Episode 3.1 - Interpretations

Summary

The Road of Shadows – Episode 3.1: Interpretations

Release Date: September 3, 2024
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
Production: Beyond the Dark

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Introduction: Calm Amidst the Pursuit

In Episode 3.1, titled "Interpretations," of The Road of Shadows, listeners are taken deeper into the lives of Daniel Knox and Amber, two individuals relentlessly hunting the enigmatic creatures known as Shadows. Set against the backdrop of the late 1980s, particularly the year 1984, this episode delves into the complexities of their partnership, the psychological strains of their mission, and the unraveling of Daniel’s past that ties directly to their current quest.

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Synesthesia and Understanding Shadows

The episode begins with Daniel and Amber engaging in a thoughtful conversation about their unique perceptions of Shadows. Daniel introduces his theory linking their differing reactions to Shadows with the phenomenon of synesthesia—where sensory experiences overlap in unconventional ways.

• Daniel (05:05): "In my head, I sense Something is burning in yours. You experience nausea."

This discussion highlights Daniel's hypothesis that Shadows emit an alien form of energy, causing their victims to perceive it differently based on their neurological responses. Amber contributes by noting the physical toll Shadows have on her, suggesting that exposure might involve more than mere sensory confusion.

• Amber (06:28): "But wait a second. I wasn't just feeling nauseous. I was actually getting sicker and sicker the longer I was in proximity to Shilling."

Their discourse underscores the mysterious and potentially harmful nature of Shadows, setting the stage for their methodical approach to eliminating these threats.

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Strategizing the Hunt: Building a Database

Determined to intensify their efforts, Daniel reveals a meticulously crafted list detailing every Shadow he has encountered over the years, complete with names, locations, and occupations. This strategic move signifies a shift from reactive defense to proactive eradication.

• Daniel (09:38): "Here, take a look. I made a list."

Amber praises the list, recognizing its value as a foundational tool for their mission.

• Amber (10:29): "No, no, this. This is excellent. It's great. We can definitely use this as a starting point."

Together, they plot the locations of these Shadows on a map, realizing the extensive reach and persistence required to tackle an ever-growing list of adversaries. This segment emphasizes the grim reality that the Shadows' influence spans numerous small towns, each presenting unique challenges.

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A Glimpse into the Past: The Susan Blake Confrontation

The heart of the episode lies in Daniel's recounting of a personal encounter with Susan Blake, a Shadow masquerading as a benevolent homeless shelter operator. His narrative reveals the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by those who battle these entities.

Daniel narrates his time working for the Cordell family and his friendship with Jimmy, a fellow farmhand who falls into despair and seeks refuge at Blake's shelter. Despite Daniel's generosity, Jimmy mysteriously disappears after accepting money from Susan Blake, leading Daniel to suspect her true nature.

• Daniel (20:53): "There was the barest hint of something burning. Yeah. But the thing is, Jimmy wasn't around."

His investigation culminates in a tense encounter where Blake confronts him in a seemingly calm manner after his failed attempt to intervene, leaving Daniel with lingering guilt and a burning desire for retribution.

• Daniel (22:13): "I left her standing there. I mean, there's not a chance in hell I was going to take that money."

This personal vendetta drives Daniel's motivation, adding depth to his character and highlighting the perpetual conflict between survival and justice.

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Arrival in Black Ridge: Signs of Shadows Lurking

Transitioning to the present, Daniel and Amber arrive in Black Ridge, a seemingly tranquil town that harbors its own Dark secrets. They attend a local parade, during which Daniel identifies a float linked to Susan Blake's homeless shelter. The presence of this Shadow in Black Ridge heightens the tension, as both protagonists sense an imminent threat.

• Amber (24:25): "Wait a second, Daniel. Look down there. That float coming towards us. It says Blake's homeless shelter. Is that."

As Susan Blake makes a subtle appearance, her unaffected demeanor and inscrutable smile suggest her awareness of Daniel and Amber's presence and possibly their intentions.

• Amber (25:30): "Damn, that was close. I mean, literally. But our friend isn't giving much away."

Their observation reveals that Shadows possess the ability to blend seamlessly into human society, maintaining an unnerving facade despite the danger they pose.

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Rising Tensions and Unanswered Questions

The episode crescendos with Amber noticing anomalies in her condition, questioning whether Shadows can sense her as well as Daniel. This realization deepens the mystery surrounding Shadows' capabilities and their connection to the protagonists.

• Amber (26:18): "What do you mean, Daniel?"

• Amber (26:20): "This shadow, Susan Blake, she just walked right past me. Almost close enough to touch. I should be puking my guts out right now, but the truth is, I don't feel a."

The lack of expected physical reactions when in close proximity to a Shadow like Susan Blake raises critical questions about the exact nature of their influence and the effectiveness of Daniel and Amber's strategies.

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Conclusion: A Looming Threat

As the episode draws to a close, the unresolved tensions and looming presence of Susan Blake set the stage for future confrontations. Daniel and Amber remain undeterred, yet the subtle cues suggest that their battle against the Shadows is far from over, with deeper layers of manipulation and threat still to be uncovered.

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Notable Quotes

• Daniel (05:05): "In my head, I sense Something is burning in yours. You experience nausea."
• Amber (10:29): "No, no, this. This is excellent. It's great. We can definitely use this as a starting point."
• Daniel (20:53): "There was the barest hint of something burning. Yeah. But the thing is, Jimmy wasn't around."
• Amber (24:25): "Wait a second, Daniel. Look down there. That float coming towards us. It says Blake's homeless shelter. Is that."
• Amber (26:18): "What do you mean, Daniel?"
• Amber (26:20): "This shadow, Susan Blake, she just walked right past me. Almost close enough to touch. I should be puking my guts out right now, but the truth is, I don't feel a."

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Final Thoughts

Episode 3.1 of The Road of Shadows masterfully intertwines character development, suspenseful narrative, and intricate world-building. Through Daniel and Amber's dialogues and backstories, listeners gain a profound understanding of the relentless struggle against the Shadows. This episode not only advances the overarching plot but also deepens the emotional resonance of the characters, setting up compelling scenarios for the episodes to come.

For those who haven't yet ventured into the dark and shadowy roads alongside Daniel and Amber, The Road of Shadows offers a gripping tale of survival, mystery, and the eternal fight between humanity and the unseen predators lurking in plain sight.

Transcript

[Daniel]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Make another smart choice with Auto Quote Explorer to compare rates from multiple car insurance companies all at once. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states or situations.

[Amber]

Prices vary based on how you buy.

[Daniel]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the box's all day. Big deal. Meal. You get to choose from four entrees like the supreme croissant and five tasty sides, plus a drink starting at $5. So hurry in or take your time. You've got all day at Jack. Every bite's a big deal. The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark Production by Season 3 Episode 1 Interpretations.

[Amber]

Daniel, how many laps is that?

[Daniel]

Sorry, what did you say?

[Amber]

Amber, I said how many laps? You were supposed to be counting, remember?

[Daniel]

Oh, right. 32, I think.

[Amber]

That was five minutes ago.

[Daniel]

Was it? I must have lost concentration or something. Sorry.

[Amber]

What are you writing on that notepad?

[Daniel]

Nothing much. Just doodling.

[Amber]

Oh, you're sketching again. Haven't seen you do that in a while.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Amber]

Wait, what is it you're sketching?

[Daniel]

It isn't very good.

[Amber]

It's something dark again, isn't it? A shadow or. Or a dead victim or something creepy.

[Daniel]

No.

[Amber]

Come on, show me. Oh, mountains.

[Daniel]

Yeah, the view here this morning was just so peaceful. And I was trying to frame it so I had the mountains in the background and the pool in the foreground, but to be honest, I'm just terrible at sketching landscapes.

[Amber]

I think it's nice.

[Daniel]

You don't have to sugarcoat it, Amber.

[Amber]

No, no, really, I like it. And I think it's great that you're sketching something just for, well, the enjoyment of doing it rather than documenting it as part of your survival guide.

[Daniel]

A bit of a change of pace, isn't it?

[Amber]

I never thought I'd say it, but you actually look relaxed for a change, sitting there beside the pool with your feet up and a drink in your hand, catching some rays.

[Daniel]

Who would have thought Clifford Springs is actually a nice, hospitable town once you turn the resident's shadow to ash.

[Amber]

You haven't sensed any trouble lately? Nothing burning?

[Daniel]

Not since we wasted that bastard shilling. I haven't sensed a thing for a whole two weeks. What about you?

[Amber]

I feel fine, actually. No sickness? No. No nausea?

[Daniel]

Your shoulder's looking better.

[Amber]

Yeah, the wound is still there, but it's barely noticeable. And every day I can do a couple more laps. Remember the first time I tried last week? I could barely do five.

[Daniel]

I guess that means the shadows are staying away from Clifford Springs. For the time being, at least.

[Amber]

If you don't smell burning and I don't feel sick, then yeah, I'd say so. Do you think that means they're afraid of us?

[Daniel]

I don't know about afraid. Maybe wary is a better term.

[Amber]

You know what I can't figure out? Why the two of us have such different reactions to them.

[Daniel]

Reactions?

[Amber]

Yeah, you smell them, I get nauseous. How does that work?

[Daniel]

Well, actually, I've been developing a theory on that.

[Amber]

Does this have anything to do with those books you checked out from the library?

[Daniel]

Yeah. You ever heard of the term synesthesia?

[Amber]

Um, I've come across it somewhere. It has something to do with colors, doesn't it?

[Daniel]

Not exactly. It's more to do with sensing something in an unusual way. For example, you might read the word bus and taste lemons. Or hear the sound of an owl and see the color red.

[Amber]

Oh. Why does that happen?

[Daniel]

I don't think anyone has a theory about how it works yet. But I been wondering if that kind of phenomenon could explain what's happening to the two of us.

[Amber]

Oh, so you think we have this synesthesia thing?

[Daniel]

Let's consider what we know about shadows. They can influence people, obviously. So it stands to reason that they have some kind of psychic ability.

[Amber]

Not necessarily. If they have an understanding of human psychology, they could influence people just by using words.

[Daniel]

True, but that doesn't explain how they manipulate light sources. Lamps and flashlights, that kind of thing. To do that, they have to have some kind of ability to alter the world around them using their minds.

[Amber]

I'd classify that more as a kinetic ability, but, yeah, I'm with you so far.

[Daniel]

So my theory is that when the shadows use this ability of theirs, they secrete a chemical or hormone or some kind of energy that's undetectable by humans.

[Amber]

Unless those humans have been bitten and exposed to their toxins. Like the two of us.

[Daniel]

Right.

[Amber]

That doesn't explain why the two of us have such different experiences when we're exposed to it.

[Daniel]

That's where the synesthesia comes in. Maybe this energy is so foreign to the human experience that we can't interpret it, we can't classify it because it's totally alien to everything we know.

[Amber]

Right. So our brains just try to stick the experience in the most appropriate box. But in reality, it's. It's just guesswork.

[Daniel]

Exactly. In my head, I sense Something is burning in yours. You experience nausea.

[Amber]

But wait a second. I wasn't just feeling nauseous. I was actually getting sicker and sicker the longer I was in proximity to Schilling. That is more than just a translation issue in my brain.

[Daniel]

I haven't worked that part into my theory yet. I guess there are still a few gaps in my logic.

[Amber]

There are. But just the same, I like where you're going with this. I think you could be onto something. There's something else on your mind, isn't there?

[Daniel]

I was just thinking about the last couple of weeks and how it's been so tranquil since we took Schilling out of the picture. And what if things just, I don't know, kept going like this?

[Amber]

Like what? Exactly.

[Daniel]

What if we kept living here in Clifford Springs?

[Amber]

Oh. Spending our days reading books and doing laps in the pool, working on our suntans. Wait, are you. Are you serious about this?

[Daniel]

I'm just wondering what would happen if.

[Amber]

What if we buried our heads in the sand and tried to pretend there weren't fucking monsters slaughtering people in every town from here to the. You're suggesting this for my benefit, aren't you?

[Daniel]

Not necessarily.

[Amber]

You're trying to protect me. That's it, isn't it? You think that if we keep chasing shadows, I'll get sick again.

[Daniel]

You almost died, Amber.

[Amber]

Well, I don't know about that. I.

[Daniel]

Trust me. It was a close thing. You could barely stand. All your vitals were dropping.

[Amber]

And then we turned that fucker shilling to ash and everything was fine. Problem solved.

[Daniel]

There wasn't much room for error. Next time we might not get so lucky.

[Amber]

Daniel, I appreciate that you're looking out for me. I really do. But we both know this fantasy of living in paradise is just that. A fantasy. It can't last. Even now, the shadows could be drawing their plans against us. We have to stay on the front foot.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Amber]

And don't try to tell me you want to sit here forever enjoying the peace and quiet. I saw that look in your eyes the night you killed Pete and those other shadows. There was a fire inside you. You wanted nothing more than to hunt those bastards down and make them pay. I'm looking at you now. I still see it.

[Daniel]

And what about you?

[Amber]

Me? Well, turning just one or two shadows to ash is never going to be enough to satisfy me. Not after what they did to Jenn. I need more.

[Daniel]

How many more are we talking about exactly?

[Amber]

How many more you got?

[Daniel]

Well, then, in that case, you better get out and dry yourself off. I've got something to show you. Are you ready for this? I think you're gonna be proud of me.

[Amber]

Okay. You've got me intrigued. What is it?

[Daniel]

Here, take a look. I made a list.

[Amber]

Oh, my God, Daniel, you really know how to impress a girl.

[Daniel]

Can't say I'm quite on your level yet, but I figured this is a start.

[Amber]

Now let. Let me take a look before we get ahead of ourselves here and it over names and places.

[Daniel]

These are all the shadows I can remember from my travels over the years. Every name and every corresponding town.

[Amber]

Oh, and you've also got a column here for occupation.

[Daniel]

Yeah, there were some cases where I never found out what the shadows did for a living. Or at least what they pretended to do while they were hiding out amongst the community. Some of these places I only stayed a couple of days, so I didn't have the chance to get more intel. The last column still needs a bit of work, I guess.

[Amber]

No, no, this. This is excellent. It's. It's great. We can definitely use this as a starting point.

[Daniel]

I figured going after the shadows that I've already identified would be our easiest option, rather than picking towns at random and hoping to track them down with no clue about where they might be hiding.

[Amber]

Wait, is this what you were scribbling yesterday morning? I saw you concentrating hard on something and wondered what you were up to.

[Daniel]

Yeah, you got it.

[Amber]

So you never really had any intention of calling off the hunt for shadows and living the good life, did you? That talk we had out by the pool was what, a test?

[Daniel]

I wouldn't call it a test. I just wanted to gauge where you were at mentally.

[Amber]

Well, I think we've established that, haven't we? Now, let's take a look at this thing and put a plan together.

[Daniel]

Okay? You'll notice I have a few names here with lines through them.

[Amber]

They're the ones we've already taken out right here. Pete Davis Colton and Dr. James Schellen. Clifford Springs.

[Daniel]

Yeah, and there's Selina, the first one that killed in Pete's cabin.

[Amber]

Oh, she was a teacher in Appleton.

[Daniel]

And the last two from the cabin, Argyle the firefighter, and Ursula.

[Amber]

How many does that leave?

[Daniel]

17.

[Amber]

17 shadows. That's. That's a lot. We're going to have our work cut out for us, aren't we?

[Daniel]

This is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are going to be plenty more in the towns I haven't discovered yet.

[Amber]

Let's. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Putting a line through every Name on this list is going to be one hell of a job in itself.

[Daniel]

Right?

[Amber]

How. How old are these records? Do you. Do you think they're still accurate?

[Daniel]

Shadows don't move between towns, remember? They stick to their own territory. So the location should still be correct. As for the rest of it, well, it's hard to say. Remember how Pete owned the fishing supplies place, then he moved on to the tree service thing?

[Amber]

No, he said it himself in the cabin. He needed to keep reinventing himself every few decades. I guess it's like a way of taking on new identities. Do you think the Shadows change their names from time to time, too?

[Daniel]

No doubt.

[Amber]

Maybe assume their victim's identity in some cases?

[Daniel]

I wouldn't put it past them.

[Amber]

So some of these names and job titles might have changed since you last encountered the shadows.

[Daniel]

Maybe. But I'll know them when I see them, no matter the name.

[Amber]

Okay. Okay. Let's take a look at these locations. Meadowbrook, Gilbert Oakwood. Damn. You've really been around, haven't you? I don't know any of these places.

[Daniel]

They're all backwater towns. I wouldn't expect you to know them.

[Amber]

Wait a second. I have a map here somewhere. Here we go. Let's start plotting these out. Where is Meadowbrook?

[Daniel]

Right here.

[Amber]

Okay. And Laidlaw is here. Let me just mark out a few of these others. Here and here.

[Daniel]

Oakwood is here.

[Amber]

All right. Yeah, I think we've got it.

[Daniel]

They.

[Amber]

Damn. These things. These things are everywhere, aren't they? We're surrounded.

[Daniel]

I can't say I've ever plotted the locations on a map before. Quite a sight, isn't it?

[Amber]

So this is all the shadows you've encountered over the years?

[Daniel]

No, no where near it. These are just the ones whose names I've memorized. There are plenty of others. Where? All I remember is the face.

[Amber]

Lovely. The whole region is infested with these things.

[Daniel]

Pretty much.

[Amber]

So how do we want to approach this? Get methodical and just work from east to west, or.

[Daniel]

I think we should start here.

[Amber]

Black Ridge. Okay. What's so special about this one?

[Daniel]

There's just something about the shadow that.

[Amber]

That what?

[Daniel]

This one's personal.

[Amber]

Oh. Well, you've got me intrigued now.

[Daniel]

It's a bit of a long story.

[Amber]

I've got time.

[Daniel]

I'll tell you everything, I promise. But first, let's clean this place up and get ready to leave. If we're going to do this thing, I'd rather not wait around. What do you say we hit the road?

[Amber]

My dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for career day and said he was a big roas man. Then he told everyone how much he loved calculating his return on ad spend.

[Daniel]

My friends still laugh at me to this day. Not everyone gets B2B, but with LinkedIn, you'll be able to reach people who do. Get $100 credit on your next ad campaign. Go to LinkedIn.com results to claim your credit. That's LinkedIn.com results. Terms and conditions apply. LinkedIn, the place to be. To be. We leave Clifford Springs behind us that afternoon. In some ways, I'm reluctant to move on. The conversation with Amber by the poolside one where we tossed around the idea of staying and enjoying the peace and quiet wasn't entirely hypothetical. For a moment, I'd been drawn to the idea of escaping the shadows, if only for a little while. But the stark reality set in. Soon enough, I know the truth. That there's a long road to travel before that kind of life can become anything more than a far distant dream. Here it is, Amber. Welcome to Black Ridge.

[Amber]

Oh, what's going on here? Is this some kind of celebration?

[Daniel]

Looks like the town parade. They hold it every year on Main Street.

[Amber]

A parade? Oh, for what?

[Daniel]

I don't know. Just a tradition, maybe.

[Amber]

Should we go take a closer look?

[Daniel]

There's not much to see. Just a procession of trucks covered in streamers and people dancing around in cheap costumes.

[Amber]

Sounds like fun. Let's go.

[Daniel]

Exhilarating, isn't it?

[Amber]

Yeah, I've seen worse. Who makes the floats? Are they. Are they all local businesses?

[Daniel]

Clubs? Businesses? A couple of local sporting teams. See that one over there? It's from the hardware store. Another girl dancing on the back. The one in the cowboy hat.

[Amber]

Oh. Who is she?

[Daniel]

Her name is Nancy. She works at the store.

[Amber]

You two were friends?

[Daniel]

I wouldn't go that far. We chatted now and again when I visited the store. That's about it.

[Amber]

Well, I mean, the people here sure seem friendly enough.

[Daniel]

It's a nice town. Apart from. Well, you know.

[Amber]

So tell me about the shadow. You said her name was Susan.

[Daniel]

Susan Blake.

[Amber]

Okay, what do we know about her? What does she do?

[Daniel]

Oh, you're going to love this part. She runs a homeless shelter.

[Amber]

A homeless shelter? Oh. Oh, God.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Think of all the drifters and transients who must go through there. It's basically a smorgasbord for a shadow. She can pick and choose whoever she wants as a victim. When they go missing, she just makes up a story about them moving on.

[Amber]

That's awful.

[Daniel]

You Know what makes it worse? Everyone in town thinks she's a saint. This selfless philanthropist who's always looking out for the downtrodden.

[Amber]

Is that what you thought?

[Daniel]

At first, for a while, sure.

[Amber]

How long did it take you to, you know, figure out the truth?

[Daniel]

A long time. I was here in Blackridge for months before I finally figured it out.

[Amber]

You said earlier that this one was personal for you. What's the history between you and Blake?

[Daniel]

I had a good here for a while. Picked up a job as a farmhand at one of the properties outside of town. Spent my day slashing weeds and hauling irrigation pipes, that kind of thing. The owners, the Cordell family, ran a tight ship. They had lots of rules and regulations, but they were fair. Over the course of a couple of months, I even got to know a couple of the other workers. I never socialized with any of them outside of work, but we'd shoot the breeze over lunch most days. I felt like I might finally become part of something here.

[Amber]

Life was good, but it didn't last.

[Daniel]

No, Things went bad in a hurry.

[Amber]

What happened?

[Daniel]

There was this one farmhand, Jimmy. He was. Well, I guess you could say he lived life by the seat of his pants. Soon as he had a dollar in his hand, he'd spend it. He was always burning the candle at both ends. Made a habit of turning up late. And normally the Cordells wouldn't stand for that. But Jimmy was such a hard worker, they let it slide. And the guys loved having him around. He came up with these nicknames for everyone. And anyway, the day finally came when Jimmy pushed his luck too far. He started buying pots so he could sell it on the side for some extra cash. And being Jimmy, he got careless with it. The Cordells found out, and that was it. They fired his ass right on the spot.

[Amber]

I guess he had that coming.

[Daniel]

He did. But I still felt sorry for the guy. And then, in no time at all, he found himself with no cash and no place to live. I offered to give him 50 bucks just so he could go and get something to eat. And at first, he didn't even want to take it. He was ashamed of the mess he'd gotten himself into. Eventually, I convinced him to accept, and he promised he'd pay me back as soon as he could. I didn't care about the money, but from the look in his eyes, I could tell it meant a lot to him. So I told him, sure, get it back to me whenever you can. A week later, Jimmy called me from the homeless shelter. He'd been staying there for a few days, maybe longer. I'm not sure exactly how long. Anyway, he said he had the money for me, so I went over to meet him. But as soon as I got there, I could tell something was wrong.

[Amber]

Did you sense a shadow?

[Daniel]

There was the barest hint of something burning. Yeah. But the thing is, Jimmy wasn't around. His backpack was there, next to his bed, as well as a novel I'd seen him reading at the farm. The Dead Zone.

[Amber]

Stephen King. Yeah, I read that one a few years back when it came out.

[Daniel]

Yeah, that's the one.

[Amber]

So where was Jimmy?

[Daniel]

None of the people there could tell me where he went. It was like he disappeared off the face of the earth. So I decided to go look for him. Went out the back of the shelter and the scent was stronger there. A path led out into the woods and I began to follow it. The burning smell growing more and more intense with every step.

[Amber]

You had to realize you were putting yourself in danger, right?

[Daniel]

I thought there might still be time to warn Jimmy, to help him get out of there. But soon I came to this old shack deep in the woods. It was a ramshackle thing, creepy as hell. I wanted to turn back, but I told myself to keep going. Before I could make it to the door, it happened. There was a stifled scream, the sound of a struggle. And then the bloodlust hit me like a tidal wave. I knew I was too late.

[Amber]

What did you do?

[Daniel]

The same thing I always did. I got the hell out of there.

[Amber]

Just like your dad always told you. Live to fight another day.

[Daniel]

Yeah, but the whole time I was running. It was eating me up inside. This was Jimmy. The closest thing I'd had to a friend in years. And, well, by the time I made it home, I couldn't stand the guilt. I turned around again and retraced my steps.

[Amber]

You went back to the woods, to the shack?

[Daniel]

No, I didn't make it that far. When I got back to the homeless shelter, she was there, waiting at the door.

[Amber]

Susan Blake? Was she in bloodlust?

[Daniel]

The bloodlust had already passed. She looked human again. And the expression on her face.

[Amber]

God, what happened?

[Daniel]

She was standing there waiting, like she knew I was coming. And then she. She held out a fifty dollar bill and offered it to me.

[Amber]

She what?

[Daniel]

Yeah, she said that Jimmy decided to leave suddenly that afternoon. Gathered up all his belongings and walked. Walked out. Apparently he wanted to catch the first bus out of town. Blake just stood there with the cash in her hand, waiting for me to take it. With this Smug, condescending look about her, like she was rubbing it in.

[Amber]

What did you do?

[Daniel]

I left her standing there. I mean, there's not a chance in hell I was going to take that money.

[Amber]

She didn't try to attack you?

[Daniel]

There were too many people around for her to risk it, I guess.

[Amber]

And I'm assuming you left town right away?

[Daniel]

Damn straight. There's no way I was hanging around after that.

[Amber]

So that's why you wanted to come here, to Black Ridge? To what? Avenge Jimmy's death?

[Daniel]

I don't know if avenge is the right word, but yeah. I want to set things straight with Blake. She's had it coming for a long time.

[Amber]

You know the weird thing, though? I don't feel sick yet.

[Daniel]

What do you mean?

[Amber]

Well, whenever shadows are near, I get nauseous. Remember? As soon as we arrived in Mosquito Falls, I felt it right away. And then again in Clifford Springs.

[Daniel]

Are you suggesting there's no shadow here in Black Ridge?

[Amber]

No, I'm just making an observation. I don't know exactly how this condition of mine works. Maybe I'm just not close enough to Blake to feel anything yet.

[Daniel]

You could send Shilling from the other side of town, though, right?

[Amber]

Yeah, I could. And. Wait a second, Daniel. Look down there. That. See that. That float coming towards us. It says Blake's homeless shelter. Is that.

[Daniel]

Yeah. That float belongs to the shelter. The one where Jimmy. Holy. That's her.

[Amber]

Her? What are you talking about?

[Daniel]

Walking right next to the afloat. That's the shadow. Susan Blake.

[Amber]

Oh, my God. She. She. She's coming this way. She's going to walk right past us.

[Daniel]

Just play it cool. Stay right where you are. Are you sure she's not going to try anything? Not here.

[Amber]

Okay. Okay. We'll wait.

[Daniel]

There. No problem. She walked right by. Yeah.

[Amber]

Damn, that was close. I mean, literally. But our friend isn't giving much away.

[Daniel]

What do you mean?

[Amber]

She looked right at us when she came past, and her smile never skipped a beat. In fact, I didn't see a reaction from her at all.

[Daniel]

Why would she react?

[Amber]

Surely she must know why we're here. You. You always said the shadows can spot you right away. And I assume now they can spot me, too. If the shadows are linked as closely as we think, she must know something about what happened in Colton and Clifford Springs.

[Daniel]

She has a good poker face. That's all it is.

[Amber]

I. Look, I'm not so sure.

[Daniel]

What's the matter? You starting to feel sick?

[Amber]

No, and that's exactly what's got me worried. Something's not Right here.

[Daniel]

What do you mean, Daniel?

[Amber]

This shadow, Susan Blake, she just walked right past me. Almost close enough to touch. I should be puking my guts out right now, but the truth is, I don't feel a.

[Daniel]

The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. Want to delve deeper into the story? Head over to Patreon to find character concept art and other bonuses like ad free episodes that you can hear a week early. All of that and more is available now at patreon.com BeyondTheDark. Check out more of my podcasts at theroadofshadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 3 stars Hamish Plagemas, Marta De Silva, Liz Mori, Maria Damunu Simon Allison, Eden Solomon Xander Grant, Sian Luxford and Terence Addison. The Road of Shadows is a beyond the dark production. The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish. Hello, Stuff 4 Shack customer. How may I stuff your shack? That's right. We're back to stuff your shack. Chummer, grab yourself a handful of stuff, microwave those instant burritos, and get ready to get back to the shack. Are you Shadowrunners? No. No, we are Stuffer Shack employees. Well, that doesn't make any sense. No, it doesn't. This is really strange. Returning by popular demand, this re release of the hit 2017 Shadowrun Anarchy Actual Play podcast follows Mika and Augustus, two underperforming clerks.

[Amber]

I don't think we're getting a ward man. That doesn't sound right.

[Daniel]

As they stumble through the trials and tribulations of working the night shift in a Redmond Baron's convenience store. Remaster. Bigger, bolder, girthier. I like giving Brad shit. I like ruining Brad's day. I like when Brad ruins my day. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Mika, Think you might ever think for br.

[Amber]

Bread?

[Daniel]

Tales from the Stuffer Shack.

[Amber]

You guys have been going at this for a while.

[Daniel]

Yeah, and the sick, twisted part is that I can't imagine my life without him.