It's
SPEAKER_09:quiet. Crickets sing in the distance. A full moon shines down on the still water of the ornamental fish pond, as marine life resembling koi glides smoothly underneath. Soon the waters begin to churn. Small waves bounce along the surface. The fish dart away to escape as Maximilian abruptly returns. As is customary, he chokes and gags, coughing up pond water until he's recovered. Max closes his eyes, listening to the choir of insects attempting to calm himself. He's still reeling from the other night, where he was helpless to aid the young woman who appears to have fallen victim to the mysterious man in the black hoodie. The crickets fall silent. A shadow passes through the moonbeams. Maximilian gasps as the man in the hoodie stands before him overhead. The man is bathed in moonlight. His features indiscernible save for ice-cold pale blue eyes that seem to glow from the brilliance of the moon. The man in the black hoodie is motionless, his arms crossed. Maximilian can feel the man's deadly stare coiling around him. The hooded man releases a giggle, both childlike and menacing. What do you want?
SPEAKER_05:Say something!
SPEAKER_09:The hooded man kneels down out of sight.
SPEAKER_12:What? What are you doing?
SPEAKER_09:Maximilian hears another sinister giggle. And then the man's hand comes into view. He's holding something. The hand raises and then lowers, placing the thing he's holding on the raised stone ridge that encloses the pond. Maximilian squints to get a clear view of what the man left behind. Glistening in the moonlight is a bloodied, severed ear. Ah!
SPEAKER_12:Ah!
SPEAKER_04:Days
SPEAKER_09:before Leo would hunt the demon of Philip Weston, and before Sebastian went missing, the two men sit in Sebastian's office at the onboarding station.
SPEAKER_05:I appreciate you making time for me, Leo. You've
SPEAKER_10:been a little busy these days. Aren't these sessions mandatory? Well, yes, they are. I wouldn't miss them either way. This is probably as close as I'll ever come to having therapy. How's it going? The demon hunting? You know, when I was a kid, I couldn't think of anything I wanted more than to grow up one day and be a cop. Can't say the same thing for demon hunting. So, becoming a cop was a calling? My wife used to joke that I was born holding a badge. Oh, well, then I feel sorry for your mom. Do you think about her? Who, my mom? Your wife. I try not to. But the honest answer is I never stop thinking about her. Or my son. I guess that's why I keep so busy. Take case after case. Those demons, they're scary, but... The quiet moments, when I'm alone with my thoughts, that's what terrifies me the most.
SPEAKER_05:It's completely understandable and also unavoidable. There is no right way to handle it. It's also why I haven't asked about your son until now. Can you tell me about him?
SPEAKER_10:Well, we had Harry after I made Detective. It might have happened earlier, but... I was transferred as a lateral from Philly to Pittsburgh. Not sure if you know this, but it doesn't matter how much of a local hotshot you might have been, I had to start all over, basically. Only plus side is, I didn't have to wait three years to move up. So, we made the decision to wait and start a family until things settled. But when the day finally came, when he was born, I can't explain it. It felt like My heart was fully functioning for the first time. What's he like? Oh, my little man. My buddy. He's sweet, kind, and funny. He, uh... He makes lists of everything. I guess that's why I started making lists. I learned it from him, not the other way around. Lists? What kind of lists would he make? Too many to mention. He made a list of his favorite foods. Number one is pizza, by the way. Nice choice. Top five Saturday morning cartoons. Top ten jobs he wanted when he grew up. Being a cop was not one of them. Oh, Harry's grandfather, Louise's dad. He had what I would describe as volcanic-level gas. I mean, truly horrendous, like Mount Fuji-level eruptions. The worst part was... He didn't even know he was doing it half the time. He'd let one rip and not even flinch. We're talking farts here, Leo? Really? I'm afraid to hear where this is going. Oh, it gets worse. We had to fumigate the guest room once when he left. But anyway, he loved Harry. He loved being around him. Harry, on the other hand, got so disgusted, he created a list. A list? Of what? Well, now keep in mind, he was eight at the time. Limited vocabulary here, but a list describing each fart in the order of potency. Harry gave him the list on the last day of his visit, so as if to say, I hope this helps. Or please don't come back until you've locked that down. He's industrious, your son. Yeah, that's my boy. Returning to the
SPEAKER_09:present day, Wooly has just arrived at the slab of the ORA after his investigation of the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. The mortuary drawer unlocks automatically and slowly opens until it locks in place. Willy climbs out and then watches as the drawer slowly closes again and locks tightly by itself. Well, that's new. Now in the Devil's Den, he greets Captain Mangut by the coffee machine.
SPEAKER_08:Hey, Captain. I, um... Mr... Mr. Troopaz?
SPEAKER_09:Yes? Who are you? Ronan gets nervous and can't speak.
SPEAKER_11:Willy, this is Ronan Delaney, engineer from our new R&D department.
SPEAKER_03:R&D department? How long was I gone?
SPEAKER_11:He's responsible for our new automatic slab doors.
SPEAKER_03:Oh, nice job, Ronan.
SPEAKER_08:Okay, Ronan, probably time to skedaddle. Oh, aye, Captain. I'll just, uh, I'll just fuck off then, yeah? Aye, I'll get me coat, because clearly I need to fuck off. Ronan
SPEAKER_09:steps away. The captain can tell by his demeanor that Willie is distressed.
SPEAKER_11:Willie, what happened in Philly?
SPEAKER_03:Where's Leo?
SPEAKER_09:Terence Chilcutt, the man who overdosed in a pump-and-shack gas station bathroom near Las Vegas Strip, is reincarnated as demon hunter Leo Braun. Leo examines his surroundings and notices that his briefcase is on the floor of the men's room. He picks it up, yanks some paper towels from a wall dispenser, and wipes the bottom of the case. He catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He's wearing a pink polo and form-fitting white cropped pants. He's wearing matching white loafers with no socks. Leo taps his left ear, activating the weevil.
SPEAKER_10:Laurie, are you reading this?
SPEAKER_07:Men are so gross.
SPEAKER_10:I'll take that as an affirmative. Okay, I'm leaving the gas station now.
SPEAKER_07:Oh, shit!
SPEAKER_10:What? Are you okay?
SPEAKER_07:Oh, it's my briefcase. Sweet! New underwear.
SPEAKER_10:I'm really happy for you. Can you give me your location?
SPEAKER_07:I left the mod museum, and I'm... standing on the corner of Stewart Avenue and North 4th Street. Wait!
SPEAKER_10:Okay, I'm heading north on Mojave Road, passing an El Canelo restaurant.
SPEAKER_07:Oh, well look at that. According to the briefcase, I'm only about a mile away.
SPEAKER_10:Okay, okay, this is good then. Why don't you stay put and I'll meet you. Do you see any landmarks?
SPEAKER_07:Um, there is something called the Evo Club. Oh cool, it's an internet cafe. Should I freak everyone out and post a TikTok?
SPEAKER_10:I don't know what any of that means.
SPEAKER_07:How old are you, Leo?
SPEAKER_10:Hold that thought.
SPEAKER_07:Why? What's wrong?
SPEAKER_10:I'm being followed. Hang tight. Gonna need to deal with this.
SPEAKER_07:Roger that.
SPEAKER_09:Leo turns slowly around to find three young thugs approaching him. They are thin with shaved heads. They're heavily tattooed and brandishing baseball bats. Except for the one in front. He holds a 9mm pistol. He grins, exposing a shiny, gold-plated grill. What's in the briefcase, motherfucker? Leo smiles. He lowers the briefcase and sets it on the sidewalk behind him, and then turns to face the thugs again.
SPEAKER_10:Do you know what an LCI is?
SPEAKER_09:What? What did you say, asshole?
SPEAKER_10:I said, do you know what an LCI is? See, pistols, like that Sig there, come with a loaded chamber indicator. What the fuck are you saying, motherfucker? Hand it over. It means your toy gun there ain't loaded. At the very least, you don't have one in the chamber. So, unless you want that gold-plated grill shoved down your fucking throat, I advise you and your boy toys to walk away. Now.
SPEAKER_09:In an instant, Leo's briefcase emits a type of vibration he's never heard before. It erupts in short bursts, as if it's trying to get Leo's attention. Okay, I think I get it. You know what?
SPEAKER_10:Help yourself. What the hell is it doing? I can honestly
SPEAKER_09:say I don't know. Why don't you find out? Leo steps aside, opening a path to the briefcase. As the leader of the thugs approaches, the briefcase stops trembling.
SPEAKER_10:What the hell is in there, man?!
UNKNOWN:!
SPEAKER_09:Enough to get you a real gold grill next time. The two thugs staying behind have lowered their bats. They're just as enchanted by the briefcase as their leader. It dawns on Leo that the briefcase appears to be drawing them in, seducing them. One of the thugs with the bat begins to inch closer.
SPEAKER_10:Stay back, it's mine!
SPEAKER_09:The thug with the gold-bladed grill kneels down in front of the briefcase. He places his pistol on the sidewalk and reaches for the briefcase, but then hesitates.
SPEAKER_10:Fuck, man. Is there like a combination or something? No. Just flip the clasps. What's in there? Kind of curious about that myself.
SPEAKER_09:The thug with the grill touches the briefcase and lets out giddy laughter. He pops each clasp and then quickly swings the case open. Leo and the two remaining thugs all lean in, trying to get a closer look at what's inside. Yo, man, grills, what is it? It's... it's beautiful. Leo leans closer. Inside the briefcase is... nothingness. None of the fabric-lined padding or small side pockets, just a black emptiness, a void. But the thug with the grill sees... something. He begins screaming. Ah! Suddenly and without warning, the briefcase discharges a powerful energy, sending the thug several feet in the air. Leo watches as the thug is sent flying, crashing into a telephone pole and then plummeting to the hard concrete below. One of the minions rushes over to their leader who is bloody, unconscious but alive. His gold-plated grill rests on the sidewalk next to him split in two. Leo looks to the briefcase again. and within the void a handle of some kind protrudes. Leo walks over and places a firm grip on it. He pulls the hilt upwards and out and reveals a medieval longsword. Oh, hell yeah. Leo wields the sword into a guard stance, the blade edge shining from the overhead streetlights. Okay, who's next? The two minions drop their bats and scurry away, leaving their unconscious leader behind. Leo returns to the briefcase, which is standing upright again, and locked shut.
SPEAKER_10:Well, aren't you full of surprises.
SPEAKER_09:Back in Hell, an early morning sun gleams against an opulent mansion. Resting on a grassy hill in open countryside, the stately house is gated with wrought iron. Behind the gate is a stone pathway leading to a grand ornate fountain that rises from the centre of a luxuriously decorated and handsomely landscaped courtyard. It is the definition of luxury. Inside the lush dwelling, butlers, maids, and housekeepers perform their daily duties. In a spacious kitchen, a private chef prepares a delectable-looking breakfast. The sizable master bedroom is cozy and beautiful, full of equipment and electronics that can't be found anywhere else in Dante. A massive OLED panel television is mounted to the back wall. The Exorcist and Brock Gatling The Devil Ain't Shit movie posters hang on either side of it. High-end laptops are stacked on a deluxe wooden desk. The walls surrounding the bedroom are full of hanging and mounted ancient artifacts, some of which have never been seen by the human eye. A large bed, bigger than an Alaskan king, is in stark contrast to the modernity of the bedroom. It is both ancient yet sumptuous. The finest silks and linens adorn the mattress, which are covered by a lush goose-down comforter. The sounds of women moaning is heard as the luxurious comforter begins to undulate.
SPEAKER_02:An
SPEAKER_09:audible vibration follows the pleasurable moaning. To accompany the vibration, a melodic doorbell signals throughout the estate Satan throws the comforter off himself and turns towards the direction of the vibration sound. A smartphone aggressively rattles against the surface of the nightstand. Two disappointed-looking women pull the comforter off. Satan retrieves the phone and sees a text message notification. From the lock screen, the message reads, There is someone here. Shall I let them in? Satan unlocks the phone and types a response. It reads, No. Be right down.
SPEAKER_01:Ladies, ladies, turn those frowns upside down. I need to attend to some business, but I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail. In the meantime, enjoy some breakfast. Or each other. I
SPEAKER_09:know which option I'd choose. Satan stands up and stretches. He puts on a black silk robe and leaves the bedroom. As he descends a long spiral staircase, the doorbell rings repeatedly and with more urgency. At the base of the stairs, Satan is greeted by his butler. Sir? Nigel,
SPEAKER_10:were we expecting anyone today? No, sir. This visit would be considered unannounced. Did we get a good look? No, sir. They... appeared to have avoided all security cameras as they made their approach. Open the door.
SPEAKER_01:Open the
SPEAKER_09:door now. Nigel the butler unlocks the door and pulls it open. Standing on the other side in his overcoat and fedora is the pig. He collapses into the foyer. Nigel.
SPEAKER_10:Yes? Sir? Tell my lady friends to get dressed. And have this one delivered to the cellar, please. Right
SPEAKER_09:away, sir. The pig struggles to keep his eyes open until he makes eye contact with Satan. So, piggy, how was spelunking? Leo is heading west on Stewart Avenue towards the Evo Club Internet Cafe to reconvene with Lori.
SPEAKER_07:That was pretty awesome the way you handled those guys.
SPEAKER_10:I can't take too much credit. Briefcase did most of the work.
SPEAKER_07:And now you're just roaming around with a briefcase and a sword in the middle of Las Vegas. Totally normal.
SPEAKER_10:I got a sheath for it at least. I think they call it a scabbard. I'll blend right in. What are you up to?
SPEAKER_07:decided to look up this demon we're hunting. His name is Astaroth, a former Duke of Hell that commanded 40 legions of spirits. He was often depicted as a nude man with feathered wings, wearing a crown, and holding a serpent.
SPEAKER_10:Talk about blending right in. What else does it say?
SPEAKER_07:Um, okay. It says he seduces by means of laziness, vanity, and rationalized philosophies. Whatever that means. He can turn men invisible, reveal hidden treasures or desires, and, I quote, give mortal beings power over serpents.
SPEAKER_10:Any weaknesses? Does it say how to defeat them?
SPEAKER_07:It says he has foul-smelling breath, and the only protection is a silver ring that has to be held under the nose to survive the encounter.
SPEAKER_10:Bad breath and rings. Not again.
SPEAKER_07:You've encountered this before?
SPEAKER_10:Well, it was more like acid vomit my first go around, but I did get a silver ring out of it.
SPEAKER_07:Do you still have it?
SPEAKER_10:Haven't taken it off since.
SPEAKER_07:Okay, so two demon hunters, one ring. Guess we're going to rock, paper, scissors for it.
SPEAKER_10:Let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
SPEAKER_07:Consider that bridge crossed.
SPEAKER_09:Leo turns around and sees Laurie standing outside of the Evo Club. Laurie, I really think...
SPEAKER_07:Leo, a little over four days ago, I was possessed by a demon, visited by a pervy priest, freed from the demon... watched my apartment implode, haunted by my dead cat, and ran over by a tow truck. Only to come to the realization that I was dead and a sinner in hell. I was assigned to be an administrative assistant for the onboarding station, but requested reassignment. I fought hard to be reassigned to the ORA. Leo, I want this. What you did for me, I want to do for others. So... The ring, Leo?
SPEAKER_09:Leo looks at the ring around his finger, nods, and slips it off. He takes Laurie's hand and slides it on her middle finger. This doesn't mean we're, like, engaged or
SPEAKER_10:anything.
SPEAKER_07:Relax, Leo. You're definitely not my type.
SPEAKER_09:The pig comes to. He's sitting on the floor, propped against a stone wall underground.
SPEAKER_01:Not again. Relax, Piggy. You're amongst friends.
SPEAKER_09:The pig turns towards the direction of the voice and sees Satan sitting at a command center. Multiple computer and surveillance monitors glow in the lair as Satan turns to face him. You look a little worse for wear, if that's possible. There is a knock at a door to the command center's right. Satan depresses a button built into the center's desk, and the underground door unlocks. The marksman strolls in and joins Satan at his desk.
SPEAKER_01:He wasn't followed. Doubled back on his trail. No one unfriendly. You see that, piggy? I speak marksman now. He had a weapon,
SPEAKER_09:a torch, and this. The marksman hands Satan a folded piece of paper. and then stares pointedly at the pig. Suddenly, the pig is being dragged across the lair towards Satan by some invisible force until a henchman is only a foot from him. Satan taps the piece of paper against the pig's forehead. Oh,
SPEAKER_01:piggy, piggy, piggy. My bacon-flavored henchman. We have some things to discuss.
SPEAKER_09:Leo and Lori arrive at the Sunrise Hills Hospital and Medical Center. Leo stops at the entrance, but Lori walks straight through the automatic doors and- Lori, wait.
SPEAKER_07:What? Leo! Look,
SPEAKER_10:I just wanted to say-
SPEAKER_07:Leo, it's a big hospital. Dr. Grant's specialty is cardiothoracic surgery, which is on the seventh floor. If you need to give me a pep talk, let's wait until we're there.
SPEAKER_09:Alright, you're right. Let's go. Lori and Leo enter the first floor of the Sunrise Hills Hospital.
SPEAKER_07:A prominent hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it's completely empty? At least the power is on.
SPEAKER_10:It was similar with your apartment.
SPEAKER_07:Elevator is up ahead. Let's go. If
SPEAKER_10:it's all the same to you, I'd like to use the stairs.
SPEAKER_09:Leo opens the stairway door to the seventh floor and enters the hallway. He catches his breath having walked up six flights of stairs and scans the area. Like the first floor, the seventh floor appears to be completely empty.
SPEAKER_07:You know, Leo, it feels...
SPEAKER_09:Yeah, I'm with you, kid. It's a little too quiet. Be ready for anything. The two demon hunters make it to the check-in station unimpeded. Laurie walks to a desk at the station. and sits down at a computer.
SPEAKER_07:Look at that. Computer is still unlocked. What are the odds?
SPEAKER_10:Not a coincidence, I can guarantee that. Mind if I ask what you're doing?
SPEAKER_07:Trying to find our good doctor. He's scheduled for surgery today. Like now. Operating room three. All the way down the hall on the right.
SPEAKER_09:There is a rumbling below them on a lower floor. The seventh floor elevator down the hallway begins to operate. Someone's in the elevator. I think we're going to have company. Leo pulls the longsword from the scabbard and holds it in a defensive stance. Then Laurie's briefcase begins to vibrate. She places it on the check-in desk and opens it.
SPEAKER_07:Whoa.
SPEAKER_09:She pulls out a chainsaw.
SPEAKER_07:What's this for?
SPEAKER_09:For them. Piling out of the elevated doors are at least half a dozen hangmen. Now
SPEAKER_10:why does everyone always get the better weapon?
SPEAKER_07:I didn't think we were supposed to use lethal force.
SPEAKER_10:Yeah, they're what we call hangmen. They're already dead.
SPEAKER_09:All the doors on the hallway swing open, and several more hangmen scurry out onto the seventh floor hallway. The two groups of hangmen converge and start marching towards the demon hunters. I'd fire up the chainsaw if I were you. Lori pulls on the starter cord, but before she can finish, a hangman grabs her shoulder from behind. She hauls back and punches the dead man in the face. It falls backwards into a group of hangmen that the demon hunters didn't even know were there. The hangman pops up and lunges towards Laurie, but Leo is already swinging the sword. The blade slashes through the hangman's neck, lopping their head clean off. Leo realizes they are completely surrounded. The group of hangmen close in on both sides. Laurie pulls the starter cord and a chainsaw roars. Leo chops both of the headless hangman's legs off and the body drops helplessly to the hospital floor.
SPEAKER_02:Let's do this!
SPEAKER_07:Leo, behind you!
SPEAKER_09:Leo thrusts his sword forward, striking two hangmen in the abdomen like a shish kebab. He pushes the blade upwards, cleaving both of the hangmen in half and the chest up. Thanks! Laurie digs the chainsaw into the right side of a hangman. It is writhing as the blade of the chainsaw chews through its chest and abdomen. The chainsaw exits through its lower left side through the love handle, and Laurie kicks the hangman in the chest. Its upper half sloughs off, splattering to the floor.
SPEAKER_07:How many are left?
SPEAKER_09:I see four or so.
SPEAKER_07:Care to line them up for me?
SPEAKER_09:Laurie bum rushes the hangman next to her, shoving it forwards. It stumbles into the others behind it, and the undead creatures all begin to topple as Leo forcefully shoves the longsword, running the beast through. Lori slashes the chainsaw through all four of their necks, slicing their heads off. Lori, leaving no time to spare, slings leftover brains off the chainsaw blades as she hustles through the blood-soaked carnage of the hallway towards operating room number three.
SPEAKER_10:Lori, are you okay?
SPEAKER_07:Yes, let's go.
SPEAKER_10:Just wait a minute.
SPEAKER_07:Oh, right, the pep talk.
SPEAKER_10:No, no pep talk. You're clearly ready. But just remember, this asteroth can reveal hidden treasures or desires. I think that means it may show you things that aren't really there.
SPEAKER_07:Right. Okay. Thanks, Leo.
SPEAKER_10:Wait.
SPEAKER_07:What is it, Leo?
SPEAKER_10:Turn your weevil back on, just in case you need help. I'll be waiting just on the other side of the door.
SPEAKER_07:You reading this?
SPEAKER_10:Yes, I am. Good luck.
SPEAKER_09:Lori nods, takes a deep breath. and opens the door. Lori is standing on a colorful soundstage. There are stage lights, television cameras without operators, a podium with a microphone, rows of empty chairs where audience members could sit, except there aren't any, and in front of her, three small doors. She hears footsteps and sees a well-coiffed man in a suit and tie approaching the podium. His ultra-white teeth glow in the spotlight as he exposes a toothy grin.
SPEAKER_10:Hi folks, I'm your host, Guy Barry, and you're watching
SPEAKER_09:Tell Me Your Secret. Audience applause erupts behind Laurie. She turns to the direction of the clapping, but the seats are still empty.
SPEAKER_10:Tonight's contestant hails from Boston, Massachusetts, or at least she did. She was the lead vocalist for a failed rock band called the Hack Sisters before she was flattened by a tow truck and died a miserable death. Please welcome Laurie Stryker. Laurie, we're so pleased to have you here this evening on Tell Me Your Secret. What brought you here tonight?
SPEAKER_07:Well, Guy, I'm here to defeat an irrelevant demon named Astaroth. He's one of those needy sorts, likes to ride around naked on a dragon and hold snakes and shit. A really look at me, look at me kind of bitch.
SPEAKER_10:Well, isn't that something?
SPEAKER_09:Leo waits in the hallway. He is unaware of the illusory game show that is taking place on the other side of operating room number 3. Worried for Laurie's safety, he reaches for the doorknob until... Leo's hand slips off the doorknob as he is startled. Was that his son's voice? The Tell Me Your Secret game show continues behind operating room three. The host, Guy Barry, walks across the stage and stops in front of three doors.
SPEAKER_10:Here's how we play the game. Behind each of these doors is a secret. We will reveal the secret behind each door and then we'll scramble the secrets. Then Laurie here will have to reveal the secret she wants and then pick the door with the correct secret behind it. If she does, she'll win. Harvey, tell her what she'll win.
SPEAKER_09:A disembodied voice announces the winning prize.
SPEAKER_10:Lori's briefcase vibrates
SPEAKER_09:in the middle of the show.
SPEAKER_10:Well, what the fuck is that?
SPEAKER_09:Leo rushes down the hallway of the seventh floor, trying to locate his son, Harry.
SPEAKER_10:Harry! Can you hear me, buddy?
SPEAKER_06:Daddy, I'm right here.
SPEAKER_09:Leo pinpoints his son's voice coming from a recovery room. The door is open and Leo rushes in. He finds his son spinning in a chair in the empty room. Daddy, you found me. Yeah. Yeah, I did. Come here, buddy. How
SPEAKER_06:are you, Daddy?
SPEAKER_09:I'm great, boy.
SPEAKER_10:It's so good to see you.
SPEAKER_06:I made some new lists.
SPEAKER_10:You did? Can I see them?
SPEAKER_06:Well, one for now, then one for later. You promise?
SPEAKER_09:I promise, Harry.
SPEAKER_06:Okay, good.
SPEAKER_09:Harry hands Leo the first list. Leo looks it over. It's numbered one through ten. But each line says the same thing. This isn't real. Leo looks at Harry. Thank you for this,
SPEAKER_10:son. I needed to remember that. Are you trying to help your dad?
SPEAKER_06:It's not really me, daddy. It's him. Put this one in your pocket.
SPEAKER_09:Harry hands Leo the second list, who places it promptly in his pocket. I
SPEAKER_06:have to go now, daddy.
SPEAKER_09:Leo places a hand to his mouth, trying not to cry.
SPEAKER_06:Can...
SPEAKER_10:Can I hug you, buddy? I
SPEAKER_06:would like that, daddy. But let's do it when it's
SPEAKER_10:not pretend. Yeah, you're right. I want that too, but only when it's not pretend. Okay. Bye, Daddy. Goodbye, Harry.
SPEAKER_09:Lori has fetched the contents of a briefcase. It's a card. She flips it over and over in her hands. What do you have there?
SPEAKER_07:It's a limerick. A riddle.
SPEAKER_10:Oh, I like limericks and riddles. May I read it?
SPEAKER_07:Oh, absolutely. Be my guest.
SPEAKER_09:A shapely but grotesque undead female in sequined cocktail dress picks up the card. Her face frozen in an ominous grin. She faces the nonexisting audience and motions her hand under the card. The hangman hostess seductively walks over to the host, Guy Berry, and hands him the card.
SPEAKER_10:Oh, I remember these. What a farce. Ready for this? Two trapeze artists twiddle their two tiny thumbs. Okay, Harvey, open door number one. Behind door number one, we have... Lori's beloved pet, Ollie! Back from the dead, freshly bathed and ready to cuddle. Oh my, isn't he adorable?
SPEAKER_09:Lori closes her eyes, reminding herself that the scene before her is not real.
SPEAKER_10:What is behind door number two? Behind door number two, her fuckbag of a manager, Maury Stillman.
SPEAKER_09:Maury Stillman is wheeled out from behind the door. He's wide-eyed and panic-stricken. He is bound and gagged and trembling and crying out a muffled scream. Laurie
SPEAKER_10:will be given brass knuckles. Maury will be bound and gagged and locked in a room while Laurie is given a whole hour to beat him senseless.
SPEAKER_07:Okay, that's not Not bad.
SPEAKER_10:And finally, what is behind door number three? Behind door number three is highly respected thoracic surgeon and chief resident, Dr. Tobias Grant.
SPEAKER_09:A horrifying scene is playing out behind door number three. Dr. Tobias Grant is standing at the head of an operating table with both his arms extended. He's emotionless, as if in a trance while speaking in tongues. He oversees a trio of nurses holding scalpels and a surgeon who is operating a bone saw. The possessed surgical staff are all performing unspeakable acts of violence against a patient who was laying on an operating table, clearly deceased. Cajun's chest cavity is exposed as slimy, slippery black serpents twist and ride within. The audience applauds as the small doll slams shut.
SPEAKER_10:Okay, Laurie Striker, which secret do you choose?
SPEAKER_07:Well, there are basically two ways to defeat the demon Astaroth. The first one is to hold this ring under my nose due to his shit-smelling breath. The other way, resist your revelations. None of this is real. Plus, I hate game shows. So, I choose the door behind me.
SPEAKER_10:Ms. Stryker, congratulations. You win. Yay.
SPEAKER_09:Lori exits the game show. and truly enters operating room three for the first time. Dr. Tobias Grant is laying on the operating table. There is no mutilated patient with serpents for innards. The surgical staff are in the room, but are all unconscious. Leo is back out in the hallway, doing his best to remain patient until Laurie has completed her task. He's holding the letter from Harry that he promised he wouldn't read. It's still folded in half as he places it back in his pocket. Then the latch to the door behind him unlocks and Laurie opens the door stepping out of operating room three.
SPEAKER_07:All done, Leo. We need to walk Dr. Grant out.
SPEAKER_10:Wait, what was that? What happened?
SPEAKER_07:Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.
SPEAKER_10:Fair enough. Let's get Dr. Grant out of here.
SPEAKER_09:Laurie and Leo descend the hospital stairway with Dr. Grant in tow. Leo is carrying him on his shoulder. The doctor begins to wake.
SPEAKER_05:What? What the hell is happening?
SPEAKER_10:Relax, Dot. There was an emergency and we need to evacuate you from the building.
SPEAKER_05:Oh, right. The earthquake. What? He... he said there would be an earthquake.
UNKNOWN:What?
SPEAKER_09:Leo and Laurie stop and look at each other. Captain F.J. Mangut and Willie wait in the Devil's Den for Leo and Laurie to return.
SPEAKER_11:They're here.
SPEAKER_09:Leo and Laurie enter the Devil's Den. They are both covered in blood from the carnage at the hospital. Hey, Cap.
SPEAKER_10:Any evidence of our visit will be covered up by the Earth. Jillian?
SPEAKER_09:Leo looks around the room. Jillian, Willie, and June stand in the Devil's Den. Their heads are lowered. They look somber and concerned. June?
SPEAKER_10:Willie? What's going on? Jillian, what brings you to-
SPEAKER_11:Leo? Have a seat.
SPEAKER_10:Why?
SPEAKER_09:Cap, what's wrong? What is this? June approaches Leo. She places his hands in hers.
SPEAKER_11:Hey, Bubba. Sit. Sit.
SPEAKER_10:Sit. Sit down. June, what's this about?
SPEAKER_09:As June backs away, Leo gives in and takes a seat. Laurie joins the others in the group.
SPEAKER_11:Go ahead, Willie. Tell him.
SPEAKER_10:Tell me what?
SPEAKER_03:About a week ago, an inmate died in their cell. Captain Manget asked me to look into it. No witnesses, nothing on security footage. The inmate was in their cell, safe and sound. But the next morning, a guard found its body with its throat cut and a big carving in its chest. Something called the 11th Circle. started surveilling the prison guards, the ORA staff, going over personal files, incident reports. I found some discrepancies with an apparent engineering issue reported by one of our guards, Maynard Tully, the night of the suicide. So I told him after his shift last night. It led me to the cave. You know, that one boat chief tells us to stay away from? Hey Willie, look, this is all very interesting, but...
SPEAKER_11:Leo, just let him finish.
SPEAKER_03:What I neglected to mention is that before leaving the parking lot of the ORA, Maynard Tully changed, assumed a different identity as he drove towards the cave. One second he's Maynard Tully, the next a completely different person. I mention that because of what I found hidden in the floorboard of his Bronco. Multiple uniforms and outfits. Whoever he is, he's not swapping identities for kicks. Underneath the uniforms, I discovered some ancient-looking wooden box. Also branded with the 11th Circle insignia. So, I opened the box. I found some empty vials, unused syringes, and a hand-drawn map to a cemetery back home. The Cedar Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
SPEAKER_09:Leo's face turns from one of confusion to dread. and reluctant anticipation.
SPEAKER_03:I followed the path drawn on the map to a grave marker there. It was yours, Leo.
SPEAKER_10:Uh, Louise and I met in Philly. Most of our family is there. Even though we raised Harry in Pittsburgh, we always wanted our final resting place to be back home.
SPEAKER_09:Willie hesitates. His voice wavers as he struggles to share the rest of his story.
SPEAKER_03:I don't know why the map led me to your grave. There was nothing there, no clues. I thought it was a fool's errand. So I had decided to turn around and head home until I noticed two more headstones next to yours.
SPEAKER_09:Leo turns pale, tight-lipped. He gnashes his teeth. His bottom lip begins to quiver.
SPEAKER_03:It... It was the grave markers of your wife and son, Louise and Harry. I'm so sorry.
SPEAKER_10:No. No, you tell me it isn't true, Willie. That can't be true, no! Captain!
SPEAKER_09:Captain Manga slowly nods. Leo leaps from his seat and rushes towards Willie. Jillian, Laurie, and June intercept him and wrap their arms around him, attempting to calm and console him. Leo collapses to his knees.
SPEAKER_10:No. No, my dear, how? Why did this happen? My boy!
SPEAKER_09:Willie and Captain Manga join the group. Willie kneels before Leo, places his hands on Leo's shoulders. I'm sorry, Leo. Captain Mangut reaches out and places a hand on Leo's head, caressing it softly.
SPEAKER_10:Why, my dear, my boy Harry? Why, God, why? No!
UNKNOWN:No!
SPEAKER_00:Leo Braun is a production of Shoestring TV. Hey, have you subscribed to the Patreon site yet? Be waiting for it. For only$5 a month, you'll gain early access to each episode, early access to bonus clips, concept art, and so much more. So look for us at patreon.com slash shoestringtv. We'll be glad you did. You can also join and follow Leo Braun on our new official Facebook fan page, You can find the link in our podcast show notes. As always, you can listen to Leo Braun anywhere you listen to podcasts. Leo Braun is written and produced by me, Jason Beard. And now, the amazing cast of Leo Braun, Episode 9. Stitch Mainville as Leo Braun. Andy Parkin as Narrator 2 and Ronan Delaney. Emily Fry as Laurie Stryker. Jim Fronk as Satan the Pig and Guy Barry, Terry Briscoe as Willie Topaz, Michael Cunningham as Nigel and Harvey, Tabitha Mixon as Jillian Burkett, Mitch Lashinsky as The Marksman, Melrose Johnson as Captain F.J. Mangate and June Chesterfield, Richie Berry as Maximilian, Robert Lloyd as Dr. Tobias Grant, Eric Carlino as Herman Edward Coxlin, and Sebastian. Esmond Mitchum as Harry Braun, and Rick Mars as Grylls and Thug 2. Stay tuned for Leo Braun episode 10, Limbo, coming September 4th. Thanks again for listening.