My Mother Stole My Life (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[birds chirping]

[pulsating music]

Woman: Call Cliff.

[phone beeps]

[ring signal]

Hey. You've reached

Cliff Davrow.

Call the dealership.

[beep]

Woman's voice:

Platinum Hills Motors.

Hi. It's Susan.

- Oh, hi, Susan.

Is Cliff there?

Um, actually, he

didn't come in today.

OK. Thank you.



[door opens and closes]

[door opens]

[music intensifies]

Hey. Why didn't

you call me back?

[door closes]

What are you doing

home so early?

Well, I finished up at work.

All the floral arrangements are

set up for our client's event

and I managed to snag

some of my favourite...

[tense whisper] You

can't be here right now.

Uh, why can't I go

into my own home?

Something happened.

[pulsing music]

[sighs] Are you serious?

Oh, you promised me.

You promised me

that you would stop

getting into trouble.

What did you do?

[scoffs] No, I...

- -Please!

Get out of my way!

Please don't.

Get out of my way.

[gasps]

[gasps]

[moans] Who is that?

I'm handling it.

Did you k*ll somebody?

The last thing that

I'll ever want

is for you to be

involved in any of this.

I'm just trying to protect you.

Protect me? Protect me? If

you wanted to protect me,

then you would stop putting

our lives into jeopardy!

I cannot trust you!

Susan, you need to go, now.

I'm mixed up in something bad

with extremely dangerous people.

You, you've seen it.

You're in danger now.

You need to get as far away

from Pottstown as you can.

Disappear.

Give me your phone.

Give me your phone!

You can get a burner later.

You need to leave your car.

You can't go to the cops.

They can't help us now.

This is so much bigger

than you can imagine.

You promised me.

I'm sorry.

[upbeat pop]

This too.

I didn't think you kids

bought cards these days.

[chuckle]

I can't remember the last time

my daughter got me one of these.

That is gonna make

your mom very happy.

We'll see.

And that is going to be

seven-ninety please.

OK.

[dramatic music]

[car door closes]

[sigh]

[doorbell rings]

Recording: Hi. This is Susan.

Please leave a message.

[engine revving]

[sigh] Great.

[car door closes]

Natalie? What are

you doing here?

I'm here to see my mom.

After two years of no contact,

you just show up

on the doorstep?

Things didn't quite work

out the way I wanted.

Yeah. I've heard

that from you before.

Don't try to make

me feel bad, OK?

You're not my dad.

You don't get a say.

Ah, even if I wanted a say, you

wouldn't hear it, would you?

You're the one who changed

your number, Natalie.

You cut off all

your mom's attempts

to contact you after your fight.

Do you have any idea

how much you hurt her?

I know I screwed up, OK?

It's her birthday weekend.

I just wanted to surprise

her and try and fix things.

Is that so terrible?

Well, sorry, she's not home.

Her car is here.

She went out of town

for her birthday.

I drove her to the

airport. She has her phone.

So why are you really here?

To ask your mom for

more money again?

You think I only come around

when I need a handout?

You wanna talk about your past?

Where is she really? My

mom's not the type of person

to just leave town on a whim.

I don't even remember

the last time she

took a vacation.

A lot can change in

a few years, Natalie.

A lot can change.

I'll let your mom

know you stopped by.

[dramatic orchestral music]

[door closes and locks]

[phone rings]

Hello?

Luke, it's... Natalie.

Hell of a long time.

What number are you

calling me from?

Uh, I ditched my old

phone a while back.

This is my new number.

[chuckle] Oh.

Uh, where are you right now?

Um, I'm at work. I, uh, I've

got a few things to do. Why?

Can I see you later?

I gotta, I gotta stay

late. It's inventory time.

Want some company?

Sure, yeah.

Come by around ten or eleven.

OK. I'll see ya later.

See ya.

[dark music]



[cymbal splash]



Where the hell are you?

This can't wait any longer!



Excuse me?

Excuse me?

Excuse me, miss?

Do you know where

Laurel Road is?

No, sorry, I don't.

Thanks anyway.

Have a nice night.

[engine revving]

Luke: So, uh, back in town?

I... um, wanted to surprise

my mom for her birthday.

You two patch things up?

Uh, no, not yet.

But I'm here to

take responsibility

and apologize,

finally. [Sigh]

That's good. Why now?

I finally saved up enough

money to get back on my feet

and pay her back what I owe her.

So, what? You've been working

nonstop for like two years?

Yeah. I had a pretty

good situation

going on in Grass Valley.

Oh, in California?

What brought you there?

Do you really wanna know?

No, not really, but

go ahead anyway.

[exhale laugh]

I... met a guy.

Hey, you asked!

I just thought you wanted to

be single before you left.

I'm sorry.

So what's so special about

this, uh, California guy?

[chuckle] He's not someone

I ever thought I'd be into.

We worked and lived on this

urban farming collective

with like a dozen

other people and...

Nah, I'm gonna stop you right

there. Did you say farm?

You farmed? You dug in

the dirt with your hands?

Shut up. Yes. I needed a job

and, and a place to stay.

And it turns out I'm actually

kind of an amazing gardener.

I don't believe you. [Chuckle]

So where's this, uh,

this boyfriend of yours?

Things didn't work out.

Ah.

So you still like

being at this place?

Yeah. I got a promotion.

That's amazing.

At least Cliff did one

thing right: Hiring you.

Have you noticed anything

weird going on lately

between Cliff and my mom?

Well, your mom doesn't really

come around the dealership much.

Has Cliff been acting strange?

Ah, I just try and

keep my head down,

mind my own business.

Come on. You obviously

work long shifts.

You must see a lot.

OK. There's this guy;

He's been coming around.

He was here yesterday.

- Who?

I don't know. But

when he comes around,

they lock themselves into

Cliff's office and get into it.

Over what?

- Wish I knew.

I just see them going

through paperwork, arguing.

No. No! Nat! Nat! Nat, we

really shouldn't be in here.

I know, but something

weird is going on.

What do you mean?

Can I trust you?

Uh, yeah, I'd say so. We

dated for, like, three years.

I went to my mom's house

and her car was there;

Cliff insists she's on some trip

and he won't tell

me where and I,

and I saw blood on his sleeve!

Are you serious?

What if he hurt her? It

wouldn't be the first time

that he's lost his temper and.

Hey. Hey, look, maybe when

he was drinking, sure,

but he's been sober

for over a year.

Maybe that's changed.

[motor rumbling]

You said he was in here

arguing with some guy.

Maybe there's a clue.

Hide, hide, hide, hide!

[light switch

[clicks]

[door opens]

What's up, boss?

Hey.

[click]



[beeping]



[music intensifies]



[click]

'Night, Cliff.

Nat!

Yeah, he's gone.

Wait, wait, wait.

Where ya going?

I have to follow him.

I'm gonna come with you.

I can't have you mixed

up in this, Luke.

[car door closes /

engine starts outside]

If I need anything at all,

you will be the first

person I call. OK?

I promise. Gotta go.

I gotta catch up to

him. Thanks, Luke!

[door opens]

[sigh]

[door slams shut]

[sigh]

[gentle music]

[door squeaks open]

[door closes]

Are you looking

for a room, honey?

Um, I... Yes.

Well, I'm Martha.

I run the place.

I got an alert someone

was at the door.

Why don't you, uh,

come in, please!

Thank you.

[door opens]



[door closes]

If you'd like, I can

warm a kettle for you

Oh, that won't be necessary, no.

Just a room would be great.

OK, then. Uh, just one moment.



OK. So our rooms are

one forty-nine a night.

So with tax, that's one

fifty-seven forty-nine.

Um.

Oh, we take all

major credit cards.

I, uh, I don't

have one of those.

Debit works just as well.

I don't have one

of those either.

Rough night?

You could say that.

That's OK. The bank's

open in the morning.

I understand. I

apologize for, uh...

Oh, no. No, honey.

You can have the room.

You just square up

with me in the morning.

Oh, that would be

great. Thank you.

OK. Now I just need

a little information

before I get you your key.

Name?

[dramatic piano chord]

[stricken] Um.

You can use any name you like.

[slow piano and strings]

Natalie. My name's Natalie.



[engine revving and stopping]

[foreboding music]

[door closes]



[door closes]

[car lock signal beeps]

[door unlocks]

[tense percussive music]



[door handle clicks]

[door creaks open]



[door closes]



[water running]

Who is this? Oh.

Did you come back to the

house and take Susan's phone?

Well then, who did?

I could've sworn I put

it on the dresser!

No! I can't find it.

Susan's gone.

Now drop it.



[door opens]

[door closes]



[door opens]

[door closes]



[running footsteps]

[door slams shut]

[engine starts up]

[seat belt buckles]



Where are you, baby?

[musical sting]

Deleted! [Sigh]

[soft piano]

[sigh]



[phone rings]

Hey, Cos! Long time no talk.

Tom, uh, it's actually Natalie.

Natalie? Why you calling

on your mom's phone?

Uh, I'm back in town.

I came to surprise my

mom for her birthday,

but Cliff claims she's on

some solo birthday trip.

Is that true?

Uh, I wouldn't know.

I don't talk to your

mom much anymore.

Uh, I think something

bad might've happened.

Like what?

Can I come over?

I found my mom's

phone in the house.

And I'm pretty sure I

saw blood on the floor

and on Cliff's sleeve too.

And then he went and got

a g*n from his office,

and I heard him tell someone

on the phone that she's gone.

You saw all this?

I, uh, I snuck into Mom's

house, and Cliff's office.

Ah, Jesus, Natalie!

Do you know if Cliff's

been drinking again?

I'm not sure.

Cliff's not exactly someone

I like being around,

and that's why I don't

see your mom much anymore.

What if he hurt

her, Tom, or worse?

Let's be calm.

We'll figure it out.

I wanna talk to the sheriff.

Do you have anywhere

to stay tonight?

Guest room's yours

if you want it.

Thanks.



[music intensifies]



[traffic sounds]

[footsteps]

[lock rattles]

[door squeaks open]

[foreboding music]

[percussive sting]



What do you want?

You can't hide from what

your husband has done.

[screams]

[heavy breathing]

[distant siren wailing]

Dreaming. I'm dreaming.

I'm dreaming. [Whimper]

[small dog yapping]

[excited barking]

[sniffing]

[barking]

[sniffing]

[rustling leaves]

[musical crescendo]

Martha: And what a

pleasure to see you again.

Enjoy your breakfast.

Good morning. Did you sleep OK?

Then you can definitely

use some coffee.

Oh, we do have some

lavender for the tea.

We harvest it right here.

Lavender is actually

my favourite flower

but, uh, coffee's fine.

Thank you.

Let's have a seat.

Hm.

Let's talk about getting you

a fresh change of clothes.

I, uh.

There's a thrift store

right by the bank

and it's within

walking distance.

I really think

you're gonna like it.

Thank you.

How did you choose Springfield,

of all the places?

Well, years ago, my

daughter and I ended up here

on what was just

supposed to be a pit-stop

for a road trip

that we were taking.

And we, well, actually,

we fell in love with the

charming streets and

the friendly people.

We spent the entire day

exploring, and laughing,

and just making memories.

I remember thinking I would

love to open a flower shop

in this town.

Oh, you're a florist then?

Uh, no. I am an event planner,

but I specialize in

floral arrangements.

Martha, I am gonna go

to the bank this morning

and I promise I will get

you the money I owe you.

Are you planning on staying

with us another night?

Yes, if I can afford it.

Well, if it helps,

I can offer you,

um, an extended stay discount.

Thank you.

[traffic sounds]



[door squeaks open]

[door closes]

[sigh]

Clerk: Good morning, Ma'am.

I'd like to rent

a P.O. Box.

Certainly.

All right. We have box

seven-six-eight available.

What's the name for the box?

Natalie Miller.

[door opens and closes]

[distant dog barking]



I'll pay you back every cent.

OK. OK.

Sheriff: That's everything?

Thank you for taking the time.

Sure. I would've

been here earlier,

but it's been a rough morning.

It's not often we see this

kind of stuff in Pottstown.

Wha-what do you mean?

What kind of stuff?

I take it you haven't

watched the news.



A body was found in the woods.

Do you know who it is?

Male. We have no

ID yet so...

Oh. That's terrible.

I'll look into this and

get back to you soon, OK?

Tom: Thank you, Sheriff.



[door jingles]

Hi! Welcome to

my boutique.

Thank you.

You have a beautiful

flower selection.

Thank you.

Coleadus?

Yes, it is. You really

know your flowers.

Most people mistake that

for bird of paradise.

Ah, well, I plan events.

Or I used to.

Oh, in town?

Uh, no, where I used to live.

Where was that?

Arizona.

Wow! You've come

a long way.

What brings you all

the way to Springfield?

A fresh start.

[chuckle]

I saw in the window; Your

sign says that you're hiring.

Yes. Yes, we are.

Here ya go.

Thank you.

Well, I will fill this

out as soon as possible.

OK.

It was nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

[gentle music]



[door squeaks open]

Susan: Uh, I have your money

and I would like

to extend my stay.

Mm, it's a new credit card

so I don't have the

physical one yet.

[beeping]

[card processing beep]

You keep in mind that a, a

credit card is a breadcrumb.

I didn't have much of a choice.

You don't wanna be

leaving any traces,

especially if you're running

from something or someone.

Thank you.

You know... I've seen a

lot of women come and go

through here, each with

their own story to tell,

and most just passing

through... some escaping.

I was that woman once.

Oh, honey, what are

you running from?

I saw something that

I shouldn't have.

My husband got mixed up

in I don't know what.

I just feel like I am

constantly being watched,

like they're gonna come

and find me at any moment.

That feeling's likely to

stay with you for a while.

But you remember, not

every look is a threat

and not everyone

is out to get you.

You've made it this

far, so you concentrate

on just staying under the radar.

Springfield, it's a

great place to hide.

There's a lot of people

that pass through

but not many stay.

I'm gonna need a job

to get by. Uh, I have...

[papers rustling]

This place is hiring.

Imani. She's also been

through a lot herself,

kinda likes to

play by the rules,

if you know what I mean.

But we go way back.

If you'd like, I can put

in a good word for you.

I'd appreciate

that. Thank you.

Tom: OK, hear me out.

Cliff said your mom's gone.

What if she just left him?

Why would she leave

without her car?

Do you have any idea

where she might have gone?

Maybe we should call some people

and see if they heard from her.

Newsman: And authorities

have now identified the body

found in the woods this morning.

The autopsy is

currently underway,

and the case is being

treated as a homicide.

Local police are

investigating the death,

urging the public to come

forward with any details

that may lead to this

man's last [shuts off]

Natalie's back in town.

She staying at your place?

No.

Then where is she?

I don't know, a hotel maybe.

Could she be at Tom's?

Well, when you find out

where she's staying,

you let me know.

Sure. Will do.



[door opens and closes]

Thanks. Uh, yeah. I'll let you

know if I hear from her.

[paper tears and crumples]

Sorry. I've been

dealing with this build

for an important client.

Any luck with the calls?

Nope. Just another person who

has no idea where Mom is.

[phone chimes]

What is this? It's a

fraud alert on my phone.

Tom: Someone steal

your credit card?

I don't have one with this bank.

Hello?

What the hell did you do, Cliff?

I told you never to contact me.

I just saw it on the news. They

found the body of that man.

What did you get us into?

Listen to me! Do

not call me again.

Don't try to contact anyone

back here. Understand?

Especially Natalie.

What about Natalie?

What about Natalie?

She's the least of your

concerns right now.

What? [Stammering] What, what,

what does that mean? What?



Customer service: There was a

new card opened in your name

and I wanted to confirm the

latest transaction with you.

Someone opened a card in my

name? That, that wasn't me.

So you didn't open a new card

and have it mailed to

Springfield, Massachusetts?

Nope. Sorry, wait.

Where? Where was it?

Springfield, Massachusetts.

And what was the address?

1456 Lake Road, Box 768.

Was that you, Ms. Miller?

Uh, no, it wasn't.

OK. I'll investigate

the matter

and make sure it's

taken care of.

Thank you.

- You're welcome.

What's going on?

Someone opened a

credit card in my name.

Do you think it was Mom?

Uh, uh, I don't know.

You think she'd do

something like that?

Well, if she did take off,

then she's gonna need

money that can't be traced.

The address comes up

as a commercial mailbox

in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield, uh, how would

we even begin to find her?

We took a road trip

there a few years ago.

We stayed in a hotel, but

I can't remember the name.

But if I saw it again.

Yeah, yeah, it's worth a shot.

It's a six-hour or

so drive from here.

Will you go with me?

Of course. I'll drive. Just

let me pack up some stuff.



[paper tears]

[phone rings]

Dammit.

[seat belt clicks open]

[door opens]

[door slams shut]

[eerie music]



[quiet steps up the stairs]

[music intensifies]



[cracking]



[door slides closed]



Imani: Martha from

the inn called.

She said I'd be a

fool not to hire you.

Well, she's very kind.

She mentioned you were

going through a tough time.

Yeah, you could say that.

Oh, I've been there too.

Martha is the greatest support.

I don't know if I'd

still have this goldmine

if it wasn't for her.

Your resume is

pretty impressive.

Oh, thank you.

I'll be honest. I could

really use your experience

because I'm planning to

expand my flower section

at the boutique.

Well, how long have

you had the business?

Oh, nine years.

It was originally a

partnership with my husband.

Oh, a family

business, that's nice.

[scoff] Not anymore.

Unfortunately, things

didn't work out between us.

Yeah, marriage is tough.

And plus, some business

on top of it is.

I fought tooth and

nail for this place.

But now that the divorce

is finally settled,

thankfully it's

all mine. [Chuckle]

Uh, you know, I don't

normally make decisions

this quickly but with

the growing interest

of my clients toward

the floral arrangements,

I could really use

your experience.

So, when can you start?

Oh, uh, immediately, if

you'd like. [Chuckle]

Tomorrow morning then?

Yes. Perfect.

[engine revs]

[phone rings]

Luke keeps calling.

I should answer this.

Hey. What's up?

Hey! Yeah. I, I was trying

to reach you all day.

Sorry, it's been crazy.

Did you hear about that body

they found in the woods?

That's why I was calling you.

That's the guy I was telling

you about that kept coming

around the dealership

meeting with Cliff.

Oh, my God.

Where are you now?

Uh, I'm with Tom.

We think we may

have found my mom.

[bad reception]

Really? Where?

Reception's really

spotty out here.

I think I'm losing you.

I'll call you back, OK?

Wait, wait, wait! Nat, Nat?

[line beeping]

Sheriff Handley, can I help you?

I'd like to ask you

a few questions.

Is there a problem?

We can talk inside or

down at the station.

It's your choice.

[tense music]



[chairs scrape floor]

We've seen records

of multiple calls

to your phone from

the victim's number.

He was a customer.

Why so many calls?

He was a tough negotiator,

uh, drove a hard bargain.

Why was he dealing

with you directly

and not one of your salespeople?

He was interested in a

luxury car, a custom model.

Uh, he wanted to discuss

it directly with me.

Where's your

wife, Mr. Davrow?

Susan? Uh, she's...

She went on a trip,

for her birthday.

Hm. And where exactly

is she staying?

If you could just give me

her hotel name and number.

She... she didn't give

me the exact address.

It's not a hotel. It's

a vacation rental.

Your wife goes on a

trip for her birthday,

and you don't know

where she's staying?

That's unusual, Mr. Davrow.

[sigh] Susan values her

independence. I trust her.

Hm.

And where were you

two nights ago?

I was here at home, catching

up on some paperwork.

Is that right? Because

we also got word

that you were seen at the

dealership that evening.

And you took a g*n

from your office.

No. No. That's not true.

Where is your wife, really?

Look, I already told you.

Can I ask what this is about?

You know, your past

doesn't do you any favours.

DUI, two arrests,

that bar fight.

I've changed since

then, Sheriff.

Yeah, well.

We got a missing woman and

a dead man on our hands.

Quite a coincidence

for such a small town,

don't you think?

(dramatic music)

[sigh] Well, I was right.

This is the hotel

that we stayed at

but she's not here.

I checked at the front desk.

They didn't recognize

her by name or by photo.

Did you try any of the other

aliases she might be using?

I checked for a reservation

under my name, but nothing.

OK. I guess we'll try the place

with the post office box.

I booked us a place

for the night.

We need some rest, kiddo.

I don't know if I could close

my eyes, let alone sleep.

Look, I know you're worried,

but your mom, she's

resilient, she's smart.

If anyone's gonna

find her, you will.

[stairs creaking]

[mysterious music]



Natalie, are you

OK? What's wrong?

Someone has been in my

room. I... [stammers]

The door was open

when I got here.

OK. You come with me. Let's

check the security cameras.

There.

Looks like it was just

Maria, my housekeeper.

I think she just got called

away by another guest

and simply forgot to

pull your door closed.

I am so sorry.

Look, I want you to

know I'm here for you.

And I want you to feel safe to

share whatever you need to.

I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Just when things are

starting to get better.

Like the other

night, a man simply

asked me for directions

and later I dreamt he

was coming to k*ll me.

You mentioned you had a husband.

Was he ever violent with you?

No. He... he was a big

drinker though and...

He never hit me, but

he had a bad temper.

Well, you did well to

get away from that.

You did real well.

I just keep feeling like,

whatever he was into,

it's not over.

They are gonna come and get me.

[sobbing]

[distant dog barking]

[liquid pouring]

[carafe clatters]



Natalie? Natalie!

I have a situation.

I have a family emergency

and I need to be on a plane

to Chicago this afternoon.

I'm just, I'm simply

out of time and options.

Well, how can I help?

Well, um, I checked out

a few guests this morning

and I've cancelled

all the reservations

for the next few days, and

that just leaves you here.

Would you mind watching over

the place while I'm gone?

And of course I'll comp

your stay for the favour.

Of course. What do I need to do?

Well, really just, just

look after the place.

Maria, the housekeeper

that you saw

on the security video...

- Yeah.

She's gonna come

by later on today.

And other than that,

you should have the

place to yourself.

Thank you so much. The

keys to the kingdom.

[keys jingle]

[pensive music]



Hey Luke, what's up?

- Hey.

Yeah, um, I'm at the dealership

and the cops are here.

Cliff never showed up to work.

Apparently, he left town.

Did he say where he was going?

His secretary said he

didn't mention where.

But listen, um, I overheard

the sheriff and...

I don't think he was

supposed to leave.

We got disconnected last time.

Where'd you head off to?

Springfield, Massachusetts. I

think my mom might be here.

Really? Why there?

Uh, I can't get really

into it right now

but thank you for

telling me about Cliff.

I'll call you later, OK?

No worries. Good luck.



What's going on?

Cliff skipped town.

That could mean he's

looking for my mom.



[door opens]

How can I help you?

Hi. Um, have you

seen this woman?

I'm not allowed to give

out customer information.

It's an emergency. She's

my mom and she's missing.

She opened a box,

seven-six-eight.

[computer keys clicking]

That box is registered

to a Natalie Miller.

That's me. She's

using my identity.

Please. I think she

might be in danger.

[sigh]

She did come here, rented a

mailbox and paid in cash.

OK. Well, she must

have filled out a form.

Did she leave another address

or her contact information?

I really shouldn't

be telling you this.

There's a phone number.

I won't give it to you,

but I'll try calling

it now myself.

[keyboard clicking]

[unintelligible

operator dialogue]

[phone into cradle]

The number's been disconnected.

Seems like it's a fake.

Is there any other information

that she may have

left behind? Any clue?

Please. I'm really worried

that something bad's

gonna happen to her.

I'm sorry.

Sir, we're running out of time.

If she opened a mailbox here,

she must be staying close by.

Is there a hotel or vacation

rental we should check?

There's about fourteen

places around here.

OK, fourteen. All right,

well, let's split up.

Thank you.

Imani: So this is my

candle antique table.

As you already know, I change it

very frequently

due to the wood, you know.

Nice dusting here.

- Mm-hm.

And then this is

my clothing area.

Still deciding if

I wanna keep it.

OK.

- And then of course,

I told you about my boutique

flower section here.

Yes.

- You can have a look.

Oh! And you know what?

We just got some

new wildflowers in.

You're gonna love them.

I've been to three out

of the four places.

There's no sign of her, nothing.

Tom: Yeah, I struck out at the

two places I looked at.

I'm about to walk

into another one now.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Me too, kiddo. Me too.

Oh, hi there.

- Hi.

Oh, I'm so sorry. We're

closed for the next few days.

If you'd like, I can get you

a list of some nearby

accommodations.

I'm actually not

looking for a room.

I'm wondering if

you've seen this woman.

Oh... I haven't.

Her name's Susan.

She might be going under

an alias: Natalie Miller.

No, I definitely haven't.

If you want, you can leave

information with me

and, if she shows up...

OK, yeah. That would

be great. Thank you.

It's, uh, it's Tom.

Great.

OK. Thank you.

No problem.

[music darkens]

[car door opens]

[car door closes]

Imani, Martha. Is Natalie there?

Yeah. She's in the back

sorting out new inventory. Why?

Some man just showed

up looking for her.

His name is Tom Cullen.

Oh, and he says that

Natalie's real name is Susan.

OK. Let me get her.

Uh... Imani, look,

I've really gotta run

or I'm gonna be

late for a flight.

Do you mind just taking

down the information

and maybe passing

it along to her?

Of course.

And do me a favour. Give

me a buzz or text me.

Just, just let me know

everything is OK.

I really wanna make

sure she's safe.

I will.

No, it's Susan. Davrow.

D-A-V-RO-W. Yeah, thanks anyway.

Explore our lavender garden

at the back of the inn.

What are you doing

home so early?

Well, I finished up at

work and I managed to snag

some of my favourite flowers.

Lavender.

Natalie, someone showed up

at the inn looking for you.

Who was it?

A man, Tom Cullin.

Do you know him?

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

He left his business

card with Martha.

I have the information here.

Did you want to call him?

Yes.

OK. You can use the shop phone.

I'll give you some privacy.



The number's here.

Thank you.

Mm-hm.

Hello?

Tom? It's me.

Oh, my God, Susan! Are

you OK? Where are you?

You shouldn't have come

here, Tom. It's not safe.

I'm not gonna let you go

through this on your own.

How on earth did

you track me down?

You applied for a credit

card using Natalie's name.

The fraud department called

us and gave us the address.

Oh, Natalie? Oh, my God.

She's not with you, is she, Tom?

'Cause I cannot bring

my daughter into this.

Susan, just give me the

address and I'll come get you.

No! No! You have

to get out of town!

Cliff is just mixed up

into something terrible.

I don't care about Cliff.

We're family. I came

here to help you.

Just give me the address,

and we'll figure

this out together.

OK. Uh, the name

is Imani's Boutique

and I will meet you around back.

OK. I'll see you there.

[foreboding music]



[door slowly opens]

[door squeaks closed]



[door opens]

[door closes]



[door opens]



[percussive music]

[screams] [moaning]

[moans]

Here ya go.

Oh, thank you. Whoa!

Do you think it's broken?

Should we go to the hospital?

No.

Susan! Oh, my God.

Oh, Tom.

What happened?

I'm gonna call the police.

Thank you.

They must've... they

must've tracked me down.

Who? Wh-who tracked you down?

Whoever Cliff is mixed up with.

I need the police over here.

My friend was attacked.

I'm done. I am done running

and I'm done hiding.

The police need

to know the truth.

Are you hurt anywhere else?

No.

Did you see who did this to you?

They attacked me from behind

and then a car came

and spooked them off.

They got away before I had

a chance to see who it was.

I'm not gonna let anything

else happen to you.

[phone rings]

Hey. Any luck?

Tom: Hey I, uh, I

found your mom.

Where is she?

Uh, OK. She's been

attacked. Um, she's at

Imani's Boutique.

OK. Can you send me the address?

Yes, of course.

See you soon.

[door jangles

Mom!

Oh, my God.

[sob]

I can't believe you're here.

But as much as I have

dreamed of this moment,

just being with you...

you're not safe.

I'm not gonna let you

handle this on your own.

Whatever Cliff has

gotten you involved in.

No. I, I called the police.

OK.

I told them.

I was scared. Cliff convinced

me not to say anything,

but I am not doing that anymore.

I'm so sorry for

everything, Mom.

Oh, no, Honey, we don't

have to talk about this now.

No, no. I need to apologize.

I was, I was wrong

and irresponsible

and, and I lashed out at you.

But it wasn't even

really even about that.

I just, I was just upset

because I hated seeing you

with someone like Cliff.

Yes, well...

It's OK, sweetie 'cause

you were right all along.

I never should've married Cliff.

If I hadn't changed my number,

you could have

called me right away

when all this happened.

I was so selfish.

But, but I can pay you

back now, every penny.

No, you don't have to.

[sniffs] I owe you.

I stole your name.

At least it brought

us back together.

It brought us back to a mess.

I don't care about

any of that, Mom.

We have each other now.

[sobs]

This is probably not the

best time to bring this up

but, um, happy belated birthday.

[laughs] Oh! Oh, I forgot

about that. [Chuckle]

I, uh, I got you a card

but left it behind.

No, you are the best

gift I could ever want.

[door jingles]

So, uh, what do we do now?

Well, I promised the owner

of the inn that I would

take care of her

place for the weekend.

She's having a family emergency,

so we could all stay there.

You were just attacked. I

think it's best we left town.

Well, uh, no.

The police want

me to stick around

while they look into things,

and the inn has a

security system. [Sniffs]

Yeah. Whatever you think's best.



[door closes]

[keys jangle and lock turns]



[music intensifies]



This is it.

Honestly, now that I

have told the police,

I feel like a weight

has been lifted.



[musical sting]



[city traffic and sirens]

Natalie: The place is cute!

Tom: Definitely

has character.

Well, I'll give you guys a tour.

Thank you.

Martha says the kitchen

is fully stocked so...

Oh, I'd k*ll for

some food right now.

OK.

I'll make you a

birthday dinner, Mom.

Uh, Honey, since

when can you cook?

Living on a farm in Northern

California does wonders.

That's where you've been?

You've been living on a farm?

[chuckle]

Oh, my girl, you really have

changed and grown and just...

Oh, oh... I'm going to

have to take a shower,

and I will make sure that

your rooms are ready.

Thank you. This is

really a nice place.

You know, after this

whole thing blows over,

if it ever does, I

just might stay here.

Well, it doesn't look

like you need my help.

I'm gonna go out to the

car and grab the luggage.

OK.

[door closes]

[door opens]

[light switch clicks]

[shout]

Don't scream.

Just listen.

Promise me. Huh?

[heavy breathing]

You tried to k*ll me.

No. No, I didn't. I would

never wanna hurt you.

[grunts]

[grunts & moans]

[heavy breathing]

Oh, God. Oh, my God.

OK. [Heavy breathing]

[door opens]

Oh!

[gasps] I knocked him out.

It's OK, Mom.

We've got to go.

What's going on up here?

Oh, my God. Are you OK?

OK. I'm gonna call the police.

OK.

He has a g*n.

[heavy breathing]

Why didn't he use his g*n?

If he wanted to k*ll

me, he could have.

[mysterious music]

Is he still alive, Nat?

He's alive. He has a pulse.

Hey, Mom.

Yeah.

What's the room downstairs

by the entrance?

That's Martha's office.

Why do you ask?

Uh, just wondering.

The door is open, but it

wasn't when we got here.

Why don't you go downstairs,

and I'll keep an

eye on Cliff, OK?

OK.

[gasps]

[moaning]



[musical sting]



I, I thought you were

gonna call the police.

I already did.

They're on their way.

[phone error beep]

The number you have dialed

has been disconnected.

Oh, no.

Did you go into the

office out front?

No. Why?

What?



Why would he lie?



Where's my phone?



[clicking]

[phone clatters into cradle]

When, when did the police say

they were gonna get here?

Any minute.

Susan: You did call them, right?

Tom: Of course I did. Why do

you keep asking me that?

I just wanna make sure.

Why do I feel like I'm

being interrogated here?

Hey, I'm just asking

you a question!

[gasps] What...? [screams]

Tom!

Get away from her.

Hi. This is Martha from

the Lavender Trail Inn.

I was wondering, um...

I'm out of town right now

and my security cameras are

completely non-functional.

Could you possibly

send somebody by

to check out the place?

I have a guest that I'm

really concerned about.

What the hell do you

think you're doing?

There are cameras in here.

I turned them off.

[flashback whoosh]



So it was you in

Martha's office.

And you took my phone

too, didn't you?

You were in the house

that night with Cliff.

Weren't you?

That's why he was so stressed.

None of this would've

happened if not

for your husband.

This is all his fault.

Well, there's, there's

no need to hurt us.

If Cliff is responsible,

then, then you were just

an innocent bystander.

Unless you were the one

who k*lled that man.



Tom...

Tom, we're family.

Family? Susan, we barely speak.

[whimpers]

But whenever your husband

gets in hot water,

you know who he comes to? Me.

I don't understand.

Cliff was gonna

lose the dealership.

He didn't want you to find

out so I got him an investor.

But the guy was a crook, kept

demanding more and more.

Then he started

threatening the both of us.

He came to your house.

So I did what I had to

do and got rid of him.

Tom, what, what the

hell did you do?

Didn't have a choice.

You didn't have to k*ll him!

What are we gonna do now?

We're gonna have

to hide the body.

Are you insane?

Oh, my God. Susan's

home early.

I thought you said

she was working late.

I thought she was.

Cliff, if she sees this...

Stay here. Let me handle this.



[flashback whoosh]

You k*lled that man

and then I came home.

And then I was the only witness.

Right? Right?

So what was your plan?

You, you wanted to k*ll me?

God! It was you who

attacked me at the boutique.

Oh, Tom! [Crying]

You and Cliff buried

the body that night.

When I got to the house,

Cliff was all dirty and

the blood.



[flashback whoosh]

[shovels digging in earth]

Give me your shovel.

I'll get rid of it.

Throw your clothes in my car.

I'll take care of those too.

Now there's just one loose end.

Susan didn't see

anything. I told you.

I scared her enough

to disappear, OK?

It's taken care of.

I did what I had to do.

[groaning]

Tom? You're gonna put

the g*n down, OK,

because you will not

get away with this.

[pulsing music]



You're right.

This, uh, this isn't me.

I don't even recognize

myself anymore.

Tom, give me the g*n.

Give me the g*n.

[screams ] Oh, no, no! No!

No! [Grunting]

[grunting and groaning]

We have to get outta here.

Come on!

[grunting and groaning]

[g*nsh*t]

[screams]

[heavy breathing]

[thud and groan]

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God.

[shuddering breaths]

[sobs]

[shuddering breaths]

[clunk]



I'm so sorry...

for everything.

[approaching sirens]

I told you to

disappear that night

because Tom wanted you dead.

I hoped one day I

could, I could find you,

explain it all, make it right.

[whimpers]

But you wouldn't give up.

[sobbing]

I knew he'd track you down.

I, I had to stop him.

[sirens approach outside]

I'm gonna turn myself in.

[sobs]

I love you.

[sobs]

I don't blame you

if you hate me.

I'm sorry.

[heavy breathing]

Oh, it's OK. We're safe now.

[sobs]

It's OK. It's OK.

We're safe now.

We're safe now.



[birds chirping]

[waves lapping to shore]

Susan: Look what came

in this morning.

Martha: You are gonna be

booked solid in no time.

Mm. Thanks to the two of you.

Thank you, Imani, for

taking a chance on me.

And thank you for saying

such kind words to Imani.

We would've never hit it

off so fast if you hadn't.

I decided to partner

with you for your talent,

not because of

Martha's nice words.

You listen to her.

OK.

That's pretty.

[admiring remarks]

Right?

Honey, you look beautiful.

Oh, thanks, Mom. You do too.

Thank you.

Mom, I know I said it already

but I'm, I'm really sorry

for all of the lost

time, you know,

all the birthday parties

and the little moments.

No. What's done is

done. What matters now

is that we are both

here together, right?

Yeah.

Because we have a lot

of catching up to do.

Yeah, we sure do. [Chuckle]

Looking forward to it.

[light heartfelt music]

[happy sigh]



[chuckle]

[happy chatter]

So. Hello!

We come bearing gifts.

And for you.

So, a quick toast before

the guests get here.

Happy birthday.

Happy birthday to Martha.

To Martha! [Chuckle]

Thank you!

To new family.

Yeah.

New family.

Mm! That's delicious.

More!

Mm .[laughter]