August 3, 2021 • 27 mins
Beulah meets some of Rebecca’s strange new friends. At Freedom House, Irene tries to win over Shant’e but the task proves harder than expected.
Starring:
Ryan Destiny as Rebecca
Kelsey Grammer as Narrator
Theo Rossi as Lenny
Annie Ilonzeh as Beulah
Omar Dorsey as Pastor Green
Teresa "TopNotch" Celeste as Shant'e
Dru Down as Devon
Robbie Jarvis as Owen
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
M hmmm. One pm in the lower Bottoms. The streets
are dusty, hazy, sparse. As much shit as I talk
about Oakland, there's no doubt it's in a stead of
(00:21):
the interesting place. The Victorian houses here a gorgeous Even
the ones that are totally falling apart had their own charm.
It makes me wonder who the fell lives here. If
it weren't for the fact that the front bumper of
my car is practically falling off, I probably wouldn't be
pondering these questions. As it is, I'm riding the streets
(00:45):
on an old Fixie and hating everythingite of it. Over
a week ago, my sister woke up from a coma.
Since my best friend is a domestic terrorists, radical activists,
violent stream as could leader, Savannah couldn't say exactly, and
by the time she had slipped back into a coma,
(01:06):
she had practically become and coherent. But I have a
hard time believing Rebecca is part of any sophisticated organization.
Getting her to admit what she's up to shouldn't be
too hard. We got sidetracked that night at the laundry map,
So tonight's the night I get to talk to her.
(01:27):
Perhaps I'm being naive, but I think I can stop
her before she does something drastic. If Savannah was right,
then I only have a couple of weeks before she
tries to pull off whatever plan she has in her mind. Hello,
(02:14):
if you're trying to buy Molly, you're looking for the
house next door. I'm looking for Rebecca. She's not here.
Is there something I can help you with? Really? She
just texts me like ten minutes ago and said she
was at home. Oh wait, you're something and a sister.
(02:34):
You guys look so different though, first time anyone said
that before. We're identical twins. But you too have like
two totally different vibes. Like I don't get the Oakland
vibe from you at all. I have no idea what
an Oakland vibe is. I've been on the East Coast
for the last few years. I'm sorry I didn't get
your name Bobbins. Interesting? Interesting? Is that a nickname? So? Like,
(02:58):
did you want to call Rebecca? She had to go
to the store around the corner, which you told me
might get here before she got back. I mean, you
come in and wade. I'm sure she'll be back in
a minute. Yeah, sure, I'll just leave my bike here
if that's all right. It doesn't matter to me. Cute talk.
I wish I could say the same for this dump.
There's literally dog feces on the ground, peeling paint, hardly
(03:22):
any furniture. Every inch looks soiled. I don't get it.
Why is Rebecca living like this? Her family is very
much middle class and she's a Berkeley graduate. Not to
sound like it's not, but I mean, she could do better.
Let's take off. Let me introduce you everybody else. Throw
(03:43):
in the living room people. This is Savannah's sister, Beulah, Beulah.
This is Jompall and Kenya more urban hillbillies. Why are
they smiling so damn much? Such a pretty name is fresh.
My family's originally from Louisiana. It's kind of a southern name.
(04:07):
That's awesome. Make yourself at home. By the way, have
you seen anywhere you like? Should I sit on the mattress? Yeah,
just make sure you don't sit on the edge. Take
your head a little accident. Over there? Are you guys
squatting you? I'd have to argue that no persons a squatter,
(04:28):
since housing is literally a human right. Let me rephrase that,
do you have a lease? What are you an art not?
The owner is just a slum lord. You don't seem
like you're from Oakland, That's what I said. Technically we
grew up in Piedmont. Where is that? Obviously you're not
(04:48):
from here. Piedmonts or the upper middle class people in Oakland. Lift,
that's where people go and to feel like they're not
actually in Oh god, I see, yeah that makes sense.
That's not really just you seem supertense. I'm fine, thank you, yeah,
thank you? So what are your back ups here today?
(05:14):
I think we're gonna chill. We didn't get to catch
up much last time we hung out. Oh wait, hold on,
were you the one that was with Rebecca when all
that ship went down with that girl and her pants? Yeah?
That was me. Damn. That's so fucking sad. I see
girls like that all the time, especially around here. Apparently
it's all connected to the Russian mafia. Russian mafia, yep,
(05:37):
they're like huge in San Francisco, but it's hilloo Kian ship,
so no one talks about it, not even the police. Okay,
but why do people blame Russia for everything? You know?
America doesn't shady ship too. You live here, you know.
Definitely these fires, for example, it's clearly domestic terrorism. Yeah,
and how the funk would you know? I read I
also studied criminology in college. So what you were trying
(05:59):
to be gob or something like that? Yeah, I just
don't get how you can support law enforcement after what
happened to your sister. What does Savannah have to do
with anything? If she were here now, I'm sure she
would take complete responsibility for her actions. If she can
take responsibility, soaking the officer who shot her? Cool? Come on, Sorry,
(06:20):
it's just a really triggering topic for me. You know,
I just don't understand how you, a black woman, can
defend an institution that's oppressed your people for like the
last two years. Uh, she's not really black though, she
like mixed, And of course you're only gonna claim her
blackness when his suits are Look, no, share, girl. Both
(06:41):
my parents are black, Okay, so are my sister and I? Okay? Well,
your light skinned privilege allows you to go on. I
think I can actually feel my blood blood. Who is
this cast of characters? It's as if I stepped into
Wonderland or odds of some other alternative universe. I must
get away from the people before I let them provoke
(07:01):
me any further. Can I use your restroom please? You
know hold down here is broken, but you can use
the one Rebecca's room. Where is that upstairs? Firs store
on the right, thank you? Oh my god? And I
wonder Savannah was all fucked up. Rebecca's friends are certified crazy.
But there's just no way these people are involved in
(07:23):
any organization, especially one responsible for carrying out an actual
cohesive plan. If my short time at Quantico taught me anything,
it's that criminal. Especially colvert ones cannot be this dumb.
It does make me question why Rebecca would surround herself
with these kinds of people. Sure she was always an activist,
(07:43):
but for what I've seen, these are petty day players.
Rebecca's bedroom is born nondescript, tidy, given the hell in
all its other rooms. I am surprised, in fact, it's
(08:04):
so clean and suspicious, like a hotel room. I wasn't
planning on going through are things I am now, some bills, documents.
There's nothing incriminating in these doors. I feel ridiculous. I
(08:27):
don't even know what I'm looking for. Something just feels
off about this room. It's perfection must be intentional. That
is made clothes neatly folded, seriously, not even a speck
of dust anywhere. Rebecca has never been a neat creek.
(08:52):
What's this hold on? I've seen this cup before, a
plastic traveler's mug with a rainbow colored I heeart and
why Rebecca about this? Years ago, back in high school.
She got it from a spy shop for Fisherman's War,
(09:13):
one of those places full of consumer novelties like Teddy Bear,
nanny camps and surveillance sunglasses. I remember telling her there
was no way anyone would fall for this stupid cup
with a secret compartment for her weed snatch. Plus, I
said she had never even been to any York. Maybe
your friend gave it to me as again, she argued,
(09:35):
and she bought it. The cup was thirty dollars, which
I distinctly recall being outrageously overpriced. But nearly a decade later,
here it is. The question is why ship? Hey, Um,
(10:00):
I'm sorry, I was just looking for the bobbins I win.
She took the bait away. I thought for sure Homegirl
would have the ovaries to do it. Do what Oh
my god, Belah. You should see the look on your
face right now. You look like someone who thought they
were the smartest person in the room, but in fact
you felt for the travel mug, the one you said
(10:21):
was stupid. Remember, I was just looking at the mug
that I know what you're doing? What am I doing?
You never left the FBI. In fact, we know you're
probably part of some cointel pro operation, like the same
scumbags who loved at my uncle. You ought to know
that I'm more informed than most on the FBI's fucked
(10:42):
up tactics. I know how this looks, Rebecca. I left
the academy halfway through. You told me, come on, don't
insult my intelligence, as if I'd fall for your story
about wanting to take care of your sister and help
your grandma and pretend to be a care person from
once in your life, as if you leave your dream
(11:03):
job to sling Laut's a ship hole like resist, No,
I mean yes, that's exactly what I'm doing, Savannah. Is
more important than a job. Serious question? Do they require
acting classes at the academy? Like do you have to study?
Had a lot of friends and family. It would be
awesome if you could cry on cue. The whole story
would be much much more believable. Rebecca, this is ridiculous.
(11:30):
I'm not in the FBI anymore, I promise, And even
if I was. What do you have to hide anyway? Okay,
now we're getting somewhere. What do I have to hide? Poppy?
I don't think you should have to hide anything, but
you already know how I feel. I guess it's really
more about what you have to gain. True, there is
something I would like to gain. Jesus, stop with the riddles,
(11:52):
all right, ll maybe blunt join us, Join join what
I thought you were done playing dumb? Don't you know
who we are? Look, I had my suspicions. I have
no idea what you're actually up to or what group
you're all in. Let me show you this Friday. I'll
tell you everything you want to know. Maybe you want
(12:14):
to be a part of what we're doing. Come on, friend,
what do you say where the Old Street train station?
That place is creepy and weird. Why they're because it's
(12:35):
where you're going to be reborn. The days following Shaunta's
arrival to Freedom House, we're difficult, to say the least,
(12:56):
certainly given her history, past traumas and lack of appropriate
coping mechanisms, how could anyone expect any different from this
disturbed young woman. Thus her tumultuous adjustment period will not
come as a shock to anyone. The very first evening
she spent at the house, Irene introduced Chantony to her
new roommates, whom Chante promptly judged as whack, seeming to
(13:20):
sense her dislike. The girls were indifferent to Chante, nearly
to the point of rudeness. After supper, which consisted of
foods that Chante thought inetible, the girls attempted to make
small talk with Chante. Irene had encouraged them to make
her feel welcomed, but her faith in their social skills
exceeded the reality of their abilities. Thus they succeeded only
(13:43):
in making matters worse. The incident began when one of
the girls, whose name was Joscelyn, asked Chanty if she
wanted to take a shower. The question itself was innocent enough,
but it must be recalled that Chante had not slept
in forty eight hours. Perturbed by Jocelyn's question, the conversation
(14:03):
began to take a turn for the worse, And what
the funk you trying to say? Are you trying to
say as to think? Actually, I was gonna let you
go first if you wanted to know I'm good. How
about you get your funky as in the bed. Look,
you don't have to be so extra. I was just
trying to be nice. Okay, Well how about you get
your friendly as in the bathroom and get the funk
(14:26):
out my face. At this point, Vicky, the other young
lady in the room, joined the conversation. Naively, she thought
perhaps she could quell the rising tensions. Placing her hand
on Shanta's shoulder, she interjected, girl, take it down a notch.
You have to live together. Down and that girl, you
don't get your hands off of me so uncalled for?
(14:48):
What are you getting so angry? Unfortunately for poor Vicki,
she was far too slow in removing her hand from
Shante's person. Reaching as far back as she could, Shanty
smacked the girl with all of her might. For a
brief second, the image of Angela flashed in her mind.
Vicki took several minutes to recuperate after the assault. By
then Chanty was in the shower. She felt confident in
(15:10):
her original assessment that these girls were weak, and she
had no inclination to believe that they would attempt to
return her act of violence. She was quite wrong. Unbeknownst
to our heroine, Jocelyn and Vickie conspired against her as
she bathed. They waited until she was fast asleep before
making their attack. One of the girls grabbed Chante by
(15:33):
the neck and the other punched her in the stomach.
Chantes howled like a feral cat, scratching and pulling at
whatever she could manage to get her hands on. A
group of girls entered the room to see what all
the noise was about. Irene stormed into the room soon
after and observed the scene with horror. In a powerful
voice unusual for a woman of her size, she demanded
they stop immediately. It was odd the authority she had
(15:58):
over them. Hearing her voice, Jocelyn and Vicki ceased their
ambush and apologized to Irene. Chante, however, would have none
of it and continued to attack them. Irene's normally pleasant
expression turned dark as she addressed Chante, you touch either
(16:21):
of these girls again, and you will leave this house tonight.
Do you understand me? I won't have this behavior here,
absolutely unacceptable. But how are you going to yell at
me when I don't want to here anymore? Okay, now
I want you to get your things. Melissa, please take
Shanty to your room. She'll be bunking with you for now.
(16:45):
Chante continued her protestations, but ultimately complied. She wondered who
this woman thought she was to tell her what to do,
but also sensing that Irene was not one to cross,
she did not verbalize her thoughts. The next morning, at
the breakfast table, Irene made it clear she was appalled
(17:08):
by the events of the previous evening. It was her
expectation that all girls at Freedom House conduct themselves like
young adults. Shall They rolled her eyes but said nothing.
Later that afternoon, she attended group therapy for the first
time in her life. She listened to girls telling stories
of difficult childhood's, homelessness, and drug abuse. What was the
(17:32):
big deal, she thought, Why didn't they get over it
and move on? It all seemed rather pointless and boring
to her. When it was her turn to share, she
outright refused to participate, telling Irene and the others that
her life was nobody's business. To her surprise, Irene simply
said it was fair enough and didn't push her on
the topic. Even more surprising was when Irene began to
(17:56):
share details of her own experiences with the group. Like
a lot of you girls, I had a tough time
growing up. But unlike most of your stories, my parents
weren't absent, drug addicted, or mentally ill. They were the opposite,
actually very involved, very controlling. It didn't matter what I did,
(18:18):
I was always doing It's wrong. Over the years, it
wore me down. Abuse isn't always physical. Psychological abuse leaves
scars too, They're just not always visible. By the time
I was fifteen, I had enough. I started acting out, drinking,
staying out all night, failing my classes. Where I'm from,
(18:41):
kids get sent away when they misbehaved like I did.
I didn't wait for that to happen to me. I
ran away. I know that compared to a lot of you,
my story speaks to my privilege. I wasn't forced onto
the streets after all. Nonetheless, I found myself falling freedom
and who used to meet its assaulted me and left
(19:03):
to be for deadry. At some point I mustered enough
self esteem to leave that life behind. All of that
energy I was putting into others, I started to put
into myself. That is what I want for all of you. Independence.
(19:31):
Jane was surprised to see an authority figure so vulnerable.
She wondered how old Irene was to have experienced so
much in life and seemingly have everything figured out. As
the days went by, Jante began to let her guard down,
not a lot, but enough for everyone in the house
to note the change. She wasn't sure at what point
(19:53):
her lack of dislike for Irene became admiration, but it
didn't take long. Everyone else en chanted with her too.
Rarely did she raise her voice, yet she always got
the results she desired from the girls. Perhaps it was
the individual attention she had paid to each person in
the house, or maybe it was because for many she
(20:13):
was the only person in their short lives to show
genuine compassion for their plights. In any case, no one
wanted to lose her respect. At the end of Schante's
first week, Irene took her out to lunch so they
could have one on one time away from the others.
During the meal, the older woman prodded the girl for
(20:34):
more information about her life, asking numerous questions. She was
very charming, chatty and interested. I want to hear more
about your life before Freedom House. Do you haven't said
much because there's nothing to say. Okay, I get it,
(20:54):
you're still warming up to us. But let me ask
in a different way. What were the events that led
up to your arrival? Okay? There was this dude I
can in the open week. Things went sideways and then
the cops brought me here. What was the dude's name, Davion?
What was he like and as whole? Duh? How old
(21:14):
was he? I don't know, whinny something? What did you
like about him? Damn? Bit you real? Nosy? I don't know.
I mean he seemed like he had a ship together. Chante,
do you ever want something different for your life? Different? Different?
How there's a powerful determination in you. I can see it.
(21:37):
You remind me of myself when I was your age.
But I can tell that you've been living on instinct
and not in tuition. Huh. Look, your story has been
predetermined for so long you can't see how free you
really are. Um, you want to come again? You know,
It's like in Roger Rabbit. You're not bad, You're just
(21:58):
drawn that way. But you can break character and change
your story at any point. Okay, listen, I see where
you going with this. But Jessica Rabbit was fine as
fun and that's who I want to be. But I
mean all in, I guess I see what you're saying.
Fantastic with a little time. I think you're really going
to excel here. Just watch. I am super excited. Irene.
(22:24):
You cool and all, but you sound white is funk
right now. After that day, which had been the most
pleasant day Chante had had in a long while, Irene
could do no wrong. In our heroine's eyes, she began
to see Irene as the older sister she never had.
In essence, she idealized her. Still, there were a few
(22:47):
things about Freedom House that Chanty found odd, but Irene
always had a simple explanation for these occurrences. For example,
when Chanta inquired why Irene was the only adult in
the building, Irene chancer was simple and vain. Any house
manager who can't handle ten girls should not be a
(23:08):
house manager. And then there were the police officers who
frequented the house. It didn't seem to have a purpose
other than checking in on the girls, usually behind closed doors. Again,
Irene had only glib commentary that didn't quite satisfy. These
(23:28):
are members of our community who express an interest in
seeing you girls succeed. Freedom House wouldn't exist without their support.
Officer Corey has been asking about you. In fact, another time,
Irene's office door had been left slightly Ajar Chante heard
her on the phone speaking the language she couldn't place.
But then she hadn't encountered any Russians in play on
(23:53):
New Courts with blood seats night. When she turned and
saw Chante at the doorway giving her a strange look,
Irene shut the door. When Chantey later asked what language
she was speaking, Irene feigned confusion. Didn't really sound like
I was speaking in another language. Maybe I was mumbling.
(24:16):
I usually do that when I'm on the phone with
my mama. These explanations were wholly inadequate. In fact, one
could characterize them as blatant lies. But our dear Chantey
turned a blind eye to what was so clear. She
did not suspect that the lovely woman before her, dressed
in spotless white and radiant with smiles, would soon reveal
(24:38):
herself to be a wretched and vile miscreant and likewise,
Irene knew little of whom she deceived. Her pride so
much like the angel Lucifers prevented her from seeing the
hell fire that awaited her. Y'all we got the Lower
(25:05):
Bottles episode far returning to sloop. Not bad, just drawn
that black? Yeah uh? Will Packer a second ave producer
James Opez I wasacutive producer, Look Here, Jack Leavy SACTI
(25:26):
producer and direct Let's Go Dominique Love Time Yeah Now
creator and writer, producer, Lay your Baby you need Hello, Hello,
Whitney Fuller creative executive Michael kuth Burd co producer, Real
Alexis recording mixer, Sown design, Ross Davis Audio consult Losing
(25:54):
supervisor Jeff Forser, Music by Deaf Jeff the Boy, Joe Off,
Tony Homer Score, Mongers Pays Ramsey Production Assistant Junior Rohne
Production Assistant. You didn't main cast now you did? Hey?
(26:18):
Yeah and the Alonza plays Blue Lick, Jordan Dick playing
his poppets, Katia Fridley, Irene come on, Hey, Kelsey Grammer
the narrator, come on, Ryandesson plays Rebecca. You didn't She's
(26:42):
Shanna Watkins playing as Jocelyn pay, Teresa Celeste, Shante Thomas.
You didn't shuts out, so it's Mission Town Venus baby,
you know for real though sound by podcast Stage. Yeah,
(27:05):
this has been a Will Packer Media production. I heart
production and I am that boy. Drew down the want
to know No Phoni, IM mac when don't to run man,
Let's go that's an additional voice. Yeah, I want to
know it. Let's go. Go by
M hmmm. One pm in the lower Bottoms. The streets
are dusty, hazy, sparse. As much shit as I talk
about Oakland, there's no doubt it's in a stead of
(00:21):
the interesting place. The Victorian houses here a gorgeous Even
the ones that are totally falling apart had their own charm.
It makes me wonder who the fell lives here. If
it weren't for the fact that the front bumper of
my car is practically falling off, I probably wouldn't be
pondering these questions. As it is, I'm riding the streets
(00:45):
on an old Fixie and hating everythingite of it. Over
a week ago, my sister woke up from a coma.
Since my best friend is a domestic terrorists, radical activists,
violent stream as could leader, Savannah couldn't say exactly, and
by the time she had slipped back into a coma,
(01:06):
she had practically become and coherent. But I have a
hard time believing Rebecca is part of any sophisticated organization.
Getting her to admit what she's up to shouldn't be
too hard. We got sidetracked that night at the laundry map,
So tonight's the night I get to talk to her.
(01:27):
Perhaps I'm being naive, but I think I can stop
her before she does something drastic. If Savannah was right,
then I only have a couple of weeks before she
tries to pull off whatever plan she has in her mind. Hello,
(02:14):
if you're trying to buy Molly, you're looking for the
house next door. I'm looking for Rebecca. She's not here.
Is there something I can help you with? Really? She
just texts me like ten minutes ago and said she
was at home. Oh wait, you're something and a sister.
(02:34):
You guys look so different though, first time anyone said
that before. We're identical twins. But you too have like
two totally different vibes. Like I don't get the Oakland
vibe from you at all. I have no idea what
an Oakland vibe is. I've been on the East Coast
for the last few years. I'm sorry I didn't get
your name Bobbins. Interesting? Interesting? Is that a nickname? So? Like,
(02:58):
did you want to call Rebecca? She had to go
to the store around the corner, which you told me
might get here before she got back. I mean, you
come in and wade. I'm sure she'll be back in
a minute. Yeah, sure, I'll just leave my bike here
if that's all right. It doesn't matter to me. Cute talk.
I wish I could say the same for this dump.
There's literally dog feces on the ground, peeling paint, hardly
(03:22):
any furniture. Every inch looks soiled. I don't get it.
Why is Rebecca living like this? Her family is very
much middle class and she's a Berkeley graduate. Not to
sound like it's not, but I mean, she could do better.
Let's take off. Let me introduce you everybody else. Throw
(03:43):
in the living room people. This is Savannah's sister, Beulah, Beulah.
This is Jompall and Kenya more urban hillbillies. Why are
they smiling so damn much? Such a pretty name is fresh.
My family's originally from Louisiana. It's kind of a southern name.
(04:07):
That's awesome. Make yourself at home. By the way, have
you seen anywhere you like? Should I sit on the mattress? Yeah,
just make sure you don't sit on the edge. Take
your head a little accident. Over there? Are you guys
squatting you? I'd have to argue that no persons a squatter,
(04:28):
since housing is literally a human right. Let me rephrase that,
do you have a lease? What are you an art not?
The owner is just a slum lord. You don't seem
like you're from Oakland, That's what I said. Technically we
grew up in Piedmont. Where is that? Obviously you're not
(04:48):
from here. Piedmonts or the upper middle class people in Oakland. Lift,
that's where people go and to feel like they're not
actually in Oh god, I see, yeah that makes sense.
That's not really just you seem supertense. I'm fine, thank you, yeah,
thank you? So what are your back ups here today?
(05:14):
I think we're gonna chill. We didn't get to catch
up much last time we hung out. Oh wait, hold on,
were you the one that was with Rebecca when all
that ship went down with that girl and her pants? Yeah?
That was me. Damn. That's so fucking sad. I see
girls like that all the time, especially around here. Apparently
it's all connected to the Russian mafia. Russian mafia, yep,
(05:37):
they're like huge in San Francisco, but it's hilloo Kian ship,
so no one talks about it, not even the police. Okay,
but why do people blame Russia for everything? You know?
America doesn't shady ship too. You live here, you know.
Definitely these fires, for example, it's clearly domestic terrorism. Yeah,
and how the funk would you know? I read I
also studied criminology in college. So what you were trying
(05:59):
to be gob or something like that? Yeah, I just
don't get how you can support law enforcement after what
happened to your sister. What does Savannah have to do
with anything? If she were here now, I'm sure she
would take complete responsibility for her actions. If she can
take responsibility, soaking the officer who shot her? Cool? Come on, Sorry,
(06:20):
it's just a really triggering topic for me. You know,
I just don't understand how you, a black woman, can
defend an institution that's oppressed your people for like the
last two years. Uh, she's not really black though, she
like mixed, And of course you're only gonna claim her
blackness when his suits are Look, no, share, girl. Both
(06:41):
my parents are black, Okay, so are my sister and I? Okay? Well,
your light skinned privilege allows you to go on. I
think I can actually feel my blood blood. Who is
this cast of characters? It's as if I stepped into
Wonderland or odds of some other alternative universe. I must
get away from the people before I let them provoke
(07:01):
me any further. Can I use your restroom please? You
know hold down here is broken, but you can use
the one Rebecca's room. Where is that upstairs? Firs store
on the right, thank you? Oh my god? And I
wonder Savannah was all fucked up. Rebecca's friends are certified crazy.
But there's just no way these people are involved in
(07:23):
any organization, especially one responsible for carrying out an actual
cohesive plan. If my short time at Quantico taught me anything,
it's that criminal. Especially colvert ones cannot be this dumb.
It does make me question why Rebecca would surround herself
with these kinds of people. Sure she was always an activist,
(07:43):
but for what I've seen, these are petty day players.
Rebecca's bedroom is born nondescript, tidy, given the hell in
all its other rooms. I am surprised, in fact, it's
(08:04):
so clean and suspicious, like a hotel room. I wasn't
planning on going through are things I am now, some bills, documents.
There's nothing incriminating in these doors. I feel ridiculous. I
(08:27):
don't even know what I'm looking for. Something just feels
off about this room. It's perfection must be intentional. That
is made clothes neatly folded, seriously, not even a speck
of dust anywhere. Rebecca has never been a neat creek.
(08:52):
What's this hold on? I've seen this cup before, a
plastic traveler's mug with a rainbow colored I heeart and
why Rebecca about this? Years ago, back in high school.
She got it from a spy shop for Fisherman's War,
(09:13):
one of those places full of consumer novelties like Teddy Bear,
nanny camps and surveillance sunglasses. I remember telling her there
was no way anyone would fall for this stupid cup
with a secret compartment for her weed snatch. Plus, I
said she had never even been to any York. Maybe
your friend gave it to me as again, she argued,
(09:35):
and she bought it. The cup was thirty dollars, which
I distinctly recall being outrageously overpriced. But nearly a decade later,
here it is. The question is why ship? Hey, Um,
(10:00):
I'm sorry, I was just looking for the bobbins I win.
She took the bait away. I thought for sure Homegirl
would have the ovaries to do it. Do what Oh
my god, Belah. You should see the look on your
face right now. You look like someone who thought they
were the smartest person in the room, but in fact
you felt for the travel mug, the one you said
(10:21):
was stupid. Remember, I was just looking at the mug
that I know what you're doing? What am I doing?
You never left the FBI. In fact, we know you're
probably part of some cointel pro operation, like the same
scumbags who loved at my uncle. You ought to know
that I'm more informed than most on the FBI's fucked
(10:42):
up tactics. I know how this looks, Rebecca. I left
the academy halfway through. You told me, come on, don't
insult my intelligence, as if I'd fall for your story
about wanting to take care of your sister and help
your grandma and pretend to be a care person from
once in your life, as if you leave your dream
(11:03):
job to sling Laut's a ship hole like resist, No,
I mean yes, that's exactly what I'm doing, Savannah. Is
more important than a job. Serious question? Do they require
acting classes at the academy? Like do you have to study?
Had a lot of friends and family. It would be
awesome if you could cry on cue. The whole story
would be much much more believable. Rebecca, this is ridiculous.
(11:30):
I'm not in the FBI anymore, I promise, And even
if I was. What do you have to hide anyway? Okay,
now we're getting somewhere. What do I have to hide? Poppy?
I don't think you should have to hide anything, but
you already know how I feel. I guess it's really
more about what you have to gain. True, there is
something I would like to gain. Jesus, stop with the riddles,
(11:52):
all right, ll maybe blunt join us, Join join what
I thought you were done playing dumb? Don't you know
who we are? Look, I had my suspicions. I have
no idea what you're actually up to or what group
you're all in. Let me show you this Friday. I'll
tell you everything you want to know. Maybe you want
(12:14):
to be a part of what we're doing. Come on, friend,
what do you say where the Old Street train station?
That place is creepy and weird. Why they're because it's
(12:35):
where you're going to be reborn. The days following Shaunta's
arrival to Freedom House, we're difficult, to say the least,
(12:56):
certainly given her history, past traumas and lack of appropriate
coping mechanisms, how could anyone expect any different from this
disturbed young woman. Thus her tumultuous adjustment period will not
come as a shock to anyone. The very first evening
she spent at the house, Irene introduced Chantony to her
new roommates, whom Chante promptly judged as whack, seeming to
(13:20):
sense her dislike. The girls were indifferent to Chante, nearly
to the point of rudeness. After supper, which consisted of
foods that Chante thought inetible, the girls attempted to make
small talk with Chante. Irene had encouraged them to make
her feel welcomed, but her faith in their social skills
exceeded the reality of their abilities. Thus they succeeded only
(13:43):
in making matters worse. The incident began when one of
the girls, whose name was Joscelyn, asked Chanty if she
wanted to take a shower. The question itself was innocent enough,
but it must be recalled that Chante had not slept
in forty eight hours. Perturbed by Jocelyn's question, the conversation
(14:03):
began to take a turn for the worse, And what
the funk you trying to say? Are you trying to
say as to think? Actually, I was gonna let you
go first if you wanted to know I'm good. How
about you get your funky as in the bed. Look,
you don't have to be so extra. I was just
trying to be nice. Okay, Well how about you get
your friendly as in the bathroom and get the funk
(14:26):
out my face. At this point, Vicky, the other young
lady in the room, joined the conversation. Naively, she thought
perhaps she could quell the rising tensions. Placing her hand
on Shanta's shoulder, she interjected, girl, take it down a notch.
You have to live together. Down and that girl, you
don't get your hands off of me so uncalled for?
(14:48):
What are you getting so angry? Unfortunately for poor Vicki,
she was far too slow in removing her hand from
Shante's person. Reaching as far back as she could, Shanty
smacked the girl with all of her might. For a
brief second, the image of Angela flashed in her mind.
Vicki took several minutes to recuperate after the assault. By
then Chanty was in the shower. She felt confident in
(15:10):
her original assessment that these girls were weak, and she
had no inclination to believe that they would attempt to
return her act of violence. She was quite wrong. Unbeknownst
to our heroine, Jocelyn and Vickie conspired against her as
she bathed. They waited until she was fast asleep before
making their attack. One of the girls grabbed Chante by
(15:33):
the neck and the other punched her in the stomach.
Chantes howled like a feral cat, scratching and pulling at
whatever she could manage to get her hands on. A
group of girls entered the room to see what all
the noise was about. Irene stormed into the room soon
after and observed the scene with horror. In a powerful
voice unusual for a woman of her size, she demanded
they stop immediately. It was odd the authority she had
(15:58):
over them. Hearing her voice, Jocelyn and Vicki ceased their
ambush and apologized to Irene. Chante, however, would have none
of it and continued to attack them. Irene's normally pleasant
expression turned dark as she addressed Chante, you touch either
(16:21):
of these girls again, and you will leave this house tonight.
Do you understand me? I won't have this behavior here,
absolutely unacceptable. But how are you going to yell at
me when I don't want to here anymore? Okay, now
I want you to get your things. Melissa, please take
Shanty to your room. She'll be bunking with you for now.
(16:45):
Chante continued her protestations, but ultimately complied. She wondered who
this woman thought she was to tell her what to do,
but also sensing that Irene was not one to cross,
she did not verbalize her thoughts. The next morning, at
the breakfast table, Irene made it clear she was appalled
(17:08):
by the events of the previous evening. It was her
expectation that all girls at Freedom House conduct themselves like
young adults. Shall They rolled her eyes but said nothing.
Later that afternoon, she attended group therapy for the first
time in her life. She listened to girls telling stories
of difficult childhood's, homelessness, and drug abuse. What was the
(17:32):
big deal, she thought, Why didn't they get over it
and move on? It all seemed rather pointless and boring
to her. When it was her turn to share, she
outright refused to participate, telling Irene and the others that
her life was nobody's business. To her surprise, Irene simply
said it was fair enough and didn't push her on
the topic. Even more surprising was when Irene began to
(17:56):
share details of her own experiences with the group. Like
a lot of you girls, I had a tough time
growing up. But unlike most of your stories, my parents
weren't absent, drug addicted, or mentally ill. They were the opposite,
actually very involved, very controlling. It didn't matter what I did,
(18:18):
I was always doing It's wrong. Over the years, it
wore me down. Abuse isn't always physical. Psychological abuse leaves
scars too, They're just not always visible. By the time
I was fifteen, I had enough. I started acting out, drinking,
staying out all night, failing my classes. Where I'm from,
(18:41):
kids get sent away when they misbehaved like I did.
I didn't wait for that to happen to me. I
ran away. I know that compared to a lot of you,
my story speaks to my privilege. I wasn't forced onto
the streets after all. Nonetheless, I found myself falling freedom
and who used to meet its assaulted me and left
(19:03):
to be for deadry. At some point I mustered enough
self esteem to leave that life behind. All of that
energy I was putting into others, I started to put
into myself. That is what I want for all of you. Independence.
(19:31):
Jane was surprised to see an authority figure so vulnerable.
She wondered how old Irene was to have experienced so
much in life and seemingly have everything figured out. As
the days went by, Jante began to let her guard down,
not a lot, but enough for everyone in the house
to note the change. She wasn't sure at what point
(19:53):
her lack of dislike for Irene became admiration, but it
didn't take long. Everyone else en chanted with her too.
Rarely did she raise her voice, yet she always got
the results she desired from the girls. Perhaps it was
the individual attention she had paid to each person in
the house, or maybe it was because for many she
(20:13):
was the only person in their short lives to show
genuine compassion for their plights. In any case, no one
wanted to lose her respect. At the end of Schante's
first week, Irene took her out to lunch so they
could have one on one time away from the others.
During the meal, the older woman prodded the girl for
(20:34):
more information about her life, asking numerous questions. She was
very charming, chatty and interested. I want to hear more
about your life before Freedom House. Do you haven't said
much because there's nothing to say. Okay, I get it,
(20:54):
you're still warming up to us. But let me ask
in a different way. What were the events that led
up to your arrival? Okay? There was this dude I
can in the open week. Things went sideways and then
the cops brought me here. What was the dude's name, Davion?
What was he like and as whole? Duh? How old
(21:14):
was he? I don't know, whinny something? What did you
like about him? Damn? Bit you real? Nosy? I don't know.
I mean he seemed like he had a ship together. Chante,
do you ever want something different for your life? Different? Different?
How there's a powerful determination in you. I can see it.
(21:37):
You remind me of myself when I was your age.
But I can tell that you've been living on instinct
and not in tuition. Huh. Look, your story has been
predetermined for so long you can't see how free you
really are. Um, you want to come again? You know,
It's like in Roger Rabbit. You're not bad, You're just
(21:58):
drawn that way. But you can break character and change
your story at any point. Okay, listen, I see where
you going with this. But Jessica Rabbit was fine as
fun and that's who I want to be. But I
mean all in, I guess I see what you're saying.
Fantastic with a little time. I think you're really going
to excel here. Just watch. I am super excited. Irene.
(22:24):
You cool and all, but you sound white is funk
right now. After that day, which had been the most
pleasant day Chante had had in a long while, Irene
could do no wrong. In our heroine's eyes, she began
to see Irene as the older sister she never had.
In essence, she idealized her. Still, there were a few
(22:47):
things about Freedom House that Chanty found odd, but Irene
always had a simple explanation for these occurrences. For example,
when Chanta inquired why Irene was the only adult in
the building, Irene chancer was simple and vain. Any house
manager who can't handle ten girls should not be a
(23:08):
house manager. And then there were the police officers who
frequented the house. It didn't seem to have a purpose
other than checking in on the girls, usually behind closed doors. Again,
Irene had only glib commentary that didn't quite satisfy. These
(23:28):
are members of our community who express an interest in
seeing you girls succeed. Freedom House wouldn't exist without their support.
Officer Corey has been asking about you. In fact, another time,
Irene's office door had been left slightly Ajar Chante heard
her on the phone speaking the language she couldn't place.
But then she hadn't encountered any Russians in play on
(23:53):
New Courts with blood seats night. When she turned and
saw Chante at the doorway giving her a strange look,
Irene shut the door. When Chantey later asked what language
she was speaking, Irene feigned confusion. Didn't really sound like
I was speaking in another language. Maybe I was mumbling.
(24:16):
I usually do that when I'm on the phone with
my mama. These explanations were wholly inadequate. In fact, one
could characterize them as blatant lies. But our dear Chantey
turned a blind eye to what was so clear. She
did not suspect that the lovely woman before her, dressed
in spotless white and radiant with smiles, would soon reveal
(24:38):
herself to be a wretched and vile miscreant and likewise,
Irene knew little of whom she deceived. Her pride so
much like the angel Lucifers prevented her from seeing the
hell fire that awaited her. Y'all we got the Lower
(25:05):
Bottles episode far returning to sloop. Not bad, just drawn
that black? Yeah uh? Will Packer a second ave producer
James Opez I wasacutive producer, Look Here, Jack Leavy SACTI
(25:26):
producer and direct Let's Go Dominique Love Time Yeah Now
creator and writer, producer, Lay your Baby you need Hello, Hello,
Whitney Fuller creative executive Michael kuth Burd co producer, Real
Alexis recording mixer, Sown design, Ross Davis Audio consult Losing
(25:54):
supervisor Jeff Forser, Music by Deaf Jeff the Boy, Joe Off,
Tony Homer Score, Mongers Pays Ramsey Production Assistant Junior Rohne
Production Assistant. You didn't main cast now you did? Hey?
(26:18):
Yeah and the Alonza plays Blue Lick, Jordan Dick playing
his poppets, Katia Fridley, Irene come on, Hey, Kelsey Grammer
the narrator, come on, Ryandesson plays Rebecca. You didn't She's
(26:42):
Shanna Watkins playing as Jocelyn pay, Teresa Celeste, Shante Thomas.
You didn't shuts out, so it's Mission Town Venus baby,
you know for real though sound by podcast Stage. Yeah,
(27:05):
this has been a Will Packer Media production. I heart
production and I am that boy. Drew down the want
to know No Phoni, IM mac when don't to run man,
Let's go that's an additional voice. Yeah, I want to
know it. Let's go. Go by
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