Finding Nicole (2025) Movie Script
1
[]
[ominous music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
It's okay, I'm sorry,
if you're not ready,
we can do this another time.
[Nicole panting]
Yeah.
[gunshot popping]
[audience cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
Hey, hey,
I'm sure you can use this?
Um, thank you.
-You're welcome.
-Um--[chuckles]
Damn, I thought you had it.
Yeah, well, so did I. [chuckles]
I've seen you during practice
over the last few weeks.
You're really good.
Um, you've noticed me
on the field.
-Well, it's kind of hard not to.
-[Nicole chuckles]
Oh, I'm Warren.
Mm. Nicole.
-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
Um.
I gotta go.
But, um, would you like
to meet up later?
You know, hang out?
Get some dinner.
On me, of course.
Um, I'm--I mean,
I have exams coming up,
so I'm not really sure
what my schedule is right now.
-Great, it's a date.
-What?
-I didn't even say anything.
-It's a date.
[overlapping chatter]
[whistle blows]
[coach] Hey, ladies, shake that.
We got work to do.
We're in the daylight. Let's go!
[]
10, 20. [grunts]
[Nicole] I know, it's so good.
Adam, I wasn't expecting
to see you here.
Aren't you supposed
to be at work?
I am.
Wait. [laughs]
Are you actually telling me that
they don't know you're here?
Do they need to know though?
Oh, my God, you're such a rebel.
How do you do that?
I mean, I could never do that.
[scoffs] You can.
-I don't want to get in trouble.
-What are they going to do?
They need us
way more than we need them.
Besides, my patient load
is so crushing
and I know yours is crazy.
Yeah, um, I have been having
to work doubles a lot.
It's--I've been overbooked
and even today,
just having today off,
I had to work a double.
So, is that him? Your para-more?
[Nicole] Yeah.
That's him.
That's my guy.
Yo, yo, yo, yo, your dogs,
dogs' going to burn.
[Warren] Oh, shit.
I'm sorry, man. What's going on?
-[Bobby] Much.
-[Warren] How you feeling?
-Everything cool?
-Everything cool.
Glad you came out.
Good to see you.
Yeah.
You sure you want to do this?
Leave the force?
Man, it's what
you always wanted to do.
Serve and protect.
-Real public service.
-Yeah, I know.
[Warren groans]
I can't give her the life
she deserves on a cop's wages,
so, yeah, I'm sure.
Yeah, you're right.
-But selling drugs?
-Man, whatever, get out of here.
[both laughing]
Whatever, man.
You know
I'm repping pharmaceuticals.
-Doctor's office, clinics.
-Mm-hmm.
But no,
it's a solid job, though.
Look, call it what you will.
-Still pushing drugs in my book.
-Yeah, whatever, okay.
-Mm-hmm.
-Yeah, I got some drugs
for you right here.
Here you go, you know what?
I made that one special for you.
Here you go.
-Bon apetit.
-[inaudible], bro.
Thing look like it died twice.
Oh, you got a problem
with the color?
Bruh, anyway, I ain't
gonna touch that, all right?
Yeah, yeah,
take your ass over there,
get you some sweet relish.
[Bobby] All right, all right,
all right, I'll shut up, man.
Listen...
[Nicole sighs]
What's wrong, babe?
-[Warren] Nothing.
-Come on.
You know you can talk to me.
[Warren] Your friend
you were talking with.
You know he's into you, right?
[scoffs] Uh, Adam?
Uh, no. No way.
[Warren] Mm-hmm. He is.
[Nicole] Mm, no.
Um, Adam is just
a co-worker, honey.
You don't have
anything to worry about.
[Warren] He makes you laugh.
Um, Warren...
Adam is gay.
Oh, God, I'm such an idiot.
[both laughing]
-Oh, my God.
-Yeah.
I'm sorry. It's...
you mean everything to me.
Before I met you, I thought
I had it all figured out.
Football,
the academy, all of it.
But then I saw this...
Greek goddess of perfection
walk past me and...
my whole world blew up.
Thank you very much for that.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-[Warren sighs]
It took me weeks to build
the courage just to approach you
because I was terrified.
But because I did...
now I know what it's like
to feel truly alive and happy.
You've given me this gift.
I'm glad I have you.
I wanted you to know...
you are the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
I love you, babe.
I love you more.
I don't know
about that. [chuckles]
[Warren sighs]
[tense music]
[Warren sighs]
You never said it back.
What was that, babe?
You never said it back.
[Nicole groans]
Said what back?
That I love you? [laughs]
I say it all the time,
baby, because I mean it.
Not that.
I told you...
that you were the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
And you never said it back.
I didn't?
Well, I am.
I'm sorry.
I didn't realize that--
I'm the best goddamn thing
that has ever happened to you.
Warren, I--I--
I told you that I love you.
I mean, what more
do you need from me?
Bullshit.
That word don't mean jack shit.
People throw that word around
all the time.
People tell their fucking dogs
that they love them.
A dog.
Is that what I am to you?
[stammers]
No, Warren.
[scoffs] Of course not.
Okay, I--I get it.
I mean, you're pissed. It...
[dramatic music playing]
You don't get it.
-[glass shattering]
-Jesus! Warren!
[stutters] Hey.
Hey. Hey, hey, hey.
Look at me, okay?
You are the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
-You don't mean it.
-Yes, I do.
Look at me, please. Please.
I do mean it, Warren.
You are the best thing that
has ever happened to me, okay?
[somber music playing]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's the stress
of giving up the uniform
to start this new job.
The pressure is on.
It's getting to me.
I don't want to screw this up.
I did this for us.
For you.
I understand.
I get it.
Baby.
[Shonda]
Then what made you stay?
[Nicole] You make excuses.
You justify it.
He's stressed, or...
he still loves me.
He'll get better.
[ominous music playing]
I should have just been
honest with myself.
I...
The signs, they were all there.
[Nicole panting]
[retching]
Honey, I'm back.
Hey, sweetheart.
Are you okay?
I was calling you and--
Are you okay? What's wrong?
Well...
positive. [chuckles]
Every single one.
-You're...
-Pregnant.
[tense music]
[Warren sighs]
I'm sorry, I...
[sighs]
I didn't mean to.
I know
you didn't want to have kids.
How?
I guess
when you take antibiotics
and you're on birth control,
you...
Your birth control
will sometimes not work.
And...
The last time
that we made love, I...
I had a sinus infection
and I was on antibiotics.
I didn't know.
I'm so sorry.
It's not your fault.
[scoffs] Christ.
-It is.
-Hey.
Hey, it's okay. This is good.
We're gonna be a family.
[heartfelt music playing]
Really?
-You wanna keep it?
-Of course.
-Don't you?
-Yeah, I...
[sighs] I thought you wouldn't.
What? No. Never.
-You're gonna be a great mom.
-[Nicole laughs]
Oh, shit.
-I'm gonna be a dad.
-Mm-hmm.
This is the best thing
that could have happened to us.
At this point...
at this point,
his temper had tapered off.
No more outbursts.
[sighs] Gosh, I was so naive.
Blinded by hope, I guess.
But it got much worse,
didn't it?
Objection, Your Honor.
Leading the witness.
[Judge] Sustained.
I suggest
prosecution stick to facts
and not presumptions.
Yes, Your Honor.
If it pleases the court...
could you please
take us back to the moment
where the dynamic in the home
began to shift?
Yeah. Um, it was morning.
Uh, I was making breakfast,
like usual,
for the family, and...
Myles was six.
Carter, he was still a toddler.
[sizzling]
[radio show playing]
Warren, breakfast is ready.
Warren, breakfast is ready.
[Warren sighing]
-Morning.
-[sniffles] Hey.
Was it a long night
of traveling?
[Warren sighing]
-Hey, good morning, son.
-Good morning.
Cool. How was your breakfast?
-It was really good.
-Good.
Hmm.
Let me see if I agree with you.
So did you get in late
last night?
Yep.
[Warren sighs]
Can I be excused? I'm all done.
Of course, baby.
[Warren scoffs]
So, long drive home from work?
Mm-hmm.
Did you, uh...
go to the bar last night?
-Because you reek of--
-These eggs are cold.
You oversaw the hash browns.
-You reek of beer and perfume.
-What?
[Warren groans]
Did you pick up a woman
at the bar last night?
This is a shit breakfast.
[scoffs] You did.
I can't believe it.
Do you even care
that you have a family?
Mm. Don't be stupid, all right?
-Look, I can't do this.
-Mmm-hmm.
Not anymore.
-Excuse me?
-You heard me.
Mommy, Mommy, look!
Where'd you find that?
[Myles]
The thing was in the porch.
I think it's hurt.
[Nicole] Oh.
Looks like its wing is broken.
[Myles] Can we fix it, Mom?
[Nicole] We can try, baby.
[Warren] Let me see him, son.
-[bird chirping]
-Here.
Hmm. Hey, little guy.
Yeah.
He's wounded pretty bad.
[Nicole] Careful.
[bones cracking]
[Myles] No, Daddy, no!
[dramatic music playing]
It wouldn't survive by itself.
-Jesus. Warren!
-[Myles screaming]
Hey, son. That's enough.
-Calm down. Stop screaming.
-No, you stop.
-Shut up. Shut up! Shut up!
-Listen, you need to stop, okay?
God damn it, shut up!
Shut the fuck up!
You leave him alone,
you goddamn monster!
I'm a monster?
You ungrateful bitch.
[scoffs]
This the thanks I get, hmm?
I work my ass off
driving around the country
just to come home
to a shitty breakfast.
[mumbles]
Come here. The nerve, the nerve
to accuse me
of cheating your ugly ass.
[Nicole coughs]
[Nicole sobbing]
[kids crying]
Myles, where are you? Myles?
Myles? Carter?
Oh my god.
[Shonda] And what made
this time different?
Oh, he's...
not like this.
A slap here, or a threat.
And definitely
not in front of the children.
[Shonda] Then?
Then, the next morning,
he was genuinely
remorseful as always.
I told him
that if he didn't leave,
I was filing a PPO.
So he did.
He said that
he would get some counseling
and make amends
with me and the kids.
Said he would stop drinking
and try and make things right.
I wanted to believe him.
I really did,
but it was all lies,
and he only got worse.
-[Shonda] How?
-Then he started doing this--
Your Honor, defense requests
a conference with my client.
Your Honor,
the prosecution would like
to hold on to their request
until we finish
this line of questioning.
Your Honor, please.
My client needs
to confer with counsel
in order to respond
to this testimony.
And I'm sure it would behoove
Miss Beverly as well...
-[Shonda] Your Honor--
-...as she could
calm her emotions...
-Your Honor--
-...which are obviously
driving her narrative.
The witness has taken the oath.
She is speaking the truth.
Her interpretations of events
do not line up
with the evidence at hand.
The defense counsel
will have their turn
at cross-examination.
[Cameron] Your Honor,
may we approach the bench?
Your Honor,
defense requests a midday break
to confer with his client.
[Shonda] Your Honor,
the state would like
to hold on to their break
until we finish
this line of questioning.
[Cameron] Your Honor, please.
I'm embarrassed to say this,
but I'm rather lightheaded
and a bit peckish.
We've been going
at this for hours.
Please just a quick power bar
and I'll be good to go.
Really? You're going to use
low blood sugar as an excuse?
Your Honor, this is
just another sad attempt
to railroad Nicole's testimony
because her truth is sinking in
and it hurts the defense's case.
There is no justification
for us to pause right now.
[judge] You may both
step away from the bench.
We'll break
for a 30-minute lunch.
[somber music playing]
-Mommy?
-Hey, sweetheart.
I'm sorry Daddy hits you because
of me and that he left.
No.
No, honey.
This is not your fault.
-But--
-No, Myles.
It is not your fault.
Or Mommy's fault.
It's Daddy's.
He has some things
that he needs to work on.
That's why him and Mommy
are taking a break
for a little while.
Hopefully, we can fix things.
[gasps] Daddy?
[ominous music playing]
[Warren] We should talk.
Let me get the boys
to sleep, okay?
[Warren] Don't take too long.
-Come on.
-Really?
-You came here for a booty call?
-What?
A man can't be intimate
with his wife?
How did you get in here?
I wanted to see you.
Off the bandwagon, I see.
[sighs]
How many times is that now?
[laughs] You know what?
I don't even care.
-You need to go.
-Okay, okay, okay.
Look, just hear me out, please.
I went to a bar
with a friend, that's all.
But I'm good, I swear.
I was hoping that
we could be with each other.
But really,
I just needed to talk.
No.
No. No.
You don't even
take this seriously.
One year clean. See?
You still keep dogging me.
I am taking this seriously.
I've been to the meetings.
I'm really trying.
Step nine is making amends.
So, here I am.
I wanted to say...
[sighs] I'm sorry
for what I've done to you.
Truly, I am.
[scoffs]
I appreciate that.
I do.
And I know
how hard that this is for you.
But you're gonna have to go.
Reconciling is gonna take
a whole lot more than this.
But I'm glad to see
that you're working on it.
But us?
You and me?
For that...
I'd have to trust you.
And I don't see that happening.
Just breaking and entering here
sure doesn't help.
Okay, I'll admit,
I should have knocked.
But I thought I'd surprise you.
I'm on a different path.
But I can't prove it
unless you let me be a husband.
So, come on. Come to Daddy.
-Let me take care of that.
-No.
-Warren, I can't do that.
-Come on, Coley.
-I miss you. I miss us.
-You know what? So do I.
I miss us. What we used to be.
-Not what we've become.
-Look, don't do this.
I'm really trying here.
Can't you even acknowledge that?
I appreciate that. I do.
I appreciate
you coming here and apologizing,
trying to make amends.
But you and me being intimate?
That requires us
to trust each other.
I can't do that.
Especially when I know
that you're lying to me.
-I'm not lying.
-[Nicole scoffs]
You think that I can't tell
that you've been drinking?
That you're half
in the bag right now.
[Nicole laughs]
This probably
isn't even your coin.
You probably lifted this from
some poor bastard on the street.
[sighs] Okay, look.
You need to go.
Call an Uber or something.
You need to leave.
[door shuts closed]
This is still my house.
Warren.
I ain't staying
in some shitty motel.
[dramatic music playing]
While you get to live it up
in a house I bust my ass for.
No. You need to leave.
[laughs]
You don't get to say no to me.
You don't get
to deny me anymore.
You know what? Fine.
You can have the house.
All right?
I'm going to take the boys.
And we're just going to leave.
Okay?
You're not leaving me.
You understand me?
You listen...
-You need to back off.
-What?
-You need to back off.
-What? You're going to leave me?
For good? Is that it?
[laughs]
Let me tell you something.
Without me you don't exist.
You'll just disappear.
You got it?
Fade away into nothing.
No one will find you.
Or the boys.
No, please. Please.
Warren! Warren!
[Nicole screaming]
[somber music playing]
[water pattering]
[knocking on door]
[knocking on door]
Bobby? Hey, man.
Good to see you, brother.
It's been a minute.
-What's up?
-Hey. Uh, can we come in?
Yeah. Come on in, brother.
It's not a big issue
but the call came in.
-Call about what, man?
-Domestic abuse.
-What? Here?
-Yeah.
Oh, come on, Bobby.
You of all people know
that's bullshit.
I know. I'm sure.
But the thing is, a call came in
and we have to follow up.
Listen, did you guys
get into a big fight?
Come on, man.
What couple doesn't have
a little argument
here and there?
I mean, that's what
marriage is, right?
Look. I love my wife.
And we may fight
but it's nothing
that's out of hand.
-[Bobby] Yeah.
-You two are currently
separated, correct?
Well, yes. Temporarily.
We're just working
through a rough patch.
Two years.
That's a long rough patch.
You're not currently
residing here, are you?
This is my house.
Yo, man, what is this?
[Bobby] You know how it is.
After the last time--
[Warren] Oh, my God.
Give me a break.
The last time?
[sighs] Please don't tell me
you believe her bullshit.
Not you, bro.
Okay, look.
I'll level you guys.
You know
how dramatic she is, bro.
Making up lies to try
to take my kids from me.
She's been building a case
against me for months now
with bullshit charges.
I know, man.
It's--it must be rough.
[Griffin] You're currently
violating the PPO.
But I'm sure
you know that, right?
[Warren] You're not listening.
She's doing it
to try to keep me from my kids.
Crying about abuse.
It's a bullshit power play.
Fake as hell. Simple as that.
Look, I read the reports.
All right? Numerous bruises,
contusions,
and even a black eye.
All while you were
on your little rough patch.
It's kind of hard
to fabricate, ain't it?
Is this guy serious?
So let me get this straight.
When she's clumsy,
or she gets a bruise
working out, it's my fault?
Come on, man.
But she's happy
to pin this on me, though.
Just to get a little attention.
Playing the victim.
To be honest with you.
I think she's got
a chemical imbalance, you know
what I'm saying?
You're calling me crazy?
You son of a bitch.
See? There it is.
-Attention seeking. Here we go.
-Hey, Nicole-- -Nicole, come on.
He's not supposed to be here.
Okay, listen, Bobby.
This is my house, all right?
He comes in here.
-He rapes me in the bedroom.
-What?
-Next to the boys. Okay?
-[Warren] Oh, my God.
-No, no, no.
-[Bobby] Warren, Warren!
Look, how can I rape
my own wife?
And this is my house
that I pay for.
She's just being dramatic.
It's sad, really.
I mean, don't you see my point?
-Did she consent?
-[Warren] Excuse me?
It's very simple.
Did she consent?
[Warren]
Of course she consented.
-We're married.
-You know I didn't.
Sweetheart, the show you're
putting on is embarrassing.
I need you to stop now.
-Have you been drinking?
-So what if I have?
This is my fucking house.
[Bobby] Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hold on a second.
No, no, no, he seems
to have a bit of a temper.
[Warren]
You ain't seen a temper.
[laughs] Look at the big fella.
Can't take a little no from
a little lady like that, huh?
Oh, that's what it is.
Big guy want to make sure
he's the man of the house,
but when he's really not.
-You got a big mouth.
-[talking over each other]
Hey, hey. Easy, Griffin.
Let's talk about this, man.
Come on.
Let's talk about this.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Take it easy, rook.
You know there's something
not right about this guy.
Hey, I know him.
He's a good guy.
Okay?
He's a great cop.
Hell, he's a stand-up guy.
Shit, he even coached
our kids football team.
Look, there's his side,
her side, and the truth, right?
But it's more complicated
than you think it is.
I know exactly
what's going on here.
Hey, stand down, rook.
I got this.
I'll take care of this.
Okay? Relax.
-Hey, Warren.
-Yeah?
Where are you staying, man?
At a motel
about 35 minutes away.
Listen, look,
I'm going to drive you down,
and bring you back in
the morning to--
No, wait, what?
No, he can't be here.
Listen, I said
I'm going to drive him down,
bring him back in the morning
to pick up his car.
And, Warren, you are going
to leave them alone, Warren,
until things are settled
down legally, all right?
-Okay?
-[Warren] All right.
Of course, you're right.
You know what?
I'm sorry for assuming
it was okay for me
to stop by the way I did.
Nicole, I apologize
for bothering you.
Next time,
I'll clear a visit for you.
There will be
no next time, okay?
We're done.
You're never allowed here.
Right, right, yeah, sure, okay.
I'll see you later.
-I love you.
-Let's go.
Make sure you get
a statement from Miss Beverly,
and sweep the home
for good measure, okay?
["Sundown to Sunrise" playing]
Sometimes winning
Is losing fast
And moving past
Who is right
And who is wrong
Sometimes leaving
Is all I've got
Even when I know it's not
'Cause our love
Is too strong
For that kind of talk...
[Cameron] So,
let me get this straight.
You left the country
in desperation
because you were
so afraid of Warren.
-Is that right?
-Yes.
I did not know
what he would do next.
Your Honor,
I refer to Exhibit 5F.
This police report states
there was absolutely
no forced entry of any kind.
So, I ask you, Miss Beverly,
how did Warren break in?
I don't know, maybe he came in
from the second floor.
I think
I had those cracked open.
Miss Beverly,
are you asking
the court to believe
that Warren scaled a building
in the middle of the night?
Did he buy a large ladder
you were unaware of,
or a rope ladder
behind your back?
Or maybe he purchased
a rapidly growing vine
that went straight to the window
that you were
completely unaware of.
Objection, Your Honor.
He is badgering the witness.
Withdrawn.
My apologies.
The facts are just
a lot less dramatic
than Miss Beverly
would like us to believe.
Warren showed up to his home
seeking guidance and wishing
to make it better with his wife.
This is the man that abides
by the 12 steps
of Alcoholics Anonymous.
He lives by them.
So, the fact is
that he reached out to you
to make amends.
-Did he not?
-Yes, but that's not--
-Finally, the truth.
-No.
-No, no it's not.
-How so?
[Nicole sobbing]
He forced himself on me.
He wouldn't leave,
and--and that's monstrous.
[Cameron]
Referring to a medical exam
that took place
after the incident,
your vagina is consistent
with someone
who has passionate sex,
and someone
who is passionate like yourself
should enjoy that, correct?
Objection!
[Cameron]
Wow, passionate response.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
Okay, keep me updated on this
hourly if you have to.
We need to stay on top of this.
All right.
We did good in there today.
Just need to keep
the pressure on.
And I need you to be careful.
Careful?
Warren did something again,
didn't he?
Please tell--[laughs]
Tell me he didn't do something.
I hesitate to mention this,
but I think you should know.
Warren may have attempted...
to put a contract
on you and the kids.
What?
Like an assassination?
From inside his cell?
[ominous music playing]
So how did it go?
He thinks he's hot shit.
Thank you for the car, Sanchez.
No problem.
All right, let's hear it.
["The Main Event" playing]
You play?
I know the basics.
Your move.
[]
[Warren chuckles]
You're lying to me.
How's that?
You're using
the Caro-Kann defense.
That's an advanced strategy.
I really don't know what
the fuck you're talking about.
If you got something to say,
just say it.
Otherwise,
quit wasting my time.
[Warren groans]
[music playing louder]
Why hasn't it been done yet?
Hey, turn that shit down.
It's cool.
I'll go fuck myself.
Typically,
when I make a payment,
I expect service.
Okay. Look. Listen,
your family will be dealt with.
Your wife and kids, they'll be
taken out, just like you asked.
Okay. Good.
[inaudible]
Shit.
Come here. Look.
She doesn't get to the stand
again. Understand?
And tell your man
to do the kids slow.
In front of her.
Make her watch.
Then he can put her down if he
wants.
Quickly. I don't care.
How merciful of you.
Don't you fuck with me, Baz.
You sure you want to do this?
Let him pass.
This motherfucker is crazy.
You bitches don't know me.
That's it from there on out.
[Shonda sighs]
-Can you clean it up?
-Nah.
That kind of noise,
it blew out all the mics.
Besides,
he knew what he was doing.
[Shonda] How did he know
you was wearing a wire?
Fuck if I know.
My crew didn't even know.
We can't use any of this.
Are you willing to testify?
[tense music playing]
I agreed to do this
because I ain't down
with killing
some woman and her kids.
It ain't right.
Somebody's got to stop
that motherfucker.
I'll get on the stand,
but you have to cut me a deal.
You got to give me something.
The Attorney General
won't go for that.
Then I can't help you. Or her.
[]
[officer] Please place
your left hand on The Bible,
raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear
to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing
but the truth so help you God?
-I do.
-Please have a seat.
[Shonda] Can you please
tell the courtroom
your affiliation
with Mr. Beverly?
He hired me to arrange
the killing
of his wife and kids.
[Shonda]
And he hired others as well.
Is that correct?
Yeah, he spread it around.
Is his wife
in the courtroom today?
-[Baz] Yes.
-Can you point her out?
Yeah, she's right there.
What exactly
did Mr. Beverly asked you
to do to his wife?
Well, he told me
to have the kids killed first.
In front of Nicole,
so she could watch
the whole thing happen.
And then
she could be done quickly.
Come on.
Killing a mom and her kids,
it's cold.
It ain't even right.
There is no line
that Mr. Beverly will not cross!
To--to have
her kids killed first?
So--so she can watch?
Just--just think about that.
What kind of man?
What kind of human?
Not even his fellow criminals
will stand for it.
No further questions.
Good morning.
It's, uh, Bose, right?
-It's Baz.
-[Cameron] Oh, Baz.
My apologies.
Baz, can you tell us
what you are
currently awaiting trial for?
Grand theft larceny.
So you're a thief.
I like nice cars, is all.
I like the one
you drove here in today.
So this is a joke.
Well, let's talk about something
that just isn't that funny.
You were involved in a con
that was called
the "Where's the Check Scheme."
Correct?
Yeah.
And in fact,
that's another thing
that helped you
land yourself in jail
besides stealing cars like mine.
[courthouse murmurs]
Can you tell the court
how the scheme worked?
You call people.
Yeah, but not
regular people, right?
[Shonda] Objection, Your Honor.
Relevancy.
Establishing credibility,
Your Honor.
[Judge] Overruled.
Get to the point.
So, Baz, again,
what kind of people
did you call?
You call old people
with bad memories.
Alzheimer's, dementia.
They can believe
you're a family member,
credit card company,
somebody
they'll send a check to.
Go on.
Then you tell them
they're late on a payment.
And after applying
a little pressure,
they cut a check,
send the mail that day.
Cash the check.
That's it. Easy money.
Wow. Easy money.
So you were--
you were good at this.
Would you say that
you were actually an expert
at deceiving the elderly
out of their savings?
I was good at it, whatever.
So, I ask the court
a simple question.
Why would we believe anything
that this man says?
[Shonda] Objection, Your Honor.
[defence lawyer] The witness
has already taken the oath.
Wow.
An oath from a career liar.
With--withdrawn. My apologies.
So, Baz, moving on,
in order
to be a witness here today,
did you cut a deal
with the prosecution
for a lighter sentence?
Oh, no, no, no, no
need to look at them.
I'm the one who asked.
Yeah, I get time off. So what?
So what, indeed.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
[tentative music playing]
[Judge Carter]
There are no more witnesses.
I will take
some time to deliberate.
As of now, we are adjourned.
[gavel bangs]
[quiet chatter]
What just happened?
He just got
our asses handed to us.
[]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[Warren] You're dead.
You're fucking dead.
You understand me? You think
you can do this to me?
[stammering] Warren?
[Warren] Oh, I'm gonna
cut your fucking throat.
You think changing your number
keeps you safe?
You can't hide--
Okay.
She can see you now.
[Shonda]
Hey, come on in. Have a seat.
-Can I get you anything?
-No, no thank you.
I just got another call,
actually.
-Threatening?
-He won't stop.
I swear, all he does
in there is hate me,
and I can't change
my number again.
Blocking doesn't work.
All he--
He goes and gets a new number
from another inmate.
I don't--I don't even know
how he can do that.
Inmates use proxies
or contraband cell phones.
It's not uncommon,
especially when you have
the kind of resources
that Warren has.
Stop answering his calls.
I want to see where this goes.
He is relentless.
I swear,
I feel like I am the one
that is locked up
in there, okay?
Not him.
And I don't even know
what to do about it.
Can we change
my name or something?
Changing your name
won't do much.
If he found you
under a new number,
he'll find you under a new name.
We'll have to go full reset.
New identity.
We can do that?
I can get the paperwork started.
It's a process, but, yeah.
I can get it done.
It truly is a fresh start,
Nicole, but understand this.
Everything you have
disappears with this.
Your education,
your degree, job, all of it.
It goes away.
You've got to think
really hard on this.
[Nicole] Don't start doing that.
Uh-uh. Come here.
There you go.
There you go.
-Come here. Come here.
-[horse neighs]
-Majestic, aren't they?
-Yeah, they're beautiful.
They have free reign
of the property
when they're not training.
-It's nice.
-Oh, yeah, that must be nice.
Here. You're good.
You know,
you're really good at this.
Just like when we were kids.
My God,
what was the name of that doll
-that we used to fight over?
-Uh...
-It was Totally-- Hair Barbie.
-Totally Hair Barbie.
-Yeah.
-Yes! Oh, my gosh.
Oh, man, yeah,
that was, uh...
Um...
You--you know, you can stay here
as long as you like.
-I don't--
-No, listen, listen,
Mom and I were talking,
and one of my clients,
she runs a support group
for women,
and-- and I think
you should check them out.
Let them be your compass.
You can get your first steps.
Mom totally put you up to this,
didn't she?
Well, would you have
listened to me?
Probably not.
-Nicole.
-[Nicole scoffs] Yeah.
Bring it in, sisters.
Always remember
you're braver than you believe.
You're stronger than you seem,
smarter than you think,
and twice as beautiful
as you can ever imagine.
[Katarina chuckling softly]
[emotional piano instrumental]
[soft chuckle]
I'm really glad
to see you open up with us.
I respect your strength.
I know how hard this is.
Thank you. I've...
I don't like
sharing this much, so...
A few of the girls
and I do some training,
a little self-defense stuff.
I think you might like it.
You want to come
and try it out with us?
-Self-defense?
-It's legit.
And we go for drinks after.
Oh, see, now I have to go.
[both chuckling]
[Cameron] Thank you.
Warren, could you tell us about
Halloween night 2018?
It was an average day. Um...
I was visiting my kids,
and I was going to take them
trick-or-treating.
Nicole...
she, of course,
didn't want me there,
even though
we agreed that I could.
It' can be some kind of
power play, I suppose.
Ooh, it looks like
you guys did good, huh?
-[Myles] Yeah.
-[Nicole] It's been
a great night.
Trick-or-treat.
Boys, go inside.
[tense music playing]
So, a trick then?
Are you really going to
mace me in front of our kids?
You've done worse.
Have I?
You sure I have?
Maybe I could show you more.
Warren, I'm serious,
you need to leave.
You need to go right now.
[Warren groans] You motherf--
-Come on, come on.
-Boys.
Sit down, boys.
-Sit your ass down.
-[Nicole grunting]
[Warren groans]
-[Nicole gasps]
-[Warren] Oh, you're good.
Help, help me,
please, please, please.
-My husb--
-Be still.
-We'll be right back, okay?
-Oh, my God.
-Come on.
-[Carter] Daddy.
-Huh?
-Daddy.
Please don't kill Mom.
Son, I wouldn't do that, no.
Me and your Mom
are just having a little tiff.
Sometimes couples argue,
but don't you worry,
it's going to be okay.
Play with your brother, okay?
-All right, we'll be back.
-I'm sorry, please--
-Please!
-Listen.
-[Nicole gasping]
-Listen.
No more, no more.
That's it.
Shut your ass up.
Stop. Stop, goddammit.
Stop.
-We're not doing this anymore.
-Warren, please.
[Warren groans]
Uh-uh. [Warren chuckles]
I'm not going to keep
doing this with you.
[panting]
I just... love you.
There's nothing
I won't do for you.
You're my everything.
No more.
Don't you say I love you.
I'm your world.
Just like you're mine.
I was this from the beginning.
I was this from the beginning.
You've been my everything.
Look what you're making me do.
I love you and the boys.
It's supposed to be us.
And I'm tired of you
disrespecting me in my own home.
I bust my fucking ass for.
For you. I did it all for you.
You, and them.
You, the boys, we're all
going to stay together.
We're going to be together.
You're going to forgive me.
You're going to love me.
You're going to love me
the way that I deserve.
Because I deserve it.
I do. And you know it.
You will not abandon me no more.
I am enough.
So you're going to love me.
And you're going to say
you're sorry.
Just say you're sorry.
Please. Just say you're sorry.
Tell me you want me back.
-Let's hear it. Say it.
-I'm sorry.
I'm--I'm sorry for sticking
with a piece of shit like you.
-Bitch!
-[Nicole gasps]
[dramatic music playing]
Yeah, yeah, come here.
That's it.
It's all over.
This is the end of you.
I'm going to fucking kill you.
Just fucking do it,
you piece of shit.
[sirens wailing]
[Warren groans and sobs]
Hey, hands up. Hands up.
-Get on your knees, Warren.
-[Nicole] He's--
[Warren] Hey, Bobby.
Don't do me like this.
He's got a gun.
-He's got a gun.
-[Bobby] Get your hands up.
-Hey.
-Warren.
-Get on your knees.
-Take it easy.
Keep your hands up, Warren.
Come on, guys.
You're going to do me like this?
Bobby. Come on.
Don't move.
Hey, easy.
I have a permit for this.
It's registered.
Take it easy.
-What the hell are you doing?
-I'm just visiting my family.
Yeah. Doesn't look like
she wants you around.
-[Bobby] You got him?
-[Griffin] I got him.
[Warren sighs] Come on, man.
-[handcuffs clattering]
-[Warren groans]
[Warren grunts]
Let's take it easy.
-[Warren groaning]
-[Griffin] Get up.
[somber music playing]
[Cameron] So, I'm struggling
to understand this.
Miss Beverly
sprayed you with mace?
-[Warren] That is correct.
-Was that provoked?
No. She came at me.
So, I had to defend myself.
She even tried
to claw my eyes out.
I was scared.
All I wanted to do was take
my kids trick-or-treating.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
[Shonda] You own a gun, correct?
-[Warren] Yes.
-Was it on you at the time?
I carried my sidearm.
Old habits
as a police officer, I guess.
And you claim you never
threatened Nicole with it?
Nor pinned her to a chair
and held the gun
point-blank range to her skull.
-Is that correct?
-Never.
She attacked me.
I'd like to show B1.
This is the bullet
found in Nicole's lap
the night Mr. Beverly
held a gun to her head
and threatened to, and I quote,
"fucking kill you."
[people murmuring]
That's not mine.
Isn't it, though?
This bullet's confirmed
to have your prints all over it.
[Cameron] Objection, Your Honor.
The defendant lived
with Ms. Beverly for years.
This could be
property left behind.
You trying to claim
this bullet was planted?
Your Honor, this was processed
properly for evidence.
Overruled.
[Cameron] Your Honor,
with the prosecution's
permission,
I'd like to have
a sidebar with my client.
Granted.
You have five minutes to confer.
-[restaurant din]
-Cheers.
[Jonathan] It's a beautiful
night, isn't it?
[Adam] I so needed this.
It was so sweet of your
Mom to watch the kids.
It's great to get you
out of the house.
[Nicole] Yeah,
it's nice to feel somewhat
normal for a little bit.
Look, I know
it's none of my business,
but I think kicking out your
husband was the right thing.
[Nicole chuckling]
[Cameron]
It's fine, okay? Listen.
I thought
he was fine for a while,
and-- and I should have known
better.
[Adam] Honey,
it's not your fault.
It could have
happened to anyone.
I'll tell you what.
-Let's have a drink...
-Yes, please.
-...to good friends...
-Here we go.
...and pleasant company.
Good friends
and pleasant company.
[Adam] Fantastic.
[light disco music playing]
Hm, so, I've been
meaning to ask this.
I mean, I've known
you guys for ten years,
and I don't know how you met.
So, what the heck is--
What's this?
-[Jonathan] We never
talked before.
-No, you never told me.
-You don't want to know about--
-Oh, I do.
-I do want to know.
-Well.
-First of all--
-Don't you dare.
What? She asked.
[Nicole laughing]
Well, sometimes
we like to role play.
It's like,
I'm Darth Vader, and then, uh...
-[Nicole laughing]
-...he's this...
So, I leaned in
and kissed him goodnight,
-and...
-He lets one out?
-No way.
-[Jonathan] Loudly.
Oh my...
Are you serious?
I swear to God.
That was the first date.
-Oh, no.
-[chuckling]
-Quite the romantic, am I right?
-Imagine it happened at the s--
-[Cameron] Yeah.
-What?
-I was handling
that the whole night.
-Oh, don't make excuses.
Honey, you know
how I am with dairy.
-And we had cheese dish that
night. -[Nicole laughing]
Do you know how hard it is
to hold your gas
for three hours?
-[Jonathan] We were
both sweating that.
-[Nicole laughing]
Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm late.
[Adam] This table is full.
Is it?
Yet, here I am.
[]
You need to leave, Warren.
What?
Just visiting some friends.
"I mean, I mean, we are all
friends, right?
Actually, no.
-Not talking to you.
-[Jonathan] Oh, wait.
Is this the crazy ex?
-Excuse me?
-You need to leave.
You need to make me, cupcake.
[Nicole] Warren,
go home, please.
[Warren] Go home?
Nothing will make me happier.
I like that.
You see, the thing is,
you're my home, Coley.
You and the boys.
Not some shitty motel I rent.
[Nicole] It's not my fault
that you blew up our family.
And I tried to make it work,
but you--you--
you don't want to change.
And--I--I'm sorry,
but with you having a PPO,
you shouldn't even
be here, okay?
-Just go.
-[Warren] PPO? She's funny.
[chuckles]
Like a little piece of paper
is going to keep you
away from me.
-[Adam] Jesus.
-It's working.
You see that? That's it.
That fire, that passion.
Uh, that's the woman
I love right here.
[Nicole] You don't do
what you do to people you love.
You quit fooling yourself.
That's not love.
That is cruelty.
All right? You're sick, Warren.
And you need help, okay?
And maybe if you stop
drinking just a little bit,
maybe, just maybe,
you might have a chance
at having a real life again.
But right now,
this right here
is just a sad attempt
at intimidation.
[restaurant din]
Hey.
[]
[Warren grunts softly]
See what I have to
put up with, fellas?
The way she speaks to me?
She never takes responsibility.
Always the martyr..
Okay.
Don't mind if I do.
See you around, Coley.
Oh, by the way,
hope nothing happens to you
on the way home
while you're hanging
with Nicole.
See you around.
[Jonathan]
What's that supposed to mean?
[Adam] He's an asshole.
-[Jonathan] Rude, too.
-What?
-You are fierce.
-[Nicole chuckles]
Oh, he's right.
I'm not sure who was scarier.
[engine humming]
[ominous music playing]
[tires screeching]
[]
-All right now--
-Hey! My husband
has been following me.
-Young ma'am, are you okay?
-I'm not okay, all right?
My husband
has been following me.
He's been harassing me.
I have filed
a PPO out on him, okay?
Ma'am,
is he driving a red sedan?
Oh my God, how do you know that?
-Oh, my God.
-Because I think he's outside.
Stay here.
[tense music playing]
Hey!
Hey! You!
Kill the lights
and cut the engine!
-I said kill the lights
and cut the engine!
-[tires screeching]
-I've already filled
all that out.
-I know,
but I just need you
to bear with me, okay?
-This is how it has to be.
-Screw that.
I can't fill out
another piece of paper, okay?
It does nothing!
Ma'am, I just need you
to trust the process, okay?
-The process?
-Yes.
The process
is going to get me killed.
So you know what? I'm done.
[indistinct radio conversation]
Again, it's really tight.
You can't turn the wrist.
Opposite hand is an assist.
Go ahead and pull
and pull across, okay?
Any questions?
Okay, you guys
can practice with each other
and I'll walk around
and make sure
everybody's doing it properly.
[quiet music playing speaker]
[indistinct whispering]
Them claws, girl.
How are you holding up?
Um...
Okay, I guess.
I mean, considering that
I'm in a room
full of strangers...
just going over this stuff
again and again
and my ex sits there and says
that I'm some vindictive liar
and emotionally unstable.
I had the same problem
when I put my man away.
They always want to act
like it's our fault
for getting beaten up
and bloodied.
Fucking pricks.
And his lawyer?
He's such a sleazebag.
And the judge?
He sits there
and he just eats it up.
I don't even know
what the point is of doing this.
And you know what?
I feel like it's only
a matter of time
before he's out
and he finally kills me.
Fucking misogynist.
Listen, you can't give up.
You're not just fighting
for you and your kids
but you're fighting
for all of us.
-Do you understand?
-No.
My ex has put a hit on me.
He has put a hit
out on me from jail.
What an asshole.
The cops, they won't do squat.
[sighs desperately]
I have to protect
my family, Kat.
I know what you need.
What's that?
It's gonna be tough,
but I think you're ready.
Oh yeah? Well...
Let's give it a go then.
Ooh, ooh, ooh.
It's about to fall.
-Or not.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-[Susan] Wow.
-[Nicole] That was close.
[kids whispering indistinctly]
You can do it.
-Ooh, wow.
-[Nicole] Whoa.
-That's a risky one.
-Wow.
I'm gonna, I'm going to go
get some more pizza.
-Do you want some, anybody?
-Oh, definitely.
[Carter] Lemonade.
-You want lemonade?
-Yeah.
I'll get you some
lemonade, kiddo, okay?
[Susan and Nicole exclaim]
[Carter] Yes!
[Nicole chuckling]
Mom.
[Susan] I want two pieces.
Mom, I need you
to come here for a second.
[whispering] Oh, my God.
-What's going on?
-That light on the shed.
That wasn't there before,
was it?
No, I don't think so.
Okay.
I need you
to call the police, okay?
What are you doing? Wait.
-I'm gonna go check it out.
-No, wait for the police.
I--No, I'm not gonna sit around
here and wait like sheep.
Okay? I'm gonna go check it out.
You're gonna
lock the door behind me
and stay with the boys, okay?
Mom, is everything okay?
Everything is fine, honey.
Mom's just gonna go outside
and check some things out,
all right?
Is it Daddy?
Is he back again?
No, sweetheart,
I'm-- I'm just gonna go outside
and look some things over,
all right?
Everything's gonna be fine.
Don't worry, Mom.
I'll keep Carter safe.
Oh, sweetheart,
you're such a brave boy.
Listen, I'm gonna need you
to stay by Grandma, okay?
I'll be right back, all right?
-I love you.
-I love you.
Come on, let's go.
[sighs] Oh, my God.
[suspenseful music playing]
[]
[music intensifies]
[music fades]
Have anything of value in there?
Um...
I wouldn't say I have
anything of value in there, no.
Yeah, well, maybe an animal...
-Animal?
...could've gone in there.
-Um...
-Animal doesn't smoke, Bobby.
Yeah, I was just saying. What?
I believe
that somebody was here.
Watching us.
-Warren has a contract
out on us for Christ's sake.
-Yeah, yeah, I heard.
What are you doing that for?
Can't you, like,
get DNA off that?
It's not really a thing.
Well, shit, it's not.
I already arrested
a friend over this.
Somebody who had my back.
And he's facing hard time.
Look, I'm not gonna be dragged
into your paranoia
just because some meth head
was looking for shelter, okay?
Bobby.
Bobby, you--
you actually believe
he's innocent, don't you?
Look, it doesn't matter
what I believe.
[sighs]
I'll write this up.
And, um, don't worry.
I'll add the cigarette
for added flair.
[Nicole scoffs]
[Nicole groans in disbelief]
[engine rumbling]
[Nicole exhales sharply]
Oh, man.
So what do you want to do now?
I don't know, Mom.
I don't know.
Well...
We better do something
while we still can.
[quiet, somber music building]
[exhales sharply]
[energetic music playing]
[music fades]
[Nicole panting]
-Oh, my God.
-How was your run?
It was good.
You know, the usual.
Oh, honey, did you get
any sleep last night?
-No.
-Oh.
-No, not at all.
-Yeah, I...
I didn't sleep well either.
What are you doing, Mom?
This place is a mess.
It needs a little TLC, you know?
You know how these places are.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-Ignored and left to rot?
Okay.
You don't have to
do that, you know.
It's okay.
A home needs to feel clean
in order to be a home.
Where are the boys?
-Still in bed.
-Okay.
Okay, I'm gonna check on them.
But that was a great run.
[tense music building]
What's this?
I found this
under Myles' pillow.
I know.
I saw him take it last night.
It makes him feel safe, okay?
You know, in case
his father gets to them.
Oh, God.
Jesus.
No. No, honey, don't do that.
No, I failed them.
I failed us all, Mom.
No. No, you don't
get to do that.
I have, okay?
I have failed my kids miserably.
Look, he's a monster, okay?
We just have to figure out
how to get over this,
and we will.
We will overcome this.
You just have to be
strong now, Coley.
You have to be my strong girl.
For the boys.
For me, okay?
How am I gonna do that, Mom?
How am I gonna do that?
Honey, it's gonna be okay.
We'll get through this.
It's gonna be okay.
Sweetheart, don't worry.
-[Katarina] Seriously.
-[chuckling]
I know. I can't believe that.
So, what's up?
-You said you needed to talk?
-Yeah.
You know, uh, get together...
get some fresh air,
catch up a little bit.
[Katarina] Right.
We can do that.
We can even chat
about the weather,
or the latest
sale at Macy's,
or how DiCaprio gets hotter
as he gets older and fatter.
[Nicole chuckles]
Oh my God, he's not that fat.
Or you can tell me
what's really going on.
Okay, um, there is something
that I would like
to talk with you about.
Of course. Anything.
Anything?
[tense music playing]
[Nicole exhales sharply] Okay.
[Nicole sighs]
Okay.
[exhales sharply]
If something happens to me...
But that's not gonna happen.
Please, just hear me out, okay?
If something happens to me...
I need you to be there
for the boys.
I know my Mom,
she'll take
care of them for sure, but...
they need somebody
compassionate and strong.
Someone who will
protect them if I can't.
Someone who knows
how to survive in this world
and can teach them
about life, you know?
Guide them and prepare them
to being decent human beings.
No.
I'm sorry, I--
I shouldn't be
asking you this, it--
My gosh, it's so inappropriate.
Uh, forget I said anything.
No, you don't need
to ask me that,
because we're gonna stop
the son of a bitch.
Thanks, Kat.
[Katarina chuckling]
[]
So this is it?
A new life,
new social security number,
name, all of it.
For you and the boys.
Wow, that's all there.
What do you think?
I think...
we fought a good fight.
Let's say we win this thing
and he stays put away.
He will still be able
to find you and the boys.
But sign this...
he will never find you again,
especially if we don't win.
This is your chance
to be free of him forever.
But if I do sign this...
who do I become?
Whoever you want.
["Save Myself"
by Jane & The Boy]]
No. God.
No.
He's taken enough away from me.
He can't take my name away too.
And who I've become.
Holding my head again
Making my way
Through crowded thoughts
What do you want to do?
Broke may heart in the dark
I was just trying
To feel something
No, you know what? I got this.
I can do this.
Good, Mama.
You clean up the messes
Down on my knees
Thought I couldn't
Stand up on my own
Turns out sometimes
You're stronger alone
[indistinct lyrics]
Bringing out the fight, yeah
Bring on all the lightning
'Cause I'm
Looking for a hero
Look inside the mirror
I find one, oh
Carry the hurt
When it gets too hard
Are you okey?
Down 11, I get up 12
Don't need nobody else
Yeah, I can save myself
Oh-oh-oh, ohh
[Nicole panting]
-Better?
-[Nicole panting] Yeah.
[sighs] Yeah.
That felt really good.
[chuckles]
So.
What do you think?
Welcome to the bad bitch club.
[both laughing]
We're here with Nicole Beverly,
a courageous survivor
of domestic abuse
who has chosen to share
her incredible story
with the world.
Nicole, is this the first time
you've publicly shared
your story?
Yes.
Why have you decided that now
is the time to share your story?
Honestly, it's time
that the world knows.
There are millions
of women that are out there
just like me
that have been struggling
in abusive homes
and relationships,
and it's looked at
as some dirty secret
that nobody wants to discuss
or even acknowledge.
And when a woman
finally does decide
to stand up for themselves,
they're being chastised
as being dramatic
or trying to cancel a man
of some biased jealousy.
We're not being taken seriously.
It's time that
our voices are heard.
You are so brave to do this.
Your story
is absolutely incredible.
Folks, as a mother
of two daughters,
I have to say that
Nicole's story is heartbreaking.
Look at this.
Your story has gone viral.
-It's all over social media.
-What?
Hashtag "save Nicole,"
hashtag "put him away"
is trending.
[Nicole] Let's hope
this works, huh?
[court officer] All rise
for Honorable Judge Carter,
residing
in the state of Michigan.
Please sit.
I have deliberated this case...
and...
are the final statements,
are they prepared and ready?
Yes, Your Honor.
Yes, Your Honor,
and if it pleases the court,
Nicole would like
the opportunity
to have a moment
to speak as well.
-What's she doing?
-Don't worry, we got this.
Follow my lead.
It's granted, but...
we shall begin with the defense.
[tense music]
Your Honor, every accusation
from the defense
has proven to be hearsay
or does not line up
with actual police reports.
They heard no hard evidence
that implicates any malicious
intent from my client.
But do you know
what they do have?
Phone calls.
And there's nothing sadistic
or torturous about phone calls.
They're merely an inconvenience.
The fact is...
Warren has already served
plenty of time
for violating his personal
protection order
against Miss Beverly.
He is a man who loves his family
and he desperately wants to be
a father to his children again,
despite what Miss Beverly says.
[sighs]
We request release
on time served,
and to be fair
to Miss Beverly...
mandatory public service.
In response
to Miss Beverly's request
uh, to make a final statement,
your client will have
the same opportunity.
Does he have anything to say?
-No, Your Honor.
-Yes, I do, actually.
What are you doing?
Your Honor,
a lot of the things
that my ex-wife has said
is either not true
or an exaggeration.
I understand
that my marriage is over.
I'm moving on with my life.
I've spent seven and a half
months in jail.
And that, Your Honor,
has been very,
very humbling for me.
Thank you.
Prosecution, closing statements.
Your Honor.
Here is a small sample
of what Nicole
has had to suffer with.
In a span of less than a month,
the defendant
has called Nicole 183 times.
183 times, Your Honor,
threatening calls.
The defendant's
power over Nicole has known
no boundaries
in their marriage or beyond.
But today it does.
Today it stops with you.
Miss Beverly...
you may proceed.
[inhales and exhales sharply]
Your Honor.
I would like
to take this opportunity to...
express my grave concern
in Mr. Beverly and...
and what he would do to me
when he is released from jail.
Your Honor, I am terrified.
I am terrified that he will
stop at nothing to kill me.
And best-case scenario,
he dismembers or disfigures me.
Because of that man,
I live in fear every single day
for my life
and the lives of my children.
-No, no, no, no, no. Stop it.
-No, no, no.
There are some things,
now don't get me wrong,
maybe we've had some heated
arguments, conversations,
you know,
in some regard, but look,
me threatening
to kill her or maim her,
that's ridiculous.
I know you're not buying this.
She's lying.
She's always lying.
She never takes
responsibility for her actions.
I'm sick of this.
You cannot be buying into this.
[Judge Carter] Stop it!
This isn't going to work.
This is the exact
same thing every time
you come into my courtroom.
It's not just the fact
that you attempted to,
but the fact that you succeeded
in terrifying your ex-wife
and your two little children.
Terrifying them.
Who does that?
What kind of man does that?
And while
all this was happening,
you're doing
a long stretch behind bars,
locked up in jail.
But they feel.
They feel...
they're afraid.
They're afraid of you.
You've done this to them.
Look, I have to do
the right thing here.
I have to be honest.
To just shut up and walk away
if there was a situation.
I am ready to rule
on this case...
13 to 35 years...
starting now.
-[gavel slams]
-What?
Hey, you need to say something.
Say something.
[officer] Stand up.
Hands behind your back.
[]
I long to be her again
To be happy,
Be normal be me
I want to be her again
To only have to worry about
Simple things
Like where I want to travel
What color to paint my room
I don't want to
Think about you
So I'm finding myself again
I'm pushing through
The pain
I'm gonna see another day
I'm finding myself again
I long to be the girl
I used to be
So I'm finding me
So I'm finding me
So I'm finding me
Yeah
Oh, I long to be her again
To be happy,
Be normal
Be Free
[]
[ominous music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
It's okay, I'm sorry,
if you're not ready,
we can do this another time.
[Nicole panting]
Yeah.
[gunshot popping]
[audience cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
Hey, hey,
I'm sure you can use this?
Um, thank you.
-You're welcome.
-Um--[chuckles]
Damn, I thought you had it.
Yeah, well, so did I. [chuckles]
I've seen you during practice
over the last few weeks.
You're really good.
Um, you've noticed me
on the field.
-Well, it's kind of hard not to.
-[Nicole chuckles]
Oh, I'm Warren.
Mm. Nicole.
-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
Um.
I gotta go.
But, um, would you like
to meet up later?
You know, hang out?
Get some dinner.
On me, of course.
Um, I'm--I mean,
I have exams coming up,
so I'm not really sure
what my schedule is right now.
-Great, it's a date.
-What?
-I didn't even say anything.
-It's a date.
[overlapping chatter]
[whistle blows]
[coach] Hey, ladies, shake that.
We got work to do.
We're in the daylight. Let's go!
[]
10, 20. [grunts]
[Nicole] I know, it's so good.
Adam, I wasn't expecting
to see you here.
Aren't you supposed
to be at work?
I am.
Wait. [laughs]
Are you actually telling me that
they don't know you're here?
Do they need to know though?
Oh, my God, you're such a rebel.
How do you do that?
I mean, I could never do that.
[scoffs] You can.
-I don't want to get in trouble.
-What are they going to do?
They need us
way more than we need them.
Besides, my patient load
is so crushing
and I know yours is crazy.
Yeah, um, I have been having
to work doubles a lot.
It's--I've been overbooked
and even today,
just having today off,
I had to work a double.
So, is that him? Your para-more?
[Nicole] Yeah.
That's him.
That's my guy.
Yo, yo, yo, yo, your dogs,
dogs' going to burn.
[Warren] Oh, shit.
I'm sorry, man. What's going on?
-[Bobby] Much.
-[Warren] How you feeling?
-Everything cool?
-Everything cool.
Glad you came out.
Good to see you.
Yeah.
You sure you want to do this?
Leave the force?
Man, it's what
you always wanted to do.
Serve and protect.
-Real public service.
-Yeah, I know.
[Warren groans]
I can't give her the life
she deserves on a cop's wages,
so, yeah, I'm sure.
Yeah, you're right.
-But selling drugs?
-Man, whatever, get out of here.
[both laughing]
Whatever, man.
You know
I'm repping pharmaceuticals.
-Doctor's office, clinics.
-Mm-hmm.
But no,
it's a solid job, though.
Look, call it what you will.
-Still pushing drugs in my book.
-Yeah, whatever, okay.
-Mm-hmm.
-Yeah, I got some drugs
for you right here.
Here you go, you know what?
I made that one special for you.
Here you go.
-Bon apetit.
-[inaudible], bro.
Thing look like it died twice.
Oh, you got a problem
with the color?
Bruh, anyway, I ain't
gonna touch that, all right?
Yeah, yeah,
take your ass over there,
get you some sweet relish.
[Bobby] All right, all right,
all right, I'll shut up, man.
Listen...
[Nicole sighs]
What's wrong, babe?
-[Warren] Nothing.
-Come on.
You know you can talk to me.
[Warren] Your friend
you were talking with.
You know he's into you, right?
[scoffs] Uh, Adam?
Uh, no. No way.
[Warren] Mm-hmm. He is.
[Nicole] Mm, no.
Um, Adam is just
a co-worker, honey.
You don't have
anything to worry about.
[Warren] He makes you laugh.
Um, Warren...
Adam is gay.
Oh, God, I'm such an idiot.
[both laughing]
-Oh, my God.
-Yeah.
I'm sorry. It's...
you mean everything to me.
Before I met you, I thought
I had it all figured out.
Football,
the academy, all of it.
But then I saw this...
Greek goddess of perfection
walk past me and...
my whole world blew up.
Thank you very much for that.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-[Warren sighs]
It took me weeks to build
the courage just to approach you
because I was terrified.
But because I did...
now I know what it's like
to feel truly alive and happy.
You've given me this gift.
I'm glad I have you.
I wanted you to know...
you are the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
I love you, babe.
I love you more.
I don't know
about that. [chuckles]
[Warren sighs]
[tense music]
[Warren sighs]
You never said it back.
What was that, babe?
You never said it back.
[Nicole groans]
Said what back?
That I love you? [laughs]
I say it all the time,
baby, because I mean it.
Not that.
I told you...
that you were the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
And you never said it back.
I didn't?
Well, I am.
I'm sorry.
I didn't realize that--
I'm the best goddamn thing
that has ever happened to you.
Warren, I--I--
I told you that I love you.
I mean, what more
do you need from me?
Bullshit.
That word don't mean jack shit.
People throw that word around
all the time.
People tell their fucking dogs
that they love them.
A dog.
Is that what I am to you?
[stammers]
No, Warren.
[scoffs] Of course not.
Okay, I--I get it.
I mean, you're pissed. It...
[dramatic music playing]
You don't get it.
-[glass shattering]
-Jesus! Warren!
[stutters] Hey.
Hey. Hey, hey, hey.
Look at me, okay?
You are the best thing
that has ever happened to me.
-You don't mean it.
-Yes, I do.
Look at me, please. Please.
I do mean it, Warren.
You are the best thing that
has ever happened to me, okay?
[somber music playing]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's the stress
of giving up the uniform
to start this new job.
The pressure is on.
It's getting to me.
I don't want to screw this up.
I did this for us.
For you.
I understand.
I get it.
Baby.
[Shonda]
Then what made you stay?
[Nicole] You make excuses.
You justify it.
He's stressed, or...
he still loves me.
He'll get better.
[ominous music playing]
I should have just been
honest with myself.
I...
The signs, they were all there.
[Nicole panting]
[retching]
Honey, I'm back.
Hey, sweetheart.
Are you okay?
I was calling you and--
Are you okay? What's wrong?
Well...
positive. [chuckles]
Every single one.
-You're...
-Pregnant.
[tense music]
[Warren sighs]
I'm sorry, I...
[sighs]
I didn't mean to.
I know
you didn't want to have kids.
How?
I guess
when you take antibiotics
and you're on birth control,
you...
Your birth control
will sometimes not work.
And...
The last time
that we made love, I...
I had a sinus infection
and I was on antibiotics.
I didn't know.
I'm so sorry.
It's not your fault.
[scoffs] Christ.
-It is.
-Hey.
Hey, it's okay. This is good.
We're gonna be a family.
[heartfelt music playing]
Really?
-You wanna keep it?
-Of course.
-Don't you?
-Yeah, I...
[sighs] I thought you wouldn't.
What? No. Never.
-You're gonna be a great mom.
-[Nicole laughs]
Oh, shit.
-I'm gonna be a dad.
-Mm-hmm.
This is the best thing
that could have happened to us.
At this point...
at this point,
his temper had tapered off.
No more outbursts.
[sighs] Gosh, I was so naive.
Blinded by hope, I guess.
But it got much worse,
didn't it?
Objection, Your Honor.
Leading the witness.
[Judge] Sustained.
I suggest
prosecution stick to facts
and not presumptions.
Yes, Your Honor.
If it pleases the court...
could you please
take us back to the moment
where the dynamic in the home
began to shift?
Yeah. Um, it was morning.
Uh, I was making breakfast,
like usual,
for the family, and...
Myles was six.
Carter, he was still a toddler.
[sizzling]
[radio show playing]
Warren, breakfast is ready.
Warren, breakfast is ready.
[Warren sighing]
-Morning.
-[sniffles] Hey.
Was it a long night
of traveling?
[Warren sighing]
-Hey, good morning, son.
-Good morning.
Cool. How was your breakfast?
-It was really good.
-Good.
Hmm.
Let me see if I agree with you.
So did you get in late
last night?
Yep.
[Warren sighs]
Can I be excused? I'm all done.
Of course, baby.
[Warren scoffs]
So, long drive home from work?
Mm-hmm.
Did you, uh...
go to the bar last night?
-Because you reek of--
-These eggs are cold.
You oversaw the hash browns.
-You reek of beer and perfume.
-What?
[Warren groans]
Did you pick up a woman
at the bar last night?
This is a shit breakfast.
[scoffs] You did.
I can't believe it.
Do you even care
that you have a family?
Mm. Don't be stupid, all right?
-Look, I can't do this.
-Mmm-hmm.
Not anymore.
-Excuse me?
-You heard me.
Mommy, Mommy, look!
Where'd you find that?
[Myles]
The thing was in the porch.
I think it's hurt.
[Nicole] Oh.
Looks like its wing is broken.
[Myles] Can we fix it, Mom?
[Nicole] We can try, baby.
[Warren] Let me see him, son.
-[bird chirping]
-Here.
Hmm. Hey, little guy.
Yeah.
He's wounded pretty bad.
[Nicole] Careful.
[bones cracking]
[Myles] No, Daddy, no!
[dramatic music playing]
It wouldn't survive by itself.
-Jesus. Warren!
-[Myles screaming]
Hey, son. That's enough.
-Calm down. Stop screaming.
-No, you stop.
-Shut up. Shut up! Shut up!
-Listen, you need to stop, okay?
God damn it, shut up!
Shut the fuck up!
You leave him alone,
you goddamn monster!
I'm a monster?
You ungrateful bitch.
[scoffs]
This the thanks I get, hmm?
I work my ass off
driving around the country
just to come home
to a shitty breakfast.
[mumbles]
Come here. The nerve, the nerve
to accuse me
of cheating your ugly ass.
[Nicole coughs]
[Nicole sobbing]
[kids crying]
Myles, where are you? Myles?
Myles? Carter?
Oh my god.
[Shonda] And what made
this time different?
Oh, he's...
not like this.
A slap here, or a threat.
And definitely
not in front of the children.
[Shonda] Then?
Then, the next morning,
he was genuinely
remorseful as always.
I told him
that if he didn't leave,
I was filing a PPO.
So he did.
He said that
he would get some counseling
and make amends
with me and the kids.
Said he would stop drinking
and try and make things right.
I wanted to believe him.
I really did,
but it was all lies,
and he only got worse.
-[Shonda] How?
-Then he started doing this--
Your Honor, defense requests
a conference with my client.
Your Honor,
the prosecution would like
to hold on to their request
until we finish
this line of questioning.
Your Honor, please.
My client needs
to confer with counsel
in order to respond
to this testimony.
And I'm sure it would behoove
Miss Beverly as well...
-[Shonda] Your Honor--
-...as she could
calm her emotions...
-Your Honor--
-...which are obviously
driving her narrative.
The witness has taken the oath.
She is speaking the truth.
Her interpretations of events
do not line up
with the evidence at hand.
The defense counsel
will have their turn
at cross-examination.
[Cameron] Your Honor,
may we approach the bench?
Your Honor,
defense requests a midday break
to confer with his client.
[Shonda] Your Honor,
the state would like
to hold on to their break
until we finish
this line of questioning.
[Cameron] Your Honor, please.
I'm embarrassed to say this,
but I'm rather lightheaded
and a bit peckish.
We've been going
at this for hours.
Please just a quick power bar
and I'll be good to go.
Really? You're going to use
low blood sugar as an excuse?
Your Honor, this is
just another sad attempt
to railroad Nicole's testimony
because her truth is sinking in
and it hurts the defense's case.
There is no justification
for us to pause right now.
[judge] You may both
step away from the bench.
We'll break
for a 30-minute lunch.
[somber music playing]
-Mommy?
-Hey, sweetheart.
I'm sorry Daddy hits you because
of me and that he left.
No.
No, honey.
This is not your fault.
-But--
-No, Myles.
It is not your fault.
Or Mommy's fault.
It's Daddy's.
He has some things
that he needs to work on.
That's why him and Mommy
are taking a break
for a little while.
Hopefully, we can fix things.
[gasps] Daddy?
[ominous music playing]
[Warren] We should talk.
Let me get the boys
to sleep, okay?
[Warren] Don't take too long.
-Come on.
-Really?
-You came here for a booty call?
-What?
A man can't be intimate
with his wife?
How did you get in here?
I wanted to see you.
Off the bandwagon, I see.
[sighs]
How many times is that now?
[laughs] You know what?
I don't even care.
-You need to go.
-Okay, okay, okay.
Look, just hear me out, please.
I went to a bar
with a friend, that's all.
But I'm good, I swear.
I was hoping that
we could be with each other.
But really,
I just needed to talk.
No.
No. No.
You don't even
take this seriously.
One year clean. See?
You still keep dogging me.
I am taking this seriously.
I've been to the meetings.
I'm really trying.
Step nine is making amends.
So, here I am.
I wanted to say...
[sighs] I'm sorry
for what I've done to you.
Truly, I am.
[scoffs]
I appreciate that.
I do.
And I know
how hard that this is for you.
But you're gonna have to go.
Reconciling is gonna take
a whole lot more than this.
But I'm glad to see
that you're working on it.
But us?
You and me?
For that...
I'd have to trust you.
And I don't see that happening.
Just breaking and entering here
sure doesn't help.
Okay, I'll admit,
I should have knocked.
But I thought I'd surprise you.
I'm on a different path.
But I can't prove it
unless you let me be a husband.
So, come on. Come to Daddy.
-Let me take care of that.
-No.
-Warren, I can't do that.
-Come on, Coley.
-I miss you. I miss us.
-You know what? So do I.
I miss us. What we used to be.
-Not what we've become.
-Look, don't do this.
I'm really trying here.
Can't you even acknowledge that?
I appreciate that. I do.
I appreciate
you coming here and apologizing,
trying to make amends.
But you and me being intimate?
That requires us
to trust each other.
I can't do that.
Especially when I know
that you're lying to me.
-I'm not lying.
-[Nicole scoffs]
You think that I can't tell
that you've been drinking?
That you're half
in the bag right now.
[Nicole laughs]
This probably
isn't even your coin.
You probably lifted this from
some poor bastard on the street.
[sighs] Okay, look.
You need to go.
Call an Uber or something.
You need to leave.
[door shuts closed]
This is still my house.
Warren.
I ain't staying
in some shitty motel.
[dramatic music playing]
While you get to live it up
in a house I bust my ass for.
No. You need to leave.
[laughs]
You don't get to say no to me.
You don't get
to deny me anymore.
You know what? Fine.
You can have the house.
All right?
I'm going to take the boys.
And we're just going to leave.
Okay?
You're not leaving me.
You understand me?
You listen...
-You need to back off.
-What?
-You need to back off.
-What? You're going to leave me?
For good? Is that it?
[laughs]
Let me tell you something.
Without me you don't exist.
You'll just disappear.
You got it?
Fade away into nothing.
No one will find you.
Or the boys.
No, please. Please.
Warren! Warren!
[Nicole screaming]
[somber music playing]
[water pattering]
[knocking on door]
[knocking on door]
Bobby? Hey, man.
Good to see you, brother.
It's been a minute.
-What's up?
-Hey. Uh, can we come in?
Yeah. Come on in, brother.
It's not a big issue
but the call came in.
-Call about what, man?
-Domestic abuse.
-What? Here?
-Yeah.
Oh, come on, Bobby.
You of all people know
that's bullshit.
I know. I'm sure.
But the thing is, a call came in
and we have to follow up.
Listen, did you guys
get into a big fight?
Come on, man.
What couple doesn't have
a little argument
here and there?
I mean, that's what
marriage is, right?
Look. I love my wife.
And we may fight
but it's nothing
that's out of hand.
-[Bobby] Yeah.
-You two are currently
separated, correct?
Well, yes. Temporarily.
We're just working
through a rough patch.
Two years.
That's a long rough patch.
You're not currently
residing here, are you?
This is my house.
Yo, man, what is this?
[Bobby] You know how it is.
After the last time--
[Warren] Oh, my God.
Give me a break.
The last time?
[sighs] Please don't tell me
you believe her bullshit.
Not you, bro.
Okay, look.
I'll level you guys.
You know
how dramatic she is, bro.
Making up lies to try
to take my kids from me.
She's been building a case
against me for months now
with bullshit charges.
I know, man.
It's--it must be rough.
[Griffin] You're currently
violating the PPO.
But I'm sure
you know that, right?
[Warren] You're not listening.
She's doing it
to try to keep me from my kids.
Crying about abuse.
It's a bullshit power play.
Fake as hell. Simple as that.
Look, I read the reports.
All right? Numerous bruises,
contusions,
and even a black eye.
All while you were
on your little rough patch.
It's kind of hard
to fabricate, ain't it?
Is this guy serious?
So let me get this straight.
When she's clumsy,
or she gets a bruise
working out, it's my fault?
Come on, man.
But she's happy
to pin this on me, though.
Just to get a little attention.
Playing the victim.
To be honest with you.
I think she's got
a chemical imbalance, you know
what I'm saying?
You're calling me crazy?
You son of a bitch.
See? There it is.
-Attention seeking. Here we go.
-Hey, Nicole-- -Nicole, come on.
He's not supposed to be here.
Okay, listen, Bobby.
This is my house, all right?
He comes in here.
-He rapes me in the bedroom.
-What?
-Next to the boys. Okay?
-[Warren] Oh, my God.
-No, no, no.
-[Bobby] Warren, Warren!
Look, how can I rape
my own wife?
And this is my house
that I pay for.
She's just being dramatic.
It's sad, really.
I mean, don't you see my point?
-Did she consent?
-[Warren] Excuse me?
It's very simple.
Did she consent?
[Warren]
Of course she consented.
-We're married.
-You know I didn't.
Sweetheart, the show you're
putting on is embarrassing.
I need you to stop now.
-Have you been drinking?
-So what if I have?
This is my fucking house.
[Bobby] Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hold on a second.
No, no, no, he seems
to have a bit of a temper.
[Warren]
You ain't seen a temper.
[laughs] Look at the big fella.
Can't take a little no from
a little lady like that, huh?
Oh, that's what it is.
Big guy want to make sure
he's the man of the house,
but when he's really not.
-You got a big mouth.
-[talking over each other]
Hey, hey. Easy, Griffin.
Let's talk about this, man.
Come on.
Let's talk about this.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Take it easy, rook.
You know there's something
not right about this guy.
Hey, I know him.
He's a good guy.
Okay?
He's a great cop.
Hell, he's a stand-up guy.
Shit, he even coached
our kids football team.
Look, there's his side,
her side, and the truth, right?
But it's more complicated
than you think it is.
I know exactly
what's going on here.
Hey, stand down, rook.
I got this.
I'll take care of this.
Okay? Relax.
-Hey, Warren.
-Yeah?
Where are you staying, man?
At a motel
about 35 minutes away.
Listen, look,
I'm going to drive you down,
and bring you back in
the morning to--
No, wait, what?
No, he can't be here.
Listen, I said
I'm going to drive him down,
bring him back in the morning
to pick up his car.
And, Warren, you are going
to leave them alone, Warren,
until things are settled
down legally, all right?
-Okay?
-[Warren] All right.
Of course, you're right.
You know what?
I'm sorry for assuming
it was okay for me
to stop by the way I did.
Nicole, I apologize
for bothering you.
Next time,
I'll clear a visit for you.
There will be
no next time, okay?
We're done.
You're never allowed here.
Right, right, yeah, sure, okay.
I'll see you later.
-I love you.
-Let's go.
Make sure you get
a statement from Miss Beverly,
and sweep the home
for good measure, okay?
["Sundown to Sunrise" playing]
Sometimes winning
Is losing fast
And moving past
Who is right
And who is wrong
Sometimes leaving
Is all I've got
Even when I know it's not
'Cause our love
Is too strong
For that kind of talk...
[Cameron] So,
let me get this straight.
You left the country
in desperation
because you were
so afraid of Warren.
-Is that right?
-Yes.
I did not know
what he would do next.
Your Honor,
I refer to Exhibit 5F.
This police report states
there was absolutely
no forced entry of any kind.
So, I ask you, Miss Beverly,
how did Warren break in?
I don't know, maybe he came in
from the second floor.
I think
I had those cracked open.
Miss Beverly,
are you asking
the court to believe
that Warren scaled a building
in the middle of the night?
Did he buy a large ladder
you were unaware of,
or a rope ladder
behind your back?
Or maybe he purchased
a rapidly growing vine
that went straight to the window
that you were
completely unaware of.
Objection, Your Honor.
He is badgering the witness.
Withdrawn.
My apologies.
The facts are just
a lot less dramatic
than Miss Beverly
would like us to believe.
Warren showed up to his home
seeking guidance and wishing
to make it better with his wife.
This is the man that abides
by the 12 steps
of Alcoholics Anonymous.
He lives by them.
So, the fact is
that he reached out to you
to make amends.
-Did he not?
-Yes, but that's not--
-Finally, the truth.
-No.
-No, no it's not.
-How so?
[Nicole sobbing]
He forced himself on me.
He wouldn't leave,
and--and that's monstrous.
[Cameron]
Referring to a medical exam
that took place
after the incident,
your vagina is consistent
with someone
who has passionate sex,
and someone
who is passionate like yourself
should enjoy that, correct?
Objection!
[Cameron]
Wow, passionate response.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
Okay, keep me updated on this
hourly if you have to.
We need to stay on top of this.
All right.
We did good in there today.
Just need to keep
the pressure on.
And I need you to be careful.
Careful?
Warren did something again,
didn't he?
Please tell--[laughs]
Tell me he didn't do something.
I hesitate to mention this,
but I think you should know.
Warren may have attempted...
to put a contract
on you and the kids.
What?
Like an assassination?
From inside his cell?
[ominous music playing]
So how did it go?
He thinks he's hot shit.
Thank you for the car, Sanchez.
No problem.
All right, let's hear it.
["The Main Event" playing]
You play?
I know the basics.
Your move.
[]
[Warren chuckles]
You're lying to me.
How's that?
You're using
the Caro-Kann defense.
That's an advanced strategy.
I really don't know what
the fuck you're talking about.
If you got something to say,
just say it.
Otherwise,
quit wasting my time.
[Warren groans]
[music playing louder]
Why hasn't it been done yet?
Hey, turn that shit down.
It's cool.
I'll go fuck myself.
Typically,
when I make a payment,
I expect service.
Okay. Look. Listen,
your family will be dealt with.
Your wife and kids, they'll be
taken out, just like you asked.
Okay. Good.
[inaudible]
Shit.
Come here. Look.
She doesn't get to the stand
again. Understand?
And tell your man
to do the kids slow.
In front of her.
Make her watch.
Then he can put her down if he
wants.
Quickly. I don't care.
How merciful of you.
Don't you fuck with me, Baz.
You sure you want to do this?
Let him pass.
This motherfucker is crazy.
You bitches don't know me.
That's it from there on out.
[Shonda sighs]
-Can you clean it up?
-Nah.
That kind of noise,
it blew out all the mics.
Besides,
he knew what he was doing.
[Shonda] How did he know
you was wearing a wire?
Fuck if I know.
My crew didn't even know.
We can't use any of this.
Are you willing to testify?
[tense music playing]
I agreed to do this
because I ain't down
with killing
some woman and her kids.
It ain't right.
Somebody's got to stop
that motherfucker.
I'll get on the stand,
but you have to cut me a deal.
You got to give me something.
The Attorney General
won't go for that.
Then I can't help you. Or her.
[]
[officer] Please place
your left hand on The Bible,
raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear
to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing
but the truth so help you God?
-I do.
-Please have a seat.
[Shonda] Can you please
tell the courtroom
your affiliation
with Mr. Beverly?
He hired me to arrange
the killing
of his wife and kids.
[Shonda]
And he hired others as well.
Is that correct?
Yeah, he spread it around.
Is his wife
in the courtroom today?
-[Baz] Yes.
-Can you point her out?
Yeah, she's right there.
What exactly
did Mr. Beverly asked you
to do to his wife?
Well, he told me
to have the kids killed first.
In front of Nicole,
so she could watch
the whole thing happen.
And then
she could be done quickly.
Come on.
Killing a mom and her kids,
it's cold.
It ain't even right.
There is no line
that Mr. Beverly will not cross!
To--to have
her kids killed first?
So--so she can watch?
Just--just think about that.
What kind of man?
What kind of human?
Not even his fellow criminals
will stand for it.
No further questions.
Good morning.
It's, uh, Bose, right?
-It's Baz.
-[Cameron] Oh, Baz.
My apologies.
Baz, can you tell us
what you are
currently awaiting trial for?
Grand theft larceny.
So you're a thief.
I like nice cars, is all.
I like the one
you drove here in today.
So this is a joke.
Well, let's talk about something
that just isn't that funny.
You were involved in a con
that was called
the "Where's the Check Scheme."
Correct?
Yeah.
And in fact,
that's another thing
that helped you
land yourself in jail
besides stealing cars like mine.
[courthouse murmurs]
Can you tell the court
how the scheme worked?
You call people.
Yeah, but not
regular people, right?
[Shonda] Objection, Your Honor.
Relevancy.
Establishing credibility,
Your Honor.
[Judge] Overruled.
Get to the point.
So, Baz, again,
what kind of people
did you call?
You call old people
with bad memories.
Alzheimer's, dementia.
They can believe
you're a family member,
credit card company,
somebody
they'll send a check to.
Go on.
Then you tell them
they're late on a payment.
And after applying
a little pressure,
they cut a check,
send the mail that day.
Cash the check.
That's it. Easy money.
Wow. Easy money.
So you were--
you were good at this.
Would you say that
you were actually an expert
at deceiving the elderly
out of their savings?
I was good at it, whatever.
So, I ask the court
a simple question.
Why would we believe anything
that this man says?
[Shonda] Objection, Your Honor.
[defence lawyer] The witness
has already taken the oath.
Wow.
An oath from a career liar.
With--withdrawn. My apologies.
So, Baz, moving on,
in order
to be a witness here today,
did you cut a deal
with the prosecution
for a lighter sentence?
Oh, no, no, no, no
need to look at them.
I'm the one who asked.
Yeah, I get time off. So what?
So what, indeed.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
[tentative music playing]
[Judge Carter]
There are no more witnesses.
I will take
some time to deliberate.
As of now, we are adjourned.
[gavel bangs]
[quiet chatter]
What just happened?
He just got
our asses handed to us.
[]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-[Warren] You're dead.
You're fucking dead.
You understand me? You think
you can do this to me?
[stammering] Warren?
[Warren] Oh, I'm gonna
cut your fucking throat.
You think changing your number
keeps you safe?
You can't hide--
Okay.
She can see you now.
[Shonda]
Hey, come on in. Have a seat.
-Can I get you anything?
-No, no thank you.
I just got another call,
actually.
-Threatening?
-He won't stop.
I swear, all he does
in there is hate me,
and I can't change
my number again.
Blocking doesn't work.
All he--
He goes and gets a new number
from another inmate.
I don't--I don't even know
how he can do that.
Inmates use proxies
or contraband cell phones.
It's not uncommon,
especially when you have
the kind of resources
that Warren has.
Stop answering his calls.
I want to see where this goes.
He is relentless.
I swear,
I feel like I am the one
that is locked up
in there, okay?
Not him.
And I don't even know
what to do about it.
Can we change
my name or something?
Changing your name
won't do much.
If he found you
under a new number,
he'll find you under a new name.
We'll have to go full reset.
New identity.
We can do that?
I can get the paperwork started.
It's a process, but, yeah.
I can get it done.
It truly is a fresh start,
Nicole, but understand this.
Everything you have
disappears with this.
Your education,
your degree, job, all of it.
It goes away.
You've got to think
really hard on this.
[Nicole] Don't start doing that.
Uh-uh. Come here.
There you go.
There you go.
-Come here. Come here.
-[horse neighs]
-Majestic, aren't they?
-Yeah, they're beautiful.
They have free reign
of the property
when they're not training.
-It's nice.
-Oh, yeah, that must be nice.
Here. You're good.
You know,
you're really good at this.
Just like when we were kids.
My God,
what was the name of that doll
-that we used to fight over?
-Uh...
-It was Totally-- Hair Barbie.
-Totally Hair Barbie.
-Yeah.
-Yes! Oh, my gosh.
Oh, man, yeah,
that was, uh...
Um...
You--you know, you can stay here
as long as you like.
-I don't--
-No, listen, listen,
Mom and I were talking,
and one of my clients,
she runs a support group
for women,
and-- and I think
you should check them out.
Let them be your compass.
You can get your first steps.
Mom totally put you up to this,
didn't she?
Well, would you have
listened to me?
Probably not.
-Nicole.
-[Nicole scoffs] Yeah.
Bring it in, sisters.
Always remember
you're braver than you believe.
You're stronger than you seem,
smarter than you think,
and twice as beautiful
as you can ever imagine.
[Katarina chuckling softly]
[emotional piano instrumental]
[soft chuckle]
I'm really glad
to see you open up with us.
I respect your strength.
I know how hard this is.
Thank you. I've...
I don't like
sharing this much, so...
A few of the girls
and I do some training,
a little self-defense stuff.
I think you might like it.
You want to come
and try it out with us?
-Self-defense?
-It's legit.
And we go for drinks after.
Oh, see, now I have to go.
[both chuckling]
[Cameron] Thank you.
Warren, could you tell us about
Halloween night 2018?
It was an average day. Um...
I was visiting my kids,
and I was going to take them
trick-or-treating.
Nicole...
she, of course,
didn't want me there,
even though
we agreed that I could.
It' can be some kind of
power play, I suppose.
Ooh, it looks like
you guys did good, huh?
-[Myles] Yeah.
-[Nicole] It's been
a great night.
Trick-or-treat.
Boys, go inside.
[tense music playing]
So, a trick then?
Are you really going to
mace me in front of our kids?
You've done worse.
Have I?
You sure I have?
Maybe I could show you more.
Warren, I'm serious,
you need to leave.
You need to go right now.
[Warren groans] You motherf--
-Come on, come on.
-Boys.
Sit down, boys.
-Sit your ass down.
-[Nicole grunting]
[Warren groans]
-[Nicole gasps]
-[Warren] Oh, you're good.
Help, help me,
please, please, please.
-My husb--
-Be still.
-We'll be right back, okay?
-Oh, my God.
-Come on.
-[Carter] Daddy.
-Huh?
-Daddy.
Please don't kill Mom.
Son, I wouldn't do that, no.
Me and your Mom
are just having a little tiff.
Sometimes couples argue,
but don't you worry,
it's going to be okay.
Play with your brother, okay?
-All right, we'll be back.
-I'm sorry, please--
-Please!
-Listen.
-[Nicole gasping]
-Listen.
No more, no more.
That's it.
Shut your ass up.
Stop. Stop, goddammit.
Stop.
-We're not doing this anymore.
-Warren, please.
[Warren groans]
Uh-uh. [Warren chuckles]
I'm not going to keep
doing this with you.
[panting]
I just... love you.
There's nothing
I won't do for you.
You're my everything.
No more.
Don't you say I love you.
I'm your world.
Just like you're mine.
I was this from the beginning.
I was this from the beginning.
You've been my everything.
Look what you're making me do.
I love you and the boys.
It's supposed to be us.
And I'm tired of you
disrespecting me in my own home.
I bust my fucking ass for.
For you. I did it all for you.
You, and them.
You, the boys, we're all
going to stay together.
We're going to be together.
You're going to forgive me.
You're going to love me.
You're going to love me
the way that I deserve.
Because I deserve it.
I do. And you know it.
You will not abandon me no more.
I am enough.
So you're going to love me.
And you're going to say
you're sorry.
Just say you're sorry.
Please. Just say you're sorry.
Tell me you want me back.
-Let's hear it. Say it.
-I'm sorry.
I'm--I'm sorry for sticking
with a piece of shit like you.
-Bitch!
-[Nicole gasps]
[dramatic music playing]
Yeah, yeah, come here.
That's it.
It's all over.
This is the end of you.
I'm going to fucking kill you.
Just fucking do it,
you piece of shit.
[sirens wailing]
[Warren groans and sobs]
Hey, hands up. Hands up.
-Get on your knees, Warren.
-[Nicole] He's--
[Warren] Hey, Bobby.
Don't do me like this.
He's got a gun.
-He's got a gun.
-[Bobby] Get your hands up.
-Hey.
-Warren.
-Get on your knees.
-Take it easy.
Keep your hands up, Warren.
Come on, guys.
You're going to do me like this?
Bobby. Come on.
Don't move.
Hey, easy.
I have a permit for this.
It's registered.
Take it easy.
-What the hell are you doing?
-I'm just visiting my family.
Yeah. Doesn't look like
she wants you around.
-[Bobby] You got him?
-[Griffin] I got him.
[Warren sighs] Come on, man.
-[handcuffs clattering]
-[Warren groans]
[Warren grunts]
Let's take it easy.
-[Warren groaning]
-[Griffin] Get up.
[somber music playing]
[Cameron] So, I'm struggling
to understand this.
Miss Beverly
sprayed you with mace?
-[Warren] That is correct.
-Was that provoked?
No. She came at me.
So, I had to defend myself.
She even tried
to claw my eyes out.
I was scared.
All I wanted to do was take
my kids trick-or-treating.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
[Shonda] You own a gun, correct?
-[Warren] Yes.
-Was it on you at the time?
I carried my sidearm.
Old habits
as a police officer, I guess.
And you claim you never
threatened Nicole with it?
Nor pinned her to a chair
and held the gun
point-blank range to her skull.
-Is that correct?
-Never.
She attacked me.
I'd like to show B1.
This is the bullet
found in Nicole's lap
the night Mr. Beverly
held a gun to her head
and threatened to, and I quote,
"fucking kill you."
[people murmuring]
That's not mine.
Isn't it, though?
This bullet's confirmed
to have your prints all over it.
[Cameron] Objection, Your Honor.
The defendant lived
with Ms. Beverly for years.
This could be
property left behind.
You trying to claim
this bullet was planted?
Your Honor, this was processed
properly for evidence.
Overruled.
[Cameron] Your Honor,
with the prosecution's
permission,
I'd like to have
a sidebar with my client.
Granted.
You have five minutes to confer.
-[restaurant din]
-Cheers.
[Jonathan] It's a beautiful
night, isn't it?
[Adam] I so needed this.
It was so sweet of your
Mom to watch the kids.
It's great to get you
out of the house.
[Nicole] Yeah,
it's nice to feel somewhat
normal for a little bit.
Look, I know
it's none of my business,
but I think kicking out your
husband was the right thing.
[Nicole chuckling]
[Cameron]
It's fine, okay? Listen.
I thought
he was fine for a while,
and-- and I should have known
better.
[Adam] Honey,
it's not your fault.
It could have
happened to anyone.
I'll tell you what.
-Let's have a drink...
-Yes, please.
-...to good friends...
-Here we go.
...and pleasant company.
Good friends
and pleasant company.
[Adam] Fantastic.
[light disco music playing]
Hm, so, I've been
meaning to ask this.
I mean, I've known
you guys for ten years,
and I don't know how you met.
So, what the heck is--
What's this?
-[Jonathan] We never
talked before.
-No, you never told me.
-You don't want to know about--
-Oh, I do.
-I do want to know.
-Well.
-First of all--
-Don't you dare.
What? She asked.
[Nicole laughing]
Well, sometimes
we like to role play.
It's like,
I'm Darth Vader, and then, uh...
-[Nicole laughing]
-...he's this...
So, I leaned in
and kissed him goodnight,
-and...
-He lets one out?
-No way.
-[Jonathan] Loudly.
Oh my...
Are you serious?
I swear to God.
That was the first date.
-Oh, no.
-[chuckling]
-Quite the romantic, am I right?
-Imagine it happened at the s--
-[Cameron] Yeah.
-What?
-I was handling
that the whole night.
-Oh, don't make excuses.
Honey, you know
how I am with dairy.
-And we had cheese dish that
night. -[Nicole laughing]
Do you know how hard it is
to hold your gas
for three hours?
-[Jonathan] We were
both sweating that.
-[Nicole laughing]
Hi, everyone. Sorry I'm late.
[Adam] This table is full.
Is it?
Yet, here I am.
[]
You need to leave, Warren.
What?
Just visiting some friends.
"I mean, I mean, we are all
friends, right?
Actually, no.
-Not talking to you.
-[Jonathan] Oh, wait.
Is this the crazy ex?
-Excuse me?
-You need to leave.
You need to make me, cupcake.
[Nicole] Warren,
go home, please.
[Warren] Go home?
Nothing will make me happier.
I like that.
You see, the thing is,
you're my home, Coley.
You and the boys.
Not some shitty motel I rent.
[Nicole] It's not my fault
that you blew up our family.
And I tried to make it work,
but you--you--
you don't want to change.
And--I--I'm sorry,
but with you having a PPO,
you shouldn't even
be here, okay?
-Just go.
-[Warren] PPO? She's funny.
[chuckles]
Like a little piece of paper
is going to keep you
away from me.
-[Adam] Jesus.
-It's working.
You see that? That's it.
That fire, that passion.
Uh, that's the woman
I love right here.
[Nicole] You don't do
what you do to people you love.
You quit fooling yourself.
That's not love.
That is cruelty.
All right? You're sick, Warren.
And you need help, okay?
And maybe if you stop
drinking just a little bit,
maybe, just maybe,
you might have a chance
at having a real life again.
But right now,
this right here
is just a sad attempt
at intimidation.
[restaurant din]
Hey.
[]
[Warren grunts softly]
See what I have to
put up with, fellas?
The way she speaks to me?
She never takes responsibility.
Always the martyr..
Okay.
Don't mind if I do.
See you around, Coley.
Oh, by the way,
hope nothing happens to you
on the way home
while you're hanging
with Nicole.
See you around.
[Jonathan]
What's that supposed to mean?
[Adam] He's an asshole.
-[Jonathan] Rude, too.
-What?
-You are fierce.
-[Nicole chuckles]
Oh, he's right.
I'm not sure who was scarier.
[engine humming]
[ominous music playing]
[tires screeching]
[]
-All right now--
-Hey! My husband
has been following me.
-Young ma'am, are you okay?
-I'm not okay, all right?
My husband
has been following me.
He's been harassing me.
I have filed
a PPO out on him, okay?
Ma'am,
is he driving a red sedan?
Oh my God, how do you know that?
-Oh, my God.
-Because I think he's outside.
Stay here.
[tense music playing]
Hey!
Hey! You!
Kill the lights
and cut the engine!
-I said kill the lights
and cut the engine!
-[tires screeching]
-I've already filled
all that out.
-I know,
but I just need you
to bear with me, okay?
-This is how it has to be.
-Screw that.
I can't fill out
another piece of paper, okay?
It does nothing!
Ma'am, I just need you
to trust the process, okay?
-The process?
-Yes.
The process
is going to get me killed.
So you know what? I'm done.
[indistinct radio conversation]
Again, it's really tight.
You can't turn the wrist.
Opposite hand is an assist.
Go ahead and pull
and pull across, okay?
Any questions?
Okay, you guys
can practice with each other
and I'll walk around
and make sure
everybody's doing it properly.
[quiet music playing speaker]
[indistinct whispering]
Them claws, girl.
How are you holding up?
Um...
Okay, I guess.
I mean, considering that
I'm in a room
full of strangers...
just going over this stuff
again and again
and my ex sits there and says
that I'm some vindictive liar
and emotionally unstable.
I had the same problem
when I put my man away.
They always want to act
like it's our fault
for getting beaten up
and bloodied.
Fucking pricks.
And his lawyer?
He's such a sleazebag.
And the judge?
He sits there
and he just eats it up.
I don't even know
what the point is of doing this.
And you know what?
I feel like it's only
a matter of time
before he's out
and he finally kills me.
Fucking misogynist.
Listen, you can't give up.
You're not just fighting
for you and your kids
but you're fighting
for all of us.
-Do you understand?
-No.
My ex has put a hit on me.
He has put a hit
out on me from jail.
What an asshole.
The cops, they won't do squat.
[sighs desperately]
I have to protect
my family, Kat.
I know what you need.
What's that?
It's gonna be tough,
but I think you're ready.
Oh yeah? Well...
Let's give it a go then.
Ooh, ooh, ooh.
It's about to fall.
-Or not.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-[Susan] Wow.
-[Nicole] That was close.
[kids whispering indistinctly]
You can do it.
-Ooh, wow.
-[Nicole] Whoa.
-That's a risky one.
-Wow.
I'm gonna, I'm going to go
get some more pizza.
-Do you want some, anybody?
-Oh, definitely.
[Carter] Lemonade.
-You want lemonade?
-Yeah.
I'll get you some
lemonade, kiddo, okay?
[Susan and Nicole exclaim]
[Carter] Yes!
[Nicole chuckling]
Mom.
[Susan] I want two pieces.
Mom, I need you
to come here for a second.
[whispering] Oh, my God.
-What's going on?
-That light on the shed.
That wasn't there before,
was it?
No, I don't think so.
Okay.
I need you
to call the police, okay?
What are you doing? Wait.
-I'm gonna go check it out.
-No, wait for the police.
I--No, I'm not gonna sit around
here and wait like sheep.
Okay? I'm gonna go check it out.
You're gonna
lock the door behind me
and stay with the boys, okay?
Mom, is everything okay?
Everything is fine, honey.
Mom's just gonna go outside
and check some things out,
all right?
Is it Daddy?
Is he back again?
No, sweetheart,
I'm-- I'm just gonna go outside
and look some things over,
all right?
Everything's gonna be fine.
Don't worry, Mom.
I'll keep Carter safe.
Oh, sweetheart,
you're such a brave boy.
Listen, I'm gonna need you
to stay by Grandma, okay?
I'll be right back, all right?
-I love you.
-I love you.
Come on, let's go.
[sighs] Oh, my God.
[suspenseful music playing]
[]
[music intensifies]
[music fades]
Have anything of value in there?
Um...
I wouldn't say I have
anything of value in there, no.
Yeah, well, maybe an animal...
-Animal?
...could've gone in there.
-Um...
-Animal doesn't smoke, Bobby.
Yeah, I was just saying. What?
I believe
that somebody was here.
Watching us.
-Warren has a contract
out on us for Christ's sake.
-Yeah, yeah, I heard.
What are you doing that for?
Can't you, like,
get DNA off that?
It's not really a thing.
Well, shit, it's not.
I already arrested
a friend over this.
Somebody who had my back.
And he's facing hard time.
Look, I'm not gonna be dragged
into your paranoia
just because some meth head
was looking for shelter, okay?
Bobby.
Bobby, you--
you actually believe
he's innocent, don't you?
Look, it doesn't matter
what I believe.
[sighs]
I'll write this up.
And, um, don't worry.
I'll add the cigarette
for added flair.
[Nicole scoffs]
[Nicole groans in disbelief]
[engine rumbling]
[Nicole exhales sharply]
Oh, man.
So what do you want to do now?
I don't know, Mom.
I don't know.
Well...
We better do something
while we still can.
[quiet, somber music building]
[exhales sharply]
[energetic music playing]
[music fades]
[Nicole panting]
-Oh, my God.
-How was your run?
It was good.
You know, the usual.
Oh, honey, did you get
any sleep last night?
-No.
-Oh.
-No, not at all.
-Yeah, I...
I didn't sleep well either.
What are you doing, Mom?
This place is a mess.
It needs a little TLC, you know?
You know how these places are.
-[Nicole chuckles]
-Ignored and left to rot?
Okay.
You don't have to
do that, you know.
It's okay.
A home needs to feel clean
in order to be a home.
Where are the boys?
-Still in bed.
-Okay.
Okay, I'm gonna check on them.
But that was a great run.
[tense music building]
What's this?
I found this
under Myles' pillow.
I know.
I saw him take it last night.
It makes him feel safe, okay?
You know, in case
his father gets to them.
Oh, God.
Jesus.
No. No, honey, don't do that.
No, I failed them.
I failed us all, Mom.
No. No, you don't
get to do that.
I have, okay?
I have failed my kids miserably.
Look, he's a monster, okay?
We just have to figure out
how to get over this,
and we will.
We will overcome this.
You just have to be
strong now, Coley.
You have to be my strong girl.
For the boys.
For me, okay?
How am I gonna do that, Mom?
How am I gonna do that?
Honey, it's gonna be okay.
We'll get through this.
It's gonna be okay.
Sweetheart, don't worry.
-[Katarina] Seriously.
-[chuckling]
I know. I can't believe that.
So, what's up?
-You said you needed to talk?
-Yeah.
You know, uh, get together...
get some fresh air,
catch up a little bit.
[Katarina] Right.
We can do that.
We can even chat
about the weather,
or the latest
sale at Macy's,
or how DiCaprio gets hotter
as he gets older and fatter.
[Nicole chuckles]
Oh my God, he's not that fat.
Or you can tell me
what's really going on.
Okay, um, there is something
that I would like
to talk with you about.
Of course. Anything.
Anything?
[tense music playing]
[Nicole exhales sharply] Okay.
[Nicole sighs]
Okay.
[exhales sharply]
If something happens to me...
But that's not gonna happen.
Please, just hear me out, okay?
If something happens to me...
I need you to be there
for the boys.
I know my Mom,
she'll take
care of them for sure, but...
they need somebody
compassionate and strong.
Someone who will
protect them if I can't.
Someone who knows
how to survive in this world
and can teach them
about life, you know?
Guide them and prepare them
to being decent human beings.
No.
I'm sorry, I--
I shouldn't be
asking you this, it--
My gosh, it's so inappropriate.
Uh, forget I said anything.
No, you don't need
to ask me that,
because we're gonna stop
the son of a bitch.
Thanks, Kat.
[Katarina chuckling]
[]
So this is it?
A new life,
new social security number,
name, all of it.
For you and the boys.
Wow, that's all there.
What do you think?
I think...
we fought a good fight.
Let's say we win this thing
and he stays put away.
He will still be able
to find you and the boys.
But sign this...
he will never find you again,
especially if we don't win.
This is your chance
to be free of him forever.
But if I do sign this...
who do I become?
Whoever you want.
["Save Myself"
by Jane & The Boy]]
No. God.
No.
He's taken enough away from me.
He can't take my name away too.
And who I've become.
Holding my head again
Making my way
Through crowded thoughts
What do you want to do?
Broke may heart in the dark
I was just trying
To feel something
No, you know what? I got this.
I can do this.
Good, Mama.
You clean up the messes
Down on my knees
Thought I couldn't
Stand up on my own
Turns out sometimes
You're stronger alone
[indistinct lyrics]
Bringing out the fight, yeah
Bring on all the lightning
'Cause I'm
Looking for a hero
Look inside the mirror
I find one, oh
Carry the hurt
When it gets too hard
Are you okey?
Down 11, I get up 12
Don't need nobody else
Yeah, I can save myself
Oh-oh-oh, ohh
[Nicole panting]
-Better?
-[Nicole panting] Yeah.
[sighs] Yeah.
That felt really good.
[chuckles]
So.
What do you think?
Welcome to the bad bitch club.
[both laughing]
We're here with Nicole Beverly,
a courageous survivor
of domestic abuse
who has chosen to share
her incredible story
with the world.
Nicole, is this the first time
you've publicly shared
your story?
Yes.
Why have you decided that now
is the time to share your story?
Honestly, it's time
that the world knows.
There are millions
of women that are out there
just like me
that have been struggling
in abusive homes
and relationships,
and it's looked at
as some dirty secret
that nobody wants to discuss
or even acknowledge.
And when a woman
finally does decide
to stand up for themselves,
they're being chastised
as being dramatic
or trying to cancel a man
of some biased jealousy.
We're not being taken seriously.
It's time that
our voices are heard.
You are so brave to do this.
Your story
is absolutely incredible.
Folks, as a mother
of two daughters,
I have to say that
Nicole's story is heartbreaking.
Look at this.
Your story has gone viral.
-It's all over social media.
-What?
Hashtag "save Nicole,"
hashtag "put him away"
is trending.
[Nicole] Let's hope
this works, huh?
[court officer] All rise
for Honorable Judge Carter,
residing
in the state of Michigan.
Please sit.
I have deliberated this case...
and...
are the final statements,
are they prepared and ready?
Yes, Your Honor.
Yes, Your Honor,
and if it pleases the court,
Nicole would like
the opportunity
to have a moment
to speak as well.
-What's she doing?
-Don't worry, we got this.
Follow my lead.
It's granted, but...
we shall begin with the defense.
[tense music]
Your Honor, every accusation
from the defense
has proven to be hearsay
or does not line up
with actual police reports.
They heard no hard evidence
that implicates any malicious
intent from my client.
But do you know
what they do have?
Phone calls.
And there's nothing sadistic
or torturous about phone calls.
They're merely an inconvenience.
The fact is...
Warren has already served
plenty of time
for violating his personal
protection order
against Miss Beverly.
He is a man who loves his family
and he desperately wants to be
a father to his children again,
despite what Miss Beverly says.
[sighs]
We request release
on time served,
and to be fair
to Miss Beverly...
mandatory public service.
In response
to Miss Beverly's request
uh, to make a final statement,
your client will have
the same opportunity.
Does he have anything to say?
-No, Your Honor.
-Yes, I do, actually.
What are you doing?
Your Honor,
a lot of the things
that my ex-wife has said
is either not true
or an exaggeration.
I understand
that my marriage is over.
I'm moving on with my life.
I've spent seven and a half
months in jail.
And that, Your Honor,
has been very,
very humbling for me.
Thank you.
Prosecution, closing statements.
Your Honor.
Here is a small sample
of what Nicole
has had to suffer with.
In a span of less than a month,
the defendant
has called Nicole 183 times.
183 times, Your Honor,
threatening calls.
The defendant's
power over Nicole has known
no boundaries
in their marriage or beyond.
But today it does.
Today it stops with you.
Miss Beverly...
you may proceed.
[inhales and exhales sharply]
Your Honor.
I would like
to take this opportunity to...
express my grave concern
in Mr. Beverly and...
and what he would do to me
when he is released from jail.
Your Honor, I am terrified.
I am terrified that he will
stop at nothing to kill me.
And best-case scenario,
he dismembers or disfigures me.
Because of that man,
I live in fear every single day
for my life
and the lives of my children.
-No, no, no, no, no. Stop it.
-No, no, no.
There are some things,
now don't get me wrong,
maybe we've had some heated
arguments, conversations,
you know,
in some regard, but look,
me threatening
to kill her or maim her,
that's ridiculous.
I know you're not buying this.
She's lying.
She's always lying.
She never takes
responsibility for her actions.
I'm sick of this.
You cannot be buying into this.
[Judge Carter] Stop it!
This isn't going to work.
This is the exact
same thing every time
you come into my courtroom.
It's not just the fact
that you attempted to,
but the fact that you succeeded
in terrifying your ex-wife
and your two little children.
Terrifying them.
Who does that?
What kind of man does that?
And while
all this was happening,
you're doing
a long stretch behind bars,
locked up in jail.
But they feel.
They feel...
they're afraid.
They're afraid of you.
You've done this to them.
Look, I have to do
the right thing here.
I have to be honest.
To just shut up and walk away
if there was a situation.
I am ready to rule
on this case...
13 to 35 years...
starting now.
-[gavel slams]
-What?
Hey, you need to say something.
Say something.
[officer] Stand up.
Hands behind your back.
[]
I long to be her again
To be happy,
Be normal be me
I want to be her again
To only have to worry about
Simple things
Like where I want to travel
What color to paint my room
I don't want to
Think about you
So I'm finding myself again
I'm pushing through
The pain
I'm gonna see another day
I'm finding myself again
I long to be the girl
I used to be
So I'm finding me
So I'm finding me
So I'm finding me
Yeah
Oh, I long to be her again
To be happy,
Be normal
Be Free