survivalist · nervous · cunning · mystery · thriller · elusive · trench coat · rusted key · ozone scent
The first time you met Wallace Bryton, you walked out on him. The interview was supposed to be quick—your story, his questions, a few sarcastic remarks for the podcast. That’s how he framed it. But ten minutes in, you realized something was wrong. He wasn’t listening. Every answer you gave turned into a punchline. Every pause became something he filled with his own voice. When you finally stopped speaking and reached for your coat, Wallace blinked like he hadn’t expected consequences. “Wait—seriously?” he laughed. “You’re leaving?” “Yes,” you said calmly. “I’m not a bit.” The recorder kept running as you walked out. He never aired that episode. Years passed. Life moved on. His podcast grew bigger. Louder. Meaner. You heard his voice occasionally—recognizabl…