December 13, 2024
THE WHALEMAN
Written by Farah Abdulkhadar
THE WHALEMAN IS THE STORY OF BOBBY MICHAELS, AN EX HELLS ANGELS MEMBER WHO IS CONFRONTED WITH A PAST OF CRIME THAT HE LEFT BEHIND. IN 1989 SACRAMENTO, HE LIVES WITH HIS NEPHEW, HENRY, AND TRUSTED RIGHT HAND MAN TOBIAS, RUNNING A BAR AND LIVING PEACEFULLY. HENRY’S DESIRE TO GO TO BERKELY FOR COLLEGE PRESENTS A DANGER AND BOBBY ATTEMPTS TO MAKE PEACE WITH HIS ENEMIES TO AVOID HIS NEPHEW GETTING HURT. HIS REEMERGENCE IN THE BAY, THOUGH, CAUSES UNEXPECTED ENEMIES TO RESURFACE FOR REVENGE. WE GET GLIMPSES OF HIS PAST LIFE AS HE LANDS IN 1961 OAKLAND AND BECOMES AN INEGRAL PART OF THE HELLS ANGELS CHAPTER ALONG WITH HIS BEST FRIENDS, RICHIE AND TOBIAS. BOBBY MUST FIND WHO THIS IS AND STOP THEM BEFORE HENRY INEVITABLY WILL SET FOOT IN BERKELEY.
BOBBY MICHAELS IS A CHARACTER WHO CRAVES STABILITY AND PEACE BUT WILL NEVER GET IT. HENRY IS HIS NEPHEW, WHO BOBBY TREATS LIKE A SON, BU WANTS TO BREAK FREE FROM HIS GRASP. RICHIE IS BOBBY’S BEST FRIEND AND A MENTOR TO HIM AS HE FINDS HIS FOOTING IN OAKLAND. TOBIAS IS HIS TRUSTED ASSISTANT AND THE ONLY REMAINING REMINDER OF HIS LIFE WITH THE ANGELS AFTER HE LEAVES. ANNA IS THE DAUGHTER OF ONE OF HIS VICTIMS, WHO WORKS FOR SOMEONE THAT WANTS BOBBY GONE. BOBBY, RICHIE, AND TOBIAS ARE SEEN IN BOTH THE 1960S TIMELINE AND THE 1980S WHEREAS ANNA AND HENRY ARE THE DRIVING FORCES OF THE 1980S STORY. THEY UNRAVEL BOBBY’S PAST AND REVEAL HIS TRUE SELF.
A RED 1985 FORD BRONCO drives down an empty road, 60s jazz playing out of an open window. BOBBY MICHAELS (late 40s, dark hair and features and a strong build) has one hand on the wheel, another hanging out the window, and a cigarette between his lips. His dog, Lexi, pokes her head out the back window, enjoying the wind rushing on her face.
Bobby steps out of the car. He grips a bouquet of WHITE CARNATIONS and another of BABY’S BREATH. Bobby stalls for a second to pet an agitated Lexi and plant a quick kiss on her forehead. He removes his gun and places it in the back seat. Taking a deep breath and putting on his hat, Michaels walks into the graveyard, hesitant.
BOBBY
It’s ok, I’ll be right back.
Bobby stops at a rather bare but clean gravestone with the name Liah Levine. He places the bouquet of baby’s breath down, a tag that says “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” Bobby stands in a moment of silence, his eyes slightly wet, wanting to say something but not knowing what.
DAVID (O.S.)
I didn’t think you’d ever have it in you to show up again.
Bobby does not look up.
BOBBY
It’s her birthday. I promised her I’d celebrate every one with her.
DAVID
How can you stand in front of me after you took her life?
BOBBY
I didn’t take her life... I would’ve gone instead of her but-
Bobby hears a gun click. He stands up and turns to David pointing a gun at him, making eye contact for the first time.
BOBBY (CONT’D)
I won’t stop you. I want this as much as you do. But that’s not why I’m here today.
David keeps his gaze and his gun steady.
BOBBY (CONT’D)
I need something from you.
Bobby steps out of the car in front of his bar, THE BLACK HOUSE, in Sacramento, California. His gun is back in his holster and he looks prim and proper. Lexi follows him out happily as they go into the bar.
TOBIAS (mid 40s but older looking and a sleeper build) is behind the bar detailing whiskey glasses. He notices Bobby walking in and shakes his head, his focus still on a stubborn fingerprint.
TOBIAS
How’d it go?
BOBBY
Great. He forgave me for his daughter’s death and left the rest of his fortune to me too. Oh yeah and he doesn’t have a problem with his illegitimate grandkid coming into his city either.
TOBIAS (pauses)
So it didn’t go well.
BOBBY
No.
TOBIAS
It’s not like you were expecting it to either.
BOBBY
I can’t look at him. After all these years, I still can’t get myself to look him in the eye.
TOBIAS
You should leave it.
BOBBY
This is what Henry wants.
TOBIAS
Well, maybe talk Henry out of it. He’s a bright kid, can get as good an education as he wants anywhere. Doesn’t have to be Berkeley.
BOBBY
He’s a bright kid, but he’s also a stubborn kid. It’s his dream school and he put in all the work for it.
TOBIAS
What did David say?
BOBBY
If Henry sets foot in Berkley, he’s a goner- I mean I get it that was the deal, you get out of Oakland, take the kid with you, and never come back.
Bobby pours himself a drink at the bar and passes Tobias a glass as well.
TOBIAS
Can you blame him though? He lost his only daughter.
BOBBY
She was lost way before all that. David just didn’t know it, being too busy messing with everyone.
TOBIAS
Well what can we do about it? INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT 5 5
Bobby sits at the kitchen counter, covered food plates in front of him. He sips a cup of coffee and waits. He hears a car come to a stop outside and sits up. The door opens and HENRY (20, innocent looking, helmet hair) walks in the door.
HENRY
Hey, Mike! Sorry I’m late, the traffic was awful.
He notices the two covered plates.
HENRY (CONT’D)
Aw you didn’t have to wait for me.
BOBBY
Go wash your hands, I’ll heat it up the food.
Henry pauses, sensing a slight tension in Bobby’s voice, as Bobby starts to prepare the food.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT 6 6
Bobby picks at his food, quietly observing his nephew who is scarfing down the food. He hesitates to start conversation, sipping his beer to curb his nerves.
HENRY
I’m really excited.
Bobby looks up at him.
HENRY (CONT’D)
For college. I can’t believe I actually got in and I’m going to Berkeley. It’s just everything-
BOBBY
You’re not going to Berkeley.
HENRY (taken aback) What?
BOBBY
We can’t afford it. We’re going to have to get you somewhere closer, where you can commute from home and-
HENRY
Wait. Stop, where is this coming from? We talked about it when I was applying.
BOBBY
Berkeley isn’t the only place you applied to- or got in. We have options, that are cheaper, closer.
HENRY
It’s where I want to go. I worked for this, you know I’ve always wanted to go.
BOBBY
It’s also- dangerous.
HENRY
So that’s what this is about. You don’t trust me.
BOBBY
What? No, it’s not about trust, it’s just I want you to be safe.
HENRY
I’m not a kid. I know you care for me but Mike, I know what I’m doing.
BOBBY
I didn’t say you didn’t. Henry, just please listen to me and try to understand.
HENRY
Ok, I’m listening. Explain to me why it’s not safe. What’s going to happen to me? Someone’s going to kill me?
BOBBY
Yes.
HENRY
Then let them.
Henry gets up and walks away.
Bobby unstacks the chairs in the bar while Tobias cleans behind the bar. Tobias walks in.
TOBIAS
Sorry boss, had a bit of a late night, the kids had their last day of school and Emma wanted to go to the fair and...
Bobby continues silently about the bar.
TOBIAS (CONT’D)
I’m assuming Henry didn’t agree. Do you want me to talk to him?
BOBBY
He won’t listen. I’m beginning to think he’s more stubborn than his mother.
Tobias turns away to the bar.
TOBIAS
Then we take matters into our own hands.
BOBBY What?
TOBIAS
You know exactly what I mean.
Bobby pauses for a moment to think.
BOBBY
I can’t lose him too.
Tobias puts down his rag and walks over to Bobby. He puts an arm over his shoulder.
TOBIAS
You won’t. (beat, he leans in closer)
But maybe it’s time for an appearance.
Bobby pulls into the driveway and notices Henry’s car. He looks confused.
Bobby walks into the house and sets his keys on the table.
BOBBY
Henry?
He looks around the house.
BOBBY (CONT’D)
Henry - you here?
Bobby looks out the window. He notices a motorcycle, a 1989 Harley Softail, near the back garage. His face goes blank for a moment, panic setting over him.
BOBBY (CONT’D) (yelling) HENRY!
He runs up the stairs, opens all the doors. No sign of him. Coming back down the stairs, he dials someone quickly.
BOBBY (CONT’D) Tobias, I need you here right now. Henry’s missing-
The front door opens. Henry walks in, ANNA (early 20s, pretty and bold) following behind.
Mike?
HENRY
BOBBY
Henry? What the fuck - where were you?
HENRY
Outside...? Uhh meet my friend Anna. She’s from school.
Bobby sighs, face still red from the scare.
BOBBY
It’s very nice to meet you Anna.
ANNA
Nice to meet you too. Henry told me you liked motorcycles.
BOBBY
I uhh- yeah used to ride with some friends.
ANNA
That’s super cool! Funny story, mine’s been having some trouble and I was actually asking Henry to see if you could possible take a look at it?
BOBBY
Yeah- that’s fine. Bring it in when you can, I’ll see what I can do.
ANNA
Great!
Bobby eyes her suspiciously, her flirtatious nature with Henry sparking questions.
Bobby is at the stove cooking pasta. Henry chops a salad at the counter.
HENRY
So umm... what do you think of Anna?
BOBBY
She’s a nice girl.
HENRY
Yeah.. she is.
BOBBY
She still going to school here?
HENRY
No, she’s from Berkeley... she came down to visit.
BOBBY Berkeley... makes a lot more sense.
HENRY
Come on, it’s not the only reason. It just happens to be another reason I should go.
BOBBY
So all that about working hard and all- just bullshit?
HENRY
Ok maybe it is. I just want to get out of here, live a new life. Stop being treated like a baby.
BOBBY
What do you even know about her? You’ve known her what 4 months and you’re taking her word over mine already?
HENRY
I’ve known her 4 months but she actually gives a flying fuck about what I care and what I love. All my life, you want me to be safe, stay out of trouble, lie low. What is all this?
BOBBY
You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.
HENRY
Try me.
BOBBY
Do you remember your mother?
HENRY
What?
BOBBY
Your mom... what she looked like? What she sounded like?
HENRY
No... I don’t.
BOBBY
She loved you. More than anything else in the world.
HENRY
That’s what all mothers do.
BOBBY
No. It’s what good mothers do. You wouldn’t know what it’s like to be loved like that.
HENRY
What does this have to do with all this?
Bobby hesitates, about to reveal a secret he’s kept for half his life.
BOBBY They killed her.
HENRY Who?
The doorbell rings aggressively.
11 11
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Henry opens the door to Anna standing, out of breath and scared of something. She rushes inside as Bobby closes the door. She runs straight to Bobby.
BOBBY Anna? What’s wrong?
ANNA
I don’t know, I was going to work this morning and this group of guys were following me on motorcycles.
BOBBY? What were they wearing?
ANNA
All leather.
BOBBY No patches?
ANNA
No, none that I saw. I saw one of them tampering with my bike and it’s been sputtering since I left. Then I saw the same guy turning the corner so I just rushed in.
Bobby goes to the window and peers out. All clear.
HENRY Are we in danger?
BOBBY
Ok, you two stay here tonight.
ANNA Ok.
HENRY
What’s going on?
Bobby grabs his gun and slips it into his holster.
BOBBY
Don’t worry, just lock the doors.
EXT. SECLUDED GARAGE - NIGHT 12 12
Bobby gets out of his car to Tobias waiting with two packs and helmets. They walk into an open garage. Bobby takes the covers off of a 1968 Harley Sportster, orange and gleaming as if it was new.
TOBIAS
We’re doing this?
BOBBY
I’m going to put him back in hell where he belongs.
TOBIAS
It’s not David is it?
BOBBY
No... but I know exactly who it is.
TITLE: THE WHALEMAN
EXT. OAKLAND INDUCTION CENTER (1961) - DAY 13 13
Groups of protestors swarm the Oakland induction center in 1961 Oakland. Hells Angels motorcyclists line a barricade, heckling the police and protestors. News reporters struggle to cover the scene.
NEWS REPORTER
We are seeing the scenes of yet another protest against the war. Oakland is in flames with the draft but surprisingly, the war has also attracted a group of volunteers, young men coming in from every direction for Uncle Sam.
YOUNG BOBBY (early 20s, scrawny, young, and clueless but dressed to impress) walks into view. He stops and takes in the scene.
OFFICER
Hey are you here for the draft?
BOBBY
No, uh I’m actually a volunteer.
RICHIE (mid 20s, naive and a complete asshole) laughs with his friends. A YOUNG TOBIAS (mid 20s, more full frame and looking proper as always) walks up to the group.
RICHIE
And here we have another young lamb wanting to do his time for the country.
TOBIAS
Leave him alone man, he probably needs money for college or something.
RICHIE
I don’t know, man looks like he’s got a failing marriage and a mortgage.
BOBBY
I’m better than a bunch of boys claiming to be men and living off of daddy’s paycheck.
Most of them laugh it off, but the comment seems to strike Richie a bit more than it should. Tobias sees Richie tense up and steps in to save an altercation.
TOBIAS
Ok, well brother let’s get you on your way.
Tobias shoves Bobby over and they start walking.
TOBIAS
You look new... from around here?
BOBBY
I’m not really from anywhere.
TOBIAS
You a vagabond or something?
BOBBY
Or something?
TOBIAS
Ok well just some advice. You look like a good guy, get yourself a job, and don’t get yourself into trouble.
BOBBY
Who’s that guy?
TOBIAS
Richie. Son of one of the big Angels around here. Father raised him to be a prick but he can be a good guy.
BOBBY
Hmm well where I’m from, there’s nothing good about a guy like that.
TOBIAS
Yeah... I’m Tobias, by the way. They call me Toby.
They shake hands, a natural connection forming.
BOBBY
Robert Michaels.
TOBIAS
What are you doing in Oakland with a name like that?
A single gunshot fires and commotion ensues. In a matter of seconds, the chaos contrasts the peace of the moment before.
BOBBY
What’s happening?
TOBIAS
Some son of a bitch probably forgot how to work a gun. You might want to get out of here. Nice meeting you man-
Tobias rushes away and is lost into the crowd. Bobby looks around confused, then starts walking towards the center.
Bobby takes cover around the corner of a building. The Hells Angels are now mixed into commotion with cops, protestors, draftees, and civilians.
Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a child crying. Only feet away, a POLICEMAN opens fire at a PROTESTOR wielding a MOLOTOV COCKTAIL
He sets down his stuff and without second thought, runs into the crowd towards the child. The child’s father takes a bullet and falls next to him. Richie, nearby, also dives towards the child.
Just in time for the Richie and Bobby both dive to cover him. Bobby falls onto Richie, the child safely covered between the two, and a bullet grazes his arm.
The Policeman opens fire just as the Protestor tosses the Molotov. It lands far enough away to not harm Bobby and Richie but the aftermath covers them in dirt and dust.
An underground bar, clubhouse, and the site of many illegal activities but with a distinct sense of home. Bobby sits on a couch as another Hells Angel tends to his wound. Others around the bar stare at him and talk in hushed tones. Richie walks down the stairs with a drink in his hand and a cigarette in another, sits down across from Bobby. The room falls silent.
RICHIE
It’s not that bad, just a scratch?
BOBBY
Yeah.
RICHIE
You’ve got some guts.
BOBBY I try.
RICHIE
I’m Richie. He extends his arm, forearm bandaged.
BOBBY Robert Michaels.
RICHIE
Alright, well Michaels. That’s the first thing we’re changing. You sound like a senator’s valedictorian son or something.
BOBBY
I was named after my grandfatherhe used to go by Bobby.
RICHIE
Was your grandfather in the army?
BOBBY
Not sure, I don’t have a whole lot about my family. Don’t even have one really.
RICHIE
That’s the second thing we’re changing.
He smirks and gets up.
RICHIE (CONT’D)
You ever heard of Hells Angels?
BOBBY
No sir.
RICHIE
Well good, I’ll tell you the real story then. They all like to paint us as criminals, psychopaths, every heinous thing they can think of. But like our name, we’re angels. Every now and then, the devils like to wreak havoc. And we stop them, by whatever means necessary.
BOBBY
I like that.
RICHIE
Good. You came here to enlist, am I right?
BOBBY Yes sir.
RICHIE
Why not enlist here? With God’s army of angels?
The room falls silent. JOSIE (early 20s) runs down the stairs and hugs Richie, who lightly lifts her off the ground. A look of relief and then she smacks him across the face.
JOSIE
I was worried sick!
RICHIE (laughing)
It’s ok, I’m fine. Everything’s fine.
JOSIE
You need to stop getting yourself into trouble or I’m dumping your ass.
RICHIE Ok, ok.
Josie turns and sees Bobby observing her.
JOSIE Who’s this?
RICHIE
This is Michaels. Saved me earlier. This is Josie, my old lady.
JOSIE
Pleasure to meet you. By the looks of it though, you probably won’t last.
Richie and some others laugh, Bobby smiles, feeling somewhat at home amidst the playfulness.
INT. ROOM - NIGHT 17 17
Bobby sets down his belongings in a small room. The walls are adorned with run down posters and there is little furniture except a single bed and closet.
RICHIE (walking in doorway)
I know it’s not much but, hope it’ll do for now.
BOBBY
This is more than I’m used to. I appreciate it a lot.
RICHIE
Yeah I mean, the least I can do for saving my life. And that kid’s.
BOBBY
Of course.
RICHIE
Listen uhh it’s not common around here for this sort of thing to happen but I have a good feeling about you. And I think we could be a good team, if you’d stay.
BOBBY
I have nowhere to go. But I don’t know if this is the right place for me. It doesn’t seem the others really like me.
RICHIE
Fuck them. I’m the boss around here, they live on my bread and beer.
BOBBY
I guess I could.
RICHIE
Sweet. You’re going to have to do a couple things though. Just you know, for formalities.
BOBBY
Like what?
RICHIE
Oh nothing too crazy, I’ll make sure of it. Probably a couple hit jobs and that should be it.
Bobby blankly stares at Richie.
RICHIE (CONT’D)
I’m kidding. You’ll be my right hand man.
BOBBY
Why do you trust me so?
RICHIE
You’re a nobody. You saved that kid and me risking your own life, 5 minutes after running in with me. Not everyone does that kind of thing. I think your intentions are good and I could use someone like that in my life.
BOBBY
And why do I trust you?
RICHIE
It’s brotherhood. You’ll see.
EXT. ROADSIDE (1989) - DAY 18 18
Present day, the motorcycles are parked on a roadside. Bobby stands with a sandwich and chips, pondering while eating slowly. Tobias returns with two cups of coffee, handing one to Bobby.
TOBIAS
Shitty coffee, nothing even close to the real stuff.
BOBBY Why now?
TOBIAS What?
BOBBY
Why do you think he’s sending after us now? I mean David has no contact with any of the Angels - unless there’s some sort of mole. But even then, it’s not enough time for them to know I was even in Oakland.
TOBIAS
What about this girl? Anna?
BOBBY What about her?
TOBIAS
How’d Henry meet her? It’s the first I’m hearing of her and the boy tells me everything.
Bobby looks at Tobias, slightly hurt.
TOBIAS (CONT’D)
Well if you wanted him to open up to you, maybe you shouldn’t have been such a hardass.
BOBBY
You know why I’ve done all this, right? You’re the last person that should be saying this to me.
TOBIAS
Ok, leave it. I’m just saying, this girl appeared out of nowhere. And what she said- the all leather. That’s not the Outlaws, if that was David’s doing. And it’s certainly not the Angels.
Bobby crumples up his trash and tosses it aside. He pulls out his phone.
BOBBY
Well we can find out.
INT. SPEAKEASY (1961)
- DAY 19 19
Richie sits at the bar, the telephone extended to his reach. He looks tense, constantly rubbing his eyes. Bobby walks into the room.
BOBBY
Hey-
Tobias stops him from speaking and pulls him aside.
TOBIAS
Don’t talk to him right now. It’s his dad.
BOBBY
What’s going on?
TOBIAS
Another one of his numbers to remind his son how much he hates him. Some of the Outlaws have been causing trouble for us out by the bay. Stalling our imports and what not. He wants Richie to handle it.
Richie slams the phone into its cradle.
RICHIE Son of a bitch!
TOBIAS
Anything we can do?
RICHIE
We’ve gotta stay at the pier tonight. He told me to do it right this time.
TOBIAS
Why don’t you just ignore him?
RICHIE
He’ll make it known. He has fun humiliating me. It’s like I’m not his son or something.
TOBIAS
You can’t keep letting him weigh you down.
RICHIE
I can’t fuck this one up. Let’s go.
Boats are heard in the distance. Bobby and Richie station out on their motorcycles while another group of Angels stakes out nearby the port.
BOBBY
Can I ask what’s between you and your father?
RICHIE
Stay out of it.
BOBBY
I am, I just... I never met my father. I don’t know what it’s like but-
RICHIE
Exactly, so you wouldn’t understand.
Bobby gives up and sighs.
RICHIE (CONT’D)
He’s been like this apparently since my brother died. Some sort of accident with the Outlaws- I was 3 or 4. I guess he lost the son that was a part of him. And I’ll never live up to who he was.
BOBBY
I’m sorry, about your brother.
RICHIE
You know... his name was Robert too. My mom really liked that name for some reason.
BOBBY
Is your mom still around?
RICHIE
No, left around the time my dad went to jail - some 10 or 12 years ago. Never saw her again.
He pauses, staring out into the glistening bay.
RICHIE (CONT’D)
What about you? What’s your story?
BOBBY
Don’t really have one, to be honest. Never met my father, mother left me with an uncle when I was like 7. I’m not really sure what a family is supposed to be.
RICHIE
How’d you end up in Oakland?
Bobby smiles to himself.
BOBBY
Don’t laugh. Uhh... a girl. I met her in San Diego and uhh we had a good time there. I thought I’d come here and try to find her.
RICHIE
So not to join the army then?
BOBBY
No, fuck no. Her dad was working at the induction office or something but apparently he got fired for showing up to work hammered some time ago. So there goes that.
Richie laughs.
RICHIE
I did not take you to be the kind of guy that would do all that for a girl. But I respect it.
BOBBY
She was very beautiful.
RICHIE
Well, you’ll find plenty of girls around here if that’s what you’re looking for. Just be careful though, make sure they’re not taken or the Angels might fuck you up.
Motorcycles are heard in the distance. They look up.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY (1989) - NIGHT 21 21
Bobby and Tobias wait in the parking lot of a hotel lobby. A taxi stops in front and Henry and Anna step out with packed bags.
BOBBY
Hey.
HENRY
What’s going on.
BOBBY
You guys need to stay here for a couple days. Tobias and I need to sort some things out before we go back home.
TOBIAS
Henry, come with me. I’ve got something to show you.
Henry looks unsurely at Bobby and Tobias, then at Anna.
BOBBY
Don’t worry, I’ll take Anna up to the room.
Bobby and Anna walk up the stairs. EXT. HOTEL GARDEN - NIGHT 22 22
Tobias walks Henry over to a set of chairs in the hotel garden.
HENRY
Tobias, please I need to know what all this is.
TOBIAS (gently)
Sit down.
Henry takes a seat, his backpack in his lap.
TOBIAS (CONT’D)
Who’s this girl?
HENRY
We’re together.
TOBIAS
Yeah I’m old enough to tell that, but you never told me about her. How’d you meet, tell me the story.
HENRY
Well... I met her at a bar.
TOBIAS A bar?
HENRY
Yeah, that’s why I didn’t say anything.
TOBIAS
I wasn’t gonna-
HENRY
Yeah I know but Mike has been so difficult since the whole college thing.
TOBIAS
He loves you.
HENRY
I know... anyways, yeah we met at a bar a few weeks ago. She told me she was from Berkeley and visiting someone out here.
TOBIAS
Visiting who?
HENRY
I’m not sure.
TOBIAS
Do you have any other information about her?
HENRY
No... why?
TOBIAS
Nothing, just wondering.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 23
Bobby and Anna walk into a neat and modest hotel room. Anna puts her stuff down and Bobby observes her closely.
BOBBY You from where again?
ANNA
Uhh Berkeley.
BOBBY You got family there?
ANNA
Yeah, I live with my dad and brother. Born and raised.
BOBBY
What are you doing in Sacramento?
ANNA
Just visiting someone.
BOBBY Who?
ANNA Dad’s old friend.
BOBBY
Hm. How do you like Berkeley?
ANNA
Oh I love it! Such a happening city. I’m excited for Henry to move there so I can-
Bobby pins her arms behind her back and puts a gun up to the side of her jaw.
BOBBY
Do not make a noise.
ANNA
Let me go! What are you doing?
BOBBY
What am I doing? What are you doing with Henry?
ANNA
I- what do you mean?
He pushes her onto the armchair, keeping his gun steadily on her and stepping down in front of her.
BOBBY
I checked your motorcycle that night. Bleach in the tank. Who taught you that?
ANNA
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
BOBBY
You know damn well what I’m talking about. There were no guys in leather, no one was tampering with your motorcycle. What do you want?
Anna stops and suddenly smirks.
ANNA
Took you long enough. I thought the infamous Whaleman would’ve slit my throat a long time ago.
BOBBY
I don’t know what you mean.
ANNA
Oh so now you’re playing dumb, gotcha.
Bobby is taken aback, but tries to hide it on his face as much as he can.
BOBBY
You’re right, I should’ve slit your throat a while ago.
His gun clicks.
ANNA
Liah would be alive today if not for you. Richie would too. It was you, all you. And you live here pretending not to know a damn thing. How could you?
BOBBY
Who are you?
ANNA
1965, San Leandro. Ring any bells?
Bobby’s face goes white. His ears ring, his heartbeat speeds up, as he remembers a story he longs to forget.