S3E8: The Couples
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Hey there! Hello.

The man lifted his shoulders, shifting a large hiking pack behind him. A rolled up sleeping bag flopped onto his head until he knocked it back with a quick jerk. "Let me guess, you're heading to the highway?" Amber and I shared a look, which caused the man's smile to slowly fade. "Yeah." "Us too!" "Us?" I heard movement to our left. I gripped the gun, ready to pull it. "Oh, hi!" A woman walked out of the woods, snapping her button on her pants. She also carried a colorful hiking backpack.

I, uh, didn't realize anyone was over here. Probably would have gone a little further to release myself. I forced a smile and so did Amber. Are you two worried about the fire? That's what's got us in a hurry. I was just gonna ask that. Amber took a step forward and brought her hands in front of her. Yeah, we've been rushing ever since we heard the alert. Us too! Never heard anything like it. They flew right overhead.

We figured we'd get a text, but you know how I can be out here. Oh, yeah. The couple came down the creek toward us. I quickly moved my hand away from my gun and pulled down my shirt so it was concealed. We only stopped here to rest a moment since we've been hiking all day. Along the creek? When they got about ten feet from us, they stopped.

I could see in their eyes that they were confused about our appearances. The scratches and bruises on my face and arms. Amber's bandaged head. The fact that only Amber carried a backpack, which wasn't very full. Are, uh, are you guys alright? Amber looked to me, concerned. Then back to the couple. We've, uh, had some troubles. Oh? We were in a car accident south of here. Oh my god. Off the highway?

No, um, one of the side roads. This is our first time out here, and, well, our fault for deciding to come out just before nightfall. Ended up hitting a deer and veering right off the road. Jesus! So, yeah, we're pretty beat up. We were trying to get to the ranger station, but I've lost the map. Something my boyfriend won't let me forget. She shot me a dirty look. Oh man, time to act.

Yeah, well, we should have just stuck to the road and made our way back to the highway. Like I said hours ago. Yeah, the ranger station, you're pretty far from that. Yeah, that's past Site 3. Right, babe? Oh, it's way up there. Really? I thought it was right off one of the trails that cross the creek. No, no, no. It's far. Well, now without a map...

and our inability to use this damn compass. She smacked the zipper, playfully irritated, then slid her backpack on. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but we're kind of... lost. I mean, we've been following the creek for a while now, but... nothing. Oh, wow, yeah. You should have headed back towards the highway. I'm sure someone would have helped you there. Somebody definitely would have picked you up and driven you into town.

And I'm sure you've... Charged your phone? Amber took her phone out of her pocket, spun it around in her hands, and frustratingly tapped the screen twice. It's dead. I told you to charge it. What does it matter? Haven't had signal since we left Du Bois. Still. And what about your phone? She put her hand on her hip. I didn't say anything. Exactly. He lost his in Du Bois. We should have known by that time that this trip was fucked. Oh, uh, sorry for the language.

It's totally fine. I don't normally curse, but we've had a hell of a time. Oh, yeah, I bet. We're pretty close to one of the trails. We are? Amber actually seemed genuinely surprised about that. Yeah, just about a mile up that way. You motioned up the creek. Mm-hmm, you were on the right track by following the creek. You would have hit a trail eventually, but not the ranger station. No. We've been sticking close to the creek. We just stopped to get some more water, relax a bit, and... Pee. Ha ha ha.

You're welcome to walk with us. And we could give you a ride into town. Bingo. That would be awesome. Thank you. Of course. But we need to get moving with that fire out there. We don't want to get caught in it. Are you guys parked right off the highway? Far from the trailhead in one of those small gravel locks. Great. That'll help us out so much. By the way, the name's Leroy and this is Carrie. We alternated shaking hands. I'm Amber and this is Mike. Nice to meet you.

After introductions, we stood there for a good ten seconds, awkwardly. So, you guys ready? Nope. Wait, haven't refilled my bottle. Hurry up, Care. Actually, do you mind giving us just two minutes so I can change out my bandage? She rubbed her head. I got a nasty cut on the back of my head. Of course. We'll be up there by that big rock when you're ready. Sounds good. Leroy and Carrie walked up the creek as Amber knelt down and then zipped her backpack.

She grabbed my wrist and pulled me down so I knelt beside her. But the whole time I kept focused on a couple. What do you think? What do you mean? You kind of took the reins there. You think it was a bad move? I don't know. They seem trustworthy enough. No offense, but I don't trust anyone or anything in these freaking woods. I know. But I thought it might be a good way to get a ride once hitting the highway. Think about it.

If the highway is watched, they may be our best way out. They're not the watchers. Amber joined me in staring at the couple. Carrie was bending down, gathering water into a large blue bottle. They could be. So, do we take that chance?

What do you mean? I think we've already decided. Are you upset with me? No, I had nothing, but I can't help but be skeptical of everyone. I know. Just then, Leroy looked over, catching us staring. Shh, tear some strips. Amber tossed a shirt to me. Think he caught us? Yeah, so let's be a little less conspicuous. Right. Dang it! Can't get it! Hold on. I look for a sharp rock.

What happened to your other shirt? Couldn't find it. You okay with me ripping this one? I don't give a shit, Mike. I found a rock that looked suitable and stretched the shirt to make it easier to tear through. You know, we have guards. Uh, it's okay. This shirt's ripped anyway. Leroy nodded and turned back to Carrie. Liar. She smiled and shrugged. Mike, would they really have all this equipment if they were lying? Aaron did.

And he was Kyle. He looked like a hiker. Backpack and everything. And trust me, I lost my cool when I went through it all. So yes, they could just be looking the part. Okay. I finished tearing two long strips as Amber removed her old bandage. They're up there talking. Yeah, I see. You think they're suspicious of us? Your story seems somewhat believable. I was trying my best to come up with something. She lifted her hair as I scooted closer.

Your eyes made me look like a dumbass, though. You mean because heading to the ranger station wasn't a good idea? Hell no. Why the hell wouldn't we just head back to the highway to flag down a car? Good point. I never was good at improv. No? We locked eyes.

I could tell she knew what I was getting at. Okay, it's a little different when I'm not put on the spot. It comes naturally then? Yeah. Let's just hope they don't ask too many questions about our accident. Yeah, and don't worry. It makes me look dumb too because I followed you. I took a moment to look again at the couple. Carrie had put away her water bottle and now they were just standing there, chatting and waiting for us. If they do ask more questions, keep it simple. Kiss. Kiss?

Keep it simple, stupid. Oh, right. What did you think I meant? Nothing. But she looked over her shoulder at me and smiled ever so slightly. You know, Mike, we might have to. Have to what? Kiss. She motioned to the couple with a slight head nod. Leroy and Carrie shared a quick peck and leaned against each other. You know, to play the part. Oh, I know.

We sat in an awkward silence as I finished wrapping her head. I do plan to ask them a few more questions though, just to see. Okay, but don't push. If they are telling the truth, we could be in Dubois or Jackson within a few hours, Mike. Talking to the police. I'm not getting my hopes up, and you shouldn't either. You're right. Sorry. No need to apologize, but even if they are telling the truth, we don't know what's waiting for us on the highway. You're all done. How'd it look?

Not bad, but when we get to town, you should see a doctor. Okay. You ready? Wait. I don't trust anyone out here, but I think you made the right choice with the story and asking for help. You know the way to the highway. You know the trails, so you'll know if what they say is true. You'll know if they're leading us the right way. I will. So if you see anything odd, let me know. And if they aren't who they say they are, what will we do then? Same as we did here. We'll improvise. I put an extra clip in your bag just in case.

You mean magazine? Sure, whatever it's called. You have an extra one now. I can't hurt anyone, Mike. I don't think I could pull the trigger even if I had to. I didn't think so either, but I'm glad I did. She forced a smile. Hey, uh, we should really get going. Sorry. Twenty minutes later, we were on the trail heading towards the highway. Couldn't believe we were so close to Wind Walk, but Amber did say we couldn't cut diagonally because of the terrain.

And you've been out here for four days? Amber continued to question the couple while I walked behind everyone, keeping my eye on our surroundings. Yep, we were planning on a full week, but once the helicopters came through with that announcement, we knew things were serious. And you've been here before? Oh, yeah. How many times, though?

Shit, I don't know. Five or six? Yeah, all over too. That's why we know where the ranger station is. You guys are way too far to reach that. Highway is definitely the best option. This is your first time out here? Yeah. But you only brought one bag? How long did you plan to hike for? Just a couple days. Heard there were some really nice scenic spots.

Were they buying this? Hopefully. It was a pretty bad crash, huh? Leroy was looking back at me. Oh, uh, yeah. It was. Shoot.

I don't remember the name. 117? She looked over at me for confirmation. I don't remember. You were the navigator. Of course. We took it because we were looking for a good place to park. I thought there was a trailhead around there, too. I don't remember any dirt or gravel roads around here. Oh, well, it's not too far. The only intersection I know of is where 26 meets 191, but that's way south, by Jackson Lake.

No, Lee, there's definitely smaller roads. On this side of the highway? Uh, I think so, yeah. This far up? No, but definitely by the two lakes. Jackson Lake. No, the lake's on this side. Oh, okay. I never noticed, I guess. I know there are roads down by the campground and university, but that's closer to 26, and they're not small little side roads. This one was definitely smaller.

Maybe even a private road, but it was on the map. Mikey here should have been driving slower. I wasn't driving that fast. I'm just messing around, babe. She stopped, turned, and kissed me on the lips. It was quick, but I was taken aback. I'm not blaming you. It was both our faults. We continued walking, but I couldn't help but think about the feeling that kiss just gave me.

We hear about people hitting deer all the time. Nasty, nasty accidents. We veered right into a ditch. The car almost rolled. Oh, wow. So, where did you two end up hiking? We heard of some spots along a wind walk trail. This is wind walk. This is? Amber was really laying it on thick. I had to force myself to not roll my eyes. Yeah, wind walk goes all the way to, um, what is it called?

"Shoot, I don't remember. Shoshone?" "Here." Carrie pulled out a map. "Here you are." She handed it to Amber, who looked it over. There was something funny about the way Amber acted, pretending not to know a thing about these woods. "Hmm. This map is different than the one we had."

Alright look, see this? This is the trail we're on. See? Not too much further to the highway. Bull! It's like what, 10 more miles? No, I'd say 5, maybe 6. Big difference. Saves us an hour! Yeah well, an hour ago we saw some smoke. Did you guys see it? No, just heard the alert via helicopter. We even tried to flag them down, but they didn't see us. Too much street cover. Yeah.

I'm hoping they can get it under control quickly. Ugh, I know. It makes me so sad. Can you imagine all of this burning? Ugh, it breaks my heart thinking about all the animals. Me too. That actually seemed genuine. It seems like they're taking it seriously though. Leeroy, who was walking in front, looked back. Our eyes met. I didn't know if it was just because I was skeptical, but I noticed he kept giving me weird looks.

Was it because he was skeptical of us too? Was I not conversing enough for his liking? I decided to jump in. Sad that you guys had to cut your trip short because of the fire. Ugh, that wasn't the start of it. What do you mean? Carrie looked to me with a saddened face. Last night we had our stuff stolen from our little camp. Really?

Yeah. Freaking jerks. They took some of our cooking equipment, some food, my LED lamp, and, ugh, what else? They took your knife, too. Yeah, my knife. Can opener, some other little stuff I left outside the tent. They took some of our clothes, too. Oh, yeah. My long-sleeved clay shirt that said, Hiker Babe. Left it outside to dry. I took it.

No, I was super intrigued. Did you see him do it? Carrie said she did. I didn't say I saw them steal our stuff. I said I saw them run off. There were two of them, but I didn't get a good look. It was dark. One of them had long hair. Maybe a woman. That's all I know. Well, it wasn't us. Oh, no, I know that.

Your backpack would be a lot bulkier if you had all our stuff. But who does that? Seriously? I told you, maybe they're homeless. Homeless people don't live in the woods. Oh, they can if they're... hermits or something.

Jerry's cave came to mind. Well, that sucks. Right? Oh, tell me about it. That and then the fires, and we were like, nope, that's it. Time to go. And we normally spend like a whole week out here. That seems like a lot, you know? Oh, we love it, don't we, Lee? Oh, yeah. We often camp out by the creek. It intersects with several trails. See, I remembered that. Told you, babe.

She turned and smiled at me. That's why I thought we'd be good following it up. Makes sense. Did it, or was she just being nice? But we also travel other places too. We're always heading up different spots. I mean, we like Yellowstone, but... It's just so busy nowadays, you know? Oh, they better hope that fire doesn't head north. Can you imagine? They'll take care of it before it gets to any of those sites up there. Did you know they still have lookout towers here?

Amber and I glanced at each other. I saw her bite her lip, trying to stifle a chuckle. Really? Like fire lookout towers? Yeah. It's probably how they spotted the fire and why they're warning everybody. Seems like they're useful then. I'm sure. We've walked by a couple of them out here before. We heard a certain area of the forest was closed. Did she really just say that?

Yeah, yeah, I think it's past Shoshone. It is. There used to be another camping site over that way. And lake. That's right. Not sure why it shut down, but we never go that way anyway. It's been shut down for like five years, right? Maybe more. That long? That seemed like a genuine question from Amber. I too was intrigued. I remember Amber mentioning it getting taken off the map. Had some issues with the trails?

Maybe even a bear attack. Oh, stop. He's messing around. It wasn't a bear attack. How do you know, Carrie? It could have been. It would have been on the news, dork. Anytime an animal attack happens, they report it. I mean, come on, how many videos have we seen about bison and stupid people walking right up to them to take pictures and pet them? That's Yellowstone, not down here. Still report it. Have you heard of any bear attacks north of here?

Not Yellowstone, but in Bridger Teton or Shoshone? No, right babe? Not recently. Huh. That seemed like another genuine question from Amber. That is something you gotta worry about though. I didn't realize it at first, but Leroy was looking at me again. Oh yeah? Um, wait, what? Bears. They're out here. We've seen them. Only twice, but they never came close. Yeah, well, I wouldn't even care if they did. We have bear spray.

Something tells me you two don't. We don't. Did you leave it in the car or forget it altogether? I think we just forgot it. What is bear spray? It's like mace. You spray it at the bear and I think it burns their eyes or something, but it doesn't cause any lasting effects. It's humane. I bet it still stings like a mother, though. We've never had to use it, but just in case, you know? No, yeah, it's a good idea. We should have brought some, huh, babe?

Not sure if I was seeing things correctly, but it kinda looked like Amber blushed. Next time. Yeah, let's just focus on getting our truck towed back to town. Truck? Thought you said it was a car. Shit. What did I just say? Truck? Yeah, you drove my car, dummy. We wanted to take the truck because of the roads out here. But the stupid thing keeps breaking down. It's why we took my more reliable car.

I guess I'm really out of it today. Totally get it. You guys have been through a lot. She smiled comfortingly at me, then turned to Amber. How's your head? Not too much throbbing anymore. Man, did it hurt. I was a little nervous right now, but I hope we were able to recover well enough. Damn it, Mike. Every day, we rise, challenging ourselves to work for what we believe in.

So, what do you think? Does it matter? We're already with them. They seem legit though, no? Yeah, sure. How much longer till the highway?

I don't know. Three miles, maybe? Damn it. We were taking a quick break because Leroy had to pee now. I was watching the woods where he walked off. Carrie was waiting by the woods edge, drinking some water a good distance away. Both Amber and I continued to watch and chat, although we kept our voices down. What are you looking for? Nothing. Nothing? Nope. I guess I took it out with everything else. Well, here. You can borrow ours.

Carrie came over, digging in her pack. She pulled out a roll of toilet paper and handed it to Amber. Biodegradable, so it's not soft, but it's better than leaves. Thank you so much. Where did Leroy go? Over that way. Oh, I can see him coming back now. And he was coming back alone. Good. Okay, I'll go over this way then. Watch my backpack, babe. She looked like she was trying to stifle a laugh. I rolled my eyes in return and smiled.

I will. Do you need anything? Me? No, I don't think so. No water? Or what about a granola bar? The thieves didn't take everything. I'm fine, really. Just focused on getting to the highway. But do you guys have food and water? Uh, some. I reached down and grabbed Amber's backpack. Okay. Carrie gave me a weird look and quickly spun around to face her approaching boyfriend. What just happened? We ready?

Hey babe, uh, no, Amber just walked off to go to the bathroom. Oh, okay. Yeah, um, hey really quick, can you help me with something too? What the hell was going on? Then I realized. The grip of my gun was showing. Shit! My shirt must have lifted when I bent down to pick up Amber's pack. Shit, shit, shit! I quickly covered it. Strike two, Mike. I wanted to believe she didn't see it, but her awkward spin and the fact that she was now over by Leroy holding his arm and whispering something...

Damn it. Hey, uh, everything okay? Not sure what that question would gain me as far as answers, but I wasn't sure what else to do. Yeah? Why? Oh, uh, no reason. No reason? No reason? There definitely was a reason. The reason being I think your girlfriend just saw my gun. And spies for Iris or not, they wouldn't feel comfortable with me carrying. That's for sure. I looked to the woods where Amber had gone. I didn't see her. Come on, Amber. Get back here.

"I need you." I looked back down the trail to see Leroy and Carrie still talking. Leroy smiled at me. "Hey, when your girl gets back, we'll take off. It shouldn't be much longer now." "Okay. Yeah, sounds good." I looked back towards the direction Amber went. "Where was she?" "Hey, while we wait, I have a question." I turned my attention back to Leroy and Carrie as they slowly approached side by side. "Yeah?" Leroy held up the map.

What road were you two on again? Oh, um... One something, right? Yeah, I, uh, I can't really remember. Because I don't see a road on here at all. He held the map to me. I quickly looked it over, wondering what to say next. It's probably... It's probably just not on this map. Amber said ours was different. Yeah, that makes sense. The map was covering my view of both of them. I started getting nervous. But also maybe there was no road. No truck. No deer.

What? I pushed the map from my face. Now! It was too late. I was sprayed in the face. By what I thought was Mace. Then tackled. To the ground. Get back, Care! The gun! Get the gun! I couldn't see anything. My eyes were burning. That's when I realized this wasn't Mace. It was bear spray. She just shot me with bear spray.

I could feel Leroy reaching and I tried my best to push him off, but he had me pinned. I couldn't open my eyes at all. He grabbed at my shirt and waist and eventually... Shit! He got the gun for me. There! Get a carry! Right there! I landed a good knee to his gut and sprinted for just a moment to see him roll to his side. I closed my eyes again due to the excruciating pain, but need him again. I rubbed my eyes with one hand and crawled to the other. No you don't!

I heard him scramble up. "Get the gun, dammit!" "I got..." He kicked me and once again pounced, but this time I felt the stick of a blade just under my chin. "Stop moving!" The point dug into my skin, through my beard. "Don't move!" I blinked repeatedly, trying to rid myself of the burning pain. Tears continued to stream down my face, but it wasn't just me.

Through my furious blinking, I saw Leroy also struggling. He leaned over me, holding the knife. Tears also pouring down his face. The bear spray got him too. Just not as bad. "What are we doing? What do we do?" "Just stay there. Keep the gun on him." "Okay." I continued to squint and blink. I could just make out Carrie moving to the side. The gun aimed at me. "Who are you?" I looked back over to Leroy. Blurry face through all the tears.

Who are you? You guys a couple of fugitives or something? Tell us the truth! No! Tell us then. I knew the car accident story was bullshit the moment you said it. He rubbed his eyes with his shirt safe while still keeping the knife under my chin. Who are you? Hey Roy, let's just go. We have his gun. Let's go. Just don't follow us, okay? Hold on, Kara! Goddamn stupid spray! You got it everywhere!

I'm sorry, I just sprayed it straight. I've never used it before. Leroy pressed the knife harder. If he didn't break the skin before, he did now. Talk, man, talk! Leroy, please, let's just go. He won't follow. Carrie, watch the woods! I am! No, you're not. Yes, I am. I don't see her. Well, that girl's going to come back soon, so keep looking. I know, but I don't see... Care? Drop the gun now. Now!

I blinked hard once, letting tears run, then opened my eyes the most that I could. I saw Amber as a watery blob standing behind an amorphous Carrie. I blinked hard again to try to focus. Amber held the gun to Carrie's head. "Drop the gun, Care." "Now!" "Do it!" I saw Carrie drop the gun and move to the side. Before I had to close my eyes again. "You, drop the knife and get off of him." The weight was lifted off my chest as Leroy got up.

Amber, I can't keep my eyes open. It's still fucking burning. They hit me with bear spray. I know, I heard. Carrie, take out your water bottle. Slowly. And you stay right there. You move one inch, I'll shoot her. Just do as she says. Toss it by him. I heard the water bottle land next to me. I tried opening my eyes again, but I couldn't see where it was. To your right, Mike.

I slid out of the backpack and rolled to my side. I felt around blindly. Higher, by your shoulder. There I was. Okay, now, you move over by him. No sudden movements. Okay. I poured water into my hand and wiped my face. I then sat up and poured it directly into my eyes, flushing them as best I could. We don't want any trouble. Doesn't seem that way. You lied to us. Who are you people? Just a couple trying to get to the highway.

She was sticking with a couple story? Are you on the run from the cops? No, but we do need to get out of here. Why? You don't need to know that. How you doing there, Mike? Uh, a little better. It took a good five minutes before I could finally open my eyes fully and for longer than five seconds. This stuff is no joke. I slowly rose and stumbled over to Amber. I dragged her backpack behind me. Here, I'll take it.

She put on the backpack slowly, not lowering her gun which was still pointed at Carrie. We only did this because we knew you were lying, okay? We didn't plan to hurt you, we just wanted to leave. We- we promised. You can go and we won't say a thing. I poured more water into my hand and rubbed my eyes with my shirt collar. Mike. Yeah? Are we sticking with the plan? They're obviously not employees. Employees? So we press on. She handed me my gun.

We have to. I bent down and grabbed the bear spray. I put it in Amber's bag. Okay, then let's make sure they have nothing else, right? What are you... What are you going to do? We're not going to hurt you, but we do need you. We need your car. Then just take it. I'll give you the keys. Just leave us. Amber looked over to me and shrugged. I shook my head. We needed them too, to drive us. No, Amber.

We need you to come with us. Why? Just take the car, okay? He reached into his pocket. Hey, no movement. Keep your hands clear. I pointed my gun at him while still rubbing my eyes. This stuff would probably take a while to completely wear off. Okay, okay. Sorry. You said like three miles left, right? Roughly. Sorry, guys. But you're going to have to come with us. And before we leave, we have to search you and your packs. Sorry. No.

We need your help. It's gonna be alright, Carrie. We'd only been walking for a good five minutes before Carrie started crying. And her waterworks had been on and off for the last half hour. We searched all their belongings and put their knives and phones in Amber's pack. Both Amber and I walked a good ten paces behind them. Mike, what happens if they try something in the car? If the highway is washed, we need them to drive. They're airing fire warnings via helicopter. I'm sure they know others are in the woods. So the plan is still to head south? Okay.

How about when we get to the highway, you let us go? You take a car and- Carrie, stop. No! Why do we have to go with you? Keep walking. Why us? Keep walking. I felt bad, but once we hit a town, we'd let them go. We told them that while searching their bags, but of course they didn't believe us. And why would they? We're a couple liars with guns. You hear that? It was a helicopter. That towards the highway?

No, I don't think so. Are they searching for you? Leroy was looking back at us as we walked. No, there's a fire. Leroy seemed to have his doubts, but I don't know how he could since he saw smoke. I think it's flying north of here. Good. Let's hope the highway's clear. Holy shit. I thought we'd never reach it. We made it. To the highway, which was barren and quiet. Ah.

I remember a few more cars when I drove this. Yeah. I'm wondering if they closed it down already. Because of the fire? But neither of us answered. Where's your car? Over this way. We were exposed, but there was no one around. It was eerie. Here it comes. What? The truth. My fingers are crossed. So are mine. We followed Leroy and Carrie around a group of bushes into a large gravel lot.

On the edge. Parked half in yellow grass, a blue Subaru outback. I heard Amber let out a sigh of relief. I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath in as well. Alright, you can have your keys back in a minute. I unlock the doors. Go ahead, Amber. But she was checking her phone and shaking her head. What? Signal keeps going in and out. It's okay. Let's focus on this right now. Amber nodded and climbed into the backseat. Okay, take your backpacks off. It did so.

Hand them to Amber. They moved slowly, which irked me. But they were scared. That was obvious. One at a time, Amber put their packs in the back. Okay, now what? I handed Leroy the keys. Go ahead. You're driving. I watched him slowly climb into the vehicle. Now you. Carrie went around the other side. I climbed in at the same time she did, but kept my gun pointed at Leroy. You got her, Amber? Yeah. Okay, let's go. You two really aren't on the run.

You'll find out soon enough. Where am I going? South. South to where? Just south right now. Come on, man. Don't make us do this. Relax. We're just trying to get to a police station. A police station? That's right. Let's go. My heart was beating rapidly as Leroy slowly pulled out of the gravel lot and onto the highway. I don't see any cars...

Amber, would they close the entire highway? I don't know. It's possible, but it's crazy they'd do it this early. I can't even see smoke from here. Me either. Why are you trying to get to a police station? Carrie! We need to talk to the police. We know you guys don't trust us, but we really do need help. We're not bad people. Were you attacked by someone? You could say that. And that's all that should be said. And that's all we need to know.

I locked eyes with Leroy in the rearview mirror. A good ten minutes passed in silence. Amber and I kept checking the woods and sky, but at one point she checked her phone again. Well? I could try.

Guys are really scared, huh? We're just making sure we aren't being followed. Followed? Who's gonna follow you out here? We haven't seen one single vehicle. And if you guys aren't worried about the police... Amber and I shared a glance. You aren't, right? Why would you have me drive you to a police station if you were? If you want to contact the police, you can use my phone. Or Leroy's. Really! Let's not talk anymore. Amber, how long till we get- Walt... I leaned up between the front seats.

Oh shit. Mike, that's a roadblock. Ahead of us. Two black SUVs lined up across the road, blocking it. Can we get around that? Around that? I can't drive my car over the side. We'll freaking roll. They probably just have the roadblock to keep people out of the forest. Or to keep people in. Stop the car. What? Stop the car! Are you serious? I push the barrel of the gun against his head. I'm serious! Stop the car! Jesus!

The roadblock was about a hundred yards from us. Two men dressed in tactical gear came from around the front of the right vehicle. Those aren't cops. No, they aren't. Who... who are they? Tactical gear. Yeah, we uh, we need to turn around. What? Turn the car around now! Right here? How do you know those aren't police? The men before us pointed.

made some other quick hand gestures. Another guy came from around the back of the left SUV, talking on a radio. "Turn the fucking car around now!" "But-" "Do it!" Just then, Leroy was shot. Right in his chest, blood spurted across the windshield and the roof of the car. "Ugh...ugh..." "Leroy! Leroy!" "No!"

Oh my god! Oh my god, they're running at us! Shit! His foot came off the brake, but I leaned over the center console and grabbed the wheel and yanked hard. Hit the gas! You are shot! Hit the gas, Carrie! I can't. Carrie! In a panic, she reached over and stepped on the pedal with her left foot. She was trying to cover Leroy's injury in the process. Help! Help!

Help me! Please help me! Keep your foot on the gas! We got the car around and heading north. I eased the wheel to the center and we sped off. Amber peeked out the back windshield. Mike, what if they have it blocked up north too? We'll have to find out. Move to the side, Carrie. I can't see. I know. Lean to the side. I was trying to see over her head and her blood soaked and cracked windshield. Help me. Help me.

You gotta help me! We have to stop! We can't stop! We started slow. I noticed in her panic Carrie had let her foot off the gas and she turned to face us. She was trying to cover Leroy's wound with her hands. Blood continued to pour out. Please! I need my phone! Carrie, the gas! Stay on the gas! Carrie, you gotta take the wheel, okay? Mike can't keep driving like this. He can't see! What about Leroy? We'll help him, okay? Take the wheel!

No, we have to call an ambulance! Oh shit, it's behind us! Gary, take the fucking wheel! She did, and I spun around. An SUV was behind us and closing in fast. A big man leaning out of the passenger window, taking aim. Mike! Get down! Dammit! I dropped my gun in the chaos. I reached down under the seat and grabbed it. I can't do this! Keep driving or we all die! Ah!

Oh my god...

Jesus. Nice shot. Thanks. What happened? What happened? Are we safe? No! I followed Amber's gaze. The other SUV was quickly approaching. Shit, Carrie, keep your head down! I think I hear her back! Help me!

Keep driving! Why are they doing this? I peered over the backseat to see a big, burly, mustache man reloading his rifle. I couldn't believe this was happening. I can't see! I can't see! Carrie, you're doing good. We're gonna get out of this. Just keep her steady. Okay. Leroy... I can't. Heads down!

Shit! Fuck you!

I leaned over the back seats to see the passenger holding his neck, blood spurting out. He had dropped his gun and fallen back into his seat. Just then, the driver leaned out and aimed a handgun. I aimed too, but he was aiming low enough. Just then, the other tire burst, sending us spinning. The car jerked and veered. The SUV came closing in and rammed us. The driver's airbag deployed, knocking the gun from his hand. The mustache passenger completely ignored his injury, leaned out the window and aimed a handgun.

Gary, hit the brakes! My dad! Hit the brakes! She jumped over on top of the wheel and slammed down the brakes with both feet. The car jerked and spun. Amber flew into it. I looked up to see the passenger hang on for dear life as both vehicles began veering off the road on the dirt and gravel. The passenger fired into the air wildly as the vehicles tilted. Hang on to something! Hang on to something! Dad? Dad?

Tower 4, written by Robert M. Lamb, edited by Mia Sukvili and Robert M. Lamb, starring Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber, and Brian Messick as Gene. Co-starring Ariel Hack and Cody Lohman. Music provided by Taco at soundcloud.com slash madebytaco. Additional tracks from pond5.com and artlist.io.

and Brett Wilkins at facebook.com slash WilkinsMusicFL. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7lam.com for more podcasts such as this one. Don't forget to rate and review and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at 7LAM Podcasts. And we want to give a special thank you to everyone who has donated via our website or on Patreon. We wouldn't be able to do this without you. So from everyone here at 7LAM, thank you.

And a special shout out to Seven Lamb patrons Bradley Williams and Brad McQuaid. Thank you for the support. This has been a Seven Lamb production.

Dispatch, this is Mindy at Air Plus. Well, boy, it's getting cold out there, and I can't imagine surviving winter without a heater. Now, if your heater's making funny noises, just needs a once-over, or your home isn't as warm as it used to be, you better call Air Plus. My team is on time, total pros, and can take care of any type of heater repair. Visit airplusair.com to get your home's heater in tip-top shape.

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