Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer (2021) Movie Script

1

Down, down and dirty

love has a killer instinct,
love,
she's faster than
you can think of,
love is a quiet hunter,
love
she is a smooth predator

[gunshot]
smooth predator

Operator: 911, what's your
emergency?
Man: I'm bleeding.
I need help.
Operator: Okay, sir. Can you
tell me what happened?
Man: I don't know.
My guts jumped out
of my stomach.
Hurry. I'm in pain.
Operator: Are you there
by yourself?
Man: My wife is somewhere
in the house.
Operator: Help is on the way,
sir. Stay with me.

Operator: Sir, are you still
with me?

Operator: Sir?
Bedroom, straight that way.
What's going on?
Who are you?
Austin EMT, ma'am.
Are you Mrs. Beard?
Yes. What happened?
Where's Steve?
Mr. Beard has had
a medical emergency.
He called 911.
He's lost a lot of blood.
Oh no, not my Steve.
Let me see him?
Has your husband
had surgery recently?
No, no. He's never sick.
He's gonna be all right,
isn't he?
'cause he has to be.
He's my whole life.
Here you go, sugar.
Vodka tonic with
a twist of lime.
I didn't even order yet.
Oh, I saw you put in your dinner
order so I had your drink made.
Unless you're not
drinking tonight, Mr. Beard.
Now, Celeste, we both know
I'm gonna drink that
And then I'm gonna order
another one.
When your prime rib arrives.
I guess I'm a creature of habit.
Did you go to the cemetery
again today?
It's only been a few weeks
since Elise passed.
I can't seem to figure out
what to do without her.
Well, do what I'd do
and go shopping.
It always makes me feel better.
Yeah, I woke up this morning
and I was feeling a little glum
And then I went
and I got myself this.
And now I feel like
a million bucks.
You know, I'll take you
next time.
Get you a new blazer.
A man like you should not be
repeating your outfits.
My wife bought me this blazer.
Oh, there I go putting my foot
in my mouth again.
No, I like it.
You speak your mind.
Why do you think I keep
finishing my days here?
You make an old man happy,
Celeste.
Oh, Mr. Beard, you say that
to all the ladies.
No, I don't.
There's something special
about you.
You ready for another one?
Yes, please.
You better tip me better
this time.
None of that 10 percent crap.
I'm a single mother.
Another vodka tonic, please.
Want it stiff?
Oh, hon, I always want it stiff.
[laughs]
So what's the plan?
Just gonna flirt
with all these guys
Until one of them
takes you home?
No, I can get any one of them
to take me home
But that doesn't pay my bills
or get my girls new clothes.
No, I'm waiting for a shot
at a better life.
And right now that shot
is over there
Waiting for his vodka
and prime rib.
Thank you.
When are you gonna
have dinner with me, Celeste?
Whenever you want.
How about tonight?
Here?
Of course not.
I'm talking about something
That isn't sitting
under a heating lamp.
Sounds good to me.
Just give me a sec.
Goodnight, Stacey.
You can't leave, you still have
two hours left on the clock.
Yeah, can't miss my shot.
Oh, and uh, cancel the prime rib
over on table 12.
How do you feel about steak?
Sounds great.
Especially in good company.
I'm gonna make sure you get
The best damn steak dinner
you've ever had.
Oh, well I'm all for women's lib
But I do love a man who knows
how to take care of a woman.
Kristina: Someone's home late.
For good reason.
Mama's moving up in the world.
Did you get a promotion?
Oh, I won't be needing that job
much longer.
[exhales]
Did you get fired?
Wow. You're just like
your sister,
Always thinking the worst.
Where is she, by the way?
Is she asleep?
What, is she sleeping over
at David's again?
Are they having sex?
Remind me to make sure
she's on the pill.
Mom! Oh my-
What? What?
When you get a boyfriend
of your own
You're gonna wanna come
and talk to me.
Mama's got a thing or two
she could teach you.
Can we talk about
something else?
What happened to your job?
Well, I guess we could tell
Jennifer the good news tomorrow,
But your mama met a man
And things are about to get
a lot better around here.
Just you wait.
Mama has a plan.
Here we are.
Wow.
Steve.
What a place.
Why'd you wait a month
to show it off?
Is that our dinner in there?
I thought I'd have the
restaurant come to us tonight.
Well, you certainly know how
to pull out all the stops.
Thank you.
I just sold my TV station
for a hell of a lot,
And with Elise gone I've got
nothing but money, time,
And nobody to spend it on
except you.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Huh.
Why don't you take
some of that money
And redecorate around here?
I mean, no offense,
But this place is more like
a museum than a home.
Elise put a lot of thought
into all of this.
Well, I mean, I'm sure she did,
25 years ago.
Come on, Steve.
You're more fun than all this
beige and velour.
You're a lot feistier
than most women around here.
They're all worried
about blending in.
Not me, sugar.
Mmm-mmm.
No, I was born to stand out.
Here's to standing out.
Well, you know a girl could
get used to luxury like this.
You deserve luxury like this,
Celeste.
Oh, no, not me.
I mean, I don't need all these
bells and whistles,
But my girls, oh.
They deserve so much more.
They haven't had
the easiest life.
I miss having someone
to take care of,
And it gets lonely here
by myself.
Why don't y'all move in?
Steven Beard.
I mean, we've been dating
for a month.
What will people say?
Screw 'em.
I'm old enough to know
that worrying what people think
Is a waste of time.
Well, you know, I agree
with that, but...
I'm a respectable woman,
I don't know.
What if I hired you?
As a house manager.
You and your daughters
could sleep in your own wing
And I could keep you close
and take care of you.
House manager?
Oh, Steve.
If I slept under the same
roof as you
I don't think I could
trust myself.
From what?
From wanting to sleep
next to you.
Move in with me, Celeste.
I guess I got the job.
Girls, I hope you're ready.
Our new life is waiting.
Were you out shopping while
we packed up the apartment?
You know shopping keeps me sane.
Come on, here, here.
We're moving across town.
We have to look the part.
Mama, this is beautiful.
Woah, is this for real?
Nu-uh.
You make us drink milk after its
expiration date to save money.
There is no way
we can afford these.
We can't.
But Steve's gold card can.
He lets you use his card?
I told you, he wants all three
of us to be happy.
We deserve that, don't we?
You know, this is nice and all,
But it still seems a little
soon for us
To just move into his house
without even meeting the guy.
What if we hate him?
Jennifer, why do you always
have to see a problem, hmm?
Why can't you...
Why can't you just do what
I ask, like your sister?
I don't know, Celeste.
When are you gonna stop treating
Kristina like a personal slave?
I told you to stop
calling me Celeste.
Now, besides, the house is huge!
We're gonna have our own wing.

This is the first day
of the rest of your life
We're here.
your head was
in the worst way
so you cast it aside
Woah. This place is huge.
Come on. Wait 'til
you see inside.
And uh, you're gonna manage
this place?
I'm the lady of the house now.
That's the idea.
Will you be there
Come on. Mama, I got it.
I got it.
all you gotta do
is follow through
Hello.
There you are.
Hi.
There they are.
Girls, this is Mr. Steve Beard.
Oh, come on.
Stop being shy.
He's gonna get to know you
soon enough.
Welcome. Come in, come in.
Put your bags down.
Thank you for the gift.
I love it.
It's just a little housewarming
gift from you.
Oh, Celeste, you certainly like
to shop.
Well, as long as you two
like them
I'll take all the credit
for your mom's shopping.
Where should we put our stuff?
Well, just leave them there
for now.
Burgers are almost ready.
Are you girls hungry?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Celeste, girls, meet
my little girl, Becky.
It's nice to meet y'all.
I know my dad is very excited
to have you in the house.
Come with me, girls.
Your father has told me
so much about you.
He's so proud of how you
teach math and live in Dallas.
And he's told me almost
nothing about you.
I'm just here to take care
of your father
And this beautiful house,
And that's really all
you need to know.
Kristina, Jennifer,
I'm so pleased to finally
meet the two of you.
Your mom has told me all
about her beautiful babies.
And now for the important
question.
How do you like your hamburgers?
Every Wednesday around here
is burger night
And there are a lot of tough
decisions to be made.
Ketchup, mustard, relish,
tomato, bacon, cheese.
I'm gonna pass out here.
You wanna jump in?
Ketchup and cheese, please.
Mustard and a pickle for me.
Now you're talking.
He seems nice, mom.
Told you this was a step up
from our apartment.
More like ten steps.
So is your room just down
the hall or something?
Something like that.
You're sleeping with him?
You just figured that out?
But you said you were
the house manager.
I'm the lady of the house,
so it's the same thing.
Goodnight, my darling girls.
Sleep tight.
Celeste is always working
some angle, Kris.
You gotta know that by now.
I really like him.
Maybe he'll be good for her.
At least it'll be better
than her dumping us
In foster care again.
You think she's gonna marry him?
A house like this?
She's damn well gonna try.


You look beautiful, mama.
Like a million bucks.
Thank you.
What? Every woman gets a little
nervous on her wedding day.
And you've had plenty
of practice.
Oh, hush.
This is what I've always
wanted for us.
Oh, my babies.
I love you.
We love you, too, mama.
All right, let's go marry
a millionaire.
If I dare to fall
do you dare to feel
if I'm vulnerable...
...Give my world
I take your name
take a chance...
My, you ladies
all look stunning.
I'm the luckiest guy in town.
And we're the luckiest girls.
I have a very important question
for the two of you.
... I'll make the first move
Girls, what do you say?
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
The last nine months have
been pretty perfect
And I want you both to know
that I love your mother.
But today isn't just about me
and her getting married.
Today we become a family,
And I wanna adopt you so we can
make it official.
Well, what do you say?
[laughs]
We'd like that.
We love you.
Come here.
And I don't want
to help myself
if I dare to fall,
do you dare to feel
if I'm vulnerable...
You could at least pretend
to be happy for me.
Oh, I'm sorry, daddy.
But her? Really?
Everyone's talking about how
your new girlfriend, uh, wife,
Is younger than your
own daughter.
It's embarrassing.
I don't trust her.
But I do, honey.
I trust her with my life.
And since when did I care
what other people think?
Since when did you?
I taught you better than that.
Poor mom.
What would she say?
She would want me to be happy.
Becky, sweetheart?
Mm?
Before Celeste came along
I was so lonely.
I don't wanna live the rest
of my life like that.
Is that a crime?
No.
The crime is Celeste just loves
you for your money.
Well, she'd be an idiot
not to love my money,
Don't you think?
[laughs]
Well, and I am not an idiot.
You know, Becky, I thought
signing the prenup
Would put all this gold digger
talk to rest.
I am here for your father
in sickness and in health,
Just like the minister said.
You signed a prenup.
Of course.
I'm not the greedy bitch
you make me out to be.
Now maybe you'll give me
the benefit of the doubt.
Come on, big daddy.
We're needed for a toast.
Becks, I can take care
of myself.
[sirens]
[sobbing]
big daddy, I'm here!
Medi-evac is here.
Let's go.
[sobbing] baby,
you're gonna be okay.
You're gonna be okay, baby.
You're gonna be okay.
Please, please don't let
anything happen to my husband!
He's my guardian angel!
Please!
[sobbing]
Excuse me, Mrs. Beard?
Yes.
Detective Rollins, my partner
detective gates.
Were you with your husband
when he made the 911 call?
No.
No, I was... I was asleep
in my daughter's room
On the other side of the house.
Is there any reason
Why you were in your daughter's
room, Mrs. Beard?
Steve snores so much, I don't
always sleep in the same room.
Did you hear anything?
No, no, I didn't.
Did you hear anything?
No, no, nothing.
Is there an alarm system
in the house?
We got a shell here.
I'm gonna have to ask you ladies
to step out, please.
This is my bedroom.
Sorry, this is a crime
scene now.
[sobbing]
Come on, mama.
[sobbing]
- How's he doing?
- Thanks.
Uh, he's still in surgery.
Um, I'm gonna go find
some more tissue.
Okay.
Kristina, do you know if
your father was suicidal?
Wha... No, no.
He and my mom were leaving
On a month-long trip
to Europe tomorrow.
Do you know anybody who would
want to hurt him?
Kristina?
Is he gonna be okay?
We don't know yet.
He's still in surgery.
Detective Rollins, apd.
You must be the other daughter.
Detective?
They think that someone
shot Steve.
Did you see anyone?
No.
We were sleeping in my room.
The first thing I heard was
the police banging on the door.
Mrs. Beard?
Do you mind if I ask you
a few more questions?
Sure, if... If it helps Steve,
yes, anything.
Some of my questions might be
a little... Personal.
Maybe we could speak in private.
I'll be okay, here.
Personal questions, detective?
How does that help figure out
what happened to Steve?
What was the state of
your marriage, Mrs. Beard?
Were you and Mr. Beard happy?
Happy?
Of course we were happy.
I love him and he loves me.
Marrying Steve Beard
was the best thing
That ever happened to me.
How do you spend over $300,000
in two months?
I've never seen anyone spend
money like you.
If you keep this up
there won't be anything left.
Yeah, well, I wanna enjoy
my life now.
Not 20 years from now.
Is that so wrong?
I set up a joint account
that you have full access to,
But my private accounts
are just that.
Private.
Yeah, well I went to the bank
to put some traveler's checks
In the safety deposit box
and you know what I saw?
Your dead wife's jewelry.
Now how can I be your wife
when she is everywhere I look?
That's Elise's jewelry
and I'm saving it for Becky.
Ugh.
Celeste, what did you do?
I just had it appraised,
all right?
We can get it back.
You don't respect anything.
You don't understand me!
You're right, maybe I don't.
I don't know how we're gonna
make this work.
Are you gonna divorce me?
You can't do that to me.
Is everything okay?
I heard yelling.
Your mother's just upset,
darling.
Don't you worry.
Fine!
Mama!
You don't want me
around anymore?!
No, mama, please stop!
Put the gun down!
I'll just kill myself.
Nobody's getting a divorce.
[sobbing]
mama, stop!
Call 911.
[sobbing]
okay.
Come on, baby.
You don't wanna do this.
We can work it out.
Give big daddy the gun.
[sobbing]
[sobbing] please hurry,
my mom needs help.
Okay, well, your mama's
gonna get better.
I promise.
I love you, mama.
I'll see you soon.
I think this is gonna be
really good for you.
All right.
I'd like to welcome Celeste
to our group.
Celeste, would you like
to introduce yourself?
Sure.
Um, hi, I'm Celeste
and I'm here because...
Well, I'm crazy like y'all.
Celeste, we try to use
our group time
To focus on our own experience
And not pass judgement
on anyone else.
I'm here because my home life
can be...
I don't know, overwhelming.
My husband is controlling
And I find it hard to deal
with sometimes.
All right, we can work on that.
Welcome, Celeste.
Group: Welcome.
Thank you.
Doughnut?
How'd you get those in here?
I made one of my daughters
bring 'em.
Slipped the guard 50 bucks
not to rat me out.
[laughs]
Do you wanna join me?
This group therapy thing
is so difficult for me.
Doesn't it bother you,
sitting around,
Sharing your problems
with complete strangers?
Maybe it used to.
Now I can handle it better.
Dr. Hester says it makes me
more accountable
If other people can hear
what I'm saying, too.
Well, if Dr. Hester says it
then it must be true.
[laughs]
Is this your first time here?
My first and only.
I'd rather go to a spa
and get massages
Than sit in these god awful
chairs and trade stories about
Who had it worse growing up.
It's my third time.
What?
What's so wrong with you?
[laughs]
Depression.
It gets bad sometimes.
So bad I hear voices.
Hmm.
And I have a bad habit of
choosing the wrong women.
I tend to get my heart broken
a lot.
Hmm.
It sounds like you're just
a sucker for love.
Maybe.
But a sucker doesn't get angry
and I do.
Rumor had it I ran over
my ex-girlfriend's husband
With my truck.
What?
Did you?
No.
But I thought about it.
[laughing]
Welcome back, buttercup.
Oh, I missed you so much.
And I missed our home
and our life,
And I even missed those
ugly beige drapes.
Oh, Steve, let's redecorate.
I mean, this house could use
a clean slate.
You just said you missed
the drapes.
Oh, sweetie.
Sweetie, let's not have any more
beige in our lives.
Don't we deserve a fresh start?
Well, I did some thinking
while you were gone
And I'm sure we can work it out,
can't we?
Oh, baby.
You know I want nothing more
than to make you happy
And be a good wife.
And I know I can do it.
I realize I was just in denial
over what I went through
When I was a kid
And I was just... I was
taking it out on you.
Oh, hon. I'm so sorry.
But I'm glad the therapy helped.
You're right.
Let's get rid of all the beige.
No more beige.
No more beige?
No more.
[laughing]
no more beige!
There you are.
I've been wanting to do
something for you
For the last six weeks.
A signature nail color.
And now that we're free...
I'm not really someone
that gets manicures.
Everybody needs a good manicure,
honey.
Don't worry, you'll still
look like yourself.
Just a little more stylish.
Celeste, I'm... I'm not sure.
Tracey Tarlton, you deserve
to look and feel your best
Both inside and out.
Now come on, this is part of
your recovery
And your road to self-love.
Please, let me pamper
you already.
Yes, I will.
Good.
Now, shut up and enjoy the ride.
You've told me about Tracey.
You know Tracey's obsessed
with your mom.
You need to tell them.
Your mother's trying
to figure out
What's going on with
your father's surgery.
I didn't catch your name.
Jennifer.
Jennifer and...?
David.
Wittmer.
David Wittmer.
And you two were um,
You were out of the house
this evening, yeah?
We were staying at David's.
Any of you three wondering
Who might have done this
to Mr. Beard?
Someone broke into the house.
Wasn't it the robber
that shot him?
That's what I'm trying
to figure out here.
Have you asked Tracey Tarlton?
Tracey Tarlton?
She's a friend of Celeste's.
She might want Steve gone.
Please don't tell our mom
that we told you that.
Tracey Tarlton?
Yes.
Can I help you?
Detective Rollins,
detective gates.
We'd like to ask you a couple
of questions about Steve Beard.
Steve?
He's been shot.
That's awful.
What happened?
Is he...
Touch and go.
Mind if we talk inside?
Are you close with Mr. Beard?
I know him through a friend.
Is that friend Celeste Beard?
She's okay, by the way,
in case you were worried.
That's good.
I was gonna ask.
Of course you were.
Where were you between the
hours of midnight and 3:00 am?
Um... Sleeping.
We found a shotgun shell
in their bedroom.
20 gauge.
Do you own a shotgun, Tracey?
20-20 gauge?
I uh... I don't...
You might wanna think real hard
About what you're about to say
because if you lie to us now
We're just gonna go back,
get a warrant, come back here,
And search your premises.
Either way, I have a feeling
we're gonna find
A 20-gauge shotgun in
the house somewhere.
What do you think, Tracey?
Is that feeling correct?
Step away.
Step away!
What do you know.
Miss Tarlton here ran her truck
over some guy
She got into an argument with.
They were both drinking.
Man, that looks painful.
Well, she's got a flair
for the dramatic.
How're you holding up, Tracey?
It's been a long day.
Long day?
Steve Beard just got out
of a four-hour surgery.
It's been a long day for him
and his family, too.
You know, at any minute now
I bet ballistics
Is gonna walk through that door
with a report
That says it was your gun
that shot Steve Beard.
And then we'll be charging you
With the aggravated assault
of Steve Beard.
Anything else you wanna tell us?
Now is your chance to work
with us before it's-
I did it.
I shot Steve Beard.
You wanna tell us why?
Did you ever read a real good
romance novel, detective?
A story where someone is
so in love
That it can't help but end
in tragedy?
Are you in love, Tracey?
I did it for Celeste.
I shot Steve because
I love Celeste.
And does Mrs. Beard know that
you shot her husband for her?
She knows I care about her.
But Celeste had nothing
to do with this.
You are lucky Steve Beard
didn't die.
Because otherwise you'd be
looking at the death penalty, Tracey,
With no possibility of bail.
I can get bail?
Kristina: Mama will be
right back.
She's been holding your hand
since you got out of surgery.
We're just really happy
that you're okay.
[knocking]
Mind if we come in?
He can't really talk right now.
We'll be quick.
I just thought you should know
that uh,
Tracey Tarlton confessed
to shooting you.
We'll be charging her
with aggravated assault.
Tracey?
I told you they'd catch
who did this, daddy.
Mr. Beard, do you know
Tracey Tarlton?
Just blink once for yes, sir.
Was Tracey Tarlton,
She was friends with your wife,
sir?
She was!
I let her into our home.
I can't believe she would do
something like this.
[exhales]
Are you okay, big daddy?
You don't have to answer
any questions.
It's just a few questions,
Mrs. Beard.
Can I talk to you outside,
please?
Listen, I will answer whatever
questions you have
But that angel of a man
almost died yesterday.
Please let him recover,
for god's sake.
Can you just tell us how
you became friends
With Tracey Tarlton?
Well, some women
have the junior league,
I had Tracey Tarlton.
Are you in a romantic
relationship
With Tracey Tarlton?
Me? No, of course not.
You've never been intimate
with Tracey Tarlton?
What kind of question is that?
I am a respectable
married woman.
Well, miss Tarlton
seems to imply
That the feelings were mutual.
The only mistake I made was
being friends with that woman.
Now, I never should have tried
to help her.
So miss Tarlton came up
with the idea
Of shooting your
husband herself?
Please, my family has been
through a very traumatic event
And our lawyer says I don't have
to speak to you,
So please just let him heal
Without this pointless
harassment.
[sighs]
Oh. Oh, honey, the awful
detectives are gone.
Now we can just focus on being
together and getting Steve home.
Did they say anything
about Tracey?
Oh, sugar.
I just... I never should
have trusted her.
It just goes to show you never
know what someone is hiding.
If you had been in bed with him
she could have shot you, too.
Oh. I'm just grateful that
we're all here together, safe.
[cell phone ringing]
Kristina: Tracey's calling you?
I... I thought that
she was in jail.
Honey, don't think about her,
all right?
[phone continues to ring]
Mama, why isn't she in jail?
They just said that
they arrested her.
Um...
I'm gonna tell her to never call
me again, all right?
She is out of our lives forever,
trust me.
Just let me... Let me take
care of this.
Okay?
Celeste?
I can't talk to you now.
I told them I did it.
I did it because I love you.
Celeste?
You love me, too, don't you?
Well, I hope someone made
some coffee.
Kristina: Coming.
Oh, mama, maybe we shouldn't
read that.
Housekeeper?
I was never the housekeeper!
How dare they?
Mom, maybe we could do
something fun today?
We could go shopping.
Kris, we gotta go to school and
someone needs to check on Steve.
We could go to Neiman's,
I bet they have the new winter
collections in.
You know what?
Your sister's right.
You two go to school
and I'll go sit with Steve.
You sure you're feeling okay,
mama?
She said she's fine, Kris, geez.
Get dressed.
I am leaving in five.
Why don't you go get your mama
Some champagne before you go?
Of course.
Celeste: Meet me in the hospital
parking lot, 6:00.
Tracey: How is Steve?
He's been shot, Tracey.
How do you think he is?
Well, he's alive, at least.
I did this for you.
To save you.
You said you were gonna
get rid of the bullet casing.
Could you just smile?
You'd look really great.
Celeste, this is serious.
I know it's serious, sugar.
I'm worried about you.
You're not exactly well.
[scoffs]
And you are?
I got you a little something.
That's a little fancy for me.
I'm not exactly going out
anywhere nice.
You can be as fancy as you want
Sitting around in
your living room.
And every time it sparkles
You'll know I'm thinking
about you.
I don't know what to say.
I thought you were ignoring me.
Of course not, sugar.
Look, I wanted to find
the casing, I really did,
But Steve called 911
And then the police showed up
so fast.
I didn't want them to find it.
I'll fix this.
I have a plan.
Celeste: Someone could see us.
I miss you.
All right.
You know I'm always going
to take care of you.
I'm here, big daddy.
How are you feeling today?
Oh, oh, no, no.
Take it easy. Take it easy.
Doctor says you're not out
of the woods entirely.
But you are making
good progress.
Slowly and surely is the name
of the game.
Becky?
She was here a few days ago.
She had to go back to Dallas.
How does this sound?
I'll throw a fun party
for your birthday.
It'll be right around
thanksgiving
And you should be home by then.
Becky can be there
with the girls.
Does that sound good?
That sounds perfect.
Oh... All this has got
me thinking,
If anything were to ever
happen to you
I don't know what I'd do.
You've been so important to me
and the girls.
I would hate for them
To lose this amazing life
you've given us.
I made sure you and the girls
were taken care of.
I know and you've been
so good to us.
You're truly are our knight
in shining armor.
It's just that, well...
You know, Becky doesn't
like me too much.
Well, I worry she would just
take everything away
If you passed.
The trust I set up for you,
no one can touch that.
I know.
But the house.
You know, I... I don't wanna
worry you about that right now.
I just hate that everything
you worked for,
Becky could just sell it all off
if she wanted to.
Call bill.
I'll change my will right now.
You should get half
of everything.
Oh...
Would that make you feel better?
You would do that for us?
Oh, the girls
will be so relieved.
Oh, you are my angel.
Celeste: Why won't you let me
buy any more clothes?
Everything I have
looks so cheap.
How about these?
They haven't been worn.
I told you, I don't have
anything to wear.
Celeste, you're my wife.
You know I don't care
what anyone thinks.
Don't push me!
All right?
You're pushing me to be
something I'm not
And I can't handle it!
You don't understand me!
Maybe you could use another
visit to terrace view.
You might be right.
[sobs]
Could you um, could
you call them for me?
I'm just feeling a little shaky.
Okay.
[dialing]
This is Steve Beard.
Do you have any...
[dialing]
I'll check in tomorrow.
Request that you're my roommate.
You check in tonight.
Tell 'em you're hearing
voices again or something.
Celeste?
Terrace view can accept
you tomorrow.
Thanks, Steve.
You're my angel.
Ugh, what a drag.
And they searched
through everything.
And I mean everything.
Yeah, they took
my chocolate bars.
But not my cigarettes,
funnily enough.
[laughs]
Steve's been so awful.
He's so controlling.
The other day he said
I wasn't pretty enough
To leave the house.
So he took my car keys.
I was trapped at the house
until he came home.
And every day it's something
like that.
I just don't know how much
I can take of it.
Are you gonna divorce him?
'cause then you and I
could just...
No, the prenup doesn't give me
anything worthwhile
If we get divorced.
And it's not like I can just
give him a heart attack.
I'll think of something.
Mmm. My neck is killing me.
You wanna give me a rub down?
- Feels good.
- You've got group therapy.
We'll be there in five.
Not in five. Now.
This paper has it in for me.
Don't let those silly reporters
bother you, hon.
They're saying that Tracey and I
had an affair
And then I put her up
to shooting Steve.
An affair, really?
That's just ridiculous.
Well, at least we know
who hurt my Steve.
I can tell you from experience
That Tracey is hoping she
doesn't have to go back to jail.
You were in prison?
Heather!
You've been holding out on me.
It was a few years ago.
I kited a few checks
between jobs.
Did six months for it.
Well, I bet you met some
interesting people
While you were in there.
None I'm gonna tell you about.
[laughs]
[cell phone rings]
Could you answer that for me?
Celeste's phone.
Doctor: Mrs. Beard?
Uh, uh, hold on.
This is Celeste.
Doctor: Mrs. Beard?
Yes.
Mrs. Beard, your husband
just passed away.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Is everything okay?
Steve died.
Oh, Celeste.
I'm so sorry.
If there's anything...
Anything I can do...
No, I'll be fine.
Uh, just uh, finish these.
[exhales]
Thank you so much for coming.
Mrs. Beard, did you have
anything to do
With the murder of your husband?
My beloved husband,
Steven Beard, has passed away.
This has been a very difficult
time for me and my daughters
And we appreciate all your
thoughts and prayers.
My darling husband Steve was
generous, gifted, and strong.
He brought nothing but joy
to my life and I will love him
And miss him forever.
Reporter: Mrs. Beard, what do
you think of Tracey Tarlton,
The alleged shooter?
I pray for miss Tarlton.
And I blame myself for
allowing her into our lives,
Not realizing how disturbed
she really is.
Reporter: Mrs. Beard?
Celeste: Thank you.
Voicemail: This is Celeste,
make it count.
[beep]
[teary] the least you could do
is not trash me in the media.
You asked for this, Celeste.
[knocking]
Detective Rollins, apd.
[sobbing] you said you'd take
care of me.
[sobbing]
[knocking loudly]
Detective: Tracey Tarlton.
[door bell]
[knocking loudly]
Detective: Tracey Tarlton.
Voicemail: This is Celeste,
make it count.
I loved you.
[knocking intensifies]
And I won't lie about it
anymore, Celeste.
I'm done lying for you.
I'm done!
[knocking loudly]
Ready for this?
Tracey Tarlton,
you've been charged
With the murder of Steven Beard.
You have the right
to remain silent.
You know you can get
the death penalty for this.
This is Texas.
Tracey, I'm Anne Simpson,
your court appointed attorney.
It's just us right now
and anything you say to me
Will be kept confidential.
The shooting was Celeste's idea.
I wouldn't have done it
if she hadn't asked me.
Look, I'm happy to take this
to the da,
But she's just gonna say
that you're trying to get
A lighter sentence by pointing
the finger at Celeste Beard.
What's different this time?
Celeste used me.
She convinced me that
Steve was controlling her.
Abusing her.
I couldn't see it before
because I was in love.
Oh, big daddy, you need a drink.
Careful hon, hot grill.
Oh, boo, nothing's
hotter than me.


Tracey, you good, hon?
I'm cruisin'.

Has anyone else noticed
That Tracey has been around
a lot lately?
David: Celeste loves having
a puppy.
Jennifer: Well, as long as she
keeps her happy, she's welcome.
But life was made for living,
baby, you should do too

Here you go, big daddy.

Tracey, you better dance
with me.
[laughing]
I don't think that's
a good idea.
Oh, come on.
You never think anything's
a good idea.
You get your butt
outta that chair, now.
I command you!
Come on.

I'm living like
a roller coaster,
I'm a wanted poster,
don't get close...
Hon, it's not polite to grind
on the guests.
Yeah, mom.
There's children present.
Oh, everyone calm down.
[laughing]
I don't know why I do
these things that I do
but life was made
for living, baby
Okay, that's enough.
You should do too
Steve!
Celeste, I think it's time
for your friend to leave.

I'm sorry, Tracey.
I'll just... I'll call
you tomorrow, all right?
I don't want you being friends
with that woman.
Steve, you can't tell me
Who I can and can't be
friends with.
[exhales]
You wanna leave me for her,
Celeste, is that it?
Steve, you're the smartest man
I know,
And that's just crazy talk.
All right, Tracey is the first
real friend
I have made in Austin.
Without her... Here, honey.
Without her I don't have anyone.
You have me.
How about we uh...
We get out...
Get away from Austin for a bit?
We go to uh, Switzerland,
or Italy. Italy, yeah.
Steve: Just us.
It'll be just what we need.
He told me last night he wants
to take me to Europe.
Yeah.
Once he gets me over there
I'm dead, I know it.
I'll kill myself.
If anything happens to me
it's because he made me do it.
There has to be something
you can do.
He can't actually force you
To go to Europe with him,
can he?
Stay here with me.
No, he'll find me here
too easily.
But couldn't you just leave him
for good?
You don't know him like I do.
All right?
If I leave him he'll take
whatever money I have
And threaten me
until I come back.
He could take my girls.
Look, he won't let me
divorce him.
I am trapped.
You have to help me.
But how?
You love me, don't you?
More than anything.
I have a plan.
That's when she told me
I should shoot Steve.
To save her.
Celeste: This one is perfect.
Steve loved oak.
It's sturdy like he was.
Now remember, girls.
Sturdy is a good quality
in a man.
You know, I never would have
thought so, but... Oh.
Oh, what about these white ones
for us?
Celeste, that's not funny.
Celeste: What?
We're all gonna die some time.
And wouldn't it be nice to know
We had everything planned
in a tasteful way?
Plus, they do a bundle offer
If the whole family buys
in advance.
Mama, that's morbid.
I can't think about that
right now.
Fine, I'll make all
the decisions then.
All right, white coffins
for all of us,
And, uh, yours with the pink
lining and mine with red.
Now, make sure they dress me
in something black and slimming.
It'll look perfect
against the red.
You're really sick.
I'm just thinking ahead.
You know what? You'll thank me
when you're dead.
Celeste: Thank you so much
for coming.
Steve would have appreciated
your support.
[teary]
oh, please.
Save your crocodile tears,
Celeste.
Hmm. Girls, would you go get
your mama a drink?
What did you say to me?
My father may not have been able
to see through the show
That you're putting on,
but I can.
How dare you.
You weren't even there for him
in the end.
I was.
Because you didn't want me
to see him in the hospital.
Do you even know what
I sacrificed for him?
[laughs]
He's gone.
Why can't you just leave me
alone now?
[chuckles]
It's because I'm Mrs. Beard
whether you like it or not.
You are disgusting.
And you never loved him.
Just admit it.
I loved him.
I still do.
All $10 million of him.
Kristina: Mama, I think we were
supposed to stay
At the reception.
Those country club people,
they don't care about me, no.
They just wanna pick over
Steve's bones
And see what's left for them
like a bunch of vultures.
Driver, we need more vodka
back here, please.
Let me just make you something.
What? Kristina, no.
Hey.
You girls wouldn't turn on me,
would you?
What? No.
What do they want now?
Celeste Beard,
you're under arrest
For the murder of Steven Beard.
You have the right
to remain silent-
What's wrong with you?
I just buried my husband
this morning.
Anything you say may be used
against you in a court of law.
Oh, this is absurd!
You can't be serious.
You have the right
to an attorney.
I didn't do anything!
Mrs. Beard, I'm gonna need
you to come with us right now.
The only place I am going
is inside my house.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Mama, I think-
My babies, I'm innocent!
I didn't do anything!
Alright.
[sobbing] my babies!
I didn't do anything.
[sobbing]
[shutter snapping]
Smile, Celeste.
You're famous.
How long has she been like this?
Over an hour.
She called for her lawyer
right away
So we're stuck
until he gets here.
Who'd she get?
Nick masters.
I'm beginning to hate this case.
[knocking]
You plucked this lady from
her home on what grounds?
She's been implicated in
the murder of her husband.
Implicated?
You mean scapegoated by a woman
with a history of mental illness
Trying to lighten
her own sentence.
We think miss Tarlton
makes some reasonable points.
Y'all don't have any proof
and you know it.
This is gonna be embarrassing
for your department.
Now, I have to talk
to my client.
Mrs. Beard, you look a little
worse for wear.
Oh, they've kept me in here
for hours.
I just wanna go home,
take a pill,
And get into a hot bath.
Well, it might take a little
longer than you'd like.
They can't actually keep me
here, can they?
Mrs. Beard, let's get candid.
Celeste.
Celeste.
Were you ever involved
in a romantic relationship
With miss Tarlton?
What?
No, never.
Well, you may not consider
yourself a lesbian
But detectives have
some pictures of you
And that Tarlton woman
that look pretty intimate.
We were friends, that's all.
That looks a little bit more
than friends to me.
[scoffs]
Friends can be affectionate.
Affectionate?
You two talked on the phone
so much
It seemed a little bit more
than affectionate.
Even after you knew
that she shot Steve.
She was obsessed with me.
I didn't wanna trigger her.
You know she had anger issues.
She was institutionalized
for them.
Celeste, if I'm gonna
represent you
I'm gonna need you to be
honest with me.
Look, I am being honest,
Mr. Masters.
The only thing I am guilty of
is being nice to Tracey Tarlton.
She was like a sad puppy
when I met her.
I couldn't let her go back
to her lonely life.
Now, I can't help it if she had
some deranged obsession with me
And thought she needed
to kill Steve.
Did you marry Steve
for his money?
Do you think he married me
for my cooking?
The truth, please.
Look, it wasn't always easy,
being married to Steve.
He was demanding
and he yelled a lot.
But he was a loving man to me
and my daughters
And I couldn't have asked
for a better husband.
Good.
That's what we'll tell them.
Now, I can get you out on bond
While we get ready
for the trial,
But you be a good girl
out there, Celeste.
What you do matters
and people are watching.
[door opens, closes]
[exhales]
Hello? My babies?
Well, aren't you happy
to see me?
Mama's out on bail.
I missed you, my babies.
I missed you, too, mama.
Mmm.
Well, Jennifer?
Don't you have anything you
wanna say to me?
I missed you, too, Celeste.
Hmm.
Of all days you couldn't be nice
to me today, huh.
Well, I'm exhausted.
I'm gonna go to bed.
But tomorrow, Kristina,
you and me,
We're gonna go shopping
because you deserve a treat.
Have fun.
We will.
Goodnight.
[gunshot]
Celeste: Big daddy!
[echoing voices]
[panicked breathing]
Mama, did you hear me?
Oh, no, sorry, sugar.
What'd you say?
I said how much is this lawyer
gonna cost?
I heard nick masters is the most
expensive lawyer in Austin.
Mm, well, that's not right, hon.
He is the most expensive lawyer
in Texas.
And doesn't your mama deserve
the best?
You do, but can we afford it?
You're starting to sound
like Steve.
Oh, we need to get our
nails done after the mall.
Call heather, will you?
What?
You're normally so excited
for our shopping days.
Aren't you gonna get dressed?
I've got school, mama.
And I don't think that we should
be spending money
Like that anymore.
Come on, just one day.
It'll be like old times.
All right, fine.
If you're so worried about money
See what you can get for these.
It's like Jennifer believes
everything that's in the papers
And soon enough she'll have
Kristina believing
The same thing.
A gold digger.
That's what my daughters
are gonna think of me.
You will always be their mama.
It's just a rough time.
Everything I do,
I do for my girls.
They know that, right?
They do, yes.
And in the meantime,
you stay strong.
[sighs]
Oh, heather, I don't wanna
go to jail.
Oh, hon, you get that thought
out of your head right now.
It's not gonna happen.
If only Tracey Tarlton
would shut her stupid mouth.
You really think she'd say
something that could hurt you?
Tracey would say anything
to save herself.
Well, I could maybe help you
find a solution
To your Tracey problem.
Oh yeah?
How're you gonna do that?
Poison nail polish?
[laughs]
I know a couple of people
from when I was inside
Who could help.
Kristina: Mama? Mama?
Celeste: Mmm.
Come on, let's get you to bed.
Jennifer: You're not her
caretaker, Kristina.
If she wants to pass out
on the couch again, let her.
You know, I know you don't like
me very much, Jennifer,
But deep down inside
you love me.
I'm your mama and I always
will be.
Mama, mama, please.
Come on.
Mmm.
You would love it if I just
killed myself, wouldn't you?
I didn't say that.
You know, why don't we all
just kill ourselves, hmm?
Turn the gas on
and just go to sleep.
We'll be together forever.
That would be perfect.
Come on, Kristina.
Come stay with us
at David's tonight.
I can't leave her.
She just talked
about killing us.
Mom would never hurt us.
Are you sure about that?
Look, I get that
she's a crappy mother
But that doesn't mean
that she's a killer.
I love you, Kristina,
But I won't stick around
to find out.
You shouldn't, either.
Kristina: Sit down.
Do you want coffee?
What's all this?
I thought I'd help out
With some of the paperwork
that's piling up.
Just trying to make sense
of it all.
That's a good idea.
I could use a secretary.
I uh, I wanna help, mama.
I really do.
Oh, my sweet girl.
But I um...
I think maybe you need
to get some help.
I... The trial's in a month
And things are only gonna get
more stressful around here.
Maybe you could use a little bit
of time at terrace view.
Your sister put you up to this.
I don't know what to do anymore,
mama.
I'm trying to help
but I'm scared.
I don't want you to go to jail.
Oh, sweetie, I get scared
sometimes, too.
I promise you,
I'm not going to jail.
A few days off, though,
might be just what I need.
Call them for me.
Of course.
Good morning, Sarah.
Celeste Beard checking in.
All right, Mrs. Beard.
I have some papers
for you to sign.
I'm paying cash so this is
how it's gonna go.
I want a private room,
no group therapy,
Massages every day,
And I will have my food
brought in.
Um, that's not how
it works here.
If I can have you sign-
Sarah.
Why aren't you agreeing with me?
I mean, clearly I'm crazy.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Um, is heather coming in today?
Uh, heather doesn't
work here anymore.
But what do you need?
Mani? Pedi?
No, thanks.
Do you know where she went?
I couldn't tell you.
She walked up in here like
the queen of England, quit,
Said she was moving.
Thanks.
I've been uh, sorting through
your paperwork.
It's been piling up.
Oh, good.
Well, I knew you'd be a good
little secretary.
There's a bunch of papers
from the bank.
Um, you wrote heather a check
for $10,000.
What was that for?
It was a nail emergency.
For $10,000?
I'm joking.
Geez.
Laugh a little, you need it.
You know, you're never gonna
find a boyfriend
If you don't smile
every once in a while.
What was it for, mama?
You are no fun.
The bank wants to know
for accounting.
It was a loan, all right?
Heather found herself
in a bit of a pickle
And she said she'd pay it back.
Did she?
Where are my dumplings?
Did you forget my dumplings?
Heather doesn't work
at the salon anymore.
You went looking for her?
I just wanted to ask her
about the check.
Look, I appreciate you being
my little secretary
But don't you ever snoop around
behind my back like that again.
Do you hear me?
I hear you.
Look, heather needed a loan,
all right?
And despite what
you might think of me,
I like to help people.
I'm not all bad, hon.
Not everyone is blessed
with money like we are.
You're right.
Voicemail: This is
heather's phone.
Please leave a message.
Hey, heather.
It's Celeste.
Where the hell are you?
My daughter told me you quit
the salon.
Don't make me come looking
for you.
And you better not be talking
to the police about me.
We had a deal.
Where does this go?
Is this Steve's life insurance?
No, this is ours.
Mom took out $50,000
life insurance policies
On each of us a few weeks ago.
No.
No, she wouldn't.
She's our mother.
She was just talking about us
all dying together.
Kristina, this is proof.
Mom's dangerous.
First, she set up Tracey and-
We don't know she set up Tracey.
Think about it.
Without us in the way she gets
a lot more of Steve's money.
If she had to choose between us
and Steve's money
Which do you think would win?
Pack a bag.
We're staying at David's.
I know who I have to talk to.
I never thought
you'd show up here.
I wasn't gonna.
But after Steve died
and my mom...
I'm so, so, so, so sorry,
Kristina.
I'm ashamed of what I did.
I will never forgive myself.
What happened, Tracey?
Did she ask you to shoot Steve?
I thought I was keeping
her safe.
Keeping her safe from what?
From Steve.
She said that he controlled her.
Threatened to hurt her.
Tracey, Steve would never
do that.
He loved us.
Well, how could I be so stupid.
I believed everything
Celeste said.
She's good at that.
It's not just you.
She told me that if she went
to Europe with him
That she would come back
in a coffin.
[sighs]
She said that he would force her
to suicide.
Or he would kill her himself.
I shot him to save her.
That's what I'm gonna say
in court.
I... I wish... I wish you
could have heard her.
It sounded so real.
I wish I could prove it.
Now it's just my word
against hers.
Oh no. What'd she do now?
She's checking herself
out of terrace view.
She left these on the voicemail
at the house.
[beep]
Voicemail: Kris, it's mama.
I'm ready to come home.
Come get me.
[beep]
Voicemail: Why aren't you
picking up? I need a ride!
Don't you dare make me
take a taxi
After everything I've done
for you girls!
[beep]
Did she call you?
My phone was off while
I was visiting Tracey.
Voicemail: Why are you
making me wait?
You're acting like a little
bitch, Kristina.
Just like your sister.
What do we do?
Going home isn't an option,
that's for sure.
Maybe if we just ignore her
she'll stop.
No, she won't stop.
David, do you have a tape
recorder we could use?
Uh, yeah, but these voicemails
are all saved-
No, it's not for the voicemails.
Every time we talk to her
from here on out
We have to record it.
That way she can't lie about
anything she's saying or doing.
I'm in.
But David and I will pick
her up.
If she calls you can record it
from here.
Okay.
Hey!
Oh my god.
It's about freaking time!
Where the hell is your sister?
Nice to see you, too, Celeste.
Oh, don't you Celeste me,
Jennifer.
I know your games.
Now, why isn't your sister
picking up the phone?
[phone ringing]
Hi, mama.
Where have you been?!
Why'd you make me wait so long?!
I've done nothing but to shower
you in love and gifts
And this is how you treat me?
You know what I grew up with?
A father who didn't like me
and a mother who didn't care.
And you and your sister
Are acting like spoiled
little bitches.
Now, I am coming home
and I expect you to be there
And support your mother.
No, mama, I won't be home.
What?
Did you just say no to me?
I don't know what you are
telling your sister
But she has turned on me!
You know, I could kill her.
I should kill both of you!
Now drive!
I wanna go home!
I've been waiting long enough.
Kristina, she's home.
And she practically threatened
to kill you after she hung up.
She's dangerous, Kristina.
We're not safe
until she's in jail.
The trial is next week
so we need to do something.
Do you think you could get her
to tell you
What really happened
with Tracey?
You mean like record
a confession?
Here.
[rings doorbell]
Look who decided to grace us
with her presence.
Hi, mama.
Hi, Jennifer.
Hi, David.
Just drive.
Go.
I don't care what you say,
you're wrong.
My leg is broken.
I can't put any weight on it.
Now, I'm gonna need a cast.
Reporter: It's the first day
of the Celeste Beard trial.
The Austin woman who allegedly
coerced her lesbian lover
To shoot her husband
in cold blood.
I never met a girl
like this before
premeditated to
her central core
she wipes my memory
and takes control

You poor thing.
Are you okay?
Is it real?
I fell.
Okay.
Here we go.
This case is about money,
murder, and madness.
The evidence will show
That a greedy and
manipulative defendant
Took advantage of a mentally ill
woman who was in love with her.
A divorce would net
her $500,000.
But his death netted
her millions.
Celeste Beard needed
Tracey Tarlton
To shoot her husband,
Steve Beard.
We expect that, when you hear
all the evidence,
You will agree
that this defendant
Is guilty of capital murder.
The state's key witness,
Tracey Tarlton, is crazy.
The da can't corroborate
any of her statements
And there is no evidence
connecting Celeste Beard
To this crime.
This is really a case about
fatal attraction and obsession.
Tracey couldn't have Celeste
all to herself
So she killed Celeste's husband.
These are the actions of a
delusional, mentally ill woman
Who cannot keep her
own story straight.
Of course, Tracey Tarlton points
the finger at Celeste Beard.
She's hoping to lighten
her sentence.
As for Mrs. Beard,
She married well
when she married Steve.
But they were happy
before his death.
Steve Beard's murder
was a tragic event
At the hand of Tracey Tarlton.
You confessed to shooting
Steve Beard.
That is not in question today.
The matter at hand is why.
Why did you shoot Steve Beard,
Ms.Tarlton.
I shot Steve because Celeste
asked me to.
She planned everything.
Which door she would
leave unlocked,
Her sleeping in the girls' room
that night.
She even suggested I shoot him
in the stomach
So the blood splatter
wouldn't mess up
The paint job on the walls.
She said she didn't wanna have
to redecorate after he died.
And just because Celeste Beard
asked you to shoot her husband,
Why would you go ahead
and do that?
Because I loved her.
I thought that if I shot
Steve that...
We could be together
and Celeste would be safe.
So why turn on
Celeste Beard now?
Because I shot an innocent man.
Because the truth
has to come out
So that Steve's family
can have some closure.
I have to live with this guilt
the rest of my life,
But Celeste lied to Steve
and she lied to me,
And though I don't think she's
capable of feeling any guilt.
She has to pay for what she did.
No further questions,
your honor.
Ms. Tarlton, is it fair to say
that you've been suicidal
Multiple points in your life?
Yes, sir.
Is it fair to say that you've
been homicidal?
Yes, sir.
What about delusional?
I don't know.
About what?
About your relationship
with Mrs. Beard.
The two of you were friends
But in your mind you were
more than that.
You thought you were lovers.
No, that was real.
We were in love.
I loved Celeste and Celeste
said that she loved me too.
Ms. Tarlton, what is this?
That's my journal.
You seem to write
about everything.
Could you read this passage
to the court?
It gets so hard to pretend
I have a girlfriend
Who wants to see me
and spend time with me.
Pretend?
Did it get hard pretending
You were in a relationship
with Mrs. Beard?
I mean, because that's what
you were doing, weren't you?
Pretending?
That's not what I meant!
I was pretty medicated
when I wrote most of this.
Medicated?
As in taking medication
for a psychological issue?
You tell me if this is right.
Your psychological assessment
from Meninger clinic,
One of the places
that you were treated in,
They described you as bright,
manipulative, bipolar disorder,
Inclined to serious, even
delusional misinterpretations
Of other people and reality.
Does that sound accurate to you,
ms. Tarlton?
I need to hear you say it,
ms. Tarlton.
Your relationship with Mrs.
Beard was a delusion, wasn't it?
I loved you.
I really did.
I'm so ashamed
of what I've done.
I'm sorry for the pain I caused
the Beard family.
I will never forgive myself.
To answer your question,
Mr. Masters,
I was not delusional.
I was deluded by Celeste Beard.
Reporters: This is a case
of she said, she said,
And today we got more questions
than answers.
Jennifer: He ripped her
to shreds.
Yet she was telling the truth.
It doesn't matter.
He made the jury doubt
her credibility.
That's enough to discredit
all of it.
Celeste could walk.
We can't let that happen.
Steve really loved us,
didn't he?
Yes. He did.
We have to stand up to Celeste.
[phone ringing]
David: Is that her?
She just doesn't get it.
Completely delusional Celeste.
She can't get away with this.
[phone continues ringing]
You okay, Kristina?
We have to go to the police.
Now.
Why?
Because mom said something.
Hi.
Hey.
Sit tight, we're looking good.
The prosecution calls to
the stand Kristina Beard.
Kristina?
Do you swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth,
And nothing but the truth?
I do.
You started tape recording
your interactions
With your mother, correct?
Yes.
And why did you start recording
your mother, Kristina?
Because I thought that
if she could hear herself
On the recording
that she would realize
How hurtful she was being.
But then I heard something
I didn't wanna believe.
Your honor, the prosecution
wishes to introduce
Into evidence
the following tape.
Objection!
Grounds?
The tape will corroborate
previous testimony.
I'd like to hear it.
Hi, mama.
Hmm.
Is that all you have
to say to me?
What about "I'm sorry"?
You never say no to me, Kris.
What's going on with you?
Where are you staying?
At David's?
You girls.
If you want any more of my money
You better get your
butts home today.
We're not coming home, mama.
What did I ever do
that was so wrong?
Everything I've ever done
has been for you girls.
The jobs I worked,
marrying Steve,
It's all been just to give you
a better life.
Now how can you abandon me
like this?
I don't wanna abandon you, mama,
but you're scaring me.
Ugh.
You know I need help, Kristina.
This trial is a little trickier
than I thought.
Kristina: What do you mean?
What did you do, mama?
Celeste: Why don't you go make
your mama another drink?
Kristina: What did you do, mama?
Celeste: The police arrested
heather.
I don't know what she's gonna
say to 'em.
Kristina: Is this about?
About the check?
I wrote that check
So heather could hire someone
to kill Tracey.
[sobs]
A lot of people believe
that the bible says
That money is the root
of all evil.
What the bible actually says
is that the love of money
Is the root of all evil.
Celeste Beard loved money
More than she loved anything
or anyone.
She may not have pulled
the trigger
But she did orchestrate
her own husband's murder.
You must find Celeste Beard
guilty.
Celeste Beard is not a saint,
But she is a caring person
who picks up strays.
Tracey tarlton is a stray
Celeste thought she could help.
Celeste did not pull the trigger
that killed Steve Beard.
Tracey tarlton shot Steve Beard
In a fit of delusion
and selfish fury,
Wanting to have Celeste
to herself.
She is the real perpetrator
of this crime.
We the jury find the defendant,
Celeste Beard,
Guilty of capital murder.
[courtroom gasps]
Judge: Bailiff,
that's all for today.
How could you betray me
like this?
[sobbing]
I'm your mother!
[sobbing]
Judge: The sentence hearing
begins tomorrow.
Kristina: All I did was try
to love you.
You say that we betrayed you
But I have done nothing
but try to make you happy.
I loved you, and Steve loved you
and you betrayed him.
You said you wanted us to have
a family and a nice life.
We had that with Steve.
You took all of that away.
You shouldn't get to walk free
in the world when Steve doesn't.
I don't think I'll ever forgive
you, mama.
I really appreciate
what you girls did.
I know my dad would, too.
He really loved you.
Everything Kristina
said up there was true.
We really loved Steve.
Before Steve I never had anyone
who hugged me
Or told me they were
proud of me.
Oh.
He was a really good dad.
Kristina: I don't regret
what I did, Jennifer.
You did what you had to.
Yeah.
I'm so proud of you.




I'm livin' this life
I'm livin'
I've been known
for sinnin'
but I can't seem
to change
I'm looking in this
great big mirror,
wishing things
were clearer
but I've always been
this way
I don't know why I do
these things that I do
but life was made
for living, baby,
you should do too
'cause if I'm wrong,
then I'm wrong
but I won't apologize
for living
I give 'til it's gone
if I'm wrong,
then, baby girl,
please forgive me,
but I do my best,
but it won't
be buried down
'til I'm dead and gone