The Creeping Dread of Censorship: "A Question of Fear" (Psychological Thriller)

0:00 Speaker 1: Doorway to Nightmare is brought to you in part by Swanage Press. It lies in wait amidst your dreams, where nothing is ever how it seems. It is a portal to a terrifying world beyond the doorway. Come in.

0:44 Speaker 2: Welcome.

0:45 Speaker 1: I'm Artemis Black. Welcome to the theater of the mind, a place that is entirely your own. Whatever your brain can dream up would be your reality. But oh, the delicious horrors that flood the mind with a little help.

1:08 Speaker 3: But what could they possibly want?

1:10 Speaker 4: It's the D.O.S.S., Alex.

1:13 Speaker 3: Department of Social Safety?

1:15 Speaker 5: What a crock.

1:16 Speaker 4: Whatever they want, it isn't going to be good.

1:23 Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, Question of Fear, was written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and edited by Crimson McKenzie. Our cast includes Crimson McKenzie, Patience Adams, Mick Davis, Robert Jackson, and Dave Arkapoff. I'll return shortly with Act One.

1:44 Speaker 6: There, underneath your bed, there is something. And it's waiting, waiting for another story. No one is afraid of monsters anymore. And other stories to read to the thing under the bed by Winslow Swan. Paperback editions available at Amazon.com. Audiobook edition available at Spotify. Eight terrifying tales for you to enjoy and to read to the thing under your bed.

2:17 Speaker 1: Get it.

2:19 Speaker 6: Before the thing gets you.

2:23 Speaker 1: Have you ever posted something online, perhaps a quote, or even the lyrics of a song, or something innocent, at least in your mind? Our story takes place in a possible future time that may not be too far away from where we are now. The most famous and oft-quoted phrase from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address says, quote, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. End quote. For over 200 years, that one phrase has resonated with so many.

3:27 Speaker 1: But there are some places on this tiny planet where government is simply a way to control the masses.

3:41 Speaker 3: Jane!

3:43 Speaker 4: I'm home!

3:44 Speaker 7: Oh, Maggie! What did you bring me?

3:46 Speaker 4: Oh, I'm only coming from work. Do I have to bring you something every day?

3:52 Speaker 7: You usually do.

3:53 Speaker 4: Then today is no difference. Here.

4:01 Speaker 7: I do love oranges.

4:03 Speaker 4: Thank you, sis.

4:05 Speaker 7: Is Alex coming for dinner tonight?

4:07 Speaker 4: Wednesday night? As usual. I just wish we could afford something better than a hamburger.

4:13 Speaker 1: Oh, well.

4:15 Speaker 4: We will just have to make do. Anything happen while I was at work?

4:21 Speaker 7: Nothing really. Some man came by about an hour ago.

4:25 Speaker 4: What sort of man?

4:27 Speaker 5: I don't know.

4:28 Speaker 7: Just a man. He left a letter for you. I didn't open it.

4:34 Speaker 4: Where, Jane?

4:35 Speaker 7: Over there on the table by the door.

4:37 Speaker 4: You let some man come in here? Honey, I told you!

4:42 Speaker 7: But he showed me his badge thingy.

4:44 Speaker 4: What sort of badge?

4:46 Speaker 7: A gold one. Real gold. Can you believe it?

4:50 Speaker 4: Jane, where is this letter?

4:55 Speaker 7: You're mad at me again.

4:56 Speaker 1: No.

4:57 Speaker 4: No, honey. I'm not mad at you. But this letter could be something very important.

5:05 Speaker 7: I told you, it's on the table.

5:11 Speaker 4: I don't see... Here it is. It fell on the floor behind the table. Oh, dear God!

5:36 Speaker 1: Maggie?

5:37 Speaker 3: Is everything alright?

5:38 Speaker 4: Hi, Alex.

5:39 Speaker 7: It's burgers tonight, if that's okay.

5:41 Speaker 1: Hi, Jane.

5:42 Speaker 3: Burgers are fine with me.

5:45 Speaker 7: I'm going to set the table.

5:47 Speaker 4: All right, honey. I'll start dinner in a minute.

5:52 Speaker 3: What's wrong, Maggie?

5:54 Speaker 4: This. From the Department of Social Safety.

5:58 Speaker 3: You mean you got one too?

5:59 Speaker 4: What are you talking about, Alex?

6:02 Speaker 3: I'm supposed to meet with a Mr. Eric Witherspoon at 3 p.m.

6:05 Speaker 1: Tomorrow.

6:06 Speaker 4: I've been asked. Requested to be there at four. Oh, Alex, what's going on?

6:17 Speaker 3: I'm sure that it's nothing. A mistake.

6:19 Speaker 4: You and I both know that they don't make mistakes. Or at least won't admit to them.

6:25 Speaker 3: Might as well say secret police on the side of the building. Stories I've heard.

6:30 Speaker 4: Please, I don't want to think about it. My main concern is Jane.

6:35 Speaker 3: I'm sure everything's going to be fine.

6:51 Speaker 4: Almost six o'clock. I wish they would just hurry up. I hate this waiting.

7:04 Speaker 8: Alex?

7:05 Speaker 4: Are you alright?

7:07 Speaker 3: Oh, Maggie, yes. Everything is fine. I'll see you later tonight.

7:16 Speaker 5: Miss White?

7:17 Speaker 4: Yes?

7:18 Speaker 5: Please come in. I do apologize for the long wait.

7:21 Speaker 4: Oh, that's okay.

7:25 Speaker 9: Please sit down. I'm sure that we can clear this matter up quickly. Your sister is probably very worried about you.

7:32 Speaker 4: Jane knew I was coming here. Our neighbor keeps an eye on things when I'm not there.

7:38 Speaker 9: Very good. She's doing better since you started her in that... special online school?

7:45 Speaker 4: Yes. I suppose.

7:47 Speaker 3: Yes.

7:48 Speaker 5: I understand her disability is quite... unique. But I'm sure that you're doing the best for her.

7:54 Speaker 4: I try, Mr. Witherspoon.

7:56 Speaker 5: Oh, please, call me Eric. I would offer you a cigarette, but you gave up smoking last year.

8:04 Speaker 4: Yes, that's true.

8:06 Speaker 9: Said the price was way too high. I would definitely agree with you on that.

8:11 Speaker 4: Well, I didn't mean... I mean... There were other factors involved.

8:17 Speaker 5: Yes, yes, of course. Something to drink, then.

8:20 Speaker 4: Mr. Witherspoon, would you please get to the point?

8:24 Speaker 5: The point, Miss White?

8:26 Speaker 4: Why was I summoned to the Department of Social Safety today?

8:30 Speaker 1: Summoned?

8:32 Speaker 5: We simply requested you to come in. Nothing more.

8:37 Speaker 4: But why?

8:39 Speaker 9: My, you are a very beautiful young woman. Perhaps I saw you and just wanted to get.

8:46 Speaker 5: To know you better.

8:48 Speaker 4: I don't understand.

8:50 Speaker 5: Oh, but I think you do.

8:52 Speaker 8: Mr.

8:52 Speaker 4: Witherspoon, I.

8:53 Speaker 5: Eric, remember?

8:55 Speaker 4: Mr. Witherspoon, why am I here?

8:59 Speaker 5: Oh, very well. Perhaps there is something that you want to, um.

9:14 Speaker 4: tell us. I still don't understand.

9:17 Speaker 5: But of course you do.

9:19 Speaker 9: There is something that perhaps we should know, isn't there?

9:25 Speaker 4: I'm just a secretary, Mr. Witherspoon. I don't know what anything this is that you're talking about.

9:36 Speaker 5: Why don't you go home and simply think about it? Let's schedule another meeting for, say, next.

9:42 Speaker 6: Week, shall we?

9:51 Speaker 1: Maggie White leaves the office, her hands shaking uncontrollably. Her mind goes over the... myriad of things that she thinks this man might want. She races home to her sister, and we shall race back for Act Two.

10:12 Speaker 4: The only witness to her murder cannot speak.

10:16 Speaker 10: Until now.

10:19 Speaker 6: Click.

10:20 Speaker 4: A Tale of Revenge by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon.

10:26 Speaker 10: Revenge is a dish best served cold.

10:45 Speaker 1: President Ronald Reagan once said, freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

10:58 Speaker 4: Hi, Alex.

10:59 Speaker 7: How are you today?

11:01 Speaker 3: I'm fine, Jane. Where's Maggie?

11:05 Speaker 4: I'm sorry, Alex. I was in the kitchen. Oh my god! Alex!

11:12 Speaker 1: It's okay, Maggie.

11:14 Speaker 7: I'm But your eyes are all bruised up. Did you fall down?

11:19 Speaker 3: Yes, Jane. I just fell down. That's all.

11:23 Speaker 11: Maggie, do we need anything from the store? I was going to get something to drink, if that's okay.

11:30 Speaker 4: Yes, Jane. That will be fine.

11:32 Speaker 1: Here.

11:33 Speaker 4: But hurry!

11:34 Speaker 7: Don't worry.

11:35 Speaker 2: I will.

11:35 Speaker 7: And no talking to strangers.

11:43 Speaker 1: Oh, Maggie. It was.

11:45 Speaker 2: Horrible.

11:47 Speaker 7: Did Mr.

11:47 Speaker 4: Witherspoon do that to you?

11:49 Speaker 5: Oh, no.

11:50 Speaker 3: He had a couple of other men do this.

11:53 Speaker 4: I still don't know what they could possibly even want.

11:57 Speaker 3: But don't you?

12:00 Speaker 4: No, I don't. I haven't done or said anything to anyone.

12:05 Speaker 3: But yes, Maggie, you did.

12:07 Speaker 1: Don't you remember?

12:09 Speaker 4: What are you talking about? Mr.

12:13 Speaker 3: Witherspoon finally told me. It was some post you put on social media. A lyric from a song, I think. Don't you remember telling me?

12:22 Speaker 4: Alex, what did you tell them?

12:27 Speaker 3: Don't you remember? A few months ago. All you need is love.

12:35 Speaker 4: Oh my god. No. It can't be that.

12:39 Speaker 3: That is what they want from us. They want to know where you heard it or who said it to you.

12:47 Speaker 7: I only had the grape kind. I was wanting the orange.

12:51 Speaker 4: Jane, remember that post you made on my account?

12:55 Speaker 11: You always let me post things on the web. I have lots of friends and we post lots of things.

13:01 Speaker 4: This was something... something that came from a song. Remember?

13:09 Speaker 7: Are you mad at me, Maggie?

13:12 Speaker 4: No, Jane. I'm not mad at you. Not at all. I just need to know where you got that lyric from.

13:20 Speaker 7: Did I do something bad?

13:21 Speaker 4: No, honey, you didn't. Why don't you go and fix a sandwich?

13:28 Speaker 7: But I thought we were having fish tonight.

13:30 Speaker 4: Slight change in plans, sweetheart. Dinner's gonna be a little late, so go ahead and fix you something now. Okay.

13:37 Speaker 7: Do you want one, Alex?

13:39 Speaker 3: No, thank you, Jane.

13:43 Speaker 4: Alex, you promised me. If anything happens to me, you will take care of Jane.

13:50 Speaker 3: But what could happen to- Promise me! Alright, I promise.

13:56 Speaker 4: I have to go and meet with Mr. Witherspoon.

13:59 Speaker 8: Ah, my favorite person, Maggie White.

14:10 Speaker 5: Please do have a seat.

14:14 Speaker 4: Mr. Witherspoon? I just want you to know that I have been trying to think about what you might want. I don't have the slightest ideas. But of course you do.

14:25 Speaker 5: You just aren't putting much effort into it.

14:28 Speaker 4: I can assure you that.

14:31 Speaker 4: What was that?

14:35 Speaker 5: What was what?

14:36 Speaker 4: I thought I heard.

14:37 Speaker 5: Yes, Miss White? What do you think you heard?

14:44 Speaker 4: Nothing. I must have imagined it.

14:47 Speaker 9: You know, contrary to what people think and say, we are not the bad guys, Maggie. We simply want what is best for everyone. Now you do understand that, don't you?

14:58 Speaker 4: Mr. Witherspoon, I'm trying to tell you that I don't know anything. If you would just tell me what you want.

15:10 Speaker 5: All I want to do is to get to know you better.

15:14 Speaker 1: That's all.

15:17 Speaker 4: Please, Mr. Witherspoon, if you will just tell me!

15:21 Speaker 9: Yes, you really are a beautiful young woman.

15:26 Speaker 5: I do wish that you would call me.

15:29 Speaker 6: Eric.

15:40 Speaker 4: Where's Jane?

15:42 Speaker 3: She's up in her room. Why?

15:44 Speaker 4: We have to get away, Alex. Tonight, if possible.

15:47 Speaker 3: I don't think that'll be possible, Maggie.

15:49 Speaker 4: I've already made contact with someone who can help us and- Look.

15:52 Speaker 3: Out the window.

15:54 Speaker 4: What am I supposed to see?

15:56 Speaker 3: Across the street, Maggie. That tall man, sitting on the bench in the park.

16:00 Speaker 4: What about him?

16:01 Speaker 3: He's been there ever since you left. I also saw a rather nondescript car following you. Yes, over there. On the same stride of the street. It's the same car.

16:12 Speaker 4: Maybe. Maybe not.

16:14 Speaker 3: They're watching you, Maggie. Probably watching me, too. We're not going to be able to go.

16:20 Speaker 1: Anywhere. Winston Churchill once said, A communist is like a crocodile. When it opens its mouth, you cannot tell whether it is trying to smile... or preparing to heat you up. I'll return shortly with Act 3. Meet Jerry Connors. Family man. Business man. Psychopathic killer. The Convincer by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon. Jerry Connors. He can convince you to do anything. Even die. A week has gone by, and Maggie finds herself, yet again, in a small waiting room at the Department of Social Safety, commonly referred to as the D.O.S.S.

17:50 Speaker 4: I won't tell them. Jane is such a beauty, but her disability makes her. Oh, Jane. Don't worry. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. Why can't I remember the lyrics? I know this song. Let me see.

18:14 Speaker 4: There's nothing you can do that can't be done. Nothing you can sing that can't be sung. Nothing you can say, but you can learn. Learn how to play the game. Miss White? Yes?

18:39 Speaker 2: I'm Mr. Kildare, the controller for this section. Will you come with me, please?

18:45 Speaker 4: Where to?

18:48 Speaker 2: Who were you talking to before I came in?

18:52 Speaker 4: Oh, only to myself. I do that sometimes.

18:55 Speaker 1: Hmm.

18:56 Speaker 2: Now, now, Miss White, you seem to be nervous. There's nothing to be afraid of, I promise you. Now, please come this way.

19:04 Speaker 4: But this isn't the way to Mr. Witherspoon's office.

19:07 Speaker 2: Please, continue down this way.

19:10 Speaker 4: But where are you taking me?

19:13 Speaker 2: As I've told you, there's nothing to fear.

19:16 Speaker 1: Mr.

19:16 Speaker 2: Witherspoon's office is currently being painted, that's all. Now to the right and down this hallway.

19:30 Speaker 5: Ah, Miss White. Please do come in.

19:36 Speaker 2: If you don't mind, Eric, I would like to be in on this one.

19:40 Speaker 5: Of course, Mr. Kildare. Oh, I'm sorry. Have you two been formally introduced?

19:45 Speaker 4: He told me he was the controller for this section.

19:50 Speaker 5: I suppose you could say that he was the boss. My boss, to be exact.

19:57 Speaker 2: I've heard a great deal about the methods you use, Mr.

20:02 Speaker 1: Witherspoon.

20:04 Speaker 2: I've been meaning to see them for myself for some time.

20:08 Speaker 4: What is going to happen.

20:09 Speaker 5: Why, nothing, Becky. Nothing at all. That is, if you have something to tell us.

20:17 Speaker 4: But it's just a stupid lyric from an old song. Nothing more.

20:21 Speaker 5: What lyric, Miss White?

20:26 Speaker 4: All you need is love. That's it.

20:32 Speaker 1: There.

20:32 Speaker 5: You see, Mr. Kildare, I told you that she would eventually tell us.

20:37 Speaker 4: But there's nothing wrong with it.

20:39 Speaker 2: That, my dear Miss White, is not for you to decide. I'm quite impressed, Mr. Witherspoon.

20:47 Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. Kildare. I'm sure that you will be even more impressed when she tells me who told her to use that phrase.

20:54 Speaker 4: But, Eric, are you sure?

20:57 Speaker 5: You see, Mr. Kildare, she has finally called me Eric.

21:02 Speaker 4: But I've always called you by your name. Just not here. As you asked me to. What?

21:14 Speaker 5: What are you saying?

21:15 Speaker 4: You want to know who told me? All you need is love. I mean, right here and now?

21:23 Speaker 1: Yes, right now.

21:25 Speaker 5: Who told you that phrase?

21:28 Speaker 4: But Eric, do you trust, you know, him?

21:34 Speaker 5: What sort of game are you.

21:36 Speaker 4: What are you playing? I mean, if you don't mind... I certainly don't mind if Mr. Kildare knows.

21:44 Speaker 2: What am I supposed to know, Miss White?

21:48 Speaker 4: Oh, Eric, don't you remember? The wonderful weekend that we spent together? The way our bodies seemed to meld together? And the things you told me?

22:01 Speaker 2: Mr. Witherspoon, exactly what is she talking about?

22:06 Speaker 5: You little witch!

22:08 Speaker 4: We have never... You're right, Eric. I mean, Mr. Witherspoon, I almost forgot.

22:16 Speaker 1: Forgot?

22:17 Speaker 5: Forgot what?

22:18 Speaker 4: Oh, that I was never, never, ever to mention our little rendezvous.

22:28 Speaker 2: Mr.

22:29 Speaker 5: Kildare, I can assure you that I have no idea what she is talking about.

22:33 Speaker 2: Are you positive, Mr. Witherspoon?

22:38 Speaker 4: Frank, please!

22:39 Speaker 2: Miss White, I believe that Mr. Witherspoon has made a mountain out of a molehill. You will no longer be required to appear here.

22:50 Speaker 4: So, am I free to leave?

22:54 Speaker 2: By all means, Miss White.

22:58 Speaker 5: Frank, I swear that I have never said anything to you!

23:01 Speaker 2: As for Mr. Witherspoon, you will no longer hear from him again, I trust.

23:08 Speaker 4: Ah, you can count on it. Jane, are you here? I'm here.

23:26 Speaker 7: Alex and I have been playing a game.

23:28 Speaker 4: Go upstairs and get that special suitcase.

23:32 Speaker 7: Are we finally going on that trip?

23:34 Speaker 4: You bet we are.

23:38 Speaker 3: Maggie, what happened?

23:39 Speaker 4: Alex, do you have your suitcase packed and ready?

23:42 Speaker 3: Just as you instructed. It's already in the car.

23:44 Speaker 4: You understand this is going to be hard. On all of us.

23:47 Speaker 3: As long as we are away from here, I'm ready to do anything.

23:52 Speaker 4: You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that.

23:56 Speaker 3: Tell me, Maggie. What did you do?

23:59 Speaker 4: I remembered. I remembered the lyrics. That old song. Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play their game.

24:14 Speaker 1: Maggie, Alex, and Jane drive away from the apartment. They head towards the border and a new life. I return shortly with a final word.

24:35 Speaker 10: If you'd like to support us, visit our merchandise store. T-shirts, caps, mugs, and so much more. Visit doorwaytonightmare.com today.

24:55 Speaker 1: Before the moment, there is no such thing as the Department of Social Safety. But it could happen. We should always be mindful of the man behind the curtain. Our cast included Crimson McKenzie, Patience Adams, Mick Davis, Robert Jackson, and Dave Archibald. The story was edited by Crimson McKenzie and directed by Winslow Swan. Music was provided by Kevin MacLeod.

25:34 Speaker 1: And now, a preview of our next tale. I do believe you heard me, Counselor.

25:41 Speaker 6: I heard what you said. But why would you say it?

25:46 Speaker 1: And especially to me. Greg, you've been a great friend, and even better, attorney.

25:53 Speaker 3: The jury may have found me not guilty, but I wanted you to.

25:57 Speaker 1: Know the truth. Doorway to Nightmare is brought to you in part by Swanage Press. This is Artemis Black, inviting you to return with us to the doorway to nightmare for yet another adventure into the terrifying world of your own imagination. Until next time, slumber peacefully.

26:21 Speaker 10: That darn butler did it.