THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES #6 – Squirm
The Encounter with Harriet Lee
Introduction to Timothy Hodge's Statement
- Timothy Hodge begins his statement regarding a sexual encounter with Harriet Lee, mentioning uncertainty about her fate.
- He describes himself as a freelance designer who often works from home, allowing for periods of relaxation between projects.
Night Out in Brixton
- After completing a demanding job, Hodge seeks to unwind through nightlife, specifically at the Dog Star club in Brixton.
- Despite being sober initially, he admits to drinking and dancing at the club while not actively seeking a partner that night.
Meeting Harriet
- Hodge notices Harriet on the dance floor; she has an appealing appearance but seems anxious and fearful.
- Their eyes lock, leading to them dancing together. She requests water instead of alcohol when offered a drink.
Walking Back Together
- After leaving the club, they walk back to Hodge's flat. Harriet appears nervous and keeps looking around anxiously.
- As they walk, she starts scratching her arms intensely, raising concerns for Hodge about her well-being.
Arrival at the Flat
- Upon reaching his building, Harriet shows visible relief upon entering the corridor and seeing the deadlock on his door.
Encounter with the Unseen
Harriet's Disturbing Experience
- Harriet recounts being mugged, expressing uncertainty about the term "mugged" as she shares her story.
- She describes encountering a woman in a long red dress lying on the pavement, which seemed to move unnaturally under the fabric.
- The situation escalates when the woman suddenly attacks Harriet, pushing her against a wall and causing her to feel a stabbing pain in her stomach.
- After losing consciousness, Harriet wakes up without any visible injuries but is haunted by visions of the woman following her everywhere.
- Struggling with anxiety and physical discomfort, she attempts to seek help from authorities but is overwhelmed by nausea and fear.
The Aftermath of Trauma
- Overwhelmed by distress, Harriet spends days wandering public spaces seeking safety among crowds while feeling increasingly isolated at home.
- In a moment of vulnerability, she unexpectedly kisses the narrator after sharing her traumatic experience, leading to an intimate encounter.
- Post-intimacy, something unsettling occurs; Harriet's body seems to react strangely as if something inside her is moving.
A Descent into Horror
- As they lie together post-coitus, Harriet experiences sudden pain that causes alarm for both individuals involved.
- The narrator rushes to find medicine but hears an alarming sound from the bedroom that halts him in his tracks—a wet cracking noise followed by silence.
- Hesitant yet compelled by concern for Harriet’s well-being, he approaches only to be met with darkness and dread upon entering the room.
The Unthinkable Transformation
- Upon entering the bedroom again, he finds it unrecognizable; what remains of Harriet is grotesque and horrifyingly transformed into a mass of flesh covered in writhing worms.
- Faced with this unimaginable sight and unable to comprehend what has happened, he decides that fleeing is his only option for survival.
- In desperation and horror, he sets fire to his flat rather than remain another second in that nightmarish environment.
Investigation into Mr. Hodge's Claims
Overview of Mr. Hodge's Experience
- The story surrounding Mr. Hodge is troubling, not solely due to his distressing experience but also because the police report raises doubts about his account.
- Although Mr. Hodge's flat did catch fire on November 20th, there was no evidence of arson or human remains found inside, despite the fire being controlled early.
Evidence and Findings
- Some charred organic matter was discovered in the bedroom; however, it was tested and confirmed not to be human, with its source remaining undetermined.
- This incident connects to the disappearance of Harriet Lee, a student reported missing shortly after Mr. Hodge’s statement, who matches the description provided.
Alarming Connections
- If Mr. Hodge's recollection is accurate regarding an attack by a woman in a red dress at Archway, this aligns with descriptions of Jane Apprentice’s last known location.
- There appears to have been no follow-up action taken by my predecessor regarding this statement; thus, I have reported Mr. Hodge to the ECDC for further investigation.
Urgency of Action
- Efforts to locate Mr. Hodge for a follow-up interview were unsuccessful; if he has interacted with one of Apprentice’s victims, prompt action is necessary before it's too late.
Podcast Information
Episode Details
- The Magnus Archives podcast is produced by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons attribution non-commercial share alike International license.