2ISGREATER

DENIAL

[Start of recording.]

"Mr. Lazarus? Are you feeling any better?"

"...Don't get why you had to.. Lock me in a damn room but.. Yeah..."

"Well, we had to... pry you away from your peer before they uh... Bled out, but we can assure you your friend is doing alright, currently recovering from the damage done. You... Should be behind bars... Alex... But, seeing as it was due to immense sleep deprivation and some mental complications, as well as Smith's input, you'll just have to be watched for a bit until we're sure it's safe to uh.. Let you go back home."

"No but I was-"

"We know. You were trying to make things better, but that isn't the way to do it, Lazarus. The only reason your thoughts aren't so cluttered, let alone seeing things, was because we had you take your medicine while you were still out. It really does help."

"I... I didn't want that..."

"It's alright, Sir. You were having hallucinations. Based on what Smith said, it'd been going on for a few weeks. Which is a part of why we're keeping you here and not jail. You'll only be here... what..? Maybe two to three days if you recover fast? It's not a huge deal."

"..."

"...There is some... other news though. We aren't accusing you, but the AHPD lieutenant wanted me to tell you that your uh... co worker, Micheal? He's... gone missing. Was last seen on surveillance footage in very bad lighting conditions- Appeared to have severe burns and was banging aggressively against the exit before the footage got... inexplicably corrupt. When an officer went to check out the scene, there was a trail of blood leading to the backrooms of the hardware store, but it ended with no explanation as to where he went. No body, and reportedly no signs of any real struggle at the scene. Would you know anything about this?"

[There was a long silence]

"...Sir, I know it sounds like we didn't search hard enough but we-"

"...I wish I could've been there."

"I know how you feel, Lazarus, but we'll find him."

"How long has he been gone..?"

"...A few days. Store is shut down until we can find him. Workers are still getting paid. I promise you he'll turn up."

"...He's gonna be dead, isn't he.."

"No- No. Hell we'll get a search party in there... in the next few hours if it makes you feel better. We'll cover the store and then do the surrounding area. If he doesn't turn up, we'll let you know, but you need to stay positive..."

"..."

[END OF TRANSCRIPT]