Episode 24: "At Midnight's Spectred Hour" – The Sheridan Tapes
CONTENT WARNING: Doppelgängers, some strong language, gun violence, dismemberment of a non-human character, paranoia, discussions of suicide and suicidal intent, loud noises (including gunshots, thunder, and screams), depiction of a car crash and personal injury, some strong language
Tape 4-18-15-1-15: A series of recordings from across Oslow County, Nevada, regarding the pursuit of Detective Sam Bailey
Starring Airen Neeley Chaconas as Anna Sheridan, Jesse Steele as Bill Tyler, Maurice Cooper as Jerry Price, Michael Dostrow as Chief Morrison, and Trevor Van Winkle as Sam Bailey and Lieutenant De Witt, with original music by Jesse Haugen. Written and produced by Trevor Van Winkle, and made possible by our supporters at Patreon.com/homesteadcorner
For more information and additional content, visit thesheridantapes.com
Script
Outtakes
Transcript
CONTENT WARNINGS: Doppelgängers, some strong language, gun violence, dismemberment of a non-human character, paranoia, discussions of suicide and suicidal intent, loud noises (including gunshots, thunder, and screams), depiction of a car crash and personal injury, some strong language
Cold Open
[Faint sounds of traffic]
[Lights flicker on, buzzing and popping]
[Slow footsteps]
[Papers flipping, shuffling]
Jerry Price
Ah, here we go, let’s see… ‘04 Sentra, impounded for parking violation, cracked windshield… Yep, close enough.
[He moves on, flipping the sheet]
‘99 Buick Century, busted tail light, weed found in vehicle… Yeah, sure. Bet that was…
[Across the lot, someone hits the chain link fence, rattling it]
Jerry Price
Who the hell…
[Footsteps]
Sam? Is that you?
Sam Bailey
Yeah, it’s me.
Jerry Price
[Footsteps]
Wow… Good to see you man! It’s been a while!
Sam Bailey
Yeah, well… Actually I’m just…
Jerry Price
Hold on, let me get the gate open.
[Jerry opens the gate]
Sam Bailey
Thanks, Jerry.
Jerry Price
Well shit, don’t want to be talking at you through a fence.
[Jerry claps him on the back loudly]
[Sam grunts and stumbles slightly]
Jerry Price
You doing okay? You look a bit…
Sam Bailey
Yeah yeah, I know. Look Jerry, I’m… I’m here on business.
Jerry Price
What, at 5:30 on a Friday? Don’t you get a weekend over there?
Sam Bailey
Not usually. It’s a bit more demanding than Agate Shore PD was.
Jerry Price
Glad I got out, then. So – what’s up?
Sam Bailey
Um… I’m here to pick up Anna Sheridan’s van. It’s an old sprinter, license number L9…
Jerry Price
Yeah, I know it. Been a real pain in the ass keeping it here, you know. Had to keep moving it to make room. You keeping it for good this time, or should I expect it back?
Sam Bailey
I’m… not sure. Maybe. I hope so.
Jerry Price
[Laughs]
You and me both. Hold on…
[Footsteps]
[Jerry opens a key locker, rummages through it for a moment, then pulls out the fob]
Jerry Price
There you go! And god speed that thing out of here.
[Keys jangle]
Sam Bailey
Thanks. Sorry to bother you this late, but…
Jerry Price
Hey, it’s no problem! Just glad to see you again, it’s been way too long.
Sam Bailey
Yeah, I… I guess it has.
[Awkward silence]
Is, uh… How’s Russel doing?
Jerry Price
Oh, he’s good. Getting on a bit you know, but… Still gets into plenty of trouble.
Sam Bailey
I bet.
Jerry Price
He misses you a lot, you know.
Sam Bailey
[Scoffs]
I doubt that.
Jerry Price
He does. I can tell. When do you think you can take him back?
Sam Bailey
I don’t know. I still haven’t found a pet-friendly apartment I can afford. And, well… He was Allen’s dog first, you know?
Jerry Price
Oh. Right.
Sam Bailey
Where do you have the van…
Jerry Price
Oh, right! It’s just over there, at the end of the row: You can’t miss it.
Sam Bailey
Thanks Jerry, I really appreciate it.
Jerry Price
Yeah. Take care of yourself, okay Sam?
Sam Bailey
[Sighs]
I’ll try.
[Sam turns and begins to walk away]
[A dog starts to whine from somewhere nearby]
Jerry Price
It’s okay, Russel, it’s just Sam – you know Sam, right?
[Russel’s whining sounds sad and lonely from across the yard]
[Sam sighs heavily]
[Cassette player motor whirs, then stops]
[Click]
[Main Theme]
Field Recording – Bill Tyler 050319
[Cassette noises]
[Click]
[Hiss of static, then fades]
[Someone fumbles with a tape recorder]
Bill Tyler
Okay… that looks right, at least. Finally got a moment alone to get this thing rolling. If I just…
[Bill slips it into the pocket of his jacket]
There. That should keep anyone from noticing. I don’t know how Sam found yet another tape recorder, but here we are… recording everything, just in case we need it.
[Door opens]
[Footsteps]
[Silent, empty room tone]
Jeez, did everyone just leave without me…?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Lieutenant Tyler?
Bill Tyler
Ahh!
[Bill jumps back]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Oh, sorry! Didn’t mean to frighten you!
Bill Tyler
It’s… it’s fine. Just – wasn’t expecting to see you here again.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Well, after the way I left things with Detective Bailey, I just
wanted to… apologize.
Bill Tyler
[Laughs nervously]
Apologize? For what?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Well, I can tell he’s under a lot of stress. He must have just let it get to him, that’s all… And I didn’t exactly make it any easier for him. I wanted to make sure he’s all right, but I can’t seem to find him anywhere. Actually, I can’t seem to find anyone in here. Do you know what’s going on?
Bill Tyler
Well, umm… I can’t really tell you that – confidential police business, you know. Kind of a… uh, a big operation going on right now, so…
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Is Sam in trouble? Did he do something wrong?
Bill Tyler
Well, he… Look, I’m sorry Miss Sheridan, but I really can’t tell you anything.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
No, of course you can’t. I understand.
Bill Tyler
Right. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have to…
[Footsteps]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Actually, if you have a second, I was hoping you could help me out
with something?
[Footsteps stop]
Bill Tyler
No, I really do have to…
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
It’ll only take a second, I promise!
Bill Tyler
I… okay, sure. What is it?
[Rustling, movement]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Well, I was just discharged from the halfway house earlier today…
Bill Tyler
You were what?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Discharged! Six months sober today.
Bill Tyler
Oh. Umm… Congratulations?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Thank you! Anyway, I was planning on heading out of town in the next few days and going home, so I wanted to grab my tapes before I did. Do you think you could help me find them?
Bill Tyler
Umm… Well, not really. Sam, he – well, he, uh…
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Oh. He took them and ran, didn’t he?
Bill Tyler
I… I can’t tell you that.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Fine. I don’t suppose you could get my van back, either?
Bill Tyler
Uh… Well, that paperwork is a bit… Complicated, so it might take a few…
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
So he stole my van too, huh?
Bill Tyler
I already told you, I can’t…
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
You don’t have to, Lieutenant. Thanks anyways, though! Don’t let me keep you, I’m sure you have a lot to do.
Bill Tyler
Uh… Yes. Well… See you later, I guess.
[Bill starts to walk down the hall]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Wait a minute!
Bill Tyler
What?
[Bill stops, and Anna walks right up to him]
[Long, awkward silence]
Um… Yes? What is it?
[Another moment of silence]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Nothing. Just needed to get a closer look.
[She turns and marches off]
[Bill lets out a sigh]
Bill Tyler
What the hell was that?
[Click]
Field Recording Paused
[Click]
Tape 4-18-15-1-15
[Hiss of static, then fades]
[Someone fidgets with a recorder, then sets it down]
[Sound of an engine running]
Sam Bailey
Alright, uh… This is Detective Samuel Bailey, formerly employed by Oslow County Police Department, currently a fugitive from the law due to extenuating circumstances involving the entity impersonating Anna Sheridan. Due to my inability to arrest and contain this person, I have been forced to flee Oslow in order to keep them from obtaining Anna Sheridan’s field recordings.
If something has happened to me and you’re listening to this alone – do not let them have the tapes. Burn them if you have to, but don’t allow them to fall into her hands, whatever you do.
[Sighs]
I hate running like this, but it’s really our only option now. I’m honestly just trying to get as far away from Oslow as possible, as fast as possible, but sooner or later we’re going to have to stop and find a way to destroy the Echo for good. And I’m not going to get caught with no evidence when that happens… I’d rather not end up in prison, thank you very much.
Though to be honest, I’m not really sure how far I can run in this thing. De Witt stole my car when he escaped, and I couldn’t exactly get an interceptor from the station anymore, so the only option I had was…
[Sighs]
…well, stealing Anna’s old van out of impound. It’s not that old, to be honest, but it’s heavy as hell and probably only gets about fifteen miles to the gallon.
Every time I stop for gas, I increase the risk of getting caught, so… yeah. Still, I know the gas stations between here and Arrowhead pretty well, and this one up ahead doesn’t have any cameras. If I can fill up the tank and all the cans I brought, I should be able to reach the Utah state line before I need to fill up again.
I really hope they haven’t put my picture on the news yet… I know the owner always used to have the TV on in the store. Well, I don’t really have a choice but to stop, do I?
[Sam pulls off the highway and stops]
[Jangle of keys, engine stops]
[Car door opens, then closes]
[Footsteps]
[Electronic chime, automatic door slides open]
[Fluorescent lights buzz]
[Footsteps stop]
Cashier
Can I help you?
Sam Bailey
Yeah, um… Could I get $50 of diesel on pump 3?
Cashier
[Heavy sigh]
Card reader broken again?
Sam Bailey
No, just, uh – prefer to pay cash.
Cashier
Fine. You need change?
Sam Bailey
No. Here.
[Sam hands him the bill]
[Cash register rings]
Cashier
You’re good.
Sam Bailey
Thanks. Could I get the bathroom key as well?
Cashier
[Sighs]
Yeah, sure. Uh, here.
[Key jangles]
Sam Bailey
Uh, where is it?
Cashier
[Heavy sigh, muttering]
Around the back, you figgin’ dumb ass…
[Footsteps]
[Door dings and slides open]
[Crickets]
[Footsteps stop]
[Key jangles]
[Sam rattles the door knob]
Sam Bailey
Piece of junk…
[He tries again, and this time the door opens]
[He pulls a chain to turn on the light]
Jesus, when’s the last time they cleaned this place?
[Closes the door, steps inside]
No wonder I never stopped here before.
[Sam pulls out the recorder and sets it down]
Don’t think you want to hear this – I’ll restart the recording in a minute. I mean, if I’m not murdered before then…
Anna Sheridan
[Far off]
Bailey…! Bailey…!
[A strange, almost musical static rises]
Sam Bailey
Hello? Who’s there?
Anna Sheridan
[far off, echoing whisper]
Bailey…! Bailey…! Run…! Hurry…!
Sam Bailey
Sh… Sheridan?
[The echoing voice fades away, as does the static]
[Sam hesitates, then picks up the recorder again]
Sam Bailey
Okay, scratch the bathroom break, I guess. Probably wasn’t the best idea anyway…
[Sam opens the door]
Bill! What are you doing here?
Bill Tyler
Got out ahead of the rest of the team. They’re not far behind though.
Sam Bailey
But why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be slowing them down?
Bill Tyler
Listen, I don’t have time to argue with you Sam. I had to warn you, and I didn’t have enough signal out here to just call you.
Sam Bailey
Warn me about what?
Bill Tyler
The Echo. It came into the station just before I left. It was looking for the tapes.
Sam Bailey
Shit… You didn’t tell it…
Bill Tyler
No, I didn’t tell her anything. But she knows something’s up. And I doubt she’s going to let you go without a fight.
Sam Bailey
Well now I really wish I took a faster car. Come on, I need to finish filling up.
[They both begin to walk around the gas station again]
Bill Tyler
Chief is mad as hell. So is the rest of the department, even if they don’t really know what’s going on. He’s put out an APB, but as far as I can tell it isn’t on the news yet. It seems like Chief wants to keep it a secret… which really isn’t good for you, Sam.
Sam Bailey
Tell me about it.
[Sam starts to fill up the car’s gas tank as Bill speaks]
Bill Tyler
Look, I know we came up with this plan together, but have you thought about maybe just… giving yourself up? I mean, Chief might take it easier on you if you just…
Sam Bailey
Not a chance. And it’s not them I’m worried about. I mean, what happens when the Echo finds me? After everything that I’ve done to…
[BANG. BANG. Two gunshots ring out across the gas station]
[Bill grunts in pain and collapses]
Bill!
De Witt
Not quite.
Sam Bailey
Y… You.
De Witt
Nice to see you again, Bailey.
Sam Bailey
What are you… Why did… You just killed Bill…
De Witt
No, I didn’t.
Sam Bailey
You… What?
De Witt
[Sighs]
One, he’s not dead. Not yet. And two… That’s not Bill.
Sam Bailey
It’s not… Oh god.
De Witt
Exactly. Seems your Miss Sheridan’s been busy, huh?
[De Witt crosses to “Bill”]
Bill Tyler (OTHER)
[Strained, with a light electronic distortion]
So… It’s you. Thought you were done for, last time I saw you.
De Witt
Not bloody likely. Huh. Not bad for a bodge job, there. Lucky for you it’s nighttime. And that Sam here wasn’t paying too much attention. Aviators at midnight? Sloppy.
Sam Bailey
Oh, I’m an idiot.
Bill Tyler (OTHER)
[Pained laugh]
Well it worked, didn’t it? Fooled him, at least.
De Witt
Lucky I was paying attention, then. Else this might have gotten real messy.
Sam Bailey
Where the hell did you come from, anyway?
De Witt
[Squelching noises]
[Shifts into “Cashier” voice]
In the store, you friggin’ dumb ass…
[Squelching noises, back to his normal]
Found this place when I skipped town. Good spot to lay low for a while… Stay out of sight.
Sam Bailey
What happened to the old owner?
De Witt
Oh, that old bag of bones? Died quietly in his bed.
Sam Bailey
Of natural causes?
De Witt
If you like. I think we have more pressing concerns, though.
How far away is your… Counterpart? How long before she can manifest here?
Bill Tyler (OTHER)
[Spits in his face]
Go to hell.
De Witt
[Cocks his gun]
You first.
Sam Bailey
Wait, don’t…
[De Witt fires again]
Sam Bailey
You didn’t have to do that.
De Witt
No. You’re right. But I wanted to.
Sam Bailey
We could have…
De Witt
And in the meantime, the Echo’s getting closer every second you waste arguing. Just go – I’ll get rid of the body.
Sam Bailey
How will you… Wait, nevermind – I really don’t want to know.
De Witt
Good. Cause I wasn’t going to tell you anyways. Now run, Bailey. And don’t look back.
[Sam stops the gas pump, screws the lid on the tank, and opens the van’s door]
[Click]
Tape Paused
Field Recording Resumes
[Click]
[Familiar static]
[A different sounding engine]
Chief Morrison
Are you sure he said he was heading east?
Bill Tyler
Yeah, I’m pretty sure… I mean, he said he had college friends out in Montana, so I think he’s trying to reach them.
Chief Morrison
Not terribly bright of Sam. Especially not when he told you where he was going.
Bill Tyler
Well… He wasn’t exactly in the best state of mind. He probably didn’t even realize what he was telling me.
Chief Morrison
Hmm. It’s a damned shame.
[Sighs]
What a waste of potential.
Bill Tyler
Sir… You knew he had… Issues when you hired him. Should you really be surprised that he…
Chief Morrison
He just needed the right push Bill, that’s all. I just miscalculated how far I could push him.
Bill Tyler
Chief Morrison, Sam was… Look, I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure
Sam was trying to kill himself.
Chief Morrison
Really?
Bill Tyler
Well, you know he doesn’t drink, but he came home from the station with a few six packs of… Well, honestly, the cheapest beer I’ve ever seen. And his meds, well – they don’t mix well with alcohol.
Chief Morrison
Hmm. Not exactly elegant. I wonder if it would have worked?
Bill Tyler
Sir? He’s your officer…
Chief Morrison
Was. Was.
Bill Tyler
He was your officer. You recruited him while he was still in the hospital. He was a suspect in the Agate Shore case, but you gave him the benefit of the doubt anyways. And he was…
Chief Morrison
I know that, Bill. If you’re trying to make a point, then stop dancing around it.
Bill Tyler
Sir, you clearly wanted him in the department. You must have seen something in him, so – what changed?
Chief Morrison
You were keeping an eye on him. You tell me.
Bill Tyler
Sir, I… I’d prefer not to talk about that.
Chief Morrison
Why? You seemed happy enough to spy on him before.
Bill Tyler
It’s not that, it’s… I think I might have helped push him over the edge.
Chief Morrison
What do you mean?
Bill Tyler
Well, that… that tape you had me hide with Sheridan’s. The one from Agate Shore. I think that might have been what set him off. And if I hadn’t gotten to him in time, then maybe…
Chief Morrison
[Annoyed sigh]
Bill, if Sam had gone through with it, then that would have been his fault, not yours. I gave him every opportunity to get out, but he still kept coming in to the station. He kept working. He kept pushing. I respected him for that, but if he couldn’t see the cliff before he raced off the edge, that’s his problem, not ours. End of story.
[Awkward silence]
Bill Tyler
Sir… no disrespect, but if you thought he couldn’t handle the pressure – then don’t you think you should’ve let him go? Not hired him in the first place, I mean?
Chief Morrison
[Sighs]
Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t know. Probably not worth losing sleep over, in either case. Now put your foot down, Tyler, we need to close the gap.
Bill Tyler
Yes… Sir.
[The engine revs before…]
[Click]
Field Recording Paused
[Silence]
[Click]
Tape ???
[Hiss of static, then fades]
[Odd thudding, digging noises]
[Footsteps]
[Someone fumbles with a tape recorder, pulling it out of a pocket]
De Witt
Heh. Looks like you’re gettin’ better at picking up details, huh? Real one must’ve had a recorder on him too. Well – not to brag too much, but, uh… it didn’t work. I’m about to put this one in the ground too, so – better luck next time.
[De Witt turns, grunts slightly, and pushes “Bill’s” body into a shallow grave]
De Witt
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But they said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. He said unto him – Let the dead bury their dead.” Amen.
[De Witt picks up a small shovel and begins to cover the body up]
[Static rises on the tape]
[De Witt stops shoveling, sniffing the air]
De Witt
I know you’re there, Sheridan.
[Another set of footsteps approach]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
You know that’s not my real name.
De Witt
True. But seein’ as you don’t have a real one, I figured it’s good enough.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
[Chuckles darkly]
That’s fair… “De Witt.”
De Witt
You here to try and kill me then? Figured you’d get around to it eventually.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
No. There wouldn’t be any point, and I don’t have the time to waste trying. Still – I did put a lot of working into that thing you just put three bullets into.
De Witt
Eh, Bailey needed a hand. I was more than happy to help on this occasion.
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
That’s not like you. You know what he is, right? What he’s capable of?
De Witt
[Chuckles]
Yeah. But he doesn’t. And given his track record, I doubt he’ll find out in time. Still – wanted to give him a fighting chance.
Especially if it means slowing you down.
[De Witt moves his gun slightly]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
And what about that thing? You plan on shooting me as well?
De Witt
Haven’t made my mind up yet. Would it do any good?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
[Laughs]
Not much. Not anymore. I’ve had enough time in this body that I can remake it from memory.
De Witt
Hmm. So. Neither of us can kill the other. You want to catch Sam, and I want you to fail. So where does that leave us?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Me? A little worse off than when I started. You? Well… Have you been drinking, De Witt?
De Witt
Drinking… What the hell are you talking about?
[Distortion rises]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Sorry, it’s just… You look a bit… Legless.
[Several sets of footsteps approach]
De Witt
What are… Stay back! All of you, stay back!
[De Witt cocks his pistol]
Don’t come any closer! I’m warning you, I… Hey! Let go! Let go of me!
[His feet scuff the dirt for a moment as two of them grab his arms]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Not so smug now, are you? You two… Remove his legs.
De Witt
What? Wait! Sheridan, just think about – think about what you’re doing, I… AGHHHH!
[De Witt lets out a sound somewhere between pain and disgust]
[The sound of wet mud, meat, and tearing cloth]
[De Witt falls to the ground]
Ah, you bitch!
[The sound of his “blood” oozing out continues in rhythmic bursts]
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
No need to call anyone names, De Witt. Now… you two. Start walking in opposite directions, and don’t stop until the sun comes up. Find a good place to hide his legs, and then disperse.
De Witt
[Groans]
Seriously? What the hell, Sheridan?
Anna Sheridan (OTHER)
Eye for an eye, De Witt. You take a part of me away… And I take my pound of flesh in return. Only fair, don’t you think?
[Click]
Tape Ends
[Silence]
[Click]
Tape Resumes
[Hiss of static, then fades]
[Sam breathing heavily]
[Sound of the van’s engine]
Sam Bailey
It’s okay Sam… It’s okay… You got away. That – that thing is dead. You’re still ahead of it… No one’s going to…
[Sam takes one last deep breath, then finally stops hyperventilating]
Okay. We’re about… Five miles out from Arrowhead now. Starting to head up the grade into town. Really need to be careful driving through – Chief probably has Arrowhead PD looking out for the van. Though, if we’re lucky, this storm should reduce visibility enough for me to slip through unnoticed. And if I take Walsh Street West, I should be able to get around most of…
[A bolt of lightning strikes directly overhead]
Shit! Where the hell did that come from? It’s only…
[A solid sheet of rain descends on the car]
Okay – That is definitely not normal.
If you’re listening, it just started raining out of nowhere. Not like, it started raining a little bit at a time, it just came down in a solid sheet right on top of the van. I can barely see the road with how hard it’s…
[A semi-truck rounds a corner, blaring its horn as it skids wide]
Whoa whoa whoa!
[Sam cranks the wheel. The tires lock up and skid]
[Slams into the steel barrier]
[The van goes end over end down a steep, rocky hill]
[The mic bumps and clatters with each hit, Sam grunting]
[Click]
[Silence]
[Click]
[Sound of heavy rain]
[Sam groans]
[He pushes the door open, broken glass falling lightly]
[With effort, Sam drags himself away from the wreck]
Sam Bailey
Okay. Jesus. Second crash on that stretch of road in a year. Lucky me.
Although, I guess I really am lucky, I guess: managed to walk away from both. At least, I think I’ll be able to… AH!
[Sam screams in pain as he tries to stand]
Fuck! my leg… God, that hurts. I think it’s… Yeah, it’s definitely broken. Son of a…
I think there was a crutch in the van… Or something that looked like one, at least. If I can just…
[Sam drags himself back towards the van, sliding the door open]
[He rummages around for a moment]
Okay. Got it.
[He pulls it out, then pulls himself to his feet with effort]
Okay. Okay. Back on my feet. Good. Need to keep going. No… Need to figure out where I am first. Where did I put that flashlight…?
[Checks his pockets]
[Pulls out a small flashlight, switching it on]
Alright… Now we’re in business. I think there’s a sign just up ahead, if I can get to it. Wish me luck.
[Limping footsteps through gravel]
[Stops cold]
No… No, not here…
[Thunder rolls]
It’s… it’s the old tourism billboard. The one they never bothered to take down, even after the lake…
[Sighs]
It’s Agate Shore. “Welcome back to Agate Shore.”
[Clack and clatter as the tape ejects]
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