Dead Mail (2024) Movie Script
[ominous music]
[eerie music]
[ominous music]
- No!
- This is Meteorologist Gary
Chateau with your latest WADS
8 past the weather.
- Did you happen to catch Cissi
Wallin's column this morning?
- Come on, Beth.
You'd be better off
with a gossip magazine.
- Hey, there's
real news in there.
Just today, he
reported that there's
men in this very community
purchasing mail order brides.
- I suppose if you're
lonely enough,
you'll open your mind
to just about anything.
- Hey, what do you think?
It can't be McClung.
Clearly says Boulevard.
Maybe, uh, McCann.
- No, it's the 136 zip.
- school
superintendent comments--
- Yeah.
I don't think Jasper
needs to worry about this.
- Wait.
It's McKenna.
Overall 14th.
- Heavens, of course.
[radio chatter, music]
[eerie music]
- Oh.
Looks like someone's
playing a dirty joke.
- We better let
Jasper make the call.
I might head over
to the machine.
Want a ginger ale?
- Please, I've had dry
gums all afternoon.
[gasps] Now, this is something.
Oh, it's got an engraving
and everything.
We gotta get this
straight to Jasper.
[radio chatter]
- You know, if you
grant us key privileges,
you save us all
a whole heap of time.
- Hold on.
Hold on, ladies.
Hold on.
Let's make sure
Jasper's okay with this.
- No, Brooks this
is a big moment.
- I said, wait!
[ominous music]
- It's fine, Brooks.
Let them through.
[tense music]
- Jasper, wait and you
see what we got.
- Hmm.
Someone's gonna
be missing this.
- You're telling me.
Real grade-A smudge job.
The heck if I'd
use a magic marker
for a valuable like that.
- All right, we're pushing the
guidebook by congregating here.
- Tell us if it belongs
to someone important.
- Hmm.
Actually, Ann, you
mind hanging back
and helping with the copier?
- [clears throat]
- It'll just be a minute.
- It's jammed again?
- Got my father's
swollen hands.
- You know, sometimes
I wonder if you
can fit your stubby
fingers in here
and you're just looking
for someone to yap with.
- I'm perfectly fine
without the postal politics.
- There's nothing wrong with
the little chatter from time
to time to keep the day moving.
- I hear plenty of that
over at the men's home.
- Oh, you find
yourself a roommate?
- Ah, bottom bunk's still open.
- You have to put yourself
out there, Jasper.
I thought Belmont Hollow
was all about community.
[ominous music]
That one gave me
the heebie jeebies.
Hope it's just
some local brats.
- No valuables involved.
You might have
to remain a mystery.
They don't pay me to be
a crime detective.
- Your English secret agent
friend might say otherwise.
- Come on now, Ann.
That's just gossip.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I bet.
- Hey, you two.
I gotta lock things up.
- I better shuffle.
- Hey, Jasper.
We gotta keep both
doors closed and locked.
- Uh-huh.
[door shuts]
[upbeat music]
- "Hi, Daddy, The girls and I
were driving to the springs
to take a load off
after midterms.
It was pouring
rain, but we were
being careful and responsible,
like you always taught me.
But, Daddy, you
never taught me what
to do when an armadillo
runs out directly
in front of your path.
I swerved, but you know how the
Pontiac takes those hard turns.
Everyone is okay
except the armadillo.
PS.
I broke my first communion
necklace a few weeks back,
and I don't like the look
of these local jewelers.
Please send to Paulie
for repairs."
[line ringing]
- National Weather Service.
- Hello, may I please have
the precipitation records
of Dallam, Payne,
and Lubbock counties from
the 20th through the 24th?
- Of course.
Just a moment.
[hold music]
All right.
0.38 inches down on the 23rd,
0.21 obtained on the 22nd,
and none in Lubbock.
- Thank you.
[dial tone]
[phone ringing]
- [mumbling angrily]
Hello?
- Hey, Renee.
Jasper here.
- Yeah, speak.
- We're looking
for an address--
- Hey, Jasper.
Context, please.
- Ah, yes.
We've got a weather damaged
package with a lost necklace
looking for its owner.
The name is Allison,
A-L-L-I-S-O-N,
between the ages of 18 and 24,
located in either Dallam,
Oklahoma or Peyton, Texas.
- I have 72 results.
- Of those 72, how many have
an insured Pontiac registered?
- Six.
I know what that
Jasper post means.
I will send the list now.
- Thanks, Renee.
Couldn't do it without you.
[dramatic music]
Hello, this is Jasper Lawrence
with the Glen Avenue Postal--
- Jasper Lawrence with
the Glen Avenue Postal Service.
I'm trying to track
down information
in hopes of returning--
- track down information in--
- in a lost--
- hopes of returning a lost
package to an Allison.
- Oh, my goodness.
Oh, my goodness.
Did you find my necklace?
- Could you describe it to me?
- Well, it's an original.
It's got an engraving that
says daughter of the diocese.
- That's it.
It'll ship out on Friday.
- Oh, I can't tell you
how much agony this has
brought to me and my family.
Thank you so much, sir.
- Hope Paulie can
fix it up for you.
- Thank you.
You're a real gem.
[ominous music]
[indistinct chatter]
- You don't like the fanfare?
- Just help me, Dad.
- Get yourself from up there.
- Yeah, but it looks far.
Can you just please give me--
- Just go in reverse.
Just reverse and sit down.
[chatter fades]
[ominous music]
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble
wrap tonight.
We are locking up in five.
- It was packing
peanuts last week.
- Oh, hush.
- Good evening.
- Good night.
Enjoy your evening.
- Thank you.
[music playing]
[non-English singing]
- Mr. Jasper.
- Look here.
- Have you bathed
in the last 24 hours?
- Yep.
- And do you intend to bathe
in the next 24 hours?
- I do.
- And do you intend
to be an active member
of the Belmont
Hollow Community?
- Yep.
- Do you agree to adhere to the
privacy and conduct guidelines?
- I do.
- Okay.
Two new men on the wall.
Say hello if you
see an opportunity.
[ominous music]
- I think we have one.
- Yeah, I think you have one.
You can't--
- Just take the splinter out.
Don't look at my heel.
- Just shut up!
- Don't do it.
Don't look at me.
- You're can have my foot.
- You're do-- digging too deep.
- You think this
is fucking funny?
- Yeah, well,
give me your foot.
I'll do yours.
- No.
[indistinct chatter]
- Good evening.
- Hi, there.
How's your night going?
- Quite well, thank you.
I was pleasantly surprised
by the bathing accommodations.
- This your first night?
- It is.
- You found a bunk yet?
[inhales, exhales]
- Now, if my anatomical
recall serves me correctly,
this is the spleen?
- Oh, close.
It's over to the left.
- Oh, I see you
favor the EP epoxies.
- Hey, that's right.
You're a model man yourself?
- No, I've used it
for other purposes.
- Guessing you were
a handyman then?
- No, I recently had a failed
business venture that was
highly reliant on adhesives.
- Oh.
I'm sorry to hear that.
[pensive music]
But, hey, we've all
failed at something.
Well, that's why
a lot of men are here.
Well, it's a good
time for lights out.
Is that all right?
- Yes.
[pensive music]
[ominous music]
- I have to change
out all your locks.
It's gonna be really
noisy, so you may
wanna take a long lunch break.
- I appreciate
your understanding, Brooks.
[ominous music]
[phone ringing]
- Yeah.
Hello there.
Renee.
- Hey, Renee.
Do you mind inputting
Metamora County for me?
- Context, please.
- We got a strange note
with a call for help.
Possibly some blood.
Likely a hoax.
- No valuables?
- No, but a colleague
expressed some concern.
- You know anything
from missing?
- You know me well.
All right.
We've got dozens
of residences scattered
along County Road 119.
Zip code is 61518.
We need names and addresses
from Vanderlaan
to Old Carlisle Road.
- I didn't even need to send.
Safer for you to write down.
- All right.
- There Kenton Binkley--
- Kenton Binkley.
- 1147--
- 1147.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- Carly Dundee--
- Carly Dundee.
- 1156--
- 1156.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- Wayne Spear III--
- Wayne Spear III.
- 1163--
- 1163.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- May I ask with
whom you're speaking?
- What are you doing down here?
- I need to know who
you're talking to.
Hang up the phone, Jasper.
- Hey, man, I really can't--
- Hello, this is Jasper's
postal supervisor.
Can I ask who I'm talking to?
I just need to know
why my employee
was asking for that info.
[suspenseful music]
[panicked breathing]
[phone ringing]
[tense music]
[gentle music]
- All right.
One or two?
Which one's the real thing?
That's right.
That's-- that's right.
Thank you, gentleman.
[ominous music]
- I'm assuming a European
pipe organ of some variety?
- You've got good lobes on you.
It's a replica of the York
Minster Cathedral organ.
- Well, I found your simulation
quite authentic.
- Thank you.
It's a kind
of my flagship patch.
It is a lovely centerpiece.
- Josh Trent Whittington.
- It's a pleasure, Trent.
- Might you have
any other patches
that you could demo for me?
- I wish I did.
Today has definitely shown
me that you have to have more
than one sound to be viable.
- What makes you think that?
- Oh, Japanese manufacturers
are all the buzz,
pumping 30 or 40 sounds
out of a single keyboard.
- Well, I believe
they're simply vying
for a symphony of mediocrity.
- [laughs] It's hard
to argue with you there.
Not fond of a lot
of it, but I will
confess it's
always been a dream
of mine to get in with
one of the marquee makers.
- Is that so?
- Come to this stage of life,
you wanna make a mark.
- Have you considered
the boutique market?
- Of course, love the idea
of creating a market ready
synth on my own.
But beyond the sound,
you have to design
the casing and program
the interface
and commission a logo.
And that doesn't even
get you to production.
I've already put
in everything I have
and what you see on this table.
- Forgive me
for my forthrightness,
but I would regret
it if I didn't ask.
Would you ever
consider collaborating
with a like-minded partner?
- I hadn't really thought
along those lines.
- Imagine if I
could help you do
to the woodwind
and the string what
you've done to the pipe organ.
[ominous music]
[dramatic organ music]
Thank you!
[knock at door]
- Hey, Trent.
Check it.
[plays tone]
- And that was lovely.
May I hear a melody?
- Not quite.
But once I get this
first note refined,
it's usually just a few
days to an octave.
- A magnificent development.
And I just might have something
to further aid your progress.
- Trent, you shouldn't have.
- You said
the Japanese circuitry
was marginally better.
So how can I expect
the best from you if I
don't deliver the best to you?
- I can't tell you how much I
appreciate this opportunity.
[pensive music]
- Well, I'm not here
to slow us down.
- All right.
Back to it.
[organ melody]
- The instruments or sounds
used in the composition,
which I just played
for you, were actually
created on the Synclavier
at an earlier time as part
of the process of composition.
When I'm playing the piece,
I simply access them
here by pushing these buttons.
[synthesized melody]
[phone ringing]
But under it is
an accompaniment
of a pre-recorded sequence.
- Hello?
Hello.
[synthesized melody playing]
Huh.
Astounding. [laughs]
- Those transistors really
lit a torch in my belly.
- Well, I had a hunch they
would be a worthy investment.
So please continue to be
forthright with anything
else you need, no
matter how extravagant.
- All right, we'll do.
- So, tell me this.
Mother always believed that
milestones deserve rewards.
And it is something that I
have strived to adhere to--
- Ah!
Ah!
- Josh?
- Ah!
Ah!
- Josh?
Josh, are you all right?
- Sorry, I was trying
to shoo away a vole.
Poor creatures always
trying to sneak in at night.
- Oh, good heavens, Josh,
you gave me quite a fright.
Although knowing that rodents
have access to a prototype
doesn't necessarily
relieve my anxiety.
- I have to reinforce
those baseboards.
My apologies.
You were saying something
about your mother?
- Oh, yes.
Um, mother was
a strident believer
in the power of rewards.
And it's a philosophy
that I have tried to adapt
throughout my lifetime.
So in light
of our upcoming milestone,
what is something we
can indulge in when we
do hit our first full octave?
- Come on.
I-- I don't need anything.
- No, no, no, no, no, I insist.
Tell me what delights you.
- Well, I really do enjoy the
teriyaki at Oishi on the third.
- Oh, beef or pork?
- Chicken, actually.
- Then chicken
teriyaki it'll be.
- Wonderful.
Well, listen, I should
keep the momentum going.
I'll let that teriyaki
motivate me as I work.
- Oh, Josh, do-- do you mind
if I listen while you tinker?
[ominous music]
- You wanna do that?
These unprocessed sine
waves can be pretty grating.
I-- I can't imagine what they
sound like over the phone.
- Oh, no, I don't mind at all.
I promise not to make a peep.
- Okay, I'll put it
on the speaker.
- Thank you, Josh.
[synthesized tones playing]
[music playing]
- Patches of the Month
by Alan Pentar.
Yakami MK-30-Organ.
It's hard to keep the MK-30
out of any best of list
as the classic synth
packs authentic punch
with its multiple
organ settings.
Unfortunately, the keyboards
woodwind simulator
lags woefully behind.
To date, no manufacturer
has yet to truly
wow us with a woodwind.
[ominous music]
[phone ringing]
- Hello.
Oh, hey.
Oh, of course.
Let me just jot that down.
- Oh, yes.
Thanks.
- No trouble.
I actually quite enjoy
the drive to Bloomington.
- Sorry, I'm burning
through this EP-79 so quick,
but I think I have
a fix for that plasticky
high end in the woodwind.
- Oh, and I believe
I have found
a solution for those
persistent voles of yours.
- Ah, just put it on the shelf.
- All you need
to do is mix a dab
with a teaspoon of peanut
butter or cocoa powder,
and you apply it
to the points of entry,
and those pesky voles will
not survive the evening.
Oh, heavens.
Damn that EP-79.
- Could you get the vinegar
out of the corner there?
Cotton swabs too.
- All right.
- Just a dab.
- Yes, um, we will not
let this epoxy pickle
jeopardize our work.
Okay, ginger now.
- At least we know
the glue sticks.
- Indeed.
- Thanks, Trent.
[synthesized tones playing]
Again, the woodwind is
still in its infancy.
Thank you for your time.
If you would like me to share
any of my schematics,
I've included
my mailing address and
phone number in the envelope.
[upbeat frantic music]
[knock at door]
- Got a package
for ya, international.
[ominous music]
- [humming tune]
[knocking]
[ominous music]
- So you're moving to Anagi?
- I ju-- I just found out.
I was going to tell you--
- And what?
Add another half-baked patch
to their uninspired catalog?
- Trent, they have
proprietary circuits we could
never get our hands on here.
- And your mind will become
proprietary to them as well.
- Look, believe me, I--
I get it.
But if we wanna perfect our
patches, this is the gateway.
- They will not be our patches.
They will belong to that
foreign enterprise.
- Everything we've done up
until this point is ours.
They will assess and buy
all the IP I bring with me.
And you have an equal
stake in that.
- I want the patches.
But I want them together.
[tense music]
[door slams shut]
[dramatic music]
[phone ringing]
- Hello.
- Joshua?
This is Naomi Chonki
from headquarters.
I was hoping to dial
in and converse with you
about your upcoming arrival.
- Oh, my goodness,
you speak Japanese?
- Okay, well, my questions
may be better
served answered in English.
Is that all right?
- Of course.
- Before you depart
for Japan next week,
we will be delivering
protective parcels
for your prototype synthesizer.
Could you take one moment
to provide me with dimensions?
- Uh, let me find
a tape measure.
- Oh, it's a no rush.
Take as much time
as you need and
dial this back using
the information
on your hiring document.
- Will do.
Again, thanks.
- Looking forward
to meeting you, Josh.
- Bye.
[ominous music]
- Good morning.
I hope you've got
a little appetite as I
prepared a modest breakfast.
- Where the fuck is it?
- Josh, please remain calm.
I-- I have a little
demonstration
prepared, and I think that
you're gonna be quite pleased.
[ominous music]
Pardon the barren turf.
The crabgrass, it was
a real bear this year.
Here.
[ominous music]
All right.
Come on, now.
Okay, watch your step.
All Hako made tools,
a new soldering iron,
a butane-powered torch for when
we reach our casing phase.
Miyuki manufactured parts, a
slew of epoxies and adhesives,
and a little vinegar,
just in case.
And an 80-watt
solid-state amplifier
with built-in reverberation.
[piano music]
Anything else you need
to perfect your masterpiece,
please do not be bashful.
- Trent, this is phenomenal.
It's breathtaking.
But I don't know what to say.
It's just too late.
I've got crates coming.
I faxed an agreement,
signed a lease.
It's not that
our partnership is over.
It's just evolving.
- So you've chosen Anagi?
[tense music]
Pack your things.
[door shuts]
[knock at door] Trent!
[banging]
Hey, Trent!
Trent!
Trent!
God damn it, Trent!
Trent!
Trent!
[chiming]
Ah!
- Josh, I know this is
difficult to process,
but we've labored too hard
to succumb to this temptation.
Partnership is
a two-way avenue,
and I hope that one day, should
I drift from our common vision,
that you would
also take whatever
steps necessary
to correct my course.
So this is the very
least that I
can do for you as your partner
and as your friend.
And the sooner
you embrace that,
the sooner our masterpiece
will be realized.
- Trent, come on, man.
I'm sure we can find
a-- [muffled speech]
- Josh.
Although it appears you
are attempting to protest,
we both know that your decision
has already been made.
That's why I think
it's best that we
continue to work under
these present conditions.
- unlock the damn door!
Trent, come on, man.
Damn it.
Trent!
Let me out, man!
Come on!
- Please, save your strength
for our prototype.
No one can hear you.
My house is
fortified with world
class acoustic treatments.
And there is not another
residence for acres.
- Trent!
[muffled speech] Let me--
let me out!
Let me out!
[music playing]
I can scarcely move
Or drop my [inaudible]
Every move of
My breath
Let me, let me, let
me be in peace again
[gentle music]
- I've cooked up a chicken
yakitori dish for you.
Josh, I want you to envision
a standard oil drum,
ribbed steel, 3 feet from base
to lid, 2 feet in diameter.
Now imagine a sturdy man
stepping inside that drum.
For much of my life I was that
man alone inside the drum.
I'd torched out a slat just
large enough so I could look
through and see the world.
But the world could not see me.
I stayed inside the drum
until year 2 of university.
I was javelin for the throws
team when I met
an incoming discus thrower.
His name was Reggie.
And as you know-- well,
perhaps you don't know.
There's-- there's always a
chummy rivalry between a discus
man and a javelin man.
But no, not Reggie.
And I know we became
instantaneous,
loyal companions.
But then one evening
I was alerted
that Reggie has been summoned
for international competition.
Now my instinct was to plead
with him, "Don't go.
Don't leave me."
But no, I remained passive.
And then a few weeks later,
Reggie flew off to Helsinki.
And then I crawled back
into that oil drum.
However, right
before winter recess,
I hear this sound
coming from a classroom.
And that sound, it's a sweet
tenor of a well-tuned cornet.
And that sound, it went
through my eardrums,
down my neck nerves,
straight to my heart.
And I knew right then, in the
sweetness of what followed,
I knew there was a way
out of that oil drum.
And you, Joshua,
you are presently
inside your own oil drum.
And I don't care how small,
how narrow your eye slot is.
I want you to know
that I see you.
And what I see is the most
talented synthesizer engineer
I've ever met.
[ominous music]
Oh, come on, Joshua.
[synthesized tones playing]
[chiming]
[smoke alarm blaring]
[tense music]
- [coughing]
Josh.
Josh.
Josh.
Josh!
Josh!
Josh!
Please, Josh, wake up.
Wake up, please, Josh!
Please!
Please, please, please!
Josh, please.
No, no.
No, Josh.
Josh!
Josh!
Josh!
No!
[smoke alarm blaring, fades]
[synthesized tune playing]
- Trent!
- I'm quite disappointed
in you, Josh.
You nearly destroyed
our creation.
- Come on.
Trent!
Trent!
Come on!
Get me out of here, man.
- Until our trust
and our workspace are repaired,
you will remain as you are.
- Trent!
Help!
Help me.
Please.
[grunting, breathing heavily]
- God damn you!
Ah!
[gentle music]
[engine starts]
[synthesized tune playing]
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
[banging]
Hey!
[banging]
Hey!
Hey!
[banging on door]
[piano music]
- I don't know.
[gentle music]
I trust this time
has you considering
what you truly value.
Please enjoy your supper.
[engine starts]
[dramatic music]
[music playing]
- No!
No!
God no!
No!
[breathing heavily]
God damn you.
[tense music]
[beeping]
[tense music]
Oh.
Oh.
Wait!
Wait!
Wait, wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait, wait.
Wait!
Wait, wait somewhere
around here.
Oh, no!
[line ringing]
- Thank you
for calling the Peoria
County Distribution Center.
Our hours are from 8:00 to 5:00
PM, Monday through Friday.
If you mind, leave us a--
[phone ringing]
- Peoria County Postal
Distribution Center.
- Oh, hello.
Yes, I'm calling
in regards to a letter
I mistakenly mailed yesterday.
I-- I believe I didn't
adhere to the proper postage,
and I'm wondering how
I may retrieve it.
- Oh, you're gonna have
to consult your local branch.
What's your address?
[tense music]
- You guys do passport photos?
- No, we don't do--
we don't do that here.
I'm so sorry.
Oh, that's one
of the last batches
of Philo Farnsworth books.
I'd hold on to 'em
for a while, if you can.
Anything else we
can do for you?
- Well, yes, actually.
I believe I
mislabeled a package.
I'm wondering what course
of action I could take.
It's very important to me.
- It happens all the time.
If you miss a digit
or two, we'll figure
out where to redirect it.
- And what if,
by chance, you cannot?
- Well, that's when
things get interesting.
We had this fella,
a genius, really, Jasper,
who can track down anything.
- And what precisely
is this Jasper's role?
- Just that.
He's our dead
letter investigator.
And believe me, you
can't stomp him.
There was this one time
this Russian mannequin
came in a box, sealed,
and duct taped.
The bozo who sent it wrote
the address right on the tape.
But Jasper, he tracked down
the sender in less than a week,
I think, and bought
him a slice of--
oh, my goodness,
he's right there.
Just act natural.
He don't like the fanfare.
Oh, a few years
back, the dispatch
wanted to write
an article on him,
and he didn't even wanna
sit down with a reporter.
He's a really nice man, but--
oh, my goodness,
he's back again.
It's your lucky day.
[laughs]
- Thank you.
You've alleviated
much of my anxiety.
- Oh, it's a pleasure.
It's a blast getting
to talk about our operation.
- I'm sure you all do
very fine work here.
And I would very
much like two books
of Philo Farnsworth stamps.
- Oh, just tell me you hold
on to him as long as you can.
- Of course.
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble wrap
tonight.
We are wrapping up in five.
- Thank you, madam.
- Thank you so much.
[tense music]
[gentle music]
- But more important, Trent,
welcome to your new community.
Room 17 and 31 are open.
But you did not come here
to live in isolation.
I encourage you to find
someone with an open bunk.
- Thank you.
- Get lower.
A little more.
Good.
[gentle music]
[indistinct chatter]
- Yeah, what'd you
get on my foot?
- Here.
Take your splinter.
- I [inaudible] my heel out.
- Just do it.
- Meet me halfway.
- Yeah, I'll meet you halfway.
You gotta just take
the splinter out.
[indistinct chatter]
- You think it's fucking dirty?
- If my anatomical recall
serves me correctly,
this is the spleen?
- Ooh, close.
It's over to the left.
[tense music]
- Sorry, I'm burning
through this EP-79 so quick.
- Oh, I see you
favor the EP epoxies.
- Hey, that's right.
You're a model man yourself?
- No, I've used it
for other purposes.
- I'm guessing you
were a handyman then.
- No, I recently had a failed
business venture that was
highly reliant on adhesives.
[ominous music]
- I'm sorry to hear that.
But hey, we've all
failed at something.
Hell, that's why
a lot of men are here.
Well, it's a good
time for lights out.
That all right?
- Yes.
[ominous music]
- County Road 119 661518.
We need names and addresses
from Vanderlaan
to Old Carlisle Road.
Kenton Binkley, 1147,
County Road 119.
Carly Donnelly, 1156.
County Road 119.
Wayne Speer III 1163.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- May I ask with
whom you're speaking?
- What are you doing down here?
- I need to know who
you're talking to.
Hang up the phone, Jasper.
- Hey, man, I really can't--
[tense music]
- Hello.
This is Jasper's
postal supervisor.
Can I ask who I'm talking to?
[phone ringing]
[grunting]
[screams]
[tense music]
- Ooh, that's heavy.
What you got me, a gold bar?
[muffled faint chatter]
[ominous music]
[tense music]
- You have no idea what
you've put me through.
I could no longer
envision a path forward.
[tense music]
- we are finding
people and hiring them
after they went down
the elevator, which
fortunately wasn't there.
And Peter was badly handicapped
with arthritis, not two canes.
I didn't know until I heard
him thumping down the hall,
yelling at me.
I've got to tell
you one about--
- You ladies doing all right?
- Hmm.
We're holding on, Sherm.
- Well, just let me know
if you need an escort
to the lot at closing time.
- Fair Trade Practices Act
back in those depression days--
- He sure makes me feel
safer than Brooks did,
that's for sure.
I always had a hunch
that there was something
wicked burning inside him.
- out on the street.
And BJ Palmer was
then the head of the--
- Did you get one?
- I think so.
- Sure we can't get
to the bottom of it ourselves?
- You tell me.
[tense music]
- I can't believe
Tim didn't breathe
their last breaths in here.
- You remember that necklace
you were so jazzed about?
- Of course, I do.
Daughter of the diocese.
[tense music]
- Said it never shipped,
but it's not in the bin.
[phone ringing]
- Hello?
- Hello.
Is this Mr. Whittington?
- Yes, it is.
- Mr. Whittington, I'm
happy to report you
have been chosen
for a special promotion.
Discounted top coat painting
for your exterior siding.
According to our records,
your current base coat
is white, correct?
- I'm not interested.
[tense music]
- I know it's easy
to bill it as the fuzz.
But considering the peril
they put themselves through,
don't they deserve
a little reward?
[phone ringing]
- The fact is, we've
got no fingerprints
or any other evidence
of non-postal
presence inside that room.
- Well, isn't the missing
necklace a sign?
- Ma'am, I'll be
blunt with you.
This won't be the first
case I've cracked where
some valuables went missing.
There's several
departments involved--
the blue collar folk,
cleanup crew, what have you.
I don't think it's a reach
to think an hourly worker ran
off with it.
But don't you fret.
I've got your notes
logged, just in case.
- All right.
Thank you, detective.
[tense music]
Well, I guess that's that.
- You did the best you could.
I'm sure Jasper's
looking down proud.
[somber music]
[phone ringing]
[suspenseful music]
- Hello.
Hello?
Hello?
Are you there?
And I don't hear a dial tone.
- Please let me speak to her.
- It's some foreigner.
He wants to talk to you.
I'm gonna hang up.
- Hello?
- This communication
is not occurring.
Do you understand?
- Okay.
- You are Ann Lankford,
friend of Jasper?
- Yes.
And I'm-- I'm
so sorry to report,
but Jasper is no longer--
- I know.
Is the case closed?
- They're saying it was
a colleague of ours.
Apparently, he hung himself.
- No, it was not.
The person who did this was not
supposed to be in that room.
[gentle music]
He seemed to have special
interest in this letter,
County Road 119, white house.
- And you've narrowed
it down to 42 names?
- Yeah.
There were many residences
in the database.
I have attempted
to omit anyone that does
not have a white exterior.
Now I just need your help
to narrow it down more.
I need more names
to reference cross.
What I do know is this
man was not a stranger.
He called Jasper by name.
- Jasper was no
social butterfly.
It's probably somebody
from here or the men's um--
- Yeah.
Good.
Write down the names
I've already collected.
Then see if you can
find any matches.
- Okay.
Ready.
We were hoping to learn
a little bit more
about some
of the relationships.
- I'm sorry, I cannot
disclose personal information.
- But we don't need
their weight or
medical history or anything.
J-just some names, please.
We're doing this for Jasper.
- Just names?
- Yes.
- I cannot share
any information,
but I cannot stop you from
looking at the men on the wall.
[suspenseful music]
- Just to confirm
the matches, I
have a Donald Baker,
730 Country Road 119;
a Terry McNeil, 1024
Trent Whittington, 1456,
and Blake Winchell, 2049.
- Yep, that's it.
- Noble work, Ms. Ann.
I trust you will make no
mention of me or my methods.
- You have my word.
[tense music]
- Would you look at us?
Couple of female sleuths.
- Hi, this is Ann Lankford from
the Glen Avenue Postal branch.
May I speak
to Detective Merker?
[ominous music]
Well, could you at least
tell me if there's a link
between these men and Jasper?
- We've explored
lots of scenarios.
I see plenty of tips.
- Yes, I understand that.
But I have strong reason
to believe that there
was someone else in that room.
- Ma'am, I've told you
in 70 different ways
this case is closed.
A list of names from
a postal secretary
is not gonna change that.
Now, if you're still feeling
emotional in a week or so,
I advise you to seek refuge.
Local house of worship
or grief counselor
could be a great resource.
- Thank you.
- What did he say?
- Still pinning it on Brooks.
- Well, if the sock fits.
- It doesn't fit my foot.
[dramatic music]
[knock at door]
Hi, my name is
Lisa Dawson, and I
work for the Illinois
Adult Living Association.
We're hoping to ask you about
your stay at Belmont Hollow.
- Belmont Home what?
- Thank you for your time.
[tense music]
["York minister
organ demonstration"]
[knock at door]
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble wrap
tonight, we are
locking up in five.
- Hello.
Good afternoon. [laughs]
My apologies for the delay.
You caught me.
I'm breading chicken
for tonight's tonkatsu.
- It's no problem at all.
Is this the Trent
Whittington residence?
- It is.
Yes, indeed.
- My name is Lisa
Dawson, and I work
for the Illinois Adult
Living Association.
We're always looking for ways
to improve our homes,
and we're hoping you can answer
a few questions about your stay
at Belmont Hollow.
- Absolutely.
But first, I should address
this breading dilemma.
Would you mind coming in while
I tidy myself up, please?
- Of course, not.
- No, no, no, no.
["York minister
organ demonstration"]
- Take a seat
wherever you like.
I'll wash up, and I will
return a more presentable host.
- Thank you.
- [breathing shakily]
[tense music]
- Shh.
[indistinct chatter]
I know.
We're gonna get you there.
Gonna get you there.
- Joshua.
I'm sorry.
It is only fair that I
end this partnership.
[banging, clattering]
[pensive music]
[tense music]
[door creaks shut]
- Just wanted
to provide an updated
recording of the woodwind patch
I shared, which I think, hope,
has progressed significantly.
I'm tentatively calling it
the Whittington Woodwind,
after my partner
Trent Whittington,
but well, I'll let
the patch speak for itself.
[Joshua,
"Whittington Woodwind"]
[eerie music]
[ominous music]
- No!
- This is Meteorologist Gary
Chateau with your latest WADS
8 past the weather.
- Did you happen to catch Cissi
Wallin's column this morning?
- Come on, Beth.
You'd be better off
with a gossip magazine.
- Hey, there's
real news in there.
Just today, he
reported that there's
men in this very community
purchasing mail order brides.
- I suppose if you're
lonely enough,
you'll open your mind
to just about anything.
- Hey, what do you think?
It can't be McClung.
Clearly says Boulevard.
Maybe, uh, McCann.
- No, it's the 136 zip.
- school
superintendent comments--
- Yeah.
I don't think Jasper
needs to worry about this.
- Wait.
It's McKenna.
Overall 14th.
- Heavens, of course.
[radio chatter, music]
[eerie music]
- Oh.
Looks like someone's
playing a dirty joke.
- We better let
Jasper make the call.
I might head over
to the machine.
Want a ginger ale?
- Please, I've had dry
gums all afternoon.
[gasps] Now, this is something.
Oh, it's got an engraving
and everything.
We gotta get this
straight to Jasper.
[radio chatter]
- You know, if you
grant us key privileges,
you save us all
a whole heap of time.
- Hold on.
Hold on, ladies.
Hold on.
Let's make sure
Jasper's okay with this.
- No, Brooks this
is a big moment.
- I said, wait!
[ominous music]
- It's fine, Brooks.
Let them through.
[tense music]
- Jasper, wait and you
see what we got.
- Hmm.
Someone's gonna
be missing this.
- You're telling me.
Real grade-A smudge job.
The heck if I'd
use a magic marker
for a valuable like that.
- All right, we're pushing the
guidebook by congregating here.
- Tell us if it belongs
to someone important.
- Hmm.
Actually, Ann, you
mind hanging back
and helping with the copier?
- [clears throat]
- It'll just be a minute.
- It's jammed again?
- Got my father's
swollen hands.
- You know, sometimes
I wonder if you
can fit your stubby
fingers in here
and you're just looking
for someone to yap with.
- I'm perfectly fine
without the postal politics.
- There's nothing wrong with
the little chatter from time
to time to keep the day moving.
- I hear plenty of that
over at the men's home.
- Oh, you find
yourself a roommate?
- Ah, bottom bunk's still open.
- You have to put yourself
out there, Jasper.
I thought Belmont Hollow
was all about community.
[ominous music]
That one gave me
the heebie jeebies.
Hope it's just
some local brats.
- No valuables involved.
You might have
to remain a mystery.
They don't pay me to be
a crime detective.
- Your English secret agent
friend might say otherwise.
- Come on now, Ann.
That's just gossip.
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I bet.
- Hey, you two.
I gotta lock things up.
- I better shuffle.
- Hey, Jasper.
We gotta keep both
doors closed and locked.
- Uh-huh.
[door shuts]
[upbeat music]
- "Hi, Daddy, The girls and I
were driving to the springs
to take a load off
after midterms.
It was pouring
rain, but we were
being careful and responsible,
like you always taught me.
But, Daddy, you
never taught me what
to do when an armadillo
runs out directly
in front of your path.
I swerved, but you know how the
Pontiac takes those hard turns.
Everyone is okay
except the armadillo.
PS.
I broke my first communion
necklace a few weeks back,
and I don't like the look
of these local jewelers.
Please send to Paulie
for repairs."
[line ringing]
- National Weather Service.
- Hello, may I please have
the precipitation records
of Dallam, Payne,
and Lubbock counties from
the 20th through the 24th?
- Of course.
Just a moment.
[hold music]
All right.
0.38 inches down on the 23rd,
0.21 obtained on the 22nd,
and none in Lubbock.
- Thank you.
[dial tone]
[phone ringing]
- [mumbling angrily]
Hello?
- Hey, Renee.
Jasper here.
- Yeah, speak.
- We're looking
for an address--
- Hey, Jasper.
Context, please.
- Ah, yes.
We've got a weather damaged
package with a lost necklace
looking for its owner.
The name is Allison,
A-L-L-I-S-O-N,
between the ages of 18 and 24,
located in either Dallam,
Oklahoma or Peyton, Texas.
- I have 72 results.
- Of those 72, how many have
an insured Pontiac registered?
- Six.
I know what that
Jasper post means.
I will send the list now.
- Thanks, Renee.
Couldn't do it without you.
[dramatic music]
Hello, this is Jasper Lawrence
with the Glen Avenue Postal--
- Jasper Lawrence with
the Glen Avenue Postal Service.
I'm trying to track
down information
in hopes of returning--
- track down information in--
- in a lost--
- hopes of returning a lost
package to an Allison.
- Oh, my goodness.
Oh, my goodness.
Did you find my necklace?
- Could you describe it to me?
- Well, it's an original.
It's got an engraving that
says daughter of the diocese.
- That's it.
It'll ship out on Friday.
- Oh, I can't tell you
how much agony this has
brought to me and my family.
Thank you so much, sir.
- Hope Paulie can
fix it up for you.
- Thank you.
You're a real gem.
[ominous music]
[indistinct chatter]
- You don't like the fanfare?
- Just help me, Dad.
- Get yourself from up there.
- Yeah, but it looks far.
Can you just please give me--
- Just go in reverse.
Just reverse and sit down.
[chatter fades]
[ominous music]
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble
wrap tonight.
We are locking up in five.
- It was packing
peanuts last week.
- Oh, hush.
- Good evening.
- Good night.
Enjoy your evening.
- Thank you.
[music playing]
[non-English singing]
- Mr. Jasper.
- Look here.
- Have you bathed
in the last 24 hours?
- Yep.
- And do you intend to bathe
in the next 24 hours?
- I do.
- And do you intend
to be an active member
of the Belmont
Hollow Community?
- Yep.
- Do you agree to adhere to the
privacy and conduct guidelines?
- I do.
- Okay.
Two new men on the wall.
Say hello if you
see an opportunity.
[ominous music]
- I think we have one.
- Yeah, I think you have one.
You can't--
- Just take the splinter out.
Don't look at my heel.
- Just shut up!
- Don't do it.
Don't look at me.
- You're can have my foot.
- You're do-- digging too deep.
- You think this
is fucking funny?
- Yeah, well,
give me your foot.
I'll do yours.
- No.
[indistinct chatter]
- Good evening.
- Hi, there.
How's your night going?
- Quite well, thank you.
I was pleasantly surprised
by the bathing accommodations.
- This your first night?
- It is.
- You found a bunk yet?
[inhales, exhales]
- Now, if my anatomical
recall serves me correctly,
this is the spleen?
- Oh, close.
It's over to the left.
- Oh, I see you
favor the EP epoxies.
- Hey, that's right.
You're a model man yourself?
- No, I've used it
for other purposes.
- Guessing you were
a handyman then?
- No, I recently had a failed
business venture that was
highly reliant on adhesives.
- Oh.
I'm sorry to hear that.
[pensive music]
But, hey, we've all
failed at something.
Well, that's why
a lot of men are here.
Well, it's a good
time for lights out.
Is that all right?
- Yes.
[pensive music]
[ominous music]
- I have to change
out all your locks.
It's gonna be really
noisy, so you may
wanna take a long lunch break.
- I appreciate
your understanding, Brooks.
[ominous music]
[phone ringing]
- Yeah.
Hello there.
Renee.
- Hey, Renee.
Do you mind inputting
Metamora County for me?
- Context, please.
- We got a strange note
with a call for help.
Possibly some blood.
Likely a hoax.
- No valuables?
- No, but a colleague
expressed some concern.
- You know anything
from missing?
- You know me well.
All right.
We've got dozens
of residences scattered
along County Road 119.
Zip code is 61518.
We need names and addresses
from Vanderlaan
to Old Carlisle Road.
- I didn't even need to send.
Safer for you to write down.
- All right.
- There Kenton Binkley--
- Kenton Binkley.
- 1147--
- 1147.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- Carly Dundee--
- Carly Dundee.
- 1156--
- 1156.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- Wayne Spear III--
- Wayne Spear III.
- 1163--
- 1163.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- May I ask with
whom you're speaking?
- What are you doing down here?
- I need to know who
you're talking to.
Hang up the phone, Jasper.
- Hey, man, I really can't--
- Hello, this is Jasper's
postal supervisor.
Can I ask who I'm talking to?
I just need to know
why my employee
was asking for that info.
[suspenseful music]
[panicked breathing]
[phone ringing]
[tense music]
[gentle music]
- All right.
One or two?
Which one's the real thing?
That's right.
That's-- that's right.
Thank you, gentleman.
[ominous music]
- I'm assuming a European
pipe organ of some variety?
- You've got good lobes on you.
It's a replica of the York
Minster Cathedral organ.
- Well, I found your simulation
quite authentic.
- Thank you.
It's a kind
of my flagship patch.
It is a lovely centerpiece.
- Josh Trent Whittington.
- It's a pleasure, Trent.
- Might you have
any other patches
that you could demo for me?
- I wish I did.
Today has definitely shown
me that you have to have more
than one sound to be viable.
- What makes you think that?
- Oh, Japanese manufacturers
are all the buzz,
pumping 30 or 40 sounds
out of a single keyboard.
- Well, I believe
they're simply vying
for a symphony of mediocrity.
- [laughs] It's hard
to argue with you there.
Not fond of a lot
of it, but I will
confess it's
always been a dream
of mine to get in with
one of the marquee makers.
- Is that so?
- Come to this stage of life,
you wanna make a mark.
- Have you considered
the boutique market?
- Of course, love the idea
of creating a market ready
synth on my own.
But beyond the sound,
you have to design
the casing and program
the interface
and commission a logo.
And that doesn't even
get you to production.
I've already put
in everything I have
and what you see on this table.
- Forgive me
for my forthrightness,
but I would regret
it if I didn't ask.
Would you ever
consider collaborating
with a like-minded partner?
- I hadn't really thought
along those lines.
- Imagine if I
could help you do
to the woodwind
and the string what
you've done to the pipe organ.
[ominous music]
[dramatic organ music]
Thank you!
[knock at door]
- Hey, Trent.
Check it.
[plays tone]
- And that was lovely.
May I hear a melody?
- Not quite.
But once I get this
first note refined,
it's usually just a few
days to an octave.
- A magnificent development.
And I just might have something
to further aid your progress.
- Trent, you shouldn't have.
- You said
the Japanese circuitry
was marginally better.
So how can I expect
the best from you if I
don't deliver the best to you?
- I can't tell you how much I
appreciate this opportunity.
[pensive music]
- Well, I'm not here
to slow us down.
- All right.
Back to it.
[organ melody]
- The instruments or sounds
used in the composition,
which I just played
for you, were actually
created on the Synclavier
at an earlier time as part
of the process of composition.
When I'm playing the piece,
I simply access them
here by pushing these buttons.
[synthesized melody]
[phone ringing]
But under it is
an accompaniment
of a pre-recorded sequence.
- Hello?
Hello.
[synthesized melody playing]
Huh.
Astounding. [laughs]
- Those transistors really
lit a torch in my belly.
- Well, I had a hunch they
would be a worthy investment.
So please continue to be
forthright with anything
else you need, no
matter how extravagant.
- All right, we'll do.
- So, tell me this.
Mother always believed that
milestones deserve rewards.
And it is something that I
have strived to adhere to--
- Ah!
Ah!
- Josh?
- Ah!
Ah!
- Josh?
Josh, are you all right?
- Sorry, I was trying
to shoo away a vole.
Poor creatures always
trying to sneak in at night.
- Oh, good heavens, Josh,
you gave me quite a fright.
Although knowing that rodents
have access to a prototype
doesn't necessarily
relieve my anxiety.
- I have to reinforce
those baseboards.
My apologies.
You were saying something
about your mother?
- Oh, yes.
Um, mother was
a strident believer
in the power of rewards.
And it's a philosophy
that I have tried to adapt
throughout my lifetime.
So in light
of our upcoming milestone,
what is something we
can indulge in when we
do hit our first full octave?
- Come on.
I-- I don't need anything.
- No, no, no, no, no, I insist.
Tell me what delights you.
- Well, I really do enjoy the
teriyaki at Oishi on the third.
- Oh, beef or pork?
- Chicken, actually.
- Then chicken
teriyaki it'll be.
- Wonderful.
Well, listen, I should
keep the momentum going.
I'll let that teriyaki
motivate me as I work.
- Oh, Josh, do-- do you mind
if I listen while you tinker?
[ominous music]
- You wanna do that?
These unprocessed sine
waves can be pretty grating.
I-- I can't imagine what they
sound like over the phone.
- Oh, no, I don't mind at all.
I promise not to make a peep.
- Okay, I'll put it
on the speaker.
- Thank you, Josh.
[synthesized tones playing]
[music playing]
- Patches of the Month
by Alan Pentar.
Yakami MK-30-Organ.
It's hard to keep the MK-30
out of any best of list
as the classic synth
packs authentic punch
with its multiple
organ settings.
Unfortunately, the keyboards
woodwind simulator
lags woefully behind.
To date, no manufacturer
has yet to truly
wow us with a woodwind.
[ominous music]
[phone ringing]
- Hello.
Oh, hey.
Oh, of course.
Let me just jot that down.
- Oh, yes.
Thanks.
- No trouble.
I actually quite enjoy
the drive to Bloomington.
- Sorry, I'm burning
through this EP-79 so quick,
but I think I have
a fix for that plasticky
high end in the woodwind.
- Oh, and I believe
I have found
a solution for those
persistent voles of yours.
- Ah, just put it on the shelf.
- All you need
to do is mix a dab
with a teaspoon of peanut
butter or cocoa powder,
and you apply it
to the points of entry,
and those pesky voles will
not survive the evening.
Oh, heavens.
Damn that EP-79.
- Could you get the vinegar
out of the corner there?
Cotton swabs too.
- All right.
- Just a dab.
- Yes, um, we will not
let this epoxy pickle
jeopardize our work.
Okay, ginger now.
- At least we know
the glue sticks.
- Indeed.
- Thanks, Trent.
[synthesized tones playing]
Again, the woodwind is
still in its infancy.
Thank you for your time.
If you would like me to share
any of my schematics,
I've included
my mailing address and
phone number in the envelope.
[upbeat frantic music]
[knock at door]
- Got a package
for ya, international.
[ominous music]
- [humming tune]
[knocking]
[ominous music]
- So you're moving to Anagi?
- I ju-- I just found out.
I was going to tell you--
- And what?
Add another half-baked patch
to their uninspired catalog?
- Trent, they have
proprietary circuits we could
never get our hands on here.
- And your mind will become
proprietary to them as well.
- Look, believe me, I--
I get it.
But if we wanna perfect our
patches, this is the gateway.
- They will not be our patches.
They will belong to that
foreign enterprise.
- Everything we've done up
until this point is ours.
They will assess and buy
all the IP I bring with me.
And you have an equal
stake in that.
- I want the patches.
But I want them together.
[tense music]
[door slams shut]
[dramatic music]
[phone ringing]
- Hello.
- Joshua?
This is Naomi Chonki
from headquarters.
I was hoping to dial
in and converse with you
about your upcoming arrival.
- Oh, my goodness,
you speak Japanese?
- Okay, well, my questions
may be better
served answered in English.
Is that all right?
- Of course.
- Before you depart
for Japan next week,
we will be delivering
protective parcels
for your prototype synthesizer.
Could you take one moment
to provide me with dimensions?
- Uh, let me find
a tape measure.
- Oh, it's a no rush.
Take as much time
as you need and
dial this back using
the information
on your hiring document.
- Will do.
Again, thanks.
- Looking forward
to meeting you, Josh.
- Bye.
[ominous music]
- Good morning.
I hope you've got
a little appetite as I
prepared a modest breakfast.
- Where the fuck is it?
- Josh, please remain calm.
I-- I have a little
demonstration
prepared, and I think that
you're gonna be quite pleased.
[ominous music]
Pardon the barren turf.
The crabgrass, it was
a real bear this year.
Here.
[ominous music]
All right.
Come on, now.
Okay, watch your step.
All Hako made tools,
a new soldering iron,
a butane-powered torch for when
we reach our casing phase.
Miyuki manufactured parts, a
slew of epoxies and adhesives,
and a little vinegar,
just in case.
And an 80-watt
solid-state amplifier
with built-in reverberation.
[piano music]
Anything else you need
to perfect your masterpiece,
please do not be bashful.
- Trent, this is phenomenal.
It's breathtaking.
But I don't know what to say.
It's just too late.
I've got crates coming.
I faxed an agreement,
signed a lease.
It's not that
our partnership is over.
It's just evolving.
- So you've chosen Anagi?
[tense music]
Pack your things.
[door shuts]
[knock at door] Trent!
[banging]
Hey, Trent!
Trent!
Trent!
God damn it, Trent!
Trent!
Trent!
[chiming]
Ah!
- Josh, I know this is
difficult to process,
but we've labored too hard
to succumb to this temptation.
Partnership is
a two-way avenue,
and I hope that one day, should
I drift from our common vision,
that you would
also take whatever
steps necessary
to correct my course.
So this is the very
least that I
can do for you as your partner
and as your friend.
And the sooner
you embrace that,
the sooner our masterpiece
will be realized.
- Trent, come on, man.
I'm sure we can find
a-- [muffled speech]
- Josh.
Although it appears you
are attempting to protest,
we both know that your decision
has already been made.
That's why I think
it's best that we
continue to work under
these present conditions.
- unlock the damn door!
Trent, come on, man.
Damn it.
Trent!
Let me out, man!
Come on!
- Please, save your strength
for our prototype.
No one can hear you.
My house is
fortified with world
class acoustic treatments.
And there is not another
residence for acres.
- Trent!
[muffled speech] Let me--
let me out!
Let me out!
[music playing]
I can scarcely move
Or drop my [inaudible]
Every move of
My breath
Let me, let me, let
me be in peace again
[gentle music]
- I've cooked up a chicken
yakitori dish for you.
Josh, I want you to envision
a standard oil drum,
ribbed steel, 3 feet from base
to lid, 2 feet in diameter.
Now imagine a sturdy man
stepping inside that drum.
For much of my life I was that
man alone inside the drum.
I'd torched out a slat just
large enough so I could look
through and see the world.
But the world could not see me.
I stayed inside the drum
until year 2 of university.
I was javelin for the throws
team when I met
an incoming discus thrower.
His name was Reggie.
And as you know-- well,
perhaps you don't know.
There's-- there's always a
chummy rivalry between a discus
man and a javelin man.
But no, not Reggie.
And I know we became
instantaneous,
loyal companions.
But then one evening
I was alerted
that Reggie has been summoned
for international competition.
Now my instinct was to plead
with him, "Don't go.
Don't leave me."
But no, I remained passive.
And then a few weeks later,
Reggie flew off to Helsinki.
And then I crawled back
into that oil drum.
However, right
before winter recess,
I hear this sound
coming from a classroom.
And that sound, it's a sweet
tenor of a well-tuned cornet.
And that sound, it went
through my eardrums,
down my neck nerves,
straight to my heart.
And I knew right then, in the
sweetness of what followed,
I knew there was a way
out of that oil drum.
And you, Joshua,
you are presently
inside your own oil drum.
And I don't care how small,
how narrow your eye slot is.
I want you to know
that I see you.
And what I see is the most
talented synthesizer engineer
I've ever met.
[ominous music]
Oh, come on, Joshua.
[synthesized tones playing]
[chiming]
[smoke alarm blaring]
[tense music]
- [coughing]
Josh.
Josh.
Josh.
Josh!
Josh!
Josh!
Please, Josh, wake up.
Wake up, please, Josh!
Please!
Please, please, please!
Josh, please.
No, no.
No, Josh.
Josh!
Josh!
Josh!
No!
[smoke alarm blaring, fades]
[synthesized tune playing]
- Trent!
- I'm quite disappointed
in you, Josh.
You nearly destroyed
our creation.
- Come on.
Trent!
Trent!
Come on!
Get me out of here, man.
- Until our trust
and our workspace are repaired,
you will remain as you are.
- Trent!
Help!
Help me.
Please.
[grunting, breathing heavily]
- God damn you!
Ah!
[gentle music]
[engine starts]
[synthesized tune playing]
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
[banging]
Hey!
[banging]
Hey!
Hey!
[banging on door]
[piano music]
- I don't know.
[gentle music]
I trust this time
has you considering
what you truly value.
Please enjoy your supper.
[engine starts]
[dramatic music]
[music playing]
- No!
No!
God no!
No!
[breathing heavily]
God damn you.
[tense music]
[beeping]
[tense music]
Oh.
Oh.
Wait!
Wait!
Wait, wait, wait,
wait, wait, wait, wait.
Wait!
Wait, wait somewhere
around here.
Oh, no!
[line ringing]
- Thank you
for calling the Peoria
County Distribution Center.
Our hours are from 8:00 to 5:00
PM, Monday through Friday.
If you mind, leave us a--
[phone ringing]
- Peoria County Postal
Distribution Center.
- Oh, hello.
Yes, I'm calling
in regards to a letter
I mistakenly mailed yesterday.
I-- I believe I didn't
adhere to the proper postage,
and I'm wondering how
I may retrieve it.
- Oh, you're gonna have
to consult your local branch.
What's your address?
[tense music]
- You guys do passport photos?
- No, we don't do--
we don't do that here.
I'm so sorry.
Oh, that's one
of the last batches
of Philo Farnsworth books.
I'd hold on to 'em
for a while, if you can.
Anything else we
can do for you?
- Well, yes, actually.
I believe I
mislabeled a package.
I'm wondering what course
of action I could take.
It's very important to me.
- It happens all the time.
If you miss a digit
or two, we'll figure
out where to redirect it.
- And what if,
by chance, you cannot?
- Well, that's when
things get interesting.
We had this fella,
a genius, really, Jasper,
who can track down anything.
- And what precisely
is this Jasper's role?
- Just that.
He's our dead
letter investigator.
And believe me, you
can't stomp him.
There was this one time
this Russian mannequin
came in a box, sealed,
and duct taped.
The bozo who sent it wrote
the address right on the tape.
But Jasper, he tracked down
the sender in less than a week,
I think, and bought
him a slice of--
oh, my goodness,
he's right there.
Just act natural.
He don't like the fanfare.
Oh, a few years
back, the dispatch
wanted to write
an article on him,
and he didn't even wanna
sit down with a reporter.
He's a really nice man, but--
oh, my goodness,
he's back again.
It's your lucky day.
[laughs]
- Thank you.
You've alleviated
much of my anxiety.
- Oh, it's a pleasure.
It's a blast getting
to talk about our operation.
- I'm sure you all do
very fine work here.
And I would very
much like two books
of Philo Farnsworth stamps.
- Oh, just tell me you hold
on to him as long as you can.
- Of course.
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble wrap
tonight.
We are wrapping up in five.
- Thank you, madam.
- Thank you so much.
[tense music]
[gentle music]
- But more important, Trent,
welcome to your new community.
Room 17 and 31 are open.
But you did not come here
to live in isolation.
I encourage you to find
someone with an open bunk.
- Thank you.
- Get lower.
A little more.
Good.
[gentle music]
[indistinct chatter]
- Yeah, what'd you
get on my foot?
- Here.
Take your splinter.
- I [inaudible] my heel out.
- Just do it.
- Meet me halfway.
- Yeah, I'll meet you halfway.
You gotta just take
the splinter out.
[indistinct chatter]
- You think it's fucking dirty?
- If my anatomical recall
serves me correctly,
this is the spleen?
- Ooh, close.
It's over to the left.
[tense music]
- Sorry, I'm burning
through this EP-79 so quick.
- Oh, I see you
favor the EP epoxies.
- Hey, that's right.
You're a model man yourself?
- No, I've used it
for other purposes.
- I'm guessing you
were a handyman then.
- No, I recently had a failed
business venture that was
highly reliant on adhesives.
[ominous music]
- I'm sorry to hear that.
But hey, we've all
failed at something.
Hell, that's why
a lot of men are here.
Well, it's a good
time for lights out.
That all right?
- Yes.
[ominous music]
- County Road 119 661518.
We need names and addresses
from Vanderlaan
to Old Carlisle Road.
Kenton Binkley, 1147,
County Road 119.
Carly Donnelly, 1156.
County Road 119.
Wayne Speer III 1163.
- County Road 119.
- County Road 119.
- May I ask with
whom you're speaking?
- What are you doing down here?
- I need to know who
you're talking to.
Hang up the phone, Jasper.
- Hey, man, I really can't--
[tense music]
- Hello.
This is Jasper's
postal supervisor.
Can I ask who I'm talking to?
[phone ringing]
[grunting]
[screams]
[tense music]
- Ooh, that's heavy.
What you got me, a gold bar?
[muffled faint chatter]
[ominous music]
[tense music]
- You have no idea what
you've put me through.
I could no longer
envision a path forward.
[tense music]
- we are finding
people and hiring them
after they went down
the elevator, which
fortunately wasn't there.
And Peter was badly handicapped
with arthritis, not two canes.
I didn't know until I heard
him thumping down the hall,
yelling at me.
I've got to tell
you one about--
- You ladies doing all right?
- Hmm.
We're holding on, Sherm.
- Well, just let me know
if you need an escort
to the lot at closing time.
- Fair Trade Practices Act
back in those depression days--
- He sure makes me feel
safer than Brooks did,
that's for sure.
I always had a hunch
that there was something
wicked burning inside him.
- out on the street.
And BJ Palmer was
then the head of the--
- Did you get one?
- I think so.
- Sure we can't get
to the bottom of it ourselves?
- You tell me.
[tense music]
- I can't believe
Tim didn't breathe
their last breaths in here.
- You remember that necklace
you were so jazzed about?
- Of course, I do.
Daughter of the diocese.
[tense music]
- Said it never shipped,
but it's not in the bin.
[phone ringing]
- Hello?
- Hello.
Is this Mr. Whittington?
- Yes, it is.
- Mr. Whittington, I'm
happy to report you
have been chosen
for a special promotion.
Discounted top coat painting
for your exterior siding.
According to our records,
your current base coat
is white, correct?
- I'm not interested.
[tense music]
- I know it's easy
to bill it as the fuzz.
But considering the peril
they put themselves through,
don't they deserve
a little reward?
[phone ringing]
- The fact is, we've
got no fingerprints
or any other evidence
of non-postal
presence inside that room.
- Well, isn't the missing
necklace a sign?
- Ma'am, I'll be
blunt with you.
This won't be the first
case I've cracked where
some valuables went missing.
There's several
departments involved--
the blue collar folk,
cleanup crew, what have you.
I don't think it's a reach
to think an hourly worker ran
off with it.
But don't you fret.
I've got your notes
logged, just in case.
- All right.
Thank you, detective.
[tense music]
Well, I guess that's that.
- You did the best you could.
I'm sure Jasper's
looking down proud.
[somber music]
[phone ringing]
[suspenseful music]
- Hello.
Hello?
Hello?
Are you there?
And I don't hear a dial tone.
- Please let me speak to her.
- It's some foreigner.
He wants to talk to you.
I'm gonna hang up.
- Hello?
- This communication
is not occurring.
Do you understand?
- Okay.
- You are Ann Lankford,
friend of Jasper?
- Yes.
And I'm-- I'm
so sorry to report,
but Jasper is no longer--
- I know.
Is the case closed?
- They're saying it was
a colleague of ours.
Apparently, he hung himself.
- No, it was not.
The person who did this was not
supposed to be in that room.
[gentle music]
He seemed to have special
interest in this letter,
County Road 119, white house.
- And you've narrowed
it down to 42 names?
- Yeah.
There were many residences
in the database.
I have attempted
to omit anyone that does
not have a white exterior.
Now I just need your help
to narrow it down more.
I need more names
to reference cross.
What I do know is this
man was not a stranger.
He called Jasper by name.
- Jasper was no
social butterfly.
It's probably somebody
from here or the men's um--
- Yeah.
Good.
Write down the names
I've already collected.
Then see if you can
find any matches.
- Okay.
Ready.
We were hoping to learn
a little bit more
about some
of the relationships.
- I'm sorry, I cannot
disclose personal information.
- But we don't need
their weight or
medical history or anything.
J-just some names, please.
We're doing this for Jasper.
- Just names?
- Yes.
- I cannot share
any information,
but I cannot stop you from
looking at the men on the wall.
[suspenseful music]
- Just to confirm
the matches, I
have a Donald Baker,
730 Country Road 119;
a Terry McNeil, 1024
Trent Whittington, 1456,
and Blake Winchell, 2049.
- Yep, that's it.
- Noble work, Ms. Ann.
I trust you will make no
mention of me or my methods.
- You have my word.
[tense music]
- Would you look at us?
Couple of female sleuths.
- Hi, this is Ann Lankford from
the Glen Avenue Postal branch.
May I speak
to Detective Merker?
[ominous music]
Well, could you at least
tell me if there's a link
between these men and Jasper?
- We've explored
lots of scenarios.
I see plenty of tips.
- Yes, I understand that.
But I have strong reason
to believe that there
was someone else in that room.
- Ma'am, I've told you
in 70 different ways
this case is closed.
A list of names from
a postal secretary
is not gonna change that.
Now, if you're still feeling
emotional in a week or so,
I advise you to seek refuge.
Local house of worship
or grief counselor
could be a great resource.
- Thank you.
- What did he say?
- Still pinning it on Brooks.
- Well, if the sock fits.
- It doesn't fit my foot.
[dramatic music]
[knock at door]
Hi, my name is
Lisa Dawson, and I
work for the Illinois
Adult Living Association.
We're hoping to ask you about
your stay at Belmont Hollow.
- Belmont Home what?
- Thank you for your time.
[tense music]
["York minister
organ demonstration"]
[knock at door]
- All right, everyone, unless
you wanna sleep on bubble wrap
tonight, we are
locking up in five.
- Hello.
Good afternoon. [laughs]
My apologies for the delay.
You caught me.
I'm breading chicken
for tonight's tonkatsu.
- It's no problem at all.
Is this the Trent
Whittington residence?
- It is.
Yes, indeed.
- My name is Lisa
Dawson, and I work
for the Illinois Adult
Living Association.
We're always looking for ways
to improve our homes,
and we're hoping you can answer
a few questions about your stay
at Belmont Hollow.
- Absolutely.
But first, I should address
this breading dilemma.
Would you mind coming in while
I tidy myself up, please?
- Of course, not.
- No, no, no, no.
["York minister
organ demonstration"]
- Take a seat
wherever you like.
I'll wash up, and I will
return a more presentable host.
- Thank you.
- [breathing shakily]
[tense music]
- Shh.
[indistinct chatter]
I know.
We're gonna get you there.
Gonna get you there.
- Joshua.
I'm sorry.
It is only fair that I
end this partnership.
[banging, clattering]
[pensive music]
[tense music]
[door creaks shut]
- Just wanted
to provide an updated
recording of the woodwind patch
I shared, which I think, hope,
has progressed significantly.
I'm tentatively calling it
the Whittington Woodwind,
after my partner
Trent Whittington,
but well, I'll let
the patch speak for itself.
[Joshua,
"Whittington Woodwind"]