Episode 3.3 - The Shack

Summary

The Road of Shadows: Episode 3.3 - "The Shack"

Release Date: October 1, 2024
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
A Beyond the Dark Production

---

Introduction

In Episode 3.3 - "The Shack" of The Road of Shadows, host Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Daniel Knox and his relentless pursuit of the elusive creatures known as Shadows. Set against the backdrop of the secluded mountain community of Black Ridge, this episode intensifies the mystery surrounding the Shadows and introduces new layers to Daniel's quest.

---

Amber's Mysterious Encounter

The episode opens with Amber experiencing a disturbing interaction with a spectral figure named Draghisa. This encounter sets the tone for the unfolding events.

• Draghisa's Warning:
  Draghisa: "You need to leave that town, Amber. This morning, if you can. Don't go into the woods. Don't follow through on your plans."
  (01:54)

Amber grapples with the unsettling presence of Draghisa, who claims to communicate from spirit rather than flesh. This eerie warning hints at impending dangers that even Draghisa, a Shadow, cannot control.

• Amber's Skepticism:
  Amber: "You are the shadow we're chasing here in Black Ridge."
  (02:22)

---

Daniel and Amber's Conversation

Following the supernatural interruption, Daniel and Amber convene to discuss the cryptic messages Amber received.

• Daniel's Concern:
  Daniel: "I've been yelling at you for the last 10 seconds. You were ignoring me."
  (05:10)

Amber explains her experience of being manipulated by Dragisa, suggesting that the Shadows possess the ability to intrude upon their thoughts and dreams.

• Amber on Shadow Influence:
  Amber: "What if Blake keeps this stuff so she can sift through it over and over again, reliving the deaths of her favorite Division victims?"
  (18:16)

This dialogue deepens the understanding of the Shadows' psychological manipulation tactics, emphasizing their pervasive influence over the townspeople.

---

Investigating the Shack

Determined to uncover the truth, Daniel and Amber decide to investigate the shack, a pivotal location in their quest.

• Entering the Shack:
  Daniel: "What a shithole."
  (11:42)
  Amber: "A real fixer upper, huh?"
  (11:46)

Upon entry, they discover an immaculate interior contrasting the shack's exterior, reminiscent of previous encounters with deceptive environments created by the Shadows.

• Discovering the Trophy Room:
  Amber: "Look. Those are wedding rings and a necklace."
  (16:54)
  Daniel: "Why is Blake keeping this stuff here? I don't get it."
  (16:59)

They uncover a macabre collection of human remnants—fillings from teeth, surgical pins, and other inedible parts—indicative of Blake's gruesome activities.

• Amber's Realization:
  Amber: "These long nail things. They're surgical pins. And those tiny pieces of metal and gold. Those are fillings from human teeth."
  (17:35)
  Daniel: "Oh, these are all the bits that are left after Blake is done eating her victims."
  (17:48)

This revelation positions Blake as not just a Shadow but a torturer who collects trophies from her victims, adding a sinister layer to her character.

---

Meeting with Mr. Cordell

Their investigation is interrupted by an unexpected reunion with Mr. Cordell, Daniel's former boss, raising further suspicions about Blake's influence.

• Mr. Cordell's Claim:
  Mr. Cordell: "The produce? Well, I'm a regular contributor to the homeless shelter, you see."
  (24:05)

Daniel senses something amiss in Cordell's behavior and the way he references a Jimmy Jacobson—whom Cordell claims to have never employed—leading to questions about memory manipulation.

• Daniel's Suspicion:
  Daniel: "Blake has influence over Cordell. No doubt about it."
  (25:05)

Amber connects the dots, speculating that the Shadows might be erasing victims from history by manipulating memories.

• Amber's Insight:
  Amber: "If the shadows can do this to enough of the townspeople, it would essentially erase the victims from history."
  (25:56)

---

The Chase for Blake

As they scrutinize their findings, Daniel and Amber spot Blake fleeing the scene, prompting a tense pursuit through the deserted industrial areas of Black Ridge.

• Spotting Blake:
  Amber: "Yeah. On foot? Foot, heading away from us."
  (26:33)

The chase leads them to a dilapidated building, raising stakes as they anticipate a confrontation with Blake.

• Daniel's Determination:
  Daniel: "Come on, let's go pay Ms. Blake."
  (29:14)

Their pursuit underscores the escalating danger and the Shadows' attempts to evade detection, further entangling Daniel and Amber in the Shadows' web.

---

Cliffhanger: Emergency Missile Alert

Just as the tension peaks with the potential confrontation, the episode concludes with an abrupt and alarming twist.

• Missile Alert:
  Mr. Cordell: "This is the Emergency Broadcast System. A ballistic missile threat has been detected inbound to your area."
  (30:40)

The sudden shift to an emergency broadcast leaves listeners on edge, merging the supernatural threats of the Shadows with real-world anxieties, and setting the stage for the next episode.

---

Notable Quotes

• Draghisa's Urgency:
  "You need to leave that town, Amber. This morning, if you can. Don't go into the woods. Don't follow through on your plans."
  (01:54)

• Amber's Defiance:
  "How about fuck you, Draghisa?"
  (03:09)

• Daniel's Frustration:
  "I can't even imagine what it must be like to have those bastards intruding into your thoughts, your dreams."
  (07:40)

• Amber's Realization of the Trophy Room:
  "These long nail things. They're surgical pins. And those tiny pieces of metal and gold. Those are fillings from human teeth."
  (17:35)

• Daniel's Suspicion of Memory Manipulation:
  "Blake has influence over Cordell. No doubt about it."
  (25:05)

• Emergency Alert:
  "This is the Emergency Broadcast System. A ballistic missile threat has been detected inbound to your area."
  (30:40)

---

Conclusion

Episode 3.3 of The Road of Shadows masterfully intertwines supernatural suspense with human drama, deepening the lore of the Shadows and escalating the stakes for Daniel and Amber. The discovery of Blake's trophy room unveils her terrifying modus operandi, while the enigmatic appearance of Mr. Cordell raises questions about the Shadows' pervasive influence. The episode culminates in a nerve-wracking cliffhanger, blending fiction with real-world fears, ensuring listeners are eagerly anticipating the next installment.

---

For more insights and character explorations, visit patreon.com/beyondtheDark. Explore additional podcasts at theroadofshadows.com.

Transcript

[Daniel]

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[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production season 3 episode 3 the Shack.

[Draghisa]

Amber. Amber. Amber, wake up, won't you? We need to talk. Amber, I said wake up.

[Amber]

What? What? What? What the fuck?

[Draghisa]

I'm sorry to interrupt your sleep, but this is urgent. Like I said, the two of us need to talk.

[Amber]

Where are you? I. I don't see anyone.

[Draghisa]

I'm there with you in spirit, not in the flesh. Although one day, I do hope we meet in person.

[Amber]

Blake, Is. Is that you?

[Draghisa]

No. No. My name is Draghisa.

[Amber]

You are the shadow we're chasing here in Black Ridge.

[Draghisa]

I've never been to Black Ridge in my life, nor do I intend to go there anytime soon.

[Amber]

So who the hell are you and what are you doing in my head?

[Draghisa]

I come to you with a warning. You're about to make a terrible mistake and I want to prevent that.

[Amber]

What mistake?

[Draghisa]

You need to leave that town, Amber. This morning, if you can. Don't go into the woods. Don't follow through on your plans.

[Amber]

Why not?

[Draghisa]

Events will be set in motion that even I may not be able to control.

[Amber]

So just walk away. That's your suggestion?

[Draghisa]

That's right.

[Amber]

How about fuck you, Dragisa?

[Draghisa]

Perhaps you should try to understand what I am offering before hurling meaningless insults at me.

[Amber]

Oh. Oh, I understand exactly what you're offering. Tricks, lies, deception. Because that is the only thing you shadows have to give.

[Draghisa]

You are connected to the Vesperine in a way so profound, you couldn't hope to comprehend it. Amber, I'm offering to meet with you here, in my own sanctuary, so that we can talk about it, to explain to you.

[Amber]

Just stop talking, will you? I've heard enough of your shit.

[Draghisa]

You're making a mistake.

[Amber]

Daniel? Hey, Daniel, where are you?

[Draghisa]

This is what I'm trying to tell you. He's gone. He already Left.

[Amber]

What? No. No, that. That can't be.

[Draghisa]

He's on his way to the shack as we speak.

[Amber]

No. No, he. He wouldn't leave without me.

[Draghisa]

He knows what I know, that this isn't your fight. You should take this chance to walk away. Amber.

[Amber]

Daniel, don't.

[Draghisa]

Don't go. Amber, I'm begging you. For your own sake.

[Daniel]

Amber.

[Amber]

I can't leave him out there alone. I have to go.

[Mark R. Healy]

Amber.

[Draghisa]

Go. Then ignore my warning if you will.

[Daniel]

Amber, stop.

[Draghisa]

But hear my words. You'll regret this moment, this one, and all the moments to come. The die has been cast.

[Daniel]

Amber. Goddammit. What's gotten into you?

[Amber]

Daniel, Wait. Where did you come from?

[Daniel]

I've been yelling at you for the last 10 seconds. You were ignoring me.

[Amber]

Hey, what happened to the daylight? I thought.

[Daniel]

Daylight? What are you talking about? It's the middle of the night.

[Mark R. Healy]

Shit.

[Daniel]

Wait a second. You were in a trance again, weren't you? Like what happened back at Mosquito Falls with the emissary.

[Amber]

There was. There was a. A voice in my head.

[Daniel]

Come on back inside. Let's find you somewhere to sit.

[Amber]

Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good.

[Daniel]

You okay? You're pale as a ghost.

[Amber]

I'm fine. A little embarrassed, maybe.

[Daniel]

Don't be.

[Amber]

Easy for you to say. You're not the one sleepwalking and talking to an invisible shadow in your head.

[Daniel]

What happened? Start from the beginning.

[Amber]

I was fast asleep. And then suddenly there was a voice. She told me her name was Dragisa and that she had a warning for me. Told me I was about to make a terrible mistake.

[Daniel]

Such as?

[Amber]

She told me to stay away from the shack. More than that. She said I should leave town.

[Daniel]

Do you think this Dragisa is really Susan Blake trying to throw us off her trail?

[Amber]

She said she wasn't. Blake insisted. She'd never even been to Blackridge.

[Daniel]

I call bullshit on that.

[Amber]

No, I think that part was the truth. There wasn't just the voice in my head. There was an image, too. Flashes of a face and wrinkled skin.

[Daniel]

Another of the wilted.

[Amber]

Yeah, I got that impression.

[Daniel]

Maybe they're the only ones who have this power over you. The ability to get inside your head.

[Amber]

I don't know. I just. I just want them out. This could have easily ended in disaster.

[Daniel]

What were you doing out there in the dark?

[Amber]

Dragisa was manipulating my thoughts. In the dream, it looked like morning and you were gone. I thought I'd overslept or. She told me you'd left without me, and I swallowed her story like. Well, like a complete fucking idiot.

[Daniel]

Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. I can't even imagine what it must be like to have those bastards intruding into your thoughts, your dreams.

[Amber]

Yeah, it's not much fun, I'll give you that.

[Daniel]

And this is partly my fault. After Mosquito falls, I vowed to make sure everything was secure at night. So you couldn't just walk out? I need to be more vigilant. I let you down, Amber. I'm sorry.

[Amber]

It's not your fault.

[Daniel]

I'll do better, I promise.

[Amber]

Forget about it.

[Daniel]

So what do you think this all means?

[Amber]

Well, the Dragisa is trying to keep us away from the woods. I think that means we're on the right track. The shadows are worried.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Makes sense. What else did she say?

[Amber]

Nothing much, really. Just rambling, I guess.

[Daniel]

You sure? Seems like there's more on your mind.

[Amber]

No, no, I'm just trying to calm down. This whole thing is messing with my head.

[Daniel]

I doubt either of us are going back to sleep, are we?

[Amber]

Not a chance.

[Daniel]

How about I get you some coffee? Then we can talk about our plans for the day, make sure everything's packed, then at dawn we can head out.

[Amber]

Sounds good. Thanks, Daniel.

[Daniel]

Okay, sit tight. Two extra strong coffees coming right up. There it is. That's the homeless shelter.

[Amber]

It looks normal enough.

[Daniel]

Trust me, it's anything but.

[Amber]

Do you think she's in there? Blake?

[Daniel]

She probably spends most of her time there, so it's a good bet I.

[Amber]

Don'T sense anything yet.

[Daniel]

Maybe there's something different about Blake.

[Amber]

Yeah, I. I guess so. How. How do we get to the shack?

[Daniel]

The path begins in the woods behind the shelter. Cross the road here and head around the back of the car park. We can probably get through unnoticed.

[Amber]

Well, no point waiting. Let's do it.

[Daniel]

Okay. Follow me.

[Amber]

Do you think anyone saw us at.

[Daniel]

This time of morning? I don't think so. We're good.

[Amber]

So this is the path you took the night Jimmy was killed?

[Daniel]

Yeah. This is the only way in or out.

[Amber]

Did it just get colder all of a sudden, or is it just me?

[Daniel]

Maybe. I'm not sure.

[Amber]

Well, either way, I can't say I'm a fan of this place. It feels somehow sinister, doesn't it?

[Daniel]

Can't argue with that.

[Amber]

Do you think there's a chance Blake wanted us to come here? I mean, could the shadows be trying to use reverse psychology on us? Maybe. They could be setting us up for a trap.

[Daniel]

You think Blake would risk a direct confrontation against us?

[Amber]

She's a shadow, Daniel. Either her or Dragisa might have something up Their sleeves. Don't doubt that for a second.

[Daniel]

Jumping us out here in the woods. I'd like to see them try. If we get Blake alone out here, just the three of us, it's game over for her. She has to know that.

[Amber]

Don't get cocky, okay?

[Daniel]

I'm not cocky. I just can't see her making a play like that. If or when she comes for us, it'll be something we don't expect.

[Amber]

Hang on a second. I feel something.

[Daniel]

What is it?

[Amber]

My shoulder is throbbing again. And. Well, worse than before. And I feel. I feel a twinge in my stomach.

[Daniel]

We're not far from the cabin. It's just up ahead. Maybe that's it.

[Amber]

Okay, I guess so.

[Daniel]

Let's keep going.

[Amber]

I think I see it.

[Daniel]

Yeah, just up there in the clearing.

[Amber]

What a shithole.

[Daniel]

A real fixer upper, huh?

[Amber]

I don't hear anything from inside.

[Daniel]

No, I think we're alone. Let's see if we can find a way in.

[Amber]

That's a pretty mean looking padlock. Do you have your tools handy?

[Daniel]

No need to be subtle way out here. Let's do this the easy way.

[Amber]

Hey, careful with that axe. You don't want to damage it.

[Daniel]

It's all good. Job done. Now let's see what's inside. You got the flashlight?

[Amber]

Yeah. Yeah. Here we go.

[Daniel]

Sweep it across there. The corner.

[Amber]

A workbench. Saws, hammers. Huh. Not exactly what I was expecting.

[Daniel]

What were you expecting?

[Amber]

I don't know. I mean, if this is the place where she brings her victims and kills them. I just thought there'd be blood.

[Daniel]

Shadows don't leave traces.

[Amber]

No, no, not that. It's more to do with how orderly everything is. From the outside, this place looked like a junk pile. And now in here, it's like. It's like a showroom. All of the tools neatly lined up, everything spotless.

[Daniel]

It's Clifford Springs all over again.

[Amber]

Clifford Springs.

[Daniel]

Remember back at Schilling's place? Inside, his house was like a display home filled with mock furniture. Everything felt somehow fake.

[Amber]

Yeah, you're right. Look at this stuff. There's not a single sign of wear on the teeth of this saw. And the grip is pristine. I doubt anyone's held this thing for longer than 10 seconds, let alone used it for work.

[Daniel]

And look at the bench and the floor. It's immaculate. No trace of sawdust anywhere.

[Amber]

No marks on the bench either. My dad's workshop at home. I remember it having holes and scratches and gouges all over it. But this looks like it's never Been touched.

[Daniel]

That's what I mean. This is a facade, just like the furniture at Schilling's house.

[Amber]

There's more to this place. Another secret entrance?

[Daniel]

Could be.

[Amber]

Let's take a look.

[Daniel]

Be careful. We don't want to set up any traps.

[Amber]

Be careful. Just watch out. You don't.

[Daniel]

I said be careful.

[Amber]

I wasn't even touching anything.

[Mr. Cordell]

Then.

[Daniel]

What's the matter?

[Amber]

It's the wound on my shoulder. It just started burning when I walked over here.

[Daniel]

You okay?

[Amber]

Yeah, fine. It's. It's already easing off.

[Daniel]

Where were you standing when it started?

[Amber]

Right here, next to this bare patch wall.

[Daniel]

Here?

[Amber]

Yeah, but wait, wait. There are joints in the. In the paneling here.

[Daniel]

Let's see. Give me a hand and push over there.

[Amber]

Easy, easy. We don't want to.

[Daniel]

Bingo.

[Amber]

It's another room.

[Daniel]

Keep that flashlight at the ready. And hand me a couple of glow sticks, just in case.

[Amber]

Here you go.

[Daniel]

All right, let's see what's back here.

[Amber]

Smells stale.

[Daniel]

Yeah. And there's something else, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

[Amber]

Do you smell burning?

[Daniel]

No, I just feel that something's not right. Look.

[Amber]

There on the wall. What is that?

[Daniel]

Move the flashlight down a little.

[Amber]

Oh, it's a drawing. I mean, a crude one, I have to say, but I've seen this before.

[Daniel]

Or at least something similar.

[Amber]

Where?

[Daniel]

In the underground chamber back in Clifford Springs, underneath Schilling's house.

[Amber]

A circle with lines coming out of the bottom. Is. Is it meant to be the sun? With rays shooting out, the lines change.

[Daniel]

Direction at the bottom, they end up perpendicular to the ground.

[Amber]

So what could it be?

[Daniel]

I don't know, but whatever it is, it must be important to the shadows. Just give me a second to sketch this.

[Amber]

What else have we got in here? A whole bunch of drawers and cabinets.

[Daniel]

More tools.

[Amber]

Let's have a look.

[Daniel]

What do you see?

[Amber]

Huh? Come look.

[Daniel]

What are they? Tiny stones, pebbles, pieces of metal.

[Amber]

I think I see a glint of silver. And here. Is this. Is this gold?

[Daniel]

Looks like it.

[Amber]

Did we just find some kind of shadow treasure vault?

[Daniel]

Let's take a look at the next one.

[Amber]

Look. Those are wedding rings and a necklace.

[Daniel]

Why is Blake keeping this stuff here? I don't get it.

[Amber]

Do shadows hoard gold and silver?

[Daniel]

I've never heard of that. There's nothing mentioned in the compendium either.

[Amber]

What are these? Nails? Or maybe pins. And here, a pair of spectacles.

[Daniel]

Why would she keep those? They're not worth anything.

[Amber]

Oh. Oh, shit. I get it. These are all leftovers.

[Daniel]

They're what?

[Amber]

Oh, this is fucking disgusting.

[Daniel]

What is?

[Amber]

Look, these. These long nail things. They're surgical pins. And those tiny pieces of metal and gold. Those are fillings from human teeth.

[Daniel]

Oh, these are all the bits that are left after Blake is done eating her victims. All the inedible parts.

[Amber]

Exactly.

[Daniel]

But I still don't get why she's sorting it all and keeping it here. I mean, this would be pretty damn incriminating if someone discovered it.

[Amber]

Oh, I think she has a perfectly good reason for keeping them. All of these things. They're souvenirs.

[Daniel]

Souvenirs?

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

You think Blake gets some sort of perverse satisfaction out of keeping them?

[Amber]

Do you remember the night back at the cabin when Pete was taunting me about Jenny? Going on and on about how much he enjoyed doing what he did to her? He was practically salivating at the thought of the kill.

[Daniel]

I remember.

[Amber]

What if Blake keeps this stuff so she can sift through it over and over again, reliving the deaths of her favorite Division victims?

[Daniel]

If that's the case, she's a fucking sicko.

[Amber]

Yeah, a real piece of work. I've actually heard that some serial killers do the same thing. They have items of clothing or even body parts as trophies.

[Daniel]

So that's what this is? A trophy room?

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

I still think it's odd she would risk it.

[Amber]

If Blake exerts any kind of influence over these townspeople, they probably know to stay away. We might be the only ones who have ever set foot inside this place.

[Daniel]

Apart from the victims. Do you think this is the stuff Dragisa didn't want us to find? Is that why she tried to steer us away from the shack?

[Amber]

Who knows? Anyway, as fascinating as this hall might be, it's not much use to us. Unless, of course, this is where Blake lives.

[Daniel]

The shack? No, I don't think so. Unless she has an underground lair here like Schilling.

[Amber]

No, I don't sense anything, and I don't see any sign of an entrance.

[Daniel]

Let's spend a bit more time searching, just in case.

[Amber]

Methodical as ever.

[Daniel]

Is there a problem with that?

[Amber]

Not at all. After getting to know you these last few weeks, I would expect nothing less.

[Daniel]

Check over there, too.

[Amber]

Assuming we don't find anything else here, what's next?

[Daniel]

I think it's time to check out the shelter, see who's coming and going. And figure out a plan for getting into Blake's office.

[Amber]

And what if we can't find anything there either?

[Daniel]

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, let's finish up and get moving. The sooner we're out of this goddamn shack, the better.

[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. 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.

[Amber]

How are we going to stake out the shelter? Any ideas? I'd prefer to find somewhere inconspicuous to wait if possible. Especially since we're in broad daylight. People will notice us loitering around if we're not careful.

[Daniel]

There's a picnic table just beyond the end of the car park. We could hang out there for a while, Pretend we're having a bite to eat.

[Amber]

Okay. Lead on.

[Mr. Cordell]

Daniel, Is that you? Daniel Knox.

[Daniel]

Fuck.

[Amber]

Who's this?

[Daniel]

Oh, shit. It's my old boss. Hang on a second. We'll get rid of him. Mr. Cordell. How's it going?

[Mr. Cordell]

Well, I'll be. I thought it was you, but for a second I couldn't believe my eyes. How the hell are you?

[Daniel]

Fine, thanks. It's good to see you.

[Mr. Cordell]

And who's this?

[Amber]

Amber. Nice to meet you.

[Mr. Cordell]

It's nice to meet you too. So what brings you back to town, Daniel? Must be, what, three, four years at least?

[Daniel]

Just tying up some loose ends. We're in a bit of a hurry, actually, so if you don't mind loose hands.

[Mr. Cordell]

Well, you left a few of those, didn't you?

[Daniel]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Cordell]

Well, you just took off one night and disappeared into the ether, didn't you? Without even collecting your last paycheck. I still owe you.

[Daniel]

That's okay. It's no big deal.

[Mr. Cordell]

I can write you a check this minute if you like.

[Daniel]

There's no need. Thanks anyway.

[Amber]

Well, it was nice to meet you, but we've got some things.

[Mr. Cordell]

Oh, wait a second. Aren't you gonna tell me what happened?

[Daniel]

With what?

[Mr. Cordell]

With the night you disappeared without a trace. Without even letting anyone know. Did something happen? I've never seen anything like it in all my years.

[Daniel]

Something came up. An opportunity in another town. Heard about it from Jimmy and.

[Mr. Cordell]

Jimmy? Who's that?

[Daniel]

Jimmy Jacobson. He worked on your property around the same time as me.

[Mr. Cordell]

I don't recall ever employing someone by that name.

[Daniel]

But I worked alongside him for months.

[Mr. Cordell]

Daniel, I've got a mind like a steel trap. I never forget a name. And I can tell you for certain that these Jimmy Jacobs character.

[Daniel]

Jacobs son.

[Mr. Cordell]

Well, he's never set foot on my farm. Maybe you're getting my place mixed up with somewhere else you worked. You always told me you've been through a lot of towns, right?

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Mr. Cordell]

So maybe you're just confused.

[Daniel]

I guess that must be it.

[Mr. Cordell]

Anyway, give me a hand here for a second, will you?

[Daniel]

What's the matter?

[Mr. Cordell]

Over this way. Won't take long. Just grab the other end of this crate. Huh?

[Daniel]

What's this?

[Mr. Cordell]

Just some fresh produce straight from the farm. Let's put it down by the entrance to the shelter. Yeah, now, that'll do nicely.

[Daniel]

Is there a reason you're putting this here, Mr. Cordell?

[Mr. Cordell]

The produce? Well, I'm a regular contributor to the homeless shelter, you see. My way of giving to charity, I guess you could say. Normally, I make deliveries every second Sunday, but Susan said she needs an urgent supply drop, so here I am.

[Daniel]

Ms. Blake called you?

[Mr. Cordell]

Sure did. Just a few minutes ago. She sounded a little flustered. To be honest, I like her at all. Hope everything's okay.

[Amber]

Well, like I said, it was very nice to meet you, Mr. Kerdell. Daniel, we should get moving.

[Daniel]

Yeah, sure.

[Mr. Cordell]

Hey, if you still want that paycheck, just drop by anytime. We'd be happy to see you.

[Daniel]

Thanks. Appreciate it. Sorry about that. Perfect timing to run into an old acquaintance.

[Amber]

A little too perfect, I'd say. That wasn't a coincidence.

[Daniel]

Not a chance. Blake has influence over Cordell. No doubt about it. He came running as soon as she called him up.

[Amber]

Like an obedient little lapdog.

[Daniel]

Sounds like Blake is somehow messing with Cordell's head, too. Erasing the memory of Jimmy.

[Amber]

What, you think shadows somehow have the ability to make people forget things?

[Daniel]

How else would you explain it? Jimmy worked that property for months. And now, just a few years later, Cordell can't even remember the guy's name.

[Amber]

Maybe he has dementia.

[Daniel]

Didn't look that way to me.

[Amber]

And if this theory is correct, that shadows make people forget, why does Nancy at the hardware store still remember Jimmy?

[Daniel]

I guess it might have something to do with how strong a hold the shadow has on the person. Person. Maybe Nancy is less susceptible to Blake's influence.

[Amber]

If the shadows can do this to enough of the townspeople, it would essentially erase the victims from history.

[Daniel]

Right. No one would even remember that the disappearances have happened.

[Amber]

Well, either way, it is strange that Cordell Showed up like that. If Blake did intentionally bring him to the shelter, what was the purpose of that?

[Daniel]

Maybe she was just using him to get more information, figure out our intent.

[Amber]

Our intent? She has to know why we're here by now, surely.

[Daniel]

So maybe she wanted to delay us for a minute so she could.

[Amber]

What? Do you think she's up to something?

[Daniel]

Maybe we should keep on our toes, just in case.

[Amber]

Wait. Daniel. Look. There. Across the street.

[Daniel]

What the hell? Is that Blake?

[Amber]

Yeah. On foot? Foot, heading away from us. And she's in one hell of a goddamn hurry.

[Daniel]

Come on, let's go.

[Amber]

What's going on here? What is she up to?

[Daniel]

I have a feeling we just caught our friend off guard. She's making a run for it.

[Amber]

On foot. Is that really the best option?

[Daniel]

The two of us were standing between the shelter and the car park talking to Mr. Cordell. She couldn't go that way, so she.

[Amber]

Slipped out the back on foot.

[Daniel]

Right.

[Amber]

She just turned down a side street.

[Daniel]

It's okay. I can still see her. She's not getting away.

[Amber]

Should we run and try to catch up?

[Daniel]

Let's not make a scene. There are people all over the place.

[Amber]

Well, she's heading away from the main street, so maybe we're patient. We'll be able to corner her in a place where there are less people around.

[Daniel]

Sounds like a plan.

[Amber]

Oh. Oh, she's making another turn. Let's close the gap a little. Come on.

[Daniel]

Well, it looks like we got what we wanted. This part of town is practically empty.

[Amber]

What is this neighborhood?

[Daniel]

Looks like an old industrial area, but most of the businesses have moved out. These storefronts are all empty.

[Amber]

Blick just stopped up there. Look, I think she's going inside that building.

[Daniel]

What the hell is she up to?

[Amber]

I have no idea. That building is a wreck. See, the windows are all boarded up.

[Daniel]

What does that sign say?

[Amber]

Um, yeah. No, I can't read it. The paintwork is shot.

[Daniel]

Maybe it's a warehouse or something.

[Amber]

Well, if that's the case, what on earth is Blake keeping in there?

[Daniel]

I'm not sure.

[Amber]

And why is she in such a hurry to get to it?

[Daniel]

Could it be, I don't know, a weapon or something?

[Amber]

What if it's her den? The shadows go underground when they're feeling threatened, right?

[Daniel]

Yeah, that could be it.

[Amber]

Or it could be something worse.

[Daniel]

A trap.

[Amber]

Yeah.

[Daniel]

So what are we gonna do? Pull back and wait or keep moving forward?

[Amber]

Well, we've come this far, and honestly, the way she was moving, I think she's scared. I think we've got her on the back foot.

[Daniel]

So we keep going.

[Amber]

That's my vote.

[Daniel]

In that case, I'd better get ready.

[Amber]

Keep a good hold on that axe, okay? I think you're gonna need it.

[Daniel]

Come on, let's go pay Ms. Blake. A.

[Amber]

Foreign.

[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 beyond the Dark check out more of my podcasts at the road of shadows.com the Road of Shadows season 3 stars Hamish Plagemas, Marta Da Silva, Liz Maury, Maria Damunu Simon, Allison, Eden Solomon Xander Grant, Sian Luxford and Terence Addison. The Road of Shadows is a Beyond the Dark production.

[Daniel]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Mr. Cordell]

This is the Emergency Broadcast System. A ballistic missile threat has been detected inbound to your area.

[Mark R. Healy]

Inspired by the real life false alarm that terrified Hawaii in 2018, incoming is a thrilling and hilarious cinematic podcast that explores how people react in their most critical hour.

[Amber]

Are you not hearing me?

[Mr. Cordell]

There are missiles headed here right now.

[Daniel]

Look, I just.

[Amber]

I just want to be with you.

[Mark R. Healy]

Featuring incredible performances from Tracy Letts, Mary Lou Henner, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Paul Adelstein and many, many others.

[Amber]

Now there's going to be them that live and them that don't.

[Mark R. Healy]

You're making a big mistake.

[Amber]

Is this all my blood?

[Mark R. Healy]

Maybe you're the leader of a doomsday cult. Or you're a country superstar in 1954, or a gangster in witness protection. The question remains the same what would you do if you only had 20 minutes until the missiles landed?

[Mr. Cordell]

This is not a test.

[Mark R. Healy]

You can listen to all episodes of Incoming early and ad free right now with Wondery Plus. Join Wondery plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.