Original subtitles

Previously on Serial.

A breaking story from the Ashbourne Police Department.

During the annual draining of the canal,

authorities made a gruesome discovery.

The remains of a body dismembered

and discarded in plastic garbage bags

was found submerged in the murky waters.

While the identity of the victim has yet to be confirmed,

sources within the police department have indicated

that this discovery may be linked

to a series of disappearances in recent months.

Law enforcement is on the scene now.

As we await further details,

Ashbourne PD has urged all residents to remain vigilant,

and report any suspicious activities immediately.

This is some twisted shit.

Makes me sick just looking at it.

You holding up alright, mate?

Yeah.

You know how it is. I'm good.

Well, let's see if we can piece this together.

Maybe catch a lead in this bloody case.

None of this makes sense.

It's just sloppy.

Yeah.

Sloppy, yes, but calculated.

It's like they wanted us to find the body.

Maybe.

But dumping the body here doesn't make sense.

I mean, this thing goes on for miles.

They could have left it anywhere along the way.

Ritualistic, perhaps.

Doubtful.

Look at the way this is all just thrown together.

They weren't thinking about trying to cover it up

or getting away with it.

They just wanted the body gone.

I don't think they expected us to find it so soon.

So we got to move fast before they cover their tracks.

All right, what do we got here, Andretti?

Looks like somebody had some fun with a chainsaw.

A chainsaw?

That's right, mate.

How long do you think it's been here?

Judging on the weather, the decomposition,

probably looking at about two weeks, maybe more.

We got enough to identify them?

Luckily, yeah.

We're missing a pair of feet and some hands,

but other than that, we have the head.

We can probably get some dental and some DNA.

Check it against missing persons right away.

Be right there, Ma.

Okay, Ma.

One baloney sandwich on white,

and fruit punch in your favorite Christmas cup.

Just like you like it.

Harold, you know I can't have that.

It's Lent. I gave up meat.

Really Ma? Lent?

You leave your glasses all over the house.

You're always forgetting them,

but you remember Lent?

Well, Lent is important.

We must honor our sacrifices.

Like giving up baloney is such a big sacrifice.

Well, what are you giving up for Lent this year?

Come on, sweetie.

God gives us so much.

What's it gonna be?

I don't know, Ma.

When I think of something, I'll let you know, alright?

Oh, that must be Betsy.

She's bringing over the Christmas cookies she promised me.

I'm in here, Betsy! - Ma, Ma.

It's February.

Oh.

Mabel, right on time.

Why don't you come in?

So, are you excited to start your new job?

Oh, absolutely. I can't wait to get started.

Well, I guess I should show you around then.

Right this way.

Ladies first.

Ma, I'd like you to meet Mabel.

Mabel, Ma.

Well, well, who do we have here?

Harold, you didn't tell me you were bringing your girlfriend over.

Ma, she's, she's...

Mabel's not my girlfriend.

She's a caretaker.

I told you I was going to hire her to help out.

Help out?

I don't need any help.

I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

Of course you are, Mrs. Neumeister.

We know that.

I'm just here to remind you to take your pills if you need it,

or put a puzzle together with you, anything you need.

Even if it's just a friend,

then we're going to be the best of friends.

Well, we'll see about that.

Look, I apologize for my mother.

She has the entire house decorated

like it's Christmas time, as you can see.

She doesn't know her head from all on the ground.

If you know what I mean.

But, uh, excuse me.

Here's my mother's medicines.

As you can see, her situation is a bit complicated.

As you know, she has dementia.

So she has to be reminded to take her meds on time.

I understand, Harold, dementia can be hard.

But I have lots of experience dealing with it.

You don't have to worry about anything, okay?

Let me know how I can help.

And what is this?

Oh, I, uh, had coffee earlier and I must have spilled some.

I'm sorry.

You don't have to apologize.

Listen, you seem stressed.

Just calm down

because I think both you and Hilda

need someone to take care of you and I'm here now.

It's gonna be okay.

Everything's gonna be okay now.

All right?

Yeah, so, uh, b-b-b-back to the medicine.

Each medicine needs to be taken three times a day with food.

It's marked on the bottle.

The time and dosage.

But it must be taken with food.

She forgets. - Harold!

Harold!

What, Ma?

What?

And in breaking news.

Authorities have identified the body found in the canal

as that of Betsy Vervaland,

a local woman who had been reported missing for several weeks.

Police have linked her disappearance with that of several other individuals

who have gone missing in recent months,

and are now opening a murder investigation into the matter.

Ashbourne PD is urging anyone with information

about Miss Vervaland's disappearance to come forward

as they continue to investigate this tragic case.

Oh, that's terrible.

Harold?

Harold?

Oh, fuck!

I thought you might need something a little stronger there, mate.

You know, shit like this doesn't happen in this little town.

Hmph. Tell me about it.

You know, it feels like trouble has a way of finding me.

No matter where I go.

I didn't know you were married.

Yeah.

I met my wife when she was a tourist

travelling around Australia.

Backpacking.

We ran into each other in this little coastal town,

if you can believe it.

It was love at first sight.

Best years of my life.

So they're still in Australia?

How often you get to see them?

No mate, they're gone.

Maybe someday I'll tell you about it.

I'm sorry, man.

I had no idea.

It's all right, mate.

15 years ago.

But you gotta stay strong, you know?

You gotta keep on going for them.

Barker here.

Copy that.

You washed your hands? - Yeah, Ma.

I didn't hear a flush.

You don't hear anything anyway.

Well, lucky for you.

Okay, breakfast is served.

Smells burnt.

This is a family recipe.

Trust me, you're gonna love it.

Just give it a try.

I can't eat this.

Harold, you know I need pepper with my breakfast.

Pepper, there you go.

It'll kill the smell.

Ma.

I've had better.

Ma!

There's always room for improvement.

I'll make you something else.

What do you like?

I'll suffer through this.

Are you sure?

It's fine. Thank you very much.

Okay.

Elder abuse, you know? - Ma.

Mabel is trying her best here.

Will you just eat please?

You need to take your pill.

And I need to go to work.

Give me a kiss.

So go. - See you later, Ma.

Harold, wait a second.

Is everything alright?

Yeah.

It's your lunch.

I made it myself.

Oh.

You didn't have to do that.

It's no trouble at all.

You're the man of the house.

You go to work every day.

You sacrifice so much.

You should know how much we appreciate you

and what you do.

Oh, looks like you missed your top button today too.

Oh.

I never miss my top button.

I'll get you all fixed up.

Oh.

There you go. You look great.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I should go.

I think I found the missing piece you've been looking for.

Good morning!

I'm Trina from Adult Protective Services.

Is Harold available?

I need to talk to him about Miss Neumeister's care.

Hello.

Unfortunately, Harold is at work today.

Maybe another time.

I'm afraid I can't leave without seeing Mrs. Neumeister.

It's part of my job.

You must be the new caregiver, Miss Mabel, is it?

Yes, I'm Mabel.

Well, I hope you're up for the task,

because Mrs. Neumeister's care is our top priority.

Well, it's my top priority, too.

It's my job. That's why I'm here.

But I suggest you call Harold,

find a time he's not working, and schedule a visit with him.

Mrs. Neumeister actually just went down for her nap, so...

I'm here now, Miss Mabel.

Let's take care of this matter promptly, shall we?

If you insist.

I do.

Would you like to come in?

Mm-hmm.

After you.

Thank you.

Hmm...

So, Miss Mabel, what exactly qualifies you

to be Ms. Neumeister's caregiver?

Well, Trina, was it?

Mm-hmm.

Trina, I have a degree in nursing.

I'm qualified in CPR and first aid.

And I've spent years honing my patient care in the hospital

and in a home care setting.

Do you have any other questions?

Where did you say you received your training?

Well, let's just say my alma mater

is a bit more prestigious than your average college.

Trina, I am more than capable of taking care of Hilda.

So if you would let me get back to doing that,

it is my job after all.

I'm sure you're more than capable.

There's just a tiny bit of information

I have about your background.

I'm not sure I understand what you're implying.

I think you do.

You were put on administrative leave

at Ashbourne Falls General?

Were you not?

And for good reason, in fact.

You see, I happen to be friends

with the medical director at the hospital.

And I know exactly why you were let go.

You're not even allowed to be here legally, Miss Mabel.

Oh, and I'd like some sugar in that.

I like my tea nice and sweet.

Of course.

I hope this is sweet enough for you.

Oh!

You've got to be kidding me.

♪ Won't you come over if you want to ♪

♪ Say a little prayer for your feelings if you need to ♪

♪ You don't have to worry about the way you feel ♪

♪ when you're around me ♪

♪ Cause I know you've been hurting for a while so ♪

♪ Won't you calm down, won't you calm down ♪

♪ Won't you calm down ♪

♪ Oooh ♪

♪ Oooh ♪

♪ Oooh, Oooh ♪

♪ Oooh, Oooh ♪