Leo Brawn - Episode 11: Mister Nice Guy (Part 1 of 2)

🎧 Episode Alternative Title: “The Pale Horse” – Leo Brawn, Episode 10
The truth behind the 11th Circle emerges. Hell is no longer hiding.

Episode Description:
The veil begins to lift in this explosive episode of Leo Brawn as the shadowy forces behind the 11th Circle finally begin to show their face—and their plans are more horrifying than anything the agents of Dante ever imagined.

In the wake of a devastating encounter with the pale, monstrous horse, Leo Brawn finds himself trapped in a disorienting dream-state where he's visited by Louise Brawn—but what seems like a comforting vision may hold even deeper consequences.

Meanwhile, the unthinkable has occurred: Beleth, the exiled and once-reigning King of Hell, has escaped. As Leo regains consciousness, the staggering cost to the O.R.A. team is revealed, and it may be more than anyone can bear.

Back in Dardenne Township, Missouri, Willie Topaz and Laurie Stryker are locked in a desperate battle against time—and Beleth’s growing influence. As the demonic tyrant empowers the possessed Hugh Banks, a new wave of destruction is unleashed, threatening to consume the town... and everything beyond it.

⚠️ Demon kings rise. Dreams deceive. The true war begins.

Tags:
#LeoBrawn #HorrorPodcast #DarkFantasy #GothicHorror #Beleth #11thCircle #DemonKing #AudioDrama #SupernaturalThriller #FantasyPodcast #ShoestringTV #PaleHorse #PossessionHorror #LaurieStryker #WillieTopaz #LouiseBrawn #DanteHellSaga #ParanormalPodcast

Cast in this episode:

• Stitch Mainville as Leo Brawn
• Grace Newton as Lilith
• Michael Cunningham as The Man in the Ugly Orange Tie
• Terry Briscoe as Turgid Kent & Willie Topaz
• Stephanie Johnson as Louise Brawn
• Emily Fry as Alexandra & Laurie Stryker
• Eric Carlino as Herman Edward Coxlin, Chip Steed & Hugh Banks
• Melrose Johnson as Captain F.J. Mangutt & June Chesterfield
• Jim Fronk as Soap Opera Announcer & Beleth
• Mitch Leschinski as Gorm
• Robert Lloyd as Felix the Barkeep
• Robb Smith as Georgio
• Logan Beard as Theo Banks
• Desmond Mitchum as Harry Brawn
• Nick Marrs as Mall Security Guard
• Narrated by Andy Parkin

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Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:01

Houston TV.

SPEAKER_06 0:29

Miles away from the misty woodlands of Limbo, the man in the ugly orange tie enters a deserted and murky warehouse. In the deepest recesses of the warehouse on the other side of the room is a well-lit area. He walks through pools of light cast down on the floor from the high bay fixtures overhead. The light from their dimly lit bulbs produce deep shadows across his pronounced and abnormal facial features. He arrives at the illuminated space of the warehouse and stands before a vacuum-sealed and temperature-controlled glass case resting on top of a display cabinet. He leans in admiring the contents of the case. The man raises his hand to the glass as if he intends to caress it. You're so fond of them. Your little gadgets. He is startled and tends to discover who has spoken. Her intricate crown of leaves now replaced by raven black hair that rests upon her muscled shoulders. She's incredibly beautiful. Once described as the walking definition of beauty. She stands 6'3", dressed in a stylish sleeveless black blouse that accentuates her powerful toned arms. Her former blackish red skin now is sumptuous caramel. Her palms bear scars from puncture wounds suffered long ago. Known for wearing the finest noble attire, she now finishes off her modern ensemble with matching black form-fitting dress pants and black heels. Her once sky-blue eyes now the color of golden sapphires, an alluring mix of seduction and power. She cuts an imposing and impossibly bewitching figure. She is Lilith. the mother of demons and former supreme empress of hell. Your Grace, I hadn't heard you arrive, but I'm relieved you got my message. What did you call them again? What? Oh, these. HCC's hippocampal cognitive chip. It's rather on the nose, wouldn't you say? Yes, Your Grace, but... What they can do... is anything but primitive. We're only beginning to understand their true... application. Their purpose. I'll make sure to give you to the room soon enough. Lucky for you, I'm pressed for time. It took considerable effort and coordination to make it here undetected. So... If you can cut to the chase. Uh, yes, Your Grace. Okay. Let's try this another way. Lucifer's henchman, the pig. Was he able

SPEAKER_05 3:30

to relay the message?

SPEAKER_06 3:32

Ah, yes, Your Grace. The invitation was received. It should be noted that the recipient of the invite, he goes by Satan these days.

SPEAKER_05 3:41

Of course he does. And?

SPEAKER_06 3:46

No response as of yet, but I believe it to be imminent.

SPEAKER_05 3:50

Well, he better if he knows what's good for him. I can't stand party crashers. Next

SPEAKER_06 3:59

topic. This former detective, Leo Braun. He's something of an anomaly, don't you think? Yes, I would agree. There is something about him. Difficult to pinpoint. And he got his message too, I take it? Oh, yes, your grace. Indirectly, but the message was received nonetheless. He's just looking to pick a fight now. When he finds out the truth, he's going to be quite vexed. I hope I'm there to witness it. Makes me all giddy inside, thinking of the endless possibilities. And as for the other one, our nasty little operative... wreaking the expected amount of havoc, as instructed, causing quite the distraction. Excellent. Although I wasn't too keen on him taking out one of our own. But I suppose I'll let it slide this time. Last topic. Your little trinkets there, the HCC's... What is the latest count... On last report, we've manufactured around 15 million. We did experience some factory delays due to Leviathan's instability, which is why we moved to the new facility, well-lit, much cleaner. Less cave mites?

SPEAKER_03 5:36

Yes, that too. I do hope you'll drop by soon for a tour.

SPEAKER_06 5:42

I'd love nothing more. Fifteen million is not nearly enough, my unfashionable friend. It has a population of around seven billion, give or take.

SPEAKER_05 5:56

So we are going to need a lot

SPEAKER_06 6:00

more money. We have as many members of the 11th Circle with the appropriate skill set and background working on it. But the factory delays. Moving to the new facility.

SPEAKER_04 6:15

What I am hearing now are excuses. I

SPEAKER_06 6:23

don't mean to, Your Grace. It's just... Yes. Yes, you do mean to. You are man. It's in your nature to fall short. But I'm a woman, and I expect results. Nothing else. Yes, Your Grace. We're the Eleventh Circle, and it will be done. And soon, you'll have your army. to take over as the true leader of hell. Oh,

SPEAKER_03 7:02

you poor thing.

SPEAKER_06 7:04

Is that what you think?

SPEAKER_05 7:13

You need to think bigger. Much, much bigger.

SPEAKER_00 7:22

Two-String TV presents Leo Braun. Episode 11, Mr. Nice Guy, Part 1.

SPEAKER_06 7:52

Gentlemen, we interrupt your regular programming to bring you some breaking news. Two more dead bodies have been found in the city of Dante, bringing the total count of victims to five. For more information, we turn to investigative reporter Terjit Ken. Terjit?

SPEAKER_05 8:06

Thank you, Chip. In the neighborhood of Little Inferno, the bodies of a male and female were found in the dumpster behind a Hades Hot Wings restaurant. They were bound together, stripped, and most of their internal organs were removed. Each victim had their left ear sliced off. Oh, one moment.

SPEAKER_01 8:23

Sir, sir. Yes, what is this? Hello, sir. I'm investigative reporter Turgent Kent with the Dante Daily. May I have your name? Uh, okay, sure. I'm Tony. Tony Gerder. Mr. Gerder, what brought you to Hades Hot Wings tonight? Well, I was just eating some hot wings, minding my own. Sir, would it shock you to learn that a double murder

SPEAKER_05 8:49

took place right outside this establishment and that it is now effectively a crime scene? Oh, no. Not again. Yes, all of Dante shares in your grief. Sir, are you aware that both of the bodies were stuffed in that dumpster right over there? Oh, no. Why did I look? Just like the other victims, they were eviscerated and had their ears removed. Oh, no. It's

SPEAKER_01 9:15

happening again. Oh, shit. Damn it. Mr. Gerter, care to comment? Yeah, turgid. I care to comment. First off, what kind of name is turgid? But secondly, it's pretty goddamn insensitive to force me into an interview. I'll... I'll never be able to eat hot wings again. You know, once you get sick after eating something, you can never eat that type of food again. Even just thinking about it makes you wanna...

SPEAKER_00 9:50

Oh, shit! This

SPEAKER_05 9:53

is Turgid Kit reporting. Back to you, Chip.

SPEAKER_06 9:56

Excellent reporting, Turgid. Transcendent and insightful. Once we know more, Dante, you will too. We now return you to your regularly scheduled program, already in progress.

SPEAKER_03 10:10

You're watching As the World Burns.

SPEAKER_04 10:16

But Alexandra, I don't give a damn if adultery isn't illegal and wholeheartedly encouraged. He was my father. How

SPEAKER_05 10:25

was I supposed to know he was your father, Giorgio? He was 35 years

SPEAKER_01 10:30

your senior. Died many years before you did. Besides, you said he was the greatest man you'd ever known.

SPEAKER_04 10:39

I said he was the greatest con man I'd ever known.

SPEAKER_05 10:44

Well, how was I supposed to know he was in hell?

SPEAKER_04 10:49

I'm in hell!

SPEAKER_06 10:59

Sorry, mister, if you were watching that. The news is just too depressing. Keeps the customers away. So, can I interest you in a drink? What'll it be?

SPEAKER_01 11:13

I'll have a suffering bastard.

SPEAKER_05 11:16

That is, if you know how to make it. Sure I do. Bourbon?

SPEAKER_04 11:23

Gin? A man after my own heart.

SPEAKER_06 11:27

Well, your heart is a good place to

SPEAKER_05 11:31

start. You want the mint garnish? No, thank you. Say, these murders, just dreadful.

SPEAKER_06 11:42

Is this

SPEAKER_05 11:43

something that

SPEAKER_06 11:45

happens frequently?

SPEAKER_04 11:47

Well, I didn't arrive until after the transformation, but I've been here for about two years since that time. Never heard of anything like it. Guess we finally have

SPEAKER_06 11:59

hell's first serial killer. One that hasn't been locked up anyway.

SPEAKER_05 12:05

The very first. Cheers.

SPEAKER_06 12:10

Uh, yeah. Drink up. Hey, none of my business, but that lady over there? She's been eyeing you since you walked in. A friend? Can't say I've seen her before. Maybe you should go talk to her. I need to start closing up.

SPEAKER_05 12:31

Hmm. Maybe I should. What harm could it do?

SPEAKER_06 12:48

Louise Braun is frantically running through the aisles of the Bertram's department store, located on the second floor of the Rose Park Mall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

SPEAKER_01 12:55

Harry? All right, funny man, it's time to go.

SPEAKER_06 13:00

Harry? Harry, stop messing around. You're scaring me. Harry? Harry!

SPEAKER_03 13:07

Ma'am, now just calm down. What's wrong?

SPEAKER_06 13:12

I can't find my son. One minute he was there and then I turned around and he's gone. Okay, ma'am. We're going to find him. What's his name? Harry Braun. His name is Harry Braun. He's thin, brown hair, brown eyes. He's wearing jeans and a, you know, the cartoon Stewie, a Stewie t-shirt. Okay, ma'am. We'll find him. Louise and the security guard hurry to the loss prevention center. The security guard sits behind a desk and activates an intercom.

SPEAKER_03 13:45

Attention

SPEAKER_06 13:45

shoppers, we're looking for Harry Braun. I'm with his mother. Harry, if you're in the store, please walk to the entrance. Your mother will be waiting for you. Harry Braun hears his name ring out over the speakers. Scared and holding back tears, he darts his head back and forth, searching for the entrance. He is standing near a rack of bicycles when a man in wrinkly, tan pants approaches. Excuse me, young man. Are you the one that has gone missing? Harry examines the man. He's wearing a rumpled, tan sports coat, worn leather loafers, a white button-up shirt, and an ugly orange tie. Although he gives off a kind smile, his eyes remain expressionless. sunken into his face.

SPEAKER_05 14:28

Yes, sir. I just thought I'd stay put so they'd be able to find me.

SPEAKER_06 14:34

That was smart. Well, I can help you find your mommy.

SPEAKER_05 14:41

My daddy said I shouldn't talk to strangers.

SPEAKER_06 14:44

Also very smart. But what is this? The man in the ugly orange tie reveals a stuffed teddy bear. It has a humorous face, but with an unsettling toothy wide grin. It's also adorned with a small orange tie. The man in the orange tie offers it to Harry. It looks like you may have dropped this.

SPEAKER_05 15:09

Well, no, sir. That isn't mine.

SPEAKER_06 15:12

Oh, are you sure? Uh-huh. Oh. He's saying he's just like you. Just wants to find his parent. Why don't you take him? Give him a nice home. Consider it a gift.

SPEAKER_05 15:31

Okay, I guess.

SPEAKER_06 15:32

See? And just like that, we're

SPEAKER_03 15:36

not strangers anymore.

SPEAKER_06 15:37

Let's go, Harry. I'm sure your mommy is worried. Louise is standing at the entrance of the department store when a man approaches with her son in tow. Harry! Oh, my. Oh, Harry. Please don't ever do that again. You gave me quite a scare. Oh, thank you so much for finding him. The man in the orange tie extends his hand. Louise returns the gesture, shaking his hand, but she notices his palms are clammy and cold to the touch. Well, thank you so much. My heart is still beating out of my chest. I'm Louise. I'm just happy you found your son. The young, they are so curious. What I'd give to be that age again. The innocents, completely unaware of the dangers that lurk. Louise recoils, releasing her hand and bringing it to her side.

SPEAKER_03 16:52

Well, thank you again.

SPEAKER_06 16:55

I am grateful. It's

SPEAKER_03 16:57

my pleasure, Mrs. Braun.

SPEAKER_06 17:02

I'm sorry. How do you know my name? The Eleventh Circle knows all.

UNKNOWN 17:15

Help!

SPEAKER_06 17:21

Louise. Leo awakens from the vision of his wife and son. It played out like a memory in his head, but he knows it wasn't something he had ever witnessed. He tries to replay the images, but they slowly begin to fade away. One thing he is certain of, never at any point in his life would the man in the ugly orange tie, the one responsible for his death, have infiltrated his life prior to his own murder. Leo decides it must have been a strange dream. His thoughts slowly pivot from the disturbing dream as a flood of reality washes up against him. He remembers the giant pale horse and the Humvee being overturned, not once, but twice. His head throbs. He's no longer pinned between the car seats and the vehicle. The second impact most likely dislodged him. Outside, Leo hears someone wincing in pain.

UNKNOWN 18:18

Cat!

SPEAKER_06 18:18

With the Humvee positioned on its side, Leo climbs upwards, grabs the door handle, and vigorously pushes the door open. Leo pulls himself up, crawls over the side, and then hops out of the military vehicle, landing hard on his feet. He rushes to the other side of the Humvee, passing remnants of heavy metal, fire, and smoke. Then he finds Captain Mangut amongst the wreckage. She's alive, but her left leg is pinned underneath the Humvee.

SPEAKER_03 18:44

No!

UNKNOWN 18:46

Uh...

SPEAKER_05 18:46

Oh, Leo. Thank God.

SPEAKER_06 18:49

Oh, Cap. How bad is it? The pain?

SPEAKER_03 18:53

It was excruciating. I... I stopped

SPEAKER_01 18:57

feeling it a few minutes ago. Leo, I think I lost it.

SPEAKER_06 19:03

Shit. Okay. We'll see what we can do about that. Where's Gorm?

SPEAKER_03 19:09

Gorm! We were both thrown from the Humvee, but I lost sight of him.

SPEAKER_06 19:13

Leo rushes over to the Humvee and digs his hands underneath. attempting to lift the side of the vehicle with all of his might. The metal creaks, but the vehicle doesn't budge.

SPEAKER_01 19:23

Careful, Leo.

SPEAKER_06 19:24

Damn it. It's not gonna budge. Gorm silently emerges, heading directly towards the upsided Humvee. He gently shoves Leo aside, kneels, and slides his hands underneath the military vehicle. He lifts upwards, veins popping out at his temples. He screams and pulls the side of the Humvee off the ground. It falls forward, slamming against the forest floor.

SPEAKER_03 19:48

Okay, Leo, how bad is it? And don't bullshit me.

SPEAKER_06 19:55

It's not good, Cap. Your leg, it's been crushed.

SPEAKER_01 20:01

I said don't bullshit me, but you could have sugarcoated it a little.

SPEAKER_05 20:09

Gorm, any eyes on Beleth? He is Skip.

SPEAKER_06 20:17

Unkimba, demon horse.

SPEAKER_01 20:20

Leo, Leo, we can't let him get away.

SPEAKER_06 20:23

I'm not leaving you, Cap. Besides, we'll never catch up to him on foot. Gorm separates himself from the group and places an ear to the ground. Something, in the distance, another tremor, approaches fast. No, not again. Gorm, protect the Cap. Gorm rushes to the captain's side. Leo hurries over to the grove where he had dropped the hazel-infused wooden bat. He picks it up and races towards the wreckage, raises the bat and positions himself between the injured captain and the incoming threat ahead. Leo observes as a thick fog breaks and floats away as a large shadow looms, racing towards him. June! Appearing through the mist is a second Humvee, and June Chesterfield is driving it. The military vehicle comes to an abrupt stop only a few feet away from Leo. June rolls down the driver's side window. So, Cap, got you laying around on the job, I see. Oh, don't make me laugh. It hurts. June. Couldn't have come at a better time.

SPEAKER_05 21:27

You can buy me a drink later.

SPEAKER_06 21:29

Well, let's go, boys.

SPEAKER_01 21:31

Get the captain on board. Let's go grab this son of a bitch.

SPEAKER_06 21:34

Leo and Gorm carefully carry the captain to the open hatch in the back and lay her down. They climb in the back just as June enables the pulse emitter. There you are. Got you, bastard. Fasten your seatbelts, fellas. We got some distance to cover. Meanwhile, back in Cottleville, Missouri, Willie Lopez and Theo Banks look on in horror as Hugh Banks and Laurie Stryker crash through the attic window of the Banks' home. Hugh holds Laurie by the collar as they plummet towards the patrol car below. Angular sharp glass surround the two as the fragments twirl and flip in the air. Theo's father and Willie's partner crash against the hood of the police car, with Laurie landing directly on her back, taking the brunt of the blow.

SPEAKER_05 22:26

Theo, buckle up.

SPEAKER_06 22:29

Willy starts the car and puts it in reverse. Theo, I

SPEAKER_05 22:32

want you to lower your

SPEAKER_06 22:34

head. Keep it low, okay?

SPEAKER_05 22:36

It don't hurt my daddy.

SPEAKER_06 22:38

I'll try not to, buddy. I promise. We're trying to help him. While still in reverse, Willie accelerates, clips a mailbox, then turns the steering wheel sharply. The patrol car spins 180 degrees, throwing both Hugh and Laurie limply rolling across the hood of the car. Laurie is hurled off the hood and hits the pavement like a rag doll. Shit. Sorry, Laurie. Hugh, however, manages to maintain a grip. He steadies himself and stands upright. Hugh balls his fist and begins bashing the windshield as the police car races down the street. Rude. Willi hits

SPEAKER_05 23:10

the

SPEAKER_06 23:12

brakes and the car comes to an immediate stop, just like both passenger and driver. Instead of flinging Hugh off the hood, Willi notices that the impact forced a sharp sliver of glass through Hugh's palm, essentially fastening him to the car. Hugh stands, breaking off the chunk of glass in the process. He rises. closes his eyes and begins to sway. His impaled hand bleeds on the dented hood of the police cruiser. The frame of the car begins to shake and then slowly bend, tear, and twist from the inside. The metal frame crushes inward as it slowly implodes, trapping Willy and Theo.

SPEAKER_05 23:52

Theo, unfasten your seatbelt. We have to get out of here.

SPEAKER_06 23:58

The second Humvee races at breakneck speed through the forest of limbo. The waterfall display pings indicating that the demon trackers are catching up to Bailiff. Okay, detective. What's the plan? What's our distance? About a half a mile out. What you thinking? Think you can pull alongside of him? Yeah, but I think he'll notice. That's good. We want him to. According to legend, we have to summon him into the circle while facing southeast. See that clearing? Yeah. He'll be out in the open? That's the point. Drop me off at the clearing, then ride up next to Bailiff and drive his horse west. towards me. I'll be waiting. You

SPEAKER_05 24:34

got it.

SPEAKER_06 24:35

June directs the Humvee to the clearing, and Leo hops out. Okay, June, go! Go! As the Humvee drives away, Leo uses the bat to carve a crude circle into the hard soil. Eh, looks like a circle to me. While Leo prepares the trap in the clearing. June can see the giant pale horse, while the demon Bailiff barely hangs onto the back of his steed. The Humvee accelerates until June is only a few feet away from the pale horse. Son of a bitch. Leo really put the hurtin' on him. Okay, Gorm. Man the net launcher. June steers the Humvee within inches of the pale horse.

SPEAKER_05 25:09

Big fucker. I hope the hell you're right, Leo.

SPEAKER_06 25:12

June cuts a hard left, practically ramming into the side of the horse. The large beast never misses its stride, only laying in protest. Gorm loads a net canister and fires, aimed for its head. The horse jerks, narrowly avoiding being ensnared by the net. But the sudden change in course provides June with the leverage she needs. She floors the gas and cuts the steering wheel as sharply as she can. Gorm holds the net launcher hand as tightly as the Humvee begins to shake and bounce along the rough terrain. Nice going, Gorm! Come on, baby! Turn! Bailiff begins to recover. The Humvee grinds its heavy tires against the horse and the beast finally turns west Towards Leo. Yes! The demon Bailiff, almost fully recuperated, grabs the reins and begins trying to steer the horse away from the

SPEAKER_03 25:58

path. Ride swiftly! Now

SPEAKER_06 26:00

we

SPEAKER_03 26:00

end the youngling!

SPEAKER_06 26:01

Damn it. He's turning. Gorm, fire another net. This time, aim for that feline-looking motherfucker. Gorm attempts to load another net canister, but there's a problem. Youn!

SPEAKER_05 26:13

What? No net! What? It's empty? Shit!

SPEAKER_06 26:18

Bailiff sits up straight on the horse. His strength improving, the Pale Horse picks up speed.

SPEAKER_03 26:23

I will soon rise as king again! And rejoin the 13th spirit of the Ars Goetia! Hell will hear my grand music once more!

SPEAKER_05 26:33

He's getting away!

SPEAKER_06 26:35

Back at the clearing, Leo can see that Bailiff is beginning to deviate from the path. Oh shit. In the Humvee again, June's briefcase resting in the front passenger seat vibrates as a package is received. Meanwhile, back in Missouri, Hugh falls to his knees on the hood of the car. He appears to have been temporarily weakened.

SPEAKER_05 26:54

Help.

SPEAKER_06 26:54

Help me.

SPEAKER_05 26:56

Please. Daddy.

SPEAKER_06 26:59

Willie attempts to force the car door open, but the damage to the interior of the vehicle has blocked his passage, and the doors are wedged shut.

SPEAKER_05 27:08

Theo, look at me. I can't open the door. I need you to sit on the floorboard in the back. I'm going to try to kick out the window.

SPEAKER_06 27:17

The pale horse increases its pace once more. June accelerates to match its speed. Bailiff begins to pull back on the reins, but suddenly, the former wrestler Gorm tackles Bailiff. Gorm punches the demon in the face, but it's not enough to overpower Bailiff. The demon pulls on the reins and the horse begins to divert. Gorm releases his grip on Bailiff and leaps forward, landing on the horse's thick neck. Gorm attempts a choke hold, using all his might to twist the horse's neck. The horse is reluctantly redirected towards a collision course with Leo. The horse's lips retract, once again exposing its teeth. It lowers its head, preparing to ram Leo. Bob lifts his knees to avoid touching the ground. Leo raises the bat, pointing it southeast, hovering over the hand-drawn circle in the sand. The demonic pale horse gallops ever closer under the sound of heavy hoofs. Willie is unable to shatter the car window. He is also unable to locate Hugh Banks. until he notices the possessed man floating in midair above the police cruiser. His eyes have rolled back into his head. Hugh's arms are spread out wide. The wound on his hand is now burning from the inside. Theo, you still with me, buddy?

SPEAKER_02 28:30

I'm here.

SPEAKER_06 28:31

Did you hear that?

SPEAKER_03 28:33

Release the youngling. Fear not, mortal. Evil always finds a way.

SPEAKER_06 28:40

Like shadows, we vanish briefly, then return. The ground beneath the police cruiser erupts into flames, turning into molten sludge. The patrol car begins to sink slowly into the fiery earth below. The misshapen and bent metal frame of the patrol car now acting as a makeshift prison, trapping both Willy and Theo inside. Both horse and Humvee are almost upon Leo. June cuts the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction, braking away from the collision course. She hits the brake and slides to a stop. She exits the driver's seat and runs towards the net launcher in the rear open hatch. She opens a compartment housed in the floor of the hatch and finds a net canister with lettering stamped on it that reads, prototype. Back at the clearing, Leo holds his ground. Gorm uses all of the strength he can muster and with sheer will heaves upwards, squeezing the horse's neck tightly and then drastically yanking the beast's neck downwards. Batter up! Leo hits the demon with such force it shatters the bat in two. The blow drives Baeleth forcibly to the ground, landing hard at the center of the circle in the sand. Storm emerges from thick clouds of mist, dusting himself off. Without warning, Baeleth launches himself off the ground and into the air. Hey, Chachi! Baileth spins towards the direction of the Humvee. June launches a net that immediately pins Baileth to the ground. The weighted net webbing erupts with electricity, sending the demon into violent convulsions. Electrified net.

SPEAKER_04 30:50

Gotta thank Ronan for that one.

SPEAKER_06 30:51

The electric current dissipates, leaving Baileth semi-conscious and muttering nonsense. Leo kneels down next to the electrified demon. My precious music.

SPEAKER_03 31:03

He... he... took

SPEAKER_05 31:05

it from me. You

SPEAKER_06 31:08

hear that? Sounds like victory to me. Hugh Banks lands on the hood of the patrol car, the thud. The flames beneath the car extinguish. He cries out, overwhelmed with pain. And relief. Hey, buddy. I think it stopped.

SPEAKER_05 31:29

Daddy? Theo.

SPEAKER_06 31:32

I'm here, son. It's... it's me. Hugh Banks rolls off the hood of the car and collapses to his knees. Suddenly, the driver's side window shatters, startling Willie and Theo. Lori peeks through the opening.

SPEAKER_05 31:47

Hiya, gentlemen.

SPEAKER_01 31:48

Need a lift?

SPEAKER_06 31:49

Lori.

SPEAKER_05 31:50

I mean, Detective Salt. Are you okay?

SPEAKER_01 31:53

Peachy. At least I was on top of the car this time, not flattened underneath.

SPEAKER_06 32:02

Night has fallen as Leo, June, Gorm, and Captain Manga pretend to the ORA. June parks the Humvee and exits the vehicle. They are greeted by two guards who immediately cut through the net and apprehend Bailiff, former King of Hell. Get him out of here. Wait, do we have any kind of medical facility? No. But there is a doctor on call. He'll fix her up. Good. Gorm, take her to the quiet room. Hey, Cap.

SPEAKER_01 32:31

Leo, nice work today.

SPEAKER_06 32:33

But your leg...

SPEAKER_01 32:35

I'll be

SPEAKER_06 32:36

fine.

SPEAKER_01 32:37

I have another one.

SPEAKER_06 32:40

Captain Manga is placed carefully on a gurney. Leo watches on with concern as she's wheeled into the ORA. Theo, Willie, and Laurie... make their way on foot back to the Banks residence. Willie is carrying Hugh on his back. In the distance, red swaths of light from an ambulance light up the night sky. As they arrive at the front steps of the house, Willie places Hugh gently on the veranda. The front door opens abruptly as two MTs wheel Beatrice Banks out on a gurney. They carry her down the front steps.

SPEAKER_05 33:14

Mommy! Wait! Theo!

SPEAKER_06 33:16

Theo approaches the gurney. Beatrice is unable to speak, but she extends a trembling hand and places it against her son's cheek. She's... She's alive! Hugh is overcome with emotion and bursts into tears. I

SPEAKER_05 33:31

love you, Mommy.

SPEAKER_06 33:32

The paramedics resume wheeling Beatrice to the ambulance. Her loving hand bursts across Theo's cheek once more. Willie stands next to Theo and places his hand on the boy's shoulder.

SPEAKER_01 33:41

Where... Where are they

SPEAKER_06 33:43

taking her?

SPEAKER_01 33:44

Cedar Willow Hospital. It's going to be a long road, but she should be okay. How?

SPEAKER_06 33:51

How do we explain all this? Did I do that to her?

SPEAKER_01 33:56

There was an APB put out with the man matching the description of the suspect. It's being

SPEAKER_06 34:00

reported as a home invasion gone terribly wrong. All you'll need to do is corroborate those details when the time comes. It should steer them away from looking at you. Chasing a ghost? What are the police officers that were injured?

SPEAKER_01 34:18

Officer Turtletaub will be fine. Dehydrated and a little shaken up. Some of the other officers were badly burned. Initial report is that they suffered from a catastrophic mechanical failure. Deputy McGuire, it will look like a suicide.

SPEAKER_06 34:34

Jesus Christ, who did this?

SPEAKER_05 34:36

Daddy, it wasn't you. It was someone bad.

SPEAKER_01 34:41

Mr. Banks, I understand you're upset. Those officers over there do want to ask you some questions. I'll walk you over, make sure the story matches.

SPEAKER_06 34:50

A cover story? You're not police officers, are you? We were here to help you. To keep you and Theo safe. And for that, I am grateful. Thank you. Laurie helps Hugh to his feet and escorts him to the offices. Theo looks up proudly at Willie.

SPEAKER_05 35:08

Thank you, Willie.

SPEAKER_06 35:09

What did you say?

SPEAKER_05 35:11

You're really Topaz, Daddy's favorite actor. But I don't think he recognized you. But I did. Except... Except what, Theo? Well, I thought Daddy said you were dead. Shh. Let's keep that between us, okay, buddy?

SPEAKER_02 35:44

Leo Braun is a production of Shoestring TV. I want to take a moment to thank our newest Patreon ORA agent exclusive members, Michael Gonzalez, Philip Doan, and Melissa Johnson. Thank you so much for your support. With your help, it ensures the production of Leo Braun can continue. And there is so much more that lies ahead. If you're interested in subscribing, look for us at patreon.com slash shoestringtv and sign up. For only$5 a month, you'll gain early access to each episode, early access to exclusive bonus clips, concept art, and there's so much more that's coming. And also join and follow Leo Braun on our official Facebook fan page. You can find the link in our podcast show notes. We hope to see you there. Leo Braun is written and produced by me, Jason Beard. Here is the cast of Episode 11, Part 1. Leo Brunn, played by Stitch Mainville. Narrator 2, played by Andy Parkin. Lilith, played by Grace Newton. The Man in the Ugly Orange Tie, played by Michael Cunningham. Willie Topaz and Turgeon Kent, played by Terry Briscoe. Laurie Stryker and Alexandra, played by Emily Fry. Herman Edward Coxlin, Chip Steed, and Hugh Banks, played by Eric Carlino. Captain F.J. Manget and June Chesterfield, played by Mel and soap opera announcer, played by Jim Frong. Louise Braun, played by Stephanie Johnson. Gorm, played by Mitch Leschinski. Felix the Barkeep, played by Albert Lloyd. Tony Gerder, played by Jason Beard. Theo Banks, played by Logan Beard. Harry Braun, played by Desmond Mitchum. Giorgio, played by Rob Smith. Stay tuned for Leo Braun, Episode 11, Mr. Night Sky, Part 2. Thanks again for listening.