Nefertiti | Stalked on the Phone, Saved by a Familiar: An Audio Drama

0:05 Speaker 1: It lies in wait amidst your dreams, where nothing is ever how it seems.

0:16 Speaker 2: It is a portal to a.

0:18 Speaker 1: Terrifying world beyond the doorway to nightmare.

0:25 Speaker 2: Nightmare.

0:38 Speaker 1: Come in. Welcome. I'm Artemis Black. Technology can be a wonderful thing in the right hands. The telephone has now become a handheld computer capable of not only making calls, but a plethora of applications to make our lives easier.

1:05 Speaker 2: So, what are you doing?

1:08 Speaker 3: Oh, that is so original. Next you're going to ask me, what am I wearing?

1:17 Speaker 2: No, I don't really care about.

1:22 Speaker 3: That. Then why did you call?

1:24 Speaker 2: I want something from you.

1:28 Speaker 3: My firstborn child? All my money? And what could you possibly want from me? Little old me.

1:39 Speaker 2: Your blood pouring from your body.

1:51 Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, Nefertiti, was written especially for Doorwood to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and edited by Crimson McKenzie. Our stars include Crimson McKenzie and Mick Davis. I'll be back shortly with Act One. Since Alexander Graham Bell first uttered the words, Watson, come here, I need you, His invention has gone through many changes over the last hundred years. Most people now have a phone everywhere they go. The need for being in constant communication has never been greater.

2:51 Speaker 4: Oh, Natalie, thank goodness you're here. I'm going out of my mind.

2:54 Speaker 3: What's going on, Miss Brent?

2:56 Speaker 4: Please, come in. Oh, where's your cat?

2:59 Speaker 3: She is waiting patiently for me out in the car. She gets a little nervous if there's too much going on.

3:05 Speaker 4: Well, there is certainly a lot going on right now. Come in.

3:12 Speaker 3: So what's up? Why are you so upset, Ms. Brent?

3:15 Speaker 4: Oh, it's so stupid. I've lost the car keys.

3:20 Speaker 3: Oh, I'm sure you've only misplaced them.

3:23 Speaker 2: Nah.

3:24 Speaker 4: I can't thank you enough for house-sitting this weekend. You don't know how badly I need to get away.

3:30 Speaker 3: Well, you won't be doing that until we find the keys, so come on. Is that Nefertiti? Now, how did you get in here?

3:42 Speaker 4: I never saw her came in. I thought you said that she was in the car.

3:46 Speaker 3: That was where she was supposed to be. That girl.

3:50 Speaker 4: Well, first things first. If she could help us find my keys, I can get this vacation started.

3:57 Speaker 3: Why don't you look upstairs and Nefertiti and I will look around down here.

4:03 Speaker 4: If you find them, shout!

4:08 Speaker 3: Now, Nefertiti, don't you give me that look. You know I can never stay mad at you.

4:17 Speaker 5: Alright.

4:19 Speaker 3: Yes, I love you too. Now help me find her keys.

4:28 Speaker 3: Of course I don't know where she may have laid them, silly. Okay, now, if we were a set of car keys, where would we be? Do you think? Well, let's go have a look. Okay, so we're in the kitchen. And where could they be? That's the fridge, you silly kitty. You can't be hungry now. I gave you food at home. We can eat dinner in a little while. Now for Titi. Will you quit playing around and help me find her keys?

5:17 Speaker 2: Oh!

5:18 Speaker 3: Fine. I'll open the refrigerator and you can pick out your favorite snack and... and... Oh, my. Meow.

5:28 Speaker 2: Oh, you.

5:29 Speaker 3: I should have known. Oh, Mrs. Brent.

5:35 Speaker 4: I can't understand what could have happened to you.

5:38 Speaker 3: Looking for these.

5:39 Speaker 4: Thank goodness. Where in this house did you find them?

5:43 Speaker 3: Actually, Nefertiti found them.

5:46 Speaker 1: Meow.

5:47 Speaker 3: They were in the fridge of all places.

5:49 Speaker 4: I must have laid them in there when I was making some lunch. I'm so silly sometimes.

5:56 Speaker 3: Don't feel that way. I spent half an hour looking for my phone when I was holding it.

6:02 Speaker 4: Better check the freezer. I may have my phone in there.

6:08 Speaker 3: Yes, Nefertiti. Kate is very grateful.

6:13 Speaker 4: You bet I am. And of course you know where I keep the treats.

6:18 Speaker 3: She says thank you?

6:20 Speaker 4: You are most welcome, Nefertiti.

6:23 Speaker 3: Yes, you're a very good girl. I'm so sorry for ever doubting you.

6:30 Speaker 4: How long have you had her?

6:32 Speaker 3: Oh, more like how long has she had me? I think it's been about two years now.

6:40 Speaker 4: She really loves you. I'm so amazed every time I see you with her. She is so well-behaved.

6:48 Speaker 3: Well, I was at a pretty low point back then, and nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed to be going right. One night, I heard her on my doorstep. Poor baby, she was starving to death.

7:02 Speaker 4: And a true friendship was born.

7:06 Speaker 3: She's my protector and my best friend.

7:09 Speaker 4: Well, Nefertiti... You are welcome into my home anytime. And thank you so much, Natalie, for house-sitting for me this weekend. I know it was short notice, but.

7:20 Speaker 3: Oh, but nothing. You just go and have a good time. I really think that you could use it.

7:26 Speaker 4: You don't know the half of it. Thank you again.

7:30 Speaker 3: Okay, now, have you got everything?

7:34 Speaker 4: I think so. Let me see. I packed the car last night, so everything is in there. My purse, wallet, and... and... Now where are the keys?

7:49 Speaker 3: Nefertiti knows.

7:51 Speaker 4: I swear, I'm losing my mind. Naturally, I put them on the counter and then forget. Thank you again, Nefertiti.

8:00 Speaker 3: Now get out of here, Miss Brent.

8:02 Speaker 4: I'm going, I'm going. I left a number of the hotel on the fridge if you need anything.

8:07 Speaker 3: I'm sure that we will be fine. Go have a good time. Now, my most gorgeous friend, what shall we do with ourselves? I really should be practicing tonight, but.

8:39 Speaker 3: Now settle down. It's probably just Miss Brent. Perhaps she forgot her driver's license. Hello, Brent residence.

8:50 Speaker 2: Are you alone?

8:52 Speaker 3: May I ask who's calling?

8:54 Speaker 2: Are you alone now?

8:57 Speaker 3: Well, who wants to know? Would you consider a cat as a companion tonight?

9:03 Speaker 2: Then there is no one else in the house but you.

9:08 Speaker 3: I do declare, yes, just little old me in this awfully big house with my pussycat.

9:18 Speaker 2: That is all I wanted to know.

9:20 Speaker 3: Well, that was strange.

9:32 Speaker 1: Animals seem to have a sense of danger whenever it approaches. There have been many documented cases of animals warning people of something dire. However, it is up to us to recognize the warning. I'll be back with Act 2 shortly.

9:54 Speaker 5: Act 2.

10:10 Speaker 1: The author Terry Pratchett said, In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods. They have not forgotten this.

10:35 Speaker 3: Yes, baby. I know enough for TD. I'm not getting anything done. I deserve a break as well.

10:46 Speaker 6: Okay, okay.

10:48 Speaker 3: I promise to go over those spells later. No, really, I will. Aw, you know me so well. Drake residence.

11:05 Speaker 2: Are you alone?

11:07 Speaker 3: I have already told you. No, I am not alone.

11:12 Speaker 2: Who's there with you?

11:13 Speaker 3: Why do you even care?

11:15 Speaker 2: Because, Natalie, I am very. interested in you.

11:22 Speaker 3: How do you know my name?

11:26 Speaker 2: I know a lot about you, Natalie.

11:29 Speaker 3: Well, since you know my name, am I allowed the same privilege?

11:36 Speaker 2: Not just yet.

11:40 Speaker 3: Quiet, Nefertiti.

11:42 Speaker 2: Who are you talking to?

11:43 Speaker 3: No one. Nothing you should be concerned about.

11:47 Speaker 2: Everything you do concerns me.

11:50 Speaker 3: Where are you?

11:53 Speaker 2: Wouldn't you like to know?

11:54 Speaker 3: I know, Nefertiti, I know. So what do you think I should do? You're absolutely right. I think that is exactly what we shall do.

12:20 Speaker 5: 12th Precinct, Sergeant Wilkins.

12:24 Speaker 3: Hi, this is Natalie Porter.

12:26 Speaker 5: Yes, Miss Porter. What can I do for you?

12:29 Speaker 3: Well, I'm not so sure. You see, I've been getting some rather strange phone calls tonight.

12:36 Speaker 5: I see. Do you recognize the voice?

12:39 Speaker 3: No, I've never heard it before.

12:42 Speaker 5: Was it a man or a woman?

12:44 Speaker 3: Oh, definitely a man.

12:47 Speaker 5: What is he saying? I mean, is it Something obscene?

12:51 Speaker 3: No, nothing like that. But he... he just... well, he scared me. That's all.

13:00 Speaker 5: Did he threaten you in some way?

13:02 Speaker 3: Not exactly. What really got me is that, well, he knows my name.

13:10 Speaker 5: Well, could he be a friend, maybe? Perhaps someone playing a joke?

13:14 Speaker 3: None.

13:14 Speaker 7: None.

13:15 Speaker 3: Of my friends would ever do anything like that.

13:18 Speaker 5: Unfortunately, there isn't a lot we can do about it. All I can tell you to do is just hang up on him if he calls again. Most of the time, these phone calls don't really amount to anything.

13:31 Speaker 3: It was just quite scary.

13:33 Speaker 5: To be honest, I don't think he's going to call again. I can alert the phone company, and we can try to get a trace if he stays on long enough.

13:43 Speaker 3: Thank you, Sergeant Wilkins. I greatly appreciate it.

13:47 Speaker 5: Oh, that's all right, ma'am. You feel free to call me again if something happens.

13:53 Speaker 3: Oh, I most definitely will. Thank you so much. Drake Residence.

14:08 Speaker 2: Who were you talking to?

14:10 Speaker 3: I told you already. My cat.

14:13 Speaker 2: No. No. Who were you on the phone with?

14:16 Speaker 3: How do you know I was on the phone?

14:21 Speaker 2: Was it the police?

14:23 Speaker 3: Just who are you?

14:26 Speaker 2: Don't worry, Natalie. You'll find out very soon.

14:31 Speaker 3: What do you want?

14:33 Speaker 2: Do you really want to know?

14:35 Speaker 3: Why are you doing this?

14:38 Speaker 2: I want to wear your intestines out. As a necklace.

15:00 Speaker 1: Natalie stares at the phone with a look of horror. She pulls her feline friend closer to her. We shall pull into act three shortly. Albert Schweitzer once said, There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life. Music and cats.

15:49 Speaker 3: I know Nefertiti. I know. He must be insane. I just I wonder how he knows about me. Now, I'm getting a little tired of this. Who the hell are you and how do you know me?

16:10 Speaker 2: I've known you for a long time. I know where you go, who you see, and what you do.

16:18 Speaker 3: And you think that is supposed to scare me?

16:21 Speaker 2: You mean you're not scared of me.

16:24 Speaker 4: Why should I be?

16:26 Speaker 3: You're just a sicko voice on the phone.

16:29 Speaker 2: Oh, I'm much more than just a voice.

16:34 Speaker 3: What do you mean?

16:35 Speaker 2: I'm a lot closer than you think.

16:39 Speaker 3: Where are you?

16:41 Speaker 2: Right behind you. Where are you? Show yourself! Hello, Natalie.

17:02 Speaker 3: You? You are the voice on the phone? Why are you laughing? Oh, you poor fool. You have no idea who or what I am.

17:20 Speaker 7: You are a young woman. All alone in an empty house. Nothing to protect you except a stupid cat.

17:32 Speaker 2: I know, Mr. Tweedy.

17:38 Speaker 3: He really has no clue.

17:41 Speaker 7: Doesn't this knife scare you?

17:44 Speaker 3: It would be very wise on your part to put the knife down and quietly skulk away to whatever rock you crawled out of.

17:53 Speaker 1: First.

17:54 Speaker 7: I'm going to slice your stomach wide open, letting your blood spill all over me.

18:01 Speaker 3: My, what a visual. Have you ever thought about writing a book? Oh wait, that would mean you would have to have the ability to write and read, which I highly doubt.

18:13 Speaker 1: Then, I'm going to remove.

18:15 Speaker 7: Your stomach and slice it open to see what you've been eating.

18:21 Speaker 3: Okay, Nefertiti. You know I could easily handle this toad. But I suppose perhaps you do know best.

18:33 Speaker 7: Why are you talking to that stupid animal?

18:38 Speaker 3: You poor, unsuspecting fool. You should have never, ever called an animal stupid. Now you've upset her.

18:51 Speaker 7: I will slice her open first and make you watch.

18:57 Speaker 3: If you really knew who I was, then you would have known what I am. Nefertiti is not only my familiar, but my protector. All witches have one, and you just pissed mine off. He's all yours, my Nefertiti.

19:24 Speaker 2: What? What the?

19:26 Speaker 1: Oh my god!

19:28 Speaker 2: The cat! It's growing!

19:30 Speaker 1: Getting bigger! No!

19:33 Speaker 2: Stay away! Stay away!

19:35 Speaker 3: Now Nefertiti, make sure you clean all of that up. Wouldn't want Miss Streak to come home. to a mess, would we? May I help you?

20:12 Speaker 5: Miss Porter?

20:14 Speaker 2: Yes.

20:15 Speaker 5: I'm Sergeant Wilkins from the 12th Precinct. We spoke earlier tonight on the phone.

20:22 Speaker 4: Oh, yes.

20:24 Speaker 3: Is everything okay?

20:25 Speaker 5: I was just about to ask you the same question.

20:29 Speaker 3: Everything's fine here.

20:30 Speaker 5: After I spoke to you, I decided to do a little checking. It seems that you're not the only one that was being threatened. As a matter of fact, we have two unsolved murders that we believe were committed by the same perpetrator.

20:46 Speaker 3: Really? Well, I never got any more calls if that's what you wanted to know.

20:52 Speaker 1: Well, that's good.

20:55 Speaker 5: I just thought I would stop by on my way home and make sure.

21:01 Speaker 3: Thank you, Sergeant. It is most appreciated.

21:05 Speaker 2: Oh, look.

21:05 Speaker 3: Nefertiti thanks you, too.

21:09 Speaker 5: And I say I've interrupted your dinner. I'm very sorry about that.

21:13 Speaker 3: Aw, that's just her little bone treat she likes to chew on. I thought I would give her a treat after everything we've been through tonight.

21:23 Speaker 1: That's a beautiful cat.

21:25 Speaker 5: I have three myself.

21:27 Speaker 3: Aw, they're great companions and protectors.

21:32 Speaker 1: I'm sorry.

21:34 Speaker 5: Did you say protectors?

21:38 Speaker 3: Yes. I did.

21:49 Speaker 1: Natalie smiles as she closes the door. She puts Nefertiti down so that the cat can enjoy its meal. I'll be back shortly with the final word. Jean Hoteau once said, I love cats because I enjoy my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul. Our cast included Mick Davis, Crimson McKenzie, Madeline Lane, and Winslow Swann. The story was edited by Crimson McKenzie and directed by Winslow Swarn. And now, a preview of our next tale.

22:53 Speaker 5: Howdy.

22:54 Speaker 6: Hope you boys are doing okay today. What, with the sun being so dang hot and all?

23:00 Speaker 2: Headed out over the desert?

23:01 Speaker 7: Just headed up to, uh.

23:04 Speaker 5: Key, I'm sure this old man isn't interested.

23:07 Speaker 6: Oh, I wasn't trying to pry. Sometimes I guess I get Overly curious. You know, I'm the last gas station before the next town.

23:19 Speaker 1: A couple hours away. Yeah, that's what I figured.

23:24 Speaker 6: And hey, after you put the gas in, how about emptying the cash drawer for me? You sure you want me to do that?

23:33 Speaker 1: Believe me, old man, I'm very sure. This is Artemis Black, inviting you to join me for another journey into the world of your terrifying imagination through the doorway to nightmare. Until next time, slumber peacefully.

23:59 Speaker 2: Epilogue.

24:00 Speaker 1: The butler did it.