send back the rest. It's so easy. Make style easy. Get started today@stitchfix.com Spotify that's StitchFix.com Spotify. He's under our custody now. Thanks boys, but we'll take it from here. He remained expressionless during the entire ordeal. Screw you. We caught him. He's ours. You don't even have jurisdiction here. One of the men tried to shove me next to his side. I think that should be the last of your concerns. You should be more occupied learning to manage such situations. Your friend over there just shot an innocent civilian and you want us to trust you with such a vital witness I could hear the screams and chaos unfold around us. The cop huffed and left, throwing around curses left and right, leaving me all alone with him. I looked up at him and noticed that he was completely bald. His skin was so clear and white that I could see every vein and ligament. It was almost translucent. I couldn't see his eyes, though they were obscured by the thick black frames of his sunglasses. We're going to take you down into our headquarters and then we're going to talk. Is that okay? He asked, not caring about the blood splatter on my face. We left the scene in a black van along with the other suits, and I tried to look out to see where we would be going, but the windows were so tinted that I couldn't see through them. Instead, I sat in silence with the suit, who was too busy looking through his laptop. From the reflection of his glasses I could see he was analyzing other crime scenes. I tried to squint to get a better view without him noticing, but I guess he caught on because he turned his laptop for me to get a better view. Better? He asked, forming a slight creepy smile. Sorry, I apologized while leaning a bit down into my seat. From the brief glimpse, I couldn't recognize the images on his laptop top the bodies were torn in half and some of them were even children. They weren't anything like last night. It was revolting and it left a chill down to my core. We arrived at his building sometime later. I can't tell you much about it simply because they put a black sack over my head, but I can tell you that the walk was quite long. The sound was muffled and the air Air was still, almost like we were underground. When they took it off, I could see that I was in a completely empty room, just a chair and a table with him and I alright, Matthew Henderson, I have you here as unemployed and your current home address is 1531 East Elm Street. Kind of a long way from home, don't you think? He smirked. I was kicked out for being gay. I don't know. I moved to the city hoping to get a job, I replied honestly. Well, that's no fun. I think we can form some sort of arrangement. I just need you to help me in return. What do you mean? I asked, leaning my hands forwards. I just need you to tell me everything you saw last night in perfect detail. Everything you can remember. He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table. I nodded and began telling him everything I saw and heard, down to the events right before they caught me. That's interesting. Sandra barely knew you and yet she still sacrificed her life for you. Tell me, do you miss her? I blinked in confusion. I just told him some weird crap went down and he's asking me about the dumbest stuff. Who was this guy? That's none of your concern. Listen kid, we know about them. We just don't know why they're all coming out. It's like something is scaring them from underground. Or maybe it's the recent fires. Who knows? You're fine as long as you stay away from those areas. The dirty, grimy areas full of humanity's lowest of the low. Those things are everywhere, but it's not even the least of our concerns. There's much more to fear as a human. I sat in silence trying to digest everything this guy was telling me. I wanted to write him off as a lunatic, but I knew he was telling the truth. Why are you telling me this? I asked, curious as to why he would even tell me a bit of the truth. It seemed weird to tell some random kid off the some secrets of the government. We don't work for the government. I don't know. Did you not want to know? I honestly don't care. Do with the information as you will. It's not like anyone will ever believe you. Our organization is scrubbing the evidence as we speak and you will be closely monitored. I'm always curious as to the reactions of those who know. Who knows, maybe you'll even come to work with us, he replied joyfully while clasping at his hands like a child getting a birthday present. Things got a little hazy after that. I remember waking up in a hotel room with a new phone and a laptop along with instructions on how to access my new bank account. They gave me enough money to live carefree for a couple of years. I am not sure why I'm telling this. I guess I just want to find feel something other than the numb feeling that's crawled up into my soul ever since everything went down. What could he have meant that there were worse things to fear. You say you'll never join the Navy, never climb Mount Fuji on a port visit or break the sound barrier. Joining the Navy Sound sounds crazy, saying never actually is. Learn why@navy.com America's Navy forged by the sea it's you say you'll never join the Navy, that living on a submarine would be too hard. You'd never power a whole ship with nuclear energy, never bring a patient back to life, or play the national anthem for a sold out crowd. Joining the Navy sounds crazy, saying never actually is. Start your journey@navy.com America's Navy forged by the sea.