"[***]" "[Gunshot fires]" "[As body thuds, attacker fires three rounds]" "[***]" "[Siren begins wailing]" "Stop playing with the siren, Marissa." "You're not 12." "Well, if you keep treating me like I'm 12," "I'll act like I'm 12." "It's your senior year." "Can you please try and avoid getting arrested?" "Where'd be the fun in that?" "I'll keep her out of trouble." "Thank you, Alex." "He read somewhere" "That a teenager's brain isn't wired like an adult's brain." "That's why he thinks we can't tell" "A good idea from a bad idea." "Okay." "Well, that tattoo" "Was a bad idea." "[Forces a chuckle]:" "She's kidding." "[Extra cheery]:" "Bye!" "Thanks for the ride!" "Marissa!" "I should kill you" "For telling him about my tat." "You know, you might not" "Even like James after next week." "You're so interchangeable with everything." "Except when it comes to you." "You're my girl, forever." "Forevah!" "Ooh, I'm afraid not!" "She's my girl." "Can I talk to you?" "Privately?" "Sure." "[Background chatter]" "So..." "Are you okay?" "I mean, about last night?" "Yeah." "Yeah." "Are you?" "Yeah!" "Me?" "Yeah." "I mean, like, hell, yeah!" "It was amazing." "Okay..." "So, not totally amazing," "But I promise I will get better at it." "I just wanted to make sure I didn't..." "Hurt you?" "No." "I'm..." "I'm okay." "I just maybe thought it would be easier." "Oh, God." "I did hurt you." "No." "I talked to my mom, though, and she said..." "You told your mother?" "Of course." "[Siren wailing]" "Hmm." "It's okay, though." "It's okay." "She listened, and she didn't get mad," "And she knew it was our first time." "It's... it's really..." "It's really okay." "Wait." "What about your dad?" "[Laughs]:" "I'm..." "Never telling my dad." "He would kill you." "[Chuckles uneasily]" "Okay." "So much new information." "[She laughs]" "[***]" "[Marissa]:" "Hey, let's go." "We're gonna be late for class." "Did you see Amy yet?" "[***]" "Good morning!" "And welcome to advanced placement world literature." "I'm miss hetherington," "And I trust you all did your summer reading," "So we can dive right into les miserables" "By Victor Hugo." "Yes?" "Excellent." "Hey, Alex." "Nice to see you again." "So what do you think the themes of identity" "In this novel are?" "Well, all of the characters" "All used a pseudonym" "Or a disguise to hide who they really are," "So I guess..." "Well, I think what Hugo is trying to say" "Is that we can never really know someone." "Except the honest characters, because, by the end," "They reveal who they really are." "Very perceptive." "Who else?" "[Knocking at door]" "Sorry to interrupt your class, ma'am," "But I need to speak with one of your students." "Of course, officers." "Dad, it was a tattoo." "It's not like I'm selling cocaine to fifth graders." "Quiet, Marissa." "This isn't about you." "Alex..." "Can you, uh, grab your things and come with me, please?" "Right now, honey." "[***]" "Where are we going?" "Just come with me." "[***]" "[Officer Michael drake]:" "Sorry to interrupt." "[***]" "Okay, if I could get everybody" "To open their books to page seven, please." "Let's take a look at the introduction." "[***]" "What's going on here?" "I'll explain later." "It will be fine." "[***]" "Why can't you just tell me what's going on?" "There's been an accident at the pet store" "And your mom's been hurt." "But she's all right, isn't she?" "Just sit tight, okay?" "Does my dad know?" "Did somebody call my dad?" "Yes." "He's on his way from westdale," "But he knows that you're safe and that you're with me." "Where's my brother and sister?" "Another car has been dispatched" "To pick them up." "They're gonna take them back to my house for now," "And Claire can look after them." "[***]" "[Chirping]" "[Quiet murmuring, police radios crackling]" "[Siren whines down]" "[Panicky]:" "Oh, my God." "Mom?" "[Gasps]" "[Michael]:" "Alex, stay in the car." "[Tires and brakes screeching]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Cries out]:" "No!" "Alexandra carleton?" "You're the oldest, right?" "17?" "Do you know what happened to your mother?" "Where is your father?" "[Roars]:" "What is wrong with you?" "I'll have all of your badges!" "Protect the crime scene!" "[***]" "Alex?" "Honey, I'm so sorry." "So sorry." "I don't have the words." "It's just so horrible." "Is my dad here?" "No, honey, the police asked to see him first," "But Sean and Ellie are here, they're inside." "Alex?" "What's going on?" "The cops pulled me outta history class." "Mom had..." "An accident." "At the pet store." "She got hurt..." "Alex, just tell me." "What happened to mom?" "Wait." "Mom's supposed to take me to swim meet today." "Alex, it's the semi-finals." "I can't miss it!" "[Knocking at door]" "Have you heard what happened to Helen?" "They've locked down the street," "They've told everyone to stay in their house." "Well, Stacy, maybe you should go back to your house, then." "Okay?" "Just until it's all clear." "But did you see the news?" "[***]" "Sorry." "Not the right time." "[Alex]:" "Sean!" "[TV reporter]:" "Details are still forthcoming." "Keep it here for the very latest" "On this tragic story." "Was murdered execution-style..." "Helen Elizabeth carleton" "Was shot four times in the head early this morning," "A crime occurring in broad daylight." "Carleton was the owner of a pet store" "On grand boulevard," "Where the shooting took place." "She was 45 years old." "[Gasps in horror] No!" "Under investigation." "Reporting live..." "[Siblings crying out in grief and panic]" "[Ellie wailing]" "Alex?" "Alex!" "Alex!" "[***]" "Mr. carleton?" "Detective Joseph moran." "We spoke on the phone." "This is my partner, detective Reed." "Hello." "At this time, we'd prefer it" "If you didn't speak to the reporters." "Nick?" "Do you know what happened to your wife?" "Mr. carleton, would you give us a few words?" "Nick!" "The murder was execution-style..." " That's enough!" " Any idea who did it?" "What did you say?" "Back off!" "[Reporters continue clamoring as door slams]" "[Nick]:" "That reporter..." "What did that reporter mean?" ""Execution-style?"" "We're gonna brief you at the station later." "Right now, you have to identify the body." "I'm sorry, it has to be done." "[***]" "Right up here." "[***]" "[Sheet rustles]" "[Gasps softly]" "[***]" "Yeah." "That's her." "That's her." "That's Helen." "Why didn't you..." "Why didn't you clean her face up?" "Okay?" "I-i know she's dead," "But how could you show..." "[Sobs]:" "How could you show her to me like that?" "[***]" "[Moran]:" "Like I said, Mr. carleton," "We have faith that witnesses will come forward." "[Reed]:" "But first, we have to" "Rule out anyone close to her." "Like me?" "That's what you mean, isn't it?" "Yes." "Unfortunately." "See, when a woman is murdered," "The husband or boyfriend" "Quite often becomes the first suspect." "May we ask where you were this morning?" "Yeah, you can ask." "I was at camp westdale." "At a work party." "I'm the requisitions manager," "One of our secretaries is..." "Is retiring." "Look, I want to know who killed my wife as much as you," "And I would be happy to answer all your questions," "But will you please just tell me what happened," "So I can get home to my kids?" "[***]" "According to the casings at the scene," "The weapon was a .22 ruger." "Apparently, the killer, or killers," "Were waiting upon her arrival." "[***]" "After she parked her car and got out," "They put the gun to the back of her head..." "[Shot echoes]" "And fired four shots at point-blank range." "If it's any consolation..." "She died instantly." "[Coughs]" "[Nick clears his throat]" "[Inhales shakily]" "Daddy!" "[Bawling]" "No!" "What took you so long?" "I'm sorry, Sean." "I had to go directly to the police station," "But I'm here now." "I'm here now." "Nick." "I am so sorry." "Where's Alex?" "[Ellie sobs] Daddy!" "[***]" "[Sobs]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Sobbing quietly]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Alex weeps]" "She's really gone, isn't she?" "[***]" "I keep wondering if he's..." "Out there, watching us." "Was mom just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or..." "Or is he gonna come after all of us?" "Listen to me." "I will never let anyone hurt you." "Any of you." "Ever." "Okay?" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Mourners chatting, quiet and indistinct]" "Thanks." " Claire." " I'm so sorry." "Anything you need." "Okay?" "Absolutely." "Thank you." "Hey." "Hi." "Thanks for coming." " Yeah." " How you holding up?" "[Quiet chatter continues]" "Honey, you know what?" "I got this." "Why don't you go take a break?" "Thanks, dad." "Thanks for coming." "Hi, Alexandra." "Oh, hi." "Um..." "Mr. Brewster, right?" "That's right." "You've grown so much." "You look more and more like your mom every year." "Oh..." "I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking." "I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now." "I'm fine." "Thanks." "Alex, uh..." "If you ever need to talk," "I just want you to know that I'm here for you." "Yeah." "Okay." "Frank." "Good of you to come." "You have my sympathies, Nick." "Thank you." "Alex, why don't you go see if your brother and sister" "Are ready to go?" " Yeah." " Okay?" "Okay." "Thanks, honey." "[Quiet chatter amongst mourners]" "You don't belong here." "It's inappropriate." "Uh, I have a right to pay my respects." "That's true." "I appreciate that." "[***]" "So I'm asking you nicely..." "Stay away from my family." "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Exhales wearily]" "Hi." "I'm detective Joseph moran." "Yeah." "I remember." "Are you going to find the killer?" "Yes." "I take random acts of violence personally." "This is my card." "My cell number's on the back." "Listen, uh, I'd like to contact you later." "Would you be willing to help me find your mother's killer?" "[***]" "So, who murders a suburban housewife and mother," "If it's not the husband or boyfriend?" "She have an insurance policy?" "Nope." "No financial gain." "Okay." "So it's, uh..." "It's another woman." "You know, we kick a few pillows, we find her, solved the case." "You can't rush these things." "[Scoffs]" "Look." "I know this isn't Oakland," "It's a small town." "You know, we average three murders a year here." "Most of those involve alcohol, a shotgun," "And a naked ass crawling out of a bedroom window." "We can't afford to have cases go unsolved." "My arrest record in Oakland was the best in the department." "Okay?" "I'll find him." "I just need you to trust me to do it my way." "Moran?" "We're going to announce" "That monetary reward for information" "On the local news tonight." "Thank you, sir!" "In my experience, people talk louder" "When they get paid." "They'd better." "Step it up, detectives." "Yes, sir." "[Mutters]:" "Yes, sir." "What are you gonna do for your birthday?" "Um, we're going bowling." " Bowling?" " You bowl?" "Can you bowl?" "[Marissa]:" "Oh, hey, Nick." " Hey, guys." " Hey." "[Announcer]:" "Runners, take your marks." "Ready?" "Set." "[Pistol blasts]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Crowd cheers]" "[***]" "[Marissa]:" "Go!" "Go!" "Go, Alex!" "[***]" "[Crowd cheering]" "* you're so worth it * you're the only one it takes * * to know what love is * you're so worth it * there's not any part of me... *" "Well done." "Thank you." "Great job!" "You rocked that." "You were like..." "Shh..." "In front of everybody else." "That was so fast!" "Yeah." "That was," "Like, a personal best time, right?" "Probably." "Yeah, I think so." "Yeah." "Dad, I can't believe you came." "You didn't have to take off work," "It's just trials." "I'm not gonna miss these things." "Hey, what happened at the start?" "Oh." "Nothing." "Nothing." "I just..." "Wasn't ready, that's all." "You did great." "* you're so worth it * you're the only one it takes to know what love is *" "[Doors banging]" "I'll go and start dinner." "Actually, Al... wait a minute." "No, just hold on a second." "Just wait a minute." "We're just a little early, that's all." "What's going on, dad?" "Patience, young buck." "Patience." "[Sean, stunned]:" "You bought me a dirt bike?" " I bought you a dirt bike!" " Yes!" "Thank you!" " You're welcome." " Yes!" "Yes!" "[Kids running]" "He's not supposed to have a dirt bike, dad." "They're not safe." "Honey, it's all right." "I had one when I was a kid." "I'll teach him to ride it." "No." "You have to take it back." "Honey..." "Look how happy he is." "I think I just became father of the year." "Yeah, but when he asked for one," "Mom said no." "Alex." "It's my decision, okay?" "[Signs form]" "Thanks." "Dad!" "Can you come and help?" "[Nick laughs]" "[Alex sighs]" "Look at this!" "Huh?" "Rule number one:" "Helmet!" "All right." "Give him that helmet." "[Laughter and chatter]" "Yeah." "Well, we're, uh..." "We're doing okay." "We're doing... better." "But, look, elise, the kids are here, so, uh..." "Yeah." "Thank you." "Thank you for checking in." "Yeah." "I'll call you back later." "I will. [Phone beeps]" "[Kids bantering]" "So... what do you guys have going on for today?" "Uh, not much, why?" "Well, uh, because I thought" "It might be time to pack up your mother's things." "[***]" "You guys, look." "I know that's not easy to hear, but..." "Maybe the best thing that we can do here" "Is try to get back to normal," "Somehow," "And I'm just afraid that seeing your mother's things" "Lying around every day," "It just makes it that much harder" "For all of us to..." "Move on." "[***]" "So... husband has an alibi." "Somebody else just walks up to this woman" "In broad daylight" "And shoots her four times in the head?" "How can there be no witnesses?" "The reward money hasn't panned out." "There has to be a road not taken." "Find it." "[Det." "Welsh walks off]" "Joe, man, uh," "Sorry to bother you, but, uh..." "I was wondering if you had any update" "On the carleton case?" "You're close with the family, right?" "Yeah." "Next-door neighbor." "Alex has been best friends" "With my daughter since grade school." "What do you..." "What do you think about Alex?" "She's a good kid." "Responsible." "They looked exactly alike, too." "Same smile, same laugh." "[Mike]:" "You know, detective Reed said" "There are still no witnesses for a hit in broad daylight." "Isn't that unusual?" "Will you excuse me?" "Yeah." "[Shuts engine off]" "[Door bangs shut]" "[Sighs emotionally]" "Hang on." "Isn't that your mother's sweater?" "Um, yeah." "Put it in the box, honey." "No." "I want to keep it." "It's only going to upset your brother and your sister" "When they see it." "We don't want that." "Do we?" "[***]" "Come on, sweetheart." "[***]" "Thank you." "[Door thuds]" "[***]" "Well... ahem." "That's done." "[***]" "Look, guys..." "I know, this is hard." "Clothes are just things you buy at the store," "And your mother will be in your hearts... always." "[***]" "Excuse me?" "Hi." "I'm Alex carleton." "I'm here to talk to the detective" "On my mother's case." "I think his last name was moran." "I'm sorry, may I ask how old you are?" "17." "Perhaps it would be better if your father" "Or another adult came into the station." "Why does another adult have to come in?" "Look." "I'm her daughter." "That should be enough." "Why don't I take a message" "And someone will call your father with an update?" "No." "I want to talk to him now." "Can you please call him?" "I said I'll deliver the message." "[Sighs]:" "No!" "You know what?" "This is ridiculous." "My mother was murdered," "And I have a right to know what is going on with her case." "I am her daughter, do you not get that?" "[***]" "[Sighs, irate]" "[***]" "That was some..." "Display." "Yes, it was." "[***]" "[***]" "Alex!" " Hey." " Hey!" "Wait up." "You were great." "You could go to the state finals" "With those times." "I just told the coach I quit." "Quit?" "You haven't quit anything in your life before." "Well, I have to be at home more." "I've got to take care of the kids." "[Marissa]:" ""The kids?"" "You sound like an amish wife." "Look, you're coming to the bowling alley" "Tonight, right?" "I com..." "I completely forgot." "I've got to help Ellie with her school project." "[Text alert chiming]" "Uh, Ellie, I am going to put away the groceries" "And then I'll help you with your homework, okay?" "'Kay." "[Door opens and then shuts]" "Hey, guys." "Hey!" "Hey." "How're you doing?" "Good." "Oh, smells good." "Um, we have to eat right away, though," "'Cause I have to go somewhere," "And Sean won't do his homework." "He's getting a "c" in algebra." "Sean!" "Do your homework!" "[Doorbell rings]" "Dad, are you going to get that?" "[Sean]:" "He went upstairs." "[Alex, quietly] He went upstairs." "Oh, hi." "Hi." "Did they tell you that I came to talk to you?" "Yes, ma'am." "Is your father home?" "Yeah." "May I?" "Yeah." "Dad?" "[Floorboards creaking]" "Dad!" "[Footfalls on steps]" "Mr. carleton." " Detective." " Yeah." " Hi." "It's been a while." " Yeah." "Does this mean you've got some good news for us?" "Not good, I'm afraid." "At this time, we must officially close Helen's case." "Close..." "Can you just do that?" "Don't you have anything to tell us?" "Well, your wife was well-loved in this town," "She had no enemies," "So we still maintain it was a random incident," "Probably a robbery gone bad, possibly for drug money." "But unfortunately, after three months," "We've exhausted all of our leads" "Without producing a viable suspect." "That's not fair!" "I am equally frustrated" "By the lack of movement in the case." "I'm sorry." "So that's what you came here to tell me," "In front of my children," "That Helen's murder is not going to be solved?" "I wish I had better news." "I will leave you guys to it." "[Door thuds]" "Hey!" "I thought you said" "You took random acts of violence personally?" "I do." "[***]" "[Background music playing, patrons chatting]" "Here you go." "Thanks." "What?" "The reward sign's still up." "[***]" "Sean?" "Sean!" "Why did you just do that?" "It's over." "Detective dickwad closed the case." "Whoa." "Watch your mouth." "Mom never would've let you talk like that." "Hi, guys." "How's it going?" "[Music filtering from shop]" "Alex, can I talk to you a minute?" "I've got my hands full." "Can it wait?" "It'll just take a minute." "Okay, look." "We'll talk about it later." "Okay." "Come on." "I'll meet you at home." "What is it?" "Why didn't you show up at the bowling party?" "Oh..." "Well, you know what?" "They closed my mom's case last night," "And it kind of took over my life, so." "[Phone beeping]" "Alex, we really have to talk." "[Phone beeping]" "I have to answer this." "Hello?" "[Background chatter]" "Thank you." "[Door bell jingles]" "Hello." "Hi." "Thanks for coming." "Have a seat." "Would you like some food?" "Something to drink?" "No, thanks." "I'm sorry we closed the case," "But the truth is, I never stopped working on it," "And I've had a few breaks." "First, Alex, I don't believe your mother's death" "Was a robbery." "She had over $200 in her purse and it wasn't touched." "Do you remember" "What I asked you at the funeral?" "Yeah, if I would help you find my mother's killer." "Yes." "Well, it turns out, I need your help now." "So, would you be willing to help me?" "Yes." "Of course I will." "See, Alex, me talking to you like this, a minor..." "I'm a senior in high school!" "Well, for this to work," "Everything we do must remain confidential." "You can't mention me to anyone..." "Your father, your brother or sister, your boyfriend," "Your friends at school..." "No matter how hard it gets." "Now, I've got to be Frank." "Because the crime wasn't a robbery," "We must assume it was personal." "See, 9 out of 10 people" "Die at the hands of somebody they know." "You think my mom knew who killed her?" "Yes." "But if it was someone that she knew," "Then do you have an idea of who it was?" "I have a few ideas." "[***]" "[Murmurs]:" "Okay." "[Fridge door rattles]" "I have to skip my first class and study for my finals today." "Can you take the kids to school for me?" "Yeah." "Where..." "Where are my..." " [Keys jangle]" " Oh, thanks." "Sean!" "Where's Ellie?" "She's outside." "[***]" "[Murmuring faintly]" "Crazy." "This is crazy." "[Sighs]" "[***]" "[Reed]:" "Look, just blanket the store." "Lots of pictures." "Standard stuff, right?" "Okay?" "Thanks." "Why does crime go up during the merriest time of year?" "Lack versus lust." "Those who think they lack suddenly lust for more." "[Phone chimes]" "I gotta go." "Can you finish up here?" "What?" "You got a hot date?" "Something like that." "Terry." "[Door bell jingles]" "Hey." "Sorry I'm late." "That's okay." "I just wanted" "To tell you that I went ahead" "And went through my mother's things," "Looking for threatening letters or something," "But I didn't find anything." "Did you look through your father's things?" "Why?" "Look." "I'm not gonna lie to you." "Your father is a suspect here." "We have to include that." "You know what?" "No." "[Glass topples]" "You know what?" "My father loved my mother." "They were married for 18 years." "We have information, okay?" "Reason to believe..." "He's playing a role..." "Oh, yeah?" "What information?" "He's been having an affair for two years," "With a bartender named ruthie Webber." "Now please sit down." "I don't..." "Believe you." "He wouldn't do that." "He's innocent." "I know he is." "Well, then help me prove it." "Well, how am I supposed to do that?" "I need you to go through his files," "Bring me his receipts," "His address book." "Report unusual behavior." "You know, spending lots, staying out late." "You want me to spy on my own father?" "Look, you can worry about that," "Or you can worry about who killed your mother." "If you want to help me prove your father's innocence," "This is what you have to do, Alex." "[***]" "[Door shuts, keys jangling]" "Hey." "Well!" "It's about time you filled those out." "You need any help?" "Let's see. [Sighs]" "[***]" "No west coast schools?" "[***]" "What are we going to do without you?" "[Forces a chuckle]" "I gotta go make dinner." "[***]" "[Laughs]:" "Sean!" "Where's dad?" "I don't know." "[Shivers]:" "Hey!" "Whew." "Just, uh, taking care of a little something outside." "[Sighs and clears his throat]" "[Alex sets a dish down]" "What?" "Nothing." "You're staring at me." "Did you hear something today I should know about?" "No." "You told her, didn't you?" "Huh?" " I didn't say anything." " Me neither!" "Tell me what?" "Dad got you an early Christmas present." "Ellie!" " A car!" " Oh..." "You bought me a car?" "To thank you for everything." "Hang on a second." "You bought Ellie a computer, Sean a new dirt bike," "And now you're buying me a car?" "Yeah." "Where are you getting all the money from?" "Our savings." "Look, honey, mom's car is shot," "And, besides," "It can't be easy for you" "To drive her car every day, so." "[Laughs]" "Whoo!" "[Alex laughs]" "Oh, my..." "[Gasps]:" "What?" "[Laughing]:" "This is amazing!" "[Chuckles]:" "You totally deserve it." "You have really stepped up and taken care of this family." "I am just so proud of you." "Thanks, dad." "Ah, you're welcome." "[Chuckles]" " Hey, dad?" " Mm-hmm?" "Um, you don't know anyone who would've wanted to hurt mom," "Do you?" "No!" "No, I-i can't think of anyone." "Believe me, I have tried." "Y-y-your mo..." "Your mom was..." "She was amazing," "And everybody loved her," "And who would want to hurt her?" "Why?" "[Breathes deeply, then sighs]" "I was just told that..." "That most people" "Are killed by someone that they know." "Who told you that?" "Just something that I heard." "Hey." "Look at me." "Your mom..." "Was killed by some horrible stranger." "Some robbery gone bad." "And it was awful..." "But these things happen," "And now we've got to try to put it behind us." "'Kay?" " Yeah." " Yeah?" "Yeah, yeah." "You're right." "Um..." "Hey, look," "Do you mind if I go see Cody?" "I just have something that I want to give him." "Well, you, uh..." "[Knocks on hood]" "Go right ahead," "I got you covered here." " Thanks, dad." " Yeah." "You seem different." "Different good or different bad?" "Just different." "But... don't worry." "You're still the prettiest girl I've ever seen." "I got you something." "Huh?" "Oh." "But..." "I didn't get you anything." "That's okay." "Yeah, this, um, it was my mom's." "She collected books," "And I know les miserables is your favorite," "Or the only one you've ever read to the end." "Alex... i can't keep this." "It was your mom's." "I want you to have it." "We don't have a lot of her stuff left." "He, um, he made us give away all of her clothes already." "It felt really soon and I wasn't really ready for it." ""He" meaning your dad, right?" "Look, I'm sure..." "He's fine," "And..." "He's just dealing with it the only way he knows how." "Yeah..." "Yeah, you're probably right." "I'm sorry." "This must be getting really boring for you." "No." "No, no." "[***]" "Okay." "[***]" "Receipts, receipts..." "Miscellaneous." "[***]" "Car?" "I found a receipt for a new mustang" "In my dad's name," "And the registration is under "Ruth Webber."" "I'm sorry, I just..." "I couldn't believe that he would have an affair." "I'm sorry you had to find out this way." "Look, but even..." "Even if..." "He did have an affair," "He was still at the party at camp westdale" "When my mom was murdered, so he couldn't have shot her." "You know, he could've hired somebody" "To end your mother's life, rather than do it himself." "You really hate my dad, don't you?" "It's nothing personal." "I hate the case." "What does that mean?" "Murder used to be shocking," "But now it's become ordinary." "I don't think your mother's death" "Was ordinary." "Do you?" "No." "Look, it's almost four months later" "And no one is even talking about it anymore." "Because they can't!" "Funerals and sudden deaths" "Create this moment of heightened awareness," "Where we stop and we realize how temporary life is," "And how everything can stop, anytime." "But living with that awareness is just..." "It's... it's too..." "It's too painful," "So people have to let things go back to normal." "Except people like you and me..." "[Quietly]:" "We can't." "What do you mean, people like you?" "Yeah, I lost someone, just like you, Alex." "Who did you lose?" "My sister." "What happened to her?" "She was murdered." "[***]" "Who did it?" "Her case was never solved." "But your case..." "Is not gonna end like hers." "Okay?" "No." "[***] * at this special time of year *" "Hey!" "* I'm so very glad you're here * * merry Christmas" "Aw!" "* merry Christmas to you" "* I hear sleigh bells in the distance * * and songs sung by a choir * * it's snowin' and it's blowin' * * so let's stay here by the fire **" "[Quiet footfalls passing]" "[Door bangs]" "[Engine turns over]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Faintly]:" "Hey!" "[***]" "[Engine starts]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Cell ringing]" "[Exhales]" "Alex, it's 3:00 in the morning." "I just saw him with ruthie." "They were having sex in the car that he bought her." "He opened presents with us and prayed with us" "And then went out and had sex with her on Christmas." "How did you see all that?" "I followed him." "He left the house at 2:00." "Did he see you?" "No, I don't think so." "Okay, Alex." "Listen." "I need you to go home right now." "But what about what I just saw?" "I know it's confusing," "But I need you to go home, right now," "Get into bed and go to sleep." "Why are you so mad at me?" "Because what you just did" "Could've blown up in both our faces." "Just... [huffs] You'll hear from me." "[Beeps phone off and groans]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Door opening]" "I know you're awake." "Alex, the engine's warm." "You left the lights on in the car." "Where were you?" "Um... [sighs]" "Come on, Alex." "I was out with Cody." "Yeah." "Yeah." "All right." "That's what i..." "That's what I thought." "I remember that." "I was 17..." "[Sighs]:" "Once." "Yeah." "Um." "I'm sorry." "I..." "I won't sneak out again." "That's okay." "That's okay, honey." "I was just..." "I was just worried about you." "I went out looking for you," "But I guess you beat me back here." "Why don't you give me your car keys?" "I'll turn the lights off in your car." "Okay." "[Keys jangle]" "Thanks." "Good night." "[Relieved sigh as door shuts]" "[Quiet chatter of patrons]" "Why don't you have a seat?" "I can't be late for classes." "I've missed too much school already." "Those are both their wills," "Insurance papers, my dad's address book." "I'll pick them up in two hours," "Go home, put everything back," "And then pick up the kids, okay?" "Okay." "Thanks." "Listen." "Hey." "I know this is hard." "I really do." "[She chuckles dryly]" "No." "No, you wanna know what's hard?" "Is waking up every morning and having to pretend" "Like I didn't see him having sex with that woman." "I watch him" "Having breakfast, smiling, drinking coffee," "And I just want to scream at him," ""What is wrong with you?" "Our mom is dead!"" "And they're selling vanilla lattes" "Where her pet store used to be," "And some detective is trying to convince me that he killed her." "But I can't say any of that to him," "Because I'm not allowed to talk to anyone but you," "And when I needed to talk to you," "You hung up on me." "I'm sorry." "I'll be back in two hours." "[***]" "[Copier whirs]" "Hey, Joe." "Hey." "I just got back from the d.A.'S office." "Uh, he's going to file today" "On that robbery/attempted murder of the liquor store clerk." "Good!" "Yeah, he wanted to say thank you again" "For the evidence trail." "All the markers were very, uh..." "Thorough." "He'd never seen anything like it." "Good to hear." "Yeah." "You seem preoccupied lately." "Yeah." "I've got some other things going on." "Yeah, that's what I was hoping" "To talk to you about." "Hey, wait." "Wait up." "[Quietly]:" "Look, a couple of the guys" "Said they saw you today" "In a diner with a teenage girl." "And they, uh..." "They reached out to me, concerned." "You want to talk about anything?" "No." "I appreciate your concern." "It's none of your business." "[***]" "[Background chatter, indistinct]" "Okay." "I made copies." "Make sure you put everything back" "Exactly where you found it, okay?" "Yeah, I know." "I'm not stupid." "And, uh, check out the address book." "You should recognize the majority of the names," "So let me know if there's any unfamiliar ones." "Look." "I had an idea." "There's this guy, Frank Brewster?" "My dad didn't seem very happy that he was at the funeral." "He would take us for lunch once a year," "But my dad really didn't like him." "Frank was checked out clean." "Let me know if there's any unfamiliar names in there." "Why are you so cold and professional" "All the time, like you have no emotions?" "We can't meet at the diner anymore." "Why?" "It's close to my school." "When I find a new location, I'll let you know." "What about ruthie Webber?" "Maybe she wanted my dad all for herself." "We've questioned ruthie." "She's got an alibi." "But so does my dad!" "You believe their alibis, and not his." "Why?" "Why do you think, Alex?" "Huh?" "You know what, it's late." "I..." "I have to go." "[***]" "[***]" "[Laughing]" "Okay." "Here's our selection." ""Creamy dill pickle." Yes." "[Marissa, as door opens]:" "All right?" "[Cody]:" "Ready to get some om-nom-nom-noms?" "[Laughs]:" "What?" "[Cody]:" "It's what they call snacks," "'Cause you're, like, "om-nom-nom-nom!"" "[Marissa laughing]" "Dill pickle and cheesy nachos?" "Think "nacho-cheese."" "[Bags rustling]" "[Chuckling awkwardly]" "Hey." "[Marissa]:" "Hey." "What are you guys doing?" "Uh, we're just shopping for high-quality food" "For the senior class ski trip." "[***]" "Did you read my text?" "No, I'm..." "I'm sorry." "I've just got a lot going on." "You know what, Alex?" "We're busy, too." "But we keep calling you and we keep texting you," "But you just never answer us." "We really are worried." "When did..." "You guys start hooking up?" "What?" "No..." "That was a lot of "we" s." ""We texted." "We called." "We're worried."" "You know what, Alex?" "No." "Marissa..." "No." "Yes, Cody and I are together now." "But you want to know why?" "Because we spent so much time" "Talking about you," "And worrying about you, and being hurt by you," "That it..." "It just happened." "[***]" "I don't care." "I don't care what happens in this stupid town anymore." "[Footsteps]" "Sean, did you do your homework?" "Not yet." "No video games until your homework's done." "You know the rules." "Whoa." "Take it easy, Alex." "A guy can relax and chill with his old man from time to time." "Relax and chill?" "Ever since mom died," "You've been trying to be his buddy instead of his dad." "How dare you talk to me that way, in front of Sean?" "He looks up to you," "And you're letting him slack off," "So I have to come in," "And I have to be the bad guy." "And you know what?" "I am sick of it!" "Congratulations, Alex." "You sound just like your mom." "Always bitching at me." "Oh, yeah?" "Always bitching at you?" "Is that why you had an affair?" "Who told you that?" "It's a small town, dad." "People talk." "It's not true, Alex." "Her name's ruthie." "You don't have to lie to me, dad." "[***]" "[Sighs heavily]" "[***]" "Did you stop loving mom?" "No..." "Alex, no!" "Of course not." "Your mom was the..." "The love of my life." "She still is!" "I made a mistake." "Are you still seeing ruthie?" "No, honey." "Of course not." "That was over last year." "I promise." "[***]" "Okay." "[***]" "[***]" "Oh, hon, you can't be in here." "It's 21-and-over." "I'm Nick carleton's daughter." "[***]" "Did you kill my mom?" "[***]" "I didn't kill your mom." "I was just as shocked as anybody." "The truth is," "First thing I thought about" "Was you kids." "Were you thinking about us" "When you had an affair with my dad?" "Wow." "You are something." "Why did you start" "Sleeping with him, if you knew he was married?" "I know this probably doesn't mean much," "Coming from me," "But I'm sorry about what happened to your mom." "Do you think that my dad had something to do" "With what happened to her?" "[Exhales heavily]" "That was my second thought." "Yeah." "[***]" "[Engages lock]" "We need to talk." "Where were you?" "I was out for a drive, like I said." "Out for a drive?" "Well, you've been gone for hours." "The kids are asleep." "Where were you?" "You know what?" "It's none of your business." "Excuse me?" "Sorry, it's none of my bus..." "None of my business?" "What has gotten into you lately?" "Your grades are plummeting," "There's no groceries in this house," "You're staying out till all hours?" "Is that how you take care of this family?" "You know, you should talk!" "What is that supposed to mean?" "I do not know..." "I don't know who you are." "I am the mother, the maid, the cook, the driver." "The real question is, dad, who are you?" "Who are you?" "Because I don't know anymore." "Don't... you judge me." "Don't you dare judge me." "I have not even had time to mourn my wife," "I've been so worried about all of you." " So busy worrying about us?" " That's right." "So worried that you've been out" "In the middle of the night" "Screwing ruthie in her brand-new car?" "[Smack]" "[Alex gasps and winces]" "[Slams door]" "[***]" "I'm so sorry." "That was inappropriate, it was wrong." "I feel awful." "I'm..." "[Sighs]" "I've been asking a lot of you lately, too much." "It's just, with mom being gone," "I..." "I find it hard..." "[Voice breaks, clears throat]" "It's hard, and I know it's hard." "And I want you to know" "That I'm still here," "I'm still your dad." "I still love you." "And I hope you know that." "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "What's..." "What's going on?" "My father slapped me." "He never hit me before." "Maybe he knows." "Maybe I blew it somehow." "Okay, okay..." "Is there any reason why he would be suspicious?" "I don't think so." "I have been so careful." "[Voice breaks]:" "But I'm..." "I'm tired." "You have no idea how hard it is" "To be in that house with him." "[***]" "[***]" "'Kay, look at me." "Look at me." "Tell me about the address book." "Um... there was one name that I didn't recognize." "Bruce Wilkins?" "Yeah, we're aware of him." "We're gonna have an informal talk with him" "Tomorrow at the station." "Anything else we should know about?" "[Meekly]:" "I spoke to ruthie Webber." "You did what?" "Damn, Alex!" "This kind of behavior will jeopardize our case" "And put you in danger!" "Is that what you want to do?" "Please!" "Stop yelling at me." "You know, if you do things like that," "You're gonna get yourself killed." "They're leaving." "[Starts engine]" "[***]" "Where are we going?" "Listen to me." "Somebody shot your mother in the head four times," "Execution-style," "And that somebody could just as easily shoot you." "You know why?" "Because," "Once you've convinced yourself it's okay to kill somebody," "You can kill again." "Now..." "We're not there yet..." "We're really close, but we need a murder weapon." "Have you seen a gun at your house?" "What?" "No." "We don't have a gun." "Okay, look, I want you to get out of the car," "Go home," "Because there must be" "A place where you haven't looked yet." "I've looked everywhere!" "Now." "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" ""Dear Helen..." ""I still can't believe you said you'd marry me." "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."" ""I love you." "Frank."" "Frank?" "[***]" "[Car approaching, wheels screech]" "[Rustling]" "[***]" "[***]" "What are you doing down here?" "I'm..." "I'm getting baby photos for a school project." "Now?" "Shouldn't you be at school?" "Yeah, I should." "I'm just on my lunch break, so I'm..." "I'm gonna go back right now." "[***]" "Are you coming?" "No." "No." "Now that I'm down here," "I remember I need a few things." "Okay." "Alex?" "Watch your step." "[***]" "[***]" " Hey." " Alex?" "What are you doing here?" "Is this birth certificate true?" "Are you my father?" "[***]" "[Kettle whistling]" "I always wanted to tell you," "But, uh..." "But your mother thought it was better" "To let you think Nick was your father." "I just..." "I always thought" "That they were married before I was born." "[Frank chuckles]:" "Hmm." "That's not true either." "Your mom and I were married" "When she met Nick." "Lived in a little house on mission beach." "[Exhales]" "What happened?" "She fell in love with him." "For years, I blamed Nick for stealing her," "But, uh..." "I guess you can't really steal what never belonged to you." "You were two years old when she left." "I can't believe she would do that." "Don't be mad at her, Alex." "Your mother loved you more than she loved anyone." "How do you know that?" "She lied to me about who my dad was." "Let me tell you something." "All your mother ever wanted to do" "Was to be a mother." "I remember when you were first born," "She looked right into your eyes and said," ""Now I know what love is."" "She meant it." "Your mother loved you, Alex." "She just did what she thought was best for you." "It all feels like a bad dream." "[***]" "[***]" "[Class bell rings]" "[***]" "Alex!" "Sorry it's late." "I look forward to reading it." "But, Alex, I'm concerned." "You were taking college prep classes," "But with your marks down," "I'm afraid there's not any place" "That's going to accept you." "Don't worry about it." "Why?" "Have you changed your mind about college?" "Look, someone has to take care of my brother and sister." "Miss hetherington," "I know that you care, but it is what it is," "So, please, just leave me alone." "You didn't have to close the case that early," "Did you?" "No, I didn't." "Then why did you?" "I needed people to relax" "And hopefully make a mistake." "Look." "I'm not gonna be able" "To meet you in person as much anymore." "What'd I do wrong?" "No!" "It's not about you." "It's the case." "I'm gonna speed up the process." "You know Bruce Wilkins?" "He was contacted to commit a murder" "That followed the exact same m.O. As your mother's death." "He wasn't given the victim's name," "But he was given a gun," "Advanced half the fee," "But, in the end, he couldn't go through with it." "Was it Nick who contacted him?" "Yes." "It was." "[***]" "How much was he gonna pay him?" "5,000." "$5,000 to kill my mother?" "That's all her life was worth?" "[***]" "[Starts engine]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Birdseed spilling]" "[***]" "[Cell phone rings]" "Hello?" "[Alex]:" "I found a gun." "Where is it now?" "It was in my mom's pet supplies in the garage." "I didn't even think to look there." "He never even goes in the garage." "Okay, now look." "Calm down." "You need to focus." "Where's your father now?" "He took the kids out for pizza." "All right." "Listen." "You need to put back the gun." "Meet me tomorrow at the d.M.V. Parking lot" "At 9:00 A.M., and don't be late." "I'm never late." "[***]" "[Family's voices nearing]" " Caesar salad." " Hey." "Thanks." "You're sweating." "Why are you sweating?" "I, uh..." "I went for a run." "Yeah." "I miss running." "Okay." "Well, um..." "Good night." "[***]" "Alex." "Alex?" "Wake up." "It's almost 8:30." "What?" "Why didn't you wake me up?" "Dad told me to let you sleep in." "Is daddy mad?" "No." "He's making breakfast." "Eggs and bacon." "[Sighs]:" "I really don't want to go to school today." "I've got this stupid socials test" "About human rights, or something." "And you know what I hate?" "Ellie, I love you so much." "Yeah, yeah, I know, but just get off of me." "You're hurting me." "Come on, breakfast." "Let's go, let's go, let's go." "Okay, okay!" "Why is everything derogatory?" "Degrading?" "Hey." "We got eggs." "All right." "Cool." "Hey, Alex." "Breakfast." "I gotta go." "Hey." "Hi." "I'm glad you came." "I got to show you something." "[Alex]:" "That one." "You're sure?" "Yeah." "I'm sure." ".22 ruger." "Six lands and grooves in a right-hand twist." "Is that the gun that killed her?" "It's consistent with the projectiles," "And the type of gun Wilkins said" "Nick gave him to commit the crime." "What time does he leave for work?" "He should've left already." "All right, look." "I'll need you" "To bring the gun to the police station." "Wrap it in a cloth" "So you don't get any more fingerprints on it." "What happens then?" "Well, if it's a match, we'll arrest Nick," "And he'll go to prison for a very long time." "You know, I was..." "I was up all night thinking, you know, is this fair?" "My brother and sister, they already lost their mom." "Now they're going to lose their dad, too?" "I mean, who is going to take care of us?" "Did you even think of that?" "Honestly, all I cared about was finding your mother's killer." "So..." "Look, before it's too late, I'll give you a choice." "You can go home, pretend you never saw the gun," "I'll stop the investigation," "And your life goes back to the way it was." "Or you bring the gun to the station in an hour," "And Nick will go to prison." "You know, the last thing my mom said to me" "Was that I was a gift," "But I think the real gift is the one I can give her now," "So I will be there at 10:00, with the gun." "[***]" "[Camera shutter snapping]" "Oh, she's coming this way." "I'm gonna back up, okay?" "[***]" "[Starts engine]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Seed spilling]" "[***]" "[Door thuds shut]" "Kids..." "Why don't you go upstairs and pack?" "Like I told you." "Why are you packing?" "We're going on a trip!" "Just the two of us." "Where?" "I don't know yet." "It's a surprise." "Hey, dad!" "Can Alex come?" "Not this time, I'm afraid, honey." " All right." " Go pack." "[Keys jangling]" "[***]" "We need to talk." "[***]" "I know you have the gun." "What gun?" "The gun in your backpack." "How did you know?" "I didn't." "Till just now." "[Sighs, frustrated]:" "That gun." "Moved it three times." "Closet, basement, garage." "[Chuckles bitterly] Tsk." "[***]" "Are you telling me" "You let a minor child go back into a house" "With a murder suspect" "To retrieve a possible murder weapon?" "I didn't have a choice, sir." "You always have a choice!" "[Snaps]:" "Listen to me!" "Alex carleton was supposed to be here at 10:00." "Now, I gave you the address," "And I need you to back me up." "Sir." "Let's go." "Hey, guys." "Go wait in the car." "Alex and I have to talk about something." "Okay?" "Okay." "We'll be waiting outside." "All right." "Go ahead, Ellie." "It's okay." "Bye." "[Door shuts]" "[Exhales]" "Here's what I want you to do." "I want you to give me the gun." "Put all this behind us." "We'll pretend it never happened." "No, I can't." "I can't." "Alex, okay, I want you to give me the gun." "I want you to do..." "[Roars]:" "As you're told!" "Because I'm your father." "You are not." "No, I'm... what does that mean, no, I'm not?" "I mean you're not..." "I mean you're not my dad." "Frank Brewster..." "Is my dad." "I'm the only father you've ever known." "I fed you, honey, i..." "I raised you. [Sighs]" "Honey, I loved you." "Now give me the gun." "Or what?" "You'll shoot me?" "Alex, I would never hurt you." "No, you hire people to do that for you." "Alex, don't talk about things that you don't understand!" "Your mother..." "Your mother wanted to divorce me." "She found out about ruthie and she wanted to get a divorce." "Then why didn't you just give her a divorce?" "Because I couldn't give her a divorce!" "Because I couldn't break up the family!" "This family is our life." "Your mother was trying to ruin it," "And now you are trying to ruin it!" "[Alex shrieks]" "[Alex cries out]" "[Gasps]" "[Crashing]" "Dad, no." "Dad!" "Dad!" "No!" "No!" "[Sobs]" "[Sobbing and gasping]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Crack]" "[Nick thuds and gasps]" " [Nick wheezing]" " Don't move." "You all right?" "Yeah. [Panting]" "[Nick groans]" "[***]" "[***]" "[***]" "[Detective robinson]:" "Were you surprised" "That your father tried to hurt you?" "[Alex]:" "Yes." "But it's like detective moran once told me..." "Once a person decides that they can kill someone," "They can kill again." "[***]" "I don't really understand what's going on here." "What don't you understand, Alex?" "Well, why is detective moran on trial?" "This isn't a trial." "It's an internal affairs hearing." "Detective moran" "Knowingly put you in a dangerous situation." "That's reckless endangerment of a minor," "Which is against the law." "[Alex]:" "Well, did detective moran know" "That asking me to help him would get him fired?" "According to his testimony, yes." "But if he hadn't asked me to help him," "Then Nick never would have gone to jail." "[Robinson]:" "I understand that," "But detective moran still violated your rights." "But if we hadn't," "We wouldn't know who killed my mother." "[***]" "Wow." "Are we done here?" "Yes, ma'am, we are." "You know, at first," "I hated what detective moran was asking me to do," "But we got our answers..." "And now the only question that I have left is," "How do you thank someone who changed your life?" "Because you did." "You changed my life," "And I will never" "Be able to say thank you enough" "For everything that you did for me." "[***]" "[Alex]:" "In the internal affairs hearing," "Detective Joseph moran was found guilty" "For the reckless endangerment of a minor." "When I asked him how he felt about that," "He said he wouldn't have done anything differently." "Bruce Wilkins had a solid alibi" "At the time of my mother's death," "But he testified at the trial" "That Nick tried to hire him to kill her." "Nick was found guilty of solicitation of murder" "And sentenced to 10 years in prison." "My brother and sister" "Still believe that Nick is innocent" "And stopped speaking to me for helping detective moran." "In prison, Nick never admitted guilt" "And was diagnosed as a sociopath." "As I learned in les miserables," "When all the masks are removed," "You are left with who you really are," "So I changed my last name to Brewster," "And graduated from college" "With my father, Frank, by my side." "As for who actually pulled the trigger," "My mother's killer has never been found." "[As for who actually pulled the trigger, ***]" "* I thought it didn't matter what I felt inside *" "* I didn't see a difference to anyone on the outside * * couldn't find a reason * no way to believe * that there was something more to me *" "* ..." "So far * coordinates were off" "* I'm changed by all the things you saw in me *" "* I've never felt so understood * * you gave my voice another chance to breathe * * like it should * and I'm changed for good *"