A Deadly Affair (2017)

[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ MUSIC CHANGES ]
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
[ SOFT THUD ]
I've wanted this for so long.
[ GLASS BREAKING ]
Wait. Wait.
Wait, stop, stop! Huh?
Mary, come on. Oh my god.
I cannot believe I just
did that.
You didn't do anything.
Trevor, I'm married.
Everybody makes mistakes.
Okay... where's your husband
right now?
Not here.
He never is. That's none of your business.
Mary, you deserve someone
who's going to cherish you.
Who'll be there for you.
Everybody makes mistakes.
I was lonely.
We had too much to drink.
Oh, god, we're really good
friends but, Trevor...
we have got... we've gotta
be honest about this.
Don't tell Susan. Trevor!
I know that you may
feel bad about this.
Like it's unfair to Charlie.
But... it's almost 2:00 a.m., at
least part of you has to wonder.
Where's he... who's he with
right now?
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC FADING UP ]
[ GARAGE DOOR OPENING ]
Hello?
Hey. Sorry, I didn't mean
to wake you.
Where were you?
I was working on the house.
You were supposed to come home
for dinner.
I'm sorry, I got hung up.
I'm just gonna jump
in the shower.
You know what today is?
Thursday?
It's our anniversary, Charlie.
Oh, no.
I'm so sorry. I... I just...
Why didn't you...
It was supposed to be
a surprise.
I made you dinner
and then we were gonna...
Hey... let's heat it up.
Right now, come on,
I'm sure it's still good.
Right? You couldn't have eaten
all of it.
No... I...
Susan came over
and had dinner with me.
Susan came over? Did she?
Yeah.
I needed some company.
Okay.
Charlie? Hm?
What happened to your back?
What do you mean? These scratches.
Yeah, I was sliding on my back
under the new cabinets...
and I guess a couple
of the screws aren't flush.
A screw did that?
Yeah, a worksite's a dangerous
place.
Hey.
I'm sorry that I missed dinner.
Let me make it up to you.
I'll make dinner tomorrow,
whatever you want.
The food will not be as good,
but the company will be better.
Then... Susan, right?
Susan.
Better than Susan.
Okay?
I'm gonna take a shower.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ MUSIC PLAYS FROM RADIO ]
Baby we could read all day
And listen as our hearts grow full
No distraction
no more delay
In our minds we travel far
[ PAN SIZZLING ]Mm!
Baby with you is where
I wanna stay
Spearfishing?
Uh, search and rescue operation?
Lost spoon.
Eh, just leave it.
Uh-oh.
Yeah, I know, and it's the
last bottle.
Not for us, it isn't.
15 minutes left on the meatloaf.
Yep, so, I'll be back in ten.
It's okay, Charlie, really.
Hey, an anniversary dinner might
not need to be...
on your anniversary, but it does
need a bottle of fine wine...
for a fine woman.
Huh?
I'll be back before you can say,
"spoon soup."
[ KNOCKING ON DOOR ]
Oh, Mary, don't you look lovely.
[MARY]
What are you doing here?
There you are.
Hey, babe.
Look who I ran into
at the store.
We were grabbing some wine
for dinner and I saw Charlie...
and I thought, why not share
both?
Just the two of us? Yeah, they were... insistent.
Ooh, one bottle of wine
for each of us?
I smell some lowered
inhibitions.
It's... it's... unbelievable.
I mean, that's... that's two
wrecks in two weeks.
So, anyway, her car's in the
shop first and until then...
my car's hers.
Wow, that's rough.
Can you guys imagine me
driving Charlie's truck?
No.[ LAUGHING ]
Oh... what an interesting
reading choice, Mary.
Well, I hand the classics to the
kids all day so I figured...
I would give myself a refresher,
too.
You have high school girls
reading Kate Chopin?
Charlie, do you know what your
wife is reading about?
Can't say I do.
Well, you must have had a hard
time getting married then.
If you can't say, "I do"?
Ah.
I'm just... not much
of a reader.
How can you say that,
you don't read?
I just... I don't really see
the point.
Just for me.
The point is to broaden
your horizons...
you know, escape your life
for a little bit.
Right? I mean... that's... that's
why I read, and write.
Well, I like my life.
So, why would I want
to escape it?
Mary, you get what I'm saying,
right?
I'm not much of a reader,
either.
You're a lawyer. You read.
Mostly traffic citations
and wine labels.
Great year.
Here, to being together.
Come on.
[SUSAN] God knows we've all had
too many lonely nights lately.
Mm. Susan has been having
an affair...
[ CLEARS THROAT ]
...with her work.
Yeah, so, the last few nights,
I've been home alone...
with no car, no company.
At least you have your reading. And writing.
Yeah. So, Susan?
Were you working last night,
too?
Really hard case.
[TREVOR]
Thank you, guys, it was lovely.
Are you sure you don't want
to kill it off, Mary?
Oh, I couldn't. You guys enjoy.
No, I insist.
Goodnight.
Oh, by the way,
I need my car tomorrow.
So...
You and Susan had dinner
last night?
No.
So...
I got pissed.
So, I threw it in the trash
and then I felt stupid, so...
You lied.
[ SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ BRUSHING TEETH ]
[ MUSIC FADES UP ]
Charlie?
I'm really sorry I lied to you.
It was really stupid
and I feel... stupid.
Forgiven.
You got... You, too.
Has that been there
the whole time?
Yeah.
[ GIGGLING ]
[ BELL RINGING ]
[MARY] Oh, make sure you pay
attention to the beginning.
There's a lot of hidden clues
in there.
So you must be in Ms. Keegan's
class.
No, ma'am, just curious.
Enjoy.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ KNOCKING ON DOOR ]
Hey.
Who is that?
My neighbor.
Did he say something to you?
No, was just curious.
He's cute.
Are you hungry?
He's married, Crystal.
But what are you doing here?
I, uh... just thought we should
catch up.
I don't know the last time
I saw you outside of school.
Is Charlie around?
No, he's at the site.
Nice. Have you been out
there lately?
Not much.
You know you can tell me
anything, right?
Are you guys okay?
Yes, everything's fine.
You, uh... you want some tequila?
He's never home anymore.
I mean, he stops in for food
and clothes...
but it's like he's a ghost.
But you know how he is.
He just gets focused
on stuff and...
He missed our anniversary.
I made dinner and everything.
You could've called me,
I would've come over.
If you were alone, I mean.
He told you, didn't he?
Everybody makes mistakes.
That's what... I just can't
help feeling...
like there's something wrong.
Like maybe there's somebody
else.
Are you saying... are you having
an affair?
What? No, I was talking
about Charlie.
I... I'm sorry,
pay no attention to me...
that's the tequila talking.
Mary, you can tell me.
We're just going through
a rough patch.
All couples go through it.
It's perfectly normal.
Right?
I think if your instincts are
telling you something...
isn't right, maybe it's time
you both cleared the air.
You're right, I will.
[ CELL PHONE RINGING ]
Hey, I was just about to call
you.
[ MUFFLED BREATHING ]
Charlie?
[ MUFFLED BREATHING CONTINUES ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ MUSIC CHANGES ]
Charlie?
[ PHONE CHIMES ]
"I'm sorry." What?
[ PHONE CHIMES ]
[ EERIE MUSIC PLAYING ]
Charlie?
[ CAR ENGINE STARTS ]
[ CAR DRIVES AWAY ]
Charlie, what the hell?
[ PHONE RINGING ]
Charlie?
[ RINGING CONTINUES ]
Hey?
[ RINGING CONTINUES ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC FADES UP ]
Charlie.
[ INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER ]
[ DISTANT SIRENS APPROACHING ]
Hey... fantastic.
Listen, I'm glad they got
the daughter, but...
they shouldn't have gone
there by themselves.
All right, gotta go.
What are we looking at?
Looks like they fled
around back.
Looks like a single stab wound
to the back.
[ INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER ]
Any sign of a murder weapon?
Not yet.
Where's the wife?
This way.
[ EERIE MUSIC PLAYING ]
Ms. Saunders?
Detective Brady Malone.
Think you'd be able to answer
a few questions for me?
You told Deputy Davies that
you'd gotten a phone call.
What can you tell me about that?
It was from Charlie.
Or at least I think it was.
When I answered, there was
just... breathing.
Breathing? Heavy breathing.
It frightened me.
Did you think the person
breathing could be Charlie?
Maybe.
The reception here is...
Did he sound like he was
in trouble?
I don't know.
You been drinking tonight? No.
Well... I had a drink earlier
with my sister-in-law.
But it was just one.
One and a half... maybe.
I'm sorry.
That's a very unique
wedding band.
Thank you.
My husband had them made for us.
He has one just like it.
Did he wear his everyday?
Yes, of course. Why?
I'm... sure it's nothing.
But right now, he isn't.
What do you mean?
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
He was just old enough...
that I viewed him
as kind of a parent.
Except I didn't have to worry
about him...
telling on me or anything.
It doesn't feel right.
[CRYSTAL] Just be myself and......burying him without it.
My brother was kind...
and he was gentle.
A truly creative soul.
And he was loyal, so loyal,
and this just isn't fair.
Keep watching over me, Charlie,
I still need you.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC FADES UP ]
I should've talked about the
Little Owl.
His nickname for you?
You know, I met him working
at the dentist office?
Right, right, he, uh...
he knocked his front teeth out.
Construction accident.Yeah.
He didn't have insurance then,
so...
He spent hours just sitting
in the waiting room.
I was in charge of answering
the phones and...
as you can imagine, a lot of
people who call the dentist...
aren't speaking very clearly,
so... he just sat there...
listening to me for hours,
say over and over again&
Who? Who?
That's funny.
And if he's up there...
somewhere listening to my
thoughts.
He's hearing the exact
same thing.
Because I need to know who,
Susan.
Who did this?
I know, Mary, I know.
I'm gonna pay my respects.
Mary... No, Trevor!
I can't stand seeing you
in pain like this.
Please don't push me away,
not now...
Don't make me.
How have you been holding up?
We're all here for you.
Anything you need.
We'll get through this
as a family.
Thank you.
Is Crystal okay?
She will be.
You know how close they were.
Mrs. Saunders, I'm Trevor.
I'm so sorry for you loss.
[TREVOR] Charlie was a very good
friend of mine.
[MRS. SAUNDERS] I don't recall
him mentioning your name.
[TREVOR] Well, he was a social
butterfly...
even if he seemed quiet.
Hm... I guess there's a lot
I didn't know about...
If you'll excuse me?
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
You know, you're lucky
my mother is here.
I would never embarrass
Charlie in front of her!
What do you mean? I saw you.
I know what you did!
He isn't even in the ground
and here you are...
standing next to that guy.
He didn't... Crystal...
we didn't...
What are you talking about?
Did you do it?
Did you... did you kill him?
No! You're lying!
I know you're...
He was a good man, Mary, and he
deserved better than this.
He deserved better than you.
Don't make me do this.
Don't make me tell.
What was that about?
I...
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
I thought after a week,
she might calm down...
but, well... she can be
stubborn.
Does she really think I did it?
I think she just wants
an answer.
Have you heard anything new
from the police?
Nothing.
Crystal's just confused.
She'll come around.
I hope so.
By the way, did you find the...
Oh... oh, yes.
Of course, it's right over here.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ KNOCKING ON DOOR ]
Good morning, Ms. Saunders.
If you don't mind, I'd like to
ask you a few questions.
We were able to recover most
of the information...
on Charlie's cell phone, and...
He wasn't texting someone
named Cassandra, was he?
Cassandra James?
Not that I'm aware of.
Well, because she was at his
funeral...
and I went to her website...
Mary... now trust me, we are
exploring every possibility.
Now, his last two text messages
to you...
I'm sorry, please don't be mad.
Yeah.
But he couldn't have sent those.
I didn't receive them
until after he was...
Well, it turns out, they were
sent several minutes...
before you received them...
bad reception.
If it was Charlie, do you
have any idea...
what they could've been
in reference to?
Did you fight that day?
Have a disagreement of any
kind...
that he might need
to apologize for?
No.
You and Charlie having
difficulties?
Difficulties?
In your marriage.
No, why would...
Just... well, him not wearing
his wedding band and all.
You know, maybe it'd be better
if we can go inside and talk.
You got a warrant?
Well?
Just exploring every
possibility.
Yeah, maybe you should possibly
start by finding...
the murder weapon instead
of torturing the mourning widow?
I'll be in touch.
Okay, thanks.
Steak, a good cut.
My lasagna didn't kill you,
neither will this.
Thank you.
Has he been asking a lot
of questions like that?
Mm-hm.
Mind if I come in? Yeah.
I'm not really hungry.
You look like the walking dead.
Eat it.
I guess I haven't done the best
job of taking care of myself.
Well, that ends starting today.
And also, I don't want you
talking to anyone...
without a lawyer.
If he calls you, come get me.
Susan, you do traffic law.
I'm a criminal defense attorney,
and yes...
that includes contesting
violations and citations...
Mary... let me help you.
I know that they seem like
harmless questions.
You're a suspect.
But I found Charlie!
I'm the one who called
the police!
Most murders are committed by a
spouse or a significant other.
The police know this.
You've been in their crosshairs
since day one.
What am I supposed to do?
Whatever it is you normally do.
Well, there was this woman
at the funeral...
I've never seen before.
Maybe I could find out...
No, Mary, whatever you
normally do.
The only way to deal with death
is by living life.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ BELL RINGING ]
[ HORN HONKING ]Mary!
Oh, uh... hi. Oh, you poor thing.
How are you?
Uh... hi, Lizzy, I'm just taking
it day by day.
Well, I just want you to know
that we're all behind you.
Thank you.
And don't you pay any mind
to what people are saying...
about you, okay?
Okay.
Mary... didn't expect to see you
back so soon.
Do you have a minute? Sure, of course.
I was hoping to talk to you...
about scheduling my return
to work.
Well, when were you thinking?
I was thinking tomorrow?
Look, there's no need to rush
back.
You've been through a terrible
ordeal.
We all understand.
If you need more time to grieve,
I want you to take it.
What I need is to get back
to work.
I can't be in that house
alone anymore.
It's too hard.
Okay... we'll make it happen.
Thank you.
Uh... if it gets too much,
you'll let me know. Okay?
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
[ DOOR OPENS ][ GASPS ]
I missed you.
[CASSANDRA] Who do you want? You.
Who?
Only you.
[ OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]DR]
[ CALL RINGING ]
[WOMAN OVER PHONE]
Good afternoon...
Screws and Bolts Hardware,
how may I help today?
Yes... is this Cassandra James?
[WOMAN OVER PHONE] No ma'am, she's not in today...
but if you're looking for tools...
Uh... do you know when she's
gonna be back?
[WOMAN OVER PHONE] Not for a while, I'm afraid.
Oh, really... why?
[WOMAN OVER PHONE]
She had a bunch of vacation...
time saved up, cashed it in all last week.
I guess sometimes you just have to get away from it all.
Yeah, I guess so.
You know people at the DMV,
right?
So you can get information on
people, like... like addresses?
I might know a guy.
Why do you want this
girl's address?
I think Charlie was having
an affair.
Really?
I'm not sure.
I don't have proof.
But there were signs.
What do you mean? He was distant.
And I know he was busy at work,
but...
It felt like he was keeping
something from me.
Do you have anything concrete?
Did you see anything?
The night before he died,
he came home with scratches...
on his back and they looked
like they were... you know.
Did you tell the police this?
No.
I mean, it looks bad, right?
I think my husband is having
an affair...
and then he winds up dead?
Well, it doesn't look good.
You think that thisgirl and
Charlie were having an affair?
This is Cassandra James.
I first saw her at the funeral.
No one knew who she was
and when she saw me...
she ran away before I could
talk to her.
So, I had to do a little
research and I found out...
that she worked at the hardware
store that Charlie went to.
I mean, this girl is half
our age.
If she was Charlie's mistress,
do you really wanna know now?
If this girl was seeing Charlie
at the beach house...
she could be our best lead
in finding out who killed him.
Do you really think that she
would tell you...
if something's going on?
Trust me, Susan, I'll be able
to tell.
And you said that the police
think I'm a suspect.
Maybe it's time we give
'em another one.
All right, well, you better
not start...
going through old yearbooks
next.
I'm only doing this once.
Daryl, hi, yeah, it's Susan.
Can you run a plate for me?
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
Okay, thanks, Daryl.
I really should be going
with you.
I'll be okay.
Be careful.
And if you find out anything,
anything at all.
Promise that you'll tell me.
I will.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Hi, excuse me, do you know, um...
Oh...
Can I help you? Hi.
Cassandra, um... you don't
know me.
I'm Charlie Saunder's wife.
I saw you at Charlie's funeral.
How did you know my husband?
I work at Screws and Bolts.
Charlie came in a lot while
he was working...
at the house on the beach.
He told you about the beach
house?
Sure.
Did he take you there?
I wouldn't be any use onsite,
I just work at the counter.
I'm asking if he took you
there socially.
How close were you to my
husband?
I told you, he was a customer
I knew and I liked.
Sounds like he was more
than that.
He dies and all of a sudden...
you have to go on extended leave
from work?
That doesn't sound like
just a customer.
[MAN]
Cass, where's my wallet?
Just a second.
Look, the only thing going on
between your husband and me...
was a display case of drill
bits, okay?
I'm sorry, I didn't realize you
had a... boyfriend.
I have a husband and a honeymoon
to get packed for, so...
I guess I misread the situation.
You're wrong about Charlie.
He never hit on me.
Not like the other customers.
[MAN]
Jesus, Cass.
You had yourself a winner.
Sorry.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Sorry. I didn't mean
to scare you.
How did you get in here?
Did he make this for you?
Trevor?
His "owl"... that's what he used
to call you, right?
Why is that?
Did you used to keep him
up all night?
What do you want?
I left messages.
I've been busy.
Why are you so mad at me?
Because I asked you to give me
space.
And here you are in my house.
You're in pain.
I get it, but pushing people
away is not the answer.
I wanna be here for you.
You can't be. I have to be.
Mary, we're... we're friends.
I care for you.
I... I haven't shown it.
No! You've shown it.
And now my memory of his final
days will always be...
You're just as guilty as I am.
You kissed me back, Mary.
You should go.
Why?
Because you're not Charlie,
and you never will be.
Exactly!
Get out of my house, Trevor.
You need time.
I understand, I do.
Just, Mary... he's gone.
But he was gone a long time
before that.
I was there for you.
Still am.
Just... just don't lose what
you've still got.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ VASE SMASHING ]
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
[ MUSIC CHANGES ]
Any other signs of foul play?
I... I... I don't think so.
I don't know, not that
I can really see.
You leave that window open?
I don't know. I don't...
I don't remember.
You better have a warrant!
You have absolutely no right to
be inside of this house tonight!
What's going on?
Somebody was in my house.
I'm okay, I'm just a little
freaked out.
If you like, I can arrange
for a hotel...
if you don't feel comfortable
here.
No, you're staying with us. I... I couldn't.
No, he's right, you shouldn't
be here alone.
And Trevor's tied up writing,
it'll just be the two of us.
This is great.
Are you sure this is all right?
And that Trevor won't mind?
Well, he's not here,
so he's not allowed to mind.
Where is he, by the way?
Who knows where he goes.
Coffee shops, bars.
Hard to say.
He's been spending a lot of late
nights just writing away.
I'd give him a hard time,
but that'd be hypocritical.
You okay?
Yeah.
Just been a long day.
Well, relax, you're with friends
now.
Have some wine, take a hot
shower and get some sleep.
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ][ SHOWER RUNNING ]
[ DOOR CLOSES ]
[ EERIE MUSIC CONTINUES ]
What's gotten into you?
Wait, stop.
Much better.
Hi.
Good morning. I heard we had
a house guest.
Yeah, I had some trouble
last night.
Well, like I said,
you can count on me.
On us.
You feeling better? Yes.
Thanks again for everything.
Well, the bed is yours
for as long as you want it.
Right, Trevor? Of course.
I appreciate that.
I'm gonna get going.
I'm gonna be late for work.
Returning.
Oh, this is a good one.
Did you enjoy it?
Very much. Okay, you're all set.
Thank you.
Did you kill your husband?
You're all set.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Crystal?
Got a lot of nerve showing
your face here.
What are you telling people? Telling people?
I haven't been telling people
anything.
They see you hiding behind
your lawyer friend.
It's sick.
The wife of the guy who... Who what, Crystal?
You know me. You have known
me for years.
Do you really think I'm capable
of murder?
I thought I knew you.
Listen, can we just go talk
about this somewhere?
You can ask me any questions
you have.
You know, I loved him, too.
Will your lawyer friend
be there?
Just you and me.
All right.
[ EERIE MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER ]
Did you find something?
No. Just have a few questions
for Mrs.... for Ms. Saunders.
Well, I will leave you to it
then.
No, no! This won't take long.
Right?
Well, that depends on you.
Care to step inside.
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
You sure you don't want
your lawyer here?
No, I'm fine.
But, like she said,
why are you here...
and not out searching for
a suspect or the murder weapon?
Funny you mention that.
Found that at the scene.
It was in a shed out back.
Look familiar?
At Screws and Bolts they sell
all kinds of hunting...
Found traces of dried blood
on the blade.
Lab results came back as
a match for Charlie's DNA.
Oh... okay.
So, maybe test it
for fingerprints.
We did, and we found yours.
That's impossible.
You have to believe me, I...
I think I need my lawyer.
[ MUSIC FADES UP ]
Can I have a glass of water??
They didn't give you one
at the station?
Actually, do you have any wine?
Mary...
if I'm going to help you,
I need you to listen to me.
I told you not to talk to them
without representation.
I didn't know about the knife.
I'm just telling the truth.
Well, right now the truth
could be the worst thing...
that you could tell them. What do you mean?
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
I need you to be honest with me.
I have been.
Look...
your marriage was on the rocks.
Maybe you thought...
that he was cheating on you. Susan?
And sometimes people do things
in the heat of the moment...
and if they blindside us with
information like that...
and I don't know it,
I can't protect you.
So, if there's something
that you're not telling me...
I need to know. Now.
I didn't kill Charlie.
I didn't!
But you thought that he was
cheating on you?
No!
No.
He wasn't.
Okay.
Let's talk about knives.
What about traffic cams?
What about them?
Are there any near
the beach house?
Like maybe near the crossroads?
Huh.
Why didn't I think of that?
I'll look into it.
How many times did you go
to the beach house?
A few.
Did you ever bring Charlie
dinner there?
Like, maybe a steak and you left
a knife there afterwards?
Maybe you did.
No one will buy that.
They'll buy whatever
I sell them.
I'm persuasive.
What if the person who
broke into my house...
stole the steak knife and then
planted it at the crime scene?
If that's the case,
then where's the real weapon?
And what motive would somebody
possibly have for doing that?
[ DOOR OPENS ]
Oh, you're home early.
Got a lot done. I was just
anxious to get home.
Hope I'm not interrupting
anything.
Nope. Grab a plate and join us.
That looks great.
Any news on Charlie?
No... it's just crazy.
I can't imagine how anybody
would think that you did it.
What is wrong with the world?
I think I'm gonna go to bed.
Really?
Yeah. I'll see you
in the morning.
[ MUSIC PLAYING ]
What's that about?
I have no idea.
Those are cute.
You scared me.
I didn't mean to.
I just came to see
if you wanted anything.
If there was anything
I could do for you.
Nope. I'm good.
You seem a little tense is all.
I mean, what kind of host would
I be, if I didn't...
make sure all your needs
were met?
Well, if you change your mind.
[ KNOCKING ON DOOR ]
Come in.
You wanted to see me?
Yes, uh...
can I talk to you for a moment?
Sure.
Is everything okay?
Look, I know you want
to get back...
to your familiar schedule,
but I'm just not sure...
it's the right thing, after all.
I don't understand,
where's this coming from?
Well, there have been some
complaints from parents...
concerned of the influence
your situation...
may have on the students.
My situation?
The, uh...
events surrounding
your husband's death.
It's Crystal, she's just upset
about the whole thing...
we all are, but she's
just confused.
I also know the police have
questioned you and, uh...
well, I'm afraid I'm gonna
have to place...
you on indefinite leave.
Please, no.
Look, I'm sorry, Mary,
but my hands are tied.
I have lost everything,
I cannot lose this, too.
Look, there's uh...
a schoolboard meeting tonight.
If you like, why don't
you stop by?
It'll give you some time
to plead your case.
Thank you.
Now, uh... if you don't mind.
I'll uh...
walk you to the parking lot.
[ SIGHS ]
[ HORN HONKS ]
It's an issue.
All I'm saying is...
we gotta crack down
on security here.
I'm so glad you're here.
I want you to know,
I signed that petition...
but only under duress.
Petition?
Yeah.
The one to get you fired.
[PRINCIPAL JONES] I'll take
that under consideration.
All right then, at this time,
I'd like to offer the floor...
to Mary Saunders.
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ DOOR OPENS ]
First of all, I would like
to thank all of you...
for giving me the chance
to address you directly.
I know there have been
a lot of questions.
This morning I learned
that I was suspended...
from my position
as school librarian.
That some of you may...
have some reservations
about me...
or may have heard some things
that you found disturbing.
I would like to clear
all of that up.
You guys know me.
Doug, I have known you since,
what, third grade?
Darlene, we have worked together
for 11 years.
I am still that same person.
I can promise you that.
With me, what you see
is what you get.
You bitch!
Susan...
After everything that
I've done for you.
This is how you repay me?
By sleeping with my husband?!
I didn't, I swear.
He came home and he started
packing his bags.
He said that the two of you
were in love...
and that this is a new
beginning.
That is not true,
that's not true!
I swear that's not true.
Nothing is ever true
with you, Mary!
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ DOOR OPENS, CLOSES ]
[ MUSIC CHANGES ]
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
I'm sorry, Charlie.
I hope you know that.
[ KNOCKING ON DOOR ]
Thanks for coming.
Well, I gotta admit...
I was a little surprised
when you called.
Trevor Gates, your lawyer's
husband?
Yes.
And why are you just
sharing this now?
I was embarrassed.
And honestly, I didn't think
that Trevor was capable...
of doing something like this.
But now you do?
He's been acting really weird.
And you know when my house
was broken into...
and that owl was broken?
He commented on that owl
earlier that same day.
Again, Mary, I've gotta ask.
Why you didn't come forward
with this information sooner?
I was advised not to.
By Susan Gates?
Have you ever stopped
to consider that maybe...
the wife of the man
that you're sleeping with...
might not have your best
interest in mind?
I told you I didn't
sleep with him!
So what?
It sounds like she thinks
you did.
Why would you...
you heard about the
schoolboard meeting.
So, then you already
knew about Trevor?
Word gets around...
and I find it interesting
that you waited...
till the day after
the news broke...
to mention any of this to me.
But you'll still talk to him?
Every possibility.
I'll talk to him.
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
[ MUSIC FADES UP ]
[ CALL RINGING ]
[SUSAN OVER PHONE] You've reached the voicemail...
of Susan Gates.
If you're looking for
assistance contesting...
a criminal charge, including
any traffic violations...
please direct your call
to my office.
Otherwise, go ahead and leave
a message after the tone.
[ BEEP ]
Hey, it's Mary.
I know you said you never wanna
see me again and honestly...
I can't blame you.
I really screwed up
and I'm so sorry.
I'm trying really hard
to make it right...
but I'm just so scared.
I could really use
my friend right now.
Please call me.
Hey.
I'm really sorry I didn't
come sooner.
Things have been really bad.
God, I miss you so much.
I don't know what to do.
I lost you.
Lost everyone.
There's nobody left.
That's not true.
I'm sorry. I'll go.
You don't have to.
I didn't think you'd want
to see me.
Why not? Because...
because of what happened.
Crystal told you, right?
I'm so sorry.
This may sound unmotherly...
but your relationship with my
son is between you and him.
I still view you as family.
But for you to find out
about this now.
And Crystal.
Crystal already knew.
But...
but it had only happened once.
And... nothing really happened.
I mean, yeah, we kissed...
but that was it.
It was just a mistake.
It's okay. It's just that...
Susan was taking Trevor's car...
so he was cooped up
at the house...
and he couldn't write there
so he would come over and...
Charlie was always gone, so...
we became close.
But just as friends.
And then Charlie missed
our anniversary and...
it was just a mistake.
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
I remember the first time
he met you.
I'd never seen him so happy.
He said he'd found the girl
he was going to marry.
Well, he had just broken
his front teeth...
and he was high on
painkillers, so...
Maybe...
but they wore off and his
love for you never did.
And I can tell that your love
never wore off either.
I really loved him.
I know.
Do you think Crystal
believes that?
Maybe you should tell her.
I've tried.
Maybe you should try again.
[ SOFT MUSIC CONTINUES ]
[ PHONE RINGING ]
Susan.
[SUSAN OVER PHONE]
I got your message.
Thank you so much
for calling me back.
I want you to know, I didn't
mean for any of this to happen.
What I did was...
awful.
But I want our friendship
to stay alive.
No matter what.
[SUSAN OVER PHONE]
The cops came by earlier...
looking for Trevor.
I know, they found
out about everything.
That's actually one
of the things...
I wanted to clear up with you.
[SUSAN OVER PHONE]
But, Mary, it wasn't him.
I know, I-I just thought...
[SUSAN OVER PHONE]
You were right.
There was a traffic camera
near the beach house.
Did it get anything?
I'm sending you the picture
right now.
I wanna go to the beach house
right away...
and see what else the cops
might have missed.
Of course. [ PHONE CHIMES ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
I'll meet you there.
[ MUSIC CHANGES ]
I visited Charlie today.
You should visit him sometime.
Mary was there.
Not alone, I bet.
She was.
And she told me
all about her fling.
No point keeping it a secret
anymore, is there?
Sounds like nothing
really happened.
He just came by a lot.
Charlie's lying in the ground...
and Mary is lying while standing
right on top of him.
You don't know that, Crystal.
I saw them, Mom.
Mary said...
he just came by her house
and only to write.
Mary says a lot,
but I saw them...
and they weren't writing
and they weren't at home.
They were at the beach house.
The beach house?
Yes.
Why didn't you say anything?
Because you always said...
that their relationship
was their business.
So, instead of talking
to Charlie about it...
I talked to Mary.
I encouraged her to talk to him.
I... I thought they could
work through it.
You don't think I give her
the benefit of the doubt?
Well, I did...
and look what happened?
Crystal, you can't blame
yourself.
Yes...
I can.
I knew you'd come by eventually.
I was waiting for you.
What are you doing here?
Don't you know?
I did it.
I left my wife.
I told her everything.
I never asked you
to do that, Trevor.
Because you're a good person.
And just like me you're just a...
a victim of bad timing.
You just married
the wrong person.
I gave Susan my soul...
and it wasn't enough for her.
She's cold.
Mary, she is, and frankly,
so's Charlie.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry,
I shouldn't have said that.
That's just the thing though
about me is that...
I don't hold back.
Not like Susan.
I go after what I want.
And I wanna be with you.
I don't wanna be with you.
That's not what you said
that night.
When you brought me
into you bedroom.
That night was a mistake.
We were drinking...
You invited me over.
You offered me wine.
You told me...
leave your writing at home.
You were... you were warm
and you were kind.
I just needed someone.
And you don't now? We were friends.
What happened between us
wasn't friends.
What happened between us
was passion.
Nothing happened.
Nothing will happen.
Ever.
Yes, it will.No.
This is not one of your
stories, Trevor.
You don't get to write
the ending.
I gave up my home, my wife.
I did everything for you,
and this is how you treat me?
You led me on.
Made me fall in love with you.
You're no better than Susan.
Just playing games
with people's emotions.
No, no, of course not.
You don't get to do that!
You don't get to take me
into your bedroom...
and then cast me aside like...
Oh my god!
Are you okay, are you okay,
can you move it?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Let me go!
No, no, no, I'm sorry,
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I just... I just...
I can't control myself
when I'm around you.
If you'll just...
just give me a chance,
I could make you so happy.
I could, just please give me
a chance, please?
Where were you?
With you, always with you.No.
The night that Charlie
was killed.
Where were you?
You think that I killed Charlie?
That is rich!
No, no, no, no, I didn't...
I didn't kill your precious
Charlie.
I didn't have to.
I already had you,
you know that.
It is just like you
to stab him in the back.
Let me go!
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Trevor, you're hurting me.
That's all you've ever done
is hurt me.
I'm just beginning to see you
for the lying...
manipulative woman that you are! Please...
I can't believe I ever thought
that you were worthy...
of my love.
Susan was right about you...
[ BREATHING HEAVY ]
Well, that was out of character.
He just snapped.
Yes, he did.
Are you okay?
I'm okay.
I just...
Wow.
I just need to get some water
or something.
[ GROANING ]
If you're looking for this...
then you're even dumber
than I thought.
Forgive me.
[ GUN FIRES ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Oh my god.
He woke up and I've never
seen him like that.
He was so angry and he
reached for me!
Are you okay, did he hurt you?
He grabbed me!
I thought he was gonna kill me!
Oh, my god. Oh, Susan.
Maybe he did kill Charlie.
But... but what about Crystal?
I guess I was wrong.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry. It's okay, it's okay.
I'm so sorry.
I thought I knew what was best,
but I was wrong.
Like always.
And I thought you knew
what was best.
You never told on me.
Never told on me for anything.
Thank you for coming.
I was hoping we could talk
about my...
Are you gonna tell the truth
this time or what?
See, last time we spoke, you
said you didn't know anything.
But ever since then, all I keep
hearing are stories that...
you found Mary or you saw her
in the act.
I didn't actually see them
at the beach house, but...
but I heard somebody inside
and they were...
they were having...
you know.
I thought it was them.
What did you see?
I saw a car.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
I don't understand.
It had to be him.
But... Crystal, she...
the traffic cameras.
Well, maybe she saw something.
You should call her and see
if she can meet us.
Okay. And Mary...
hopefully this will all
be over soon.
[ OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING ]
The call keeps dropping.
Do you want to call the police
while I do this?
Oh, sure, okay.
Jesus.
Oh my god!
[ GUN FIRES ]
Are you okay?
Did you get through to Crystal?
It was her.
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
I really wish he hadn't
found that.
It was you?
Did you get through to Crystal?
I sent her a text message,
she's on her way.
You're a terrible liar, Mary.
I really wish you had, though.
Would save me some trouble
later.
[MARY] Why?
Why Crystal?
Because she saw too much.
You know, it's funny...
I thought that it was you
outside the house that night.
And I was so impressed with
how well you kept it together...
at dinner, but...
no, I was wrong again.
Wrong nosey female relative.
Thanks for the traffic
cam tip though.
Real sloppy of me.
You and Charlie?
Don't insult me by acting
surprised.
You knew that he was too much
for you to handle, Bookworm.
You killed him.
After the first time...
he wanted out.
But you know Charlie, he was
never very good with words.
His actions said otherwise.
Until I showed up
at your little dinner.
Now that... that was
the last straw.
He was really gonna leave.
You're a murderer.
No, no, you are.
And I made sure of that,
though you certainly helped.
See, after Trevor convinced you
to put a kitchen knife...
in your husband's back,
you got cold feet.
But he was blackmailing you.
So, you decided to take care
of that here.
But before Trevor died,
he was able...
to inflict one mortal wound.
You took the knife.
Yes, I did.
And thanks for making
it so difficult.
If you'd just left me alone for
five minutes in your kitchen...
I wouldn't've had to break
your precious little owl.
I trusted you.
Now, these are pretty ironic
words coming from a woman...
who slept with my husband.
I never slept with him!
Oh, wait, really?
Never!
Well, you weren't missing much.
Susan, that was your husband.
Everybody makes mistakes.
Wait, think about this.
You'll never get away with it.
Have you not been paying
attention?
I thought this through,
I figured it all out.
It's a storybook ending.
I would think that if anyone
would appreciate that...
you would, Bookworm!
Oh, and by the way...
that was his real nickname
for you, not Little Owl.
Please... it doesn't have
to be like this.
I won't tell anybody.
Well, that sounds like the
ending of one of Trevor's books.
And there's a reason
that they don't sell.
Too many loose ends.
It's a shame that Crystal
couldn't join us.
But still...
I'll make sure it's nice
and tidy.
[ PHONE CHIMES ]
Crystal wants to know
if you can chat.
Should I tell her that
you're unavailable?
Or maybe...
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Damn it.
[ MUSIC CONTINUES ]
Police only have one
suspect, Mary...
they'll make the evidence
fit the crime.
[ GUN COCKS ]
Can't crawl away from me,
Bookworm.
I liked you once...
and a part of me wishes I could
just shoot you in the face.
But no... a suicide won't do.
It needs to look like you
had time to bleed out...
after you killed Trevor.
And then Crystal found you.
And maybe I'll save
the suicide for her.
I really am sorry.
I hear that gut shots
are terribly painful.
Please...
Thank you... for begging.
I really appreciate... [ CAR DOOR SLAMS ]
[ DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING ]
Perfect timing.
Maybe it doesn't have to be
a suicide after all.
[ PHONE CHIMES ]
Agh!
Two lovers killed
by the same blade.
Now, that's a storybook ending.
Police! Drop your weapon!
Do it! No, Mary, don't.
[MARY] No, no.
I don't think I will.
Anything you say can and will
be held against you...
in a court of law. You have
the right to an attorney.
I am an attorney.
Whatever, lady.
[ PHONE RINGING ]
Yes, sir?
Yeah, forensics has it now.
Seems she stashed the knife
in a paint can and then fled.
Yeah...
that was my mistake.
I'm gonna have to call you back.
Thank you, guys.
You saved my life.
How did you know where I was?
You weren't at home, so...
Just exploring every
possibility, right?
Funny you mention that.
I think I found your
murder weapon.
And our murderer,
from the looks of it.
You may have a few more
court dates coming up soon.
If so, I suggest finding
better representation.
Is that your version
of an apology?
No.
Sorry you had to go through
this, Mary.
And I'm sorry we didn't
trust you.
It's okay...
everybody makes mistakes.
If you need a place to stay
we can arrange that.
Maybe an actual hotel this time.
It's okay.
Ladies.
Are you sure it's okay
if I stay with you?
Yeah.
You can take Charlie's old room.
I figure it's yours now anyway.
Anytime you need it.
Thanks.
You know he really
loved you, right?
And so do I.
I'm so sorry, Mary.
It's okay.
Everybody... Oh my god, enough of that.
Let's just go home.
[ SOFT MUSIC PLAYING ]
[ SOFT MUSIC CONTINUES ]