Original subtitles

[suspenseful music]

[woman] I will kill you!

[man] Calm down!

[woman] Don’t you dare tell me to calm down!

[man] How much have you had to drink today?

[woman] Don’t you do that!

-[glass breaking] -[man] I will do what I want.

-[gasps] -[man] I am not having

-this conversation right now. -[groans]

[woman] Don’t you dare walk away from me, Matthew.

[Matthew] I will do as I damn will please, this is my house!

-[woman] I’ll kill you! -[thumping]

[dispatcher] 911, what’s your emergency?

Matthew?

Matthew!

Matthew!

[dispatcher] Okay. We’ll send someone over immediately.

[sobbing]

No. Oh, no.

[sobbing]

[dramatic music]

[phone rings]

This is Nicole.

Jack, how are you?

A plea deal?

You must be joking.

Involuntary, time served.

Great.

Send the paperwork over to my office

and we’ll have it wrapped up by the end of the day.

[phone beeps]

I’m getting another call, I gotta run.

Just send them over. Bye.

-[phone beeps] -This is Nicole.

[woman] Nicki.

Riley?

-[sighs] -[indistinct radio chatter]

Matthew’s dead.

Wait, what? When?

Last night.

[Nicole] Oh, my God, Riley.

They’re saying...

They’re saying that it was murder.

Matthew? Murdered?

The cops have been here all morning.

[indistinct radio chatter]

Look, I know how you feel about coming home--

If you knew, you wouldn’t ask.

I need you, Nicki.

I feel so alone.

Look, even if I wanted to come back, I can’t.

I just finished up a big case.

My desk is covered with five months’ backlog.

Who else am I supposed to call?

What about Mom?

How’s she doing with all this?

She’s the one that they arrested.

[reporter] The Beverly Hills resident

was charged with murder

after the vehicle she had been driving struck and killed

20-year-old USC student John Clayton last year.

Defense attorney Nicole Ray held a press conference

following yesterday’s verdict of not guilty.

What happened to John was an unfortunate

and horrible accident.

But I stand here today heartened by the fact

that the jury decided not to compound that tragedy

-by depriving the community-- -Hello, ma’am.

[Nicole] --of a wife and mother.

Not to mention a philanthropist who has done so much

for the city of Beverly Hills.

[man] May I help you find your seat?

[woman on PA] Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

We’d like to welcome you onboard flight number 100...

Excuse me.

Are you that lawyer, from TV?

Yes. Actually, I am.

I think it’s horrible what you did.

That woman should’ve gone to prison

for killing that nice young man.

Shame.

It was lovely to meet you.

-[airplane engine humming] -[dramatic music]

[indistinct radio chatter]

Nicki.

Hi.

Oh, God.

-How are you? -Hmm?

I know it wasn’t easy for you to come here.

-You have no idea. -But thank you.

So what are we looking at exactly?

Well, it all started when the neighbors called 911

’cause they overheard, um, Mom and Matthew arguing.

Please don’t tell me she’s drinking again.

Dammit, Mom.

The cops said they found her standing over his body...

at the bottom of the stairs.

Let me guess. She doesn’t remember.

No.

Look...

I know she can be a handful, but...

you don’t think that she could’ve...

actually killed him, do you?

Has she talked to anyone yet?

Yeah, she’s been in there with Charlene all morning.

Charlene McManus?

Deputy Charlene McManus.

I told you. She really needs your help.

[breathes deeply]

And if I asked you for one good reason

why I should risk my reputation on that woman?

Because you’re not doing it for her.

You’re doing it for me.

[indistinct radio chatter]

Please?

[indistinct radio chatter]

I’d better get in there

before she buries herself any deeper.

My name is Nicole Ray.

I’m here on behalf of Katherine Rafferty.

And you are?

Her lawyer.

[dramatic music]

[door opens]

[knocks on door]

Yes?

Her lawyer is here to talk to her.

Now?

Your lawyer’s here.

I didn’t order a lawyer.

No.

If you don’t mind, I need a few moments

to confer with my client.

That won’t be necessary.

And if you would, a copy of her file.

I’m confused.

Are you her attorney or not?

-She is not. -I am.

She’s all yours.

[exhales deeply]

What happened, Mom?

I can’t help you if you don’t tell me

what’s going on.

Didn’t ask for your help.

[Nicole] They’re gonna charge you with murder.

You could be looking at life with no parole,

and that’s assuming the DA doesn’t seek the death penalty.

Are you even listening to me?

Mom!

What do you want me to say?

That I’m so blessed the famous Nicole Ray

took time out of her busy schedule

to come down here and help dig

one of the little people out of trouble?

Why are you here?

I promised Riley.

Ah. Your sister. Hmm.

Silly me.

Here I thought I was the one in trouble.

Did you kill him?

You did not just ask me that.

It’s a yes or no question, Mom.

Look, I’m aware of how you feel about me--

[scoffs] That would be a first.

--but to accuse me of something like that?

Yes or no!

Go to hell.

I don’t need this.

[Kate] Makes two of us.

Nice to see you, too.

-[door slams close] -[dramatic music]

-[Riley] Nicki-- -No.

I can’t force someone to hire me.

-You know she’s stubborn. -I’m sorry.

It was a mistake to get your hopes up.

Can you try again?

You do know the definition of insanity, right?

Yes.

For what it’s worth, I’m sorry it didn’t work out.

Okay. Well, do you have to leave right away?

Ri.

Can you at least wait until after Matthew’s wake?

It’s gonna be small, just a few people at the house.

When?

Tomorrow?

-Ms. Ray? -Yes?

The Deputy asked me to give you this.

The paperwork you requested.

Great. Thanks.

Please?

Fine. But just until after the wake.

Then I’m gone.

How about I give you a lift back to Mom’s house?

I rented a car.

Besides, I am not staying at that house.

She’s not even gonna be home.

I’ll give you a call as soon as I get settled, okay?

Promise.

Hmm. It is good to see you again.

[neon light buzzing]

[suspenseful music]

[exhales deeply]

[suspenseful music]

Dammit, Mom.

[rock music]

[sighs]

For crying out...

[rock music]

Hey, some of us are trying to think in here!

[man] Go to hell, lady!

Yeah, you, too.

[rock music]

[suspenseful music]

[Nicole sighs]

[dramatic music]

Hey. Hi, it’s Nicole.

Yeah. Listen, could you do me a favor?

Could you tell me what the temperature was

in Eastborough night before last?

About 10:30.

Really?

No, I don’t miss the humidity at all.

Thank you.

You, too.

Bye.

[phone beeps]

[dramatic music]

[siren wails]

-Thank you. -Sure.

[elevator bell dings]

Nicki?

What’s wrong?

I’ve been going over the police reports.

-And? -I don’t think

they were alone.

What do you mean?

The night Matthew died.

I think there was someone else in the house.

How do you know that?

The windows in the photo.

Look.

-They’re closed. -Exactly.

But Mom never close the windows in the living room

because the house doesn’t have--

Doesn’t have central air. Exactly.

So why were they closed the night Matthew died?

Someone else did it.

Exactly.

And whoever it is, is setting Mom up for murder.

[birds chirping]

This is all problematic

-right here for-- -[knocks on door]

-Excuse me? -You’re fired.

Who do you think you are?

Her attorney.

Just ignore her, Chuck.

-She’s with me. -Don’t worry.

I’m sure there’s plenty of ambulances for you

to chase down at County.

Excuse me?

She’s already been set up for murder.

She doesn’t need to be sent up the river too.

[sighs]

Had enough of these dead end cases anyway.

Enjoy the loss.

You made the headlines.

Congratulations.

There goes your impartial jury pool.

Why are you still here?

Riley said you were leaving.

Because as much as it pains me to admit it...

you need me.

[scoffs] I needed you 10 years ago.

Funny. I could say the same thing about you.

Oh. You’re just like your father.

He never knew when to quit either.

But he did know not to close the windows.

-What? -In the summer.

We always left the windows open.

Oh, of course.

The house doesn’t have air conditioning.

Exactly.

So why were they closed the night Matthew died?

And since Matthew was lying at the bottom of the stairs

at the time,

I’m guessing he didn’t close them either.

Are you saying it wasn’t just a fall?

I’m saying, what if the police are right?

What if someone did push him down those stairs?

It just wasn’t you.

Who was it then?

The same person who closed those windows,

probably when they used them to leave,

which would explain why the doors

had remained locked from the inside.

Wait. How do they know who used my door?

Unfortunately for you, one of the few things

Matthew did to update the house

was installing smart locks,

which means they know any time someone came in

and if anyone went out.

Matthew did that for Riley.

She kept forgetting her keys.

I was stupid myself.

Yeah, well, it doesn’t help your case

until you consider the window.

I don’t remember there being anyone else in the house.

Your blood alcohol content was .23,

so I doubt you would’ve remembered your name.

I had one bad night. One.

Be honest. You’ve had a lot of bad nights over the years.

Over the years, yes.

But I had changed.

Maybe if you had stayed in touch,

you would’ve known that.

So what am I supposed to do?

-Hire me. -[sighs]

Now, we can file a petition

to see what fingerprints they pulled off the windowsill.

That’ll at least find the last person who touched it.

Can’t the public defender get that information?

Who, Chuck?

It’s too much work. No.

He’ll just make a plea deal and move on

to the next charity case who needs a lawyer

to do the bare minimum.

Well, if it’s bad as you say, maybe...

maybe I should make a deal.

Sure.

If you feel like you’ve thrown your life away enough already.

Well, what would I be looking at?

-Life in prison. -As opposed to?

Death.

And as tempting as that sounds...

I owe Riley her mother back.

"Her" mother?

Admit it.

You need me, Mom.

[dramatic music]

I’d ask you how it’s going,

but I know you two all too well.

Look, I don’t know how,

but I’m gonna scare up another suspect

for Matthew’s murder.

I like your mother, Nicki, I really do,

but between the argument,

the threat of violence, and her claim not to remember.

Lucky for her,

unwinnable cases happen to be my specialty.

[sighs]

You should know, officially the Chief

wants to close the case.

And unofficially?

[sighs]

I’ll take a look if you do.

I appreciate that.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a wake to attend.

[dog barking]

[indistinct chatter]

I was starting to worry you weren’t gonna make it.

How’s Mom?

As warm and welcoming as ever.

I have no idea how you ever lived with her.

She changed.

Matthew was a good influence.

No one’s that much of a miracle worker.

[scoffs]

Well, maybe if you visited or, I don’t know,

called every once in a while,

you would be able to see that.

It’s easy for you to say.

She didn’t stumble in drunk to your high school graduation.

You didn’t almost miss your college interview

because she was out busy getting a DUI.

Okay.

Fair enough.

Let’s just focus on Matthew for the afternoon.

Deal?

I’ll be honest, I barely knew him.

Well, let’s change that.

Yeah.

-Okay. -I’ll introduce you.

Come on.

Sadie.

This is Sadie.

Sadie, Nicki.

-Nicole. -Oh,

the other stepdaughter.

-[scoff] -Sadie works at the tavern.

Uh-hmm.

I’m sorry for your loss.

He was a very kind man. And...

he always spoke so highly of you.

-Really? -[Sadie] Big time lawyer

from the big city.

Every time news of one of your cases

hit the internet...

he must’ve shared it with the whole town.

That’s sweet.

Uh-hmm.

Well, it was so good to finally meet you.

It’s nice to have a face with the name.

I don’t know any of these people.

Okay. Um...

that’s Pastor Atkins.

He preaches at the church that Matthew took Mom to.

Hmm. Mom went to church?

Sang on the choir.

They both do.

Well, did.

Um...

you remember the neighbors from up the street.

Um, that’s Frank.

Frank and Matthew used to play pickle ball together

every Saturday morning.

-Seriously? -Yeah.

Matthew was actually really good.

He has a trophy upstairs.

Hmm.

Wyatt, Matthew’s brother.

Wyatt.

Hi, I’m Nicole.

The golden stepdaughter.

Yet now here you are, defending his killer.

We’ll just have to see what the jury says.

I don’t have to wait.

I know she’s better off where she is.

Excuse me, I’m gonna go get a drink.

You must be Nicole.

I am.

Kirk Holloway.

I was your dad’s, uh...

I’m your stepdad’s business partner.

-Hi. -Matthew said

you’re quite the lawyer,

even if your choice of clients is...

-questionable. -Hmm.

Frankly, Mr. Holloway,

my choice of clients is my business.

I’ll respect that.

Not a fan of your own whiskey?

[chuckles] Yeah.

I never actually had a taste for it myself.

Hmm.

I was just looking for an excuse to get a minute to myself.

I know the feeling.

It’s a bit awkward, huh?

Being here, in this house again

after...

you know...

for your mother to do something like that--

She hasn’t been convicted of anything.

Are they looking at other suspects?

Why? You got someone else in mind?

You know...

Matthew used to tell me about the fights

that he and Kate were having.

They were happening more frequently,

getting more volatile.

He was becoming concerned.

About my mother?

About all of it...

her temper, her drinking.

I can’t stop thinking...

maybe if I had said something sooner.

I’m gonna say hi to some people.

-Uh-hmm. -Sorry for your loss.

I see you met Kirk.

-Odd duck. -Yeah.

He seems pretty convinced Mom’s guilty.

Yeah. Well,

she wasn’t really fond of him, either.

-Oh? -[Riley] Everybody knew

that the distillery was Matthew’s baby.

So what does that make Kirk?

Overpaid math nerd.

[chuckles]

Anyways, anytime the distillery actually showed a profit,

the expenses had a convenient way of suddenly growing.

And you think the overpaid math nerd is the culprit.

I mean, hell, if it was up to him,

they would’ve cashed out years ago.

Hmm.

Now, one of us should make a speech

before it gets too late.

I told you, I barely knew him.

Okay. Well, only one of us

is a professional shyster, so...

I’m assuming that was supposed to be a compliment?

Always.

[chuckles]

My sister and I would like to thank you all

for being with us here today.

When your father dies of cancer

while you’re young, it was easy

to assume that no one could ever follow in his footsteps.

And then, mom met Matthew,

kind, supportive, funny.

The kind of positive influence

that could make a real difference

and he was more than just mom’s new husband.

He was an important part

of the community.

An entrepreneur, part of the church choir,

and as I hear it, he had quite the backhand at pickle ball.

[chuckles]

More importantly, however,

he was a father figure.

And I’m sure, if he could see us now,

he’d be smiling,

feeling all the love,

and appreciation in the room.

And...

I know my mother wishes

she could be here to thank you all in person, too.

Anyone who knows this family knows

that my mother and I have had

a challenging relationship.

So, despite whatever issues the two of us might have,

as both her daughter and attorney,

I’d like us all to remember she’s still a grieving widow,

mourning the loss of her husband.

And so, on behalf of the entire family,

I’d like us all to raise a glass of Matthew’s very own

Rafferty Rye...

to his memory.

We love you and we miss you.

May you rest in peace.

[dramatic music]

Seriously? What do they think, I’m gonna make a run for it?

I wouldn’t recommend it.

[sighs] Makes them feel powerful.

She’s just doing her job.

What she should be doing is looking

for who really killed my husband.

This is just a preliminary hearing.

No one’s on trial yet.

Hopefully, it won’t even get that far.

-"Hopefully?" -Knowing these small towns,

my guess is we’ll get a prosecutor

used to chasing taggers and shoplifters.

Is that...

Bobby? You didn’t tell me he still lived here.

You never asked.

So, District Attorney. Impressive.

Yeah. What can I say? Some of us opted for the small pond.

Which is why I’m surprised you actually took your mom’s case.

Everyone’s entitled to a decent defense.

That they are. And from what I hear,

you charge quite a pretty penny for it, too.

Well, if you’re interested, I can always put in a good word

-for you at the firm. -Well, unfortunately,

I’d like to see criminals

pay for their crimes and not their attorneys.

And I prefer to see justice reserved for the guilty,

not the innocent.

Same old Nicki.

Guess some things never change.

[chuckles]

All rise.

-Good morning. -Good morning, Your Honor.

Good morning, Your Honor.

No, stand up.

We have gathered here for the arraignment

of Katherine Rafferty.

Ms. Rafferty,

in pursuant to penal code 19.01,

you’ve been charged with a class A felony.

Murder in the first degree

in the death of Matthew Rafferty.

Counselor, has your client read the criminal complaint?

-They have, Your Honor. -And are they aware

of the mandatory sentencing requirements

should they be found guilty,

which is no less than life in prison

without the possibility of parole?

They are.

Very well.

Ms. Rafferty,

in the charge of first degree murder,

how do you plead?

Not guilty.

[crowd groaning]

-[man] What? -[woman] Really?

-[gavel bangs] -Order.

A little louder, if you please.

Not guilty.

Very well.

The trial is set for...

9:00 AM,

Monday the 25th, three weeks from today.

Your Honor, the defense moves to request bail

for the defendant until the trial.

The People object, Your Honor.

Your motion is denied, Ms. Ray.

Then the defense moves to request that the defendant

be placed under house arrest until the trial.

Also denied, Ms. Ray.

Now, if there are no further matters to be discussed,

this hearing is hereby adjourned.

[gavel bangs]

All rise.

It’s good to see you again, Nicki.

Looks like you’ll be seeing even more of me now.

[dramatic music]

So now what happens?

Now, we get started on your defense.

♪ Saturday night

♪ And I’m ready to [indistinct] ♪

♪ Headin’ down the 405

♪ Headin’ down to the [indistinct] ♪

-Thanks. -[Sadie] Sure.

[singer] ♪ Head down the 405 [indistinct] ♪

♪ Out the rainbow to [indistinct] ♪

So, I see your taste in fine dining hasn’t changed.

When in Rome.

[laughs]

So what are we drinking?

Club soda.

Okay.

I’ll take a beer.

You got it, hun.

Thanks. As much as I’d love to sit and reminisce,

I have a trial to prepare for.

What are you really doing here, Nic?

She’s my mother.

So in other words,

you think this little altruistic exercise

in futility will somehow make up for years

of hatred and resentment?

And she’s innocent.

Okay. We both know that’s not true.

-You know what your problem is? -I only have one?

-Self-confidence. -Funny.

I was gonna say the same thing about you.

Marital spat,

heat of the moment,

I could see involuntary manslaughter.

Maybe even second degree.

But murder in the first?

She threatened to kill him.

She was drunk.

Doesn’t mean she didn’t mean it.

I think I know my own mother.

She tell you anything useful about that night?

You know me better than to ask something like that.

I just wondered if she happened to mention the distillery.

Matthew’s distillery?

Her distillery.

Oh. You haven’t reached that part of your discovery yet.

Well...thank you.

Lucky for you, I’m in a sharing mood.

I’m all ears.

Six weeks ago, Matthew Rafferty amended his will,

cutting his partner out completely.

Kirk?

That leaves everything to your mother.

Including the distillery.

So, she gets a new business and he files for unemployment.

It’s a small town craft distillery.

By the time you deduct expenses,

Kirk’s unemployment check is probably worth more.

You’re right. The distillery was losing money.

But the land that the distillery was sitting on?

-That’s a different story. -Oh?

And the rumor is, Matthew was in the process

of selling it to a developer when he passed.

And how much would a property like that go for?

Ballpark? 1.5.

That’s a hell of a ballpark.

That’s a hell of a motive.

Your turn to share.

Shoot.

You ever regret what happened between us?

The relationship?

Leaving.

We occupy two different worlds.

We always did.

It just took my leaving to realize it.

Well, like you said, you have a trial to prepare for,

so I’ll leave you to it.

It was nice seeing you.

Well, tell your mom I said hi.

Uh-huh.

[singer] ♪ When the stars all come out... ♪

It’s Nicole. I was just wondering,

have you got any results back

on the fingerprints on the window?

Anyone other than my mother?

Not in the system?

Uh-hmm.

And what about the autopsy?

Is it possible that those injuries

could’ve been caused by a...

I don’t know, maybe he fell?

[sighs] Dammit.

No. This is absolutely not good news for my case.

Thanks, anyway.

[dramatic music]

[security buzzer buzzes]

When were you gonna tell me about the distillery?

The distill...what?

My husband had just died.

I didn’t think that was important.

Do you expect a jury to believe that?

-It’s the truth. -It’s a motive!

You honestly think I would kill my husband

for a tiny craft distillery?

No. But you might for $1.5 million.

Matthew handles all of that stuff.

Besides, it was Riley’s idea to change the will.

She never trusted Kirk.

Look, if this is gonna work, you and me,

we’re gonna have to do a better job at communicating.

Well, I was all set to go with the public defender.

Are you really so proud that you can’t even recognize

when you need help?

Or is it you’re so proud

you think everyone needs you?

Well, I guess the apple didn’t fall too far

from the tree then, did it?

[chuckles]

[sighs] Yeah, you’re right.

But seriously, Mom.

You can’t hold anything back,

no matter how insignificant,

how inconsequential you think it is,

I need it all.

Promise?

-Promise. -Good.

Because this will pours gasoline

all over our dumpster fire of a case.

What about those fingerprints?

They weren’t a match for anyone in the system.

And the autopsy showed

that the fall was not accidental.

Oh. Great.

Mom, I have to ask.

Did you push Matthew down those stairs?

-Of course not! -Did you do anything

that might’ve inadvertently caused him

-to fall down the stairs? -No!

Would you even remember it if you had?

You think I’ve forgotten what it was like?

When you start drinking at lunch

and forget to pick me up from school?

When you’d be out all night long and then you’d come home

and forget how you even got there?

Because I sure as hell have not!

So do you actually think I’m capable

of something like that? You’re my daughter!

No, I am your lawyer!

Fine.

If you don’t believe me, maybe the court will.

What are you talking about?

When I take the stand,

I will just tell them I passed out on the couch,

I don’t know what happened to your stepfather.

You don’t seriously think I’m gonna let you testify.

I have every right to clear my name.

You get up on that stand,

it’s like handing Bobby O’Donnell a loaded gun!

I’ve got nothing to hide.

They will find something.

And when they do, they will crucify you!

-How do you know? -Because that’s what I would do.

[dramatic music]

[Riley] If it was up to him, they would’ve cashed out

-years ago. -[Nicole] No,

but you might for $1.5 million.

[Kate] What about those fingerprints?

[Nicole] They weren’t a match for anyone in the system.

Did you push Matthew down the stairs?

[Kate] Of course not!

[Nicole] Did you do anything that might have,

inadvertently, cause him to fall down the stairs?

[Kate] No.

[dramatic music]

[water gushing]

Could you tell Bobby, Nicole Ray is here to see him?

Sure. Have a seat.

[Bobby] You just couldn’t stay away, could you?

Maybe I was just curious to see

what Eastborough’s District Attorney’s office

actually looked like.

Hmm, cushy,

although, the view is probably not as nice

as the one from your high-rise.

Who said my office was in a high-rise?

It’s not?

No, it is.

I was just curious.

Well, you really wanna be impress?

Come on back. I’ll give you the tour.

This is where the magic happens.

Wow.

So why are you really here?

You’re not gonna offer me a cup of Sanka first?

Let me guess, you asked her about the inheritance

and now you realized you took on a losing case.

I asked about the inheritance.

And now, I’m about to poke some serious holes in your case.

[chuckles] Good luck with that.

I need the witness statements.

The reports were in the discovery.

-I want the actual transcripts. -Why?

You already know they’re harmful to your case.

That’s not up to you to decide, is it?

[sigh] Didn’t your mother

ever tell you not to ask questions

you don’t wanna hear the answers to?

Hmm, must have slipped her mind.

Helen and Herald Mullins.

There.

That wasn’t so hard, was it?

You should know that I’ve secured convictions

on less than the piece of paper in your hand.

Then I’m sure you won’t mind if I reach out and verify

the information in here.

Wait. Did you just accuse me of doctoring their testimony?

Please, don’t be so sanctimonious.

You wouldn’t be the first district attorney

to bend the rules to win a case.

And you wouldn’t be the first defense attorney

to shield their client with a smoke screen of red tape.

I guess we’ll just have to find out, won’t I?

Fine. You wanna talk to them, be my guest.

Although, I should warn you,

Helen wasn’t necessarily the biggest fan of your mother.

Sounds an awful lot like biased to me.

You don’t need me to remind you

how difficult your mother was to love.

No. That’s right, I don’t.

Hmm, did I strike a nerve?

Thanks for the file.

Anytime.

-Did you forget something? -Isn’t this the moment

when you wish me luck and tell me

how much I’m gonna need it?

Would it change your mind?

Not an inch.

Then I won’t waste my breath.

[doorbell rings]

-[Helen] Who is it? -Helen Mullins?

My name is Nicole Ray.

I’m representing...hi.

I know who you are.

[Harold] Hon, who is it?

Kate’s daughter.

You can call me Nicole.

Wanna come in? I just made some coffee.

I only need a moment of your time.

We’ve already told everything we know to the police.

Yes, I’ve read the transcripts of your conversation.

Then why are you here?

Have you seen this man?

You two happened to be the only witnesses we have.

Unfortunately, we’re not too keen

on sticking our noses where they don’t belong.

Is that why you called the police the other night?

Because you didn’t wanna stick

your nose where it doesn’t belong?

I called the police because I was concerned

for Matthew.

Not that it did much good.

They were fighting.

[Helen] They were always fighting.

Can you just take another look?

Please.

Have you seen him around the house?

[Helen] Kirk? Sure.

He and Matthew worked together.

-What about the night he died? -No.

It was just Matthew and your mother.

You mean it was just the two of them

that you could hear?

Thank you for your time.

You know, now that you mention it,

there is one thing.

I do remember hearing her shout that night.

And what was that?

She said, "I’m going to kill you."

[sigh]

[dramatic music]

Ms. Ray?

Harold?

Please, forgive my wife.

She means well,

but sometimes she can be as stubborn as an ox.

[laughs] I know the type.

Now, you didn’t hear this from me,

a couple of months back,

I was mowing the lawn,

your mother was at work.

Let’s just say that, um, Matthew wasn’t alone.

Another woman?

Was Matthew having an affair?

I-I didn’t ask.

You’re the first and the only person

that I mentioned this to.

I don’t suppose you have a name?

[sighs]

Could you at least tell me what she looked like?

A little younger than your mom,

blonde hair.

If my mother had found out,

that certainly would’ve given them

something to fight about.

Yes, it would.

Yes, it would.

Good luck.

[camera shutter clicks]

Thank you.

[camera shutter clicks]

Are you crazy?

You threatened to kill him?

I was angry! I didn’t mean it!

You didn’t mean it when you said it

or when you actually did it?

I don’t even remember saying it.

Unfortunately for you, your neighbor does.

And I’m sure she’ll be more than happy

to share it with the jury.

Yeah, that sounds like Helen.

Along with Matthew’s affair.

They know about that?

So you did know?

Yeah.

You seriously didn’t think I would find out?

I’m sorry. I-I just didn’t see the point

in ruining his reputation.

The prosecution will.

Okay. Fine! Fine!

Matthew’s been cheating on me for months.

Okay? Are you happy?

A while back, I happened to find some emails on his computer.

"Happened?"

He’s been spending a lot of late nights at work

and texting on his phone all the time.

I was suspicious.

Go on.

The letters were romantic.

I confronted him about it.

He swore he’d stop.

But he didn’t, did he?

The night Matthew...

I had found more letters on the computer.

That’s why you two were fighting?

But that time he did end it.

I watched him. He sent the texts

-right in front of me. -[Nicole] And?

He said she didn’t take it well.

Do you know who it was?

No.

Frankly, I didn’t wanna know.

I-I-I just wanted it to be over.

End of story.

Why is it that every time I pursue a lead

to clear your name, all I do is uncover another motive?

And when did you start drinking again?

My husband of 15 years was having an affair on me.

Excuse me if I wanted a drink.

"A drink"?

A few.

[sighs]

Yeah, I-I lost count.

Okay.

All right.

Let’s just go back to that night.

You confronted him about the affair?

Yeah. We were arguing.

It would seem like hours.

And then I sat on the couch...no,

I laid on the couch.

I don’t remember what happened after that.

Please, try.

My head was spinning,

like he said he was going upstairs to go to bed.

And this whole time, you two were alone?

I think so.

Think. At any point,

was there anyone else in the house?

[dramatic music]

Maybe.

-"Maybe"? -I-I don’t know!

-Like who? -Kirk, maybe?

-Kirk? -Losing half the profits

from that real estate sale would be enough

to make anyone jealous, don’t you think?

Yeah.

Tell you what.

You think about it.

Where are you going?

I’m gonna go back to the house to see

if the police missed anything.

Nicole?

On a scale from one to ten,

how screwed do you think I am?

Twelve.

[alarm buzzes]

[door creaking]

[Nicole] Ri...

you here?

[dramatic music]

"I’d be glad, just to be sad, thinking of you."

[Matthew] How much have you had to drink?

[Kate] Oh, here we go again,

it’s the same thing.

I don’t wanna do this right now!

I never wanna do this!

That’s how you got in.

[dramatic music]

[Matthew groans]

[body thuds]

Hmm.

[metal clinks]

Ri?

Ri, is that you?

[wood creaks]

[suspenseful music]

[cell phone ringing]

Hello?

[Riley] Hey, Nicki, it’s me.

Riley.

Yeah, I’m over at the house. Where are you?

[Riley] I’m getting ready to head to work.

What time are you leaving?

[Riley] Shouldn’t be too much longer.

What the hell.

[Riley] Nicki?

Nicki, what happened?

Can I call you back later?

-[Riley] Sure. -Okay. Bye.

[dramatic music]

[Riley] Nicole?

I’m glad I caught you, you got a sec?

Is it about mom’s case?

Did you know Matthew was having an affair?

Wait, what?

Apparently it had been happening for a while.

You really didn’t know?

No.

Absolutely not.

-Did mom know? -Yeah.

Another motive?

Apparently they grow on trees around here.

What happened?

Did he--did he tell her?

She found some emails on his computer.

I was just over at her house. I found one of them myself.

Do I even wanna know what it said?

The usual thinking of you, stuff like that.

You think she did it?

I was thinking Kirk but now, who knows?

Look, I know she’s not the best person

but I truly don’t think that she’s capable

of doing such a thing.

You mean you don’t think she’d be capable

of doing such a thing when she’s sober?

In either state, Nicki.

Twelve hours ago, I would have agreed with you.

Now, who knows?

I guess I was just hoping that maybe you

had heard something or maybe you knew who the woman was.

No.

I’m sorry.

Look, my shift is about to start.

Can we talk about this more tomorrow morning?

Burning the midnight oil, huh?

[scoffs]

Welcome to the glamorous world of medicine.

I’ll be at the motel, if you think of anything.

Sounds good.

[Nicole] Bye.

[dramatic music]

[Nicole] Hey.

[engine revs]

[tires screeching]

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

[McManus] We spoke to the manager.

Said the housekeeper reported

her keys stolen a couple days ago.

This just proves it.

Someone is trying to stop my investigation.

Anyone giving you any trouble lately?

Matthew’s brother isn’t exactly a fan.

Wyatt.

I’ll tell you what. I’ll give him a call

and find out where he was tonight.

And maybe Kirk Holloway.

For your mother’s sake, I hope you’re as good

at being a lawyer as you are making enemies.

I don’t suppose this place has a security camera.

Sorry.

You know, I’d feel better if you weren’t alone.

Is there anyone you can call, maybe Riley?

No. She’s still at work. But I’ll be fine.

Really.

In the meantime, I’m gonna run prints on this.

Maybe we’ll get lucky.

Can you compare them to this?

Do I even wanna know where you got this from?

You said you’d take a look if I do.

-Do you ever rest? -I will

when my mother gets out of jail.

If I ever get in trouble, I know who I’m gonna call.

Thank you, Charlene.

[door opens]

[sighs]

[birds chirping]

[cell phone ringing]

This is Nicole.

[McManus] It’s Charlene.

Got some news?

Actually I do. We looked into Wyatt.

And?

Thought it might interest you to hear

that Mr. Rafferty was a no-show

for work last night.

What about the prints from the bottle?

No match.

Not the photo or the window

at your mother’s house.

[clicks tongue] Dammit.

Hey, you want some unsolicited advice?

It’s my favorite kind.

[McManus] In my experience, I’ve learned that these things

usually come down to one of two things.

Passion or money.

[clicks tongue]

[dramatic music]

John Harding?

You don’t know me, but my name is Nicole, Nicole Ray.

Oh. Yes.

Sorry about your stepfather.

If you have a moment, I would just love to ask you

a few questions about his will.

Actually I’m running late

for a client meeting.

Besides, it’s a little soon to probate, don’t you think?

Oh, no, no, no. I’m not interested

in contesting it. I’m representing my mother

-in the murder trial. -Well, that’s out

of my area of expertise.

Well, I was just wondering if something were to happen

to my mother, what happens to the will?

Let me guess.

You went to one of those big fancy law schools, huh?

UV.

And did they teach you about

attorney-client privilege there?

They did.

As a legal matter, yes.

But as a family member,

inquiring about family business,

I believe it falls under the category

of nosy stepdaughter?

[chuckling]

I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if I’m a few minutes late,

nosy stepdaughter.

I have a very particular filing system,

let’s see, Rafferty.

Rafferty, ah...

Matthew Rafferty.

Hmm, six weeks ago, Matthew redrafted his will

and made your mother as his primary beneficiary.

Because he didn’t trust his partner.

Correct.

Now, let’s say my mother

gets convicted for Matthew’s murder.

[Harding] It’s the slayer statute.

That would prevent her from inheriting one penny

-of Matthew’s estate. -In which case.

Goes to the next beneficiary.

So, theoretically, someone could have killed Matthew

and framed my mother so that they would collect

the inheritance instead?

[chuckling]

That’s some four-dimensional chess right there.

[Nicole] Guess I’m looking for Eastborough’s

very own Bobby Fischer.

I don’t suppose this next beneficiary

would happen to be Matthew’s brother Wyatt, would it?

Let me see.

Actually, no.

It’s your sister.

What?

Riley.

I’ll catch up with you.

Sorry I haven’t called you back, I’ve just been slammed

with patients all day, but, um, is something wrong?

I’m gonna ask you a question and I need the truth.

Okay. Well, now, you’re scaring me.

Where were you the night Matthew died?

-Excuse me? -I think you heard me.

I don’t understand, though.

Please, just answer the question.

-I was home. -Can anyone verify that?

I mean, not unless you wanna subpoena

my smart TV’s browsing history.

Did you go over to mom’s house that night?

Hold on. You think I have something to do

-with what happened? -You’re the one who insisted

Matthew changed the will.

Well, yes, but to benefit our mother.

Unless she gets convicted of Matthew’s murder.

In that case, what do you know? It all goes to you,

1.5 million dollars.

You’re serious.

Money like that would go a long way

in clearing up those debts, don’t you think?

Okay, first of all, that’s insane.

Secondly, why on earth would I insist that you,

who works at one of the most well-known firms in the country,

come out here and represent mom

if I really wanted her to lose?

Because you didn’t think I’d actually come.

And you have to admit, as far as alibis go,

it isn’t a bad one.

After all, calling a lawyer from "one of the most

well-known firms in the country" would go a long way

in making it appear you weren’t secretly

trying to throw the case.

-Screw you. -Is that a denial?

That’s a "get the hell out of my face."

Riley. Riley!

It’s Riley. Leave a message.

Hey, it’s me.

Look, I’m so sorry

I accused you like that.

It’s just,

it’s my job to ask the hard questions, you know?

That I guess I’m just exhausted.

Please call me.

[phone beeps]

[suspenseful music]

[Nicole] First the hotel room, now this?

It can’t be random.

Did you get a look at the driver?

It happened too fast.

License plate?

No.

I don’t know what you want me to do.

Put out an APB on a black SUV?

Nic...

We’ve known each other for a long time,

and believe me when I tell you that Matthew Rafferty

was loved by a lot of people in this town.

Any of whom would love to see your mother punished.

Look, just hang in there, okay?

The sooner the trial’s over,

the sooner things will calm down.

Once she gets convicted, you mean?

You said it, not me.

[rock music]

Fish and chips.

[Nicole] Thanks.

Long day?

Long week.

[Sadie] Anything new with the case?

Unfortunately, no.

Well, for what it’s worth, I miss

both your mom and Matthew.

And if you ever want a friendly face to talk to.

I appreciate that.

-Usual? -[Bobby] Thanks.

[sighs]

Well, Charlene told me what happened.

She sounded worried about you.

She’s just eager to get the case wrapped up.

We all are.

[Nicole] You’re not the one with a mother sitting in jail.

[chuckles] Whom, until a few days ago,

you hadn’t spoken to in years.

She’s still entitled to a defense.

Look, I just don’t wanna see anything happen to you.

It’s gonna take a lot more than some

amateur intimidation to stop me from digging.

Well, just be careful where you dig.

Towns like this have a lot of landmines.

Do you always look out for your opposing counsel

like this?

Well, what can I say? I must be getting sentimental

in my old age.

[giggling]

But if you do plan on presenting another theory

for Matthew’s murder, I’d do it soon.

Because if this does go to trial,

you and I both know this does not end well

for your mother.

Now you wanna save my mother?

Well, truthfully, I’m more interested

in saving your reputation.

Aren’t you the hero?

[singer] ♪ I don’t listen to the media ♪

Voluntary manslaughter, 15 years.

[singer] ♪ That’s why I’m true to what I knew ♪

A plea deal?

All drawn up and ready to go.

All you have to do is get your mother to sign it.

Fifteen years?

That’ll make her, what, 75?

Well, at least she’ll have a few years to spend

with her future grandkids

instead of sitting behind bars.

[dramatic music]

Involuntary manslaughter,

five years.

Nic, this is a textbook case of crime of passion.

And you’re assuming that the killer

isn’t still out there.

I can’t serve justice on a hunch.

But what they did to my hotel room?

The hotel the cops get called to at least two

to three times a week.

This town is full of people who just wanna see

your old woman pay.

You mean they wanna see my old woman hung?

And that’s your jury pool.

Fifteen years.

I’d seriously consider it if I were you.

Well, well, well, Nicole Ray.

How about a whiskey, sweetheart?

I think you’ve had enough.

Why don’t you just back up, buddy?

No one here wants any trouble.

No trouble.

I just want a few words with our lawyer friend here.

[Bobby] Okay.

Well, I said back up.

Whatever you say...

counselor.

-[Wyatt] Oh. -[man] Hey. Come on, guy.

[gasps]

Your mother deserves the chair for what she did to my brother.

But I’m thinking

maybe I’ll just hurt someone important to her instead.

-Back off, man. -[woman] Hey!

Can’t we do something?

[McManus] Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey,

that’s enough, that’s enough.

How about a ride down to the station to cool off?

[panting]

-[man] I told you. -Everybody okay?

I’m fine.

-[McManus] Bobby? -Never better.

Good.

Wyatt’s fingerprints were a match for the photo.

Plus, guess what kind of car he drives?

Black SUV.

So he’s the one who’s been trying to intimidate me?

I guess he took his grief too far.

But don’t worry, he’s not gonna be bothering you again.

We’ve got plenty of charges

to keep him busy here for a while.

What about the fingerprints from the house?

None of the prints that we collected

the night of Matthew’s murder matched his.

So it wasn’t Kirk or Wyatt?

I’m just glad no one got seriously hurt.

Me too.

Fifteen years.

Voluntary manslaughter.

If I plead guilty.

That’s usually how plea deals work.

But I could go to trial and get nothing.

Or you could get 30.

But you’re a good lawyer.

That doesn’t matter if I can’t fight the facts

right in front of us.

You want facts?

How about the fact that my husband’s killer

is still out there?

You mean the killer we’re not getting any closer to finding?

At least with this deal, you’ll get a few decent years.

A "few decent years"?

Is that the best Nicole Ray can do?

I didn’t get liquored up and fight with my husband.

I didn’t tell the cops I can’t remember what happened.

I’m not the beneficiary of a million dollar will.

And I sure as hell didn’t come back here

to this crappy small town,

after all these years, just to lose.

And do you have any idea what’s been happening to me out there?

Ever since I got here,

I have been harassed,

my motel room has been broken into,

Matthew’s brother tried to run me off the road,

and now my own sister is mad at me.

Well, if it’s so bad, why are you doing this?

Because I thought maybe for once there was something I could do

to actually make you happy.

Or something you could do so you feel better about yourself.

You needed me.

No, you want me to need you. There’s a difference.

As I recall, I was all set to go with Chuck.

It’s your idea to take this case over.

And now that it’s not going the way you want,

you’re just ready to cash in your chips and go home.

Well, no, I’m gonna fight.

And if you are not gonna fight with me,

if you are not going to be in my corner,

then I’m gonna find someone who will.

You’re saying I should just quit?

No, I’m saying you’re fired.

You’re serious?

Officer!

We’re through here.

All right, then. Let’s go.

Fine.

[sniffles, sobs]

-[Bobby] Go on. I’ll catch up. -Uh-hmm.

-Nicole, what a surprise. -Got a sec?

[Bobby] Of course. Come on in.

Oh, no, I’m not staying. I just...

I just wanted to come by and say goodbye.

Goodbye?

I presented the deal to my client,

advised her to take it, and she fired me.

Wait.

Your mother fired you?

She’d rather take her chance in court.

Without you?

She doesn’t feel I’m "in her corner".

[sighs] Oh God.

So she’s gonna go with a public defender?

Yeah, maybe Chuck can do a better job.

Chuck hasn’t seen the inside of a courtroom in over a year.

It’s just like riding a bicycle.

It’s nothing like riding a bicycle.

What do you want me to say?

Yes, she’s being stubborn,

but I can’t just wave a magic lawyer wand

and change the woman’s mind.

You have to. You can’t just give up.

Give up?

You act like you’re the only lawyer

that’s had a stubborn client.

You don’t know my mother like I do.

But I do know this case, Nicki.

You’ve seen the evidence.

You’ve read the witness statements.

She doesn’t need Chuck, she needs a miracle.

She needs you.

So now you care about my mother?

[Bobby] Actually, I don’t.

I think she’s a murderer

and frankly deserves to rot in prison for what she did.

Then why aren’t you celebrating?

Because I care about you, Nicki.

And the old Nicki,

the Nicki that I went to school with,

would’ve never walked away from a challenge, ever.

Well, the old Nicki didn’t have a murderer

for a mother, allegedly.

Well, there is one thing I’m disappointed about.

You’re disappointed?

I won’t be able to go up against you in court.

Although we both know I would’ve won.

Yeah, possibly.

-Probably. -[both chuckle]

You always did enjoy a good fight.

Well, hey, if you ever...

feel like relocating out west,

my offer still stands, seriously.

I appreciate that.

Of course, that’s assuming

that your legal skills are better

than your bar fighting skills.

Hey, if Charlene hadn’t interrupted us,

-I would’ve had him. -Uh-hmm.

[both chuckle]

Well, I, uh...

I better get back to the hotel.

I need to pack...

before they charge me another day.

See you around, counselor.

See you around.

[Bobby] Nicki.

Do you ever think about

why things never worked out between us?

Probably because I always enjoyed a good fight.

Ouch.

Good luck.

[knock on door]

Come in.

So it’s true.

-You’re leaving? -She fired me.

Look, Ri, about yesterday, I...

what’s this?

The footage from my doorbell camera,

so that you can see that my car was parked in front of my house

all night long and that I never left.

Look, I’m sorry, okay?

I just...I ran out of places to look and I got desperate.

Actually, I think it was a pretty smart theory, so...

I mean, too bad I didn’t think of it sooner, so.

Too bad.

So what happens now?

She’s someone else’s problem.

You mean the public defender.

Maybe he’ll be able to convince her to sign the deal.

Do you think she did it?

I don’t know.

Maybe no one did it.

Maybe there never was another person in the first place.

Maybe the autopsy was wrong and Matthew just fell.

I wish I could change your mind about leaving.

You could always come to California.

Free rent.

What, and give up my cushy position

sponge-bathing patients at Eastborough General?

I’m sure there are plenty of patients to sponge bathe in LA.

[laughs]

If things go the way that I think that they will,

mom’s gonna need all the support she can get.

So...

Yeah.

Don’t be a stranger.

I won’t.

I’ve got a 6 o’clock out,

so tell Jerry I’ll be back at the firm in the morning.

Yeah, I’m headed to the airport now.

[sighs]

You really wanna know?

Put it this way, I’ve got enough material

to keep my therapist busy for the next year and a half.

Okay.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Bye.

[beeps]

Video doorbell.

[doorbell rings]

Oh.

The missus wouldn’t be happy about me talking to you again.

Lucky for you, she’s at bingo.

Good.

Because I need a favor.

Well, what do you know?

Harold, you’re a lifesaver.

Why? I cracked this case?

It had to be you.

♪ And even be glad

♪ Just to be sad

♪ Thinking of you

You know what, Harold?

I think you actually did.

Hey.

I’m at my mother’s house.

Would you mind stopping by?

[suspenseful music]

[exhales]

[sighs]

[breathing heavily]

[knocking on door]

[suspenseful music]

-[knocking on door] -[Nicole] Coming.

[inhales, exhales]

[gasps]

Come on in.

I was surprised to hear from you.

Well, you were friends with my mom and Matthew

and I needed that friendly face.

I have just the thing.

Took it from work.

Don’t tell anyone.

My lips are sealed.

-I’ll get some glasses. -Uh-hmm.

[Nicole] I can’t find my mom’s bottle opener.

Oh, don’t worry.

I brought one.

[water running]

Uh, what happened with you and your mom anyway?

I thought things were better between you two.

Tried to get her to take a deal.

Oh, I guess that means she didn’t want it.

[Nicole] Well, it’s complicated.

So still don’t have any other suspects?

[Nicole] Like I said, it’s complicated.

Right.

Care to do the honors?

It’s your house.

Well, technically it’s my mother’s house.

What should we drink to?

Something uplifting for once.

Anyone special in your life?

Actually, I just went through a breakup.

Oh.

Was it bad?

Well, let’s just say it was complicated.

[chuckles]

To complicated relationships.

Cheers.

You looking for this?

[Nicole] It had to be you.

What was that, like your special song or something?

I...

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

The locket,

the messages he wrote you

quoting the lyrics from the song?

And then, the neighbor’s description,

a little younger than your mom,

blonde hair.

He saw us?

Just took me a while to connect the dots.

How long were you two sleeping together?

A couple of months,

give or take.

Matthew had been coming in and out of the tavern a lot.

Started innocent.

He’d flirt a little,

I’d flirt a little back.

Smile led to touch on a shoulder,

led to an invitation.

[scoffs] You get the idea.

Congratulations.

You wanted to find the killer and you did.

-[grunts] -[glass shatters]

[both grunting]

[panting]

[suspenseful music]

Nicole.

Come on, Nicole.

I don’t wanna hurt you, I swear.

Of course...

I didn’t wanna hurt Matthew either.

But he left me no choice.

[suspenseful music]

[screams]

[both grunting]

Drop your weapon.

I said drop the weapon.

I got your text.

Yeah.

[siren wailing]

Nicki.

Are you okay?

Yes.

Where is she?

With Charlene.

We’ve got your phone, Sadie.

We know all about your relationship

with Matthew Rafferty.

How he finally ended things

after his wife found the latest messages.

And judging from your texts that you sent,

I’m guessing that didn’t make you too pleased

with either one of them.

You already confessed to Nicole Ray an hour ago.

Might as well come clean for the record now.

At first, I was just going to talk,

smooth things over.

And after seeing them together,

seeing the way she treated him,

and that he chooses her over me?

Yes, I was angry.

And yes, I killed him.

He deserved it.

[scoffs]

Oh, Mom.

Thank you...

for never doubting me,

even when I was doubting you.

I’m just doing my job.

No.

You were being my daughter.

Now, there are going to be some changes around here.

Charlene is getting me into a treatment program

and I’m even gonna pick up some shifts at the old diner.

Now, I’m fully aware that this is going to be a journey

but I will get there, I promise.

One step at a time.

I owe it to the both of you,

and to Matthew.

You don’t have to do it alone, Mom.

You’ll always have us.

Does that mean that you’re gonna be sticking around

for a little more?

Well, the firm’s waited this long.

I don’t see why they can’t wait a few more days.

In the meantime, I was hoping that I could stay at the house.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

You are always welcome.

Good, because I plan on stopping by a lot more often.

Or you could move back permanently,

open up a little firm in town.

[laughs]

Like mom says, one step at a time.

[Riley] Okay.

I’m just saying.

Now, how about a lift home?

Home.

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]