Living with My Mother's k*ller (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Hey!

Hey! Hey!

Stop!

Hey.

Hey, taking someone

else's mail's a felony.

So is breaking and entering.

Finally, she returns

from writing camp.

Thought you'd become

the next Hemingway and

leave us all behind.

I'm getting there.

Halfway done with

my first novel now.

It's good to see you, Carson.

It's good to see you too, Mara.

Mara! I told myself if I

had to wait one more day

I was gonna drive up there

and take you home myself.

So, tell me, you

win a Pulitzer yet?

Part fantasy, part sci-fi,

but this time, the

heroine saves herself.

Oh, I knew I raised you right.

Mr. Guttman! Just give me

one minute to check him in.

Wait, you're checking

guests in now, too? What?

She didn't write,

she didn't call.

Sorry. Meant to, just got busy.

With what, exactly?

Let it loose in a

guest suite yet?

I was waiting for you.

Joy, get that thing outta here.

- Oh.

- No, Mom.

It's fine. Just another

thing to get ruined.

There are some things you

didn't miss out on this summer.

- Is she sad about the sale?

- Furious.

It was her father's home,

but what choice do I have?

I never thought I'd

run this place alone,

let alone be an evil stepmother.

You know, I wrote a story

about one of those, too,

from her perspective.

Please tell me

she gets redeemed.

You left out a lot

in your letters.

Staff's gone, Mom's

running the place.

Joy's running from my mom.

I don't think anyone wanted

you to worry while

you were gone.

Wouldn't have left if I had

known things were this bad.

Mara, you got dreams.

Don't feel bad that you

went to go chase them.

Well, I appreciate you

helping out my mom.

She has a lot on her plate.

Of course. Now, is it my turn

to hear about your book yet?

It's an epic tale about

intergalactic espionage.

What happened to

write what you know?

Oriana isn't exactly

a page turner.

I wouldn't be so sure.

Old house, kooky guests.

I'd read it.

Glad to know I have a fan.

So, what have you been up to?

You're looking at it.

Come on, Oriana can't have been

your only adventure this summer.

Without you, there weren't

many adventures to be had.

Hey, you guys need to stop it.

Hey, he was talking to you.

Yeah, well, tell

your handyman here,

his work could use

some more work.

- Ow!

- Hey!

I'm so sorry Ms. Ellis.

Please, I need this job.

I wish I didn't have

to do this Carson,

but I have no choice.

Thanks.

Mom, you can't fire him,

he was defending me.

- He also assaulted a guest.

- That kid deserved it!

Carson, wait.

This is all my fault.

- No, it's not.

But it will make for a good

story one of these days.

If you write about it,

make sure to put he

cried like a baby

when he got a taste of

Hemingway and the handyman.

So, what are you gonna do now?

Same thing you will, survive.

Dear Hemingway, when you're

famous, don't forget about us.

Joy?

Mom, are you there?

Warm, light,

in cold, tired eyes.

I will get that fixed for

you right away. I'm so sorry.

Have a nice day.

I should have known you'd

be one of the first to rise.

You know, the early

bird catches the worm.

And the early bird

watcher catches both.

No, please, Mr. Guttman,

that's on me.

No, no, no, I insist.

Thank you.

Oh, um, how's the

hot water working?

Uh... don't worry about me.

I come here every year for the

heron migration, not the shower.

You're my favorite guest.

You deserve great

birdwatching and warm showers.

And you deserve a rest

every now and then.

- Did you say rest?

- Mm-hmm.

I don't know that word.

Sounds nice, though.

You enjoy those

birds, Mr. Guttman.

I once heard the ghosts of

things that never happened

are worse than the ghosts

of things that did.

That it's the unknown

that truly haunts us.

What we could have done.

What could have been.

These unanswered questions are

the engine behind our desires.

Our dreams. Our

search for the truth.

But the real truth is,

these questions of what if,

can also drive us to madness.

It is only when we let go

that the haunting finally ends.

And then, we go back to living.

It's time we let go

of the ghosts, Carson,

and get back to dreaming.

Best, Mara.

This was the last letter I sent.

For Carson, soon he'll be free.

Get to start a new life.

Become someone new.

But for me, where my story goes,

that is still left

to be written.

Beautiful, Mara.

This is exactly the kind of

writing I've been waiting

to see from you.

I know these letters

and this relationship

are incredibly personal

but it's honest.

Wait, so, did that guy k*ll

you mom or not? I am confused.

Um...

Carson pled guilty to

involuntary manslaughter

but has always

maintained his innocence.

There's still a

lot of questions.

Like what?

Zelda, maybe take your

curiosity from Mara's work

and put it into finishing

your own assignment.

That's it for today.

Don't forget, final projects

are due at the end of this month

and I expect to see

pages as you go.

Mara, you happen to take a look

at any of those grad

programs I sent you?

Not yet, Dr. Fischer.

I might be able to sneak your

work to an old colleague at NYU,

just to help tip the scales.

- You would do that for me?

If the rest of

your final project

is as good as today, then yes.

Thank you. I just

need to figure out

the story after these letters.

When does Carson

receive this one?

He should already have it.

- Hi, Peter.

- Oh, hey.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

No, this is great. It

saves me the drive.

Whadda ya got? Flyers.

A historic bed and breakfast

now gracing the market

with its enchanting allure.

Enchanting allure?

- What's wrong with that?

It's kinda like a diplomatic way

of saying the place has a past.

Well, you're the writer. I'm

just the ex-husband realtor.

- That's what's missing.

- Is it?

Mm-hmm. Ex-husband realtor.

How much do you think it

would cost to reprint?

Well, we won't need to reprint

because I might have

a few potential bites.

I'm still working out the

details but I will let you know.

- That's great!

- Mm-hmm.

Are the buyers gonna be

able to see it in person?

Yeah, well, that's the plan.

Oh, please don't

spring them on me.

Joy wants a 24 hour heads up.

What, so she can booby trap the

place and scare everyone off?

I could give you

a month's notice

and that would not

get Joy on board.

Peter, she has

been through a lot.

Yeah, and you've been

through a lot, too.

The sooner you say goodbye

to Oriana, the better.

I have. I have said

goodbye in many ways.

I know. I'm really proud of you.

Just wish that could've

happened when we were together.

Yeah. But, even if it

did, you probably still

would've left your dirty

clothes on the floor, so.

- Thank you for the flyers.

- Yeah, anytime.

Listen man, now I'm

no parole officer,

but I am here to

supervise your transition.

And I'm here to tell you man,

it's gonna be tough out there

those first couple days.

Have a look at these.

Plenty of resources in town.

I know finding a

job can be difficult

so, I'm gonna give you a few

weeks to secure something.

Is there anything else I

could help you with today?

Yeah. I need to

find this one place.

I'm sorry about earlier.

I can come off as

a little bit harsh,

as my therapist would say.

I prefer passionate. It

has a nice ring to it.

- I really need to get going.

- Just one second.

Listen, this true crime

stuff is kinda my thing.

Stuff?

I didn't mean it that way.

I'm just saying this class is

my last credit before I graduate

but I'm actually a

criminology major.

And?

And you're sh**ting at cans

when the target is literally

right in front of you.

Your story is not finished

because you don't know

what happened to your mom.

Let me help you

find the real truth.

Believe it or not,

I have learned to live

without the truth.

Yeah, I'm not buying it.

You're right, there

was a time I couldn't.

But you learn to

live with the past

and you learn to help yourself,

and that is exactly

what I'm doing.

That was new.

Stop, don't do that.

You're irritating them.

Well, they don't do

anything besides watch us.

They're boring pets.

Well, they're not really pets.

They're more like my friends.

- Friends?

- Yeah.

How can you be friends

with poisonous frogs?

Well, they're not all poisonous.

I mean that one is.

Joy... Oh, my God.

The gardener? Seriously?

- I was just on my way out.

- Mm-hmm.

- Hi.

- Hello.

Dining room's a mess.

Okay, well, I was

gonna get to it.

Please, I can't keep

tabs on everything.

Kitchen and food service

are your responsibility.

Okay, I'll make it happen.

Hey, I know things

have been awkward

with the house on the market.

Well, your mom

left Oriana to you,

not me, so you get

to call the sh*ts.

You know that's

not how I see it.

Well, I don't

recall asking Peter

to put up that

for sale sign, so.

- Thank you.

- Mm-hmm.

You know, it'd be nice to

do some dishes in hot water.

I know.

Garbage disposal's broken, too.

Are we gonna get a real

handyman anytime soon?

We need money for

a real handyman.

I'll add it to my to-do list.

Well, I guess we both

have a lot on our plate.

You didn't happen to see

a reply from Carson

in the mail, did you?

Mara, I told you,

that is your thing.

I don't wanna be involved.

I know.

But it's for my class.

Using the letters

for my final project.

Are you sure this

is a good idea?

I don't wanna tell

you what to do

but you've just been

doing so well lately

and I would just hate for you to

slip into like, another spiral.

I'm not slipping into anything.

I wrote the letters

to move on and I have.

Detective Mara has

officially retired.

Good.

You know, once Oriana sells,

we both get a fresh start.

We can find new dreams.

Yeah.

Hey, hey, whoa. Are you okay?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Sit down.

No, no, no, I'm fine,

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Have you been to the doctor yet?

- Yes.

- And?

He said it was stress related.

Wonder where that comes from.

- Is it me?

- It's you.

I am who I am, okay?

Is it really your story

if it begins where

another's ended?

- Oh my God!

- Uh...

Zelda, what are you doing

here? This is trespassing.

- Just visiting, late at night.

- Is that a tape recorder?

Uh, you can't hack analog.

Plus I'm a sucker for the click.

- No, absolutely not, no way.

- You should hear me out.

- No, no! Not a chance.

But I've been looking into the

case all day and you're right.

There are inconsistencies

all over the place.

For instance, the

placement of the bodies.

Your mom had to have

been pushed from above.

You don't understand.

This isn't good for me.

But I need your help

to access the files and

question the police.

You're not gonna get it.

In case you change your mind.

You should really

get that fixed.

Please, listen to me. I

promise, I'm so close this tim.

Why can't you just

believe that it was him?

Because he wouldn't do

something like this!

- Then who is it?

- I don't know.

That is what I'm trying to

prove. Please. She was my mom.

She deserves concrete answers.

No. She deserves peace, Mara.

Oh, sorry. Hey. Hang on.

Uh, this door. Hang on.

You push, I'll pull.

Sorry, this door is like the

bane of my existence. Uh.

Hemingway?

What did you say?

You mean, you

don't recognize me?

Carson.

I guess 14 years changes a face.

- How are you...

- I got released.

And you came here?

Well, yeah, I didn't

know where else to go.

I should've, I should've

written you beforehand.

Let you know.

You never responded to my

last letter or mentioned.

I wanted to. I did.

It's just uh,

look, your last letter said

you were selling Oriana

and uh, I was afraid by the time

I showed up that you'd be gone.

sh**t. Uh, you stay

here. I'll be back.

Hey.

What's up? You look like

you've seen a ghost.

Funny you say that. Um,

Carson got released.

He's here.

What?

He's here? Like,

right now at Oriana?

- Yes.

- Why?

I think he genuinely thought

he could show up here.

Did you tell him that he could

come here in your letters?

No.

Okay. Uh...

I just knew you reaching out

to him was gonna be a bad idea.

Listen, I think you

writing to him was like,

a really honorable

and great thing to do.

Everybody thinks that.

But this is real life now.

This is our house. He's a

stranger and a m*rder*r.

He is not a m*rder*r or

a stranger. I know him.

Yeah, sweetie, you

don't know him.

You knew him for like, a

couple weeks when you were 16.

I can't think of another

reason that he's here

if except to get revenge.

- You don't know that.

Well, I mean, that's

what he did at first.

Listen. You listen to him.

I'd rather kick him out.

Hey. What are you doing here?

Joy. Hey, uh, it's

nice to see you, too.

Are you gonna explain yourself

or do you need the cops to

check your pockets for cash?

Joy.

Look, I heard a

noise in the kitchen.

I think your disposal's broken.

I could fix it, if you want.

Okay. Uh, you know,

don't worry about it.

I'll uh, I'll just get going.

What, that's it?

Look, 14 years ago

I was a punk who lost his job

and stupidly thought

the only way to fix it

was to get drunk and

take what wasn't his.

So, I broke into

Oriana, but that's all.

I would never hurt your mother.

Look, Susannah d*ed that night

and who knows, if I hadn't been

there, she might still be alive.

For that, I am eternally sorry,

and I promise to spend the rest

of my life doing whatever I can

to make it up to you.

Mara, you cannot

honestly believe him.

The man pled guilty to m*rder.

Involuntary manslaughter,

and it was a plea deal.

He was young and had

inexperienced lawyers.

What else was he supposed to do?

Innocent people take

plea deals all the time.

I cannot believe we're

doing this again.

He was trashed, he

broke into the house,

and he was found at the bottom

of the stairs with your mom!

It's all there!

- No, it's not.

It never has been.

But him being here could finally

give me clarity on that night.

Okay, so that's

what this is about.

What happened to Detective

Mara retiring, huh?

You've been doing so well.

I don't understand why you

just wanna throw it all away.

Because she was my mother.

You will never understand

what it has been like

to live in this

constant unknown.

Besides, he just got released.

Where else is he supposed to go?

That's not your responsibility.

It's his parole officer's.

There are resources

for people like him.

He deserves a second chance.

I don't like this, Mara.

Joy, I promise, things will

be different this time.

Do you think he knows

anything about water heaters?

Thank you, Mara. This

is more than generous.

I'm happy to help.

We can't pay you.

But uh, you'll get room and

board free of charge, obviously.

You're giving me a fresh start.

That's worth more

to me than money.

Last handyman used to live here.

We never cleaned out his stuff.

Anything else you need we

should have up at the house.

It's perfect.

Wow.

Feels like I was

just here yesterday.

Uh, so you'll be in charge

of handling all the repairs.

That's all the wear

and tear with the BNB.

Everything inside and out.

Probably just don't

go in the green house.

I don't think Joy would

want you in there.

Right.

I'm nervous, sorry.

Mara, hey, look.

I'm still the same

guy who's been

at the other end

of those letters.

Well, I think that's

what makes it strange.

You know all these

details about my life.

More than Joy. More

than anyone, really.

Yeah, it's strange

to see you, too.

I mean, you were the only person

who gave me hope in there.

Made me feel like someone out

here actually cared about me.

I did. I do.

I just think I need

some time to adjust.

Yeah. Yeah, I understand.

Hey, uh, I hope this doesn't

make things more strange.

It's not much but...

I saw it in town and I thought

about all the great things

you'll write with it.

That is very sweet. Thank you.

And hey, you know, when things

feel a little less strange,

um, maybe we can

catch up some more.

Off the page.

- I'd like that.

Great.

Mara did what?

Believe me, I pushed back,

but you know how she is.

She just...

- Calls the sh*ts. I know.

I hate how she just

walks all over you.

I didn't mean it that way, 'k?

I just think that anyone

in their right mind

would know that

this is a bad idea.

But we've had a few of

those ourselves, right, so.

I need you to keep

an eye on Carson.

Okay? I don't trust him.

You shouldn't.

Joy?

Joy, is that you?

Zelda, if you are here...

I just took my first

warm shower in five days.

And you just walked through

the front door without a creak.

Impressive.

I'm just getting started.

I need you to order another

case of the Chianti.

I'm down to the last bottle.

He has been out there all day.

What?

Mara, did you hear

anything I just said?

- Yes.

- Pfft.

What? I'm just

impressed with Carson.

You noticed the

hot water, right?

He fixed the water heater. He

didn't find the Holy Grail.

Hey, I can finish up here.

You get started on dinner.

I won't say no to that.

- You've got to be kidding me.

- What?

Zelda, that classmate who

wants to write about us.

Mara, I don't want

her around here.

I'll handle it.

Hey. What was that about?

I don't know, she was just

asking me a bunch of questions.

Why, you worried about her?

- No. No, no, no.

She's harmless. She's just

trying to dredge up the past.

She's really not warming

up to me, is she?

Oh.

Hey, Mara. Mara.

Mara. You okay?

Yeah, yeah. Sorry.

Sorry, I just get

dizzy sometimes.

Joy. Um...

If it helps, it took her a year

after our parents got married

for her to call my mom by name.

- It's quite the power move.

- Yeah, yeah.

They were constantly at

each other's throats.

You don't remember?

To be honest, whenever

I thought about Oriana,

I just always think of you.

Honestly, I don't think my

mom really wanted this place.

It was Joy's dad's home.

So, when he passed away,

Joy was stuck with us

and we were stuck with Oriana.

But not for much longer.

That is a conversation

that deserves a drink.

Well, I could use a drink.

I haven't had one since...

I cannot remember since when.

It's Italian night tonight.

We got good wine. Joy

makes a k*ller gnocchi.

You should come.

You sure that's a good idea?

Yeah. No one knows who you are.

Be like our little secret.

All right. Yeah, I'd like that.

- All right. I'll see ya there.

- 'K.

Hey. Got a minute?

Drew. Haven't had the chance

to formally introduce myself.

You're really helping

clean up the old place.

Yeah. I'm just doing

whatever Mara needs, so.

Good. Well, Joy, she

needs to be left alone.

You understand?

Understood.

Wow, you clean up nicely.

- Could say the same about you.

- Thank you. Take a seat.

Wow, uh, thanks

again for the invite.

This looks amazing.

There's so much I wanna ask you.

You know, I always meant

to come visit you but...

It was...

No, I understand. I do.

So, um, tell me about Peter.

You got married but

split two years ago?

Somehow, we've managed to

remain friends, which is nice.

Yeah, it was actually my divorce

that prompted the

letters to you.

I needed to move on

in a lot of ways.

You know, I figured you'd

already moved on from Oriana,

the way you wrote.

- What do you mean?

- I don't know, you just um

you just always talked

about becoming a writer.

Seeing the world.

All your dreams.

After everything that happened,

I couldn't just leave Joy.

I had been wondering,

being here,

has it brought back any

memory of that night?

I wish I could

remember something.

Anything, Mara.

But I was so drunk that

night, I blacked out.

The first thing I

remember was waking up

handcuffed to a hospital bed.

Mara.

Zelda, no, please, I

don't want you here.

You need to listen to me

this time. You're not safe.

- Is everything okay?

- Yes, Zelda was just leaving.

I'm not gonna ask you

again. Please leave.

I've been doing some

digging and I have a hunch.

- A hunch?

- It's more than that.

You don't know

anything for certain.

I know for certain that your

new handyman is Carson Pierce.

Okay, Mara, enough. I'm sorry,

you need to leave. Come on.

Joy. Give us a second, please.

How did you know

that was Carson?

I told you, I'm good at

this true crime thing.

You can't tell

anyone about this.

I won't. But I need you

to tell me everything.

I can't do my job unless...

This isn't your job.

And you trying to make it yours

is starting to affect mine.

I'm sorry, but I

wouldn't be here

if I didn't think you

were really in danger.

I found something.

A piece of evidence the

police thought was nothing

but I believe could break

open this whole case.

Point to a new suspect.

Who?

I can tell you, but not here.

9:00 AM on campus.

Done.

You'll be glad you

gave me another chance

because together, I think we

can get some real answers.

Why investigators paid

no mind to this evidence,

I'll never know.

But I believe this will point

to the true m*rder*r

of Susannah Ellis.

And I believe this person...

Hello?

Chill, Zelda. Chill.

You solve true crime.

You don't live it.

Please, help!

I didn't think that Mara Ellis

had time to leave Oriana.

Ooh, he's got jokes.

I finished up work early

around the property,

so I thought I'd grab a bite.

- Nice.

- Got any new listings?

Yeah. Couple reflipped it.

Honestly, it's a cheap remodel.

How somebody would prefer

something like this over Oriana,

I will never know.

I do.

Yeah, well, not everyone

feels the same way.

I got a call from

a potential buyer.

Yeah, a horse racing

family from Kentucky

who is looking for an historic

property with a ton of land.

It's a great fit, if

you ask me, right?

Yeah!

So, is it good next

week if I bring 'em by?

Yes! That would be perfect.

Okay. Haven't seen

that smile in a while.

What's new with you?

Wait, if it's a new guy, I

don't wanna hear about it.

No. No, it's nothing like that.

Did get a new handyman.

Ah, okay, well that explains

the afternoon jaunt.

You finally have

time for yourself.

- Exactly.

- Hmm.

- I gotta say, I missed this.

- Yeah.

So peaceful away from Oriana.

And spoke too soon.

Hello?

Hey Mara. Uh, sorry

to bother you.

We have a bit of a

problem back here.

Will you be home soon?

Yeah, yeah, just

wrapping up here.

I have to go.

Duty calls. I

should do the same.

I will call you this

week about the listing.

- Mm-hmm, yeah.

- All right?

- Okay, bye Peter.

- Bye.

- Everything all right?

- Yeah, where were ya?

I was running errands.

Why? What's going on?

You should see for yourself.

Oh.

What do you think caused this?

Oh, it's probably some

guests messing around.

- How long for the repair?

- I can fix it, no problem.

But you know, we should probably

figure out who did this.

Do you have any cameras?

Haven't worked in years. I've

been meaning to get them fixed.

Yeah, I can call the

insurance company.

See if maybe we can get a

deal on a whole new system.

Yeah, that would be a

huge help. Thank you.

Yeah, that's what I'm here

for. Hey uh, you know,

since dinner got cut

short last night,

I thought maybe we

could, I don't know...

I'm sorry. I have

so much work to do.

We'll talk later, okay?

Hey, you've reached

Zelda. Leave a message.

Well, that about does it.

You'll have all the

access you need, anytime.

Great. It's nice to have eyes

on every corner of this place.

Yeah, you can never be too safe.

Only thing is, I didn't

put one in the basement.

I wanted to ask your

permission first.

Thank you. Should

definitely put one in there.

And since we're going

down there, I thought

maybe it's time that I try

to see if I can remember

something. Anything.

- No, you don't have to do that.

- No, Mara, I do.

I mean, if I can prove

that I wasn't involved

then not only do

we get the truth,

but I get my reputation

back, my life back.

Okay, if you're sure.

Sparking memory isn't easy

but there are ways to do it.

If it means freedom, I'll

try anything at this point.

I mean, there is

one small problem.

It's kind of a work day,

so I might need to ask my

boss for some time off.

Consider it granted.

Great.

Okay. Now, if it gets too

much for you at any point,

we can stop.

Yeah, yeah, same goes for you.

- This is where...

- Mm-hmm.

Wow, it is surreal to be back

in the spot where my

entire life changed.

Yeah, mine too.

God, there are so many times

that I wondered where

your life would be

if that night had

never happened.

And if I hadn't broken in,

that maybe you wouldn't uh...

God, this is all my

fault. I'm so sorry.

Hey. Don't do that.

It was not your fault.

Someone else wanted

her gone, not you.

Did you ever think I was guilty?

Not for a second.

Carson, there are just so many

questions about that night.

It doesn't add up.

You were the only one who could

know what really happened.

I feel like you were my

missing piece in all this.

Well then, let's see if I am.

Okay.

I looked down from

the top of the stairs

and saw her body

on top of yours.

Why was I underneath her?

Well, the prosecution tried to

make it seem like you fought her

or lost your balance

and then fell.

Hmm. But that doesn't

make any sense.

I mean, we both didn't have any

defensive wounds on us, right?

No. It was just Mr. Guttman

here that night.

All the doors and

windows were locked,

so no one could've

gotten in or out.

Right. And where did I come in?

You came in through the window.

You broke it. Glass

was scattered.

And then, you dripped

blood up the stairs.

Never made it to the top.

Yeah. That is what

your lawyers proved.

Blood stopped there

and there was no trace of your

footprints inside the house.

All right, where do we start?

So...

Rapid eye movement therapy

is supposed to unlock trauma.

- Okay.

- First step is close your eyes.

All right.

Then to the b*at of the music,

move your eyes back and forth.

- Like this?

- Think so. Now breathe.

And let whatever comes

your mind take over.

Anything?

I don't know.

If I felt um... I felt fear.

Fear of being caught.

But that's all I got.

You were sweet to

try. Thank you.

Hey, put the song back

on. Yeah. Try again.

I heard a voice.

Your mother's voice.

She was talking to someone.

We wanted something from her.

He was angry.

- Hi, Mr. Guttman.

- Hey.

- Do you have a moment?

- For you, always.

I was hoping you would go over

the events of that

night with me.

Oh. That was a long time ago.

And I'd be lying if I said

I hadn't tried to forget it.

I know.

I wanted to hear

directly from you.

Please, Mr. Guttman.

I came rushing down the stairs

when I heard you screaming

and found, you know...

I was wondering if you noticed

anything beyond the house?

- Beyond?

- Yeah.

Perhaps there was someone

else in the house.

No, I was the only one

there, until the police came.

I have one more question.

Okay.

Do you recognize

any of these people?

Maybe from your time

at Oriana that trip?

Him.

He was here that day?

Maybe.

He used to come around

from time to time.

I knew him because he was that

jerk that used gill netting

for fishing, which are a

high thr*at to seabirds.

Never liked him.

He was a loan shark

back then, too.

How fitting.

It's hard to imagine your mom

hanging around a

place like this.

I don't know. Maybe we're

jumping into this too fast.

We're just asking questions.

Yeah, but I mean, it made

sense that he was around.

My mom owed him money.

Hey, just because he might

not have been the one

who pushed your mom, doesn't

mean he didn't want her dead.

Trust yourself, Mara. I do.

Joy can't know about this, okay?

It'll be our secret.

Hello?

Hello?

Barry?

Who's asking?

You don't look like you're

in the market for bait.

But if you are...

No. I'm Mara Ellis.

Susannah Ellis' daughter.

I heard what happened to her.

Tragic.

Where were you the

night that she d*ed?

It's been a long time.

I can't say I recall.

Well, that's convenient.

Well, I was on a fishing trip.

I wasn't even in this state.

I mean, you could've ordered

someone else to do it.

Why would I do that? I

was in the loan business.

Not the m*rder business.

Did you say was?

Well, I put that life far

behind me. I moved on.

She owed you almost 10 grand.

That's not the kinda thing

you just move on from.

It's just pennies compared

to what other people owed me.

I'm sorry about your mom.

But if you're looking

for her k*ller,

you're in the wrong place.

Thank you for your time.

Hey, what kind of

illness did she have?

- What did you say?

- Susannah. The illness?

She borrowed all that

money for medical bills.

Did they ever get around to

figuring out what made her sick?

Sick?

My mom wasn't sick.

I thought she

borrowed that money

to help keep Oriana afloat.

You thought wrong.

Mara, talk to me.

What's goin' on?

She was sick.

My mom was sick

and I had no idea.

Why didn't she feel

like she could tell me?

Maybe if I had have known,

then she wouldn't have...

Don't even go there, okay?

I uh...

I actually know how you feel.

I don't know if you knew,

but my mom was also sick.

She was suffering so much that

she couldn't take it anymore

and um...

I was eight.

I didn't know she took her

own life until years later.

I am so sorry.

You know, for the longest

time, I thought if I had been,

if I had been different, better,

that she wouldn't have

done what she did.

It consumed me.

Sometimes these things,

they take hold, you know?

Driving you mad. It's...

I know exactly what you mean.

And you would do anything

to make it go away.

That's the ghost that's

haunted me my whole life.

Seems like the same

ghost has haunted you.

I feel that.

But we can never

blame ourselves. Ever.

Right.

I just wish we could've

ended the trail with Barry.

Would've been a bit too easy.

But we will find the

truth. Okay? Together.

Hey, hey!

Let go of me! Don't

touch me! Mara!

Mara? Mara?

Mara?

Whoa, whoa, whoa,

what's going on?

- He att*cked me.

- Are you okay?

Yeah, he att*cked me!

He snuck up behind me!

He grabbed my arm, and when I

ran away, he chased after me.

- Joy, please, it was a mistake.

- Back up!

Okay, what is going on?

Look, I saw someone

snooping around.

My instincts took over,

and yes, I did grab Joy,

but only 'cause I thought

she was an intruder.

I mean once I realized

my mistake, I let her go.

I only chased you 'cause

I was trying to explain.

- What were you doing out there?

- Excuse me.

Whatever I damn well want.

This is my house, too,

until you sell it.

I should be able to

go wherever I want,

anytime I want on

my own property!

You're right, and I'm so sorry.

Save it! I don't wanna hear it!

Joy, please.

It seems like this was just

one big misunderstanding.

Hey, look, I didn't mean to...

It's late.

Peter. Uh, yeah,

we need to talk.

I think it's happening again.

Yeah, and there's something

else you should know

about our handyman.

What the hell were you thinking?

Lower your voice.

You put everyone in

this house at risk.

You got a problem with me,

you should say it to my face.

Okay. I don't trust you.

And I don't want you

staying here at Oriana.

Well, that's not

up to you, is it?

Peter stop. That's

enough. You should go.

Oh, like hell I am. I'm not

leaving you here alone with him.

I think she can handle herself.

Can she? Thank you so much for

enlightening me about my wife.

You mean ex-wife.

Oh, my God. Peter!

- Mara, I-I...

- Leave!

Oh, my God, are you okay?

Yeah, I'm just glad

you didn't get hurt.

I'm so sorry. I don't know

what's gotten into him.

- Any chance you got a bandage?

- Yeah.

Hey. What happened?

Carson happened.

And you're right,

something's off about him.

Thank you. For some reason,

Mara doesn't see it.

We need to get him outta

here. Away from you and Mara.

Okay, I can help with that.

Be careful. We don't

know how dangerous he is.

Hi, I'd like to enquire about

a recently released inmate,

Carson Pierce.

What happened here?

Had a run-in with the vase.

Well, good for the vase.

Joy, look, I really feel like

if you gave me a chance,

we could get along.

Not unless you leave Mara alone.

I know what you're doing. I

see the way you look at her.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

Don't do that. Mara's never

gonna go for you, okay?

I would never let that happen.

Okay, let's see. Show me.

Oof, that is a pretty

deep gash you got there.

Hmm. You should

see the other guy.

What's so funny?

Ah, it just makes me think

about the last time I saw you.

How so?

That boy you hit.

I gotta say, you take a

punch far better than he did.

You know,

I never got the

chance to thank you.

For defending me.

Well, you took care of me then

and you take care of me now.

I don't know how I

ever got so lucky.

I've always been a big

fan of second chances.

Maybe you could give

Peter one for me.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

Hey.

- Hi.

- Do you have a sec?

I think I...

I think I might've been

wrong about Carson.

He seems like he might be

helping you get some answers.

Any interesting leads?

Yeah. I found out Mom

was sick before she d*ed.

She was sick? Sick with what?

I don't know. That's what

I'm trying to find out.

Okay, well, you should

go figure it out.

- You really mean that?

- Yeah. I've got Oriana. You go.

Thank you, Joy.

Hi. I'm enquiring about

the medical records

for Susannah Ellis.

No, she hasn't been a

patient there for many years

but I was hoping to

acquire them, if possible.

Yeah, yeah, I can wait.

Yes, do you have them?

What do you mean

they were picked up?

By what family member?

Did you say Z. Ellis?

Yeah, we don't have a...

Zelda.

You sure about this?

Yes. It's the only way

to get him to leave.

Did you try asking nicely?

Okay. Okay, I'll do it.

Zelda, I'm serious. I'm not

playing these games anymore.

- Mara!

- Dr. Fischer. Hi, how are you?

I'm fine. You

missed class today.

You've actually

missed two in a row.

I completely forgot.

And I emailed you about

your final project.

Yeah, I know. Yes, I've

just, I've had a lot going on

but I promise, I am

planning on getting to it.

Anything you wanna talk about?

It's complicated.

Well, I still wanna

help you with NYU

but I can't read through

pages you haven't written.

Dr. Fischer, was

Zelda in class today?

No, she wasn't. Her bag

was found in the hallway.

She's always losing things.

I'm actually supposed to be

meeting up with her later.

I could drop it off.

- I'll be expecting that email.

- Okay.

Z. Ellis?

Did you do it?

Just like you asked.

Can I get a thank you?

Not really in the mood

right now, Drew. Sorry.

Zelda Yenga here,

and I've finally gotten access

to Susannah's medical records.

No, that sounds stupid.

Let me take that back.

- Hey.

- Hi.

Yeah, I just wanted to thank you

for putting me back

together earlier.

- My pleasure.

- Where did you find that?

Um, don't tell Joy.

I tried to see Zelda today.

Turns out she's been missing.

She didn't show up to

our meeting or class.

Maybe there's something on

here she found that I haven't.

Still digging for answers?

You are one determined woman.

Thank you. But I have to

put that on hold for now.

I had a run-in with my professor

and I'm falling behind.

You really did

become a detective.

Yeah. It was too

much for most people.

Not for me. I'll do

whatever it takes.

Have to get Joy and

Peter on my side now.

Hey, why don't you

get to writing,

and if I find anything,

I'll let you know.

Got it.

Well, that's the last of them.

Anything about my mom's illness?

Nothing, no. How's the

writing coming along?

It's coming.

Can I see?

Sure.

Oriana has felt as much of

a cage as it has a home.

This place keeps me

chained to mysteries

I may never understand.

But when birds leave

their cage, they can fly.

When I leave Oriana, I'll

first have to find my wings.

I didn't realize

you felt that way.

Neither did I. Until I wrote it.

Fingers crossed my

professor likes it.

You don't need a grade to

tell you what I already know.

You are a writer

through and through.

Well, I don't need

a grade for that

but I do need one

for grad school.

You didn't mention grad

school in your letters.

It's not for sure

but I'm applying.

5Dr. Fischer has an in at NYU.

Wow, okay, so you...

You'd move to New York

and leave Pelican Ridge?

And then what?

Find my wings.

Hey. Sleep well?

Oh, what time is it?

- Just after nine.

- Oh, sh**t.

Made you a coffee.

Thank you. I gotta go. Oh.

Here, I'll help you.

Thank you again for

your help last night.

Of course, yeah.

You gotta be kidding me.

Oh, no, it's not

what it looks like.

Really, Mara? Him?

I was working, I fell

asleep. That is it.

Okay, well, while you

were falling asleep,

our deposit bag was stolen.

- Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure, and I'm sure

he's the one who took it.

Okay, let's not go throwing

around accusations.

Well, all the security

camera footage was deleted

and he's the only one

who knows how to do that.

I'm sure there is a

logical explanation.

He's the only one

who would take it.

Joy, stop. I'm serious. Stop!

Stop! Get off of me.

What did you do with it?

I don't have it, Joy.

Joy. Hey! You need

to apologize now.

Over my dead body.

You just accused an

innocent man of stealing.

I am so sick of you defending

him. I'm sick of him.

Then leave! I'm selling

the place anyway.

So, you'd rather have

him here than me?

When you are acting

like this, yes.

This whole thing is insane.

What's insane is you trying to

solve a crime with the person

who probably committed it.

He probably has

you so distracted

you didn't even notice

him taking the bag.

- You don't know him.

- You don't know him!

You knew him for two

weeks when you were 16.

You can't trust him!

He's taking advantage of you!

You're leaving?

Yeah. Yeah, I don't really

think I have a choice.

I mean, I'm making

Joy feel unsafe, so...

No, she has always been

dramatic and distrusting.

Sure, but I'm only

making it worse.

I don't want you to leave.

I know.

But the whole reason you hired

me was to make your life easier.

Not more complicated.

Listen, why don't I just

talk to her and see...

Mara, it's okay.

Look, I care about you enough

to know that I need to move on.

Where will you go?

I don't know.

But you don't need to

worry about me. All right?

Look, my time here has

been the biggest blessing.

For that, I will

always be grateful.

One last thing.

I'm not really one

to point fingers,

but as a handyman, I kinda

see and hear a lot of things.

I wouldn't put stealing

the money past Drew.

You keep an eye on him. Okay?

Bye.

- Bye.

What the hell are you doing?

I could ask you

the same question.

- I didn't take that.

- What's it doing in your truck?

I don't know. Maybe ask the

felon living under your roof.

I need you off my property, now.

Screw this family.

Help!

Help! Help!

- God! Joy!

- No, no! No, no, no!

- I can't lose her!

- I'll get her.

I'll get her, okay?

Joy! Joy, come on, let's go.

Mara! Hey, Mara?

Mara! Hey, wake up!

Mara!

There she is.

Hi, Peter.

Hey. Doctor said you

had a panic att*ck.

They took some blood

tests just to be sure.

Oh, my God, Joy.

No, Joy's okay.

She's back at Oriana.

Just minimal smoke inhalation

but the frogs and most

of the plants survived.

What about...

Carson left.

It's all my fault.

No. No, you were just trying

to do the right thing.

I'm lying here

and I still don't know

what happened to my mom.

I'm sorry. I am so sorry.

You don't have anything

to be sorry about.

Will you stay with me?

Sorry, Mara. I can't today.

But I will stop by Oriana

tonight. I promise.

- Okay.

- Okay?

- I'll see ya later.

- Okay.

- Hey.

- Hi.

- Here you go.

- Thank you.

I'm so glad you're okay.

- Oh, please. I'm fine.

I cancelled the reservations

for the next couple of weeks,

so it's just gonna

be you and me here.

The doctor said

you need to rest.

Like, really rest,

like for real.

Can you do that for me?

Yes.

Okay, good.

I'll be downstairs

if you need anything.

Thank you.

It's me.

Hi. What are you doing here?

I had to come see if

you were all right.

I am. Joy is too.

You saved her life.

Well, I'm glad to

hear you're both okay.

Hey, do they know

what caused the fire?

No, they're still

investigating it.

Carson, I'm sorry,

but if Joy sees you.

No, I'll get going.

I just, I forgot a few

things in the back house.

Yeah.

Actually, do you

wanna come with me?

There's something

I wanna show you.

Yeah. I'll just get dressed.

All right.

- Hi. You must be Vinny.

- Yeah, I am.

- Peter Blyer.

- Great to meet you.

Yeah, thanks for seeing me.

Ah, so glad I could

squeeze you in.

I've been looking

into your employee

and seems like you

must've made a mistake.

Um, well, I don't understand.

How could you not know Carson?

Aren't you the only

supervisor in the area?

I am. See, that's the thing,

Carson wouldn't be under my care

since he's still incarcerated.

Wait, wait, what? What do you

mean he's still incarcerated?

Yeah, he's not set to be

released until next month.

Do any of these

men look familiar?

There. That's Carson.

Nah, man. That's Trevor Walker.

Who the hell is Trevor Walker?

That's Carson's cell mate.

Huh. What is all this?

I just thought we could

use a better sendoff.

After all we've been

through, the way we left off

just didn't feel right.

That's really thoughtful.

I have something for you.

This was my mother's.

I want you to have it.

Sorry. Um, oh God, I'm

sorry. I have to take this.

Hello? Where are you?

- I'm at home.

- Is Carson there?

Peter, please don't start.

Mara, I need you to

do whatever you can

to safely get away

from him, now.

Peter, you're scaring

me. What's going on?

Check your email.

I don't understand. Why are

they calling Carson, Trevor?

Mara, Carson's... oh!

Peter?

Oh, my God.

You look just like her.

Get away from me.

Now please, just let

me explain. Okay?

Who are you?

You know exactly who I am.

Hmm? More than

anyone in the world.

You see me.

And I see you.

And once we're in New York...

- What?

- For your grad program.

Oh, my God.

We'll uh, we'll be away from

Oriana. From Joy. From Peter.

It'll just be the two of us.

- Joy!

- Oh, no! No!

I really didn't wanna do this,

Mara, but you've

left me no choice.

And don't call for Joy. I

have no problem sh**ting her.

What do you want?

Write one final letter.

A goodbye letter.

Letting everyone know that

you will be just fine.

And don't do anything stupid, I

don't want to have to hurt you.

What do you want me to say?

That you fell in love with me.

That we ran off together.

But in your own

words, of course.

You always make things

sound so much better.

That's it.

Oh.

I promise I'll take care of you.

And soon, you'll love

me the way I love you.

You're in love with me.

From the moment I first saw

your picture on Carson's wall.

And then, when I stole

your letters to him,

I knew you were the

perfect woman for me.

So, I started writing you

and I fell more in love.

I mean, I thought you felt the

same way but when I showed up

I saw that you needed more time.

Time?

To realize that

you love me, too.

Maybe we need to

reintroduce ourselves.

Our real selves.

I'd like that.

I'm Mara.

No!

No! No! No!

Why do you all have

to do this, huh? Why?!

Please, Mara.

Hey. How ya feelin'?

I'm okay.

I talked to the prison. Trevor

worked in the mail room.

They think he intercepted

the letters about a year ago

and started writing

as Carson then.

- Oh, my God.

- I know.

For a year, I

communicated with him.

I mean, how could you

have known? It's okay.

This is really nice, you know.

Doing this together,

the two of us.

Right where we belong.

The house is on the market

though, Joy, so please,

don't start.

Uh...

Well, actually, I um...

I had Peter take it off.

Why?

Mara, you just got

out of the hospital.

You can't handle

a move right now.

We have interested buyers.

Mara, what are the two

of us even gonna do?

Be realistic, right? Like,

where are we gonna go?

If things go my way,

I will be at grad school

in the fall in New York.

In New York?

You're going to New York.

When were you uh, planning

on telling me that?

I mean, honestly,

Joy, I didn't tell you

because I knew you'd freak out.

This place is the

only thing I have.

I know. But maybe

it's time to move on.

Epibatidine?

I couldn't get

into the basement.

But it gave me time to sneak

into another part of Oriana.

Little did I realize, there,

I'd find the missing ingredient

that cracks open the case.

And that ingredient is

epibatidine, AKA frog poison.

It causes dizziness, and

in high doses, paralysis.

Because the judge was so quick

to pin the m*rder on Carson,

no one did a toxicology report.

But Susannah's medical

records showed tiny traces

of epibatidine in her blood.

I believe this points

to the real m*rder*r,

and that person is...

Peace offering?

I put a little

something extra in it.

You'll have to let me

know how it tastes.

I'm actually, I'm gonna

go lay down for a bit.

I still don't feel very well.

Okay.

Let me know if

you need anything.

Zelda.

Shh. Shh. It's okay.

Just let it take you.

Okay? A few more seconds of this

and it'll all be over, okay?

I never wanted this to happen

but you just couldn't

stop snooping.

You and that Zelda girl.

Did you know a

poisonous dart frog

can produce enough toxins

to k*ll up to 10 people?

Don't worry, I diluted it.

I don't wanna k*ll you.

I learned that

lesson from your mom.

- You...

- Poisoned her. Yeah.

For a couple weeks actually,

just to see what would happen.

And then, she put up

that for sale sign.

That was the last straw.

That night I upped the dosage.

I wanted her to suffer.

To feel a semblance of

the pain that I felt.

She was taking away

my father's home.

But then...

Joy, honey. Go

back to your room.

Carson?

I didn't mean to overdo

it with the poison.

What happened to her

was not my fault.

She was gone.

Carson showing up

was my saving grace.

And then, I thought the two

of us would just continue

to live our lives here

together, at Oriana.

But you had to go and be

just like your mother.

Trying to sell it.

You brought this on yourself.

Ah!

You waited 14 years

to find out what

happened to your mother.

Now you're about to find out.

Mara?

Don't move. I'll be right back.

Mara?

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Hi.

- How's she's doin'?

Oh, you know, she's uh, just

rolling with the punches.

Oh, well, that sounds like Mara.

Yeah.

No, wait, wait, wait.

Poison's wearing off.

Mara? Mara?

You know, I really

do love you, Mara.

But I love this house more.

Hey!

Joy!

In the end, the ghosts

that consumed me,

saved me.

Redeeming both their own story

and giving me an

opportunity to forge mine.

All of that because you

wanted to sell the house?

I don't think anyone but

Joy will ever understand

how much Oriana meant to her.

This story is

worth being shared.

My colleague at NYU agreed.

Said if you want that spot

in the fall, it's yours.

Do we start spreading the news?

New York, New

York, here we come.

I knew you could do it.

All right. Here we go.

Think the buyers will

take care of this place?

Yeah, I know they will.

We better get going if

we're gonna make it on time.

I'll be right here. Take

all the time you need.

Hi.

Hi.

Um, I gotta say, I didn't

really think we'd be meeting

under these circumstances.

It's really you.

It's really you.

I'm so sorry.

No, I'm so grateful.

If only I had just done...

No, don't. Don't.

We don't have to talk

about the past anymore.

Then what do we do now?

Look to the future.

I'd like that.

I would, too.