Don Scribner’s Blog Actor, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Singer

More of the book and short rewrite

“You pulled a goddamn MacLaine on me.”  Whitey was unsure of exactly what that comment meant, but he certainly understood its intention.  Sam clarified and vented.  “Out On A Limb.  You put me out on a limb.  What am I supposed to say if he comes in here and complains to the Chief.  I know you’re one of the best, but you’re not licensed in California and you are certainly not on the force.”

Whitey gave me a ‘told you so’ look and then turned his attention to Sam and spoke calmly.  “You’re mad at me.”

Sam laughed.  “I’m not mad at you.  Fuck… I expected it, maybe not exactly that, but  something.  So, tell me about it.  How’d you get him over to Harley’s?”

The familiarity of that comment made me feel like part of the team.  “He came on his own volition Sam.”

“Why?”

“He doesn’t want me to press charges for the sex tapes.”

Sam jumped on that.  “He admitted he stole them?  That’s good.  That’s good news.  Not that it’ll do any good because it wasn’t here and recorded and he could deny saying it.  But, it’s good.  It gives us another step.”

I stepped back because I could see that Whitey had much to say and I was surprised at the speed of his delivery… these comments had to be heard.  “The way I got it figured is that this son-of-a-bitch is scared and that means he is in this deeper than he wants us to think.  He’s willing to admit theft… off record of course… because he doesn’t want to be investigated.  Now what’s that tell you?”  Whitey glanced at Sam and continued with surprising energy.  “Let me tell you.  First he could have hired someone to kill her because he was probably jealous that she was still screwing Harley.  Secondly, he doesn’t want his wife to know that he had some secretive interest or thing with her.”  Again he looked at me.  “Sorry Harley, he probably did.”  His facial gesture supported that he was sorry but his enthusiasm kept his explanation going.  “As I was saying, he doesn’t want his wife to know… especially now.  And, third… maybe he just has some sexual needs he privately explores.”

Sam tried to hide a hint of a smile.  “Don’t tell me how you know that.”  Then he looked directly at me.  “In other words he could have stolen the tapes just to see you in action.”

Whitey directed his attention to me.  “You could be his type.  You do make a cute couple.”

Sam laughed and shook his head in agreement and again I felt part of the team especially when he now made it obvious he was speaking to us both.  “I’m going to do a little more work on his alibi.  See if there is no possible time line.  He’s prick enough to deserve a little of my aggravation.  You don’t mind do you Harley?”

I actually bowed to Sam while chuckling.  I didn’t mind Robbie getting hassled at all.

Sam then opened the door.  “No need for you to stick around here Harley.  When Tuffy calls I’m sure he’ll be sending a fax also.  I can get you one in a heartbeat.”

“Cool.  I’ll be at home writing.  All this detective work is inspiring.”  And, it was!  I too felt so alive.

As I was driving home I was thinking about Missey.  I hoped it would be a typical workday for her.  She puts up a brave front, but I could tell that she was concerned if not worried about what had happened with her car.  It did feel personal.  And, the more I thought about it the more pissed off I became.  And, the more I thought of Robbie the more I disliked him.  He was trying to save his own ass while admitting theft, as if admission is punishment enough.  And, then there was Melanie.  Who the hell broke into her home and destroyed some of her work?  Why would someone do that?  Is she on someone’s severe shit list?  And, least I forget… someone murdered Teri.

The more I thought the more fired up I became.  In fact, it was as if a flame of light seared the words you are involved into my mind.

I took Colfax and cut through the alley behind CBS Radford.  It saved me going a half block to Ventura and traffic.  I was suddenly tired of people.  But, it was a trade-off.  I had to focus even more to avoid the potholes.  Maintenance is a problem with back roads and this one gets its share of large trucks.  Oh well, in three blocks I’ll be parking in my little space.

My phone was ringing as I unlocked the door.    The name read Lilly and I really didn’t want to answer but I did.  Lilly seemed to be panting and began telling her story of Robbie bursting into the house.  She said that he was irate and pacing and breathing in gasps.  “It was the only time I’ve ever been afraid of him.  He kept screaming, ‘You’ll never walk away from me.’  I remained calm and told him that I was ready to call the police, get a restraining order or charge him with making threats.  That settled him down somewhat.  He told me he was in trouble and could even be disbarred and that we had to work together on this or I would lose anything I had coming.”  I continued to listen.  “He mentioned you.  What’s going on Harley?”

“Lilly, I don’t know what to say?”  The air was heavy between us.  “Is he still there?”

“No, he asked me if he could spend the night and I told him that was a very good idea.  He stood at the door for a minute as if he was before a jury and asked if I thought we could work it out.  I just looked at him until he left.”  There was another heavy air.  “This has something to do with Teri, doesn’t it?  Come on Harley I have a right to know.”

“Lilly, does Robbie have a gun?  A pistol or something?” I suspected she wouldn’t like the question and perhaps hang up, but it didn’t seem to faze her at all.

“No, not that I know of.  Remember I’m the shooter here.  He’s afraid of them.”

The awareness, yet surprise of her blunt honesty seeped into my question.  “Do you have guns?”

“Oh my God, you’re questioning me as if you are a detective.  You trying to turn me into a murder suspect here Harley?  This is fun.  Yes, I have guns… pistols… a couple, but they’re at my parents.  Robbie wouldn’t have them in the house.”