Episode 13.7 - Downfall - Part 7

Summary

The Strata – Season 13, Episode 7: "Downfall – Part 7"

Host: Mark R. Healy
Release Date: February 3, 2026

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Overview

This episode of The Strata dives deeper into the web of corporate corruption, criminal intrigue, and personal entanglements in a dystopian future city. Tensions rise as Veronica Madison, CEO of Strickland Corporation, confronts Overseer Argento about a devastating data breach and its far-reaching consequences. Meanwhile, Detective Cavanagh scrambles to protect the enigmatic Jade while seeking answers from his own network, and Dreyfus pursues a hitman for the truth behind a mysterious contract on his life. The episode is charged with desperate deals, mistrust, and the ticking clock of exposure.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Confrontation in the Basement: Veronica Madison & Overseer Argento

(02:12 – 10:44)

• Overseer Argento is forcibly brought to meet with CEO Veronica Madison.

  • Madison immediately establishes dominance and makes it clear she’s aware of his true importance to Strickland, despite his supposed "low-level" position.
    • Veronica Madison (03:53): “But we both know you're more than that. More than just a simple Overseer, aren't you?”
  • Madison recounts the value Argento’s clandestine research has brought to the corporation, particularly the lucrative alliance with Millicon, but warns all is about to unravel due to a catastrophic data breach at Corova Station.
    • Veronica Madison (05:01): “That whole arrangement is teetering on the edge of oblivion, Argento. The slightest breath of wind will send it tumbling.”

• Details of the Corova Station incident emerge.

  • Argento confirms the site was destroyed in an explosion—no survivors, no intact records—and the breach’s full extent is still unknown.
  • Madison insists on assuming the worst, fearing the release of more damning data will irreparably link Strickland to illegal experiments.

• Corporate Repercussions and Personal Threats

  • Madison expresses regret for being involved with Argento’s unethical “filthy little experiments,” which now threaten to take down her company.
    • Veronica Madison (08:26): “I should never have agreed to this. Associating Strickland with those filthy little experiments of yours is going to cost me dearly.”
  • She issues a veiled threat, making Argento aware that his utility is the only thing keeping him alive and employed.
    • Veronica Madison (09:38): “My generosity only stretches so far. Once you're no longer useful to me…”

• Ultimatum:

  • Madison demands Argento’s team work “miracles”—find the source of the leak, identify the grid crawler, and put an end to the data releases.
    • Veronica Madison (10:11): “You better find a way, Argento. Because if you don't, you'll have more to worry about than just losing your precious facilities.”

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2. Detective Cavanagh’s Precautions & Jade’s Mysteries

(11:36 – 19:02)

• Cavanagh sets up surveillance in his apartment to protect himself and Jade.

  • Cavanagh explains to Jade that, while he doesn’t expect an immediate threat, he prefers not to take chances (12:06).
  • Jade’s memory loss and visions about a mysterious “guy in the hoodie” remain unresolved, with Cavanagh seeking connections to Blaine Industrial, but finds only allegations of corporate neglect and no clear link to Jade.

• New character entry: Kev Summers

  • Summers, an old contact, returns and is briefed on the situation.
  • Cavanagh confides his difficulties with keeping Jade safe and his suspicion of compromised police leadership.

• Jade references Dalton, revealing uncanny knowledge

  • Jade (17:11): “Because I don’t want to end up like Dalton.”
  • Summers and Cavanagh are shocked as Jade accurately describes Dalton, a specialist both men knew—hinting at her psychic or otherwise extraordinary abilities, which she shouldn't reasonably have.

• Summers and Cavanagh discuss Jade’s gifts

  • Cavanagh insists Jade requires help and protection despite the risks.
  • Summers agrees to help investigate on the condition that he’ll back off if he senses Jade is dangerous.

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3. Dreyfus Confronts the Hitman

(20:19 – 25:15)

• Dreyfus, accompanied by Kev Summers, tracks down the hitman who was contracted to abduct him.

  • The scene is tinged with noir tension as they locate the hitman calmly dining at a restaurant.

• Hitman explains the aborted contract

  • The hit was for abduction, not death. Oddly, the client insisted Dreyfus be brought in without a scratch, a nearly impossible condition.
    • Hitman (23:49): “The client insisted you had to be brought in without a scratch, not a mark on you. So I told them it couldn't be done.”
  • The contract was delivered via a scramble link; the client’s identity was completely concealed.
    • Hitman (22:43): “No idea. The request came through a scramble link. Client went through a lot of trouble to protect their identity. Even from me.”
  • After refusing the client’s stipulation, the hitman tore up the contract and walked away.

• Summers tries to pursue the digital trail

  • Summers asks for the scramble link details, even though the hitman claims it’s been shut down.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Corporate Power Play
  • Veronica Madison (08:54): “I don't like you, Argento. As far as I'm concerned, you're subhuman. Perhaps even lower than those disgusting creatures that slither out of your laboratories. But you've been useful to me up until now.”
• Jade’s Uncanny Knowledge
  • Kev Summers (17:19): “How does she know that name?”
  • Jade (17:38): “He still asks for you now and again. Tells the carers that the two of you are trying to solve a big case. Why does he call you Georgie?”
• Summers & Cavanagh—Reluctant Alliance
  • Kev Summers (20:07): “All right, I'll do it, Kev. But if I get even an inkling that this girl is bad news, I'm stepping aside. Is that clear?”
• Pragmatic Hitman
  • Hitman (23:16): “That wasn’t in the job description. I was told to get you in a car, tie you up good and proper. So you were immobilized. Wait for instructions…”
  • Hitman (24:46): “Hey, asshole. How many times do I have to say it? Yes, we're done.”

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Key Timestamps

• 02:12 – Veronica Madison and Argento’s basement confrontation begins
• 05:01 – Madison expresses dire stakes of Millicon partnership collapse
• 08:26 – Madison’s regret over Argento’s “filthy little experiments”
• 09:35 – Madison threatens Argento
• 10:11 – Madison issues final ultimatum
• 11:36 – Scene shifts to Detective Cavanagh and Jade
• 13:21 – Discussion of Blaine Industrial and dead ends
• 15:04 – Kev Summers arrives and is introduced to Jade
• 17:11 – Jade references Dalton, stuns Cavanagh and Summers
• 19:02 – Summers agrees to help, on certain conditions
• 20:19 – Summers and Dreyfus close in on the hitman
• 22:43 – Hitman explains contract details
• 24:46 – Hitman walks away; scene ends

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Tone and Language

The episode is atmospheric and terse, filled with underlying threats, suspicion, and the ever-present sense of desperation. Madison is cold and contemptuous, Argento defensive but cowed, Cavanagh and Summers weary but determined, and Jade enigmatic. Dialogue is sharp and direct, blending corporate espionage with noir paranoia.

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Conclusion

Episode 13.7 ratchets up the stakes as Strickland Corporation teeters on the brink of collapse, its leaders forced into desperate gambits while lower-level operatives like Cavanagh and Summers try to untangle a web of conspiracies, corporate coverups, and personal secrets. The severity of the data leak threatens to topple empires, while characters with mysterious abilities—like Jade—raise questions about how far the city’s corruption and experimentation have gone. The episode leaves multiple threads dangling, priming the listener for more explosive revelations to come.

Transcript

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[Detective Cavanagh]

All right, listen up. Nacho chips, quiet down. Crispy potatoes. This is the moment Velveeta's been preparing you for. And you're not about to crack under pressure. Today's the day to go all in on the drip. Velveeta's heat Neat Queso is the MVP of any game day spread. So stick by them and you'll be golden. Now get out there and make delicious history. No tailgate party is complete without Velveeta.

[Veronica Madison]

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[Kev Summers]

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[Narrator]

You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the Dark production Season 13 downfall Part 7.

[Veronica Madison]

Through this way. Overseer Argento. That's it. Come forward.

[Overseer Argento]

Oh, I'm sorry if I.

[Veronica Madison]

Are you alright? You look a little pale. Nervous.

[Overseer Argento]

Well, after what I've just been through, I think I have every right to be a little nervous.

[Veronica Madison]

What you've just been through? Care to explain?

[Overseer Argento]

Well, I was sitting at my desk working on an important project when suddenly a pair of goons in suits showed up. They grabbed me, manhandled me downstairs and into awaiting transport. All without any explanation whatsoever. And then they drove me here to some dingy basement. And now here I am, face to face with you, of all people.

[Veronica Madison]

So you know who I am?

[Overseer Argento]

Of course I do. Your face is on the wall outside my office. Not to mention half the billboards in Highgate City. You're Veronica Madison, the CEO of Strickland Corporation.

[Veronica Madison]

That's right. Nice to see you've been paying attention, Overseer Argento. We haven't ever met before, have we? The two of us?

[Overseer Argento]

No, definitely not. I would remember that.

[Veronica Madison]

Why do you think that is?

[Overseer Argento]

Why haven't we met? Well, that's simple. I'm a low level Overseer at a small Strickland facility. And you're the head of the entire organization.

[Veronica Madison]

Well, it's nice to hear that kind of humility on your part, Argento. But we both know you're more than that. More than just a simple Overseer, aren't you?

[Overseer Argento]

I suppose so. I'm aware that my work is of great importance to the future of Strickland.

[Veronica Madison]

Corporation and I. Ah, now we're getting to it. Now we're getting to the reason why the two of us have never met before. Your work.

[Overseer Argento]

What about it?

[Veronica Madison]

I still remember the day the proposal was handed to me. An opportunity like no other. I was told by my advisors that the work you and your team were undertaking could unlock all kinds of opportunities for the organization. Incredible opportunities. You were going to open doors for me. That had previously been nothing more than a pipe dream.

[Kev Summers]

And I've done that.

[Overseer Argento]

The partnership we forged with Millicon is worth a staggering amount to the company. Not to mention Millicon.

[Veronica Madison]

That whole arrangement is teetering on the edge of oblivion, Argento. The slightest breath of wind will send it tumbling.

[Overseer Argento]

What? That's not true. I just spoke to our contact at Millicon last night. And he told me everything was on track.

[Veronica Madison]

Well, a lot has changed since then, hasn't it?

[Overseer Argento]

You mean the rumors that have been circulating on the Grid in the last few hours? The ones about Corova Station? I can assure you that any link to Strickland is superficial at best. The data that has been released is inconclusive.

[Veronica Madison]

Yes, so far. But what about if more data is released? Something that links the facility to us in an indisputable way. What then, Argento?

[Overseer Argento]

We already have a team of Grid specialists working on countermeasures. Suppressing the rumours, creating false narratives to spread disinformation.

[Veronica Madison]

It's too late for that. Strickland's share price is already plummeting. Investors are abandoning us in droves. The damage has been done.

[Overseer Argento]

Wait, you're not saying that Millicon has cut ties with Strickland, are you?

[Veronica Madison]

They haven't yet, no. But they're close. It's only going to take a nudge in the wrong direction and they'll tear up our agreement.

[Overseer Argento]

But the research we've done for them. The assets we've supplied are immensely valuable to their cause.

[Veronica Madison]

Be that as it may, they cannot afford to be associated with a scandal like this. They'll give up whatever is necessary in order to distance themselves from it. Including your precious assets.

[Overseer Argento]

If we lost the Millicon contract, that would be a disaster. I'd lose my facilities.

[Veronica Madison]

And don't you think I know that? Our planning division has spent the last six months coordinating a whole slate of new off world trading routes. Additions that would have made us Millicon's number one freight service from here to the outer rim. But that was yesterday. Today it all looks like it's about to go up in flames.

[Overseer Argento]

I still believe we can salvage this situation, Ms. Madison. It's not too late.

[Veronica Madison]

The situation at Corova station. What happened? How did it all go wrong?

[Overseer Argento]

Well, that's a difficult question to answer considering the state of the place. There were no survivors from the explosion, and when our investigators arrived on site, there was nothing left but a pile of rubble at the bottom of a cliff. The entire facility collapsed.

[Veronica Madison]

So you don't know who coordinated the attack or why?

[Overseer Argento]

We have some theories, but there's nothing concrete yet.

[Veronica Madison]

But this is where the original data breach occurred, correct? It has to be.

[Overseer Argento]

Yes, we believe that to be the case. But since the mainframes and all the records were destroyed during the incident, we don't know the full extent of the breach yet.

[Veronica Madison]

Then we have to assume the worst. We have to assume they got everything.

[Overseer Argento]

Well, I don't think we need to go that far.

[Veronica Madison]

We assume they got everything. And with that being the case, how much more data could still be released? How much damage would it do?

[Overseer Argento]

A great deal of damage, I imagine.

[Veronica Madison]

Yes, I thought so. I should never have agreed to this. Associating Strickland with those filthy little experiments of yours is going to cost me dearly.

[Overseer Argento]

Those filthy little experiments have lined your pockets with a lot of creds lately, Ms. Madison. More than most of your other divisions combined. You would do well to remember that.

[Veronica Madison]

And that brings us back to the reason why the two of us have never met before, doesn't it, Argento? That's why we're meeting in this dank basement far below the streets of Highgate city, Instead of in my office, where I conduct all of my regular meetings. I don't like you, Argento. As far as I'm concerned, you're subhuman. Perhaps even lower than those disgusting creatures that slither out of your laboratories. But you've been useful to me up until now. And that's why I've tolerated your presence thus far.

[Overseer Argento]

How very generous of you, Madison.

[Veronica Madison]

I should warn you, however, that my generosity only stretches so far. Once you're no longer useful to me.

[Overseer Argento]

Why don't you just Go ahead and tell me what you want.

[Veronica Madison]

What I want is for this mess to vanish completely. But unfortunately, I don't think it's within your power, or even mine to make that happen. Instead, I'll tell you this. You and that team of grid specialists you mentioned had better start working miracles. Find whoever's responsible, find the source of the leak, and shut them down before any more damage can be done.

[Overseer Argento]

Find the source? I don't know if I can do that. The specialist told me that could be next to impossible. The grid crawler who's responsible for the leaks? They're clever. Covering their tracks somehow.

[Veronica Madison]

You better find a way, Argento. Because if you don't, you'll have more to worry about than just losing your precious facilities. Do I make myself clear?

[Detective Cavanagh]

We heard you. Nine years of bring back the snack.

[Dreyfus]

Wrap and you've won.

[Detective Cavanagh]

But maybe you should have asked for more. Say hello to the hot honey snack wrap. Now you've really won. Go to McDonald's and get it while you can.

[Veronica Madison]

Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car.

[Narrator]

See?

[Kev Summers]

So many cars. That's a clicktastic inventory.

[Hitman]

And check out the financing options, payments.

[Veronica Madison]

To fit our budget.

[Kev Summers]

I mean, that's Clickonomics101.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Delivery to our door.

[Kev Summers]

Just a hop, skip and a click away.

[Hitman]

And bot no better feeling than when.

[Kev Summers]

Everything just clicks, clicks. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.

[Jade]

Detective Cavanagh. What are you up to there?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Ah, Jade, you're awake. Are you feeling better?

[Jade]

I'm fine, thanks. What are you looking at on that terminal?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Nothing too important. Just hooking into some extra security feeds outside the apartment. You see here? This is street level, outside of the building facing north. And another one in the alley to the west.

[Jade]

What's this all for?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I just figured it would be a good idea to have a early warning system in case we happen to get some unexpected visitors.

[Jade]

You think the bad guys are gonna come after us here in the apartment?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Honestly, I. I doubt it. But at this point, I'd rather not take any chances, you know? Anyway, how's the headache? All cleared up?

[Jade]

For the most part, yeah.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Have you had any more visions of this guy in the hoodie? The one in this. This painting here? Can you see a face yet or remember anything else about him?

[Jade]

I tried earlier, but no, there's nothing. It's all blank.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Maybe he works for this Blaine industrial crowd, the company that owns the building. And your visions?

[Veronica Madison]

Maybe.

[Jade]

Did you find out anything else about them on the grid?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I Had a look, sure, but doesn't seem to be anything much out of the ordinary. Blaine is a pretty big player in the chemical processing industry. They convert raw materials into commodity chemicals, mainly for industrial products. Synthetic agrochemicals and all kinds of stuff like that. Nothing that would raise any red flags.

[Jade]

So they're nobody important?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Eh, not really. The only thing of note is that they've been in the news lately because of some shoddy safety practices. The accident at the factory we visited, that wasn't the only mishap they've had. I found two other cases where mechanical faults have resulted in injury or death. The company's in damage control over the whole thing. Staying tight lipped about the details. Yeah, smells like a cover up to me. Even so, I don't see how this relates to your situation at all.

[Jade]

It's a dead end.

[Detective Cavanagh]

I'm not saying that, but for the moment I. I don't have any answers for you. Oh, hey. This new surveillance setup is already worth its weight in gold. Look who's on the way up.

[Jade]

Do you know her?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Yeah, yeah, she's a friend of mine. Just. Just relax, okay?

[Jade]

Do you want me to go and sit in the bedroom to give you some privacy?

[Detective Cavanagh]

No, no, it's fine. Just stay where you are. I'm actually hoping she might be able to help us. Just sit tight while I go get that.

[Kev Summers]

Kev. How's it going? Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've been offline.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Hey, Summers. Yeah. You warned me that might happen. It's no problem. Thanks for coming.

[Kev Summers]

Well, I see this place hasn't changed much. When are you gonna decorate around here, Kev? My cell and black all lockup had more warmth than this.

[Detective Cavanagh]

I keep things neat these days.

[Kev Summers]

That wasn't always the case though, right? I'm sure I remember it being different years ago.

[Detective Cavanagh]

I used to have a few of anti species on display around the place, but I. Anyway, come over here. There's someone I want you to meet.

[Kev Summers]

Oh, sorry. I didn't expect you to have company. How's it going?

[Detective Cavanagh]

So much. This is. This is Jade. She's staying here for a few days while I help her out with a few things. Here, take a seat. Let me fill you in on what's been going on. And after we got back home, I've been looking into this Blaine industrial crowd, but so far I haven't found anything. That's the whole story.

[Kev Summers]

So you think this company is involved in Jade's situation?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I haven't been able to make a connection yet, so I really can't say.

[Kev Summers]

And the guy in the hoodie, Is he connected to the man with green eyes?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Beats me. That's why I need your help, Summers. Right now, I'm spending most of my time making sure Jade is protected. That's hindering my ability to get to the bottom of this situation. Normally, I'd be out there on the street looking for answers, but with Jade, I don't have the freedom to go and do that.

[Kev Summers]

So why don't you go ahead and organize some protection for her?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Can't do that. Not with Captain Graham being potentially compromised.

[Kev Summers]

Look, Cav, I totally get your distrust of the department. I mean, it's me you're talking to here. But I can't see how you're going to make this work. You can't hide Jade away inside your apartment forever. Sooner or later, someone's gonna put the pieces together and come looking. And besides that, with the memory loss you described, she may need medical care.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Take her to a clinic. That's not safe.

[Jade]

I can't go to a clinic.

[Kev Summers]

Why not? It can't be worse than here.

[Jade]

Because I don't want to end up like Dalton.

[Kev Summers]

How does she know that name?

[Detective Cavanagh]

Dalton? Wasn't that the hotshot specialist from Highgate City? The one who was helping you on that case a while back, while you were still in the department?

[Kev Summers]

He was a specialist before he got his brains chewed up by NANO D. Now he's in a care facility, but.

[Jade]

He still asks for you now and again. Tells the carers that the two of you are trying to solve a big case. Why does he call you Georgie?

[Kev Summers]

Okay, what the hell, Cav? There's no way she. She can't know that.

[Detective Cavanagh]

I told you, she's. She's got visions. She can see things. That's what we're trying to figure out.

[Kev Summers]

Jade, would you mind leaving us for a second, please?

[Jade]

Sure.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Look, I know what you're gonna ask Summers, but I can't explain it. She just pulls things out of thin air. Did the same thing to me a few times. Now she knows things about Annie that. Here, take a look at this painting.

[Kev Summers]

A park bench.

[Detective Cavanagh]

It's Annie and me, years ago. A perfect rendition, right down to the color of the grass. Now, there's no way in hell anyone should know that but me.

[Kev Summers]

What is she, a psychic?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I don't believe that shit.

[Kev Summers]

Maybe this would be a good time to start.

[Detective Cavanagh]

You understand what I'm getting at now, though, right? Jade is. She's special. And she needs Help?

[Kev Summers]

Yeah. I'm impressed, sure. But, Cav, this whole situation is a mess. Why are you doing this? I mean, I understand that she's vulnerable, but why is she your responsibility?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I. I don't know. I just. I can't give her up. It doesn't seem right.

[Kev Summers]

Oh, please tell me you're not losing it. Cav. Not you.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Everything's fine. I just. I need your help on this one, okay? And I've never asked you for much, have I?

[Kev Summers]

No, you haven't. But this is bad timing. My gridcrawler just started releasing dirt on Strickland. He cracked the first data set on the shard, and they're going into damage control. And by the look on your face, you're not going to let this go, are you?

[Dreyfus]

No.

[Detective Cavanagh]

Not a chance. So does that mean you'll help? Even if you could just make a few inquiries, knock on a couple doors, see if you can come up with answers.

[Kev Summers]

All right, I'll do it, Kev. But if I get even an inkling that this girl is bad news, I'm stepping aside. Is that clear?

[Detective Cavanagh]

I hear you.

[Kev Summers]

Good. In that case, I'll start making some investigations. For your sake, I hope I don't uncover something you don't want to hear. We're getting close, Rust. Dreyfus has to be around here somewhere. I don't think he's out on the street, but Hang on. Just pull over here.

[Dreyfus]

Where's he at? See.

[Kev Summers]

We'Re right on top of him, But I don't. There. Look in that restaurant. See? Sitting at that window.

[Dreyfus]

Damn, you're right. But it doesn't look like he's following us. More like he's trying to decide which wine goes best with this steak.

[Kev Summers]

Eating dinner. What's he playing at? Let's go and check it out.

[Dreyfus]

How's it hanging, Dreyfus?

[Detective Cavanagh]

What are you doing here?

[Dreyfus]

Oh, since we're old friends and all, I thought I'd stop by to see how you're doing. And, of course, to check out tonight's entree. I hear this place does a great sea urchin ceviche.

[Hitman]

Look, I don't have any beef with you, so why don't you pack it up?

[Dreyfus]

No beef. Could have fooled me. Did you conveniently forget that whole situation in the parking lot in Midtown?

[Hitman]

Outside. Follow me.

[Dreyfus]

You looking for another smackdown, Dreyfus?

[Hitman]

Come away from the window. I don't want those people to see us talking.

[Veronica Madison]

Those snobs.

[Kev Summers]

You really care what they think? A tough guy like you?

[Hitman]

I already told you, I've got nothing against you, so why don't you just walk away?

[Dreyfus]

And I'm just supposed to forget about what happened the other night? Why would I do that?

[Hitman]

Because I already tore up the contract. The one with your name on it. I'm done with you. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go back and finish my dinner. That's a very expensive main course. That getting cold on my plate right now.

[Dreyfus]

You're not going anywhere. Not before I get some answers. How about you start by telling us who gave you the contract? Who was it that wanted me taken down?

[Hitman]

No idea. The request came through a scramble link. Client went through a lot of trouble to protect their identity. Even from me.

[Dreyfus]

You took on a job without even knowing the identity of the client?

[Hitman]

It's not the first time it's happened, and it won't be the last. My line of work, it's not unheard of. At the end of the day, I only care about one thing. Getting paid. And this client, they gave me a nice fat up front incentive for the job. That's why I took it on.

[Dreyfus]

Was it a hit? Did the client want me dead?

[Hitman]

That wasn't in the job description. I was told to get you in a car, tie you up good and proper. So you were mobilized. Wait for instructions on where to deliver you.

[Dreyfus]

Tie me up?

[Hitman]

Yeah. They wanted you incapacitated. The client was going to supply the details about where to take you once we had you in the car. But we never made it that far.

[Dreyfus]

So what happened? Why did you drop the gig?

[Hitman]

Look, I'll be honest. I didn't know much about you before we met. I just assumed you were going to be some pushover who wouldn't put up a fight.

[Kev Summers]

Ooh, big mistake.

[Hitman]

Tell me about it.

[Dreyfus]

So you just decided to drop the contract? As easy as that? Are you that soft?

[Hitman]

If you were smart enough to track me down here tonight, then I assume you know a little about my background. You know I'm not soft. The truth is, after our first encounter, I told the client I could take you down no problem. But it had to be my way. A hard case like you, there's no way to take you in neat and clean. But the client insisted that you had to be brought in without a scratch, not a mark on you. So I told them it couldn't be done.

[Dreyfus]

And what did they say to that?

[Hitman]

They weren't happy about it. Told me I should try again. But by that point, I lost interest. In you. And in them. I mean, do I look like I need this kind of bullshit in my life.

[Dreyfus]

So that's it? You're walking away?

[Hitman]

Hey, asshole. How many times do I have to say it? Yes, we're done.

[Dreyfus]

Now.

[Hitman]

Do you mind if I go back and eat?

[Kev Summers]

One second, Dreyfus. Is there any way we can access this scramble link of yours, see if we can trace it?

[Hitman]

Forget about it. It's already been closed down.

[Kev Summers]

Just the same, I'd like the details.

[Veronica Madison]

Thanks.

[Hitman]

There. Knock yourself out.

[Dreyfus]

Much obliged. I guess that's it then. Enjoy your dinner.

[Hitman]

Yeah, thanks a lot. Have a nice life.

[Narrator]

This podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon. If you'd like to hear ad free early release episodes as well as my exclusive series the Strata Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 13 Downfall starring Jason Turai, Brianny Marshall, Trent Trachtenberg Michelle Mosley, Paul Warren, Jenna Sharp Chloe Elmore Rebecca Tamlin, Marta Da Silva, Sarah Safarian Larry o', Blander, Thomas Barker, Marlon Dance, Huey Liz Mori Kyle Kaczmarczyk, Nicholas Ewan, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky Created by Mark R. Healy I'll be on the Doc Production.

[Kev Summers]

The fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Hitman]

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[Kev Summers]

Switch limited time. 50% off regular price for new customers. Upfront payment required. $45 for three months, $90 for six month or $180 for 12 month plan taxes and fees. Extra speeds may slow after 50 gigabytes per month when network is busy, see terms.