Chapter Two

Farrah Graham is sitting in the small conference room adjacent to her home recording studio. The podcast she runs with her business partner, Jimmy Doubts, who earned that nickname for his tendency to question just about everything, has been one of the most-downloaded podcasts in the world since its debut five years ago. She did not anticipate the success. She launched Uncorking a Murder as a distraction after leaving her prestigious New York City law firm due to an ultimatum from Melody, her then-girlfriend.

The show started with an in-depth investigation into a high-profile criminal case that had seemingly been put to bed. Brandon Nash was an NFL Hall of Famer convicted of killing his wife. Farrah, like much of America, obsessed over the case, but she saw holes. Nash’s attorney did a sloppy job with the prosecution’s witnesses. Additionally, she thought the decision of not putting Nash on the stand was a miscalculation. When the jury came back with a verdict to convict, Farrah started her own investigation—she did, after all, have a lot of free time on her hands.

Inspired by the podcast craze, Farrah conceived of Uncorking a Murder, crafting her investigation into a ten-episode serialized podcast reminiscent of old-fashioned radio dramas. It was an instant hit, though the success ironically led to the dissolution of her relationship with Melody.

Where the eff is Jimmy? Farrah asks herself. Jimmy, usually punctual, was supposed to be there thirty minutes ago. They’d been interviewing intern candidates to fill the role Jimmy had vacated when she made him a partner. They badly need help with administrative tasks—answering the phone, returning emails, scheduling interviews. They’re hoping to find a grunt who’s also adept at working a soundboard so they have another pair of hands (and ears) when producing and editing.

Farrah is just about to call him when she hears her garage door open. A moment later, Jimmy walks in with a young man in tow who, Farrah estimates to be roughly the age Jimmy was when she brought him on four years ago.

"You are late, Doubts," Farrah says. "What would the network do if you showed up late to shoot that game show?"

In addition to Uncorking a Murder, Jimmy hosts an improv-based game show called Reasonable Doubts. In it, one improv actor playing a prosecutor has to convince a jury (the studio audience) that a defendant is guilty. Another actor, the defense attorney, has to argue for exoneration. To make it interactive and unpredictable, the charges brought are suggested by the audience. To round out the game, additional actors serve as the defendant and witnesses. None of these actors have any kid of familiarity with legalese and say outrageous things that would never hold up in court—it’s all part of the fun! At the end of each episode, the studio audience renders the verdict. A season old, the show’s already a big hit for the network.

Farrah was concerned the success of Reasonable Doubts would peel Jimmy from the podcast, but it turns out his loyalty to her outweighs the temptation of an easier life. He has a clause in his contract that gives scheduling priority to the podcast.  

"Sorry,” Jimmy says, “but this was unavoidable. I needed to pick up Jack."

The young man looks at the ground as his name is mentioned and Farrah guesses correctly that he’s shy.

"Hi Jack, I’m Farrah," she says softly, walking toward him with her hand extended.

Jack begins to blush and starts fumbling his words.

"Hi, Jack, I’m Farrah," he says nervously and then closes his eyes, shakes his head, and takes a deep breath. "I mean…hi Farrah, I’m Jack."

His nervousness reminds her of Jimmy when she first met him. In fact, Jimmy still blushes and bumbles around beautiful women. In her mid-forties, Farrah still possesses the kind of all-American beauty that makes blushing bumblers out of even the most confident men and women.

"Jack is a first cousin on my father’s side," Jimmy says, effectively answering the question she’s been asking herself since they walked in. "He’d be a great fit for us."

"Oh," Farrah says, shooting Jimmy a look to convey that a little heads up would have been nice.

"Jack, tell Farrah what you’re studying in school."

Jack rocks back and forth and stutters before finding his words. "Ah. Yes. I’m...getting a degree in computer science from Fairfield University."

"Isn’t that where you went?" Farrah asks Jimmy.

"Yes, but forget computer science, you should see this kid around a mixer."

"I’m a bit of an audiophile," Jack admits, the revelation making it easier for him to sustain eye contact.

"Farrah, can I see you in the studio for a minute?"

She’s annoyed but consents. Jimmy turns to his cousin. "Jack, just have a seat here."

Jimmy follows Farrah into the recording studio. She turns on him with a “what-the-fuck” look.

"A sweet kid,” she says, “but a little awkward."

"Any more than I did when I first started here? Look, I know I’m catching you off guard, but I have a feeling he can really help us out. Not with just editing the audio and administrative stuff, but he’s got a gift for seeing patterns where other people only see noise.”

"I’m more worried about whether he can answer the phones than whether he can solve the daily jumble,” Farrah begins, but Jimmy cuts her off.

“Speaking of phones, it sounds like we are getting a call.”

Jimmy opens the door and hears his cousin’s voice coming from the conference room.

"Doubts, you look funnier than usual. What’s going on?"

"I think Jack answered the phone."

They walk back into the conference room and find Jack writing something on a legal pad.

"What did you say your name was? Peters. And your first name? Evelyn, okay. And this is about your uncle Rodney?"

Jimmy waves and says, "I can take it from here Jack, thanks."

Jack hands Jimmy the phone.

"Ms. Peters, this is Jimmy."

"Hello, Jimmy. Quite a nice boy, your phone screener.”

"Jack is that and so much more. But I overheard Jack mention Rodney Peters?”

"Yes, that’s why I’m calling. Rodney was my uncle. I started a foundation in his memory to raise money for lung cancer research. We are holding an event this Thursday night at the Ft. Lauderdale Country Club and our emcee just cancelled due to a family emergency. Would either you or Farrah be willing or able to step in? I know it’s last minute, but we are in a bind and your celebrity will help us ensure a successful evening. My uncle spoke highly of you both."

A smack of familiar Peters sassiness in her voice brings back fond memories of the late Rodney. When he was still just the intern, Jimmy took a call from Detective Rodney Peters. That conversation led to the second season of Uncorking a Murder and cemented Jimmy and Farrah’s professional relationship.

"Wow, that’s an amazing proposition, let me talk it over with Farrah and get back to you.”

"I’m on my lunch break in the middle of a tour right now," Evelyn says, "so a quick text would be great."

"Tour?" Jimmy asks. "Are you a cop like your uncle?"

"Detective," she confirms. "I looked up to Uncle Rodney. Just joined homicide last year."

"We’ll I’m sure your uncle would have been proud."

"Thanks Jimmy," Evelyn says and the phone beeps, signaling that the call has ended.

His lips quirky slightly, Jimmy turns to Farrah. "History has a funny way of repeating itself."

"How so?" Jack and Farrah ask the same question at the same time.

He offers a little back story for Jack’s benefit and tells Farrah about the invitation to emcee. "Nothing like a little lead time," Farrah says. "You go, I’ve got too much to do around here."

"Such as?"

“Figuring out our next season. Plus, I was recording a promo the other day and detected a low-level hum in my earphones that found its way to the recording. For the life of me I have no idea what’s causing it."

"I have an idea," Jack speaks up. "There are wires all over the place. I’m guessing one of them is the culprit, so I’ll go through them all until I find the one causing the interference."

Jimmy casts an anxious glance in Farrah’s direction, afraid that she would find Jack’s suggestion a little presumptuous. Raising Jimmy’s anxiety is the fact that Jack has clearly started to look for the offending wire.

Farrah is quiet for a beat, remembering something her grandmother used to say about all coincidences having a deeper meaning. She decides to roll with it.

“Jack, are you allergic to cats?”

Jack looks puzzled, glances over at Jimmy, and sees a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

"No. Why?"

Farrah has two cats, Mulder and Scully (she’s an X-Files freak), and they have full run of the place.

"The gig is 10 hours a week and you would be responsible for fielding calls and emails about potential opportunities and then researching the hell out of those leads. Once we start production, though, hours will increase. You can start ASAP with a one-month trial. Deal?"

"Deal," Jack says, then smiles at his cousin.

"Jimmy, show Jack the ropes, I’ve got a few errands to run."

"Where are you going?"

"Well," Farrah says, "If we’re going to Florida, I’ve got to pack."

"The event is Thursday,” Jimmy says. “Today, in case you lost track, is Monday."

"I love that you never let me forget why I started calling you Doubts. It’s March and cold. Florida is warm. If you’d rather wait until the Thursday, be my guest, but since we have nothing in the can for our next season, I’m thinking we head out tomorrow am.

Jimmy shoots Farrah a look.

"What is it, Doubts?"

Jimmy flashes Farrah a guilty smile. “I have a friend who owes me a favor?”

“What kind of favor?” Farrah asks.

“Let’s just say I could get us a ride on a plane share where we can fly in style.”

“How much style are we talking?” Farrah asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Semi-private jet out of LaGuardia. I was assured it would be at my disposal whenever I wanted.

Farrah’s new-found fame had turned flying commercial into a pain in the ass. Every time she did, people were sneaking photos and posting them online.

“What’s the catch?”

“I just have to check availability.”

"When can you know by?"

"I’ll put in a call right now. I’ll have an answer in an hour."

"Fine," Farrah acquiesces. "I’ll take care of lodging." She turns to the new intern. "Welcome aboard, Jack."

"Thank you, Jack, I mean, Farrah."

And with that, Farrah darts upstairs to pack. She’s excited for a few days in the Florida sunshine and is hopeful that maybe she and Jimmy will find fodder for their fifth season.

Next Chapter: Chapter Three