Stealing a Dead Man's Life: "Seeing Double" (Dark Suspense Podcast)

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. Nightmare. Come in. Welcome. I'm Artemis Black. Do you happen to be a part of a set of twins? Do you know someone who has a twin? I have actually had friends in my life who were twins, but I could always tell them apart. There are those who do look exactly alike.

1:11 Speaker 2: You know, Aaron, this really distracts me. It really does.

1:19 Speaker 3: Please, I've already told you, I'm not Aaron.

1:24 Speaker 2: Of course you're not. You just happen to be in Aaron's apartment, driving around Aaron's car, and quite obviously spending Aaron's money. Which, by the way, is actually my money.

1:43 Speaker 3: Please, please don't hit me again. I don't know anything about your money.

1:49 Speaker 2: Then let's see what you do know.

2:00 Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, Seeing Double, was written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and Crimson McKenzie. Our stars include Mick Davis, Raven Adams, Patience Adams, and William Stafford. I'll be back shortly with Act One. Mystery.

2:21 Speaker 2: Horror.

2:23 Speaker 1: Thriller. Suspense.

2:26 Speaker 4: Novels and short story collections from Winslow Swann, now available from Amazon.

2:47 Speaker 1: For parents who are blessed with twins, it can be a most exciting, yet exhausting time. Raising twins is a tough job for any parent. It's double the giggles, double the smiles, and double the trouble.

3:13 Speaker 5: So what is it this time, Eric?

3:15 Speaker 3: Is that the way to greet your twin brother? You don't have to be so snide, Aaron. Just because I chose to be an artist and not some crooked banker.

3:24 Speaker 5: You take that back. I'm damn good at my job.

3:27 Speaker 3: Oh, is that why you have so many people after you?

3:30 Speaker 5: Nobody's after me. Is that why you came over tonight? To start a fight?

3:36 Speaker 3: No, not really. I'm sorry, Aaron.

3:41 Speaker 5: It's okay, brother. So, how much do you need this time?

3:46 Speaker 3: Maybe an even ten?

3:48 Speaker 6: Thousand?

3:49 Speaker 3: Are you nuts? Look, Aaron... These are people that you just don't mess around with. If I don't get the money soon, they will kill you.

3:59 Speaker 5: Not in this day and age. Maybe break your hands, but I don't think.

4:03 Speaker 3: You never really did live in the real world. Everything was handed to you on a silver platter.

4:08 Speaker 5: Just because Dad sent me to college and not you is no.

4:12 Speaker 3: Reason- Why he loved you better than me?

4:14 Speaker 5: Will you stop doing that? It drives me crazy when.

4:17 Speaker 3: You- Finish your sentence? You will recall, dear brother, that we did that quite a lot.

4:22 Speaker 5: That was in high school. We are far from that time in our lives.

4:26 Speaker 3: Aaron, come on. I really do need it this time.

4:29 Speaker 5: Haven't you sold any of your paintings?

4:32 Speaker 6: No.

4:34 Speaker 3: The show at the gallery was great, and I thought that I did have one sold, but the deal fell through.

4:41 Speaker 5: So now you come running to me. I'm sorry.

4:44 Speaker 3: I just don't have that kind of money. But you could get it.

4:48 Speaker 5: Not this time. You are going to have to figure out another way out of your mess.

4:52 Speaker 3: Dammit, Aaron, I need it.

5:05 Speaker 5: Why don't you leave before.

5:06 Speaker 1: One of us.

5:07 Speaker 3: Does something? Oh, you little... I'll show you!

5:12 Speaker 6: Ow! Ow! Ow!

5:28 Speaker 3: Come on, you coward.

5:30 Speaker 1: Get up. Aaron.

5:33 Speaker 6: Get up. Oh.

5:37 Speaker 3: Oh, my God. Uh, hello?

5:53 Speaker 6: Mr. Davis? It's Sandy at the bank. We were wondering if you were coming in today?

5:58 Speaker 1: Um, no, no.

6:01 Speaker 3: Not today. I have some work to do here.

6:05 Speaker 6: Um, Aaron? Is there anything wrong? You don't sound like yourself.

6:12 Speaker 3: I'm fine.

6:13 Speaker 6: Are you sure, Aaron? You don't sound fine. The bank examiner is here and he's been asking a lot of questions about the books.

6:22 Speaker 3: Can you stall him? Just for today?

6:24 Speaker 6: We have been stalling him. For a week now. I think he's getting a little suspicious.

6:30 Speaker 3: Well, just tell him I'm sick.

6:32 Speaker 6: Are we still meeting tonight? What? Don't tell me you forgot.

6:36 Speaker 3: It's... It's been a long weekend. My brother came last night, and.

6:42 Speaker 7: Well.

6:42 Speaker 6: He wanted money again, didn't he?

6:45 Speaker 3: Look, um.

6:47 Speaker 6: Oh, come on, Aaron. It's Sandy. Sandy Newsome. That must have been some party over the weekend.

6:54 Speaker 3: Right, Sandy. Look, just hold the examiner off, and I will see you tomorrow.

6:59 Speaker 6: But what about tonight?

7:01 Speaker 3: Will you quit badgering me? Aaron, what did you get yourself into?

7:28 Speaker 6: Hello, Aaron.

7:31 Speaker 1: How are things?

7:33 Speaker 3: Um, do I know you?

7:35 Speaker 2: Oh, let's not be like that. We're old pals, you and me. After all, I gave you $ 20 million to invest, and you... Well, let's just say you got a nice commission out of it.

7:49 Speaker 3: Oh, wait. You must think I'm Aaron.

7:51 Speaker 2: I know that you're Aaron. Now, why don't we just sit down? A nice little chat. Ben here can wait out.

8:02 Speaker 1: In the hallway.

8:03 Speaker 3: Look, I really don't know.

8:05 Speaker 2: I would hate to have to let Ben wait inside. I don't think that you would like it either.

8:19 Speaker 1: Eric has asked himself a very valid question. What has his brother been doing? Perhaps we shall all find out when I return with Act Two.

8:33 Speaker 4: If you'd like to support us, visit our merchandise store. T-shirts, caps, mugs, and so much more. Visit doorwaytonightmare.com today.

9:02 Speaker 1: American ice hockey player Brian Swanson once said to look at identical twins. When you get closer, you will begin to notice the small differences. It all depends on how much you magnify it.

9:20 Speaker 6: Now, Aaron.

9:22 Speaker 3: No, no, look, I'm Eric, his brother.

9:24 Speaker 1: Of course you are.

9:25 Speaker 2: Look, I'm only going to ask this one time. What happened to my money?

9:33 Speaker 3: No, I told you, I don't know... Pity.

9:37 Speaker 2: I suppose I will have to ask my, uh, associate, Ben, to come in.

9:42 Speaker 7: Perhaps he can be a little more persuasive.

9:45 Speaker 1: Uh....

9:51 Speaker 3: Please, please don't hit me again.

9:53 Speaker 2: The pain can stop very easily, Aaron. Just tell me what happened.

9:57 Speaker 1: To the money. Look, I.

10:00 Speaker 3: already told you.

10:01 Speaker 2: I really hate to do business this way, but you have to see it from my point of view. I have associates that I have to answer to, and believe me, They would be a lot harder on you than I ever could.

10:18 Speaker 3: I'm not Aaron.

10:20 Speaker 2: And you really expect me to believe- Aaron.

10:22 Speaker 3: Had a small birthmark just below his left eye. Do you see any birthmark on me? That's how Mom told us apart.

10:30 Speaker 2: Yeah, the money from the commission alone. You could have had it removed.

10:36 Speaker 3: Look, what do you want me to tell you? I don't know where your money is.

10:40 Speaker 2: If you really are his brother, then you give him this message. Either he delivers the money, or start preparing his grave.

10:51 Speaker 8: Oh my god, Aaron! What happened? My god, who did this to you?

11:06 Speaker 3: An eight foot tall ape. He's got a hell of a right cross.

11:13 Speaker 8: It's not funny, Aaron. I think we are way too deep in this thing.

11:17 Speaker 3: Sally, remind me again of what thing we're talking about.

11:23 Speaker 8: Did you hit your head or something?

11:24 Speaker 3: Well, now that you mention it, several someones did. Over and over and over. Things are a little fuzzy right now.

11:37 Speaker 8: First, you don't know who I am, and now you don't know what we did? What's going on?

11:44 Speaker 3: Nothing. I'm just a little confused.

11:47 Speaker 8: Very confused, I'd say. Don't you remember? It was all your idea to begin with.

11:54 Speaker 3: Just please tell me what's going on.

11:56 Speaker 7: Oh no.

11:57 Speaker 8: Martin did this to you, didn't he?

11:59 Speaker 3: No, some guy named Ben.

12:02 Speaker 9: That would be Martin's bodyguard. Did you at least stick to the story about the stock market crashing?

12:08 Speaker 3: I don't remember anything.

12:10 Speaker 8: It was your big plan.

12:12 Speaker 9: Swindle the biggest crook in the city for $ 20 million, tell him some story about the stock market, and then you and I fly off to wherever. I told you then I wasn't wild about this.

12:24 Speaker 3: Oh, Erin, you are a bigger fool than I... Will ever be.

12:28 Speaker 6: What?

12:29 Speaker 3: Oh, nothing. Look, where's the money?

12:32 Speaker 9: Now, how would I know? You were the one who met up with Martin. It's wherever you stashed it.

12:38 Speaker 1: Right.

12:39 Speaker 6: Okay.

12:40 Speaker 3: Now, listen. You just go on home.

12:43 Speaker 8: But, Aaron.

12:45 Speaker 3: Don't argue. Just go home. I've got some things to work out.

12:51 Speaker 8: Are you sure you're going to be alright?

12:53 Speaker 3: I'm not sure about anything right now. Yes?

13:04 Speaker 6: Mr.

13:05 Speaker 7: Aaron Davis?

13:06 Speaker 3: Um, who are you?

13:09 Speaker 7: Detective Steve Mayfield. Can I come in for a minute?

13:13 Speaker 3: I suppose so. What is this about?

13:18 Speaker 7: Do you know Miss Sandy Newsome?

13:20 Speaker 3: Yeah, what about her?

13:22 Speaker 7: I hate to be the one to tell you, but she's dead, sir.

13:26 Speaker 3: Sandy. Dead.

13:28 Speaker 7: Have you seen her recently?

13:30 Speaker 3: She was here earlier tonight. What happened?

13:34 Speaker 7: Right now, we're still investigating. She was found in her apartment by her landlady about an hour ago.

13:41 Speaker 3: Was it an accident?

13:43 Speaker 7: No, sir. You don't accidentally stab yourself 30 times.

13:48 Speaker 3: Oh, my God.

13:50 Speaker 7: How well did you know Miss Newsome?

13:52 Speaker 3: Only in passing.

13:54 Speaker 7: I was under the impression that you knew her quite well. You worked with her, didn't you?

13:59 Speaker 3: Oh, wait. I'm not Aaron. I'm his brother, Eric.

14:03 Speaker 7: I suppose you can prove that.

14:05 Speaker 3: Uh, would my driver's license do?

14:07 Speaker 6: Hmm.

14:10 Speaker 7: Miss Newsome had a picture of your brother on her bedside table. Alright, any idea where your brother might be?

14:18 Speaker 3: Not a clue. That's why I'm here, in his place. He asked me to come over, so I thought I would just wait on him.

14:25 Speaker 7: You a fighter? A boxer or something?

14:29 Speaker 3: No, an artist. Why do you ask?

14:32 Speaker 7: Looks like you got beat up pretty good.

14:34 Speaker 3: Oh, that's, uh, no. Just an accident.

14:37 Speaker 7: I would say a bad one. You should be more careful.

14:42 Speaker 3: Any idea who would have wanted Sally dead?

14:45 Speaker 7: Not really.

14:47 Speaker 5: Do you?

14:54 Speaker 1: There is a special relationship between twins. Secrets can be told and generally kept. But what secret does Aaron have, or rather had, that has put Eric in a nasty situation? I'll be back shortly with Act 3.

15:14 Speaker 4: Have you heard any good books lately? Audiobooks from Winslow Swan, now available on Spotify.

15:37 Speaker 1: I have heard that twins have a special bond. While they may live miles apart, they may know certain things that have happened to the other.

15:49 Speaker 3: Detective, what if I were to tell you that I may know what happened?

15:56 Speaker 7: It would be a great revelation.

15:58 Speaker 3: My brother was involved in some sort of scheme. I think the guy that did all this to me.

16:05 Speaker 7: I thought you said you had an accident.

16:07 Speaker 3: Just listen for a second. This guy is really bad. Maybe he was sending me, or rather my brother, a message.

16:17 Speaker 7: I suppose a call would not have been easier.

16:20 Speaker 3: He may come back here now.

16:22 Speaker 7: And what would you like me to do about it?

16:25 Speaker 3: If I can get him to talk, would that be enough evidence to... arrest him.

16:29 Speaker 2: Hello again, Aaron.

16:33 Speaker 3: It's Eric.

16:35 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, of course it is. You have something you want to tell me?

16:39 Speaker 3: You're wanting my brother Aaron. And, well, I know where he is.

16:44 Speaker 2: Then why didn't you just tell me that earlier?

16:47 Speaker 3: I wasn't sure until just a few minutes ago.

16:49 Speaker 2: So now is your chance to correct your mistake.

16:53 Speaker 3: No, first, tell me what happened to Sandy.

16:57 Speaker 2: Oh, yes, yes, Miss Newsome. Well, unfortunately, Ben got a little too upset with her.

17:08 Speaker 3: Didn't you try to stop him?

17:10 Speaker 2: Why should I? She would have been dead anyway. As well as you, Aaron.

17:18 Speaker 3: So you killed her?

17:20 Speaker 2: Yes, Mr.

17:21 Speaker 1: Davis.

17:22 Speaker 2: Now tell me, where can I find your brother?

17:26 Speaker 3: Somewhere on the interstate.

17:27 Speaker 1: What?

17:28 Speaker 3: Well, you know that new stretch that the highway department just paved? Somewhere out there. Under the asphalt.

17:37 Speaker 2: That's ten miles of road.

17:40 Speaker 3: That's right. Apparently someone else was looking for him. And they found him first. You killed Sandy and you still don't have your money.

17:50 Speaker 1: But, uh.

17:52 Speaker 2: But you're here.

17:53 Speaker 1: Now. Now.

17:56 Speaker 7: That's all I need.

17:57 Speaker 1: Hey, what is this?

17:59 Speaker 7: It's calling arrest.

18:01 Speaker 1: Or murder.

18:06 Speaker 7: Mr. Davis, that was an interesting story you spun for Martin. How much of it was true?

18:15 Speaker 3: All of it. None of it. Look, you got the killer. What more do you want?

18:19 Speaker 7: I'll see you around, Mr.

18:22 Speaker 6: Davis.

18:28 Speaker 3: I don't think so, Detective. I can't believe you kept all of these photos, Aaron. Look at us, at age ten, you couldn't tell us apart.

18:46 Speaker 5: Well, Mom sure could.

18:48 Speaker 3: I'm sorry about Sandy.

18:50 Speaker 6: Yeah, me too.

18:51 Speaker 5: But hey, no plan is perfect.

18:54 Speaker 3: I can't believe we got away with it.

18:56 Speaker 5: As far as anyone is concerned, I'm dead now.

18:59 Speaker 3: And we are $ 20 million richer.

19:03 Speaker 6: Well, I am.

19:04 Speaker 3: What do you mean?

19:05 Speaker 5: Do you remember when we were kids? How I hated to share?

19:08 Speaker 3: Aaron, what are you talking about?

19:21 Speaker 1: I still hate to share.

19:24 Speaker 5: The I still hate to share.

19:49 Speaker 1: There really is such a thing as sibling rivalry? With twins, it can be twice as dangerous. I'll return shortly with a final thought.

20:01 Speaker 2: Mystery.

20:03 Speaker 6: Horror.

20:04 Speaker 4: Thriller.

20:05 Speaker 7: Suspense.

20:07 Speaker 4: Novels and short story collections from Winslow Swan, now available from Amazon.

20:27 Speaker 1: Someone once said that just because twins look the same, it does not mean they have the same dreams or the same murderous intentions. Our cast included Mick Davis, Patience Adams, Raven Adams, William Stafford, and Winslow Swan. The story was written by Winslow Swan and Crimson McKenzie, and the production was under the direction of Winslow Swan. And now, a preview of our next tale.

21:02 Speaker 8: But why, Alex?

21:05 Speaker 4: Why don't you love me?

21:06 Speaker 2: I told you, Gloria, this was strictly a business arrangement.

21:10 Speaker 1: Nothing more.

21:12 Speaker 7: But you could.

21:15 Speaker 3: Grow to love me?

21:17 Speaker 6: It isn't beyond the world of.

21:19 Speaker 3: Possibilities, is it?

21:23 Speaker 1: Yes, Gloria.

21:25 Speaker 2: It is far beyond that world. I suggest that you forget it and stick to our original.

21:34 Speaker 1: This is Artemis Black, inviting you to return with us to the doorway to nightmare for another adventure into the terrifying world of your imagination.

21:44 Speaker 2: Until next time, slumber, peaceful....

21:53 Speaker 7: Darn, that's the end.

21:56 Speaker 4: Ephelon, that darn butler did it.