The Disappearance Of Lottie Carmichael Chapter Three

The chilling conclusion to the mystery of Lottie Carmichael.

Produced by Patrick Emile and Marlo Mysliwiec
Written, Directed, Scored, and Edited by Patrick Emile

CAST: Jovane Caamaño as Selmer Kurnig and Moose Prufrock, Cameron Casey as Peter McClung, Cody Dry as Slinks, Lauren Floyd as Valerie St. James, Lindsey Hall as Lottie Carmichael, Kris Kelly as Professor Morgan Hillan, Bradford Reilly as Beverly and Morris Kinnard, Amber Rossi Strasser as Portia Nix, and Evan Michael Woods as Detective Dabney Duritz

Transcript

Writer Wrong Episode 17

The Disappearance of Lottie Carmichael Chapter Three

3.30.2021


Note: Writer Wrong is designed and produced for your listening enjoyment. If you are able, we recommend listening to the audio for your initial experience. All transcripts are generated by human transcribers and may contain errors. Please refer to the corresponding audio episode before quoting in print.

Writer Wrong and “The Disappearance of Lottie Carmichael Chapter Three” are copyrighted works under Title 17, USC. No part of these works may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission from the copyright owner.



INTRO      00:00

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME]

Marlo Mysliwiec: Welcome to Writer Wrong where you, the listeners, become the writers. Today’s episode is Chapter Three of three. Now over to your host Patrick Emile.

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME OUT]


WRITERS ROOM      01:34

Patrick Emile (PE):

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME UP AND OUT]
     [BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP]



THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOTTIE CARMICHAEL - Chapter Three      02:06

     [MUSIC: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOTTIE CARMICHAEL THEME]
     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING/DINER AMBIENCE]

BEVERLY:
Welcome to Miranda Bites, where you have the right to remain—Oh, well hey there, Dab. Two poached eggs, coffee now?

DABNEY:
Morning, Bev. Yeah, that's the one.

BEVERLY:
Alright then, be right over, sweetie.

     [SOUND: PHONE RINGING]

DABNEY:
This is Duritz...
...So, still nothing?...
...Yeah, I got something for the next hour, maybe. But call me as soon as you hear, ok? You find out, your next call's to me...
...Yeah. That's right...
...Ok. Thanks, Slinks. Talk to you soon....
...Alright.

     [SOUND: PHONE BEEP]
     [SOUND: SLIDING INTO BOOTH]

BEVERLY:
Decaf, right?

     [SOUND: POURING]

DABNEY:
Bev, I don't even know if I have the energy to laugh at that. I feel like I've been pulled in ten different directions the past few months.

BEVERLY:
Well, my dad always used to say: "You can have all the flic-flacs and rola-bolas in the biz, but there's no use pulling a king pole without candy butchers and pickle punks."

DABNEY:
(Beat)...I'm sorry, what does—

BEVERLY:
Circus talk. It means no one do can nothin' alone.

DABNEY:
You can say that again.

BEVERLY:
Yeah, I had to get out though. Too much family pressure to stay in.

DABNEY:
So you ran away to...un-join the circus?

BEVERLY:
They don't call him 'Special Agent' for nothin', folks! Be right back with those eggs.

DABNEY:
(To himself) Man, this town is weird...

     [SOUND: SUGAR PACKETS/STIRRING]

BEVERLY:
(In the distance) Well, who's askin'?...
...Speak up now, got me thinking I got floss in my ears!...
(Calling out) Dab! You expecting some kind of owner?

DABNEY:
It's ok, Bev. Send her over.

VALERIE:
Um, hi. I wasn't sure what the protocol was, or whatever. What's her deal? Anyway, I got your message. Valerie St. James, nice to meet you.

DABNEY:
Ms. St. James, hello. Special Agent Dabney Duritz, GIB. Thanks for coming. Please, have a seat...

     [MUSIC: TDOLC THEME]

DABNEY:
Ok Ms. St. James, before we start I'll need you to—

VALERIE:
Sorry, would it be possible to loop my partner in on this? I can just put her on speaker—

DABNEY:
Absolutely you cannot do that. So, this is a standard CHS agreement.

     [SOUND: PAPER RUSTLING]

VALERIE:
CHS?

DABNEY:
Confidential Human Source.

VALERIE:
Oh. Ok. Do I need a lawyer, or...?

DABNEY:
(Beat) Do you have a lawyer?

VALERIE:
Yeah, ok have I offended you in some way? Or that server? If you recall, I've been trying to get a hold of you for weeks. Also, I have the internet. I can find a lawyer.

DABNEY:
(Sigh) Ok. Let me apologize. Time, and therefore my patience, is in short supply right now. This is a basic agreement stating that you might become privy to confidential details of a highly sensitive situation, that you promise not to disclose those details, and that you are taking on a certain amount of cognizant risk by entering into this relationship with the GIB. Yes, you can have a lawyer look it over. However, that will effectively end this meeting, because, as I said, time is a very important factor here. Now, as I understand it, you want to assist with this case, correct?

VALERIE:
Yes.

DABNEY:
Then, Ms. St. James, will you please sign so we can attempt to help her, her family, and each other?

     [SOUND: WRITING]

VALERIE:
Yeah. Ok. I get it. I'm in. (Beat) So can I ask—were those her bones?

DABNEY:
As of right now, that information is above the pay grade of a CHS.

VALERIE:
Wait, there's a pay grade?

     [SOUND: BAG UNZIPPING]

DABNEY:
You will be compensated, yes.

VALERIE:
Shit.

     [SOUND: CELLPHONE PING]

DABNEY:
Ms. St. James, I need to ask you about your recent conversation with Bernice Hill.

VALERIE:
Ok...

DABNEY:
And I would remind you that we are now defacto colleagues working towards the same goal, and your candor is expected and appreciated.

VALERIE:
No, I understand.

DABNEY:
The thing is, Ms. Hill has herself lawyered-up pretty substantially and is no longer really communicating with the Bureau. But she did mention your name. Can you tell me what she said about the whereabouts of her ex-husband on the night in question?

VALERIE:
Absolutely. She said that she had talked to him around 6:00 pm, and he had been staying at their downtown apartment. She had kicked him out for his affair with Lottie Carmichael. You know about that, right?

DABNEY:
I am aware, yes. So, do you have any idea how he could've been performing atop the clocktower and at this apartment at the same time?

VALERIE:
Bernice said the piece was done with projection and he didn't need to be there, physically. I believe it was maintained by Peter McClung, the drone guy.

DABNEY:
Yes, I know who Peter McClung is. Well, Ms. St. James, that is also what I had pieced together.

VALERIE:
Ok, so why ask?

DABNEY:
To vet you. Take a look at this...

     [SOUND: LAPTOP ON TABLE]

DABNEY:
This is part of an interview we did with Selmer Kurnig...

VALERIE:
Oh shit.

     [SOUND: PHONE PING]

VALERIE:
Sorry sorry, let me silence that.

DABNEY:
Remember, what you're about to see is confidential.

VALERIE:
Got it.

     [SOUND: SPACEBAR]
     [SOUND: SPEAKER AUDIO]

DABNEY:
Mr. Kurnig—

SELMER:
Dr. Kurnig.

DABNEY:
Apologies—Dr. Kurnig. And what exactly are you a doctor of, sir?

SELMER:
I have a Ph.D. in applied studio arts, as well as psychology.

DABNEY:
And now you're here.

SELMER:
As much as anyone can be anywhere, Special Agent.

     [SOUND: SHIFT TO NORMAL AUDIO]

DABNEY:
And what do you mean by that?

SELMER:
I mean only that to consider my "being here," approximately reduced to my existence—a simple connection point in time and space—as having some meaningful juxtaposition with regard to my somewhat lofty credentials is, well...a rather pedestrian attempt on your behalf to "rattle me," as they say on the television. Or am I mistaken?

DABNEY:
You like that, don't you? Doesn't he, Slinks—he likes it?

SLINKS:
He sure does, sir. He sure does.

SELMER:
Enlighten me, please.

DABNEY:
Being the smartest guy in the room. You love it. It energizes you, doesn't it?

SELMER:
Agent, as you said: "Now I'm here." I might as well make the most of it.

SLINKS:
That's Special Agent.

DABNEY:
Hey thanks, Slinks. Now Mr. Kurnig, you have repeatedly denied us the privilege of knowing just how you pulled off that stunt over there at Old Genie. But, well let me just cut right to it—I know for a fact that it was done by projection and that you seemingly have no alibi for the night of June 3rd of last year.

SELMER:
This is of no consequence. I did not kill the girl. I will say again: locate Peter McClung. There you will find the truth you so desire.

DABNEY:
Is she dead, Selmer? Slinks, did you know she was dead?

SLINKS:
No, I did not know that, sir.

SELMER:
These semantic games are childish. I'm simply acknowledging that remains were found in my object.

DABNEY:
Semantics? My friend, whether someone is living or dead is hardly semantics. Yes, remains were found inside your sculpture. Your giant blood droplet sculpture erected at the scene of Lottie Carmichael's disappearance.

SELMER:
I will say no more. Am I free to leave?

DABNEY:
No, you are not.

SELMER:
Then I request my lawyer be present.

DABNEY:
Were you in love with Lottie?

SELMER:
Please.

DABNEY:
Did she reject you? Too much of an age difference?

SELMER:
You will not antagonize me into incrimination.

DABNEY:
Did you kill her, Selmer? That how you know she's dead?

SELMER:
Enough!

SLINKS:
Calm down, Mr. Kurnig.

DABNEY:
Listen to the agent, friend. We are not the police. You are neither the smartest nor the scariest individual in this building. Did you kill Lottie Carmichael?

     [SOUND: SHIFT BACK TO SPEAKER AUDIO]

SELMER:
No! You imbecile! I've told you—find Peter and you'll know! I demand my lawyer at once!

DABNEY:
Selmer Kurnig, I am placing you under arrest for the abduction of Lottie Carmichael.

SELMER:
You have no idea what you're doing!

DABNEY:
You have the right to remain silent—

     [SOUND: SPACEBAR]

VALERIE:
Ok, this is real.

DABNEY:
Ms. St. James, it is of vital importance that we locate Peter McClung. Do you know where he is? Or where he might be?

VALERIE:
I'm sorry. I don't. I tried to get in touch with him on social media, but—

DABNEY:
It's been scrubbed.

VALERIE:
Right. But...you're the Bureau. Don't you have people for this kind of thing?

DABNEY:
We have excellent people. However, Peter McClung/

VALERIE:
/Is way creepshow/

DABNEY:
/Is a genius. He's young, yes. But he's been collecting degrees since he was 14 years old. Are you familiar with the field of new media art, Ms. St. James?

VALERIE:
I mean—

DABNEY:
Typically it has a technical element to it. And tech is Peter McClung's specialty. In fact, he was on the radar of several agencies, including my own, due to his off- the-charts aptitude for cryptology and mathematics. But instead he, for some reason, eschewed the wooing of the intelligence sector to pursue a career in art.

VALERIE:
So...

DABNEY:
So, he's evaded us to this point. He will not do so forever, as we employ others just like him. They will succeed. But recent events have of course sped up our timeline on everything. You see—

PORTIA:
[from a nearby booth] (Cough)It's me(cough). It's (cough) me (cough).

VALERIE:
Oh my god...

DABNEY:
Just have her come over here.

VALERIE:
You knew.

DABNEY:
Of course I knew. I saw her before you got here. Not bad having her arrive early. But the texting wasn't exactly helpful to your little spy operation. And now whatever this is that she's doing. Please, if you would.

VALERIE:
Portia!

PORTIA:
Who, me?

VALERIE:
He knows. Just—come on!

     [SOUND: BAG UNZIPPING]

PORTIA:
Hi! I'm—

DABNEY:
Portia Nix. Sign this, please.

PORTIA:
What is it?

DABNEY:
It's what you will sign lest I arrest you for interfering with a Bureau investigation.

     [SOUND: WRITING]

VALERIE:
Special Agent, Duritz. I can explain.

PORTIA:
It was my idea. I swear!

DABNEY:
It's fine. Everyone needs a good partner. And I have no time for the bullshit, so Ms. Nix what the hell is it that you're trying to signal to your friend here?

PORTIA:
Ok. So. Are you familiar with codes at all?

VALERIE:
Fucking hell, Portia...

PORTIA:
What?

VALERIE:
Agent Duritz, we had a sort of interesting donation and message from someone on one of our support sites. It's called Benefactual. The handle was User175M3—

DABNEY:
"It's me."

PORTIA:
Whoa.

DABNEY:
What did the message say?

VALERIE:
That they hoped the money would help shine a light on Lottie's killer.

PORTIA:
A bright light.

VALERIE:
A bright light.

DABNEY:
And this was before Bernice Hill crashed into the Kurnig statue?

TOGETHER:
Yes.

DABNEY:
Huh.

PORTIA:
Is it something? Was I right?

DABNEY:
(Beat) It could be—

PORTIA:
I knew it! Girl, I told you! What did I say?!

VALERIE:
Shut up, shut up, shut up let him talk.

DABNEY:
I need everything on that site. What is it?

VALERIE:
Benefactual.com

DABNEY:
Send me your logins. Screenshot the message. Everything. I need to get this to—

     [SOUND: PHONE RINGS]

DABNEY:
This is Duritz...
...Yes. And?...
...Motherfucker!...
...No false positives?...
...Ok, I'm around the corner. I'll be right there.

     [SOUND: SLAMMING THE TABLE]

DABNEY:
God damnit!

BEVERLY:
You ok, Dab?

     [SOUND: ZIPPING/MONEY THROWN ON TABLE]

DABNEY:
Send me those things. I'll be in touch.

VALERIE:
Wait! What happened?

PORTIA:
Oh shit.

DABNEY:
As soon as possible. Text me if anything else comes to mind.

     [SOUND: WALKING AWAY]

DABNEY:
(In the distance) Sorry for the noise, Bev. I'll make it up to you.

BEVERLY:
(In the distance) You're alright, sweetie.

VALERIE:
Porsh, I think Lottie is dead.

PORTIA:
This is insane.

VALERIE:
I can't believe this is happening.

PORTIA:
Are you ok?

VALERIE:
Yeah. I just wish... I don't know.

PORTIA:
Yeah. I'm sorry, Val. But we can still help, you know?

VALERIE:
Right. Let's get him this stuff. Do you have your laptop?

PORTIA:
Yeah, totally.

     [SOUND: UNZIPPING]

PORTIA:
Man.

VALERIE:
What?

PORTIA:
That guy.

VALERIE:
I know.

PORTIA:
What a badass. Alright, let me pull this up...

     [SOUND: TYPING/FADING]
     [MUSIC: TRANSITION]
     [SOUND: LOUD KNOCKING]

VALERIE:
(Waking, startled) Whatthefuck...what...

     [SOUND: KNOCKING]

PORTIA:
Val! Val, it's me!

VALERIE:
Portia?

PORTIA:
Hey, I'm coming in! I brought coffee!

VALERIE:
No, wait...

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING/KEYS]

VALERIE:
Ugh, why did I give her a key?

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

PORTIA:
Dude, your room's a mess!

VALERIE:
Shut up.

PORTIA:
Ok, scooch over.

VALERIE:
What?!

PORTIA:
I'm coming in, I'm cold.

     [SOUND: BEDDING NOISES]

VALERIE:
Portia, I'm naked—

PORTIA:
Yeah, you look great. Here: big ass mocha for you, aaaand a grown-up coffee for me!

VALERIE:
I hate you, thank you.

PORTIA:
So. I'm assuming you haven't seen this:

     [SOUND: SIPPING]

VALERIE:
Holy shit. Holy shit!

PORTIA:
Yup.

VALERIE:
Did he say anything? What did he say? Where are my stupid glasses...

     [SOUND: NIGHTSTAND OBJECTS]

PORTIA:
Cuuute. Are those vintage? Wait, are you hungover? What did you do last night—

VALERIE:
No shut up, what did he say?

PORTIA:
Ok, so another five hundred bucks, and then this: "Told you she was dead. I can help. Video call" question mark? And then the words hubcaps. So I was like, "What does that—"

     [SOUND: TEXTING]

PORTIA:
What are you doing?

VALERIE:
Telling Duritz.

PORTIA:
Hold up. Just wait one sec.

VALERIE:
He said to tell him if anything comes up!

PORTIA:
I know.

VALERIE:
Ok.

PORTIA:
I know.

VALERIE:
Ok?

PORTIA:
Just hear me out.

VALERIE:
Ok, fine.

PORTIA:
Did you ever read Fee-Fi-Focus?

VALERIE:
Huh?

PORTIA:
Fee-Fi-Focus. It was a children's magazine. I used to read it at the doctor's office.

VALERIE:
Ok...

PORTIA:
Did you not go to the doctor as a kid?

VALERIE:
Nope. Never. My parents were anti-vaxxers.

PORTIA:
(Gasp) Don't even joke about that!

VALERIE:
What about this magazine?

PORTIA:
Every issue had this thing at the end. A picture. And you had to find what was wrong. Weird objects, whatever.

VALERIE:
Yeah, ok that's ringing a bell...

PORTIA:
So I was thinking what does It's Me mean by "hubcaps?"

VALERIE:
Hubcaps, tires, cars...

PORTIA:
Riiiiight...

VALERIE:
Oh shit, the cars?! In the video??

PORTIA:
As Bernice would say, bingo. Check this out...

     [SOUND: TYPING]

PORTIA:
...she's there...she sees the drone...it hits the transformer...explosion...and there!

     [SOUND: SPACEBAR]

PORTIA:
See that?

VALERIE:
I mean...I see the hubcaps?

PORTIA:
Exactly. Look at that red car at the very end.

     [SOUND: CLICKING]

PORTIA:
If I back it up...keep watching that car...

VALERIE:
...holy crap.

PORTIA:
No hubcap before the explosion. And then, what, it magically appears?

VALERIE:
It might make sense the other way. But why would a hubcap suddenly appear—

PORTIA:
Unless the video was manipulated, or whatever.

VALERIE:
Which is something Peter McClung could maybe do. At least from what Duritz was saying.

PORTIA:
Right!

VALERIE:
We need to tell him.

PORTIA:
Definitely.

VALERIE:
Or...should we talk to the owner? It's all faculty parking, right? Assigned spots. Maybe we should, I don't know, make sure it's something before we bring it to the Bureau. I don't want to look like an idiot.

PORTIA:
But what about It's Me? Is it Peter McClung? Has to be, right? Do we do the video call?

VALERIE:
Shit, shit, shit.

PORTIA:
We should do it. If it's not him, it's a huge supporter and why not have them on the show? If it is him, it could be helpful. And it's not in person, so relatively safe?

VALERIE:
Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Let's do this: I'll respond to It's Me, set something up for tonight if he's available, and then I'll reach out to Duritz and let him know what's up. In the meantime we should try to track down the owner of that car. But first...

PORTIA:
What are you doing?

     [SOUND: TYPING]

VALERIE:
Looking up Kinnards.

PORTIA:
Oh, duh. It's his tape. Put it on speaker!

     [SOUND: BEEP/RINGING]

VALERIE:
...probably not open yet.

     [SOUND: SPEAKER AUDIO]

MORRIS:
Thank you for calling Kinnards, specialty art supplier to Griwerrtown for over 30 years. We are open Monday through Friday 11am to 5pm/

PORTIA:
Damn.

MORRIS:
/all day Saturday, and closed on Sundays. Leave a message or stop on in during normal business hours. Bye-bye now.

VALERIE:
Hi, Mr. Kinnard. This is Valerie St. James with the Griw? Or Die! podcast. I came in last week? I wanted to see if I could come back and talk to you again. We, um...

PORTIA:
(Whispered) Recently became aware of some interesting evidence...

VALERIE:
...recently became aware of some new evidence. And we'd like to ask you about the security video. Again, this is Valerie with Griw? Or Die!—call me back at this number at your convenience. Thank you.

     [SOUND: BEEP]

VALERIE:
Should I have said all that?

PORTIA:
What do you mean?

VALERIE:
Well, is it possible he was the one who doctored the tape?

PORTIA:
(Laughs) Yeah, ok. (Beat) Wait. Hell.

VALERIE:
I'm calling Duritz. If we're wrong, we're wrong. But better that than stupid.

PORTIA:
Ok. You're right. Would it be helpful if I head to the campus and talk to the teacher? If their car is parked, I can look up the plate. License plates are public record, right? Then I can search their department...

VALERIE:
Ohmygod, yes! That would be amazing. That way I can get our notes together for tonight, set up—all that. And be available for any calls.

     [SOUND: SLIDING OUT OF BED]

PORTIA:
Ok, I'm on it. When do you want to meet back up?

VALERIE:
Usual? Six?

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

PORTIA:
I'll be here. And let you know as soon as I find something out!

VALERIE:
Love you mucho!

     [SOUND: DOOR CLOSE]

VALERIE:
(To herself) Ok. Duritz, Duritz, Duritz...

     [MUSIC: CONTINUOUS UNDERSCORING]
     [SOUND: VOICES FADING IN AND OUT/OVERLAPPING]

DABNEY:
[speaker audio] This is Special Agent Dabney Duritz with the Griwerrtown Investigations Bureau. If this is an emergency, I advise you to call 911. Please leave a detailed message, and I will return your call as soon as possible...

VALERIE:
Agent Duritz, this is Valerie St. James. I have some updates, and you told me to call so...

PORTIA:
Excuse me? Hi, can you point me to Professor Hillan's office?

STUDENT:
Yeah, it's that last one on the right there...

PORTIA:
Awesome, thank you...

MORRIS:
[speaker audio] Hi, Valerie. It's Morris Kinnard returning your call...

VALERIE:
Yes, thanks so much for getting back to me...

PORTIA:
Professor Hillan? Morgan Hillan?

MORGAN:
Can I help you?

PORTIA:
Hi. Portia Nix. I'm hoping you can, actually. This is going to sound weird but I was wondering if you recently...

MORRIS:
...I'm happy to meet with you again, Valerie. But it might have to wait 'til tomorrow. I'm knocking off early today for an appointment (violent coughing)

VALERIE:
Oh, I see. That's no problem. Is there a good time tomorrow? I'm pretty free during the day...

MORGAN:
Sorry, you're with who now? The police?

PORTIA:
No, no—a podcast. Griw? Or Die!. Here's a card. This isn't anything official. I'm just curious about your car...

     [SOUND: TYPING]

VALERIE:
Dear User175M3, thank you so much for another extremely generous donation. Yes, we'd love to conference you in and record for the show, if that's alright with you. If so, does tonight work? Tonight we are recording for the show as it is...

PORTIA:
Really? Wow. And you're sure? It wasn't before June 3rd?

MORGAN:
Well, I can't be positive without locating the records. I keep all my automotive receipts, you see.

PORTIA:
Well, if you think to double check you can reach me with the contact info on the card. I really, really appreciate your time, Ms. Hillan.

MORGAN:
Oh, don't mention it. However, I'm still confused about what it is you do exactly. Are you a journalist, or...

     [SOUND: TEXT TYPING (DABNEY/VALERIE/PORTIA)]

DABNEY:
Ms. St. James. Got your message. Can't talk, but can text. What do you have for me?

VALERIE:
That "It's Me" person donated again and wants to do a video chat tonight. We will be recording. Is this helpful? Also, did you notice the magically appearing hubcap on the far car, the red one, in the Kinnard video? A tip from "It's Me"...

PORTIA:
Val, teacher said he lost the hubcap running over a pothole and had it replaced sometime in June. Seems like it was after the Lottie video. Super weird. It must have been edited, right? Did you talk to Duritz.

VALERIE:
Oh shit. Talking to him now. It's Me said yes to tonight. Kinnards meeting set up for tomorrow. See you soon.

DABNEY:
Yes, move forward with the video call. If it ends up being McClung, notify me immediately. Will look into video discrepancy. Good work.

VALERIE:
Dude, Agent Duritz just told us "good work."

PORTIA:
Lol, badass! See you in a bit...

     [MUSIC: UNDERSCORING FADES]

VALERIE:
Check...check, check...

PORTIA:
La la la laaaaaa...check...

VALERIE:
Ok, you ready? Just act natural.

PORTIA:
So if it's him, we go with the "technical difficulties" plan?

VALERIE:
Yup. If it's not, then, well, we'll have a lot of questions for whomever it is, I guess...

PORTIA:
Whomever. Nice.

VALERIE:
(Big exhale) Let's do this.

PORTIA:
(Excited) This is so crazyyyy!

PORTIA:
Ok, here we go...

     [SOUND: SPACEBAR/METRONOME]
     [SOUND: RINGING/BEEPS]

VALERIE:
Ummmm…

     [MUSIC: QUIET SUSPENSEFUL UND.]

PORTIA:
What it is it? Turn it this way?

     [SOUND: TABLET SLIDE]

PORTIA:
An empty desk chair?

VALERIE:
Um, hello?

PORTIA:
Val, this is creepy.

     [SOUND: DROPPING INTO CHAIR]

VALERIE:
Oh my god!

PORTIA:
Holy shit!

PETER:
[speaker audio] Sorry, did I scare you? I was just getting a glass of water.

PORTIA:
(Under her breath) It's him! It's fucking him!

VALERIE:
Hi. No. Yes. Sort of. Uh, I'm Valerie St. James. And kind of off-camera here is—

PETER:
P-Porsh! Yeah, I'm a fan of the show. But I guess you know that. I'm Peter McClung, which I'm sure you also know.

VALERIE:
Oh, well, we—

PETER:
Are working with the GIB? I figured as much, judging by all IP pings I've been fending off over the last few days. You can let them know. I have nothing to hide. I just felt like toying with them. They recruited me as a kid, you know. But I don't like what they're about. Anyway, go ahead…

VALERIE:
...okayyyy...

PORTIA:
(Whispering) I'm texting him now.

VALERIE:
Mr. McClung—

PETER:
Peter is fine.

VALERIE:
Peter, first of all, thanks for the donations. And thank you for meeting with us tonight. I have to be honest, I wasn't exactly sure how to begin. If you—

PETER:
Well, you could start by—

VALERIE:
Excuse me, Peter. Let me just finish my thought here. If you have information as to the whereabouts of Lottie Carmichael, and you say you have nothing to hide, then why put the community—her family—through all this? Are you aware of what happened with Selmer Kurnig's sculpture?

PETER:
Of course I'm aware. But let me tell you—

PORTIA:
(Whispering) Val!

PETER:
What's that?

VALERIE:
Nothing, please continue...

PETER:
Well, first of all, Selmer Kurnig is a great man and had nothing to do with Lottie Carmichael's death. And neither did I.

PORTIA:
Valerie!

VALERIE:
Sorry, Peter. We're having some technical difficulties. We're just going to mute you for a sec.

PETER:
(Laughing) Is that right? You sure it's not the GIB telling you(gets muted)

VALERIE:
What? Did he respond?

PORTIA:
He asked where we were, so I told him. He said he's close by and that he's on his way. And to lock the door.

VALERIE:
What? Let me see...

PORTIA:
I'm kinda getting freaked out, Val.

VALERIE:
Well, it's locked. What do we do? Keep him talking, right? I mean, we're looking at him right now. He can't be in two places at once.

PORTIA:
I don't know. He did all that projection stuff for Kurnig. Right? Could he?

VALERIE:
Shit. Shit!

PORTIA:
Look, Duritz is on his way. Let's just keep going.

VALERIE:
Ok.

     [SOUND: CLICK]

VALERIE:
Sorry about that, Peter. You were saying?

PETER:
I was saying that if they had attempted to treat one of the greatest living artists with an ounce of dignity during all this, perhaps I would've been more forthright with what I know. I cared about Lottie, too. I loved her.

VALERIE:
Peter, I do not mean any disrespect, but—

PETER:
Yes, you do. Peter "McCling," right? Isn't that what you called me two episodes ago?

VALERIE:
Peter, I'm sorry. We didn't intend to—

     [SOUND: KNOCKING]

PORTIA:
Oh shit thank you, gods! I'll let him in.

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING]
     [MUSIC: EERIE MUSIC]

PETER:
Where's she going?

     [SOUND: UNINTELLIGIBLE CONVERSATION UNDERNEATH SCENE]
     (1: OH, IT'S YOU...)
     (2: HI, THERE)
     (3: I THOUGHT VAL SAID—)
     (4: I FIGURED I DROP IN. SHE HERE?)
     (5: I...UM...)
     (6: YOU ALONE? THAT'D BE FINE, TOO)
     (7: HEY, VAL?)
     (8: OH, DON'T DO THAT)
     (9: WHAT?)
     (10: NO, YOU CAN'T DO THAT)

VALERIE:
Delivery. We, um, typically eat during a session. Since it's only audio, we just edit it out. Anyway, Peter, we strive to entertain and I apologize for the name-calling. I do have some additional questions for you if you're ok to continue. (Beat)...Peter?

     [SOUND: CLICKING]

VALERIE:
Peter? Are you still there? It looks like your screen froze, or...oh, no, no, no, no, no, Portia?!

PORTIA:
[distantly] What the fuck? What are you—no stop! (Short scream)

     [SOUND: STRUGGLE]

VALERIE:
Portia!

PETER:
Sorry, I've got a bad signal—wait, what's going on? Valerie, are you there?

VALERIE:
[distantly] NO! Get away from me! (Scream)

     [SOUND: RUNNING BACK TOWARDS MICROPHONES]

VALERIE:
(Crying) Please! Please don't do this! No—

     [SOUND: WET STABBING SOUNDS]

VALERIE:
(Scream)

PETER:
Valerie? What's happening?

MORRIS:
(Intense coughing)

     [SOUND: COUGHING CONTINUES—BLEEDS INTO RUNNING HEADPHONE MUSIC]
     [SOUND: DRONE WHIRRING/EARBUDS REMOVED]

LOTTIE:
What the hell?

     [SOUND: WHIRRING]
     [SOUND: TRANSFORMER EXPLOSION]

LOTTIE:
Oh my god!

     [SOUND: SPARKS/OIL]

MORRIS:
(Calling out) Lottie! Lottie, that you!

LOTTIE:
Morris? Holy shit, did you see that?

MORRIS:
You ok? Hey, come on in here.

LOTTIE:
What the hell am I covered in? What was that? God, my ears are ringing like crazy!

MORRIS:
You ok? Looks like the transformer exploded right above you there. Are you hurt?

LOTTIE:
No, I...I think I'm ok. Just my ears.

MORRIS:
You sure?

LOTTIE:
Yeah, yeah I'm good. My shirt is soaked.

MORRIS:
I think that's mineral oil. They use it to cool those things, pretty sure.

LOTTIE:
I'm glad you were here. I think someone was following me? This guy...I don't know.

MORRIS:
Following you?

LOTTIE:
I don't—never mind. Do you have a shirt or something?

MORRIS:
Sure I do. Here, follow me. Watch your step—must've knocked out the power. (Coughing fit) Yeah, I was just closing up and about to get out of here. Saw you jogging and then boom! I'm just glad you're ok. Let's see...ha ha! Here, we go. Kinnards t-shirt. Just like the old days, eh Lottie?

LOTTIE:
Mo', I worked here for like two days. Not sure if that qualifies.

MORRIS:
Well, I liked having you around all the same. Go on, pop that thing off now.

LOTTIE:
You wish. It's not that dark in here. Give it, I'll change over in 'canvases'.

     [SOUND: THROWN FABRIC SOUND]

MORRIS:
(Calling over) So how's everything been going? How're classes?

LOTTIE:
They're good. I guess. Things are fine. You?

MORRIS:
You sure you don't need any help back there?

     [SOUND: HEAVY BREATHING FX]

LOTTIE:
Don't be weird, Mo'...

MORRIS:
(To himself) No. Never weird. (Short cough)

[SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

MORRIS:
Actually, I'm glad this happened! I got something I'd like your opinion on back in the studios. You got a minute?

     [SOUND: BREATHING INTENSIFIES]
     [SOUND: DOOR LOCK]

LOTTIE:
Ummm. Yeah, I guess so—hey, what's up? Are you locking that?

MORRIS:
Just don't want someone coming in while we're back there. Alarm's got a battery, but there's no telling how long the power will be out. (Coughing) Here, let me show you this…

LOTTIE:
Uh, actually Mo', I should probably get going. I've got this thing—

MORRIS:
Lottie. What's the matter? Come on, just want to show you this piece. It'll take five minutes. You got five minutes for your old boss?

LOTTIE:
I...guess? Ok, five minutes.

MORRIS:
Great! Back here in studio c. Look at you, Lottie. You've really grown up haven't you? Like a real lady (coughing fit)

     [SOUND: COUGHING CONTINUES]
     [SOUND: CHOKING SOUNDS]

PETER:
Valerie? Are you ok? What's happening? Are you alright?

DABNEY:
[in the distance] GIB! Valerie?! Oh, no Portia! Slinks, check on her! (Getting closer to mics) Valerie! Valerie are you here?

     [SOUND: CHOKING/COUGHING]

DABNEY:
Valerie!

     [SOUND: GUNSHOTS/THUD]

DABNEY:
This is Duritz. I need an ambulance at 2224 Partridge Lane. Valerie! Valerie! [fading] Can you hear me? Help is coming! Shit, stay with me, girl. Stay with me, Valerie...

     [SOUND: EVERYTHING FADES]

MOOSE:
More tonight on the Charlotte "Lottie" Carmichael case, whose now DNA-confirmed remains were found at the bizarre scene days ago just behind me at the former site of Selmer Kurnig's blood statue. Sources are telling us that Morris Kinnard, owner of Kinnards here on 12th St, has been killed in an encounter with the GIB. Kinnard is now known to have been a former employer of Lottie Carmichael. And, upon discovery that he altered surveillance footage from his exterior security camera, he became the GIB's primary suspect. It is unclear how the remains were placed into the statue; however, sources say Selmer Kurnig, along with his assistant Peter McClung, have demonstrated how Kinnard would have the tools to do so, right here in his shop. In a truly chilling turn, Kinnard was killed after brutalizing two local podcasters who had inexplicably become secured assets to the GIB. The agent in charge has since resigned, and the podcasters themselves remain in critical condition. We will continue to update as this story develops, and Darlene—I want to join the community in keeping those young women in our thoughts. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, folks. This is Moose Prufrock, FBT News.

     (END OF THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOTTIE CARMICHAEL CHAPTER THREE)



WRITE OR WRONG?      30:43

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME UP AND OUT]

PE:



OUTRO      31:19

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME]

Marlo Mysliwiec: Writer Wrong is created by Patrick Emile and Marlo Mysliwiec.  This episode’s story was written by Patrick Emile with music and sound design by KCKSRV. Cast your vote on our website at WriterWrongPodcast.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at Writer Wrong Podcast. If you like what you’re listening to hit the subscribe button, write us a review, and be sure to tell your friends to share the stories. Until next week, keep writing.

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME OUT]

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