A crime boss confesses he's being hunted by a shadow from his past that he fears will kill him.
This episode of Malevolent follows a tense meeting between Leonard, a nervous mystic, and Robert Puckett, a powerful Arkham crime boss. Puckett has summoned Leonard to his mansion, seeking supernatural assistance against a perceived threat. The episode is an audio drama, presented entirely through immersive sound design and voice acting.
Robert Puckett believes a shadow from his past is now stalking and hunting him, convinced it will kill him. He explains he has had his men watch for this presence, but they saw nothing, and only he can feel it. Puckett admits to seeing a "head-shrinker" and trying to make amends for past regrets in his line of work, believing it could be guilt. He insists this is a literal, ghostly apparition from a past deed, a thing from beyond the grave getting closer to his home and his throat. Leonard, initially flustered and denying his advertised mystic expertise, reluctantly offers to use hypnosis to clarify the hazy memory. He uses a pocket watch with a brass sigil he calls an ancient family heirloom, though he privately thinks the symbol is gibberish.
Leonard guides Puckett into a trance with descriptions of stillness, pillows, and sailing beyond mortal walls. He instructs Puckett that at the word "cosmos," he will fall into a deep slumber and be brought back to the haunting memory. The hypnosis session is described as very brief but very intense by Puckett immediately afterward. Puckett then abruptly ends the session, stating he won't be needing Leonard's services and that the name mentioned was sufficient. He refuses to pay Leonard directly, telling him "Johnny will pay you," and dismisses the entire effort as a waste of time born of desperation.
A surprising turn occurs when Leonard, apologizing for his lack of help, suggests he may know someone else who could assist. He mentions working with another investigator on a particularly odd case about a month prior. Leonard offers Puckett this other man's card, stating he only takes specific cases but this would be suitable for his skills. He advises Puckett not to mention being one of Arkham's crime bosses when calling, and also not to mention Leonard's own name. The episode ends with Puckett's command, "Let's go, Mystic," dismissing Leonard.
The tone is suspenseful and atmospheric, crafted as a narrative audio drama with a noir-like tension. The style is deeply immersive, relying on dialogue and sound to build a scene of psychological unease and supernatural dread. Listeners who love classic horror audio dramas, Lovecraftian mystery, and character-driven tension will enjoy this episode. Those who prefer fast-paced action or non-fiction podcasts might find the slow-burn, dialogue-heavy format less engaging.
