Episode 4.1 - Oakwood

Summary

The Road of Shadows: Episode 4.1 - "Oakwood"

Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
Production: Beyond the Dark

---

Introduction

In Episode 4.1, titled "Oakwood," of The Road of Shadows, host Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the harrowing journey of Daniel Knox and his companion Amber. Set against the backdrop of a remote mountain community, this episode unravels past traumas, evolving relationships, and introduces a formidable new antagonist. As Daniel and Amber confront lingering threats and unforeseen challenges, the episode promises suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists.

---

Return to Oakwood

Daniel Knox finds himself back in Oakwood, a town that holds painful memories and unresolved dangers. His return is marked by an uneasy familiarity, hinting that the Shadows—mysterious creatures masquerading as ordinary people—still lurk in the shadows.

Daniel [01:54]: "The highway is familiar to me, but somehow oddly foreign. At the same time. I can't quite put my finger on why."

Amber accompanies Daniel, both weary from their prolonged quest against the Shadows. Their interaction reveals lingering fears and the psychological toll of their mission.

Daniel [01:54]: "The thing I left here, the malevolent creature that tried to take my life, is still waiting."

---

Recounting Past Missions

As Daniel and Amber settle into Oakwood, their conversation shifts to recounting their previous endeavors in other towns. This reflection not only provides backstory but also highlights the evolution of their fight against the Shadows.

Amber [04:54]: "Okay, so that was almost exactly three months ago."

They discuss their efforts in Black Ridge, Meadowbrook, Gilbert, and Miller, detailing encounters with various Shadows like Dion Bolton and Lydia Cochrane. These reflections underscore the relentless nature of their mission and the personal sacrifices involved.

Daniel [05:13]: "Spent most of the first day in bed, I think."

Amber [05:34]: "Dion Bolton. Ugh. What a cowardly piece of shit he turned out to be."

---

Current Mission: Jeffrey Lee

The crux of the episode revolves around the emergence of Jeffrey Lee, a Shadow whose behavior deviates from the norm. Unlike other Shadows who are typically self-employed and upstanding community members, Jeffrey's unstable employment history raises alarms for Daniel and Amber.

Amber [10:00]: "So this Jeffrey Lee guy. How about we just call him Jeff?"

Daniel [10:01]: "Knock yourself out."

Their investigation leads them to suspect that Jeffrey Lee may represent a new, more dangerous type of Shadow, prompting a heightened state of alert.

---

Confrontation with Jeffrey Lee

The tension escalates as Daniel and Amber finally confront Jeffrey Lee in a secluded alleyway. The encounter is fraught with suspense, showcasing the dangerous cat-and-mouse dynamic between hunters and the hunted.

Jeffrey Lee [20:36]: "Come on, Danny boy. Come closer. I won't bite."

Daniel [21:05]: "What do you think you're doing, Jeff? This is pretty damn brazen, even for you."

Jeffrey taunts them, revealing his deep-seated bitterness and sense of ownership over Oakwood. His demeanor suggests a personal vendetta against Daniel, adding emotional complexity to the confrontation.

Jeffrey Lee [21:26]: "I own it. I've owned it for a hundred years, and I'm sure as hell not going to give it up to the likes of you."

---

The Twist: An Unusual Aftermath

After the intense standoff, Daniel and Amber believe they've neutralized Jeffrey Lee. However, the aftermath reveals an unsettling anomaly: Jeffrey lies bleeding but does not turn to ash, defying the known behavior of Shadows.

Daniel [24:13]: "He must be one of the wilted. You have to hit them right in the middle of the chest."

Amber [24:50]: "Blood is coming from the axe wounds, not where I touched him."

This perplexing development suggests that Jeffrey Lee may possess abilities or vulnerabilities previously unseen, raising questions about the true nature of the Shadows.

---

Cliffhanger: A New Threat Emerges

As Daniel and Amber contemplate their next moves, they sense an increased presence of Shadows in Oakwood, indicating that Jeffrey Lee's encounter may have attracted more danger. The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

Daniel [25:04]: "There must be more than one in town."

Amber [25:15]: "If the job isn't finished, we."

Their decision to retreat hints at the challenges ahead, setting the stage for intensified battles against the evolving threats within Oakwood.

---

Conclusion

Episode 4.1 of The Road of Shadows masterfully blends action, suspense, and emotional depth. Through Daniel and Amber's relentless pursuit of the Shadows, listeners are immersed in a narrative that explores resilience, trust, and the unforeseen complexities of their adversaries. The enigmatic fate of Jeffrey Lee not only propels the plot forward but also deepens the mystery surrounding the true nature of the Shadows. As Daniel and Amber navigate the treacherous terrains of Oakwood, the episode leaves audiences anticipating the unraveling of dark secrets and the looming dangers that lie ahead.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel: "We just cruised through a whole bunch of towns, cutting down every shadow in our path. They couldn't stop us. And neither will you." [22:00]
• Amber: "I can melt you fuckers with a touch of my fingers, Jeff. Turn you into a puddle of steaming goo." [21:40]
• Jeffrey Lee: "This is my town. I own it. I've owned it for a hundred years." [22:13]

---

The Road of Shadows Season 4 stars Hamish Plagemars, Marta Da Silva, Liz Morey, Joseph Tweedau, Chloe Elmore, Larry O' Blander, Sian Luxford, Cameron Alexis Thomas Barker, and Alejandro Pedrosa.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Ever had a hilarious moment groomed by an ad? No. Well, let's keep it that way. Fable and Folly plus gives you more laughs and fewer interruptions with ad free and bonus content for just $4 a month. Sign up [e-mail] plus this episode is brought to you by Amazon Prime. From streaming to shopping, prime helps you get more out of your passions. So whether you're a fan of true crime or prefer a nail biting novel from time to time, with services like Prime Video, Amazon Music and fast free delivery, prime makes it easy to get more out of whatever you're into or getting into. Visit Amazon.comprime to learn more. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer, availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production Season 4 Episode 1 Oakwood.

[Daniel]

The Road winds its way into the mountain. Mountains and tall trees rise up on either side, casting long shadows in the afternoon light. The highway is familiar to me, but somehow oddly foreign. At the same time. I can't quite put my finger on why. After a long ride, I'm more than ready to stop for a rest. And it's a relief when we reach the top of the range and flash past the signpost for Oak Wood. The night I left here all those years ago, I was bloodied, bruised and shaken, traumatized by a close brush with death. Now I'm finally back, and the thing I left here, the malevolent creature that tried to take my life, is still waiting. I don't see it or smell it, but I feel it. Somewhere out there in the folds of encroaching twilight, a presence that's unmistakable foreboding. You okay, Amber? You seem awfully quiet.

[Amber]

Oh, sorry. I was miles away.

[Daniel]

Thinking about anything in particular?

[Amber]

Well, I was thinking about Black Ridge, actually. Susan Blake.

[Daniel]

Blake? That was months ago. What made you think of her?

[Amber]

I don't know exactly. The image of the burning barn came to mind while we were driving up the mountain for some reason.

[Daniel]

Are you still dreaming about it?

[Amber]

No. No, not for weeks. I think maybe I saw a farmhouse in the valley back there that was similar in appearance, and it just stuck in my head.

[Daniel]

Feels like a lifetime ago now, doesn't it?

[Amber]

Black Ridge? It hasn't been that long.

[Daniel]

Yeah, but a lot has happened since we left.

[Amber]

Can't argue with that.

[Daniel]

I see you've got a healthy appetite tonight.

[Amber]

Yeah. Oh, I'm starving.

[Daniel]

You're not feeling nauseous?

[Amber]

Nope. Not at all.

[Daniel]

So the shadows aren't affecting you that way anymore? Making you feel sick?

[Amber]

I guess not. I haven't felt a twinge of sickness in. Well, it must be weeks now.

[Daniel]

Are you becoming desensitized to them?

[Amber]

No, not at all. I still feel the presence of a shadow out there. This town, Oakwood, oh, it's hiding something.

[Daniel]

So it's just the side effects that have diminished the sickness, I guess. When did it stop happening?

[Amber]

I can't say for sure. Is there a problem?

[Daniel]

No. No problem. It's great that you've gotten over it, but I'd just like to know why. What's the reason?

[Amber]

Wish I could tell you, but I don't really have an explanation. Somewhere along the way just happened.

[Daniel]

Do you mind if we work backward along the timeline, try to figure out if it coincided with a particular event or incident?

[Amber]

Sure. Where do you want to start?

[Daniel]

Let's go back to Black Ridge. The night of the barn with Susan, Blake and Rigasso.

[Amber]

Okay, so that was almost exactly three months ago.

[Daniel]

Right. We stay in Blackridge for another two days, helping with the cleanup from those fires that swept across the mountain.

[Amber]

And then we moved on to the next town, Meadowbrook, right after that.

[Daniel]

Did you feel sick when we arrived there?

[Amber]

Um, yeah, I did. Spent most of the first day in bed, I think.

[Daniel]

Yeah, I remember now. I went to scope out the town, and when I came back a few hours later. You were starting to feel better.

[Amber]

Well, the sickness kind of came and went while we stayed in Meadowbrook.

[Daniel]

Right up until I buried the axe in Dion Bolton's neck.

[Amber]

Oh, yeah. Dion Bolton. Ugh. What a cowardly piece of shit he turned out to be. Hiding in that basement, afraid to come out even once during the whole three weeks we were hunting for him.

[Daniel]

Maybe he was the smart one. He knew he didn't stand a chance against us.

[Amber]

For a while there, I thought we'd never find him.

[Daniel]

We zeroed in on him eventually. That's all that counts.

[Amber]

Okay, so once we'd finished. Finished the job in Meadowbrook, we moved on to the lovely town of Gilbert.

[Daniel]

Lydia Cochrane. Now, she was a piece of work.

[Amber]

Yeah, one of the toughest we've had to locate, that's for sure.

[Daniel]

How long did we stay there? It was Four, maybe five weeks from.

[Amber]

The day we arrived until the day we turned Lydia to ash. That was almost six weeks, I think.

[Daniel]

I don't remember you being sick at all the whole time we were there.

[Amber]

Oh, no, I was sick for sure. The first few days were a bit of a battle, but I just. I just forced myself to work through it.

[Daniel]

I had no idea. You should have told me.

[Amber]

Honestly, it didn't hit me as hard as the previous times.

[Narrator]

It.

[Amber]

It's not a big deal.

[Daniel]

So Lydia kept us in Gilbert for six weeks. And once that was done, we arrived.

[Amber]

In Miller to catch up with our old friend, Mike Herring.

[Daniel]

That was three weeks ago. Right before we came here to Oakwood.

[Amber]

Right.

[Daniel]

Did you feel anything in Millard?

[Amber]

You know what? There was almost nothing. Maybe a twinge of sickness on the first morning, but that's about it.

[Daniel]

So by the time we reached Millard, your reaction to the shadows, that feeling of being sick, had become almost non existent.

[Amber]

I don't know if I'd put it that way, but I definitely wasn't feeling as sick as before.

[Daniel]

What do you think could be the explanation for that?

[Amber]

I have no clue. Nada.

[Daniel]

Did you do anything differently when you arrived in Millard?

[Amber]

Uh, not that I can think of.

[Daniel]

Maybe you are losing sensitivity to them after all.

[Amber]

Well, like I said, I still sense them big time. Like when we rode up here into Oakwood, I could feel the shadow close by. It was unmistakable.

[Daniel]

That means the only thing you've lost is the feeling of being sick, right? Well, don't get me wrong. It's great that the illness has gone away, but we still don't know why.

[Amber]

Maybe I'm just building up a tolerance to the poison in my blood.

[Daniel]

A tolerance?

[Amber]

Yeah, like my body has developed a way to combat some of the side effects over the course of the last few months.

[Daniel]

That could explain it. Do you think there will come a point where the effects wear off entirely?

[Amber]

Are you worried I'm not going to be able to track them down anymore?

[Daniel]

A little. But if that's the trade off for you staying healthy, I'll take it.

[Amber]

I can still sense them as well as I ever could. That part hasn't diminished one bit.

[Daniel]

Sounds like a win win.

[Amber]

Of course, the other explanation might be that my body was undergoing changes for a few weeks, and gradually those changes stopped.

[Daniel]

Changes?

[Amber]

Yeah. A transformation into what? Well, I've developed some pretty strange abilities. Daniel, in case you hadn't noticed, I'm not the same person who drove into Colton all those months ago looking for my sister. Not even close.

[Daniel]

Are you still hearing their voices in your head?

[Amber]

And again. But I'm getting better at shutting them out.

[Daniel]

Do you hear them now?

[Amber]

Oh, yeah. They're telling me to order another coffee. You want one?

[Daniel]

Amber, I'm serious.

[Amber]

I'm handling it, Daniel. Don't worry about me. So what can you tell me about our resident shadow here in Oakwood? What are we up against? Should we start putting some plans together?

[Daniel]

Ready to get straight down to business, huh?

[Amber]

No point messing around. Let's do this.

[Daniel]

Yeah, okay. We can do that. Let's see. His name is Jeffrey Lee.

[Amber]

What does he look like? What does he do for a living? Or at least what does he pretend to do for a living?

[Daniel]

Average looking guy, late 20s, mousy brown hair, receding a little on top. Apparently he was an electrician back in the day. But the local gossip is that he got fired. Not exactly sure what line of work he moved into after that.

[Amber]

Wait a minute. Back up, back up. He got fired?

[Daniel]

That's what I heard.

[Amber]

That doesn't sound like a normal shadow, Mo.

[Daniel]

What do you mean?

[Amber]

Well, just about every shadow we've met so far has been self employed. Usually a business owner being their own bosses helps them come and go as they please. They don't have to answer to anyone.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Amber]

So this Jeffrey Lee guy. How about we just call him Jeff?

[Daniel]

Knock yourself out.

[Amber]

Jeff isn't like that. If he got fired, that means he was an employee in someone else's business, right?

[Daniel]

I guess so.

[Amber]

And not only that. The shadows are generally upstanding members of the community. Charismatic and imposing. Not hopeless cases who can't even hold down a steady job.

[Daniel]

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right.

[Amber]

So what's the story? Is Jeff somehow different from the others?

[Daniel]

I couldn't say. To be honest, I don't know a whole lot about the guy. I never had a conversation with him.

[Amber]

What else do you know about him? What's his personality? Outgoing, shy, I'm not sure.

[Daniel]

He only came to my attention because I caught him watching me a couple of times as I was walking down the street. That's a few people about him, but they couldn't tell me a whole lot. Basically, just when I told you.

[Amber]

Can you tell me what happened? How did he come at you?

[Daniel]

I was staying here in Oakwood, alone, renting a house that was close to the highway. I've been here a few months and things were going fine. I'd seen Jeff around a few times, like I said. Caught him staring at Me from across the street. But there was no blood lust, so I couldn't be sure he was a shadow. Or just some local jerk who had a problem with me.

[Amber]

Like Freddy Dillinger back in Colton.

[Daniel]

Right. I've come across more than a few guys like that in my time. Apparently, Jeff had been asking around about me, too, and that made me more suspicious. Got the distinct impression there was going to be trouble. But even so, the bastard managed to get the drop on me.

[Amber]

How do you do that?

[Daniel]

It was the middle of the night and I was asleep. Normally, the scent of blood loss is enough to wake me well before the shadow gets close. This time, there was nothing. I only realized I was in danger when the guy came crashing through the kitchen window. Shit.

[Amber]

He. He jumped through a window?

[Daniel]

Yeah. Not exactly subtle.

[Amber]

Okay, what happened next?

[Jeffrey Lee]

Where are you, Danny boy?

[Daniel]

I heard him coming for me, stalking through the house.

[Jeffrey Lee]

I know you're in here.

[Daniel]

I snatched on my things as fast as I could and ran for the back door. I caught sight of him down the corridor. As he passed by a window, I could see in the moonlight that there was blood running down his face. Cuts from the broken glass.

[Amber]

Did you see the monster under his skin?

[Daniel]

No, that was the strange part. It was like he hadn't fully entered bloodlust yet. I could smell burning, barely, but it was much more subtle than any other time before or since. He still looked human.

[Amber]

What happened then?

[Daniel]

He lunged at me, scratched at my face, and landed a couple of blows. The bastard had inhuman strength. I was lucky he didn't break my goddamn ribs, but he sure knocked the wind out of me.

[Amber]

Damn. How did you escape?

[Daniel]

I flailed and managed to wriggle out of his grasp. Somehow made it to the back door and ran for the bike and managed to hit the highway before he could catch me.

[Amber]

Sounds like you only got out of there by the skin of your teeth.

[Daniel]

It was a close call.

[Amber]

I'm curious about a couple of things, though. Such as, why was the bloodlust so faint? Why was this guy different to all the others you've encountered?

[Daniel]

Wondered about that a lot, but never really came up with a good answer.

[Amber]

And what about his face? That part seems weird.

[Daniel]

We had this conversation back in Black Ridge, remember? The same thing happened with Susan Blake. And even though I never saw her face change, I knew she was a shadow. It's the same thing here.

[Amber]

If you say he's a shadow, I believe you, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's the blood that's got me Intrigued?

[Daniel]

Blood?

[Amber]

Yeah. You said after Jeff jumped through the window. There were cuts on his face from the broken glass. But that shouldn't happen to a shadow. Those bastards can take a dozen bullets to the chest and not even flinch. So why would a piece of glass wound them? It shouldn't happen.

[Daniel]

Yeah, you're right. There's no way he should have been bleeding that night.

[Amber]

Unless he was bleeding for some other reason.

[Daniel]

Such as?

[Amber]

I have no idea.

[Daniel]

Is there anything in the compendium that might explain it?

[Amber]

Yeah, I could take a look, but nothing comes to mind.

[Daniel]

Unless it was a trick of the light. Maybe it wasn't blood at all.

[Amber]

But what else could it have been?

[Daniel]

I don't know. In any case, it's not going to do us much good to speculate. The main thing to remember is that Jeff is dangerous. There's something strange about him, even for a shadow. We'll need to keep our guard up, now more than ever.

[Amber]

So how do we find him?

[Daniel]

Same way we found the others. Check all of the usual haunts, ask around town. And if necessary, we use our senses to figure out when we're close.

[Amber]

Do you mind if we get started in the morning? I'm. I'm actually kind of beat.

[Daniel]

I'm with you there. It's been a long day. Let's finish up here and then go find somewhere to stay for the night. Pro paint days are back at Lowe's and Mylo's Pro Rewards. Members can save even more with limited time deals right now. Buy one, get one half off. Select HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Primer and Ceiling Paint. Plus get free same day delivery to your job site when you order by 2pm Offer valid through 6 13. Delivery by 8pm Subject to driver availability. Additional terms apply ceelo's.com SameDay Delivery for details.

[Amber]

The new McCrispy Strip is here. Dip approved by Ketchup Tangy Barbecue Honey Mustard honey mustard Sprite, McFlurry Big Mac Sauce, Double dipped in Buffalo and Ranch.

[Daniel]

More ranch and creamy chili McCrispy strip.

[Amber]

Dip now at McDonald's.

[Daniel]

I think you're on mute.

[Narrator]

Workday starting to sound the same.

[Daniel]

I think you're on mute.

[Narrator]

Find something that sounds better for your career on LinkedIn. With LinkedIn job collections, you can browse curated collections by relevant industries and benefits like Flexpto or Hybrid workplaces so you can find the right job for you. Get [e-mail] jobs finding where you fit. LinkedIn knows how.

[Daniel]

To. Amber, did you want to make a phone call? H you Were staring at that pay phone just now. Were you thinking of making a call?

[Amber]

No, I. Let's just go.

[Daniel]

I've seen that look on your face a few times lately.

[Amber]

What look?

[Daniel]

Like you're lost in thought. Are you hearing the shadows? Voices in your head?

[Amber]

No. No, I already told you, I've got that under control.

[Daniel]

So what is it then?

[Amber]

I. I was thinking about Jenny, actually.

[Daniel]

What about her?

[Amber]

The last time we spoke on the phone, we. Well, things didn't end so well.

[Daniel]

Really? You never mentioned that before.

[Amber]

It wasn't a major argument or anything like that. Just a small disagreement. And what happened? The two of us got talking about Jenny's adventures hitchhiking across the country. She told me that she was enjoying herself. She said that life on the road was like a breath of fresh air, Just the kind of thing she needed after the breakup. In fact, she sounded so taken with it that I began to wonder if she had any intention of ever coming back. And that worried me.

[Daniel]

Why? Is there something wrong with life on the road?

[Amber]

I don't have a problem with it, if that's what made her happy. But the thing is, she left a lot of loose ends back home. Financial matters with her old apartment and a bunch of other responsibilities that she seemed to think she could just sweep under the rug. I told her that at some point she'd have to come back to reality and clean up the message, But. Yeah, she didn't like that.

[Daniel]

What did she say?

[Amber]

She raised her voice at me. Accused me of sounding like Michael, her ex. She always said he kept trying to box her in, and that wasn't my intention at all. I just wanted her to know that when you walk out on everything in your life, there are repercussions. The people you leave behind are left to pick up the pieces, and that isn't fair.

[Daniel]

So it did turn into an argument.

[Amber]

We both got a bit heated, but only for a few seconds. And after, we both apologized and even laughed about it. We're sisters, after all. And this sure as hell wasn't our first argument. I just had no idea it was gonna be our last. We went back to our conversation, but things were a little stiff after that. Then the call ended, and I stood there for a good minute, just staring at the phone, wondering if I should call back to set things straight. But in the end, I decided I would just give it some time. Figured I would handle it on our next call, but.

[Daniel]

But you never got the chance.

[Narrator]

No.

[Amber]

No, that was the last time I heard her voice.

[Daniel]

I'm sure Jenny Wouldn't have held it against you. She loved you too much for that.

[Amber]

I know. I know. But sometimes I just wish I had the chance to go back to that night and pick up the goddamn phone again. To say the right words this time.

[Daniel]

Life isn't like that, Amber. Most times you don't get to choose how and when we say goodbye.

[Amber]

Yeah. It's okay, Daniel. I'll be fine. I guess it's all part of the grieving process. And what is it? Look down the alley. That's where we left the motorcycle, right?

[Daniel]

Yeah. Now the damn street lights are out.

[Amber]

I can see someone down there standing next to the bike. Silhouette.

[Daniel]

Shit, you're right.

[Amber]

Careful with that axe. There are people at the other end of the alley. We don't want to make a scene.

[Daniel]

If that's a shadow standing next to my bike, there's going to be a scene.

[Amber]

Easy. Let's wait and see first.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Follow me.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Come on, Danny boy. Come closer. I won't bite.

[Daniel]

Fuck. It's him.

[Amber]

What? Jeffrey Lee. The shadow.

[Daniel]

Yeah.

[Jeffrey Lee]

What are you waiting for?

[Amber]

What is he playing at?

[Daniel]

It's a trap. Gotta be.

[Amber]

Well, we've seen her fair share of those by now. Let's just watch her step.

[Daniel]

Yeah. Take it slow. There.

[Jeffrey Lee]

That wasn't so hard.

[Daniel]

What do you think you're doing, Jeff? This is pretty damn brazen, even for you.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Look at you, just bristling with confidence. Arrogance, even. Cocky and ready for a fight. A far cry from the last time I saw you. That rainy night. Running away with your tail between your legs.

[Daniel]

Things have changed since then.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Have they?

[Daniel]

Damn right.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Well, you got yourself a conduit. That's cute. And this little sidekick of yours with her bag full of parlor tricks.

[Amber]

I can melt you fuckers with a touch of my fingers, Jeff. Turn you into a puddle of steaming goo. I wouldn't call that a parlor trick.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Maybe some of my former kin would tremble at the very thought of you walking into their domain. But not me.

[Daniel]

You're different. Huh? Is that it?

[Jeffrey Lee]

Oh, you have no idea.

[Amber]

You're not the first we've come across who thought they could get the better of us. The fact is, we just cruised through a whole bunch of towns, cutting down every shadow in our path. They couldn't stop us. And neither will you.

[Jeffrey Lee]

I don't care who you are or what you've done. This is my town. I own it. I've owned it for a hundred years, and I'm sure as hell not going to give it up to the the likes of you.

[Daniel]

I think we can handle your scrawny ass, Jeff. We dealt with far worse.

[Jeffrey Lee]

See, that's where you're wrong. I'm something you've never seen before. I'll guarantee that I'm greater than the wilted, than even Mother herself.

[Amber]

Those people at the end of the alleyway just left. Daniel. The three of us are alone. We're in the clear.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Yes, here we are, all alone. That means our time is running short.

[Daniel]

Isn't this the part where you snap your fingers and try to pull out some kind of lame ass trick, Jeffrey? Go on. Give it your best shot.

[Jeffrey Lee]

No tricks, Daniel. No traps. The only thing I have to offer you is words. Despite the insult of your presence here in Oakwood, I'm willing to extend you a courtesy.

[Amber]

Which is?

[Jeffrey Lee]

Believe it or not, I don't really care about what you've done to the kin. I don't care what you're going to do either. I just want to be left out of it. To go about my business the way I've always done. So here's my offer. Get on this motorcycle of yours and leave Oakwood tonight. Forget we ever had this conversation. In return, I'll let you live.

[Amber]

Well, that sounds like a very tempting offer, Jeff. But after careful consideration, our answer is a resounding fuck you.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Be warned. If you turn me down, if you decide to tangle with me, you can.

[Daniel]

Have it. Your voice.

[Amber]

What? What's going on?

[Daniel]

He's dead.

[Amber]

Yeah, but he's just lying there, bleeding. Why hasn't he turned to ash?

[Daniel]

He must be one of the wilted. You have to hit them right in the middle of the chest. Like I did with Rugasso. Let me try again.

[Amber]

Nope. That didn't help. Well, let me try with my hands.

[Daniel]

Anything?

[Amber]

No. No, he's. He's not bleeding from my touch.

[Daniel]

It takes longer for that to happen with the wilted, though, right?

[Amber]

There's nothing, Daniel. Not a drop. That is not normal.

[Daniel]

Maybe if we give it some time.

[Amber]

No. No, it's not just that. I still feel a shadow here in Oakwood. Don't you?

[Daniel]

Uh, I think so. Yeah. There must be more than one in town. We'd seen that before.

[Amber]

This is different. I. Damn it. We should get out of here, Daniel.

[Daniel]

But if the job isn't finished, we.

[Amber]

Can'T be caught in this alley standing over a dead body. If those people come back.

[Daniel]

You want to just leave him?

[Amber]

What other choice is there?

[Daniel]

If I keep using the axe, maybe we'll start to get somewhere.

[Amber]

You want to dismember A corpse here in the alley where someone could wander past any second. Are you fucking insane?

[Daniel]

So what do you suggest?

[Amber]

Listen, let's just get on the bike and get out of this alley first. After that we can take stock and try to figure out what's going on.

[Daniel]

Yeah? Okay.

[Amber]

Watch your step. That pool of blood is spreading.

[Daniel]

Are you certain that's not because you touched him?

[Amber]

Blood is coming from the axe wounds, not where I touched him. See?

[Daniel]

Okay, come on round this way.

[Amber]

Have you got everything?

[Daniel]

Yeah, I'm good.

[Amber]

I don't like this, Daniel. Not one bit.

[Daniel]

Don't worry, we'll figure it out. It's another trick, that's all. Just one we haven't seen before.

[Amber]

A trick? I sure hope so. Because if this guy isn't a shadow, then who or what did we just fucking kill?

[Mark R. Healy]

The Road of Shadows is created by Mark R. Healy. Want to hear more stories just like this one? Head over to Patreon to hear other audio productions by Mark R. Healy. There you'll also find lots of bonus content, free stuff and ad free episodes that you can hear a week early. All of that and more is available now at patreon.com BeyondTheDark. You can also hear more at the roadofshadows.com the Road of Shadows Season 4 stars Hamish Plagemars Marta Da Silva Liz Morey Joseph Tweedau Chloe Elmore Larry o' Blander Sian Luxford Cameron Alexis Thomas Barker and Alejandro Pedrosa. The Road of Shadows is a beyond the dark production.

[Narrator]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Amber]

Please try to get some sleep tonight. I've been trying to sleep all week. Nothing helps.

[Jeffrey Lee]

You could try a sleep sound.

[Amber]

No thanks. You've had enough nightmares for the both of us.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Let me go. Come on.

[Narrator]

The medication has nothing to do with that.

[Jeffrey Lee]

I haven't had a bad dream in ages.

[Amber]

Ever since your highly problematic affair in Idaho. Oh, my God.

[Jeffrey Lee]

Never stop.

[Narrator]

Nothing happened.

[Amber]

Nothing happened.

[Narrator]

Well, you still haven't told me who you're bringing to graduation.

[Daniel]

Oh, your heart is racing.

[Amber]

How can you tell?

[Narrator]

You're lying on top with me.

[Amber]

What if I don't want anyone else.

[Narrator]

To know yet and it wasn't a bad dream?

[Jeffrey Lee]

I don't know, Christopher.

[Narrator]

You know. Can't you appreciate that I'm trying to help you here?

[Amber]

Thanks for the pills.

[Narrator]

Lilz.

[Amber]

Dreamers Season 2 by Broken Crown Productions Tune in weekly wherever you listen to podcasts.