Episode 3.2 - Hardware

Summary

Podcast Title: The Road of Shadows
Episode: 3.2 - Hardware
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
Production: Beyond the Dark
Duration: Approximately 27 minutes and 43 seconds

---

Overview

In Episode 3.2, titled "Hardware," of The Road of Shadows, listeners delve deeper into the perilous journey of Daniel Knox and his companion, Amber, as they navigate the challenges of hunting enigmatic creatures known as Shadows in the secluded mountain community of Black Ridge. This episode intricately weaves tension, strategy, and character development, offering a gripping continuation of their quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Shadows and their elusive adversary, Susan Blake.

---

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Daniel and Amber assessing their temporary residence in Black Ridge, a remote town serving as Daniel's latest sanctuary from the relentless Shadows. Their primary objective is clear: locate and eliminate Susan Blake, a Shadow who manages the town's homeless shelter and seems to possess unsettling confidence and knowledge.

Daniel:
"If you need three new reasons to love Jack Wraps at Jack in the Box even more, here they are..."
(00:25)

Note: The initial advertisements are seamlessly integrated and set the stage before the narrative commences.

---

Strategizing in Black Ridge

Arrival and Accommodation:
Daniel and Amber discuss their accommodation, indicating Daniel's prior interactions with Mrs. Wilson, the landlord, establishing a semblance of normalcy in Black Ridge.

Amber:
"Okay, so this is it, huh? It doesn't look too bad."
(01:21)

Daniel:
"As landlords go, she's pretty decent. As long as you don't cause any trouble."
(01:36)

Setting Up for Surveillance:
Amber assists Daniel in setting up their surveillance spot, showcasing their methodical approach to shadow hunting.

Amber:
"Do you want me to clear a space over here by the window so you can set up a chair?"
(01:45)

---

Understanding Shadows and Their Weaknesses

Discussion on Shadows' Nature:
Daniel and Amber engage in a deep discussion about Shadows, their abilities, and the peculiar immunity Amber displays towards certain Shadows, hinting at a more complex relationship with these creatures.

Daniel:
"Hunting shadows isn't something I have a lot of experience with."
(02:12)

Amber:
"I think you're reading too much into this...you'd be rotting in a holding cell right now."
(03:24)

Exploring Immunity:
Amber's lack of reaction to Susan Blake raises questions about her immunity to Shadows, leading to theories about past encounters and toxin exposure.

Daniel:
"What if that sickness of yours isn't triggered by every single shadow?"
(03:56)

Amber:
"But you never saw the monster under her skin...she looked normal."
(05:55)

---

Unraveling the Mystery of Susan Blake

Questioning Assumptions:
Amber challenges Daniel's certainty about Susan Blake being a Shadow, introducing doubt and emphasizing the need for concrete evidence.

Amber:
"Look, don't take this the wrong way, but I think there might be some gaps in your story about her and your friend Jimmy."
(04:54)

Daniel:
"Susan Blake is a fucking shadow."
(06:31)

Nancy's Encounter:
While shopping for supplies, Daniel and Amber encounter Nancy, a town resident who provides unsolicited insights into Daniel's past and the rumors surrounding his departure from town alongside Jimmy Jacobson. This interaction not only adds depth to the backstory but also introduces conflicting narratives about Daniel and Jimmy's departure.

Nancy:
"Jimmy Jacobson, on the other hand...whatever happened to him?"
(20:43)

Daniel:
"Left town together. Jimmy and me? No, not at all."
(20:58)

---

Planning the Confrontation

Securing Equipment:
The duo meticulously plans their approach to confront Susan Blake, discussing the importance of maintaining discretion to avoid public suspicion and potential interference from law enforcement.

Amber:
"Our objective is to kill Blake. In order to do that, we're going to need to confront her alone."
(07:09)

Counteracting Shadows' Strengths:
A significant portion of the episode focuses on strategizing ways to neutralize the Shadows' ability to disable traditional light sources, which they heavily rely on to gain the upper hand in darkness.

Amber:
"I was hoping they'd have oil lamps here, but I don't see any. Ooh, wait a second. What about these glow sticks?"
(17:56)

Daniel:
"Heavy duty or not, the shadows don't seem to have a problem shutting those down."
(17:44)

Weapon Considerations:
The conversation shifts to improving their arsenal, particularly discussing the infusion of Shadow blood into weapons to make them effective against these creatures.

Amber:
"What about capturing Shadow blood in a vial or container? Then we could infuse whatever we wanted."
(16:57)

Daniel:
"We'll just get Susan Blake to hold still while we drain her guts into a test tube."
(17:09)

---

Character Insights and Backstory

Through dialogues and interactions, the episode reveals snippets of Daniel and Amber's past, particularly their experiences in Colton and Clifford Springs, hinting at traumatic encounters with Shadows and the lingering physical and psychological scars they bear.

Amber:
"You were a man of few words. In fact, this might be the longest conversation the two of us have ever had."
(20:10)

Daniel:
"The look on her face as she held out that $50 bill, that was enough to tell me everything I needed to know."
(06:09)

Physical Ailments:
Both characters showcase physical ailments resulting from their battles with Shadows, adding layers to their resilience and determination.

Amber:
"The wound on my shoulder is a little tender... just from being hunched over on the motorcycle all day."
(03:38)

Daniel:
"I've got that wound on your leg from the shadow bite, just like my shoulder. Does it hurt much?"
(14:44)

---

Climactic Planning and Resolution

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, Daniel and Amber finalize their plans to assault Susan Blake's purported hideout—the secluded shack in the woods. They decide to equip themselves with alternative light sources, such as glow sticks, to mitigate the Shadows' advantage in darkness.

Daniel:
"What did Blackridge Hardware offer us?"
(15:56)

Amber:
"Look at these glow sticks...worth a shot."
(18:21)

Finalizing the Strategy:
The episode culminates with the duo solidifying their plan to confront Susan Blake at first light, emphasizing the blend of caution and urgency driving their mission.

Daniel:
"We'll find out exactly what Susan Blake is hiding out there."
(24:41)

Amber:
"Every little bit helps, right?"
(24:36)

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Daniel on Shadows:

   "Hunting shadows isn't something I have a lot of experience with."
   (02:12)

2. Amber on Suspicions:

   "I think you're reading too much into this."
   (03:24)

3. Daniel's Determination:

   "Susan Blake is a fucking shadow."
   (06:31)

4. Nancy's Revelation:

   "Whatever happened to him?"
   (20:43)

5. Daniel on Past Encounters:

   "I've spent years playing cat and mouse with these things."
   (06:31)

6. Strategizing with Glow Sticks:

   "What about these glow sticks?"
   (17:56)

7. Planning the Assault:

   "We'll find out exactly what Susan Blake is hiding out there."
   (24:41)

---

Conclusion

Episode 3.2 - "Hardware" masterfully balances suspense with strategic planning, offering listeners an intricate look into Daniel and Amber's relentless pursuit of Shadows. The interplay between their shared history, present challenges, and future plans enriches the narrative, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation in upcoming episodes. Mark R. Healy continues to build a compelling world where every decision could mean the difference between survival and succumbing to the enigmatic Shadows.

---

Additional Notes

• Character Dynamics:
  The evolving relationship between Daniel and Amber highlights themes of trust, reliance, and the psychological toll of their mission.

• Narrative Pacing:
  The episode maintains a steady pace, interspersing intense planning scenes with moments of personal reflection and interaction with town residents, keeping listeners engaged.

• Atmospheric Elements:
  The setting of Black Ridge is vividly portrayed through dialogues and ambient sounds, enhancing the eerie and isolated atmosphere essential for a horror narrative.

---

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Road of Shadows as Daniel and Amber execute their meticulously crafted plan to unveil the secrets hidden within Black Ridge.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Daniel]

If you need three new reasons to love Jack Wraps at Jack in the Box even more, here they are. Chicken fajita, chicken Caesar and delicious. Starting at $3. Coincidentally, those are the same three reasons you should come to Jack in the Box Right now at Jack, every bite's a big deal.

[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond The Dark Production Season 3 Episode 2 Hardware.

[Amber]

Okay, so this is it, huh? It doesn't look too bad.

[Daniel]

I guess it's cheap and we don't need to take out a long term lease. That works for me.

[Amber]

The lady you went to see, Mrs. Wilson, she owns this place?

[Daniel]

Yeah, I rented another property from her the last time I was in town over on the east side. As landlords go, she's pretty decent. As long as you don't cause any trouble.

[Amber]

Do you want me to clear a space over here by the window so you can set up a chair?

[Daniel]

You know me too well, Amber. Just help me lift this thing. Yep, that's it.

[Amber]

There, you're all set.

[Daniel]

Thanks.

[Amber]

Do you have a good angle on the street from here?

[Daniel]

Yeah, this'll do fine.

[Amber]

How long do you think we're gonna need to stay in Black Ridge?

[Daniel]

I don't know exactly. Hunting shadows isn't something I have a lot of experience with.

[Amber]

Well, this has to be easier than Clifford Springs, doesn't it? Most of our time there was spent trying to find Schilling's hiding place. But here, this Susan Blake character is just walking around in public without a care in the world.

[Daniel]

To be honest, a part of me wishes she was in hiding, too.

[Amber]

Why's that?

[Daniel]

Because that would mean she's scared of us. The way she walked right by in the parade, that tells me she's confident. Maybe she knows something we don't.

[Amber]

I think you're reading too much into this. I mean, why on earth would she be worried about anything happening in the middle of a parade? It's not like you're gonna jump off the sidewalk and plant an axe in her face with all those people watching. And if I'd walked out there and tried to lay my hands on her as soon as the blood began to flow, it would have looked like an assault. I'd be Rotting in a holding cell right now. And after our other experiences with law enforcement of late, I don't think we want that, do we?

[Daniel]

No, not in the least.

[Amber]

She was perfectly safe the whole time, and she knew it.

[Daniel]

She probably enjoyed rubbing our faces in it.

[Amber]

But that still leaves the question of why I had no reaction to her when she passed. I mean, being that close to a shadow should have made me sick. Even being in the same town as her, I should be sick right now.

[Daniel]

You don't feel anything? Not even a twinge?

[Amber]

Well, the wound on my shoulder is a little tender, I guess, but that's just from being hunched over on the motorcycle all day.

[Daniel]

Okay, so maybe there's an explanation for that.

[Amber]

Yeah, I'm listening.

[Daniel]

What if that sickness of yours isn't triggered by every single shadow? Maybe you only have the reaction to, I don't know, say, the ones who bit you in the cabin back in Colton.

[Amber]

Why would that be the case?

[Daniel]

Schilling's toxin entered your body that night. Maybe that's why being around him made you sick. Some kind of link between the two of you.

[Amber]

No, no, that doesn't fit. I got sick in Mosquito Falls, Remember? The first day we left Colton, and Schilling wasn't there. It was the emissary who made me sick.

[Daniel]

Damn. You're right. Soon as she was dead, you felt fine again. So we need another explanation.

[Amber]

Yeah, I.

[Daniel]

What is it?

[Amber]

Okay, I didn't want to go down this path, but what if your assumptions about her aren't correct?

[Daniel]

My assumptions about Susan Blake?

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

How so?

[Amber]

Look, don't take this the wrong way, but I think there might be some gaps in your story about her and your friend Jimmy.

[Daniel]

What gaps?

[Amber]

All right, let's go back to the night Jimmy went missing. You said he called you and told you to come pick up the 50 bucks he owed you, right? And then you made your way out of the homeless shelter, and he was gone. But you sensed something was wrong, and then you followed the path out into the woods, all the way to the shack.

[Daniel]

Yeah, and like I said, the bloodlust was overpowering. That was the moment I heard Jimmy scream.

[Amber]

Okay, okay, you heard Jimmy, but did you hear the shadow?

[Daniel]

No.

[Amber]

Did you see the shadow?

[Daniel]

Amber, if you're going to sit there and suggest there was no shadow inside that shaft.

[Amber]

No, no, no. I'm not suggesting that at all. What I'm saying is, you don't know the identity of the shadow for certain, do you?

[Daniel]

It's Blake.

[Amber]

But, Daniel, you never saw the monster under her Skin. Right. You turned and ran from the woods. And the next time you encountered her, Susan Blake looked normal.

[Daniel]

I didn't need to see her as a monster. The look on her face as she held out that $50 bill, that was enough to tell me everything I needed to know.

[Amber]

I can see how you might arrive at that conclusion. Sure. But do you think that maybe there's a chance you read something into her expression that wasn't really there? Like you were projecting?

[Daniel]

I wasn't projecting anything. Amber, I've spent years playing cat and mouse with these things. I've come across dozens of them, and I'm telling you, Susan Blake is a fucking shadow.

[Amber]

Okay, okay. I'm not trying to second guess you or anything like that. If you say Blake is the one, then I believe you. I was just trying to make sense of the fact that things seem off kilter here in Blackridge. Wouldn't you agree?

[Daniel]

Yeah, I guess.

[Amber]

So. Let's just keep an open mind until we've put all the pieces together. How does that sound?

[Daniel]

Yeah, sure. Sorry if I got a little worked up there.

[Amber]

It's fine. It's been a long day. I don't know about you, but I sure could use something to eat.

[Daniel]

Sounds good to me.

[Amber]

Let's see what we can find around here, and then we'll sit down and put together a plan about what to do next. Okay. Daniel, would you mind passing me another slice of bread?

[Daniel]

Yeah. Here you go.

[Amber]

Thanks. What are you writing there?

[Daniel]

Just trying to jog my memory from the last time I was here in Blackridge. Clear out the cobwebs.

[Amber]

Things are a bit foggy.

[Daniel]

Kinda. I think it's just that I've been through so many small towns in my time, exactly like this one. Sometimes it's hard to separate them.

[Amber]

Okay, let's. Let's try to simplify this thing. Our objective is to kill Blake. In order to do that, we're going to need to confront her alone. Just the three of us. We can't attack her anywhere that's in view of the public, including the homeless shelter. If there are witnesses who see us turning her to ash, well, who knows what could happen?

[Daniel]

We'd probably end up locked in a glass cage at a government bunker somewhere and experimented on for the rest of our days.

[Amber]

Yeah. So where's a place you might end up being alone?

[Daniel]

That's a good question.

[Amber]

Okay, take it. Take it back a step. What are all the facts we know about her?

[Daniel]

Well, she runs the homeless shelter. Obviously she has a high standing in the community.

[Amber]

Yeah, that's the way with most shadows, though, right? Do you have anything more specific?

[Daniel]

To be honest, I didn't have a lot to do with her while I lived in town. It was only at the end that we crossed paths.

[Amber]

So you don't know anything about her routines? No hobbies? Is she part of any local clubs or groups?

[Daniel]

Don't know that either.

[Amber]

Okay, what about where she lives?

[Daniel]

Can't say I ever made any house calls, but that one should be easy enough to figure out.

[Amber]

What are you doing?

[Daniel]

I saw a phone book over here before. Where was it? Oh, here it is.

[Amber]

Bring it over.

[Daniel]

Let's see. Batty Benson Burns. It's not in here. There's not a single Blake in town.

[Amber]

Well, I guess we should have known she wasn't going to make this easy for us.

[Daniel]

It's a temporary setback, that's all. I still know people in town. If I ask around, I'm sure someone can fill in those details.

[Amber]

I guess that all depends on how secretive Blake has been over the years. And, Well, I mean, if no one is willing or able to give us an address, we could always start following her around, see where she goes when she leaves work.

[Daniel]

Maybe we can get inside her office at the shelter when she leaves, too.

[Amber]

You really think she's gonna have incriminating evidence lying around the office in plain sight?

[Daniel]

Not about her life as a shadow. No, but there could be documents that list her home address, for example.

[Amber]

Sure might be worth a try if we can figure out how to get in there unnoticed. But don't get your hopes up. Okay? Remember Schilling's house back in Clifford Springs? He didn't leave a trace in there. No photos, no documents.

[Daniel]

Wait, that's not exactly true. We did find something, remember?

[Amber]

Oh. Oh, you mean the cave under the house, his den? I mean, there's no way Blake is going to dig a pit like that right under a public place like the shelter, is there? If she has built one of those caves, it's gonna be somewhere people are less likely to find it.

[Daniel]

The shack.

[Amber]

The place in the woods where your friend was attacked?

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Amber]

Yeah, it was secluded, right off the.

[Daniel]

Beaten track, for sure. It's possible no one from town even knows it exists.

[Amber]

That sure would be a good candidate for a hangout, I guess. Do you think Blake lives there? In the shack?

[Daniel]

I suppose it's possible.

[Amber]

So should we make that our first target? Maybe. Maybe we should go there right away, See if we can get the jump on her.

[Daniel]

Walking through the woods in the middle of the Night. That could be a bad idea. Especially if Blake decides to kill her flashlights as we close in. We could break her neck stumbling around out there in the dark.

[Amber]

So we try it during daylight hours.

[Daniel]

That would be safer.

[Amber]

It's a good point about the flashlights, though. Maybe we should come up with some ideas about how to neutralize the shadows strengths, if that's possible.

[Daniel]

What do you mean?

[Amber]

Well, their ability to shut off electricity and kill flashlights, that always gives them an edge in the dark. Do you think there's a way to counteract it? Like, I don't know, if we carried spare flashlights or something?

[Daniel]

I don't think that would help. The shuttles would just keep shutting them off.

[Amber]

What about alternative light sources? Candles, for example?

[Daniel]

I tried it years ago. They snuffed those out too.

[Amber]

Okay, what about oil lanterns or something like that? Or some kind of heavy duty flashlight? That might be harder for them to kill.

[Daniel]

I can't say I've tried every single option out there, but I guess it's worth a shot. How about we drop into the hardware store tomorrow and see what they've got?

[Amber]

Sounds like a plan.

[Daniel]

In the meantime, let's put together a mud map of the most important places in town so we can plan out our day.

[Amber]

Right. The homeless shelter, the shack, and a list of people we can talk to as well.

[Daniel]

Could be a long night.

[Amber]

Yeah. In that case, I think it's time for coffee. My dad works in B2B marketing. He came by my school for career day and said he was a big roas man.

[Advertiser]

Then he told everyone how much he.

[Amber]

Loved calculating his return on ad spend. My friends still laugh at me to this day.

[Daniel]

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. And next up on our tour of downtown Blackridge is the hardware store for all your home renovation and monster hunting needs.

[Amber]

If only this whole deal was as simple as picking up a few wooden stakes. Wouldn't that be nice?

[Daniel]

We don't need wooden stakes to make these bastards bleed. We've got you for that.

[Amber]

Oh, come on. Give me a break.

[Daniel]

It's true, isn't it? You would have turned shilling into a puddle back there at Clifford Springs if I'd given you a few more seconds.

[Amber]

I'm not a superhero, Daniel.

[Daniel]

Maybe not, but you're Well, a weapon, I guess.

[Amber]

A weapon?

[Daniel]

Yeah, it fits.

[Amber]

Yeah, I. I gotta say, I don't. I don't exactly feel like a weapon this morning.

[Daniel]

What's the matter? Why are you moving your arm around like that?

[Amber]

No, it's my shoulder again. The damn thing has really tightened up over the last few hours.

[Daniel]

Do you think there's a problem?

[Amber]

No, I don't think it's anything serious. I mean, it's nowhere near as bad as it was back in Clifford Springs when I got sick, but it's clearly.

[Daniel]

Starting to bother you.

[Amber]

Well, what about you?

[Daniel]

Me?

[Amber]

Yeah. You've got that wound on your leg from the shadow bite, just like my shoulder. Does it hurt much?

[Daniel]

It comes and goes. There was that one time in Colton when Schilling jumped us in the tunnel. That night it killed. Other than that, sometimes it throbs a little, but I think I've just gotten used to it over the years.

[Amber]

That's probably all it is. I'm sure I'll. I'll learn to ignore it.

[Daniel]

The way it's been looking lately, I was thinking that shoulder might heal up altogether. At least that's what I hoped.

[Amber]

Why would it? I mean, your wound hasn't healed in more than 10 years, right?

[Daniel]

Yeah, but your reaction to the bite wasn't the same as mine. It affected your body in different ways. I just figured you'd heal up, given enough time.

[Amber]

Well, there's nothing much I can do about it for now, so let's just keep our minds on the job. I don't want to cause any distractions just because my shoulder is a bit tight.

[Daniel]

Sure. Okay. So we're after light sources, right? Way to combat the shadow's ability to plunge us into darkness. Let's see what Blackridge Hardware's got for us.

[Amber]

Buckets, shovels, spades. Oh, look. Here's some axes. You don't want a couple of spares to add to your collection, do you?

[Daniel]

I've already got the only axe I need.

[Amber]

I've been thinking about that. Especially after what happened with Schilling when we lost the axe at the old hospital. Maybe we shouldn't be relying so heavily on just one conduit. We should have some backups in case the axe gets lost or stolen.

[Daniel]

But the axes on this shelf won't kill shadows without being infused with their blood. That means they're no use to us.

[Amber]

But the next time we confront a shadow, we could create more conduits. All I have to do is lay my hands on them and make sure the Blood infuses the weapons.

[Daniel]

It's a good idea, sure, but I'm not certain I want to complicate things like that just yet. We're not exactly experts with this stuff. We managed to kill a couple of Shadows so far. By luck as much as anything. And if we start screwing around trying to infuse weapons, we could make a mistake. A fatal mistake.

[Amber]

Yeah, I guess you're right.

[Daniel]

Until we've got a reliable system in place, let's just stick to the basics. We confront the shadows and put them down. Keep it simple.

[Amber]

Hmm. You know what would be handy? If we could capture the Shadow blood in a vial or container of some kind and have a permanent supply to carry around with us. Then we could infuse whatever we wanted.

[Daniel]

Sure. We'll just get Susan Blake to hold still while we drain her guts into a test tube.

[Amber]

Well, it doesn't have to be that surgical. Just use a damp bucket or something. We can find a more permanent solution later.

[Daniel]

Okay, Amber, don't get too far ahead of yourself. Let's remember what we came for. Here's the flashlight section.

[Amber]

Yeah, yeah. Okay, let's see what they've got here.

[Daniel]

Most of these look the same as the one we already have.

[Amber]

What about this heavy duty one? Ooh, looks pretty hefty.

[Daniel]

Comes with a hefty price tag, too.

[Amber]

Yeah, we're not exactly flush with cash, are we?

[Daniel]

And besides that, there's no reason to think another flashlight will make a difference. Heavy duty or not, the shadows don't seem to have a problem shutting those down. I think we should be looking for something that uses a different mechanism for generating light.

[Amber]

I was hoping they'd have oil lamps here, but I don't see any. Ooh, wait a second. What about these glow sticks? This fits the bill, right? Glow sticks don't use electricity or batteries or anything like that. The light comes from a chemical reaction in the fluid. You just bend it until you hear crack, and then. Voila.

[Daniel]

I always wondered how these worked.

[Amber]

Oh, I helped a kid with a research project on this last year. High school chemistry. It's really pretty simple. The first chemical is contained in the outer part of the cylinder. Then there's a glass vial in the middle that contains the second chemical. When you bend it, the vial breaks, and the fluids flow together and activate a fluorescent dye in the mixture. That's what causes the chemical reaction that creates light.

[Daniel]

Well, they're cheap. That's a bonus.

[Amber]

Yeah, these are definitely worth a try. Hand me a couple of those green ones.

[Daniel]

Here you go.

[Amber]

What about candles? Would they be any good?

[Daniel]

Like I told you, shadows can snuff candles easy.

[Amber]

Uh, okay. Well, I don't see a lot else. Here. This might have to do it for now.

[Daniel]

At least we got something.

[Amber]

Is there any other hardware we need while we're here?

[Daniel]

Not that I can think of.

[Amber]

Okay. Let's go see the cashier.

[Advertiser]

Well, I never. Daniel, it is you.

[Daniel]

Oh, hey, Nancy. Long time no see.

[Advertiser]

I thought I saw you in the crowd at the parade yesterday, but figured my eyes must have been playing tricks on me. But that really was you.

[Daniel]

Yeah, we just got into town in the afternoon.

[Advertiser]

Don't think I've had the pleasure.

[Amber]

Amber. Pleased to meet you.

[Advertiser]

Likewise. I'm Nancy.

[Daniel]

So, how have you been?

[Advertiser]

Fine. Same old, same old. Nothing much changes around here. Although I have to say, I never expected to see you again.

[Daniel]

You didn't?

[Advertiser]

Not the way you up and left all of a sudden. Figured you must have had other plans somewhere out there in the big wide world.

[Daniel]

Oh, that Something came up. And there was an opportunity that I didn't want to miss out on. So I guess I just took it.

[Advertiser]

Gotta admit, I wasn't entirely taken by surprise when you left without telling anyone. As I always used to say, you were a man of few words. In fact, this might be the longest conversation the two of us have ever had.

[Daniel]

Yeah, you got me there.

[Advertiser]

Jimmy Jacobson, on the other hand. Now that was a shock. There's a guy who couldn't keep his trap shut a single second of the day. But then, just like you, leaves town on a whim without a single word to anyone. What a thought. Whatever happened to him?

[Daniel]

To who? Jimmy?

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

I really don't know.

[Advertiser]

Come on, don't give me that. The two of you left town together, right?

[Daniel]

Left town together. Jimmy and me? No, not at all.

[Advertiser]

Really?

[Daniel]

Who said that we left together?

[Advertiser]

Well, I'm not exactly sure. That was just a rumor going around. Someone heard from someone else that they saw the two of you on that motorcycle of yours heading east in the middle of the night. I figured you both might have picked up a job as farmhands in another town.

[Daniel]

No, Jimmy wasn't with me when I left. I was alone.

[Advertiser]

Oh, that is strange. The two of you both vanishing into thin air on the same night like that.

[Daniel]

Just a coincidence, I guess. Are you okay, Nancy?

[Advertiser]

Well, I. I always figured that since you left together that Jimmy would have had someone to look after him. He fallen on tough times, you know? Ended up staying at the homeless shelter and. Oh, if he left on his own. That's a different matter. I hope he's okay. Wherever he is.

[Daniel]

I really can't say, Nancy. I wish I could.

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Advertiser]

That little bastard still owes me 20 bucks. We used to play pool down at Macy's bar every Wednesday night. And that last time I kicked his ass hard.

[Daniel]

Hey, speaking of the homeless shelter, I was hoping to catch up with Susan Blake while I was in town.

[Advertiser]

Ms. Blake? What do you want with her?

[Amber]

Actually, it's for me. I'm doing some research here in Black Ridge, and Daniel suggested she might be able to help.

[Advertiser]

What kind of research?

[Amber]

It's for transient population shifts across North America. Something I'm doing for college. I figured that since Ms. Blake ran the homeless shelter, she'd have some helpful data I could tap into.

[Advertiser]

Okay. So you're planning to drop by the shelter?

[Daniel]

We didn't want to bother her at work. I was hoping to call her or maybe even drop in and see her at home. Do you know where she lives?

[Advertiser]

Well, yeah, sure I do. It's. That's strange. I've drawn a mental blank all of a sudden.

[Daniel]

Is there anyone else who might know?

[Advertiser]

I'm sure they would. She's lived here in Blackridge for years, after all. But you could easily look her up in the phone book.

[Daniel]

She's not listed.

[Advertiser]

Really? That seems odd. But anyway, I suggest you try the homeless shelter if you want to catch her. That's really the best place to do it.

[Daniel]

Sure. Will do.

[Advertiser]

Anyway, I better get back to it. Want me to bag these for you?

[Daniel]

That would be great. Thanks.

[Advertiser]

Thanks. There you go. Is there anything else?

[Daniel]

No, that should do it.

[Advertiser]

Great to see you back in town, Daniel. And nice to meet you, Amber.

[Amber]

You too.

[Advertiser]

Take care now.

[Daniel]

Thanks.

[Amber]

Sounds like the two of you got along okay back in the day.

[Daniel]

I didn't know her that well. It was Jimmy she was friends with. She used to show up at the farm sometimes to see him during breaks.

[Amber]

Oh. Were the two of them involved?

[Daniel]

Nothing serious, I don't think. Still, must have been a gut punch when Jimmy disappeared without saying goodbye.

[Amber]

Yeah, reading between the lines, I could tell she's hurting.

[Daniel]

Anyway, that's all ancient history now. We have other shit to deal with.

[Amber]

Well, we have all the tools we need. Should we put together a plan of action now?

[Daniel]

Yeah, let's get home and get everything sorted. Then we'll figure out the best way to reach the shack without drawing attention to ourselves.

[Amber]

You have some ideas?

[Daniel]

Yeah. I'm thinking we head out first thing in the morning. Early when there's not too many people around. But at a time when there's enough light for us to find our way in the woods.

[Amber]

Well, I've got the glow sticks if we need them.

[Daniel]

I feel safer already.

[Amber]

Every little bit helps, right?

[Daniel]

Who knows? Maybe they'll come in handy.

[Amber]

Okay, let's go and plan this thing out.

[Daniel]

Sounds good. Then hopefully at first light tomorrow, we'll find out exactly what Susan Blake is hiding out there.

[Mark R. Healy]

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 Da Silva, Liz Morey, Maria Damunu Simon, Allison Eden Solomon Xander Grant, Sian Luxford and Terence Addison. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production.

[Advertiser]

The Fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Madame Magenta]

Welcome to Magenta Presents, a new horror anthology hosted by me, Madame Magenta. We begin with the five part miniseries Ghosted, starring Beth Eyre and Lucy Roslyn. Perched on a rain battered cliff edge is a former lighthouse.

[Amber]

It's a charming, quirky boutique hotel.

[Madame Magenta]

Owner and sole occupant, Beth has spent months renovating, absorbing its essence into her bones. It's an old building.

[Amber]

You'll get used to it.

[Madame Magenta]

But to Beth's horror, her first guest is a figure from a past she has tried to forget.

[Amber]

Kira. Beth.

[Madame Magenta]

What the f. Face to face for the first time in years, the pair must reckon with old mistakes, old grievances. Beth, speak to me.

[Daniel]

Shut up.

[Advertiser]

Shut up. Shut up.

[Madame Magenta]

And something else.

[Daniel]

Oh, I can't bear it.

[Madame Magenta]

What is that noise? Because the lighthouse has a past too.

[Daniel]

Beth, he's right there.

[Amber]

Why is there blood on your hands?

[Madame Magenta]

We need to get out of here. Kira.

[Amber]

Kira.

[Daniel]

I can still see him.

[Madame Magenta]

Subscribe to Magenta Presents wherever you listen to podcasts. See you soon, fans of the esoteric.

[Amber]

Bye.

[Mark R. Healy]

Magenta Presents.