The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death Is Listening (2024) Movie Script

[dramatic music]
[breathing heavily]
[gunshot]
[podcast host]
And with one shot,
the Roxdale Killer
had struck again.
The body of Monica Gaines...
- [knock on window]
[both scream]
[both sigh]
Thumbs!
- Thumbs.
You scared us.
You two listening to True
Crime Podcasts again?
No.
- Yes.
No.
- Yes.
It's not any true
crime podcast.
It's Whodunnit featuring
Laurel St. James.
You guys need to make
some new friends.
I'll see you in class.
Ok.
[laughs]
Class doesn't start
for another 10 minutes.
That's exactly
what I was thinking.
Press play.
Birdie Case... I love you.
[podcast host]
After shooting her,
the killer placed a note
in the victim's hand.
He disappeared
into the darkness,
his identity still unknown
to this day.
[camera flash whines]
A birdie told a birdie,
told me

what was I supposed to say

words like a magical potion
Hmm, hmm, hmm...
a little goes a long,
long way.
It's only just a riddle
while it's still in the dark
It's only just a rumor
while it's still in the dark

As someone who spent 25 years
working homicides,
I can tell you it's evidence
that solves crimes,
not the story of the crime.
So, when someone describes
the narrative of the crime,
you have to be skeptical.
So... what's the job
of the P.I.?
Oh!
Yes... Birdie.
We have to verify everything.
Exactly.
Don't let the story
dictate the evidence,
no matter how fun
that story might be.
Let the evidence
tell the story. Okay?
Pieces.
Alden.
You with us, or...?
Oh, uh... loud and clear.
Evidence, not narrative.
All right.
On to one of my
favorite subjects.
The dangers of rough shadowing.
Why am I always so jazzed
after spending three hours
talking about murder?
I know! I know, me too.
Oh, wait.
We're not that murder couple,
right?
We do have other hobbies, right?
Birdie, we're private
investigators now.
It's our job to be immersed
in the crime world.
Doctors go to hospitals,
we listen to strangers
talk about murder.
I don't know if that's
quite the same.
We are the doctors of murder.
Hmm...
Yeah. No, that doesn't sound
right. Whatever.
We have a lot of normal people
hobbies too.
You like yoga, you know, and
doing lawyer stuff, and I, uh...
And you... you
collect robots,
and you brew your own root beer,
and you will
literally do anything
to wear a fake mustache.
Well, mine doesn't
grow in right.
Do you think Thumbs is right?
Do we have to make new friends?
No, we have tons of friends.
Not counting your robots.
Ah, you may have a point.
Listen to your body.
Inhale light.
Exhale what doesn't serve you.
[door opens]
Mm.
Oh.
Sorry.
This is a room.
I thought there was a room
before the room where you do...
whatever this is.
This is a sacred space.
Leave!
No babe...
Namaste.
Okay. Nama-go.
Babe, I love you.
Now go, go, go.
Have fun.
[sound of bowl vibration]
And that concludes class.
If you haven't done so,
please subscribe to my podcast,
Fyre Breath.
That is Fyre with a Y.
So you can... [inhales]
breathe in the light at home.
Sorry about that.
I just got distracted
with these cinnamon buns.
Meh. Don't worry about it.
Wintress just gets protective
of her sacred space.
Yeah, and it's terms
like sacred space
why I will never be doing yoga.
Oh, I'm sure
that's the only reason.
These cinnamon buns
are magical.
Wait, how'd you get those?
I thought they were always
sold out.
I got a guy.
Oh, of course you got a guy.
I got a guy.
You want one?
I just worked out.
Exactly. These calories
cancel each other out.
Come on.
Well, if the math works out,
yeah, give me a little bite.
Mmm. Those are magical.
Right?
Wait, you're not planning on
eating all those today, are you?
Nope. These ones are
for tomorrow.
The coffee dunkers.
Mmm. A man with a plan.
Wait.
[gasps]
Birdie? Birdie Perez?
Kristin Duckburn?
I thought that was you!
Hi.
- Hi!
[laughs]
Well, I'm actually
Birdie Case now.
This is my husband, Alden.
Hi.
- Oh, hi. Guilty.
[laughs]
Hi. Sorry.
Sunday cinnamon buns
are a bit of a commitment.
I thought you moved
to New York.
I did, yeah.
I moved back after
my dad passed away
to take over the family
business.
I'm so sorry to hear
about your dad.
I work with my mom so
I can seriously speak
to family business and
all that comes with it.
Ooh. I can't wait to hear
about that.
Mm-hmm.
We should catch up.
You wanna get drinks tomorrow?
You know what?
Yes, let's do it.
Let's make it dinner.
We've got a lot of ground
to cover.
I love it. Yes.
You two should come over.
Yeah, you could meet
my boyfriend, Tom.
We've only been dating
a couple months,
but I feel like if he can handle
a couple high school stories
between us, he might be
a keeper.
Well, we will try
not to scare him off.
That sounds super fun.
Yeah.
Right, wouldn't it, hon?
Yeah, that's super fun.
Text me and we will iron out
the details.
Great.
Okay, bye.
- Bye.
Nice to meet you.
Yeah.
Aww.
She was a friend of yours
from high school?
Kind of.
You know, we had
a healthy rivalry.
I mean, technically I had
a higher GPA,
but the principal rounded up
a decimal point,
so we were co-valedictorians.
And we're happy
that she's back?
Yes, babe.
This is how we make friends.
[disco music playing]
It's a beautiful day
for cinnamon buns.
Ow!
Papa's gonna get
some cinnamon buns.
And pop them in my mouth.
Dunk.

[music turns off]
What in the world?
No.
No, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
What happened to the dunkers?
I don't know.
Something got to them first.
Oh, I can't even look.
It's like a crime scene
and not the fun kind.
Here, let me help you.
Ugh, gross.
I feel so violated.
I looked forward
to that all week.
I'm sure it's a one off.
Oh, and don't forget,
we have dinner
with Kristin and her boyfriend
Tom tonight.
How could I forget?
What kinda name is Tom, anyway?
Is he gonna float a raft
down the Mississippi River?
I'm sure that Tom
is a nice guy.
And you know what?
I'm actually happy to reconnect
with Kristin.
It will be good for us
to make new friends.
We don't exactly have the best
track record, babe.
I have no idea what
you're talking about.
After charades
with the Marksons,
I think we're just lucky that
they accepted your apology.
Uh... our apology.
I'll see you after work.
Her hair will grow back
eventually.
Where are you?
Where are you, where are you,
where are you?
Ah, yes. Okay.
Come on.
Uh... keys, keys, keys.
Okay.
One of you has gotta work.
Right?
Birdie?
Yeah.
Where are you
with the Wagner case?
Oh, I'm nearly done.
Just waiting for their counsel
to send revisions.
Should be good by
the end of the week.
Okay, well, send them
to me as soon as you can.
Okay.
Okay, that's not gonna work.
I don't need them that badly.
No, no, no.
I'm looking for a hairpin
or a paperclip.
Oh... here.
Oh, perfect. Thank you.
Are you going to pick the lock?
I mean... I've never
done it before.
But, you know, on TV it seems
pretty straightforward.
I'll call a locksmith.
No, no, no, no, no.
I got it, I got it.
Thank you.
I got it.
I... 100 percent... totally...
got it.
[sighs]
You know what?
Let's see.
Lock picking for beginners.
Yes.
[Birdie] I'm a little nervous.
- [Alden] Me too.
[both chuckling]
[knocks on door rhythmically]
This outfit looks
really good on you.
I look like an unemployed
funeral director.
You look handsome.
Thank you for doing this.
Of course.
My favorite hobby
is making you happy.
Are you flirting with me?
I don't know, maybe.
Hey, guys.
Hi.
- Come on in.
Thank you.
Sorry. Tom called from work,
he's gonna be a little late.
Oh, no problem.
Can I get you some wine?
Yes, please.
I'll stick with
the old sarsaparilla.
Great.
Uh... wine for Birdie, then.
So, how long has it been?
Oh, wow.
It's, like, 20 years.
Well, you look exactly
the same.
My gosh, you're so sweet.
You look the same too.
Oh, thank you.
You must have amazing
skin care.
Eye cream.
No way.
Babe!
She's got Laurel St. James's
book.
Wait. Do you like murder?
Yeah. [chuckles]
I guess.
Laurel is actually one
of our authors.
We published that book.
She's one of our bestsellers.
Probably the only reason
why we're still in business.
Publishing sounds like
a rough business.
Well, I'm fourth generation, so
rough business is in my blood.
- Oh. It's signed. Nice!
- No way. - Yeah.
Oh, I should introduce you.
She records her podcast in town.
Great.
- Oh... yeah.
Yeah. Sounds good.
[doorbell rings]
Oh! It's Tom.
Introduce us? What?
We're gonna meet
Laurel St. James.
Oh my gosh.
You know what, honestly, this
whole having friends thing...
it's not so bad.
See, I told you, and you're
doing so, so good.
Thanks babe.
As promised...
this is my boyfriend, Tom.
He's a policeman.
Oh, we've... met.
Wow, so you solved the Lean
McGuinnes murders?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
That's how we know Officer
Air Quotes.
Excuse me, Officer Newton.
You had it right.
You can call me Tom.
Tom.
So, Alden, you still
into robots or whatever?
Oh, it's a very busy time
of year. Yeah.
We're seeing a lot of lesser
known omnibots come to market
while the frenzy over vintage
shoguns has kind of died down.
Although I did get my hands
on a rare Bandai Chogukin.
Which is pretty cool.
I don't know what any
of that means.
Yes, I'm still into robots.
Cool.
Man, this might be the best
root beer I've ever had.
I made that.
- Mm-hmm.
You make your own root beer?
That is small batch,
award-winning root beer.
Award pending, I gotta send
in the form.
But, um... I could, uh...
I could send you a case.
Oh, um... sure.
Yeah, that'd be cool.
Cool.
Well, cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
To robots and root beer.
[laughs]
To robots and root beer.
I'm so happy you guys came over.
Me too.
Yeah. You know what?
This, uh... this was fun.
Agreed. We... we should,
uh... do it again sometime.
You bring the root beer.
Uh, hey. If you ever need
a hand on a case,
we are always happy to help.
Always.
[chuckles] I don't think so.
Uh... but, hey...
you never know.
So you're saying
there's a chance?
[all chuckle]
Ehh.
Your coat, milady.
Oh, what a gentleman.
Oh. Oops.
I got it.
What's with the rubber ducky?
Ah, my last name is Duckburn.
Duckburn Publishing.
It's our little logo.
We give them out.
Do you want one?
Uh... yeah.
Oh, great.
I'll send you one.
Well, thank you so much
for hosting.
It was so much fun.
Have a good night, you guys.
Cool.
See you guys.
Bye.
Well, I think they liked you.
I can be charming.
[chuckles]
Okay.
I'll see you tomorrow.
- Bye.
Pull up in the getaway car
before the sun's up

Last one standing, bleeding
would take it too far.
Call me a sinner
Call me a saint
It doesn't matter
in this wicked game

When the world goes...
Good evening Ms. St. James.
Swanson's yogurt.
It's delightfully delicious.
[different pronunciations]
Yogurt. Yogurt.
Yo... yo... yogurt.
Swanson's yogurt.
It's delight fully...
[phone thuds]
[clears throat]
Look who it is. You took my yogurt,
Laurel. I know it was you.
And it was delightfully
delicious.
That's my line.
Delightfully...
delightfully delicious.
He's going over
his time again.
Oh. I'm sure he's just
finishing up.
Oh, don't worry, love.
I'm locking up now.
The place will be all yours
in just a moment.
[sighs]
Nigel, I pay for a private
studio starting at 9PM.
Yeah.
I have a very important
show tonight.
You know, that reminds me of
the time me and Ronny Wood
were in a bowling alley
in New Jersey.
Well, it's all yours,
Your Majesty.
Oh, really?
Did you see that?
I don't know how you do it.
I don't know how you put up
with that woman.
Oh, it's too much.
Wait.
It wasn't New Jersey...
and it wasn't Ronny Wood.
When the world goes dark
Whoa! It says here that we
shouldn't be using seed oils.
Apparently, they're terrible
for you.
What?
I thought they were supposed
to be good for you.
Used to be I guess
and now they're not.
Inflammatory to the gut
or something.
Oh, come on.
Stuff is falling apart.
Okay.
I don't want you to freak out,
but we may have an M-O-U-S-E.
Oh, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Don't you even spell it.
Just calm down.
It's gonna be fine.
No, it's not gonna be fine.
Let's just get some sleep
and we'll deal with the mouse
situation tomorrow.
Nobody's sleeping tonight.
Nobody.
[snoring]
Seriously?
Testing. Testing. One.
Two. Three.
Testing. Testing.
One. Two.
Welcome to another episode
of Whodunnit.
I'm Laurel St. James.
On this, the final episode
of Whodunnit,
you're gonna hear the true
story of the Roxdale Killer.
We are gonna dive into the lives
of the three victims.
Monica Gainey...
[keypad beeping]
...Caroline Olmstead
and Alexandra Kolesnikoff.
Innocent young women gunned down
in the prime of their lives.
You see, fate was
a cruel master...
for the victims of these
senseless crimes.
This episode is like no other,
as I will finally reveal the
truth behind the Roxdale Killer.
[gunshot]
[dramatic music]
[camera flashes whine]
What do we have?
Morning, Chief.
Female, 54 years old.
ID in the victim's purse said
her name is Laurel St. James.
Coroner's on the way,
but cause of death looks to be
a fatal gunshot wound.
Found a bullet in the chair.
That's definitely Laurel.
Keep this one close.
There's gonna be press.
He found the body?
Yeah. That's the manager,
Nigel Plumby.
He closed up
after 9:00 last night.
She was here alone.
He was first on the scene
at 6:30 this morning.
Any security cameras?
Yep. But they don't work.
Broke last year,
were never fixed.
However... we did find this.
TRK. The Roxdale Killer.
You think he's back?
Let's hope not.
Get the manager
and everyone else
who had access to the studio
in for an interview.
Yes, sir.
[groans]
Hello. Good morning,
sleepyhead.
Let me know what you think.
Not bad.
Thank you.
Well, I learned from the best.
Hey, you wouldn't happen to have
my car keys, would you?
Yep. They're in my jacket.
Thank you.
[gasps] Oh, I saw it.
It was huge.
It had big red eyes and claws.
Okay, just calm down, babe.
Take a deep breath.
I'll go check it out. Okay?
Be careful.
Those things have the plague.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Well, I didn't find it,
but... I did find these.
I will not have a repeat
of the Camp Winnipesaukee
sleeping bag incident of 1992,
Birdie.
I will not!
I know, I know, babe.
Don't worry, I'm gonna call
the exterminator.
I need to buy some duct tape,
some netting, some chicken wire.
Possibly a harpoon.
Oh, yes. I think we might have
a mouse in the house.
Oh, yeah. Mm-hmm.
Wait a minute.
I'm talking crazy.
I already have duct tape.
Good morning.
We begin with breaking news.
I'm outside the Studio 45
podcast studio
where we're hearing reports
of a homicide happening here
late last night.
My sources are telling me
that the victim is famed
true crime author and podcaster
Laurel St. James.
You may remember that Laurel
St. James rocketed to fame
with her reporting
on the Roxdale Killer,
who allegedly killed three young
women in the Boston area
in the early 1990s,
and that person has remained
at large ever since.
[phone ringing]
Hey.
Are you seeing
what I'm seeing?
Yeah. This is crazy.
You should check
in with Kristin.
Yeah, yeah, I will.
I cannot believe that
Laurel St. James is dead.
Oh, has the exterminator
gotten there yet?
What? I don't need
an exterminator.
I'm literally fixing the problem
as we speak.
Alden, he'll be there
any minute. Okay?
Please let him help.
I gotta go.
Birdie, I...
[reporter] Could Laurel's death
be the work of
the Roxdale Killer, and if so,
why has he resurfaced now?
[doorbell rings]
What's up bro?
Your wife called about helping
you out with a mouse.
Yeah. We're good, bro.
We got it covered.
Well, she said it was
an emergency.
She mentioned you were
threatening to, uh...
burn the house down.
What? That's crazy.
I'm not gotta burn
the house down.
You gonna burn
the house down, bud?
[robot] Not burning down
the house.
Yeah. He's not gonna burn
the house down.
Would that work, though?
I'm just gonna leave you
my card just in case.
This is my house
and I'll to protect it.
Crazy day?
Laurel St. James is dead.
Wow. I know who
Laurel St. James is.
That's big news.
Yeah.
Something else
is bothering you.
We have a mouse in the house.
Oh, no.
And with all Alden's experience
at summer camp,
where the mouse climbed
into his sleeping bag
and the zipper got stuck and he
and the mouse couldn't get out?
Yeah. So Alden is completely
freaking out,
so I called the exterminator,
and now he's saying that
he doesn't want the help.
But I thought you two
were back on track.
We are. No, we are.
It's just... he gets so
easily distracted,
and sometimes I feel
like he isn't listening.
Well, sometimes listening
is a two-way street.
It all started years ago.
So me and Mick Fleetwood had
just rented tandem bicycles.
We were about to go Dutch
on a baguette and jam,
when suddenly we realized...
Wait, stop. Just walk me
through what happened.
First you gotta understand that
Mick was more of a chutney guy.
- Right?
- What's chutney?
She took my yogurt.
She took your what?
It was delightfully delicious.
Why are you talking like that?
My podcast is called
Fyre Breath. F-Y-R-E.
We cover a variety of topics,
but mainly it's a beacon
of light and truth
for my listeners.
And did you know Laurel?
Well, I knew the vessel
called Laurel.
Right.
Is this gonna take long?
I'm told you also have
a true crime podcast.
Was there any competition
between you and Laurel?
Ugh. No.
You shouldn't be looking at me.
You should be looking
at, well, the TRK.
But this could be the work
of the Pittsburgh Strangler.
Or H. H. Stockman.
I mean, we could have another
Blueprint Killer situation
on our hands!
What?
According to the synopsis
of our current timeline,
there are multiple outcomes,
all dependent on each
particular dimension.
We're good here.
Enjoy your dimension.
Any luck deciphering
any of that?
It's like they're speaking
in a different language.
- I didn't get any of it.
- Me neither.
I think we're gonna need
some help.
This case has already
become front page news.
I got reporters hounding me
for updates.
Okay, so what are you thinking?
We have a little money in
the budget to hire a consultant.
You need to find someone
who speaks their language.
Speaks their language?
Did you listen to that?
That's like a new dimension
of nerd speak.
I don't know anybody
that would understand...
Oh no.
[robot chatting]
That's it. Nice and easy.
There you go. Good boy.
Come to papa.
Remind me again
what the tinfoil is for.
I thought it was obvious.
So we could track the mouse
and hear its little footsteps.
Babe, all of this tinfoil is
interfering with the Wi-Fi.
[sighs]
Oh, come on!
What? What happened?
Oh, no. Nothing.
Nothing, nothing.
Just, um... my mom sent me
a red line document
that I thought I was done with.
Oh, I don't know how you could
think about work
at a time like this.
The house is under siege.
I'm not the one who didn't
let the exterminator help.
That is his job, Alden.
Oh yeah, and, you know,
you didn't have to call him
behind my back.
You were literally in the room.
You just weren't listening.
[doorbell rings]
I have no idea
who that could be.
[gasps] Maybe the mouse
ordered takeout.
Listen.
We're a little understaffed
with the Laurel case and...
You need our help.
I already regret this.
Are we on the case?
Yes. You're on the case.
[in unison]
Oh, we're on the case.
We're on the case.
We're on the case.
We're on the case.
All right, here's everything
on the Roxdale Killer.
And we didn't start digitizing
files until the 2000's,
the Roxdale is in the 90's,
so we only have hard copies.
Wow. There's actually
not a lot here.
Nope. That's what we got.
And there's this.
This has all the audio files
from Laurel's studio.
Outtakes, episodes,
even her murder.
There is a lot on here.
Nice!
Nope.
While we think there
may be a connection
to the Roxdale Killer, we still
need to check on other suspects.
Which, more importantly,
brings us to why we're asking
you to help with the case.
We need your help interviewing
potential suspects.
Why would you need our help
with that?
Well, the interviewees are
a little... how do I put this?
Challenging?
So meet me at the station
tomorrow at 9AM.
Do you really think that the
Roxdale Killer could be back
after all these years?
I don't know but
we're gonna find out.
Okay, so here are
the first three victims
of the Roxdale Killer.
We have number one,
Caroline Olmstead.
Number two, Monica Gainey.
Number three,
Alexandra Kolesnikoff.
And our current victim...
Laurel St. James.
Yep.
Oh, we're doing
purple string now?
Well, I buy whatever's on sale.
This week it was purple,
and I think it looks fantastic.
Fair enough.
Okay, so...
Between Laurel's podcast,
and her newspaper clippings,
and her book,
Laurel created a bit of
a cottage industry
around the Roxdale Killer.
But did she scare him
out of retirement?
Scissors.
Well...
the note at the crime scene says
"silence speaks
louder than words."
So maybe she was getting too
close to identifying the killer?
That would be enough motive
to come out of retirement,
to shut her up.
It's just so weird.
I cannot find notes from
the first three victims.
I don't know. All right.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
What's going on with the cans?
Ah, well... it's kind of
a two-pronged approach.
You see, the mouse runs
into the cans, gets disoriented,
and then straight
into the trap and snap.
I set it with some pecorino.
You know, it's his last meal.
I want it to be good.
Right.
I see that you have a very clear
vision with this,
but I need your brain here,
babe.
This is a big deal.
We have to get familiar
with these files
so that we are ready for
our interviews tomorrow.
We get to be detectives
like the ones on TV.
Yeah. You're right, of course.
Okay. Priorities.
Okay.
She took my yogurt.
It was delightfully delicious.
But it isn't delightfully
delicious, is it?
Well, it's...
I've tried said yogurt before,
and let me tell you,
it's... it's pretty terrible.
So, Pat... what's really
going on?
Yeah, Pat.
She's mean.
She's a bully.
She creates this toxic
work environment,
and I don't like it.
But, but, but I didn't kill her,
I swear.
Don't tell anyone.
Please don't tell anyone.
It's hard for me to describe
where I was,
because time and space
are not absolute.
One's perception of time is
different than another person's.
You can have multiple
variations of the same instance.
Are you talking about
time dilation?
Very perceptive.
You watch a lot
of Titan's Odyssey?
I never miss an episode.
Oh, man.
[both make humming noises]
[both laugh]
So I says to Stevie Nicks,
right...
I says, I know what everyone's
saying, right?
But trust me, you just
gotta lean into the scarf thing.
[both laughing]
That's so good.
That's so great.
So, so where were you
two nights ago...
between 9:00 and 10:00PM?
I was at home with Mother.
Ah, mother.
And she can vouch for that.
Uh, Mother's me cat.
I know you. Don't I?
[talking over top each other] - I take
your Sunday morning flow classes.
I swear, I thought there
was another room.
The energy between you two
is out of harmony.
You both are speaking,
but no one is listening
to each other.
You and Laurel often recorded
your podcasts on the same days.
I heard that you two didn't
really get along.
Did you ever exchange
more than words?
I could not bring physical harm
to any creature
on this realm or the other.
Well, word around town is
you have quite the temper.
Maybe you're not as zen as
you'd like to come across.
In fact, some people describe
you as phony.
No!
That's malicious gossip.
You... you wanna search
my... my things?! Huh?!
My, my, my sacred space!
Here, here, dig! Dig!
I think we're good for today.
This has been great.
That's it for now.
Thank you so much.
Boop.
Aside from TRK, it could be
the Kojack Killer.
And I will say this again,
the Blueprint Killer is
a real possibility here.
Well, only problem with that
is authorities believe
the Kojack Killer died in 1972.
And the Blueprint Killer...
come on... that's so 2010.
Uh, let me ask you something.
Now, if someone wanted
to harm Laurel,
who would that be?
Definitely the Roxdale Killer.
And possibly her ex-husband.
Ex-husband?
Peter St. James.
Yeah.
Laurel mentioned
that she and her ex
had a very contentious
divorce...
Write that down.
And she said that he was
the bane of her existence.
On the record.
So just for our records,
where were you that night
between 9:00 and 10:00PM?
At home.
Planning for my next show.
Nothing special.
Can anyone corroborate that?
No. I live alone.
Okay, you know what?
We're gonna leave
it there for now.
Uh, thank you for your help,
Katie.
Mmhmm.
By the way, I'm a big fan
of you two.
I'm actually doing a podcast
episode tomorrow
on my show on your last case,
Lean McGuinnes.
Would you guys wanna come by
the studio for an interview?
Yeah!
Well, so long as
we only talk about
the Lean McGuinnes case
and not this one.
Deal. See you tomorrow.
Ooh.
Don't touch that.
Oh, here it is.
Okay. Peter St. James.
Looks like Laurel filed
a restraining order
during the divorce.
Arrested for trespassing.
Trespassing...
And a couple
other minor things.
Well, that's not good.
Look, he's even in the right age
range to be the Roxdale Killer.
[gasps]
What if Laurel was sleeping
with the enemy?
That's juicy.
Okay, I'm gonna go check
this guy out.
[in unison] Yeah, with us.
No, not with you.
What is with you guys
and personal space?
We're not some crime fighting
team that's gonna form
an unlikely friendship
and somehow become
better people because of it.
All right?
Tom!
[sighs]
We could be helpful. Okay?
I mean, we do speak the language
of the people.
Fine. You can come.
Meet me there at 3:00.
I'll text you the address.
Do not go in without me.
Understood?
Understood.
- That's not funny.
- It was a little funny.
Ugh. Man.
Yes.
[Birdie] - Okay, yeah.
So I think this is it. - Uh-huh.
- Peter St. James.
- Yeah.
Okay, so I'm gonna ask him
about the restraining order
and the trespassing.
Sounds good, babe.
How's it look?
You never miss an opportunity.
Never.
Air Quotes is late.
Yeah, well, we're just gonna
wait here like we said we would.
Exactly.
We should look around,
go through his trash,
get to know the guy.
That sounds like
a terrible idea.
On it.
Alden. Alden!
No. Just... ugh.
[speaking Spanish]
We told him that we would
wait for him.
Alden! Ugh.
Alden. We have to go back.
Come on. Alden! Alden!
Let's roll out.
[groaning]
Alden.
We should not be doing this.
I just...
We could get caught
going through people's trash.
It's a lot warmer inside.
[garbage can lid clatters]
Come on in.
I made snickerdoodles.
After you, honey.
Mmm.
Mmm! These are delicious.
I know.
Surprised it's taken
you all so long to get here.
Why is that?
I'm the ex.
I'm suspect numero uno.
Did you kill her?
[both chuckle]
Right for the jugular.
That's my kind of man.
No. I did not.
[knock at door]
Hola amigo! Cookies?
[glue rips]
Ow.
[groans]
No, I'm good. Thanks.
Watch your arm.
So... what'd I miss.
Well, I'm not shocked about
Laurel's murder.
And I get why you're asking.
I have more than enough motive.
Uh... but, Laurel, she took
everything away from me.
Your divorce did seem
quite contentious.
The way Laurel painted me,
it made me sound like a monster.
But most of it wasn't even true.
Laurel, she had a gift
of storytelling.
And the restraining order?
She threw me under the bus.
That's what she does.
Just ask Maxwell Kovack.
Who's Maxwell Kovack?
Sounds like you need to do
a little more research.
Funny thing is, though,
you know, a few weeks ago...
she came by and she apologized.
What did she apologize for?
Oh, the end of our marriage.
Her blind ambitions.
How she made up things about me.
And where were you the night
she was killed?
Book club.
We were reading Like Water
For Chocolate.
It's an incredible story.
Oh, Como Agua Para Chocolate.
What a love story.
The love between Tita and Pedro.
But the betrayal.
I know!
One of you has to go.
She tried to get me
to read the book.
Yeah.
- Go.
Well, we are gonna come over
for a baking class.
Oh, yes. Those cookies...
divine.
Well, stop by any time.
Maybe dinner?
Take care.
Yeah, that'd be great.
Yeah. Okay.
What a great guy.
Did I or did I not tell you
to wait for me?
Uh... well, he invited us in,
actually.
Okay. The thing you're not
getting is
I'm responsible for your safety
and I can't protect you
if you don't listen to me.
I know, I know.
We're sorry.
It will not happen again.
Yeah. Paul Simon, it's not
you I'm worried about.
It's Garfunkel here
that concerns me.
All right, I don't think
we need the name calling.
Just come on.
I'm sorry. Won't happen again.
Okay. I'll look into his alibi.
You guys look
into Maxwell Kovack.
But I think it's safe to say
that Peter's not our guy.
Sounds like a plan.
Go...
Go... home.
He'll get there.
- Yeah.
All right.
Oh, those cookies...
Unbelievable!
I'm coming for you little mouse.
[whirring]
Oh, don't even think about
going all in.
I got you beat!
Big bird to baby bird.
Anything on Kovack?
Nope. Nope, not yet.
Any mouse sightings?
Uh...
Oh, um... no.
Oh, you know what?
Yeah. Yeah, I think I heard
something by the couch.
On it.
I'll get him.
Babe, you can trust me.
Alden.
[startled] Ah!
I have to tell you something.
Okay.
I've been playing poker
online a lot for a while,
and I've been hiding it
from you.
And the story I kept
telling myself was
that this was just for fun,
and that the secret
wasn't a big deal,
but any secret between us
is a big deal.
Why didn't you just tell me?
Because I didn't want you
to judge me for playing poker.
Birdie...
I am the last person in
the world in a position
to judge someone for their
extracurricular activities.
I love you for your weird.
In the same way that
you love me for mine.
We are all or nothing
and I am all in with you.
No more secrets though.
No more secrets.
Well, there is one more thing.
Okay?
I'm really good at poker.
Like... how good?
Like I turned 100 bucks
into $28,983.16
and I have a reputation online
for being a ruthless shark.
There are chatrooms dedicated
to people complaining about
how good I am.
Do we need to plan a trip
to Vegas?
I can see a poker-themed
adventure in our future.
Should we get back to work?
Yeah. Yeah, we really should.
Okay.
So listen, I started going
through Laurel's audio files.
Okay, okay.
So far, big old snooze fest.
Really?
Yeah. Nothing at all.
Here, listen to this.
[recording of Laurel] Ugh.
These crackers taste a little stale.
Oh, you weren't kidding.
Yeah.
[recording of Laurel] Ugh.
There's yogurt all over the place.
Didn't need to know that.
[recording of Laurel] And that's
why I don't valet park anymore.
I just don't trust them.
They really gave us
the raw files.
Yeah.
[recording of Laurel] You see,
fate was a cruel master
for the victims of
these senseless crimes.
This episode is like no other,
as I will finally reveal the
truth behind the Roxdale Killer.
[gunshot]
That's huge. That is huge!
She knew who the Roxdale
Killer was.
I mean, it's certainly possible
that she could have been killed
for what she knew.
I just wish we could
hear better.
I mean, these speakers
are terrible.
Uh... let me work on it.
Okay. Well, you know what?
In the meantime,
we can start putting people up
on the board. Right?
Yeah.
So I think we can both agree
that Wintress has definitely
earned her spot on the board.
Hard yes.
- Right?
She and Laurel were known
to dislike each other.
Babe, what is this?
Well, I...
Okay. Next up...
we have Pat.
The voiceover artist.
Delightfully suspicious.
Katie Hiller, the other
true crime podcaster.
She should definitely
go up there too.
Yeah, I mean,
she's too young to be TRK
but it doesn't mean
she didn't kill Laurel.
Could be a copycat.
Exactly.
Oh, and let us not forget
the ever-present studio manager,
Nigel.
How old do we think
this picture is?
Well, before color photos
were a thing.
So, Nigel found the body,
and he was the last person
to see Laurel alive.
Super suspicious.
So what do we think
about sci-fi guy?
Yeah, I don't think
he could've done it.
The guy's such a sweetheart.
I know.
Besides, Carweegians
are notorious pacifists.
Hmm?
I may catch an episode
of Titan's Odyssey
from time to time.
Okay.
All righty.
We got ourselves a board.
- We got ourselves a board.
Come on.
[groans]
Come on.
I think you left something
in the conference room.
Oh... that's very good
deduction, Mom.
I mean, Eleonore.
I gotta say, you and Alden
on the hunt
for the Roxdale Killer...
is exciting.
Do you really think
you can catch him?
I don't know.
It's just such an old case
that I still don't feel like
we have the whole story.
Well, you've gotta work
with what's in front of you.
Step by step.
I know perseverance has always
opened doors for me.
You'll get there.
Perseverance.
You got this.
And tonight, with
no new information
on the possible return of
the Roxdale Killer,
authorities are asking
the public
to remain calm but vigilant.
Okay, so she said Studio 1.
This is so cool.
I mean, we're basically
celebrities now.
Well, I mean,
we're doing one podcast.
I'm a little nervous.
Aww, you got this, babe.
Remember, I am always
on your team. Okay?
Katie? Hello?
She did say to meet here, right?
Studio 1.
Huh.
Something doesn't feel right.
What do you mean?
I don't know. It's like...
eerily quiet.
[door slams]
[screaming] He was just here!
He was trying to grab me!
I couldn't get away!
Who was?
The killer.
The Roxdale Killer.
You're safe now.
It's gonna be okay.
So scary.
Okay, Katie.
Let's just start
with the basics.
What do you remember seeing?
Well... he was tall.
I'd say around six feet.
Mm-hmm.
He was wearing a hoodie, but
I could see he had brown eyes.
He had a low voice, but it
wasn't suspiciously low.
It was like... average low.
What's average low?
Stop talking.
Uh... what's average low?
Keep it locked to WNK,
channel six,
your source for breaking news.
And we will bring you
that update live. Travis?
That was pretty good. Hey?
Excuse me.
I'm so sorry to bother you.
Hi.
I noticed that you have
a dashcam on your truck.
Yeah?
Could I ask you
for a huge favor?
Yeah. What's up?
Okay. You sure you're
all right?
Mm-hmm.
Okay. I tell you what.
Why don't you go home,
get some rest.
Come to the station
in the morning
and we'll have you work
with a sketch artist. All right?
Tom, do you mind
if I have a quick private chat
with Katie? Please?
Well...
Absolutely. Take her away.
Okay.
Great.
I know you didn't see
the Roxdale Killer.
I did see him.
He was right here.
He grabbed me.
I didn't know what to do.
Then he ran when
he heard you come in.
Okay. We can rewind it
from right here.
That's Nigel leaving.
Nobody entered or left
the building in the 30 minutes
before we arrived or
the 15 minutes after.
I swear, I saw him.
Katie. I'm an attorney,
and a very good poker player.
I know when someone is lying.
Oh, you have no idea
how competitive it is.
There are so many
true crime podcasts.
It's like... sometimes
I feel like
I would do anything
to be successful.
Look... let me tell you
that success at all costs
and keeping things
from your husband,
who is now completely obsessed
with catching a mouse,
even though he's the most
adorable person
you will ever meet,
is never worth it.
How do I get out of this?
We tell the truth. Together.
Okay?
Okay.
Let's go.
[rumbling sound]
Alden?
Alden?
[sonar beeping]
Alden?
Alden?
Alden!
What is this thing?
It's ground-penetrating radar.
I have to protect our castle,
that's why I turned away
the exterminator.
Okay. I cannot believe
that I'm saying this,
but I think Wintress is right.
We are not in harmony.
Oh, come on.
You're gonna believe
that wing-nut?
Says the guy with a ground
penetrating radar machine
at 6:00 in the morning?
Well, how else am I supposed
to see into the floors?
What?
Birdie...
if we wanna catch this mouse,
we have to up our game.
Okay.
You know what? I...
I said I was all in.
So... I guess I have to be
all in with this too.
Birdie Case coming
to the dark side.
We have not been listening
to each other.
But we are gonna start
right now.
And if we are going to catch
said mouse,
we are going to do it together.
Case style.
I love you.
Okay.
Birdie?
Oh, hi.
Okay. So new plan.
These are humane.
Nobody has to die on our watch.
Uh... pellets.
Pellets.
So it's a trap?
Well, not so much a trap.
More like we're trying
to contain him
so then we can liberate him
amongst his own peeps.
Okay. I think I can get
on board with this.
And now we just wait and see.
In the meantime, I have
something to show you.
Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay.
- Okay.
To the desk.
- Okay.
And have a seat.
All right.
And... voila.
[gasps]
That is so impressive.
I traded some root beer
to a roadie for Aerosmith
I met at a swap meet.
This guy's actually
a really big deal.
That sounds on brand.
So... you got me thinking
when you said that we hadn't
been listening to each other,
and I realized
that we hadn't been listening
to the recording
of Laurel's murder.
I mean, sure,
we've been hearing it.
But we hadn't been listening.
[recording of Laurel]
This episode is like no other,
as I will finally reveal the
truth behind the Roxdale Killer.
[gunshot]
[squeaking sound]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Did you hear that noise?
Yeah. The thing right
before the footsteps?
Yeah. It was like a...
like a squeak.
It was more like a...
like a wheeze.
Who do we know that wheezes?
Perhaps a certain podcaster
who carries an inhaler.
[in unison] Wintress.
You know what this means.
We're gonna have to do
some yoga.
It's allergy season...
we're going to have to do
some yoga.
Mm-hmm.


Babe!
- What?
I told you to dress
accordingly.
This isn't the semifinals
at Wimbledon in 1978.
You said hot yoga.
When you've got
thighs like this,
the people wanna see 'em.
Okay... just... don't.
Don't take your shoes off.
Fine. But I'm keeping
the socks on.
Okay, fine.
Just please don't get hurt,
okay?
It's gonna get really hot
in here, you can slip.
I mean, yoga could
get dangerous.
It's stretching.
I think I'm gonna be okay.
Oh, babe, babe.
Here she is.
[exhales]
Find your centre.
And now let's flow.
[all humming]
[groaning]
Babe... are you okay?
Yeah. Feeling the flow.
And release.
[groans]
We will now go into flow
and get into the garland pose.
Oh no.
Babe.
[sighs]
You can't be serious right now.
What did they say?
Can you tell them again
to fix it?
I don't care!
Have them print it again!
What is the point
of paying people
when I have to do it all myself!
[wheezing]
That was the wheeze.
I know, I know.
[inhales]
Fyre is F-Y-R-E!
[groans]
Babe!
May the healing light of
the white fire be with you.
Babe. Babe, are you okay?
Yoga is surprisingly dangerous.
I mean, she's got
serious rage issues.
Yeah, and her wheeze
sounds just like
that hissy squeaky sound
on the recording.
Like... [imitating hiss
and wheeze sounds]
Okay, okay, okay.
Yeah, we heard it on the tape
just after Laurel's murder.
But I think it's more of, like,
a squeak wheeze.
Like...
[imitating wheeze sounds]
Oh, yeah, yeah. No, that's...
that's good.
But it's a little bit
more phlegmy, right?
It was like...
[both imitating wheeze sounds]
Oh, that's good, that's good.
[both imitating wheeze sounds]
Yeah, like...
[both imitating wheeze sounds]
Okay, okay.
Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop...
whatever that is.
Thank you.
It wasn't Wintress.
What?
How?
Those aren't for you.
Wintress was in the hospital
with an asthma attack.
Doctors and security footage
corroborate her story.
[both groan]
I suppose it does sound like
a pretty airtight alibi.
And can we go back to you guys
doing a yoga class
on police business?
Which is kind of funny
because I thought I asked you
to sift through
the audio outtakes.
I need you two to listen to me.
Yes, sir.
Tom.
- Tom.
What are those?
Laurel's mail.
I mean, you guys have so much
time on your hands, feel free.
No.
And why are your legs so pale?
Huh. At least I'm not sitting
around a desk all day.
What is it you think I do?
I don't know.
Talk about your hunches
or why things don't add up.
Tell people
"I'll look into that".
I don't say that.
So, Wintress is out.
Where are we at
with Maxwell Kovack?
Uh... we might have got
a little distracted
with the Wintress theory.
Yeah, but you know what?
I am going to look at Laurel's
previous articles
to see if she mentioned him
right when we leave here.
Okay. And since you're here...
look at this.
Medical Examiner report
for Laurel's death.
Gunshot wound.
She had stage
four adenocarcinoma.
In her pancreas and lungs.
Yeah. So if the gunshot
doesn't get her...
cancer does in the next
two, three months.
[whistles]
Well, that might explain
the spiritual awakening
that Peter mentioned.
Oh! That reminds me.
Can you see if your records
have any mention
of the Roxdale Killer
leaving notes behind?
For some reason, I cannot find
any mention of them
in the victim files.
Sure thing.
I'll look into that.
Ah-ha! So you do say that.
We'll see ourselves out.
I had a hunch.
Well... I guess we can take
Wintress off the board.
Okay. I have assembled
the brain trust.
Gentlemen.
And lady.
Where do we start?
Maxwell Kovack.
- Kovack.
Okay, I'll start in the past.
You start in the present where
I left off the other night.
Where does he live?
Where does he work?
Where does he eat?
And I will see what Laurel
said about him in her articles.
On it.
How many Maxwell Kovacks
can there be?
It's not that common
a name, is it?
Oh, here's something.
In one of Laurel's
early articles
about the Roxdale Killer,
she talks about the mayor
assembling a task force
to investigate.
The mayor said, "We understand
the public's fear
"and are taking this case
very seriously."
Well, nothing scares
the public more
than a serial killer
on the loose.
Nope.
And here's something else.
A few weeks after that,
Laurel wrote another article
about missing evidence.
She says that Officer Kovack
botched the investigation.
She calls him out by name.
You guys hear this?
The plot thickens.
Okay, so a few weeks
after that,
Officer Maxwell Kovack is let
go from the police department.
Well, I'd say that's
a pretty good reason
for someone to hold a grudge
against Laurel.
That goes... on the board.
Yep.
Welcome to the murder board,
Officer Kovack.
Okay, boom!
Here we go. Got it.
Maxwell Kovack.
All right, there's three of them
in our area,
but only one of them fits
the age range.
He lives at the Hampton Hills
Assisted Living.
A community to live
your fullest life.
Check out the events calendar.
Sit and Stretch with Brittney.
Party on.
Salsa dancing
with Vanessa Ramos.
I have an idea.
What?
Bingo.
Hi, Vanessa. Yeah,
this is Karen McAmber.
I'm the assistant activities
director here at Hampton Health.
Unfortunately, we're gonna have
to cancel salsa class tomorrow.
Mm-hmm. Due to a leak
on the dance floor.
I know, I'm so sorry about that.
Okay. Goodbye, dear.
Okay. I have no idea
what you're cooking up,
but I am loving it.
Oh, you just wait.
Hi. Yes, this is Vanessa Ramos.
Unfortunately, I'm not gonna be
able to come and teach
salsa class tomorrow,
but I do have a replacement.
Yep. Yeah, yeah.
She's a wonderful teacher.
She actually teaches
with her husband.
Yes. Their names are
Birdie and Alden Case.
Great. Sounds good.
They'll be there. Bye-bye.
[laughs]
Time to put on your
dancing shoes.

Hola. Buenos Dias.
I am Birdie.
Y Alden.
Case.
And we are here to teach
the salsa class.
Yes.
Hello. Please sign in.
[speaking Spanish]
Babe, look.
Laurel was here visiting
Maxwell Kovack. Room 312.
We're hot on the trail.
Hola, amigos.
[speaking Spanish]
We are here to teach
the salsa class.
So who is ready to dance?
[applause and cheers]
Oh, yeah. Let's salsa.
Yes, okay.
Now we start by picking
a partner.
Grab a partner.
Very good, very good.
- Grab a partner.
Now, we'll start
with basic step.
Yes, we go slow.
They follow where they go.
Right, left, together.
Muy bien.
Left, right, together.
Very good.
Right, left, together.
How am I doing?
You're doing pretty good.
Left, together.
We go a little faster.
Okay, but only
a little faster.
Yes. And remember
to swivel the hips.
Oh my.
Porque salsa is all about
the hips.
A lot of swivel.
Now you must feel the music.
Oh yes.
You must feel the step.
- I feel it.
You wanna feel the soul.
Birdie. Yes,
everybody feeling it.
Passion in all of the corazn
But don't forget about
your partner.
Okay. Sometimes
we dance solo. Birdie.
She's very passionate!
Birdie. Birdie. Birdie!
I might have
gotten carried away.
We gotta get outta here.
- Right.
So what do we do?
Uh... A conga!
That's right.
It's okay.
- It's okay. Very good idea.
[speaking Spanish]
Oh, this is so fun.
Oh my.
Yes.
- Yes. Keep it going.
- Keep it going.
- Don't worry.
Yes and feel it.
Feel the fun.
Feel the fun!
And the fuego.
Okay!
- Okay.
Keep feeling the fun.
Keep dancing.
Now you dance with your amigo.
Conga, conga.
Oh! Passion.
- Oh, the passion.
Y el corazn.
Yes, yes! Okay.
Where did you learn
to dance like that?
My high school
spirit dance team.
Oh, here we go. Okay.
All right, so it should be
this floor.
There.
Mm-hmm.
[knocking]
Maxwell Kovack?
Is it Halloween already?
Actually, we're investigating
the murder of Laura St. James.
We were hoping we could
ask you a few questions.
Come in.
Sit down.
I hope you guys catch
whoever killed her.
Oh, yeah.
Why is that?
So I can thank him.
Woman ruined my life.
Was it you?
I don't get around
much anymore.
[sighs]
Well, if you didn't kill her,
what do you think happened to her?
I think she got
what was coming to her.
Lifetime of stoking the flames
of fear and murder.
It was bound to end badly.
You think the Roxdale Killer
is back?
I think you guys
are chasing a ghost.
So you're saying the evidence
doesn't match the narrative.
The Roxdale case,
it never did.
It was a series of murders
that we were investigating
that was going cold.
Next thing you know,
there's a...
an article in the paper
about some serial killer
being on the loose.
Written by...
Laurel.
So, wait.
You're saying that Laurel
was the first person to say
that this was the work
of a serial killer
and not the police?
Bingo.
We only investigated
those murders being linked
because of her articles.
It seemed like Laurel knew
everything about the murders.
And then some.
Claimed she had some
anonymous sources.
So I reached out to her
to ask her for some help.
You know, off the record.
I was so naive.
Next thing you know,
evidence goes missing.
She's published
an article saying
that we bungled
the investigation.
Wait, you're saying Laurel
stole evidence?
I couldn't prove it,
but now I know she stole it.
How do you know that?
Because she came here two
weeks ago to apologize for it.
Apologizing?
She made some big song
and dance about how she wanted
to make amends.
What do you think she did
with the evidence?
Your guess is as good as mine.
[sighs]
[humming]
Hola seor.
- Seorita.
Babe, do you want turkey
or ham?
Both, please.
Of course.
Well... still no mouse.
Oh, just give him time.
Yeah, time to chew his way
through everything I own.
Oh, come on!
He got the crossword.
Aww.
Cinnamon buns.
My slippers.
The crossword.
You know, it's starting to feel
personal at this point.
And why are your legs
so white?
Well, at least we do something
other than sit around
a desk all day.
What is it you think I do?
Uh... talk about your hunches
or why things don't add up
Babe.
- Hmm.
I think our furry friend
just gave us a tip.
Places like this always
give me the creeps.
This makes sense.
Of course Laurel would've
hidden evidence
outside of her own home.
Here we are.
Ahh... should've grabbed
the bolt cutters.
Remind me to add those
to the P.I. car kit.
We have a P.I. car kit?
Ah, it's mostly just snacks
at this point.
Which reminds me, I have
to replenish the snacks.
I got this one. Mama's got
a new bag of tricks.
Whoa. Who are you?
Okay. So this... looks like
a job for the rake pick.
Whoa.
So, all I gotta do...
is rake it... like this.
I have never been
more attracted to you
than I am at this very moment.
I think one of us should know
how to pick locks.
Don't you think?
Absolutely.
Clearly you got it covered.
Ah!
It worked.
Okay. Let's see
what we got.
Whoa. I thought our basement
was messy.
Lampshade, anyone?
I'll take two.
What have we got in here?
Oh... babe.
Yeah.
What do you think?
Is this my style?
Cute! How about this?
Should I wear this to
your office party next year?
Oh, yes. They really
bring out your eyes.
Are you flirting with me?
Maybe.
Babe.
- Hm?
Boxes?
Yes. Good call.
Okay. We have personal.
Personal. Personal.
No way. Babe.
Could this be it?
Uh... yes, please.
Okay.
[blows dust]
[coughing]
Oh. That did not go according
to plan.
What was the plan?
I don't know, they do it
in the movies all the time.
It looks cool.
Okay, so we got fingerprints.
Cigarette butts.
Pink scarf.
And... nail clippings.
Wait. None of this was
in the case files.
Laurel definitely stole
this evidence.
They couldn't run DNA
on any of this
because Laurel completely
halted the investigations.
We have to get all this to Tom.
[metal bang]
What was that?
[electricity powers down]
Alden.
Someone's here.
Are you ready to run?
Uh, yeah.
I mean, I'm in heels, so I can't
really go that fast.
Go, go.
- Okay. Got it?
Got it. Okay.
I will, I will.
I'll be the lookout.
Okay. Coast is clear.
I think we're good.
Shh!
Okay.
[gasps]
[door creaks]
Okay. Fall back.
Fall back.
Just another date night!
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Well, you guys did
the right thing
bringing the evidence to me.
Crazy that the storage unit
was unlocked.
[talking over top each other] - Wow, yeah.
Crazy. What are the chances?
Yeah, what are the chances?
Anyway, we'll get this to
the lab and check it for DNA.
If there's a match,
we'll find out ASAP.
Okay, so this DNA is,
like, 30 years old.
Is it still usable?
Oh, yeah.
Even with trace amounts of DNA,
we can track people
through their family.
Oh. Fingers crossed.
You know what?
We've been going back
through all the TRK files.
There's absolutely nothing
that links these cases
aside from all
homicides happening
near Roxdale State Park.
Well, benefits of fresh eyes
on a cold case. Thanks.
I went through the chain
of evidence.
No notes were left at any
of the crime scenes,
despite Laurel's stories.
Maxwell Kovack was right.
There was never a serial killer.
So Laurel fabricated
the Roxdale Killer.
How is it possible she got away
with it all this time?
You tell a lie enough times,
people will believe it.
Okay, but none of this answers
who killed Laurel.
Well, whoever did kill Laurel
certainly wants us to think
it was the Roxdale Killer.
Huh.
Okay, well... throughout
this investigation,
we have learned that Laurel
didn't exactly
have a lot of friends.
From the people at the podcast
studio, and Maxwell Kovack,
and her ex-husband...
Laurel had a lot of enemies.
But who had enough motive
to kill her?
I'd say inventing a serial
killer and perpetuating that lie
for 30 years presents way bigger
opportunities for motive
than some vendetta about
stealing someone's yogurt.
Yes, yes.
Maybe her making up the Roxdale
Killer is why she was murdered.
Ooh, that's an interesting
theory.
But we still gotta prove it.
[sighs]
Oh, guys.
If the Roxdale Killer is fake,
we gotta tell Kristin.
You're right.
[clattering noise]
Oh, it's not that kind
of intruder.
I got this.
You're just gonna
let her go alone?
Absolutely. Yup.
What?
[mouse squeaks]
[mouse squeaks]
[laughs]
Did we get it?
Yeah, I saw him.
He was...
Uh, well... yeah.
Babe, I saw him, and he saw me.
It's horrifying. Right?
The claws. The fangs.
No, no, no.
He means us no harm.
I mean, I'm not saying
that he spoke to me, but...
I really feel like we have
an understanding.
What?
Yeah.
Okay. On that note,
I'm gonna get going.
I'll see you guys
in the morning.
This is not gonna be fun.
Hey. Tomorrow, you just be
the supportive boyfriend. Okay?
I'll handle the hard part
and tell her.
Okay.
[exhales]
That's right where
the mouse was.
She made up the Roxdale Killer?
The whole thing?
Well, the murders are real,
but they're not connected.
If Laurel was alive, she'd be
charged with multiple felonies
for impeding an investigation...
theft.
Did you know she was sick?
No. I had no idea.
Oh, I'm gonna have to call
my lawyer.
I'm gonna have to print
a retraction.
I don't know how I'm gonna
recover from this.
I can't believe
that she would do this.
She always said how much
integrity was important to her.
And now I...
I'm so sorry, I think
I'm gonna have to go work.
It's okay.
You do what you gotta do.
Call me if you need anything,
okay?
- Hang in there.
- Thank you.
I'll check in with you later.
[sighs]
You guys are gonna hate me.
Did you buy that harpoon?
No. Well, technically,
you bought one.
I think we need to put
Kristin on the board.
What?
Whoa, dude.
She was with us the night
of the murder.
She was with us earlier
that evening.
I just... I think we need
to look into her more.
She potentially had motive
if she knew about Laurel's lie.
Okay, before we go down
this road,
have you two at least gone
through the hard drive
with all of her audio recordings
from the studio?
Some. I mean, I scrubbed
through it.
Scrubbed through it?
Well, it's like a million hours
of her eating crackers
and outtakes and stuff.
Okay, before I bring my
girlfriend in for questioning,
you need to go through the audio
with a fine-tooth comb.
No scrubbing.
You're right.
And that is exactly
what we're gonna do
before we jump to conclusions.
Immediately.
Okay.
[recording of Laurel]
When police quested. Nope.
When police questioned
her neighbor... Fauna?
What am I talking about?
The community muttered through.
No, communities don't mutter.
Oh, thank you.
I needed this so badly.
My ears are about to fall off.
Well, if this thing doesn't
catch that little vermin,
I don't know what will.
By the way, I appreciate your
patience with my nerdiness.
All in.
[recording of Laurel] Roxdale State
Park is an historic 72-acre park
that is home to many varieties
of wildlife and fauna.
Oh, you can put
that right there.
[wheezing sound]
[recording of Laurel]
Thanks, Katie.
- Did you hear that?
- Oh, I heard it.
Wait, wait.
What... what was that sound?
Play that again.
Yup, yup, yup, yup, yup.
One sec.
[recording of Laurel] Oh,
you can put that right there.
[wheezing sound]
[recording of Laurel]
Thanks, Katie.
That was it, right?
That was the sound.
Okay, now, now play
the murder recording.
Okay. Got it.
[recording of Laurel] You see,
fate was a cruel master
to the victims of these
senseless crimes.
This episode is like no other,
as I will finally reveal the
truth behind the Roxdale Killer.
[gunshot]
[wheezing sound]
That was it.
I mean, that's it.
That's... that's
the same sound.
And she clearly identifies
the killer.
She says Katie.
It was Katie. It was Katie.
It was Katie.
It was right in front of us
the whole time.
It was Katie.
I... I can't believe it.
We just solved Laurel's murder.
Tom! We gotta tell Tom.
Okay. Here, call him.
Send him the audio file.
Yeah.
- Okay.
It's right here.
[phone ringing]
[in unison] Hi Tom.
Why are you doing this to me?
We sent you an audio file.
We know who killed Laurel.
Okay. All right.
Okay. I'm up.
What do you got?
Okay. You were right.
We listened to hours and hours
of outtakes and the raw footage
from Laurel's podcast,
and this is what we found.
Yup.
[recording of Laurel] Oh, you
can put that right there.
[wheezing sound]
[recording of Laurel]
Thanks, Katie.
That's the sound.
[in unison] I know.
And she says, thanks Katie.
[in unison] I know!
It all makes sense.
Katie had a weak alibi.
She faked an attack,
and with Laurel gone,
she would get to carry
the Roxdale Killer baton.
Yeah, and Laurel already proved
it's a lucrative business.
I mean, is that enough motive
to kill somebody?
Oh, I've seen people kill
for far less than a podcast.
Like what?
I'm not answering that.
Well... I can't believe
I'm saying this, but...
great work, you two.
Okay, so what now?
We throw on a SWAT vest,
roll out in the cruiser and...
[call ends]
I got a grappling hook.
He hung up, babe.
Yeah, I can see that.
Katie Hiller.
You're under arrest for
the murder Laurel St. James.
What? That's crazy.
I didn't kill Laurel.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be held against you
in the court of law.
This is... this is crazy!
I didn't...
We solved another one.
Yeah.
I don't know, something
doesn't feel right about this.
What do you mean?
You heard the recording.
She literally said Katie.
Katie had motive, and Katie
had opportunity.
I guess.
Babe, don't guess.
It's like we learned in class.
We have to follow the evidence.
Okay?
Whatever narrative
you've convinced yourself of
is not based on the hard facts
and evidence.
You're right.
You're right.
I'm probably just tired.
Two for two!
To a closed case.
To catching a bad guy.
Cheers.
I'm actually still
on the clock, so...
But I do have good news.
Oh, it's about time.
We found DNA
on the three items
you got from Laurel's
storage unit.
We're running it through
CODIS right now.
Oh, that's fantastic.
[glasses clink]
So now that Laurel's murderer
is behind bars... what's next?
Oh, we are still
on another case.
Oh! The goat cheese.
You're gonna love it.
Wow.
Let me ask you something, Tom.
You ever, uh... you ever
wrap up a case
but still feel like
something's bugging you?
Yeah, but I've learned
to take the win.
Hey... you solved it.
Katie's the killer.
Look, they always say they're
innocent initially, right?
Initially.
What?
You just, you said initially.
Yeah.
Initially. Initials.
Initials. Initials.
Katie's initials?
Katie?
K...
It was you.
What?
It was Kristin
who killed Laurel.
[scoffs]
- Alden!
What?
Whoa dude.
Not cool, man.
Yeah. This is not how
we keep friends, babe.
I should've trusted my gut.
Why didn't I trust my gut?
My gut is always right.
Except when it comes to dairy.
The audio clearly said Katie.
No, she didn't say thank you,
Katie.
She said, thank you KD.
As in Kristin... Duckburn.
Okay, Alden.
I saw the inscription that
she wrote you in her book.
She used your initials, KD.
Babe!
She's got Laurel
St. James's book.
Oh. It's signed. Nice!
You were all with me
at my house that night.
I... I couldn't have done it.
Yeah. We were.
But the murder didn't happen
until later.
We were long gone by then.
Yeah, yeah. Wait, wait, wait.
This makes sense.
You must have already known
that Laurel made up
the Roxdale Killer
before we told you,
and if the truth came out,
your business would be
completely ruined.
And if Laurel made amends
with her ex-husband and that...
and that Maxwell Kovack guy
she threw under the bus,
I bet she also made amends to
the one person she screwed over.
You.
Honey, can you please tell them
that they're being ridiculous?
Actually, I want you
to answer it.
Yeah, answer the question.
I'll ask the questions.
Oh, like good cop, bad cop?
No, not like good cop...
Hey, whoa!
Whoa, whoa, hey!
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You said it yourself. Hmm?
Laurel was the one who lied.
She lied to me.
She lied to everyone.
Okay, yeah.
I... I went to the studio
one night to see her.
She told me that she had
terminal cancer
and she wanted to clear
her conscience.
She was gonna tell the truth
on the last episode.
I begged her not to,
but she didn't listen.
Okay. Calm down.
No, stop talking.
I didn't have a choice!
Hey, hey, hey.
Uh... what about the...
the squeaky sound in the
recording? What was that?
- What?
- It was the keychain.
It was the rubber duck keychain
that gave you away.
You know, getting inside
without anybody seeing me
was pretty easy.
[keypad beeps]
I knew what Laurel was gonna do
but I could not let her
completely destroy
my family's legacy.
[gunshot]
No. But then that
stupid duck squeaked!
[duck squeaks]
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
How are you gonna explain
shooting all three of us? Huh?
- Yeah, you might get
two of us at best. - Dude!
Birdie. Haven't you heard?
There's a serial killer
on the loose.
[gun cocks]
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey! No, no, no.
Shoot me. Shoot me. Shoot me.
[mouse squeaks]
[screams]
[screams]
[screams]
[mouse squeaks]
Get it off me!
You're so strong.
Yeah. Well, guess what,
honey?
You're under arrest for the
murder of Laurel St. James.
I thought we were friends.
Shut up, Birdie!
Okay.
I totally should have
been valedictorian.
We still don't have
any good couple friends.
Bye-bye, Ducky.
Hey. I just wanted to say...
even though you two drive me
nuts, you especially...
Fair.
You did good.
So, thank you.
And... who knows?
Maybe we'll call you again.
Go...
Go...
Go...
[in unison] Team!
I knew we'd get you there.
So, what's next for you?
I think I'm gonna focus
on work for a while.
Uh... you know, you two are
lucky you found each other.
Sure are.
So lucky.
Alden. Look.
[mouse squeaks]
[whispers] Go.
[whispers] Go, go.
[mouse squeaks]
It worked.
Oh... Look, he's eating.
Hey, buddy.
Thanks for your help back there.
You know...
I think this makes you an
official part of the team.
He is surprisingly cute.
- Mm-hmm.
I guess all the stories
I made up about this guy
were much worse in my head.
We should name him.
Oh, we should.
What about... Moriarty?
I like it.
A worthy foe.
Aww. Those ears, though.
Adorable.
In today's episode, we hear
from Alden and Birdie Case,
who solved the mystery
behind the Roxdale Killer,
while bringing closure
to the victims' families.
So, Laurel completely
fabricated her stories
about the Roxdale Killer,
and in doing so,
created total panic around town.
And in order to keep up
those lies,
she stole vital pieces
of evidence,
stalling police in
their investigation,
and robbing the victims'
families of justice.
Until now.
Because of DNA testing,
Stuart Michael Williams,
already serving time
for domestic battery,
will be served an additional
life sentence
for the murder of
Alexandra Kolesnikoff.
Police found a discarded
cigarette butt
20 feet away from victim
number one, Caroline Olmstead.
It led us to our suspect,
Lawrence Murphy.
And what about
Monica Gainey's killer?
We did find a DNA hit
there as well,
but that one was bittersweet.
Unfortunately, her killer died
five years ago.
Sometimes it's easy to forget
why we do what we do.
It's to help people who
no longer have a voice.
And to help Monica Gainey's
family have closure.
Thirty years later.
It really does make it
all worth it.
Are they getting along?
Moriarty, you getting along
with your new buddy?
[mouse squeaks]
That's a definite yes.
Dare I say...
it feels like things
are starting to get back
to normal with us.
I think at this point,
it's pretty clear
that you and I...
don't do normal.
You know, it's funny though,
when we do listen to each other,
pretty great things seem
to happen.
Exactly.
We just have to remember that
we are a team no matter what.
Yup. And when we are,
we're unstoppable.
Whether it's assembling
wildly elaborate traps,
or solving mysteries,
or winning ridiculous sums
of money playing poker online.
By the way, do you think $20,000
could get us a helicopter?
Babe.
I mean, it's a legitimate
business expense.
Oh, there's this guy.
I'm listening.
I hear all your
wonderful suggestions,
and I raise you... one kiss.
I'm all in.
[doorbell rings]
Birdie Case?
Formerly known as Birdie Perez?
Yeah, that's me.
What's this about?
When was the last time
you saw your father?
My father?
My father died when I was six.
That's not entirely true.
May we come inside?
Please, of course.