S22 Ep21: NoSleep Podcast S22E21

Summary

The NoSleep Podcast: Season 22, Episode 21 Summary

Release Date: May 4, 2025
Host: David Cummings
Production: Creative Reason Media Inc.

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Overview

In Season 22, Episode 21 of The NoSleep Podcast, host David Cummings delves deep into original horror tales that explore the dark and unexpected facets of death and the supernatural. This episode features three spine-chilling stories, each unraveling different horrors—from vengeful spirits to sinister family secrets. Enhanced by atmospheric music, the narratives are designed to captivate both seasoned horror enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

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1. Buried Alive: A Prank Gone Wrong

Authors: Tommy and Margo Ellis
Performers: James Cleveland, Jake Benson, Andy Cresswell, David Alt, Penny Scott Andrews

The episode opens with a group of intoxicated friends who, in a misguided attempt at humor, decide to play a prank on their humorless local businessman, Cedric. Fueled by alcohol and poor judgment, the friends embark on a mission that quickly spirals out of control.

Key Plot Points:

• Prank Planning: The friends, under the influence, plan to disrupt Cedric's routine by smashing his shop window and filling it with Halloween trinkets.
• Cedric's Revenge: Cedric, known for his strict demeanor, vows retribution. His threats are dismissed until he follows through on his promise.
• The Burial: The pranksters find themselves inexplicably locked in a coffin, dug up by Cedric, with only two hours of oxygen left. As panic sets in, Cedric's presence becomes increasingly menacing, culminating in their desperate attempts to escape.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom (05:03): “It had seemed like a good idea at the time. Most idiotic things seem like a good idea when you're 12 pints in though, don't they?”
• David Cummings (14:19): “You saw the flashing led. I watched you. CCTV is such a wonderful invention, don't you think?”

The story intensifies as the characters grapple with their imminent demise, highlighting themes of hubris and the unforeseen consequences of reckless actions.

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2. Fishing for Friends: The Lake of Shadows

Author: Eric Hulsinger
Performer: Regan Tacker

The second narrative transports listeners to a serene lake under the full moon, where solitude and nature take a sinister turn. Tom, a night-shift worker, finds peace in solitary fishing until an eerie encounter disrupts his tranquility.

Key Plot Points:

• A Peaceful Night: Tom enjoys a quiet night fishing, appreciating the stillness and beauty of the moonlit lake.
• The Mysterious Stranger: An enigmatic man in a deteriorating rowboat approaches Tom, engaging him in unsettling conversation that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.
• Supernatural Terror: As the night progresses, the stranger's true nature is revealed. The atmosphere becomes tense as Tom faces inexplicable events, culminating in a terrifying struggle beneath the water's surface.

Notable Quotes:

• Lucas/Tom (19:19): “The fish was on the hook as I whipped the rod back and began reeling it in...”
• David Cummings (30:33): “Oh, that's lovely. That's a lovely idea. We become useful when we die.”

The tale masterfully intertwines natural beauty with supernatural horror, leaving listeners questioning the thin veil between life and death.

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3. Bluebell Farms: Secrets Beneath the Homestead

Author: Joan Tierney
Performers: Marie Westbrook, Graham Rowett, Sarah Thomas, Jessie Cornett, Erin Lillis, Mary Murphy, Atticus Jackson, Lindsay Russo

The final story centers around the Bell family, who operate Bluebell Farms and Cafe—a quaint homestead that harbors dark secrets. As the family navigates the challenges of running the cafe, buried truths about their lineage and sinister activities come to light.

Key Plot Points:

• Family Dynamics: Stan Bell, the patriarch, manages the farm alongside his wife Annie and their extended family, including Nanette and Calliope.
• The Concert Tragedy: A music concert hosted at Bluebell Farms turns catastrophic when members of the audience mysteriously disappear into the caves surrounding the property.
• Cannibalism Unveiled: Investigations reveal gruesome evidence of cannibalism and the disposal of bodies on the property, implicating family members in the heinous acts.
• Interrogations and Confessions: Through intense interrogations, secrets are exposed, revealing a history of inbreeding, dark rituals, and the family's complicity in the atrocities.

Notable Quotes:

• Stan Bell (36:08): “She's my mother in law. That's my name.”
• Calliope Bell (67:59): “It's horrible. Like. Like something from a Stephen King novel.”
• Jake Benson (43:35): “My name is Calliope Bell.”

This narrative delves deep into familial horror, exploring how dark secrets can poison relationships and lead to unimaginable acts.

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Intermissions: Advertisements

Throughout the episode, interspersed advertisements promote The NoSleep Podcast’s extended content and merchandise. Notably, sponsors like Ghost Bed and Pretty Litter are featured, offering discounts to listeners and seamlessly blending into the storytelling experience.

Sample Advertisements:

• Buried Alive Ad (16:29): “Buried Alive is not a good way to sleep. But Ghost Bed is quite possibly the best way to sleep...”

These breaks maintain the episode's pacing while providing listeners with opportunities to engage further with the podcast's offerings.

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Conclusion

Season 22, Episode 21 of The NoSleep Podcast masterfully weaves together multiple horror narratives that explore themes of revenge, supernatural encounters, and familial evil. Through vivid storytelling and strategic use of atmosphere-enhancing music, the episode delivers memorable and haunting tales that linger long after the final word.

Listeners are left contemplating the thin line between reality and nightmare, and the ever-present possibility that darkness can lie just beneath the surface of the most ordinary settings.

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Notable Production Credits:

• Musical Score: Brandon Boone
• Production Team: Phil Mikulski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, Claudius More
• Editorial Team: Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McInally, Ollie A. White, Kristen Samido
• Authors: Tommy and Margo Ellis, Eric Hulsinger, Joan Tierney

Copyright © 2024-2025 Creative Reason Media, Inc.

Transcript

[David Cummings]

They're calling. The phone is ringing. A message from an unknown caller. A voice unrecogniz. Audio messages from the shadows. But one message is clear and it says, brace yourself for the no Sleep podcast.

[Jake Benson]

When I saw the black door where there front door should be, I froze. I knew what I'd find behind it.

[Calliope Bell]

If I opened it.

[Jake Benson]

Death. Four deaths, to be exact. There was a gas leak in the house which led to the family of four succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning.

[David Cummings]

Welcome to the no Sleep podcast. I'm your Still Alive host, David Cummings. That's right, I'm still here, alive and kickin'but. As I'll soon be turning 60, I know my days are numbered. It's not fun to think about our own death, is it? Sure, it's hilarious to talk about other people dying, but not ourselves. I think denial plays a big part in it. Accepting that we will die one day is the first part. But then we start to ponder how we'll die. I'm sure we'd all like to think we'll pass peacefully in our sleep, surrounded by loved ones. Or as the old joke goes, I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming like the passengers on the bus he was driving. Yes, we all want to go out on our own terms, right? But in reality, we know that many people end up dying in very sudden and unexpected ways. Like walking down the street when all of a sudden a piano falls on your head, or you're attending a track and field event when a javelin throw goes awry and into your chest. And of course, there's always death by sharknado. But in the world of horror, the idea of dying suddenly and unexpectedly opens up a whole new realm of terrifying ways to die. Because in horror, it's not just natural or accidental deaths. In horror, there are people, creatures, and things out there that will do what they can to bring your life to a close, often gleefully and with malice. On this episode, we'll introduce you to people who aren't expecting to meet the Grim Reaper so soon. And we'll also meet people who have to deal with the fallout of such untimely deaths. So let's view death the way writer Haruki Murakami does when he writes, death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it. Now, do you dare pick up your phone and listen to the voices calling to you? In our first tale, we meet a group of friends. Friends who just happen to be. What's the word? Oh, yeah. Sloshed, Plastered. Hammered, blotto, tanked, sozzled. And when you're drunk, you don't always make the best decisions. But in this tale shared with us by authors Tommy and Margo Ellis, the friends decide to play a prank on a local businessman who isn't known for his sense of humor. Performing this tale are James Cleveland, Jake Benson, Andy Cresswell, David Alt and Penny Scott Andrews. So remember, your judgment isn't at its best when you drunk, even if you do think it's a good idea. At the time.

[Tom]

It had seemed like a good idea at the time. Most idiotic things seem like a good idea when you're 12 pints in though, don't they?

[David Cummings]

It'll be a laugh.

[Tom]

That was what Jake had said whilst propping up the lamp post. Why is it that the most stupid ideas in the world are thought up in grotty council estate pub car parks?

[Stan Bell]

Don't be a tosser all your life, Jakey boy. Have a day off.

[Tom]

Kevin flipped open the brass Zippo and closed it again with a metallic snick. I should have listened to Kevin, not Jake. My bad. I don't know about this. Somewhere from deep inside my sensible inner voice, my 9 to 5 office worker voice was screaming to be heard. I did listen for a bit. I did listen. I really did. Not hard enough though, did I?

[David Cummings]

Go on. Just imagine the look on the old.

[Tom]

Git'S face when he finds you there in the morning. The old git? That was Cedric's nickname. The singular most miserable thud in the known universe. Although to be fair, being miserable kind of made sense for him. You don't want to be all laughy and jokey if you do what he does for a living. It wouldn't be right. It made him a target, though. I know I shouldn't have played along. Too late for thoughts like that now. Like the time we smashed his shop window and filled the tastefully sombre display with plastic skeletons and other assorted Halloween tat that had nearly got us arrested. Would have served us bloody well right if we had been. Once again, it had seemed like a good idea at the time.

[David Cummings]

I know it was you and your horrible bastard mate.

[Tom]

He'd said this to me when he cornered me in the local spa shop a week later.

[David Cummings]

I'm going to pay you lot back one of these days, you see if I don't.

[Tom]

He'd fixed me with a look of such loathing I swear I felt an actual physical burn from where his laser beam look hit my face. I just wish I'd taken him seriously he hated us. He had a right to hate us as well. He hated us, wanted revenge and now he'd got it. And I was the one he'd taken it out on Jake. He was the one who always came up with these ideas. Now I come to think about wasn't Kevin and I sure as hell never did. Kevin usually put on a show of not being into whatever scheme Jake cooked up. He was the one who did the most damage when it came down to it though usually encouraged by Jake. If I went at it half hearted like, I'd get an ear bashing. What do you call that? Jake would say if I hung back from egging Cedric's Shop. Give it some welly you pussy. Give it some welly. I'd given it too much welly this time, hadn't I? We'd snuck not so stealthily up the alley behind the shops on the high street and scaled the garage door sized gate, tumbling into a giggling heap on the far side next to the gleaming oversized black Mercedes. The Merc hadn't been our concern that particular night. Oh no, no. Letting the tyres down or spraying just married on the back window. We had other plans. Shut up you morons. You wake the dead. More giggling. Oh yeah. Ha ha. Funny man, funny joke. I'd found it amusing at the time. The whole damn stupid caper had been hilarious.

[Jake Benson]

If that Jake asked you to stick your head in a gas oven, you'd do it, wouldn't you?

[Tom]

That's what Mum had said to me. I told her not to be daft. Thing is, she was right. At least I'd have a chance of survival if it had been a gas oven. Lying here sober, well hungover actually, in what I can only assume is broad daylight, I'd had plenty of time to reflect on my utter stupidity. That Jake will get you into some.

[David Cummings]

Serious trouble one of these days.

[Tom]

That was something else Mum had said. This was serious all right. And the trouble I was in went way beyond the court appearance.

[David Cummings]

Break the glass.

[Tom]

Jake handed me a small rock he'd picked up from the weed choked flower bed. The high street was well lit even at one in the morning. Back here was a different matter though with no moon. Up by the rear of the shop was what I thought of as darker than the Black Hole of Calcutta. I've no idea what the Black Hole of Calcutta actually is, but I suppose it's somewhere properly dark. Like wake up in a coffin dark. Well, it wasn't quite that dark but I still had problems seeing the back door's window pane so when I swung the rock, it connected much sooner than anticipated. The exploding glass ripped a hole in the early morning quiet. Oh Jesus fuck. I dropped the rock, which clattered away into a deeper patch of dark. No alarm sounded, though. Someone had to have called the cops. Only no one did. If they had, we'd have been in handcuffs by now. But we weren't. If only we were. The inside of the shop carried the heavy scent of lilies. This, however, barely covered a sharp chemical tang that scraped at the back of my throat along with an underlying mustiness redolent of mothballed suits. The only thing I could see in the blacked out space was a single red led. It could have been a camera, but my boo's enhanced confidence said it was nothing more than a phone charger anyway. So what if it was a camera? What could the old git possibly do? Sobriety was knocking hard on the door of my drunkenness. I really shouldn't have been there. I could have backed out right then. Hell, I should have backed out. I had more opportunities to get away from there than I could possibly number. I could have. I should have. I didn't. Jake flipped the switch, a harsh white light flooding the room. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this. The hard space reminded me of a school gym shower block, tiled throughout. It had a non slip floor sloping towards a single drain hole in the centre. The only thing missing was the actual shower heads. The one thing we'd come for was there, though of course it was. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be in the position I am now, would I?

[Detective]

In you get.

[Tom]

Jake said this with a grin. Hindsight. Glorious crystal hindsight. He didn't volunteer, did he? Oh no, it was always someone else doing whatever it was he wanted done.

[David Cummings]

Kevin, give him your Zippo.

[Lucas]

You might need it.

[Tom]

It's going to be dark in there. Jake held out a hand and Kevin handed the lighter over. I could see the reluctance painted across Kevin's face. If anybody needed a light, he'd spark up the flame but never actually hand the Zippo over. That was something I'd never really noticed until that moment. Still, I was grateful, as I probably would need it. I must have dozed off because the thump and clatter of what sounded like a shovel full of dry dirt hitting a wooden box tore me from a nightmare of slow, excruciating suffocation. I pulled in a ragged breath, then opened my eyes to a cloying darkness so complete I wasn't entirely sure, if I'd actually opened my eyes at all. Disorientation spun my head and panic threatened to take hold until I remembered where I was. Pulling the Zippo from my top pocket, I lit up the cramped satin lined box I was in. All I had to do was wait until 9am when Cedric came into his undertaker shop, leap out of the coffin and watch him cack himself. Job done. That's when another thump hit the lid.

[David Cummings]

You awake yet?

[Tom]

It was Cedric. I pushed on the lid. He didn't move. Another clattering thump. I pushed harder. Nothing.

[David Cummings]

I said. Are you awake yet?

[Tom]

Maybe the lid was a bit tight. Maybe if I gave it a proper clout. Maybe I wasn't nailed into a coffin. I pulled my fists and hammered as hard as I could.

[David Cummings]

Good. You're finally in the land of the living.

[Tom]

He chuckled. It wasn't a sound I'd ever heard him make before. I didn't like. Wasn't jovial, it wasn't joyful. He laughed again.

[David Cummings]

You saw the flashing led. I watched you. CCTV is such a wonderful invention, don't you think? I had it fitted after your last escapade.

[Tom]

Another thump from above.

[David Cummings]

I reckon you've got about two hours of air left. I told you I'd get you back, didn't I?

[Tom]

Shit. Shit, shit. The panic that had threatened to overwhelm me earlier blasted me with its full force, quickly becoming a highly concentrated acidic terror that dissolved all coherent thought. The uncontrollable sobbing and pleading quickly notched up to a liquid screaming that filled the claustrophobic state with a sound that only served to amplify my horror.

[David Cummings]

I wouldn't bother screaming. Nobody can hear you all the way back here. Conserve your oxygen.

[Tom]

Another thump of earth hit the lid, then another, until I could hear nothing more than my impending suffocation with every rapid terror filled breath.

[David Cummings]

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[Lucas]

The fish was on the hook as I whipped the rod back and began reeling it in. The canoe rocked back and forth gently with my movements. I pulled the fish out of the water, a beautiful big mouth bass. The full moon shone above the lake like a celestial chandelier, providing enough light that I hadn't even turned on my lantern yet. The lake was still, the light smell of pine drifting through the air. The night was quiet, just the occasional bullfrog looking for a date and crickets playing their droning tunes. Another wonderful Thursday night. I worked the night shift at the factory Sunday through Wednesday, so my weekend was Thursday and Friday. I kept the same sleeping schedule on my days off, otherwise I'd never be able to function once Saturday came around again. I didn't mind living life like an owl, especially when I got to go fishing and have the entire lake to myself. Tonight was particularly pleasant. The air was cool but not cold, and the sky was mostly clear, just the occasional cloud that blocked the moon. For a moment, there was patchy fog dotting the lake. The glow of the moon reflecting off of it made it look like big bundles of cotton candy surrounding me. I checked my wristwatch. It was just after 3am I still had a few good hours of fishing left before the sun came up, sending me to bed again. I started whistling a medley of tunes, none of which sounded quite right but entertained me nonetheless. I noticed a different noise cutting through the sound of my whistling. I quieted down and listened while scanning the different fog patches around me. Someone was humming the same tunes I was whistling, and the noise was getting closer. The hums echoed around the empty lake, making it impossible to tell which direction it was coming from. This was a new experience for me. I had never run into someone out on the lake at this time of night. The humming was periodically interrupted by violent fits of coughing, thick flemmy coughs that came from the chest. The humming grew louder until finally a shape appeared through the fog in front of me. A small wooden rowboat manned by a portly gentleman, his back turned towards me.

[Tom]

Hey.

[Lucas]

I called out in case he didn't know I was there. I didn't want to startle someone this late at night. He raised a hand in acknowledgment as he continued rowing towards me, humming the entire way. A man in the rowboat came to a stop beside me, about 10ft separating us. He looked at me and smiled. He was a relatively round man, clean shaven, but he looked older. His face was covered in wrinkles, his eyebrows bushy, and his hairline was nowhere to be seen. His smile was wide and his teeth were impressively straight and white, especially for his age. His eyes were bright and youthful. He was dressed in an ill fitting suit and tie with black slacks so large they swallowed his feet. His rowboat was empty save for the two oars in each of his weathered hands. He sat staring at me silently, his wide smile unwavering. I smiled back, nodded my head and started putting another worm on my hook, hoping that the man would continue on his way. I cast my lure far out into the lake. The old man floated silently beside me. Nice night, huh? I asked, hoping that making some quick small talk would send him away.

[David Cummings]

Oh yes, it's lovely out here. The view is to die for. Are they biting?

[Lucas]

Not too bad. A couple bass and a few bluegills so far.

[David Cummings]

Oh, just lovely.

[Lucas]

His voice was deep and bassy. It carried across the lake and returned again with a quiet echo.

[David Cummings]

The name is Lucas. What do they call you? Friend.

[Lucas]

The man had a strange way of speaking, taking pauses between words, seemingly at random. Thomas. But you can call me Tom.

[David Cummings]

Tom. Tom, Tom, Tom.

[Lucas]

It was almost like he was chewing my name with his mouth.

[David Cummings]

It's awful late to be out here fishing, Tom. I know young people stay out late these days, But I thought that was reserved for bars and clubs.

[Lucas]

Oh, I work nights. It's my day off. I like to get out here to fish when I have the lake to myself.

[David Cummings]

Oh, Tom. I beg your pardon. I did not mean to interrupt your solitude. It's important for a man to have time to think back on his life.

[Lucas]

I apologized, not meaning to imply he was intruding, even if he was. I felt a tug on my line.

[David Cummings]

Well, Tom, it seems there's a thief on the end of the line.

[Lucas]

I reeled the fish in. It fought hard to get away. As I reached into the water, it was still struggling to escape. I raised it out of the water and it went limp in my hand.

[David Cummings]

Oh, a nice one. He was lovely.

[Lucas]

I turned the fish over, but it was still and lifeless. It was strange. It had been fighting so hard just a moment ago. Can fish have heart attacks? I wondered. I hadn't had anything like that happen to me before. I took the hook out of its mouth and threw it back in the water. Floated sideways at the top of the water, the gentle current taking it away and out of sight.

[David Cummings]

The worm got his revenge on that thief there, I reckon.

[Lucas]

I put another worm on the lawn and cast it out. The old man asked me a few questions about my life. How old I was, what I did for work, if I liked it.

[David Cummings]

Are you married, son?

[Lucas]

No. I almost was once, but it didn't work out in the end.

[David Cummings]

Oh, lovely. It's not for everyone, you know. Some can't handle it. Some never get the chance. We all just have to play the cards given to us.

[Lucas]

I nodded my head, not necessarily in agreement, just in the hopes that our time together was approaching its end.

[David Cummings]

Would you say you've lived a good life, Tom? What do you mean, your life? Were you just. Were you kind? Did you do all the things you wanted to do?

[Lucas]

I like to think I'm a good person. I know there are things I've done that I shouldn't have, but I think I've lived a pretty straight life. There are tons of things I still want to do, places I want to see. I'm still young, though. I've got time. The old man shook his head slightly and lowered his gaze. The smile remained wide as ever.

[David Cummings]

Oh, lovely. I'm talking To a pillar of the community, a shining example for humanity. It's a nice night for a chat with such a kind young man.

[Lucas]

The old man began coughing, a wet, disgusting cough. He beat his chest as he was doubled over, coughing louder now. After a few moments, he cleared his throat and spit out a large wad of mucus into the water. I tried not to look at it as it floated by my canoe, but out of the corner of my eye I swore I saw some sort of creature wiggling in the ball of snot.

[David Cummings]

Don't you worry about me, Tom. I'm feeling just lovely.

[Lucas]

Glad to hear it. There were a few moments of silence between us. Not even the bullfrogs were croaking anymore. So why are you out here so late?

[David Cummings]

Why? It's such a lovely night. I just had to come out. I was hoping to make a new friend. And here we are. How lovely.

[Lucas]

A cloud had moved its way in front of the moon, and the knot had suddenly become much darker. I looked at the man, harder to see now. I could barely make him out, but he looked different. He was still smiling, but his teeth looked rotted and smashed together. His face was drooping, eyes that looked like dark marbles sunken into their sockets. His clothes were tattered, barely holding together. The rowboat he was sitting on, Washington, was battered and broken. I leaned forward to try and get a better look, to confirm what I was seeing, when a fish tugged at my line, stealing away my attention. The moon emerged from behind the cloud and the lake lit back up with a gentle twinkle. I looked back at the man as I started reeling. He looked perfectly normal again, the grin still spread over his face. I reeled in the bass and lifted it out of the water. This fish also went limp in my hand the second it reached the air. I sat dumbstruck, staring at it. The old man talked, breaking me out of my daze and surprising me enough. I nearly jumped out of my canoe.

[David Cummings]

Tell me, Tom, do you believe in God?

[Lucas]

I released the dead fish back to its watery grave. I don't really know. To be honest, I'm undecided on the whole deity thing.

[David Cummings]

Well, tell me, Tom, that fish there, it is dead? Yes. What happened to it after it died? Where did it go?

[Lucas]

I replied with a shoulder shrug. I don't really know. It's back in the lake now. It'll fall to the bottom and become nutrients for the rest of the creatures living down there, I guess.

[David Cummings]

Oh, that's lovely. That's a lovely idea. We become useful when we die. I like that Tom, that sounds like a nice way to spend eternity, don't you think?

[Lucas]

His smile grew wider than before. Yeah, I guess so. If I can be useful after I die, I can't complain about that. I cast my line out once more. The moon was once again overtaken by an errant cloud. Lake went dark beside me. A splash echoed through the silence. I whipped my head to see the rowboat completely empty, a small ripple coming from the other side. The boat, now in disrepair, began sinking into the water. Lucas. The lake was completely still. The air around me became thick and sticky. I frantically turned on my flashlight, shining it into the water, seeing only the inky blackness below. I continued to cry out for Lucas when I felt an incredibly strong tug on my line. I grabbed the rod tight. Something on the end of the line was tugging with amazing strength. I fought back the best I could, holding onto the line and reeling it with all my might, making little progress. One strong tug sent me flying out of my canoe into the deep, black lake. I struggled to paddle my way back to the surface. My clothes, keeping me comfortable on the surface, were now weighing me down. I felt a hand, large thin fingers wrap around my ankle. I looked down, but all I could see through the murky water was a crooked, rotten yellow smile. The hand grabbing my ankle ripped me down, my lungs filling with water. In my final moments, I looked up to the surface. The moon had made its way back to the center stage. The gentle beams penetrating the water slowly fade as I sank to the bottom of the lake.

[David Cummings]

There's nothing fishy about this. Quick word from our sponsor. For ad free extended horror content, go to sleepless.thenosleeppodcast.com Fishing is fun, but fish can get stinky. But not as bad as a stinky litter box. And we have a way to fix that, thanks to our newest sponsor, Pretty Litter. Yes, spring is in the air. Know what's not in the air of my house? Litter box? Stink. It obliterates odors so we can enjoy all the wonderful scents of spring. Pretty Litter's non clumping formula traps odor and moisture. It's ultra absorbent, its lightweight, low dust and 16 pound bag works for up to a month. And Pretty Litter gives you peace of mind. It changes color to indicate early signs of potential illnesses in your cat like urinary tract infections, kidney issues and more. Since Pretty Litter ships free right to my door, I don't have huge kitty litter bags taking up space. And I don't have to go out in the cold and lug those huge tubs from a store to my car and into my house. Listen, I got no time to haul litter into a stinky house. Thanks to Pretty Litter, I don't have to. Pretty Litter helps keep my house smelling fresh and clean. Try it and you'll love it. Go to prettylitter.com nosleep to save 20% off your first order and get a free cat toy. That's prettylitter.com nosleep to save 20% off your first order AND get a free cat toy. Prettylitter.com nosleep Terms and Conditions apply. See site for details. Now back to the horror. This next story is extra special. If you and your family own a farm and run a quaint homestead cafe, you don't expect to end up being interviewed by the police. But thankfully you're not in the Bell family. You see, in this tale shared with us by author Joan Tierney, there was a concert held at Bluebell Farms and Cafe. And let's just say that wasn't the start of the horror. Performing this tale are Marie Westbrook, Graham Rowett, Sarah Thomas, Jessie Cornett, Erin Lillis, Mary Murphy, Atticus Jackson and Lindsay Russo. So enjoy the farm, fresh baking and food, but make sure you know all about it. That is Regarding the below special.

[Detective]

From the statement of Stan Bell. State your name for the record please, Stan. You needn't press so close to the microphone, Mr. Bell. It will pick up your voice just fine.

[Stan Bell]

Oh, oh, sorry. Stan Bell. That's my name.

[Detective]

And your relationship to Nanette Bell?

[Stan Bell]

She's my mother in law.

[Detective]

So you took your wife's name?

[Stan Bell]

That's right.

[Detective]

Bit unusual for a husband to take a wife's last name.

[Stan Bell]

Yeah, well, if your last name was as as mine, you'd be eager to lose it too.

[Detective]

Yes, I see here your given name was.

[Stan Bell]

Please don't. Exactly. And anyway, that was one of Nanette's. I guess you could call them stipulations. If I wanted to marry her daughter, I was going to have to take her last name. Plus which, there had never been a non Bell that lived at the homestead.

[Detective]

And were you also expected to live at the homestead?

[Stan Bell]

Yeah, that was another of her stipulations. She liked to keep her family close. Nanette did. A little too close, if you catch my drift.

[Detective]

I do. But if you could state your drift clearly for the record.

[Stan Bell]

Ah, right. Well, I guess you've probably heard the rumors about what all went on at Bluebell Farms and Cafe.

[Detective]

I have heard many rumors. You'll have to specify.

[Stan Bell]

I'm meaning the one about Nanette and Balder.

[Detective]

Balder Bell, Nanette's cousin.

[Stan Bell]

Right. Well, you know what they say about Appalachians and cousins. With Nanette and Balder, there was some truth to it.

[Detective]

They were in a sexual relationship.

[Stan Bell]

Not just that. Things hinted at them not being cousins. After all, their fathers were brothers. But Bessie, that was Nanette's mom. She shared a bed with both of them. At least that's what Annie read in her grandmother's diary.

[Detective]

Annie Bell, your wife?

[Stan Bell]

Right. Annie. Sweet thing. She is. She just couldn't believe it. But if I'm being honest, it always made a bit of sense to me. Nanette and Balder, they were always a little too similar. Eerily close. They'd have these silent conversations. Didn't even have to be looking at each other to understand what they meant. It was weird.

[Detective]

What about Annie's father? Stoneham?

[Stan Bell]

Gone well before I knew her. Supposedly he just wandered out into the fog one day and never came back. Never issued him a death certificate. But Nanette's a widow and all. But name?

[Detective]

Did Annie suspect her mother's relationship with Balder?

[Stan Bell]

Definitely not. Annie likes to see the best in people. She's a little naive about it, truth be told, but it keeps her happy.

[Detective]

You've been married for how long?

[Stan Bell]

Five years. God bless him. She's the only bright spot out of this whole mess.

[Detective]

And it was her idea to open the cafe?

[Stan Bell]

Hers and mine. We figured Nanette was already always cooking enough to feed 12 people. Why not make some money off it? It was a good idea. They had the room and the nearest restaurants. Not for 20 miles.

[Detective]

Tell me about the Bluebell Cafe.

[Stan Bell]

Not much to tell, if I'm honest. Me and Annie kept suggesting different recipes to shake things up a bit. But Nanette was set on her menu. She may not have run the business side of things, but the cafe was her ship and Nanette was the captain. No one was about to tell her how to run it.

[Detective]

Can you describe Nanette's menu?

[Stan Bell]

Sure. It was just four options. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Didn't matter what time of day. You could get a hash with sausage and potatoes, a sauerkraut salad, tomato soup with grilled cheese, or the below special.

[Detective]

What was the below special?

[Stan Bell]

That's what everyone always asked everyone who wasn't from the area anyway. And the net always said it came from below, meaning the cellar where she cured the meat. But I explain it like this. You remember Mystery meat Mondays at school?

[Detective]

Sure. Sloppy Joes that were always a little too sloppy.

[Stan Bell]

Right. Well, this meat was below that, if you get my meaning.

[Detective]

Uh, it was sloppier.

[Stan Bell]

It was more of a mystery. I mean, we lived on a farm, so no one ever questioned where Nanette got the meat from. And I did see her make her own sausage out of the pigs she got from Janice across the way. But the cured meat, that was different. It was only ever used for the special. And Annette was real cagey about it. Only she and Balder and Calliope were allowed in that cellar.

[Detective]

Cliopy Bell. Balder's daughter.

[Stan Bell]

That's right.

[Detective]

Did you ever ask Nanette about the meat?

[Stan Bell]

Sure, but never. Seriously. I guess I figured she had it delivered when I wasn't around. Alongside the chicken feed.

[Detective]

Did you ever go inside the caves?

[Stan Bell]

No, never. I'm not what you call a wanderer. I knew there were a ton of old mines around. Everyone knows that. And these parts, you can't spit without hitting an abandoned shaft. Real black lung central. That's what Stoneham did back before the last of the mines closed and he went missing. But I never went near one. I come from the prairie flatlands, where what you see is what you get. Out there, it's the sky you have to worry about, not the ground.

[Detective]

So you didn't know about the cave system when you scheduled the concert?

[Stan Bell]

No way. If I had, I never would have planned for that many people. I was just trying to provide. You know, there's only so much money an independent homestead can make, and that's what the family has me for. I'm the only one with a head for finances.

[Detective]

How did you meet Robert Engler?

[Stan Bell]

He stopped by the cafe. Said he was on his way to an Irish music festival in Asheville. He represented one of the bands performing there. We just hit it off.

[Detective]

Do you remember what he ordered?

[Stan Bell]

The below special. Newcomers always order the special. Unless they're vegetarian, but we hardly ever get one of those.

[Detective]

Whose idea was it to host the concert?

[Stan Bell]

Both of ours, I suppose. We got to talking about music festivals, which, of course led to Woodstock. That was held on a farm, too, you know.

[Detective]

Oh, I know, right.

[Stan Bell]

Well, I guess that's what we were trying to do, you know, recapture that success.

[Detective]

Well, you certainly made headlines.

[Stan Bell]

Yeah, I guess this really is a damn monkey's paw situation, huh? 15 minutes is 15 minutes.

[Detective]

From the statement of Calliope Bell. State your name for the record, please.

[Jake Benson]

Didn't I already do this?

[Detective]

You've provided a summarized written statement. The recording of a verbal statement allows us to get further clarification on what happened in your Own words. Fine.

[Jake Benson]

My name is Calliope Bell.

[Detective]

And your relationship to Nanette Bell?

[Jake Benson]

Is this a joke?

[Detective]

For the record?

[Jake Benson]

For the record, Nanette's my aunt. But she pretty much raised me since my mom died when I was a baby.

[Detective]

Would you consider your relationship with your aunt to be a close one? Sure.

[Jake Benson]

As close as anyone in this family can be anyway.

[Detective]

Meaning?

[Jake Benson]

Meaning Bells don't really get boundaries. They never have.

[Detective]

Is that why you moved to Raleigh?

[Jake Benson]

I moved to Raleigh because I was sick of living an hour away from the nearest shopping mall.

[Detective]

But you still visit the homestead quite often?

[Jake Benson]

Whenever Annie calls me and whines about needing help.

[Detective]

Are you and Annie close?

[Jake Benson]

We aren't distant. Not like me and Janice.

[Detective]

Janice Bell. Balder's brother.

[Jake Benson]

What other Janice is there?

[Detective]

As much clarification as possible is preferred.

[Jake Benson]

Fine. Jesus. Yes, Janice. My dad's younger brother. The black sheep of the Bell family.

[Detective]

Huh? What makes him the black sheep?

[Jake Benson]

He moved off the homestead for one. Which is a big no no in my aunt's book. She didn't like it when any of us stepped a toe outside her capital P plan.

[Detective]

You also moved off the homestead?

[Jake Benson]

Yeah, and Nanette had a cow about it. But she couldn't exactly cut me off.

[Detective]

Why not?

[Jake Benson]

She and dad weren't getting any younger. And who else could be trusted with the real responsibilities when they were gone? Stan refuses to get his hands dirty and Annie's scared of her own shadow.

[Detective]

What kind of responsibilities?

[Jake Benson]

Working the farm, running the cafe, keeping the whole place from going under.

[Detective]

Were you close with Stoneham before his disappearance?

[Jake Benson]

I hardly remember him. It's really just been Nanette and my dad for so long.

[Detective]

And how would you describe the relationship between your aunts and your father? Holy. Ms. Bell.

[Jake Benson]

I can't believe this. Are you seriously asking me if they're Ms. Bell?

[Detective]

I'm simply.

[Jake Benson]

No, no, I get it. Appalachian cousins. Isn't that what they call it? We're hicks, so we all must be inbred, right? Did Stan tell you that? Well, for the record, no. My aunt and my dad aren't cousin fuckers. Christ.

[Detective]

When did you meet Robert Engler?

[Jake Benson]

I don't remember the exact date, but early on during my last visit, he came around looking for Stan.

[Detective]

Did you find that odd?

[Jake Benson]

Not really. Strangers are always coming around the homestead looking for Stan. He's always got some new get rich quick plot going on. Usually they're just pyramid schemers he met on the Internet.

[Detective]

We told about the concert beforehand.

[Jake Benson]

Only the day before. Nanette was pissed and she and Stan had a whole blowout over it. I don't think even he knew how big it would get. Nanette didn't have nearly enough food for them all. That's the only reason she sent me to the cellar to begin with. She'd run out of everything and she was too busy to restock herself.

[Detective]

Can you describe the seller?

[Jake Benson]

It was a root cellar. A bit cramped. Dirt floor, dirt walls, rickety shelves holding jars and vegetables. Cured meat hanging in cloths from the ceiling.

[Detective]

Can you describe the meat?

[Jake Benson]

It looked like meat.

[Detective]

Was it light? Dark? What animal do you think it came from?

[Jake Benson]

I don't know. Pigs, I guess. Because of Janice. It looked a little different from the meat I was used to, but I thought that was just because it was cured. I'm not a butcher or a cook. I didn't know what to look for.

[Detective]

When did you discover the cave system?

[Jake Benson]

The second time she sent me down there. That man followed me with his stupid camera. I didn't know he was there, so I freaked out and his lens fell off and rolled into the shadows. It kept rolling for longer than it should have been able to, so he switched his camera to night vision. You saw the rest of it in that video.

[Detective]

For clarification, Ms. Bell is referring to Exhibit E, the 22 minute long recording taken by music blogger Elton yang. You and Mr. Yang were in the caves for some time.

[Jake Benson]

Well, those caves are huge. And it's not like either of us had been in there before. Then when we finally made it out, all hell broke loose. I never found out if he made it out okay.

[Detective]

After the fire, Mr. Yang was treated for smoke inhalation, a minor head wound and first degree burns, was recently discharged from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

[Jake Benson]

Pity.

[Detective]

You blame him.

[Jake Benson]

I just don't like busy bodies, that's all.

[Detective]

If it weren't for Mr. Yang, it's unlikely that the bodies would have ever been discovered.

[Jake Benson]

Obviously, I'm glad they were found. I don't feel bad for Nanette and Dad or anything like that. I just wish it had all been found out differently.

[Detective]

How so?

[Jake Benson]

Well, quieter, for one. Every day I'm filled in calls from reporters and news stations and crime bloggers for sake Annie keeps having to repaint the siding of her house. You know someone's been spray painting cannibals on the wall. It's harassment.

[Detective]

And I'm sure the fire didn't help matters.

[Jake Benson]

Yeah, that too. I wish so many people hadn't died.

[Detective]

Obviously, technically, none of the missing concert goers have been Declared dead.

[Jake Benson]

Yeah, sure.

[Detective]

You don't believe there could be survivors?

[Jake Benson]

All I know is hundreds of people have gone missing in those caves over the years, and not one has ever come out alive.

[Detective]

Exhibit A diary entry of Annabeth Bessie Bell.

[Calliope Bell]

Another hard winter. Every winter's been hard since Daddy died. Mama had a hand working the plow for a couple summers, but now he's out fighting the Germans. No one to plow meant no planting, which meant no harvest to store for the colder months. Next year, we might try and sell the land since we can't work it ourselves. But that hardly helps us in the present. The war was supposed to dry up soon, but we're still in the thick of it. Which means whatever we don't grow has to be rationed. We ran out of sugar some time ago. We're nearly out of flour. I don't know what we would have done if Mama hadn't found the meat. She said it came from a young cow she found dead in our cellar. It must have wandered into the caves and froze to death. She butchered the whole thing herself. She wouldn't even let me look at it, saying the sight might make me sick. But then it happened a second time. A pig. And then a third. Mama calls them gifts. She says it's God answering her prayers. We can't buy or hunt for our food, so now he sends the food to us. It isn't that I don't trust Mama, and I am grateful for what he provides. But I've heard sounds coming from the cellar at night, and I don't think it's livestock that's making them. When I press my ear up to the cellar door, I could hear someone whispering, Mama's.

[Detective]

Could you state your name for the record?

[David Cummings]

Janus.

[Detective]

Your full name, please.

[Stan Bell]

Janus Ptolemy Bell.

[Detective]

And what is your relationship to Nanette Bell?

[Stan Bell]

Her cousin.

[Detective]

And were you raised on the homestead? Alongside her. Why did you decide to move off the homestead? Well, I wanted my own place, away from the caves.

[Stan Bell]

It didn't hurt.

[Detective]

Have you ever gone into the caves?

[Stan Bell]

Well, as kids. And just inside. Used to do it as a dare. See who could stay there the longest.

[Detective]

Who won?

[Stan Bell]

Nanette. Every time. She'd stay there all night.

[Detective]

And Balder?

[Stan Bell]

Sometimes he'd stay down there with her.

[Detective]

They weren't afraid of the caves. Seems like most kids would be.

[Stan Bell]

Well, Balder was never afraid. Nanette liked him.

[Detective]

Did you know where she got the meat?

[Stan Bell]

Well, same place Aunt Bessie got it, I suspect.

[Detective]

Where did your aunt get it from?

[Stan Bell]

I don't Know. Just turned up with it. Said she got it from a friend.

[Detective]

Did this friend have a name?

[Stan Bell]

No.

[Detective]

He never questioned this mysterious, never ending stock of meat.

[Stan Bell]

Well, I hear you take what you can get. You're given a horse, you don't check its teeth. We're grateful folk.

[Detective]

Mr. Bell, I think you know, your family wasn't being gifted this meat. People were dying.

[Stan Bell]

Well, people are always dying.

[Detective]

I think you knew that something about this meat in the cellar wasn't right. I think that's why you left the homestead and started raising pigs. So you would always know where your own meat came from.

[Stan Bell]

Well, pigs are just easy to raise is all. They don't need good grazing land. They'll eat anything, even each other. That's why you gotta shave your tusks when they're young, so they don't cut. If they smell blood, they go crazy. I saw one take the ear off a live calf once had fresh ve for a few months afterwards.

[Detective]

Mr. Bell, I don't think you understand the severity of the situation. Your cousin is dead, and various body parts from 27 different people were found buried on her property. Those are just the ones we've already uncovered. Now, even if they weren't killed outright, somebody chopped those bodies up and disposed of them. Another 60 people are still missing. I don't believe you know nothing about all of this.

[Stan Bell]

Oh, pigs are vicious and intelligent. Smarter than anyone will give them credit for. But they can't look up, so that's.

[David Cummings]

How you catch them.

[Stan Bell]

It ain't their fault.

[David Cummings]

It's just their anatomy.

[Detective]

Mr. Bell, how did the people on your cousin's property die?

[Stan Bell]

Well, I can't rightly say. Wasn't there.

[Detective]

I see. But it didn't start with Nanette, did it? Your grandmother, Annabeth Bell. Where did she get her meat?

[Stan Bell]

Well, when you're hungry. Hungry, Suddenly you're seeing meat in places where you never saw it before. All manner of animals people won't normally eat. Squirrels, cats, even dogs. The world's full of meat when anything can go on the t.

[Detective]

Exhibit B. Map of appearances as related to the cave systems of Hacksaw County. From the statement of Balder Bell. Could you state your name for the record, please, Mr. Bell? Please state your name for the record, Mr. Bell. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be charged with obstruction of justice. Fine. End Recording Exhibit C. Advertisement paid for by Robert Engler regarding the concert to be held at Bluebell Farms and Cafe, Exhibit D. Various blog and social media posts regarding the concert at Bluebell Farms and Cafe and the below special from the statement of Annie Bell. Please state your name for the record.

[Calliope Bell]

Annie Bell. Well, Annabeth Bell iv. Actually.

[Detective]

No children of your own? And Annabeth V?

[Calliope Bell]

No. Not that we haven't tried, but. Well, apparently the odds of me getting pregnant aren't very high.

[Detective]

Sorry to hear that.

[Calliope Bell]

We're considering adoption and anything could happen. I suppose there's not. No chance of it, of course.

[Detective]

Now, for the record, if you could state your relationship to Nanette Bell.

[Calliope Bell]

She's my mother. Was my mother. Sorry. I guess I'm still not used to it. The past tense.

[Detective]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Calliope Bell]

Thank you. It hasn't quite sunk in yet, if I'm honest.

[Detective]

Your husband implied you two are very close.

[Calliope Bell]

We all are. Were the whole family?

[Detective]

Even Janice?

[Calliope Bell]

Janice may not have lived on the homestead, but he always stayed within walking distance. And Calliope moved away, too, but she didn't mind driving up to check in.

[Detective]

Were you upset when Calliope moved east?

[Calliope Bell]

Of course. We were young and she was my best friend. I was worried I'd never see her again. I didn't think Mama would ever forgive her. Callie was always her favorite. Her leaving was a big betrayal for Mama.

[Detective]

But Nanette forgave her.

[Calliope Bell]

Well, it's like I said, we're family.

[Detective]

Tell me about the cellar.

[Calliope Bell]

I don't know that there's much to tell. It was a typical root cellar. I didn't go down there much.

[Detective]

Your husband said only Nanette Balder and Calliope were allowed in the cellar.

[Calliope Bell]

Stan said that? No, it isn't that I wasn't allowed. I just didn't like to. When we were little, Calliope used to dare me to do things.

[Detective]

She dared you to go into the cellar?

[Calliope Bell]

It was only supposed to be for five minutes. Then she'd let me back out. But she didn't. I don't actually remember much about that night. I know I screamed myself hoarse, though I don't remember doing it. Apparently. I was trapped down there for hours. She'd locked the door from the outside.

[Detective]

But you're on good terms with your cousin now?

[Calliope Bell]

Oh, yes. Bygones and all that. Kids do silly things all the time. Eventually you get over. Didn't help that Mama was always pitting us against each other, Testing us to see who'd win. The then collapse left. So I guess I kind of won by default.

[Detective]

So you never went to the cellar after that?

[Calliope Bell]

I try to stay away from dark, tight quarters. I may not remember that night very clearly, but my Body does. I start to panic even thinking about it. I still sleep with the bathroom light on me. A grown woman. Stan's a deer about it, though he's never complained once.

[Detective]

How would you describe your relationship with your husband?

[Calliope Bell]

Oh, very good. For the most part.

[Detective]

For the most part.

[Calliope Bell]

Well, I do wish there was a little more romance there, but you can't have everything, I suppose. At least we get along.

[Detective]

Did your parents get along?

[Calliope Bell]

I don't really remember. I was so young when daddy left. He was always going out on walks. He'd bring me little souvenirs he found. Shed antlers and bird eggs and fourleaf clover.

[Detective]

Do you think he might still be alive?

[Calliope Bell]

Oh, I don't know. It's unlikely. But life can be unlikely sometimes. I used to dream about him just showing up one day, years and years later, as if he'd never left. I used to think I could hear him through the floorboards, calling my name.

[Detective]

Did that scare you?

[Calliope Bell]

Not at all. I found it comforting.

[Detective]

Tell me about the cafe. It was your husband's idea to open it.

[Calliope Bell]

Yes, Stan's full of ideas.

[Detective]

Whose idea was it to put the below special on the menu?

[Calliope Bell]

That was all Mama. She had a limited amount of recipes which she knew how to make, and she used to make that one all the time when we were growing up. Whenever it was cold or rainy out, it was comfort food.

[Detective]

You often worked in the cafe, is that right?

[Calliope Bell]

Yes, every day.

[Detective]

Did you ever prepare the food yourself?

[Calliope Bell]

Sometimes. But only the really simple things like grilled cheese. Mama was very particular about food.

[Detective]

Did you ever prepare the special?

[Calliope Bell]

No, never. She wouldn't even let me prep the ingredients. I have somewhat of a sore thumb in the kitchen. And Mama was very particular about the special, seeing as it was her signature dish.

[Detective]

Did you ever ask where the meat came from?

[Calliope Bell]

No. I always assumed it was like the flour or the milk or the apples. Either she bought it or traded for it. I never questioned it because it had always been a part of our lives.

[Detective]

Your husband mentioned your grandmother's diary.

[Calliope Bell]

What? Why?

[Detective]

It was an off handed comment. But we did find the book during the second search of the main farmhouse.

[Calliope Bell]

I see. So you've read it?

[Detective]

I have.

[Calliope Bell]

There are some very personal details about my family in that diary.

[Detective]

Rest assured, Mrs. Bell, we are only interested in the parts which might help us with the case.

[Calliope Bell]

Right, of course. It's just there has been so much smeared against my family in the press lately and I'd hate to see even more. I mean, eventually Stan and I are going to have Children. And I don't want them to. To.

[Detective]

To read about their grandmother and great grandmother who might have killed dozens of people and then cannibalized them. Even going so far as to trick others into cannibalizing them at their table.

[Calliope Bell]

Yes, I. There's no proof of any of that, is there? My grandmother certainly never wrote about killing and eating anybody.

[Detective]

There is certainly proof of the cannibalism. Much of the meat found on the scene was human.

[Calliope Bell]

Mama might not have known that.

[Detective]

Are we to believe she was an unwitting participant in the cutting up, cooking and distribution of the dozens of victims found buried on her land? According to everyone, including yourself, Nanette was the matriarch of the homestead.

[Calliope Bell]

It's just so hard to believe. She. Mama may not have been a nice woman, but she was still my mother. And she did care for me. In her way. I'm sorry. I just.

[Detective]

It's all right. Here.

[Calliope Bell]

Thank you. I guess I just don't want to think of my mother as a villain. And all of those things that she paid me.

[Detective]

Those poor people.

[Calliope Bell]

It's horrible. Like. Like something from a Stephen King novel.

[Detective]

I'm sure it would have come as a shock to anyone. Now, about your grandmother's diary. You've read it?

[Calliope Bell]

Yes.

[Detective]

Then you must know the part I'm referring to. About the caves and what went on in them.

[Calliope Bell]

I know my grandmother and great grandmother nearly starved to death during the war. People have been known to hallucinate during starvation.

[Detective]

You believe your grandmother was not of sound mind when she wrote about the caves? What was it she called them?

[Calliope Bell]

Lonely. She called them lonely? She thought they just wanted a friend. I think my grandmother went through a traumatic experience. Anyone else in her place might have thought the same.

[Detective]

Were you close to your grandmother?

[Calliope Bell]

When I was young, sure. What little girl doesn't adore her grandma? But she died when I was 11, so I never got to know her well.

[Detective]

And then your mother inherited the homestead?

[Calliope Bell]

Yes.

[Detective]

And who will take charge of it now?

[Calliope Bell]

Me asking. Suppose. Unless Mama decided she really did prefer Calliope after all.

[Detective]

Would that upset you?

[Calliope Bell]

Not really. I know Cie has no real interest in moving back, so she probably just sign everything over to me anyway. She is her life in Raleigh. And.

[Detective]

And what?

[Calliope Bell]

Well, there's that blogger. They seemed friendly.

[Detective]

Elton Yang. Clio B Insinuated to me that she did not know him.

[Calliope Bell]

Maybe I'm mistaken.

[Detective]

You believed they were acquainted?

[Calliope Bell]

Well, I thought they were headed that way. I mean, she took him to the cellar so they could be alone.

[Detective]

I was under the impression that Mr. Yang followed your cousin into the cellar just before the fire.

[Calliope Bell]

I guess I was wrong then. I just assumed, you know, they were down there for so long, and Callie had been in that cellar so many times, so she probably knew her way around.

[Detective]

She claimed she got lost in the cave system, which she had never been to before.

[Calliope Bell]

She said that? That she'd never been in those caves.

[Detective]

Had she been in the caves? Mrs. Bell, it is in the best interest of yourself and your cousins that you answer my questions honestly.

[Calliope Bell]

Can we take a break? It's been hours and I'm getting hungry.

[Detective]

Exhibit E. Video filmed and uploaded by Elton Yang, titled Woodstock Inferno.

[David Cummings]

So here we are at the Grassroots Music Festival, held at the Bluebell Farms up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This venue's got everything. Beautiful sights, beautiful music, and beautiful girls.

[Detective]

Elton has been panning around the crowd of fellow concert goers at the farm in the field just outside the cafe. He now begins to zoom in on Calliope Bell as she rounds the side of the farmhouse wearing an apron over her thighs.

[David Cummings]

Now, if you ever swing by the Blue Bell Cafe up in Hacksaw county, all the regulars will tell you that you have to try the below special. And they're right, and that Bell keeps a tight lid on the recipe. But I'm gonna see if I could do some sleuthing and find out what makes the below so special. Let's go.

[Detective]

Footage is cut. Now Elton is inside the farmhouse, discreetly filming as Calliope and Nanette argue in the kitchen. Nanette seems to win the fight from a distance. The camera follows Calliope to the cellar door. Elton first films her disappearing down the stairs and then follows her.

[David Cummings]

Hey.

[Jake Benson]

Jesus.

[Detective]

She reflectively swipes out at him. The camera jerks and the images go dark. Though the sound remains, both are swearing.

[Jake Benson]

What the fuck?

[David Cummings]

That thing costs, like, 400 bucks.

[Jake Benson]

Then maybe you shouldn't stick it in people's faces without permission, Shitbag.

[David Cummings]

You're lucky I didn't gut you with a can opener.

[Detective]

Up.

[Jake Benson]

What are you even doing down here? Shouldn't you be out with the other potheads?

[David Cummings]

Where to go?

[Jake Benson]

Hey, watch it. If you blind me, I'll be even more pissed off.

[David Cummings]

Jesus, you're twitchy. What, y'all cooking meth down here or something?

[Detective]

Ha ha. Whoa. What?

[David Cummings]

Holy. How far back does this place go?

[Jake Benson]

I have no idea.

[David Cummings]

There you are, you little bastard.

[Detective]

The picture reappears as Elton switches to night vision. The pair are now in a dark, expansive cave.

[Jake Benson]

Okay, now let's go.

[Calliope Bell]

Back.

[David Cummings]

You don't want to look around first? Do some spelunking.

[Jake Benson]

Ow.

[David Cummings]

Okay, okay. Let's go back.

[Detective]

They turn around and begin to walk.

[Jake Benson]

Oh, to have you arrested for trespassing.

[David Cummings]

Trespassing? Who's trespassing? I was looking for a bathroom and got lost.

[Jake Benson]

You were looking for the bathroom?

[Detective]

What the. They are now standing before a solid cave wall.

[David Cummings]

Where'd it go?

[Jake Benson]

I can't. We didn't make a single turn. The seller should be right here, so. What the.

[David Cummings]

Okay, okay, okay. Maybe we should just, you know, keep walking. Maybe we got turned around.

[Jake Benson]

What's there to get turned around on? We literally walk straight down there and then straight back.

[David Cummings]

I don't know, okay? I don't know, but we've got to go somewhere, so we might as well keep moving.

[Jake Benson]

All right, all right. Lead the way.

[David Cummings]

Why do I have to lead?

[Jake Benson]

You've got the camera, genius. I can't see three feet in front of me.

[David Cummings]

Right.

[Detective]

They turn around and begin to walk.

[Jake Benson]

What now?

[David Cummings]

What?

[Jake Benson]

You keep whispering my name. What do you want?

[David Cummings]

I didn't say anything. I don't even know your name.

[Jake Benson]

Well, someone's been saying my name for the last 10 minutes, and I don't see anyone else.

[David Cummings]

Well, it wasn't me.

[Jake Benson]

Shut up. Mom.

[Detective]

Wesley.

[Jake Benson]

Mama, is that you?

[David Cummings]

Why would your mom be down here? Did she come looking for you? Maybe she can lead us back.

[Jake Benson]

My mom's dead.

[David Cummings]

Holy.

[Jake Benson]

What?

[David Cummings]

Did you say my name just now? Be honest.

[Jake Benson]

I don't know your name either.

[David Cummings]

Okay, okay, okay. Okay.

[Jake Benson]

What'd you hear?

[David Cummings]

My. I thought I heard my brother.

[Jake Benson]

Is he at the concert?

[David Cummings]

No. No, he. He died when I was eight. Car accident.

[Jake Benson]

Okay. What the Is going on?

[Detective]

They both pause.

[David Cummings]

Did you hear run? Run where?

[Jake Benson]

Anywhere. Move.

[Detective]

They run through the cave system, making various turns as they come. Their footsteps echo loudly, but there are no sounds of anyone else. Still, they act as though something is chasing them and catching up.

[Calliope Bell]

Callie. Annie.

[David Cummings]

Help us.

[Detective]

They run towards Annie's voice, and sunlight begins to appear up ahead. They burst out of the cave several yards from the farmhouse. They are breathing heavily. Calliope collapses against her cousin, who seems surprised to see them.

[Calliope Bell]

What were you doing in there?

[Jake Benson]

Going for a nice summer walk? What the do you think we were doing?

[David Cummings]

We got lost. Something chased us.

[Calliope Bell]

It was probably just a coyote. They sometimes make their dents in there. You're lucky it wasn't a bear.

[Jake Benson]

What are you doing out here?

[Calliope Bell]

Looking for you. You mama said you were in the Sailor, but when I went down, you weren't there.

[Jake Benson]

But why would you look for me way out here?

[Calliope Bell]

Because this is where the tunnel leads out to.

[Jake Benson]

Annie, if this is one of your little jokes, I swear to God we aren't kids anymore. You can't just lock me in the cellar whenever you feel like it.

[Detective]

Now, in the background, the music stops suddenly as the makeshift shift platform stage catches on fire. People begin to scream and knock into one another as they attempt to flee.

[Calliope Bell]

Holy. Everyone, over here. What? The caves won't burn.

[Jake Benson]

Annie, we have to call 91 1. Your mom.

[Calliope Bell]

Mom is inside. There are fire extinguishers in the house.

[David Cummings]

I'll get them. What?

[Detective]

By now, the crowd of panicked concertgoers is running towards the cave. Elton struggles his way through the stampede to the farmhouse, which is now also on fire. Smoke is poured into the cafe dining area where people are coughing and attempting to flee through the kitchen. Robert Engler is among them. Elton follows the crowd just behind, unnoticed. Nanette is in the kitchen stairs, staring placidly, holding the cellar door open and directing people down the stairs. Elsa names the camera after them. In the cellar, people begin to scream and run back towards the stairs, scrambling over each other. The edge of a massive shadow is visible just before Nanette swings the door closed and locks it and then walks into the flames which have erupted over the back of recording ends from the interview of Elton Yang. It'll only take a moment, detective. I don't. Mr. Yang. Detective, I really must insist that. Elton, can you hear me? I'd just like to ask you some questions about the concert at Bluebell Farms. Not if you can hear me, Detective. My patient has been through a serious trauma with no small amount of bodily injury. He's in no state.

[Jake Benson]

No.

[Detective]

What was that? Elton, can you repeat that?

[Lucas]

It knows your name.

[Detective]

Who knows my name? Elton?

[David Cummings]

It knows your name. And it. It's so lonely.

[Detective]

Elton.

[David Cummings]

It knows your name. It knows your name. It knows your name. It knows your name.

[Tom]

It knows your name.

[Jake Benson]

Detective, leave now.

[Detective]

Paging Dr. Knowles. You're needed in room 613. Initial interview to be disregarded. It.

[David Cummings]

Our phone lines have been cut. The cell signals are lost. But we will return to delve into your darkest hangups when the calls will be coming from inside your house. The no Sleep podcast is presented by Creative Reason Media. The musical score was composed by Brandon Boone. Our production team is Phil Mikulski, Jeff Clement, Jesse Cornett, and Claudius More. Our editorial team is Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McInally, Ollie A. White, and Kristen Samido. To discover how you can get even more sleepless horror stories from us. Just visit sleepless.the no Sleep podcast.com to learn about the Sleepless Sanctuary ad free extended episodes each week and lots of bonus content for the dark hours. All for one low monthly price. On behalf of everyone at the no Sleep Podcast, we thank you for taking our nightmarish calls. This audio program is copyright 2024 and 2025 by Creative Reason Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The copyrights for each story are held by the respective authors. No duplication or reproduction of this audio program is permitted without the written consent of Creative Reason Media, Inc.