Episode 10 - One More Time

The Narrator:
Greetings my dear, loving listeners and welcome back to Tales Beneath the Surface. I do hope you’ve been keeping what I said last time in mind. I have and, if I’m as honest with you as I always am, it’s troubled my dreams and waking hours. I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s something I’m missing…it’s resting there…right at the tip of my tongue..well I’m sure it’ll show up as soon I stop thinking about it, you know the feeling! Resigning yourself to staying indoors because you can’t find your favourite pair of shoes, then looking down, and realising you’re wearing them! Wait and what’s that there? A trail of mud or something more foul?! My daydreamed steps must have wandered far from the beaten path, still any exercise is better than none, even if you can’t remember it!

Speaking it out loud really makes you notice the power of words, doesn’t it? …I’m sure at least half of you are certain that I’ve traipsed said with sudden anger all manner of filth over my snug studio space…calming well have I?! pause You will never know, how could you? You’ll have to take my word for it…though I’m sure the thought will linger, like a tooth steadily giving into decay. The power of words really is something, isn’t it. Particularly when you can’t see the speaker, their movements and energy masked behind a sound system pouring liquid gold down your ear canals and into the ridged crevasses hiding in your skull…

---

Playback

FIRST CALL

Hum of telephone connection

KEITH:
Sound Department, Arcturus Transcription

LAWYER:
Hello, is that Arthur?

KEITH:
phone put down, said to the room Umm it’s another one for Arthur, I think it’s CPS.

JOCELYN:
Goddammit. Can you take it? I’m a little exasperated No?! Chrissakes, put it on speaker, wait, let me record click of dictaphone Friday 18th, 10am phone picked up Hello?

LAWYER:
Arthur?

JOCELYN:
deep sigh He’s….on leave, I’m covering, can I take a message?

LAWYER:
This is Jonathan Prendergast QC from the Crown Prosecution Service, actually, do you know how long he’s going to be away?

JOCELYN:
It’s been two weeks so far so your guess is as good as mine

LAWYER:
sigh Fine, fine, wait, you work with him?

JOCELYN:
Instead of sigh yes, sure

LAWYER:
Couldn’t have said that to start with?

JOCELYN:
Look, I’m very busy, what—

LAWYER:
interrupts Fine, fine whatever scoffing sound Arthur was working on the Petrova case for me, he was supposed to be reviewing the court recordings

JOCELYN:
OK

LAWYER:
Is that all? Have you got an idea of his progress?

JOCELYN:
No, he left abruptly. If there were any handover notes I haven’t found them. Do you have the case number?

LAWYER:
1993 14153-C

JOCELYN:
Right, and you sent this over when?

LAWYER:
Three weeks ago, on the 30th

JOCELYN:
Thank you. beep sound as the phone is muted Do you know anything about this?

KEITH:
Er… sorry i just

JOCELYN:
beep sound as the phone is unmuted I’ll check through his files and see if he started. If not, what did you want?

LAWYER:
I just told breaks off with exasperated sigh I need you to go through it and check the recordings

JOCELYN:
Why?

LAWYER:
Oh, so full of questions, practically a conversation

JOCELYN:
clears throat

LAWYER:
Fine, CPS is conducting an internal review of the case.

JOCELYN:
Oh? Can you talk to the original team they might —

LAWYER:
interruptsThey are… unavailable.

JOCELYN:
And the court transcripts aren’t enough?

LAWYER:
No, look I wouldn’t be talking to you if they were. That’s why I needed Arthur to listen to the recordings. There are some irregularities in the transcripts, some rather troubling inconsistencies

JOCELYN:
false concern Goodness, well that won’t do

LAWYER:
Quite, pause I must say I feel you’re not treating this with the gravity it deserves

JOCELYN:
sighs Then explain it better

LAWYER:
It doesn’t read like any transcript I’ve come across

JOCELYN:
Might that be a question of your experience….rather than…?

LAWYER:
No, now look I don’t appreciate your tone

JOCELYN:
Well, it’s a good thing you’re asking me to use my ears

LAWYER:
long pause Right angry sigh You check the recordings, I need you to see if they make sense

JOCELYN:
I’m not a lawyer so some —–

LAWYER:
interrupting Not. Like. That. First I’m a barrister, not a lawyer, but that’s beside the point, I mean it literally quick gasp then continuing agitated Look, the transcripts have gaps, I don’t know how else to put it

JOCELYN:
What?! Parts have been cut out? Jesus

LAWYER:
No, no…it’s like….the stenographer fell asleep then carried on typing when they woke up, straight into the middle of a new sentence without noticing the gap

JOCELYN:
Have you spoken to them? Seems that would be a useful—

LAWYER:
They died

JOCELYN:
Oh, that’s unfortunate

LAWYER:
More than you know, the irregularities are piling up around this—

JOCELYN:
I’ll let you know what I find, can I take a name and number?

LAWYER:
Yes, restating slowly Jonathan Prendergast QC, do you want me to spell that? You should have the number on file muttered cretin

click of phone call ending

JOCELYN:
What a d break off before saying it into disgusted sound - clicks recorder off

KEITH:
Wow and I thought I was bad on the phone

JOCELYN:
distracted What’s that?

KEITH:
Well you, uhh, you were a bit uhm hostile

JOCELYN:
Oh right, no, no that guy just rubbed me up the wrong way and I’m already a bit ratty, guess I could do with a good night’s sleep yawn - continues slightly amused Was it really that bad?

KEITH:
Oh, oh no no, you were fine, just uhm… fine

JOCELYN:
Ah ok, say, do you know where Arthur left the cases he was working on?

KEITH:
Oh, sorry no, he had a system but he never showed me.

JOCELYN:
Of course

KEITH:
Yeah uhm he was a bit old school, uhh if you don’t mind me asking what’s the dictaphone about?

JOCELYN:
Oh, easiest way to keep a record sigh I wish Arthur had the same habit, if I can find his notes it might cut down on this, well, chaos

KEITH:
Sorry, like I said he had a system but kept most of it in his head along with some post-its and index cards around his desk. Did IT sort you out with his login?

JOCELYN:
Yes, for what it’s worth. If it’s anything like his filing system I’m not looking forward to trawling through that, his labelling system is uh unique

KEITH:
Well better you than me, I wouldn’t want to touch anything of his, uhm, I’m popping to pret, you want anything?

JOCELYN:
No, thanks though

KEITH:
Wish I could help, I’ll leave you to it

JOCELYN:
One thing, you got any idea when he’s coming back?

KEITH:
None, didn’t really speak to him outside of work and I’ve heard nothing from upstairs

JOCELYN:
Damn, have you got a number for him?

KEITH:
No, sorry, we weren’t really colleagues like that.

JOCELYN:
How were you colleagues then… it doesn’t matter, you know why he’s off?

KEITH:
Oh, stress, I think semi whispered heard he had a breakdown

JOCELYN:
incredulous From working in an archive?

KEITH:
Yup, guess you can find knots to tie yourself in anywhere. Alright see you in a bit

door opens & closes

JOCELYN:
sounds of paper being moved about, draws being opened etc Where do I even start with this mess? rueful laugh & sigh

music break - finished with clunk of a tape playing

FIRST RECORDING

JUDGE:
It is for you to determine whether the evidence presented has proved the defendants guilt, you are here to consider the evidence, I will direct you on any matters of law, should that become necessary, thank you for your time. Now if Mr Wilkerson would care to introduce the case…..

music break

INTERRUPTION

door opens and closes - with increased volume surprising her at the suddenness

JOCELYN:
Jesus!

KEITH:
Ah, uh rterrupt, uhh did you find then?

JOCELYN:
distracted Whua? Uhhm yeah just about sigh I should have asked where discrepancies are

KEITH:
You want me to… dig out the CPS phone number?

JOCELYN:
sigh Yes, thank you

KEITH:
footsteps moving away Here it is. So, what do you think so far?

JOCELYN:
I’ve started, got through some of the introductions

KEITH:
Oh yeah, what’s it about?

JOCELYN:
Ah well it wasn’t as uhm, its like, uhm, well it’s hard to pin down, it’s frustrating - all this mess, I can’t focus on the content of the case when I don’t know what I’m looking for, I mean I can’t even remember the charges!

KEITH:
Really?

JOCELYN:
Yes, really, that’s bizarre, anyway, it’s not my job to know the details, just to find these gaps under breath whatever that means

KEITH:
Ah uhm are you feeling alright? You look tired, do you want another coffee?

JOCELYN:
No, no thank you, any more caffeine and I’ll be bouncing off the walls

KEITH:
Maybe take a break, get some fresh air, it’s lovely outside and it’s after 6, might be time to call it a week

JOCELYN:
It is?

KEITH:
Yeah, I was knocking to say good bye

JOCELYN:
Jesus, the afternoon’s flown… Yes, you’re right, it’s not like we get overtime and a bit of sun would do me some good. Right, enjoy your weekend, I’ll leave this for Monday

door opens + closes

music break

SECOND CALL

JOCELYN:
beep Monday 21st, 10:05am

pause

RECEPTION:
Crown Prosecution Service, what extension do you need?

JOCELYN:
My name is Jocelyn Hayes from Arcturus Transcription, I need to speak to Mr. Prendergast regarding the Petrova case

RECEPTION:
Do you have the extension?

sounds of papers rustling

JOCELYN:
No, this was the only number on file

RECEPTION:
Can you confirm that name again, please?

JOCELYN:
Jonathan Prendergast, oh QC

RECEPTION:
One moment pause putting you through now

LAWYER:
Prendergast speaking

JOCELYN:
This is Jocelyn from Arcturus Transcription

LAWYER:
Arthur’s substitute?

JOCELYN:
Yes

LAWYER:
It’s been three days, you’ve made progress then?

JOCELYN:
Two of those were the– angry exhalation Yes, in a way

LAWYER:
Are you wasting my time? You either have something to tell me or you don’t, get to the point woman.

JOCELYN:
Fine. Where are the gaps in the transcripts?

LAWYER:
The gaps?

JOCELYN:
The missing sections.

LAWYER:
Right, well, that was what I hired you and Arthur to find

JOCELYN:
No, you didn’t. You hired us to review the recording. There are no dropouts in it so it would be helpful to know where the gaps fall in the transcript, a timecode to reference against. Can you send a copy of the transcript?

LAWYER:
Ah, right, well I don’t have it to hand. I’ll get one of the girls to collate them and send it over by the end of the day

JOCELYN:
Thank click of phone hanging up wow, what a tw— pause, sigh

sound of a sound system getting turned on

JOCELYN:
Where was I sigh ah yeah – the prosecution’s first – that’s it I’ll have a record this time, Monday 21st, 10:30am, reviewing the Petrova case

beep of recorder starting then rewind sounds then playing

SECOND RECORDING

PROSECUTOR:
Thank you, your honour. Members of the jury it is my job to explain the charges and set out the case as to why the defendant stands before you today. I will begin with an outline of the key facts. Then I will present the evidence that supports this account of events. On the evening of July 14th, 1993 the defendant was walking along Goswell Road following a business meeting—

sound of tape fast forwarding

JOCELYN:
Right, I remember this

tape click and starts playing again

PROSECUTOR:
The paths of the defendant and the victims crossed a second time shortly before the incident at the heart of this case. They met at the intersection of Roseberry Avenue and Clerkenwell Road. There was a second conversation, this one markedly more hostile than the first. It escalated into a violent confrontation during which, the Crown contends, the defendant assaulted all four victims.

tape fast forwarding

EXTRA SPOOKY MUSIC STING!!

JOCELYN:
Ah yeah, I remember, I remember now

tape click and starts playing again

DEFENCE:
–what I hope to demonstrate over the course of this trial is that the defendant’s actions were taken purely in self-defence. The evidence will show that she was confronted late at night by four men and in that moment, she had every reason to fear for her safety.

The injuries sustained by the complainants, while serious and regrettable, were the result…

tape fast forwarding

JOCELYN:
Yes, yes, I can remember this too, how did she hmm…

tape click and starts playing again

DEFENDANT:
My name is Ekaterina Petrova

PROSECUTOR:
Thank you. Now, can you confirm that you encountered four men on the evening of the 14th of July, 1993?

DEFENDANT:
Yes

PROSECUTOR:
Would you describe the meeting as friendly, or was there tension from the outset?

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled They seemed like sweet boys, at first, they made me laugh and their smell was intoxicating, young and potent

PROSECUTOR:
cough right, yes Of course, of course, completely understandable, So, just to confirm, you had no prior contact or relationship with any of these men?

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled Oh no, it was the first time I’d laid eyes on them, though I made an oath to myself and the void below that if we crossed paths again I would stake a claim to them

PROSECUTOR:
starting to breath heavy and talk slowly Of course, perfectly reasonable, so was the second time you met when you, how did you put it, staked your claim

DEFENDANT:
excited Note for Tidor. Muffled Oh yes, yes it was, and quite delicious and delightful it was too

a titter of laughter breaks out in court

PROSECUTOR:
merry sounding aroused? Oh I can only imagine, now if it’s not too much trouble, could you share with the court how that second meeting, sorry, reclamation went?

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled I would love nothing more

tape stops

JOCELYN:
OK, got that timestamp, something’s missing, what the hell is happening in there.

tape plays

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled So, the second time around, the vitality poured off them, I could taste it before I saw them. Then, when they turned the corner I could see it misted around them. It was beautiful, a gift from the void below and, well, it would be rude, would it not, to spurn such a pretty thing

PROSECUTOR:
aroused Of course! I think we can all agree on that

JUDGE:
aroused Yes completely

DEFENCE:
aroused Of course

sound of jury mumbling and agreeing

PROSECUTOR:
Please continue, my sweet, what happened next?

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled Well, we drew closer, like two sides of a, what you say, curtain

court bursts into laughter and Jocelyn too

PROSECUTOR:
breathless, excited Oh how funny, and what happened when you touched?

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled Well let me tell you, as we drew closer our auras mixed and mingled and I could see the excitement on their faces and, well, a little further south you know

court whooping like an american daytime talk show, JOCELYN laughing too

DEFENDANT:
Note for Tidor. Muffled They presented themselves to me. They looked so pretty all trussed up and well decorated, it would have been rude to not have a taste, no?

court ooohs and aaaahs

JOCELYN:
Yes, yes it would!

SECOND INTERRUPTION

KEITH:
amused What are you laughing at? Sounds like a party!

sound of tape whirring

JOCELYN:
Laughing? W-What… pause

KEITH:
Oh ok, it sounded like a riot from outside, how’s the case going? Are you uhm feeling alright?

shuffling paper

JOCELYN:
Yes my sweet boy

KEITH:
What?

JOCELYN:
Yes, yes I am, here it is…

KEITH:
So…

JOCELYN:
Hmm?

KEITH:
Sorry uh, what’s the case about?

JOCELYN:
brightly Oh! Well it’s quite interesting, a lot of well argued points so far, the defence has it though, she’s definitely innocent

KEITH:
Oh, it sounds like wembley weak laugh

JOCELYN:
sharp snap What do you mean?

KEITH:
Oh, uh, sorry, just a strange way to put it I guess but uhm sounded like its exciting at least, Crown Court, must be juicy

JOCELYN:
Ah, of course, sorry for snapping, it’s about, it’s — uhm damn — it’s gone

KEITH:
Really? concerned

JOCELYN:
What? No, no, no really I’m fine, more to themselves how is that possible?

KEITH:
I’m not sure, you’re looking a bit—

JOCELYN:
interrupts I was talking to myself, helps me think

KEITH:
Oh, oh sorry

JOCELYN:
It’s fine, you didn’t know. Wait, you said you heard me laughing, right? Just before you came in?

KEITH:
Yeah, uhm sorry yeah it uh sounded like you were at like a talk show or

click of the recording stopping

KEITH:
faux jolly / little scared Now that’s a little spooky, how did you do that?

JOCELYN:
I didn’t

KEITH:
Okay, ok, well the kit down here’s always playing up, wait I’ve got a trick

sound of him thumping the machine

click of the recording playing again

KEITH:
There you go, another coffee?

JOCELYN:
Hmmm

KEITH:
I will pop out, grab lunch and get you a proper one.

Door open and close

music break

THIRD RECORDING

PROSECUTOR:
And how did they taste?

JUDGE:
I bet they were delicious

court cheering / oohing and aaaahingg

DEFENDANT:
You’re quite right my sweet, they were divine

PROSECUTOR:
So you ahem sampled them all?

DEFENDANT:
How could I not?! jeers and boos from the court ahh thank you ditya it brings fire to my limbs to be so well understood it’s oh so rare for one of my pedigree oohs and aahs from the court

SECOND INTERRUPTION cont.

KEITH:
I’ve got your coffee

JOCELYN:
over the top of the recording I don’t remember this click turning it off how strange

KEITH:
Oh, did you wind it forward?

JOCELYN:
Yeah, course I did to self I must’ve done

KEITH:
Old equipment, ghosts in the machine, tape heads might need degaussing weak laugh That was one of Arthur’s bugbears too, he was a bit old school, never the same after we went digital, he left artifacts all over the place

JOCELYN:
Yeah I know how it goes, worked at one place where the tape deck would only work if the desk lamp was on, intoxicating ay, I see what you mean about the recording, it sounds… delicious

KEITH:
Uhm, ok, do you want me to do a digital transfer? It’d be easier to scrub through and you wouldn’t have to deal with these uhm temperamental machines. Changing the format might help you uh work with it

JOCELYN:
sharp What are you getting at? Why are you looking at me like that?

KEITH:
Sorry this uh this is freaking me out a bit. It’s like Arthur was before he went off sick, he kept slipping. Are you feeling OK?

JOCELYN:
Ah, ok, of course, I’m sorry, guess I’m more tired than I thought, can you get me a coffee?

KEITH:
Yeah, yeah of course, it’s here, just got back with it pause Uhm seriously though, Arthur started losing track before he uh he uhm well, take a break if you’re feeling odd, I don’t want to be the only one left here weak laugh

sound of coffee getting put on the table

JOCELYN:
Yes, yes of course, thank you. I’m feeling tired and uhh a little fuzzy, that’s all pause void knows it’s nothing else. Wait, have you heard from that lawyer? He was going to send the transcripts over

KEITH:
No, sorry, uh I’ll go check couple steps away Uhm sorry but how is this not bothering you?

JOCELYN:
What do you mean?

KEITH:
The uh, the, well, whatever’s happening with the recording and with uh

JOCELYN:
With what?

KEITH:
Sorry, uhm,

JOCELYN:
What? No, all I need is a good night’s sleep and the recording’s just a, well, an interesting puzzle, that’s all. Thanks for your concern though, I’ll check for the transcripts, then take a half day, can you handle the transfer?

KEITH:
Sorry, yeah, on it

JOCELYN:
Thanks

door opens, sound of steps

keyboard sounds

JOCELYN:
Uh huh, ok, that’s remarkable. He’s a prick even in the written word. Quick look at the — huh — gaps are in the witness statements - strange raised voice OK, KEITH I’m going to get something to eat, stake my claim and call it a day. You good to close up?

KEITH:
muffled Yeah, transfer’s running, see you tomorrow

door opens, closes

Music break

INVESTIGATION 1

KEITH:
So, uhm, have you got much on today?

JOCELYN:
Just the Petrova case, is the transfer finished?

KEITH:
Yeah, just checked it, studio’s setup for you

JOCELYN:
Thank you

KEITH:
Right, uhm well I’ve actually got a few things to—

JOCELYN:
Good, I’ve got some ideas to play around with, I don’t need any help

KEITH:
Oh thank—, sorry uh I’m not sure..well I’m glad you’re on it

JOCELYN:
Well, you know where I’ll be, if a phone rings, shout

KEITH:
Of course, and, uhm, call if you feel ill

door opens & closes

JOCELYN:
Right

beep of recorder starting

JOCELYN:
Thursday 23rd, 9:15am. small pause The transcript’s given me a loose idea about where to start. Once I’ve found the missing parts I’ll switch to the computer to see if there’s anything, well, unexpected. Now, let’s see where we are

play

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded muddy still but understandable They seemed like sweet boys, at first, they made me laugh and their smell was intoxicating, young and potent—

stop

JOCELYN:
Got it, back a little to catch it all

play

PROSECUTOR:
Already recorded Can you confirm your name

stop

JOCELYN:
Great, that’s pencil scratching ok, skip it forward digital audio wipe quick play to see if it’s

play

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded I made an oath to myself and the void below that if we crossed paths again I would stake a claim to them

stop

JOCELYN:
Ok, ok, still muddy, a little further along

play

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded –I could taste it before I saw them. Then, when they turned the corner I could see it misted around them. It was beautiful, a gift from the void below and, well, it would be rude, would it not, to spurn such a pretty thing

stop

JOCELYN:
Right, final one

play

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded You’re quite right my sweet, they were divine

stop

JOCELYN:
Should be enough to go on. Well that is interesting. See if I can separate out the different parts, cut away the…

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded They presented themselves to me. They looked so pretty all trussed up and well decorated, it would have been rude to not have a taste, no?

JOCELYN:
Yes, there it is, ok

digital audio playing - JOCELYN JOCELYN JOCELYN

door opens & closes

KEITH:
Jocelyn –

JOCELYN:
What!

KEITH:
Oh uh sorry, sorry, it’s just uhm lawyer’s left a message, he’s—

JOCELYN:
Tell him to fuck off, sorry, I’m almost there

KEITH:
He’s ah, well it’s a mess– uhm ok, what’s that on the screen?

JOCELYN:
What? Oh, it’s the recording, thing called spectral view, makes it easy to isolate different parts of–, wait, why are you still here?

KEITH:
Oh, sorry uhm, I’ll ah, I’ll go tell that lawyer the bad news

JOCELYN:
Good

door open & close

JOCELYN:
Right, where was— oh yeah, yeah, that’s something, how’s it sound–

distorted audio strange voice and chanting (she is isolating the spell)

JOCELYN:
OK, OK, got a starting point, how’s the recording sound without it

play

DEFENDANT:
Already recorded Ahh thank you ditya it brings fire to my limbs to be so well understood it’s oh so rare for one of my pedigree

JOCELYN:
dreamy Right ok, well I can’t pick that up but let it play out for a bit, it’s sounding clearer, there’s more to it

music builds and becomes more sinister

JOCELYN:
kinda ranting OK, OK, still in the room, alright, alright! It’s still playing, now, what’s going on with this, can’t believe I could pull it out on its own. Looks like more information than there should be in background noise….wait…wait….here we go…remove those frequencies there…pitch it down…..get rid of that..and…..ok…run that through and…wait ok I think that’s got it….how’s that sound

crackling white noise slower - more pops and snaps, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN

JOCELYN:
I can hear it

JOCELYN:
breathing Still in the room, good to go, next one, slow this down a bit and then what do we have

something coming through - JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN in the background

JOCELYN:
Ok, ok, ok, that’s something, that’s fucking something

weird sounds from the recording

JOCELYN:
What was that, what was that, what was that, what was that

original recording starts playing, isolated recording starts playing, stuff layered on top of it etc etc, interrupted by bell ringing, raised voices getting closer

LAWYER:
muffled, voice angry Where is she? Get out of the way, I’ll find her myself

door bursts open – JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN, JOCELYN

GIMME THE GOODS

LAWYER:
Jocelyn, in the flesh, so, you never answer messages?

JOCELYN:
What? Why are you here?

LAWYER:
Hunh, we’re here for the recordings

JOCELYN:
confused The recordings? Yes, yes progress–

LAWYER:
interrupts Thank you, that’s why I’m here, you can stop the work there. We are not pause continuing with the review, the case is being left as it is

JOCELYN:
What?! Why? You should hear…

LAWYER:
interrupts Like I said, thank you for your effort but it’s out of my hands, the decision’s been made to not go ahead, there’s nothing to answer for, the original case will remain closed

JOCELYN:
No, no you can’t, I’m on the cusp of understanding you have to listen to—

LAWYER:
interrupts No! pause Thank you for your work, like I said, your efforts are no longer needed, do not look into this further

JOCELYN:
I’m almost there, I’m so close to–

LAWYER:
interrupts - hissed Do not finish that sentence. There are things in play you don’t understand. You do not want to be a focus of its attention.

JOCELYN:
What are you getting at?

LAWYER:
It’s not just the court reporter who is dead, I’ll leave it at that

JOCELYN:
Then all the more reason to pursue—

LAWYER:
interrupts I know, there’s nothing I can do. Put it out of your mind, nothing good can come of this, you’ll be paid your usual fee with a bonus for the inconvenience, now, where are the recordings

JOCELYN:
Well I don’t know–

LAWYER:
interrupts Where are they

KEITH:
Here, they’re here

LAWYER:
Thank you, gentlemen if you would take custody of them. You there, delete the digital copies.

KEITH:
Uh I can do—

LAWYER:
Now.

KEITH:
Ok, ok uhh sorry Jocelyn

LAWYER:
And the backups

KEITH:
Ok, ok, they’re gone

LAWYER:
Now we’ll be on our way

JOCELYN:
What is happ—

LAWYER:
hissed / whispered / almost pleading Forget about it, please, for your own sake normal Take care, you won’t hear from us again, good day

sound of people leaving then door closing

KEITH:
Sorry I uh, I tried to tell you about the—

JOCELYN:
What…I’m so close

KEITH:
weak laugh Bet you’re glad to see the back of it though, what with the uh well–

JOCELYN:
Yeah, uh sure, forced laugh won’t have to see that prick again, well, that wrapped the week, you got anything else on?

KEITH:
Oh, uh no, nothing that can’t wait

JOCELYN:
Great, great, well why don’t you get an early start on the weekend, I’ll close up

KEITH:
Are you sure you’ll be alright?

JOCELYN:
Huh…What? Oh yes, yes, I’m sure I’ll be quite delicious

KEITH:
OK, uhm, enjoy your weekend, see you next week

JOCELYN:
Till our paths cross again my sweet

door closes

sound of dictaphone rewinding then beep of dictaphone playing

sounds of the court room cheering and screaming

DEFENDANT:

JOCELYN:
I’ve decided to record this as a reference. The time is… 10:15, mark….

fades out as JOCELYN JOCELYN JOCELYN can be heard clearly with the sound of the court room whooping and cheering then JOCELYN laughing / crying hysterically

JOCELYN:
Mumbling and loosing it

---

The Narrator:
mild paranoia I feel like someone’s trying to play a joke on me…is it you my dear dear listener?! No, no, no it couldn’t be, not after all the tribulations we’ve faced together..though if not you then who? I’m certain I’ve heard that voice before…blustering his way through another recording…though I suppose that wouldn’t be too out of character for that particular profession rich, relieved laugh Oh no, no, not at all, I imagine that it pays to have a particular flavour of pretentious contempt, helps sell whatever bill of goods you happen to be handling. Yes, yes I can see there being some commonality between voices, if birds of a feather flock together then I don’t see why they wouldn’t sing with one voice….voice, yes! Now that’s where I wanted to get to! It does seem to have a certain power, an irresistible hypnotism, well, for that character at least. I would hate to be drawn in like that, washed away by the waves of sound falling out from my moth.. another’s mouth. How could you tell it was even happening? How indeed, troubling, especially since reality writes itself.