Episode 17 - A New Player

Summary

Trap Street Episode 17: "A New Player"
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Hosts: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco

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Introduction to the Case

Special Agent Jack Widmore embarks on one of his most perplexing investigations yet. The episode opens with Agent Widmore briefing his team about a chilling string of deaths occurring across seven different cities: New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago, Sioux Falls, Denver, Phoenix, and Twentynine Palms, California. Each victim met an unknown cause of death, presenting identical physical conditions never before documented.

Jack Widmore [01:33]: "Over the past six months, seven bodies have been found in seven cities. The only string that ties them together is the cause of death."

Investigative Challenges

The bureau grapples with the baffling nature of the deaths. Agent Howard, the bureau’s expert forensic specialist, suggests the possibility of a new virus or illness. However, the CDC has found no evidence supporting this theory, as each city only reported a single victim, making a pandemic scenario highly unlikely.

Howard [03:08]: "These people look like they died from some kind of illness or virus."

Jack Widmore [03:15]: "We can rule out that possibility. There's no shared medical history, no known substance that could produce this kind of physical damage."

Without a clear cause, motive, or suspect, the case grows colder, leading Agent Widmore to hypothesize that the deaths are intentional acts. He posits that the key to unraveling the mystery lies in understanding how the victims are interconnected.

Jack Widmore [04:55]: "Seven people do not just die in such an unusual manner for no known reason in an east to west pattern over such a short period of time. There is intent here."

New Developments and Ocean Bay

The plot thickens when another body is discovered in Vancouver, making it the eighth victim. This revelation prompts Agent Widmore to shift his focus to Ocean Bay, the location on the old map attached to the mysterious email received by an unemployed gamer, AJ.

Jack Widmore [09:00]: "I'm going to a town called Ocean Bay."

As Agent Widmore prepares for his journey, Denise, his assistant, reveals a critical piece of evidence: a trace of magnetic residue found on the latest victim.

Denise [17:26]: "Howard found a trace of magnetic residue on the most recent body."

Interactions with Local Contacts

Upon arriving in Ocean Bay, Agent Widmore checks into the Ocean Bay Inn, where he meets Kathy, the innkeeper. Their interaction reveals connections between the victims:

• Simon Hill, the latest victim, had arrived from Vancouver seeking his friend Josh Mayfield, who in turn was searching for Marie Claire Henderson (M.C.).
• M.C., a recurring character, appears to have a significant yet mysterious role in the unfolding events.

Kathy [14:12]: "Simon came here from Vancouver because he was looking for Josh."

Agent Widmore's dialogue with Sheriff Green and Joshua Mayfield further complicates the investigation, hinting at hidden motives and undisclosed relationships among the characters.

Jack Widmore [19:00]: "Simon Hill was number eight."

Joshua Mayfield [19:15]: "Jesus. Do you know how he died?"

Clues and Suspense

The magnetic residue discovered on the latest body introduces a new angle to the investigation, suggesting a potential technological or supernatural element. As Agent Widmore delves deeper, he uncovers that Josh Mayfield traveled from San Francisco specifically to locate M.C., raising suspicions about their involvement in the mysterious deaths.

Jack Widmore [20:24]: "Were you aware that Josh drove all the way up from San Francisco for the sole purpose of finding MC?"

The interaction between Agent Widmore and Sheriff Green builds tension, indicating that there are layers to this case that extend beyond the initial findings.

Joshua Mayfield [21:36]: "I'd like to see the cabin where Simon Hill's body was found."

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, Agent Widmore prepares to interview crucial suspects and gather more evidence in Ocean Bay. The introduction of new characters and the revelation of magnetic residue set the stage for deeper mysteries and potential supernatural elements in future episodes.

Jack Widmore [21:39]: "And one more question. Does this town have a well-stocked hardware store?"

The episode ends on a suspenseful note, leaving listeners eager to uncover the true nature of the mysterious deaths and the role of the enigmatic M.C. in this intricate web of events.

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Notable Quotes

• Jack Widmore [04:55]: "Seven people do not just die in such an unusual manner for no known reason in an east to west pattern over such a short period of time. There is intent here."

• Denise [17:26]: "Howard found a trace of magnetic residue on the most recent body."

• Jack Widmore [19:00]: "Simon Hill was number eight."

• Jack Widmore [20:24]: "Were you aware that Josh drove all the way up from San Francisco for the sole purpose of finding MC?"

• Joshua Mayfield [21:36]: "I'd like to see the cabin where Simon Hill's body was found."

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Key Insights and Themes

• Interconnectedness: The seemingly unrelated victims share a mysterious commonality that hints at a larger, orchestrated scheme.

• Mystery and Suspense: The introduction of unexplained physical anomalies and enigmatic characters maintains high suspense levels.

• Technology and Mystery: The mention of magnetic residue suggests potential technological influences or unknown scientific phenomena at play.

• Character Depth: Agent Widmore's interactions reveal personal stakes and vulnerabilities, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

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Looking Ahead

Episode 17 sets up a compelling narrative arc that intertwines investigative drama with supernatural hints. As Agent Widmore delves deeper into Ocean Bay, listeners can anticipate uncovering hidden secrets, confronting unforeseen antagonists, and unraveling the true motive behind the orchestrated deaths threatening the fate of humanity.

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Tune in next to "Trap Street" to follow Agent Widmore's journey as he uncovers the secrets of Ocean Bay and confronts the new player manipulating events from the shadows.

Transcript

[Jack Widmore]

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[Kathy]

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[Jack Widmore]

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[Kathy]

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[Jack Widmore]

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[Kathy]

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[Jack Widmore]

Treat, cure or prevent or any disease.

[Howard]

From the creators of Strange Air. This is trap street, episode 17 a new player.

[Jack Widmore]

My name is Special Agent Jack Widmore. If you're sitting in this conference room, it means you're the best at what you do. That's why you've been assigned to assist me on my current case.

[Kathy]

And.

[Jack Widmore]

And I have to be honest, this one is a real head scratcher. Please open the files you were given. Over the past six months, seven bodies have been found in seven cities. The first was discovered in New Orleans, followed by Atlanta, Chicago, Sioux Falls, Denver, Phoenix. Phoenix. And the latest one turned up five days ago in Twentynine Palms, California. The remains arrived here last night. As far as we know, these seven people had nothing in common. They were different ages and genders. Their occupations were not connected. They never crossed paths on social media or anywhere else. The only string that ties them together is the cause of death. According to these files, the cause of death is unknown. Correct. But the bodies were discovered in the exact same condition, a condition we've never seen before. So this is not happenstance or coincidence. Please look at the autopsy reports and tell me your immediate thoughts.

[Howard]

These people look like they died from.

[Jack Widmore]

Some kind of illness or virus.

[Howard]

Could this be the start of a new pandemic?

[Jack Widmore]

The CDC found no evidence of any contagions. If the cause of death was a communicable disease, there would be multiple victims in each city, not just one. So we can rule out that possibility. And there's no shared medical history? None whatsoever. Did we test for hemotoxins or necrotoxins? We did. And the toxicology reports were negative. There is no known substance, poisonous or otherwise, that could produce this kind of physical damage. Have our inactive Files been searched for possible matches. As far as we know, no human being has experienced the type of trauma these people suffered. So what does that leave us? Not much. We don't have a cause of death, a motive, or a suspect. At this point, the bureau isn't even sure a crime was committed. But here's what I Seven people do not just die in such an unusual manner for no known reason in an east to west pattern over such a short period of time. There is intent here. Someone did this. And the key to finding this person lies with the victims. I believe the 26 year old waitress in New Orleans. And the 58 year old financial advisor in Chicago. And the 42 year old stay at home mom in Phoenix. And all the others are connected. Your job is to find out how.

[Sheriff Green]

Good morning.

[Jack Widmore]

Good morning, Howard.

[Sheriff Green]

Do you know what this is?

[Jack Widmore]

If I'm not mistaken, that's a human lung. Ding, ding, ding.

[Sheriff Green]

And it's supposed to be pink, not black.

[Jack Widmore]

Does that lung belong to the bartender from Twentynine Palms?

[Sheriff Green]

It does indeed. And based on the level of inflammation, I'd say this desert rat started smoking right around her third year of high school. She probably wanted to be cool like the other kids.

[Jack Widmore]

Does this have anything to do with her death?

[Sheriff Green]

No, of course not. I'm just making conversation.

[Jack Widmore]

So what killed her?

[Sheriff Green]

Technically, the woman died from multiple organ system failure.

[Jack Widmore]

But what caused that failure?

[Sheriff Green]

Damned if I knew.

[Jack Widmore]

Which is what you said about the other six.

[Sheriff Green]

That doesn't make sense. Just look at her body. No signs of external damage, but the insides have been crushed. I've never seen anything like it.

[Jack Widmore]

She looks empty.

[Sheriff Green]

That's not the accepted medical term, but it's pretty damn accurate.

[Jack Widmore]

Something's not right here. It's killing me.

[Sheriff Green]

I can't figure out how these people died.

[Jack Widmore]

Just between us, what's your honest opinion? Were these people killed or did they die from natural causes?

[Sheriff Green]

I would know if they died from some kind of rare disease we've never seen before. You know why? Because I'm the best forensic specialist on the east coast. And there'd be evidence, there'd be clues that could be used to determine causality. But we don't have anything like that here. I can't prove it, but these people were killed. I just don't know how.

[Denise]

You have four messages, Agent Whitmore. None of them are urgent or time sensitive.

[Jack Widmore]

Thank you, Denise.

[Denise]

You're welcome.

[Jack Widmore]

The perfection of your penmanship will never fail to impress me.

[Denise]

How was the briefing?

[Jack Widmore]

It's hard to say. The agents seem more confused Than motivated.

[Denise]

It's an unusual case.

[Jack Widmore]

Indeed. Anything else?

[Denise]

The assistant director would like to see you in his office at 12. I believe he wants an update.

[Jack Widmore]

And I wanted the Eagles to win last night.

[Denise]

So do you have any details for me?

[Jack Widmore]

There's not much to add. Howard confirmed the bartender from 29 Palms died in the same manner as the other 6. Have to see if the agents that were assigned to assist me can come up with any possible connections.

[Denise]

I wasn't asking about the case. I was asking about last night.

[Jack Widmore]

Oh.

[Denise]

Julie's an old friend, so I'm just curious.

[Jack Widmore]

That's reasonable.

[Denise]

How'd it go?

[Jack Widmore]

Well, we agreed to meet at 8 for dinner at Ralph's, which is on 9th, between Catherine and Fitzwater. Julie was 10 minutes late. She ordered chicken scampi, I had the lasagna and we shared a bottle of Chianti. All in all, it was a pleasant evening.

[Denise]

Stop. You're embarrassing me with all these romantic details.

[Jack Widmore]

I wasn't ready for this. It's too soon.

[Denise]

I'm sorry.

[Jack Widmore]

No, there's no need to apologize. It's just that I feel so lost without her.

[Denise]

Of course.

[Jack Widmore]

Did you know we were planning to have a child?

[Denise]

Maybe you should take more time.

[Jack Widmore]

No, no, I need to focus on work. I have to solve this case.

[Denise]

Come in.

[Jack Widmore]

I have an update, Agent Widmore. Another body turned up three days ago and it's a perfect match for the others. Here's the file. Why are we just hearing about this now? There was a lag in the reporting because the remains were transported to Vancouver. The details are all there. Vancouver. Excellent. The Canadian people are a friendly lot. I'm sure they'll be happy to help. All right, Phil and the others, we'll meet in 20 minutes. Yes, sir.

[Denise]

Jack.

[Jack Widmore]

Yes?

[Denise]

I've got a bad feeling about this one.

[Jack Widmore]

So do I. Denise, please contact the branch in Portland, Oregon. Tell them I'm flying out tomorrow and I'll be needing a bureaucar when I arrive.

[Denise]

Where are you going?

[Jack Widmore]

I'm going to a town called Ocean Bay.

[Sheriff Green]

1240, KAB radio.

[Jack Widmore]

Ocean Bay.

[Howard]

Good morning. This is Maddie Smith, 1240, KAB radio. And today is the first day of October. Let's start with a few community updates. Hank and April are offering an early bird special this week for those of you who would like to have your homes inspected before the winter storms arrive. I signed up yesterday. You should too. The local pelican will be closed tomorrow because Andy and Jonathan are taking the day off to celebrate their fifth anniversary. Have a great day, boys. You owe me one marionberry muffin. And I saved the best for last. Halloween is just a few weeks away. I'm sure all the kids at Carver elementary have started thinking about their costumes. When I was their age, I loved to dress up like a princess. It made me feel special. And let's be honest, I loved the attention. These days, it's my voice that seems to attract the most attention. But that doesn't mean I won't be dressing up for the big dance. Are you wondering what I'll be wearing? Just look for the girl with the dark pointy hat, fishnet stockings and a Venetian mask. What about you? What kind of mask are you wearing?

[Kathy]

Welcome to the Ocean Bay Inn.

[Jack Widmore]

Thank you. I have a reservation under the name Jack Widmore.

[Kathy]

Hey. You're the FBI agent.

[Jack Widmore]

I am indeed.

[Kathy]

Oh, my God. It's so nice to meet you. I'm Kathy.

[Jack Widmore]

Kathy with a K. It's nice to meet you, Kathy.

[Kathy]

Thanks. I just need you to sign right here, please. And I'll need the credit card you used to make the reservation.

[Jack Widmore]

Here you go.

[Kathy]

Do you have any identification?

[Jack Widmore]

Oh, of course. Here is my Pennsylvania State driver's license. You'll have to excuse the picture.

[Kathy]

Do you have any other form of identification?

[Jack Widmore]

Like what?

[Kathy]

You know, like. Like something official.

[Jack Widmore]

Ah, I understand. Would you like to see my FBI credentials?

[Kathy]

I sure would.

[Jack Widmore]

There you go. That's me. Special Agent Jack Widmore.

[Kathy]

Wow. This picture is so much better than the one on your driver's license.

[Jack Widmore]

Thanks. It took me five tries to get it right.

[Kathy]

How long have you been an FBI agent?

[Jack Widmore]

I'll be celebrating my ninth year with the Bureau at the end of this month.

[Kathy]

Congratulations. And thank you for your service.

[Jack Widmore]

Oh, there's no need to thank me, Kathy. I'm not a soldier.

[Kathy]

Sorry, I don't know much about this stuff.

[Jack Widmore]

That's perfectly alright.

[Kathy]

So, here's your key. I gave you room 315. It has a fantastic view. And the rooms on either side are empty, so you won't have to worry about loud neighbors or anything like that.

[Jack Widmore]

Thank you. That's very considerate. Kathy, do you know why I'm here?

[Kathy]

Sure. You're investigating the death of that homeless guy.

[Jack Widmore]

I don't believe he was homeless, but yes, that's exactly why I'm here. The man's name was Simon Hill. Did you have any interactions with him?

[Kathy]

Just once. He came here looking for his friend Josh, but I don't think they were really friends because Josh didn't seem to know who he was.

[Jack Widmore]

Was Josh One of your guests?

[Kathy]

Yes. His full name is Joshua Mayfield. He drove up from San Francisco.

[Jack Widmore]

Is he still here?

[Kathy]

No. Josh checked out. I think he went off somewhere with MC MC Yes. Her full name is Marie Claire Henderson, but everyone calls her M.C.

[Jack Widmore]

I know that name. Simon Hill's body was found at the cabin she's renting.

[Kathy]

It sure was.

[Jack Widmore]

How did she know Simon?

[Kathy]

I don't think she did. I think MC Met him through Josh.

[Jack Widmore]

But you said Josh wasn't friends with Simon.

[Kathy]

Not at first. Josh was looking for M.C. she's very pretty.

[Jack Widmore]

It could be the long flight talking, but I'm not sure I understood any of that.

[Kathy]

Sorry. I'm going to start from the beginning. Simon came here from Vancouver because he was looking for Josh. Josh came here from San Francisco because he was looking for MC MC Was just minding her own business.

[Jack Widmore]

So the three of them met for the first time here in Ocean Bay two days before Simon Hill's death.

[Kathy]

That is exactly right, Agent Widmore. Josh had a picture of MC but he didn't even know her name or who she was.

[Jack Widmore]

Hmm. Thank you, Kathy, with a K. You've been very helpful. I believe I'll go to my room now.

[Kathy]

Enjoy your stay in Ocean Bay.

[Jack Widmore]

Good morning. And a bright and cheery morning to you, sir.

[Sheriff Green]

That's a handsome suit.

[Jack Widmore]

Thank you. I like your cap.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Have a wonderful day.

[Jack Widmore]

You, too. Good morning, Denise.

[Denise]

Good morning. You sound alert. Did you sleep well?

[Jack Widmore]

I am fully rested with no sleep. Signs of jet lag.

[Denise]

Good. Now, tell me about Ocean Bay. Is it as quaint as the pictures make it look?

[Jack Widmore]

The word quaint doesn't begin to describe this town. It's a friendly place, full of friendly people. And you can smell the ocean everywhere. It's a romantic scent, Denise. The kind of scent that brings the promise of adventure. Remind me to pick up a copy of Moving BE Dick when I get home.

[Denise]

Have you met with Sheriff Green yet?

[Jack Widmore]

On my way there right now.

[Denise]

I received your notes on the conversation you had with Kathy at the Ocean Bay Inn. I'll post them as soon as we're done.

[Jack Widmore]

Good. And make sure it's Kathy with a K. That seemed important to her.

[Denise]

Did you see my background report on Joshua Mayfield and Marie Claire Henderson?

[Jack Widmore]

I did, yes. Thank you, Denise. You did a thorough job.

[Denise]

So what are your thoughts?

[Jack Widmore]

On the surface, they appear to be outstanding citizens. The two of them went to excellent schools. They have no criminal records and no apparent connections on social media or anywhere else. So the questions are, why did Josh come here looking for Marie Claire. How are the two of them connected to Simon Hill? And why did Simon die the day after he met them?

[Denise]

It seems fairly obvious they were involved in some manner.

[Jack Widmore]

In my experience, there is nothing more deceptive than the obvious.

[Denise]

Would you like me to check their travel records for the last six months?

[Jack Widmore]

The two of us have reached the point where you can read my mind.

[Denise]

There's one more thing. Howard wanted me to pass along some new information. He's not sure it means anything, but he found a trace of magnetic residue on the most recent body. The bartender from Twentynine Palms.

[Jack Widmore]

Ah, that's interesting. Did Howard have any theories on how it got there?

[Denise]

Not yet. But he's asking the coroner in Vancouver to check Simon Hill's body for the same residue.

[Jack Widmore]

Thanks for the update, Denise. I have arrived at the Ocean Bay Sheriff's Station. I will upload my notes when I'm done with the interview.

[Sheriff Green]

You.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Come in. Agent Whitmore, I'm Sheriff Green. It's good to meet you.

[Jack Widmore]

Same here, Sheriff. Always glad to join forces with local law enforcement.

[Joshua Mayfield]

I'll help in any way I can.

[Jack Widmore]

I appreciate that.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Would you like some coffee?

[Jack Widmore]

You know, I might be the only FBI agent in the country who doesn't drink coffee.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Mind if I have some?

[Jack Widmore]

No, not at all.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Have us eat.

[Jack Widmore]

Thanks.

[Joshua Mayfield]

So, I'm curious about something.

[Jack Widmore]

What's on your mind?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Why is the Bureau involved? Have there been other deaths like this one?

[Jack Widmore]

Can you keep a secret, Sheriff?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Of course.

[Jack Widmore]

Promise?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Uh, sure, I promise.

[Jack Widmore]

Simon Hill was number eight.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Jesus. Do you know how he died? Our guy came up blank.

[Jack Widmore]

Everyone's coming up blank on this one.

[Joshua Mayfield]

I'm not surprised.

[Jack Widmore]

According to your report, you never met Simon Hill. Is that correct?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Never met him, never saw him.

[Jack Widmore]

And the body was found outside a cabin that was being rented by a young woman named Marie Claire Henderson.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Mc. That's what everyone calls her here. Comes here every summer. She's like family.

[Jack Widmore]

Then you must know her boyfriend.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Boyfriend?

[Jack Widmore]

Yes, a young man named Joshua Mayfield.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Oh, I don't think they're dating or anything like that. The two of them barely know each other.

[Jack Widmore]

Is that what she said?

[Joshua Mayfield]

That's what they both said when they came in and gave their statements.

[Jack Widmore]

And was that the first time you met Josh?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Yeah. He seemed like a good kid.

[Jack Widmore]

Hmm.

[Joshua Mayfield]

What?

[Jack Widmore]

Were you aware that Josh drove all the way up from San Francisco for the sole purpose of finding and meeting mc?

[Joshua Mayfield]

No, I was not. Josh told me he was bumming around the coast, killing time between jobs.

[Jack Widmore]

Time may not be the only thing he was Killing?

[Joshua Mayfield]

Wait, you think he.

[Jack Widmore]

I'm not sure what I think, Sheriff, but I would like to have a conversation with mc. Is she around? Can you get her to come by for a few minutes?

[Joshua Mayfield]

I don't know. I'll give her a call.

[Jack Widmore]

And if Josh is with her, he should come in too. That will give us a chance to find out why he lied to you.

[Joshua Mayfield]

Right. Her phone's off. Mc, it's Sheriff Green. Can you give me a ring back as soon as you get this? I need to speak to you in person right away. And I'll need to see Josh too, if he's with you.

[Jack Widmore]

Sheriff, you look like a man who could use some fresh air.

[Joshua Mayfield]

What are you thinking?

[Jack Widmore]

I'd like to see the cabin where Simon Hill's body was found.

[Joshua Mayfield]

No problem.

[Jack Widmore]

And one more question. Does this town have a well stocked hardware store?

[Howard]

Trap street was written and directed by Tony Martinez. The show was produced by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez. Starring Chris Kayella as AJ Jack Whitmore Featuring Dorian Frankel Rena Marie Vilano, Samantha Turret, Carl T. Wright. Thanks for listening. We'll be back soon. And remember, maps have secrets. The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Kathy]

The buyer awaits your decision. Poised as one, both ready for a fight and assured of its outcome. I'll have that relic now that cool.

[Jack Widmore]

Pretty boy have more healing. We gonna need it. You guys might. One of you dies and I'm running for it. So don't. We'll have to use every advantage and we've not many left. So. I'm confused. What am I supposed to say to him?

[Kathy]

Marcus.

[Jack Widmore]

It's a role playing game, right?

[Kathy]

So you're this holy guy, Benedict, right?

[Jack Widmore]

And he's just joined this adventuring party, right? Why? Because we needed someone to heal us and not ask questions. Dom. What? Any reason you want, Marcus. That's the great thing about this game. You can be anyone you want, do anything you want, for any reason, so.

[Denise]

Long as it's true to your character.

[Sheriff Green]

Cool.

[Jack Widmore]

I totally got this. Wait, but this artifact belongs to my church. And as such, I cannot part with it for any price. Uh, what did I say? Kill them all.

[Kathy]

The Ordinary Epic A podcast series about the extraordinary, the ordinary and something in between. Listen [e-mail] or on your favorite podcast.