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A film strip with a different still image on each panel scrolls by, forming

logo. Footage Film Studios Opening

Credits To Be Presents

A Footage Film Studios Production A

Christopher B. Stokes Film

A gray -haired woman falls down a staircase.

A young woman stands at the top, glowering.

The young woman walks through a graveyard, passing several headstones.

Two women panic, screaming in a cosmetic store.

The young woman stands over a bed. A young man lays motionless on the white

sheets in a pool of blood.

Kenyon Bowman, Ken Lawson.

A young woman falls over a banister onto the floor below.

Mike Hill, Veronica Bozeman.

In the darkness of an alley, a woman smashes a bottle on a man holding a

flashlight.

April Jones.

Two women struggle, fighting in a living room.

And Annie Alonza.

A woman fires a gun, laying on the floor.

A woman winces, collapsing into a man's arms.

Farrah Hines, Stephen Little.

Emaya Riley, Jason Glover. Lance Alexander, Keisha Thompson.

Skylar Dominique, Andrew Hawkins.

Aya Washington, Mark Schroeder, Emily Sargent.

A police officer chats with two women in a parked ambulance.

Nobody was found.

Your husband's missing.

What about Joanna?

She was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Her condition's critical.

You have no idea what she is capable of.

She's contained, man.

Trust me. In a hospital, a doctor stands beside a bed.

African -American teenage female.

Name is Joanna Lawrence.

She was shot in the upper left chest.

Bullet still lodged inside.

Her blood pressure is dropping 80 over 50.

Joanna? Joanna?

You're going to be okay.

I know it's hard for you right now, but if you can hear me, I need you to

respond, Joanna.

We're losing her.

We have to transfer her to the OR right away. She's not going to make it.

Stay with me, Joanna.

Code blue, code blue.

Charging.

One, two, three, clear.

Next, one month later.

Credits. Music Supervisor, Emanuel Rich.

Costume Designer, Irinequa Carter.

Editor, Harvey White. Production Designer, Jonathan Franklin.

A doctor smiles, approaching Joanna's bedside.

How are we doing, Ms. Lauren?

Much better.

Thanks for asking, Doc.

You were in a coma for a month.

We tried contacting family, but we haven't been able to reach anyone.

Do you have anybody in mind who we should call?

Nothing to buy.

We also ran some tests, and other than that wound healing up, you're going to

okay. Okay. Thank you.

Executive Producers, Marcus B. Houston, Christopher B. Stokes.

Producers, Marcus B. Houston, Juanita Stokes.

The doctor approaches the nurse's station.

She's doing great.

Lucky to be alive.

Screenplay by Marcus B. Houston.

The doctor dashes into Joanna's empty room.

Joanna slams the door to her room shut and turns on the doctor with a dead

stare.

Joanna strides confidently out of the room in the white coat, leaving the

laying on the floor.

A title, The Stepdaughter 2.

Produced, written, and directed by Christopher B. Stokes.

On a peaceful evening, the downtown lights reflect off of the waterfront.

In a swanky cocktail bar, a woman sips from a martini glass as a man

Let me guess.

A dirty martini with an extra splash of dirty.

Am I right?

Yes, you are.

But that's only because you heard me order my drink over there.

I thought you were watching me.

But look, I don't know who you are, nor am I interested in finding out. So if

you could do me a favor and just go back to your seat, I'd greatly appreciate

that. I was watching you.

But I like a girl that plays hard to get.

See, that's what you're not understanding. I'm not playing anything.

There's absolutely nothing that you could possibly have to offer me. And I'm

waiting for my husband to arrive. So, again, respectfully, you could just get

the hell out of my face and go back to your seat. I'd appreciate it.

Let me try it this way.

My name is Matt.

Look, you just don't get it. I just want your name.

Christopher.

That's my name.

I'm her husband.

It's Matt, right?

Matt. Well, Matt, I'm pretty sure you heard my lady say that she's not

interested.

So you might want to leave her alone.

Or you have to deal with me.

Trust me.

You don't want to deal with me.

Blessing, King.

Matt raises a hand as he walks off without turning back.

Yo. That's crazy.

I am so sorry. I normally don't do things like this, but that dude is just

asshole.

The look that you had on your face was just screaming for help, so I had to.

Oh, thank you. It was.

Well, Miss Moore, please enjoy your evening. And if that guy comes back to

bother you or if anyone else gives you any problems, you have my number. You

call me.

And I personally come take care of it for you.

Christopher Wilson?

Yes, ma 'am. How do you know who I am?

I'm the manager here.

I run this place.

Okay. It's kind of my job to know who all my high -end clients are.

And I must say that it's a pleasure to finally be in your presence and your

beauty and your standards.

Well, thank you.

You're not too bad yourself.

Text.

Two weeks later.

In a large house in the hills, Joanna reclines on a sofa wearing headphones.

An older woman, Deborah, stands nearby.

You don't cook, you don't clean?

You don't do nothing?

What's the matter with you?

Are you listening to me?

Damn, I heard you!

You need to calm down. You nag too much.

What? Nag?

You heard me.

Little girl, this is my house.

And as long as you're under my roof, you're going to abide by the rules like

everybody else in this house.

You know?

I'm only helping you out because we can't find your daddy.

If you don't like it, leave.

Joanna glowers at Deborah as she walks off.

Joanna pouts and puts her headphones on and slumps back on the sofa.

At night, Deborah walks the hallway upstairs.

She peeks her head around a corner into a bedroom.

Good night, Brandy.

I love you, baby.

I love you, too.

Okay. I'll see you in the morning.

She smiles and walks toward the top of the steps as Joanna appears behind her.

Hey. Hi, baby.

Joanna kicks her down the stairs.

Deborah collapses on the floor below.

Text, one year later.

At night, in a well -furnished dining room, Christopher sits with Tessa and a

young man, Trevor.

I'm so excited to be in this new city, this beautiful new home, my

new family.

Baby, the house is beautiful.

Thank you.

And we're excited for you, Miss Big Boss Lady, running her own spandex company.

You're doing your thing, baby. You got to understand, you are a big deal.

Babe, it's not spandex. It's called stretch.

Stretch is a new non -surgical way of making women feel and look snatched

underneath their clothes.

There's a difference.

Mom, it's basically a fancy word for spandex.

Look, enough about me and my accomplishments.

Let's talk about you, Mr. Six Scholarship.

You got Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, just to name a few.

My son.

Sounds like you're bragging.

I'm not bragging. It's okay.

You're celebrating my accomplishments.

Celebrating your accomplishments. That's it.

Flex.

Subtle.

Look, come on now. But is that flexing going to be good enough to get you on

basketball team for one of those schools?

You already know I'm going to college to be a lawyer.

I know, man.

I'm just playing with you.

Proud of you.

I'm just joking.

I'm serious.

Proud of both of you.

You and your mom, you know?

Doing everything, chasing her dreams and all her accomplishments.

You got nothing.

It's been a...

rough year for me you know with my injury and everything and you both

heal physically and mentally so i just want to say thank you and i am

honored to be a part of this family oh well baby look

we are happy that you are here with us you all right i guess

I'm all right? You all right.

I'll take that.

No, but I'm just joking.

But I'm really happy you're here, too.

Y 'all about to make me cry.

Christopher lifts a wine glass.

To family.

To family.

And I know there better be some grape juice in that cup.

It is. That's right.

No.

You old enough to drink now? He is absolutely not.

No. Text.

One week later. Baby, tell me what you are tonight. On Tessa's rooftop under a

bright sky, a group of people mingle in cocktail attire as caterers circulate.

Tessa chats with a woman.

You must be grown.

I'll be using the jackpot.

I mean, Christopher is amazing, especially with Trevor.

Man, amazing is not the word, okay?

I've never met a man so thoughtful and kind in my life.

He's so supportive. He loves the fact that I work hard. You know how hard that

is to find.

Girl, he just inspires me to be so bold and different.

Most importantly, his relationship with Trevor is amazing.

You know, Trevor hasn't had a male figure in his life since his father

He needs this.

And girl, he is a master in the bedroom, okay?

No, that's right, honey.

Two times.

Hey, Cousin C. How you doing, man? How you doing?

Listen, eat up and drink up, okay?

I will.

So happy for you.

Oh, wait, someone's at the door.

Tessa dashes over to the front door.

Christopher?

Chris? Yeah.

Come here.

Coming.

Christopher puts his glass down and walks over to the front door.

Oh, my God.

Christopher hugs Joanna.

Oh, my God, Joanna.

What on God's green earth are you doing here?

Aunt Deborah died.

Oh, really?

No. Keep the sensation for me. Thanks. Oh, my God.

Come here, baby. What the hell are you doing here?

Christopher backs away as Tessa returns.

So, um, how did your aunt die?

She fell down the stairs.

Again? Really,

Joanna?

Isn't that the same way your grandmother died?

Yeah.

Was Debra your sister?

No.

That was her mother's sister.

So, Joanna, why did you come here?

Well, I was living with my Aunt Deb and her six kids.

And then she died, so I just was living with different friends.

And then the friend I was living with for the longest time lived with her

fiancé, and they wouldn't take me anymore.

So I have nowhere to go now.

I was hoping maybe I could just stay here.

So you want to stay here?

I have nowhere else to go.

Yeah.

Christopher, can I talk to you upstairs, please? Yeah. Now?

Yeah.

Trevor,

come meet your new stepsister.

Trevor struts over with a smile.

Hey.

Christopher sits on the edge of the bed.

I know this is abrupt, all right?

But I'm going to be the one responsible for Joanna, okay?

I'm going to keep an eye out on her.

You won't even notice she's here.

Did you like your new neighborhood?

Yeah. The neighborhood is cool, but the new school, not so much.

Thank God it's coming.

Why don't you like your school?

Well, for one, I suck at math, and I'm kind of failing if I don't get a tutor.

But luckily, Mom and Chris said they'd give me one for next year.

I'm actually pretty good at math, so I could really cook you up some tricks and

help you out if you want it.

Yeah, you're hired.

Please.

She can have the guest bed from downstairs, far away from Trevor's room.

Just the least until we figure something out permanently.

I don't care.

She will be far away.

I don't care if you put her at the neighbor's house.

Just don't put my baby in no damn hotel, okay?

You're lucky I love you. I love you.

Now let's get back to these guests downstairs.

They're waiting for us. Come on. Kiss me again. We're going to stay up here.

Come on.

So what subject do you like in school?

History.

History was my favorite subject in school.

Tessa joins her friend on the couch.

Well, she seems like a sweet girl.

Seems that way.

I don't want her corrupting my son.

You know how teenage girls can be.

Sassy, fast, conniving, and very manipulative.

I liked her better when she was at her aunt's house.

I don't know why she had to fall down upstairs.

Girl, that sound like you at 18.

Yes, but I wasn't fast. I was a freshman until I married Travis did.

Oh, not me, child. I was a little ho.

I had Byron at 16.

I'm still trying to figure out who the baby daddy is.

You are faking this through the word.

You know I'm just playing with you, girl. I hope so.

I know who Byron's daddy is. Okay.

It's going to be all right. Have a drink, girl.

Dressed in a thing.

Lord.

I did not sign up for that.

She said she'll be my tutor for next year.

Oh, really?

Yeah. Well, that's cool.

You know, since she'll be living here now.

Really? Yeah.

Looks like you got an in -house tutor, buddy, for free.

Looks like it.

Yeah. Perfect.

Look at God.

Isn't he good?

All the time.

Joanna unpacks in a guest room.

Hey. Just wanted to bring you some fresh towels.

All the products, including feminine products, are underneath the sink. North

girls need those, so. Thank you so much.

This is Michael.

Call me Tessa or Tess. Most people just call me Tess.

Okay. I will.

I mean, I really can't tell you how much I appreciate you letting me stay here.

I know it's so weird having a complete stranger living in your house.

It's in your person's family, which means you're mine, too. Just pay

to the way we do things around here, and you'll fit right in.

You won't even know I'm here.

Good. Good to listen.

A Rolls Royce pulls up to an office building.

A man opens the back door, and Tessa gets out of the car, carrying her bag.

She strides confidently into the building as a man opens the door for

Inside the stretch offices, a woman sits at a desk working on a computer.

Undergarments hang on racks as Tessa passes.

You're welcome.

As Gabby walks off, Tessa sips from her coffee, then reaches for a phone.

At home, Trevor sits at the counter with a laptop.

Hey, Mom. You know I'm at school, right?

Now, that's a lie, because I have your location, and it says you're at home.

Mom, I'm just kidding. You didn't have to get all technical.

It's summertime.

Summer school is only for bad kids.

I wonder how you would know that.

Look what you want.

Listen, I'm just checking in to make sure you're handling all the new social

media posts for the new campaign. It's very, very important.

Mom, don't I handle everything that you ask? I am your social media manager.

Yes, you are, and you're the best at it.

I just don't know how you handle all this and handle your old mama.

It ain't easy being Trevisi.

Oh, please.

I'll see you when I get home, honey.

All right. Bye, Mom.

It ain't easy being Trevisi.

So, social media manager, huh?

Uh, yeah.

It's not like an actual job. I just handle all her social media and post all

pics.

Cool.

Well, I'm pretty good at social media myself, so if you ever need me for

anything, just let me know.

Oh, okay. You're just good at everything, aren't you?

I guess you could say that.

In the guest room, Joanna paints an abstract painting as Christopher passes

the hallway.

Knock, knock.

Daddy dearest. All right.

Cut the shit, Maggie.

It's just me.

What do you want, Michael?

What are you even doing here?

Do you know that I thought you were dead?

I thought I was dead, too.

But as you can see, I'm still alive.

Clearly.

But how?

Hmm, let's see.

Because I almost did die.

An inch higher and the bullet would have killed me.

But instead, I was in a coma for a month. I woke up, and I killed the

And now I'm here.

Right. You know, I really thought you were dead, too. I'm shocked I could even

find you, the way she's been hiding you.

You're such a stud.

Or should I say, a criminal.

It's not funny.

I did almost die.

I was hurt.

Badly.

But the bullet went straight through.

It didn't hit any major organs, so I was able to self -heal.

Laid low for a couple weeks. Then, back to business as normal.

Look at our little family.

Aren't we just bulletproof?

Look, stop playing, Maggie, okay?

Look, I'm glad you're alive, but you can't stay here.

You gotta go.

I'm not about to let you mess up everything that I done built here.

Mikey, you didn't really think you were going to do this without me, did you?

What are you talking about? This is not a job.

I'm actually happy here, Maggie. And I'm pretty sure you can see that. I'm happy

with Tessa. Come on, Michael. You just happened to fall in love with a

billionaire. You guys don't even wear wedding rings.

There's no price tag on love, Maggie.

She doesn't believe in wedding rings.

It's a superstitious thing.

Is it?

Yeah. I want in.

You know what? I just told you, it's not a job. Well, make it one.

No. I'm not about to make this a job just because you're bored and you want

something to do.

You don't have a choice.

I'll just tell her everything.

Are you forgetting how many women you've murdered, including my mother?

Yeah.

I kind of forgot.

what are you even doing here man how did you find me my wedding was private no

one even knows she's married and who hides their husband and on top of that

her husband died he gave her all of his money so she's a double billionaire just

scrolling on instagram to see your tiny face in the background of one of her

stories

You know you're not going to be able to do this without my help.

All right.

One condition.

What?

We got to leave our son alone.

I'm serious. That boy is innocent.

He's going to college.

He has his whole life ahead of him. I can't let you come here and ruin his

Come on.

It's no fun without the son.

And he's kind of cute.

Stop it, Maggie. I'm serious.

Okay, cool.

It's tempting, but I'll play by your rules.

I'm on board as long as you are.

Joanna glowers as he stands and walks out.

At a police station, a woman sits with her feet up on the desk.

A man with a badge enters and sighs.

Get your feet off my desk.

How many times I gotta tell you?

Damn, you're so disrespectful.

You're going to want to hear this.

Okay, um, why don't you get your feet off the desk?

Oh, you're so boring, Hines. Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay.

Is that hard?

Why are we following this Lawrence case?

The thing is that you're old and it's open shut.

Okay, crazy father and daughter duo try to pull a scam and they get popped.

Both die on the scene.

Case of the crazies closed, right?

Right.

Wrong.

Pops and daughter both get shot, but father was never found.

And Joanna, she was rushed to the hospital where she escaped after she

doctor.

Really? Mm -hmm.

Walked right out the hospital, dressed in the doctor's clothing, and no one

suspected a thing.

Okay, so, um, we should interview the hospital staff, see what they know.

Hines, come on, you already know I did that.

Or we could leave this year -old case alone, Hines.

Why can't you just do what I asked you to do for a change?

I always do what you ask. Then do this.

Oh, come on, man. Let me ask you a real question. What? Why is this so important

to you?

I got to tell you how to do your job again, huh?

So, Irvin, our job is to, you know, get the bad guys off the street and make

sure that they don't roam around and hurt innocent people.

So let me tell you something about Joanne and her father.

They need to be caught and brought to justice.

Okay? That's why.

Now do you understand?

Oh, I understand.

Sounds a bit personal to me.

But you know me, Hines.

I won't pry.

I got work to do.

Hines glowers as Irving stands.

Catch you in a bit.

You got that paperwork?

Inside a large brick house, Whitney stumbles down the stairs wearing a robe.

She struggles to remain standing as she clutches the banister.

She reaches the bottom of the stairs and enters the kitchen, with a backward

glance of the stairs.

She steadies herself on the counter, then turns to the pantry.

She opens the door and reaches for a bottle of alcohol and takes a swig.

She slips and drops the bottle on the floor, shattering it.

She stumbles to the ground and reaches for the pieces of glass.

As she pulls the glass toward her body, she winces. A piece of glass sticks out

of her wrist.

She removes the glass, her bloody hand trembling.

What was that?

Brian dashes down the stairs.

What the hell?

Oh, my God.

Brian grabs paper towel and leans over Whitney.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

What the hell did you do?

What did you do?

Are you trying to kill yourself again?

No. No.

I was putting the bottle.

I slipped on the glass.

Something has to change, Whitney. No, no.

I am your mother.

You call me mom.

Oh, careful, careful.

You know, it's like I haven't talked to my mom in a year.

I don't even know who you are.

Mom, what the heck happened?

Mom, are you okay?

I slipped.

I don't even know where you are anymore.

I mean, what is this?

Stop. I was married to a murderer.

It is a devil child.

Hold this.

She almost killed us all.

You remember your best friend?

She killed him.

He was a son.

I failed.

I did.

Listen to me.

You didn't fail.

We're alive.

You saved us. You saved us.

But, Mama, you're failing right now.

I can't. I can't.

I can't sit here and see that.

He's not failing right now, man. Come on.

He's so hard on you.

Don't. You're too young.

You don't know anything.

Okay? Don't talk to me. She needs to hear this.

Just hold it. Just hold it.

It's okay.

It's not too late.

Mom.

It's not too late.

It's not too late.

Whitney's face breaks as she sobs.

I'm sorry.

I promise.

I'm sorry.

I promise.

I promise.

Brian hugs Whitney's head to his own.

An AA sign hangs on the wall of a room. Whitney faces a circle of people in

chairs.

I couldn't sleep for months.

So I took every sleeping pill known to man.

Nothing worked.

So I started drinking wine, which was good because

it helped me relax and started allowing me

to sleep just a little bit.

But it wasn't enough.

I needed something stronger, so I started hard

liquor.

The next thing I know, I was...

functioning drunk, waking up, going to sleep, the bottle, collecting work.

It got so bad that my oldest son, Brian, he started calling me.

Whitney stopped calling me mom.

So this morning, he looked at me.

And for the first time called me mom and told me it was time to get help.

So here I am.

Whitney heaves a sigh and smiles.

Whitney chats with others at the coffee machine as Detective Hines enters.

Whitney?

Hi. Oh, my God.

Cedric, hi.

Hey. What are you doing here?

You okay?

Um, obviously not, because I'm here.

Well, you look good, as always.

No, stop it. You always knew what to say.

Can we, uh, can we talk?

Am I in trouble?

You could be.

At the police station, Irving sits at her desk, looking at a document.

She glances toward the glass wall of Hines' office.

Whitney sits inside as Hines hands her a coffee cup.

Irving watches through the glass as Hines and Whitney chat.

You know, I took this case when I found out it was you.

What case?

Are you not aware of what happened with Joanna Lawrence?

You mean the bitch that tried to kill me and ruined my life? Yeah, I'm very

familiar.

What about her? Is she dead yet?

Not at all.

Last year, she escaped from the hospital where she was being held.

She was in a coma for about a month, and when she awakened, she escaped, and she

killed the doctor.

She's been on the run ever since.

We were wondering if she had reached out to you or if you had seen her.

Is this a joke?

Not at all. So she's been roaming free? I thought she was locked up. And believe

me, had I been on the case from the jump, she would have been. What about

Michael? Did they find his body yet?

No.

Okay, this is unbelievable.

I've...

So they're both just running free after what they did to me and my family? As of

right now, yes. But we do know that Michael was injured pretty badly. Yeah,

know. I was the one who put the bullet in his chest. I know.

And look, he could be dead for all we know. I mean, we just don't have a body.

Oh, my God.

I've been a wreck the entire year.

I keep...

Looking over my shoulder, thinking Michael was just going to show up at my

door.

I ruined my life. I ruined my family.

I have to worry about her, too?

Well, it's been over a year, and no one's tried to contact you. So as of

now, I wouldn't worry as much. But we do know that Michael has a history of

marrying wealthy women, and then they mysteriously die, and he somehow gets

their inheritance.

Who knows who his next victim could be.

What do you need from me?

We were thinking that maybe you could help us find him or Joanna.

I mean, like, you were the last person that was close to him that we know of.

Is there anything that you could tell us that could help us out to lead us in

the right direction to tell us where they could have gone? I can tell you

off to the wrong start.

What do you mean by that? Her real name's not Joanna.

You should be looking for a Maggie Dillon.

A Maggie Dillon?

Okay.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Listen,

I almost locked myself to them.

I want to see both of them locked up where they belong, or better yet, dead.

So whatever you need me to do to help out, just let me know.

I'm in.

I will. We want the same thing.

For right now, we're...

We just need to get you sober.

I know.

I need to do it for my boys. Yeah.

It's going to take some time.

I get it. I understand. And secondly, yeah, keep yourself and keep your boys

safe. We've relocated, so no one knows where we live. Okay, that's good. That's

good. Meanwhile, I'm still going to have somebody out in front of your house

just to keep a watch out until this thing blows over.

But if you, um...

If you hear anything strange, you see anything, or just want to talk,

you know I'm always here for you.

You know that. Just reach out.

Hines leans forward and takes her hands.

What happened to us?

Life.

Happened to all of us.

Whitney stands, and Hines opens the door to his office.

Whitney strides past Irving's desk.

Irving glances at her, then walks into Hines' office.

And I'm going to get that bastard and his daughter so they'll never hurt

else again.

On a dark night, a large family gathers around Tess's dining table.

Auntie Michelle, you know you always make the best chocolate fudge cake.

thank you, baby.

Actually, I think I'd give Auntie Michelle a run for her money in the cake

department.

Girl, you know I love your cake. But this got you by a landslide, girl.

Well, it looks like we about to have a little cake -off.

I haven't had the pleasure of having Auntie Michelle cake yet, but I

had to have the cake.

And I'm going to say...

They're pretty fire.

You know, I will try, but no one will ever beat the queen at anything.

And you know, I brought the good stuff.

So let's get this party started.

This is the good stuff. It is. It's not like you done made it in your kitchen

sink. What you doing, girl? This is the bad stuff. Take this over here. You know

what? Just touch it up, Jessie, because you wouldn't know a good thing if it hit

you in the head.

Now, that is true.

Later. I'm just here.

I want to taste it. Yes, please. No, you don't.

Joanna paints in the guest room as Trevor approaches.

Hey. Come in.

Hey, Joanna, the family's here, and your dad wanted me to come and get you so

you could meet them and eat with us.

Did he seem sure about that?

No, I don't want to get in the way or cause any problems with your mom.

She doesn't seem too happy about me staying here. No, Joanna, she's fine.

just very much overprotective of her family, that's all. Don't take it

She's cool.

Okay, I just need to finish this one thing.

Trevor walks in and sits on the bed beside Joanna.

He looks at the painting, an abstract splattering of color.

Wow. What is it?

Which one?

That one.

Let's just say my worst nightmare.

So that's it?

Yeah.

Cool.

You're really good at painting. I mean, have you ever thought about making money

from it? I mean...

With my social media expertise, you know, I could hook you up with an online

store and have you pop it. I do it for fun. I don't really want to make a job

out of it, you know?

Yeah, yeah, I understand.

What's that one?

Joanna looks at a painting leaning against the wall. Um, it's me.

You can see the hair, my eyes, my lips.

Um, and this is the boogeyman.

Here's his eye.

Basically, the boogeyman refers to every person who's bullied me my entire life.

Trevor frowns and looks away.

What? You don't like it? No, it just reminds me of our neighbor from across

street.

Weird guy, creepy guy named Old Harry.

I mean, the whole neighborhood refers to him as that, you know, because he's...

Very weird.

If you put one foot on his grass, he blows up.

You know, I really want to beat him up.

But he too old for that. He lucky.

You just have to be patient, Trev.

One way or another, they all get what they deserve.

The old man's time will come.

Yes, you're right.

But let me know if you ever need my help.

I'm great at dealing with mean old men.

No offense, Joanna, but I'm good on that. You're just a girl.

Excuse me, I'm not just a girl.

I'm a young woman.

And you should never underestimate the power of a woman, Trevor.

Joanna places a hand on his thigh and stares at him.

I understand.

You want to go eat?

They're waiting on us.

Okay.

Oh, after you.

Okay.

Joanna walks out of the room. Trevor clutches his chest.

Oh, thank you, sir. Oh, wow.

Guys,

this is my daughter, Joanna. Joanna, this is the rest of your family.

Hey, little mama. I'm your Aunt Michelle.

I'm everyone's favorite.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Michelle.

You are so polite.

Wow. You raised a will.

I can't take credit for that.

Her mother was an exceptional woman.

Don't say that. You were exceptional as well.

No, I'm just... So, what happened to her exceptional mother?

Well, sure.

She passed away.

A few years ago.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Oh.

It's okay.

Ever since then, it's just been me and this guy.

Well, actually, that's not true because he sent me away to live with my grandma.

But then she died, so I moved in with my Aunt Deb and her six kids.

But then she died, too.

They both fell down the stairs.

So now here I am.

Oh, boy. Well, thank God I don't live in this house because I ain't ready to

die.

Damn. Maybe lock up them chairs that I messed up. Ew.

What? How insensitive.

She just said everywhere she goes, somebody ends up dead.

Look, she's the one who told the story. Okay,

let's dig in and eat, shall we? Please. Take the stories for another day.

At the stretch office, Tessa fans herself with a folder.

Gabby?

Yes? Can you cancel my day? Push everything out? I'm really nauseous. I'm

feeling too good right now. And bring me a ginger ale if you need a chance.

Absolutely. And don't worry about it. I'll push all your meetings back. Thank

you. Sure.

At home, Tessa into the bathroom and approaches the basin.

She rubs her hands together, then picks up a pregnancy test laying beside the

sink.

She sees two lines on the test and smiles, then covers her mouth.

She picks up a framed photo of Trevor and smiles.

She clutches the photo to her chest.

Outside the house, Joanna lays in the sun, wearing a bikini.

Trevor approaches in a T -shirt.

Wow.

Hey, Joanna, I got these pictures that I wanted to post to my mom, and since

you're a girl, I figured, you know, your opinion would be best.

Sure, let me see.

Trevor hands his phone to Joanna, who looks closely at the photo.

Yeah, so which one?

Oh, I already posted one. The second was definitely the way to go.

I thought that too.

You're just as visionary as I am.

I guess so.

Thanks.

Trevor stares at Joanna for a moment as he walks back into the house.

The sun sits a little lower in the sky.

Trevor sits on his bed, holding his phone.

Tessa passes and knocks on the door.

Hey, son.

You got a minute to talk?

Yeah, come here.

I just wanted to talk to you about Joanna.

How do you feel about her staying with us?

She cool. I mean, she cool to me or something.

Yeah? And how do you feel about Christopher?

You guys seem to have a great relationship already.

Yeah. Now, look, I know things move pretty fast.

I didn't get a chance to check in, but checking in now.

You know me, Mom. I'm good.

Christopher, he makes you happy, he supports you, and he just got a little

baggage. That's all.

Baggage? Yeah.

What do you mean by that?

Well, he got a whole daughter. That sounds like a whole lot of extra baggage

me.

No, we all.

Joanna eavesdrops outside the door.

You know, I know losing my dad wasn't easy.

You know, we got through it.

You and me and...

Seeing you happy after that, it just made me happy.

I love you, son.

Hearing you say that makes me feel a lot better.

I love you too, Mom, and I know there's something else that you want to talk to

me about, so spit it out.

What you talking about now?

Mm -mm.

Don't do that.

Me and Christopher been cool, and it's a little too late to be asking about how

I feel about Joanna now. Plus, you always get this little nervous twitch in

hand when you want to tell me something.

So like I said, spit it out.

Okay.

Fun.

I'm pregnant.

What? What? How? Wait, I'm going to be a big brother. For real?

Does Christopher know?

No. I'm actually trying to find a good way to tell him now.

Wow.

Wait, hold on. Ain't you a little too old to be having kids?

Look, you're going to be a big brother, okay?

And a good big brother.

Focus on that.

I don't know about all that, Mom. I'm going to college. You know that. I ain't

going to be helping out no more. You and Christopher got that.

Mom, I'm happy for you, though.

I love you so much, son.

Love you.

I had to get that off my chest.

I think that's nervous switching and stuff.

So what's up with these socks on the floor? Clean up this room.

Big brother. Joanna dashes away as Tessa leaves.

A gray -haired man watches TV.

In other news, the police are on the hunt for a father -daughter duo in

connection with multiple incidents of fraud, aggravated assault, and even

homicide. The man pictured here is Michael Lawrence, who was presumed dead

year. His daughter, Maggie Dillon, was last seen at Alpine Medical.

She killed and impersonated her doctor before fleeing the scene.

Both individuals should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Please be

safe and contact local authorities with any information.

Hi, Tessa, this is Harry, your neighbor from across the street. Can you come by

and see me immediately? when you get home, that's something I need to tell

You're in danger.

Bright daylight streams in through the window as Jessica sits on Tess's couch.

Girl, why are you inviting me over here so early? My brain ain't even activated

yet. Well, I came bearing gifts for my best friend.

What?

Shut the hell up.

They squeal, holding the pregnancy test.

And you call me the godmother?

What's all this excitement for?

Oh, just a little news.

Yeah, I just got a raise on my job, you know, so we're celebrating.

Yeah, that's wonderful.

Congratulations.

Thanks, Joanna.

No, you're welcome, Jessica.

Joanna walks off. Tessa points a suspicious finger in her direction.

That was weird.

You think she heard us?

Probably did. I mean, we are out in the open. I should have took you somewhere

private. Mm -hmm.

Something about her ain't right.

I can't put my finger on it, but something in my gut is telling me that

ain't right.

She's just a little nosy.

Now, you know, it's not like I can't just kick her out. You know what I mean?

Actually, you can.

She 18.

That means she grown.

You still crazy. Figuring out like the rest of us did.

Well, girl, forget that.

This is what we need to worry about.

Christopher paces in front of Joanna's bed.

Oh my God, do you know what this means?

This means that when you kill them, we get all of it. We get everything this

time.

How many brain cells do you have?

What? You don't understand that if Tessa has this kid, you get nothing?

Obviously, everything goes to the next of kin, which is her son, Trevor, and

other child, which is whatever is in her stomach.

She can't have the baby.

You know what?

You're right.

Yeah. I didn't even think about that.

So you tell me, what do you think we should do?

Kill all of them.

Duh.

I don't think that's going to work this time, Joanna.

Don't you think Tessa's too much of a celebrity figure to just up and die?

Not to mention her and her son.

I don't think that's going to work.

Yeah, I think we need another angle this time. You're right.

First, we need to get rid of Trevor.

Then, Tessa needs to lose the baby due to the stress and trauma of losing her

first son.

Perfect.

Right. You know what?

You're right. I like the way you're going with it.

It's a good plan. Well, it's a good start.

We need to work on it.

Seriously, what would you do without me?

What would I do without you? I don't know.

Probably live happily ever after with Tessa.

Right?

Christopher walks out of the bedroom.

Joanna reclines on the bed, leaning her head on her wrist.

Daddy, dearest, you seem to really think you're falling in love.

But don't worry, I'll take care of the problem.

At night, Tessa sits at a restaurant table with Jessica and Michelle.

I'm full.

This is like the best news ever.

I mean, it's a miracle, right? Now, Christmas, that's a miracle, you know

Because I did not envision myself getting pregnant at this point in my

Woman, ain't you too old?

Look, well, I'm sorry to have to be the one to bring this stuff for y 'all all

in y 'all's miracle head.

But Tessa, you're pushing 50.

I look good. You do? Michelle, do you always got to be so negative?

Hmm. The beautiful thing.

Darling, I'm not negative.

It's called realistic.

That's something you, too, need to try out.

Relax. Every celebrity is having a baby right now at this age, okay?

And Tess is in her prime.

But, girl, you're about to be on the shave room. It's going to be popping.

Shave room?

I got to find a shower for you for real.

But when are you going to tell them?

And most important, how?

I'm thinking of throwing a big...

Get together. You know I love throwing a good party. Now, don't hate. You know I

throw a good party. You do.

Something like a gender reveal, but a little different.

I like that.

Calm down with all of this, because this fantasy land that y 'all in is killing

me.

What if he doesn't want to have any more kids?

And you don't need to be publicizing your business.

Do it in private first and see how he feels.

Then if he's cool, then throw your party.

Now, normally...

I wouldn't agree with Michelle, but she has a point.

I think I should tell Chris to see how he responds, you know?

I guess you're right.

For once.

For once. Lord Jesus, God, thank you for finally giving this woman some sense.

You get on my nerves. Still having a baby.

Cheers to you, friend.

You know we still love you, girl.

At night, Tessa drives her car into the driveway at her house.

She walks into the dark house and yawns, approaching the stairs.

Joanna sits on the bottom step.

Long night of sleep?

What are you doing up so late? You scared me.

I couldn't sleep.

I hope that's not a problem with you.

No, not at all. Look, it's really late.

I suggest you get some rest and I'm going to bed because I'm tired.

Good night, Mom.

Whoa. I am not your mother.

Wait.

I didn't mean it.

I'm sorry.

I know I'm your stepmom now, and if it makes you feel better, you can call me

Mom if you'd like.

No, I think I just misspoke.

I understand my place now.

It's just you've been so sweet to me, and you've made me feel so comfortable.

And I don't have a mother.

But I get it.

Honey, I didn't mean it like that at all.

It's just, look, if you're comfortable, you can do that,

okay? I just know your mother was an amazing woman, and I could never live up

that or be like that, you know?

I understand.

Good night, Tess.

Good night, Joanna.

Okay.

Get some rest, honey.

Okay.

Well,

well, well. What's going on down here?

Go ahead and inhale it. Uh -huh. Good morning, love.

Good morning. How are you?

Joanna.

Oh, my gosh.

Yeah, you smell that. You like that, don't you?

Baby. Give me some. Good morning.

You see what's going on? Mm -hmm. Your husband out here chefing it up. Is that

right? Yeah. You didn't know I could cook like this, did you? Uh -uh. Yeah.

Don't you know I used to manage a restaurant?

I get down in the kitchen.

Oh, is that right?

Yeah. So why haven't you cooked for me?

Because I figured I would break out the pots in the pan.

Special occasion.

Don't look at me. I am just as confused as you are.

What do you mean?

Well, normally I would be cooking for one.

And now it appears things that I'm cooking for two.

How did you know that?

Can't get none past me, right?

No, I'm just playing.

While I was taking the trash out this morning, I saw you a little pregnant.

my God, babe, I'm so sorry. I swear I was going to tell you I was just looking

for the opportune time.

I'm so sorry. It's all good.

I'm serious. It's all good.

Really? Yeah, you can't tell how excited I am.

We're going to have a baby. We are.

We're going to have us a little family, you know, a real family.

I mean, no disrespect to you two knuckleheads, but y 'all are grown.

True that.

We're making a baby.

And you know, there is no bond stronger than making a baby together.

Really mean that, Chris?

Yeah, you know I do.

I'm about to be a big brother.

And you're going to be a big sister.

Yay.

I'm so excited, babe. You better be.

I'll get that.

I make boys.

Yeah, I want boys. You make boys?

I make boys.

Tessa answers the front door.

Brandon? Tessa.

What are you doing here?

You going to let me in?

Of course.

Come here. Thank you.

What a surprise.

Yes. This is crazy.

Christopher approaches.

Hey.

Who is this?

Chris, this is Brendan. Brendan, this is Chris, my husband.

Brendan is my ex.

Your ex?

As the sun peeks over the house, Christopher and Tessa chat on the patio.

Hey, come on.

What the hell is that man doing in my house? I don't know. I'm just as shocked

and surprised as you are.

Then what the hell does he want? I don't know. I didn't get a chance to ask him.

Man, well, you better go down there and talk to him so you can send his ass

home, because he probably wants some money or something.

Look, Chris.

There's something I have to tell you, and I need you to listen, and I don't

you to judge me, okay?

Look, remember how I told you Brandon was just my ex -boyfriend?

Yeah. It's actually a little more than that. He's Trevor's biological father.

What?

I know. Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Hold on.

You told me that Trevor's father was dead. And he is.

Hank is my ex -husband, and he passed away.

But he wasn't Trevor's biological father.

Whoa, no, hold on, because...

This ain't making no sense, so you're going to have to explain this to me like

I'm a child.

I'm sorry.

Look, when I broke up with Brandon, I was already pregnant, but

we didn't know. And when I got married to Hank, no one knew that I was pregnant

with Chuck.

So what about Hank?

Did Hank know about this?

Of course he did.

But he loved me so much that it didn't matter if I was pregnant.

You know, he took on the responsibility of being Trevor's father.

So now you tell me Trevor don't even know that his dad is alive.

No. And I'd like to keep it that way if possible.

Please.

Hey, nah, whoa.

Hold on now.

You don't get to keep your little secret unless you tell me why you kept this

secret away from me for so long.

Just listen, okay?

Brendan and I met when we were kids.

I was 16, he was 18, and we did everything together.

This one particular time, we ended up running away together.

My parents came after me. They found me.

They ended up pressing charges against him. He got arrested, you know, because

was a minor.

And he blamed everything on me.

So much so that he ghosted me, and I was so depressed.

I fell into this deep, dark depression.

I mean, my whole world was crumbling down around me. So I had to move back in

with my parents.

Moved to San Diego.

And life started getting better, you know? I started my own business.

And then 18 years ago, Brandon and I reconnected.

And all the feelings that I thought were gone just kept rushing right back.

You know, and all I know is one night we got wasted.

One thing led to another.

I end up getting pregnant with Trevor, but we didn't know. You know, he asked

marry me.

He wanted to rekindle things, and he just wanted to make things right.

Then once I found out I was pregnant, one month later, but I didn't stress

Brandon enough to be a father.

So I ghosted him.

Never told him that I was pregnant.

Wait.

Are you telling me that he doesn't even know that Trevor is his son?

No one does.

Everyone thinks Hank is Trevor's father.

Hey, well, I can't deal with this right now, baby. I'm sorry.

I just got too much going on.

You know, first I got Joanna randomly popping up over here.

Now you all pregnant, you know?

And now you got your ex -baby daddy boyfriend popping up in my house? Look,

know this is a lot to spring on you last minute, okay?

But I honestly didn't think I was ever going to see Brandon ever again.

And I don't even know how he found me.

I mean, you're pretty damn famous, baby.

All he had to do was Google you, baby. It's not that hard.

Look, I understand that you don't want to have anything to do with me.

You know, I deserve that.

Hey, whoa.

Okay, now.

Why would you even say something like that?

Let me put you in a type of stuff until you hear me first.

I married you for better or for worse, okay?

I meant that.

Plus, you done took in my daughter, and you don't even know her.

So I'm pretty sure I can handle your little baby daddy ex -boyfriend for a

little while.

All right?

How do you love me so much, Bruce?

Because you're mine.

I love you forever.

Brandon stands beside Trevor in the kitchen.

Man, these math efforts don't help.

I am definitely not the one for math.

That's the one subject I wasn't good at.

I need you to relax, okay? Be nice.

That's funny, because that's the only subject I'm not good at.

But my step -sister Joanna is, so she says she's going to help me. Oh, nice,

nice. You know, you can hate it all you want, but we got to use it to count our

money, don't we?

You're right.

Okay, there you go. Yeah, he's right, because you know it runs in the family,

right?

We all good at math, so, you know, I can help you, too, whenever you need that.

It's okay, old man. Joanna says she's going to help me. Thought she looked

better than you anyway.

Good since you were two, I see, huh?

Yeah, real funny.

Well, look, I don't want to take too much of your time. I just wanted to talk

Tessa about something, if it's all right with you. And I mean no disrespect in

any way, and I apologize in advance for just popping up.

Oh, it's cool what you said. No disrespect.

It's all cool.

But you mentioned popping up.

How did you even find us anyway?

Oh, well,

you know, I've seen the ad that Tessa posted on her social media. I tried to

reach out, but I didn't get a response.

And then I seen the pic had the location.

In a flashback, Joanna posts a photo on Trevor's phone.

Yeah, so, uh, which one?

Oh, I already posted one. The second was definitely the way to go.

So I just... You just popped up?

Just popped up.

Yeah.

Don't you think that's kind of weird?

I'm saying it's kind of creepy, bro.

No, no, I mean, it's my bad.

I didn't mean any disrespect. Like I said, I'm sorry.

It's cool.

Like I said.

But I'm watching you, though.

I'm getting no ideas.

She's mine now. Yeah, yeah, I see. I see. And you can't have her back.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Brandon and Tessa sit together poolside.

So, uh, how you been?

It's been a minute.

Yeah, it has.

So you doing well for yourself?

You know, uh, my ex -wife has, like, every shape you've ever put out.

Ex -wife?

Yeah, yeah.

It, uh, didn't work out.

What happened, if you don't mind me asking?

She wasn't you.

Stop, Brendan.

You know, we were so toxic as kids. It would have never worked.

Come on, man. Two kids in love?

I guess you're right.

Guess it would have been too good to be true.

But why, Tess?

Why did you just up and leave like that?

I mean, I proposed. I did everything I thought you wanted me to.

Next thing you know, you just up and left.

That was almost 20 years ago, Brendan.

None of that even matters now.

As you can see.

To you.

But to me, it feels like yesterday.

I waited for you, Tess.

You never came back.

Yeah?

Well, I guess now you know how it felt when you left me.

I was 18.

I went to jail because of your parents.

I mean, what was I supposed to do?

After my father got my record expunged, he moved me as far away from you as he

could.

It's not my fault.

Hey, everything all right out here?

Yes, actually, Brandon was just leaving.

Tessa stands and pats a pillow on her chair.

Brandon stands with a heavy sigh.

Look, Tess, I'm at the West End a couple miles from here, and I'll be here till

Sunday.

Just maybe we can continue our conversation.

Maybe you can leave right now.

Lady already said you need to go, bro.

Brandon stares at Tessa, then turns and walks inside the house.

Christopher watches as Brandon leaves, then turns to Tessa.

What the hell was that?

Why is that man out here yelling at you, Tessa?

Nothing. Don't worry about it.

Hey. Just leave it alone.

Tessa storms into the house.

Joanna appears at the sliding door.

Down, down, down.

Rule number one, never fall in love with a target.

Shame on you.

Christopher shakes his head as Joanna walks back inside.

The sun sets, then rises.

Trevor paces on the driveway, chatting on his cell phone.

Yeah, I'm not doing nothing. I'm just chilling outside.

Yeah, it is a good day.

What, you trying to come over here or something?

Yeah, you can come over here.

Hey, where's Tessa? Where's your mother?

Damn, you scared the hell out of me. Where's your mother?

She's not here. And what are you doing on our property?

Hello?

You've got a criminal in your house. What? What are you talking about? Get

me. Joanna peeks her head out of the front door.

Talking to the boogeyman, I think.

Evil! He's a criminal.

When your mother comes, I'm going to tell her everything if you don't. And

I tell her, I'm going to tell the police.

Joanna storms down the porch steps as Harry exits behind a gate.

Joe.

That man is crazier than I thought.

Yeah. What was he even talking about?

I don't know.

Sounds like a bunch of gibberish.

Yeah, it did.

Trevor shakes his head and walks inside, leaving Joanna staring out across the

street.

On a dark night, the house lights shine in the neighborhood.

Harry snoozes on an easy chair as the television on the wall

plays a movie.

Joanna creeps up the stairs in Harry's hallway.

She wears blue latex gloves as she holds the banister.

Harry snoozes peacefully, his arms crossed in his lap.

Joanna steps up behind him in his chair.

Joanna holds a syringe in her gloved hand.

She cocks her head, staring at Harry.

She smiles at the syringe, then shakes her head with a sign.

She leans over and sticks the syringe into Harry's neck, then pulls it out.

Detective Irving stands in Whitney's living room.

Yeah, when we heard about it, we took an Uber back home.

And you said you saw Michael leaving in a car?

Yeah, when we got back home, Mom and Aunt Cass were sitting in the living

and I went back to go get a drink.

and I saw Michael through the window, and he seemed like he was hurt pretty

badly. He didn't see me, and he didn't know that I saw him.

So why didn't you tell anyone?

I was scared, I guess. You told me, but it was like three months after the fact,

so we just kept it to ourselves.

I mean, it was too late.

Why didn't you guys tell me?

We went through a lot.

You know, I'm sorry.

But it's a year later.

So why are y 'all coming to question us now? It don't make sense.

Because I promised your mother that I was going to find this guy and I was

to lock him up.

And I intend on doing that.

Right. Now, if Michael and Maggie are still out there somewhere, you guys

still be in danger.

So I'm just trying to keep you safe.

So y 'all have no idea where they are, and you need our help to find them.

It's a real profession.

Look, like I said, I just want to keep you and your mother safe. Brian Eric,

Detective Hines is an old friend of mine.

He's just here to give us the proper justice. You can trust him.

I do.

Well, I got something that could possibly help.

My crew drove off in the neighbor's car.

So you're saying that if we find that car, we could potentially figure out

Michael went?

Yeah.

It's a salon shop, but it could help.

So are we safe?

Do we have to worry about Michael or Joanna?

Well, according to your mom, Michael hasn't tried to reach out or reconnect,

we don't see any reason why he would do so now.

Plus, you guys are relocated, so even if he did try and look, he wouldn't know

where to find you.

So as of right now...

I wouldn't worry about much. But just in case, we have an unmarked vehicle

outside just to keep watch until this thing all blows open.

Okay.

I'm going to walk them out.

Thank you, guys.

You too.

Cool. Bye, kiddo. Bye.

Chill in there.

Whitney steps closer to Hind.

Thank you so much for caring.

Whitney, I love you.

That has never changed.

Well, maybe when all of this is over, we could get a

proper cup of coffee.

I'd love that.

Eric and Brian watch from the couch as Hines hugs Whitney.

They separate and walk toward the front door.

In the meantime, stay safe.

Keep an eye open.

And if you see or you hear anything... Call you.

You already know? Yeah. All right. Will do. I'll talk to you. Okay.

Okay, thank you.

Tessa paces in her bedroom as Christopher lays on the couch.

I don't know. It was just really weird, you know? He called me. He said it was

an emergency to come over, and when I got there, he was just laying there

Well, I'm sorry, baby.

I mean, you two weren't close, were you?

No. Not at all. He was just an old mean man in the neighborhood, but still crazy

to see a dead body. I've never seen one of those before.

I mean, he was like 80 years old, right?

He had a heart attack. He was an older person.

It happens. It's life.

I don't know. I just wonder what he had to tell me.

Baby, relax.

Come on, baby.

Don't overthink it.

There's nothing you can do, so don't worry about it.

Maybe you're right.

I still want to send his family something.

I don't even know if he has family.

That'd be nice.

That's crazy.

Come in.

Hey.

Oh, my bad. No, it's fine. It's fine. You can come in.

You can even sit if you want.

Thanks.

Trevor closes the door.

I just wanted to let you know that the boogeyman died.

Oh, the old man who lives across the street?

What happened?

He had a heart attack.

Well, I did tell you, every bad guy gets what they deserve.

Yeah, you did, but... I mean, he was old and creepy, but, you know, no one

really deserves to die.

Well, it doesn't matter now. He's gone, so be happy.

Ma 'am, you said... Trevor looks at Joanna's painting, a silhouette standing

with a young child.

That's cool. What is it?

It's my new painting.

Trevor nods and leans closer.

Do you like it?

Yeah. It's cool.

What is it?

It's you and your dad.

Hey, really?

Yeah.

God.

I miss him so much. He was a nice guy.

Was?

Why do you say was?

Well, Joanna, he died. I told you this already.

That's not the truth, Trevor.

I need to tell you something.

But you're not going to like it.

What?

Your father is alive.

And I know who and where he is.

Trevor walks up to a motel door and knocks.

Brandon answers.

Hey, Trev. What are you doing here?

Is it true?

A parked car sits across the street from the motel.

Joanna walks a few paces ahead as Trevor and Brandon walk across the parking

lot.

Christopher watches from the driver's seat of his car as Joanna gets into her

own car.

Brandon and Trevor hug warmly.

Then Trevor walks across to the passenger seat of Joanna's car.

Christopher watches as Joanna's car drives away.

He shakes his head.

At work, Tessa answers her cell phone at her desk.

Tessa Michaels speaking. How may I help you? How could you not tell me he was

mine? Wait, what? What are you talking about?

You know what the hell I'm talking about.

Trevor, he's mine, isn't he?

Wait, first of all, calm down, Brandon, okay? You don't have the right to talk

to me like that.

We can meet, like, civilized adults and discuss this, but that energy you're

giving me is not going to fly with me.

I'll make sure you never see him again, okay?

Now, do I make myself clear?

Look, that's not going to work, Ted.

That's my son.

Now, legally, I can take you to court for joint custody.

Now, why would you want to do that, huh?

Trevor is 17 years old. He's an adult in another year. He can do whatever he

wants to do.

But for right now, he stays with his mom.

Nice try, Tess.

You will be hearing from my attorney.

Hello?

Brandon!

Brandon dials another number on his cell.

Hey, Terry.

Hey, man, look.

I need you to do a background check on a guy named Christopher Michaels.

Yeah, he's the guy living in the house with my son.

I didn't know everything about him. Tessa, you will not believe what just

happened. Yeah, somehow, Brandon found out about Trevor.

Girl, hell nah, shut up.

How the hell he find that out?

Girl, I have no idea.

I don't know who could have said anything. The only people that know are

and... I gotta call you back.

At home, Tessa stands over Christopher.

Then who else could have said something, huh? I only told you.

Tessa, I told you I didn't say anything, all right? I didn't tell Joanna

nothing. So then how does she know?

Trevor doesn't know. I don't know, Kay. I'm trying to figure it out.

You're right, Mom.

I didn't know.

How could you lie to me all my life?

Baby, I'm sorry.

If you'd just give me the opportunity to explain.

You know I would never do anything to hurt you. No, Mom.

You know how much that hurt me?

You didn't know this boy the entire time that he was dead?

Mom, I just would have been better knowing that I had a dad.

Give me a chance to explain, son. You know I love you.

And I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. You know that.

Right?

Um, did I admit something?

You little evil bitch.

Tessa strangles Joanna.

Christopher throws Tessa off Joanna.

Trevor pushes Christopher, who backhands him.

Tessa pushes Christopher out of the house and rushes over to Trevor.

Outside, Brandon approaches.

What the hell are you doing here? Here to get my son.

Oh yeah? Yeah.

Christopher punches him. The two men grapple on the porch.

Mom, I'm fine. I gotta go. I already called Brandon to pick me up. Where are

going? I'm going to spend more time with my dad.

Outside.

Christopher leans over Brandon, throwing punch after punch.

Trevor walks out, then bangs on the glass door.

Tessa runs outside. Christopher rolls Brandon over and wraps his arm around

Brandon's neck.

Christopher storms off.

Tessa escorts Brandon into the house.

Tessa takes an ice pack from the freezer and brings it to Brandon on the couch.

I got something for you.

Move your leg.

Here you go.

Stop being a baby.

Just hold it. Hold it.

It'll help with the swelling.

Look, Tessa.

I'm sorry for all this mess, Tessa.

I really just wanted to get to know my son.

If I knew years ago, I would have... You would have what, Brandon?

Married you a long time ago.

You weren't saying any of this when you threatened to take me to court.

Come on, I was just upset.

And I obviously didn't mean any of that.

You already raised a great kid.

I mean, why would I want to come in between that?

Thanks, Brandon.

Look, I'll be back.

Hold it. I'll be back.

Tessa walks off. Brandon answers his cell phone.

Talk to me.

We have Christopher Michaels.

Checks out clean.

Looks like he was a manager of a restaurant in downtown San Diego called

Prior to that, there isn't a whole lot of... Looks legit.

Thanks, T.

No problem, bro.

Hey! By any chance, you got a picture of this guy texting to me?

I could dig a little deeper into the database to see what facial recognition

brings up.

You know what?

Hold on.

Brandon puts the phone down and leans over to the side table.

He picks up a framed photo of Christopher and places it on the couch

him.

He aims his phone at the picture and snaps a photo, then types a text

I'll send it to you now.

Okay, I got it.

Give me some time and let me see what I can find out.

Thanks, T -Man.

I'll talk to you soon.

Okay, babe.

Brandon puts the cell phone down and shakes his head, adjusting the ice pack.

The sun sets behind a row of buildings.

A pair of headlights cut through the dark night as a car parks in the motel

Christopher gets out of the driver's seat and approaches a door, glancing

him.

He opens the door and steps inside, closing the door.

Inside the motel room, Christopher peeks through the closed window curtain, then

turns to the dresser.

He places a piece of luggage on the bed and turns to a suitcase, opening it.

Inside the suitcase are several stacks of money, identification, and a handgun.

He closes the suitcase.

Trevor, I got your text.

I'm on my way now to pick you up.

Joanna sits in a dark living room.

Oh, Trevor.

It looks like we have company.

I wonder who it is.

Come in!

You know,

you want something done, you gotta do it yourself.

I'm always waiting for this man.

Joanna continues dragging Tessa across the floor.

Christopher's car pulls up to a dark house.

He gets out of the car and closes the driver's door.

He cocks the gun as he marches toward the front door.

He carefully places a hand on the door handle and enters.

Joanna sits on the edge of a couch.

Trevor lays on the couch, his mouth gagged. Tessa is slumped on the floor,

bound.

And I guess Tessa is the one who really stole your heart.

I don't know, man.

Maggie, I told you.

I told you when you found me, I was happy.

I told you I was past this shit.

I want to put this behind me, but no.

You just had to show up and force yourself back in my life.

If you were so happy, why didn't you tell Tessa who you really were, Michael?

Hines, can I have a minute?

Sure. What's up?

Hey, so we ended up doing some research on the car that Whitney's son said that

he saw.

Okay. Turns out that that car was the neighbor's car. So we spoke to them, and

they said they tracked the car when he took it.

They ended up finding the car on some abandoned road in San Diego, and they

filed a police report on the matter.

I mean, look, I know that it's been over a year, but it's worth a shot.

San Diego?

Mm -hmm.

Let's go.

What?

Now, you don't deserve to be happy.

You don't deserve Tessa. She's better than you. You should rot in a cell for

the wrong you've done.

What the hell are you talking about, Maggie?

Don't you understand that we could have been good?

Don't you understand that this was our way out?

We could have been regular.

We could have fit in with everybody else. Maybe we didn't have to kill

more. Shut up!

You killed my mother.

You took the one thing I loved.

away from me.

And for that, everything you love, I swear, I will take from you.

You will never be happy as long as I'm around.

And poor Trevor, he has to die because of you.

No. Just so Tessa gets depressed and kills herself with that special little

cocktail of yours, then that baby inside of her dies too, and I get everything.

I live happily ever after.

I'm the only child that gets to live in... be happy it's me all right all

all right all right all right maggie all right you got it okay sit whatever you

say maggie you win you're the boss just tell me what you want me to do

why do you keep laughing what's so damn funny

see that was my original plan i came up with a better one yeah what's that i

kill all of you And I get everything.

I'll start with you!

Joanna pulls out a gun and aims it at Christopher, who fires back as he hides

behind a wall.

Joanna slowly creeps toward the dark hallway.

She peeks her head around the corner and looks into the empty dining room.

Christopher appears behind Joanna and strangles her.

He throws her to the ground.

Christopher pulls Joanna to her feet and tosses her against the wall, holding

his hands to her throat.

Joanna's feet kick as he suspends her.

Joanna strikes Christopher on the head. He releases her, then backhands her.

Joanna sweeps his leg, dropping him. She picks up the frying pan and swings.

Christopher dodges, then blocks the frying pan away.

Christopher clutches Joanna's throat, tossing her onto an empty sofa.

He pumps his fists as he strangles her.

Joanna extends her arms, attempting to clutch Christopher's throat.

Then her arms fall slack.

Christopher lets go.

Joanna lays motionless on the sofa.

Christopher turns away from the sofa and puts his hands on his knees, revealing

the gun in his pants.

Joanna snatches the gun and aims it at Christopher.

Ted.

Ted, wake up.

Wake up, Ted.

Come on.

Get up.

Come on, man.

You ain't even got to do all this, bro.

Look,

officer, I'm innocent.

He made me do it. He murdered my mother and he told me he'd kill me too if I

didn't comply. Yeah, tell it to the judge.

Hines and Irving approach Tessa, who sits on the porch step with Trevor.

Brandon embraces her on the other side.

You are lucky to be alive, miss.

Daniel.

Not Michael.

Miss Daniel.

Well, Miss Daniel, you must have somebody looking out for you up above

these two have gotten away with a lot, but they won't be getting away with

anything else.

We can promise you that.

Honestly, I have Brandon to thank.

Tessa kisses Trevor's forehead.

In a hospital room, Brandon hands Trevor a newborn baby.

Tessa rocks the newborn in her arms, laying in the bed.

A doctor walks down a dark hospital hallway.

Joanna clutches her own knees in a room, leaning on the metal frame of a bed.

She rocks gently back and forth, staring off absently.

The doctor unlocks the door to Joanna's room and escorts Hines inside.

Miss Maggie, you have a visitor.

Maggie Dillon.

Your father, he escaped from prison about a week ago and we don't know where

is.

We're going to need your help finding him.

Maggie's face forms a twisted grin.

At night, a garage door slides open.

A car pulls past the gate and approaches a driveway.

A man in a police uniform leans over a car as Whitney pulls forward and parks.

She gets out of the car and checks her phone as she approaches the front door.

Christopher leans up from the car.

Hey, baby.

Daddy's home.

Whitney turns and looks at Christopher, who stands over the driver's window.

Brian is bound and gagged inside.

Closing Credits Unit Production Manager, Denise Coleman First Assistant

Director, John Evangelista Second Assistant Director, Opal Skoyan Cast

Cassidy Frowlin Tessa, Erica Pinkett Christopher, Blue Kimble Trevor, Keon

Bowman Brandon, Ken Lawson Whitney, Annie Alonza

Credits continue.

Logo, Footage Film Studios