Original subtitles

I should kill you for telling him about my tat.

You know, you might not even like James Afanasy.

You're so interchangeable at everything.

Except when it comes to you.

The only girl forever.

Forever. Oh, I'm afraid not.

She's my girl.

Um, can I talk to you?

Privately?

Sure.

Oh.

Oh.

Are you okay?

I mean, about last night?

Yeah.

Yeah, are you?

Yeah. Me? Yeah.

I mean, like, hell yeah, it was amazing.

Okay, not totally amazing, but I promise I will get better at it.

I wanted to make sure I didn't hurt you.

No, I'm okay.

I just maybe thought it would be easier.

Oh, God, I did hurt you.

No, I talked to my mom, though, and she said that... You told your mother?

Of course.

It's okay, though. It's okay.

She listened, and she didn't get mad, and she knew it was her first time. It's

really... It's really okay.

Wait.

What about your dad?

I'm never telling my dad.

He would kill you.

So much new information.

All right, let's go.

We're going to be late for class. Okay, did you see Amy yet? Good

morning,

and welcome to Advanced Placement World Literature.

I'm Miss Hetherington, and I trust you all did your summer readings, so we can

dive right into Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Uh -oh. Yeah?

Excellent.

Hey, Alex. Nice to see you again.

Who do you think the themes of identity in this novel are?

Well, all of the characters use a pseudonym or a disguise to hide who they

really are.

So I guess, well, I think what Hugo's trying to say is... is that we can never

really know someone.

Except for the honest characters, because by the end, they reveal who they

really are.

Very perceptive.

Well... Sorry to interrupt your class, ma 'am, but I need to speak with one of

your students.

Of course, officers.

Dad, it was a tattoo.

It's not like I'm selling cocaine to fifth graders. Quiet, Marissa. This

about you.

Alex, can you grab your things and come with me, please?

Right now, honey.

Where are we going?

Just come with me.

Sorry to interrupt.

Okay, if I could get everybody to open their books to page seven, please. Let's

take a look at the introduction.

What's going on?

I'll explain later. Be kind.

Then why can't you just tell me what's going on?

There's been an accident at the pet store.

Your mom's been hurt.

But she's all right, isn't she?

Sit tight, okay?

Does my dad know? Did somebody call my dad?

Yeah. He's on his way from Westdale. He knows that you're safe and that you're

with me.

Where's my brother and sister?

Another car has been dispatched to pick them up.

I'm going to take them back to my house for now and clear up the gas for them.

Oh my god, mom.

Alex, stay in the car.

Do you know what happened to your mother?

Where is your father?

What is wrong with you?

I'm going to blow your bed.

Protect the crafty.

Hold on.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry. I don't know the words. It's just so horrible.

Is my dad here?

No, honey, the police asked to see him first, but Sean and Ellie are here.

They're inside.

Alex, what's going on? The cops pulled me out of history class.

Mom had an accident at the pet store.

She got hurt.

Alex, just tell me what happened to Mom.

Wait.

Mom's supposed to take me to swim meet today.

Alex, it's the semifinals. I can't miss it.

You heard what happened to Helen. They've locked down the street. They

everyone to stay in their house.

Well, Stacy, maybe you should go back to your house then, okay? Just until it's

all clear. But did you hear the news?

Sorry. Not the right time.

John!

Details are still forthcoming.

Keep it here for the very latest on this tragic story. The woman was murdered

execution style.

Helen Elizabeth Carlton was shot four times in the head early this morning, a

crime occurring in broad daylight.

Carlton is the owner of a pet store on Grand Boulevard where the shooting took

place. She was 45 years old. The murder? No!

Investigation. Reporting live.

Detective Joseph Moran, we spoke on the phone. This is my partner, Detective

Reed. At this time, we'd prefer it if you didn't speak to the reporters.

Nick, do you know what happened to your wife?

Mr. Coffey would give us a few words.

Nick, the murder was execution style. That's enough.

Any idea who did it?

What did you say?

That's enough. Back off. That's enough. Come on.

What did that reporter mean, execution style?

We're going to brief you at the station later.

Right now you have to identify the body. I'm sorry it has to be done.

Why didn't you clean her face up? I know she's dead.

How could you?

She wanted me like that, like that.

Like I said, Mr. Carlton, we have faith that witnesses will come forward.

But first we have to rule out anyone close to her.

Like me?

That's what you mean, isn't it?

Yes.

Unfortunately.

See, when a woman is murdered, the husband or boyfriend quite often becomes

first suspect.

May we ask where you were this morning?

You can ask. I was at Camp Westdale at a work party.

I'm the requisitions manager, one of our secretaries.

Is he retiring? Look, I want to know who killed my wife as much as you, and I'm

happy to answer all of your questions, but will you please just tell me what

happened so I can get home to my kids?

According to the casings of this thing, the weapon was the .22 Ruger.

Apparently the killer, or killers, were waiting upon her arrival.

After she parked her car and got out, they put the gun at the back of her

fired four shots and flung it blank range.

If it's any consolation, she died instantly.

It took you so long.

I'm sorry, Sharon. I had to go directly to the police station. I'm here now. I'm

here now.

Nick, I am so sorry.

Here's Alex.

I keep wondering if he's out there watching us.

If mom is in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is he going to come after

of us?

Listen to me.

I will never let anyone hurt you.

Any of you.

Ever.

Okay?

Hey,

hi. Thanks for coming.

Yeah. You know what?

I got this.

Hi,

Alexandra. Oh, hi.

Mr.

Brewster, right? That's right.

You've grown so much. You look more and more like your mom every year.

Oh,

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.

I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now.

I'm fine, thanks.

Alex, if you ever need to talk, I just want you to know that I'm here for you.

Yeah, okay.

Frank, good of you to come.

You have my sympathies, Nick. Thank you.

Why don't you go see if your brother and sister are ready to go? Yeah. Okay.

Thanks, honey.

You don't belong here.

It's inappropriate.

I have a right to pay my respects.

That's true.

And I appreciate that.

So I'm asking you nicely.

Stay away from my family.

I'm Detective Joseph Moran. Yeah, I remember.

Are you going to find the killer?

Yeah.

I take random acts of violence personally.

This is my car.

My cell number's on the back.

Listen, I'd like to contact you later.

Would you be willing to help me find your mother's killer?

So who murders a suburban housewife and mother if it's not the husband or

boyfriend? Does she have an insurance policy?

Nope, no financial gain.

Okay, so it's another woman.

You know, we kick a few pillows, we find her, solve the case. You can't rush

these things.

Look, I know this isn't Oakland, it's a small town.

You know, we average three murders a year here. Most of those involve

shotgun, and a naked ass crawling out of a bedroom window. We can't afford to

have cases go unsolved.

My arrest record in Oakland was the best in the department, okay?

I'll find him.

I just need you to trust me to do it my way.

All right.

I'm going to announce a monetary reward for information on the local news

tonight. Thank you, sir.

In my experience, people talk louder when they get paid.

They better.

Step it up, detectives.

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

What are you going to do for your birthday?

We're going bowling.

Can you bowl?

Can you bowl?

Oh, hey, Nick.

Hey, guys.

Great job. You rocked that.

You were like, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh,

shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh,

shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh,

shh, shh, shh, shh,

shh,

shh,

I'm going to start dinner.

Actually, no, wait a minute. No, hold on a second.

Just wait a minute. We're just a little early, that's all.

What's going on, Dad?

Patience, young buck.

Patience.

You bought me a dirt bike?

I bought you a dirt bike. Yes, thank you. You're welcome. Yes.

Yes.

He's not supposed to have a dirt bike, Dad.

They're not safe.

Oh, honey, it's all right.

I had one when I was a kid. I'll teach him to ride it.

No, you have to take it back.

Honey. Look how happy he is.

I think I just became father of the year.

Yeah, but when he asked for one, mom said no. Alex, it's my decision, okay?

Thanks. Dad,

can you come help?

Look at this. Huh?

Rule number one.

Helmet.

All right.

Give him that helmet.

Well, we're doing okay.

We're doing better.

At least the kids are here.

Yeah,

thank you. Thank you for checking in out.

Yeah, I'll call you back. I will.

So, what do you guys have going on for today?

Not much. Why?

Well, because I thought it might be time to pack up your mother's things.

Guys, look, I know that's not easy to hear, but maybe the best thing that we

do here is to try to get back to normal somehow. And I'm just afraid that seeing

your mother's thing lying around every day, it just makes it that much harder

for all of us to move on.

So, husband has an alibi.

Somebody else just walks up to this woman in broad daylight and shoots her

times in the head.

How can there be no witnesses?

Reward money hasn't panned out.

There has to be a road not taken.

Find it.

Joe, man, sorry to bother you, but...

I was wondering if you had any update on the Carlton case.

You're close with the family, right?

Yeah. Next door neighbor.

Alex has been best friends with my daughter since grade school.

What do you... What do you think about Alex?

He's a good kid.

Responsible.

They looked exactly alike, too.

Same smile, same laugh.

You know, uh... Detective Reed said there are still no witnesses for a hit

broad daylight.

Isn't that unusual?

Excuse me?

No.

Isn't that your mother's sweater?

Um, yes.

Put it in the box, honey.

No, I want to keep it.

What?

It's only going to upset your brother and your sister when they see it.

We don't want that.

Do we?

Come on, sweetheart.

That's done.

Look, guys.

I know.

This is hard.

Clothes are just things you buy at the store.

And your mother will be in your hearts.

Always.

Hi, I'm Alice Carlton.

I'm here to talk to the detective on my mother's case.

I think his last name was Moran.

I'm Barney. How old are you?

17.

Perhaps it would be better if your father or another adult came into the

station.

Why does another adult have to come in? I'm her daughter. That should be enough.

Why don't I take a message and someone will call your father with an update?

I want to talk to him now. Can you please call him?

Then I'll deliver the message.

No, you know what? This is ridiculous.

My mother was murdered.

And I have a right to know what is going on with her case.

I am her daughter. Do you not get that?

I was, um, to believe.

That there was.

Wait up.

You were great.

You could go to the state finals at those times.

I just told the coach I quit.

Quit?

You haven't quit anything in your life before.

Well, I have to be at home where I've got to take care of the kids. The kids?

You sound like an Amish wife.

Look, you're coming to the bowling alley tonight, right?

I completely forgot.

I've got to help Ellie with the school project.

Uh, Ellie, I am going to put away the groceries and then I'll help you with

homework, okay?

Okay.

Hey, guys.

Hey. How you doing?

Good. Smells good.

Um. We have to eat right away, though, because I have to go somewhere. And Sean

won't do his homework. He's getting a C in algebra.

Sean, do your homework.

Dad, are you going to get that?

It went upstairs.

Oh, hi.

Hi.

Did they tell you that I came to talk to you?

Yes, ma 'am.

Is your father home?

Yeah.

Yeah? Yeah.

Dad?

Dad!

Mr. Carl.

Detective. Yeah.

Hi. Been a while.

Yeah. I hope this means you've got some good news for us.

Not good, I'm afraid.

At this time, we must officially close Helen's case.

Close?

You just do that, right? Don't you have anything to tell us?

Well, your wife was well -loved in this town. She had no enemies, so we still

maintain it was a random incident.

Probably robbery gone bad, possibly for drug money. But unfortunately, after

three months, we've exhausted all of our leads without producing a viable

suspect. That's not fair.

I'm equally frustrated by the lack of movement in this case.

I'm sorry. So that's what you came here to tell me in front of my children, that

Ellen's murder is not going to be solved.

I wish I had better news.

I will leave you guys to it.

Hey.

I thought you said you took random acts of violence personally.

I do.

Ew.

What?

The reward sign's still up.

Sean?

Sean, why did you just do that?

It's over.

Detective Dickwad closed the case. Whoa, watch your mouth.

Mom never would have let you talk like that. Hi.

Guys?

How's it going?

Alex?

Can I talk to you a minute? I've got my hands full. Can it wait?

Just take a minute.

Okay, look.

Let's talk about it later.

Okay, come on.

Meet you at home.

What is it?

Why didn't you show up at the bowling party?

Oh.

Well, you know what? They closed my mom's case last night, and it kind of

over my life, so... Alex, we really have to talk.

I have to answer, though.

Hello?

Thank you.

Hello.

Hi.

Thanks for coming. Have a seat.

Would you like some food? Do you want a drink?

No, thanks.

I'm sorry we closed the case.

But the truth is, I never stopped working on it.

I've had a few breaks.

First, Alex, I don't believe your mother's death was a robbery.

She had over $200 in her purse, and it wasn't touched.

Do you remember what I asked you at the funeral?

Yeah, if I would help you find my mother's killer.

Well, it turns out I need your help now.

So, would you be willing to help me?

Yes.

Of course I will.

See, Alex, me talking to you like this, a minor... I'm a senior in high school.

Well, for this to work, everything we do must remain confidential. You cannot

mention me to anyone. Your father, your brother, your sister, your boyfriend,

your friends at school.

No matter how hard it gets.

I've got to be frank.

Because the crime wasn't a robbery.

You must assume it was personal.

See, nine out of ten people die at the hands of somebody they know.

You think my mom knew who killed her?

Yes.

But if it was someone that she knew, then do you have an idea of who it was?

I have a few ideas.

I have to skip my first class and study for my finals today. Can you take the

kids to school for me?

Yeah. Where's Armand?

Oh, thanks.

Sean! Where's Ellie?

She's outside.

Crazy. Look, just blank at the store. Lots of pictures, standard stuff, right?

Okay, thanks.

Why does crime go up during the merriest time of the year?

Lack versus lust.

Those who think they lack suddenly lust for more.

I gotta go.

You finish up here?

When you had a hot date?

Something like that.

Terry.

Hey.

Sorry I'm late. That's okay. I just wanted to tell you that I went ahead and

went through my mother's thing.

Looking for threatening letters or something. I didn't find anything.

Do you have three of your father's things?

Why?

Look, I'm not going to lie to you.

Your father is a suspect.

We have to include that.

No.

You know what? My father loved my mother. They were married for 18 years.

We have information, okay?

Reason to believe he's playing a role in this. Oh, yeah? What information?

He's been having an affair for two years with a bartender named Ruthie Weber.

Now, please sit down.

I don't believe you.

He wouldn't do that.

He's innocent. I know he is. Well, then help me prove it.

Well, how am I supposed to do that?

I need you to go through his files.

Bring these receipts.

His address book.

Report unusual behavior.

You know, spending lots, staying out late.

You want me to spy on my own father?

Look, you can worry about that or you can worry about who killed your mother.

If you want to help me prove your father's innocence, this is what you

do.

Hey.

Wow.

Well, time you fill those out. You need any help?

Let's see.

What are we going to do without you?

Uh... I gotta go make dinner.

Where's Dad?

I don't know.

The big cattle, nothing outside?

What? Nothing.

You're staring at me.

Did you hear something today I should know about?

No.

You told her, didn't you?

Huh? I didn't say anything.

Me neither.

Tell me what.

Dad got you an early Christmas present.

Really? A car.

Oh.

You bought me a car?

Two thank you for everything.

Wait a second. You bought Ellie a computer, Sean a new dirt bike, and now

buying me a car?

Yeah. Where are you getting all the money from?

Our savings.

Look, honey, Mom's car is shot, and besides, it can't be easy for you to

her car every day, so...

Amazing.

You totally deserve it. You have really stepped up taking care of this family.

I'm so proud of you.

Thanks, Dad. You're welcome.

Hey, Dad.

You don't know anyone who wouldn't want to hurt Mom, do you?

No.

No, honey, I can't think of anyone. Believe me, I have tried.

But your mom was... She was amazing.

And everybody loved her. And who would want to hurt her? Why?

I was just told that most people are held by someone that they know.

Who told you that?

Just something that I heard.

was killed by some horrible stranger, some robbery gone bad, and it was

awful.

But these things happen, and now we've got to try to put it behind us.

Trey?

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, you're right.

Hey, look, do you mind if I go see Cody?

I just have something that I want to give him. Oh, you, uh...

Go right ahead. I got you covered here.

Thanks, Dad. Yeah.

You seem different.

Different good or different bad?

Just different.

But don't worry. You're still the prettiest girl I've ever seen.

I got you something.

Oh.

But... I

didn't get you anything.

It's okay.

Yeah, it was, um... It was my mom.

She collected books, and I know they were probably her favorite.

Maybe the only one you ever read to the end.

Alex.

I can't keep it.

It was your mom.

I don't want you to have it.

We don't have a lot of her stuff left.

He, um... He made us give away all of our clothes already.

It felt really... soon, and I wasn't really ready for it.

He meaning... your dad, right?

Look, I'm... I'm sure...

He's fine, and he's just dealing with it the only way he knows how.

Yeah.

Yeah, you're probably right. I'm sorry. This must be getting really boring for

you.

No, no, no.

Miscellaneous.

I found a receipt for a new Mustang in my dad's name.

And the registration is under Ruth Weber.

I'm sorry, I just... I couldn't believe that you would have an affair.

I'm sorry you had to find out this way.

Look, but even if he did have an affair, he was still at the party at Camp

Westdale when my mom was murdered, so he couldn't have shot her.

You know, he could have hired somebody to end your mother's life rather than do

it himself.

God, you really hate my dad, don't you? It's nothing personal.

I hate the case.

What does that mean?

Murder used to be shocking.

Now it's become ordinary.

I don't think your mother's death was ordinary, do you?

No.

Look, it's almost four months later. I know when you'll be talking about it

anymore. They can't.

Funerals and sudden deaths create this moment of heightened awareness where we

stop and we realize how temporary life is and how everything can stop anytime.

But living with that awareness is...

It's too painful, you know.

So people have to make things go back to normal.

Except people like you and me.

We can't.

What do you mean people like you?

Yeah.

I lost someone.

Just like you, Alex.

Who did you lose?

What happened to her?

She was murdered.

Who did it?

The case was never solved.

But your case is not going to end like hers.

Thank you.

you

at three o 'clock in the morning. I just saw him with Ruthie.

They were having sex in the car that he bought her. He opened presents with us

and prayed with us and then went out and had sex with her on Christmas.

How did you see all that? I followed him. He left the house at two in the

morning. Did he see you?

No, I don't think so.

Okay, Alex, listen.

I need you to go home right now.

But what about what I just saw?

I know it's confusing, but I need you to go home right now.

Get into bed and go to sleep. Why are you so mad at me?

Look, what you just did could have blown up in both of our faces.

Just...

Alex, the engine's warm.

You left the lights on in the car.

Where were you?

Um... Come on out.

I was out with Cody.

Yeah.

All right.

That's what I... That's what I thought. I remember that. I was 17.

Once.

Yeah, I'm sorry. I don't want to sneak out again.

No, it's okay. It's okay, honey. I was just worried about you.

I went out looking for you, but I guess you beat me back here.

Why don't you give me your car keys? I'll turn the lights off in your car.

Would you have a seat?

I can't be late for classes. I've missed too much school already.

Those are both their wills. The insurance paper is my dad's address

I'll pick them up in two hours. Go home, put everything back, and then pick up

the kids, okay?

Okay. Thanks.

Listen. Hey.

I know that at all. I really do.

No.

Now you want to know what's hard?

Is waking up every morning and having to pretend like I didn't see him having

sex with that woman.

I watch him having breakfast, smiling, drinking coffee, and I just want to

scream at him, what is wrong with you? Our mom is dead, and they're selling

vanilla lattes where her pet store used to be, and some detective is trying to

convince me that he killed her.

But I can't say any of that to him.

Because I'm not allowed to talk to anyone but you.

And when I needed to talk to you, you hung up on me.

I'm sorry.

I'll be back in two hours.

Hey, Joe.

Hey.

I just got back from the DA's office.

He's going to file today on that robbery, attempted murder of a liquor

clerk. Good.

Yeah, he wanted to say thank you again for the evidence trail. All the markers

were very thorough.

He'd never seen anything like it.

Good to hear.

Yeah, you seem preoccupied lately.

Yeah, I got some other things going on. Yeah, so there's nothing to talk about.

Hey, wait, wait up, wait up.

A couple of guys said they saw you today in a...

Dying with a teenage girl.

And they reached out to me, concerned.

Do you want to talk about it?

No.

I appreciate your concern. It's none of your business.

Okay, I'll make copies.

Make sure you put everything back exactly where we found it, okay? Yeah, I

I'm not stupid.

And check out the address book.

You recognize the majority of names, so let me know if there's any other ones.

Look, I had an idea.

There's this guy, Frank Brewster.

My dad didn't seem very happy that he was at this funeral.

He would take us for lunch once a year.

My dad really didn't like him. Frank Brewster, check that, please.

I mean, I don't know if there's any unfamiliar names in there.

Why are you so cold and professional all the time, like you have no emotions?

We can't meet at the diner anymore.

Why? It's close to my cool.

Want to find a new location? I will let you know.

What about Ruthie Weber?

Maybe she wanted my dad all for herself. You question Ruthie? She's got an

alibi. But so does my dad.

You believe their alibi is not his? Why?

What do you think, Alex?

Huh?

You know, it's late. I have to go.

Here's our selection. Cream dill pickle.

Yes.

All right. Ready to get some om nom nom noms?

What is that? What do they call snacks?

Because you're like, om nom nom nom.

You're such a loser.

I know. Dill pickle and cheesy nachos. I think nacho cheese.

Hey.

Hey.

What are you guys doing?

We were just shopping for high quality food for the senior class ski trip.

Did you read my check?

No. I'm sorry. I just got a lot going on. You know what?

Alec, we're busy too.

We keep calling you and we keep texting you, but you just never answer. We

really are worried.

When did you guys start hooking up?

What? No.

There was a lot of we's.

We texted, we called, we're worried.

You know what, Alec? No, Marissa, I... No, yes, Cody and I are together now.

But do you want to know why?

Because we spent so much time talking about you.

And worrying about you, and being hurt by you.

It just happened.

I don't even care.

I don't care what happens to this stupid town anymore.

Sean, did you do your homework?

Not yet.

No video games until your homework's done. You know the rules.

Take it easy, huh?

A guy can relax and chill with his old man from time to time.

Relax and chill?

Ever since Mom died, you've been trying to be his buddy instead of his dad.

How

dare

you talk to me that way in front of Sean?

He looks up to you, and you're letting him slack off?

So I have to come in, and I have to be the bad guy, and you know what? I am

of it!

Congratulations, Alex. You sound just like your mom.

She wasn't pitching at me.

Oh, yeah?

Always bitching at you. Is that why you had an affair?

Who told you that?

In a small town, Dad, people talk.

That's not true, Alex.

Her name is Ruthie.

You don't have to lie to me, Dad.

Did you stop loving mom?

No. Of course not. Your mom was the love of my life. She's

brilliant.

I made a mistake.

Are you still seeing Ruthie?

No, honey.

I was not.

How's your life?

Oh, hon, you can't be in here. 21 and over.

I'm Nick Carlton's daughter.

Did you tell my mom?

I didn't kill your mom.

I was just as shocked as anybody.

Truth is, First thing I thought about was you kids.

Were you thinking about us when you had an affair with my dad?

Wow. Or something.

Why did you start sleeping with him if you knew he was married?

I know this probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but I'm sorry about what

happened to your mom.

Do you think that my dad had something to do with what happened to her?

That was my second thought.

Yeah.

We need to talk.

I was out for a drive, like I said.

Out for a drive. Well, gone for hours. The kids are asleep.

Where were you?

You know what? It's none of your business.

Excuse me?

Sorry, none of my business.

None of my business.

What does that mean to you lately?

See, your grades are plummeting. There's no groceries in this house. You're

staying out to all hours. Is that how you take care of this family? You should

talk. What is that supposed to mean?

I do not know.

I don't know who you are.

I am the mother, the maid, the cook, the driver.

The real question is, Dad, who are you?

Who are you? Because I don't know anymore. Don't.

You judge me. Don't you dare judge me. I have not even had time to mourn my

wife. I've been so worried about all of you. So busy worrying about us? That's

right. So worried that you've been out in the middle of the night screwing

Ruthie in her brand new car.

That was inappropriate.

It was wrong.

I feel awful.

I've been asking a lot of you lately too much.

Just with mom being gone, I find it hard.

It's hard.

I know it's hard.

But I want you to know that I'm still here.

I'm still your dad. I still love you.

And I hope you know that.

What's going on?

My father slapped me.

He never hit me before.

Maybe he knows. Maybe I blew it somehow. Is there any reason why he would be

suspicious? I don't think so.

I've been so careful.

But I'm... I'm tired.

You have no idea how hard it is to be in that house with him.

Okay, look at me.

Tell me about the address book.

Um, there was one name that I didn't recognize.

Bruce Wilkins?

Yeah, we're aware of him.

We're going to have an informal talk with him tomorrow at the station.

Anybody else that you know of her?

I spoke to her with you, Ever.

You did what?

Man, Alec.

That kind of behavior will jeopardize our case and put you in danger. Is that

what you want to do? Please.

Stop yelling at me!

Nope. If you do things like that, you're gonna get yourself killed.

They're leaving.

Listen to me.

Somebody shot your mother in the head four times, execution stopped.

And that somebody could just as easily shoot you. You know why?

Because once you've convinced yourself it's okay to kill somebody, you can kill

again.

Now, we're not there yet.

We're really close.

But we need to murder what?

Have you seen the gun at your house?

What? No, we don't have a gun.

I want you to get out of the car.

Go home.

Because there must be a place where you haven't looked yet. I've looked

everywhere.

Now.

Dear Helen, I still can't believe you said you'd marry me.

I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

I love you, right?

What are you doing down here?

I'm getting baby photos for a cool project.

Now?

Shouldn't you be at school?

Yeah, I should. I'm just on my lunch break. I'm going to go back right now.

Are you coming?

No. No, now that I'm down here, I remember I need a few things.

Okay.

Alex.

What's your thought?

What are you doing here? Is this birth certificate true?

Are you my father?

I always wanted to tell you, but your mother thought it was better to let you

think Nick was your father.

I just always thought that they were married before I was born.

That's not true either.

Your mom and I were married when she met Nick.

Lived in a little house on Mission Beach.

What happened?

She fell in love with him.

For years I blamed Nick for stealing her, but I guess you can't really steal

what never belonged to you.

You were two years old when she left. I can't believe she would do that.

Don't be mad at her, Alex.

Your mother loved you more than she loved anyone.

How do you know that?

She lied to me about who my dad was. Let me tell you something.

All your mother ever wanted to do was to be a mother.

I remember when you were first born, she looked right into your eyes and said,

now I know what love is.

She meant it. Your mother loved you, Alex.

She just did what she thought was best for you.

It almost feels like a bad dream.

All right, wait.

I was bored to read it.

But Alex, I'm concerned.

You were taking college prep classes, but with your marks down, I'm afraid

there's not any places going to accept you.

Don't worry about it. Why?

Have you changed your mind about college?

Look, someone has to take care of my brother and sister.

Miss Hetherington, I know that you care.

But it is what it is, so please leave me alone.

You didn't have to close the case that early, did you?

No, I didn't.

Then why did you?

I needed people to relax.

Hopefully make a mistake.

Look, I'm not going to be able to meet you in person as much anymore.

What did I do wrong?

No, it's not about you.

It's the case.

I want to speed up the process.

You know Bruce Wilkins.

He was contacted to commit a murder that followed the exact same MO as your

mother's death.

He wasn't given the victim's name, but he was given a gun.

Advanced half the fee.

But in the end, he couldn't go through with it.

Was it Nick who contacted him?

How much was he going to pay him?

$5 ,000.

$5 ,000 to kill my mother?

That's all her life was worth?

I found a gun.

Where is it now? It was in my mom's pet supplies in the garage. I didn't even

think to look in there. He never even goes in the garage. Okay, look, calm

You need to focus. Where's your father now?

He took the kids out for pizza.

All right, listen.

You need to put back the gun.

Meet me tomorrow at the DMV parking lot at 9 a .m.

Don't be late.

I'm never late.

Peace out.

Thanks.

I'm sweating.

Why are you sweating?

I, uh... I went for a run.

Yeah, I was running.

Okay, well, um... Good night.

Oh, hey, wake up. It's almost 8 .30.

What?

Why didn't you wake me up?

Dad told me to let you sleep in.

Is Daddy mad?

No, he's making breakfast.

Eggs and bacon.

I really don't want to go to school today.

We've got this stupid social thing about human rights or something.

And you know what? I hate Emily. I love you so much.

Yeah, yeah, I know, but just get off me. You're hurting me.

Come on, it's breakfast. Let's go, let's go, let's go. Okay, okay.

What does it mean again?

Like degrading.

Hey, Alex,

correct me.

I gotta go.

Hi. I'm glad you came.

I've got to show you something.

That one.

You sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

22 Ruger.

Six lands and grooves and a right -hand switch.

Is that the gun that killed her?

It's consistent with the projectile.

And the type of gun Wilkins said Nick gave him to commit the crime.

What time does he leave for work? He shouldn't have left already.

All right, look, I need you to bring the gun to the station.

Wrap it in a cloth so you don't get any more fingerprints on it.

What happens then?

Well, if it's a match, we'll arrest Nick and go to prison for a very long time.

You know, I was... I was up all night thinking, you know, is this fair?

My brother and sister, they already lost their mom and now they're going to lose

their dad too.

I mean, he's going to take care of us. Did you even think of that?

Honestly, all I cared about was finding your mother's killer.

So, look, before it's too late, I'll give you a choice.

You can go home, pretend you never saw the gun. I'll stop the investigation.

Your life goes back to the way it was.

Or you bring the gun to the station in an hour.

And Nick will go to prison.

And the last thing my mom said to me was that I was a gift.

But I think the real gift is the one I can give her now, so I will be there at

10.

With a 10.

She's coming this way. I'm going to back up.

Why don't you go upstairs and pack like I told you?

Why are you packing?

We're going on a trip.

With the two of us.

Where? I don't know yet. It'll be fine.

Hey, uh, Dad, can I help you with something?

Uh, not this time. I'm free, honey. All right.

Go back.

We need to talk.

I know you have the gun.

What gun? The gun in your backpack.

I didn't tell you this now.

That gun.

I moved it three times. Closet.

Basement.

Garage.

Are you telling me?

You let a minor child go back into a house with a murder suspect to retrieve

possible murder weapon?

I didn't have a choice.

You always have a choice. Listen to me.

Alex Carlton was supposed to be here at 10 o 'clock.

I'll give you the address.

I need you to back me up.

Sir.

Hey, guys, go wait in the car. I have to talk about something.

Okay?

Okay. We'll be waiting on the side. All right.

Go ahead.

Bye.

Here's what I want you to do.

I want you to give me the gun.

Put all this behind us.

We'll pretend it never happened.

No, I can't. I can't.

Alex, okay, I don't want you to give me the gun. All I want you to do is you're

told because I'm your father.

You are not.

No, I'm not. What does that mean, no, I'm not?

I mean you're not.

I mean you're not my dad.

Frank Burtzer is my dad.

I'm the only father you've ever known.

I fed you, honey.

I... I raised you.

Honey, I loved you.

Give me the gun.

Or what, you'll shoot me?

Alex, I would never hurt you.

No, you hire people to do that for you.

Alex, don't talk about things that you don't understand.

Your mother wanted to divorce me.

She found out about Ruthie and she wanted to get a divorce. Then why didn't

just give her a divorce?

Because I couldn't give her a divorce because I couldn't break up the family.

This family is our life. Your mother was trying to ruin it and now you're trying

to ruin it.

Are you surprised that your father tried to hurt you?

Yes.

But it's like Detective Moran once told me.

Once a person decides that they can kill someone, they can kill again.

I don't really understand what's going on here.

What don't you understand, Alex?

Why is Detective Moran on trial?

This isn't a trial.

It's an internal affairs hearing.

Detective Moran.

knowingly put you in a dangerous situation.

That's reckless endangerment of a minor, which is against the law.

Well, did Detective Moran know that asking me to help him would get him

According to his testimony, yes. But if he hadn't asked me to help him, then

Nick never would have gone to jail.

I understand that.

But Detective Moran still violated your rights.

But if we hadn't, we wouldn't know who killed my mother.

Well, are we done here?

Yes, ma 'am, we are.

You know, at first I hated what Detective Brown was asking me to do.

But we got our answers.

And now the only question that I have left is how do you thank someone who

changed your life?

Because he did.

You changed my life and I will never...

be able to say thank you enough for everything that you did for me.

In the internal affairs hearing, Detective Joseph Moran was found guilty

reckless endangerment of a minor.

When I asked him how he felt about that, he said he wouldn't have done anything

differently.

Bruce Wilkins had a solid alibi at the time of my mother's death, but he

testified at the trial that Nick tried to hire him to kill her.

Nick was found guilty of solicitation of murder and sentenced to 10 years in

prison.

My brother and sister still believe that Nick is innocent and stopped speaking

to me for helping Detective Moran.

In prison, Nick never admitted guilt and was diagnosed as a sociopath.

As I learned in Les Miserables, when all the masks are removed, you are left

with who you really are.

So I changed my last name to Brewster and graduated from college with my

Frank, by my side.

As for who actually pulled the trigger, my mother's killer has never been found.