Bound by Blackmail (2022) Movie Script
1
'See, aren't you
glad we took the scenic route?'
'Yeah, it's nice.'
Are you nervous?
You only ask me
that if you're nervous.
- No, I don't.
- 'Yes, you do.'
And it's called projection.
Oh, is it called,
is it called projection?
See, you're smart,
you don't need a psych degree.
'It's gonna save me
a ton of money.'
- Ha-ha.
- No, it's fine.
I'm gonna make this
U turn right here.
- Mom. Mom!
- It's fine.
He's gonna let me over.
Don't you dare. Stay and drive.
- Thanks for the help, mom.
- Yeah, of course.
You know, they never
change these lights.
You should ask your RA
if he has any spare bulbs.
Okay, I will.
Or I could just
drive a couple up.
I'm sure they sell
light bulbs in town.
- Right.
- I'm gonna be fine.
And you're gonna be fine.
Alright, we got
a lot more to unpack.
'And, uh, since
then I'm working in tech.'
Do you know the app Wilfried?
It's like a Uber
for personal assistants.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I love that app.
- I'm their CFO.
- Wow.
You were always this smartest
kid back in high school.
Oh, hardly. But thank you.
I'm really glad
that you reached out.
Me too.
With Ari gone I can use
every excuse I can get
to get out of the house.
If you're looking
for stuff to do
why don't you take
some classes with us?
I don't know, Diana, it's..
Oh, come on.
I've been inviting
you out forever.
I know, and I appreciate
the persistence. I do.
It's just..
The whole self help
conference is not my thing.
I get it.
But it's not just conferences.
The Initiative is a community.
Nicole, it has changed my life.
You know, Phyllis?
She's a member.
- Phyllis? Our Phyllis?
- Yeah.
Oh, my.. Really?
- Man, we had some time.
- We did.
And now we only ever see
each other over socials.
I mean, this could be
like a proper reunion.
Look, we're having
a conference this weekend.
Why don't you just sign up
and give it a try?
Phyllis?
Oh, my gosh, it is you.
- Hi.
- Oh, my God!
- It's just been forever.
- I know.
- And you look amazing.
- Oh, well, as do you.
Thank you.
Diana roped you into this,
didn't she?
Yes, she did. She did.
Yeah.
But you have to be enjoying it.
You've been here
a couple of years now, yeah?
Yeah, you know, honestly, I just
come for the refreshments.
Well, there's that.
My girls. Oh, isn't this great?
Nicole,
I am so happy that you're here.
Well, I am thrilled to be here.
We should probably
grab our seats
we're about to start.
Follow me.
That's the founder.
Alright. Alright.
Wow!
Guys, I-I am so excited
to spend this weekend
of growth and discovery
with all of you.
Thank you so much for coming.
Thank you.
But first, I see some
new faces in the crowd.
Welcome.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Ken Palmer.
And I'm here to take you
on a journey.
A journey
to find your true self.
Whatever that may mean for you.
Whether that means a beautiful
brilliant new career
whether that means
a new relationship
'whatever your heart desires.'
Initiative's SSP.
Self Success Program
will help get you
to that next level.
Right. I'm glad you made it.
All you got to do..
All you got to do
is ask yourself one question.
- What is it, Ken?
- 'Do you know what it is?'
- What's the question?
- 'Do you know what it is'
- What is it?
- What is it, Ken?
Are you ready?
'Are you ready?'
Sure.
Fulfilled, rich life?
Are you ready? Yes, you are.
- Who are we?
- Initiative.
What are our tenets?
Productivity
'affirmation, community.'
You are ready? Then come with me
'cause I will take you there.
'Your Intiative.'
Thank you so much.
So what're you even doing here?
'Cause, you don't strike me
as the type of person
who needs this kinda place.
Oh, come on.
I think it's kind
of interesting.
It's expensive.
- This weekend alone is $500.
- I know.
But honestly,
I thought it could be a way
for me to make some new friends.
You know, I had Ari
when I was only 20.
So between raising her
and the job
my, uh, my social circles
a little lacking.
Thank you.
Phyllis.
You go ahead.
We have all weekend to catch up.
- I'm gonna see you tomorrow.
- Yeah.
- Tomorrow.
- Okay.
Good.
Ken, I want you to meet
my friend Nicole Miller.
This is her first
weekend with us.
Really? Wow. Well, Nicole, thank
you so much for joining us.
- Thank you for having me.
- Of course. My pleasure.
Have you met my brother, Justin.
He's the chairman of Initiative.
Uh, no. Hello.
- Nice to meet you, Nicole.
- Very nice to meet you.
Hey, can you do me a favor?
They're having an issue
with that PowerPoint.
- Could you give me a hand?
- Sure.
- Fantastic.
- I can help.
Great.
Well, Nicole,
can I interest you in a tour?
- I'd love one.
- Fantastic, right this way.
Working on a little
gardening project.
- Oh.
- Trying to keep it beautiful.
- Hi. Good to see you.
- Hi.
So all of these people
here, they're members?
Yes, they are.
The members devote
their spare time
to help keep up
our little home away from home.
Some cook, some clean.
We all have a role to play here.
It does sound nice.
'Wow, okay, well,
you certainly aren't camera shy.'
'Are you, Ken?'
These really looks like
they're having a good time.
Yeah, you know, self help
doesn't have
to be such a drag, you know?
I don't know.
I'm not really one
for self help culture.
Oh, I see a skeptic.
It's nothing personal.
It's just, I don't think any
one person has all the answers.
No, you're right.
I don't have them either.
Okay.
See what we do is, we just
help you try
to understand that I'm in here.
Uh, it was a pleasure meeting
you, thank you so much.
- A real pleasure.
- Certainly.
If there's anything you ever
need, my door is always open.
I appreciate it.
Thank you for the tour.
Of course.
I got the PowerPoint working.
Fantastic. Alright.
Well, then, if you'll excuse me.
- Yeah.
- Take care.
- Take care.
- See ya.
I deserve wealth and abundance.
"I deserve
wealth and abundance."
I deserve success and happiness.
"I deserve
success and happiness."
Yes, you do. Thank you.
I want you to do that
every single day.
See what happens.
That is our time for today.
Thank you all so much.
Have a beautiful,
productive evening, everyone.
Take care.
I'm so happy you made it.
I'm really glad that I came.
- That suit's great.
- Yeah. See you.
- Nicole.
- Phyllis.
You have got to get out of here.
- What is this?
- Go and never come back.
Okay, now
you really are scaring me.
- What is going on?
- We can't talk here.
Do you wanna go
get a coffee or something?
No, no, no, it can't
it can't be public.
Okay, um, listen, can I
can I meet you
at your house later?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
And then the smoke alarm
went off at like 2 a.m.
and Sarah was like
"I was making mini pizzas."
Wait, which was Sarah?
Is she the Wisconsin girl?
Wow, you've had
a really busy first week.
'It's been awesome.'
Are you gonna go back?
I did like how ambitious
everyone was so..
Let me call you back.
Productive, joyful
full, rich, happy.
These are the things
that we strive for in this life.
We don't want to be miserable.
Yeah, hold on.
Let me hear our three tenets.
Productivity
affirmation, community!
'You know, let's say more time.'
'Because I love the way
they sound. What are they?'
Productivity,
affirmation, community.
'That is right,
because with productivity'
with affirmation,
and with community
that will create the world
that we want to live in.
'Let's be in this world.
Let's be strong in this world.'
Let's be joyful in this world.
Everything that you want
you can have.
'Let me hear it.
Let me hear it.'
- Nicole, hi.
- Hi.
I got you a coffee
with almond milk.
- I hope it's okay?
- It's perfect.
- Yeah. Thank you.
- Yeah.
You've seen Phyllis?
No, I don't think
she's here today.
- You heard from her?
- No, why?
Well, she's supposed
to come over last night.
And then she never showed and
now I can't get
in touch with her.
Yeah, that is kind of strange.
And then yesterday
as I was leaving.
I don't know
she just seemed distraught.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Did she say something?
- No. See?
That's what's weird,
she really didn't say anything.
Well, um,
why don't we go ask Ken?
Maybe he has her a working
in the garden or something.
So I think the expansion
is going to be something
that we really need to focus on.
Just four to six weeks. We do.
- Yes.
- Excuse me, Ken.
Nicole just had
a quick question for you?
Oh, great.
Nicole, please come on in.
Is that all, Diana?
Mm-hm.
So Nicole, you have questions
about the program?
Uh, no, I had
a question about a person.
Phyllis Whitlock.
Phyllis, she was
an old friend of yours, right?
Yeah, I was just wondering
do you know
if she's coming
in today at all or?
Well, I'm sorry to tell you this
but, uh, we received
an email from Phyllis
this morning informing us
that she's quitting.
Is something happened?
Did she say why?
No. Actually, no,
she didn't mention it.
However, between us
Phyllis had some difficulties
grasping some of the concepts.
I mean, this, this journey
is not for everyone.
It's just so weird, you know
she's not returning
any of my calls or texts.
Did you two have a disagreement?
I mean, perhaps you said
something to upset her.
You know, we could discuss it
this afternoon
in your session if you'd like.
It's alright.
I-I'd really rather not.
Okay. Well, sure.
Well, then you know what?
I really wouldn't
worry about it.
I'm sure that she's just taking
some time for herself, you know?
And it's a, it's a good thing
to do from time to time.
- It's healthy.
- True. Yeah.
Well, have a good day.
I'll see you later.
Thank you. Yeah.
Hey. You okay?
I'm fine.
Thanks.
I'm Nicole.
What's your name?
Megan. Megan Walker.
Did something happen or...?
'Hey, I've got a daughter
about your age.'
'I can..'
Do you not want to be here?
Thank you for the tissue.
Hey, Diana, it's Nicole.
Look, I'm starting
to get worried about Phyllis.
You don't happen
to have her address, do you?
Hello?
Phyllis. Hello?
Excuse me.
Um.. Hi.
Um, I was just, um..
Wait, you're Robyn, right?
- You're Phyllis's sister.
- Do I know you?
Uh, I went
to Central Vista High.
In Phyllis's grade.
Nicole Miller.
Oh, yeah.
I-I think I remember you.
Look, I just came by because
I can't get a hold of Phyllis.
Neither can I? That's why
I came by to check on her.
Do you mind if I check with you?
Are you with the Initiative?
I'm.. No.
I mean, not technically.
- I saw her there yesterday.
- You can go now.
- Thanks.
- Oh, okay.
Uh.. Wait, please.
Look, this is my number.
If you hear anything from her
will you please call me
I really need to talk to her.
'It's important.'
Wait, you're going back?
I just, I can't
shake this feeling
that something weird
is going on at Initiative?
- Because of Phyllis.
- Yeah.
Why would she email Ken
and then not return
any of my calls or text?
I'm telling you something's
going on there?
Mom, this all
sounds really shady.
Why are you getting involved?
Because Diana's still there.
Okay? And she's so sweet.
She's exactly the kind of person
that places like this
take advantage of.
What if she goes missing next?
What if you do?
I'll be careful.
I'm just gonna ask around.
See if any of the other
members know anything.
You have enough to worry about.
It's your first month of school.
Don't add your mom to that list.
She can take care of herself.
Hey, gang.
Welcome to another round of ER
or Emotional Release.
Unburdening oneself
of toxic emotion
is one of the key
elements towards
achieving abundance.
Now, that being said
this is a safe space.
'There are no cameras'
there are no microphones.
And none of this will
go on your personal files.
So.
Nicole, would you like to dive
into the deep end
and don't worry I'll catch you.
If it's okay,
with-with everybody
I'd really rather
just watch the first one.
Sure. Okay, of course,
no worries.
Well, that leaves
the hot seat open then..
Wendy.
Ah, fantastic.
Thank you for being
so brave, Wendy.
What are you doing in here?
Oh, I
I was just waiting for Ken.
I had some questions
about the financial structure
and you know, how that works.
- Oh?
- Yeah.
Well, I'm the chairman.
That stuff's my wheelhouse.
How about I walk you through it.
Yeah, it'd be great.
I'd-I'd really appreciate that.
Good thing Ken didn't
find you in here.
He doesn't take kindly to people
snooping around his office.
But we'll keep it our secret.
Shall we?
So I keep hearing
about these levels.
Yeah, there are currently
11 of them.
Ken's an 11, naturally.
But we might even add some
new ones as Ken sees fit.
And that's based on how many
classes you take?
Among other things. Yeah.
It's kind of based on
how much money you spend, right?
I mean, I know how expensive
these classes can be.
Well, they're investments.
Besides once you start enrolling
new members
you get a percentage
of their fees.
Okay, so Diana gets a percentage
of my fee
because she enrolled me.
And then it goes on up to Ken.
That's basically right.
It's kind of shaped
like a pyramid.
Why do I have a feeling
you're asking about
more than just
the financial structure here?
No, I'm just, I'm wondering
maybe that's why Phyllis quit.
You know, she felt pressure
to pay for classes
or if anybody here
feels pressure
to pay for classes?
No, of course not.
Everyone's here
because they want to be.
If you don't,
that's your decision.
Free to go at anytime.
Excuse me.
Thank you for having me.
Hey.
You feeling any better
from last week?
Yeah.
How did you end up
at Initiative?
I saw some of the posts
on Faces and Friends
about how Initiative can help
make you your best self.
Classes are so expensive.
Conferences
I hope you don't mind me asking
but how do you afford it?
My grandpa, he died last year.
He left me a big inheritance.
I'm so sorry.
He always believed in me.
Do you have any, um
any family here or parents?
It was pretty much always
just me my grandpa.
Well, look, if you ever
need anyone to talk to
I know what it's like
to not have family around.
Initiative's my family now.
Excuse me, one second.
- Hello.
- 'Nicole.'
- Robyn.
- 'I found Phyllis.'
- What's wrong?
- 'She's dead.'
Okay, yeah,
I'm on my way, right now.
Right after I saw you,
I went up to her bedroom.
And that's where I found her.
Since then, it's been non-stop
talking to the police,
calling my family
crying, mostly.
God, Robyn, I'm so sorry.
- What did the police say?
- That it was an overdose.
But that's impossible.
Phyllis was 15 years sober.
She would have reached out to me
if she felt like
she was gonna start using again.
So you think
her death was staged?
I don't know.
The other day when I came by you
thought I was with Initiative
and you slammed
the door on my face.
Why was that?
I couldn't figure out
why you were
at her house what you wanted.
'I was supposed
to meet with Phyllis.'
'I got worried
when she didn't show.'
Sorry. I was so rude.
It's just when Phyllis
first started there,
everything was fine.
She was enjoying the classes.
- 'She liked the founder..'
- Ken Palmer.
But the longer she was there,
the less I saw of her.
It was like they were trying
to keep her from me.
Did Phyllis ever
mentioned money to you?
Like how much she had to spend
to keep going to Initiative?
She never gave me many details.
Maybe she was trying
to protect me.
But I was her older sister
I was supposed to protect her.
I'm a journalist.
I work crazy hours.
Maybe if I had been around or...
No, no, listen to me.
You have no blame in this.
Okay? None.
I hate to ask you this question.
Bud did the cops give you an
approximate time of death?
Sometime overnight
Saturday. Why?
- Nicole.
- Phyllis is dead.
- What?
- Oh, you look surprised.
Well, yeah, of course.
I'm surprised.
Well, you don't think
I had something to do with this?
When I stood in this office
last Sunday
you said you just got an email
from Phyllis that morning.
- Saying she was quitting.
- She did.
Except she was already dead
in her house the night before.
- So how do you square that?
- I don't know.
But I'm-I'm telling
you the truth.
Look,
I can even show you the email.
I only came in here
to let you know that
I will find out
what happened to Phyllis.
And unless you want to make
things much worse for yourself
I better not hear about any
other members going "Missing."
Okay, Nicole, look, you've got
the wrong idea about us.
Okay? Check me out.
Alright? Check out Initiative.
Don't worry. I intend to.
- Nicole.
- Megan.
- You said I could talk to you.
- Yeah.
There's a sauna
in the women's locker room.
Meet me there in five minutes.
Megan?
Hello?
Is somebody in here?
Is someone else in here?
Megan?
- I'm sorry.
- 'What do you mean, sorry?'
Megan, wait.
Hello? Please.
Open the door!
Hello? Help! Hello?
Please!
Help!
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry that took so long.
I made some tea.
- Thank you.
- 'Yeah.'
Nicole, I feel so terrible
about what happened.
I don't understand why Megan
would tell you
to go in there like that.
- Because somebody told her to.
- What?
Why would somebody do that?
Don't you see what's happening?
Somebody at Initiative
tried to kill me.
Oh! No. No, no, no, no.
Come on. This was an accident.
Like Phyllis'
death was an accident.
- That kind of accident.
- I don't
Diana, I need to know
if I can trust you.
Of course, you can trust me.
I think whoever attacked me
is the same person
who killed Phyllis.
Nicole
I'm devastated about Phyllis
and about what happened with you
but Initiative
is my entire life, I can't...
Has anybody ever threatened you
or pressured you to keep
taking all these classes?
I'm at Initiative
because I like it.
Look, just promise me you're
gonna look after yourself.
And if anybody threatens you
you'll tell me.
Of course.
Okay.
Thank you for helping me.
Yeah, of course.
I had to go through
all this when my mom died.
Trust me. It is nothing
you want to do on your own?
Phyllis.
She didn't have
an easy life, you know?
Do you think that's how
she got sucked into Initiative?
Because Ken, he just seems
to know how to zero in
on the things in people
that hurt.
Probably.
Phyllis for all
of her good qualities
never was a good judge
of character.
Maybe she's just trying
to see the best in people.
Truth is
she was a perfect mark
for a place like the Initiative.
She always was a follower.
Did you tell
any of this to the police?
That detective didn't want
to hear a word I had to say.
He clearly was not
going to investigate her death.
Did you get his name?
Uh, I got his card.
'Great.'
I'm sorry, Miss Miller,
but it says right here.
Coroner confirmed cause
of death to be an overdose.
Phyllis was sober.
Not according
to our toxicology report.
Look, I'm sorry for your loss.
I know how tough
losing a close friend...
No, what I'm trying to tell you
is that Phyllis's death
was just staged
to look like an overdose.
Staged by this self help
place you mentioned?
You know what, I would really
appreciate if you tried
to take my concern seriously.
Trust me, I am.
I'm here to help.
Look, you're trying to make
sense of all this. I get it.
The problem is all
you've given me so far
is speculation and hearsay.
Nothing I can actually
open an investigation on.
Well, what about the fact
that Ken Palmer claims
he got an email from Phyllis
the day after she died?
This judge isn't gonna let me
subpoena anybody's
email over that.
Okay, well, someone
tried to kill me.
There are women
who are up there trapped.
Maybe a judge is going
to listen to that.
I'll tell you what,
I'll look into it.
I'll ask around,
see if anyone knows
anything about
this Initiative place.
But without any actual evidence
to support your claim
there's nothing else
I can do for you.
Look, you have my card.
You come up with
anything else, any evidence
proof, anything that I can go on
just give me a call, I'll pick
up any time of day. I promise.
Thank you, detective,
I really appreciate it.
Absolutely.
Hey.
You look like you
could use a hand.
I'm not supposed to talk to you.
We're not allowed
to talk to outsiders.
Megan, if that's it's like here,
why don't you just leave?
Because they won't let us leave.
You can't just quit?
So everybody around here acting
like they love being here?
They're all..
They're all being held
against their will.
Some of them are true believers.
We all were at some point.
Some of us are basically
just enslaved now.
You should really go.
- Megan, I can help you.
- No, you can't.
Phyllis tried.
She tried helping all of us.
Look what happened?
Are you saying that Initiative
had Phyllis killed?
All I know is that
Phyllis was a threat.
Initiative gets rid of threats.
- Now, go.
- Nicole.
I didn't expect
to see you here again.
I was just leaving.
Nicole! Nicole!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to
I didn't mean to frighten you.
Look, I think that you
and I maybe have gotten off
on the wrong foot and really
like to try and make that right.
- Would you?
- I would.
You lost a friend in Phyllis
and we've lost a family member?
Yeah, I'm sure you're really
broken up about it.
Nicole, grief is a really
complicated emotion.
I mean, you can lose yourself
and your life can unravel.
I'm just trying to offer you
tools to help
navigate you through that.
Ken, if you don't
get away from my car
I'm gonna navigate through it
by running over your foot.
- Hey, hey, hey, okay. Okay.
- Okay?
Hey, look, I'm just offering
you a free seminar.
That's it.
A free seminar
whenever you want.
Redeemable any time.
Idiot.
So Initiative
really is just a big scam?
No, it's worse than that.
Everybody there
worships this guy Ken.
They give him all their money
and then they can't leave.
You know? It's like a cult.
Yeah, what did
that detective say?
Nothing useful.
He's not even willing to look
into it without more evidence.
What about Diana,
can't she help?
No, I think Diane
is a true believer.
Then what about Phyllis's
sister?
- 'Robyn?'
- Yeah.
She is a journalist.
Maybe she'd be willing to run
a story on Ken? Expose him.
That's a great idea.
Do you think she would do it?
I don't know. There's only
one way to find out.
Maybe if she does
do an article on it
maybe you can just let her
do the story.
So you don't get put in
any more danger.
Am I sensing
a role reversal here?
You worrying after me?
- I'll be careful.
- Okay.
I promise.
Look, even if the police
won't reopen Phyllis's case
we could stop new members
from joining
we could maybe even
bring 'em down.
You know big investigative
pieces aren't my beat, right?
I can introduce you to someone
at my paper who does it.
Don't you want to be
the one that brings.
Initiative down?
Okay.
Great. How do we start?
I can try to find former members
who are willing to talk.
If there's such a thing
as a former member.
That's just the thing,
we've got to figure out
the mechanism of control.
Is Ken just brainwashing
these women?
Is it blackmail, violence?
- I could go back in.
- No, that's not a good idea.
No, look, I'll just go in,
I'll take a look around
maybe ask some questions.
Ken keeps a very,
very tight circle.
They're not even allowed
to talk to outsiders.
For the record, I do not think
you should do this
but if you do
just stay out of the sauna.
You're funny. I'll be in touch.
You gotta be kidding me.
My God.
Detective Hale
it's Nicole.
I was just attacked, um
I'm at 615 North Broadway.
Okay, please hurry, thank you.
Now, do you believe me?
More importantly, are you okay?
Barely.
Looks like someone
did quite a number on that tire.
Somebody almost did
a number on me.
Alright, did you get
a good look at this guy?
No, he had-had a mask on.
Any idea who he is?
Yeah, I told you
who's behind this right.
- Right. Ken Palmer.
- Yeah.
Look, I did a bit of digging
into this Initiative place.
They seem on the level.
Okay, well then you
mustn't have dug very deep.
Okay, look, I know these
people are a bit eccentric.
But I passed this place
by the folks in fraud
they said it's pretty standard
multi-level marketing stuff.
No, I am telling you
that this is a cult.
They killed for this.
Now they're trying to kill me.
Alright, I'll tell you what.
I'll assign a uniform
to watch over you.
- To keep you safe.
- Thank you.
You gotta understand
you're asking me to open
an investigation
to a specific person
and company without
a single shred of evidence.
That's just something
I can't do.
What I can do is
help you fix that tire.
No, it's alright, I can do it
I can change a tire. Thanks.
Alright. Well, call me
if you need anything else.
Thanks.
Yes.
Oh. Hi, Nicole.
Hi, Ken.
I thought a lot about your offer
and you're right.
I could really
use some support right now.
Well, you're in luck, because
that's exactly what we offer.
Hey, you're just in time.
Come with me.
Well, that is really interesting
because in just one
of our focus sessions
you will get more work done
than one of your contemporaries
would in an entire week.
Oh, I wish I'd known.
You know, I-I didn't bring
any work with me today.
That's okay.
I brought it for you.
There you are.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
Diana.
Oh, uh, cellphone, please.
To keep you from distraction.
Productivity,
the second tenet of Initiative.
And what is the key
to productivity?
- Accountability.
- Accountability.
Shall we?
Accountability.
Accountability.
Accountability.
I just have to use the bathroom.
Shh.
Accountability.
Is he watching us?
Level one's. Time's up.
Thank you, Wendy.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
Mm-hm.
God.
Megan, what are you doing?
It's my fault. I was late
for one of my classes.
How long have you been
standing like this?
Maybe an hour.
It hurts so bad.
Is this a punishment?
Oh, God, Megan, you know, honey,
put your arms down.
I can't.
Not until Ken tells me to.
Screw Ken.
You don't understand.
I tried to quit
Initiative before.
I couldn't afford it anymore.
And then I got an email
with a video.
What was on the video?
It was me
in an emotional release session
confessing my darkest,
darkest secrets.
I'm trapped.
No, Megan, Megan, listen to me.
I'm working with a journalist
to expose Initiative.
And if I promised that
she would never use your name
would you tell her
what you just told me?
Okay. Okay, honey,
I'll make that call right now.
I'll be right back.
Thank you guys so much.
What you're doing
is really brave.
I'm gonna call you. Okay?
- Hey, Nicole.
- Robyn.
I have figured out how Ken
keeps people from leaving.
'It's blackmail.'
Of course.
That psycho.
Listen, I have
a current member here
she's willing to talk to you.
That's amazing,
because I just got
two family members
willing to go on record.
Apparently Initiative has
isolated their sister from them.
- Like Phyllis from you.
- 'That's not all.'
'They think that she's having'
'a relationship
with the founder.'
'And apparently
she's not the only one.'
'Ken likes to take turns
spending weekend with them.'
Yeah, well, Ken did say
everybody has a role to play.
Yuck!
'Where
are you? Can you meet up?'
I can't. I..
I'm still at Initiative.
'I just, I wanna make sure
that Megan's okay.'
'And one more thing
I need to check on.'
I'll swing by tomorrow. Okay?
Okay. I'm gonna start writing.
Be careful.
You too.
Hi.
That's very good, Megan.
You're free to go.
You can put your arms down now.
Thank you, Ken.
So, we're just about to start.
Will you be sitting
in the circle today?
- I was just heading there now.
- Fantastic.
I'll see you in there.
Alright, Nicole,
what're you doing here?
You're obviously not back
in the program.
No, listen, Diana,
I know that this place means
everything to you, but I'm
telling you it's dangerous.
What are you talking about?
So, Ken is..
Secretly recording
all the sessions.
Alright, everyone, who is ready
to release what burdens us?
Hello, Nicole.
Hi.
What've you got there?
No-nothing, I-I just..
Did you just take something?
No, I-I was telling Diana that
I don't, I don't really feel
ready to share today..
Uh-uh, trust circle, everyone.
Uh, Nicole..
The reason why we have these
emotional release sessions
is because we don't
keep secrets.
So, what did you take?
- What did you take?
- Ken.
What're you doing, man?
- She stole something.
- 'So what?'
We don't have any
crown jewels here.
Let her go.
Hey, Nicole. Nico..
- Hey! Nicole. Nicole.
- Justin, stop following me.
Look, look, look, I
I know my brother can be
a little intense sometimes.
Intense? Is that
what you call it?
Yeah, he's been
acting weird lately.
Anyway, I just want you to know
if he ever crosses a line,
or anything
you can always come to me.
Okay, so either
you guys are running
this whole thing together
or this entire operation
is going all under your nose.
And you don't even know it.
I-I honestly don't know
what you're talking about.
You need to open your eyes.
Hey, Robyn, it's Nicole,
I've been trying
to get in touch with you
all day.
I'm heading to Phyliss' now,
so hopefully you're there
'and we can exchange details.'
'I have the camera but there's
no memory stored in it'
'so we need to find where
Ken hides his footage.'
No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No. No.
Oh!
Help me!
Help me!
Help me!
'Without the footage
the camera just isn't enough'
to shut them down, so hopefully
you're there and we can..
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
It looks like
a possible suicide.
This is Initiative, okay.
This is Ken Palmer.
He killed Robyn because he knew
that her and I were working
on something to expose him.
- This is what he does.
- Okay, okay. I believe you.
Okay? There are lot
of coincidences here
that are not adding up
so I'm gonna open up
an official investigation.
Okay.
Here, you can start with this..
- A security camera?
- It's blackmail.
That's what Ken does,
he hides these everywhere
and he has these weird
group therapy sessions
where people come in and they
divulge their darkest secrets.
He uses that to keep people
from quitting Initiative.
That's how he does it.
I'm still working on
finding the video files.
I will find them.
You're clearly messing
with the wrong people here.
Just let me do my job,
I don't want the next call I get
to be about you getting hurt
by these people too.
- Okay?
- Okay.
Alright.
Shoot.
- Hello?
- 'Stop looking in Initiative.'
- Who is this?
- 'Leave us alone .'
'And we'll leave you alone.'
And if I do what happens
to all those women
who are trapped at Initiative?
'Either you start minding
your own business'
'or you'll end up
like Phyllis and Robyn.'
'The choice is yours.'
- Hi. Come on. Get in, get in.
- Oh.
What was that about
at Initiative?
- Were you followed?
- What? No.
I mean, I-I don't,
I don't think so.
Did you tell anybody
at Initiative
that you were coming here?
No. What is going on?
Okay. Sit, sit.
Diana, I need you
to level with me.
Are you being forced
to stay at Initiative?
- Forced? How?
- With blackmail.
From that little video camera
that I found?
What? No.
Have you ever been threatened
if you tried to quit?
I've never tried to quit
Initiative.
I've told you I like it there.
That's why I don't understand
what's happening
at all right now.
Diana, Robyn's dead.
- Who?
- Phyllis' sister.
She was investigating
Initiative.
- What?
- Exactly.
And I think I'm next.
If Initiative gets
what they want.
Do you really think that
Ken is killing people?
It's either Ken
or someone that he hired.
He's gonna stop at nothing
to keep from being exposed.
There has to be
another explanation.
No, Diana.
I know that Initiative
means the world to you
but you already know
that Ken's been lying
we just have to prove it.
- Do you have a key?
- Yeah.
Sometimes I have to go in early.
- But Nicole...
- It's perfect.
We go into his office
after hours.
We check his computer
for the video files.
I don't know.
Diana
I really need you
to trust me on this.
Okay... I trust you.
Okay.
I'll check the cabinet.
Is there anything
on the computer?
Just member records,
financial statements
the normal stuff.
There's gotta be something.
There's nothing on here.
Nothing?
Diana, the flash drives.
Look, they've got
all the members' names on it.
Phyllis Whitlock,
and you.
When I caught my ex cheating,
I took a baseball bat
and... I smashed his windshield.
And all of the windows.
The hood. The lights.
- I'm sorry.
- No, it's okay.
Do you have feelings of regret?
The thing I regret
is that I only smashed his car
with a baseball bat.
I should have cut the brakes.
Somebody's here.
- I'll take these.
- Let me look.
Put the chair back.
I'll meet you at my house.
Okay, I'll meet you there.
Mrs. Miller?
Detective Hale?
What're you doing here?
I was coming by
to check this place out
I saw the light was on.
I thought I'd find Palmer.
Look. Look.
I got the videos.
I have all the hard evidence
that we need to prove
that Ken's blackmailing
his members into staying here.
Alright, we better
get out of here.
Let's talk outside. Come on.
That was reckless
what you did in there.
You want an even bigger target
on your back?
- No, no, no, no, this way.
- But my car's this way.
No, it is too dangerous
for you right now.
We'll take my car
to the station.
- Come on.
- Okay.
If that is what you say it is,
you can cause a lot of trouble
for these people.
I just don't want you
to get hurt, that's all.
I'm gonna be fine.
I appreciate your concern.
'No, you should be careful.'
I'm sure your daughter wouldn't
want anything happening to you.
I didn't tell you
I had a daughter.
Can you pull over?
I think I'm gonna be sick.
Just hang on a minute,
we'll be there soon.
- 'No, I-I can't... '
- Damn it, just hang on.
Mm-mm. I'm gonna be sick.
You have to pull over.
- Please, pull over.
- Damn it.
Damn it.
Alright, let's go. Come on.
Damn it.
Hey! Where are you going?
Damn!
Hello?
'You have something'
'that doesn't belong to you.'
Is this Ken?
Or is this Detective Hale?
'It didn't have
to be this way, Nicole.'
'All you had to do was stop
when you were warned.'
And leave hold all those women
at Initiative captive?
'What business is it of yours?'
If I were you,
I would call a ceasefire.
Try diplomacy instead,
what do you say?
'Why would I do that?'
Because if you don't, I will
take all of these flash drives
and the story behind them to
someone who will not bury it.
'You should be very
careful when making threats, Nicole.'
Hey, mom.
Ari, where are you right now?
I'm just about to head out
to class, why?
Okay, listen to me.
Stay in your room.
- Lock the door.
- Why?
Don't leave the building,
not even to go to class. Okay?
'Do you have the number for
campus security in your phone?'
What's going on?
I'm coming to get you right now.
- 'Just stay inside.'
- Okay.
No.
He killed my friend Phyllis,
he killed her sister, Robyn
and if you leave me alone
with him, he's gonna kill me.
Ma'am, you're under arrest
for assaulting an officer.
You know what,
you don't understand...
No, you don't understand,
Miss Miller
your actions have consequences.
Let's go.
I'm telling you
he's part of a cult.
And he killed them.
You can't do this, please.
Watch your head.
I was told I made bail.
What's taking so long?
Paperwork.
There's always paperwork.
So what are you? Some sort of
secret founder of Initiative?
Silent partner.
Honestly, I'm not involved
in all that much.
I just protect the company
from threats.
You're doing it for the money.
You can't really think
arresting me is gonna stop.
Initiative's secrets
from coming out?
Speaking of secrets,
I, um, I checked your house.
Found your safe.
I'm gonna need you
to give me the code.
Okay.
Yeah, let's say
I give you the code
you get the files
Ken gets his blackmail back.
What do I get?
You drop the charges?
It's out of my hands.
See, cops don't like it when
one of their own is assaulted.
I wonder how they feel
about one of their own
killing innocent women?
I didn't kill anyone.
I just happened to be working
when the calls came in
assessed the crime scene
and concluded that
neither death was suspicious.
You're crazy if you think
I'm not gonna leave here
and tell the very first person
who will listen to me
what you're doing, you don't
want that person to be a judge.
You know I found something else
at your house.
It's Ari, right?
She's pretty girl.
If you so much as think of
my daughter's name again, I'll...
You'll what?
Turn around.
You mind your own business
and you can pick up your car
from the lot tomorrow.
- Thank you so much for coming.
- Of course!
- I'm paying you back.
- Don't worry about it.
It's all taken care of.
Okay. What is this?
You told me to open my eyes,
so I did.
I asked around.
Diana told me what you found.
Diana, you didn't..
He wants to help us.
Nicole, I had no idea Ken was
keeping people from leaving.
Or that he had that blackmail.
I swear.
What do we do?
What I know about my brother
is that he's relentless.
He'll stop at nothing
to get what he wants.
I'm still waiting
to hear a plan.
Here's the plan,
give me the drives.
Do you think I'm stupid?
As long as you have
those videos, you're not safe.
Give them to me, I'll get them
into the right hands.
I know what I'm asking of you,
but Ken and his followers
will just keep coming after you
unless you let me help you.
Nicole, you can trust him.
No, no.
No, I can't, I can't trust
anyone from the Initiative.
- Not even you.
- What? Nicole!
You stay away from my family!
No, no, no.
Mom?
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
Come on. Come on.
Oh, thank you.
What are you doing here?
You freaked me out so much
when you called earlier
and then you tell me
you can't make it
because you're in jail?
So, I caught a ride with Sarah.
She was driving this way anyway.
Well, I'm glad I freaked you out
because you just saved
my life in there.
- Who was that?
- I don't know.
It was dark, and the whole thing
happened so fast.
Someone from Initiative?
Yeah.
Are they gonna keep coming back?
I don't know.
God, I wish I never signed up
with them in the first place.
Why did you sign up?
I don't know, it felt
like a way to meet new people
you know and then when I saw
what was happening with Phyllis
and Diana and you
out of the house
it just
I felt like a way
to look after somebody.
Mom, you know that even though
I don't live here anymore
I still need looking after,
right?
That's really sweet of you
to say, honey.
But I mean it, okay?
You can't go getting yourself
killed over this.
We have to find a way
to stop them.
No, I will find a way.
Community, uh, productivity.
Affirmation community. We live
by these tenets so we can..
Now what?
I'm here to offer you a deal.
A deal? What kind of deal?
I won't go to the cops
as long as you shut
Initiative down.
And nobody, I mean, nobody comes
near me or my daughter again.
I honestly have no
idea what you're talking about.
Oh, I know, I know, yeah.
Plausible deniability
is kind of your thing.
What is with you?
Why are you so set
on bringing Initiative down?
All we have ever tried to do
is help people.
That's it. We're a family.
- You're family?
- Yes.
This is a cult.
And you, you're just
a manipulative wannabe guru.
You have no idea who I am.
You have no idea
what I'm trying to create.
All you see are wild baseless
conspiracy theories.
I suggest that you leave.
Oh, I'm leaving.
And I'm taking the flash drives
of blackmail with me.
And in case you don't hold up
your end of the bargain
I'll take them to a news outlet
that'll run the story.
What are you talking about?
What?
What flash drives?
What blackmail?
And just so we're clear,
any member that wants to quit
is now free to do so
and that includes Megan Walker.
What? What're you talking about?
Megan loves it here.
Right. You know my terms.
Nicole, I need the hard drives.
Get off of me!
What you do to the hard drives?
What did you do with them?
I'll kill you,
I swear I'll kill you.
- Come on.
- Diana?
Let's get out of here.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
- Sure?
- Let's go.
You don't need to say
you're sorry to me.
I'm the one that brought you
into Initiative.
This is actually all my fault.
No, this is not your fault.
This is Ken's fault.
Hey. Is everyone okay?
Yeah. What are you doing here?
Ken just called me,
freaking out.
I've never heard him like this.
He's talking about that
he's willing to kill
to protect Initiative.
You guys gotta get out of town.
We all do.
What'd I do with
the flash drives?
- I still have them.
- Honestly, Nicole, dump them.
As long as you have them,
you and Ari will never be safe.
Wait! Just give them to me.
I'm the one that brought you
into this mess, okay.
I should be the one
to try to fix it.
Okay. Alright.
Let me go get 'em.
Come on, sweetie.
Okay.
Whatever you do,
do not give these to anyone
you think might secretly
be Initiative?
Of course not.
Are you and Ari gonna be okay?
Yeah, yeah,
we're leaving right away.
Good.
- Thank you.
- Bye.
Hey, help me pack this bag.
'Where are we going?'
We'll figure it out on the way.
Do you really trust Diana?
I think so.
I was kinda low
on options at this point
but just in case I'm wrong,
I have this.
What's that?
I need to get it to this girl
Megan at Initiative.
This gives her something
to fight back with.
Okay, so, are we just gonna
drop it off
on our way out of town?
No, I'm gonna drop it off
and you, you're gonna stay here.
What? No way.
Yes, you are so much safer here
with the doors
and windows locked
than you would be out
in the open.
- What about you?
- I'm gonna be fine.
You stay here, you finish
packing, keep your phone on.
I'll be 15 minutes.
Hey!
I love you.
Love you too.
Lock the door.
No, Megan, no.
It's okay. It's okay. Please.
You need to come
with me right now.
There's something
I have to tell you.
I-I'm sorry, I just
I didn't do anything wrong.
Please, you don't have
to do this.
Anybody home?
What are you doing here?
Oh, I got done with my stuff
'so I thought maybe
I'd help you guys pack.'
Thanks, I think
we're almost done.
Where's your mom?
Um, she'll be right back.
Mm.
There's something
I've gotta tell you...
No, Ken, if you think
that killing me
is gonna tie up
some sort of loose end for you
I have news for you,
it's just gonna create more.
How many bodies
do you think Hale's
'gonna be able to
cover up for you?'
Nicole.
- Megan, I'm so sorry.
- No, no, don't be sorry.
Look, if it wasn't for you,
I would've never called her
and figure out what the hell
has been going on here.
You can't lie to me, Ken.
The person that
you're blackmailing
is standing right next to you.
She told me about the email.
Actually, that email wasn't
specifically from Ken.
It was just from an email
called "The Initiative."
Honey, who do you think
The Initiative is?
It's him. Right?
It's your program.
It's your blackmail.
It's your punishments.
It's you having
these people around you
running in little roles
and it's all you.
It's in your book.
I didn't write the book.
What?
I didn't design the program.
Then who did?
How's everything going here?
'You guys ready to go?'
Yeah, we're just waiting
for Nicole to get back, right?
Justin designed everything.
I'm, I'm just the face.
How could you've not known?
You got members out there
doing manual labor for free.
Nicole, I honestly
thought that these people
believed in what it was
we're trying to create.
I thought they believed in me.
Listen, honey, that night
that they wanted you
to send me to the sauna
Ken told you to do that,
didn't he?
Somebody told me
that's what Ken wanted.
But I didn't think
it was her fault!
I thought she was just doing
what Ken wanted her to do
the same way that I did
when I sent you into the sauna.
Wait-wait, wait, okay.
Who's she?
Diana.
- 'Hello, Nicole.'
- Diana?
'I think it's
time for you to come home now.'
'No police.'
She has my daughter.
She has my daughter.
Nicole! Welcome home.
- Ari!
- Mom!
Unh-unh-unh. No, no, no, no.
Mother-daughter reunion later.
Let's talk first.
Talk? Justin, what're you doing?
I can't believe I trusted you.
Well, in your defense,
you didn't make it easy
to earn your trust.
It was a lot of work.
Is this why you bailed me out
at the police station?
Why you knocked out Hale?
Well, it wasn't supposed
to get this far.
I mean, we warned you to stop
looking into Initiative.
It makes no sense, why would you
help me get into Ken's office
'and find the flash drives?'
You planted flash drives
in my office?
Insurance, Ken.
In case you and I had
one of our famous falling outs.
You weren't supposed
to actually find them.
You were supposed
to just check the computer
see that nothing was on there
and stop digging.
Diana.
Why are you doing this?
Because I wasn't lying to you
when I said that
Initiative changed my life.
I met my fiance there.
You're engaged to Justin?
We met at one of her weekends
at my house.
'Every member
has their opportunity'
but nobody was quite like Diana.
Diana, you can't do this.
He killed Phyllis and Robyn.
Justin didn't kill them.
I did.
Why?
Because they were a threat
to the program.
And a threat to the program
is a threat to us.
Why would you do this?
We had a genuinely opportunity
to help people.
Oh, please.
It was a scam, Ken!
It was always a scam.
'You were just too happy
to be worshipped as a guru'
to actually see
what was happening here.
No, it's not what this is about
it's because nobody
would follow you.
So you just stood in my shadow
and you rode my coattails.
Alright, enough of this.
Diana, get Nicole
into the basement.
- Ken too.
- No! Wait!
Thanks to Nicole here.
'Initiative is gonna have
to start'
all over.
And this time they're gonna
have a new leader.
And don't worry, Nicole.
Nothing will happen to Ari.
Don't touch her.
Initiative will
take care of her.
Let's go.
I'm so sorry, Nicole.
For all of this, I truly am.
Justin, what do I do?
What do I do? What do I do?
Shoot him! Shoot him!
Get Nicole! Go!
Close the door.
Um, here. Hurry, hurry.
- Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
- 'Nicole!'
'Open up.'
'There's nowhere
for you to hide.'
Go in, will you? Go ahead.
'Nicole, there's nowhere to go.'
'Open up!'
Come on, Nicole.
Let's not play games.
I can see you, Ari.
No!
Go. Go.
Stop!
You were told a lot of lies,
Nicole.
But one thing was true
nobody leaves Initiative.
Justin.
What took you so long?
- Why did you call for backup?
- I didn't.
Yeah, they're here now.
Your move.
Freeze! On your knees!
'What happened to Ken?'
The doctor
say he's gonna be okay.
He saved our lives.
I know.
What about Diana?
Diana?
Let's just say
she got what she deserved.
Good.
You know what,
I just realized though
Laura raided my fridge
over the weekend.
- 'Oh, did she?'
- Big time.
And, uh, I'm really hungry
right now.
Do you wanna grab
lunch somewhere
before you hit the road?
Yeah, I could grab a bite.
'I was just so hungry.'
Do you have a place
you wanna go?
Yeah, there's this really
cool place right off campus
that Laura showed me.
I think you'll like it.
It'll be great to see some of
the places you hang out.
Yeah, I started exploring more
few spots.
'See, aren't you
glad we took the scenic route?'
'Yeah, it's nice.'
Are you nervous?
You only ask me
that if you're nervous.
- No, I don't.
- 'Yes, you do.'
And it's called projection.
Oh, is it called,
is it called projection?
See, you're smart,
you don't need a psych degree.
'It's gonna save me
a ton of money.'
- Ha-ha.
- No, it's fine.
I'm gonna make this
U turn right here.
- Mom. Mom!
- It's fine.
He's gonna let me over.
Don't you dare. Stay and drive.
- Thanks for the help, mom.
- Yeah, of course.
You know, they never
change these lights.
You should ask your RA
if he has any spare bulbs.
Okay, I will.
Or I could just
drive a couple up.
I'm sure they sell
light bulbs in town.
- Right.
- I'm gonna be fine.
And you're gonna be fine.
Alright, we got
a lot more to unpack.
'And, uh, since
then I'm working in tech.'
Do you know the app Wilfried?
It's like a Uber
for personal assistants.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I love that app.
- I'm their CFO.
- Wow.
You were always this smartest
kid back in high school.
Oh, hardly. But thank you.
I'm really glad
that you reached out.
Me too.
With Ari gone I can use
every excuse I can get
to get out of the house.
If you're looking
for stuff to do
why don't you take
some classes with us?
I don't know, Diana, it's..
Oh, come on.
I've been inviting
you out forever.
I know, and I appreciate
the persistence. I do.
It's just..
The whole self help
conference is not my thing.
I get it.
But it's not just conferences.
The Initiative is a community.
Nicole, it has changed my life.
You know, Phyllis?
She's a member.
- Phyllis? Our Phyllis?
- Yeah.
Oh, my.. Really?
- Man, we had some time.
- We did.
And now we only ever see
each other over socials.
I mean, this could be
like a proper reunion.
Look, we're having
a conference this weekend.
Why don't you just sign up
and give it a try?
Phyllis?
Oh, my gosh, it is you.
- Hi.
- Oh, my God!
- It's just been forever.
- I know.
- And you look amazing.
- Oh, well, as do you.
Thank you.
Diana roped you into this,
didn't she?
Yes, she did. She did.
Yeah.
But you have to be enjoying it.
You've been here
a couple of years now, yeah?
Yeah, you know, honestly, I just
come for the refreshments.
Well, there's that.
My girls. Oh, isn't this great?
Nicole,
I am so happy that you're here.
Well, I am thrilled to be here.
We should probably
grab our seats
we're about to start.
Follow me.
That's the founder.
Alright. Alright.
Wow!
Guys, I-I am so excited
to spend this weekend
of growth and discovery
with all of you.
Thank you so much for coming.
Thank you.
But first, I see some
new faces in the crowd.
Welcome.
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Ken Palmer.
And I'm here to take you
on a journey.
A journey
to find your true self.
Whatever that may mean for you.
Whether that means a beautiful
brilliant new career
whether that means
a new relationship
'whatever your heart desires.'
Initiative's SSP.
Self Success Program
will help get you
to that next level.
Right. I'm glad you made it.
All you got to do..
All you got to do
is ask yourself one question.
- What is it, Ken?
- 'Do you know what it is?'
- What's the question?
- 'Do you know what it is'
- What is it?
- What is it, Ken?
Are you ready?
'Are you ready?'
Sure.
Fulfilled, rich life?
Are you ready? Yes, you are.
- Who are we?
- Initiative.
What are our tenets?
Productivity
'affirmation, community.'
You are ready? Then come with me
'cause I will take you there.
'Your Intiative.'
Thank you so much.
So what're you even doing here?
'Cause, you don't strike me
as the type of person
who needs this kinda place.
Oh, come on.
I think it's kind
of interesting.
It's expensive.
- This weekend alone is $500.
- I know.
But honestly,
I thought it could be a way
for me to make some new friends.
You know, I had Ari
when I was only 20.
So between raising her
and the job
my, uh, my social circles
a little lacking.
Thank you.
Phyllis.
You go ahead.
We have all weekend to catch up.
- I'm gonna see you tomorrow.
- Yeah.
- Tomorrow.
- Okay.
Good.
Ken, I want you to meet
my friend Nicole Miller.
This is her first
weekend with us.
Really? Wow. Well, Nicole, thank
you so much for joining us.
- Thank you for having me.
- Of course. My pleasure.
Have you met my brother, Justin.
He's the chairman of Initiative.
Uh, no. Hello.
- Nice to meet you, Nicole.
- Very nice to meet you.
Hey, can you do me a favor?
They're having an issue
with that PowerPoint.
- Could you give me a hand?
- Sure.
- Fantastic.
- I can help.
Great.
Well, Nicole,
can I interest you in a tour?
- I'd love one.
- Fantastic, right this way.
Working on a little
gardening project.
- Oh.
- Trying to keep it beautiful.
- Hi. Good to see you.
- Hi.
So all of these people
here, they're members?
Yes, they are.
The members devote
their spare time
to help keep up
our little home away from home.
Some cook, some clean.
We all have a role to play here.
It does sound nice.
'Wow, okay, well,
you certainly aren't camera shy.'
'Are you, Ken?'
These really looks like
they're having a good time.
Yeah, you know, self help
doesn't have
to be such a drag, you know?
I don't know.
I'm not really one
for self help culture.
Oh, I see a skeptic.
It's nothing personal.
It's just, I don't think any
one person has all the answers.
No, you're right.
I don't have them either.
Okay.
See what we do is, we just
help you try
to understand that I'm in here.
Uh, it was a pleasure meeting
you, thank you so much.
- A real pleasure.
- Certainly.
If there's anything you ever
need, my door is always open.
I appreciate it.
Thank you for the tour.
Of course.
I got the PowerPoint working.
Fantastic. Alright.
Well, then, if you'll excuse me.
- Yeah.
- Take care.
- Take care.
- See ya.
I deserve wealth and abundance.
"I deserve
wealth and abundance."
I deserve success and happiness.
"I deserve
success and happiness."
Yes, you do. Thank you.
I want you to do that
every single day.
See what happens.
That is our time for today.
Thank you all so much.
Have a beautiful,
productive evening, everyone.
Take care.
I'm so happy you made it.
I'm really glad that I came.
- That suit's great.
- Yeah. See you.
- Nicole.
- Phyllis.
You have got to get out of here.
- What is this?
- Go and never come back.
Okay, now
you really are scaring me.
- What is going on?
- We can't talk here.
Do you wanna go
get a coffee or something?
No, no, no, it can't
it can't be public.
Okay, um, listen, can I
can I meet you
at your house later?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
And then the smoke alarm
went off at like 2 a.m.
and Sarah was like
"I was making mini pizzas."
Wait, which was Sarah?
Is she the Wisconsin girl?
Wow, you've had
a really busy first week.
'It's been awesome.'
Are you gonna go back?
I did like how ambitious
everyone was so..
Let me call you back.
Productive, joyful
full, rich, happy.
These are the things
that we strive for in this life.
We don't want to be miserable.
Yeah, hold on.
Let me hear our three tenets.
Productivity
affirmation, community!
'You know, let's say more time.'
'Because I love the way
they sound. What are they?'
Productivity,
affirmation, community.
'That is right,
because with productivity'
with affirmation,
and with community
that will create the world
that we want to live in.
'Let's be in this world.
Let's be strong in this world.'
Let's be joyful in this world.
Everything that you want
you can have.
'Let me hear it.
Let me hear it.'
- Nicole, hi.
- Hi.
I got you a coffee
with almond milk.
- I hope it's okay?
- It's perfect.
- Yeah. Thank you.
- Yeah.
You've seen Phyllis?
No, I don't think
she's here today.
- You heard from her?
- No, why?
Well, she's supposed
to come over last night.
And then she never showed and
now I can't get
in touch with her.
Yeah, that is kind of strange.
And then yesterday
as I was leaving.
I don't know
she just seemed distraught.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- Did she say something?
- No. See?
That's what's weird,
she really didn't say anything.
Well, um,
why don't we go ask Ken?
Maybe he has her a working
in the garden or something.
So I think the expansion
is going to be something
that we really need to focus on.
Just four to six weeks. We do.
- Yes.
- Excuse me, Ken.
Nicole just had
a quick question for you?
Oh, great.
Nicole, please come on in.
Is that all, Diana?
Mm-hm.
So Nicole, you have questions
about the program?
Uh, no, I had
a question about a person.
Phyllis Whitlock.
Phyllis, she was
an old friend of yours, right?
Yeah, I was just wondering
do you know
if she's coming
in today at all or?
Well, I'm sorry to tell you this
but, uh, we received
an email from Phyllis
this morning informing us
that she's quitting.
Is something happened?
Did she say why?
No. Actually, no,
she didn't mention it.
However, between us
Phyllis had some difficulties
grasping some of the concepts.
I mean, this, this journey
is not for everyone.
It's just so weird, you know
she's not returning
any of my calls or texts.
Did you two have a disagreement?
I mean, perhaps you said
something to upset her.
You know, we could discuss it
this afternoon
in your session if you'd like.
It's alright.
I-I'd really rather not.
Okay. Well, sure.
Well, then you know what?
I really wouldn't
worry about it.
I'm sure that she's just taking
some time for herself, you know?
And it's a, it's a good thing
to do from time to time.
- It's healthy.
- True. Yeah.
Well, have a good day.
I'll see you later.
Thank you. Yeah.
Hey. You okay?
I'm fine.
Thanks.
I'm Nicole.
What's your name?
Megan. Megan Walker.
Did something happen or...?
'Hey, I've got a daughter
about your age.'
'I can..'
Do you not want to be here?
Thank you for the tissue.
Hey, Diana, it's Nicole.
Look, I'm starting
to get worried about Phyllis.
You don't happen
to have her address, do you?
Hello?
Phyllis. Hello?
Excuse me.
Um.. Hi.
Um, I was just, um..
Wait, you're Robyn, right?
- You're Phyllis's sister.
- Do I know you?
Uh, I went
to Central Vista High.
In Phyllis's grade.
Nicole Miller.
Oh, yeah.
I-I think I remember you.
Look, I just came by because
I can't get a hold of Phyllis.
Neither can I? That's why
I came by to check on her.
Do you mind if I check with you?
Are you with the Initiative?
I'm.. No.
I mean, not technically.
- I saw her there yesterday.
- You can go now.
- Thanks.
- Oh, okay.
Uh.. Wait, please.
Look, this is my number.
If you hear anything from her
will you please call me
I really need to talk to her.
'It's important.'
Wait, you're going back?
I just, I can't
shake this feeling
that something weird
is going on at Initiative?
- Because of Phyllis.
- Yeah.
Why would she email Ken
and then not return
any of my calls or text?
I'm telling you something's
going on there?
Mom, this all
sounds really shady.
Why are you getting involved?
Because Diana's still there.
Okay? And she's so sweet.
She's exactly the kind of person
that places like this
take advantage of.
What if she goes missing next?
What if you do?
I'll be careful.
I'm just gonna ask around.
See if any of the other
members know anything.
You have enough to worry about.
It's your first month of school.
Don't add your mom to that list.
She can take care of herself.
Hey, gang.
Welcome to another round of ER
or Emotional Release.
Unburdening oneself
of toxic emotion
is one of the key
elements towards
achieving abundance.
Now, that being said
this is a safe space.
'There are no cameras'
there are no microphones.
And none of this will
go on your personal files.
So.
Nicole, would you like to dive
into the deep end
and don't worry I'll catch you.
If it's okay,
with-with everybody
I'd really rather
just watch the first one.
Sure. Okay, of course,
no worries.
Well, that leaves
the hot seat open then..
Wendy.
Ah, fantastic.
Thank you for being
so brave, Wendy.
What are you doing in here?
Oh, I
I was just waiting for Ken.
I had some questions
about the financial structure
and you know, how that works.
- Oh?
- Yeah.
Well, I'm the chairman.
That stuff's my wheelhouse.
How about I walk you through it.
Yeah, it'd be great.
I'd-I'd really appreciate that.
Good thing Ken didn't
find you in here.
He doesn't take kindly to people
snooping around his office.
But we'll keep it our secret.
Shall we?
So I keep hearing
about these levels.
Yeah, there are currently
11 of them.
Ken's an 11, naturally.
But we might even add some
new ones as Ken sees fit.
And that's based on how many
classes you take?
Among other things. Yeah.
It's kind of based on
how much money you spend, right?
I mean, I know how expensive
these classes can be.
Well, they're investments.
Besides once you start enrolling
new members
you get a percentage
of their fees.
Okay, so Diana gets a percentage
of my fee
because she enrolled me.
And then it goes on up to Ken.
That's basically right.
It's kind of shaped
like a pyramid.
Why do I have a feeling
you're asking about
more than just
the financial structure here?
No, I'm just, I'm wondering
maybe that's why Phyllis quit.
You know, she felt pressure
to pay for classes
or if anybody here
feels pressure
to pay for classes?
No, of course not.
Everyone's here
because they want to be.
If you don't,
that's your decision.
Free to go at anytime.
Excuse me.
Thank you for having me.
Hey.
You feeling any better
from last week?
Yeah.
How did you end up
at Initiative?
I saw some of the posts
on Faces and Friends
about how Initiative can help
make you your best self.
Classes are so expensive.
Conferences
I hope you don't mind me asking
but how do you afford it?
My grandpa, he died last year.
He left me a big inheritance.
I'm so sorry.
He always believed in me.
Do you have any, um
any family here or parents?
It was pretty much always
just me my grandpa.
Well, look, if you ever
need anyone to talk to
I know what it's like
to not have family around.
Initiative's my family now.
Excuse me, one second.
- Hello.
- 'Nicole.'
- Robyn.
- 'I found Phyllis.'
- What's wrong?
- 'She's dead.'
Okay, yeah,
I'm on my way, right now.
Right after I saw you,
I went up to her bedroom.
And that's where I found her.
Since then, it's been non-stop
talking to the police,
calling my family
crying, mostly.
God, Robyn, I'm so sorry.
- What did the police say?
- That it was an overdose.
But that's impossible.
Phyllis was 15 years sober.
She would have reached out to me
if she felt like
she was gonna start using again.
So you think
her death was staged?
I don't know.
The other day when I came by you
thought I was with Initiative
and you slammed
the door on my face.
Why was that?
I couldn't figure out
why you were
at her house what you wanted.
'I was supposed
to meet with Phyllis.'
'I got worried
when she didn't show.'
Sorry. I was so rude.
It's just when Phyllis
first started there,
everything was fine.
She was enjoying the classes.
- 'She liked the founder..'
- Ken Palmer.
But the longer she was there,
the less I saw of her.
It was like they were trying
to keep her from me.
Did Phyllis ever
mentioned money to you?
Like how much she had to spend
to keep going to Initiative?
She never gave me many details.
Maybe she was trying
to protect me.
But I was her older sister
I was supposed to protect her.
I'm a journalist.
I work crazy hours.
Maybe if I had been around or...
No, no, listen to me.
You have no blame in this.
Okay? None.
I hate to ask you this question.
Bud did the cops give you an
approximate time of death?
Sometime overnight
Saturday. Why?
- Nicole.
- Phyllis is dead.
- What?
- Oh, you look surprised.
Well, yeah, of course.
I'm surprised.
Well, you don't think
I had something to do with this?
When I stood in this office
last Sunday
you said you just got an email
from Phyllis that morning.
- Saying she was quitting.
- She did.
Except she was already dead
in her house the night before.
- So how do you square that?
- I don't know.
But I'm-I'm telling
you the truth.
Look,
I can even show you the email.
I only came in here
to let you know that
I will find out
what happened to Phyllis.
And unless you want to make
things much worse for yourself
I better not hear about any
other members going "Missing."
Okay, Nicole, look, you've got
the wrong idea about us.
Okay? Check me out.
Alright? Check out Initiative.
Don't worry. I intend to.
- Nicole.
- Megan.
- You said I could talk to you.
- Yeah.
There's a sauna
in the women's locker room.
Meet me there in five minutes.
Megan?
Hello?
Is somebody in here?
Is someone else in here?
Megan?
- I'm sorry.
- 'What do you mean, sorry?'
Megan, wait.
Hello? Please.
Open the door!
Hello? Help! Hello?
Please!
Help!
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry that took so long.
I made some tea.
- Thank you.
- 'Yeah.'
Nicole, I feel so terrible
about what happened.
I don't understand why Megan
would tell you
to go in there like that.
- Because somebody told her to.
- What?
Why would somebody do that?
Don't you see what's happening?
Somebody at Initiative
tried to kill me.
Oh! No. No, no, no, no.
Come on. This was an accident.
Like Phyllis'
death was an accident.
- That kind of accident.
- I don't
Diana, I need to know
if I can trust you.
Of course, you can trust me.
I think whoever attacked me
is the same person
who killed Phyllis.
Nicole
I'm devastated about Phyllis
and about what happened with you
but Initiative
is my entire life, I can't...
Has anybody ever threatened you
or pressured you to keep
taking all these classes?
I'm at Initiative
because I like it.
Look, just promise me you're
gonna look after yourself.
And if anybody threatens you
you'll tell me.
Of course.
Okay.
Thank you for helping me.
Yeah, of course.
I had to go through
all this when my mom died.
Trust me. It is nothing
you want to do on your own?
Phyllis.
She didn't have
an easy life, you know?
Do you think that's how
she got sucked into Initiative?
Because Ken, he just seems
to know how to zero in
on the things in people
that hurt.
Probably.
Phyllis for all
of her good qualities
never was a good judge
of character.
Maybe she's just trying
to see the best in people.
Truth is
she was a perfect mark
for a place like the Initiative.
She always was a follower.
Did you tell
any of this to the police?
That detective didn't want
to hear a word I had to say.
He clearly was not
going to investigate her death.
Did you get his name?
Uh, I got his card.
'Great.'
I'm sorry, Miss Miller,
but it says right here.
Coroner confirmed cause
of death to be an overdose.
Phyllis was sober.
Not according
to our toxicology report.
Look, I'm sorry for your loss.
I know how tough
losing a close friend...
No, what I'm trying to tell you
is that Phyllis's death
was just staged
to look like an overdose.
Staged by this self help
place you mentioned?
You know what, I would really
appreciate if you tried
to take my concern seriously.
Trust me, I am.
I'm here to help.
Look, you're trying to make
sense of all this. I get it.
The problem is all
you've given me so far
is speculation and hearsay.
Nothing I can actually
open an investigation on.
Well, what about the fact
that Ken Palmer claims
he got an email from Phyllis
the day after she died?
This judge isn't gonna let me
subpoena anybody's
email over that.
Okay, well, someone
tried to kill me.
There are women
who are up there trapped.
Maybe a judge is going
to listen to that.
I'll tell you what,
I'll look into it.
I'll ask around,
see if anyone knows
anything about
this Initiative place.
But without any actual evidence
to support your claim
there's nothing else
I can do for you.
Look, you have my card.
You come up with
anything else, any evidence
proof, anything that I can go on
just give me a call, I'll pick
up any time of day. I promise.
Thank you, detective,
I really appreciate it.
Absolutely.
Hey.
You look like you
could use a hand.
I'm not supposed to talk to you.
We're not allowed
to talk to outsiders.
Megan, if that's it's like here,
why don't you just leave?
Because they won't let us leave.
You can't just quit?
So everybody around here acting
like they love being here?
They're all..
They're all being held
against their will.
Some of them are true believers.
We all were at some point.
Some of us are basically
just enslaved now.
You should really go.
- Megan, I can help you.
- No, you can't.
Phyllis tried.
She tried helping all of us.
Look what happened?
Are you saying that Initiative
had Phyllis killed?
All I know is that
Phyllis was a threat.
Initiative gets rid of threats.
- Now, go.
- Nicole.
I didn't expect
to see you here again.
I was just leaving.
Nicole! Nicole!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to
I didn't mean to frighten you.
Look, I think that you
and I maybe have gotten off
on the wrong foot and really
like to try and make that right.
- Would you?
- I would.
You lost a friend in Phyllis
and we've lost a family member?
Yeah, I'm sure you're really
broken up about it.
Nicole, grief is a really
complicated emotion.
I mean, you can lose yourself
and your life can unravel.
I'm just trying to offer you
tools to help
navigate you through that.
Ken, if you don't
get away from my car
I'm gonna navigate through it
by running over your foot.
- Hey, hey, hey, okay. Okay.
- Okay?
Hey, look, I'm just offering
you a free seminar.
That's it.
A free seminar
whenever you want.
Redeemable any time.
Idiot.
So Initiative
really is just a big scam?
No, it's worse than that.
Everybody there
worships this guy Ken.
They give him all their money
and then they can't leave.
You know? It's like a cult.
Yeah, what did
that detective say?
Nothing useful.
He's not even willing to look
into it without more evidence.
What about Diana,
can't she help?
No, I think Diane
is a true believer.
Then what about Phyllis's
sister?
- 'Robyn?'
- Yeah.
She is a journalist.
Maybe she'd be willing to run
a story on Ken? Expose him.
That's a great idea.
Do you think she would do it?
I don't know. There's only
one way to find out.
Maybe if she does
do an article on it
maybe you can just let her
do the story.
So you don't get put in
any more danger.
Am I sensing
a role reversal here?
You worrying after me?
- I'll be careful.
- Okay.
I promise.
Look, even if the police
won't reopen Phyllis's case
we could stop new members
from joining
we could maybe even
bring 'em down.
You know big investigative
pieces aren't my beat, right?
I can introduce you to someone
at my paper who does it.
Don't you want to be
the one that brings.
Initiative down?
Okay.
Great. How do we start?
I can try to find former members
who are willing to talk.
If there's such a thing
as a former member.
That's just the thing,
we've got to figure out
the mechanism of control.
Is Ken just brainwashing
these women?
Is it blackmail, violence?
- I could go back in.
- No, that's not a good idea.
No, look, I'll just go in,
I'll take a look around
maybe ask some questions.
Ken keeps a very,
very tight circle.
They're not even allowed
to talk to outsiders.
For the record, I do not think
you should do this
but if you do
just stay out of the sauna.
You're funny. I'll be in touch.
You gotta be kidding me.
My God.
Detective Hale
it's Nicole.
I was just attacked, um
I'm at 615 North Broadway.
Okay, please hurry, thank you.
Now, do you believe me?
More importantly, are you okay?
Barely.
Looks like someone
did quite a number on that tire.
Somebody almost did
a number on me.
Alright, did you get
a good look at this guy?
No, he had-had a mask on.
Any idea who he is?
Yeah, I told you
who's behind this right.
- Right. Ken Palmer.
- Yeah.
Look, I did a bit of digging
into this Initiative place.
They seem on the level.
Okay, well then you
mustn't have dug very deep.
Okay, look, I know these
people are a bit eccentric.
But I passed this place
by the folks in fraud
they said it's pretty standard
multi-level marketing stuff.
No, I am telling you
that this is a cult.
They killed for this.
Now they're trying to kill me.
Alright, I'll tell you what.
I'll assign a uniform
to watch over you.
- To keep you safe.
- Thank you.
You gotta understand
you're asking me to open
an investigation
to a specific person
and company without
a single shred of evidence.
That's just something
I can't do.
What I can do is
help you fix that tire.
No, it's alright, I can do it
I can change a tire. Thanks.
Alright. Well, call me
if you need anything else.
Thanks.
Yes.
Oh. Hi, Nicole.
Hi, Ken.
I thought a lot about your offer
and you're right.
I could really
use some support right now.
Well, you're in luck, because
that's exactly what we offer.
Hey, you're just in time.
Come with me.
Well, that is really interesting
because in just one
of our focus sessions
you will get more work done
than one of your contemporaries
would in an entire week.
Oh, I wish I'd known.
You know, I-I didn't bring
any work with me today.
That's okay.
I brought it for you.
There you are.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
Diana.
Oh, uh, cellphone, please.
To keep you from distraction.
Productivity,
the second tenet of Initiative.
And what is the key
to productivity?
- Accountability.
- Accountability.
Shall we?
Accountability.
Accountability.
Accountability.
I just have to use the bathroom.
Shh.
Accountability.
Is he watching us?
Level one's. Time's up.
Thank you, Wendy.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
Mm-hm.
God.
Megan, what are you doing?
It's my fault. I was late
for one of my classes.
How long have you been
standing like this?
Maybe an hour.
It hurts so bad.
Is this a punishment?
Oh, God, Megan, you know, honey,
put your arms down.
I can't.
Not until Ken tells me to.
Screw Ken.
You don't understand.
I tried to quit
Initiative before.
I couldn't afford it anymore.
And then I got an email
with a video.
What was on the video?
It was me
in an emotional release session
confessing my darkest,
darkest secrets.
I'm trapped.
No, Megan, Megan, listen to me.
I'm working with a journalist
to expose Initiative.
And if I promised that
she would never use your name
would you tell her
what you just told me?
Okay. Okay, honey,
I'll make that call right now.
I'll be right back.
Thank you guys so much.
What you're doing
is really brave.
I'm gonna call you. Okay?
- Hey, Nicole.
- Robyn.
I have figured out how Ken
keeps people from leaving.
'It's blackmail.'
Of course.
That psycho.
Listen, I have
a current member here
she's willing to talk to you.
That's amazing,
because I just got
two family members
willing to go on record.
Apparently Initiative has
isolated their sister from them.
- Like Phyllis from you.
- 'That's not all.'
'They think that she's having'
'a relationship
with the founder.'
'And apparently
she's not the only one.'
'Ken likes to take turns
spending weekend with them.'
Yeah, well, Ken did say
everybody has a role to play.
Yuck!
'Where
are you? Can you meet up?'
I can't. I..
I'm still at Initiative.
'I just, I wanna make sure
that Megan's okay.'
'And one more thing
I need to check on.'
I'll swing by tomorrow. Okay?
Okay. I'm gonna start writing.
Be careful.
You too.
Hi.
That's very good, Megan.
You're free to go.
You can put your arms down now.
Thank you, Ken.
So, we're just about to start.
Will you be sitting
in the circle today?
- I was just heading there now.
- Fantastic.
I'll see you in there.
Alright, Nicole,
what're you doing here?
You're obviously not back
in the program.
No, listen, Diana,
I know that this place means
everything to you, but I'm
telling you it's dangerous.
What are you talking about?
So, Ken is..
Secretly recording
all the sessions.
Alright, everyone, who is ready
to release what burdens us?
Hello, Nicole.
Hi.
What've you got there?
No-nothing, I-I just..
Did you just take something?
No, I-I was telling Diana that
I don't, I don't really feel
ready to share today..
Uh-uh, trust circle, everyone.
Uh, Nicole..
The reason why we have these
emotional release sessions
is because we don't
keep secrets.
So, what did you take?
- What did you take?
- Ken.
What're you doing, man?
- She stole something.
- 'So what?'
We don't have any
crown jewels here.
Let her go.
Hey, Nicole. Nico..
- Hey! Nicole. Nicole.
- Justin, stop following me.
Look, look, look, I
I know my brother can be
a little intense sometimes.
Intense? Is that
what you call it?
Yeah, he's been
acting weird lately.
Anyway, I just want you to know
if he ever crosses a line,
or anything
you can always come to me.
Okay, so either
you guys are running
this whole thing together
or this entire operation
is going all under your nose.
And you don't even know it.
I-I honestly don't know
what you're talking about.
You need to open your eyes.
Hey, Robyn, it's Nicole,
I've been trying
to get in touch with you
all day.
I'm heading to Phyliss' now,
so hopefully you're there
'and we can exchange details.'
'I have the camera but there's
no memory stored in it'
'so we need to find where
Ken hides his footage.'
No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No. No.
Oh!
Help me!
Help me!
Help me!
'Without the footage
the camera just isn't enough'
to shut them down, so hopefully
you're there and we can..
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
It looks like
a possible suicide.
This is Initiative, okay.
This is Ken Palmer.
He killed Robyn because he knew
that her and I were working
on something to expose him.
- This is what he does.
- Okay, okay. I believe you.
Okay? There are lot
of coincidences here
that are not adding up
so I'm gonna open up
an official investigation.
Okay.
Here, you can start with this..
- A security camera?
- It's blackmail.
That's what Ken does,
he hides these everywhere
and he has these weird
group therapy sessions
where people come in and they
divulge their darkest secrets.
He uses that to keep people
from quitting Initiative.
That's how he does it.
I'm still working on
finding the video files.
I will find them.
You're clearly messing
with the wrong people here.
Just let me do my job,
I don't want the next call I get
to be about you getting hurt
by these people too.
- Okay?
- Okay.
Alright.
Shoot.
- Hello?
- 'Stop looking in Initiative.'
- Who is this?
- 'Leave us alone .'
'And we'll leave you alone.'
And if I do what happens
to all those women
who are trapped at Initiative?
'Either you start minding
your own business'
'or you'll end up
like Phyllis and Robyn.'
'The choice is yours.'
- Hi. Come on. Get in, get in.
- Oh.
What was that about
at Initiative?
- Were you followed?
- What? No.
I mean, I-I don't,
I don't think so.
Did you tell anybody
at Initiative
that you were coming here?
No. What is going on?
Okay. Sit, sit.
Diana, I need you
to level with me.
Are you being forced
to stay at Initiative?
- Forced? How?
- With blackmail.
From that little video camera
that I found?
What? No.
Have you ever been threatened
if you tried to quit?
I've never tried to quit
Initiative.
I've told you I like it there.
That's why I don't understand
what's happening
at all right now.
Diana, Robyn's dead.
- Who?
- Phyllis' sister.
She was investigating
Initiative.
- What?
- Exactly.
And I think I'm next.
If Initiative gets
what they want.
Do you really think that
Ken is killing people?
It's either Ken
or someone that he hired.
He's gonna stop at nothing
to keep from being exposed.
There has to be
another explanation.
No, Diana.
I know that Initiative
means the world to you
but you already know
that Ken's been lying
we just have to prove it.
- Do you have a key?
- Yeah.
Sometimes I have to go in early.
- But Nicole...
- It's perfect.
We go into his office
after hours.
We check his computer
for the video files.
I don't know.
Diana
I really need you
to trust me on this.
Okay... I trust you.
Okay.
I'll check the cabinet.
Is there anything
on the computer?
Just member records,
financial statements
the normal stuff.
There's gotta be something.
There's nothing on here.
Nothing?
Diana, the flash drives.
Look, they've got
all the members' names on it.
Phyllis Whitlock,
and you.
When I caught my ex cheating,
I took a baseball bat
and... I smashed his windshield.
And all of the windows.
The hood. The lights.
- I'm sorry.
- No, it's okay.
Do you have feelings of regret?
The thing I regret
is that I only smashed his car
with a baseball bat.
I should have cut the brakes.
Somebody's here.
- I'll take these.
- Let me look.
Put the chair back.
I'll meet you at my house.
Okay, I'll meet you there.
Mrs. Miller?
Detective Hale?
What're you doing here?
I was coming by
to check this place out
I saw the light was on.
I thought I'd find Palmer.
Look. Look.
I got the videos.
I have all the hard evidence
that we need to prove
that Ken's blackmailing
his members into staying here.
Alright, we better
get out of here.
Let's talk outside. Come on.
That was reckless
what you did in there.
You want an even bigger target
on your back?
- No, no, no, no, this way.
- But my car's this way.
No, it is too dangerous
for you right now.
We'll take my car
to the station.
- Come on.
- Okay.
If that is what you say it is,
you can cause a lot of trouble
for these people.
I just don't want you
to get hurt, that's all.
I'm gonna be fine.
I appreciate your concern.
'No, you should be careful.'
I'm sure your daughter wouldn't
want anything happening to you.
I didn't tell you
I had a daughter.
Can you pull over?
I think I'm gonna be sick.
Just hang on a minute,
we'll be there soon.
- 'No, I-I can't... '
- Damn it, just hang on.
Mm-mm. I'm gonna be sick.
You have to pull over.
- Please, pull over.
- Damn it.
Damn it.
Alright, let's go. Come on.
Damn it.
Hey! Where are you going?
Damn!
Hello?
'You have something'
'that doesn't belong to you.'
Is this Ken?
Or is this Detective Hale?
'It didn't have
to be this way, Nicole.'
'All you had to do was stop
when you were warned.'
And leave hold all those women
at Initiative captive?
'What business is it of yours?'
If I were you,
I would call a ceasefire.
Try diplomacy instead,
what do you say?
'Why would I do that?'
Because if you don't, I will
take all of these flash drives
and the story behind them to
someone who will not bury it.
'You should be very
careful when making threats, Nicole.'
Hey, mom.
Ari, where are you right now?
I'm just about to head out
to class, why?
Okay, listen to me.
Stay in your room.
- Lock the door.
- Why?
Don't leave the building,
not even to go to class. Okay?
'Do you have the number for
campus security in your phone?'
What's going on?
I'm coming to get you right now.
- 'Just stay inside.'
- Okay.
No.
He killed my friend Phyllis,
he killed her sister, Robyn
and if you leave me alone
with him, he's gonna kill me.
Ma'am, you're under arrest
for assaulting an officer.
You know what,
you don't understand...
No, you don't understand,
Miss Miller
your actions have consequences.
Let's go.
I'm telling you
he's part of a cult.
And he killed them.
You can't do this, please.
Watch your head.
I was told I made bail.
What's taking so long?
Paperwork.
There's always paperwork.
So what are you? Some sort of
secret founder of Initiative?
Silent partner.
Honestly, I'm not involved
in all that much.
I just protect the company
from threats.
You're doing it for the money.
You can't really think
arresting me is gonna stop.
Initiative's secrets
from coming out?
Speaking of secrets,
I, um, I checked your house.
Found your safe.
I'm gonna need you
to give me the code.
Okay.
Yeah, let's say
I give you the code
you get the files
Ken gets his blackmail back.
What do I get?
You drop the charges?
It's out of my hands.
See, cops don't like it when
one of their own is assaulted.
I wonder how they feel
about one of their own
killing innocent women?
I didn't kill anyone.
I just happened to be working
when the calls came in
assessed the crime scene
and concluded that
neither death was suspicious.
You're crazy if you think
I'm not gonna leave here
and tell the very first person
who will listen to me
what you're doing, you don't
want that person to be a judge.
You know I found something else
at your house.
It's Ari, right?
She's pretty girl.
If you so much as think of
my daughter's name again, I'll...
You'll what?
Turn around.
You mind your own business
and you can pick up your car
from the lot tomorrow.
- Thank you so much for coming.
- Of course!
- I'm paying you back.
- Don't worry about it.
It's all taken care of.
Okay. What is this?
You told me to open my eyes,
so I did.
I asked around.
Diana told me what you found.
Diana, you didn't..
He wants to help us.
Nicole, I had no idea Ken was
keeping people from leaving.
Or that he had that blackmail.
I swear.
What do we do?
What I know about my brother
is that he's relentless.
He'll stop at nothing
to get what he wants.
I'm still waiting
to hear a plan.
Here's the plan,
give me the drives.
Do you think I'm stupid?
As long as you have
those videos, you're not safe.
Give them to me, I'll get them
into the right hands.
I know what I'm asking of you,
but Ken and his followers
will just keep coming after you
unless you let me help you.
Nicole, you can trust him.
No, no.
No, I can't, I can't trust
anyone from the Initiative.
- Not even you.
- What? Nicole!
You stay away from my family!
No, no, no.
Mom?
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
Come on. Come on.
Oh, thank you.
What are you doing here?
You freaked me out so much
when you called earlier
and then you tell me
you can't make it
because you're in jail?
So, I caught a ride with Sarah.
She was driving this way anyway.
Well, I'm glad I freaked you out
because you just saved
my life in there.
- Who was that?
- I don't know.
It was dark, and the whole thing
happened so fast.
Someone from Initiative?
Yeah.
Are they gonna keep coming back?
I don't know.
God, I wish I never signed up
with them in the first place.
Why did you sign up?
I don't know, it felt
like a way to meet new people
you know and then when I saw
what was happening with Phyllis
and Diana and you
out of the house
it just
I felt like a way
to look after somebody.
Mom, you know that even though
I don't live here anymore
I still need looking after,
right?
That's really sweet of you
to say, honey.
But I mean it, okay?
You can't go getting yourself
killed over this.
We have to find a way
to stop them.
No, I will find a way.
Community, uh, productivity.
Affirmation community. We live
by these tenets so we can..
Now what?
I'm here to offer you a deal.
A deal? What kind of deal?
I won't go to the cops
as long as you shut
Initiative down.
And nobody, I mean, nobody comes
near me or my daughter again.
I honestly have no
idea what you're talking about.
Oh, I know, I know, yeah.
Plausible deniability
is kind of your thing.
What is with you?
Why are you so set
on bringing Initiative down?
All we have ever tried to do
is help people.
That's it. We're a family.
- You're family?
- Yes.
This is a cult.
And you, you're just
a manipulative wannabe guru.
You have no idea who I am.
You have no idea
what I'm trying to create.
All you see are wild baseless
conspiracy theories.
I suggest that you leave.
Oh, I'm leaving.
And I'm taking the flash drives
of blackmail with me.
And in case you don't hold up
your end of the bargain
I'll take them to a news outlet
that'll run the story.
What are you talking about?
What?
What flash drives?
What blackmail?
And just so we're clear,
any member that wants to quit
is now free to do so
and that includes Megan Walker.
What? What're you talking about?
Megan loves it here.
Right. You know my terms.
Nicole, I need the hard drives.
Get off of me!
What you do to the hard drives?
What did you do with them?
I'll kill you,
I swear I'll kill you.
- Come on.
- Diana?
Let's get out of here.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah.
- Sure?
- Let's go.
You don't need to say
you're sorry to me.
I'm the one that brought you
into Initiative.
This is actually all my fault.
No, this is not your fault.
This is Ken's fault.
Hey. Is everyone okay?
Yeah. What are you doing here?
Ken just called me,
freaking out.
I've never heard him like this.
He's talking about that
he's willing to kill
to protect Initiative.
You guys gotta get out of town.
We all do.
What'd I do with
the flash drives?
- I still have them.
- Honestly, Nicole, dump them.
As long as you have them,
you and Ari will never be safe.
Wait! Just give them to me.
I'm the one that brought you
into this mess, okay.
I should be the one
to try to fix it.
Okay. Alright.
Let me go get 'em.
Come on, sweetie.
Okay.
Whatever you do,
do not give these to anyone
you think might secretly
be Initiative?
Of course not.
Are you and Ari gonna be okay?
Yeah, yeah,
we're leaving right away.
Good.
- Thank you.
- Bye.
Hey, help me pack this bag.
'Where are we going?'
We'll figure it out on the way.
Do you really trust Diana?
I think so.
I was kinda low
on options at this point
but just in case I'm wrong,
I have this.
What's that?
I need to get it to this girl
Megan at Initiative.
This gives her something
to fight back with.
Okay, so, are we just gonna
drop it off
on our way out of town?
No, I'm gonna drop it off
and you, you're gonna stay here.
What? No way.
Yes, you are so much safer here
with the doors
and windows locked
than you would be out
in the open.
- What about you?
- I'm gonna be fine.
You stay here, you finish
packing, keep your phone on.
I'll be 15 minutes.
Hey!
I love you.
Love you too.
Lock the door.
No, Megan, no.
It's okay. It's okay. Please.
You need to come
with me right now.
There's something
I have to tell you.
I-I'm sorry, I just
I didn't do anything wrong.
Please, you don't have
to do this.
Anybody home?
What are you doing here?
Oh, I got done with my stuff
'so I thought maybe
I'd help you guys pack.'
Thanks, I think
we're almost done.
Where's your mom?
Um, she'll be right back.
Mm.
There's something
I've gotta tell you...
No, Ken, if you think
that killing me
is gonna tie up
some sort of loose end for you
I have news for you,
it's just gonna create more.
How many bodies
do you think Hale's
'gonna be able to
cover up for you?'
Nicole.
- Megan, I'm so sorry.
- No, no, don't be sorry.
Look, if it wasn't for you,
I would've never called her
and figure out what the hell
has been going on here.
You can't lie to me, Ken.
The person that
you're blackmailing
is standing right next to you.
She told me about the email.
Actually, that email wasn't
specifically from Ken.
It was just from an email
called "The Initiative."
Honey, who do you think
The Initiative is?
It's him. Right?
It's your program.
It's your blackmail.
It's your punishments.
It's you having
these people around you
running in little roles
and it's all you.
It's in your book.
I didn't write the book.
What?
I didn't design the program.
Then who did?
How's everything going here?
'You guys ready to go?'
Yeah, we're just waiting
for Nicole to get back, right?
Justin designed everything.
I'm, I'm just the face.
How could you've not known?
You got members out there
doing manual labor for free.
Nicole, I honestly
thought that these people
believed in what it was
we're trying to create.
I thought they believed in me.
Listen, honey, that night
that they wanted you
to send me to the sauna
Ken told you to do that,
didn't he?
Somebody told me
that's what Ken wanted.
But I didn't think
it was her fault!
I thought she was just doing
what Ken wanted her to do
the same way that I did
when I sent you into the sauna.
Wait-wait, wait, okay.
Who's she?
Diana.
- 'Hello, Nicole.'
- Diana?
'I think it's
time for you to come home now.'
'No police.'
She has my daughter.
She has my daughter.
Nicole! Welcome home.
- Ari!
- Mom!
Unh-unh-unh. No, no, no, no.
Mother-daughter reunion later.
Let's talk first.
Talk? Justin, what're you doing?
I can't believe I trusted you.
Well, in your defense,
you didn't make it easy
to earn your trust.
It was a lot of work.
Is this why you bailed me out
at the police station?
Why you knocked out Hale?
Well, it wasn't supposed
to get this far.
I mean, we warned you to stop
looking into Initiative.
It makes no sense, why would you
help me get into Ken's office
'and find the flash drives?'
You planted flash drives
in my office?
Insurance, Ken.
In case you and I had
one of our famous falling outs.
You weren't supposed
to actually find them.
You were supposed
to just check the computer
see that nothing was on there
and stop digging.
Diana.
Why are you doing this?
Because I wasn't lying to you
when I said that
Initiative changed my life.
I met my fiance there.
You're engaged to Justin?
We met at one of her weekends
at my house.
'Every member
has their opportunity'
but nobody was quite like Diana.
Diana, you can't do this.
He killed Phyllis and Robyn.
Justin didn't kill them.
I did.
Why?
Because they were a threat
to the program.
And a threat to the program
is a threat to us.
Why would you do this?
We had a genuinely opportunity
to help people.
Oh, please.
It was a scam, Ken!
It was always a scam.
'You were just too happy
to be worshipped as a guru'
to actually see
what was happening here.
No, it's not what this is about
it's because nobody
would follow you.
So you just stood in my shadow
and you rode my coattails.
Alright, enough of this.
Diana, get Nicole
into the basement.
- Ken too.
- No! Wait!
Thanks to Nicole here.
'Initiative is gonna have
to start'
all over.
And this time they're gonna
have a new leader.
And don't worry, Nicole.
Nothing will happen to Ari.
Don't touch her.
Initiative will
take care of her.
Let's go.
I'm so sorry, Nicole.
For all of this, I truly am.
Justin, what do I do?
What do I do? What do I do?
Shoot him! Shoot him!
Get Nicole! Go!
Close the door.
Um, here. Hurry, hurry.
- Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
- 'Nicole!'
'Open up.'
'There's nowhere
for you to hide.'
Go in, will you? Go ahead.
'Nicole, there's nowhere to go.'
'Open up!'
Come on, Nicole.
Let's not play games.
I can see you, Ari.
No!
Go. Go.
Stop!
You were told a lot of lies,
Nicole.
But one thing was true
nobody leaves Initiative.
Justin.
What took you so long?
- Why did you call for backup?
- I didn't.
Yeah, they're here now.
Your move.
Freeze! On your knees!
'What happened to Ken?'
The doctor
say he's gonna be okay.
He saved our lives.
I know.
What about Diana?
Diana?
Let's just say
she got what she deserved.
Good.
You know what,
I just realized though
Laura raided my fridge
over the weekend.
- 'Oh, did she?'
- Big time.
And, uh, I'm really hungry
right now.
Do you wanna grab
lunch somewhere
before you hit the road?
Yeah, I could grab a bite.
'I was just so hungry.'
Do you have a place
you wanna go?
Yeah, there's this really
cool place right off campus
that Laura showed me.
I think you'll like it.
It'll be great to see some of
the places you hang out.
Yeah, I started exploring more
few spots.