A missing friend. A grain silo. A plan too dark to imagine.

Story created by Melody Herr

Audioplay by Leah Simmons

Story Editor Melody Herr

Produced and Created by Melody Herr

Edited by Sebastian Jones

Sound Design by Enoch Quintanilla

Music by AviShai Dayanim and Ellysa Rose

Ellysa Rose as Reilly Whitaker

Brendan Bradley as CAM

Donte Paris as JOSH TILLERMAN

Georgia Bridgers as IDA McINTYRE

Jeanne Taylor as MOLLY

Jekeva Phillips as DIWA NGUYEN

Michael Mau as OFFICER BRYSON

Paul Hartel as FRANK TILLERMAN

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?

Friend or foe? A reporter on the prowl. Trust frays to the breaking point.

Story created by Melody Herr

With Special Guest Star:

Rushi Kota as SHERIFF ACHAK

A Little Fish Entertainment and Hunnydew Studios production.

TRANSCRIPT: 

Speaker A:

Move it.

Speaker B:

Wide load. Now let me channel four. Of all the glory. Clint.

Stay on my six. Excuse me.

Speaker C:

Pardon me. Make way, please.

Speaker B:

I said stay on my six, kid. Like a war zone, Diwa. Ha. Kid, I've seen one this. Hell.

This is what I call day night. Oh, hey, there's the cheat. Keep up, Clint. What? You're looking for employment tomorrow?

Get me.

Speaker C:

Got it.

Speaker B:

We'll be rolling of what?

Speaker C:

Oh, yeah. Go.

Speaker B:

This is D1 James with Channel 8 News. We're here on the scene as local Batavia police have just uncovered a ghastly murder. Sheriff Hotchuk. Sheriff Hotchuk.

Speaker D:

Oh, boy.

Speaker E:

No comment.

Speaker B:

What can you tell us about the investigation?

Speaker F:

No comment.

Speaker B:

According to census records, this house belonged to Gregory Whitman, 59.

Speaker F:

No comment.

Speaker B:

Can you confirm if the body was dead or.

Speaker F:

No comment.

Speaker C:

Damn it, diva.

Speaker F:

You always gotta be so dogged.

Speaker B:

First murderer in 15 years.

Didn't you expect me to bark my heels? Hell, this is the scoop of the decade.

Speaker F:

Yeah, don't I know it. The whole world's watching.

Speaker B:

Glad I wore my lime green pantsuit then.

Speaker A:

You're listening to the Farm A Little Fish Entertainment and Honeydew Studios Production. This is episode seven, Hooked.

Speaker B:

Damn sheriff's got us stuck behind the tape like the riff raff. Come on, kid, think. How are we gonna get in there? She's been talking to that girl for 20 minutes already.

Speaker C:

What if we steal a cops badge? Then we can just flash it in and in we go.

Speaker B:

Thank God you. Well, you're not ugly.

Speaker G:

I'll give you that.

Speaker B:

Besides, what police officers do you know that wear line green pants? Think.

Speaker E:

Good point.

Speaker B:

Doc Mona. They really called in the cavalry on this one.

Speaker C:

Who's Doc Mona?

Speaker B:

She's the EMEA over at Otsego County. Best medical examiner in the state.

She oversees three other counties, including this one.

Speaker C:

I thought they handled that stuff at the funeral home.

Speaker B:

Usually they do. Not much happens here. They call her in on the big stuff.

Like that pile up on the interstate last year. She's good. Damn good. We got history.

Speaker C:

Good history.

Speaker B:

Let's go find out.

Speaker E:

These bags get heavier than.

Speaker G:

Damn it.

Speaker E:

You.

Speaker G:

Not old Mona. Just overworked.

Speaker B:

Need any help?

Speaker G:

Yeah, you can get the knife out my back.

Speaker B:

Hmm. Guess it'll be a no in the good history, kid. Ah, come on, Mona. You still sore about that Dorning case? That was three years ago.

Speaker G:

You claimed my office was responsible for the mistrial. That I mishandled evidence.

Speaker B:

Someone in your office? Not you, necessarily. And look, you're here all alone now.

Tell me I'm Wrong.

Speaker G:

You just come here to kneedle me?

Speaker B:

No, I came here to call in a favor.

Speaker G:

In what universe do I owe you a favor, Lansing?

What do you want?

Speaker B:

Suppose you let me put on that extra pair of coveralls that I know you have in the back so I can work my magic incognito stuff.

Speaker G:

You think I'm gonna let Batavia's resident sensational reporter into a crime scene? Every hold back will be on the morning news. Pass five minutes, not five milliseconds. And you lost that. You're trying to call in the moment you print your slanderous article.

Enjoy life outside the yellow tape.

Speaker B:

Come on, kid. Hold my blazer while I get dressed.

Speaker C:

How did you.

Speaker B:

Her hands were full. She didn't have time to lock the door. Devil's in the details, Clint. That's the first rule of being a recorder.

Speaker C:

Ready when you are.

Speaker B:

Where I'm going, you can't follow. Don't worry, kid. I got my recorder right here. Keep your camera on scope.

This ain't. I'm gonna go see if I can talk to that redhead the sheriff is so keen on.

Speaker C:

You got.

Speaker F:

So your story, Mrs. Whitaker.

Speaker A:

It's Miss.

Speaker F:

Ms. Whitaker, is that Gregory Whitman goes on vacation and just left his door unlocked?

Speaker A:

No, that's what the neighbor told us. Obviously, the killer left the door unlocked when he left.

Speaker F:

But we haven't found any keys in Gregory's place, which would indicate that the killer took them when he left. Now, why would the killer take the keys and not lock the door?

Speaker A:

What does this have to do with.

Speaker F:

How did you get in the house, Ms. Whitaker?

Cat got your tongue? Or maybe your boyfriend will tell me.

Speaker A:

You don't really think I had anything to do with this. That man has been dead for years. Probably.

Speaker F:

Which brings me back to my original question. Why such an interest in a dead man?

Speaker A:

I didn't know he was dead before I got here.

Speaker B:

Right, right, right.

Speaker F:

And who is great Gregory to you?

Speaker B:

Got Whitaker and someone named Josh. Note to self. Check me by hotel so I can make sure. Oh.

Speaker A:

I was right. The knowing is worse. I was looking for the truth, and now I'll never get it. Just more questions. As if my life wasn't already enough of a mess, now I'm somehow tangled up in a murder investigation.

I. I wish I'd never asked Cam to open that stupid diary.

Speaker B:

Sheriff, thatcheck almost saw.

Speaker G:

This pattern. Most likely the murder weapon. You can see there's a stab wound just above the right pectoral, but the wound is curved, as if from a A blunt type blade or some other blade with a unique curve.

Speaker H:

Yeah, that's good to know, doc, but you know, this is kind of like above my pay grade, so can we wrap this up? Cause it's colder than a witch's titan here.

Speaker G:

That's the air conditioner. Not only is it a deterrent to the smell, it's also responsible for the desiccation of the flesh, which has done a beautiful job preserving this pattern here. You see it?

Speaker B:

Mm.

Speaker H:

How long you think he's been desiccated?

Speaker G:

Desiccated or deceased?

Speaker H:

Pick one.

Speaker B:

Yeesh.

Speaker H:

I mean, you see his eyes? They're white and they're white.

And they're still looking at me.

Speaker G:

Not an unusual phenomenon for the iris to cloud over after death. Judging by the level of decomp and the condition of the room, 12 to.

Speaker H:

16 weeks in three to four months. Got it.

You done?

Speaker B:

Almost.

Speaker G:

Put the coin next to the blood spatter for comparison.

Speaker H:

Shouldn't she be doing this?

Speaker B:

Huh?

Oh, damn.

Speaker H:

Your assistant, right? I mean. I mean, judge about you.

Speaker B:

No, just let me explain.

Hang on it.

Speaker G:

No need, Dewa. Deputy cut.

Speaker B:

I mean, is this really necessary? Oh, hey, watch it, buster.

Speaker G:

Gaga too. Sheriff.

This is lovely, even for you.

Speaker H:

D1.

Speaker G:

You know, one day you're gonna find yourself in real trouble, and you won't have a single friend to help you.

Speaker B:

Yeah, yeah. Story my life.

Are we done with this perp walk business or what? This isn't how I prefer to be handcuffed.

Speaker G:

Real trouble.

Speaker B:

Yeah, yeah.

Oh, gosh. Sorry.

Speaker E:

Sorry. The rain will wash the coffee stains from my pants.

Speaker B:

Long night, huh?

Speaker E:

No signs of stopping.

Speaker B:

Sheriff's really drilling into your girlfriend, Briley.

Speaker E:

She's not my girlfriend, Riley.

Speaker B:

But you guys slept together.

Speaker D:

You a detective reporter?

Speaker E:

Worse.

Speaker B:

Ouch. Come on.

Speaker E:

What makes you think we slept together?

Speaker B:

Chef asked her earlier. She abruptly changed the subjects. Kinda like you just did.

Speaker E:

I don't know what that has to do with an old tripod of body that's been dead for years.

Speaker B:

Months.

Speaker E:

Months. How many months?

Speaker B:

What did the sheriff ask you? He questioned you first.

Sit for Tad Handsome.

Speaker E:

He just wanted to know how I knew Gregory and what we were doing here.

Speaker B:

This is the part where you fill in that blank.

Speaker E:

Riley wanted to talk to him, that's all.

Speaker B:

Uh huh. You're holding back, but I'll let it slide for now.

Here's my car for me.

Speaker A:

It's late, I'm tired, it's raining, and you have nothing to hold me. You want to charge me, you know where to find me, Sheriff. Josh, we're leaving now.

Speaker E:

In a minute.

This is dealer.

Speaker A:

She is.

Speaker B:

No, she always is. Chairman.

Speaker A:

Listen, lady, after the night I've had, you do not want to get on my bad side here.

Speaker E:

I'll be over in a minute.

Speaker A:

Fine. One or I'm leaving without you.

Speaker B:

Nice meeting you.

Speaker E:

I know that look. She's serious. And what about the body?

Speaker B:

He's only been dead three or four months.

Something else too.

Speaker E:

What?

Speaker B:

Doc? Mona said the stab wound was Kurt.

Speaker E:

Kurt?

Speaker B:

Yeah.

Speaker E:

I'll call you if I hear anything.

Speaker B:

Even better. Walking away.

I was in bed with you. Handsome Shares that one. Climb out of it for no. Course.

Speaker C:

It'S coming down pretty hard. Maybe we should go home and get out of the rain.

Speaker B:

Home?

We're going to the office, kid.

Speaker E:

I took the lead. Weird being a passenger in my own car.

Hey.

Speaker A:

What?

Speaker E:

Relax your face because I swear to God you're gonna break your teeth clenching that hard.

Speaker A:

Sorry. Just that damn sheriff at shack. He was more concerned about you and me than anything else.

Speaker E:

Yeah, he called me your boyfriend.

But I'm sure he was just trying to get rise out of us.

It's unfortunate about Gregory.

Speaker A:

How convenient of him to be dead right when I need it. So, some answers. God forbid I get any answers on my mother's affair. Whether my father was actually murdered or what the hell happened to my brother. What?

Speaker E:

Breathe. Just calm down.

Speaker A:

Don't tell me to calm down, Riley.

Mommy, who is that man? I have to tell Harrison the truth.

Dad.

Sorry, Dad. I thought I had him.

Speaker B:

What?

Speaker A:

Oh, my God.

When I was little, dad would chase me nightmares away. Now I wake up and realize I'm stuck in it. One endless nightmare.

Speaker B:

Oh, my God.

Speaker A:

Cam. What the hell? Is. Is that one of the calves?

Yeah. What happened to her?

Speaker C:

Had to put the poor girl out of her misery. I found her near the hole in the fence where we're replacing the wood.

Speaker A:

Coyotes got to her?

Speaker C:

I don't think so.

Speaker E:

Look.

Speaker C:

You ever see a coyote do this?

Someone tried to split her stem to sternum with a knife.

Speaker E:

Oh.

Speaker A:

Oh, my God. Who would do something like that?

Speaker E:

I don't know.

Speaker A:

Get the fence fixed today. Barbed wire too. Cut the brush and make a full perimeter. I don't care the cost.

Speaker C:

That's a big job, Riley.

I need an extra hand for that.

Speaker A:

Do what you can. I'll help later.

Speaker C:

Well, the day's half gone already. Where are you going?

Speaker A:

I'm late for something.

Speaker G:

Late for what?

Speaker A:

Just get it done.

Bfc. Please hold. Bfc thank you for holding. Do you have an appointment? He's Currently not available.

One moment please. Can I help you? Good morning. I'm here for an appointment. Just put your name on the sign in sheet.

Hello, BFC. How may I.

Speaker E:

Just my luck.

Speaker A:

Yes, Mr. Smith is available at first. What's he doing here?

Speaker G:

Josh.

Speaker A:

What, the 16 club sandwiches?

Speaker E:

I thought I would leave you with that one anyhow. Long overdue meeting with you.

Speaker I:

Indeed.

I'm glad I was able to make the trek and discuss some much needed business.

Speaker A:

Business? What business?

Speaker E:

Riley?

Speaker A:

Riley, what business?

Josh. God damn it, I knew it. Cam tried to tell me about you.

Speaker E:

Wait, what did Cam say about me?

Speaker I:

Riley, please calm down.

Speaker A:

Is that you talking, Brett? Or is it Stella or Josh? Just tell me who's pulling the strings.

Speaker I:

This meeting is not about what you think.

Speaker A:

This is bullshit.

I'm up to my neck in lies and bullshit. Riley, you're the biggest bullshitter of them all. Sweet guy routine about your plan all along, Josh. Sleep with a girl, Steal her family's farm right from under her? I'm sure there's a great pun about plowing fields.

Oh, since you're a comedian, why don't you leave your new business partner with.

Speaker D:

Riley? Two visits in two days. You're trying to make up for lost time.

Speaker B:

Frank.

Speaker D:

Oh, honey, look, as always, your timing is impeccable, darling.

Speaker E:

It's a cold one out there, folks.

Speaker D:

One lump or two?

Speaker A:

I've had enough lumps, thanks.

Speaker D:

I'm sorry Gregory turned out to be a dead end. No punishment, of course.

Better laughter than tears, I suppose.

Speaker A:

Oh, thanks, Frank. Oh, I needed that laugh. I mean, the whole time we were going there, I just kept thinking, Gregory's it. He's the missing link.

But he's dead. Been dead.

Do you think, Frank, could my dad have killed Gregory? Is that why someone possibly murdered him?

Speaker D:

If you honestly think your father could kill a man, you leave my house and don't ever look back. Harrison was the finest. The finest.

Speaker A:

Yes, I know, I know.

Speaker D:

And your mother was. Wasn't perfect. But a moment of carnal weakness doesn't define someone. Forgive her.

Anger is wasted on the dead.

Speaker A:

Yeah, that's what they say.

Speaker D:

While we're at it, forget Doc, Mona and that insurance adjuster. Forget about blood samples and wound patterns and just have a cup of tea with the closest thing you have to a favorite uncle.

Speaker B:

Huh?

Speaker A:

No, favorite. Well, I don't know about that.

Speaker D:

Oh, is that so? Little girl?

You remember that time you fell into a snow bank and got stuck?

Speaker A:

Oh, God, this has haunted me.

Speaker D:

Yeah, you must have been about eight. Anyway, you were dug in so tight, Harrison and I had to use the.

Speaker A:

Fishing pole to get me out.

Oh, God.

Speaker G:

The heart gives what I can do.

Speaker B:

What love for two.

Riley.

Speaker C:

Riley?

Riley?

She's not here.

Speaker E:

Oh, thank you. Did she say where she was going?

Speaker C:

Nope. But to be honest, I probably wouldn't tell you anyway.

Damn roots. Here, hold my billhook.

Speaker E:

Quite a job you have on your hands.

Speaker C:

Yep, And I'm just getting started.

Speaker E:

Accident with one of the calves.

Speaker C:

Now, what makes you say that?

Speaker E:

Well, that's the logical explanation, isn't it? Why else would you be digging up the brush, extending the fence perimeter?

Speaker C:

Well, Riley's not here, and I got work to do, so I'll be seeing you.

Speaker E:

Why not?

Speaker C:

What's that now?

Speaker E:

Earlier, you said you wouldn't tell me where Riley was even if you knew. Why's that?

Speaker C:

I'm not a keeper. Neither are you.

Speaker E:

Funny. You saw fit to tell her how devious I was. It made her think I'm trying to take the farm away from her.

Speaker C:

Well, someone is. Everything that's been happening around here sounds like the work of a corporate stooge.

Right down to the clandestine me she told you about. Brett.

Speaker E:

I did that for her.

Speaker C:

Sure you did.

Speaker E:

You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're jealous of me and Riley. That certainly explained why you've stuck around so long.

Speaker C:

Oh, boy. You best be on your way now, Josh. And I'll be needing my bill hook back. Not that you're gonna get your hands in dirty here.

Speaker E:

Tell Riley I'll be back.

Speaker B:

All right, now go forward a little bit. All right, wait. Hold it right. Perfect. Now go frame by frame.

Speaker C:

Kid, how do I do that?

Speaker B:

Hit the button.

The other button. Clense. Oh, just give me the keyboard and go get coffee.

Speaker C:

Okay, Deela, do you want one, too?

Speaker B:

Kid, you've been here way too long.

Speaker E:

I think he was talking to me. I'm okay, Clint, right? That's what the front desk agent said.

Speaker C:

Lyle.

Speaker G:

He knows my name.

Speaker E:

Yeah, he described you pretty well, too.

Speaker B:

Clint, why don't you go reintroduce yourself to Lyle Handsome here, and I have some biz to talk about.

Speaker C:

Okay.

Speaker B:

And don't forget my coffee.

Those two have been sniffing around each other for months. I just wish they'd get it over with, you know? No sense in beating around the bush.

Speaker E:

Well, maybe love is worth waiting for.

Speaker B:

Love, maybe.

But not sex. Of course. That is how I got divorced three times. So, to what do I owe this pleasure?

Speaker E:

I had a thought.

A feeling. I don't know, I just can't put my finger on it. When you were snooping.

Speaker B:

Investigating.

Speaker E:

Okay.

Investigating the crime scene. You said the doc gave her time of death.

Speaker B:

Yeah, she gave some rough numbers. 12 to 16 weeks.

Speaker E:

Well, that mean he died around June?

Speaker B:

Maybe. But I've seen TOD change. Could be more, could be less. We'll just have to wait until. Doc.

Mona.

Speaker E:

No. I have a feeling she's right on the money with four months.

Speaker B:

You don't say.

Speaker E:

I don't know. I just wish I had some crime scene photos.

Speaker B:

Eh, you and me both. The kid and I were just trying to slow down the footage to get a good look at the body cops boofed at while lifting Gregory into the ME Van. White sheet fell off of him. It's been all over the news. It's plain distasteful, if you ask me.

Personally.

Speaker E:

Distasteful? I'm surprised Channel 8 didn't leave with it.

Speaker B:

Hey, I may be a reporter with loose scruples, but the screws are in tight where they matter.

Speaker E:

Roger that.

Is everything okay?

Speaker B:

Just looking into your eyes.

What's so funny?

Speaker E:

Nothing. You're just really forward.

Speaker B:

Eh, why go backward?

Speaker E:

Cute.

Speaker B:

Now, I thought I was supposed to be hitting on you. Well, you're worried. And you're hiding something. That's what I see in your eyes.

Speaker E:

Can you do me a favor? Do you?

Speaker B:

What's it worth to you.

Speaker C:

Buster? That you, boy? Damn dog.

Buster. Come here.

Speaker A:

Oh.

Speaker C:

Oh.

Speaker A:

Sorry, Cam.

Rowie, I just. I'm sorry. But your towel is okay? It's.

Speaker B:

Yep.

Jesus.

Speaker C:

Sorry.

Speaker A:

Anyway, I came to put this letter on your desk, and I knocked over some of your tools. Not Buster.

I think he's waiting for his apology.

Speaker C:

Oh. Come here, boy. I'm sorry, Buster.

What was that letter all about?

Speaker A:

It's a letter of recommendation. I just want to do everything I can, everything I can to make sure you get another job. You deserve it. Really. Really, you do.

Speaker C:

Well, thanks. So I guess you're really going to sell the old gal?

Speaker A:

Everywhere I go, I see my dad. Besides, this is a beautiful piece of land. I can't take care of it like I should.

Me letting go is like. I don't know, like giving it a second chance.

Speaker C:

Josh.

Speaker A:

Good guess.

Speaker C:

Educated guess. He came by here earlier looking for you, but I didn't tell him where you were, so.

Speaker A:

Well, how could you?

Unless you're secretly a psychic.

Speaker B:

Right?

Speaker C:

Caught me. Ms. Cleo is my cousin. I did get a funny feeling off him.

He was acting strange. Jealous. Wild, even.

Speaker A:

Do me a favor, Cam, okay? If he stops by again, tell him.

Just. Just tell him I'm not here, even if I am. Okay.

Speaker C:

Sure. You worried about John?

Speaker B:

No.

Speaker A:

No, no, no. I mean, I don't think so. I just need time to think.

Speaker C:

Well, I do.

Got a bottle of bourbon behind that toolbox. We could think together.

Speaker A:

No, thanks. I'm gonna go into town for a bit. I just need space, you know?

Speaker C:

All right.

Speaker A:

Okay. Good night, Cam.

Speaker C:

Good night. Hey, Riley.

You know I'm here for you. Whatever you need.

Speaker A:

My dad used to say a farm is a family. You don't always like it, and the road is always tough, but it's always there in your time of need.

Speaker C:

So we're family now?

Speaker A:

We're something. See ya.

I meant it when I told Cam I needed space to think. Everything I thought I knew had shifted in the few weeks I'd been home. First Taylor and mom, Gregory and Josh. Just another domino falling when I saw him with Brett. Then Cam tells me he's been snooping around the farm.

Makes me wonder what else he was hiding and why.

Speaker B:

2:00Am Clint's off getting lucky, and I'm making my own copies and pouring my own coffee. From now on, all my assistants are going to be eunuchs.

Speaker E:

I care about unicorn. You and us. Or what could be us too much to betray you.

Riley, call me back, please.

Speaker B:

That'll be not girlfriend.

Speaker E:

It's complicated.

Speaker B:

She worth waiting for?

Speaker E:

I. I think so. You get the printouts?

Speaker B:

Hot off the presses. Hey.

Speaker E:

Ooh.

Take a look here. Do you see that?

Speaker B:

Eh, vaguely. Looks like an impression in the skin. Funny shape.

It's a little hard to see, being blown up and all. That's the best angle I can get off the videotape. From what I saw at the crime scene, the body was turned on its back. However, according to my contact at the precinct, old Gregory was found on his side. But judging by the lividity, he was laying face down for some time before getting rolled.

Speaker E:

Why?

Speaker B:

What's the one thing no one's been able to find?

Speaker E:

The murder weapon.

Speaker B:

Bingo. Killer stabs Gregory with a curved something.

He falls face down, lands on the.

Speaker E:

Thing, and sometime later, the killer comes back, rolls Gregory aside, takes the murdered weapon, and turns on the air conditioning.

Speaker B:

But the damage has already been done. The murder weapon left an imprint on.

Speaker E:

The skin, made all the more prominent by the dry air from the AC unit.

Speaker B:

This. This imprint here. This is a murder weapon.

Speaker E:

Hey, you got a pen?

Speaker B:

Yeah, help yourself.

What the hell kind of shape is that?

Speaker E:

Bill Hook.

Speaker A:

I couldn't sit around the farm stewing. If I was going to be surrounded by secrets, figured I might as well be at the Yeti where everyone's got one. Besides, I'd skipped lunch, and a greasy burger and a beer were calling my name.

Speaker J:

It's nearing midnight. Cowboys and cowgirls, which means two things. Last call for alcohol and the last dance for root scooting. Boogie now while you ladies scope out the pick of the litter. Big thanks to Yeti Lounge for having us every last Thursday of the month.

We love you, Yeti Lounge. Spurs offer this one. We're closing out the night with this lovely little barn burner.

Speaker A:

Bartender.

Speaker B:

Hey.

Speaker A:

Hey, bartender. Oh, hello.

I'll take another G and T, please. Actually, make it a double. You got it.

Speaker I:

Care to dance? Riley.

Speaker A:

Rhett. What are you doing here?

Speaker I:

Long drive back.

Thought I'd taken the sights. It's been a while since I've been up this way. Your dad's funeral notwithstanding.

Speaker A:

Making more secret plans with Josh?

Speaker I:

No, I grew up a few towns over.

Speaker A:

You're somewhere else. I never knew that.

Speaker I:

It's not like you're an open book about where you're from either. We were dirt poor growing up. My first job was as a picker on a sweet corn farm.

Nearly lost my thumb from a bill hug.

Speaker B:

So.

Speaker A:

You didn't lose your thumb. When did you lose your heart?

Speaker I:

Zing.

Speaker H:

Wow.

Speaker I:

There's that Riley Witt that I know and love.

You know, I care about you a lot, Riley. A lot more than you know.

Speaker A:

You know, the best way to show someone you care is not to hide stuff from them.

Speaker I:

Some secrets are necessary.

Speaker B:

Whiskey weather burns outside.

Speaker E:

Come on. Come on. Piece of junk. I gotta get the engine.

Close enough, I guess.

Buster.

Speaker C:

What is it, boy?

Speaker E:

Damn. Buster's using. More sensitive than a butterfly's wing.

Speaker C:

Go get him, boy.

Speaker B:

Buster.

Speaker C:

Come on, boy.

You.

A missing man. A vanishing trail. A conspiracy taking shape.

Story and Audioplay by Melody Herr

A forbidden love. A tragic accident. A diary that refuses to stay silent.

The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.

Story and Audioplay by Melody Herr

Additional Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

A warning on a truck. Milk gone sour. A body dug from the ground.

The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.

Starring

Ellysa Rose as Reilly Whitaker

Co-Starring

Featuring

A secret affair. A buried truth. An unwelcome guest.

The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.

Story created by Melody Herr

Thirty days on the farm. Strange noises. Someone’s watching.

The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.

Story Created by Melody Herr

A career in freefall. A family tragedy. Secrets waiting in the shadows.

Reilly thought she had it all figured out: a promising career in New York City and a stable life with her girlfriend. But in a single week, everything shatters—her designs are called into question, her relationship implodes, and a shocking tragedy at the family farm pulls her back home. What begins as a personal crisis soon spirals into suspicion, betrayal, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried. The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.

Story and Audioplay by Melody Herr

OUT NOW! THE FARM is a gripping narrative audio drama podcast about family secrets, rural suspense, and a woman’s fight to reclaim her legacy.

When a high-powered architect returns home after her father’s sudden death, she uncovers a conspiracy that could cost her the farm—and her life.

The Farm is a mystery-thriller audio drama about family secrets, betrayal, and survival.