All language subtitles for en_The Killer Inside - The Ruth Finley Story 2024

Steve! Lunch is ready!

Hi.

I'm a detective
and I need to talk to your mom.

Is she home?

She's in the kitchen.

I need to speak
with your mom alone.

It'll take just
a couple of minutes, okay?

Okay.

Mom!

Mom! Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

The BTK Killer has struck again

in his months-long
reign of terror.

His attack on Shirley Vian
marks his seventh murder.

Local police
still have no suspects.

It is said that the only clue
the serial killer left

is another
of his signature poems.

This recent string of murders

has struck fear
into the Wichita community.

Many are installing
alarm systems,

and gun sales have also gone up
in recent months.

Hey.

I was watching that.

I think we might need
a break from the news.

I know I do.

I don't know how you watch it
every night, Ruthie.

It would give me nightmares.

You're lucky
we raised you on a farm...

Friends with all our neighbors.

But...
Wichita's different.

We don't
watch the news every night.

It's good to have
the information,

especially now.

No, but you have been following
this case pretty close.

Not that close.

My guess
is you know more than the cops

at this point.

Ed Finley,
you get your hands off that pot.

Well, maybe the cops
need my help,

seeing as they haven't
got any leads yet.

Oh, that's just what we need...
"Detective Finley".

Can you imagine?

But seriously,

we shouldn't just ignore
what's going on,

but some of us deal with it by
sticking our heads in the sand,

and some of us...

do the opposite.

What does that mean?

Don't get me wrong.

I mean, we are talking about
a serial killer

here, in Wichita,

so if you were a little scared,

it'd be understandable,

and I'm not trying
to come down on you or anything,

but, hon', sometimes

you're a little more emotional
than you think.

Well, if you don't want
to see me get emotional now,

you'd better hurry up
and set that table.

Yes, ma'am.

What do you think
about us doing something

a little different
for our vacation this year?

Different?

Like what?

I was thinking we could take
that trip to London

that we always talked about.

But we always go to the lake.

I mean,
we look forward to it all year.

I thought you loved the lake.

We have lots of
good memories from there.

What would I tell my mom?

She looks forward to it, too.

To be honest,

I thought you might be excited
to get a little space from her.

Why would you say that?

I love my mom.

She just gets
under my skin sometimes.

You know that.

I know.

But also, we haven't
taken a vacation...

Just us... in a long time.

And we have money saved.

Why not treat ourselves?

If not now, when?

Hmm.

You "don't know"
if you want to go to Europe?

I don't understand!

I mean, at the very least,

it'll take your mind
off of all this scary stuff

that's happening here
in Murderville.

Oh, and by the way,

I just got myself some Mace,
and you should, too.

Where did you find
something like that?

Oh, they're carrying it
in grocery stores now.

I'm telling you, it's like
the town has changed overnight.

But in any case,
you need to take a trip.

You need to spice it up.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing.

It's just... I don't know!

You used to have hobbies.

You used to do pottery,
for crying out loud.

But you and Ed
are like clockwork lately.

In bed by 10:00.

I-I mean,
your big news last week

was that Ed got
a different brand of popcorn

for your Friday night movie.

But it was very good popcorn.

Well, Kevin and I

try to go to a new restaurant
every week.

- Kevin?
- My new boyfriend!

- Right.
- I told you.

Of course, yes.

It's hard to keep up
with your love life sometimes.

That's fair.

Oh, but seriously,
I-I think he's the one.

I know! So you might
be seeing less of me, but it...

I don't know, I think

we're becoming one of those
annoying couples, you know,

with the... the inside jokes
and the pet names.

That's really exciting.

Yeah. But anyway.

All this to say,
you and Ed need to shake it up.

Well, I'm happy for you,
I really am,

but you are
in the honeymoon phase.

Ed and I have been
together for years.

Things are fun and exciting now,

but someday, you might want it
to feel more reliable.

It's comforting.

Which is why I don't mind

that Ed isn't some new guy
taking my breath away.

Yeah, but maybe he wants
to be that new guy again.

You all just need
to find that spark.

Oh, we change it up sometimes.

If we're so predictable,
what are we doing tomorrow?

Ha! That's easy.

It's Saturday,

so you'll garden in the morning,

and then,
around 11:30,

you'll make turkey sandwiches
for lunch.

You about ready for lunch?
I'm starving.

Sure.

Anything in particular
sound good?

Well...

turkey sandwich sounds
pretty great right about now.

You know,

I actually also bought ham
this week.

Oh!

Ham? Really?

Ham sandwich
sounds really good, too.

It does.

Ha. I'll be back in a minute.

Ed.

If we did take that trip,

you definitely
want to go to London?

Spring is supposed to be
a great time to go.

They say it's not as crowded,

and the whole city
is in bloom by March.

Sounds heavenly.

You know, I have also
dreamed of going to Paris.

Susan says
that the museums there,

they have these art-themed
spring shows,

and strawberries
are in season by then.

♪ April in Paris...

♪ Chestnuts in blossom

But we'd be going in March!

Well, it's close enough.

Okay.

I'll think about it.

No promises.

I know, but you have to admit,
it would be nice.

Ruth!

Ed!

Ed!

Oh...

oh, Ed, Ed, honey!

Honey!

Honey! Ed?

It's good we got here
so quickly.

I think we're out of
the danger zone.

I don't understand.

You're so young and healthy.

What could have caused this?

They're gonna run
some more tests.

We'll know more tomorrow,

but they want me
to stay overnight.

Oh. Well, I'm gonna
have to ask that nurse

for another blanket and pillow.

Why?

Because I'm gonna stay here.

Honey, I appreciate that,

but you and I both know there's
nowhere for you to sleep here.

Sure, there is.

No. You won't get any sleep
in that thing.

I'm not leaving you
here by yourself.

Sweetheart, it's okay.

Go home.
You'll sleep better there,

and the doctor said
he'll call you

as soon as
they have more information.

I'll be fine.
I promise.

I'll be home before you know it.

Hello?

Hey, Susan. It's me.

Ruth?

Is everything okay?

No. No, it's not.

Um...
Ed just had a heart attack.

What?

Is he all right?

He's stable now, um,

but he has to stay
at the hospital overnight.

It's probably gonna be
a bit of a recovery,

so I was wondering if you could
let everyone at work know

that I'm gonna need
some time off.

Yeah, of course!

Don't worry about that.

How are you holding up?

It was definitely a shock.

I mean...

it was pretty scary
for a minute.

We could've lost him.

But, um,
he did well in the surgery,

and the doctor thinks
he should be fine.

Are you at the hospital?

No, I'm home.

I wanted to stay,
but Ed insisted.

You're there by yourself?

I don't think
that's a good idea.

Especially right now,

I don't think it's safe.

Why don't you stay with me?

No, no, I couldn't.

I appreciate it,

but I-I don't
want to be a burden.

Really, I'll be fine.

Okay.

But make sure your doors
are locked, okay?

And you call me tomorrow.

I will. Thanks, Sue.

Finley residence.

Hello? Who is this?

Ruth?

Is this Ruth Finley
of Fort Scott, Kansas?

Who is this?

A friend.

A friend who knows
about that night.

You remember that night,
don't you?

It was raining.

I believe you were just 16.

You came home
and thought you were alone,

but you weren't...

were you?

Who is this?

He tied you up.

You remember the rest,
of course.

He burned you
with an iron, right?

Who is this?

Of course you remember.

How could you forget?

Do you still have the brand
you got that night?

I'd love to see it.

Morning, sunshine.

I brought Danishes.

Mom, what are you doing?
It's so early.

I... I asked you to call first.

Well, I thought you might
need breakfast and company.

Did you get any sleep?

You look tired!

No. No, I didn't.

Actually, something else
happened last night.

Do you have any platters?

I can never
find anything in here.

It's in the bottom right...
The bottom right.

I got this strange call.

This one's
chipped on the corner,

but if you're fine with it...

What were you saying?
The doctor called?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah...
The doctor.

Dr. Becker did call.

Um...

Ed can come home today,
so I need to pick him up.

I should...
shower and get ready.

First things first...

You need to eat.

Ruth.

Come on, you're all right.

I'm sorry.

I just, um, I don't...
I don't know how to handle this.

I...

It just came out of the blue.
You know?

And he nearly died.

Let's not make mountains
out of molehills.

This is a trying time,
but things could be worse.

Ed's going to be fine!

So...

you need
to pull yourself together

and be strong now,

because... huh.

This isn't about you.

It's about Ed, right?

Right...

Right.

I'm just tired.

That's my girl.

Now, I don't want you
to worry about anything.

Trust me.
I have thought of everything.

Well, I don't doubt that.

I want you
to come sit over here.

Right... there.

The doctor

told me how to make
"heart-healthy meals".

That's what he called it.

So, I made you

a tuna sandwich

and a salad.

Wow, look at all this.

Mm.

You didn't have
to do this, sweetheart.

I mean, I appreciate it,

but I know
this is a lot for you, too.

Don't you worry about me.

I just want you to get better
as quickly as possible.

And...

I also put the little TV
in the bedroom.

TV in the bedroom?

Who are you, and what
have you done with my wife?

I just want you to relax.

I will take care of everything.

If you need anything,
you let me know.

Actually, there is one thing.

What's that?

Aww.

It's good to be home.

It is so good to have you home.

Oh, sorry.

Oh...

I didn't mean to scare you.

Oh, it's okay.

Just forgot to give you
a bill to mail.

Oh.

What's wrong?

Nothing. No, uh, I...

You just startled me, is all.

You sure?

Let's get you back in the house.

Ruth Finley!

Oh, you didn't! Muffins?

Mm, I did.

Oh! Well... welcome back!

We should be making you muffins,
not the other way around.

Oh, it's no problem
to just double the recipe.

Oh. How's Ed doing?

I was surprised you decided
to come back so quickly.

He's... fine.

He's still
taking his medication,

but everything
is basically back to normal.

It's only been a couple weeks.

Surely, everything
isn't back to normal just yet.

It is fast,
but he's healing so quickly.

And he has to stay home
from work,

so he's going
a little stir-crazy.

What about you?

Me?

What do you mean?

You've been through
a lot lately.

Yeah.

It has been a lot.

Of course it has.

Ruth, your husband
had a major health scare.

It's okay if you're not
holding it all together.

I know you.

You bake when you're anxious.

Oh...

Actually...

there is something.

- Shoot!
- Is that yours?

Get it if you need to.

No, it's just
it might be Mr. Johnson.

Oh, you g-go ahead.

I-I don't want you
to get in trouble.

No, no, no. He won't care.
It's fine.

See? I'll just call him back.

Really, I'm okay.

Ruth, it's important
to talk about this stuff.

If you're struggling, I'm here.

I appreciate that.
I do.

But, honestly...

I'm glad to be back at work.

Because it can help me take
my mind off of... everything.

So I-I'd rather not
talk about it, if that's okay.

Of course.

What's up?

Somethin' wrong?

No, no.

Everything's good.

Hey, uh, d-do you want
to get an early lunch?

I'm starving.

Oh, God, you know I'd love to,

but Mr. Johnson just gave me
a ton of filing to do.

It's no problem.

I'm gonna get some fresh air.

Okay.

Tough day, huh?

You should take
the rest of the day off.

Have I seen you over
at Southwestern Bell before?

You like those dresses?

I just won some money in Vegas.

Would you like to wear
one of those dresses

to Vegas sometime?

I'm... I'm sorry.

I'm late for meeting my husband.

I've seen you before, you know.

Some people's nightmares
are other people's fantasies.

Let go of me!

Ruth!
Get back here, you stupid bitch!

I really didn't want
to burden anyone with this,

especially you, honey,
with your heart.

But after what happened,
I mean...

When that man grabbed me,

I-I thought he was gonna hit me,

or I don't know what.

Have a seat, Mrs. Finley.

Sounds like you were lucky.

It could have been a lot worse.

When did you say
that you received these letters?

Uh, over
the last couple of weeks.

I don't want to alarm you,

but I do want
to be straight with you...

I am concerned.

Y-You think you know
w-who might be doing this?

It's too early to tell,

but I'm afraid
whoever is doing this

has some similarities
to the BTK Killer.

What makes you think that?

Well, BTK also sent
letters to his victims,

and he has the same kind of
obsessive nature

that I'm seeing
in Ruth's stalker...

Even the messy handwriting
is similar.

Now, it could be
two unrelated cases,

a copycat, for example,

but if this is the BTK,

we have to take it seriously.

What should we do?

First...

Tell me about the man
who attacked you.

Um...

uh, he was in his 30s,

uh, he had dark hair.

Mm-hmm.

He was wearing jeans
and a black leather jacket.

Any ideas
who might be doing this

or have any reason
to be doing this?

Um, angry neighbors?
Co-workers?

No. No, not at all.

Let's go back to the letters
and the phone calls.

Now, they seem to be referencing

an attack on you
when you were younger.

Can you tell me about that?

Yeah, of course.

Uh, I was a teenager,

and I was living
in my first apartment.

I'd been out shopping that day
and...

when I came home,
a man followed me in.

He tied me up, and...

It's okay.

Take your time.

He tied me up

and he burned me with an iron.

I don't remember much
after that.

I must've blacked out.

When I woke up,
I was on the ground,

and he was gone.

I am so sorry
that happened to you.

Really, I am.

Me too.

Does anyone else
know about this?

Well, I...
It happened in Fort Scott,

where I grew up,

and it's a small town,
so that was pretty big news.

Hmm.

But I doubt that
anyone outside of town

would've heard about it.

Uh, maybe it could be
someone from back then?

What do you remember
about the man

who assaulted you in the past?

In their late-20s.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I never really got
a good look at his face.

He was...
wrapped in a scarf.

Did the police
track down any suspects?

Nothing that ever led anywhere.

I mean, my friends and I,

we used to think
that it was this man

who lived near the school,

but the cops cleared him.

We never went near him
again, anyway.

He was creepy.

His name was David.
David Oaks.

Thank you.

Is that the mail?

Let me see it.

He knows we went to the police.

It's like
he's tracking my every move.

What are we gonna do?

We just have to take it
one day at a time,

but no matter what,

I'm gonna keep you safe.

We'll figure this out together.

Southwestern Bell.
Ruth Finley.

Hello?

Ruth.

Southwestern Bell.

I thought you'd be excited

to hear from me.

You look great in blue,
by the way.

Okay.

I'll let you know
if anything else comes up.

Thanks, Lieutenant.

He's such a nice man.

Always so reassuring.

He's gonna call
and check in later.

Does he think it's that guy...
from your hometown?

Um, David?

David Oaks? Uh, no.

They... They cleared him
yesterday.

Apparently, he has an alibi
for when I was attacked...

so they're kind of
back to square one.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

It's okay.

They say

that it could actually
be the BTK Killer,

and I want to lean on Ed,

but I don't want to worry him.

It's okay.
We're gonna figure this out.

But obviously, I don't think
it's good for you to stay here.

- Yeah.
- Can Ed come and pick you up?

No, no, I-I can drive.

Well, d-do you want to go
to my house?

No, it's okay.

I think-I think I should just...
I should just head home.

Well, do you think
that's a good idea?

What if he follows you?

Hey, I can go with you.

No. Um...

Ed is at home,
and I'll be safe there.

Okay, but I'm walking you
to your car.

And frankly,
I don't want to be here, either.

Okay, Ruth, you better go
straight home, you hear me?

And if anything strange happens,
you call the cops, okay?

I promise.

You can't be too careful
these days.

Uh, keep the change.

Honey?

I'm home!

Ed, are you here?

Finley residence?

Hi, Ruthie.

Ed asked me to give you a call

because he forgot
to leave a note.

Tell her I said hi.

He says hi.

He's here
fixing that front door.

Mom! He is supposed
to be recuperating from surgery,

and you ask him
to work on your house?

What is the matter with you?

You've been getting after me
for weeks now

to get that front door fixed,

ever since the lock broke.

You said it wasn't safe.

I thought
that you would call a handyman.

I didn't know who to call!

You know how expensive
these things can get.

All right. Um...

Y-yes, I'm... yeah, I'm glad that
you're finally getting it fixed.

Um, what... did he say how much
longer he was gonna be?

Probably
another half-hour or so.

Okay, well, I'm...

I'm cooking dinner,
so he needs to come home at-at...

He needs to come home
right now...

But I'm making
chicken a-and mashed potatoes.

It's probably too much food
for the two of us.

Why don't you join us?

Well, thank you!

That sounds lovely.

All right, I'll see...
I'll see you soon.

Oh!

Not a great morning
for you, either?

I'm just out of practice.

I saw that there was
another murder last night?

Nancy Fox, right?

He's been busy.

Do you know anything yet?

Let's just say
we're not dealing with a novice,

and I know Miss Fox
lived nearby,

so I wanted to come and see

if you saw or heard
anything strange last night?

No.

Nothing.

This is the latest one
I told you about.

Thanks.

I'll get these
to the lab for prints.

I wanted to show you these.

These are known felons

that match the description
of your stalker.

I wanted to see
if anything rang a bell.

I don't recognize anyone.

That's okay.

We'll keep looking.

Do you know
what you're looking for?

An idea, but nothing concrete.

It's too early to tell exactly
the guy we're looking for.

Or guys.

Do you think it could
be more than one guy?

We just have to keep
an open mind,

but all this to say,
rest assured,

we won't stop until we find him.

Thank you.

You know...

I've got to say,

you seem to be handling this
pretty well.

Most people in your shoes'd
be falling apart.

I don't have that luxury.

Ed's still not 100%.

And women are a lot stronger
than people give us credit for.

Most definitely true.

How are you doing?

Don't take any offense,
but you look exhausted.

Well, like I said,
it hasn't been a great morning.

Just because of work?

I'd love to hear about

someone else's problems
for once.

My wife and I got into a fight.

She had a doctor's appointment,

and I was supposed
to take our son to school,

but I came in early
and I forgot.

Well, I'm sure she understands.

She does,

but it's been months of this.

I get a hundred tips about
the BTK Killer case every day.

I don't remember the last time
I had dinner with my family,

let alone date night
with my wife.

You should have dinner with us.

You and your wife, I mean.

You want to have us

over for dinner?

Every marriage
needs a night off.

Get a babysitter.

It'll be the kind of
relaxing evening you all need,

and it'll be a night of normalcy
for all of us.

Well, that sounds nice.

Who wants more wine?

Oh, I'd love some, Ruth.
Thank you. It's delicious.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

Ed and I discovered this
at a little adorable shop

in Kansas City.

It's called "Pinot Noir".

I've had enough, dear.
Thanks.

Oh.

So, Lieutenant,

I wanted to check in with you
about a couple things.

Oh, please call him Bernie.

"Bernie".

Uh, I saw the news this morning,

and they made it sound like

you still don't have
any leads on the BTK case.

Ed. I promised,
no shop talk tonight.

No, it's all right.

You can't believe
everything the media says.

Oh, so you have found something?

Well, I'm not supposed to talk
about an open investigation,

but just keep
your back door locked.

Is that's how he breaks in?

Cuts the phone lines.

Just be careful.

It's terrifying.

What about Ruth's case?
Any news?

Nothing concrete,
but don't worry.

I've got a whole team
working on it.

So there are others
looking into it?

Tonight, you mean?

Sure. I mean,

aren't you worried
that something could happen,

you know, while we're here?

I understand your concern.

I do.

But rest assured,
we're working around the clock.

Okay, you two...

this is Bernie's night off.

Let's let him enjoy it.

And speaking of that...

I made something else
that we can enjoy.

I have
a strawberry-vanilla trifle

chilling in the fridge.

Mm!

Let me help you with that, Ruth.

I can't believe
you're doing this, by the way.

Doing what?

Well, hosting us, of course...

What, with everything
that's going on.

Oh, honestly,

it's helping me
keep my mind off of it.

Oh, it's exactly what we needed.

With five kids at home,

it's just nice
to be around adults.

No one's tugging at your sleeve
every two minutes...

And don't get me started
on Bernie's job.

Well, he did mention

that he's been
pretty overwhelmed lately.

It's been awful!

I mean, that kind of pressure
isn't good for anyone,

and he's carrying the weight
of all of it

on his shoulders.

But the whole force is on
the BTK Killer case, right?

I mean, he can't
take that on by himself.

Well, easier said than done,
especially for Bernie.

You know, he found
the original BTK letter.

The one at the library?

So every murder
that's happened since,

he feels
personally responsible for them.

Well, obviously,
it's not his fault.

Try telling him that.

He sees the people of Wichita
as his family and friends,

so if he can't protect them...

it really weighs on him.

We're lucky to have him.

Everything all right, Ed?

I hope we're not being a burden.

Not at all.

W-We're happy to have you all.

I hope you know that.

We're happy to be here.

Ruth is an amazing cook.

She is.

It's just, uh...

we've been married
for a long time,

so I know her.

How do you mean?

Um...

well, over the years,

she does this kind of thing
when she's anxious...

Takes care of other people,
I mean...

And I'm really concerned
about her.

So you have to understand

how this whole
"taking a night off" thing

is strange.

I want her attacker found
as soon as possible,

and there's only so much
that I can do,

so I have to put
my trust in you.

I appreciate your honesty.

The fact is,
these things take time.

We're gonna find him, Ed.

You just have to be patient.

Okay.

Who wants dessert?

Love some.

Hey, you ready for lunch?

The cafe has that delicious
tortilla soup today.

Oh, shoot!
I forgot today was Monday.

I told Kevin
I would meet him for lunch.

A raincheck?

Sure. Of course.

Hey, Ruth.

Did you miss me?

Hello?

Hi, Ed? It's Susan.

Hey, Susan.

Sorry to bother you,
but I'm worried.

Um, it's Ruth.

What's wrong?

Well, she left for lunch
a couple hours ago,

and she's not back yet.

She's more than an hour late.

It's just...
It's not like her at all.

I'm afraid something happened.

Is everything prepped
at the house?

I'm gonna be sick!

She's awake.

Oh...

I think I'm gonna be sick!

We're almost there.

Oh!

Oh...

No, she didn't come in today.

I noticed, 'cause she and Sue

usually come in together
on Mondays.

Could she have gone
somewhere else?

Sometimes we do
some window shopping

at the stores down the street.

She's been looking
for a new dress.

Okay, good to know.

Did you see anything strange
this morning...

Anything out of the norm?

No, it's really been
pretty quiet,

to tell you the truth.

Here's my card
and my direct line.

Do me a favor and give me a call

if you see
or hear anything, okay?

Will do.

Oh!

Oh, I'm gonna be sick.

I'm not risking
her puking in my car.

Enough!

We already took your coat.

Now we're gonna take your shoes.

We're outside the city now,

so no funny ideas
about running away.

Make it quick.

Goddamn it!

Come on.

Ruth!

Come back here!

Come on!

Come on, Ruth!

♪ Ruth...

Come on.

We're not gonna hurt you.

We're just
gonna play a little game.

Hey.

We can't leave her.

We can't risk getting caught.

Maybe she got away this time,

but we're not done with her.

It's freezing out here.
There's no way she makes it.

Damn it!

- Howdy.
- Hey, man.

Sorry.
We had to take a leak.

Yeah, no problem.

Just wanted to make sure
no one was hurt or anything.

We're all good.

Are you okay?

What happened?

Oh, please, do you have a phone?

Yeah, sure. Eric!

Help us out here.

It's okay.
You're safe now.

Oh!

Thank God!

I thought
I might never see you again!

I'm so sorry, sweetheart.

I can't help but think

there's something more
I could have done.

No, it's not your fault.

Just take a deep breath...
Your heart.

Mrs. Finley?

I'm Captain Price.

I wanted to introduce myself

because I'll be handling
your investigation

from here on out.

Oh, uh...

Bernie is... isn't on the case?

He is,
but under the circumstances,

we're escalating the urgency
of your investigation,

so I'll be overseeing the case,
moving forward.

So, um...

Wh-What happens next?

Well, first...

rest assured,

we're putting you
under protection

for the next several days.

We'll have officers
patrolling your neighborhood

at all hours,

and they'll be keeping an eye
on your street, specifically.

Do you think that's enough?

I do.

We'll have multiple cars
patrolling,

so if something were to happen,

you'll have
several officers close by.

Ruth?

I'd like to ask you
some questions,

but first, I'd like you
to sit with a sketch artist.

Are you strong enough for that?

Yeah.

I think his hair
was a little darker,

and his eyebrows...

maybe thicker.

What's up?

These are some letters
Ruth hasn't seen,

and, uh...

I need your advice.

Honestly,
I'm really struggling here.

Of course, you are.

No, I mean, I feel like
I'm doing everything I can,

but it's never enough.

It's like the minute
I take my eyes off of her,

she's in danger.

Ed...
this isn't your fault.

You know that, right?

That's easy for you to say,
but it feels that way.

I mean, we were lucky this time,

but if something were to happen
or... God forbid!

I could never forgive myself.

Please, just put yourself
in my shoes.

What if it were Dora?

I'll think about it,

but in the meantime,
you have to promise

that you're gonna let yourself
off the hook about this, okay?

What is it?

Oh, nothing.

I-I thought I heard a noise.

I just... everything is
putting me on edge lately.

I-I can't stop worrying.

I know, sweetheart.

And my mother said
she'd call today,

not that I really want her to,

but she didn't.

I know.

It's all right.

Are you okay?

I'm just thinking about

all the sleep
I'm not going to get tonight.

I'm just not sleeping lately.

Yeah, me either.

I know they said

they were gonna have
officers patrolling,

but I... I just wish they would

put someone outside
to keep watch.

Honey, do you think things are
ever gonna go back to normal?

I hope so.

Oh, me too.

Well, there's one thing
I know for sure.

We're not gonna get back
to any sense of normalcy

until at least one of us
gets a good night's sleep.

What are you doing?

I'm going outside...

to keep watch.

Oh, honey, that's sweet,
but you don't have to do that.

Yes, I do.

If that's the only way my wife
is gonna get any sleep,

then that's what I need to do.

I could always come in
for a nightcap.

Now, that does sound tempting...

but maybe some other time.

Mm.

Oh, no peeking!

Cake's not ready yet.

Now, I am going to be gone
for about a half an hour,

and there better not
be any bites missing

when I get back.

Wait. Where are you going?

I just have
to run a few errands.

I have been here in this house

for 12 straight days.

I know, but Bernie said,
after the latest murder,

he's worried the BTK Killer
could be escalating.

It's too risky for you
out there right now.

That was two weeks ago.

I know, but...

is there anything you can do
to keep yourself busy?

I can't live like this.

We can't live like this.

In fear, I mean.

What is it
you really want to do?

I just need to go shopping.

Okay, I'll go with you.

No! I mean, it's not
that I don't want you to.

I just, I need to do this
on my own.

But, honey,
it's not a good idea.

I'm shopping
for your birthday present.

I wanted it to be a surprise.

Well, could Susan go with you?

Or maybe your mom.

Susan is visiting her dad
out of town,

and Mom
is doing church stuff today.

Listen, I have
thought this through.

I can get what I need
at the mall over on Central.

It's five minutes away.
It's a very public place.

I will come straight home,
I promise.

Did you think could run away
and I wouldn't find you?

No! No!

Get off of me!

So it's gonna be like that, huh?

Ahh!

The doctor said you were
in surgery for a few hours,

so it'll be a bit of a recovery.

You have to stay here
for a few days

so they can monitor you.

How did the surgery go?
Were there any complications?

No, it sounds like
it all went well,

and her vitals are looking good,

so they're optimistic.

That sounds like good news.

Yeah, it is,

and the doctor said

it could've easily
gone another way.

If the blade had gone
even an inch deeper,

it could have
punctured your organs,

so... you were lucky.

I feel lucky, that's for sure.

How are you doing?

Do you need anything?

No.

No, I'm okay.

Well, let us know, if you do.

We're all here for you.

There she is.

How are you holding up?

I still feel a little weak.

Have you found anything yet?

Nothing conclusive,
but we're on it.

What if...
What if he shows up here?

That's what I want to know!

Is she safe here?

Maybe we should move her
to a different hospital.

No, I don't think
that's necessary.

I understand
you're all going through a lot.

I'm putting an officer
right outside your door,

and rest assured,

we're gonna have Ruth
under 24-hour surveillance

while she's recovering.

We'll make absolutely sure
that you're safe.

Right now, you just need
to focus on getting better.

Welcome home, sweetheart.

Oh, it's so good to be home.

Maybe now we can celebrate
your birthday properly.

Couldn't have asked
for a better present.

Ruth?

Hon', wake up!
I smell smoke.

- There's a fire!
- Oh!

There's a fire!

Ruth?
Call the fire department.

The phone's dead!

Come out here, honey!

- Oh!
- Behind me! Careful, careful.

Careful, honey.

He's never gonna stop, is he?

We're okay.

We're okay now.

How are you folks holding up?

Well as can be expected.

We want you to know
we're doing everything we can.

We've put a security system
on your back gate,

and just to make extra sure
that he's not coming back,

I've assigned three officers
to your home

for around-the-clock
surveillance.

Is that necessary?

I-I don't want to be a burden.

At this time,
it's absolutely necessary.

And you're not
a burden at all, ma'am.

We're happy to help,
however we can.

I'm John, by the way.

I'm Ruth.

Thank you.

Come.

Captain, we have a problem.

This was addressed to your wife.

I'll call the Chief...

but we need to figure this out,
and we need to do it now.

This has gotten
way too personal.

What do we do?

We must have missed something.

So we go back
over everything again,

and we don't stop

until we find an answer.

Captain?

I just got back

from the parking lot
where Ruth was attacked.

What'd you find?

Nothing.

It doesn't make sense.

Ruth said there was a struggle,

but no one else's blood
was found anywhere.

No other fingerprints
and no knife.

No witnesses,
just like the other attack.

Right.

They live on a dead-end street,

and no neighbors saw
anyone suspicious for months?

It's also odd

that no footprints
were ever found.

Especially after the fire.

We did find some footprints.

Maybe the answer's been

staring us right in the face
the whole time.

I came as soon as I could.

It sounds like
you might've found a suspect?

Yeah, we'd love
to discuss it with you,

but we want to do so in private.

Oh, all right.

Just have a few questions.

Come into my office.

Are you thinking it's me?

This way, Ed.

Lt. Drowatzky and I
have been going over the case,

and some things don't add up.

There were...

no witnesses.

No footprints.

But, most importantly,

no one outside the case

knew I came on board
the investigation when I did,

so no one outside the case

would know to send me
a threatening letter.

It had to be someone
with intimate knowledge

of the investigation.

Did you think
we wouldn't find out?

Should have known, right?
It's always the husband.

Bernie, come on.

You can't believe
what he's saying.

The evidence speaks for itself.

But it doesn't make any sense!

How could I be Ruth's stalker?

She would recognize me!

You could've hired someone.

Happens all the time.

I am innocent.

I wouldn't...

I couldn't do this to my wife.

Ed, come on.

Cooperating with us now
is your best move here.

No.

If you don't believe me,
I'll prove it.

I'll take a polygraph.

Is your name Ed Finley?

Yes.

Are you married to Ruth Finley?

Yes.

Have you been sending Ruth
threatening letters?

No.

Did you abduct your wife?

No.

Did you set fire to your house?

No.

Did you hire someone
to attack your wife?

Absolutely not.

Did you stab your wife, Ed?

Of course not.

Of course not!

We're gonna release you.

You don't sound
very happy about that.

Look.
I'm sorry about this, okay?

But you have to understand,
it's complicated.

Based on the evidence we have,
if you're not the perpetrator,

that means
it can only be one person...

and if we're gonna catch them,
we gotta do it right away.

Great. Let's do it, then.

No, you don't understand.

Normally, we wouldn't
bring you in on this,

but you might be
the one person who can help us.

We need you
to get Ruth out of the house.

Thought I'd take you
for a nice lunch.

Mm!

That'll be nice.

All right, gentlemen,
spread out.

Search everywhere.

We only have so much time.

Thanks for coming so quickly.

Of course. We can't wait
to hear what you found out.

Please, follow us.

Ed?

Aren't you coming?

We'd just like
to talk with you first, Ruth.

It's okay, Ruth.

Just go with them
and I'll talk to you soon.

Oh.

Why'd you do it, Ruth?

I'm sorry, do what?

Is this is all a joke to you?

Or maybe you just wanted
attention... was that it?

Bernie, what's going on?

I-I don't know
what you're talking about.

Ruth, stop.

That's enough.

What Lt. Drowatzky
is getting at is,

we know it's you.

We found these

in your home office.

Those aren't mine.

Ruth...

stop.

That's not all we found.

It took a while
for the warrant to come through,

but after
your attack at the mall,

we reached out
for security-camera footage.

What is this?

What are you insinuating?

There must be
some misunderstanding.

Ruth...

it was never the BTK Killer.

You wrote those letters.

You carried out
the attack on yourself.

No, I didn't!

You humiliated us.

You wasted our time
and our resources.

This investigation

has cost this department
close to $400,000.

Do you have any idea
how much money that is?

I didn't do anything!

How can you even say that?
I'm the victim here!

That's enough!

Now, here's what's
going to happen.

You are going to stay here

until you confess.

How's it going in there?

Not great.

She's still insisting
that she's innocent.

I'm afraid we could keep going
in circles like this for hours.

W-What are you gonna do?

Well, we need a confession,

and I think I may know
how to get one.

Oh, Ed! Thank God.

You have to help me.

They think that I did this.

It's crazy.

Sweetheart...

they won't listen to me,
but they might listen to you.

Hon', I know this is hard...

Y-You have to tell them.

You have to tell them
that this is crazy!

I know this is hard,

but this is the time
that we all need to be honest.

I mean, aren't you tired
of all this?

But... I am being honest.

I couldn't do this...
to myself!

That would be insane.

Ed, you...

You believe me, right?

Ed?

Ed, please!

I want to...

but I don't know what to believe
at this point, sweetheart.

You don't believe me either?

I want to.

I really do, but the evidence...

It's wrong!

It has to be a mistake!

Honey... please.

This has been going on
for so long.

They have the footage
from the mall.

Ruth, it's you.

I can't confess

to something

I didn't do.

You-You can't expect that of me.

You're right.

I can't make you do anything.

Well, Ruth...

where do we go from here?

If what you say is true, then...

I must be crazy.

It's the only explanation
that makes sense.

Honey.

Do you think you need a doctor?

I'm sure I do.

I'm sure I do.

Let me go!

Get your hands off of me!

How are you today, Ruth?

Fine, thanks.

Anything in particular
you want to talk about today?

Last time, you mentioned
Ed's heart attack.

That must've been a shock.

Do you want to talk
more about that?

Oh, the plant?

My sister told me to get one

because it would
make the room more inviting,

but...

it's fake,

because I know nothing
about plants, I'm afraid.

I could show you
how to water it.

A real one, I mean.

I'd love that.

Are you a gardener?

I grew up on a farm.

Really?

What was that like?

Must've been hard at times?

Sometimes.

Nobody's life is perfect.

You don't like to complain,
do you?

My mother says
it doesn't do any good...

Crying, getting upset.

It's just... tch...

not helpful.

It's interesting, because...

I think crying
can be a great release.

What about Ed's heart attack?

Did you allow yourself
to cry then?

A little.

Good.

Because that must've been
a really scary time for you.

Well, it didn't happen to me.

No...

but you almost lost him...

The love of your life.

I noticed

Ed's heart attack happened
right before

you started
having your symptoms, so...

it must've had an impact.

Maybe it did.

I've been thinking.
I...

I know it's hard
to talk about all this,

but I also know you're a writer,
so...

why don't you
try writing about it?

Hi, Ruthie.

Do you want to sit?

Haven't seen you in a while.

I know.

I'm sorry, I just...

You just...

think I'm crazy, right?

I don't think you're crazy.

What do you think?

I don't know.
This has all been very... hard.

Is that what
you came by to tell me...

That this is all
"very hard" for you?

Ruth, no.

Please.

The cops are considering
charging you

with falsely reporting a crime.

Hon', this is serious.

They think
you did this on purpose.

Do you think
I did this on purpose?

I want to believe you.

I do.

But it was such a long time.

Sweetheart,

what do you think we should do?

I think I've died...

and gone to Hell.

I see you've been
writing in your journal.

What I find interesting

is that you always say you had
a normal childhood, but...

your writing suggests otherwise.

A lot of your poems
have violence in them.

Ruth.

I may have some good news.

I think I might know
what's going on.

You do?

I think you have
multiple personality disorder.

It's when

you repress things...

So much so that you dissociate,

and as a result,

you may form other personalities
that you were never aware of.

I know it's a lot,

but in order to get
a true diagnosis,

I need more information.

Your condition usually occurs
after a major trauma,

like an assault or abuse.

Do you have any memories
of anything like that?

Uh, well,

the time I was attacked,
when-when I was a teenager.

Of course, but...

I'm curious

if anything happened
earlier than that.

Well, I do, uh...

I do have...
some memories...

but they're fuzzy.

That's okay.
It's common with your condition.

What about this red bandana?

Many of your poems mention one.

Do you have a memory
associated with it?

There was a...

neighbor...

a farmer who lived
down the road.

He had this barn,

and he would
take me there sometimes,

when I was little.

We're just gonna
play a little game.

I'm scared!

It's okay.
You're not in danger anymore.

I always felt like
I was above myself, like...

like I was...
Like I was watching myself.

That's very common.

You had to go
inside your own mind...

so it wasn't you
going through it,

but someone else.

I just feel so much guilt...

like it was all my fault.

But it's not.

This man abused you.

This is a breakthrough, Ruth.

Don't you see?

This is when
you started to dissociate.

And the guilt...

I think that's why
you created this personality,

so you could punish yourself,
in a way.

Do you see that?

Well, it's good news

that the police
are dropping the charges.

Yeah.

Mom, did you hear what I said?

Yes.

I just don't know what to say.

So you didn't know...

about the abuse?

Well, I-I...

I'm-I'm just in shock, is all.

Did you?

Well, I...

I didn't know, for sure,

but I...

I had a feeling
that something might be off,

but...

I didn't know what to do!

So you did... nothing?

For years?

If I had had suspicions
that "something was off",

that my kids were in danger,
I...

wouldn't have done nothing.

I made a mistake, I know that.

And if I could change it,
I would,

but I can't.

Oh, please.

Is there any way

you can find it in your heart
to forgive me?

Mom, I...

I can try.

I don't know.

The day I was attacked
on the street...

I was window shopping.

It was just me.

What else?

The letters...

I sent them.

What about the other attacks?

The day of the kidnapping...

I wasn't taken.

I drove myself.

I drove out to the highway...

and I called the detective
from the gas station.

The mall...

I was just there by myself.

Running from...

no one.

Then I got the knife...

and I stabbed myself...

Over and over and over.

What are you seeing?

Everything.

So, for years,

since I was little,

I've been
unconsciously repressing

these emotions and feelings,

and all of that fear
and anger...

had to come out, somehow.

So it came out in this...

what'd you call it?

Other personality?

Right.

Only I wasn't aware of it.

I was... disassociated.

And he also thinks

that your recent heart attack
was a trigger.

The thought of losing you...
I couldn't handle it.

I know it's a lot.

It all sounds strange,

and I still have
a lot of work to do,

but Dr. Mitchell,
he says

that people's personalities
can be strange,

especially
when they've experienced...

significant trauma.

Ed...

please.

Say something.

It's not just what
the doctor said, but it's...

It's everything
that happened to you.

I know.

You should take
all the time that you want,

if-if you need that.

It happened to you,

not me.

And it wasn't your fault.

And even though it's a lot...

I think
it's a good thing.

You do?

Because I know now that
you were telling me the truth.

You believe me?

Of course.

Which means you need
to stop trying to get rid of me.

I'm sorry, hon',
but you're stuck with me.

Can you finally admit
that I was right?

You were.

In fact,

I think we might have
to make this an annual thing.

To new memories.

To new memories.