Chapter 1
Clark Graham was your very ordinary man.
He had a stable job as a radio host, he wasnt all to impresive, he didnt even have wife or kids.
But what he did have was his show.
"Goodnight and Goodmorning, welcome back to Clark talks tonight. You can ring me up any time at 555-777-32 for a chat if your up and lonely. Until then lets play some music on KY44 the radio station for you."
This was routine for Clark. Play music, maybe someone bored calls up which 90% of the time was a prank call.
He liked it, loved it even. He didnt have anyone bothering him. All the day time people had left and it was only him and his thoughts in that radio tower.
Its important to note, clark lived in a small Oregon town called Dennis Valley. It was a lake side town, acres and acres of pine swept and danced upon the hills he called home.
Clark grew up here his whole life, he went to the Dennis valley kindergarten, elementary school and highschool. His vacations and holidays were spent on the lake or a forrest cabin his family owned a long time ago.
It was boring but perfect. So perfect Clark wouldnt dare change a thing.
The radio tower was installed in the late 60s which by now in 2004 was very long ago, so long Clark didnt even cease to exsist.
Coconut by Harry Nilsson was playing as Clark was reclined in his seat. Whenever he got a call it was usual to turn down the music and take it, which on this night he did.
Ring Ring... Ring Ring
"Hello this is clark talks tonight, clark speaking"
"Uhh... hey Clark its ben"
This piqued Clarks interest, people who actually knew him outside of the radio never called in on the shows
"Oh, hi Ben what can i do you for on this fine evening?"
The facade of the radio show host momentarily slipped
"Well... could you look out the windows, i know the radio station is on a hill. Maybe you'll see it better"
"Um... Ben im a bit confused by your request"
Clark looked around, the curtains were already open and he could see the windows throught the glass of the booth he was in.
He didnt see anything then what he usually did. Nightime sky, bushes and the forrest
"Im not seeing anything Ben"
A pause, an almost pin drop pause that made the liquid in Clarks stomach churn as he awaited an answer.
"Nevermind then" Ben states, panic on the edge of his voice and
Clink
the line hangs up abruptly
"Well folks of those who are listening im sure it was just another prank call. Lines always open"
Clark turned up the radio nearing the end of the song playing previously.
Clark set down his headphones betting on the rare calls he got. And walked towards the glass of the booth he was in.
The radio station was situated on a hill just outside of town, witht he radio tower with its blinking red light to the left of the station. It was an almost cabin like feel to it, wood panelling and funky carpets, definitely a product of its time.
Clark still didnt see anything, he knew Ben wouldnt just call in. Ben was Clarks neighbour, they grew up together in highschool. Something wasnt right.
Ring Ring... Ring Ring
Clark rushed to his headphones
"Hello this is Clark talks tonight, Clark speaking"
Heavy breathing coursed throughout the telephone line, making the nerve endings in Clarks ear prickle.
"Hello anyone there? Your on Clark talks toni-"
A deafening screeching could be heard and Clark quickly hung up the phone. But it left his head pounding and his brain reverberated inside his skull like a tumbleweed in a desert storm
"Sorry about that folks, another prank call. You know the rule only 5 strikes a night and i turn off the phone. We are gonna take a little break now, enjoy some tunes"
Clark turned up the music for the listeners and dropped the headphones.
He staggered out of the recording booth and down the hall to the employees lounge to get some aspirin.
Only 30 minutes in and already 2 prank calls.
If only that was it.
