[tense music]
[tense music continues]
[eerie music]
Who are you?
[eerie music continues]
[woman breathes heavily]
[gentle music]
[gentle music continues]
Shh!
Surprise!
[Alex gasps]
Happy birthday, Mom.
Oh, come here.
[Robert and Charlie]
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Mom
- Alex
Happy birthday to you
It's beautiful.
Look at this cake!
[Robert] Oh, It's chocolate
fudge. And guess what?
Charlie made it all by herself.
Did you?
That's your favorite, right?
It is.
- Right.
Make a wish.
You guys.
- [Charlie] Hurry up!
The wax is gonna get
all over the icing.
Okay.
[both clapping]
[Charlie] So we were thinking if
you really wanted to,
we could go to that fancy
sushi place tonight.
But you both hate sushi.
It's your birthday, Mom.
[Alex sighing]
Yeah, and I might have
already booked a table, so...
You two are the best.
Oh, this looks so yummy!
Oh, I'm gonna go get
your present, Mom.
You didn't have to do that.
- [Charlie] I'll be right back!
I don't know where she
gets all that energy from.
Oh, it's gotta be from you
'cause it's definitely
not from me.
This is from me,
but Dad bought the frame.
[Alex] Oh, look at this!
Oh, you're such an
incredible artist.
Thank you.
- I love it.
You two, this morning
has been so nice.
So you're still on for raw
salmon and yellow tail later.
You know what?
I think there's something
I'd like even better.
What's that?
Something we can all enjoy.
[Robert] Do you ever feel like
we're just a little too lucky?
[Alex] Why would you say that?
[Robert] Now, look at us.
You were new in town.
We had this whirlwind romance,
and then we had Charlie.
And I'm gonna love
you and Charlie
as much as humanly possible.
Thank you.
[woman panting]
You know, Robert,
sometimes I feel like...
[Mary gasps]
Wait, that woman needs help.
Ma'am, are you okay?
No. I need my pill.
- It's nitro. - Nitroglycerin?
- They're not here. I must've...
Robert, call 911.
Yeah. Hi. A woman is
having a medical emergency
in Zilker Park.
Tell them she's experiencing
acute cardiac distress!
She's experiencing
acute cardiac distress.
Oh, I need to call my daughter!
[Alex] Okay, ma'am, I need
you to stay seated.
Okay. She just
lost consciousness.
She's in full cardiac
arrest. No pulse.
[Robert] She slumped over.
Tell them she's experiencing
myocardial infarction.
Uh, here.
Patient is approximately
60 to 70 years of age
with a self-proclaimed
history of angina.
She takes nitroglycerin.
I'm starting chest compressions.
[Robert] My wife's doing CPR.
[Alex panting]
Mom, is she gonna be okay?
I hope so, Sweetie.
Okay. All right.
She's in full cardiac distress.
The ambulance is on the way.
Good.
[ambulance sirens wailing]
That was tough.
- Yeah.
Excuse me, Ms. McDowell.
I'd like to get a
statement from you.
Can you tell me what
transpired here?
Oh, uh, I was just
sitting over there.
I... I saw the woman was
having a heart attack.
I went over to her.
Uh, she lost consciousness.
I checked for a
pulse, she had none,
so I started chest
compressions. That's it.
Where'd you learn that?
Oh, uh, I was a lifeguard
in high school.
"High school".
Is your certification current?
No.
Well, you've got a good memory.
We'll be in touch if we
have any other questions.
And thank you for what you did.
Oh, sweetie. Thank you.
She's leaving. Come on.
- Oh.
[Reporter] Miss, miss!
Could I have a word with you?
I'm sorry. Can I help you?
I am Jane Chance,
Channel 83 news.
local human interest
correspondent.
It's nice to meet you.
I apologize for us
coming out of the blue,
but our people followed
the police bands
for news stories like
this and sent us hot tips.
Word on the street is a
woman saved someone's life
this afternoon, and that
woman appears to be you.
If you could just
give me five minutes,
I would love to sh**t an
on-camera interview with you.
It's gonna air in our
six o'clock news tonight.
Oh, is this your daughter?
[Alex] Look, I don't think
it's a good idea.
Okay. I did what
anyone else would do,
and that certainly doesn't make me
a human interest story, so...
[Jane]
It will just take five minutes.
[Alex] Uh, Miss Chance, I
don't want to be interviewed,
but I'm flattered.
Thank you.
[Robert]
That was pretty wild.
[Alex] It's just one of those
things, you know.
You saved somebody's
life on your birthday.
How awesome is that?
You would've done
the same thing.
Well, yeah, but you did it,
and that makes you a hero.
A very beautiful one at that.
- [Alex chuckles]
Yeah. I don't know.
I don't really feel like a hero.
Sometimes, I feel like I just...
All I do is hide from the world.
[Robert] And so you're worried
your crazy sister
might find out?
Look, it's highly improbable
that she'll ever see the video.
No, I just prefer to stay
anonymous, that's all.
[Stuart]
Look, I'm telling you it's her.
Just watch the video I sent you.
[Caller] How can you be sure?
Where is this anyway?
Apparently it all
went down in a suburb
just outside of Atlanta.
[Caller] Atlanta?
15 hour drive.
I'm in my car right now.
Should be there by
supper time tomorrow.
[Caller] This is
a waste, Stuart.
I know you don't believe me,
but I'm sitting on something
that could be a major story.
[Caller] Whatever.
I guess we'll just
see who's right.
[phone beeps]
[Robert] A woman is having
a medical emergency.
In Zilker park.
[News Anchor] Now let's go
to news correspondent
Jane Chance for a story
that's created a lot of buzz.
[Jane] It was right here in
Zilker Park that a hero emerged.
Mom, come here and see this.
[Jane]
From our own community.
As local residents, Alex
McDowell sprung into action
and saved a woman's life.
Camera phone footage from
several bystanders caught
the selfless heroic
act of Mrs. McDowell.
And those videos were posted
to several social
media platforms.
Though Mrs. McDowell denied
being interviewed on camera,
she's the reason
why Mary Woodman,
mother of three and
grandmother of five
is able to enjoy a little bit
more time with her family.
Alex McDowell is an example
that we should all look up to.
This is Jane Chance
reporting Channel 83 News.
[News Anchor] Thank you, Jane.
In other local news,
it was reported that...
[remote clicks]
They said my name on TV.
How did they get my name?
Reporters. She probably
talked to the police
or someone at the city
records office last night.
[Charlie] But don't you like
being a hero, mom?
It's not about being
a hero, Sweetie.
It's an invasion of our privacy.
[gentle music]
[tense music]
[Stuart knocking]
[Robert] Can I help you?
Sorry for the intrusion,
but I just made a long drive
from Austin, Texas.
My name is Stuart Cooper Jones.
I'm a writer for True
Crime Blog Unlimited.
"True Crime"?
I think you got the
wrong house, man.
[Stuart] I don't think so.
This is the McDowell
residence, right?
You're the family that was
on the internet last night
and the news this morning?
Look, I'm not gonna
tell you again.
You get off my property
or there will be trouble!
Very well, but I'll
be in town a few days.
I'd appreciate if you
gave my card to your wife
and please give her a message.
Tell her I'd like to talk
to her about Rose Forster.
Just leave!
[door slams]
A "true crime blogger"?
That doesn't make any sense.
He came from outta
town too, from Texas,
and he knew your old
name, Rose Forster.
What if he harasses us?
Maybe I should call him.
No, I wouldn't do that.
I wouldn't go
looking for trouble.
But why would an investigative
journalist who specializes
in crime reporting
want to interview you
about your old identity?
I mean, I know you had
a whole other life,
but is there anything
else I need to know?
Okay, well that's that then.
It'll be okay.
- I know.
Let's get some sleep.
[eerie music]
[tense music]
[camera clicks]
[tense music continues]
[birds chirping]
Five.
[cellphone ringing]
Hello. Who's this?
[Alex] You left your card
with my husband.
I'm Alex McDowell.
Wow. Hi there. I guess
you got my message.
What do you want from me?
I know who you are and
I'm gonna tell the world.
I dunno what you mean.
Oh, sure you do.
You changed your identity
just over 15 years ago
after k*lling your
little sister.
[both screaming]
It was a big deal in the
unsolved crime sector
of the internet.
But I guess you don't
read those, do you?
I didn't k*ll anyone.
I dunno what you're
talking about.
[Stuart] Well, allow me to
introduce myself.
I write stories about
people like you.
[Alex] No!
- [Ashley] Don't! Stop! No!
My editor didn't believe
me, but I know it's you.
[Ashley] I'm gonna k*ll you!
I'm an innocent woman.
Maybe there was a
reason for what you did.
Maybe you k*lled her and ran
because she left you no choice.
No! Everything! Stop!
I know how crazy
your sister was.
It was public knowledge.
And don't even get me
started on your mother.
She is still a feared
woman in Texas.
Very rich, powerful.
She's had many
accusations against her,
but she's made them all go away.
I imagine it'd be
very easy for you
to leave that kind
of oppression behind.
Any of this ringing a bell?
But don't worry; I'm going
to give you the chance
to come forward and go on record
with your version
tomorrow afternoon.
Three sharp. Rialto Cafe.
Are we on the same page?
I didn't m*rder anyone!
That's your story.
I have a different
one to write. Goodbye.
[Alex] Wait, don't hang up.
I'll meet you tomorrow.
Just don't post or write
anything, at least until then.
Okay. See you at three.
[tense music]
Hey, did Charlie make the bus?
Seemed like she was dragging
a little bit this morning.
Oh, um, she's fine.
She's had a bad
dream. She'll be okay.
You got any plans today?
Uh, just some errands.
Is something wrong?
No. No, I'm just tired.
Have a good day at work, okay.
Say hi to Don for me.
I will. Love you.
- [Alex] Love you.
[tense music]
[phone buzzing]
[keyboard clattering]
[tense music]
[Marie] Robert.
I have a Jane Chance from
Channel 83 on the line.
I told her you were busy, but
she called three times and...
It's okay. I'll take it.
Look, you have a lot of
nerve calling me here.
I'm just offering an olive
branch, Mr. McDowell.
My boss told me I
had to run the piece.
No, you didn't have
to do anything.
It was an absolute
violation of our privacy.
That was freedom of the press.
Look, if you're
trying to apologize,
you're not doing a
very good job, lady.
All I'm doing is
following up on a story.
I wanted to ask about your wife.
She's a bit of a mystery.
She's a private
citizen and so am I.
Please just leave us alone!
[phone clicks]
[tone beeps]
[muffled overlapping chatter]
[tense music]
You came early.
- So did you.
You know, brilliant minds
and all that, right?
You're even more
attractive in person.
Please.
- [Stuart] I'm serious.
You are one damn
good looking woman.
It's a shame.
Listen, I've already told
you I'm not who you think
that I am.
And I told you that's a lie.
And we both know it.
Mr. Jones, if I was the
criminal that you say that I am,
wouldn't I have
run away already?
Why would I be sitting
here with you like this?
Because now you have that
little girl? Your new life?
It's a lot to
protect and I get it.
That's why you'll grant
me this interview.
Nobody has to get hurt here.
I can make you the
hero of this story.
All you have to do is
say the right words.
Of course, you may go to
trial, you may end up in jail,
but at least your child
will know the whole truth.
I wouldn't have come here
if I didn't have
proof, Miss Forster.
I have everything;
college transcripts,
hospital records.
Hell, I even talked to your
mother about six years ago.
She even gave me
pictures of you!
Check that out.
Yeah.
And like I said before, your
mother is piece of work.
Very rich, very powerful player.
I'm lucky I found
you before she did.
I don't want you to
record any of this.
Look, if you publish this story,
you're not just
destroying one life,
you're destroying three.
Oh, I think they'll
get over it eventually.
But then again, I am a
reasonable human being.
Your husband has
money, doesn't he?
Oh, so that's what
this is about?
50 grand is my walkaway figure.
And you're just so trustworthy.
You wouldn't think
about showing up
and asking for more later.
Fifty K is today's magic number.
So now I'm going back to my
motel to relax by the pool.
Then late tonight, I
crack a bottle of scotch
and write a little story,
and then I'll sit on
that story for 48 hours.
If I don't hear from
you within that time,
well, you know
what happens next.
[sharply inhales]
[eerie music]
[footsteps fade away]
[keyboard clattering]
[tense music]
[Robert] So that reporter from
TV called today. Jane.
Oh, great.
Said she was looking into you.
Said you're a mystery.
Now, I was thinking
that maybe we should get
in front of this somehow.
What do you mean?
Maybe we should come
clean about your past.
You ran away from home
because your mother
was horrible to you,
and you changed your name.
You know, if someone
exposes you on the internet,
or social media and
Charlie finds out.
Like, just think about it.
We could tell Charlie
the truth in our own way.
Robert, I can't make a
decision like that right now.
I have to think of
all the ramifications.
Yeah, of course. But
don't think too long.
Time may be running out.
I love you.
[intense music]
You always take everything.
He said he was in love with you.
[intense music]
[keyboard clattering]
Can't stop thinking
about me, huh?
You're disgusting!
I can get you $23,000
from an account my husband
never checks, but that's it.
Well, there's always
other arrangements.
Like?
[Stuart] If we were to get to
know each other a little better,
then maybe I would
trust you a little more
and then maybe we could
work out a payment plan.
You'll never touch me!
Ah, well then we have a
little problem, don't we?
But consider it.
You still got 24 hours.
I'm at the Moonlight
Hotel, room 303.
That's just five
minutes from your house.
Sweet dream, sweetness.
[intense music]
[keyboard clattering]
[door lightly knocks]
Wow. Hello honey.
I almost thought...
[Stuart gasps]
[g*nsh*t firing]
[Ashley] No!
[both screaming]
[gentle music]
[Alex] Oh, sh**t.
[tense music]
[engine rumbling]
[DeAngelis knocking]
Yes?
Are you Alex McDowell?
If you're here because
of the news thing,
our family really doesn't
wanna be bothered.
[DeAngelis]
DeAngelis, police detective,
and yes, I am here
about the news thing.
In a way.
In a way?
May I please come in?
- Sure.
I am sorry for the reaction.
I'm not used to
police coming around.
I made coffee.
Would you like some?
Sure. I'll take some. Thank you.
[DeAngelis] McDowell. That's you
married name, yeah?
You changed it?
Yes. Was a Kruger before that.
You have a nice place.
It's very well kept.
[Alex] Thank you.
- Thank you.
I'm a stay-at-home mom.
[DeAngelis] Ms. McDowell, I'll
come straight to the point.
A man was shot to death this
morning at about 1:30 a.m.
in a cheap motel near here,
and I'm just
investigating the case.
Oh, that's, that's awful.
Yeah, the victim
was a journalist.
True Crime stuff.
His name was Stuart
Cooper Jones.
Apparently he was
working on a story
that may have been about you.
Me? What makes you think that?
Hmm. Well, Mr. Jones'
laptop was left behind.
There wasn't much on it,
but what we did
find was intriguing.
Oh?
It says, "Alex McDowell,
the heroic housewife
featured this week
on local Atlanta News Channel 83
and lionized as a
community role model
is not what she appears to be.
A devoted mom and wife she may
seem, but beneath the facade,
lurks a deadly secret
life that has..."
And?
- And that's it.
The file was saved just
minutes before we believe
the sh**ting took place.
I'm just looking into
who he was writing about.
Well, Mr. Jones did come by,
but we've had so much attention
since that news story ran.
And why do you think he used
the words "deadly secret life"?
Probably to get people
to click on his article.
Look, I have to ask, do you
have an alibi for last night?
Yes, of course.
I was here asleep
next to my husband,
and he left for work
early this morning.
Hmm.
Detective, I'm not
a suspect, am I?
It's still very early
in the investigation,
but we haven't
ruled anything out.
Oh.
Keep my number and if
you can think of anything
that might help us, let me know.
I really don't
know anything else.
Yeah. Well, I may
wanna reach out
with a few follow-up
questions if that's okay.
Of course.
[DeAngelis]
Oh, and one other thing.
I saw those videos of you
saving that woman's life
and it was very impressive.
Almost professional.
Do you have any medical training
other than your lifeguarding?
Uh, just a few summers guarding
and one training others
in life-saving techniques
and open water rescue.
Is that important
to the case somehow?
Just curious.
Nice to meet you, Alex.
Nice to meet you.
[intense music]
Look Manny, I know
I'm an human interest,
but this could be a
much bigger thing.
I knew that creep
who got k*lled.
He was into all types
of unsolved crime stuff.
[Manny] I'm not
gonna approve this.
Know your place.
Okay, fine.
Didn't want to hear it, huh?
He thinks we should
know our place
because of course he does.
Dammit. We're gonna have to
look into this on our own.
Figure out who the k*ller
is and get a big bump.
Jane, look, I'm tired
of doing stories
about good Samaritans too.
But we don't have
anything to go on.
If we go after this,
make fools of ourselves,
it could get us fired.
[Jane] Not if we're smart.
Maybe we can find something
that the cops missed.
If the cops had any
evidence at all,
they would've made
an arrest already.
Don't you still have
friends who work downtown?
Couldn't they look
into it for us?
Maybe. I have someone
that owes me a favor.
Call it in.
This is big, David.
I can smell it.
[David] Okie.
- [Jane] Thank you.
[engine humming]
Hey, Alex.
Honey, I came as
soon as I could.
[Alex] This is bad.
This is really, really bad!
Look, you had nothing to
do with what happened.
We were both here last
night when he died.
Oh, the hotel where
the man was m*rder*d
was five minutes from here.
They could say that I slipped
out when you were asleep.
My name was on his laptop
when he was k*lled.
Alex, I saw you on
the phone last night.
Was that who you
were talking to?
I'm afraid that
somebody's gonna find out
and they're gonna
blame me for this.
Well, he just wanted to
interview you, right?
Yeah. And I told him
that I didn't want that.
And he said he wouldn't
write the article
if I gave him money
and I slept with him.
Are you kidding?
Do I look like I'm kidding?
Well, what'd you say?
I told him, no, of course!
Look, somebody saw me on TV
and now all of
this is happening.
God knows how many psychos
there are out there,
now somebody is dead
and they could be
watching us right now!
Okay, well then we have
to go to the police.
They can... they can protect us.
They can protect Charlie.
If they know that he was
trying to blackmail me,
then we'll convince them
that I had something
to do with this.
They'll never believe me.
They won't help
somebody like me.
You mean because of you
running away from your family?
You told 'em about that, right?
Of course, I didn't
tell them about that.
You probably should.
I mean, if they find out
you're keeping secrets.
[Alex] No!
No one can ever know!
Charlie can never know.
Alex, if there's something I
should be privy to, tell me.
You didn't speak up about
talking to this scumbag,
and look what that got us.
You have to trust me.
When we married, I promised to
protect you and stand by you
and I meant it,
but you have to
be honest with me.
Look, I think we're both
a mess right now, okay.
[Charlie] Daphne said she was
having a sleepover Saturday.
Can I go?
- [Robert] Honey, I...
[Alex] No.
No sleepovers for a while.
Why? Is it because
of all the TV stuff?
All the kids have been
talking about you.
I don't want anybody
to talk about me.
I wanna remain hidden.
Honey, you shouldn't talk
like that in front of her.
You're gonna scare her.
[Alex]
Why? She should be scared.
I've brought scary
things into her life.
[Robert]
Well, just let it go.
[Alex]
I'm not gonna let it go.
There could be someone scary
following us right now.
I told you to stop talking!
What scary things?
Who's following us?
[Alex] Charlie, go to your
room right now, please!
No, you stay right there.
She needs to see this.
You have to stop
lying to her, Alex.
What?
- Mom, no. Stop fighting!
See, look what you did, Alex.
You ruined her!
Just like you ruined everything!
You destroyed everything
that you touched!
Don't say that!
- Mommy!
[intense music]
Honey, what is it?
Nightmare. I have to
go check on Charlie.
It's okay. She's fine.
I have to go.
She's fine.
So I was thinking maybe
we take a vacation. Hmm?
But Summer break isn't
until next month.
Right.
We could figure something
out with school, right?
Well honey, we haven't
discussed this.
I know. Uh.
We're discussing it now.
I think with all the
attention that we're getting,
maybe we should make
ourselves scarce.
You could take a few
days off work, right?
Yeah, I'm not sure.
[Charlie]
Well, where would we go?
Um...
Oh, well, we'll figure
it out when we get there.
Yeah, right, Mom.
[Alex] Okay, um. How about we
go to Niagara Falls?
I always wanted to go there!
I know, me too.
Well, your mom and I
needed to discuss this,
but it's on the table, okay.
Cool.
So I think we start here
and we can check a
couple sources here.
Thank you.
Ready to be happy?
- Thrill me.
We have to keep this like
super on the down low,
but check it out.
Mr. Jones,
the guy who was m*rder*d,
had an app on his phone
that recorded and transcribed
a phone call between him
and Alex McDowell.
My buddy down at
the station got it.
We owe him big time.
Holy hell. What is on this?
I don't know. Didn't look.
This is totally your deal.
David. You are a miracle worker.
Good luck.
- Thank you.
I don't think I'll
need it though.
[water running]
[cellphone ringing]
I already told you
people to leave us alone!
I do not wanna be interviewed.
Hello, Mrs. McDowell.
I think you wanna hear me out.
We spoke in the park.
You didn't wanna be
interviewed then either,
however I just saw a
transcript of a phone call
between someone calling from
your phone number, I assume you
and a Stuart Cooper Jones.
I must admit, I was
shocked to discover
the two of you knew each other.
It's a small world, isn't it?
I don't know who that is.
Well, do you wanna hear
what he said to you?
He said you changed your
identity just over 15 years ago
after k*lling your sister.
It was a big deal in the
unsolved crime sector
of the internet.
But I guess you don't
read those, do you?
Now, being a very curious
person, I am wondering why a man
of Mr. Jones' particular
profession would be interested
in speaking to you.
And why was he found
dead the next night?
He wanted to interview
me because of the story
that you wrote!
I told the police everything
that they need to know.
Now you're just
slumming for more!
I apologize Mrs. McDowell,
but you are right
about one thing.
I was honestly hoping
you'd have more to say.
It's a shame you don't.
[tense music]
[Alex sighs]
[Jane gasping]
[intense music]
[eerie music]
[birds chirping]
[phone notification pinging]
You okay?
Who is that from?
Robert, I...
[Robert] Alex, you gotta tell
me what's going on.
Let's go downstairs.
[intense music]
Robert, I love you
and I love Charlie.
I love both of you so much,
and I would do anything
to protect you.
Alex, what's going on?
What are you not telling me?
I thought I put the past away
and I want you to understand
that I never thought
that it would come
to this. Never.
You know, 15 years ago I ran
to get away from my family,
but what you don't know
is that something really
terrible happened.
Justin, it's very
late right now.
I told you not to call me again!
[Justin] I have to see you Rose.
I made a decision.
I'm going to leave my wife.
I've been very clear
about this, Justin,
and you sound very
drunk right now.
[Justin] Please Rose.
I'm not interested in you
and I never have been.
Okay? Your wife is my sister.
I'm blocking your number!
[Alex] My sister
married this guy Justin.
And then right after
they got married,
he cornered me and he said
that he was in love with me
and that he just married
Ashley to get closer to me.
I know it's crazy.
And I told him I wanted
nothing to do with it.
Then she found out. She created
this whole story in her head
that I was sleeping with him.
[Ashley]
Hospital kicking your a*s again?
You scared me.
What are you doing here?
Not supposed to break
into people's houses.
Aren't sister's supposed
to share everything.
My husband sure
as hell thinks so.
What did he tell you?
Rose, come on,
you don't have to
pretend anymore.
I know you've been
sleeping with him.
He told me everything!
He said he was in love with you.
[Alex]
Ash, calm down, okay.
Justin. He's drunk!
He's...
- You are such a liar!
[dramatic music]
What did you do?
She came at me with a knife.
That's right.
I'm the big sister now.
Put that down.
You are, you are
really outta control!
[Ashley] No!
- You need help.
[Ashley] No! You don't get to
tell me what to do.
You stole my husband.
You always take everything!
We fought.
You can go to hell!
- Stop! - No! No!
- Stop!
[Ashley] No!
I'm gonna k*ll you!
No. No!
Everything!
[intense music]
[knife plunges]
[Ashley panting]
[knife clattering]
Ashley.
Come back. Come back, Sweetie.
Look at me.
[Alex]
I checked her pulse.
There was nothing I could
do. She was already dead.
It wasn't my fault.
I reacted in self-defense
and then I ran from it
because I was afraid that
no one would believe me.
I thought that they would
accuse me of m*rder,
so I panicked.
I'm so sorry.
I decided to get away from all
of them and start a new life.
I'm sorry.
But even as I left that night,
I knew my mother would never
stop trying to find me.
Okay. What about your mother?
You think she's finally
caught up with you?
She's not what I'm afraid of.
I think Ashley's
husband might be back.
Justin must have seen me online
and now he's coming
back to claim me.
Why?
- I don't know.
But I've been getting
messages like this.
No one will spoil our
family, I promise.
You have to report
that to the police.
I mean, we could be
in serious danger.
We are in serious danger,
and that is why we
can't go to the police.
Robert, I've thought about
this for a very long time.
If I confess, they
will lock me up
and they'll think I k*lled
that crime blocker guy too.
Are you sure that this is him?
Yeah. Who else could it be?
I don't know, but this is crazy!
Shh! Robert, we have to run.
We... We need to find some place
to get the hell
off of his radar,
at least for a little while,
and then we'll figure
out what to do.
If you want me to turn
myself in, I will,
whatever you want me to do.
But I need to know
that Charlie is safe.
I just...
I can't believe you waited
this long to tell me all this.
I thought that I could
keep the past in the past.
Every secret that I've
told has been for you.
So please hear me when I
say we need to go and hide.
[birds chirping]
Honey, how would you like to
stay home from school today?
What? Why?
[Robert]
Well, remember when we talked
about going on that
early vacation?
We think we might go
ahead and do that.
You mean I really get
to go to Niagara Falls?
You really do,
and we just might leave tonight.
What do you say?
Can I call Daphne and
tell her right now?
[Robert] Well, let's just hold
off on that until later.
You finish your breakfast, your
dad's gotta go to the office
and square a few things
away and I'll come back
and we'll get ready.
I don't like this, Alex.
I don't like it one bit.
We're playing with
fire and much worse,
we're sugarcoating
it for our daughter.
Don't look at me
like that, please.
I'm not the enemy here, okay?
I'm still your wife.
I'm her mother.
I don't know what to think.
I don't know what to feel.
Look, we just follow the plan.
Find a safe place for her
where he can't find her,
and then I'll...
I'll do the right thing.
I'll turn myself in.
Well, I mean, that's
gonna be hard on her
to know what you did.
[Alex]
Well, we'll make her understand.
Look, if you love
me, stand by me.
Will you do that?
Honey, I do. I love you.
I love you with all my heart
and I'm gonna stand by you.
Just promise me there's nothing
else you need to tell me.
Just promise me you
won't lie to us again.
I swear.
I swear on my life.
All right, I'll be
back in a few hours.
Get packed.
[gentle music]
Did you know that
there's this ride
at Niagara called
the Maid of the Mist?
It's a boat that takes you
really close to the falls
almost right under them.
Can we go on that?
Yes we can!
It's just so cool.
I'm gonna take a
million pictures.
I know we're gonna have
a great time, Sweetie.
But first there is something
that I wanted to
chat with you about.
[Charlie] Oh, and did you know
that half of Niagara Falls
is in Canada and then the
other half is in New York?
Did you know that?
[Alex]
I did. You are so smart.
You mean everything to
me, you know that, right?
Mom is something wrong?
Uh, I just wanted you to know
that sometimes things happen
that kids just don't understand.
And your mom, she loves
you very, very much.
I love you too.
We're gonna be okay, right?
We're going on an adventure.
[Alex chuckles]
Why don't you go
pack your things?
Not too much, just
one small suitcase,
okay?
- Okay.
Okay.
[gentle music]
[PA beeps]
[Intercom] Robert, I have
a Detective DeAngelis here
to see you.
She says it's important.
Um...
Yeah, of course.
Send her in.
Afternoon, Mr. McDowell,
you seem to be
packing up to leave.
I hope I'm not intruding.
Oh, this, just gonna be working
from home for a few days.
I see. Are you
okay Mr. McDowell?
Actually, no, I'm not.
This whole situation recently
has been very upsetting
for all of us.
Same here.
I've lost a lot of sleep
behind this case, to be honest.
I'm inclined to believe
there may be something
else going on.
Such as?
Well, that's what I'm
here to talk to you about.
How did you meet your wife?
Through a mutual friend.
And did you know that
Stuart Cooper Jones
was communicating
with your wife?
You know, I don't feel
comfortable answering
any more of your questions
without my lawyer present.
Of course.
How does three O'clock
work for you tomorrow?
Down at the station.
Yeah. I'll see if
he's available.
Okay.
If there's anything you
haven't shared with me yet,
now would be the
time to speak up.
Okay. I'll see you then.
Looking forward to it.
[intense music]
[engine revving]
[intense music]
[intense music continues]
[eerie music]
[eerie music continues]
You get all packed up?
We gonna leave for the
airport in about an hour.
Really? Are we gonna be
at Niagara Falls tonight?
You betcha!
Oh, well I gotta go call Daphne.
[Robert] Actually,
I wouldn't do that. Uh...
Why don't you call her
when we get there, okay?
But she's my best friend.
She'll worry about
me. All the kids will.
I think it's best if we
just don't tell anybody.
Just for now.
You know, keep it a secret.
Dad, where are you going?
- [Robert] I need a minute.
Ah, you finish your
dinner, honey, okay?
And think about all the
fun things you can do
on vacation.
- Okay.
What are you doing?
We have to keep up appearances.
We are keeping so much from her.
I had to lie to that Detective.
[Alex] Keep your voice down.
I can't do this, Alex.
I can't just whisk
our daughter away
to some tourist
trap while we're...
[Alex] It's the best way
to keep her safe!
The police are onto you!
I know that.
That is why I'm trying
to get her outta here!
Get us all out of here.
Don't you understand?
I'm doing this for us!
[Charlie] Mom?
Honey.
- What's going on?
What are you guys
keeping from me?
[Alex] Listen, we love you
very much, okay?
But there are some things
that are happening right now
that we need to get away from.
You guys are lying to me!
- [Robert] Honey, I...
That's exactly what
I was afraid of.
It's my fault.
- Yeah.
[tense music]
[Alex] Charlie!
Charlie, honey, listen to me.
Go away.
You're both liars!
Charlie, please.
This is very important.
I need to make you understand.
Just leave me alone.
[tense music]
[garage door opening]
[tense music continues]
[Robert yelling]
[g*nsh*t firing]
[men grunting]
What was that?
Lock the door behind me.
I'll be right back.
[both men grunting]
[Alex] Who are you?
Justin, is that you?
[intense music]
[911 Operator] 911.
What is your emergency?
Hi, I need an ambulance
here right now.
My husband's been attacked!
[ambulance sirens wailing]
How's your concussion?
Does it still hurt?
Oh, honey, come here.
Just got a little headache.
I'm more hungry than anything.
Well, there is a vending
machine downstairs.
I think we all could use
a little comfort food.
What you like?
- Anything.
I'll take cookies.
- Okay.
[Robert and Alex chuckle]
Oh, I'm out of cash.
It's okay.
We'll get something
on the way home.
Oh, you do have $5 in your car.
That's right.
Uh, why don't I
run down and get it?
Keep your dad company
while I'm gone.
Okay.
- Okay.
Get up here.
[tense music]
[Intercom] Dr.
Mag, extension 556.
Dr. Mag. Extension 556.
Mrs. McDowell, I'm
glad you're still here.
I gave my statement to
the police at my house.
You did. I read it.
And I'm sorry
about your husband.
I'm actually here about
a different crime.
One that happened in Texas.
Texas?
- I know who you really are.
I know you used to be a nurse
and I know what you did.
Your name is Rose Forster and you're wanted
in Texas for k*lling your sister.
You don't really
know what happened!
Nobody does.
- Then talk to me.
Tell me! I can protect you
from who's ever
coming after you now!
Was he your accomplice?
Is he angling you for
some type of revenge?
I don't know who it is exactly!
I might have an idea, but
detective, my daughter
is what's important right now.
And if you take me away,
I can't protect her.
I'll see to it that her
and Robert are safe, okay?
I promise you that.
Detective, I find that
really hard to believe.
I'll see to Charlie's
security personally.
But make no mistake about it,
I'm taking you in
tonight and that's that.
Can I at least say
goodbye to them?
Will you gimme that?
Of course.
Okay then.
Alex!
[intense music]
Stop!
[Alex panting]
Go that way! Go that way!
[intense music]
[door latches]
[DeAngelis panting]
[Alex panting]
[car horn hooting]
[Charlie] I feel like you guys
are keeping secrets from me.
Well, I'll tell you what,
when I get outta the hospital,
me, you and your
mom will sit down
and we'll have a
long talk, okay?
Yeah.
Look, just because we
don't tell you things,
it doesn't mean
we don't love you.
We both love you with
all of our hearts.
You mean the world to us.
I know.
And speaking of your mom,
what's taking her so long?
I'm hungry!
I'll go see.
I'll be right back.
Okay? I love you.
- Love you too.
[Alex panting]
[phone tapping]
This is Detective DeAngelis.
She couldn't have gone far.
I need any available unit
to respond to the hospital.
I have a fugitive wanted for
homicide in another state.
40-year-old white female.
[muffled overlapping chatter]
[Intercom] Dr. Ponsy,
to the delivery room.
Dr. Ponsy, to the deliver room.
[gentle music]
Mom?
Mom?
[gasps]
[engine rumbling]
Get me out of here fast!
Where is she? Alex!
She went downstairs
to get some snacks.
Don't play with me, Robert.
Running from the cops
makes you a fugitive.
What are you talking about?
[DeAngelis] There's a warrant
for her arrest in Texas
and when I went to
arrest her, she fled.
Now I know she didn't just run off
without telling you first.
So where is she?
She went to the car to
get some cash because...
Oh my God, Charlie!
What about her?
She went after her to see
what was taking her so long.
And what if he's here?
What if he followed
us to the hospital?
Oh.
Hey, I need you to help me
find a little girl, okay?
I hope she's still
in this hospital.
She's 11 years old and
she's about this tall.
I remember her.
What's her name?
Charlie. Charlie McDowell.
Okay, I'll make an
announcement right now.
Thank you.
[gentle music]
[tense music]
[engine rumbling]
[machine beeping]
[intense music]
Rooms are $150 a night.
Need a credit card
and a valid photo ID.
Fill that out.
Yeah, I always skip all this.
You don't have any trouble
following you around, do you?
'Cause I got long-term residents
that don't appreciate
cops coming in and out.
No, I'll be gone by
tomorrow morning.
Sweet dreams lady.
[suspenseful music]
[nervous breathing]
[phone notification chiming]
[cellphone ringing]
Alex.
Robert, listen to me.
I had to leave!
They were going to arrest me.
Yeah, DeAngelis told me.
Where are you?
It's better if you don't know.
Listen, I'm pretty
sure that it's Justin.
He's gonna come after
you and Charlie, okay?
So I need you to
take her to New York.
I need you to hide out there
until I give you a call.
Just follow the plan
we talked about.
I'm gonna try to meet up with
you guys in a few days, okay?
We can't find Charlie.
What do you mean?
[Robert] She went out to look for you
and she hasn't come back.
DeAngelis is here and
everyone's helping to search
for her, but she's not here.
He has her, I know it.
Robert, I have to go.
I have to find out where
he took her. Goodbye.
[tense music]
[Alex gasping]
No.
Robert, I can't help
you get Charlie back
unless you tell me who took her.
I don't know!
Isn't that your job?
I'm trying to help you.
- Are you?
Because all you've done is imply
that my wife and I had
something to do with the m*rder
of Stuart Jones.
Now, if you've been doing
your job, investigating,
my daughter will
be here right now!
[device beeping]
Mr. McDowell, I
have the manpower
of the entire police
department at my disposal.
I can have officers on any
corner of this city faster
than you can drive to
the end of your block.
Now, this is your daughter
we're talking about.
Don't try to do this alone!
I don't have another choice.
[DeAngelis]
Then let me help you!
This isn't about Alex!
It's about Charlie!
And we know the guy that broke
into your house is dangerous.
Just tell me what
you know about him.
[Robert] That's the problem.
I have no idea.
[DeAngelis] Well, then tell me
where Alex could have gone.
She knows who he
is, doesn't she?
We've looked everywhere.
There's no sign
of your daughter.
One woman said that she
saw her leave the building.
[DeAngelis] Robert. Robert!
[insects chirping]
[gloomy music]
Please don't hurt me.
[Justin]
I'm not gonna hurt you, Charlie.
Quite the opposite.
And don't be afraid.
Please come with me.
Come on.
[door slams]
What is this place?
You'll know all the
answers soon enough.
Right now, let's get
inside where it's safe.
Come on.
Come on, Charlie.
[engine rumbling]
[tense music]
This is your very own room.
I put it all together for you.
Feel free to look around.
It's all yours.
Are you hungry?
No.
I really don't wanna be here!
I know.
You'll get used to it though.
Please. I don't wanna be here!
[gentle music]
[door locks]
Hey man.
Credit card and ID.
Rooms are $190 a night.
I'm looking for my wife.
Have you seen her?
I'm guessing that if
she wanted you to know
where she was, she
would've told you.
Look, I'm not playing
games with you.
Have you seen her or not?
Look, I'm not playing
games here either,
so you either rent a room
or you get the hell outta my
hotel before I throw you out!
Okay? You know what? I just...
Fine, here.
Have you seen her now?
- Thank you.
[light knocking]
Alex!
- Robert?
[Robert]
Alex, let me in!
Robert, how did you find me?
I got an alert on my
phone that you used an ATM.
[Alex sighs]
[Alex sobs]
Robert, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry. Sorry.
It's all my fault.
I didn't think that
he would find us.
Who? Who? Justin?
Ugh. Come in. Come in.
[gentle music]
[phone chimes]
So, you're sure it's
this Justin guy?
[Alex] Yeah. I think he wants
to take me and Charlie
and just start a
new life somewhere.
I don't know.
He's always just
crazy like my sister.
Okay, so what do we do here?
Are we outta moves or what?
No.
We have one move and it's
really the only real choice
that we have right now.
Which is what?
We give him exactly
what he wants.
[coyote howling]
[suspense music]
[handle rattling]
Charlie, you haven't
eaten anything.
Please just let me
see my mom and dad.
Your mother will be here soon.
First I'd like to introduce
you to someone else.
Someone really special.
[tense music]
[Marnie]
Hello, child. I'm Marnie.
This is my son-in-law, Justin.
I am so glad to
meet you, at last.
I'm your grandmother.
I'll be back.
Come here.
Looks like everything's
going to work out.
You'll stay here with me a while
while my boy goes and
fetches your mother.
You know, Charlie, I've
waited for this time to come
and you should know the
whole truth of what happened.
I had two daughters long ago.
One of them died,
the other ran away.
That was your mother.
And when I saw my little
girl finally on the internet
after all those years,
and you, a wonderful,
perfect child,
we came right to you,
all the way from Texas.
I rented this cabin so
we could all be together.
So you really are
my grandmother?
Yes.
I don't believe you.
- It's true.
I just wanna go home.
This is your home for
the next few weeks.
Then I'll find a place
to live far away.
Me, you, your mother and Justin.
But what about my dad?
Justin is your daddy now.
In time you'll
come to accept it.
I have so many years
to make up for.
[tense music]
[tense music]
[engine rumbling]
Justin, I want my daughter.
You haven't called the police.
No.
Get in the car, please.
[suspense music]
[engine revving]
For the longest time, I
never thought we'd find you.
It's ironic, if you had
never saved that woman's life
in the park, we'd
still be searching.
Who's we?
Your mother and I.
[intense music]
And we became real close
after you k*lled Ashley.
You never wondered
what became of her?
My mother?
She's the one
that's behind all of this?
- Yes.
[Alex]
What else has she done, Justin?
Tell me!
All you need to know
is you can't fight her.
She's got all the bases covered.
She's twisted your mind, Justin.
Can't you see that?
She made you k*ll
that crime writer.
I did what I had to do.
I got rid of that pesky
news reporter too.
You should be thanking me!
[scoffs] I kept them from
revealing your truth.
Then why did you
come to my house
in the middle of the night?
[Justin] Robert was standing in
the way too of our new family.
I didn't want to.
It's what she wanted,
and I'm sorry.
You didn't have to do this.
You didn't have
to do any of this.
I was wrong for running
away after what I did.
I should have never done that.
But what she's had
you do is monstrous.
You can stand up to her.
[Justin] Ah, there's no
"standing up" to that woman.
Now I go against her now,
she's just gonna
punish both of us. I'm...
I'm sorry.
Just don't fight it.
A whole lot better if
you don't fight it.
[grim music]
[insects chirping]
[Marnie]
They're almost here, dear.
Your mother's coming.
You wanna look nice
for her, don't you?
I just wanna go home.
- You are home!
But I understand
it's a bit of shock.
I was shocked once too
for a very long time.
But you have an advantage
over all of us child.
You're young and
young people adapt.
You'll come to love me
soon, I promise you will.
[engine rumbling]
[door rattles]
[Charlie] Mom!
- [Alex] Oh Charlie.
You have been such a
disappointment, Rose.
You have broken my heart so
many times,
[Carlie sniffles]
- but I forgive you.
Justin, take Charlie to her
room and then come right back.
We have some adult grownup
business to discuss.
[Alex] Oh, hey. It's okay.
- Really, it's okay.
- Come on, Charlie.
It's okay.
Sit!
[suspense music]
[door lightly latches]
You are both delusional
if you think I'll
stay here with you,
that Charlie will think of you
as family after all of this.
You'll both come to
see things my way.
We'll be here a very
long time until you do.
What are you saying?
My Love, you know,
discipline has always been
something I've excelled at.
It's how I made my fortune.
It's how I raised
you and your sister,
and it's how things will be now.
When Ashley died
and you disappeared,
poor Justin was so despondent
he'd lost all hope.
But I taught him how to
live through all of that.
And I've been planning
this for a very long time.
We both know exactly what to do.
And once it's all done,
everything will be right again.
[suspense music]
You wanna punish me?
You wanna take my daughter
and you wanna watch me
suffer just like you did!
[crickets chirping]
[Robert whispering] Charlie.
[suspense music]
[rock plinks]
[rock plinks]
[Robert whispering]
[suspense music continues]
[lock rattles]
[knob rattles and squeaks]
Mother, you've been
living in rage for years.
Please let Charlie go.
Don't make her pay for
something that I did.
[keys rattling]
Don't you see?
I don't hate you; I love you.
And you can still be
part of the family.
[lock clicking]
[suspenseful music]
[door creaking]
It's what dear Justin
wants, after all.
Look, it won't be so bad.
Look, we can be together.
The three of us,
we can be happy.
Look, I love you, Rose.
I love you, please
accept that love.
[Marnie] After everything
you put us through,
it's only fair.
[Justin] I would
give my life for you
to make sure we can all
be together in the end.
[indistinct murmuring]
It won't end well if you don't.
[suspense music]
Like I said, discipline
is my area of expertise
and I always get what I want!
No matter how long it takes.
Wow. You've always
been crazy, mother.
Oh. No, I'm just a woman who
wanted her family back,
and now that has happened,
and I'm happy.
[Robert whispering]
Come on. Come on.
[house alarm blaring]
Come on! Come on!
It's okay!
[Marnie] Stop right there!
[Robert] No, you stop.
Drop that g*n!
You are not taking my daughter!
Yes I am.
She's mine!
What are you doing?
[Marnie]
Do I make myself clear, Robert?
Drop that g*n,
bring me the child,
or there's gonna be another
death in the family!
Charlie!
- Mom!
You can't hurt her, Marnie!
Uh, you can't k*ll her
in front of Charlie!
Shut up, he'll do as he's told!
Drop that g*n in the bushes.
Now!
Please!
Over there!
It's okay.
Okay. Okay.
[Alex and Marnie screaming]
[foot crunching]
[intense music]
[Robert and Justin grunting]
[wood whacks]
Stand back. Get behind me!
[Justin] Rose!
Rose!
[Marnie laughing]
Get behind me.
[Robert] Yeah. I need to report
a kidnapping, and an attempted m*rder.
We're at a farm
approximately two miles south
of Highway 16 in Jackson Road.
Okay, that ought to do it.
Ready to take her for a spin?
- Yeah.
Remember the kickstand?
[Alex] Yep. Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Okay. bye-bye.
Who is that?
- My attorney.
The DA in Texas
offered me a plea deal.
Involuntary manslaughter,
three years probation,
200 hours of community service
that I can do from here.
Why would you plead guilty
to something you didn't do?
I just...
I wanna get this all behind us.
When mom and Justin go
to trial next month,
we can finally close
this chapter forever.
You sure?
- Yeah.
Thank you for being so
great through all this.
Well, for better or
for worse, right?
Yeah. And hopefully
for better from now on.
[Charlie] Mom, look,
Dad fixed the chain.
[Alex] I see that!
What do you say?
We hop on these bikes
and go get some ice cream.
- Yeah.
[Alex chuckles]
[Robert] All right, then.
Let's go!
[gentle music]
He walks like
shadows in the night
Footsteps soft,
whispers light
Oh, let him find
a secret place
Hidden beyond
the moon's embrace
Silent cries
between the stars
There you go, there you go
Oh, don't let him find you
In the night's quiet hue
Stay in the haven's boo
Don't let him...
[dramatic music]
[triumphant music]
[projector whirring]
[dramatic music]
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