PRICE OF SIN, Part 3: RETRIBUTION

[00:00:00] Welcome, Thrillers. It's Jeff Schmidt, the maker of the madness here at Ominous Thrill.

[00:00:04] Quick note, this is Part 3 of a three-part story. If you haven't heard the other two parts yet,

[00:00:09] please go back in the feed and look for Price of Sin Part 1, The Kiss, and Price of Sin Part 2,

[00:00:17] chosen before continuing onward. And now, a quick recap of Part 2.

[00:00:23] Hey, my witches. They found Judith.

[00:00:25] Jezzy here. Where? At the mine. On the one hand, we have a hateful sinner, Lara Grissom.

[00:00:30] She was burned to death. And on the other, we have the blessed Judith Dunlap.

[00:00:35] She tried to kill me. Gonna let the facts speak on all that.

[00:00:38] Your medical records, photos, police reports, it's all online.

[00:00:43] She took Judith from our home while we slept and set her on fire.

[00:00:47] Mary! Sell your ad on Greg's list. Use your phone number to find your house.

[00:00:52] I don't want trouble. What could be more trouble than burning a woman alive?

[00:00:56] She sees your wickedness. Save us! No! Leave her alone!

[00:01:00] If you can help me find out who is doing this and why, my DMs are open.

[00:01:05] So you do not question when you are chosen. Are you sure, James?

[00:01:09] To be as David against the Goliath of this sinful culture.

[00:01:14] Really sure?

[00:01:15] As clear as his star lights the night. I understand.

[00:01:18] To strike it down, and with its own blade, take from it its head.

[00:01:24] That's what you need to fear now. From who?

[00:01:26] I need to know who. Some creep already found your house.

[00:01:29] Could be anyone.

[00:01:30] Won't be the last. What am I supposed to do?

[00:01:33] Come here. Hide. It's all you can do.

[00:01:34] No one will know you're here.

[00:01:36] Lara.

[00:01:38] So, I want to head over tonight.

[00:01:39] You okay?

[00:01:40] I just don't feel safe here.

[00:01:42] Come over.

[00:01:43] Okay. See you soon.

[00:01:46] And now, Price of Sin Part 3.

[00:01:50] The final part.

[00:01:52] Retribution.

[00:01:52] Listen up, thrillers. A quick note.

[00:01:55] Tonight's devious audio delight contains adult content and language, including graphic violence.

[00:02:01] I know my fish and hunt. Let me know if I can help you find anything.

[00:02:41] Hunting knives.

[00:02:43] Okay.

[00:02:43] Big game or small?

[00:02:44] Big.

[00:02:45] Folder or fixed blade?

[00:02:47] Fixed.

[00:02:48] Okay.

[00:02:49] These here are your five inchers. Big enough to skin most of them.

[00:02:53] No. Bigger.

[00:02:54] That one.

[00:02:55] Okay.

[00:02:58] Here.

[00:02:59] Handmade Damascus steel.

[00:03:01] Walnut handle with a stainless steel cap that can act as a hammer.

[00:03:05] Thirteen inches. Huh?

[00:03:06] See how that feels.

[00:03:07] Now, that'll slice through any game you hunt like butter.

[00:03:11] But the blade that size takes a skilled hand.

[00:03:14] Are you sure you got-

[00:03:14] Yes, I'm sure.

[00:03:16] It's perfect.

[00:03:17] I'll take it.

[00:03:19] Okay, great.

[00:03:20] I didn't catch your name?

[00:03:22] David.

[00:03:23] Name's David.

[00:03:24] Okay then, David.

[00:03:25] Hey, can I show you the Exo Mod bone saw?

[00:03:29] Won't add much weight to your kill kit.

[00:03:31] And I can give you 10% off.

[00:03:34] Mace me?

[00:04:11] Totally would have deserved it.

[00:04:13] I tried calling, texting.

[00:04:16] Yeah.

[00:04:19] Flocked me.

[00:04:20] I was angry.

[00:04:22] Guess I deserved that too.

[00:04:23] So what are you doing here?

[00:04:26] I was worried about you.

[00:04:31] So you heard?

[00:04:32] That video is-

[00:04:34] Shit.

[00:04:35] Yeah.

[00:04:37] How you holding up?

[00:04:40] Not good, actually.

[00:04:42] Can I help?

[00:04:43] I could stay here until things blow over.

[00:04:46] Not a good idea.

[00:04:47] Not as a couple.

[00:04:48] Just-

[00:04:48] I have other plans, so-

[00:04:50] Just wanted to put it out there.

[00:04:53] Out there.

[00:04:54] Thanks.

[00:04:55] So you doing okay?

[00:04:58] Otherwise-

[00:04:59] Just got stitches out.

[00:05:00] Listen, I was on my way out and-

[00:05:02] You can stay with me, you know.

[00:05:04] Well-

[00:05:05] I know.

[00:05:06] I-

[00:05:06] I'm just-

[00:05:07] Feeling guilty?

[00:05:10] I was a real shit.

[00:05:11] You were.

[00:05:12] I don't know why I wasn't able to be the person you needed.

[00:05:19] But-

[00:05:20] I'm sorry.

[00:05:22] Part of me is screaming too little too late, fucker.

[00:05:26] Yeah.

[00:05:27] Familiar with that part.

[00:05:29] But another part-

[00:05:31] The part I'm trying to listen to more wants to say-

[00:05:36] Apology-

[00:05:38] Acknowledged.

[00:05:39] Acknowledged?

[00:05:41] That's progress.

[00:05:45] Baby steps toward accepted.

[00:05:48] I'll-

[00:05:48] To strike you down.

[00:07:11] What?

[00:07:12] By who?

[00:07:27] You shouldn't see this.

[00:07:28] I'm coming to you.

[00:07:29] Someone is speaking.

[00:07:31] Hold the phone up.

[00:07:40] This has you.

[00:07:41] Do you like this?

[00:07:42] This is the price of your sin.

[00:07:45] You may still know the warm embrace of his forgiveness.

[00:07:53] Or vice.

[00:08:06] Police will protect you.

[00:08:08] I'll meet you there.

[00:08:09] Shit!

[00:08:30] Who's in charge here?

[00:08:31] Can't you protect her?

[00:08:35] There's a cop in the break room for tonight, but-

[00:08:38] If you wait till 7am when the detection-

[00:08:40] Risa!

[00:08:40] No!

[00:08:41] What?

[00:08:42] We need to go.

[00:08:43] Warn my friends!

[00:08:44] The police will do that.

[00:08:45] I can't just sit here.

[00:08:47] Lara!

[00:09:00] Fuck this.

[00:09:02] What are you doing?

[00:09:03] Hey everyone.

[00:09:04] There's a deranged man coming after me.

[00:09:07] He killed Will.

[00:09:09] Please, if we're friends, hide.

[00:09:13] If you know my friends, tell them to hide.

[00:09:17] Go someplace I wouldn't know about.

[00:09:19] I'm sorry this is happening.

[00:09:21] Please, please, please protect yourself.

[00:09:26] Be safe.

[00:09:28] I love you.

[00:09:29] I'm so sorry.

[00:09:37] And to the murdering asshole threatening me.

[00:09:40] Lara!

[00:09:40] You're a fucking coward.

[00:09:42] Lara, stop.

[00:09:43] You think you're chosen?

[00:09:44] Come find me, you fucking fraud.

[00:09:47] What the actual fuck?

[00:09:49] I'm not running anymore.

[00:09:50] Moved right to inciting.

[00:09:51] He doesn't have magic powers, Risa.

[00:09:53] He's just a man.

[00:09:54] A delusional fucking man.

[00:09:57] Did you even think one step ahead?

[00:10:00] I had to protect my friends.

[00:10:01] We should've talked first.

[00:10:03] Gamed this out.

[00:10:04] So you're gonna turn on me too?

[00:10:06] Who else is with you in the middle of this shit right now?

[00:10:10] I'm sorry.

[00:10:12] Thank you, Risa.

[00:10:14] Please...

[00:10:15] Help me.

[00:10:18] We'll hole up at my place.

[00:10:20] Figure out what to do next.

[00:10:23] But it's better than any motelpedia would put you in.

[00:10:44] Not a high bar to clear, I'm sure.

[00:10:46] How long have you been out here?

[00:10:52] Out here.

[00:10:54] Sorry, this feels...

[00:10:56] distant.

[00:10:57] Not the bay, that's for sure.

[00:11:00] Billboards for strip clubs, gun shops and churches gave that away.

[00:11:03] Holy trinity out here.

[00:11:06] For me, it's just...

[00:11:08] here.

[00:11:10] So... this is home?

[00:11:12] Yep.

[00:11:12] My father worked at the mine.

[00:11:15] Before it closed.

[00:11:17] How far away...

[00:11:18] is that?

[00:11:20] Four miles or so.

[00:11:26] You okay?

[00:11:28] Yeah, we'll close.

[00:11:33] Turned out to be a good thing.

[00:11:35] What?

[00:11:35] Wyatt's not a fan.

[00:11:37] Has me patrol the South County every two days.

[00:11:40] It's called Dead County, because nothing happens there.

[00:11:45] Until...

[00:11:45] I found you.

[00:11:47] Wasn't even my day to patrol.

[00:11:51] Not hard to see that as a sign.

[00:11:53] Can we not...

[00:11:54] go there?

[00:11:55] Sorry.

[00:11:56] I was raised to notice miracles.

[00:11:59] Maybe take a few steps back and ask where the miracles were when I was drugged...

[00:12:03] or abducted, or sliced up and nearly burned to death.

[00:12:06] I was just...

[00:12:07] No.

[00:12:08] He waited until I suffered all of that.

[00:12:10] And was about to get gang raped on a dirt road by a couple of hicks to finally send me a miracle?

[00:12:16] And then he was, what, taking a smoke break when Will was getting his fucking head sawed off in my driveway?

[00:12:21] It's bullshit!

[00:12:24] I'm sorry.

[00:12:26] I...

[00:12:26] shouldn't have gone there.

[00:12:29] Are you okay?

[00:12:31] I'm supposed to use this shit...

[00:12:33] to heal my scars.

[00:12:36] I forgot it.

[00:12:40] Follow me.

[00:12:52] You're not the only one with violent wounds to treat.

[00:12:56] Come on.

[00:12:57] Let's see.

[00:12:58] Yeah.

[00:13:06] It's gross.

[00:13:08] No.

[00:13:09] These look a lot better than the first time I saw them.

[00:13:12] Oh.

[00:13:12] They're healing nicely.

[00:13:19] I'll always have to explain them.

[00:13:22] Only to those who see.

[00:13:24] Hold still.

[00:13:33] When these heal, I'll take you to Rickshaw's.

[00:13:36] What's that?

[00:13:37] The other thing we got out here.

[00:13:42] Oscar will turn these into art.

[00:13:44] He's good?

[00:13:45] Did mine.

[00:13:47] Here.

[00:13:49] That's beautiful.

[00:13:51] That's where I got stabbed.

[00:13:54] Shit.

[00:13:55] And here.

[00:13:56] I'm convinced.

[00:14:00] I thought you didn't see any action out there.

[00:14:03] These are from breaking up a bar fight.

[00:14:06] And these...

[00:14:08] from juvie.

[00:14:10] You?

[00:14:11] Officer of the law?

[00:14:13] Fell in with the wrong crowd.

[00:14:15] I was either gonna do that and end up dead, or...

[00:14:18] Become the man?

[00:14:20] Bitches can be the man too.

[00:14:21] Facts.

[00:14:24] Something to think about.

[00:14:26] Art can let you tell whatever story you want about these.

[00:14:30] To...

[00:14:30] Whomever you let see.

[00:14:34] I got another one.

[00:14:36] On the inside of my left thigh.

[00:14:39] Up here.

[00:14:41] How'd you get that one?

[00:14:43] That story is just for those that get to see.

[00:14:47] Like Oscar.

[00:14:49] The artist doesn't count.

[00:14:50] I'm a hot mess right now.

[00:15:10] Uh...

[00:15:12] Oh shit.

[00:15:12] I've never felt so seen.

[00:15:19] Says I'm alive again.

[00:15:20] Thought your account was suspended.

[00:15:21] That was TikTok.

[00:15:22] This is Insta.

[00:15:29] I'm calling SRPD.

[00:15:31] Can you tell her where she is?

[00:15:32] Is that her place?

[00:15:33] Uh...

[00:15:33] No.

[00:15:34] I don't think so.

[00:15:36] And he will deliver you up into my...

[00:15:41] Join the feed.

[00:15:42] Please help me.

[00:15:44] Fuck.

[00:15:57] Meet me.

[00:15:58] Please, please, please.

[00:15:59] He needs drugs.

[00:16:06] Consumes his once great nation.

[00:16:08] Come on, A.

[00:16:24] Brought me there.

[00:16:25] How is that possible?

[00:16:26] You're aggressive.

[00:18:08] What am I supposed to know?

[00:18:10] Where is she?

[00:18:12] Why would I know that?

[00:18:14] So she didn't call?

[00:18:18] Nothing?

[00:18:19] Me?

[00:18:24] What?

[00:18:26] What are you saying, Dwayne?

[00:18:28] Being a cop, Toza.

[00:18:30] Why do you need her?

[00:18:31] You never did say what you were doing out there that day.

[00:18:33] Being a cop, Dwayne.

[00:18:36] I need you to be more specific.

[00:18:40] I noticed tire tracks on my last patrol.

[00:18:43] Looked like a lot of movement.

[00:18:44] I never see any activity, so...

[00:18:46] I went back another day.

[00:18:48] A day that wasn't your patrol?

[00:18:49] Yeah.

[00:18:51] Then I saw the truck.

[00:18:52] And Lair...

[00:18:54] Grissom...

[00:18:54] Getting assaulted.

[00:18:56] Should have called me directly.

[00:18:57] She needed medical.

[00:18:58] What is this about?

[00:18:59] But instead, you radio the cavalry over a basic assault.

[00:19:03] I got shot!

[00:19:04] By a guy who mentioned you by name.

[00:19:06] What is that about?

[00:19:07] I got fundamentalists with a hard-on for culture war.

[00:19:09] A DA all too happy to oblige.

[00:19:12] And citizens afraid they're being hunted because they prey.

[00:19:15] Attention I don't need.

[00:19:16] All cause of you.

[00:19:17] Me? What's really going on, Dwayne?

[00:19:20] It's Sheriff Wyatt.

[00:19:21] You hear from Grissom, or know where she is.

[00:19:24] You call me...

[00:19:26] Only me.

[00:19:27] Got it?

[00:19:29] Yeah.

[00:19:29] What?

[00:19:32] Yes.

[00:19:33] Sir.

[00:19:45] What did he want?

[00:19:47] You.

[00:19:50] Didn't say.

[00:19:51] He also didn't mention the videos.

[00:19:52] The victims.

[00:19:53] This makes no sense.

[00:19:55] It's gotta be the mine.

[00:19:56] He must think you know something.

[00:19:58] I told him I don't remember.

[00:19:59] How did Judith even know about it?

[00:20:01] I don't know.

[00:20:02] She only moved here a few months ago.

[00:20:04] She was setting up a reform school for troubled girls.

[00:20:07] Ravenwood?

[00:20:09] No. It's called Trinity.

[00:20:11] Still, doesn't explain why your psycho stalker is there, or what Wyatt is up to.

[00:20:16] Shit. I'm sorry. It's not safe for you here.

[00:20:18] I just got here.

[00:20:20] I have nowhere else to go.

[00:20:22] Hold on.

[00:20:24] Call Oscar.

[00:20:25] Calling Oscar.

[00:20:30] Oz, it's Stoza.

[00:20:33] Shit woman.

[00:20:34] You'll get stabbed again.

[00:20:35] I need to stash a friend for a bit.

[00:20:37] Not that hot.

[00:20:47] Be there in 30.

[00:20:48] We go way back.

[00:21:01] Owes me.

[00:21:02] You want me to stay at a tattoo parlor?

[00:21:04] Options are shrinking here.

[00:21:09] More than you signed on for.

[00:21:11] I'm sorry.

[00:21:13] I can't let you face this alone.

[00:21:17] What are you going to do?

[00:21:19] Need to figure out what Wyatt's up to.

[00:21:21] That sounds dangerous.

[00:21:23] Yeah.

[00:21:24] It's why I need evidence.

[00:21:57] Been too long. Great to see you.

[00:22:06] This is Oscar.

[00:22:07] Hi. Thank you.

[00:22:09] Sure.

[00:22:10] And Oz, this is...

[00:22:11] Oz!

[00:22:13] Sorry, Stoza.

[00:22:14] What the fuck?

[00:22:16] He's out here after you called.

[00:22:18] Oscar owes me more favors than he owes you.

[00:22:20] Oh, you really owe me now, Oz.

[00:22:22] A psychopath is trying to kill me.

[00:22:23] Lara Grissom, you're under arrest for the murder of Judith Dunlap.

[00:22:26] Based on what?

[00:22:28] Forensics.

[00:22:29] Forensics cleared her.

[00:22:30] Had the lighter in Judith's hand.

[00:22:32] Placed there after the fact.

[00:22:33] While she was on fire and Lara was drenched in gasoline?

[00:22:36] That's bullshit.

[00:22:37] It was melted to her hand.

[00:22:39] You're way off game here, Dwayne.

[00:22:41] It's Sheriff Wyatt.

[00:22:42] And it's you who's off game.

[00:22:44] Aiding and abetting a murderer.

[00:22:46] DA wants to prosecute.

[00:22:47] Gotta take in.

[00:22:48] Since when?

[00:22:49] I haven't heard...

[00:22:50] You haven't been on the job in a month.

[00:22:51] Hands behind your back.

[00:22:53] Risa, is this for real?

[00:22:55] Don't call to her.

[00:22:56] She's coming in too.

[00:22:57] What?

[00:22:58] You lied.

[00:23:00] Impeded my investigation.

[00:23:01] Gotta answer for that.

[00:23:02] Bullshit.

[00:23:03] You have no grounds.

[00:23:05] My car.

[00:23:06] Parked on the side.

[00:23:08] I'll follow you both out.

[00:23:10] Let's go.

[00:23:11] Nations the other way.

[00:23:25] Remember when you pushed your way out of the force?

[00:23:28] First female cop in Madeira.

[00:23:35] Hard to forget that welcome.

[00:23:37] And you answered.

[00:23:40] To what?

[00:23:41] To what?

[00:23:42] Only correct answer was yes sir.

[00:23:48] What is this?

[00:23:49] This is all Tellurico bullshit.

[00:23:51] Isn't it?

[00:23:52] You're in his pocket.

[00:23:53] The whole town's in his pocket, you stupid cunt.

[00:23:55] Fuck you.

[00:23:56] What's he got you doing?

[00:23:57] All you had to do was phone the orders.

[00:24:00] Patrol where I told you, when I told you.

[00:24:02] Those tracks.

[00:24:03] But you just have to keep.

[00:24:06] It's gotta be people.

[00:24:07] Isn't it?

[00:24:09] You're trafficking people.

[00:24:12] Congratulations.

[00:24:14] Trinity?

[00:24:15] That's how they're getting the girls?

[00:24:16] From Cartel?

[00:24:18] How deep are you in with them Duane?

[00:24:20] You can stop talking now.

[00:24:21] You're a fucking pig!

[00:24:22] Risa, what is happening?

[00:24:24] Still working out my story but...

[00:24:26] You two being dykes makes me a lot of cover.

[00:24:28] Fuck you!

[00:24:29] You can't do this!

[00:24:30] I'll let the thumper take care of Chris.

[00:24:33] Everyone's expecting that anyway.

[00:24:34] You're a fucking sheriff!

[00:24:36] Oh, he's not going free.

[00:24:38] Mendoza, we got you a one way ticket back to your native land.

[00:24:41] Tell Rico's gonna melt you too, asshole.

[00:24:44] Who's gonna do us both?

[00:26:41] We're in this together now.

[00:26:48] Yeah.

[00:26:49] Gotta follow through.

[00:26:51] All the way.

[00:26:54] So...

[00:26:55] What?

[00:26:56] Bury him somewhere?

[00:26:57] No.

[00:27:08] Cartel.

[00:27:09] It's what they do.

[00:27:59] Mine?

[00:28:00] Really, Risa?

[00:28:01] Close.

[00:28:02] Why it's dead county.

[00:28:04] Irony.

[00:28:06] Delicious.

[00:28:48] That asshole twice.

[00:28:49] I always wanted to do that.

[00:28:57] You don't want to finish this?

[00:28:58] Fuck!

[00:28:59] Risa!

[00:29:02] I'm sorry, I...

[00:29:03] This is...

[00:29:05] A fucking nightmare.

[00:29:07] Yeah.

[00:29:14] There's a mineshaft over there.

[00:29:17] Help me drag it.

[00:29:19] I need to help you...

[00:29:30] Do this.

[00:29:31] You've done more than enough.

[00:29:32] I...

[00:29:33] Want to.

[00:29:35] Are you sure?

[00:29:36] It's intense.

[00:29:38] And this before?

[00:29:42] And down.

[00:29:54] Torso, limbs, head.

[00:29:57] Toss the pieces down the shaft.

[00:29:59] Eight pounds of lye.

[00:30:00] A few gallons of water.

[00:30:02] The shaft is aluminum, so it'll all melt into...

[00:30:06] Slurry.

[00:30:07] Risa.

[00:30:09] The cartels call it pozole.

[00:30:11] If anyone finds this, it'll look like that.

[00:30:14] I'm sorry.

[00:30:16] I...

[00:30:22] Strip him down.

[00:30:23] I'll do the rest.

[00:30:25] I'm gonna get the lye.

[00:31:23] Your sin.

[00:31:24] Lying's blame takes you.

[00:31:28] And so I is David.

[00:31:30] I'm not wasting your time for him.

[00:33:12] Embrace awaits me.

[00:33:24] I'm doing this.

[00:35:12] Personal journal, day 84.

[00:35:15] Risa and I hop and hide.

[00:35:17] Week to week, town to town.

[00:35:20] Avoiding threats from the shadows.

[00:35:22] And the threats that wear smiles across the street in broad daylight.

[00:35:27] Menace wears many faces.

[00:35:30] And it feels everywhere.

[00:35:34] I don't hear Judith anymore.

[00:35:36] Though I think about her now more than ever.

[00:35:40] Maybe because I will always bear her scars.

[00:35:44] And no matter how beautiful the art I've added around them.

[00:35:48] Underneath all the ink.

[00:35:53] Judith's pain of being at war with herself.

[00:35:56] And losing.

[00:35:58] And my pain.

[00:36:00] I'm sorry.

[00:36:00] From what I've had to do.

[00:36:02] And endure to survive.

[00:36:06] Sorry I can't be Jezzy anymore.

[00:36:09] I'm sorry I can't be there for you when you need to hear a voice.

[00:36:12] To remind you that you aren't broken.

[00:36:15] Or sinful.

[00:36:16] Or damned.

[00:36:18] But you can all be Jezzy now.

[00:36:21] For yourselves.

[00:36:23] For each other.

[00:36:25] Because Jezzy is yours.

[00:36:29] Jezzy is you.

[00:36:32] And you're in this.

[00:37:30] Ominous Thrill presents.

[00:37:32] Price of Sin Part 3.

[00:37:34] Retribution.

[00:37:36] Created, written, directed, and sound designed by Jeff Schmidt.

[00:37:40] Starring.

[00:37:41] Leah Voicy as Lara Grissom and Jezzy 666.

[00:37:45] Grace Nix as Risa Vendoza.

[00:37:48] Jonathan Cahill as Will.

[00:37:50] Elliot as Sheriff Dwayne Wyatt.

[00:37:54] Guy Kent as James Douglas.

[00:37:57] Chelsea Krause as Judith.

[00:37:59] Owen McEwen as Hunting Store Clerk.

[00:38:03] Jess Paul as Amanda.

[00:38:05] Nicholas Cortez as Oscar.

[00:38:08] John D. Michaels as Joseph Gunn.

[00:38:12] Additional voices listed in the show notes.

[00:38:15] If you like what you've heard, please give us a five-star rating,

[00:38:18] a positive review, and tell a friend.

[00:38:20] It encourages others to listen.

[00:38:23] Like, follow, or subscribe to Ominous Thrill

[00:38:25] to get our next Devious Audio delight for free.

[00:38:28] To find out more, including how you can support the making of Ominous Thrill,

[00:38:32] and submit a story, visit ominousthrill.com.

[00:38:37] And if this is your first Ominous Thrill episode,

[00:38:40] please look back in the feed and see what you've missed.

[00:38:42] Until next time.

[00:38:45] Thrill you later.

[00:38:46] The Fable and Falling Network, where fiction producers flourish.

[00:38:57] Greetings.

[00:38:58] I am the modestly handsome obituary writer of this fetching town of Crestfall, Idaho,

[00:39:03] and this is Death by Dying.

[00:39:06] Death is exhausting.

[00:39:08] And so, after a long day of funeral attending,

[00:39:11] I had retired to my apartment to get some shut-eye.

[00:39:14] I loosened my Versace tie and changed into my Egyptian silk pajamas.

[00:39:21] Are you the detective in town?

[00:39:23] No, I'm the obituary writer.

[00:39:26] Someone said you solve murder cases.

[00:39:29] Murder?

[00:39:30] I'm Charlotte, by the way.

[00:39:32] Forgive me, but I haven't gotten past the murder part.

[00:39:35] Charlotte, the friend I now have,

[00:39:37] is staying in the apartment above her Aunt Lillian's bookshop.

[00:39:40] She was my aunt.

[00:39:42] She was all I had growing up.

[00:39:44] I need to know why she's gone.

[00:39:47] Murder is the spice of life.

[00:39:49] I knew just who I had to see.

[00:39:52] The Angel of Death.

[00:39:55] We have become friends over the years.

[00:39:56] Careful.

[00:39:58] Death is ever-present.

[00:40:00] Her pet, the button-eyed raven, moaned inconsolably as usual.

[00:40:05] Your friends are abandoning you, one by one.

[00:40:08] You write about death, O.W.,

[00:40:10] but how much do you know about what it feels like to lose someone?

[00:40:16] The shadow in the dark woods is making its way into Crestfall.

[00:40:25] Listen to Death by Dying on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcatcher.