The Arrest

Detectives Chisholm and Titus arrest and interrogate Grant Pauli, a rehabilitated sex offender in the disappearance of twelve-year-old, Mac Shelton as Kenzie digs deep into Professor Nubold’s twisted history with its rich, black market pharmaceutical family business.

Turn on and tune in to Darkside Thrillers Radio Drama, Season 1.  It’s all about KEPT by Gem Wodahl, an immersive, eight-week, serialized audio thriller that straps you into the trendy city of Waverly, gripped by unexplained disappearances, and a twelve-year-old boy who slips away without a trace.   The tunnel system under a cathedral is off limits, but when an eighteen-year old trespasser stumbles upon a hunter’s trophy, she falls into a psychological sink hole, recklessly starting a war against a sociopathic liar.  As she struggles to find truth, her own world is slowly crumbling with an estranged family, loneliness and medical alerts.  Kenzie Pratt wears her cancer like an eviction notice tattooed across her forehead.  With a shortened life-span, she’s volatile and dangerous.   KEPT swallows you into the lives of three sociopaths – one who hunts for pleasure, one who hunts for justice, and one who kills to stop her.  Oh, and I forgot to mention the two bloodhound detectives who won’t give up, and a steamy love arc that one of the sociopaths can’t live without.  Or can he?  Welcome listeners.  You are the magic!

Host Elijah Summerfield

Producer/Network   Darkside Thrillers Radio Drama

Author and Narrator Gem Wodahl

This is a Darkside Thrillers production.

Original lyrics and music by Grace Note Music Design

Special thanks to Pixabay artists.

Email: chatwithdarksidethrillers@gmail.com

KEPT by Gem  Wodahl , available June 18  in stores and your favourite podcast platform.

eBook:  ISBN:  978-0-9881651-3-7 

Print book:  ISBN:  978-0-9881651-4-4

Audible (the full radio drama)  ISBN: 978-0-9881651-8-2 

Follow Darkside Thrillers on:

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X:  https://x.com/gemwodahlauthor

Visit our website: https://darksidethrillersradiodrama.buzzsprout.com

Transcript

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SPEAKER_05 0:08

This is Dark Side Thrillers, your weekly turn-on and tune-in to serialized fiction, taking you into those bone-chilling moments when humanity twists beyond the point of no return. Who hasn't taken a shortcut down a back alley you thought you'd survive? But then there's that noise of rustling leaves, and you just know. I am your host, Elijah Summerfield, welcoming you to Dark Side Thrillers. Season one. It begins with Kept, an eight-week serialized thriller by Jem Woodall. You get hooked into the lives of three sociopaths. One who kills, one who hunts for truth, and one who will kill to hide it. Among bones and trophies under a cathedral, there's a kept secret with an appetite to hunt. Adult content, audience discretion advised.

SPEAKER_01 1:42

In last week's episode, Kenzie Pratt fearlessly confronted Professor Newbold with her conspiracy theory, with guilt written all over it. Defending himself, he threatened her, even though he shifted the evidence to an unsuspecting person of interest. Episode 6: The Arrest. The interrogation room was moderately lit, quiet, and clean. Jack and Ellie sat at one side of the table, and opposite them were Grant Polly and his lawyer, Sheila Mallor. Jack had glasses of water placed beside them and was surprised at how well-groomed Pauly was and how calm he presented himself. When the video recording started, Jack initiated the interrogation.

SPEAKER_06 2:37

For the record, it is Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. I am Detective Chisholm. Here with me is Detective Ellie Titus. We're here to interrogate Mr. Grant Polly on suspicion of kidnapping and the disappearance of 12-year-old Max Shelton of Waverly. Present with Mr. Pauly is his attorney, Ms. Sheila Malor. I please state your name and address for the record.

SPEAKER_01 3:04

He turned to Pauly. Pauly spoke quietly and confidently.

SPEAKER_08 3:10

Grant Paulie. I live at 22 Geneva Street, Waverley, Ontario.

SPEAKER_06 3:15

As your attorney has instructed, you do not have to answer our questions. But we are here to determine if further detention is warranted and if charges will be laid. We are here to listen to your story without prejudice or judgment. Do you understand, Mr. Pauley? Yes.

SPEAKER_03 3:34

Please tell us if you need more water.

unknown 3:36

Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 3:37

Then let's start. Your backyard leads to Lake Waverly. Is that correct? Yes.

SPEAKER_01 3:44

Grant thought about how perfect the property was, with neighbors who were distanced along this quaint street, more like a cottage community than an urban one. He was an avid birder and had identified birds he had never seen before in Ontario. When he painstakingly photographed them and sent them to the Ontario Field Ornithological Community, they were thankful for his contribution and identified several not usually seen in southwestern Ontario, like the Bohemian Waxwing and the Evening Gross Beak. Many of his works were featured in birding magazines, and one received a photography award. The lake had been his sanctuary. He had seen the boys, but never lingered.

SPEAKER_06 4:34

Over the past years, at any time, have you watched Max Shelton and his friends playing by the lake?

SPEAKER_01 4:41

Never. Jack produced the photo of the lake with the boys in the far distance skipping stones.

SPEAKER_06 4:48

Let the record identify this photo as one removed from Mr. Polly's home and brought into evidence.

SPEAKER_01 4:54

He turned it toward Polly and his attorney. Mr.

SPEAKER_04 4:57

Polly, did you take this photo?

SPEAKER_08 5:00

Yes, I had sighted a bird. I'm a birder. I sighted him in the tree at the end of my backyard. When I took this photo, I was on my deck aiming at the tree. I never saw what was at the other side of the lake. If you look closely, you'll see the head of an American goldfinch, which I didn't know at the time.

SPEAKER_03 5:19

And how is it you now know about this bird, Mr. Polly?

SPEAKER_08 5:22

Because I sent the file into the OFO and they identified it. Do you have files to corroborate this? Yes, they're on my laptop, which you have.

SPEAKER_01 5:31

Ellie tried to remain calm, indifferent, but stared into his eyes accusingly. Grant had nothing to hide. It hadn't been easy. Prison time, release, rehab, self-loathing, self-doubt, drug trials, self-injury, more drug trials, a suicide attempt. But he was the exception. He was the one who would never offend again. All odds said otherwise, but he knew his own trinity had healed.

SPEAKER_06 6:07

Mr. Pauley, please state what drugs you are taking to control your condition.

SPEAKER_08 6:11

I take madroxy progesterone acetate, or MPA.

SPEAKER_06 6:16

Have you ever stopped taking it?

SPEAKER_08 6:19

No. Once they determined this particular testosterone-suppressing drug had no negative side effects on me, I've taken it faithfully.

SPEAKER_06 6:27

Mr. Pauley, where were you on Friday, June 21st, 2024?

SPEAKER_08 6:33

I was at a hospital fundraiser until 10, then went home. I remained there the rest of the night. I never went out.

SPEAKER_03 6:41

You say you never went out. Then how did Mac Shelton's blue sweatshirt turn up in the garbage can in the rear shed of your home?

SPEAKER_01 6:50

Jack produced photos of the shed, the can, and the hoodie.

SPEAKER_08 6:55

I have no idea, and that's the truth. I'm truly shocked. I have nothing to hide.

SPEAKER_01 7:03

His eyes moistened, his voice quivered. Polly's attorney reminded him he didn't have to answer.

SPEAKER_08 7:11

I have no idea how it got on my property. My shed door is always unlocked. I have a new life thanks to the support of many. I know the odds of rehabilitation are against offenders, but I beat those odds. No one works harder or cares more for their community than I do.

SPEAKER_01 7:33

Jack gathered the photos and placed them in a folder.

SPEAKER_06 7:37

All of these will be in the disclosure and on your desk next week, Attorney Mallor.

SPEAKER_01 7:42

He looked at Polly and was moved by how this man seemed truly broken by this tragedy.

SPEAKER_06 7:49

Officers are examining your computer and phone and will conduct interviews with friends and colleagues. The forensic team is testing the sweatshirt. When you leave here, they will take DNA samples from you. I'll have the forensics report tomorrow. If there is a positive match, you will be charged. For your own safety, we are detaining you for three days.

SPEAKER_01 8:13

Jack stopped. He didn't end the meeting. Polly sat patiently.

SPEAKER_06 8:19

Mr. Polly, is there anyone who would want to incriminate you? Someone who would want us to put you away?

SPEAKER_08 8:27

If there were, and I can't think of anyone, how did I put my life together so well? How did I do that, Detective Chisholm, if I had enemies?

SPEAKER_03 8:38

Certain files state, Mr. Polly, you had a difficult time after your release from prison and that you tried to commit suicide. Is that correct?

SPEAKER_08 8:49

Yes. No one could possibly feel that painful, relentless remorse I felt. I didn't want to live anymore. Are you sure there wasn't someone who wanted to see you suffer? Who knew about your past? I suppose many knew, but no one ever threatened me. Who helped you when you were discharged from the hospital? A minister or a doctor? After I was discharged, I was referred to a therapy group that helped deal with near-death trauma. Who was the therapist? Dr. Michael Newbold. He teaches at Thames U. How did that go? He never judged me. He showed me alternatives and worked hard to get me where I am now. He saved me.

SPEAKER_06 9:36

What about inmates who are now out?

SPEAKER_08 9:39

No one.

SPEAKER_03 9:40

Mr. Polly, one last question. Do you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of 12-year-old Mac Shelton?

SPEAKER_01 9:50

Grant shook his head. I do not. Ellie moved closer to him and stared deeply into his eyes. Kathy Shelton slept with abrupt, erratic awakenings, and was emotionally unprepared for Jack's update. When he decided to speak with her in person, she paced, then looked out the sliding patio doors to the woods beyond, then paced again. Her abnormal, high-pitched voice was loud and demanding. I want to talk with this man you arrested. Jack and Ellie sat calmly. Ellie let Jack handle the update.

SPEAKER_06 10:39

I understand why you want to, Miss Shelton, but it's impossible. Only Polly's lawyer is permitted to see him.

SPEAKER_02 10:46

Why hasn't he been charged? You arrested him, so why haven't you charged him? You're not doing your job. Why can't you get him to talk? Why? Maybe I'll be able to get him to tell us where he's taken Mac. I want to talk with him. Her voice cracked with helplessness.

SPEAKER_06 11:06

Ms. Shelton, Mr. Polly is being very cooperative. But he denied any knowledge or involvement in your son's disappearance.

SPEAKER_01 11:18

She sat down across from them.

SPEAKER_02 11:20

Of course he's going to say that. He's lying. Jesus Christ, you found Max Sweatshirt in his house.

SPEAKER_04 11:29

Not in his house, but in the back shed that was unlocked. Anyone could have gotten in and put it there.

SPEAKER_06 11:35

And Mr. Pauley was at a hospital fundraiser until 10, then went home.

SPEAKER_02 11:40

That was still early when he went home. There was a lot of time to get across the lake. It was still early. Didn't the police academy teach you how to tell time?

SPEAKER_01 11:50

She didn't apologize. Ellie glanced at Jack and stepped in.

SPEAKER_04 11:56

His alibi checked out. He ordered a pizza at midnight and stayed in to eat it. It doesn't add up that he would leave his home after an important night like the fundraiser, where Mr. Pauley was handed a community donation of $100,000 for the hospital. Your son's disappearance doesn't fit his present profile.

SPEAKER_02 12:19

He could have gone there any time during the night. He lives on the other side of the lake for Christ's sake. He has urges. He's probably been watching the boys for a while now. They're always playing down there. The whole hospital thing is probably a cover. Why not plan to hurt a kid when everyone feels it doesn't follow a fucking profile? He's lying.

SPEAKER_06 12:48

Miss Shelton, we have to wait for a DNA match. We are holding him for three days until we get the report. And if there is a match, he will be charged. One thing you should know is he's asked for a polygraph.

SPEAKER_01 13:02

Tears flooded Kathy's eyes.

SPEAKER_02 13:05

If he passes it and he's released, why did he have Mac's shirt? I want it! I need to have it! I need to hold it! Please!

SPEAKER_01 13:17

She couldn't believe it. She stood up and turned away.

SPEAKER_02 13:20

I want you to go.

SPEAKER_01 13:23

Leave, she rushed out of the room. They let themselves out. They sat in their car and talked about the interrogation.

SPEAKER_06 13:33

What do you think about Polly?

SPEAKER_04 13:36

It's not adding up, is it? Why wouldn't Polly lock the shed door if he threw the hoodie in the garbage can? Why would he leave the door unlocked?

SPEAKER_06 13:45

If it wasn't Polly, then why wouldn't the perp just burn it?

SPEAKER_04 13:49

Think about it. If someone planted it with Polly's DNA on it, then Polly is put away and the case is closed. The real perp goes free. If they burned it instead, the evidence is gone, but the case is still opened, and we'd still be looking. The perp wouldn't risk it.

SPEAKER_01 14:11

They drove back to the department, feeling both Kathy's anger and grief, and Polly's fear and hopelessness. A landfill of physical memories and natural light, filled with warmth. She lay on the floor, her feet elevated on top of her butterfly duvet. Sunlight cascaded through two stained glass windows on either side of the fireplace, and fell on her anemic skin and closed eyes that were bordered with gray and blue circles of fatigue. She pulled herself up and sat against the side of her bed, placing her notebook onto her outstretched legs. Her search led her to a lengthy article on the Newbold family empire and their 2011 tragedy. She read it.

SPEAKER_00 15:15

Ah, all right, fucker. What's your twisted history? Pharma exec and wife die in fire. On December 24th at 1 a.m., pharmaceutical magnate Theodore Newbold and wife Christina died in a fire that destroyed their Brazilian estate. Surviving heir Michael suffered non-threatening injuries. Unofficially, Forensics speculated a Christmas tree caught fire, but the investigation is ongoing. The Newbold heir's estimated inheritance is half a billion, which Newbold says he'll use to aid his parents medical pioneering. Aren't you just the sweetest guardian angel?

SPEAKER_01 16:04

She logged off, found jeans, a jacket, and ball cap, and decided to check out Michael's other life as a philanthropic university professor. She was fascinated about how he marked his territories. Michael turned off the lecture screen as students filed out. Cherice waited for everyone to leave before she moved close and wrapped her arms around his neck. I can't help myself. I love being around you and the way you touch me. Take care of me the way you do. She kissed him and smiled, then wiped gloss off his mouth. Oh, I almost forgot. I think I lost one of my diamond earrings in your bed. Kenzie quietly entered the darkened lecture hall when students were filing out and slouched in a chair near the back exit. She sat low, unable to hear what the woman was saying, but cautiously caught a glimpse of her, her sallow skin and silky shirt moving into Michael, her hand hooked around his neck.

SPEAKER_07 17:18

I'll have a look. I washed the sheets. It might still be in the dryer.

SPEAKER_01 17:24

Before my grandmother passed, she restyled a diamond wedding ring into my earrings. They mean so much to me.

SPEAKER_07 17:32

Come over tonight. We'll look together.

SPEAKER_01 17:35

Sensing their little moment was ending, Kenzie slipped into the corridor and turned away from the rear door as the couple left. She followed. She had parked on the street across from the lot where Michael had parked. She kept her distance, then parked when Michael stopped ahead of her at a cafe. She watched him and the woman enter, then leave minutes later, each carrying a coffee. Kenzie put her shades on, and before they parted, Michael gave the woman a bite of a cookie he bought for himself, then kissed her goodbye. Kenzie thought how unenlightened the unsuspecting woman was about Michael. You have no idea who you're fucking little girl. I plan to educate you. They parted, and Kenzie followed the woman who walked slowly away, turning back twice to wave goodbye. Kenzie inched forward while a testy driver behind her honked their.

SPEAKER_06 20:51

What about the red strand in the earring? Something's not right. And I want the results from the polygraph. Is that asking too much, Bartner?

SPEAKER_04 21:01

It's so like you. You fuck around and fuck around. We need to find Mac.

SPEAKER_01 21:08

We need to put pressure on Polly. She rushed away, frustrated at his out-of-control caution.

SPEAKER_06 21:16

Ellie, don't forget the wig. Touch base with some boutiques.

SPEAKER_01 21:20

She left without acknowledging his request, and Jack couldn't shake the aura of innocence surrounding Grant Polly, and the evidence falling into place like a hole in one. Sound and Voice Design by Dark Side Thrillers. Ambient Music by Richard Moore. Sound recording by Mike Donaldson. A special thanks to talented Pixabay artists. In next week's episode, Kenzie's appetite for justice takes her inside Sharice and Michael's love life while startling evidence surfaces in forensics reports. And Kenzie can't escape a video call from family, a rare bonding moment. Kept is a serialized novel by Jem Woodall, available in all stores.