Step Into the Realm of the Occult: "Witches & Warlocks" 4-Story Special

Speaker 1: When you sleep, you enter into another world. Beyond that world lies the doorway to nightmare.

Speaker 2: Nightmare.

Speaker 1: Come in. Welcome. I'm your host through the doorway to nightmare. John Burroughs once said, I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to put my senses in order. Personally, I find a casual walk through the woods to be peaceful and calming. The rigors of the city float away on the breeze. There are those, however, who would rather have their souls in turmoil.

Speaker 3: Oh, aren't the trees lovely this time of year, Elieae?

Speaker 4: I only came out here because I thought I might be able to talk some sense into you.

Speaker 3: Ah, the breeze. Like a lover's kiss.

Speaker 4: It is simply a matter of a signature. All you have to do is sign the divorce papers.

Speaker 3: But isn't it just lovely to take a walk through the woods?

Speaker 4: Are you going to sign the papers or not?

Speaker 3: Did you ever love me? Even for once? Precious moment?

Speaker 4: Just sign the papers, please.

Speaker 3: Not even for one solitary moment?

Speaker 4: Not even for one moment.

Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, The Woods, The Wonderful Woods, was adapted from the short story and written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and stars Crimson McKenzie, and Raymond Gibson. It is sponsored in part by Swanage Press. I'll be back shortly with Act One.

Speaker 5: It is in all of us.

Speaker 6: Waiting.

Speaker 4: Watching.

Speaker 3: Growing.

Speaker 5: Evil Within by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon.

Speaker 1: Between every two pines lies another world wrote john muir yes a peaceful walk among the forest trees can lift one's spirits up and cleanse the soul however Elliot Marshall, successful businessman, has an entirely different reason for being in the wonderful woods.

Speaker 3: How's the new car?

Speaker 4: Driving like any custom, Austin Martin. Of course, once you buy three of them, they pretty much are all the same.

Speaker 3: Elliot, you are impossible.

Speaker 4: You'd love me anyway.

Speaker 7: Yes, I do.

Speaker 3: Elliot, how long do you think this will take?

Speaker 4: Oh, all she has to do is sign the papers. It shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes.

Speaker 3: But why does she want to meet way out there? It's a pretty secluded spot for just signing divorce papers, don't you think?

Speaker 4: Beth, you know how she is. Always in the woods, collecting crystals, talking to plants and trees, all that hippie mumbo-jumbo garbage. I never could figure out her fascination with all of that junk.

Speaker 7: I just don't trust her.

Speaker 4: I promise, love, everything is going to be all right.

Speaker 4: What godforsaken place. Rachel, where are you?

Speaker 8: I'm over here, Elliot.

Speaker 4: You picked a hell of a place to do this.

Speaker 3: Elliot, it's a beautiful place, a wonderful day.

Speaker 4: Well, I'm here. I brought the papers. I thought that maybe we.

Speaker 3: Come walk with me, Elliot.

Speaker 4: Rachel, I don't have time.

Speaker 3: Well, you've already made time for today.

Speaker 4: Okay, Rachel. Anything to move this along.

Speaker 9: Oh, such a lonely little flower growing all by itself. No other flowers wanted it, I guess.

Speaker 4: Damn it, Rachel. You know I hate being out here.

Speaker 3: Yes, I know. Your custom-made suit tells me that. I suppose they don't fare well out here.

Speaker 4: No, they don't. Just sign the papers. They're back at the car. One little signature and then we can get on with our lives.

Speaker 3: Seems like you've already managed to do that. So, how is the business going?

Speaker 4: The business is going well. We just appropriated three new contracts.

Speaker 3: You mean you stole them, don't you?

Speaker 4: I won't dignify that with an answer. Yes, Rachel, the business is going quite well.

Speaker 3: Aw, that's so nice, Elliot.

Speaker 4: Look, I came all the way out here because you said that we should talk. Well, I don't want to talk. I want you to come back to my car so that you can put your signature on the dotted line. I've been more than fair with the settlement.

Speaker 9: Doesn't the sun look so beautiful through the trees? It makes such funny shadows on the path.

Speaker 4: I must admit, you are still good at doing that.

Speaker 3: What am I good at?

Speaker 4: Stalling.

Speaker 3: Is that what I'm good at, Elliot?

Speaker 4: Every time that we needed to discuss something important, you found such great ways to divert the subject.

Speaker 7: A butterfly!

Speaker 4: Just sign the damn papers!

Speaker 9: Elliot, did you know that if a person goes missing and they cannot find a body, that after seven years, the next of kin inherits the estate?

Speaker 4: Well, now, what does that have to do with anything?

Speaker 3: I think I could wait seven years. A solo year is 11. Not quite as long as that. I could do that.

Speaker 1: Rachel smiles as Elliot feels a growing sense of fear. She turns and continues her leisurely stroll through the woods, the wonderful woods. You stroll back here when I return with Act Two.

Speaker 3: Mystery. Horror. Thriller.

Speaker 4: Suspense.

Speaker 3: Novels and short story collections from Winslow Swan, now available from Amazon.

Speaker 1: Elliot Marshall has driven out to the woods to meet with his estranged wife, Rachel, to convince her to sign divorce papers. Things have taken a rather ominous turn as we join the unhappy couple walking deeper into the woods.

Speaker 4: Where are we going, Rachel?

Speaker 3: You should really get out more, Elliot. It would do your health, heart, and soul so much good.

Speaker 4: What was that crack back there about anyway?

Speaker 3: I don't know what you're talking about.

Speaker 4: There are people who know where I am at, Rachel. Don't think that I didn't take certain precautions.

Speaker 3: I'm sure that you did.

Speaker 9: I'm absolutely positive that you left explicit instructions in the event that you do not return within a reasonable amount of time.

Speaker 3: I would expect nothing less of you, dear Elliot.

Speaker 4: Well, at least we understand each other about that.

Speaker 9: Just like I was absolutely positive that you told all those vicious lies about me. That was very naughty of you, Elliot. I.

Speaker 4: I don't know what you're talking about.

Speaker 9: Don't try to deny it, Elliot. You spread those rumors about me. Telling everyone that I was crazy. Just because I like to walk in the woods. And naturally, you added how I was screwing around on you while.

Speaker 3: We both know... that it was you that was cheating. By the way, how is dear, sweet Queen Elizabeth?

Speaker 4: This is not about Beth. I think that I am being more than fair giving you a quarter of all of the assets.

Speaker 3: But I want it all, my love.

Speaker 4: Then take me to court. You would have to prove anything that you say about me. And I don't think that you can do that.

Speaker 3: Oh, sweet Elliot, that could possibly be true.

Speaker 4: If it was your intention to bring me out to this desolate spot to kill me, bury my body somewhere, it won't work. Too many people know that I am here with you.

Speaker 3: Oh, precious. I have no intention of killing you.

Speaker 9: When I took you as my husband, I thought that it would be forever. Just like so many others.

Speaker 3: I was wrong.

Speaker 4: People grow apart, Rachel. It happens.

Speaker 3: Seven years. It is a long time. But I have waited much longer.

Speaker 2: But....

Speaker 4: You have just as much money as I do.

Speaker 6: More?

Speaker 3: Is that the only reason you married me in the first place?

Speaker 6: All right.

Speaker 4: I admit it. And why not? You have enough for several lifetimes. My attorneys did some checking on you.

Speaker 3: I'm sure that they did. And what did they find out?

Speaker 4: How old did you say that you were?

Speaker 3: Why don't you tell me?

Speaker 4: With the research that they did, they put you at around 347 years old. Now we both know that that is impossible.

Speaker 9: I look rather well for a woman pushing 400. I would have to be a vampire or possibly a witch or sorceress. I was named after my grandmother. Maybe what you laughingly call your attorneys made a mistake.

Speaker 2: Maybe.

Speaker 4: Maybe you are a witch.

Speaker 3: Elliot, don't be absurd. If I were a witch, don't you think that I would have been able to cast a spell over you and make you stay with me?

Speaker 4: I didn't say that you were very good at it.

Speaker 10: Oh, Elliot, you always couldn't make me smile.

Speaker 4: Can we please stop this and just go sign the papers?

Speaker 3: Did you know.

Speaker 3: That I own this entire section of the woods.

Speaker 4: No, I didn't. But then I didn't know about the villa in France, or the castle in England, or the several thousand acres on the East Coast. Hell, I should be suing you for support.

Speaker 9: My, you do have very thorough lawyers, don't you?

Speaker 4: Well, they certainly cost enough.

Speaker 9: I buy the acreage because I wish to preserve as much of the woods as I can. After all, They give us life on.

Speaker 3: This tiny planet we call Mother Earth.

Speaker 9: But then, you wouldn't know anything about that. You always thought it was sillier for me to walk amongst nature's giants than to go to one of your cocktail parties and present myself as the proper wife.

Speaker 4: Those parties help to build the business. Forgive me if I do not share your peculiarities.

Speaker 3: Loving nature peculiar? What is so peculiar about feeling the cool, soft ground on your bare feet? Or the gentle kiss of the wind on your cheek? The sun just warming your entire body.

Speaker 4: You know, there was a time when I thought the little hippie act was cute. Now, all I want is for you to march yourself back to the car and sign.

Speaker 3: Not even as long as a solar cycle. Not really any time at all, if you think about it.

Speaker 4: What the hell are you talking about?

Speaker 3: Elliot, tell me the truth. Did you ever really love me?

Speaker 4: Rachel, I never loved you. Courting you is almost an effort in futility. All the money that I spent on dates nearly drove me into bankruptcy. I had to marry you before I went completely broke. Oh, I do thank you for the start of Money for the Business. At least you were good for one thing.

Speaker 10: And when we made love, did you not love me then?

Speaker 4: I should be given an Academy Award for my performance. You would just lay there like a dead fish. I did all the work in that department. Why do you think that I wanted it to be over as quickly as possible?

Speaker 7: Oh, God.

Speaker 3: So, you never really loved me?

Speaker 4: No, Rachel. I never loved you.

Speaker 1: Tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. So spoke Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson. But to find out that you were never loved can be the most devastating thing that the human heart can endure. Rachel has just found out that she was never loved by Elliot, and the darkness in her heart is growing. I'll return with Act 3 shortly. 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.

Speaker 1: Even die. Elliot met his estranged wife, Rachel, in the woods that she loves so much, ostensibly to finalize their divorce. Rachel has just found out that Elliot never loved her. The news has come like a slap to the face. Her eyes grow cold and hard, and she points at Elliot and screams, You.

Speaker 3: Never loved me? I gave you my heart, my soul, and you never even wanted me?

Speaker 4: Oh, quit being hysterical. Did you honestly think for one moment that I ever loved you?

Speaker 9: No, you know, I suppose not.

Speaker 3: I guess it was just simply wishful thinking on my part.

Speaker 4: You are plain, unrefined, And in general, a constant bore.

Speaker 3: Only seven years.

Speaker 4: Where did that come from?

Speaker 3: You never loved me.

Speaker 10: You never loved me!

Speaker 7: But you will always be with me.

Speaker 4: Looks like a storm's coming. Come on, let's get back to the car.

Speaker 7: Oh, no, Elliot.

Speaker 2: No.

Speaker 3: Look around you. This is the perfect place for you. A small clearing in the middle of the woods.

Speaker 2: Yes, yes.

Speaker 3: A perfect spot.

Speaker 4: Rachel, what are you doing? Oh, my God. My feet. They're sinking into the ground. I can't get them out. My feet are buried in the ground.

Speaker 3: I can't move them.

Speaker 4: What the hell is happening to me? My legs? Something is crawling up them. Is that vines? It feels like bark. What are you doing?

Speaker 10: You never loved me. You never loved nature. Now you will become a part of something.

Speaker 12: That I love.

Speaker 13: My hands, they're covered in leaves. My God, I'm growing branches. Rachel, please stop. I love you. I've always loved you. I never want to leave you. Oh, God, my legs. They're covered in tree bark. Please, Rachel, forget about the divorce. I swear, I swear, I'll stay with you forever.

Speaker 14: Ha, ha, ha.

Speaker 3: Elliot, can you hear me?

Speaker 2: I have.

Speaker 9: Given you a wonderful gift, Elliot. You will now have a greater appreciation for nature. You are now part of the woods, the wonderful woods. You will remain here for a bit. Feeling Mother Earth giving you the.

Speaker 3: Life force that you needed. You will feel every bird, squirrel.

Speaker 9: Bug, and animal that makes its way to you. Imagine the staccato beat of a woodpecker.

Speaker 3: As it pecks into you. The termites as they bore into you, feeding on. off of the marrow.

Speaker 10: Of your bark, your wood.

Speaker 9: You will feel everything from the rain, the sun, to the scratches of bears and squirrels that will.

Speaker 10: Make their home inside of you. Welcome to hell, Elliot.

Speaker 6: Tree Service.

Speaker 15: How can I help you?

Speaker 2: Hi.

Speaker 3: Do you do single tree removal?

Speaker 15: Why, yes, ma'am.

Speaker 3: Very good. I have just one tree that I wish to be cut down.

Speaker 15: Well, that ain't gonna be a problem.

Speaker 2: We can do it tomorrow if that's soon enough.

Speaker 15: Is it close to your house?

Speaker 4: Oh, no.

Speaker 9: It's on some property a few miles outside the city. Um, I have a friend who's gonna be using the wood to make me a wardrobe. Would that be possible?

Speaker 15: Well, just give me the directions and we can deliver it to your friend.

Speaker 9: Now, do you take it all the way down to the roots? Like, a stump removal so that it gets everything?

Speaker 15: Ma'am, when we get done, you won't know that a tree had ever been there.

Speaker 3: Okay, excellent!

Speaker 9: Just have them bring the paperwork and I shall be happy to sign on the dotted line.

Speaker 1: A few months later, a beautiful oak wardrobe was delivered to the home of Rachel. She keeps it clean and dust-free. She has been known to speak to it gently, almost lovingly, as if it were someone that she knew intimately. I'll be back shortly.

Speaker 5: If you'd like to support us, Visit our merchandise store. T-shirts, caps, mugs, and so much more. Visit doorwaytonightmare.com today.

Speaker 1: The scientist Carl Sagan once said, Deep down at the molecular heart of life, the trees and we are essentially identical. In Elliot's case, it's more true than he could have ever imagined. Our cast included Crimson McKenzie, Raymond Gibson, Patience Adams, and Mark Wheeler. The story was edited by Quinson McKenzie and directed by Winslow Swan. Doorway to Nightmare is brought to you in part by Swanage Press. This is your host, inviting you to return with us through the doorway to nightmare for another adventure into the world of your terrifying imaginations.

Speaker 1: Until next time, slumber peacefully.

Speaker 3: Epilogue.

Speaker 5: The butler did it.

Speaker 10: The butler didn't do it!

Speaker 1: Doorway to Nightmare is brought to you in part by Swanage Press. With this key, you unlock the world to your dreams. What lies beyond could be the doorway to nightmare.

Speaker 12: Nightmare.

Speaker 1: Come in, welcome, I'm your host through the doorway to nightmare, the magician, the fakir, The one who does the tricks has been around for centuries. Only the props and techniques have changed. Magic has become more sophisticated, and the art of manipulating an audience can be quite enjoyable and entertaining. Sometimes.

Speaker 2: Ginny.

Speaker 6: Are you crazy?

Speaker 3: No, Brad. I've made up my mind.

Speaker 6: He's just an old carnival magician, and not very good at that.

Speaker 3: I thought he was wonderful. You're just jealous.

Speaker 4: Jealous?

Speaker 2: Me?

Speaker 6: Of a 200-year-old-looking has-been magician? You really are crazy.

Speaker 3: I'm going to be his assistant, and that is final.

Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, The Magician, was based on a story by John Allen and written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and edited by Crimson McKenzie. Our stars include Crimson McKenzie, Mark Wheeler, and Mark McClain. It is sponsored in part by Swanage Press. I'll be back shortly with Act One.

Speaker 5: The only witness to her murder cannot speak.

Speaker 3: Until now. Click.

Speaker 5: A Tale of Revenge by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Speaker 1: The world of magic at one time was regulated to traveling magicians who would entertain small towns across the country. It would be many years before the large stage shows that you can see today.

Speaker 3: Oh, Brad, look! A magician!

Speaker 4: Let's go.

Speaker 6: Oh, come on, Jenny. Once you've seen one magic act, you've seen them all.

Speaker 3: But I really want to check them out.

Speaker 9: You know, the carnival only comes through here once a year, and I don't even remember the last time there was a magic show.

Speaker 6: Probably some old man doing card tricks that my grandfather knows.

Speaker 3: Oh, it'll be fun. I promise.

Speaker 6: You really want to go?

Speaker 3: I really do.

Speaker 6: Okay, let's go.

Speaker 2: Yay!

Speaker 8: And now, madam... Would you please think of a card?

Speaker 6: Any card. I told you he would be an old man doing card tricks.

Speaker 3: I think he's wonderful.

Speaker 6: Are you kidding?

Speaker 8: And now, think of the card very hard. Now, let me see.

Speaker 16: Aha!

Speaker 8: Is this your card?

Speaker 2: No!

Speaker 1: No!

Speaker 8: Perhaps I should remove the curtain above my head. Is that your card?

Speaker 6: Even I can do that.

Speaker 3: Brad, be quiet.

Speaker 8: And now, my lovely assistant.

Speaker 12: Will join me.

Speaker 1: Ah, Esmeralda.

Speaker 8: You are looking very beautiful.

Speaker 12: Geez.

Speaker 6: She looks young enough to be his great-granddaughter.

Speaker 3: She doesn't look very happy.

Speaker 8: Why, Esmeralda, you must not lose your head. That is up to me.

Speaker 17: As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, I have placed my young assistant.

Speaker 4: Into what is.

Speaker 8: commonly referred to as a guillotine. With a wave of.

Speaker 17: My magic wand, I release the razor-sharp blade and.

Speaker 15: Oh.

Speaker 7: My gosh!

Speaker 10: That was incredible!

Speaker 1: Yeah.

Speaker 6: I wonder how he did it.

Speaker 17: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your kind attention.

Speaker 8: We shall have another show in two hours. We hope to see you all again very soon.

Speaker 16: May the magic be yours.

Speaker 6: Well, come on, Ginny. Let's go hit some of the rides.

Speaker 3: You go ahead, Brad.

Speaker 7: I want to wait for the next show.

Speaker 6: Are you kidding? You heard what the man said. It's not for another two hours.

Speaker 3: Yeah, but I want to sit in the front row this time.

Speaker 6: What is so fascinating about a two-bit magic act?

Speaker 3: I don't know, but don't you think he was mesmerizing?

Speaker 2: Oh, sure.

Speaker 6: He hypnotizes his audience into spending a buck per ticket.

Speaker 3: Even you didn't know how he did that last trick.

Speaker 6: Okay, you got me there. That one, I have to admit, was pretty good.

Speaker 3: Did you notice his assistant? She really looked unhappy to be up on that stage.

Speaker 6: If I had to work for that old man, I wouldn't be happy either. Now, are you coming?

Speaker 3: I told you. I want to see the next show.

Speaker 6: Tell you what. Ride a couple of rides with me, and I will make sure that we are back in time to sit in the front row.

Speaker 4: Really, Brad?

Speaker 3: No fooling?

Speaker 6: Scout's honor.

Speaker 12: This is not your card, madam.

Speaker 11: Let me remove the curtain above me, and is this your card? And now, here comes my lovely assistant, Esmeralda, my dear.

Speaker 8: You should not lose your head. That is my job.

Speaker 3: She almost looks scared, Brad.

Speaker 6: It's just part of the act.

Speaker 8: I beg your pardon, young man, did you say... Part of the act?

Speaker 1: Who, me?

Speaker 4: Um, no.

Speaker 6: I was just saying.

Speaker 8: Perhaps you would like to come and face the guillotine.

Speaker 6: Well, I don't know. I mean, it is your act and I don't... Or you, perhaps.

Speaker 1: Afraid?

Speaker 3: Go on, Brad. Maybe you can figure out how it works.

Speaker 8: A very brave young man.

Speaker 16: Now, what is your name?

Speaker 2: Brad.

Speaker 1: Brad Majors.

Speaker 8: Tell me, Brad, are you in high school?

Speaker 6: Senior, this year.

Speaker 8: And based on your size, I would say that you are on the football team.

Speaker 6: Quarterback.

Speaker 8: So, you would consider yourself brave?

Speaker 6: I suppose so.

Speaker 8: Esmeralda, show our young, brave lad the terror's of the guillotine. Now, ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, our young football player is firmly strapped into the mechanism.

Speaker 1: With a wave of my wand.

Speaker 4: I press the trigger in.

Speaker 8: Please, a round of applause for the brave, very brave, Brad Majors.

Speaker 6: Come on, Jenny, let's get out of here.

Speaker 3: Brad? Are you alright?

Speaker 4: No, not really.

Speaker 3: What is it?

Speaker 6: That girl, Esmeralda. While she was strapping me in, she slipped something into my pocket.

Speaker 3: What was it? Her phone number.

Speaker 6: No, here, read it.

Speaker 3: Please help me. What do you think it means?

Speaker 6: I don't know, but there is something very strange about Merlin the Magician.

Speaker 1: Some magicians are more theatrical than others. While others lean more towards the comedic side, Merlin seems to me more sinister than dramatic. I'll be back shortly with Act Two.

Speaker 16: 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 Wenslow Swan. Paperback editions available at Amazon.com. Audiobook edition available at Spotify. No One is Afraid of Monsters Anymore and Other Stories to Read to the Thing Under the Bed. Eight terrifying tales for you to enjoy and to read to the thing under your bed.

Speaker 2: Get it.

Speaker 16: Before the thing gets you.

Speaker 1: The great Harry Houdini once said, I am a great admirer of mystery and magic, Look at this wife. All mystery and magic.

Speaker 17: And now, ladies and gentlemen, for this next elusion, I will require a man's wand.

Speaker 1: Here you go.

Speaker 8: Well, well, well.

Speaker 4: Good to see you again, Mr.

Speaker 1: Brad Majors.

Speaker 6: Wow, you remembered my name.

Speaker 1: I remember everything. everything.

Speaker 17: And now, ladies and gentlemen, I shall take this wallet and prove that the hand is truly.

Speaker 8: Quicker than the eye.

Speaker 6: Hey, you're burning my wallet.

Speaker 8: Have no fear, young man.

Speaker 1: And abracadabra.

Speaker 8: Here is your wallet. Esmeralda, Please return the property to the young man.

Speaker 17: And now, ladies and gentlemen, my lovely assistant Esmeralda will be facing the whore of the guillotine.

Speaker 6: Hey, what's this note? Meet me at the haunted house after the show. Well, you actually came.

Speaker 18: I cannot stay long. You will be expecting me back at the trailer in a few minutes. Please, you must help me.

Speaker 6: That's what your first note said. What is Merlin doing?

Speaker 18: He's a horrible man.

Speaker 3: His magic is.

Speaker 4: is.

Speaker 3: dark.

Speaker 6: He's a has-been magician working at a carnival. How dark could it be?

Speaker 10: You don't understand.

Speaker 14: He's a very powerful wizard. The guillotine is one of his most terrible spells.

Speaker 6: The blade sure looks real.

Speaker 14: Believe me, if he did not whisper the right words before the blade falls, it would slice through my neck like butter.

Speaker 6: Are you serious?

Speaker 4: Deadly!

Speaker 19: Please, you must get.

Speaker 3: Me away from him.

Speaker 18: I feel he's growing tired of me and is looking for a new assistant. I'm so afraid of what will happen to me if he finds someone.

Speaker 6: You could go home, couldn't you?

Speaker 18: He won't let me.

Speaker 6: Can't you just run away?

Speaker 18: Don't you think that I've tried? He always finds me and brings me. Hey, isn't that the girl that you were with last night?

Speaker 1: Who, Ginny?

Speaker 6: I was going to take her to the movies tonight, but she said that.

Speaker 1: She was busy.

Speaker 18: But isn't that her, waiting for the next show?

Speaker 6: Ginny, what are you doing here?

Speaker 3: Brad, I thought you were going to the movies.

Speaker 6: Well, I was, but I didn't want to go by myself. What are you doing here?

Speaker 3: I don't have to answer to you.

Speaker 6: Hey, hold on. I was just asking.

Speaker 3: If you must know, I was hoping to meet the Great Merlin.

Speaker 6: Oh, now he's the Great Merlin.

Speaker 15: What?

Speaker 3: You jealous?

Speaker 6: Of an old dried-up magician? Are you kidding? Why do you want to meet him?

Speaker 3: That's none of your business.

Speaker 6: Ginny, you're not thinking of trying to be his assistant, are you?

Speaker 9: Brad, I'm stuck in this town where the only prospect is marrying you and working the farm.

Speaker 3: I want something more from my life.

Speaker 6: Ginny, please, just come with me. Let's get out of here.

Speaker 3: No, Brad.

Speaker 10: I want to meet the magician.

Speaker 6: I've got a really bad feeling.

Speaker 1: Brad sees the look of determination on Ginny's face. The feeling of dread that began earlier is growing inside of him. I'll be back shortly. With Act 3.

Speaker 5: It is in all of us.

Speaker 6: Waiting.

Speaker 3: Watching. Growing.

Speaker 5: Evil Within. By Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon.

Speaker 9: Amen.

Speaker 1: Donald Wills Douglas wrote, Dream no small dream. It lacks magic. Dream large. Then make the dream real. Jenny, a poor farm girl, is dreaming of a new life with a magician. If what Esmeralda has told Brad is true, Jenny's new life could turn into something much darker.

Speaker 6: May I help you?

Speaker 3: Um, Mr.

Speaker 15: Merlin?

Speaker 9: My name is Jenny, and I think that you're the greatest magician in the world, and I would love to be your assistant.

Speaker 8: Jenny, eh?

Speaker 12: What a pretty name.

Speaker 8: What a pretty girl. And you say that you would like to be my assistant?

Speaker 3: Oh, my. What an interesting....

Speaker 2: Oh, wow.

Speaker 16: Please, look around, my dear.

Speaker 3: These paintings. Six eyes? Four arms?

Speaker 8: These are the paintings of the old ones, my dear. The gods who were here long before man... Crawled out of the ooze.

Speaker 3: What is that? It looks like a bat.

Speaker 16: It is, my dear.

Speaker 9: It is.

Speaker 8: Now, if you will forgive me, I must have a talk with Esmeralda.

Speaker 12: You have been a bad girl, haven't you, my bat?

Speaker 3: I won't stay here any longer. That's right.

Speaker 2: One.

Speaker 14: I won't be your assistant anymore!

Speaker 1: That's two.

Speaker 3: What are you going to do?

Speaker 8: I will be with you in a moment, my dear.

Speaker 12: Jenny!

Speaker 10: Get out of here! Run away while you still can!

Speaker 12: That's three!

Speaker 7: Three!

Speaker 8: Well, Jenny, you have heard of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. What do you think of a cat.

Speaker 2: In a hat?

Speaker 4: Meow!

Speaker 16: That's enough, Esmeralda.

Speaker 4: Into the hat!

Speaker 19: Meow!

Speaker 8: Would you rather be a cat or a mouse?

Speaker 2: Meow!

Speaker 8: Now, my dear Jenny, what was it you were saying?

Speaker 3: I can't open.

Speaker 10: The door is locked.

Speaker 3: You terrible, horrible man. How could you do such a thing?

Speaker 9: I wouldn't be your assistant if you were the last magician on earth.

Speaker 4: Would you.

Speaker 8: Whether it be a cat or a mouse.

Speaker 4: That's one.

Speaker 1: Jenny's face becomes ashen white. She realizes, a little too late, that she is now trapped under the magician's spell. I shall return shortly with a final word.

Speaker 3: Mystery. Horror. Thriller. Suspense. Novels and short story collections from Winslow Swan, now available from Amazon.

Speaker 1: One of the first rules of magic is to never reveal a secret. Assistants have been sworn to secrecy, even after leaving the show, not to tell someone how a trick or illusion was accomplished. The great Merlin, traveling around the country in a carnival, has found a rather unique way to keep his secrets. Our cast included Mark Wheeler, Crimson McKenzie, Brenna Faith, and Mark McClain. The story was edited by Crimson McKenzie, and the entire production was under the direction of Winslow Swan. Doorway to Nightmare is brought to you in part by Swanage Press.

Speaker 1: This is your host. inviting you to return with us through the doorway to nightmare for another adventure into the world of your terrifying imagination. Until next time, slumber peacefully.

Speaker 12: Epilogue.

Speaker 2: Shh.

Speaker 7: The butler did it.

Speaker 10: The butler didn't do it!

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.

Speaker 12: Come in. Welcome.

Speaker 1: I'm your host, Artemis Black. We all have them. Some are closer than others. Some are nice. And others? Well, whatever each of us has, we all call them by the same name. Family.

Speaker 3: I think he's getting closer.

Speaker 4: Come on. We have to keep moving.

Speaker 1: Come on.

Speaker 3: I hate this.

Speaker 10: What does he want?

Speaker 4: What do you think he wants? We just killed his mother. What would you.

Speaker 1: Want to do? Our mystery drama, Sunny Came Home, was written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and edited by Crimson McKenzie. Our stars include Crimson McKenzie... Winslow Swan, Mick Davis, and Jonathan Rosignol. I'll be back shortly with Act One.

Speaker 5: The only witness to her murder cannot speak.

Speaker 3: Until now.

Speaker 2: Click.

Speaker 5: A Tale of Revenge by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Speaker 1: Our tale tonight deals with family. We beg the question, what would you do for yours? Most families are very close, keeping in touch with each other and always watching out for enemies that would wish them harm.

Speaker 4: Hey, Al.

Speaker 3: What's taking my corned beef on rice so long? Hurry it up, will ya?

Speaker 1: So?

Speaker 4: Come on, Ella. What do you say?

Speaker 3: I can't tonight, Larry. Audra didn't come in, so I won't get off till midnight.

Speaker 4: Well, what was her excuse this time?

Speaker 3: Don't know the usual.

Speaker 10: I have a headache.

Speaker 3: Which of course is code for, I have a date.

Speaker 3: She makes me so mad.

Speaker 4: Why don't you just quit?

Speaker 10: And do what?

Speaker 3: Move in with you?

Speaker 4: Hey, what's so strange about that?

Speaker 3: Larry, you work.

Speaker 9: In the only gas station in town. I work at a run-down diner. How are we ever going to make it?

Speaker 4: Yeah, and who says we have to stay in this town?

Speaker 9: Oh, you are going to take me away from all of this, right?

Speaker 4: Why not? I'm sick of this town. The low pay, the rotten apartment that I live in, and the people here. Come on, aren't you?

Speaker 9: Well, I have to admit that things are not exactly going the way I planned it.

Speaker 4: Yeah, what sort of plans did you have?

Speaker 3: Really want to know?

Speaker 4: I wouldn't have asked otherwise.

Speaker 3: No, you'll just laugh.

Speaker 4: Hey, no judgments here.

Speaker 9: I wanted to be an actress. And I was on my way to Hollywood.

Speaker 3: When I got stuck here. That was over two years ago.

Speaker 4: That's not so strange. I wanted to work on a real NASCAR racing team. I would have, too, had I not stopped in this swamp-infested place.

Speaker 3: How long have you been here?

Speaker 1: Too long.

Speaker 4: You don't know how happy I was that you agreed to go out with me six months ago.

Speaker 9: Well, you were definitely different than anyone else who comes in here.

Speaker 1: So why don't we do it?

Speaker 3: I told you, I have to work tonight.

Speaker 4: No, no, not that. I mean, why don't we get out of this swamp town?

Speaker 9: Larry, I got exactly $ 3. 27 in my bank account. Rent's due next week and my car needs new tires.

Speaker 4: Okay, okay, so we need a bankroll, right?

Speaker 3: What? What you planning? Robbing a bank?

Speaker 4: Not a half bad idea. I mean, come on, they only have one security guard and He must have been in the Civil War.

Speaker 9: Aw, he's not that old. Besides, he's sweet. Always tips me five bucks any time he comes in. I would never want to hurt him.

Speaker 4: I'm not planning on robbing the bank, I promise.

Speaker 3: Good. So then, we're back at square one.

Speaker 4: Yeah, not necessarily.

Speaker 3: What do you have in mind?

Speaker 4: I'll see you at midnight.

Speaker 10: All right, Larry.

Speaker 3: I'm here. What's this big plan you have in mind?

Speaker 4: I told you. I'm sick of this swamp town. Mosquitoes as big as your hand. Alligators running across the yards.

Speaker 7: Ha!

Speaker 3: Don't forget about the snakes.

Speaker 4: Oh, I hate snakes.

Speaker 3: Okay, so we both agree that we hate this town. So what you thinking?

Speaker 4: What if I told you that I could get us to Hollywood?

Speaker 3: I'd ask when you won the lottery.

Speaker 4: No, no, nothing like that. Look, I got some information last week that will get us enough money to do whatever we want to do.

Speaker 3: You said you weren't going to rob no bank.

Speaker 4: I told you I'm not robbing the bank. But what if I know where we can lay our hands on over a hundred grand? In cash. Would that change your mind about leaving?

Speaker 3: Now who in.

Speaker 9: The world in this town has that kind of money?

Speaker 4: Old Lady Rutledge.

Speaker 3: Who is Old Lady Rutledge?

Speaker 4: Oh, she's some old woman that lives on the edge of the swamp. Been there forever. I was told she was some sort of voodoo queen in Louisiana. Still helps people with potions and magic spells, if you believe in that crap.

Speaker 9: For one, I don't mess with any of that voodoo stuff. And how would anyone like that have that kind of money?

Speaker 4: She never trusted banks. I have it on good authority that she sold her house in New Orleans and moved here.

Speaker 3: Sure does sound like you want to rob the bank.

Speaker 4: No, she doesn't trust banks. Never did from what I've been told. Look, all she has is this tiny shack where she lives with her son.

Speaker 3: So, what are you planning on doing?

Speaker 4: The money has to be somewhere, doesn't it? Obviously, she has it stashed in the house or at least somewhere on the property.

Speaker 3: How can she stand to live next to that swamp?

Speaker 4: Who cares? Look, her son goes to town every Tuesday. She takes a long walk at the same time every day.

Speaker 3: Tomorrow is Tuesday.

Speaker 19: Exactly.

Speaker 4: Look, all we have to do is wait for them to leave, and then with a little luck, we can find the money.

Speaker 3: But what if someone sees us break in?

Speaker 4: Are you kidding? She lives at the end of Miller Road. There isn't another house within miles. Nothing but swamp.

Speaker 1: One road in.

Speaker 3: I don't know.

Speaker 4: Fine. Stay here. Get eaten by the bugs and deal with the dirty looks from the townspeople and the whispers and let's not forget about the alligators and snakes.

Speaker 3: Alright. You've convinced me. So when do we do this?

Speaker 4: I've been keeping an eye on the place. She usually leaves around 1. Sonny doesn't get home until about and she's usually gone on her walk for about two hours.

Speaker 3: Larry, are you sure about this?

Speaker 4: Dead sure.

Speaker 1: The actor Michael J. Fox once said, family is not an important thing. It's everything. And it has been my experience that some families are closer than others. I'll be back shortly with Act Two. Meet Jerry Connors. Family man. Business man. Psychopathic killer. The Convincer by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon. But Jerry Connors, he can convince you to do anything, even die. Gloria Steinem once said that happy or unhappy, Families are all mysterious.

Speaker 3: Why did we have to park so far away?

Speaker 4: I didn't want her to see the car, that's why.

Speaker 9: And I thought you said that her son always goes to town today.

Speaker 4: Okay, okay, so he hasn't left yet. We just have to wait a little longer.

Speaker 2: Ow!

Speaker 9: Damn bugs, I'm getting eaten alive.

Speaker 4: Just keep thinking about all that money. We're soon going to have.

Speaker 3: If they will ever leave.

Speaker 4: Now look, don't worry. They're gonna be.

Speaker 5: Is that.

Speaker 3: No. That can't be her son.

Speaker 4: That's him, alright.

Speaker 3: I wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley. He must be seven feet tall.

Speaker 4: Yeah, with a face that only his mother could love.

Speaker 9: Oh.

Speaker 3: What happened to him?

Speaker 4: I think he was born that way.

Speaker 3: This is mean, but he's hideous.

Speaker 4: Look, he's leaving.

Speaker 3: She's leaving too. Now maybe we can just get this over with.

Speaker 4: Just give it a little time. Let her get down the road. And then we hit that place. Hard.

Speaker 3: Find anything?

Speaker 4: Not yet.

Speaker 3: Oh my goodness. Look at all this junk.

Speaker 7: Larry.

Speaker 3: Look at this.

Speaker 1: A moody doll.

Speaker 4: So what?

Speaker 9: You think she really is this high priestess or whatever they call them?

Speaker 1: Mama Lo.

Speaker 3: What's that?

Speaker 4: What you just said.

Speaker 1: A high priestess.

Speaker 3: Simple.

Speaker 9: Yes.

Speaker 3: Would have sufficed.

Speaker 4: You just keep looking. That money has to be here somewhere.

Speaker 3: Just face it, Larry. There's nothing here. Just a bunch of old junk.

Speaker 4: Fine. Just grab what you can.

Speaker 6: Here.

Speaker 2: Here.

Speaker 4: Put whatever you can in this bag.

Speaker 3: That won't be much.

Speaker 4: Look, will you just do it and hurry up?

Speaker 3: Hey, look at this. It looks like solid gold.

Speaker 4: Well, then put it in the bag. Wait a minute. What is it?

Speaker 3: Some sort of statue, I guess.

Speaker 4: Yeah, maybe we can sell it.

Speaker 19: What are you doing in my house?

Speaker 3: Larry... We've got company.

Speaker 19: Who, you people?

Speaker 4: Now, now, now, don't, don't get excited. We just had a little car trouble, and we were looking for a phone.

Speaker 19: You no lie to Mama Lo. Mama Lo know everything.

Speaker 3: No, we, we really did have car problems.

Speaker 19: You so pretty, little lady. Why you be with this poor excuse of a man?

Speaker 4: Hey, now, just a minute.

Speaker 19: You best leave before my sonny gets home.

Speaker 4: Just tell us where the money is, and then we'll go.

Speaker 19: What money you talking about? Mama Lo had no money.

Speaker 4: Oh, you're lying.

Speaker 3: Larry! What are you doing with that gun?

Speaker 19: Put that away, sonny boy. It's way too big for a little man like you.

Speaker 4: Tell me where the money is, or.

Speaker 19: or.

Speaker 4: Where I'll kill you?

Speaker 19: Little man, I'm just an old woman who makes small medicine. I don't have any money.

Speaker 4: Quit calling me that! Now where is it, you old hag?

Speaker 3: Larry, please, put the gun down. Let's just get out of here.

Speaker 19: Better do what your old missus tell you. Sonny be here soon.

Speaker 4: One more chance. Where is it?

Speaker 19: I tell ya, I no have.

Speaker 3: Larry, what did you do?

Speaker 6: I don't know.

Speaker 4: The gun just went off. I didn't even know it was loaded. I was just trying to scare her.

Speaker 3: Larry, Sonny's pulling up. What are we gonna do?

Speaker 2: Come on.

Speaker 4: We'll go out the back and hide in the swamp. Maybe Sonny knows where the money is. Come on, quick!

Speaker 1: Mama, I got your stuff.

Speaker 4: You home?

Speaker 3: Quick, get the door open.

Speaker 4: I'm trying.

Speaker 1: Mama, you home?

Speaker 2: There.

Speaker 4: Come on, run for it.

Speaker 1: Hey, who are you?

Speaker 3: Run, Larry!

Speaker 2: Hey!

Speaker 1: Come back here!

Speaker 9: Quick!

Speaker 2: Quick!

Speaker 4: Through the swamp! We can double back and get to the car!

Speaker 2: Hey!

Speaker 12: Come here!

Speaker 2: The gun!

Speaker 3: The gun! Use the gun, Larry!

Speaker 4: I can't!

Speaker 12: Why not?

Speaker 10: You had no problems killing.

Speaker 3: The old lady!

Speaker 4: Because I dropped the gun!

Speaker 7: Oh, jeez!

Speaker 10: He's got it!

Speaker 1: Come on!

Speaker 4: Keep running!

Speaker 12: Hey! Why are you running?

Speaker 1: Come back here!

Speaker 4: Come on, through here. Look, the car.

Speaker 3: Hurry, Larry, the ape is right behind us.

Speaker 4: Quick, get in. Come on, come on.

Speaker 19: What'd I tell you, little man?

Speaker 6: Girl, no hug, mama-lo.

Speaker 8: Larry, look!

Speaker 4: It can't be.

Speaker 3: Let's get out of here.

Speaker 19: You can no run from Mama Lowell.

Speaker 3: She's in the middle of the road.

Speaker 10: Larry!

Speaker 1: Whatever else is unsure in this world, a mother's love is not, according to James Joyce. I would like to add that there is no greater magic as well. I'll return shortly with Act 3.

Speaker 5: Have you heard any good books lately? Audiobooks from Winslow Swan, now available on Spotify.

Speaker 1: Larry and Ella have managed to crawl away from the wreckage of their car. They find themselves running for their lives through the swamp.

Speaker 15: Where are we, Larry?

Speaker 4: How the hell should I know?

Speaker 2: Ouch!

Speaker 10: I think the mosquitoes are getting bigger.

Speaker 4: I don't see Sunny behind us.

Speaker 3: Great. I need to sit down.

Speaker 4: No, we've got to keep moving.

Speaker 10: But you don't even know where we are.

Speaker 4: All right. Let's sit for a minute. Maybe I can get my bearings and find a way out of here.

Speaker 3: Larry, she was there, right in front of the car.

Speaker 4: Yeah, she was dead. Remember? I shot her. I didn't mean to do it, but it happened.

Speaker 3: Then how do you explain her being in front of the car? We both saw her.

Speaker 4: I don't know.

Speaker 3: Working in that diner, I've heard all kinds of stories about these swamps.

Speaker 9: I never, never really thought that any of it was true, but now.

Speaker 4: Right, so now that old hag is a voodoo witch coming back from the dead? Look, maybe I missed her and she tripped.

Speaker 3: I saw the blood.

Speaker 10: I saw her fall.

Speaker 3: She was dead.

Speaker 4: Okay, then how did we see her in front of the car?

Speaker 3: Maybe that voodoo really is real. Maybe she really is a voodoo priestess.

Speaker 4: Hey, you two.

Speaker 1: Mama is looking for you.

Speaker 4: Come on, Ella. We gotta keep moving.

Speaker 3: I can't go any further.

Speaker 4: We don't have a choice.

Speaker 7: Watch out!

Speaker 3: Larry!

Speaker 7: What is this?

Speaker 4: Quit moving!

Speaker 10: I'm sinking!

Speaker 4: It's quicksand! Hang on!

Speaker 3: Larry, it's pulling me under!

Speaker 10: Do something!

Speaker 4: Here, grab this vine!

Speaker 10: I can't reach it.

Speaker 4: Well, try again.

Speaker 7: Larry, help me.

Speaker 4: Look, the more you struggle, the faster you sink. Now grab the vine.

Speaker 10: I've almost got it.

Speaker 2: Got it!

Speaker 4: Okay, now just hold on! Whoa!

Speaker 10: Harley!

Speaker 15: Get me out of here!

Speaker 19: You take, you gonna get away!

Speaker 4: Hey, you two!

Speaker 10: Larry, look out!

Speaker 3: He's coming up behind you!

Speaker 4: What is it?

Speaker 3: That old woman is right behind him!

Speaker 1: Come on, I.

Speaker 10: I've got you!

Speaker 2: Come on!

Speaker 4: Come on!

Speaker 10: We've got to run!

Speaker 3: Now! I.

Speaker 4: I can't... I can't run anymore.

Speaker 10: Please, Larry. Please, Larry, we've got to.

Speaker 4: I'm... I'm done.

Speaker 19: Took you long enough.

Speaker 3: Larry!

Speaker 9: How.

Speaker 4: How the hell... What are you?

Speaker 19: I done tell you, little man. I'm just old woman. who make little medicine.

Speaker 1: No.

Speaker 4: You're dead. I saw you.

Speaker 19: You no understand, little man. Okay, sonny. You take him back to the cabin. I got some nice stew waiting. But it need a little meat.

Speaker 1: Come on, you two. Let's go.

Speaker 2: Please.

Speaker 10: Please don't do this.

Speaker 4: I'm not going anywhere.

Speaker 3: Hey!

Speaker 9: Watch out for the gun!

Speaker 12: Mama?

Speaker 19: You little man.

Speaker 10: You take my boy. You take my boy.

Speaker 2: Larry?

Speaker 15: Larry?

Speaker 4: Let's get out of here.

Speaker 3: How far have we gone?

Speaker 1: I don't know.

Speaker 4: Good thing we found the keys to Sonny's truck.

Speaker 3: So where are we going?

Speaker 4: As far away as possible.

Speaker 3: What are we going to use for money?

Speaker 4: You managed to find that bag of junk we took, right? Maybe we can sell it for something.

Speaker 3: I keep seeing the look on that old woman's face. So full of anger, hate, and sadness.

Speaker 4: Oh, Ella, try not to think about it. Look, I'm dead tired. I think I've got enough to at least... Get us a room for the night.

Speaker 9: She kept pointing at you, mumbling something weird, like a curse.

Speaker 4: She wasn't a witch. I missed her in the cabin, and the gun went off when I made a grab for Sonny. End of story.

Speaker 3: Are you so sure?

Speaker 4: Not exactly a five-star hotel, but it'll do.

Speaker 3: She cursed us.

Speaker 4: What did you say?

Speaker 3: She cursed us. She really was, is a witch.

Speaker 4: Come on, Ella. She's a couple of hundred miles behind us, planning a funeral for her deformed son. That is what she is.

Speaker 3: But didn't you see it?

Speaker 4: See what?

Speaker 3: You said you missed her when the gun went off, but did you?

Speaker 4: What are you talking about?

Speaker 3: I saw it. The bullet went right through her head. I saw it.

Speaker 4: No, no, no. You're wrong.

Speaker 3: When she appeared at the car in the swamp, didn't you see it?

Speaker 4: Okay, what do you think you saw?

Speaker 5: I saw the hole in the middle of her forehead.

Speaker 3: You didn't miss.

Speaker 4: So how do you explain her coming back?

Speaker 3: Voodoo, Larry.

Speaker 9: She was.

Speaker 3: is a witch. And no matter where we go, she's going to find us. Who could that be?

Speaker 4: Hey, take it easy. Don't worry. I just ordered us some pizza. Look, some hot food and a good night's rest. That's all you need.

Speaker 3: Larry, please don't open the door.

Speaker 5: Please don't open the door.

Speaker 1: Just a sec.

Speaker 4: Come on, Ella. I'm starving. Hey, sorry, but all I got is a 20 and.

Speaker 1: No.

Speaker 15: Larry?

Speaker 4: No.

Speaker 19: You take something from me, little man.

Speaker 4: It can't be.

Speaker 19: Sonny, come here.

Speaker 4: Yes, Mama?

Speaker 19: The stew almost ready, but it need more meat.

Speaker 4: What the hell are you?

Speaker 19: You kill my boy. You steal my... My statue.

Speaker 3: But your son isn't dead.

Speaker 7: Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Speaker 19: If you so sure, little girl. Mama know magic very strong.

Speaker 4: It hurt real bad, too. Wait, what are you going to do?

Speaker 19: You take from me. Now I'm going to take from you.

Speaker 2: Ha, ha, ha.

Speaker 1: There are many things in this world of ours that go beyond the realm of reasonable explanations. Most of us never face such things. But there are a few who know the terror of the supernatural. I'll be back with.

Speaker 12: A final word.

Speaker 5: If you'd like to support us, visit our merchandise store at T-shirts, caps, mugs, and so much more. Visit doorwaytonightmare.com today.

Speaker 1: Someone once said, you will be his first kiss. his first love, his first friend. You are his mother, and he.

Speaker 6: Is your whole world, your little boy.

Speaker 1: While you cannot choose your mother, you can always try to make the best of what you have. Our cast included Crimson McKenzie, Winslow Swan, Mick Davis, and Jonathan Rosignol. The story was edited by Crimson McKenzie, and the production was under the direction of Winslow Swan. This is your host, Artemis Black, inviting you to return with us through the doorway to nightmare for another adventure into the world of your terrifying imaginations. Until next time, slumber peacefully.

Speaker 12: Epilogue. Shh.

Speaker 7: The butler did it.

Speaker 10: The butler didn't do it!

Speaker 12: Nightmare. Come in.

Speaker 6: Welcome.

Speaker 1: 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.

Speaker 2: So, what are you doing?

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

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

Speaker 3: Then why did you call?

Speaker 2: I want something from you.

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

Speaker 2: Your blood pouring from your body.

Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, Nefertiti, was written especially for Doorway 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.

Speaker 16: There, underneath your bed, there is some thing, 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. Get it before the thing gets you. The End.

Speaker 1: 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.

Speaker 7: Oh, Natalie, thank goodness you're here. I'm going out of my mind.

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

Speaker 7: Please, come in.

Speaker 4: Oh, where's your cat?

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

Speaker 7: Well, there is certainly a lot going on right now. Come in.

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

Speaker 7: Oh, it's so stupid. I've lost the car keys.

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

Speaker 7: Nat, I can't thank you enough for house-sitting this weekend. You don't know how badly... I need to get away.

Speaker 9: Well, you won't be doing that until we find the keys, so come on.

Speaker 3: Is that Nefertiti? Now, how did you get in here?

Speaker 7: I never saw her came in. I thought you said that she was in the car.

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

Speaker 7: Well, first things first, if she could help us find my keys, I can get this vacation started.

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

Speaker 7: If you find them, shout!

Speaker 9: Now, Nefertiti, don't you give me that look. You know I can never stay mad at you.

Speaker 15: Alright.

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

Speaker 9: 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?

Speaker 3: Do you think? Well, let's go have a look. Okay, so we're in the kitchen, and where could they be?

Speaker 9: That's the fridge, you silly kitty.

Speaker 3: You can't be hungry now. I gave you food at home. We can eat dinner in a little while. Now for Titi.

Speaker 9: Will you quit playing around and help me find her keys? Fine, I'll open the refrigerator and you can pick out your favorite.

Speaker 3: Snack and, and, oh my. Oh you, I should have known. Oh Mrs. Brents.

Speaker 7: I can't understand what could have happened to you.

Speaker 3: Looking for these.

Speaker 7: Thank goodness. Where in this house did you find them?

Speaker 9: Actually, Nefertiti found them. They were in the fridge of all places.

Speaker 7: I must have laid them in there when I was making some lunch. I'm so silly sometimes.

Speaker 3: Don't feel that way.

Speaker 9: I spent half an hour looking for my phone when I was holding it.

Speaker 7: Better check the freezer. I may have my phone in there.

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

Speaker 7: You bet I am. And of course you know where I keep the treats.

Speaker 10: She says thank you?

Speaker 7: You are most welcome, Nefertiti.

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

Speaker 7: How long have you had her?

Speaker 9: Oh, more like how long has she had me? I think it's been about two years now.

Speaker 7: She really loves you. I'm so amazed every time I see you with her. She is so well-behaved.

Speaker 9: Well, I was at a pretty low point back then, and nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed to be going right.

Speaker 3: One night, I heard her on my doorstep. Poor baby, she was starving to death.

Speaker 7: And a true friendship was born.

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

Speaker 7: 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.

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

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

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

Speaker 7: 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?

Speaker 3: Nefertiti knows.

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

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

Speaker 7: I'm going, I'm going. I left a number of the hotel on the fridge if you need anything.

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.

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

Speaker 2: Are you alone?

Speaker 3: May I ask who's calling?

Speaker 2: Are you alone now?

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

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

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

Speaker 2: That is all I wanted to know.

Speaker 3: Well, that was strange.

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.

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

Speaker 3: Yes, bye babe. I know Nefertiti. I'm not getting anything done. I deserve a break as well.

Speaker 12: Okay, okay.

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

Speaker 2: Are you alone?

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

Speaker 2: Who's there with you?

Speaker 3: Why do you even care?

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

Speaker 9: How do you know my name?

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

Speaker 9: Well, since you know my name, am I allowed the same privilege?

Speaker 2: Not just yet.

Speaker 3: Quiet, Nefertiti.

Speaker 2: Who are you talking to?

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

Speaker 2: Everything you do concerns me.

Speaker 3: Where are you?

Speaker 2: Wouldn't you like to know?

Speaker 3: I know, Nefertiti, I know.

Speaker 9: So what do you think I should do? You're absolutely right. I think that is exactly what we shall do.

Speaker 15: 12th Precinct, Sergeant Wilkins.

Speaker 3: Hi, this is Natalie Porter.

Speaker 15: Yes, Miss Porter. What can I do for you?

Speaker 9: Well, I'm not so sure. You see, I've been getting some rather strange phone calls tonight.

Speaker 15: I see. Do you recognize the voice?

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

Speaker 15: Was it a man or a woman?

Speaker 3: Oh, definitely a man.

Speaker 15: What is he saying? I mean, is it something obscene?

Speaker 9: No, nothing like that, but he he just well he scared me that's all.

Speaker 15: Did he threaten you in some way.

Speaker 9: Not exactly what really got me is that well he knows my name.

Speaker 15: Well could he be a friend maybe Perhaps someone playing a joke.

Speaker 3: None of my friends would ever do anything like that.

Speaker 15: 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.

Speaker 3: It was just quite scary.

Speaker 15: 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.

Speaker 9: Thank you, Sergeant Wilkins. I greatly appreciate it.

Speaker 15: Oh, that's all right, ma'am. You feel free to call me again if something happens.

Speaker 3: Oh, I most definitely will. Thank you so much. Drake Residence. Talking to I told you already my cat.

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

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

Speaker 7: Was it the police just who are you?

Speaker 2: Don't worry Natalie you'll find out very.

Speaker 3: Soon What do you want? Do you really want to know why are you doing this?

Speaker 2: I want to wear your intestines as a necklace.

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 3 shortly.

Speaker 5: Have you heard any good books lately? Audiobooks from Winslow Swan, now available on Spotify.

Speaker 1: Albert Schweitzer once said, there are two means of refuge from the miseries of life. Music and cats.

Speaker 3: I know Nefertiti. I know.

Speaker 9: 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?

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

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

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

Speaker 3: Why should I be? You're just a sicko voice on the phone.

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

Speaker 3: What do you mean?

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

Speaker 3: Where are you?

Speaker 2: Right behind you.

Speaker 3: Where are you? Show yourself!

Speaker 2: Hello, Natalie.

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.

Speaker 2: You are a young woman. All alone in an empty house. Nothing to protect you except.

Speaker 1: A stupid cat.

Speaker 3: I know, Mr.

Speaker 7: Tootie.

Speaker 3: He really has no clue.

Speaker 2: Doesn't this knife scare you?

Speaker 3: It would be very wise on your part.

Speaker 9: To put the knife down and quietly skulk away to whatever rock you crawled out of.

Speaker 1: First.

Speaker 2: I'm going to slice your stomach wide open, letting your blood spill.

Speaker 3: All over me. My, what a visual. Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Speaker 7: Oh, wait.

Speaker 9: That would mean you would have to have the ability to write and read, which I highly doubt.

Speaker 2: Then, I'm going to remove your stomach and slice it open to see what you've been eating.

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

Speaker 2: Why are you talking to that stupid animal?

Speaker 3: You poor, unsuspecting fool.

Speaker 9: You should have never, ever called an animal stupid. Now you've upset her.

Speaker 2: I will slice her open first and make you watch.

Speaker 9: 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.

Speaker 3: He's all yours, my Nefertiti.

Speaker 2: What?

Speaker 12: What the?

Speaker 4: Oh my god!

Speaker 1: The cat!

Speaker 16: It's growing!

Speaker 4: Getting bigger!

Speaker 6: No!

Speaker 1: Stay away!

Speaker 7: Stay away!

Speaker 9: Now Nefertiti, make sure you clean all of that up. Wouldn't want Miss Streak to.

Speaker 3: Come home to a mess, would we? I wonder who that could be. May I help you?

Speaker 4: Miss Porter?

Speaker 3: Yes.

Speaker 4: I'm Sergeant Wilkins from the 12th Precinct. We spoke earlier tonight on the phone.

Speaker 7: Oh, yes.

Speaker 3: Is everything okay?

Speaker 4: I was just about to ask you the same question.

Speaker 3: Everything's fine here.

Speaker 4: 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.

Speaker 3: Really?

Speaker 9: Well, I never got any more calls, if that's what you wanted to know.

Speaker 15: Well, that's good.

Speaker 4: I just thought I would stop by on my way home and make sure.

Speaker 2: Ha ha.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Sergeant. It is most appreciated. Oh, look. Nefertiti thanks you, too.

Speaker 4: And I say I've interrupted your dinner. I'm very sorry about that.

Speaker 9: Oh, 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.

Speaker 1: That's a beautiful cat.

Speaker 4: I have three myself.

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

Speaker 1: I'm sorry.

Speaker 4: Did you say protectors?

Speaker 3: Yes, I did.

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 a final word.

Speaker 3: It is in all of us. Waiting. Watching. Growing.

Speaker 5: Evil Within by Winslow Swan. Now available on Amazon.

Speaker 1: John Hutto 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. 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. Epilogue The butler did it.

Game plan