A hidden message. A white whale. A pocket watch that changes everything.

Story created by Melody Herr  

With Special Guest star Rushi Kota as SHERIFF ACHAK

And Co-Starring: 

Georgia Bridgers as IDA McINTYRE 

Jeanne Taylor as MOLLY

Omari Williams as BRETT

Andrea Grano as Sheriff Hernandez

Georgia Bridgers as Ida McIntyre

TRANSCRIPT: 

Speaker A:

And move. You don't want to do this, Cam.

You don't know anything about what I really want to do.

Speaker B:

I got a few ideas, actually.

Speaker A:

Toss your keys to the side. Do it.

You killed Gregory.

Yeah, I did. You're smiling about this?

I didn't think you'd be the one to figure it out. Guess Riley likes you for your brains, too. Why? What did he do to you? A better question is, what didn't he do?

He had a good father, Josh. Strong, hard-working. It's a shame you're nothing like him.

Speaker B:

Everything's been falling apart since you came to town: Gregory, the farm, the animals, the Bill Hook, Harrison.

Speaker A:

I call it falling into place.

Speaker B:

Riley's gonna know what you did.

Speaker A:

You're gonna pay. Yeah? How's that?

Josh, Riley knows I'm here. I beg to differ. No, no, I told her right before.

You're lucky I need you alive, Josh. Consider this an act of mercy.

Speaker C:

You're listening to the Farm, A Little Fish Entertainment and Honeydew Studios Production. This is episode eight. What doesn't kill you maims you.

Dust on the floor and dreams in the train. Another night talking to the rain.

Speaker B:

You are a mess.

Speaker C:

And you're a dick. Let me go.

Speaker B:

Well, I can't let you drive.

Speaker C:

First of all, I can sleep in the back of the car.

But secondly, what are you gonna do, take my keys?

Speaker B:

Dude, I don't want to wrestle you.

Speaker C:

Brett, move.

Speaker B:

I'm not letting you near that car. It is too much of a risk.

Speaker C:

Fine. Screw it. I'm walking home.

Speaker B:

Riley. Seriously?

Riley. God, you suck when you're drunk.

Speaker C:

I knew I wasn't okay, but that didn't mean I needed a babysitter. Especially not Barrett. Playing the nice guy while trying to steal my promotion. I used to think I could count on people, but these days, I don't even trust my own instincts, let alone anyone else's.

What a jerk. Oh, and speaking of jerks.

Speaker B:

Hey, Riley, it's Josh. Please call me back when you get the chance. I promise you, what you saw today, it's not what you think.

I care about you. And us. It could be us too much to betray you. Riley, call me.

Speaker A:

Please.

Speaker C:

I don't know what to believe.

Speaker D:

Josh.

Speaker E:

Riley. What on earth are you doing out here so late?

Speaker C:

Oh, I was just walking home.

Speaker E:

You're as drunk as a skunk.

Get inside. You can sleep on the cot in the back and rest up till morning.

Speaker C:

But I really should head home. Like, really.

Speaker E:

And your father would damn near rise out of the grave if I let you walk alone at night.

So get inside, young lady. Get in there.

Move it.

Speaker C:

Okay, okay, okay, Mrs. Molly.

Speaker A:

Leave.

Speaker B:

98.3Fm before we dive into the forecast this morning and beyond. I want to put it off, actually, as long as I. I can, because it's not good news. Just make sure you have umbrellas. We'll get to that momentarily. Batavia police have finally released more details on the recent death of longtime resident Gregory Whitman, whose real name we now know to be Gregory Edward Hawthorne.

Our very own D. James has the latest coming up from the newsroom, and she'll have more updates for details on that new release.

Speaker A:

Oh, not so fast, pretty boy. You don't want to tire yourself out. You're not going anywhere.

How are my rope tying skills? You want to give me a little wiggle? That'll do. Tight as a whistle. I guess there are good parts to being an ex boy Scout, huh?

Oh, I hope you don't mind that I took your phone. Now let's see who's gone. Oh, looks like they're missing you at work, Joshy. Don't worry. Your job is the last thing you need to worry about.

Not like BFC to grow back.

Okay, I'm going to take off your gag now, but if you decide to scream like a girl, I'll pop you right here and make up a wonderful little story about how you just couldn't handle Riley rejecting you after all this time and blew your brains out with your own gun. Deal. Mm.

That tastes like shit. Well, blood and manure stained ropes don't mix, do they?

Speaker B:

Why are you doing this to me?

Speaker A:

To Riley?

You really want to know, Josh?

All right.

Do you know what it's like to be a fuck up, Josh? Huh? Like a genuine, real fuck up? From the first day you were born, you were just wrong. Conceived out of a dirty little secret.

Raised like a special little problem. You're either never enough or entirely too much. Do you know what that's like?

Speaker B:

I didn't realize this would be a therapy session.

Speaker A:

Try again.

No, I don't know what that's like. It's terrible. It's fucking terrible. It's lonely. It's the feeling of being marked before you even know who you are or what you're capable of.

Doesn't matter how much you want to be good or what you want to give to the world. All anyone ever sees when they look at you is a fuck up. I know you don't know what that's like. I know Riley doesn't either. But if things had just gone Right in my life, the way I deserved.

Then this whole place would be mine. No dead animals, no rotten milk, no piling bills. So once you take the fall, thanks to this, a bill hook. Along with a few other strange coincidences. Like your obsession with Riley, you skirting around the farm, you're skirting around Riley.

Leave her out of this. And this farm will be mine, like it always should have been. You're crazy.

Help. Help.

Speaker E:

Shut up.

Speaker A:

I warned you.

Now you can enjoy another long nap as I add your prints to this lovely little murder weapon and drop it off at the station.

Speaker C:

Oh.

Speaker A:

There you go. Thanks, genius.

Sleep tight.

Speaker E:

Riley, dear, you awake? It's almost seven.

Speaker C:

Oh, Jesus Christ. My head.

Speaker E:

Language, sweetheart.

Speaker C:

God. Who are you?

My dad?

Sorry. Bad headache.

Speaker E:

I figured. I brought you coffee and painkillers. Didn't want you driving with a bad head on your shoulders.

Speaker C:

Oh, thank you, Molly.

Mmm. Geez, what'd I do without you?

Speaker E:

Stumble home like a drunkard?

That ain't like you, sweetheart.

Speaker C:

To be fair, it was a really rough day.

Speaker E:

You had a really rough few weeks, actually. But I don't want that to mean you put yourself in harm's way. Your father would never forgive me if I let you get caught up.

Speaker C:

I know, Mal. I'm sorry.

Speaker E:

It's all right, baby girl. Oh, you stink like a skunk too. No, really, like beer, whiskey and whatever else lives in the yeti.

You best head home to clean up. I'm opening the diner soon.

Speaker C:

You usually open at 6.

Speaker E:

I wanted to give you some time to sleep in.

Speaker C:

God, I really don't deserve you.

Speaker E:

Yes, you do, baby. Now, I left some of yesterday's pastries up at the front. Take them home for you and Cam.

Consider it breakfast.

Speaker C:

Do I have to?

Speaker E:

There's nothing wrong with a food girl.

Speaker C:

No, no, no. I mean, do I have to head back to the farm?

Speaker E:

Everyone's gotta face the music eventually, dear.

Speaker C:

I know.

Can I get a second coffee to go?

Speaker E:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

The only thing worse than my hangover was facing the music back at the farm. But I needed answers. And Cam was the only one who might actually give me some late night something like that.

Speaker A:

Coffee? Oh, thanks.

Speaker C:

Oy, buster. Hope you didn't miss me too much. Hey, no tugging. You're no better, boy. What's gotten into him?

Speaker A:

Not a clue. He probably just needs some ball catching. I wouldn't worry.

Excuse my French, but you look like shit, Riley. Is this cause of Josh?

Speaker C:

He didn't come by, did he?

Speaker A:

You know, I'll answer your question when you answer mine.

Speaker C:

I Saw him talking to my co worker Brett, over at BFC yesterday. Don't say I told you so.

Speaker A:

So you think they're plotting about the.

Speaker C:

I think Josh hasn't been entirely honest about his intentions.

Speaker A:

Oh, well, I'm sorry, Riley, but that ain't right.

Not at all.

And Josh ain't been by the farm, by the way. It was a quiet night.

Speaker C:

Good. I'm glad.

Speaker A:

Are you?

Who is that?

Speaker C:

No, you gotta be kidding me.

Speaker A:

Morning, ma'.

Speaker C:

Am.

Speaker A:

How can I help you?

Speaker F:

Nice to see you again, Ms. Whittaker.

Speaker C:

Yeah, you, too. What brought you over here?

Speaker F:

I looked into what we talked about and noticed we've gotten a few anonymous reports about issues with runoff. I'm here to follow up and test the local soil.

Speaker C:

I told you, we don't use any heavy chemicals.

Speaker F:

I believe you, but I am still required to do the test. Can you direct me to a local water source?

Speaker A:

If you head right past those gates, it'll lead you to the canal.

Speaker F:

Thank you.

Speaker A:

Oh, whoa. Don't crush your coffee cup to death. Why don't you head inside to clean up and get some breakfast? I'll give you a shower to. She's finished.

Speaker C:

Yeah, sure. Thanks, Cam.

Hey, Josh, it's Riley. I got your voicemail. I'm really confused. I won't lie. But if you want to talk about things, just call me back, okay?

I. I'll talk to you soon.

God, Riley, you really suck at this.

Speaker A:

What's that you're doing?

Speaker F:

For the love of God. You scared the crap out of me.

Speaker A:

My apologies.

Speaker F:

You've never seen a PH test done before?

Speaker A:

No, ma'. Am. I didn't grow up watching this sort of business.

Speaker F:

So I take about a half cup worth of soil and add an equal amount of distilled water. We stir the mixture until it's a mixed stew. Then we run the mixture through a filter and apply a PH strip to see its levels.

Speaker A:

And what do the levels show?

Speaker C:

All good things, I hope.

Speaker F:

Just in time, Ms. Whitaker.

Speaker C:

Hmm.

Speaker A:

Is that high pH?

Speaker F:

Low, actually. Which is? Acidic.

A potential symptom of chemical runoff.

Speaker C:

There's no way we're contaminated. We've been doing everything right.

Speaker F:

Regardless, I'm sending the sample off to the labs for further analysis. Once we identify the contaminant on your land, we'll know how to proceed.

Until then, I need all production halted and a thorough health assessment for all farm animals. Potential poisoning isn't something we can take lightly.

Speaker C:

Just as we were nearing the end of the moratorium. You can't be serious.

Speaker F:

Dead serious.

Until your farm passes all necessary evaluations, it remains closed for business.

Speaker D:

Hey, watch it, cadets. I'm on the phone here.

Speaker C:

Sorry. Sorry, Sheriff.

Speaker D:

Sorry about that, Sheriff.

Aek, continue.

Speaker A:

It's all right. I was just confirming that's all you know about him?

Speaker D:

Just about. Listen, he was a simple man.

Guy had a clean record when he worked over at our elementary school about 20 years ago. Not much else I can tell you.

Speaker A:

We're just trying to understand why such an ordinary man would be the victim of such a horrific crime.

Speaker D:

I hear you. I've been asking the same question lately.

How bad is the body?

Speaker A:

Yeah, I'm bad enough that even the media don't want a picture.

Speaker D:

And you don't have any clue what the murder weapon could be.

Speaker A:

It could be a goddamn wolverine from the looks of it. Waiting on forensics to get back to us with the something.

But we haven't gotten a clue. And the goddamn tip line has been nothing to write home about.

Speaker D:

Okay, I. I will swing by the school. They got a janitor who's been working there Damn near for 30 years. I'll see if there's something we're missing about this.

Gregory.

Speaker A:

Thank you, Sheriff.

Speaker D:

What the.

Speaker C:

Are you.

Speaker D:

There's a damn farm tool stuck up in my tire.

Speaker A:

You drive over those often?

Speaker D:

Well, that's the thing. I haven't been on the road today. Someone stuck this here for me.

Speaker C:

Come on, Stella, pick up. Pick up. It is the day of friggin voicemails. Hi there. You've reached the voicemail of Stella Atwater.

Speaker A:

I can't get.

Speaker B:

Hey, Riles.

Speaker C:

Brett. You're back in the city.

Speaker B:

Already caught an early train back.

Saw your call come through the system. Pretty sure Stella's out to lunch.

Speaker E:

Right.

Speaker C:

Well, hey, even though you ditched me outside the bar.

Speaker B:

Have you met your.

When you're drunk.

Speaker C:

Okay, fair. I need you to have Stella call me.

Speaker B:

Riley, I'm not sure that change anything.

Speaker C:

What are you talking about?

Speaker B:

Haven't you heard the news?

Speaker C:

Brett, I don't need any more news unless it's good news.

Speaker B:

Sorry. Stella got the promotion.

Speaker C:

What? How does a junior architect get promoted before the senior?

Speaker B:

Short answer. She's been putting in double the hours since you had to head upstate. Long answer. I'm pretty sure she's the one who sabotaged your paperwork back this summer. I mean, I'm no conspiracy theorist, but she's the only one who would have had access to it.

And you trusted her a fair bit. If you had trusted me.

Speaker C:

I get it, Brett.

Speaker B:

I'm Sorry, Riles.

Speaker C:

Everything is falling apart.

Speaker B:

You've still got a job. That's not in doubt. You've got your life down here. No matter what happens on the farm, we're rooting for you.

Speaker C:

I'll talk to you later, Brett. Buster, now is really not the time. Stop. I don't feel like playing. Would you stop nosing my leg to death?

Come on.

Fine. Let's go for a walk, bud. A real long walk. Burn off some of that anxiety of yours, huh? And my anxiety too.

So Stella got the promotion. Stella? Another person I thought hath my back. And somehow Brett's out here playing the hero.

Guess he really did just want to land the BFC account. God, I thought I had everything figured out. Turns out the only one I could count on had four legs and little crooked t.

Speaker A:

God, the mail never gets more interesting. Newsletter Newsletter ad check enclosed.

Riley, you there?

Your insurance claim has been approved. Enclosed is the lifetime payment check totaling the amount.

Well, God almighty.

Speaker C:

Oh, hey, Cam.

Speaker A:

Ah, hey, boss. Just bring it in the mail. No more bad news, thankfully.

Speaker C:

Oh, that's good.

You want coffee?

Speaker A:

Not feeling any better?

Speaker C:

Not at all.

Speaker A:

Maybe talking about it would help.

Speaker C:

I mean, how many times have we done that already?

It just makes things worse. Talking doesn't change the fact that this farm is falling apart. I can't reach Josh. I'm about to sell this farm to the one place my dad hated more than anything. My assistant stole my friggin promotion.

Ever since dad died, I just keep fucking up.

Speaker A:

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You're trying your best.

Speaker C:

It's not enough.

Speaker E:

Okay?

Speaker C:

I'm not enough.

Speaker A:

Hey, hey.

Speaker C:

I can't do it anymore.

Speaker A:

That's all right.

Speaker C:

I'm not my dad.

Speaker D:

I know.

Speaker C:

I can't act like I am.

I'm not even sure I want to be. I left this place for a reason. It's a great place. But it's not me. It's not for me.

Speaker A:

I know. And that's all right, Riley. Really. You did your father proud.

Speaker C:

Even if I just want to go home.

And that home is the city.

Speaker A:

Look, how about I clean up this mess and you head up and get some rest?

Speaker C:

I don't know, Cam.

Speaker A:

Okay, correction. I am going to clean this up and you are going to go upstairs and rest.

Speaker C:

Really?

Speaker A:

Yes. Before you drop dead. Hey, and leave your phone down here while you're at it. You need a detox from all that work. Everything.

Speaker C:

Can't argue with you there, Cam. I don't know how many times I can say it, but thank you for everything. For staying on at the farm after Frank left. For dealing with me through all my moods. God knows that's not easy.

I'm not exactly easy.

Speaker A:

Don't. Riley, your father left this farm in your hands for a reason. Blood is thicker than water, after all.

Speaker C:

I guess you're right.

Speaker A:

I always am.

Speaker C:

I'm gonna go take that nap.

Speaker A:

All right. Good night, Sam.

Josh. Josh. Josh. Ooh, that Riley. It's like she doesn't even need you anymore.

Not when she has a real man in the house. Oh, save your energy. We have a phone call to make. Now here's what's gonna happen. We're gonna call Riley on the phone, you're gonna spin your wheels, apologize for being a dick, and tell her you're leaving town for good.

Got it? Now, if you follow along, Riley will be safe. But if you don't, I'll put a bullet in her brain faster than you can blink. I've got Riley's phone, so we'll record.

Speaker C:

Oh.

Speaker A:

Night long. If that's what it takes. You hear?

Speaker B:

Mm.

Speaker A:

Oh, good boy.

I'm gonna take off your gag, okay?

You're sick. Yeah, I'm a lot of things. What about you? You ready, movie star? Do it already.

And action.

Speaker B:

Darling, I love all of you. I do the best I can. I love you so much. Where do you think? I'm in the field.

Speaker A:

I'm.

Speaker B:

I'm fixing the truck.

Speaker A:

I'm doing this, I'm doing that.

Speaker B:

What do you want from me?

Speaker C:

All I'm asking for is help.

Okay? I don't. Is that really asking for something?

Speaker B:

No, I'm trying the best I can.

Speaker A:

Look.

Speaker C:

Look at me. Where are you right now?

Speaker A:

I'm here.

Speaker C:

I'll never be mad at you, Cody. Against the world.

Come back. How dare you Start treating.

Put your head down on the bed. Go to sleep, you sleepy head. Go to sleep. Go to sleep.

Speaker A:

I don't understand where this comes from.

Speaker B:

Where is this coming from?

Speaker C:

Go to sleep. I feel like one woman. Show her, May your dream. Sweet.

That's what I get for letting Cam talk me into leaving my phone downstairs.

Oh, shit. I missed Josh's call again. Damn it.

Speaker B:

Hey, Riley, um. I'm sorry for disappearing. I needed to get my shit together. I remember being so confident that I was over you. I mean, I basically thought I was the reason you swore for guys forever.

Speaker C:

No, it's.

Speaker B:

I was so clumsy and desperately nervous to be good enough for you, Josh. Then you ran off to the Big Apple to live your, like, personal sex and city adventure, and then Everything happened. You stayed in town for the first time in years, and I fell in love with you all over again.

I should have been more open about bfc. I know it's a touchy subject, but I swear you were never Submission. You've always meant more to me. More than anything, actually.

That's why I have to leave.

I don't think I have what it takes to be your man. By Lee, you deserve the world, and I just don't think I'm enough. I've got my demons, Josh.

If you ever miss me, just go to the barn where Harrison got his blame doctor for old time's sake.

Speaker C:

But that's not where we play Doctor.

Speaker B:

Goodbye, Riley.

Speaker C:

Josh's voicemail was weird. He said the barn, but we got caught in the writing shed. I kept replaying it, trying to decode what just wasn't there. I should have left it alone. Digging for answers just gets you buried in more questions.

Buster. Come on, boy. Sit.

Speaker A:

Good boy.

Speaker D:

Come on.

Speaker C:

You keep me company while I go check out the shed, okay?

Speaker E:

Cam.

Speaker C:

Cam.

All right, Buster, sit.

Watch guard. Whatever. Just stay.

What?

Why does Cam have a stuffed white whale? Weird. Didn't mom mention this in one of her journals? I think that's right. Moby Dick.

Why would he have it? He doesn't seem like a classics lover to me.

Grandpa's old watch.

Buster, no. Stay. I don't want you to make a mess. He's got shit everywhere. On the wall, even.

Speaker D:

Huh.

Speaker C:

Old newspapers. Interesting wallpaper choice.

Martha Whitaker, found deceased after automobile accident with infant Buster. Oh, my God.

Wait, why does this look familiar?

This is the other half of that photo from Gregory's house. I mean, that's Cam. The photo is Cam and Gregory.

Buster, bad boy.

Speaker E:

Out.

Speaker C:

Get that.

Hey. Stop it. Hey, buddy. Stop it. Stop.

Uh, is that blood?