A Wicked Muse (2026)

[bunniefuu]

Welcome home.

Frank? Is everything okay?

Why don't you tell me?

How much have you had to drink?

Not nearly enough.

Your little Mexican boyfriend

came by looking for you.

You probably told him that

I work Fridays, right?

You don't know what the hell

you're talking about, Frank.

Daddy, please don't.

Don't you lie to me, b*tch.

Just stop.

Go to your room.

Frank.

Let go of her.

Don't you touch her

You son of... what you've done?

Your own daughter

is afraid of you.

Yes, she better be.

I'm married to a worthless

f*cking wh*re.

Bailey.

Bailey, get back here.

Oscar.

Oscar, I need you.

Oscar.

Oscar, I need you.

Please.

Oscar, please say something.

I'm scared.

Bailey, over here.

Oscar.

Oscar, please stop this.

I'm right here.

Oscar.

Oscar.

Oscar.

I don't know what to do.

You have to help me.

Do you trust me, Bailey?

I do.

Remember, you asked for this.

Daddy.

Why are you running, Bailey?

There's nothing for

you there anymore.

Bailey.

Stay back.

Mommy.

What's wrong, baby?

Don't look.

I didn't mean to.

I didn't mean to.

Michael, Pacey?

That's us.

You must be Luke.

Made some coffee.

Papers are inside.

Unless you'd like to take

a look around first.

There's no need.

I think we're ready to sign.

Hi.

How are you doing?

Good, thank you.

All right.

Show you guys around.

Just initial right here.

I understand it's a big

change moving out here.

We're looking forward

to the quiet.

Perfect setting to get

some writing done.

I don't recall telling

you that I'm a writer.

Sorry, I don't want to make

this awkward, but I'm a fan.

Oh

"Freshman Zayn" had a huge

impact on me in college.

Yeah, I've heard that before.

You may not be able to tell,

but I used to be super shy.

Seeing how Zayn approached

life and the way he could

effortlessly talk to women.

I mean, it was game

changing for me.

So I just sign right here?

I'm pretty sure Mike used a few

of Zayn's lines on me

when we first started dating.

Oh, yeah?

And how about you?

Excuse me?

What kind of work do you do?

Oh, I used to be an ad exec.

Not anymore.

Well, sounds like you're

both ready for a change

of pace. And that forest

out there, is it all ours?

Honestly, property lines

are a bit of a cluster

with neighboring estates,

but basically we've got lots

of land to run around.

We?

Oh, yeah.

I actually live two

doors down from you.

Oh.

Looks like we're all done here.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

Thank you.

You know what?

I can do some digging,

and I can figure out exactly

how far your line goes.

No rush.

It'll give us a chance

to talk about your new book.

I don't really talk

about my work.

You'll just have to buy

a copy like everyone else.

Then maybe I'll swing by to get

my copy signed by the author.

Enjoy.

Here, let me get that.

Hard to believe this is

all ours, isn't it?

It's like a dream.

But not your dream.

I know how much you've

given up for this,

but I really needed it.

You know, if I'm ever

gonna write anything.

Just gonna take some

time to adjust.

It's just really quiet.

Well, if you ever need anyone

to make a little noise.

HEY!!!

I was thinking, once

we've settled into the home

and you start writing,

maybe we can try again.

Really?

That's great.

I'm done grieving.

I'm ready to be a mom.

I'm going to bed.

Are, you sure you

don't want to join me?

I really got to break

this story open.

Otherwise I'll never

get any sleep.

Okay.

Good night.

Your muse is hungry.

She demands sustenance.

Oh, for God's sake.

It's arrogance to think you

can write a great story.

Yeah, you got that right, baby.

Great stories don't come

from great writers.

Great stories are gifted

to the worthy.

And the worthy, the worthy

are willing to sacrifice.

how the hell do

I find my muse?

Your muse is knocking.

All you have to do

is let her in.

Breathe.

Surrender.

Let yourself become a vessel

for her story.

What the hell?

Hey.

It's private property.

Michael.

Hey.

What are you doing here?

No, no, don't go in there.

Hello?

Michael.

No.

I have a story to tell you.

No, please.

Just tell me what

you want, Michael.

What I want?

Tell me.

I want the greatest

f*cking story that the world

has ever heard.

And what will you

give me for it?

Anything.

Please tell me you

weren't up all night.

Actually, I dozed

off in my chair.

But this morning I woke up

with some inspiration.

All work and no play.

I don't know.

I think I really

got something here.

Well, don't let me

slow you down.

I'll go grab some coffee.

Hey, coffee can wait.

Want to share what this

brilliant new book is about?

Eh... What?

I don't talk about my

works in progress.

It's bad luck.

Bad luck?

I never knew you to

be superstitious.

It's just when I'm

onto something good, I

get a little excited.

Yeah, I can tell.

When I get excited,

I like to share.

But when I explain it

to people, they're never

as excited as I am.

And then they got all their

little notes and their little

f*cking suggestions about

how wonderful it could be.

By the time I'm done talking

to them, I get all pissed

off, which is why I don't

share my ideas with normies,

because when I explain it to

them, it ends up sounding

lame.

And then I forget what

a f*cking wonderful idea it

was in the first place.

Are you calling me a normie?

I mean it in the most

complimentary way.

I just don't want to let this

genie out of the bottle.

I got a really good idea

here, and I just don't

want to f*ck it up.

I made an appointment

with the, fertility clinic

tomorrow afternoon.

Oh, that's great.

I'm going to need the car.

You need me to come with?

No, don't mind me.

You can just stay here and ride.

Bailey's sleeping.

I don't care if she's sleeping.

Let her hear me.

What?

Bailey, why don't you

come down here?

You shut up.

What kind of f*cking

mother are you?

You don't.

Please stop.

I'll do anything

Please just make it stop.

Don't worry, Bailey.

I'm here.

Everything's going to be okay.

Who are you?

I'm Oscar.

I can make it stop.

I can make it stop.

Our Father, who art in

heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy

will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

And give us this day

our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into

temptation, but deliver us

from the evil one.

Bailey.

You probably don't remember me.

It's been a few years.

Of course I remember you, Caleb.

How have you been?

I'm, Good.

It's been a few years

since church youth group.

I just moved back

this week, actually.

You left?

To study computer science.

Wow.

Good memory.

Yeah, I got a job that let's me

work Remotely, so I moved back

to be around my parents more.

Family was always

important to you.

You know, I drove by your

old house last week.

Just sold again.

Looks like someone's moving in.

Really?

So how are things going

with your mom?

She's good.

I just visited her last month.

She's hoping for parole

in the spring.

Well, it's really nice to see

your face in church today.

I'll.

I'll see you next Sunday.

See you later.

Pacey

It's so good to hear your voice.

Is everything okay?

Honestly, the office is such

a sh*t show since you left.

Nobody knows what they're doing.

Please tell me you hate

New Hampshire and are

coming back to us.

Come on, it can't

be as bad as that.

It's worse.

Braddock completely f*cked

the Austrian deal.

What?

That was a slam dunk.

I laid everything out

for him before I left.

Braddock ignored it.

He went rogue and was

making sh*t up on the fly.

And when they pressed

him for numbers, he.

He just froze.

What a jackass.

It was brutal.

All those weeks

of work prepping, gone.

He should have let you

deliver the numbers.

There's no reasoning with him.

He needs to be the center

of attention.

Well, you gotta learn how

to manage him without bruising

his ego or he will screw things

up every single time.

I always invented tasks just to

keep him away from the client.

That's just it.

We needed Pacey Palmer in that

room to keep Braddock under

control and seal that deal.

Come on, you guys

don't really need me.

You're already a legend around

here among the new hires.

Whenever we run into

a problem, they ask us,

what would Pacey do?

Stop it.

You're teasing me now.

We miss you, Pacey.

Things just aren't

the same without you.

Well, I'm needed even more here.

Things have been really good.

Well, if you ever change

your mind, babe,

the door is always open.

You're a rock star.

Hey, Megan.

I have to run now,

but it's been good catching up.

Later, Pace.

Bye.

I'm not saying it's

impossible, but.

But in my experience,

the chances of you conceiving

aren't good.

Are there any treatments?

I mean, I can't just give up.

Well, there are fertility

treatments, but with the,

complications from your

miscarriage, I don't see

it happening for you.

But there has to be something.

My recommendation is for you

to take some time to adjust.

Maybe a few months.

And then if you still want

to be a parent,

you can look into adoption.

Michael?

Michael.

Michael.

Oh, you are here.

Yeah, I'm just gonna

go take a nap.

Well, you do what you gotta do.

I'll just be down here writing.

f*ck!

You've come back.

I really need to

finish my story.

I'll give you anything you want.

I want.

Michael, are you.

Oh, sorry.

I didn't mean to

creep up on you.

What are you doing up?

There's somebody out there.

A girl.

Are you sure?

I don't see anyone out there.

Oh.

What happened?

Oh, it's a bit

of a can opener accident.

I'm such an idiot.

Hey, are you all right?

I didn't want to bother you

while you were writing.

I know how much you're

going through.

It's okay.

You can talk to me.

Well, I went to

the doctor today.

It's not looking good.

Did you talk to them

about the carrots?

Sorry, what was that?

The carrots.

You got rid of them.

I know you don't like them, so

I made sure to tell Spencer.

No carrots.

Oh, carrots.

They used to be different.

Used to be bursting with flavor.

Nowadays, they just

taste like cardboard.

Don't know what the hell

they're doing with them.

Well, if you ever find another

carrot on your plate, I want

you to call me right away.

They'll have to deal with me.

I knew your dad when

he was a young boy.

I ever tell you?

No, I don't think you did.

Nice, polite boy.

Little quiet.

He used to mow my lawn when

he was in grade school.

Wow.

I had no idea.

That's before he got in

with that other crowd.

Pack of little sh*t disturbers.

Halloween, around 82, he and his

friends decide they're going to

have some fun slashing tires.

Whoa.

Little assholes.

He got about two feet away

from my Buick and I chased him

away with my baseball bat.

I was so furious.

I said to my wife, Catherine,

nothing good is ever going

to come out of that boy.

How wrong I was.

He always knew how

to make me laugh.

When he married your mom,

I was so hopeful.

I mean, that their

luck would change.

How about I get started

on the rest of dinner?

But that old farm.

Both of them changed.

Mr. Cashley.

Nothing good

ever came out of that place.

You could fix it up,

you could throw some paint

on it, but that place.

I know.

I know you know.

Listen to me going on.

No one needs to tell

you a damn thing.

How about get started

on dessert?

Avast, ye scoundrel.

I demand ye face me

a duel? To the death!

En guard!

You got me.

Woe is me.

I feel safe with you.

Not like with my parents.

You're allowed to

hate them, you know.

You're allowed to hate them.

Heavenly Father,

I repent all sin.

The sin of wrath, the sin

of anger, the sin of vengeance.

Excuse me.

Can I help you?

I'm sorry.

Is this your property?

It is.

May I ask you what

you're doing here?

Hi.

I'm Bailey.

I used to live here

as a little girl.

Oh.

I guess all the memories

aren't good ones.

I see.

I guess I'm just trying

to make my peace with it.

I'm sorry for the intrusion.

So you're still not gonna

tell me about your story?

Stop stirring up sh*t.

Come on, babe.

Just a hint.

Okay.

It's about a girl

who wants everything.

Ooh.

I, like it already.

But she doesn't

know when to stop.

And through the events

of the story, she learns

a valuable lesson.

Actually, she doesn't

learn a damn thing.

I'm going to Texas.

I'm leaving soon

I'm going to Texas.

I'm bending a spoon

I'm going to Texas.

Hello?

Hello?

Are you here all by yourself?

No, I'm here with you.

What, are you doing here?

Where else would I be?

Oh, honey, I.

I think you're lost.

What's your name?

It's Dakota, silly.

Well, that's a beautiful

name, Dakota.

Of course it is.

You gave it to me.

What are you talking about?

You gave me my name.

Mommy.

No!

Baby, you all right?

I think it's just

an intense dream.

Oh, yeah?

Well, if someone ever gives you

a hard time in one of your

dreams again, just let me know.

I'll kick his a*s.

Maya was not inclined

to vengeful deeds.

Maya, was not inclined

to vengeance.

Predisposed.

Maya, was not predisposed.

Nobody's gonna give a f*ck

what Maya is predisposed

to because nobody is gonna read

this mealy mouthed crap.

f*ck.

When can you come visit Bay?

Next Friday, for sure.

God, I miss you.

You get a chance to read

that stuff I left you?

Honestly, Bay, I just can't.

Half the girls on my cell

block are Christians.

It's enough already.

Mom, I'm, Afraid it's

only a few pages.

Look, you need to get

on with your life.

Meet some boys and maybe

have a little fun while

you're still young.

That stuff that happened

to daddy, it's not over.

Hey, listen.

I'm the one that

k*lled your daddy.

It was me, not some devil

in the cornfield.

Now just put all

this nonsense away.

I may be locked up, but there

is no need for you to be.

Okay, mom.

Now get some sleep.

I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Love you, Bay.

Love you, too.

Bye.

Take it easy.

Hey, man.

Can I get you anything?

As a matter of fact, barkeep,

I think you can.

What'll it be?

a pint of Steiner?

Steiner's?

Oh, sh*t.

Sorry.

Sometimes I forget I'm not

in the city anymore.

I'll have A, pint of whatever

swill the locals are drinking.

I'll have whatever he's having.

That'll be a, pint of Beechers.

Beechers?

Holy crap.

I didn't even know they

made that sh*t anymore.

Would you like

something else then?

No, no, no, no, no.

Beechers is fine.

It's perfect, actually,

for a place like this.

You know, there's plenty

of other bars to drink in if

you don't like it here.

This ain't got nothing

to do with you, pal.

Well, I think it does.

Look, why don't you just relax?

I'm just having a nice, quiet

beer by myself, all right?

You don't tell me to relax.

Look, I don't want any trouble

Yeah, too late.

Evan.

Look, you don't like

our beer, why don't you

just go across the street

to Murray's and get him to

pour you a pint of whatever

New York p*ssy swill you

drink?

Look, I think we got off

on the wrong foot.

Why don't I just buy you a beer?

I buy my own beer

Soy boy.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

I'm not just.

Whoa.

Evan, Evan, Evan.

What?

This guy ain't worth it.

Trust me.

This guy a friend of yours?

This prick?

Yeah, you could say that.

Mike's new in town, a kind

of fish out of water.

Let's just cut him

a break. Okay.

For you.

Hey, no hard feelings,

I'll take a pint of Beechers

on my newfound friend here.

Actually, make that two.

I'll take him in back, Lloyd.

Sounds good.

See you later, kid.

Lloyd.

How the f*ck did you do that?

I got his mom a sweet

deal on a townhouse.

I owe you a drink.

That's the least I can do.

Hey, Lloyd.

Another one.

So how's the house treating you?

Oh, a little peace and quiet is

just what the doctor ordered.

So your book is coming

together, then?

You're a pugnacious little

pecker, aren't you?

Hey, you gotta be a persistent

pecker in my profession.

Cheers.

You know, all in all,

this place isn't too bad.

It gets pretty lively.

These sleepy towns need a place

to let loose, you know.

Your first time here?

Yeah, I've been, chained

to the desk the last

three weeks, you know.

So the story's coming

together, then?

I don't know, man.

Freshman Zane changed my life,

made me a household name.

But that was 15 years ago,

and everything

I've published since then

hasn't amounted to sh*t.

You're kidding.

I love Moonlight.

Epoch it took some real risks.

The way it shifted

narrative style.

Oh, f*ck off.

It was terrible.

My fans hated it,

critics hated it.

Hell, even I knew it

was a piece of sh*t before

it hit the press.

I get it.

I get it.

Freshman Zane was so f*cking

great and everybody just wanted

the next story to measure up.

But, you know, then I started

to think maybe I only

got one good story in me.

You're right.

I wanted to love it.

But it didn't measure up

But this new book.

This is like nothing

I've ever written before.

You think this is gonna

measure up to Zane?

I'm saying it's gonna be better.

Better than Freshman Zane?

Oh, man, you can't leave

me hanging like this.

Give me details.

I told you, I don't f*cking talk

about my works in progress.

Holy cow.

I can't believe this.

So what about you?

Sell any more m*rder

homes lately?

Ha, ha.

You really got a good deal

on that property.

But to be fair,

that m*rder was 12 years ago.

But it's not the only story.

What?

It's probably just a rumor

but the locals talk about

another violent happening

there back in the 50s.

I don't have many details, but I

could do some digging if you.

No, no, no, no,

no, please don't.

I can't have Pacey running

around scared shitless.

It's the last thing she needs.

She's got too much on her plate.

Wait, wait.

You mean you never told your

wife about the m*rder?

It was all laid out in

the disclosure documents. Luke!

Well, I certainly wouldn't

want to upset Pacey.

Why don't you tell me a little

bit about this new book

of yours. You know, you're

a lot slimier than I gave

you credit for. This book.

It's nothing like Freshman Zane.

It's not like anything

I've ever written before.

Female protagonist.

Whoa, whoa.

Okay, that's new ground

for a Michael Palmer book.

And it has none of the sunny

optimism of Freshman Zane.

This one is dark,

sensual, opulent.

Okay, so what's it about?

It's about hatred, envy, lust.

I got chills.

So, what's the premise?

You know, I think I gotta

call Pacey right now.

She told me to call.

No, no, Michael, you

gotta be kidding me.

This discussion isn't over.

Tell me about the book.

And when she gets to Panama,

she discovers the house she

purchased never even existed.

So Hector scammed her?

No, not Hector, actually.

Wait a second.

I'm not telling you any more

of my f*cking story.

All right?

No more questions.

Sorry.

You know, I've dabbled

in writing, too.

Going way back to my

grade school days.

No kidding?

Yeah.

I've written some short

stories and even a play,

but never a novel, though.

I have an idea.

You should go for it.

Really?

Yeah.

Takes courage to write.

There's.

The first thing you write is

always going to be sh*t.

But you gotta get past

that if you're ever gonna

write anything great.

And that.

That takes ba*ls.

You see, most people

can't handle criticism

and they just quit.

Wow.

You're right.

So the first thing

you wrote sucked.

No, it was great.

Because I'm,

Michael f*cking Palmer.

I had this crazy idea

maybe after this we could.

Michael, please.

Don't.

No.

What?

Michael, are you all right?

I, Yeah.

Yeah, I'm fine.

You look like

something spooked you.

Are you sure?

Said I'm fine, I just

gotta get the out of here.

Just relax, Michael.

You're gonna get some sleep

and then you're

gonna finish your book.

That's all you gotta do.

Michael?

Pacey, what are you doing here?

Come join me.

I'm starting to think that you

don't have it in you, Mike.

What?

How the f*ck can you say that to me?

Are you really the right

Man for the job?

I can do this.

I'm so close.

Sometimes I think your

heart is just not in it.

Pacey.

Michael, what are you

doing in the tub?

What happened?

I just had a bad dream.

Yeah, that can happen

after going on a bender

And you sleep one

off in the tub.

Yeah.

I think I must have fallen

in the tub when I.

You know, this isn't

the most comfortable place

to spend the night.

You know, there's a nice soft

bed just upstairs and you're

more than welcome to join me.

I'll be right behind you.

Pacey.

Yeah?

I love you.

Michael! How's my favorite f*cking

client since one of my.

Your favorite client, Barry.

Wow.

Okay.

It's very hurtful, Michael.

Agents have hearts

too, you know.

All right. The last time we

talked, you said, and I quote,

don't ever call me again unless

you have something I can sell.

Yeah, I did say that.

I did.

But I said it out, of love.

It's called motivation, baby.

So.

So I sent you 113 pages.

Yeah, you did.

And you read it.

I read it, read it twice,

read it a third time sitting

on my little toilet.

I need to hear you

say it, Barry.

Hear me say, okay.

Well, it's the best f*cking sh*t

you've ever sent me, Michael.

You happy?

I know it's my best work.

But it's so much more

than that, isn't it?

Good f*cking God.

Okay?

It's genius, Mike.

It's f*cking brilliant.

You're the Jesus

of writing, and I'm a little

peasant boy that goes

and fetches you water.

Okay?

You happy?

It's a start.

Jesus f*cking Christ.

You writers are the most fragile

f*cking egos in everyone.

And I'm talking about

f*cking actors, too.

Now listen up.

Let's talk some business.

Now, right now, our little

love fest is over.

Fine.

Right.

So what you sent me was great.

It's f*cking amazing.

I love it.

It's not enough.

I need at least 300 pages.

At least.

I'm giving you 400.

Incredible.

f*cking great.

I can sell that, no

f*cking problem.

Okay, now one more thing.

And listen up, because I'm

not f*cking around this time.

Okay?

Don't take this the wrong

way, because I know you

people are like delicate

little baby flowers.

You people.

I mean, writers.

Michael.

Jesus

Christ, shut up and pay

attention to me, okay?

Out with it

Barry.

I need an ending, Michael.

What?

I need a real ending, okay?

Cause what you've given

me so far,

it's a brilliant f*cking setup.

It's got me f*cking

hard as a rock.

Okay?

This f*cking hard?

This f*cking hard.

I'm like a sweet virgin who's

been promised the best

f*cking night of her life.

Barry, if you're trying to make

some kind of an analogy, can

you hurry it along, please?

Okay, you writers are all set up

abd no delivery, okay?

So I'm not gonna be able

to sell this unless you give

me an ending that's gonna

make my little toes curl.

Okay?

I got your ending, Barry.

It's right up here.

You're just gonna have

to wait for it.

We're gonna make a lot

of money, baby.

I love you.

Now get back to work.

Whoa.

Hey, mom, can I get this?

It's only $6.

Sure, honey.

Looks like fun.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to.

Overhear

Yes.

That toy board your son wants.

I don't think it's a good idea.

Excuse me?

It's a Ouija board.

I mean, most people aren't

aware of the dangers,

but I appreciate your concern,

but frankly, it's none

of your business what

I buy from my child.

So you're okay with your child

talking to literal demons?

My name is Tucker.

Oh, my God.

Are you seriously one

of those born again nutcases?

Stop thumping your Bible

and take your meds.

Who do you think he's going

to be talking to?

On that board, crazy lady.

It's a game.

I used to play it all

the time as a kid.

Why does that not surprise me?

You know, it's wackos like you

who are okay with kids sh**ting

g*ns, but get freaked out

over a piece of cardboard.

Okay, I'm sorry if I came

off as rude, but if you just

listened for a minute.

That is not a toy, and your

son's gonna be in real danger.

Well, I didn't ask

for your opinion.

Now why don't you go

to the ab*rtion clinic

and protest like the rest

of those Jesus freaks?

Can you believe that?

You need to keep your

son away from that

satanic piece of sh*t.

I'm, buying it, and you can't

do a damn thing to stop me.

Whatever. Psycho b*tch.

What the hell are you doing?

Actually, I decided that I'm

gonna buy this for myself.

Hey, mom, she took my.

No one can mess with that

piece of crap again.

Okay.

Oh, what's that?

What?

No.

You got something?

What?

No, no.

Sorry.

It's like.

It's right back here.

It's like.

No.

Oh, sh*t.

Where did you get that?

I got it from some teenagers

up to no good.

You're such a badass.

Yeah, but you like the bad boys.

You know, one of those kids

actually thought I was a cop.

I don't blame them.

Seriously, I'm not a narc!

Pass it down.

That's it.

That's the sh*t.

This place is changing me.

Changing you how?

Changing me for the better.

I mean, it's like

making me more myself.

Far out.

Listen, though, I know you

know what I'm talking about.

This place is different.

No, I know.

I know exactly what you mean.

And when it comes to my

writing, that's when

the words start to flow.

It's almost like someone else

is doing the writing for me.

Isn't that f*cking crazy?

So you're saying your

writing got better because

of this place?

You can have whatever

you want, Pacey.

You just got to tune in

to the right frequency.

Okay, I will.

Cool.

Mommy.

Dakota.

Mommy.

You came for me.

Mommy.

What's wrong, baby?

Are you hurt?

I'm scared.

Don't leave me.

Mommy.

I'm almost home.

I need you. baby.

Mommy, please.

It's okay.

It's okay.

It's okay.

I got you.

I got you.

I got you.

I got you.

It's okay.

It's okay.

You probably think I'm crazy.

You're not crazy.

You're just scared.

I was scared at first,

too, but that's because

I was fighting It.

You just gotta trust that

what's happening to you

is something good.

Good?

What do you mean good?

Sounds crazy coming out

of my own mouth.

But, Things just got better for

me when I stopped questioning

it, and I let it in.

Okay.

Mommy.

It's mommy.

Mommy.

Don't be afraid.

I'm ready.

I'm ready to be your mom.

Dakota.

Mommy. I'm afraid.

Mommy, please take me home.

Things just got better

when I stop questioning it

and let it in.

Pacey.

Michael.

Pacey.

How did you?

What are you doing up?

I missed you.

What?

You were right.

That was right

about

Hey, sporty.

Sporty?

No one's called me that

since we were little.

You used to kick everyone's

butt at ping pong.

You definitely were

the jock in church youth group.

And you were the brains.

I was just swinging by

to return this book that I

borrowed from Pastor Sam.

I didn't expect to see you here.

Yeah, I was just asking

for a little help.

Yeah, well, you're definitely

in the right place.

Is there anything you

want me to pray for?

Just strength.

Got it.

Hey, so I'm having a little

get together at my

house tomorrow night.

Nothing huge, just

a few friends.

I'd love it if you

came as my guest.

Bailey.

Caleb.

That sounds nice. But? I'll just

see you at church on Sunday.

Okay.

Hello?

Mikey boy.

Mikey boy.

What's happening, buddy?

To what do I owe,

this distinct pleasure, oh

beloved agent of mine?

Okay, I'm going to cut

to the chase, Michael.

You always do.

Yeah.

So these new pages

you sent me, they are fine.

They're fine.

But.

But they're kind of feeding

into this incessant paranoia

that I already have about you.

Because I know you.

I know you like a father

and like a son, and I know you

don't have a f*cking ending

to this f*cking story.

Barry, come on.

I see where the plot

is going, all right?

You're asking 100 million

intriguing f*cking questions

that we're all dying

to know the f*cking answer to,

but you're gonna give me

a bullshit f*cking ending.

You want me to spoil the ending?

Cause I can do that.

I can tell you the f*cking

ending right now, Barry.

No, I do not want

you to do that.

Please do not do that.

Then what do you want?

I want you to promise me

you can give me an ending

that I can f*cking sell, okay?

Because I cannot

sell this unless.

f*ck off, Barry.

I got writing to do.

And don't call me again

unless you actually

got something to say.

as*h*le.

I really need a f*cking ending.

The ending is right

here, Michael.

Where?

Right, here.

I'm just here to help

you set it free.

I'm just not convinced you want

it badly enough, Michael.

I do.

Then give me what I want.

Hello?

Luke.

Yeah, everything's fine.

Yeah, that sounds cool.

Why don't you head

over right now?

So that's actually good news

for the two of you.

That is that.

Well, yeah, it means the entire

length of the creek

passes through your property.

I was under the impression

it was part

of the neighboring estate.

Well, that's cool.

I got a creek.

You know, I actually went

through these woods,

and I didn't know there

was any creek at all.

It's just past the

Again.

So, you mentioned some bad

memories here in this house.

Growing up, my parents

fought a lot so I would

escape into the corn.

It's the only place

that I felt safe.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I'm not here to talk

about my past trauma.

I've been delivered

from all of that.

I'm here for you.

For me?

Hey, babe.

I just thought.

Oh, sorry.

I didn't realize

you had company.

Michael, this is Bailey.

She used to live here

in this house.

Long, long time ago.

Pleasure to meet you, Bailey.

Likewise.

It's a very lovely home.

Well, I'll stop bothering

the two of you.

I got, some writing to do.

Of course.

He's writing a novel.

Oh, that's so exciting.

So you had something to tell me?

This place. Have you noticed

anything unsettling?

What do you mean?

Okay, so why don't you just

come out with it then?

Don't indulge it.

He will promise you everything,

but it's just not worth it.

He?

Who's he?

Or she?

It can appear as anything.

Okay?

You just can't believe his lies.

I'm sorry, Bailey.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

He appeared to me

as a young boy in the corn.

Right out there.

He became my friend.

And when my parents would

fight, he told me he

could make it all stop.

A young boy told you

he could stop your parents

from fighting?

He called himself Oscar.

He appeared to me as a young

boy, but he could appear

to you as anything.

Whatever you deeply desire.

So you're saying that this

is some kind of supernatural

being in the cornfield?

James 4:7.

"So submit yourselves,

then to God.

Resist the devil, and he

will flee from you."

Okay.

Please, Bailey, I'm,

really not religious.

Just don't give him

a foothold, okay?

He will promise you the world.

But he's the father of all lies.

I'm agnostic.

I don't want to offend you

or anything, but I'm not

comfortable with this.

One day it got really,

really bad, and I ran out

to go find him, and I begged

him to make it stop.

And my mom took a knife,

and she just.

Dear God.

God had nothing to do with this.

I actually think I'm gonna

get started on dinner now.

You'll be joining us, Bailey?

Actually, I think I

better get going.

So soon?

Here's my address just in case

you want to stop by and, you

know, talk about anything.

Thank you.

I will.

Honey, do you

have a moment?

Yeah, sure.

What's up?

I just did a pregnancy test.

Okay.

I'm pregnant.

What?

God.

Oh, my God.

Pacey

you need to get some rest.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,

whoa, whoa, whoa.

Pacey, it's all right.

It's all right.

Calm down.

Calm down.

It's okay.

I'm here.

I'm here.

I'm here.

What happened?

I couldn't.

I couldn't move.

And he's.

What?

I just need to get out of here.

This place, it's.

It's too much.

This place.

This place is fine.

You just had a dream, all right?

I promise everything's

gonna be okay.

You gonna stay awake with me?

Of course I will.

Come on.

I can't believe it.

You're pregnant.

I know I am.

Not wrong very often, but I'm

really glad I am this time.

I.

I can't explain it, but I guess

it doesn't matter now, does it?

No.

I'm going to prescribe a few

prenatal meds just to be safe.

I've been having some

sleep issues.

Okay.

I wake and I can't move.

I see things and I hear.

Sounds like classic

sleep paralysis.

It's nothing to worry about.

I mean, I can't move.

And the things that

I see, it's beyond.

That's normal.

There's been a lot of research

on the topic.

The things that you think

you're seeing are akin

to a waking dream.

But why is this happening.

Happening to me now?

A lot of things can

trigger sleep paralysis.

Stress, your recent move,

even your pregnancy.

I'm going to prescribe

a sleep aid for you as well.

f*ck off, Barry.

f*ck it.

Michael, I need an ending.

Where's my ending?

Michael.

Hey, babe.

Oh, hey.

You look exhausted.

How'd it go?

Everything's great.

I just need to rest

and take it easy.

That should be your only

priority right now, okay?

She gave me something

to help me sleep.

I think I'm just gonna

take a few of these and pass

out for the night.

I'm exhausted.

Well, you don't have

to worry about me at all.

I'm probably gonna be

up all night writing anyway.

Really?

I was getting worried about you.

The story's coming back?

Well, it sure is. Something fierce.

Michael.

Hey, Bailey.

Look, I'm really sorry to bother

you about this, but it's Pacey.

She's.

She's inconsolable and she says

she really needs your help.

What's going on?

She's been having these

episodes lately where

she sees things late at night.

I don't know.

I've been saying that maybe it's

just stress, but it's only

getting more and more intense.

And then I woke up last

night and she was gone.

And I found her running around

the cornfield in a panic.

The cornfield?

It's all so stupid.

And she refuses to see

a doctor about it.

Where's she now?

She's at home.

But she sensed that you're

the only one who can help her.

I'm just gonna go

check on Pacey.

I'll, be right back.

Pacey's gone.

What?

She's gone.

I don't know.

I guess she ran out again.

I gotta go find her.

Pacey?

Pacey, you out here?

I think I'm gonna go

check out the woods.

Listen, you should hang

back here in case Pacey

comes back to the house.

alright?

The girl, she's here.

You promised me an ending.

I did.

My ending.

I need it.

The accountant, the one

staying in the chalet.

What about him?

He loses all his money

to his sister.

His sister?

She's not even.

His sister is the one

who k*lled Lucas.

Oh, that's perfect.

I can't believe I missed it.

It's logical, and the audience

will never see it coming.

But how do I resolve.

Shut up

I want the girl.

Heavenly

Father, please pour out your

spirit and rescue your daughter

Pacey from this nightmare.

I know she's not

a believer, but please.

Bailey.

Bailey, you have

to get out of here.

Bailey.

Go.

Bailey.

No.

Please, just hear me out.

I won't hurt you.

Just leave her alone.

Leave who alone?

Pacey, just.

Just leave her.

Pacey is safe.

It's you that I want.

It's always been you.

Just stay away from me.

Why did you run away

from me, Bailey?

Your awful parents, they.

I never understood

you the way I did.

Stop.

Please, just stop.

Oh, I made it stop.

But you.

You promised me.

You'd Stay.

You have no claim on me.

Oh, but I do have a claim

on you, Bailey.

You made me a promise, remember?

You swore it.

No.

It was a blood oath.

I have broken all

bonds and oaths.

Through the blood of Jesus

Christ, I command you to leave.

Who are you to command me?

I have broken all

bonds and oaths.

Through the blood of Jesus

Christ, I command you to leave.

You think just by shouting his

name I'm gonna run and flee?

I know his name.

And he knows mine.

In the name of.

Of Jesus Christ,

I command you to leave.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

I command you to leave.

In the name of Jesus Christ.

Michael.

Good.

Now k*ll her.

I can't.

Yes, you can.

Michael.

Do this for me, and I'll

give you 20 more books.

Each one better than the last.

Michael.

Michael, what are you doing?

Pacey, just go back

inside, okay?

I've got this.

Just turn around

and go back inside, okay?

Michael.

Just put it down.

Pacey.

Don't act like you're

all innocent in this.

You know exactly

what's going on.

You felt it, too.

His power.

It's magnificent.

Michael, just put it away.

You can stop this.

I could.

But I won't.

I've come too far.

And so have you.

we've got to be strong right now.

We're so close.

But not this!

We can't.

What about our child,

What about my book?

I can take it all away, Michael.

Your book?

All your success.

I can take away your perfect

little innocent child.

No.

He lies.

He can't create life,

only destroy it.

I'm gonna end this once

and for all, okay?

For both of us.

Pacey, just walk away.

I don't want you to see this.

The child in you is from God.

It's not from him.

I'm sorry.

There he is, Mr.

New York Times bestseller.

Hi, Barry.

Hey gorgeous.

You know what?

I'm glad you're here.

You're gonna want

to hear this, too.

How was the meeting?

Meetings, Michael.

Multiple meetings.

Okay?

Meetings.

Which means multiple offers.

So it's a bidding w*r

for the movie rights

people on all sides of me.

Bloodbath, okay?

I'm covered in blood.

But you know what?

I don't mind.

Because you know what it means?

It means big money

for you, Michael.

Big f*cking money.

Big money for all of us.

You mean Mr.

And Mrs.

Palmer?

We going to Hollywood, baby.

I'll send you all

the details tonight.

Don't worry about that sh*t

But for right now, as your

agent, I'm ordering you you

to pop that g*dd*mn champagne

and celebrate with that

beautiful wife of yours.

Okay.

Thanks, Barry

Catch you guys later.

It's, my turn to

look after Dakota.

Stay.

I go.

I'm going to Texas I'm leaving

soon I'm going to Texas I'm

bending a spin I'm going to

Texas I'm going to Texas I'm

going to Houston she'll meet

me there I'm going to Houston

Forget with all my cares I'm

going to Texas I'm going to

Texas.

Sam.

I.