All language subtitles for Lonely.Crime.Fanatic.2024.1080p.WEBRip.x264-ESub

this week's
all-new episode of.

The crime annex follows the
mysterious disappearance.

Of a young mother.

That rocks a
tight-knit community,

Leaving them only
with questions.

But that was the last
time anyone would see.

Tina Alvarez alive.

In next week's episode, we'll
explore all the suspects.

The police never considered.

you can't avoid me
forever, Ashley.

If you don't call me back...

Just please call me.

I know we can fix this.

tina's mother could
no longer stay silent.

She knew the danger
her daughter was in.

Even if Tina could
not yet recognize it.

The signs were all there.

The abusive situation.
The controlling behavior.

The nightmare voice mails.

But Tina couldn't hear
her mother's warnings.

Despite all the signs,
Tina took him back.

She had no idea the danger she
was letting back into her life.

Or that he would
escalate in his tactics.

Rick had started monitoring
tina's movements,

Her every appointment,
every tiny errand.

In the aftermath,
police discovered.

That he even installed
spyware on her phone.

There was no escaping
his watchful eye.

All leading to one moment.

When the authorities
arrived at tina's apartment.

The door was unlocked and
there was no sign of Tina.

That was the last time anyone
would see Tina Alvarez alive.

In next week's episode, we'll
explore all the suspects.

The police never considered.

- Hi.
- hi.

Ready for therapy?

Yes, absolutely.

How are you doin'?

I'm fine.

He's been calling, but
I haven't answered.

Good.

I had another nightmare.

That he broke into
the house last night.

You need to stop listening to
true crime podcasts before bed.

But it's just getting good!

What is happening with
the divorce lawyers?

Any progress?

Are you dragging
your feet on purpose?

No.

I'm sorry, I didn't
mean it like that.

It's just a lot all at once.

God, lily, I swear, every
time I try to think about it,

I just start procrastinating,

Like a kid who can't
get their homework done.

But in the meantime,
I've listened to.

Every true crime podcast
that's out there, so...

Have you listened
to unsolved files ?

No, I don't think so.

Ah, you know what I think?

I always know what you think.

You always hyperfixate
on something.

Ever since I've known you,

You take everything and
turn it into some...

Giant project that consumes you.

Do you remember study abroad?

I thought that was
dead and buried!

You promised!

And you know what your
latest project is?

serial killers?

Yes.

But it's because you'd rather
focus on something else.

Than getting Paul out
of your life for good.

I know. You're right.

If you have time to
obsess over murders.

That have already been solved.

I have time to talk
to a divorce lawyer.

yeah.

All right.

But my caseload is gonna suffer
from this, I'm just sayin'.

Ashley, I know you're home!

Come on, ash, talk to me.

I told you that I
didn't want you here.

I've been trying to talk
to you for three days.

I got your message.

You're gonna keep
ignoring me, then?

I'm not ignoring you, Paul.

I just... you can't
force me to talk to you.

And you can't keep me
out of my own home.

I wanna talk, that's all.

She's not at your beck and call.

Stay out of this!

No.

Ash, come on.

It's my house too.

Please, just let me come
inside for a minute.

You have no idea
how hard it's been.

I'm staying in this
total dump of a rental.

I need to get more
clothes, and...

I miss you.

Paul, I'm asking you to leave
or I'm calling the police.

- Don't say that.
- I'm serious. Go.

I'll go, but I want us
to sit and talk, though.

Soon.

Promise me that?

Then talk to the lawyer.

hell yeah.

That felt good.

the following is a
story from a past life.

Based in truth,

Slightly adjusted for
the sake of the innocent.

I'm David Bryant, and
this is unsolved files.

Mary is alone.

Today, she's at a party,

Surrounded by loved ones.

Popular among her peers,
attractive, smart.

The envy of many.

But in her suffering,
she's alone.

Only he knows the
truth of her pain.

Because he is the reason for it.

On this day, Mary is among
many who care for her,

And she is utterly alone.

She had put a happy
front on for so long,

Giving the impression that
their marriage was a fairy tale.

No one would believe that he
was capable of inflicting.

The horrors on her
that she endured.

But no matter how perfect
an act she performed...

She could never
be perfect enough.

"not him," they all said.

No one could believe it.

Not in this town.

Not in this community.

How could one of their
own be a monster?

Mary is gone now.

A little boy no
longer has his mother.

Her parents forced to
bury their daughter.

And rick walks around free.

Damn.

perhaps burdened by the
truth of what happened,

But free.

Ten years on and the case
remains officially...

Unsolved.

David Bryant, former
federal investigator.

And criminal profiler
turned author.

And now podcaster.

Unsolved files is a fresh take
on the genre of true crime.

What made you leave
investigative work behind.

For podcasting?

Well, nothing haunts
an investigator more.

Than the ones that got away.

I mean, sometimes you
know what happened,

You know who's responsible.

But you don't have the
proof to put them away.

That's... Torture, in a sense.

Hi, marianne.

hi, David. Are you ready?

Ready as I'll ever be.

listen, the publisher called.

Uh-huh.

they wanna add another date.

They wanna add another
speaking engagement?

that's right.

Uh, yeah, let me
just check my diary.

it'll be for next week.

They'll take care of everything.

Can you make it?

Yeah, yeah, I can make it work.

great, and Carl will
pick you up tonight.

Understood, Carl will
pick me up at 6:00 pm.

thank you.

Thank you for
organizing the tour.

have a great night tonight.

Okay.

bye.

Bye bye.

I saw the worst of the worst.

And, uh... It changes
you in subtle ways.

Some not so subtle.

Hey, what's up?

You are not gonna believe this.

David Bryant is doing a
book signing this Friday.

Who?

David Bryant!

The host of the
unsolved files podcast.

You recommended him to me?

He's written a book.

I don't know, could
be interesting.

Hey, whatever gets you out
of that house, I'm down.

Okay, I'll buy tickets.

And I'll pick you up.

It's a date.

with the podcast,
with these stories,

I get to point the finger.

I get to solve the crime.

And there's always justice.

so how do you
choose what's next?

Well, it's pretty
simple, really.

I'm just... I'm looking
for a good story.

With some sort of
vindication for the victims.

And it's usually about people
who never saw it coming.

Hey, I'm walkin' out
the door right now.

don't hate me.
I'm stuck at work.

Okay, no worries.

If you can make it, great.

And if not, you can owe me.

have fun.

Okay, thanks.

Ashley!

So glad to see that
your phone works.

Where's the car?

It's good to hear from you too.

I was worried about you when
I couldn't get a response.

- Paul?
- What's wrong?

That's my car. I make
the payments on it.

Yeah, but we're both on
the service agreement.

I noticed the brakes were
sounding a little rough.

The last time we rode in it, so
I had it towed to the dealer.

Figured since you were off
in seclusion somewhere,

You weren't gonna need it.

Paul?

I want the car back tomorrow.

I'm already running
late. You screwed me!

Where you goin'?

Big date!

What?

Twenty minutes?

He was so interesting
and just so...

Well, yes, I mean, it's all
too common, unfortunately.

I seem to have an endless
supply of cases to choose from.

Wow.

David, hi, I am
your biggest fan.

I have listened to every
episode of unsolved files.

I find them so...

Entertaining!

Thank you.

It's not really
entertainment, though, is it?

These are real people
with real traumas.

And you have immense empathy
for the victims in your story.

You see them.

That kind of recognition
can help a lot of people.

Through some dark times.

That's what I like about
the podcast, anyway.

I like empathy.

Sorry, I didn't mean to...

No, no, no, no. That's right.

We should never forget that
these stories have real victims.

At the heart of every one.

Thank you, everyone,
for coming out.

Thank you.

Thank you, David, so much.

Um...

David Bryant.

I know.

Were you at the, the talk?

Unfortunately I missed it.

Um, my friend, she was
supposed to drive us,

But she got caught up at
work, and then my car got...

I just got here.

But I brought a
copy of your book,

And, um, I'd love
for you to sign it.

I don't have a pen.

I'm starving, you know?

And there's a great place
right around the corner.

And I'm sure they have pens.

If you'd like to join me.

And if that's too forward, I'd
be happy to just go in and...

No, that would be great.

I would love to.

What? What is it?

Nothing, you just...

You remind me of someone.

thank you so much.

I don't know.

I guess we rushed into things.

In the beginning,
everything seemed perfect.

It started with little things.

Questioning me every time
I was going somewhere or...

Then questions became
interrogations.

He started tracking my phone.

And asking me why I was
at the store at 2:00 pm.

It just got really, like,
controlling, constricting.

I didn't even really realize
it was happening, and so...

It's a slow process,

So you can't put up boundaries
to protect yourself.

You know, it's weird.

I spend all my time
listening to these podcasts.

And reading about women
who ignored the signs.

Until it was really too late.

It's common for men to make it
seem like it's the woman's fault.

And... Society doesn't help.

But these men are
in total control.

They are the ones who we
should hold responsible.

So what made you leave?

He got violent.

Well, I'm not trying
to frighten you,

But once they become violent,

That's usually no going
back to calm reasoning.

He agreed to move out on a
temporary basis last month,

But he's been begging
me to come back.

did you get a
restraining order?

It's often good to
establish a paper trail.

With this kind of thing.

I'm sorry, I'm not... I'm not
in law enforcement anymore.

It's a hard habit to break.

This is your life.

No, it's okay.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to make
this a therapy session.

And I'm not looking
for any advice,

But I do appreciate
your insight.

It's just nice to
talk to somebody.

Who doesn't have a
dog in the fight.

Anytime.

So, what's next for the podcast?

Any big plans for season two?

Um, yeah, I got
one or two ideas,

Nothing too solid.

You can tell me.

I'm not gonna go blabbing
on the internet, I swear.

No, no, no, it's not
that, it's just...

I, uh... I think I'm ready
to just take a break.

From everything right now.

I mean, the speaking
tour is keeping me busy,

And my agent keeps
booking new dates.

Maybe I'll find some
inspiration on the road.

Sniff out some good stories.

Yeah.

Sounds so fun.

yeah, yeah, it is.

But... It's work, though.

I would gladly trade
places with you.

What do you do?

Consulting.

Yeah, I help businesses
reduce their energy costs.

And be more eco friendly.

- mm.
- Yeah, it's fun.

It's, uh, remote, so I get
to make my own schedule,

And I really like that part.

So you're untethered, then?

Hm?

You said you felt stuck
before, but you're not.

You could do whatever you want.

You could go
anywhere, change jobs.

There's nothing holding
you to the ground.

Maybe I'll start a podcast.

you should.

yeah right.

I'll help you.

Really?

hm.

You can come by the studio.

I want to show you
how I make an episode.

Are you serious?

Oh my god, I would love to.

That was lovely.

Thank you.

I really needed a night out.

My pleasure.

Aren't you, uh,
forgetting something?

What's that?

Oh, you had a pen
the whole time!

I'd, uh, love to do this again.

Soon.

Well, if you're
gonna give me a peek.

Behind the podcast curtain,

We'll have to see each other
fairly often, won't we?

I'd like that.

My rideshare's here.

Bye.

Hey.

You are not gonna believe this.

This is a story... Of revenge.

Hey, beautiful! How's it going?

Why, hello.

Is this celebrated podcaster
and author David Bryant?

It is.

And what do I owe the pleasure?

well, I was thinking about
our chat the other night,

And I was wondering if
you'd like to come by.

And see the studio sometime.

Oh my god, I would love to.

How about now?

What?

are you serious?

Almost always.

Well, I was thinking of taking
the rest of the afternoon off.

Where are ya now?

Downtown.

Oh! I'm, uh, in the area.

I could come pick you up.

Okay. Yeah, that would be great.

This is Ashley huff,
amateur sleuth,

Very amateur.

Um, not quite sure what to say?

This is a lot harder
than it looks.

Okay.

Some families seem
to have it all.

The house, the cars,

The exotic vacations,
the country clubs.

But money and things
aren't enough for people.

Some seek much more.

Power.

Influence.

Respect.

And the family that
we're looking at tonight.

Had everything.

But under the shiny veneer
of their family crest,

A darkness festered.

yes.

A legal dynasty
that had it all...

Power, control.

But they would have to
do whatever it takes.

To maintain it.

Murder, mayhem, and...

The murdaughs.

yeah.

That was good.

You have a knack.

Please delete that.

No! That was awesome.

So do you do all
your work in here?

Uh, yeah, yeah.

Research, writing,
recording, soup to nuts.

Yeah, it's not the fbi
field office, but...

This is where I'd rather be.

Do you ever miss it?

Sometimes.

The thrill of
hunting and catching.

Actually evil people.

But, uh...

It consumed me.

That's why I play
pretend, so I can...

I can satisfy that
compulsion without...

Being consumed.

Where do you think that
compulsion comes from?

Were you, like, a crusader
in kindergarten for justice.

And made sure they
shared their crayons?

I didn't mean to
make light of it.

Maddie fulton.

We went to school together.

What happened to her?

Mm...

We were classmates.

You don't have to tell me.

No, no, no, I...

Yeah, I'm sorry.

Yeah, you asked,

And I'm finally ready
to talk about her.

Uh, we went out, and
um, not for long.

High school sweethearts.

Not too serious, though.

After graduation, I
went off to school.

And she stayed in town.

I remember I came back for
summer break, and, um...

Truth is, I couldn't
stop thinking about her,

So, I, I reached out
just to see if maybe.

She felt the same way.

Anyway, she was
dating someone else,

Uh, James houser.

Was a little bit older.

Was from a rich family.

He had a lot of what I didn't.

So when it was clear
that she was into him,

I went back to school.

And one day I got
this call from her.

She was crying.

He had hit her
during an argument.

I was so furious.

And I was also a
thousand miles away.

So I told her she should leave.

And just wait for
me to come home.

But that wasn't what
she wanted to hear.

Then one day she...

Told me that she
had forgiven him.

That it had all been
kind of an exaggeration.

And it was okay and...

That while she
appreciated my concern,

She didn't feel comfortable
or think it was appropriate.

For us to keep in touch.

Oh.

then I got the call that
every loved one dreads.

She had been murdered,

Beaten, and...

Left in a field near...

Her house.

I know he did it.

But the police didn't
have anything on him.

His daddy bought him
these really good lawyers.

I wanted to do something,
and I just, I couldn't.

I was just helpless to help her.

So after school, I swore
that I was gonna...

Either nail him or
kill him myself.

Um...

He left the country
and went to England.

He died of cancer
a few years ago.

Oh David, I'm sorry.

That's in the past now.

He never had to answer
for what he did to her.

He got away with it.

You never did an
episode about it.

No, I thought about doing
one after he, uh, died,

Just to sort of put
it behind me, but...

I understand.

You know, David,
there was nothing.

- That you could've done.
- I know.

I've beaten myself
up a lot for it.

And eventually I,
I forgave myself.

I... thank you for saying that.

This is why you can't be
too careful about your ex.

You can never underestimate it,

Never brush things off again.

You understand?

I do.

I should take you home.

Thank you for the ride.

I'm sorry that I
unloaded all that.

I haven't shared that
with anyone in...

- Many years.
- No, it's, it's okay.

I'm glad you told me.

I guess part of me
just hopes that.

These stories that I
tell can help others.

Avoid the same fate.

Especially the people
that, that I care about.

David?

David?

Hey.

Sorry, I didn't wanna wake you.

Mm, thanks.

Back to bed.

Well, I had a really,
really nice night.

Yeah.

Best that I've had
in a long time.

I'm just glad I
didn't scare you away.

No, not even a little.

Good.

What?

I haven't felt
like this for a...

For a long time.

Neither have I.

Okay.

I'll call you.

You better.

Ashley can't remember the
last time she felt happy.

Though she appears free...

She is a prisoner.

And Paul, the man she
thought she loved,

Is her warden.

Beautiful, intelligent,
full of life,

All she knows is torment...

A torment that has
become so... Familiar,

That she doesn't
even recognize it.

Constant surveillance,
endless rules.

She can no longer breathe,

But she has learned
to live without air.

She is trapped.

"he's a coward," she
told her friends.

"he won't try anything now."

And the next time she got home,

She would learn that she
wasn't safe anywhere.

She had humiliated him,

But her punishment
was yet to come.

Today was just about
sending a message.

he's just, he's different.

He's sensitive and
kind, but not...

Not the kind of guy
that has your car towed.

No, that was a pain to get back.

- No, he's...
- he's hot, intelligent.

Fights crime, is
famous. I get it.

You've landed your
perfect rebound guy.

No, he's not a rebound guy.

He's... More than that.

Are you falling for him?

No, I'm not falling for him.

Just be careful, okay?

In messy situations like
the one that you're in,

It's easy to latch on.

Because something's new and fun.

I know the difference.

This is not that.

Look, Paul and I
were so by the book.

Okay, dating, wedding,
house in the suburbs.

From the outside, it looked
like a perfect marriage,

But... You know how
that turned out.

But with David, I have no
idea where this is going.

I'm embracing the
excitement and the unknown.

Don't be upset, but you tend
to get excited about things.

And jump in with both
feet, and it's sweet.

Your podcast, your
painting last year,

Your knitting that one winter.

I mean, you get where I'm going.

Yes.

He's not my latest
project, okay?

I'm happy and that's enough.

Whoa!

This is incredible.

How long have you lived here?

Uh, several years now.

Just, uh... Wait until
you see the bedroom.

so when are you
seeing him again?

- Hi!
- Hey there.

Did I catch you at a bad time?

I'm just finishing up a
project. Just give me a second.

I can give you a call back.

Uh, no. There. That's better.

I was just wondering when
I'm gonna see you again.

What about now?

Oh, I'm, I'm out
with lily right now,

But, um, I was thinking
about cooking you dinner.

a home-cooked meal,

How can I say no?

a date.

How about 8:00 pm?

Sounds perfect.

Okay, see you then.

Paul...

I told you to stay
away from the house.

I have.

I know you were here, Paul.

I found your sunglasses.

I have, like, 20
pairs of sunglasses.

What the hell are
you talking about?

Of course some of
them would be there.

well, I didn't put them
in the bedroom, Paul.

Look, I've given
you a lot of leeway,

And I don't wanna have to
get the police involved,

But I'm gonna have to if
you keep pulling this crap.

The police?

Because you think I'm
coming to my own house?

I want you to stay away from me.

You've lost it, ash.

I don't know what
you think happened,

What you're making
up in your head,

What you're telling our friends?

I didn't make anything up.

Just... Leave me alone.

gladly.

Hello?

Yes, I would like to
file a restraining order.

I have to turn it
in with the court.

He said that it may
take a few weeks.

That's normal.

Just starting the process
is an immense help.

Like I said,
documentation, paper trail,

It's the only way to get the
legal system to work for ya.

At least now he'll
stay away from me.

You can't rely just
on a piece of paper.

He's not gonna do
anything. He's a coward.

Sometimes the most...

Frightened, tiny men.

Are the most dangerous.

And you cannot stop
being vigilant.

So much for a
home-cooked meal, right?

Leave it to Paul
to ruin our night.

You can owe me.

Yeah.

You seem exhausted.

Yeah, it's been a long day.

I don't think I could
stay in the house.

And not wonder if he
is gonna come back.

Wanna stay here?
No expectations.

You can have the bedroom.
I got work to do.

I can crash in
the, the guestroom.

You're safe here.

Yeah.

Yeah, okay.

Thanks.

And, uh, this.

What's this?

that'll help you sleep.

I'm gonna be in the studio
getting some work done.

If you need anything,
you just let me know.

But get some rest.

I will. Thank you.

With the disturbance
at the house,

The warning signs were mounting.

But she was defiant.

"he's a coward," she
told her friends.

"he wouldn't try anything now."

Whether she believed that
or not was hard to tell.

But what was for sure is that.

The threat of the restraining
order wouldn't deter him.

And the next time she got home,

She would find she wasn't
safe there anymore.

Paul slipped inside.

He crossed this threshold
thousands of times,

And now he felt like a thief,

Slipping in undetected,

His heart rate rising with
the fear of being caught.

He walked into the kitchen...

His kitchen, he told himself.

He'd spent so much time in here.

Laughing, crying, fighting.

It seemed so empty now,

Knowing that he
wasn't wanted here.

It was almost unbearable.

He thought of all the things
that he wanted to do to her.

He loved her with
his entire being,

But he knew he had to punish
her for her rejection.

She hadn't just hurt him.

She had humiliated him.

That punishment was
yet to come, though.

Today was just about.

Sending a message.

Hi... Sleepy.

Hi.

Oh my god.

I should get going.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Just not used to
sleeping pills, I guess.

Mm, you've been through a lot,

And I think you should stay.

No, no, no, that's sweet, but...

I have a lot of work that
I've been putting off.

Okay, but it's not safe for
you to stay there anymore.

I'm not saying you
have to stay here,

But maybe... Do you
have a friend to call?

Okay, yeah, I'll call lily.

I should go with you.

No, it's okay.

I can handle it myself.

Of course.

Just... Be on the alert, okay?

Promise me.

Okay, I will.

Hey, Susan, I'm so sorry
for the late reply.

Yeah, no, I can talk
to one of our vendors.

About putting a charging
station in the garage.

Yes.

No, it's not gonna be a problem.

Yeah, we can...

Uh, Susan, I'm sorry, can
I give you a call back?

Yeah, no, I will. Thanks.

Paul?

Paul?

when's the last time.

You saw your husband in person?

Ma'am?

Oh, um, last week.

And where did this
meeting occur?

Here.

He tried to get
inside to talk to me.

I was here with my friend.
Her name is lily rollins.

He had tried calling
a couple times,

But I guess he got fed up
and decided to come over.

Did he try to force his way in?

He was trying to get
back together with me,

But I turned him down.

Did he threaten you in any way?

No, he was playing
nice... for him, anyway.

Are you all right?

Yeah.

This is lily.

What are y'all still doing here?

Go get him.

I'll be glad to take a statement
from you as well, ma'am.

Just let me finish up
with ms. Huff here.

It's okay, lil, I'm
telling them everything.

Does anybody else have a key to
your home besides your husband?

Okay, that narrows thing down.

But this feels different.

Like, he's always
been controlling.

But what's the point
of terrorizing me?

If he thinks this is gonna
get us back together,

He's completely delusional.

Well, he was never the
sharpest crayon in the box.

Yeah.

If anything, this is your sign.

That you need to get
rid of him for good.

Yeah, I know.

That's the police.

- Hello?
- ms. Huff?

Yes, this is she.

we spoke to Paul.
He has an alibi.

What?

and a woman confirmed it.

No, that's not possible.
He was here, I know it.

sorry, ma'am, but...

so you're not
gonna do anything?

there's nothing we can do.

No, I understand.

Okay, thanks.

Bad news?

they said he has an alibi.

And a witness to back it up.

Who?

Some woman.

Oh.

so not only is he tormenting
me in my own home,

But he's seeing other women too.

okay, okay, okay, okay.

Just breathe. It's
gonna be okay.

- It's gonna be okay...
- none of this is okay, lily!

Okay, uh, I'm gonna
clean this up.

Just breathe.

Ash?

- What is that?
- Shh.

It has to have been Paul.

No, paul's not smart
enough to bug me.

And what would be
the point, anyway?

David?

When you were together
the other night,

Were you with him
the entire time?

Well, there was a
moment when I woke up.

And he wasn't in bed,
but it's not possible.

And you were with
him last night.

The whole night?

No.

He was working while I slept.

What if he's behind all of this?

The knife and the break-ins?

- But why would he?
- I don't know.

I don't know, but...

Every time that
something has happened,

I've gone to him for help.

Using your fear of Paul...

As manipulation to get
you falling for him?

Yeah. And who do I know.

That has access to lots
of recording equipment?

Paul could've
ordered them online.

But you're right.

I'm not gonna do it again, lily.

- Do what?
- Ignore the signs.

My gut is telling me that
something else is going on here.

Hey, David.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I just spent the whole
day with the police.

Trying to convince
them it was Paul again.

Did they arrest him yet?

No, he has an alibi.

Unbelievable.

Well, remember what
we talked about.

Stay vigilant. Right.

- Do you want me to come over?
- No.

Um, truth is, I don't really
feel safe here anymore.

Paul's kinda taken
that away from me.

You can come here.

Stay as long as you like.

I'll keep you safe.

Ashley?

Okay.

I'll see you soon.

I'll be waiting.

What are you gonna do?

I guess I'm that girl now.

What girl?

The girl in every story
who doesn't see it coming

'til it's too late.

I knew that he was
abusive and controlling.

But I thought that
if I played nice,

It'd make the process easier.

I thought that we could be
adults about the separation.

I feel so stupid.

You're not stupid.

It's like he knows when
I coming and going,

Like he's monitoring me somehow.

He doesn't seem that clever.

But...

Anything's possible.

So what do you think it was?

What?

I mean, what
attracted you to Paul?

Was it the danger at first?

Like a moth to a flame?

It sounds like you already
have a theory, so...

I'd like your perspective.

Well, he definitely
wasn't boring.

When we first started dating.

He was different from all
the people I'd grown up with.

Was a little rough
around the edges,

But he never got
violent until...

Sorry if I
interrupted your work.

I feel like I run over here
every time I have a problem.

Hey, I like having you here.

And I've got something that
I think will cheer you up.

What is it?

I started a new episode.

That's great.

What's it about?

Really early stages right now.

I'm just gathering background.

And trying to understand
how these events unfolded.

The way they did.

Just boring research stuff.

I mean, come on, you
can't give me a hint?

It's a surprise.

Think you're gonna
like it a lot.

Trust me.

But I do have
something very special.

That you can be the first
person to listen to.

What is this?

New theme music.

You like it?

Spooky.

Is the new podcast about her?

Hm?

Maddie fulton.

Is that the surprise?

Nope.

I'm not ready to broach
that subject yet.

Come on, I'll, uh, fix
you something to eat.

You look famished.

Oh, it's lily! Do you mind?

Tell her I'm taking
great care of you.

Ashley couldn't remember he
last time she felt happy.

Though she appears
free, she is a prisoner.

And Paul, the man she
thought she loved,

Is her warden.

Beautiful, intelligent,
and full of life,

All she knows is torment.

torment that has
become so familiar,

She doesn't even recognize it.

She would learn that she
wasn't safe anywhere.

But her punishment
was yet to come.

Today was just about
sending a message.

Oh, you scared me.

What are you doing?

I'm sorry, I just... I
wanted to hear it again.

And your computer
was open, so...

I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have done that.

It's okay. I'm glad you like it.

That's very effective.

Haunting.

It'll go great with
the new episodes.

I should go home.

I don't know that that's wise.

I can't crash here indefinitely.

It's not a problem.

No. It's my house.

I'm not gonna let him
scare me out of it.

Ashley.

Stay vigilant, I know.

I already got the
divorce lawyer.

And he filed the
restraining order.

I'm fighting back.

Okay.

Thank you.

I feel better that someone I
trust is looking out for me.

Good night!

Ashley can't remember the
last time she felt happy.

"her mother told reporters"

"that she was planning
to visit a boyfriend,

A local boy who was
studying abroad in England."

He left the country.
He went to England.

He died of cancer
a few years ago.

"detective Patrick wyler of
the danbury police department

"hinted at a potential suspect,

But had no sufficient
evidence to properly charge."

He never had to answer
for what he did to her.

Danbury police department

danbury police department.

- Hello?
- yes?

Yes, may I please speak to
detective Patrick wyler?

oh, he's retired, ma'am.

Okay, can I please get a
number where I can reach him?

It's important.

818-555-0101.

Okay, thank you.

god's sakes.

Hello?

Hi.

Is this detective Patrick wyler?

speaking?

Hi, uh, my name is Ashley huff.

I live in los Angeles.

If you're making
cold calls, ma'am,

I suggest you work on your
delivery just a little bit.

No, I'm not a salesperson, sir.

Um, I was hoping to talk to you
about a case that you worked on.

I've been retired
a long time, ma'am.

I understand.

This is about mad die
fulton and David Bryant?

mr. Wyler?

Who are you?

I know David.

And I was hoping to talk to you
about what happened back then.

With mad die.

How well do you
know David Bryant?

Not very well.

He's an acquaintance.

well, the less you're
acquainted with him,

The better off you'll be.

I'd break contact
with him immediately.

- Why is that?
- He's a murderer.

Knows how to play the
role, I'll give him that.

Big boy scout.

Federal investigator.

He'll do everything to convince
the people that he's a good guy.

But he's not. He
killed that girl.

And he got away with it.

Maddie fulton?

drove cross country
to take her life.

Couldn't prove
it, but he did it.

I guess that makes
him smarter than me,

But I wasn't fooled.

Why are you askin' about
this? What's goin' on?

I think that I'm next.

Where are you exactly?

Excuse me?

Yeah?

Uh, is this your car?

What's it to you?

Oh, I'm sorry, man,
I think I nicked it.

When I was parking here.

I'll fix it.

I don't see anything.

Hello.

Patrick wyler.

Are you Ashley?

No, she's inside.
I'm her friend lily.

Hi, lily. Want to lead the way?

Pat.

Thank you so much for coming.

Of course.

So, tell me your story.

So he's running his own
true crime podcast now?

unbelievable.

Yeah, and it's
incredibly popular.

Huh.

So why didn't you
call the police?

I did.

And they already thought I
was making everything up.

When I told them that my
husband was stalking me.

They're not gonna believe this.

Yeah, right, they show
up after it's too late.

yeah.

All right, this is
what we're gonna do.

We're gonna head down to
the precinct together.

Between what you found.

And what I already
know about David,

We might have enough
to prove intent.

And he was obviously
planning something nefarious.

With regards to you.

You're lucky.

Did you guys make copies
of these recordings?

No.

I should've thought
about that. I'm sorry.

I can try and go
back to his place.

You have chutzpah,
kid. I respect that.

But no, no, you already put
yourself in harm's way enough.

Once they get the warrant,

They'll be able to
pull this stuff.

Not bad for a rookie.

What do you say we
get out of here, hm?

- Let's go get him.
- Yeah.

Let's finally put
an end to this.

Lily! David! Please!

don't.

How poetic.

Just let them go.

I can't.

She's integral to the story.

And wyler here makes
this so much better.

Did you call him?

I'm not mad.

It was the right move.

I knew you were smart.

You know I don't wanna use this.

So let's just do
this the easy way.

Okay?

It's time to end...

Shh, just stay calm.

Not gonna hurt you.

- Ashley...
- shh! Quiet.

We don't want any accidents.

Okay.

We're ready.

after years of escalation,

Violence, and mental anguish,

Paul is served with
a restraining order.

But he finds his way into one
last showdown with Ashley.

They are mere feet
from one another.

All has led to this moment.

What's going on?

He wants you to kill me.

Like he killed mad die fulton.

I did kill mad die.

And I've thought about it
every hour of every day.

Of my life since then.

I haven't slept without
waking to her face.

And I could never
forgive myself.

No matter how many
cases I closed,

No matter how many
people I put away.

And then I met you.

And I knew that I had...

To protect you.

For her.

Her story ended in tragedy.

But yours can end in triumph.

I don't want him to kill you.

I want you to kill him.

Finish the story for me, Ashley.

Forced to the brink,

Ashley has no other recourse.

She has to strike him
down to free herself!

You have to take
revenge, Ashley.

She has to kill him.

No, I can't.

The story needs
an ending, Ashley.

And you need to give it to us.

- I won't.
- yes, you will!

And then what, hm?

Happily ever after
from a jail cell?

You're gonna tell the whole
world how I murdered him?

Not quite.

Every good story needs a twist.

And every true story
needs a little...

Creative license.

Lily?

The vengeful best friend.

Will do what she must.

To save her friend.

From the big, bad villain...

From her abuser and the deed.

Yes, she will
sacrifice her life.

In the process of
saving her best friend.

It'll be our
greatest season yet!

no.

This is for every woman,

Every victim,

Who never had a chance.

And then you and I
can be together...

Maddie,

Like we were always
supposed to be.

It's okay.

You can do it.

wait, wait, wait,
wait, Ashley.

I'm right here with you.

no, no, no, no no,
please, please.

Ashley, look at me!

I'm sorry.

Ashley...

Ashley, look out!

Sorry, mad die.

I didn't want it
to end this way.

c'mon, c'mon, c'mon.

Ashley!

You know, I didn't set out
to be the focus of a story.

This is all still very
uncomfortable for me.

I get the fascination.

I was a big fan of
all this stuff too.

But when it happens to you,

It definitely changes
your perspective.

How so?

All the stuff like true crime,

You know, the
documentaries, the books,

The podcasts of course...

When you become the
subject being discussed,

You become a public figure.

And there's this certain
kind of, like, celebrity.

Or spectacle to it.

And then people
consume this stuff.

Without really thinking about.

The real world consequences
of the people involved.

And it's not something
that any of us asked for.

And coming from the
other side of it,

I guess you could say...

I can't really enjoy these
things the same way anymore.

You know, we're just people...

People who had terrible
things happen to us.

We didn't choose our roles.

And then we become defined by
these horrible experiences.

And after everything happened,
that became truly clear to me.

You know, some outlets
painted me as this hero.

Who took on evil and won.

And then others painted me as
this helpless, victimized woman.

Who barely escaped
by the grace of god.

But the truth is, is that
I'm neither, you know?

I'm just Ashley.

That's an interesting
perspective.

Ashley, I wanna
thank you so much.

For joining us today.

I have one question left.

How do you feel about David now?

I mean, he's turned you into
the main character of his story.

You must hate him.

I don't hate David.

You know, he was sick.

I hate the things that he did.

But the truth is, is that
I don't spend much time.

Thinking about that anymore.

You know, I think
about his victims.

I think about mad die and
her family, and even Paul.

And I choose now
to devote my time.

To work towards helping
and healing those of us.

Who've been through
traumatic events.