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

more of the book

“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.  Probably a good thing… I felt like shooting him a few times.”

I realized it was a sardonic comment, yet it made me wince.

“I told the police that same thing.  Yes Harley, I spoke to the police again.  They asked me about guns.  They were aware that I was raised with them, so I figured that you must have told someone.  Right?  I don’t mind if you did that Harley.  It means you must have been thinking and talking about me.  And, it also means that you find out what’s what from your detective friend.”

Of course what she implied was only suspicion, but it was truth and I didn’t deny it.  “I did talk to Whitey about you and somehow the conversation drifted off to you and your father and the hunting lodge or cabin or whatever it is.”  She didn’t’ define what it was so I continued.  “It was all positive.”

“I’m sure it was, but I think you owe me one here Harley.”

I happened to agree and told her, but added that I really couldn’t discuss anything until I asked Whitey.  She was a deductive creature and used that.  “So, you are involved and it does involve Robbie and or me?”

“Yes, maybe and I don’t know.  Lilly I’m really sorry that I have to be evasive but I have to get back to you on this.”  The sound of my fax machine made me jump.  “Lilly I have to hang up.  Bye.”

The fax was from Tuffy and Barbara Jean.  My stomach reacted with the instinctual worry syndromes.  It was three pages; cover sheet and two pages of names and numbers.  I read each name hoping that I didn’t recognize anyone.  I didn’t.

The phone rang and I knew it would be Whitey and didn’t even give him the chance to ask me anything.  “No, I didn’t recognize any name.”

“Yeah, well this Tuffy guy said they’re going to go through pictures and will send what they can gather.  She’s also going to note anything she thinks of for each.”

“You really believe that someone the daughter, Barbara Jean brought home with her stole that gun?  It could be a coincidence the gun ended up in LA.”

“Those guns… two remember?  And, yes I believe that.  Cops don’t think too fondly about coincidence.  But, this Robbie guy has his nose in there too.  Is that a coincidence?  Whitey took a pause before continuing.  “I need a hug.  It’s late enough isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I’ll meet you there.”

Whitey was out front having a cigarette.  He doused it and we walked in together.  The Ranch was packed.  It was later than I thought.  I should have realized that by the color of night, but I was operating on the energy of thought.