Love at First Lie (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Have you locked the door?

Okay. Its locked.

Are you sure no one

followed you home from the bank?

Uh, yeah.

Im texting you something.

Oh, my God. Who is that?

Its the bodyguard

I hired in Oslo,

theyre onto me, Eliza.

Im gonna get a plane ticket

and come to you right away.

No, no, no, no, no need.

Just meet me

as we planned, all right?

- So you made it back?

- Yeah,

but I-I-I need to go into hiding

for a while.

Just bring the money.

- All of it?

- Yes. I, uh,

Im not sure how long

Im gonna be gone but Eliza,

listen to me, were still

getting married as promised.

I know.

I know, baby. I...

just stay safe.

Ill meet you tonight.

All right.

See you tonight.

And dont forget the money.

I wont.

I love you.

Working hard?

Oh, God. Vivian.

Looking at bids

for that beautiful tutor

on Buffalo Point?

No. But I got two offers

this morning, so...

I know what you were doing.

You are on that app

all the time.

- I am not.

- Oh, come on.

Every time I pass by,

I see you looking.

Im just checking for matches.

You really think

you can find love

looking at dozens

of mens pictures?

Yeah, I guess I do.

Okay. Maybe it takes

a little bit of effort

but theres a Mr. Right

out there

and I have to put myself

where he can find me.

Well, youve always been

a romantic,

but I thought after Frank,

you were gonna--

Its been four months

and I am ready for a new start.

Let me check that out.

Looks like a real man.

Hes not one of those jocks

or man boys and, look,

it looks like

hes close with his parents,

which is always

a good thing, right?

He can dress

thats for sure,

hmm, looks too good to be true.

Oh, I guess

well find out soon enough.

He invited me out

for drinks tonight.

Tonight?

Thats fast.

Hes decisive.

I like it.

You know, maybe I should

tag along inconspicuously.

Make sure

he doesnt jet off with you.

Not before you sell the tutor.

You are very funny.

Thats literally what I...

I didnt say

I wanna go through this now.

Okay.

Well, whats a better time?

Walker?

Just, okay, just hang on,

all right, just go, okay?

Kate Burns I presume.

Yes.

I am--I am so sorry.

Uh, is everything okay?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Its just my ex-girlfriend.

She knows where I stay

when Im in town

and its nothing.

Maybe you two should talk?

No, no, no. We, um,

we dont need to be having

the same conversation

weve been having for months.

And Id much rather

to be speaking to you

but I totally understand

if you wanna leave.

Well, uh, we all have exes.

So youll stay?

Ill stay.

All right.

Well, lets have a drink.

So what can I get for you?

No, let me guess.

You have intelligence,

um, a wine drinker,

white wine, dry,

touch of something floral

or fruity.

How do you do that?

Its my job

to read my clients tastes.

Who are your clients?

Im an art dealer

for some wealthy individuals

but I do travel a lot,

so I hope

thats not a deal breaker.

No, I, uh, I gathered that

from your Instagram.

What kind of art

do you usually buy?

Mostly European masters.

But Kate Burns,

I wanna know all about you.

How do you spend your days?

Uh, selling houses.

Im a real estate agent.

How did you get in that?

Well, I started my career

in journalism.

Okay. Covering?

Mostly local government,

city council meetings,

things like that.

So big fish in small ponds?

I mean, that mustve been

pretty interesting.

-Not interesting enough.

-Yeah?

I, uh, I tag along

with my best friend

when she did open houses

on the weekends.

And eventually

I discovered

I liked what she did

more than working

at a newspaper.

Well, Im gonna take

a guess youre very good at it.

Seemed like a natural fit.

So, Walker.

I like that name.

Its unique.

Its a family name.

So youre a junior?

No. No, no,

its my mothers maiden name.

She, uh,

she didnt have any brothers

on that side of the family

to continue the name, so...

What would your name be

if you got your mothers

maiden name?

Johnson. Yeah.

-It would have been really bad.

-Okay.

Yes, Mr. Stevenson?

Uh, could we get your best

bottle of champagne please?

Absolutely.

-That okay?

-Sure.

Do you have

the Dom Perignon 2012?

-Of course.

-And two chilled flutes please.

Absolutely.

Champagne?

What are we celebrating?

Natural fits.

When people

and names just click,

its good to stop and celebrate.

Copenhagen. Really?

I know.

I know most people

dont see it

as one of the best

European cities

but with the type of art

I specialize in,

its just as rich

as Rome, Paris,

Berlin, now you go.

Marseille.

-Wow, really?

-Yeah, I know.

Its not as glamorous

as some of the others.

No, no, no, no. Absolutely.

I love Marseille.

Its harbors

and markets are amazing.

I just...

I didnt expect that from you.

Its actually the only time

Ive ever been abroad.

Junior year in college.

Well, hopefully that changes.

Travel is the spice of life.

Oh, well, I would love

to travel, believe me.

Its just, um, I guess

Ive been working a lot lately.

Well, I travel to Europe mostly

to assess art clients.

Assess?

Yeah, its my job to see

if the painting is an original

and if its in good shape

for my clients to make an offer.

-Do they ever come along?

-Uh, no.

Way too busy.

Thats why they hire me.

Have you, uh,

have you ever been married?

No.

Ever gotten close?

I thought so.

What happened?

He didnt.

His mistake.

Have you?

My job makes it very difficult.

I find that hard to believe.

Most women

like the fancy dinners

and exotic travel

but inevitably

they grow tired of me

being out of town all the time.

Thats exactly why I joined

the app because I figured,

"Hey, if Im honest

right off the bat

then maybe therell be

no trouble down the road."

But thats whats

most important to me, Kate.

Its honesty.

Yeah. For me too.

Well, if Im being honest, I...

had a wonderful night.

So did I.

If Im being really honest,

I wanna kiss you.

Hey.

So it looks like

Prince Charming was real.

And a dream.

He was charming

but he was also

super down-to-earth.

He asked questions

and really listened.

And sends flowers the next day.

-Pretty perfect.

-Come on, Viv.

Just let me enjoy this.

Okay.

Just please dont go too fast.

-Get to know him.

-Dont worry. I will.

Theyre beautiful.

And of course

you guessed my favorite flower.

Well, milady,

theyre to remind you

of the beauty of last night

and to apologize.

For what?

Well, I wanted

to ask you out again,

immediately actually

but I just found out

I gotta leave town for business.

For how long?

Two weeks.

Kate, Im so, so sorry.

Thats what I was talking about.

Its, uh,

its the nature of the job

and I know

its not easy for everyone.

No, no, I completely understand.

Its for work.

You have to go.

We can text when Im gone

and Ill take you out

as soon as I get back.

I promise.

Of course.

Have a good trip.

Thanks.

Hi.

Hey, babe.

You did get some color.

Well, I managed to get

to the beach on my last day.

Well, I should be here

for the rest of the week.

Ah, lucky me.

Well, maybe you could join me

one day.

Yeah. Maybe.

Too soon?

No, thats not it.

What then?

Well, when you take off

at a moments notice,

its for work.

If I were to try

and get away like that,

my jobs different.

I get it.

Maybe one day?

One day.

Come on. Come on.

Good boy.

You like dogs?

I love them.

I wish I had one

but with the amount I work,

it wouldnt be fair.

Growing up, I had a doggy

called Peppermint,

cheeky little Maltese

with a crazy and a bite.

Oh, no.

What about you?

Uh, ours was a Great Dane.

Geronimo.

Geronimo. I like that.

Yeah. My dad was a big fan

of old Western movies.

Geronimo.

Yeah.

Its so beautiful out here.

I wish you were here.

Are you going to dinner soon?

The hosts are throwing

a little party in my honor.

Sounds like

theyre spoiling you.

They are.

Which makes me think

of spoiling you when I get back.

Ooh.

I like the sound of that.

Kate, I just wanna say

Ive never felt so at ease

-with someone so quickly.

-I know.

I cant believe

its only been a month.

I really hope

Im not moving too fast

by asking this but...

would you be my girlfriend?

I dont think

thats moving too fast at all.

Id love to.

I wish I was there

with you right now.

Trust me, me too.

But I better get cracking

before Im late to my own party,

-so...

-Of course.

Ill talk to you soon.

Whoa.

Looks like

a botanical garden in here.

You know, there is such a thing

as overkill.

Well, Walker,

hes very effusive.

Hmm. Yeah, Ill say.

He likes buying me

beautiful things.

You guys have only

been dating a month.

And most of that time

hes been out of town.

Well, I mean,

we text and FaceTime every day.

We like each other a lot.

And look.

Hes in Nice right now.

Thats the Mediterranean

behind him.

Yeah, it looks like

the Pacific to me.

-Vivian.

-I want you to be happy.

I do. I just think

you should also be careful.

You hardly know this guy at all.

Well, hes a big-hearted

romantic.

Uh, he gets home tomorrow,

so youll meet him,

and then youll see.

Hey, are you on your way?

I need you

to pick me up.

- Sure. At the hotel?

- No, no.

Im sending my coordinates.

Coordinates?

Did you get it?

Walker, are you okay?

Yeah.

Just come quickly.

Sure. Ill be right there,

I cant wait to...

Unlock the door.

-Walker, whats wrong?

-Unlock the door!

Okay.

Walker, is everything okay?

Uh-huh. Just please drive.

Lets go.

Walker?

My gosh,

its so good to see you.

Walker, whats going on?

I just wanted to make sure

that your house

and your car werent bugged.

Bugged, why?

Kate, you dont understand

how far their reach is.

Thats why

I wanted you to pick me up.

-I had to lose them.

-What...who?

Look, I know

this must be confusing

and even a little scary,

but I promised you

Id be honest with you.

So let me explain fully.

You know, there wasnt

a single day that went by

where I wasnt thinking

about you.

I never believed in fate

or love at first sight,

or any of that kind of stuff,

but with you, its different.

I feel like were meant

to be together.

But before we go further,

I am...

I have to tell you that my work

can be dangerous.

Dangerous how?

See that painting over there?

Thats an original Bruegel.

Im sorry, I dont--

I dont know much about art.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder,

he was, uh, a Flemish painter

in the 16th century,

the most significant

Dutch painter

of the Renaissance.

So, its valuable?

Uh-hmm. $6.2 million.

The package against the wall

is worth $6 million?

Yeah.

My client thinks it will

look great over his mantle.

Well, if he can pay that much,

why doesnt he hire someone

professional to transport it?

I mean, there must be companies

that specialize

in that kind of thing?

Of course, youre right.

But my clients

dont follow the usual paths.

Their wealth allows them

to do things their own way.

I still dont understand

how thats dangerous.

My client doesnt want anyone

to know he owns this painting.

Why?

He has his reasons.

Only some of which I know.

But the most important

is I keep it safe.

Well, wouldnt it be safest

to get the painting to him?

I mean, dont rich people

have, like, crazy alarm systems?

The thing is,

some very bad people

found out about the purchase.

Theyve staked out his house.

And were talking

about dangerous men,

the kind that wont be stopped

by an alarm system.

Im even worried

theyre onto me.

Walker, you have to call

the police.

Well, the police have no way

of stopping these guys.

Has to be handled off the grid.

So what are you gonna do?

Well, I need to find

a secure place

to hide the painting,

make sure they dont find me.

Stay away

until things blow over.

It always does. Eventually.

So this has happened before?

Well, I have my way

of dealing with these things.

Dont worry,

they wont get the painting.

Its not the painting

Im worried about.

Um, Im so sorry that I dumped

all of this on you so suddenly.

My job affords me

a lavish life,

but it comes

with responsibility,

too much sometimes.

Look, Walker, I wanna help you.

In any way I can.

Youre so kind, so beautiful.

Howd I get so lucky?

Youre sweet.

You know, you could keep

the painting here.

Kate, uh, I dont know.

Id never wanna put you

in any danger.

Well, I mean,

you saw for yourself.

My place isnt being watched.

Itll be safe.

Okay.

Okay. But only for a few days,

uh, before I figure

something else out.

Okay.

Im sorry.

I thought you heard me.

Um...

Im so sorry. I just, um--

You wanted to see?

I understand.

See, the trouble is, the sun...

and air pollutants

can cause irreparable damage.

Thats why it needs

to stay covered

until its in

a protective frame.

But I have another way

of showing you.

So...

Oh, its beautiful.

Yeah, hes mostly known

for his landscapes.

He also does pictures

and prints of peasants.

Can you feel the life

and the movement?

I love all the little vignettes

and characters.

Im glad you appreciate it.

Im so sorry.

I shouldve just asked.

No.

You have every right

to be curious.

I just hope with time

youll come to trust me more.

I will.

I do.

Shall we go to bed?

Yes.

Where is he? Im starving.

He said hell be here

in a few minutes.

Hes walking form the hotel.

Tell me again

why he lives at a hotel.

He doesnt live there.

Look, hes on the road so much

it doesnt make sense

to have something permanent.

A hotel is much easier.

Hmm, seems a little odd to me,

to not have a home.

We work in real estate, Viv.

Of course

it doesnt make sense to us.

-Good point.

-Look,

Walker isnt like anyone

I have ever met.

Yeah, thats whats got

my spidey sense tingling.

But thats why I like him.

He doesnt follow conventions.

Can you give him a chance

for me?

-Please?

-Okay.

- Oh, there he is.

- Hey.

I am so sorry. I, uh...

I thought itd be faster to walk

instead of waiting for a cab.

Did you--did you wait long?

Uh, just enough time

to have a glass of wine

and unwind.

Yeah? Busy day?

Uh, two house showings.

Wow. Youre a rock star, babe.

Uh, oh, Im so sorry.

Uh, Walker, this is Vivian.

Vivian, I feel like I know you,

Ive heard so much about you.

Likewise.

Well, ladies, I insist

we have the antipasto.

Its the best in the city.

Youre absolutely right.

Uh, thank you.

You know, art dealers tend

to specialize in modern art

because it tends

to be more affordable

and theyre still producing,

so theres a steady supply.

But not you, huh?

Im a bit of an outlier.

I just...I dont get it.

Like, whats peoples obsession

with paint splatters?

So youre not

a Jackson Pollock fan?

No. No. I, uh...

I guess I have

more traditional tastes.

I appreciate natural beauty,

the kind that steals your heart

when you gaze at it.

You know, I used to live

in New York down in Soho.

Um, Im assuming

you spent a lot of time in Soho

because of all the galleries.

Oh, for sure. Yeah.

This lovely lady will tell you

I travel the country,

not to mention the world.

Well, I used to live right above

a pretty famous gallery,

The Crabelle.

Youve heard of it?

Sure.

They used to have

a lot of events,

some host art openings.

I never went to any, but...

Yeah. Well, you know,

when youre in the business,

those kinds of things

tend to get pretty tedious.

All right, guys.

Can I get you anything else?

Anything else?

-No, Im good.

-Thank you.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-Just the check, please.

-Here you go.

Thank you.

All right.

-Here you go.

-Oh, no.

I really wanted

to take you guys out.

No, no, Vivian, please. I...

its the least I can do.

Its my way of apologizing

for being late.

Well, Ill at least get the tip.

No, no. Gift isnt really a gift

if its only partial.

And its really great

to finally meet you

cause I intend

to spend a lot of time

with this special lady.

Hi. Um, sir, Im so sorry,

but your credit card

was declined.

Uh, do you have another

that youd like to use?

Uh, no, no. You know what?

Ill do--Ill do cash.

Uh, Ill tell you what.

If I had a nickel

for every time this happened.

I mean, I get these

credit card companies

wanna prevent fraud,

but seriously,

some of us travel.

Keep the change.

Oh. Thank you.

Uh, you guys

have a wonderful night.

Ladies, shall we?

Yeah.

Thank you.

Oh, my God. I am so happy

that you got to meet Vivian.

I think she liked you.

Kate, theres no reason to lie.

Look, I know how she can

come off as abrasive.

Shes just protective.

Well, I felt

like she was testing me.

Well, she was.

You were hardly intimidated.

Well, no. Not with you

by my side, I wasnt.

Look, um, Vivian and I,

weve been through

thick and thin.

Wed do anything for each other.

Youre lucky to have that.

What?

Whered you go?

Nowhere. I, um...

Walker, I can tell

theres something wrong.

You remember when my credit card

was declined?

Yeah.

Well, that wasnt

because I was traveling.

That was the criminals

that I told you about.

Theyve been tracking

my purchases

to try to figure out

my whereabouts.

And for security reasons,

I had to stop my cards.

I totally forgot

when I handed it over.

Well, do they know

where you are now?

No. Not yet.

Walker, you need

to go to the police.

I told you.

Theres nothing they can do.

Its just gonna backfire.

Okay. Then you hide

out here with me

until they give up.

Man, I wish I could.

But I have clients.

I have business to attend to.

And if you travel,

theyll find you.

Well, I do have cash

that I can use.

But at some point,

thats gonna run out.

And if I withdraw,

then theyll track me.

-Okay.

-If I could just get access

to a credit card

for, like, a week or two.

In the past,

my business associates did that,

but now theyre onto them, too.

I could give you my card.

Wait. Youd lend me one?

Sure.

I, um...

What is this?

$10,000.

Just to put your mind at ease.

See it as a down payment.

Why dont you use this

instead of my card?

Well, theres many things

you can only do on credit.

Well, I dont need this.

No, no, I want you to have it.

At the very least,

just hold onto it for me.

Okay.

Kate, youre the best.

The kind of woman

I could build a life with.

I really think we make

an amazing team, dont you?

Well, yeah.

So do you think I could get

that card from you now?

Oh, um, well, actually,

I also need to use it, so...

Well, maybe you could open

a new account

and that way

we just keep charges separate.

Okay.

Do you think you could...

take care of it first thing

in the morning?

Its just that I need

to keep my business running.

I think a $30,000 limit

should be--should be good.

Oh, wow. Um...

okay, sure.

Kate, youre amazing.

Now, lets get some rest, hmm?

-Hey.

-Hey.

I thought I would hear from you

last night after dinner.

Uh, we were a little busy.

So whatd you think?

Well...

I knew it. You dont like him.

-Well, hes certainly charming.

-Come on, Viv.

Its never been like you

to beat around the bush.

I can tell how much

you like him, Kate.

But hes a liar.

You know the gallery I said

I lived above in New York?

The one that Walker

said he knew well.

Yeah, what about it?

The Crabelle Gallery

doesnt exist.

I made it up.

um, okay.

-What does that prove?

-That he lies.

- He said he knew it.

- Come on, Viv.

Maybe he got the name wrong

or, God forbid,

he was embarrassed

that he didnt know the name

of a famous art gallery

and he just played it off.

Are you listening to yourself?

Youre making excuses for him.

You Googled him, right?

-Of course.

-Okay.

So then,

you saw all of these.

Yeah, anybody can create

a website.

Okay.

Well, what about all

of these articles

saying how well-respected

and successful he is

in the art world?

I mean, can anybody

get these published?

And what about

his social media accounts?

I mean, unless

hes test driving expensive cars

and great with Photoshop,

hes got a lot of money.

And he gave me 10 grand in cash.

Oh, God. Hes a drug dealer!

No, no, no!

It was from one of his clients.

Kate, does he have you involved

in something shady?

No. Look, Vivian,

Im just trying to say

that he lives

in a world of money

that we cant understand.

To him, 10 grand

isnt a big deal.

I think

youre so head over heels

that you dont see

the red flags.

And I think that I just have

a little more faith in people.

You should try it.

Its the only way to find love.

Look, I get it.

You dont trust Walker.

But can you please just try

to trust me?

I just hope you know

what youre doing.

Do you still wanna try

that little Italian place?

Uh, well, I, um...

We have plans tonight, dont we?

Yeah, of course.

Its just...

you know, actually,

would you mind

if I came over to your place

and we just...we ordered in?

No, of course not.

Great. Ill, uh...

Ill be there soon.

Just dont scream

when you see me.

Wait. What? Why?

Walker?

Walker?

Oh, my God!

-Hey.

-Are you okay?

Yeah. Trust me.

Ive been much worse.

Okay.

Um, lets get you something

for the swelling.

What happened?

The guys jumped me as soon

as I walked out of the hotel.

What? Who did?

The criminals I told you about.

Oh, my God.

Dont worry. Im...

Im fine. I got away.

I was hiding in a Starbucks

when you called.

I made sure

they didnt follow me here.

I mean, if they know

where youve been staying,

they must also know

who youve been seeing.

I was careful to come by foot.

I took detours.

I had to make sure

no one was following me.

Theres no way

they could trace me here.

But how can you be sure?

I mean, Walker, look at you.

Kate, Im never gonna let

anything happen to you.

I promise.

-We need to go to the cops.

-No, Kate. Cops just...

I mean, they bring

too many questions.

And if my clients think

that they cant rely

on my discretion,

no matter what happens,

this is all over for me.

-This is crazy.

-I know.

Once they realize

they cant find the painting,

it should all stop.

But I might have to go away

for a while.

What? Where?

I dont know.

Um, is it a headache?

Okay.

Uh, let me get something for it.

-Here, baby.

-Thank you.

Ibuprofen, is this all you have?

Yeah.

Im allergic, but no worries.

Ill, uh...

Ill just go

to the convenience store.

-Its, like, five minutes away.

-What? No. No.

Um, I will go, you stay here,

and Im gonna be back, okay?

- Are you sure?

- Yes. Absolutely.

Thank you.

Of course.

Hi.

Okay.

- That was quick.

- Yeah.

I, uh, forgot I had some aspirin

in my glove compartment.

So take three of those.

Thats what I do

when I have

a really bad headache.

Could you give me some water?

Oh, yeah. Of course.

- Thank you.

- Of course.

Maybe I should take you

to the hospital.

No, Ive had much worse.

Besides Im a quick healer.

You could have a concussion.

I dont. And even if I did,

do you know what theyd tell me?

"Go home and rest."

Yeah, maybe I should go.

You shouldnt have

to play nurse.

Are you crazy?

Where are you gonna go?

I dont know. Some...

hotel or something.

No, you are going to stay here

whether you like it or not,

at least for tonight. Okay?

Okay, Doctor.

Walker?

I need to ask you something.

Ask away.

The Crabelle Gallery.

Yeah, what about it?

It doesnt exist.

I know.

You do?

So why didnt you say anything?

Well, I didnt wanna come

across like Im a jerk.

I dont wanna embarrass Vivian

because she got the name wrong.

Why? Is something wrong?

No. No.

No, nothing at all.

Your card, I was only able

to get a $15,000 credit limit

on it.

So, I hope thats okay.

Kate, this is...

thank you.

Of course, Im happy to help.

How about I go get us something

to eat?

That sounds great.

Yeah.

No, Ive got that sorted.

Absolutely, yeah.

Right.

In about seven days.

Okay.

Sorry, got to go.

Okay. Bye.

Im sorry. Did I wake you?

-Whats going on?

-Kate, listen to me.

I have to leave the country

immediately.

-What?

-Just a few days,

a week at the most.

Why? Who was that?

Thats a client of mine. I...

things developed and I just...

I cant get into it right now.

Okay.

But I have a favor to ask you.

A really big favor,

but Im gonna make it up to you.

I swear.

I have 20,000 in cash

back at the hotel,

but I cant get to it.

Oh, well...

So, when your bank opens,

how much could you take out?

Well, I only have

a couple thousand

in my checking.

What about savings?

Uh, retirement funds,

any other kind of...

-I can, but--

-Ill pay you back.

And I...the moment I get back.

I promise.

Ill pay you back with interest.

No, you dont need to do that.

No, I want to.

I wanna take care of you always.

Okay. But what do I do if...

If what?

If something happens to you?

Well, I thought about that...

and thats why

I had this drawn up.

Oh, my God. Is this your will?

If anything ever happens to me,

everything I have is yours.

This is not necessary.

Kate, I mean it when I say

I wanna take care of you.

Youre the best thing

thats ever happened to me.

So, well go to the bank

this morning?

Yeah.

Great.

Hey.

Hi.

Everything okay?

Yeah, fine. Why?

Because its just not like you

to come in so late

and not at least text me.

I had an errand to run

first thing.

You look pretty tired.

Thanks, Viv.

Hey, honesty is the best policy.

So youre gonna tell me

whats going on?

I just didnt sleep much

last night.

Trouble with Walker?

No. Were fine, actually.

Best weve ever been.

Okay.

All right.

Hope you get some sleep tonight.

Eliza?

Eliza Porter?

Im Kate Burns.

Weve never officially met,

but...

we have a mutual friend.

Walker Stevenson.

How did you find me?

Uh, you were drinking

one of those cappuccinos

in one of your posts.

I gotta give you credit.

I mean,

most girls on a first date

if they see the guy

talking to his ex,

they would run for the hills.

Yeah.

I guess I dont scare

that easily.

Can I ask what you guys

were talking about,

if you dont mind me asking?

Well, um...

its a bit embarrassing.

I was begging him

to take me back.

Yeah, I had broken things off,

but then regretted it,

so I showed up

and asked him

to give us another chance.

Can I ask why

you broke things off?

Well, you know how Walker lives.

I never saw him for more than

a couple days at a time

and he was always

heading off somewhere.

Yeah.

Is that why you searched me out,

to commiserate?

I guess...

I guess I just wondered if--

If hes the real deal?

Yeah.

He seems too good to be true.

So did he ever take you

with him on these trips?

Oh, uh, he offered,

but I have a job

that requires me

to show up

at an office every day,

so I just couldnt swing it.

So you do believe that

hes an art consultant then?

Oh, I saw some pretty

amazing paintings,

the kind that you see

in museums.

And I got to meet

some of his clients.

Look, Walker is a catch.

Hes smart.

Hes sexy.

Hes successful.

Hes a true gentleman.

I mean, the entire time

that we were together,

he treated me like a queen.

I hear a but coming.

But with him, you need to be

able to go with the flow.

And I just...

I didnt want to anymore.

And I thought that

I was making the right decision

by breaking things off,

but I realized that

there arent any other

Walker Stevensons out there.

Hes one of a kind.

You should count yourself lucky.

Can I help you?

-Katherine Burns?

-Yes.

My name is Carmen Logan.

Im with the Los Angeles

Police Department.

- Youre a police officer?

- Yes, maam.

May I come in?

Um, Id like to see

some identification first,

please.

What is this about?

I got a call

from Pacific Mutual.

From who?

If youll just give me

a few minutes.

Please, have a sit.

Can I get you anything to drink?

-No. Im fine.

-Okay.

So you said Pacific Mutual?

The bank?

-Yes.

-Im not a client.

No, but your credit card

company is.

Im part of the LAPD division

that investigates fraud.

Fraud?

Ms. Burns, you took out

a new card recently.

Have you checked

the cards balance?

I havent gotten

a statement yet.

You dont monitor it online?

-No.

-Okay.

Well, would you mind

signing into the account

just so we can take a look?

Okay.

Everything look okay?

-I guess.

-Really?

Looks like pretty unusual

spending for someone

who rarely exceeds a $400

balance on her other card.

Well, um,

some things came up this month.

A friends birthday.

Is someone else using

your card, Ms. Burns?

No. Why?

One of the vendors noticed

that the person

trying to use your card

was a man.

He said he was your fiance.

I checked

the stores security camera.

Do you know this man?

Is he your fiance?

You didnt know about this,

did you?

Well, I knew he had the card.

I ordered it for him.

And hes going to pay me back

right away with cash.

So I dont really see

why this is a problem.

By making all these charges,

he exceeded

your credit limit big time.

You know that increases

your interest rate, dont you?

Okay. But Im pretty sure

thats not a crime.

-Whats your boyfriends name?

-Walker Stevenson.

That may be the name

hes going by now,

but his real name

is Steven Khamel.

Hes been doing this

for a while.

We just had trouble

getting ahead of him.

Doing what exactly?

Conning women

out of their life savings,

racking up debt,

and then disappearing.

I dont believe it.

Youre telling me

youve had no doubts about him?

This is just an ordinary

relationship?

Well, no, but I did my research,

checked him out.

Plus, he gave me...

he gave me 10 grand in cash

and, more importantly,

left an expensive painting

with me.

Okay. Can I see it?

Sure.

Its a multimillion-dollar

Dutch painting.

Hes leaving it here

until its safe

to give it to the owner.

-May I?

-Yeah.

Just please be careful.

What are you doing?

This is one of a kind!

The sun, it can mess it.

No, no, no, no.

Its a poster.

He, no doubt, bought it

for 40 bucks

at a museum gift shop.

The frame, he probably

picked up at a yard sale.

What do I do?

When did he say hed return?

He didnt know.

A few days. Maybe a week.

Okay. I need you to pretend

like everything is fine.

He cant know

that youre on to him.

And then as soon as you hear

from him, let me know.

And if I dont let you know?

You think thats a good idea?

Its possible hell pay me back.

I mean,

maybe he just needs help.

Theres gotta be reason he lied.

Im afraid to ask how much cash

youve already given him

because some of that will go

towards conning another woman.

Thats how he works.

If you help me,

we can stop Mr. Khamel

from fleecing another woman.

How many are there?

That we know of?

Do you really wanna know?

Hey.

Kate, I was--

I was so worried about you.

Ive been calling,

Ive been texting,

but you didnt answer.

Im sorry.

I, um, I wasnt feeling well.

I just woke up from a nap.

Im sorry.

I hope I didnt wake you.

No. I just got out

of the shower, so...

Yeah? I wish I was there

to peel the towel off of you,

make you feel better.

Walker, um, I got an email

from my credit card company

today.

You exceeded my credit limit

and now my interest rate

is going up.

Wait. Is this why

youve been ignoring me?

Kate, you dont need to worry.

I said Id pay you back long

before your charges are due.

Yeah. I guess its just,

um, all the credit,

that has me a little nervous.

Is there any way

you could pay me back this week?

Well, of course.

I totally understand.

And Ill be back very soon.

But until then,

can you just trust me a longer?

Okay.

Ill see you very soon.

And, Kate, I love you.

Goodnight, Walker.

Thats why we had you

come in this morning, Ms. Burns.

So youre saying someone

tried to move all my money

-out of my savings account?

-Yes.

As happens in these cases,

data is breached

and the criminal signs

into the persons account

and then attempts

to transfer a large sum.

So someone hacked

into your database

and got my username

and password?

Well, no.

Not in this case.

Okay. What happened?

Well, thankfully,

you set up a two-factor

authentication

to approve large transfers.

We sent a text to your phone

but you never responded,

so the transfer

couldnt be completed.

Yeah. Ive been a little busy

and I actually

never fully read it.

I thought it was spam.

When the transfer attempt

happened again,

our system knew

you had been hacked.

Thats why I called.

Well, thank you.

Im glad you did.

We usually dont ask people

to come into the bank

when theyve been hacked.

Okay.

Whoever got into your account

must have had quite a bit

of information on you.

Unfortunately,

a lot of peoples information

is fairly easy to get.

Name, address, Social,

drivers license.

But the security questions

are a lot harder.

-What?

-So your account

is guarded by a series

of personal questions.

Prompts that you set up when

you first opened the account.

You know,

mothers maiden name, first pet,

those kinds of things.

This person

got all those questions right.

What would your name be

if you got

your mothers maiden name?

Johnson.

Ours was a Great Dane, Geronimo.

Geronimo. I like that.

Ms. Burns?

Ms. Burns?

Are you okay?

Um, yeah.

Yeah.

Well, well conduct

our own investigation,

but whoever did this

obviously knows you

and knows you well.

I would suggest

contacting the police,

see if theyll investigate.

I feel so incredibly stupid.

A lot of women,

smart professional women

have fallen for his scheme.

Youre not alone.

Still...

This wasnt a Nigerian scam,

Ms. Burns.

Steven Khamel

is incredibly sophisticated.

What do I do now?

How do I get my money back?

Well, once hes caught,

you can file a civil suit

to get back your cash.

But the credit card,

because you gave him

the card to use,

those charges

are probably a loss.

Okay.

I want my money back, of course,

but, more importantly,

I want him caught.

-Youre sure?

-Of course, Im sure.

Many of Mr. Khamels victims

didnt wanna help us

track him down.

Why?

Well, I cant be sure,

but maybe they felt

the same way you do,

embarrassed that

they got taken advantage of.

But, also, I believe

his ability to charm

or intimidate

shouldnt be underestimated.

Look, right now,

I am well past embarrassment.

Im angry.

And I am not going

to let him scare me.

-Just tell me what I need to do.

-Okay.

Maybe when he calls,

Ill tell him

that I wanna make him dinner

and then you come in

and arrest him.

Well, he has highly attuned

skills at reading people.

And because he couldnt transfer

your money,

he knows the bank is on alert.

He probably already suspects

somethings up.

Thats whats made him

so hard to catch.

But theres gotta be

some way to get him though.

Oh, men like him

have a lot of pride.

He might lose his cool

or mess up

if you were to chip away at it.

Um, I need to check

your audio so I can...

could you say something, please?

Same something.

Okay. Sounds good.

You ever done a podcast before?

No.

Um, I mean,

Ive been interviewed

for articles but never

in front of the camera.

Just act like youre having

coffee with a friend,

very relaxed and natural.

Ill ask questions and all you

have to do is respond.

Im still shocked you responded

to my email,

and so quickly.

Thank you.

My team and I are suckers

for a good story.

Well, I blasted

all over my social media,

so everyone I know

should be watching.

Okay. Are you guys ready

to start recording?

Yeah.

You can put this on.

Thank you.

Hey, just relax, okay?

Just be yourself

and share what hes done to you.

Now, lets nail

that son of a b*tch.

Recording in three, two...

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to episode 312

of You Wouldnt Believe,

a podcast about the crazy things

that happen around us.

Im your host, Sarah Masters.

And todays story is a story

that is every womans nightmare.

You go on a dating app.

You meet a cute guy.

He seems like Mr. Right

but he ends up being Mr. Wrong.

Kate Burns is with me today

to talk about

a hellish experience

that shes just been through.

-Welcome, Kate.

-Thank you for having me, Sarah.

So you met a guy

on a dating app.

-Then what happened?

-Uh, yeah.

I met a handsome, charming man

who took me

to fancy restaurants,

sent me flowers.

But it turns out

he was doing all of that

to scam me out of my savings.

Well, candlelight and roses

are every womans Achilles heel.

Yeah. I mean, thats the worst

part of all of it.

This guy,

hes fooled many other women.

But, of course,

you didnt know that.

No. Not until recently.

So tell us about what happened.

Uh, well, he told me

that his name

was Walker Stevenson.

Since then, Ive learned that

hes actually Steven Khamel.

He claims to be

a wealthy art dealer.

And he plays the part

by wearing designer clothes,

going to fancy restaurants,

traveling all over Europe.

What?

Actually, I dont know

if he travels at all.

But I do know

that he is not a millionaire.

Hes nothing more than

a con man who preys on women.

He made it seem like he was

being pursued by criminals

who wanted this art

that he had bought

for one of his client.

And he told me that

to throw them off his trail,

he needed to use my credit card

and borrow my money.

Wow.

Thats rough.

I mean, most of us

feel embarrassed

when we feel like

weve been had.

It is so brave of you

-to come forward and share this.

-Yeah.

Its been hard to admit

to myself and others.

But I dont wanna allow him

to do this to any other women.

If you see this man,

call the police immediately.

Steven Khamel must be stopped.

I cant wait any longer.

For what? Dessert?

No. The, um...

the episode has dropped

and I want to see if anybody

saw it and reached out.

Yeah, a lot of text messages

from friends, family.

My mom called, of course.

So did Walker.

So he saw it.

He left eight messages.

Well, play them.

I wanna hear

what he has to say for himself.

I dont--I dont know if I can.

Remember,

you did the right thing.

You know, sticks and stones

may break your bones

-but words will never--

-I know.

-Youre right.

-Yeah.

Okay.

Hi, Kate. Its me.

I, uh...I just got back

into town

and heard something

very disturbing.

Please, um...

please call me right away.

Kate, its me again.

What is this crap? Huh?

How could you do this to me

after everything weve shared?

Theres so much

you dont understand.

So much that I wanna tell you.

Kate, listen to me, I love you.

Hes insane.

Okay, you little b*tch.

If this is how you wanna

play it, you have no idea

who youre messing with here,

all right?

You have no idea

what I can do to you.

You ruined my life,

and Im making you

a promise today,

I am gonna ruin yours.

Enough.

Theres nothing else

you need to hear.

Maybe I should stay over

the night.

Yeah. Thanks.

You doing okay?

Yeah.

Im fine. Just tired.

You know, I think

Im gonna hit the sack.

Well, free to wake me up

if you need to.

For any reason.

Thanks, Viv.

Goodnight.

All right. Im coming.

Hey!

I saw the podcast.

He...

he did the same thing to me.

Thank you.

So when did you find out

about the real Walker?

I opened up a credit card

for him,

just like you did.

And he maxed out the card

and then he paid me back

with a check

and the check bounced.

Im embarrassed to say that...

What?

Even after the check bounced,

I still believed him.

He gave me so many excuses.

I...I dont know.

I guess I just...

I wanted to believe.

I understand.

Look, Eliza,

you should have told me

when I asked you about him.

I know.

I know. I...

I just...I couldnt.

But you have to share

your story.

I mean, not just with me

but with the public

so that more women

dont get hurt.

Oh, no, no.

Thats why I came here.

I came here to warn you,

to let you know that

you cant do that anymore.

You just dont understand.

Understand what?

What the criminals

might do to you.

What criminals?

Much of what Walker says

is a lie

but he does deal

with some dangerous people.

I know that for certain.

And if you keep talking

about him in public,

they might hurt you

to get to him.

But why would anyone wanna

hurt me to get to him?

I just outed him

publicly as a liar.

Ive seen these people

do terrible things

when they dont get

what they want.

And I felt guilty

that I didnt warn you before,

so I was hoping that I could now

before its too late.

Look, Eliza, I appreciate you

coming to warn me

but I am not afraid.

Now, that the story is out,

Im pretty sure

no one will mess with me.

Thats where youre wrong.

These guys are vindictive.

And if somebody

gets in their way,

they know how to hurt you

in ways that

you wouldnt expect.

Eliza,

how did you get my address?

Uh, you can find

anybodys address

with an internet search.

No. Uh, not mine.

As a relator,

I have to be extra safe.

The deed for this house

isnt under my name.

Its under an LLC.

Its not listed anywhere.

I swear I found you

on an internet search.

Okay. Here, Ill show you.

You should have

just listened to me.

All he wants is

to be left alone.

Eliza, please.

You do not wanna do this,

especially not for him.

Oh, but he loves me.

No, he doesnt.

He is using you.

He uses everybody!

You have to see that!

No. Im special, okay?

He told me so.

Eliza, please think

about what youre doing.

We can go to the police.

He wont hurt you.

Hurt me?

He loves me.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

I just came to check in on you.

I thought you might

still be sleeping.

Well, no.

I...

I had company.

So no more letting unknowns

into your house.

But I did know her.

Well, unknowns are those

with an unknown affiliation.

Something tells me hes not

gonna let up right away.

He probably has a few more women

who would do his bidding.

You should come stay

at my place for a while.

Thats a nice offer

but I dont wanna run away.

I dont wanna let him win

in this intimidation game.

And if I disappear, your house

is the first place hed look.

Look, I made sure all the doors

and windows are locked.

Well put a car out front

to watch the house at night

until we catch him

or the threat stop.

I hope they do soon.

Ive got tonights shift.

Its all gonna be okay.

Hey.

Just, uh, one sugar, no cream.

I hope thats okay.

Just what I needed.

So, uh, youre really gonna

stay out here all night?

-Yes, maam.

-Okay.

Well, you know, like I said,

you can come and sleep

on the couch if you want.

No. Cops dont sleep

in civilians houses

when theyre on the clock.

Anyway, I need a view

of the entire house.

Okay.

And getting out of the office

is a good change of pace for me.

In the last few years,

I spent most of my days

poring over credit card receipts

and other financial documents.

If I didnt get out

into the field once in a while,

then Id get soft.

Yeah. Okay.

Well, um, if, uh...

if you need anything,

just ring the doorbell,

I probably wont be sleeping

much tonight anyway.

You should try.

Its the best thing

for you right now.

Nothing is gonna happen to you

while Im sitting here.

Promise.

Good morning.

How are you feeling?

Where am I?

Somewhere no one can find you.

Thats why you dont have a gag.

Drink.

You must be thirsty.

And it will flush the chloroform

out of your system.

Come now, Kate.

Dont be so stubborn.

Youre proving nothing

by refusing.

You could have poisoned it.

If I wanted to k*ll you,

youd be dead already.

Thats my girl.

Now, that wasnt very nice.

After everything youve done,

you want nice?

I always liked your spunk, Kate.

I really did.

Probably your most

admirable characteristic.

That and that you were smarter

than all the other girls.

But I guess I paid for that,

didnt I?

What do you want, Walker?

What do I want?

What do I want?

You ruin my life, Kate.

Now, I cant go back

to what I was doing.

Because of you,

my picture went viral.

Do you have any idea

how hard it would be

to convince new women?

Guess youre gonna have

to start working, Walker.

I dont have face

detection activated.

Unlock it.

Why should I?

Because if you dont...

You know, its one thing

to commit financial crimes,

another to commit m*rder.

When they catch you,

you will go to jail

for the rest of your life.

Well, thats the point, Kate.

Youre assuming Ill be caught.

Youre right.

They probably wont.

Youre always one step ahead.

I mean, you kidnapped me

with my phone

to get a wire transfer

approved, right?

Wish I had thought of that.

Let me make this simple.

Give me the password

and I wont hurt you.

But you already have hurt me.

To be totally honest with you,

you broke my heart.

Why would I give you my savings,

so you can spend it

on another women?

No need to be so maudlin, Kate.

Im sorry about the podcast.

I was hurt and angry

that I was just one

of your many girlfriends.

Dont take it personally.

I mean, I, uh...

I enjoyed the time

we spent together.

Yeah.

I mean, we had some

spectacular nights, didnt we?

And I would have gladly

given you all of my money,

helped you with your scam,

if you had just confided in me.

But instead you sent Eliza

to my house.

You cant love her.

Who said anything about love?

She doesnt have half

of the class

or the finesse that you do.

I would have been

a better partner.

Youre trying to manipulate me.

Im trying to show you

that I want in.

We could disappear

to another country.

-Too risky.

-We would change our looks.

Ive always wanted to be blonde

and you would look great

in a beard.

We could use

my real estate knowledge.

Break into vacation homes

when the owners arent there.

Show them like theyre listed

on the market.

I mean, Walker, we can make

so much more than the tens

of thousands you make

with womens savings

and credit cards.

Please, untie me

so we can talk

like normal people.

Plus, Im starving.

Do you have anything to eat?

Ill get you some more water.

I might have something

in the cabinet.

Yeah. I got, uh, bake beans.

- This should work.

- Yeah.

I havent had breakfast,

so anythings great.

Please.

Kate!

Hello?

Oh, my God.

-Oh, are you okay?

-Im fine.

My key is in the pocket.

-Wheres Kate?

-I dont know.

I let myself in the house

and shes not in there.

But her cars in the driveway.

Have you tried calling her?

Breakfast is served.

Theyre looking for you now.

Its time to approve

the transfer or else.

Id rather not.

Are you sure youre okay?

Yeah. Im sure.

Okay.

She was strong and held her own.

I cant say the same for myself.

I should probably go back

to desk work.

No.

It is not your fault.

He surprised us both

and we didnt stand a chance.

Then you came

to rescue me just in time.

Any signs of him?

Well, The FBI has been notified.

Look, there are plenty

of people looking for him.

He cant run forever.

You did it, Kate.

You got him.

Walker Stevenson will be caught

or hes gonna have to hide out

from now on.

But hes not gonna hurt

any more women thanks to you.

You speak English?

Yes. Much better

than my French, Im afraid.

Well, youre right

that these paintings,

they are all beautiful.

You know, the artist

created this whole series

before he died.

They found it in his studio.

Im Jada.

Roger.

Roger Kane. Its a...

its a pleasure to meet you.

So you know a lot about art?

Yeah.

Yeah. I know a little.