October 16, 2025 • 46 mins
Experience a terrifying Halloween horror story with "Deadly Rental — A VHS Nightmare"!
On Halloween night at Valley Video, a storm and blackout turn a cozy movie marathon into a nightmare of terror. Trapped amidst flickering screens and sinister sounds, friends and customers face a growing sense of panic as a VHS slasher stalks the aisles, turning a routine rental into a deadly game of survival.
If you love spooky season horror stories, retro slasher vibes, and chilling tales of Halloween night horror, this episode delivers scares that will haunt your nightmares. Perfect for late-night chills, road trips, or binge listening—queue up, dim the lights, and brace for a wicked twist that redefines what a ‘treat’ really means this spooky season.
Deadly Rental – A Valley Halloween Tale — by Charles Campbell
Support the show AND get delicious coffee for a creepy night in at 25% off using code “SPOOKY”https://savorista.com/discount/SPOOKY
🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!
🎉 Unlock exclusive bonus episodes and support the show on Patreon!
👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join
📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!
🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
On Halloween night at Valley Video, a storm and blackout turn a cozy movie marathon into a nightmare of terror. Trapped amidst flickering screens and sinister sounds, friends and customers face a growing sense of panic as a VHS slasher stalks the aisles, turning a routine rental into a deadly game of survival.
If you love spooky season horror stories, retro slasher vibes, and chilling tales of Halloween night horror, this episode delivers scares that will haunt your nightmares. Perfect for late-night chills, road trips, or binge listening—queue up, dim the lights, and brace for a wicked twist that redefines what a ‘treat’ really means this spooky season.
Deadly Rental – A Valley Halloween Tale — by Charles Campbell
Support the show AND get delicious coffee for a creepy night in at 25% off using code “SPOOKY”https://savorista.com/discount/SPOOKY
🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!
🎉 Unlock exclusive bonus episodes and support the show on Patreon!
👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join
📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!
- Twitter: @WeeklySpooky
- Facebook: facebook.com/WeeklySpooky
- Email: WeeklySpooky@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Rain hammers, the roof, the door rattles, the phone whispers
trick or treat inside Valley video. The power dies, and
the aisles go silent until the first body hits the floor.
If the storm doesn't end soon, there'll be no one
(00:22):
left to rewind.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
There's a shill in the air. Must befall Join me
for a Tale of Halloween. You will experience tales over over, ghosts,
(00:46):
and damp. It is not recommended for the weak at heart.
Join me for a Tale of oulis Weekly Spooky.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Hello, my spookies, it's your host and narrator, Enrique Kuto,
here as we enter the middle point of spooky season
with another terrifying tale to keep you in the spirit
of all things to come. Make sure you're subscribed on
your favorite podcasting app because we'll be back here tomorrow
(01:38):
dissecting the nineteen ninety two terror film Candy Man. You
won't want to miss it. And for those of you
working long hours over the weekend, there'll be a special
novella compilation waiting for you Saturday, so make sure you're subscribed.
And as you may have heard yesterday Weekly Spook he
(02:00):
has a new supporter in Savorista Coffee, a coffee brand
that specializes in DCAF and HALFCAF, so you can keep
enjoying your gourmet blends even as you stay up late
scaring yourself. Check them out at savorista dot com. That's
s A v O r I s t a dot com.
(02:22):
Or check the show notes and use code Spooky at
checkout for twenty five percent off. Not only do you
get some great coffee for late night excursions, but you
also support the show directly. Thank you again to Savorista
for helping us bring you the spooky all season long.
But as for tonight, Picture a small town video store
(02:48):
on Halloween night where thunder shakes the posters and a
playful voice on the phone keeps asking trick or treat.
Then the lights go out and the trick arrives at
the door with something sharper than candy. In the flicker
of candles, friends turn into targets, and a storm turns
(03:12):
the parking lot into a trap. Tonight we rent some
true terror, so get comfortable and make sure you always rewind.
The story starts after this deadly rental by Charles Campbell,
(03:39):
October thirty first, nineteen eighty three, six pm. Valley Video, Gloverville,
South Carolina. Shelley Bryson and Rodney Lee were minding the store,
which was owned by Valley legend Rick Spradley. He was
a ten the annual Halloween party at Bruce's, so he
(04:04):
was probably already drunk off his ass barreling toward full awn. Shitfaced.
Valley Video was in its second year of business. Last year,
people came in steadily throughout the day to rent scary
flicks to play in the background of Halloween get togethers
(04:25):
and slumber parties. This year hadn't quite lived up to last,
but the night was still young. It was pitch dark
outside already because of the dense storm clouds overhead. Thunder
was rumbling, threatening to release buckets like a pot on
(04:47):
the brink of boiling over. This certainly wouldn't help business
if it were a rainout. Shelley popped in a thrice
viewed copy of Halloween three, Season of The Witch, and
it was followed by a groan from Rodney. Yeah, that
(05:07):
movie thucks, ath Rodney said through his vampire fangs. His
black hair was slicked back with his daddy's palmd. His
mother painted his face a pasty white and created a
nifty black cape from an old bed sheet. A decent
white button up, black slacks, and black shoes completed the outfit.
(05:34):
I disagree. I think it's highly misunderstood. I'm telling you,
years from now, people will appreciate it more, Shelley said.
Shelley was dressed as the bride of Frankenstein, complete with
a fancy wig her aunt bought for her in a
fancy wig shop in downtown Augusta. It wasn't even from
(05:57):
a costume store. Her aunt, Billy doctored it up to
look even better than the most expensive ones in those
costume shops. Her face and arms were painted a shade
of olive, and her dress was a black and white,
tattered on purpose number. She wasn't going to be movie accurate,
(06:20):
but Shelley liked to put her own spin on things.
What the fuck, Shelley shouted. The thunderclap shook the windows,
and a couple of movie posters fell from their precariously
taped spots. Rodney laughed and said, that was a good one.
(06:42):
Do you know how dumb you sound talking through those teeth?
You sound like Cindy Brady's real daddy, Shelley said, and
turned her attention to the television where the earworm of
a song Silver Shamrock played. Shelley didn't move. She waited
(07:04):
to see if Rodney was going to answer the phone
with the vampire teeth in his mouth, and he did.
Valley Video where we have the best collection of movies
in the valley. Trick or treat, said the gravelly voice
on the other end of the line. Yes, are you
(07:27):
looking for a movie? Rodney asked, Trick or treat? The
gravelly voice, repeated by Rodney, said and hung up the phone.
What did they want, Shelley asked. Rodney popped the teeth
out because they were starting to become quite uncomfortable, and
(07:50):
said didn't say. All he would say was trick or treat. Oh,
Shelley replied, I can't believe nobody stopped by yet. You
think the whole town went to Bruce's, Rodney asked, I'm
sure it'll pick up soon. I mean it's just past six,
(08:13):
just getting a late start this year, that's all, Shelley said.
The door chime came to life, and a woman neither
of them recognized, walked in, accompanied by a young girl
no older than twelve that they also did not recognize.
(08:34):
Shelley and Rodney looked at one another and shrugged. The
woman was dressed up as Dolly Parton, with a low
cut western shirt, denim skirt, and brown cowboy boots. Rodney
was happy to see that she also had something that
Dolly was quite famous for that wasn't a good singing voice.
(08:57):
The little girl was dressed as Ace Free from Kiss,
and the costume wasn't bad. Fact of business, It was remarkable.
The makeup pretty much matched the famous guitar player. Her
outfit was all black, a combination of spandex and sweats,
trimmed with some sort of silver material. The silver painted
(09:21):
boots on her feet and the toy white guitar strapped
to her back would win any costume contest in the valley.
Rodney fumbled to put in his teeth. Welcome to Valley video,
Shelley said, beating Rodney to the punch. He smiled as
drool dripped from his phony teeth. Hi, we're not from here,
(09:46):
but Lilah heard about your store from a friend of
hers yesterday and said we must come in. The woman said, Hi,
you must be Lilah, Shelley said, and smile at the
little girl. The girl nodded, smiled back, but didn't utter
a word. And you are, Shelley asked the woman. I'm Tina,
(10:12):
Lila's aunt and guardian. Guardian Shelley thought. She wondered if
the little girl's lack of voice had some sort of
trauma behind it. Rodney was smiling like an undead dope
as spittle ran through those teeth as he stared at
(10:33):
Tina's tatas well, you came to the right place, Lila.
Please help yourself to some candy from the pumpkin on
the table. It's Halloween, after all, we have a great
selection of scary flicks for the holiday, Shelley said. Ricky
would be proud of her salesmanship. Thank you, Lilah meekly replied,
(10:59):
letting her first since walking in escape her lips. You're welcome,
Shelley said, and seemingly right on cue, the silver shamrock
song blared from the television. What are you watching, Lila asked,
peering over the counter. It's not very good. We have
(11:21):
a lot of movies that are way better, Rodney said.
It's so good. It's Halloween three and if you want
to rent it, I'll start rewinding it for you. It's
the only copy we have that hasn't been checked out.
Shelley replied, Yes, please do that, Tina said, and continued,
(11:44):
Come on, Lila, let's see what else they've got. They
walked to the back wall that housed the horror section.
Take those teeth out, you look like an idiot, and
wipe off your shirt, Shelley said. Rodney spit them out
(12:05):
and simply smiled. Shelley and Rodney turned their attention to
the door, and a made up but familiar face was
grinning like you just ate a canary. What's up, freakazoids?
Guyton O'Hanlon shouted, what's up? My boy rad costume, Rodney said.
(12:30):
Guiton was dressed as the sworn enemy of what Rodney
was depicting. Guiton wore the garb of an impressively accurate
for Valley makeupchanthrope, more popularly known around the globe as
a werewolf. Shit that is good, your mama, do that,
(12:51):
Shelley asked.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
No.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
New chick that started at Bruce's last week. Her name
is Elena Marie and she ain't hard to look at,
even before a few frosty mugs. If you catch my drift.
Geiton said, okay, and why did she want to put
makeup on your gnarly face? Shelley asked, she was doing
(13:14):
it for a lot of folks. She says, that's what
she wants to do, horror makeup on movie sets. That's
what she said. How she's gonna get there from working
at Bruce's in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, that's beyond me.
So listen, I want to rent that Halloween three movie
everyone's been shitting on. Geiton said, sorry, just rented the
(13:38):
last copy we have. Shelley replied, with the tone of
not really being sorry. Yeah to the lady with the stacks.
Rodney whispered and nodded his head toward the horror section.
But he may as well have said it out loud,
because Rodney's whispers, much like himself, carried weight wowsa. Geyiton replied,
(14:02):
after he got an eyeful, Okay, boys, that's enough. We
have the other two Halloween movies, and I think there's
still a copy of Friday the Thirteenth Part two back there.
Shelley said, sorry, no, there's not. Tina said, as she
set a stack of three empty VHS cases onto the counter.
(14:25):
I believe that's four movies, counting the one you have
behind the counter, Tina said. Lilah was looking cautiously at
Guyton on the cusp of being fearful of his appearance.
His makeup was more intimidating than the goofy faced vampire
Rodney portrayed. Well. Hello, Dolly, Guyton said, in a very
(14:49):
poor Louis Armstrong impersonation, what's shaken? Wolfman? Jack? Tina said
he wouldn't want to give up one of those movies,
would you? I mean, are you really gonna watch four tonight?
If you let me have the Friday the thirteenth or Halloween,
I promise I'll meet you here tomorrow and give it
(15:11):
right back. I need something new to watch tonight, and
I've seen most of the other stuff they got back there,
and the stuff I haven't seen, well, I don't think
I want to see. If you catch my drift, Giton
said no was the answer, but Tina didn't say it.
It was Lila, and the fear that threatened to consume
(15:35):
her eyes quickly switched to anger. Now I don't think
I was talking to you, Ace, Geiton says in such
an acrid tone that Shelley wanted to reach across the
counter and slap him across the face. Rodney's mouth dropped.
(15:55):
If his teeth had been in, they would have fallen out.
Guess that's a no wolfman jack. Tina said, that'll be
eight dollars and twenty four cents. Shelley chimed in. Wait
a minute, Shelley, Geyon said, and held up a paw,
(16:16):
turning his attention back to Tina. Just know, huh, no negotiation,
I think not. It's Ace's show. I'm afraid, Tina said,
and winked at her niece. This time, Shelley picked up
the phone. Valley video how can I help you trick
(16:40):
or treat? The gravelly voice tickled Shelley's ear in the
most uncomfortable of ways. She held the phone away. Your
tricker treater is back, Shelley said to Rodney and hung
up the phone. Now, guys, play nice and go pick
(17:02):
out something else and stop harassing these nice people. Don't
make me call Ricky out of Bruce's I don't think
you want him coming down here. You get my drift,
Shelley said mockingly. A giggle came from Lila, and Tina's
eyes widened. As she successfully held back laughter. She apparently
(17:25):
just wanted to rent the movies for her niece and leave. Yeah,
I get your Geiden stopped mid word as the phone
rang once again. Shelley answered, Valley video, how can I
help you? Trick it is, the gravelly voice said, and
(17:51):
hung up. Before Shelley could do the same, two more
posts fell, Everyone froze, and the lights flickered, but stayed on.
The storm clouds released their bounty with a sudden violence.
(18:12):
Rain hammered the metal roof like it was a million
little monsters pounding on doors to get inside. The gravel
dirt parking lot was going to be a pond very
soon if this continued. Shit, we might be watching our
movies here and having candy for dinner. Tina said, I'm scared.
(18:38):
Lilah fretted, I'm sure it'll pass soon. They called for
scattered storms on Channel six, so fingers crossed. It's just
a pop up, Shelley said. Rain brought by the gusty wind,
(19:00):
flooded inside. With the open door. Ginger Grant and Bill
Haney stumbled in, with Billy busting his ass when he
tripped on the instantly water slicked floor Ginger immediately pushed
the door closed. Her once beautiful witch costume was a
(19:20):
sopping mess. Billy didn't look much like Batman. The pointy
ears were now floppy, and he looked more like a
water logged rat than the caped crusader. Oh shit, Geien said,
forgetting all about his little spat with Tina over videotapes
(19:43):
that seemed a lot less important in their current situation.
We are so sorry we got caught in it. We
were walking to Bruce's because Billy didn't want to drive
because of the alcohol and all, and then the bottom
just fell out. Ginger said, I'm glad you got inside.
(20:04):
It sounds brutal out there. You all can just ride
it out and hear I was just saying that it's
probably only a pop up, Ginger. Come with me to
the back. I've got something for you. Sorry, Billy. I
can bring you a towel, but that's about the best
I can do for you, Shelley said, and led Ginger
(20:26):
to the back office of the store. Damn it all
to hell, Billy said. He looked up and noticed Tina
and Lila for the first time. Oh hi, sorry, I
don't think i've seen you around. I would say, I'm Batman,
but I'm pretty sure his suit wouldn't fall apart in
(20:48):
the rain. I'm Billy, Yep, we heard, Glad you didn't drown.
My name's Tina and this is my niece, Lila. Lila
gave Billy a finger wave and a kurt smile. Billy
smiled back and tried not to stare at Tina's cleavage. Hey, Rodney,
(21:10):
Ricky got you working tonight. Huh, Billy asked, yeah, he
got us both working because he thought it might be busy.
Guess the jokes on him. Rodney replied, yeah, I guess, so,
Billy said. There was an awkward silence for a couple
of minutes until Ginger and Shelley returned. We're back. Shelley
(21:34):
was a life saver. Ginger announced she was nice and dry,
wearing an orange Midland Valley Mustang's T shirt along with
the matching sweatpants. Shelley left her gym bag in the
back office the other day, and she and Ginger were
close in size. Shelley tossed Billy the promised towel. No
(21:58):
fair the soke, Batman said jokingly and continued, I guess
I wouldn't fit in anything you would have in the back. Huh, Rodney, course,
if I did have something, I'd have plenty of cover
blanketed even Billy finished, ha ha. Rodney fake laughed and
(22:20):
flipped Billy the bird. I'm just glad I didn't take
the gym bag home. Everyone please help yourself to some candy.
I'm afraid we don't have anything more nutritious, but we
can gather around and watch a movie if you want,
until this whole nastiness passes, Shelley finished. Another thunderclap shook
(22:44):
the windows, but the remaining posters stayed in place. If
we watch one of ours, can we pick another to
replace it? Lila suddenly asked. Rodney began, of course, Shelley interrupted,
(23:05):
Halloween three is still in the player. You want me
to fire it up? No, Rodney said, shut up, Rodney.
Is everyone else good with that one? Yep, Geyen said.
Everyone else nodded yes, so Shelley pressed play. Auto tracking
(23:27):
was adjusting the image for maximum visual quality when another
boom shook the windows, much harder. This time. A couple
of video cases fell from their perches. A sizzling crack
of lightning struck incredibly close to the video store. The
(23:51):
lights went out immediately, and a smell that can only
be described as ozone or burning wires suddenly filled the store.
Lilah was the first one to break the immediate silence
as she coughed into her hand. Shelley lit the bick
she kept in her dress pocket. She wasn't a smoker,
(24:15):
but a lot of her friends were, and she liked
the feel of the lighter. Something that you may need
in a pinch, that was easy enough to have on
you at all times. Okay, we're okay. This shit is
no joke, Shelley said, and continued, I'll be right back, Rodney,
(24:37):
come with me. Ricky has some taper candles in the
back somewhere, a whole box of them that Darnell brought
in a couple of months ago for what. I have
no clue, but we need them now, so come and
help me. Everybody else. You're gonna be in the dark
for just a little bit. But light is on the way,
(24:57):
Shelley finished. She held bic in front of her as
Rodney followed closely behind. I I don't like this, Lilah said.
It's okay, It's just a bad storm. That's all. We're
safe and dry. We might need to rent a boat
to get out of here when it passes, but we'll
(25:19):
be fine. Tina assured her niece. Wonder if the power's
out at Bruce's, Billy asked, probably, I bet all of
Gloverville lost power with that last strike. Ginger said, well, look,
ye there, Geiton said, as Shelley and Rodney appeared from
(25:39):
the darkness of the back office, looking like monks holding
lit candles. All right, everybody gets one. Be careful of
the wax, though, Shelley said, as she lit them one
at a time and passed them to everyone. Rain pelted
the roof and slammed into the windows with bad intentions.
(26:02):
The wind picked up, and the metal roof sounded as
if it were a musical instrument being played expertly by
a supernatural force, threatening to peel it right off and
send it into the night sky. It would let the
torrent flood the store, destroying every film in its wake,
(26:23):
and leave people swimming for their cars. But for now,
the roof held shit, Geiton simply said as he pointed
to the bottom of the door as muddy water flooded
in under its gap. He was holding his candle above it.
(26:46):
I think we should leave, Lila said, no, We're safer
in here than out there. Tina replied. Every one was
holding their candles in front of them like swords to
avoid wax rolling down and dripping on their hands. Who
(27:09):
the hell would be out in this shit? Guyton asked.
He was closest to the door. It wasn't locked, so
he had no idea why they were knocking. He didn't
open it, but did yell come in if you need
to get out of that shit? But I ain't opening
(27:29):
the door. You chose trick. It was the same gravelly
voice that called earlier, and the source of that voice
was now right outside the door, caught in a fucking monsoon.
(27:50):
It got Shelley and Rodney's attention. Everyone else had a
look of okay, and I don't like it. Liah said,
it's okay, it's just someone being stupid. Tina said, just
(28:16):
come in already. Billy shouted, you chose trick, the gravelly
voice repeated. Billy the wet night suddenly felt an uncontrollable anger.
He should be at Bruce's pounding him back, but here
he was stuck in valley video with his date that
(28:40):
at the very least got to put on dry clothes.
And now some dickwad was banging at the door, shouting,
you chose trick. Billy didn't choose any of this shit.
He marched to the door and his feet sloshed in
the water, rushing in. Hey, jerk face, I got your
(29:02):
trick in here, Come on in and get it. Billy
jerked the door open. The sky lit up, and Billy
didn't see anyone. With the door still ajar, Billy turned
to face the others. Guess he didn't want to get wet.
(29:27):
Everyone stared wildly with their brains, not quite comprehending what
just happened, until Ginger's shrill scream filled the room. Billy's
body lay in front of the wide open door, and
his separated head was face down in the puddle on
(29:48):
the floor. Blood was spurting out of what was left
of Billy's neck. Rodney picked up the phone and just
like the power, it was dead. You got a gun
behind that counter, Geyton asked, Nope, Rodney answered. Ginger was
(30:10):
shaking hysterically, trying hard to gain some sort of composure.
We need to get out of here, right fucking now.
Tina said, I I'm not going near that door. Lilah
moaned me either, not without some kind of weapon. Geiden said,
(30:31):
a bat. Ricky keeps a big ass aluminum bat in
the office. Shelley said, well, go fucking get it. Guiton commanded.
His attention was on the still open front door. Aunt, Tina,
we need to find a way out of here, Lilah whispered,
(30:52):
loud enough for others to hear. She was shivering, seeming
completely consumed with and she still wasn't going near the
front door. Shelley emerged from the back with a shiny
black and red bat that looked as if it had
never struck a baseball. Now we're talking, give it, Geydon said,
(31:18):
holding out his fake fur covered hand. Whoever this Elena was,
she paid attention to detail when it came to Halloween makeup.
I don't know what if he takes it away from
you were or chops your head off too, Shelley questioned,
as she held the bat close to her chest. I
(31:40):
ain't staying in this video store with a killer waiting
to pick us off one at a time. If you
want some, he can come get some. Now, hand it over.
Geiiton said confidently, wolfman Jack means business. Tina said, Lilah
poked her on the arm. She he loved Aunt Tina's
(32:01):
sarcastic wit, but now was not the time, Not with
a headless man lying in front of the door and
all Shelley reluctantly handed the bat to Geiton. They were
all shit out of luck, especially with the phone still
being out of order. Geyiton held the bat like he
(32:22):
held many others in his lifetime, being an avid rec
league baseball kid growing up and continuing on the Midland
Valley High baseball team. Point was he knew the proper
way to hold a bat to get maximum swing. If
whoever decided to remove Billy's head from his body were
(32:44):
still out there, he was going to find out right
quick why pitchers feared the Gloverville ball crusher. Rodney, get
on that side of the door, Guyton said, as he
motioned Rodney to move to the right of the opening.
Don't worry, you can stay arm's length away. I just
(33:07):
need you to provide a little bit of light. Rodney
walked cautiously toward the door, holding the candle in front
of him, careful not to let it get too close
to the rain, still cascading in on its sideways arc
Good good, stop there, Geiden said. Shelley, Lilah, Ginger, and
(33:32):
Tina stood shoulder to shoulder nervously watching. Geiden began walking
slowly toward the door. He could feel the first mist
touch his nose. He was about seven feet from the door.
Rodney was the shakiest vampire ever known to man. His
(33:56):
real teeth were chattering inside his head, and his black
suddenly felt like a balloon that was one breath away
from exploding. Guyton grinned as he got closer. Stepping around
Billie's carcass, he could hear footsteps quickly approaching outside. I
(34:18):
got you, you, son of a bitch. Guiton whispered. He
was just inside the door opening and he was getting drenched,
but he kept the grip on the bat. The footsteps
barreled toward the door. Guiton raised the bat. Guiden no,
(34:40):
Shelley screamed, but it was too late. He swung the
bat with the force that gave him his ball crusher Moniker,
and it found pay dirt. The sickening crack of bone
ag against the bat sent painful vibrations up his forearms.
(35:06):
It was a vastly different sensation than hitting a baseball. Solid.
The man fell to his knees, half of his body
in the store and the other half still outside. Guiton
smiled until he realized who the man was. Ricky. Shelley screamed.
(35:31):
He was gurgling blood, the left side of his head
was caved in, and his left eye was dangling out
of its socket. Oh shit, oh shit. Guiton set the
bat down and turned his back to the door as
he knelt to see if there was anything he could
(35:51):
do to help Ricky. The blade came down on the
center of Geiton's noggin like a hot knife through button.
His eyes blinked rapidly as his face split in half.
Brain matter oozed from his skull when he hit the floor.
(36:11):
No silver bullets needed for this Werewolf Rodney took off.
He ran straight to the back office, slamming the door
behind him, while Shelley, Lilah Ginger, and Tina screamed, bloody murder.
Billy was dead, Ricky was dead, Guiton was dead. Who
(36:35):
was going to be next? Shelley desperately wanted to grab
the dropped bat. She instantly regretted handing it over to Geiton.
If she hadn't, Ricky would be there with them, he
would have known what to do. Even leaning over to
pick it up would be a risk that she wasn't
(36:57):
willing to take. Lilah tugged on Tina's arm. Come on,
Lilah said. Rodney locked himself in the back office. Shelley
grabbed Ginger by the hand and followed behind Lilah and Tina.
They walked to the back office. Shelley turned the knob.
(37:20):
Rodney opened the fucking door, and let us in? Is
he out there? Rodney asked, No, let us in, or
we're going to bust it down, Shelley threatened. The lights
flickered for just a moment, giving them all in ever
so brief false sense of hope before they went right
(37:42):
back out. It was a good sign. It meant See
and g were at least working on it. Rodney stood
from behind Ricky's desk, still holding his candle. He walked
stiffly to the office door. Another zap of lightning sent
(38:04):
a fresh wave of ozone into the air. Rodney heard
Lilah cough as he turned the knob. Shelley pulled the
door open, Rodney fell forward and hit the floor with
the sound of a wet dish rag. His guts splayed
(38:25):
out from the sides of his ample belly. He's in there, run,
Shelley screamed. The women turned almost in unison. Ginger and
Shelley took the lead. Tina and Lila were using a
little more caution. No one came rushing out of the office,
but Rodney was lying there deader than shit. The sound
(38:50):
of shattering glass from the small window above the filing
cabinet in Ricky's office filled the store, and Tina heard it,
so they stopped. Ginger and Shelley did not. Ginger was
the first to the door. There was no stopping her.
(39:12):
She leapt over Billy's body, almost slipping in the mix
of blood and water, and she skirted around Geiton, avoiding
the clumps of brain, and stepped over Ricky. Shelley was
right behind her, but stopped suddenly, as if she just
hit an invisible brick wall. The blade hit Ginger in
(39:38):
the left temple and escaped out the right temple before
it was pulled back through with lethal precision. Ginger gasped
and blinked. The wires in her brain were severed. She
felt no pain as she dropped to her knees, mouth
(39:59):
puckering like a fish out of water. Before her eyes
locked on the forever stare, she slumped over on the
welcome mat to the video store. Shelley's adrenaline and self
preservation instinct kicked into high gear as she bolted out
the door, ducking her head as she turned to the right.
(40:22):
The blade still came, but all it got was the
blessed oversized wig her aunt had made for her. The
rain was as heavy as it ever was. There was
a party at Bruce's, or at least there would be
people there waiting for the return of power. It was
just down the street. Gloverville was so fucking dark, with
(40:46):
nary a street light on. Shelley was passing Oak Street
and she could hear a dog barking somewhere down the
murky road. The rain washed makeup into her eyes, making
the stinging. Why didn't she hear Lila and Ginger behind her?
Had he killed them? Even though Shelley was running for survival,
(41:10):
A wave of guilt hit her and she stopped. She
shouldn't have stopped. He grabbed her by the back of
her long brown hair that was now freed from the wig,
and jerked Shelly to the ground. The wind was knocked
from her lungs, and the man pulling her was very short,
(41:32):
not much bigger than a child. He drug her painfully
across the jagged street. Shelley's dress was ripping, as was
the flesh on her back and shoulders. Valley Videos parking
lot was nothing more than a mud pond now, and
the water on the torn flesh of her back was cold.
(41:56):
Shelley found her voice. Please stop. Please. The man pulled
Shelley over the bodies in their path and slammed her
head against the floor. Shelley was concussed, but still conscious.
She pushed up, trying to stand. Did you kill them two?
(42:20):
Shelley asked. There was a giggle from the horror section.
Who's there, Shelley demanded, It's just Ace and Dolly. Lila's
voice said, run get out of here. He'll kill you both.
(42:40):
Oh no, he won't. Tina's voice said, what Shelley asked?
You chose trick, the gravelly voice whispered in Shelley's ear.
(43:01):
Shelley was gone, Lila, get your brother, It's time to go.
Don't forget our movies, Lila said. Oh yeah, good catch.
Tina replied, Charlie, come on, it's my turn next year.
(43:21):
Remember that, Lila chided, You did so good, Charlie, Tina
said as she pulled her nephew's bald head into her bosom.
The scales on his face felt sand papery, but Tina
didn't mind. His ninja outfit held up quite well in
(43:44):
the chaos. She was so proud of both of them.
Lila was becoming a great actress. They were just a
trio of psychopaths having fun on Halloween. Life couldn't get
much better. The rain suddenly stopped. Charlie held the sword
(44:09):
in one hand and took his sisters with the other.
They left the store. It would be a new town
next year. Would they choose trick or treat? And that
(44:29):
My Spookies was deadly rental a Valley Halloween tale by
our good buddy Charles Campbell. Make sure to check out
his podcast Horror four twenty one on your favorite podcasting app.
But the horror doesn't stop there. Tomorrow, something dark and
(44:50):
urban is buzzing into the feed. We'll be diving deep
into Candy Man from nineteen ninety two on a brand
new episode of cutting Deep in to Horror, exploring the legend,
the fear, and why saying his name might be the
worst mistake you ever may so don't miss it. One
(45:10):
night of Terror leads right into the next, and on
Monday we have a very special episode of Terrifying and
True you will not want to miss. So make sure
you're subscribed on your favorite podcasting apps. Trust me you'll
want to And while you're there, why not leave us
a five star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It
really helps the show out. You can also head to
(45:32):
Weeklyspooky dot com slash join, where for as little as
one dollar a month you get two bonus shows every
month and over five years of exclusive audio books and
creepy pastas. And speaking of I want to say an
extra special thank you to our Patreon podcast boosters, folks
who pay just a little bit more to hear their
names at the end of the show. And they are
(45:52):
Johnny Nicks, Kate and Lulu, Jessica Fuller, Mike Eskewey, Jenny Green,
Amber Hansford, Karen we Met, Jack Kerr, and Craig Cohen.
Thank you all so very much. For your support at
Weeklyspooky dot com slash Join. Now is the best time
to join over ninety other spookies and get cool stuff.
But now it's time for me to get back to
(46:13):
work so I can sneak off and see the brand
new Black Phone part two. So for myself, for my
executive producers Rob Fields and Bobbletopia dot Com, my producer
Dan Wilder, and of course my creepy composer Ray Mattis,
I'll be talking at you tomorrow all about Candyman. Candyman,
(46:34):
thank you for listening.
Speaker 2 (46:35):
We make sure to find your way back next week week,
but for now you are safe, trust me.
Rain hammers, the roof, the door rattles, the phone whispers
trick or treat inside Valley video. The power dies, and
the aisles go silent until the first body hits the floor.
If the storm doesn't end soon, there'll be no one
(00:22):
left to rewind.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
There's a shill in the air. Must befall Join me
for a Tale of Halloween. You will experience tales over over, ghosts,
(00:46):
and damp. It is not recommended for the weak at heart.
Join me for a Tale of oulis Weekly Spooky.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Hello, my spookies, it's your host and narrator, Enrique Kuto,
here as we enter the middle point of spooky season
with another terrifying tale to keep you in the spirit
of all things to come. Make sure you're subscribed on
your favorite podcasting app because we'll be back here tomorrow
(01:38):
dissecting the nineteen ninety two terror film Candy Man. You
won't want to miss it. And for those of you
working long hours over the weekend, there'll be a special
novella compilation waiting for you Saturday, so make sure you're subscribed.
And as you may have heard yesterday Weekly Spook he
(02:00):
has a new supporter in Savorista Coffee, a coffee brand
that specializes in DCAF and HALFCAF, so you can keep
enjoying your gourmet blends even as you stay up late
scaring yourself. Check them out at savorista dot com. That's
s A v O r I s t a dot com.
(02:22):
Or check the show notes and use code Spooky at
checkout for twenty five percent off. Not only do you
get some great coffee for late night excursions, but you
also support the show directly. Thank you again to Savorista
for helping us bring you the spooky all season long.
But as for tonight, Picture a small town video store
(02:48):
on Halloween night where thunder shakes the posters and a
playful voice on the phone keeps asking trick or treat.
Then the lights go out and the trick arrives at
the door with something sharper than candy. In the flicker
of candles, friends turn into targets, and a storm turns
(03:12):
the parking lot into a trap. Tonight we rent some
true terror, so get comfortable and make sure you always rewind.
The story starts after this deadly rental by Charles Campbell,
(03:39):
October thirty first, nineteen eighty three, six pm. Valley Video, Gloverville,
South Carolina. Shelley Bryson and Rodney Lee were minding the store,
which was owned by Valley legend Rick Spradley. He was
a ten the annual Halloween party at Bruce's, so he
(04:04):
was probably already drunk off his ass barreling toward full awn. Shitfaced.
Valley Video was in its second year of business. Last year,
people came in steadily throughout the day to rent scary
flicks to play in the background of Halloween get togethers
(04:25):
and slumber parties. This year hadn't quite lived up to last,
but the night was still young. It was pitch dark
outside already because of the dense storm clouds overhead. Thunder
was rumbling, threatening to release buckets like a pot on
(04:47):
the brink of boiling over. This certainly wouldn't help business
if it were a rainout. Shelley popped in a thrice
viewed copy of Halloween three, Season of The Witch, and
it was followed by a groan from Rodney. Yeah, that
(05:07):
movie thucks, ath Rodney said through his vampire fangs. His
black hair was slicked back with his daddy's palmd. His
mother painted his face a pasty white and created a
nifty black cape from an old bed sheet. A decent
white button up, black slacks, and black shoes completed the outfit.
(05:34):
I disagree. I think it's highly misunderstood. I'm telling you,
years from now, people will appreciate it more, Shelley said.
Shelley was dressed as the bride of Frankenstein, complete with
a fancy wig her aunt bought for her in a
fancy wig shop in downtown Augusta. It wasn't even from
(05:57):
a costume store. Her aunt, Billy doctored it up to
look even better than the most expensive ones in those
costume shops. Her face and arms were painted a shade
of olive, and her dress was a black and white,
tattered on purpose number. She wasn't going to be movie accurate,
(06:20):
but Shelley liked to put her own spin on things.
What the fuck, Shelley shouted. The thunderclap shook the windows,
and a couple of movie posters fell from their precariously
taped spots. Rodney laughed and said, that was a good one.
(06:42):
Do you know how dumb you sound talking through those teeth?
You sound like Cindy Brady's real daddy, Shelley said, and
turned her attention to the television where the earworm of
a song Silver Shamrock played. Shelley didn't move. She waited
(07:04):
to see if Rodney was going to answer the phone
with the vampire teeth in his mouth, and he did.
Valley Video where we have the best collection of movies
in the valley. Trick or treat, said the gravelly voice
on the other end of the line. Yes, are you
(07:27):
looking for a movie? Rodney asked, Trick or treat? The
gravelly voice, repeated by Rodney, said and hung up the phone.
What did they want, Shelley asked. Rodney popped the teeth
out because they were starting to become quite uncomfortable, and
(07:50):
said didn't say. All he would say was trick or treat. Oh,
Shelley replied, I can't believe nobody stopped by yet. You
think the whole town went to Bruce's, Rodney asked, I'm
sure it'll pick up soon. I mean it's just past six,
(08:13):
just getting a late start this year, that's all, Shelley said.
The door chime came to life, and a woman neither
of them recognized, walked in, accompanied by a young girl
no older than twelve that they also did not recognize.
(08:34):
Shelley and Rodney looked at one another and shrugged. The
woman was dressed up as Dolly Parton, with a low
cut western shirt, denim skirt, and brown cowboy boots. Rodney
was happy to see that she also had something that
Dolly was quite famous for that wasn't a good singing voice.
(08:57):
The little girl was dressed as Ace Free from Kiss,
and the costume wasn't bad. Fact of business, It was remarkable.
The makeup pretty much matched the famous guitar player. Her
outfit was all black, a combination of spandex and sweats,
trimmed with some sort of silver material. The silver painted
(09:21):
boots on her feet and the toy white guitar strapped
to her back would win any costume contest in the valley.
Rodney fumbled to put in his teeth. Welcome to Valley video,
Shelley said, beating Rodney to the punch. He smiled as
drool dripped from his phony teeth. Hi, we're not from here,
(09:46):
but Lilah heard about your store from a friend of
hers yesterday and said we must come in. The woman said, Hi,
you must be Lilah, Shelley said, and smile at the
little girl. The girl nodded, smiled back, but didn't utter
a word. And you are, Shelley asked the woman. I'm Tina,
(10:12):
Lila's aunt and guardian. Guardian Shelley thought. She wondered if
the little girl's lack of voice had some sort of
trauma behind it. Rodney was smiling like an undead dope
as spittle ran through those teeth as he stared at
(10:33):
Tina's tatas well, you came to the right place, Lila.
Please help yourself to some candy from the pumpkin on
the table. It's Halloween, after all, we have a great
selection of scary flicks for the holiday, Shelley said. Ricky
would be proud of her salesmanship. Thank you, Lilah meekly replied,
(10:59):
letting her first since walking in escape her lips. You're welcome,
Shelley said, and seemingly right on cue, the silver shamrock
song blared from the television. What are you watching, Lila asked,
peering over the counter. It's not very good. We have
(11:21):
a lot of movies that are way better, Rodney said.
It's so good. It's Halloween three and if you want
to rent it, I'll start rewinding it for you. It's
the only copy we have that hasn't been checked out.
Shelley replied, Yes, please do that, Tina said, and continued,
(11:44):
Come on, Lila, let's see what else they've got. They
walked to the back wall that housed the horror section.
Take those teeth out, you look like an idiot, and
wipe off your shirt, Shelley said. Rodney spit them out
(12:05):
and simply smiled. Shelley and Rodney turned their attention to
the door, and a made up but familiar face was
grinning like you just ate a canary. What's up, freakazoids?
Guyton O'Hanlon shouted, what's up? My boy rad costume, Rodney said.
(12:30):
Guiton was dressed as the sworn enemy of what Rodney
was depicting. Guiton wore the garb of an impressively accurate
for Valley makeupchanthrope, more popularly known around the globe as
a werewolf. Shit that is good, your mama, do that,
(12:51):
Shelley asked.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
No.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
New chick that started at Bruce's last week. Her name
is Elena Marie and she ain't hard to look at,
even before a few frosty mugs. If you catch my drift.
Geiton said, okay, and why did she want to put
makeup on your gnarly face? Shelley asked, she was doing
(13:14):
it for a lot of folks. She says, that's what
she wants to do, horror makeup on movie sets. That's
what she said. How she's gonna get there from working
at Bruce's in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, that's beyond me.
So listen, I want to rent that Halloween three movie
everyone's been shitting on. Geiton said, sorry, just rented the
(13:38):
last copy we have. Shelley replied, with the tone of
not really being sorry. Yeah to the lady with the stacks.
Rodney whispered and nodded his head toward the horror section.
But he may as well have said it out loud,
because Rodney's whispers, much like himself, carried weight wowsa. Geyiton replied,
(14:02):
after he got an eyeful, Okay, boys, that's enough. We
have the other two Halloween movies, and I think there's
still a copy of Friday the Thirteenth Part two back there.
Shelley said, sorry, no, there's not. Tina said, as she
set a stack of three empty VHS cases onto the counter.
(14:25):
I believe that's four movies, counting the one you have
behind the counter, Tina said. Lilah was looking cautiously at
Guyton on the cusp of being fearful of his appearance.
His makeup was more intimidating than the goofy faced vampire
Rodney portrayed. Well. Hello, Dolly, Guyton said, in a very
(14:49):
poor Louis Armstrong impersonation, what's shaken? Wolfman? Jack? Tina said
he wouldn't want to give up one of those movies,
would you? I mean, are you really gonna watch four tonight?
If you let me have the Friday the thirteenth or Halloween,
I promise I'll meet you here tomorrow and give it
(15:11):
right back. I need something new to watch tonight, and
I've seen most of the other stuff they got back there,
and the stuff I haven't seen, well, I don't think
I want to see. If you catch my drift, Giton
said no was the answer, but Tina didn't say it.
It was Lila, and the fear that threatened to consume
(15:35):
her eyes quickly switched to anger. Now I don't think
I was talking to you, Ace, Geiton says in such
an acrid tone that Shelley wanted to reach across the
counter and slap him across the face. Rodney's mouth dropped.
(15:55):
If his teeth had been in, they would have fallen out.
Guess that's a no wolfman jack. Tina said, that'll be
eight dollars and twenty four cents. Shelley chimed in. Wait
a minute, Shelley, Geyon said, and held up a paw,
(16:16):
turning his attention back to Tina. Just know, huh, no negotiation,
I think not. It's Ace's show. I'm afraid, Tina said,
and winked at her niece. This time, Shelley picked up
the phone. Valley video how can I help you trick
(16:40):
or treat? The gravelly voice tickled Shelley's ear in the
most uncomfortable of ways. She held the phone away. Your
tricker treater is back, Shelley said to Rodney and hung
up the phone. Now, guys, play nice and go pick
(17:02):
out something else and stop harassing these nice people. Don't
make me call Ricky out of Bruce's I don't think
you want him coming down here. You get my drift,
Shelley said mockingly. A giggle came from Lila, and Tina's
eyes widened. As she successfully held back laughter. She apparently
(17:25):
just wanted to rent the movies for her niece and leave. Yeah,
I get your Geiden stopped mid word as the phone
rang once again. Shelley answered, Valley video, how can I
help you? Trick it is, the gravelly voice said, and
(17:51):
hung up. Before Shelley could do the same, two more
posts fell, Everyone froze, and the lights flickered, but stayed on.
The storm clouds released their bounty with a sudden violence.
(18:12):
Rain hammered the metal roof like it was a million
little monsters pounding on doors to get inside. The gravel
dirt parking lot was going to be a pond very
soon if this continued. Shit, we might be watching our
movies here and having candy for dinner. Tina said, I'm scared.
(18:38):
Lilah fretted, I'm sure it'll pass soon. They called for
scattered storms on Channel six, so fingers crossed. It's just
a pop up, Shelley said. Rain brought by the gusty wind,
(19:00):
flooded inside. With the open door. Ginger Grant and Bill
Haney stumbled in, with Billy busting his ass when he
tripped on the instantly water slicked floor Ginger immediately pushed
the door closed. Her once beautiful witch costume was a
(19:20):
sopping mess. Billy didn't look much like Batman. The pointy
ears were now floppy, and he looked more like a
water logged rat than the caped crusader. Oh shit, Geien said,
forgetting all about his little spat with Tina over videotapes
(19:43):
that seemed a lot less important in their current situation.
We are so sorry we got caught in it. We
were walking to Bruce's because Billy didn't want to drive
because of the alcohol and all, and then the bottom
just fell out. Ginger said, I'm glad you got inside.
(20:04):
It sounds brutal out there. You all can just ride
it out and hear I was just saying that it's
probably only a pop up, Ginger. Come with me to
the back. I've got something for you. Sorry, Billy. I
can bring you a towel, but that's about the best
I can do for you, Shelley said, and led Ginger
(20:26):
to the back office of the store. Damn it all
to hell, Billy said. He looked up and noticed Tina
and Lila for the first time. Oh hi, sorry, I
don't think i've seen you around. I would say, I'm Batman,
but I'm pretty sure his suit wouldn't fall apart in
(20:48):
the rain. I'm Billy, Yep, we heard, Glad you didn't drown.
My name's Tina and this is my niece, Lila. Lila
gave Billy a finger wave and a kurt smile. Billy
smiled back and tried not to stare at Tina's cleavage. Hey, Rodney,
(21:10):
Ricky got you working tonight. Huh, Billy asked, yeah, he
got us both working because he thought it might be busy.
Guess the jokes on him. Rodney replied, yeah, I guess, so,
Billy said. There was an awkward silence for a couple
of minutes until Ginger and Shelley returned. We're back. Shelley
(21:34):
was a life saver. Ginger announced she was nice and dry,
wearing an orange Midland Valley Mustang's T shirt along with
the matching sweatpants. Shelley left her gym bag in the
back office the other day, and she and Ginger were
close in size. Shelley tossed Billy the promised towel. No
(21:58):
fair the soke, Batman said jokingly and continued, I guess
I wouldn't fit in anything you would have in the back. Huh, Rodney, course,
if I did have something, I'd have plenty of cover
blanketed even Billy finished, ha ha. Rodney fake laughed and
(22:20):
flipped Billy the bird. I'm just glad I didn't take
the gym bag home. Everyone please help yourself to some candy.
I'm afraid we don't have anything more nutritious, but we
can gather around and watch a movie if you want,
until this whole nastiness passes, Shelley finished. Another thunderclap shook
(22:44):
the windows, but the remaining posters stayed in place. If
we watch one of ours, can we pick another to
replace it? Lila suddenly asked. Rodney began, of course, Shelley interrupted,
(23:05):
Halloween three is still in the player. You want me
to fire it up? No, Rodney said, shut up, Rodney.
Is everyone else good with that one? Yep, Geyen said.
Everyone else nodded yes, so Shelley pressed play. Auto tracking
(23:27):
was adjusting the image for maximum visual quality when another
boom shook the windows, much harder. This time. A couple
of video cases fell from their perches. A sizzling crack
of lightning struck incredibly close to the video store. The
(23:51):
lights went out immediately, and a smell that can only
be described as ozone or burning wires suddenly filled the store.
Lilah was the first one to break the immediate silence
as she coughed into her hand. Shelley lit the bick
she kept in her dress pocket. She wasn't a smoker,
(24:15):
but a lot of her friends were, and she liked
the feel of the lighter. Something that you may need
in a pinch, that was easy enough to have on
you at all times. Okay, we're okay. This shit is
no joke, Shelley said, and continued, I'll be right back, Rodney,
(24:37):
come with me. Ricky has some taper candles in the
back somewhere, a whole box of them that Darnell brought
in a couple of months ago for what. I have
no clue, but we need them now, so come and
help me. Everybody else. You're gonna be in the dark
for just a little bit. But light is on the way,
(24:57):
Shelley finished. She held bic in front of her as
Rodney followed closely behind. I I don't like this, Lilah said.
It's okay, It's just a bad storm. That's all. We're
safe and dry. We might need to rent a boat
to get out of here when it passes, but we'll
(25:19):
be fine. Tina assured her niece. Wonder if the power's
out at Bruce's, Billy asked, probably, I bet all of
Gloverville lost power with that last strike. Ginger said, well, look,
ye there, Geiton said, as Shelley and Rodney appeared from
(25:39):
the darkness of the back office, looking like monks holding
lit candles. All right, everybody gets one. Be careful of
the wax, though, Shelley said, as she lit them one
at a time and passed them to everyone. Rain pelted
the roof and slammed into the windows with bad intentions.
(26:02):
The wind picked up, and the metal roof sounded as
if it were a musical instrument being played expertly by
a supernatural force, threatening to peel it right off and
send it into the night sky. It would let the
torrent flood the store, destroying every film in its wake,
(26:23):
and leave people swimming for their cars. But for now,
the roof held shit, Geiton simply said as he pointed
to the bottom of the door as muddy water flooded
in under its gap. He was holding his candle above it.
(26:46):
I think we should leave, Lila said, no, We're safer
in here than out there. Tina replied. Every one was
holding their candles in front of them like swords to
avoid wax rolling down and dripping on their hands. Who
(27:09):
the hell would be out in this shit? Guyton asked.
He was closest to the door. It wasn't locked, so
he had no idea why they were knocking. He didn't
open it, but did yell come in if you need
to get out of that shit? But I ain't opening
(27:29):
the door. You chose trick. It was the same gravelly
voice that called earlier, and the source of that voice
was now right outside the door, caught in a fucking monsoon.
(27:50):
It got Shelley and Rodney's attention. Everyone else had a
look of okay, and I don't like it. Liah said,
it's okay, it's just someone being stupid. Tina said, just
(28:16):
come in already. Billy shouted, you chose trick, the gravelly
voice repeated. Billy the wet night suddenly felt an uncontrollable anger.
He should be at Bruce's pounding him back, but here
he was stuck in valley video with his date that
(28:40):
at the very least got to put on dry clothes.
And now some dickwad was banging at the door, shouting,
you chose trick. Billy didn't choose any of this shit.
He marched to the door and his feet sloshed in
the water, rushing in. Hey, jerk face, I got your
(29:02):
trick in here, Come on in and get it. Billy
jerked the door open. The sky lit up, and Billy
didn't see anyone. With the door still ajar, Billy turned
to face the others. Guess he didn't want to get wet.
(29:27):
Everyone stared wildly with their brains, not quite comprehending what
just happened, until Ginger's shrill scream filled the room. Billy's
body lay in front of the wide open door, and
his separated head was face down in the puddle on
(29:48):
the floor. Blood was spurting out of what was left
of Billy's neck. Rodney picked up the phone and just
like the power, it was dead. You got a gun
behind that counter, Geyton asked, Nope, Rodney answered. Ginger was
(30:10):
shaking hysterically, trying hard to gain some sort of composure.
We need to get out of here, right fucking now.
Tina said, I I'm not going near that door. Lilah
moaned me either, not without some kind of weapon. Geiden said,
(30:31):
a bat. Ricky keeps a big ass aluminum bat in
the office. Shelley said, well, go fucking get it. Guiton commanded.
His attention was on the still open front door. Aunt, Tina,
we need to find a way out of here, Lilah whispered,
(30:52):
loud enough for others to hear. She was shivering, seeming
completely consumed with and she still wasn't going near the
front door. Shelley emerged from the back with a shiny
black and red bat that looked as if it had
never struck a baseball. Now we're talking, give it, Geydon said,
(31:18):
holding out his fake fur covered hand. Whoever this Elena was,
she paid attention to detail when it came to Halloween makeup.
I don't know what if he takes it away from
you were or chops your head off too, Shelley questioned,
as she held the bat close to her chest. I
(31:40):
ain't staying in this video store with a killer waiting
to pick us off one at a time. If you
want some, he can come get some. Now, hand it over.
Geiiton said confidently, wolfman Jack means business. Tina said, Lilah
poked her on the arm. She he loved Aunt Tina's
(32:01):
sarcastic wit, but now was not the time, Not with
a headless man lying in front of the door and
all Shelley reluctantly handed the bat to Geiton. They were
all shit out of luck, especially with the phone still
being out of order. Geyiton held the bat like he
(32:22):
held many others in his lifetime, being an avid rec
league baseball kid growing up and continuing on the Midland
Valley High baseball team. Point was he knew the proper
way to hold a bat to get maximum swing. If
whoever decided to remove Billy's head from his body were
(32:44):
still out there, he was going to find out right
quick why pitchers feared the Gloverville ball crusher. Rodney, get
on that side of the door, Guyton said, as he
motioned Rodney to move to the right of the opening.
Don't worry, you can stay arm's length away. I just
(33:07):
need you to provide a little bit of light. Rodney
walked cautiously toward the door, holding the candle in front
of him, careful not to let it get too close
to the rain, still cascading in on its sideways arc
Good good, stop there, Geiden said. Shelley, Lilah, Ginger, and
(33:32):
Tina stood shoulder to shoulder nervously watching. Geiden began walking
slowly toward the door. He could feel the first mist
touch his nose. He was about seven feet from the door.
Rodney was the shakiest vampire ever known to man. His
(33:56):
real teeth were chattering inside his head, and his black
suddenly felt like a balloon that was one breath away
from exploding. Guyton grinned as he got closer. Stepping around
Billie's carcass, he could hear footsteps quickly approaching outside. I
(34:18):
got you, you, son of a bitch. Guiton whispered. He
was just inside the door opening and he was getting drenched,
but he kept the grip on the bat. The footsteps
barreled toward the door. Guiton raised the bat. Guiden no,
(34:40):
Shelley screamed, but it was too late. He swung the
bat with the force that gave him his ball crusher Moniker,
and it found pay dirt. The sickening crack of bone
ag against the bat sent painful vibrations up his forearms.
(35:06):
It was a vastly different sensation than hitting a baseball. Solid.
The man fell to his knees, half of his body
in the store and the other half still outside. Guiton
smiled until he realized who the man was. Ricky. Shelley screamed.
(35:31):
He was gurgling blood, the left side of his head
was caved in, and his left eye was dangling out
of its socket. Oh shit, oh shit. Guiton set the
bat down and turned his back to the door as
he knelt to see if there was anything he could
(35:51):
do to help Ricky. The blade came down on the
center of Geiton's noggin like a hot knife through button.
His eyes blinked rapidly as his face split in half.
Brain matter oozed from his skull when he hit the floor.
(36:11):
No silver bullets needed for this Werewolf Rodney took off.
He ran straight to the back office, slamming the door
behind him, while Shelley, Lilah Ginger, and Tina screamed, bloody murder.
Billy was dead, Ricky was dead, Guiton was dead. Who
(36:35):
was going to be next? Shelley desperately wanted to grab
the dropped bat. She instantly regretted handing it over to Geiton.
If she hadn't, Ricky would be there with them, he
would have known what to do. Even leaning over to
pick it up would be a risk that she wasn't
(36:57):
willing to take. Lilah tugged on Tina's arm. Come on,
Lilah said. Rodney locked himself in the back office. Shelley
grabbed Ginger by the hand and followed behind Lilah and Tina.
They walked to the back office. Shelley turned the knob.
(37:20):
Rodney opened the fucking door, and let us in? Is
he out there? Rodney asked, No, let us in, or
we're going to bust it down, Shelley threatened. The lights
flickered for just a moment, giving them all in ever
so brief false sense of hope before they went right
(37:42):
back out. It was a good sign. It meant See
and g were at least working on it. Rodney stood
from behind Ricky's desk, still holding his candle. He walked
stiffly to the office door. Another zap of lightning sent
(38:04):
a fresh wave of ozone into the air. Rodney heard
Lilah cough as he turned the knob. Shelley pulled the
door open, Rodney fell forward and hit the floor with
the sound of a wet dish rag. His guts splayed
(38:25):
out from the sides of his ample belly. He's in there, run,
Shelley screamed. The women turned almost in unison. Ginger and
Shelley took the lead. Tina and Lila were using a
little more caution. No one came rushing out of the office,
but Rodney was lying there deader than shit. The sound
(38:50):
of shattering glass from the small window above the filing
cabinet in Ricky's office filled the store, and Tina heard it,
so they stopped. Ginger and Shelley did not. Ginger was
the first to the door. There was no stopping her.
(39:12):
She leapt over Billy's body, almost slipping in the mix
of blood and water, and she skirted around Geiton, avoiding
the clumps of brain, and stepped over Ricky. Shelley was
right behind her, but stopped suddenly, as if she just
hit an invisible brick wall. The blade hit Ginger in
(39:38):
the left temple and escaped out the right temple before
it was pulled back through with lethal precision. Ginger gasped
and blinked. The wires in her brain were severed. She
felt no pain as she dropped to her knees, mouth
(39:59):
puckering like a fish out of water. Before her eyes
locked on the forever stare, she slumped over on the
welcome mat to the video store. Shelley's adrenaline and self
preservation instinct kicked into high gear as she bolted out
the door, ducking her head as she turned to the right.
(40:22):
The blade still came, but all it got was the
blessed oversized wig her aunt had made for her. The
rain was as heavy as it ever was. There was
a party at Bruce's, or at least there would be
people there waiting for the return of power. It was
just down the street. Gloverville was so fucking dark, with
(40:46):
nary a street light on. Shelley was passing Oak Street
and she could hear a dog barking somewhere down the
murky road. The rain washed makeup into her eyes, making
the stinging. Why didn't she hear Lila and Ginger behind her?
Had he killed them? Even though Shelley was running for survival,
(41:10):
A wave of guilt hit her and she stopped. She
shouldn't have stopped. He grabbed her by the back of
her long brown hair that was now freed from the wig,
and jerked Shelly to the ground. The wind was knocked
from her lungs, and the man pulling her was very short,
(41:32):
not much bigger than a child. He drug her painfully
across the jagged street. Shelley's dress was ripping, as was
the flesh on her back and shoulders. Valley Videos parking
lot was nothing more than a mud pond now, and
the water on the torn flesh of her back was cold.
(41:56):
Shelley found her voice. Please stop. Please. The man pulled
Shelley over the bodies in their path and slammed her
head against the floor. Shelley was concussed, but still conscious.
She pushed up, trying to stand. Did you kill them two?
(42:20):
Shelley asked. There was a giggle from the horror section.
Who's there, Shelley demanded, It's just Ace and Dolly. Lila's
voice said, run get out of here. He'll kill you both.
(42:40):
Oh no, he won't. Tina's voice said, what Shelley asked?
You chose trick, the gravelly voice whispered in Shelley's ear.
(43:01):
Shelley was gone, Lila, get your brother, It's time to go.
Don't forget our movies, Lila said. Oh yeah, good catch.
Tina replied, Charlie, come on, it's my turn next year.
(43:21):
Remember that, Lila chided, You did so good, Charlie, Tina
said as she pulled her nephew's bald head into her bosom.
The scales on his face felt sand papery, but Tina
didn't mind. His ninja outfit held up quite well in
(43:44):
the chaos. She was so proud of both of them.
Lila was becoming a great actress. They were just a
trio of psychopaths having fun on Halloween. Life couldn't get
much better. The rain suddenly stopped. Charlie held the sword
(44:09):
in one hand and took his sisters with the other.
They left the store. It would be a new town
next year. Would they choose trick or treat? And that
(44:29):
My Spookies was deadly rental a Valley Halloween tale by
our good buddy Charles Campbell. Make sure to check out
his podcast Horror four twenty one on your favorite podcasting app.
But the horror doesn't stop there. Tomorrow, something dark and
(44:50):
urban is buzzing into the feed. We'll be diving deep
into Candy Man from nineteen ninety two on a brand
new episode of cutting Deep in to Horror, exploring the legend,
the fear, and why saying his name might be the
worst mistake you ever may so don't miss it. One
(45:10):
night of Terror leads right into the next, and on
Monday we have a very special episode of Terrifying and
True you will not want to miss. So make sure
you're subscribed on your favorite podcasting apps. Trust me you'll
want to And while you're there, why not leave us
a five star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It
really helps the show out. You can also head to
(45:32):
Weeklyspooky dot com slash join, where for as little as
one dollar a month you get two bonus shows every
month and over five years of exclusive audio books and
creepy pastas. And speaking of I want to say an
extra special thank you to our Patreon podcast boosters, folks
who pay just a little bit more to hear their
names at the end of the show. And they are
(45:52):
Johnny Nicks, Kate and Lulu, Jessica Fuller, Mike Eskewey, Jenny Green,
Amber Hansford, Karen we Met, Jack Kerr, and Craig Cohen.
Thank you all so very much. For your support at
Weeklyspooky dot com slash Join. Now is the best time
to join over ninety other spookies and get cool stuff.
But now it's time for me to get back to
(46:13):
work so I can sneak off and see the brand
new Black Phone part two. So for myself, for my
executive producers Rob Fields and Bobbletopia dot Com, my producer
Dan Wilder, and of course my creepy composer Ray Mattis,
I'll be talking at you tomorrow all about Candyman. Candyman,
(46:34):
thank you for listening.
Speaker 2 (46:35):
We make sure to find your way back next week week,
but for now you are safe, trust me.
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