New Jersey Devil (2026)

[bunniefuu]

[ominous music]

[Hope] You think

something's actually going on?

[Jeremiah] No, someone

probably just forgot to lock a door.

Want me to come with you?

We ain't paying Sophie an extra hour.

Plus I'll have to walk the grounds

and double check everything.

Dumb.

They better add this to your overtime.

[scoffs] Oh, they will.

Alright, I'll see you in an hour.

Yep. Love you. Love you.

[Sophie] You guys had a nice date?

Of course. Thank you.

What did you girls do?

[Candace] She studied for like an

hour. And then she made me watch TV.

And then we played in the backyard...

She made you watch TV?

That's one way to put it. I have

finals in two days, I told her that.

Does that mean you need to get home early?

No, I'm done.

Candace and I were in the middle

of an intense game of monopoly.

And I'm winning.

But whatever works. I can go

home in the morning if it's easier.

Kay. Well, I do need to log

in and get some work done.

Okay. [Hope] But, if you need to go

home after, one of us can take you.

[Hope] Or

We can play another round.

As long as Daddy doesn't

play. He cheats way too much.

Why, cause he doesn't let you win?

You're not even letting me win.

[gentle, pensive music]

[doorknob clatter]

[wood creaking]

[suspenseful music]

[glass door sliding]

[Hope] There's... there's

cash. There... there's jewelry.

Just take whatever you want and leave.

[Adrian] Anyone else in the house with you?

No. [Tucker] Don't lie to us.

[Hope] There's no one else.

[Adrian] There better not be.

Bring her in the next room.

[Tucker] Don't try anything.

I'll take those, too.

Please, there's plenty in the

safe, you... you don't need these.

I want them.

[Adrian] Give me the rings.

[somber music]

[Adrian] Here's what's going to happen.

[Adrian] You are going to stay down

here with Tucker. And if you cooperate

Once we're done. We'll leave.

Cooperate?

You know what he means.

Please you can take

whatever you want, just don't...

Shut up. And put your

hands behind your back.

[tense music]

[Hope struggling]

[Hope grunts in pain]

Okay, come on.

[suspenseful, emotional music]

I'm going to text the police so

we don't make too much noise.

We have to help her. They're hurting her.

It's going to be okay. Listen, just

Shut it out and pray. Okay? Here.

[pop music playing through band]

[tense music]

[Adrian] That was stupid.

Don't.

Take a breath. [Tucker] She broke my nose.

I said take a breath.

[exhales]

You're not even bleeding, you big baby.

[tense, emotional music]

[breathing]

[phone vibrates]

[sighs]

[door knob movement]

[Adrian] Why is this door locked?!

[Adrian] Did you lie to us?

[door hit]

[door hit louder]

[door knocked open]

[suspenseful music swells]

[g*nshots]

[Jeremiah] You okay?

[Hope] Check the girls. Go!

[Adrian] Ah, crap.

[window movement]

[music fades out, footsteps]

[Jeremiah] Girls?

In here.

[emotional music] [Jeremiah] Sophie?

[Candace] Daddy!

Candace.

[Sophie] I'm okay. He went out the window.

Uh. Kayla said the police were coming.

Is Mommy going to be okay?

Yes.

[window unlatches]

Jer, let the police handle it.

[window opens]

We need you here. Please?

[Sophie] Jeremiah.

[heartbeat, shallow breathing]

[demonic, raspy inhale. Heartbeat stops]

[tribal, percussive music]

If Melissa's not busy I want to apologize.

You apologized on the phone. And

Melissa told you then it wasn't necessary.

Well, I ought to say something.

You can't. They won't be

home for another two hours.

Melissa got called in for work, but

she'll be back for her lunch break.

Were you going to tell me

that before I left you here alone?

I just found out five minutes ago.

And no, because I knew

you wouldn't want to leave.

That's correct. Or I'd

take you back home and let

her pick you up from

there on her lunch break.

I can't. They're expecting a

package someone has to sign for.

[scoffs] What?

You serious?

[emotional music]

Sophie, someone should be here for you.

Somebody was.

[Sophie] All of you. Last night. And um...

[Sophie] This morning.

Otherwise I don't think I would have

made it through the night. Mentally.

But um

I have to be home now.

Your family needs you.

You are family to us.

I wish I was.

I love you. Tell Candace

and Hope I said that, too.

I will.

[Jeremiah] And you better

check in later otherwise

we're all going to drive

right back over here.

Okay.

Love you, too.

[emotional music continues]

[emotional music fades out]

[Kayla] They found him.

[Kayla] He ran in front of

a car in Lacey. Hit and run.

He's dead.

[Kayla] They found your rings

on him. They weren't damaged.

[somber ambient music]

I'm sorry, Hope.

[Denny] Morning.

Morning.

How's everyone doing?

Uh.

About as well as can be expected.

[Jeremiah] But we're grateful.

It could've been a lot worse.

What made you turn around?

Couldn't find the key to the school.

Thought for sure I left it hanging up.

Well, did you? [Jeremiah] No.

When I took Sophie home this

morning I checked the keychain

[Jeremiah] And it was right there.

Must've been too dark last night.

Hm. Must've been.

So Sophie's parents

waited until now to see her?

[somber music] Uh...

she wanted to stay with us.

And they were okay with that?

Well, they're

Interesting people.

Guess so.

Well, I'm glad everything's okay.

[Denny] Glad everyone's okay, um

This kind of thing justwell.

It doesn't happen around here.

No, it doesn't.

Take it easy.

[doorbell]

Still sick?

Thank you guys for coming.

We missed you. And...

We were worried.

Just so you guys know, I

[Sophie] I've been sick to my stomach.

Ever since it happened so

It wasn't a total lie.

We know.

I just wanted to pretend

like it never happened.

[Sophie] So...

I've been avoiding it. And you guys.

And I'm sorry.

It's okay. And if you

need more time, it's fine.

But, uh we have to ask you something.

[Jeremiah] We've been discussing it for a

while. We spoke to John

and Melissa last week.

[Jeremiah] They were

planning to move you out.

To where?

Uh, they had a few things

in mind. It's not important.

What is, is that we

We want you to... come stay with us.

Are you serious?

Yeah.

We know that things

have been hard around

here for for a while.

[Hope] We love you. Candace loves you.

You already spend so much

time at our house already, so...

[Hope] Why not make it official?

What's the catch?

As far as we're concerned

you've never had real parents.

A lot of guardians.

[Jeremiah] But you deserve

better than that. And

[Jeremiah] We want to give it to you.

So you're more than welcome to just

come stay with us as a family friend.

[Jeremiah] But uh...

We'd like to adopt you.

[emotional music]

You can take time to think.

Uh. What's there to think about?

[Sophie] Are you serious?

[uplifting, emotional music]

[Jeremiah] Morning.

Morning.

You know, most kids sneak out at night.

You're up early.

[Jeremiah] Yeah, I woke up an hour

ago and couldn't get back to sleep.

You taking a walk?

Yeah, uh. I have pepper spray

on me. The knife you gave me.

Could take the g*n, too.

Well, when you're old enough to

concealed carry, we'll talk about that.

I'll be back before you leave for work.

Okay. See ya. See you.

[raspy inhale]

[suspenseful music]

[raspy inhale]

[suspenseful music fades out]

[somber, mysterious music]

[gasps]

Hey, you okay?

[Sophie] Dude. You good?

[somber, eerie music]

[Dylan] Yeah, I just

Stopped to rest for a minute.

[Dylan] I'm good.

Okay. Sorry to bother you. I just

wanted to make sure you were alive.

I will be. Till my dad

gets his hands on me.

Do you need help?

[Dylan] No.

You get what you deserve

and I've made some

Bad choices.

Uh, who hasn't?

I've learned it's what you do after

those choices that really matters.

Maybe for some people.

[Dylan] Too late for me.

But I appreciate your optimism.

Sophie?

That's your name?

How did you know?

[coughing]

Just heard it in my head. I'm Dylan.

Uh huh. Okay.

You take care of yourself, Dylan. And um...

I hope things get better for you.

[somber, eerie music fades out]

[Santina] What's it

like having a sister now?

It's cool, I guess. I really like

Sophie, she's my best friend.

Second best friend.

[Santina] Who's first. Mom? Or dad?

Mackenzie. She's in my class at school.

Do you have any concerns?

No.

[Santina] What about the fact

that Sophie will be the oldest now?

Does that bother you at all?

Not really. She's in charge

when she babysits, anyways. So...

Kind of the same.

[Santina] But babysitting and being

here all the time are very different.

I know. My parents

talked to me about it a lot.

[Candace] And I care more about

Sophie than I do being the oldest.

[somber, emotional music]

Candace says you're her best friend.

Second best friend. Kenzie's first.

What's your relationship

like with Jeremiah and Hope?

Pretty good.

Has it always been like that?

Yeah. They were always nice, and

Real.

Sometimes they'd come home

and - and Candace would be in bed.

And we'd talk. Watch movies.

[Sophie] Play games.

Uh, sometimes I'd come by the house when

Candace wasn't here to

help out. And hang out.

Uh, yeah.

Okay, the next one's tough.

Bring it.

[Santina] You've had a few

foster parents in the past.

You were with the

Castellis since you were ten.

And in your own words, here

You've been let down time and time again.

[Santina] By every parental

figure that's been in your life.

So, what makes you think the

Tatums will be any different?

When I was just their babysitter.

And they could have

hired anyone else, any time.

They stuck by me. Even when I

came over in a mood because of

Things going on at home, uh...

You know, they

They set boundaries, they didn't let

me get away with being a brat but...

They were gentle. And

Even before adoption came up

They were the closest thing

to real parents I've ever had.

So it's already been different.

[Santina] Thank you so much

for having me in your home.

It's been a pleasure.

Of course. Thank you.

Um. Is there anything that we should

know? Anything we should be working on?

Hm. No, not really.

But since you're adopting a

teenager with quite the history

There will be challenges that come with.

[Santina] But you're both well aware

and prepared as far as I can tell.

And Candace is, too. As much

as she can be for that age, so...

My best advice would

be, just stay the course.

Everyone back at the office is rooting for

you guys. We think

it's a really cool story.

Thank you, we appreciate it.

Of course. See you in two weeks.

[Sophie] So

Sounds like they're

going to let you keep me?

[emotional music]

What's this guy doing? Hm?

He added an extra shift to his

prayer walk. Is that a problem?

I didn't say it was.

[Hope] And he's a widower with no kids.

[Hope] Imagine if something happened

to me and the girls weren't around.

Yeah, if something happened to you

I'd place both of them for

adoption and move to Malibu.

Out.

That was totally in.

And a goal. Six to three.

You think you don't have to let

me win, anymore? It's like that?

[laughs]

[mellow, ambient music]

We making a habit out of this?

Guess so? Morning.

Morning.

I'm going to lock this just in case.

Okay.

Well, you never know.

No, I guess you don't. You weirdo.

Weirdo?

Go kick rocks. Or whatever

you old people say.

[laughs] Old people?

Alright, get out my house.

[laughs]

Good morning, Mr. Atlas.

Morning, Sophie. You out for a

walk or you headed somewhere?

Just walking.

Hope told me you do a prayer walk

or something around the neighborhood.

Every morning for 12 years.

[Denny] Aside from the couple

months after my surgery.

Then I added evenings, too.

Should be pretty safe

around here then, right?

Should be.

[Denny] But

I'd still be careful going

out in the woods this early.

Do you mean um because of what happened?

Not necessarily. Uh. I mean.

That was just a symptom I think.

[Denny] Things have been

strange around here, since

Your parents can tell you

that story. Just be careful.

I will.

[somber, eerie music]

Hey, uh Dylan?

Have you even left that spot, dude?

[laughs]

You okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, I don't know, just hm.

Maybe just need to eat something.

I don't feel great.

[sliding door opens and closes]

We think it's Dylan Harris.

[Kayla] His mom tried to report him missing

two days ago. She

hasn't identified him yet.

But the tattoo on his

right forearm is a match.

Of course that doesn't

leave this room until...

Oh, of course.

You said you spoke to

him yesterday morning?

Yeah, he said his name was Dylan.

What is it, Kayla?

In the medical examiner's opinion,

Dylan has been dead for at least two days.

More like three to four.

That's impossible.

If you spoke to him, yes, I agree.

What do you mean, if? You think I made it

up? How else would I have known his name?

[Hope] That's not what she's

saying, Sophie. Calm down.

[Kayla] I'm just trying to make

sense of everything. No offense meant.

Any idea how he died yet?

So far it looks like either natural

causes or possibly an overdose.

[Kayla] He had some minor injuries but

they could've come from being in the woods.

Nothing fatal. We'll know in a couple

days once the autopsy results are in.

What about the claw marks on the tree?

Bear. Maybe?

But it had nothing to do with his death.

[ominous, suspenseful music]

We've grilled you enough. I don't think

they'll have any more

questions for you, but...

If that changes I'll give you a heads up.

Thank you. You want a

cup of coffee or anything?

I do. But I have to be there when

Dylan's parents come to ID him.

Lucky me. Right?

Stay strong.

[sliding door opens and closes]

You okay?

I think I'm going to go lay down.

Okay.

[computer ringing]

You know we have stylists for that, right?

[Jessica] Yeah, she was just in here.

I'm just making some improvements.

I think you should leave it to the experts.

I think you should back off.

Alright, well when you get ripped in

the comments later, don't blame me.

Oh, speaking of comments.

I mentioned you yesterday...

and the top 20 were asking when

you're going to come back on air.

[Jessica] They know that

Candace is almost ten now.

And that you're not

homeschooling her, anymore.

Honestly, we thought about it, but

We're adopting a teenager, now.

[Hope] And research takes enough time.

Aren't teens independent?

[laughs] Very. But

Look, you don't have to explain.

I know what she's been through.

And I'm really proud of you.

And Jeremiah.

[Jessica] It's very noble.

Thank you.

Oh, I had Oakfield send over the

documents from the FOIA requests.

Anything juicy? Mostly just redactions,

but Roger said he'll work on that.

[Jessica] Figures. Alright.

[Jessica] You're looking really cold. Maybe

you should get a blankie or something?

The heat's probably just off again.

How many times are you

going to unplug and plug

that thing back in before

you just get a new one?

Break a leg on the show today.

[Hope] Please? Go to hell.

[laughs] I'll see you there. From heaven.

[Hope] You skank.

[ambient, suspenseful music]

[low growl]

[grunts in pain]

[breathing heavy]

What the heck?

[deep, raspy inhale]

[grunting in pain]

Hope.

[grunting]

Sophie.

S - Sophie.

[gasping, breathing heavily]

[eerie, suspenseful music]

[loud, heavy footsteps]

Please. Help.

[panicked breathing] Please. Please help.

Please. [Jeremiah] Sophie?

Hey, you seen Hope?

What's wrong with you?

Is she downstairs?

Daddy, can you actually call

someone to fix this furnace?

It's so stupid. I mean,

like, it's two degrees in here.

[Candace] Like, for real. We have to

go down there every other week, so

[Candace] Fix it!

You okay?

Uh. I think I had a

A nightmare.

Was it about our finances?

[Candace] Mommy? Mommy!

[Candace] Daddy!

[somber, eerie music]

Avery Reedus?

[Avery] Yes?

You knew Dylan Harris?

Um yeah.

[Avery] I heard about

what happened to him. It's

It's a shame.

Can I talk to you for a second?

Yeah, sure. Come in.

[Avery] Any idea how he died yet?

Autopsies can take a few days.

Were you two close?

We were cool. We hung

out like once in a while.

We weren't like best friends, or anything.

No?

He called you nine times

last Wednesday night.

You never answered.

Well like I said. We

weren't like 'besties'.

Ya know, I was busy.

Did he leave any voice mails or any texts?

[Kayla] Anything that seemed odd?

No.

He didn't leave any voice mails?

Not about anything weird, no.

Can I see your phone?

Is that a lawful command I

have to comply with or a request?

Simple request.

It's kind of invasion of privacy. I

don't feel comfortable with that, sorry.

Okay. That's fine.

Thanks for your time.

[quirky, mysterious music]

Wait, you said the

autopsies weren't in yet.

I said they can take a few days.

Was he m*rder*d, or anything?

Let's hope not.

Jer. Jer.

Hey.

How you feeling?

A little dizzy.

Very confused.

[Jeremiah] You've been

in and out for a while.

How much do you remember?

Um.

My stomach was bothering me.

I didn't think anything of it.

[Hope] And then when I went to check the

furnace it felt like I was getting stabbed.

I must've passed out, I guess.

Your appendix ruptured.

[Jeremiah] They said it happened

overnight, probably. Then it got infected.

They, uh they caught

it before it got too bad.

But, uh

It was scary for a little while.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

[emotional music]

[Candace] You sure you're feeling okay?

[Hope] I'm fine.

Sophie, how are you? How's the house?

I'm okay. Uh, we have a little cleaning

to do but uh everything's good.

[Hope] Thank you.

-Oh, speaking of the house.

-Someone wants to buy it.

Uh, they left a thingie on the door.

Well, when God gives you a sign.

Really?

No. Stop it.

We can't move in the

middle of the home study.

Whatever.

Mommy, can we come just to say hello?

No, I'm sorry, baby.

[Hope] But I'll be home tomorrow, okay?

What about Daddy? [Sophie]

He's staying with your mom.

[Sophie] She needs him. You have me.

[Hope] Thank you, Sophie. Alright,

we got to go. I love you lots, girls.

Love you, too. Love you.

That house better not be a

dang mess. A little cleaning?

It's probably burnt down. [laughs]

Movie? [Candace] Can

we camp in the backyard?

Candace, you're going to fall

asleep half an hour into the movie.

No, I won't. Please? Please?!

Okay. Yes.

[gentle, uplifting music]

[Sophie] We're all set, Candace.

Are you freak in kidding me?

[Sophie scoffs, walks off]

[eerie, child-like music]

[Young Sophie] Mom?!

[Young Sophie] Look, I don't know

where to go. I'm sorry about the wallet.

Please, mom?

[large wings flap]

[ambient suspenseful music]

[gasps]

What the hell?

It's freezing over here. Can you go

downstairs and check the furnace?

Just get another blanket,

I'm not going downstairs.

All you have to do is

unplug and plug it back in.

Babysitter Sophie would do

that. Big sister Sophie would not.

What if we die of hyperthermia?

You watch too much TV. Just go lay down.

[phone vibrating]

What?

Denny.

[Denny] Hey. Are you guys

camping out in the yard?

Uh.

We were going to, I - I just

didn't feel like taking the tent down.

[Denny] Oh. Uh, okay.

You called at midnight

to ask about the tent?

[Denny] It - it's a bit cold out and

[Denny] I just wanted to

make sure you guys were okay.

We're good, although we probably

should've slept outside. It's...

Probably warmer.

[Denny] Jeremiah told me

the furnace has been acting up.

Yep. [Denny] You should

probably check on that.

Thanks.

Goodnight, Denny.

Sir?

[Denny] Uh yeah, just, uh...

[Denny] It's probably

going to get colder so

[Denny] Maybe check on that furnace.

[click]

Weird.

Fine.

[industrial ambient music]

[furnace hissing]

Seriously?

[high pitched noises from furnace]

[raspy inhale]

[suspenseful music]

[gasps, heavy breathing]

[inhales deeply]

[furnace noises continue]

[Candace] Do we have to? It's

going to be even colder outside.

Not necessarily. Our

body heat will be trapped

in the tent. We'll warm up even faster.

Here. Go. I'll be-Why

are you in such a rush?

[Sophie] Hey Kayla, uh, Jeremiah

said to call you if anything came up.

I think there might be a gas leak in

the furnace. It's making weird noises.

And there's uh a smell. In the basement.

Uh, Candace and I got out

of the house, so we're fine.

We don't have any symptoms but, uh

I didn't know if I should call you or 911.

[Kayla] I'll be right there and I'll call

for someone to check the house, okay?

[Sophie] Thank you.

[ambient, somber music]

[Tim] Can I shake your hand?

Uh, sure.

Your parents ought to give

you whatever you want for life.

She was right?

Yeah. The levels are already coming down.

But the furnace was definitely

leaking carbon monoxide.

It's only five, six years old

and they have two detectors.

The batteries were dead.

I replaced them, but

Just let your friends

know to stay on top of that.

Yeah. Will do.

Give it another two hours, then

you should be able to reenter.

Unless you have somewhere else to go?

I could take you guys to my place.

Oh no, we're camping out

here. Um if that's safe?

[Tim] Perfectly.

You opened up the windows.

You unplugged the furnace.

You set up camp a good distance

away. You did everything right.

Try to get some rest while you

can. Have a good night, ladies.

I better call Jeremiah.

He's stressed enough at the hospital.

Um, I can tell him in the morning.

Look, it's already taken care of, right?

Well

[Kayla] Okay, I can stick around

the area until it's time to go back in.

Thank you.

I'll be right back.

[pensive music]

Kayla told me what happenedare you okay?

She did not have to bother you at

the hospital. I took care of everything.

I know.

I called her to tell her

Hope's getting discharged

at 1 and she only brought it up after that.

It could've been a lot worse last night.

So thank you. And I'm sorry.

For what?

Putting you in that position.

I thought for sure I changed

the batteries not that long ago.

Well, the low battery alarm usually

chirps for weeks before it dies.

I didn't hear anything.

Me either.

But, I am black. And apparently

[Jeremiah] We hear that thing like

ten percent of the time it goes off.

I didn't hear anything. Hope didn't.

Well, we're family so you're

going to start getting all the traits.

You're going to be late to everything soon.

[Jeremiah] Liking chicken. Dude.

[Sophie] There was definitely no warning.

[pensive music]

Something weird happened.

But, um we're safe.

That's all that matters, right?

Right.

Would you and Hope

have gone to Malibu, too?

You know that's not funny, right?

You need to do something else soon.

[Sophie] If your dad wakes

up and finds out you were

playing games this whole

time he's going to be pissed.

I know, but what else is there to do?

Plenty.

What is that stuff?

I kept things, from

[Sophie] Everywhere I lived.

I don't know why.

To keep track. Maybe.

Well, nothing from here's

ever going in that bag. Right?

No. This is my last stop.

What's with the comic?

Uh, we stayed in a big parking lot.

[Sophie] Uh my mom

and I. Close to a church.

A lady at the church gave us these.

And food.

[floor creaking]

It's time to go get your mom from

the hospital. Either of you want to come?

I do.

I'm going to tidy up. Make

sure everything's ready for her.

Thanks, Sophie.

[emotional music]

It's just going to take a little while

for the drugs to wear off, but she's fine.

[childlike, eerie music]

[Sheila] You know the drill.

All the way up and don't around.

I mean it, Sophie.

[Sheila] If I see anything more

than the back of your stupid head.

Okay.

[childlike, pensive music]

[large wings flapping]

[eerie, suspenseful music]

[demonic breathing]

[Sophie] When I told my mom what I saw.

[Sophie] She said I must've

fallen and hit my head.

Maybe I did.

The police came and now we have

to move to the other side of town.

So I couldn't go back

to look if I wanted to.

That also means I can't go back to church.

[doorbell]

[Riley] Hi, I'm Riley Betts. I'm a realtor.

Are Mr. and Mrs. Tatum here?

Oh. There's a lot going on right now.

How can I help you?

I have a client interested

in buying this house.

We've been trying to get

ahold of you for a while.

Okay. Just a minute.

That is, uh a very generous offer.

Well, it's a beautiful house.

And the ten acres of woods you have

back there are a strong selling point.

Well, he's not planning

to cut it all down and build-

-like, a warehouse or something. Is he?

I don't want to do my

neighbors dirty like that.

Neither would he. He's from around here.

He doesn't have any

major plans as far as I know.

Good.

Uh

I'm sorry I have to get to the pharmacy.

Okay, no problem.

But, I'll walk the property line

later. I'll talk to everyone here, and

Get back to you in a few days.

[Jeremiah] Um. I can't promise

we're actually going to sell, but

You never know.

Well, I appreciate your time.

And please give my best to

your wife for a quick recovery.

Thank you.

By the way, did you already

pay for a new furnace?

Unfortunately, yes.

Well, anything else that comes up

won't be counted against the price.

[Riley] He really wants this

place. Just so you know.

I'll keep that in mind.

[gentle music] We're moving?

Probably not. I just

wanted to hear her out.

I need to go to the pharmacy.

Can I come? Mr. Softy's is right next door.

Who said anything about ice cream?

It is a special occasion and I'd

say we've earned it this week.

Especially me.

[laughs]

Alright.

Uh, would you mind sticking around to

make sure Hope's okay if she gets up?

[Jeremiah] Just text me your order.

I know what she wants. Let's go.

[mellow, pensive music]

Afternoon.

Hope's okay?

Yeah, she's resting.

Good.

I heard you played the hero last night.

[laughs] I wouldn't have even

gone downstairs if you didn't

randomly call at I am.

So were you really that worried

about us being cold in the tent?

[Sophie] How did you even see our yard?

I woke up with a feeling around 11:30.

Couldn't get back to sleep, so

[Denny] I took a walk out in the

woods and that's when I saw the tent.

That's it?

There was something in the woods.

This was the third time I had seen it.

[Denny] The first time a few months ago.

On the way back home from

the hospital out by the highway.

I made the mistake of

telling everyone about it.

Then again, I saw it outside your house.

[Denny] And I made the mistake

of not telling anyone about it.

The next day I heard about the break in.

Is this it?

[somber, suspenseful music]

It was in the woods. In Mt

Ephraim where I used to live.

[Sophie] Do you think it's following me?

Is that why all those things are

happening to the Tatums? Because of me?

I think it's targeting your family,

but I don't think you're to blame.

You're just seeing what's behind it.

Why? Why me?

Because you remember it.

And it remembers you.

Whatever it had planned for

you the first time - didn't happen.

So this is a second chance.

[Denny] What's going on here

is bigger than just you and me.

We just happen to be here.

[emotional music]

[doorbell]

[Kayla] Welcome home.

[scoffs] [Hope] What am I

supposed to do with these?

Uh, say thank you. Put them in a vase.

Usual human behavior. [Hope laughs]

I know you can't take this while

you're on medication, but for later.

[Hope] Okay, now that

deserves a thank you. [laughs]

You have no idea how worried I've been.

Where's Sophie?

You're not alone are you?

Um, Candace and Jeremiah

went to the pharmacy.

I don't - I don't know where

Sophie is. Probably taking a walk.

Interesting.

I was asleep and I don't need a babysitter.

There's nothing about Dylan's autopsy.

[Hope] I assume his

parents asked for privacy.

Was his death a suicide or an overdose?

They found some drugs in

his system. Including fentanyl.

Lethal amount?

Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy?

Six milligrams.

So, no.

Hope: Are they still investigating?

Well, the official cause

of death is a heart attack.

But they're saying it could be

linked to the drugs in his system.

His parents did ask for privacy and um,

there doesn't appear to be any foul play.

Besides the drugs.

Yep.

But the Sheriff isn't interested in that.

Kayla: I did interview a friend of his...

that he called multiple times

on the night of his disappearance.

She's probably hiding something,

but I don't think she's responsible.

Hm.

[raspy exhale and growl]

[suspenseful music]

[growl and heavy footsteps]

[heavy footsteps get louder]

[heeled footsteps on pavement]

[doorbell]

[quirky, mysterious music]

Avery? Right?

Yes. Can I help you?

I just want to ask a few questions.

Now's not a good time.

Wait.

Your life might be in danger.

Why would you say that?

Dylan had a number of

chemicals in his system.

Hope: Fentanyl. Other drugs.

If you got anything from

him, it may have been laced.

You think because he called me nine

times we were doing drugs together?

I don't know, but if you were,

then you need to get checked.

And Dylan's family probably deserves

some answers. Don't you think?

I'm not admitting to any drug use.

That's fine.

Were you aware of Dylan using?

I don't want his family to

remember him that way.

They've already got the toxicology results.

Hope: Putting context

on everything including

where he may have gotten the substances...

from will only help.

He sold me - he - he

offered to sell me stuff.

He got me weed. Which

Is legal now.

Said he could get me

anything else I wanted.

How long had he been dealing?

Avery: Just a couple months.

He had a record. He got in

trouble when he was a little younger.

Avery: And he had a

hard time finding a job. So.

Avery: He was always looking

for ways to make money.

And then he met this guy.

Said he was weird but that gave him a job.

Weird, how?

He didn't tell me much, but he said

that the guy did rituals over the drugs.

Like some weird native tribal thing.

To be able to make money on land

without getting into trouble with spirits.

Avery: They needed protection.

And then he'd carry around this mask.

Like, a little wooden mask.

Avery, do you have any

reason to believe that

Anyone, like this person he

worked for, might know about you?

No. Dylan didn't tell me much.

No names. No locations.

Nothing that would put me into danger.

He cared.

Is that why he called you so many times?

[somber music]

He stole money from me.

The day he went missing.

When he realized I'd figured it out.

Avery: He called to

apologize. Ask where I was.

I hung up on him. Didn't answer.

I wish I had.

Hope: What happened

to him would've happened

whether you picked up the phone or not.

You don't know that. He was scared.

He sent me voice mails

begging for me to talk to him.

And you would've helped how?

Maybe get yourself to a

hospital and get tested.

The drugs might not be what k*lled Dylan.

There weren't any lethal

doses in his blood, but

Hope: Better safe than sorry.

I'll go tomorrow.

Good idea.

Hope: I'll leave you my number if...

you just want to talk or

need anything at all, reach out.

Thank you.

[mysterious, eerie music]

[heavy breathing]

[somber, suspenseful music]

[slow, raspy inhale]

[coughing]

[coughing]

[raspy inhale]

[raspy inhale]

[gasps]

[suspenseful music]

[grunting, pained noises]

[growling]

[coughing]

[heavy breathing]

[snarls]

Avery.

This is Kayla Mitchell.

The deputy you spoke to a day ago.

[Kayla] Are you okay?

[guttural, demonic hissing]

[growling]

Avery?

We need an ambulance

at 3215 Cedar Lane, now.

[somber, grave music]

Hey. Is she okay?

[Kayla] She's alive but she's on oxygen.

They're going to do blood transfusions.

[Kayla] She didn't have any family

around so I rode with her in the ambulance.

[Kayla] She was barely conscious

but she wouldn't let go of my hand.

What happened? Was it drug related?

[Kayla] Initial tests won't

get back until the morning.

[Kayla] And then it'll be another

day or two for confirmation.

Right. [Kayla] They only

found marijuana in the house

[Kayla] but her skin was turning

grey. She was barely breathing.

[Kayla] Her heart was almost beating

out of her chest when I got there.

[Kayla] All possible signs of an overdose.

But? [Kayla] I...

[Kayla] [sighs] I'm going to

sound crazy for saying it, but...

[Kayla] I thought there was

something else in there when I went in.

[Kayla] I'll stop by on my

way home. I've got to go.

Okay. Thanks, Kayla.

[somber, grave music fades out]

[suspenseful music, phone falls on floor]

[Hope] [gasps] Oh,

jeez. [Sophie] Oh, just me.

I woke up and I couldn't get back to sleep.

[sighs]

Are you okay? Were you on the phone?

Yeah. Um.

Yeah, Kayla called. Something about work.

Uh huh.

[Sophie] Shouldn't you be resting? Would

Jeremiah get pissed if

I told him you were up?

[laughs]

I will get to sleep soon.

I'll try.

You should, too.

Um.

Denny told me when he gets

up in the middle of the night

[Sophie] He um he prays

until he falls back to sleep.

I don't know much about that stuff

but, um maybe we could try, too?

Sure. About anything in particular?

Um [gentle, emotional music]

I should say thank you

for me being here. To start.

[Sophie] Um, but

For protection, maybe. There's

been a lot going on around here, uh.

We could use the help, right? [laughs]

Yeah. I would say so.

I did not think you'd be up.

Me either, but um here I am.

[snorts]

Uh you're not walking in that, right?

Uh, can you walk, like, all

the way off my back, dude?

[laughs]

[scoffs]

I'll walk after you leave.

What are we reading?

Uh Well

I have been in Ephesians Chapter 4, but...

With everything going on

lately, I moved to 6 today.

Why?

You'll see.

'Finally my brethren, be strong in

the Lord and in the power of His might.

'Put on the whole armor

of God that you may be

able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

[tender, emotional music]

'For we do not wrestle against flesh

and blood. But against principalities.

'Against powers. Against the

rulers of the darkness of this age.

Sophie: 'Against spiritual hosts of

wickedness in the heavenly places.

Sophie: 'Therefore take

up the whole armor of God,

Sophie: 'that you may be

able to withstand in the evil day.

Sophie: 'And having done all, to stand.'

Good morning, Denny.

[kicks something ceramic]

[eerie, suspenseful music]

[Hope] It doesn't look good.

There's a lot of blood.

[Sophie] You sure you

shouldn't come back and

wait for Kayla or another

deputy to get here?

No, I'll be fine.

Whatever happened here

happened a long time ago, so...

[Hope] It's good for me, but...

[Sophie] Not for Denny.

Okay, hold on.

[eerie ambient music]

[mellow, mysterious music]

[knocking]

[Kayla] What the hell is happening?

I thought the home invasion

was a one off, but now all this?

Denny.

[Kayla] I'm just grateful I was at the

hospital and didn't get there until...

After they took him down.

I know it's early but...

Are there any leads?

There were bootprints, but

Assuming they belonged to the k*ller.

[scoffs] We'll know

his shoe size, at least.

How was Avery when you left?

She's better. Stable.

You said that

you felt like there was something else.

[Kayla] When you went into her place.

What did you mean?

I swear I heard a noise.

When I opened the door.

Like something I've never heard before.

And when I went inside the house.

It felt like hatred.

[Kayla] Evil. Like it was in the air.

I felt it on my skin.

[unsettling ambient music]

I felt this before.

I take the same route

to work every day, and

One evening there's this big

deer on the side of the road, and

It looked like it had been

there for a week, but

It definitely wasn't

there the night before.

[Kayla] At first I thought

someone dragged it there.

[Kayla] But when I got out,

there was no evidence. No tracks.

And

I mean, why would someone

do something like that?

Do you think it has something

to do with how Dylan

looked like he was dead

much longer than he was?

That could've been the drugs.

Or whatever was responsible.

Knew that the average

person would think that.

[unsettling music fades out]

[Kayla] Well, even if you

don't sell or skip town

[Kayla] I just think you should

get out of dodge for a few days.

We can't afford a vacation.

[Hope] Candace is away, that's good enough.

You off?

In a couple of hours. I'm just

going to go poke around the woods.

See if we missed anything.

Okay. Just be careful.

Hey.

Hey, um. Can I borrow

some money for an Uber?

What?

I want to go to Mt. Ephraim

where I grew up. Um.

There's something I want to check.

I'll drive you, just tell

me why you want to go.

Can we talk on the way?

Sure.

[Sophie] We might've

parked here at some point.

I'm not sure. [sighs]

[Sophie] It looks different, now.

It's been so long since the fires.

Well, we can look around.

I'm not even sure what I'm looking for.

[mysterious music]

I have an idea.

Follow me.

Maybe the next one fell off.

Maybe.

Or maybe we're already here.

[tribal, percussive music]

It's just like the one I found by Dylan.

What the heck is that?

[tapping on drum]

It's a drum?

[Hope] Probably native.

The Lenape used to live around here.

Want to take it home?

Hell no. [drumstick lands on drum]

[laughs] Smart kid.

[Kayla] I guess the private property

sign is where your neighbor's yard begins?

[Jeremiah] Yeah, I think I

remember seeing it before.

[Jeremiah] Uh, what the hell

are you doing in my woods?

Uh, you're welcome.

You told the realtor you would

check out the border didn't you?

[Jeremiah] You hiked all the

way out there just to help us out?

[laughs] Would that surprise you?

That said, I'm on the clock

so officially I'm checking

to see if there's evidence that

Denny's m*rder*r came this way.

[Jeremiah] Let's hope not.

[Jeremiah] Uh, would you mind dropping

a pin just so we know exactly where it is?

You bet.

[photo taken]

[somber, ambient music]

[photo taken]

[Vanessa] Oh, I'm sorry,

Denise moved to Florida

about a year ago to

be closer to her family.

How did you know her?

I um. I used to live nearby.

I would walk by the church

sometimes and she uh

she saw me one day and invited me in.

I didn't want to come so she brought

out cookies and these little comics.

You used to keep them

in that case over there.

Oh wait, is your name um

I want to say Sophia?

Close enough. Sophie. How did you?

Believe it or not you were on

the prayer list up until she left.

She always hoped you would stop

by so she knew how things turned out.

I'm assuming you're in a better place, now.

I didn't have an easy

route getting there, but um

Yeah, I'm with a great family.

I'm part of a great family.

Uh

We go to a good church

up where we live, now.

Oh, so her prayers were answered.

[somber, ambient music]

[Hope] Are there so many substance

abuse tracks because no one needs them?

Oh, if only. No, this community

has been hit pretty hard.

[Vanessa] It's been a rough

couple of years. We've lost

members and even more in

the extended families from

Overdoses and crime.

Was it that bad when I was here?

It started, then. Like eight years ago.

But it got really bad

when the fentanyl came in.

We're going to hold our ground,

though. God has us here for a reason.

[somber, ambient music fades out]

[static and raspy breathing from radio]

[radio stops]

[static and breathing from radio]

[radio noises stop]

[suspenseful music]

[growl]

[tribal, percussive music]

What the hell?

Jeremiah. When are you getting home?

[tribal music fades out]

[Haley] Did you want a picture with it?

Are there, um, a lot of

sightings around here?

Here and there. Um

[Haley] There were a bunch, like...

nine years ago, maybe.

Uh, if you believe the stories.

Do you?

Um [ominous music]

Some of them.

How many are in your

party? Uh... or is it just you?

Uh, two.

Okay, I'll grab another menu.

[Hope] Okay, so the

mask represents Meswing.

A forest guardian.

His name means "Living Solid Face".

Guardian? [Hope] M-hm.

Uh, protects the balance of nature.

Often associated with animals.

Boring.

[Hope] Boring. Boring. Irrelevant.

[Hope] Okay, the drums were

used in different ceremonies.

Including the 'Big House Ceremony'.

What's all that have to do with drugs?

And everything that's been going on?

Well, they needed protection

from something, right?

And he's a forest guardian.

[Hope] The Lenape used

to call the Pine Barrens...

which back then covered a lot more

of the state The Place of the Dragon.

So something was out there way before

Mother Leeds' 13th child and all that?

[Hope] Yep. Most myths

Have some basis in reality.

People just like to put

their own spin on things.

[slow paced tribal music]

Sophie found something

like this on the dead kid?

In his hand.

[Kayla] He was dealing drugs

and I think he kept it for protection.

It's a safe bet that whoever was

moon shining used it for the same reason.

If it was used for protection

it's not all that bad, right?

[laughs]

Well, unfortunately for

us it'd be considered a

[Jeremiah] Graven image. Which would

make it an accursed object, and uh...

If you bring it into your house

you're "doomed to destruction like it".

Oh.

I'll take it in with me

to book into evidence.

Appreciate that.

Didn't work for Dylan, anyway. I guess.

No.

Problem is, who knows how

many more of them are out there.

Yeah.

And if you moved it would

become someone else's problem.

You really want us out that bad?

I mean don't move far.

[Kayla] There are plenty of

houses for sale around the county.

But how many signs does the universe

have to give you before you listen?

[somber music]

I gave Kayla hell for bringing

that thing in this house.

Well deserved.

But I'm not sure it's going to make

a difference if there's more out there.

Maybe we should move.

You serious?

No...

But...

We could use the money.

[sighs]

God has always provided for us.

How do we know this isn't how?

[Jeremiah] We won't make a

decision without talking it through.

I honestly don't want to move.

[Jeremiah] And there's the

whole home study thing, but

[Jeremiah] It would be nice

to go to work everyday, or...

drive to my parents' without

worrying about leaving you guys home.

I know.

[water running]

[distant thump]

[distant thump]

[distant thump]

[water stops]

[distant drumbeat]

[drumbeat continues louder]

[suspenseful music]

[drumbeat stops]

[tense music]

[gasps]

[breathing heavy]

[dark, percussive music]

[fire burning]

What were you doing up?

Couldn't sleep.

Too much to think about.

I know what you mean.

What exactly was that

big jug thing Kayla found?

Moonshining still.

In English.

They uh they used it to produce

alcohol on the black market.

[Hope] There was a prohibition around

that time and people saw it coming.

So they found a way around the government.

We know there's a connection

between drugs and sightings.

Does that include alcohol, too?

Seems like it.

If that still is from the early 1900's

Then it lines up with the

Phenomenal Week of 1909.

Thousands of people all over the

state claimed they saw the Jersey Devil.

It scared them into

closing businesses. Schools.

So what's the connection?

What you and Jeremiah read about.

Some evil spirits

Haunt houses or try to possess

people, like in the movies.

But, then there's the

'rulers of the darkness'.

[Hope] 'The spiritual hosts of

wickedness in the heavenly places'.

[Hope] They're more about

the long game. They...

influence entire regions

through politics. Ideologies.

Addiction. Poverty.

And the things that cause

addiction and poverty.

[dark percussive music fades out]

Hey, good morning.

You're going to work, now?

Aren't you doing an overnight

after you drop Candace off?

[Jeremiah] Yeah. An extra shift

opened up and we need the money.

That's a long day.

I'll be alright, I've done longer.

Coffee?

[peaceful music]

Sorry for being late.

[Jeremiah] It's okay.

[Jeremiah] We can always

pick up tomorrow. Night.

[Sophie] Don't drive your

dad nuts, it's a long ride.

I won't. And he controls the radio,

you should be worried about me.

I am. You better call me.

I will. I'll miss you.

I'll miss you, too.

Hey.

[Sophie groans]

You'll be much more comfortable in bed.

Come on.

[Sophie groans]

[emotional music]

[Sophie] You okay? Yeah.

Come on.

What is this nonsense?

You're tucking me in, now?

[laughs]

Candace doesn't want me to,

anymore. Got to get it in where I can.

She loves it. She just

wants to be a big girl, but

She'd cry if you didn't.

[laughs]

Good to know.

I have no shame. Tuck me in, anytime.

[laughs]

When's the last time anyone else did?

Well, uh.

Between the hotel rooms, cars, and the...

benches when I was younger.

[Sophie] And then the foster parents

who didn't know what to do with me.

This might be a first.

[laughs]

I love you.

I love you, too.

[emotional music fades out]

[clicking on mouse]

[pensive music]

[clicking]

[Kayla] Hey, kind of busy. What's up?

Why did nobody tell me that the neighbor on

the other side of our woods is a criminal?

[Kayla] Um Mr. Nevell? He's been quiet.

[Kayla] His parole officer

says he's turned into a hippie.

[Kayla] He seems harmless.

Yeah, aside from spending an inordinate

amount of time on our property line.

[Kayla] Weird. Which is

why I took that picture, but

[Kayla] Not a crime.

Did you question him about Denny's m*rder?

[Kayla] Not personally but

Deputy Mitchell spoke to him.

He have an alibi?

[Kayla] You don't really need

one unless you're a suspect but

[Kayla] He was out of town.

[Kayla] He called Mitchell back

from a friend's number in Michigan.

[Kayla] Where is this coming from?

I think he's the one trying

to buy our house. Our land.

The realtor told Jeremiah that, uh...

the buyer was local.

[Kayla] That really narrows it down.

Alright. I'll talk to you later.

[pensive music]

[phone vibrating]

Hey. [Kayla] Hey.

[Kayla] I was on my way

back from Denny's when I.

Saw a reflector in the

woods behind your house.

[Kayla] It looks like there's

something buried here.

What?

I'm guessing you didn't bring a shovel?

That would be correct.

I'll spot you.

It's your property.

[digging]

[unsettling music]

[metallic clink]

[phone vibrating]

[Adam] Whether I k*ll you

or not is entirely up to you.

[Adam] That's not what I came out here for.

But if you give me a problem,

I won't have any choice.

What do you want?

For you to stay out here with me.

[Adam] Enjoy the night air.

And no matter what you hear,

no matter what you think is going on,

you stay put.

[tense music]

That's far enough.

[g*nshots]

[guttural, demonic scream]

[demonic scream]

[eerie, suspenseful music]

[breathing]

[footsteps and hissing outside]

[footsteps and low growling outside]

[door opens in distance]

[footsteps and snarling]

[intense music]

[growling]

[growling]

[desperate breathing]

[music fades out]

[growling]

[Sophie screaming]

[Adam] You go back into that

house, it's going to k*ll us all.

Why?

It wants the kid.

[Adam] It's wanted her for a long time.

Sophie?

[branches snapping, Hope gasps]

[Adam] You really willing to

give up everything to save her?

She's not even yours, is she?

She is now.

[Sophie] Hope! Please!

[metallic clinking]

[knife cuts into flesh, Adam screams]

[both grunting in pain]

[screaming]

[pained noise]

Stay down.

Final warning.

[Adam] She'll die.

But you get to be with your family.

How do you know that?

If you're quiet

You can hear the forest speak.

[Adam] He'll protect us from it.

But not her.

There's nothing we can do.

I'm sorry.

Go to hell.

[pained noises]

[stabbing]

[Adam] There's nothing we can do.

I am sorry.

I really mean that.

Good.

[g*nsh*t, Adam cries out]

[groaning in pain]

Sophie?!

[whimpering]

[Hope grunting in distance]

[Hope] Sophie?!

[gasps]

[growling]

[pained breathing]

[Adam cries out in pain]

[Hope grunts in pain]

[menacing music]

[Hope struggling]

Stop!

Kids shouldn't play with g*ns.

Do you even know how to use that thing?

[scoffs]

[g*nsh*t, wood cracks]

[gentle music]

[exhaling in relief]

Are you okay?

[out of breath] Yeah. I will be.

You?

Fine. Now.

[both breathing heavy]

The police should be here soon but

Call them anyway, just in case.

Okay, I'm going to go get my phone.

[deep raspy breathing]

[eerie, suspenseful music]

[suspenseful music]

[Kayla] He has an RV not too far

from here. He was working on a lab.

He wanted a fresh local supply, apparently.

And with our property, he'd have

even more cover for his operation.

Right.

Though, if you wanted

to move after all this...

No one would blame you, especially

if it's after the adoption is final.

We thought about it, but

For one, anybody who wants to buy our

house after everything that happened...

probably not someone we want to sell to.

That's true.

And...

and we don't think God

wants us to go anywhere.

That church in Mt. Ephraim

is still holding down the fort.

[pensive music]

Maybe in some small way

we're supposed to do that here.

Candace, I swear I'm going to be

30 by the time you come out of there.

[Candace] I'm almost finished.

Did you print the picture for me?

I can't concentrate with my bladder full.

And come on, you can

do your hair in your room.

How do you know I'm not on the toilet?

Um, because I can smell the hair

product and you're using way too much.

[Candace] No, I'm not.

Wait, is it that bad?

Yeah, I can smell it in the kitchen.

[Jeremiah] Will you step

out and let your sister

use the dang bathroom

already so she can help you?

[Candace] Okay, I need to

pee just give me a minute.

[emotional music]

Looks perfect. Thank you.

You guys coming? We're starving.

[Jeremiah] Yeah, just

go get the car started.

Is that the timing you

were telling me about?

[Jeremiah] Yep.

[Sophie] [sighs] Come on.

[Candace] So hungry.

If you're going to not wear a

tie, at least button up your shirt.

[Hope laughs] [Jeremiah]

What difference does it make?

Not like we're going to Red Lobster.

Hey, look.

Candace chose it, herself.

[menacing, suspenseful music]

What's wrong?

If there was something

bigger involved in all this

It's not going to give up is it?

I think we bought our

area some time, but...

no.

[Hope] Probably not.

[pensive, sobering music]

But if we know what we're dealing with.

Which we do, now.

Then, we have a chance.

I wish I had your confidence.

[dark percussive music]