The Lies We Bury (2025) Movie Script
1
You are
tuned into Cherry Hill's
"Heartbreak After Dark".
I hope you're staying
dry out there.
Next up, here's a
little something
to keep you company
through the storm.
Finally, a customer.
Anything?
I got her!
We've got a message for ya.
Here we go.
Oh, no. I'm so...
-I'm so sorry.
-It's okay.
-That was my fault.
-It's okay, really.
I wasn't paying attention.
Let me get that for you.
-Thank you.
-Yeah.
You could've really gotten hurt.
Don't sue me.
Uh, are, are you a client?
No. Are you?
Uh, I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
Attorney at law.
I work here.
That's right.
Today's the big day.
It's nice to meet
you, Miss Kerrigan.
Nice to meet you.
Scotty?
Forget somethin'?
-Uh, Mr. Stackhouse.
-Rylee!
Welcome!
Hey.
-Hey.
-It's nice to meet you.
Oh, good. Okay.
I thought you were Scott.
-Scott?
-My grandson.
He just left. Surprised you
didn't run into each other.
Actually, we did.
Oh, well,
he's around a lot.
He's upgrading our
computer, since...
Well, really, he's
installing one.
It's not really necessary, but,
you know, yellow pad and pencil
suits me, but he insists.
Plays on those
things, day and night.
So, uh, how's the
apartment? Get all moved in?
Yeah. Thank you
for that referral.
Of course.
You've been around as long
as I have, you learn that
building and maintaining
relationships
is what life's all about.
Well, follow me.
Well, here we are.
This is mine?
Yeah. I apologize
for the mess.
Just didn't really get around
to getting the whole
place tidied up.
Truthfully, everything on
the desk can just be tossed.
It's a bunch of old case files
I collected through the years.
Verdicts that left me
scratching my head.
None are mine, of course.
Handled by other firms.
If this is too much, I
can ask Scott to help you.
Oh, no. No, really.
I'm sure he's just
monkeying with his gadget.
I'm happy to do it, really.
Wonderful.
-Uh, Mr. Stackhouse.
-Tucker.
You remember when we
interviewed and I told you
I don't want anybody calling
me "Mister" except a judge?
Uh, well, I just
wanna thank you again
for the opportunity.
I am looking forward
to working for you.
With me.
I just never really
liked the idea
of anybody working for me.
Welcome aboard.
Thank you.
I really hope that
new lawyer lives up
to your expectations, Grandpa.
Me too. She was burning
the midnight oil when left.
Wish that was the
only thing burnin'.
You know you have a digital
subscription to that paper?
Remember?
The tablet?
Yeah, but then I have
to do all that swoopin'.
Swiping.
Ignore the appearance.
Did you cook this
with orange juice?
And
sugar-free marmalade.
"Sugar-free".
You grandmother never
cooked anything sugar-free.
Well, sugar raises
your blood pressure,
and you know what
the doctor said.
Oh, doctor. Blah, blah, blah.
I know. Whatever, yeah.
Dessert's ready.
Mom, this photo of you and
your friend in the yearbook?
"Patti Lawrence and
Stephanie Jefferies,
the most inseparable pair"?
Yes?
After Dad died and we went
through all the yearbooks
and photo albums, you told me
how close you were with her.
That's right.
She was my best friend.
I'm assuming that was before
she was a convicted murderer?
How did you find
out about that?
From an old case
file in the office.
Tucker saved it.
And why would he have it?
He wasn't even her
defense attorney.
No.
He wasn't.
But apparently, something about
the case seemed off to him.
So that's what he
has you working on?
No. Not exactly.
I found the file when we
were reorganizing the office.
Because if you were at one
of those firms in Cincinnati,
they wouldn't have you
looking through a case
that's concluded
like 30 years ago!
Mom, I'm a lawyer, okay?
That doesn't change
if I'm in Cincinnati,
or if I'm in Cherry Hill.
I can manage.
Okay?
I managed when you
were in school.
Well, I'm not in
school anymore, so...
How about that dessert?
Sounds great, Mom.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's okay. You just
startled me.
I gotta stop doing that.
Uh, what are you doing?
Oh, I'm working
on the new upgrade.
It's gonna be all
wireless. A massive cloud.
You'll never fill it
in a million years.
Uh, if it's wireless, why
are you drilling in my office?
Oh, these old
buildings are weird.
Half these walls are concrete.
Half of 'em are just
drywall and studs.
I found that this room,
this corner, actually,
is the best place for
a wireless router.
I'm sorry. Are
you Miss Kerrigan?
That's me. Hi, Alan.
Please have a seat.
I'm, I'm sorry. There
was just nobody outside.
Oh, that's okay.
Yep. I'll just, uh...
From what I can see,
everything in your file
is exactly as you described.
The charges
are bogus, am I right?
Well, from what I understand,
your brother-in-law,
Teddy, brought stolen
goods from a pawn shop
into your basement.
That's right.
And he lives in your
basement? Pays you rent?
When the bum has
the cash. Sure.
Alan, is there a separate
entrance to your basement?
One that you and your wife
don't use? Only Teddy?
Yeah. Sure.
I think I can get
these charges dropped.
You do?
If Teddy is a paying tenant,
what he brings into his
space is his business.
I don't think you can
be held accountable
and I think a judge would agree.
Oh, my goodness. That...
That is such good
news.
Thank you.
Rylee. How'd it go?
-I think it went really well.
-Oh, good.
Oh, please come in.
Is the court date set?
For next week, Mr. Stack--
I mean Tucker.
Let me know if I can
be of any help, okay?
Actually, what do
you know about a murder
in Milford Heights, 1996?
I see you didn't just
organize my files, did you?
Okay, well, let's see. Um...
Linda Turpin, teenage girl,
gunned down in cold blood
by a jealous coworker.
Harder ones to
forget around here.
In Milford Heights?
Seems like it would
be a very big deal.
Ah, it was.
But it's just one that people
don't talk much about anymore.
You know, more like a stain
on a otherwise friendly
and well-meaning community.
Allegedly, Stephanie Jefferies
maintained her innocence,
until abruptly changing course,
two days into the trial,
when she does a 180 and
decides to plead guilty.
She take a plea deal?
Plea to take life in prison?
Not much of a deal.
What's on your mind, Rylee?
Would you mind if
I looked into things?
I promise I won't let it
interfere with
any of my clients.
That was Frank Hornsby's
case. Good attorney.
Perhaps you can
reach out to him.
Good morning, and
indeed, it is a good morning,
because today, with
the invaluable guidance
and unwavering support from my
esteemed mother, Lynn Wright,
who, as the dedicated
spouse to my father,
Congressman Timothy Wright...
I hate to bother you
again, but I...
There they are.
I am honored to
announce the establishment
of a new task force
committed to the prevention
and reversal of
wrongful convictions.
Mom?
Thank you.
As my daughter so
eloquently stated,
innocent individuals
languish in prison
for crimes they did not commit.
Our newly-formed Lynn
Wright Innocence Committee
will meticulously
examine qualifying cases,
striving to rectify
wrongful convictions
and restore freedom to
those unjustly imprisoned.
Thank you.
You think she's
sincere about that?
Lynn has been a
crusader for justice,
long before her daughter's
political career began.
Her influence has been profound,
reshaping our legal landscape.
Doesn't mean
she's being honest.
Ladies and gentlemen,
my daughter and I are
excited to announce
a special event at
Stricker's Grove,
just under two weeks away,
where families fighting
wrongful convictions
will have the park
to themselves.
Their combined efforts
have positively impacted
countless lives.
I wish I could change
lives like that.
Even just one life.
Hi, Stephanie. I'm Rylee,
Patti Lawrence's daughter.
What do you want? 'Cause
I know she didn't send you.
I'm an attorney. I work for
Stackhouse Law in Cherry Hill.
An attorney?
I've been reviewing your
case and your confession
came as such a surprise
to everyone involved.
Who sent you here?
No one.
Look, a lot has changed in
the decades since this murder.
Cases get reopened,
re-looked at.
Especially if you're innocent.
May I please have permission
to look into your case?
I can't promise anything,
but if you didn't do this,
if you didn't murder Linda,
then please let me
see what I can find.
Congresswoman Elizabeth
Wright Gallagher.
She's backing a program,
reopening cases.
Your case could be one of them.
Your story deserves to be heard.
You have your mother's eyes.
Stephanie, please!
Okay.
What are you doing?
Gold Chevy
Trailblazer, you said.
And you believe there's
damage to the passenger side?
Yeah, after he rammed
his car into mine.
You keep mentioning "he",
but you can't confirm
the assailant's gender?
Well, no. Not exactly.
Ski mask?
Well, unfortunately,
Ms. Kerrigan,
without a license plate number
or corroborating witnesses,
these road rage incidents are
notoriously hard to prosecute.
If it was road rage.
What are you guys doing here?
-Your mom called us.
-We were worried about you.
Tucker. You, uh,
acquainted with Ms. Kerrigan?
We work together.
If it wasn't road
rage, what was it?
I'm sorry. Mister?
-Scott Stackhouse, Detective.
-My grandson.
Did you two know
that Rylee paid a visit
to the women's prison today?
What?
Can we just all agree
that she doesn't need
to look into this old case?
What case?
And that she should
be in the hospital?
Mom, Tucker and my
instincts were right, okay?
Stephanie all but
said she didn't do it.
-Really?
-Didn't do what?
Commit murder.
I see.
Here's my card.
Contact me if anything
else comes up.
Thank you, Detective.
Piece of advice.
Listen to your mother.
They usually have our
best interest in mind.
Luck might not be on
your side, next time.
I'll show myself out.
Please just relax, just
for one night. Please.
But I, I have to go
see Frank in the morning.
I can assist you with that.
Did you not hear
the detective?
Patti's right, Grandpa.
Scott can loan you his car.
Are you sure?
He has nowhere pressing to
be. Isn't that right, Scott?
It's a stunning
property you have here.
Thank you.
I take solace in the
quiet and natural beauty.
A life beyond legal documents.
This is everything I
could gather in a rush.
A couple days into trial,
everything came to a halt.
I combed through everything
last night after our phone call.
Situation's perplexing,
to say the least.
I, I really appreciate this.
You know, Stephanie was
adamant about her innocence.
She reiterated numerous times
that she was not
involved in the murder.
She claims she was home,
dealing with a migraine.
Meds knocked her out.
Allegedly, she slept
through the night.
Do you have confirmation
of the prescription?
All documented, straight
from the physician's mouth.
Interesting.
More so when you realize
the store manager confirmed
that Linda wasn't
up for a raise.
A raise?
Peter Andrew Bryson, the
man who's gun shot Linda,
he admits to being there, but,
says that Stephanie's the
one that pulled the trigger.
He claims that Stephanie
was envious of the raise
Linda was supposedly gonna get.
It's all laid out in there,
along with the list of witnesses
the prosecution was banking on.
Barbara Lewis was their star.
What was her testimony?
She never had the
chance to testify.
There were plenty of
avenues I could've explored
to cast significant doubt.
I could've easily
dismantled Bryson's claims.
And what happened
to Bryson afterward?
Serial offender.
News just came in
he was involved in
another armed robbery.
Except this time,
there was a casualty.
Really?
If you like, I can make
a call. Get you inside.
That would be great.
Maybe he knows something
about Barbara Lewis.
It's the least I can do.
I fought Stephanie,
tooth and nail.
The girl just wouldn't budge.
My biggest regret as a lawyer?
I couldn't make her see reason.
Why do you think that is?
My hunch?
Someone threatened her.
Was she in
contact with anyone?
Any visits in jail?
Not a soul.
Not even a phone call.
You're digging into
something crucial, Rylee.
I, I'm
looking into things.
I'm not really digging.
Maybe you should.
I really appreciate you
seeing me on such short notice.
Miss Kerrigan.
Please be careful.
Someone wants this
case buried forever.
You got a visitor.
Well, well. Ain't
you a sight for sore eyes?
Third time's a charm. Man.
Boy, if I'd known you'd
have been representing me,
I would've committed my third
armed robbery, years ago.
Wow.
I heard you shot
someone this time, Peter.
Yeah. Just a little mishap.
Occupational hazard, you know?
For you, or the
person you gunned down?
Truth is, Mr. Bryson,
I'm not here to talk about
your current charges.
I'm interested in learning more
about events from years ago.
What's your relationship
with Barbara Lewis?
Hey, that's ancient
history, babe.
It's Rylee Kerrigan.
And Barbara Lewis
was a key witness
in the Linda Turpin case.
Prosecution intended on using
her statement to support your
claims of having a relationship
with Stephanie Jefferies.
Yeah, because I did.
You also stated
that you and Stephanie
had been at your apartment
all day, drinking.
Yeah. All day long.
Hm.
Well, there was no alcohol
or empty containers
found in Stephanie's place.
Who sent you here?
Ballistics also confirmed that
your weapon was used in
Linda Turpin's murder.
Yeah. Stephanie.
A pistol, she was.
You know, it was
in my belt. She swiped it.
Shot that Linda
girl dead. It's...
Come on.
-Certain about that?
-I think I would know.
Her prints weren't
found on the weapon.
The whole story
is documented, lady.
Why don't you go
ahead and read it?
I did.
Why did you frame
Stephanie for this murder?
Why? I'll tell you why.
You keep digging, you'll
find yourself six feet under,
then you can go ahead
and ask Linda yourself!
You thirsty?
I think Peter Bryson
killed Linda Turpin
and framed Stephanie for it.
I know that you knew her
better than anyone back then.
Did she have any enemies?
Hm.
Delicious.
Was there anyone
she was afraid of?
No. No, it needs some salt.
Honey, can you pass
me salt, please?
Mom, did you hear
anything I just said?
Stephanie confessed to murder
and it doesn't make any sense.
Exactly.
So, maybe that's a sign
for you to let it go
and focus on the present.
Now, come on. Eat.
Your food's getting cold.
Come on!
Mm-hm.
Stephanie told Frank
she didn't recognize
the name Barbara Lewis.
I see.
Closed case this dated?
Unless there's a formal
appeal and it gets approved,
they'll never subpoena this.
I'm trying to find her,
but I'm coming up empty.
Find who?
Look out, folks.
Mr. Computer Wizard has entered
the building.
Rylee needs a hand.
I don't wanna take
up any of your time.
Oh, you're not. I, um...
I was just bringing
Grandpa lunch.
It's a vegan lasagna.
There's plenty out there.
-You cook?
-I'm learnin'.
I just have so much time on
my hands, I figured I'd, uh,
give it a whirl.
-Must be nice.
-What's that?
Having all that free time.
So, who are you
trying to find?
Barbara Lewis.
She's the top witness
the prosecution listed
on the Linda Turpin case.
Last night, I found 40 women
with the same name in the
greater Cincinnati region.
I'm just not sure we
should be doing this.
You heard the
detective and your mom.
I know, Scott. I do.
But Barbara, she's the
only lead we've got, okay?
And if there's a chance she
knows something crucial,
I can't just ignore it.
I have to see this through.
Even if I have to do it alone.
Did you check their ages?
No.
Then we can rule out
anybody who wasn't born yet.
Anyone who was too young
to testify in 1996?
That'll shorten the list.
I can run a residency search.
I'm sure some of 'em didn't
live in the area, at the time.
You can do that?
Hello?
Collect call
from Ohio State Prison.
Do you accept the charges?
Yes.
Hello?
Stephanie. I'm, I'm
so glad you called.
Just stop!
-What?
Back off the case.
Why? Did something happen?
Do not contact me again!
Excuse me?
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Barbara Porter?
Used to go by Barbara Lewis?
Mom!
Who are you?
I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
I'm an attorney. I'd like
to ask you some questions.
What'd that numbskull do now?
Actually, I'm
looking into a murder
that happened almost
three decades ago.
The victim's name
was Linda Turpin.
I don't remember
anything about that.
You were listed as a
witness for the prosecution.
You were going to testify.
Yeah. Just that I saw
that woman, the killer.
Stephanie Jefferies?
Right.
Her and Pete were in the
liquor store that day.
Buying vodka.
You were 18 at
the time, correct?
Yeah, I think so.
So, why were you
at the liquor store,
when the drinking age is 21?
We're done here.
Hey!
I missed work yesterday
because of you.
Yeah? Yeah, so sue me, Mom.
What part of "We're done
here" did you not understand?
Stupid.
Get inside.
Got it.
Car's registered to
him. Cody Andrew Lewis.
Mother's maiden name.
Seems like she never
married his father.
-Did you just say Andrew?
-Yeah.
Cody Andrew Lewis.
Peter Bryson's
middle name is Andrew.
Are you thinking that Cody
is Peter and Barbara's son?
It's a possibility.
The fact that the case hinges
on the supposed relationship
between Bryson and Stephanie
is already suspicious.
But if Cody is their child,
it adds a new layer to this.
If he's Bryson's son.
She called him Pete.
Everyone I've spoken to
has called him Peter,
but she called him Pete.
She must know him. Cody
has to be their son.
Slow down a minute.
Maybe we start by
telling the police
that you found the
car that hit you.
Yeah, of course we will.
But look, given the
legal constraints
around accessing
DNA on a closed case
without Stephanie
asking for an appeal,
only one thing left to do.
And what's that?
Go to Barbara's
and ask her directly.
No way. That's way too risky.
Right.
It's my car.
I ran into Scott at
the grocery store today.
So, I invited him and Tucker
over for barbecue next weekend.
That was nice of you.
Yeah.
You know, he really
is quite charming.
And handsome, too.
Really? Haven't noticed.
Yeah?
Haven't you two been working
closely together lately?
Yeah, actually.
He, uh, helped me find
Stephanie's parents.
Please tell me we're not
gonna disrupt those poor people,
because they have already
been through so much.
What? How so?
Including the obvious,
when they left town, right
after the sentencing,
they cut themselves off
from everyone they know.
Uh, okay? Is there anything
else you haven't told me?
I think you're getting
in way over your head.
Mom, you sound
like everyone else
I've talked to about this.
Everyone that's suspected
of wrongdoing, that is.
Wow. And what,
what's that supposed to mean?
I'm sorry.
For what?
For not understanding
what's at stake here?
I'm sorry. I'm gonna go.
I have to get to work
early in the morning, so...
Mom, wait.
I, I can get those.
He is helpful.
Who?
Scott.
I don't like that he's
living in a spare bedroom,
not working, and apparently
just plays games all day.
He also made Tucker buy all this
fancy new computer
equipment for the firm.
Well, you are in Cherry Hill.
If you wanted to find a
guy with a fancy career,
you should've taken that
job in in Cincinnati.
You're right. I've
made my decision.
You're so much
like your father.
That makes me proud.
Proud enough to trust
my decisions?
Do I really have a choice?
Thank you.
You just gotta be careful.
I love you.
Love you.
Mom, the lawyer lady's back!
And she brought a friend.
Stay inside, Madison.
What do you want now?
We didn't finish our
conversation about Linda Turpin.
Yes, we did.
Does the DA
know you were pregnant
with Peter Bryson's son?
Get off my property!
How does being charged
with vehicular assault sound?
Leaving the scene
of an accident?
You don't understand
what you're messing with,
but I can assure you
that you can't handle it!
Come on, Rylee.
At least one of
you has a brain!
Who's that?
Where have you been?
You are just like your father.
Are you
okay? Are you hurt?
Why are you still
here? Get away from me!
It's an emergency!
Some crazy lady and her
boyfriend are attacking my mom!
No, we weren't!
We're trying to help.
-67 Mockingbird!
-Let's go, Rylee.
I'm gonna file a
restraining order against you!
You hear me?
Let's go!
You hear me?
What are you doing?
You could've been caught.
But I didn't.
Look what I found.
A receipt for a wire transfer.
To Barbara?
Yeah. For $10,000.
She was a very special lady.
I mean, she had to be. She put
up with Grandpa for 60 years.
Don't give me that.
I see how much you love him.
Yeah, I do. I admit it.
It was really hard
on him when she died.
They were soulmates. I
mean really soulmates.
I wasn't sure how long he'd
be around after she was gone.
Is that why you
moved in with him?
A couple months after
Grandma died, he had a stroke.
We all thought we
were gonna lose him.
I tried to convince him to
retire and move to Texas,
but he wouldn't hear any of it.
I think the firm's the only
thing keeping him going.
You deserve a lot
of credit for that.
Ah.
Just don't know how many more
years I have left with him.
So, here I am.
That must have been
really difficult,
leaving everything
behind like that.
No.
Not even a job?
Nope.
Well, uh, you weren't
working there either, then?
You think I'm soaking
the old man, don't you?
I mean--
You think I'm
a freeloading mooch.
I didn't say that.
You thought it.
I work for Cipher
Guard Solutions.
-The security firm?
-Yeah.
One of the most in demand
security firms in the country.
I figure I work remote, so,
why not work from
Grandpa's spare bedroom?
Wow. I am so embarrassed.
I couldn't put my finger
on it, but I knew you were
silently judging
me for something.
Well, I blame Tucker.
He's the one who told
me you spent all day
playing on your computer.
Well, yeah.
Anytime spent on the computer
to a Grandpa is "playing".
Uh, so I'm assuming that
you are the one who bought
all of the computers and
equipment for the firm, then?
Here I am, thinking
you're one thing
and turns out you're
completely the opposite.
And what's that?
Special delivery for Scott
and his very special friend.
Roger, you promised the
pizza, not the commentary.
What can I say? I'm a
full service provider.
-Enjoy, you two.
-Thank you.
Really know everyone
around here, don't you?
Only the ones that matter.
Roger's been trying
to marry me off,
ever since I moved back here.
Just doing my part
for the community.
Thank you, Roger.
-Wow.
-Wait till you try it.
Thank you.
All right. Let's test this out.
Well?
Mm.
Oh, yeah.
Best pizza in the world.
See? I told ya.
Maybe you shouldn't
form an opinion,
until you have all the facts.
Oh, yeah?
I think I learned that lesson
a couple times tonight.
Yeah. I think so.
We still have to
visit the Jefferies tomorrow.
Well, I
gotta hand it to you.
You are one tenacious woman.
Good evening,
Scott. How are you?
Hey. It's good
to see you, Mayor.
-Hey, how's Tucker doing?
-He's doing great.
In fact, he just hired
his first counselor.
-This is Rylee Kerrigan.
-Ma'am, nice to meet you.
-Hi, nice to meet you.
-Good to see you, Mayor.
Well, excuse me.
Business calls.
-Nice to meet you too.
-Have a great evening.
Earlier today,
Congresswoman Elizabeth
Wright Gallagher
and her mother, Lynn Wright...
Oh, it looks like some more
publicity for the Dynamic Duo.
They're practically residents
at Stricker's Grove.
Yeah, well, for good reason.
Which aims
to prevent and reverse
wrongful convictions.
You okay?
Uh, yeah.
Just something about the
congresswoman looks different.
Stay tuned for more.
Looks the same to me.
Yeah. It's probably nothing.
Ready to go?
Yeah.
From my
esteemed mother, Lynn Wright,
who, as the dedicated
spouse to my father,
Congressman Timothy Wright,
I am honored to announce
the establishment
of a new task force
committed to the prevention
and reversal of
wrongful convictions.
Innocent individuals
languish in prison.
Someone put this
in your mailbox?
-It was Barbara.
-Rylee.
It was.
How would they
know where you live?
They knew where I
was already, okay?
They ran me off the road.
They probably went there,
when we stopped for pizza.
You guys went out for pizza?
I know what you're thinking
and we can't confront her.
First of all, she might've
filed a restraining order,
and second, this says
"Back off the Turpin case,
or you'll end up dead, too."
She was just
trying to scare me.
Why wasn't I
invited for pizza?
What if
Barbara killed Linda?
Well, that's all the
reason not to go back.
You think Barbara killed
Linda? Let's hear your math.
Barbara gets pregnant with
Peter's baby. She loves him.
Then Peter starts
seeing Stephanie,
as described in the case notes.
Go on.
Barbara gets jealous,
kills Linda with Peter's gun,
while framing Stephanie
for the crime.
Why does Peter back her story?
Deep down, he loves
her. She's having his baby.
He's even flattered
by the gesture.
The gesture of murder?
Of course.
He places himself at the crime
scene, while taking a lesser
charge for testifying
against Stephanie.
Does all much add up.
Yeah, except why
did Stephanie confess?
That is the million
dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah. One we're
never gonna answer.
This is a death threat, Rylee.
Grandpa, tell her she
can't go back to Barbara's.
Okay. Rylee, you can't
go back to Barbara's.
That's not up for debate.
We should be
calling the police.
Fine. Just let me talk to
Stephanie's parents first.
No, no, no, no, no. I don't
think that's a good idea.
Tucker!
Grandpa!
Oh, don't look at
me like that. Um...
Okay.
You can't go back to Barbara.
That's not up for debate.
But I don't see why
you shouldn't
see Stephanie's parents.
They knew your
mother, after all.
-Thank you.
-I cannot believe this.
I just have one
important question.
-Anything.
-What was on the pizza?
Let's go, Rylee. I'm driving.
Pepperoni?
Sausage? Don't tell
me there was bacon.
Scott won't let me
within six feet of bacon!
Bye, Grandpa.
Bye, Tucker.
Here I am, eating
chicken with orange juice.
You sure you wanna do this?
Yeah. I'm sure.
Stephanie's parents
are literally
the only lead I have left.
Yes?
Hi, uh,
Gina Jefferies?
Yes.
You must be Charles.
Uh, hi. I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
You knew my mother,
Patti Lawrence?
Whatever this is about,
we're not interested.
Look, I understand
your hesitance.
However, I think I can
get Stephanie a new trial.
Why would you do
that? She confessed.
Look, I believe
that she's innocent
and if we can convince her
to withdraw her confession
and file an appeal--
That, that's ridiculous.
She wouldn't be stupid
enough to do that.
It's not a matter of
intelligence, Mrs. Jefferies,
but rather, a legal strategy.
I reviewed the case and I'm
convinced that new evidence
and legal arguments
can cast doubt
on the existing conviction.
Really?
Running around
with that wild boy.
She got what she
had coming to her.
Peter Bryson?
We sold our home, moved away
from everyone we ever knew,
because of the shame
she put us through.
We want nothing to
do with her ever.
Ever.
Now...
Please, just, just
leave us alone.
It's like they buried
their own flesh and blood
without second thought.
Where to now?
My sister.
She lives in Washington,
DC. Call her.
Don't tell Gina I gave you that.
Hi. Mrs. Jefferies?
Mrs. Jefferies?
I'm sorry to be calling so late.
I'm Rylee Kerrigan. I'm an
attorney at Stackhouse Law.
My brother said
you'd be calling.
I got the
impression from Charles
that he thought you
might be helpful.
Gina wasn't exactly forthcoming.
Not surprised.
But I'm not sure what I can do.
I haven't spoken to
Stephanie in years.
When she went away,
everything changed.
I can't imagine
what she went through.
What she still goes through.
The family
dynamics were troubled,
long before Stephanie's
legal issues.
It was such a shame.
She was such a delight
when she was living here.
She lived with you?
During her junior year.
Stephanie rebelled.
There was a party.
Booze.
A boy took advantage
of her, and...
And what?
She got pregnant.
Gina was furious. Kicked her
daughter out of the house.
I couldn't believe it.
Of course I took her in.
I even gave her a
job at my office.
That year
was a complicated time.
I only wanted to do
what was best for her.
I didn't mean for her
to lose her baby girl.
What do you mean, "lose"?
I'm sorry.
I've already said too much.
Wait, Miss...
Honey.
I didn't know you were
coming here this morning.
Why are you hiding things
about Stephanie from me?
Why not tell me the
actual truth for once?
What?
She had a baby?
Francine told me that's
where she went, junior year,
to live with her aunt.
A baby?
You knew, didn't you?
Does that have anything to
do with why she confessed?
Mom, she was your best friend.
Why are you so
against helping her?
Okay.
I'll tell you the truth.
You were right. What
you said before.
I did know Stephanie
better than anyone,
and she wasn't jealous
or angry or petty,
and she certainly wasn't
capable of murder.
So you always believed
she was innocent?
Yeah.
I knew she didn't kill
Linda over a raise.
Don't you get it?
If someone scared her
enough to confess,
who's to say that same
someone won't come after you?
And they already are, Rylee.
That's why you were so
against me looking into things.
I lost your father.
I won't lose you.
But don't you see?
I can't walk away now.
If Barbara framed Stephanie,
then that means the
killer's still out there.
I owe it to Stephanie and Linda.
Justice has been
waiting long enough.
But at what cost?
Honey.
Rylee, your
argument in there was solid.
So, how can
they charge Alan?
As the property owner,
he holds no culpability
for items found in a
tenant's rented space.
This legal proceeding lacks
the fundamental principle
of equity and fairness.
Well, we'll establish
reasonable doubt for the jury.
Jury will have it out for
me, just like the judge.
Alan, don't lose
heart so soon.
That goes for you, too.
Wait a second.
Alan, has anyone identified
the second person
in the pawn shop
surveillance footage?
You know it's
gotta be this kid
he's been bumming around with.
Some messed up kid.
He's actually around
your age, Miss Kerrigan.
Lewis?
Yeah.
Cody Lewis.
Shouldn't be hard
to find, either.
His mom just sent
him off to rehab.
Well, it's the
50th anniversary
of the founding of the
bank, and the guest of honor
will be the president of
the entire organization,
Mr. Cornelius Heatherington Jr.
Oh, the
name even sounds rich!
I'm
gonna get this off.
I don't wanna get it wrinkled.
Edith? Who's Edith?
Oh,
she's the sixth owner,
and she's got a
heavy date tonight.
Open up! It's
Detective O'Connor.
Detective.
-What's going on?
-Ms. Kerrigan.
Seems you didn't take my advice.
Sorry?
I need
you to come with us
to answer some questions.
Now?
Is this about the Trailblazer?
No.
This is about the murder
of Barbara Lewis Porter.
Ms. Kerrigan, I
have heard enough
about your historical case.
My concern lies with the
recent events involving a woman
you've been known to
have confrontations with,
who's now been found strangled
in her own residence.
But sir, I went
there to look into--
So many times,
her daughter claimed
you were forced to leave.
Only twice, Detective.
Nevertheless, the
situation escalated enough
for her daughter to
contact law enforcement.
I hope you're not implying
that I'm a suspect here.
We'll need
to collect a DNA sample
to eliminate you
from our inquiries.
I advise you not to
say another word, Rylee.
Remove those photos.
Show some respect!
What're you
doing here, Tucker?
I'm representing Ms. Kerrigan,
and if there are no formal
charges, we'll be leaving now.
Very well. You may go.
Keep your phone available
for further contact.
He said Barbara was strangled
in her bed around midnight,
which means--
Probably didn't kill Linda.
No. Probably not.
Rylee, I
think it's time to step away.
Are you serious? I can't.
Not now. It's finally all
starting to come together.
She's right.
Cody is clearly a criminal,
and someone must have
paid him to keep me quiet.
The $10,000 wire transfer.
Exactly.
Even if Barbara wasn't involved
in harming Linda physically,
it doesn't mean that
she wasn't involved
in the coverup somehow.
Are you thinking
that maybe Peter
wasn't lying to protect her,
but was being protected by her?
And someone
wanted to make sure
that she would never
tell the truth.
Perhaps the same someone
who's making sure
Stephanie doesn't, either.
Scott, we need to
trace that money.
Rylee, that's way too risky.
Please, Scott,
Stephanie needs our help,
and we've come too
far to give up now.
All right.
Get in the car.
Thank you.
I'll grab the files on the
computer and I'll be back.
I'm coming with you.
Grandpa, lock the car.
That's it. I'm
calling the police.
Call Detective O'Connor.
Everyone physically unharmed?
Yes.
Any items been disturbed
since the incident?
Just, just the doorknob.
Evidence of forced entry?
Any structural damage?
Was Barbara
Porter's house ransacked?
Yeah, it was.
Papers everywhere.
I don't know what
they wanted to find.
Nothing of value was taken.
Actually, my
laptop is missing.
Hm.
Looks like maybe you
stumbled on something
with that Linda Turpin
case, after all.
We're gonna need
your notes on that.
They're on the laptop?
Yeah, but uh, it's all in
the cloud. Thanks to Scott.
The firm has been
ransacked, too.
Everything's been searched.
Is that so?
Any other missing
items you can recall
without tampering
with the scene?
-A letter.
-A letter.
What kind of letter?
A, a death threat.
Warning me to back off
the Linda Turpin case.
Rylee.
You didn't
think to report this note?
I was waiting to
gather more context.
Context?
Such as Barbara
Porter's dead body.
The premises need processed.
You got somewhere
you can stay tonight?
She'll
be staying with me.
I'm gonna cancel my shift.
No, Mom, please. I don't
wanna put you in any danger.
She's right, Ms. Kerrigan.
She should stay with us.
I don't wanna disrupt--
It's not up for debate.
We'll go tomorrow and
get you some clothes
and whatever else you
need to be comfortable.
Thank you, for everything.
I, uh, didn't have much luck
tracing those wire transfers.
You need a warrant for most of
those financial institutions.
It's probably for
the best, anyway.
That doesn't sound like the
tenacious woman that I met
a couple weeks ago.
I think after Barbara, and
the firm getting destroyed,
I had a much needed
wake up call.
None of that happened
because of you.
Whoever did this is to blame.
We'll figure out what the
next best thing to do is.
But right now, let's
just keep you safe.
You know, I always dreamed
of working at a big fancy firm.
Working my way up to partner.
Becoming part of Cincinnati's
elite.
What changed?
After my dad passed,
a couple years ago,
my priority shifted.
My mom needed me.
Of course she hates that I gave
up that dream 'cause of her.
Well, I know my grandpa's
lucky to have found you.
Still.
I shouldn't be saying
this, but he's already having
fantasies about handing
the firm over to you.
Really?
You may not be
partner in Cincinnati,
but I think Kerrigan Law has
a pretty nice ring to it.
Speaking of rings...
It was one of the last
gifts my dad gave me.
Never take it off.
It's Francine.
Hello, Francine?
Uh, no. This is
Detective Newsham.
MPDC.
MPDC?
Metropolitan Police
District of Columbia.
What, what happened?
Francine's body was
found, just a few hours ago.
Strangled.
Who is this?
Rylee Kerrigan.
What's going on?
Is Francine okay?
Your number was the
last one dialed on her phone.
She never sent the call.
She had the opportunity
to dial 911,
and she was calling you.
And I need
to understand why.
Are you available
tomorrow afternoon?
Of course.
Great.
I'll be in touch.
Uh...
Francine's dead.
What have I done?
Rylee.
Rylee?
Hi, guys, needed to
meet O'Connor at the apartment
and didn't wanna wake you.
Be back soon. Rylee.
Everything okay?
O'Connor asked Rylee
to meet at her apartment.
-This early?
-Yeah.
She's not answering her phone.
How didn't I see it?
I only wanted to do
what was best for her.
I didn't mean for her
to lose her baby girl.
She's adopted.
No!
Come on.
Come here.
Rylee?
Rylee?
Where are you taking me?
You'll never get away with it!
Is that what you strangled
Barbara Porter with?
If you don't shut your mouth,
I'm gonna show you
exactly how it works.
Somebody help!
Come on, answer.
O'Connor.
Detective O'Connor.
Is Rylee with you?
No. Why would she be?
Rylee Kerrigan's
been abducted.
She left a note saying
she was meeting with you.
I never talked to Rylee.
You don't think that
the person that called her
posed as you, to abduct her?
Look, we have combed through
each of the crime scenes.
Francine's, Barbara's, Rylee's.
Turned up nothing substantial.
No leads, no witnesses.
You're saying you
have three crime scenes
and not a single clue?
How about tracing that call
for the person that
claimed to be you?
These things take time.
Time is what we don't have.
How about Stephanie?
Has anyone spoken to her?
Stephanie Jefferies
has been isolated
since the night of the murder.
No calls, no visitors.
She is a dead end.
She knows a lot
more than she's leading on.
Look, Scott, I
understand your concern,
but trust me, we've got this.
Let's go, Scott.
No.
I don't think so.
I want double the
cash, tonight. Okay?
No more wires.
I don't care.
This happens where and
when I say it does,
or this thing's
gonna go sideways.
You know, just so we're
clear? I'm not asking.
I'll call you with
further instructions.
This way.
We appreciate this, Carol.
We know visiting hours are over.
Anything for you, Tucker.
My name is Tucker. This
is my grandson Scott.
We're from Stackhouse Law.
A short while ago, you had
a visit from Rylee Kerrigan.
She's been abducted.
Is she, um...
We don't know.
Two people are already dead.
Dead?
Barbara and your
aunt Francine.
No.
And Rylee will be next,
if we don't find her.
So, if you know somethin',
now's the time to talk.
You're real lucky
you're not already dead.
You're more valuable
to me alive.
Sit tight, counselor.
Show's just getting started.
Stephanie, please.
My mother was furious.
She told me I
disgraced the family.
She forbade me to tell
anyone and she kicked me out.
My aunt was there for me.
She took me in until
the baby was born.
She knew powerful people in DC.
A couple struggling
with infertility.
The woman faked a pregnancy.
Timed it right along with mine.
They were rich.
My baby would never
want for anything.
So, your baby was adopted?
Yeah.
I came back to Ohio.
Empty.
Shamed.
I took a job at that store.
Linda was my friend.
I would never hurt her.
Never.
Then why did you confess?
A guard brought me a letter.
It said, "Stop this trial.
Plead guilty,
or your daughter
will end up dead."
How many people know
who adopted your baby?
Only Francine.
And you.
Yes.
And me.
I never contacted them.
Stephanie, please.
Who adopted your baby?
Oh, Rylee.
Look at all the
trouble you've caused.
You monster!
I've always admired
your willingness
to do whatever it takes
to get what you want.
Nobody's willing to
go farther than me.
Thanks, Carol.
Okay. Thanks.
Shoot.
Apparently, Wright left DC
this afternoon in a private jet
and the company won't
disclose the location.
Now what?
What're you doin'?
Finding Rylee.
Okay, Lynn.
Where's my money?
I wouldn't do
that, if I were you.
But then again,
you seem to have developed
a mind of your own today.
Tell me, what was so
difficult about executing her,
dumping her body in some
precarious crime-ridden
neighbourhood and collecting
your wire transfer?
Double. Now.
That's what.
You...
You wired the money to Barbara.
Now, see, Rylee, I
knew that, eventually,
you would piece the
puzzle together.
So, I had to act.
Why do all that to your
biological daughter's mother?
Because I couldn't risk
tarnishing her impeccable image
as the daughter of some
high school dropout tramp.
So, when my sources
confirmed that Stephanie
had indeed identified
myself and my husband
as the loving parents
who embraced her
fatherless daughter,
I had no alternative.
Lynn's jet landed in
Cincinnati an hour ago.
Well, let's
head for the airport.
Wait.
Yes. I breached Lynn
Wright's cell account.
What? How?
By exploiting XQL
vulnerabilities,
I bypassed security to retrieve
Lynn's chauffeur's contact.
Well, let's call him.
Ask him where they took her.
Way ahead of you, Grandpa.
You framed her for murder!
Yeah. Well, that
wasn't the original plan.
Still struggling to
connect the dots.
You know, I...
I overestimated your intellect.
To kill Stephanie?
Bravo.
You see, Linda wasn't
supposed to work that night.
Stephanie was, but
Stephanie called in sick.
So, Linda took her shift.
And when Peter and Barbara went
in to carry out the plan...
They killed the wrong girl.
Yes.
And I knew that if
the trial persisted,
one of those imbeciles
would falter.
So, I took the necessary steps
and I convinced
Stephanie to admit guilt.
I mean, if I couldn't
eliminate her physically,
ensuring a lifetime behind bars
was the next pragmatic choice.
Wouldn't you agree?
You're disgusting!
You know...
I think, deep down,
you know that's not true.
Look at all the positive
impact I've had.
This was simply a
regrettable,
yet essential action.
My hands were tied.
I think you can relate.
Enough, you three
wanna sit here,
cause all this
attention, go ahead,
I'm getting outta
the country, Lynn,
and I want my cash now.
Or you can kill her yourself.
Got it.
I'm able to see GPS for the
limo that picked up Lynn.
Go, Scotty.
Of course.
O'Connor.
We know where Rylee is.
Yeah, maybe I'll
kill her right here.
Yeah.
Yeah. Step right up, kids!
Okay, enough!
Give me the money.
There.
Now, back to the original plan.
And make it quick.
Yes, ma'am.
You know, you would've
made a good lawyer, Rylee.
Too good, in fact.
Too bad it was all for nought.
Execute the plan.
All right. Thanks, Lynn.
Pleasure doing business.
All right, kid. Let's go.
I appreciate the participation,
but time's up. Get up.
Hey, I said up.
No, no, no, no.
Sorry.
Let's go.
Let's go!
My ankle!
Get up.
Get up!
Stop!
Stop.
How many times...
Wait a minute.
Fuck.
Stay, stay.
Stop!
-Get your hands up!
-Get your hands up!
Turn around
and put your hands up!
Okay!
Hands up!
Get your hands up.
It's all right.
Attention in the
courtroom, Patti.
Rylee delivered a compelling
argument during Lynn's trial.
She was sensational.
I have to admit,
it felt pretty great
to win my first case.
Mark my words, Stephanie
won't just secure an appeal.
Her conviction will be quashed
with immediate release.
I did read this morning
that Congresswoman Gallagher
vowed to help Stephanie every
step of the way, so thank you.
I knew she was the
real deal, all along.
Speaking of real deals, when
are you gonna ask him out?
Ask who out?
Um...
Actually, Scott and I have
been seeing each other
for a couple weeks now.
Oh.
And if it goes like I think
it will, we won't even have
to change the name of the
firm, when Rylee takes it over.
Okay!
Hey, you didn't put orange
juice on those, did you?
Come on, Rylee.
I have an idea.
And what's, what's
with the orange juice?
He puts orange juice on
everything. Meat, chicken.
Well,
it's good vitamin C.
Yeah, but not on meat.
-Bacon, orange juice?
-Oh, no.
-That doesn't sound great.
-That's pretty rude, yeah.
But he is trying
to take care of you.
He certainly is.
And he's
succeeding, I think.
You are
tuned into Cherry Hill's
"Heartbreak After Dark".
I hope you're staying
dry out there.
Next up, here's a
little something
to keep you company
through the storm.
Finally, a customer.
Anything?
I got her!
We've got a message for ya.
Here we go.
Oh, no. I'm so...
-I'm so sorry.
-It's okay.
-That was my fault.
-It's okay, really.
I wasn't paying attention.
Let me get that for you.
-Thank you.
-Yeah.
You could've really gotten hurt.
Don't sue me.
Uh, are, are you a client?
No. Are you?
Uh, I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
Attorney at law.
I work here.
That's right.
Today's the big day.
It's nice to meet
you, Miss Kerrigan.
Nice to meet you.
Scotty?
Forget somethin'?
-Uh, Mr. Stackhouse.
-Rylee!
Welcome!
Hey.
-Hey.
-It's nice to meet you.
Oh, good. Okay.
I thought you were Scott.
-Scott?
-My grandson.
He just left. Surprised you
didn't run into each other.
Actually, we did.
Oh, well,
he's around a lot.
He's upgrading our
computer, since...
Well, really, he's
installing one.
It's not really necessary, but,
you know, yellow pad and pencil
suits me, but he insists.
Plays on those
things, day and night.
So, uh, how's the
apartment? Get all moved in?
Yeah. Thank you
for that referral.
Of course.
You've been around as long
as I have, you learn that
building and maintaining
relationships
is what life's all about.
Well, follow me.
Well, here we are.
This is mine?
Yeah. I apologize
for the mess.
Just didn't really get around
to getting the whole
place tidied up.
Truthfully, everything on
the desk can just be tossed.
It's a bunch of old case files
I collected through the years.
Verdicts that left me
scratching my head.
None are mine, of course.
Handled by other firms.
If this is too much, I
can ask Scott to help you.
Oh, no. No, really.
I'm sure he's just
monkeying with his gadget.
I'm happy to do it, really.
Wonderful.
-Uh, Mr. Stackhouse.
-Tucker.
You remember when we
interviewed and I told you
I don't want anybody calling
me "Mister" except a judge?
Uh, well, I just
wanna thank you again
for the opportunity.
I am looking forward
to working for you.
With me.
I just never really
liked the idea
of anybody working for me.
Welcome aboard.
Thank you.
I really hope that
new lawyer lives up
to your expectations, Grandpa.
Me too. She was burning
the midnight oil when left.
Wish that was the
only thing burnin'.
You know you have a digital
subscription to that paper?
Remember?
The tablet?
Yeah, but then I have
to do all that swoopin'.
Swiping.
Ignore the appearance.
Did you cook this
with orange juice?
And
sugar-free marmalade.
"Sugar-free".
You grandmother never
cooked anything sugar-free.
Well, sugar raises
your blood pressure,
and you know what
the doctor said.
Oh, doctor. Blah, blah, blah.
I know. Whatever, yeah.
Dessert's ready.
Mom, this photo of you and
your friend in the yearbook?
"Patti Lawrence and
Stephanie Jefferies,
the most inseparable pair"?
Yes?
After Dad died and we went
through all the yearbooks
and photo albums, you told me
how close you were with her.
That's right.
She was my best friend.
I'm assuming that was before
she was a convicted murderer?
How did you find
out about that?
From an old case
file in the office.
Tucker saved it.
And why would he have it?
He wasn't even her
defense attorney.
No.
He wasn't.
But apparently, something about
the case seemed off to him.
So that's what he
has you working on?
No. Not exactly.
I found the file when we
were reorganizing the office.
Because if you were at one
of those firms in Cincinnati,
they wouldn't have you
looking through a case
that's concluded
like 30 years ago!
Mom, I'm a lawyer, okay?
That doesn't change
if I'm in Cincinnati,
or if I'm in Cherry Hill.
I can manage.
Okay?
I managed when you
were in school.
Well, I'm not in
school anymore, so...
How about that dessert?
Sounds great, Mom.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's okay. You just
startled me.
I gotta stop doing that.
Uh, what are you doing?
Oh, I'm working
on the new upgrade.
It's gonna be all
wireless. A massive cloud.
You'll never fill it
in a million years.
Uh, if it's wireless, why
are you drilling in my office?
Oh, these old
buildings are weird.
Half these walls are concrete.
Half of 'em are just
drywall and studs.
I found that this room,
this corner, actually,
is the best place for
a wireless router.
I'm sorry. Are
you Miss Kerrigan?
That's me. Hi, Alan.
Please have a seat.
I'm, I'm sorry. There
was just nobody outside.
Oh, that's okay.
Yep. I'll just, uh...
From what I can see,
everything in your file
is exactly as you described.
The charges
are bogus, am I right?
Well, from what I understand,
your brother-in-law,
Teddy, brought stolen
goods from a pawn shop
into your basement.
That's right.
And he lives in your
basement? Pays you rent?
When the bum has
the cash. Sure.
Alan, is there a separate
entrance to your basement?
One that you and your wife
don't use? Only Teddy?
Yeah. Sure.
I think I can get
these charges dropped.
You do?
If Teddy is a paying tenant,
what he brings into his
space is his business.
I don't think you can
be held accountable
and I think a judge would agree.
Oh, my goodness. That...
That is such good
news.
Thank you.
Rylee. How'd it go?
-I think it went really well.
-Oh, good.
Oh, please come in.
Is the court date set?
For next week, Mr. Stack--
I mean Tucker.
Let me know if I can
be of any help, okay?
Actually, what do
you know about a murder
in Milford Heights, 1996?
I see you didn't just
organize my files, did you?
Okay, well, let's see. Um...
Linda Turpin, teenage girl,
gunned down in cold blood
by a jealous coworker.
Harder ones to
forget around here.
In Milford Heights?
Seems like it would
be a very big deal.
Ah, it was.
But it's just one that people
don't talk much about anymore.
You know, more like a stain
on a otherwise friendly
and well-meaning community.
Allegedly, Stephanie Jefferies
maintained her innocence,
until abruptly changing course,
two days into the trial,
when she does a 180 and
decides to plead guilty.
She take a plea deal?
Plea to take life in prison?
Not much of a deal.
What's on your mind, Rylee?
Would you mind if
I looked into things?
I promise I won't let it
interfere with
any of my clients.
That was Frank Hornsby's
case. Good attorney.
Perhaps you can
reach out to him.
Good morning, and
indeed, it is a good morning,
because today, with
the invaluable guidance
and unwavering support from my
esteemed mother, Lynn Wright,
who, as the dedicated
spouse to my father,
Congressman Timothy Wright...
I hate to bother you
again, but I...
There they are.
I am honored to
announce the establishment
of a new task force
committed to the prevention
and reversal of
wrongful convictions.
Mom?
Thank you.
As my daughter so
eloquently stated,
innocent individuals
languish in prison
for crimes they did not commit.
Our newly-formed Lynn
Wright Innocence Committee
will meticulously
examine qualifying cases,
striving to rectify
wrongful convictions
and restore freedom to
those unjustly imprisoned.
Thank you.
You think she's
sincere about that?
Lynn has been a
crusader for justice,
long before her daughter's
political career began.
Her influence has been profound,
reshaping our legal landscape.
Doesn't mean
she's being honest.
Ladies and gentlemen,
my daughter and I are
excited to announce
a special event at
Stricker's Grove,
just under two weeks away,
where families fighting
wrongful convictions
will have the park
to themselves.
Their combined efforts
have positively impacted
countless lives.
I wish I could change
lives like that.
Even just one life.
Hi, Stephanie. I'm Rylee,
Patti Lawrence's daughter.
What do you want? 'Cause
I know she didn't send you.
I'm an attorney. I work for
Stackhouse Law in Cherry Hill.
An attorney?
I've been reviewing your
case and your confession
came as such a surprise
to everyone involved.
Who sent you here?
No one.
Look, a lot has changed in
the decades since this murder.
Cases get reopened,
re-looked at.
Especially if you're innocent.
May I please have permission
to look into your case?
I can't promise anything,
but if you didn't do this,
if you didn't murder Linda,
then please let me
see what I can find.
Congresswoman Elizabeth
Wright Gallagher.
She's backing a program,
reopening cases.
Your case could be one of them.
Your story deserves to be heard.
You have your mother's eyes.
Stephanie, please!
Okay.
What are you doing?
Gold Chevy
Trailblazer, you said.
And you believe there's
damage to the passenger side?
Yeah, after he rammed
his car into mine.
You keep mentioning "he",
but you can't confirm
the assailant's gender?
Well, no. Not exactly.
Ski mask?
Well, unfortunately,
Ms. Kerrigan,
without a license plate number
or corroborating witnesses,
these road rage incidents are
notoriously hard to prosecute.
If it was road rage.
What are you guys doing here?
-Your mom called us.
-We were worried about you.
Tucker. You, uh,
acquainted with Ms. Kerrigan?
We work together.
If it wasn't road
rage, what was it?
I'm sorry. Mister?
-Scott Stackhouse, Detective.
-My grandson.
Did you two know
that Rylee paid a visit
to the women's prison today?
What?
Can we just all agree
that she doesn't need
to look into this old case?
What case?
And that she should
be in the hospital?
Mom, Tucker and my
instincts were right, okay?
Stephanie all but
said she didn't do it.
-Really?
-Didn't do what?
Commit murder.
I see.
Here's my card.
Contact me if anything
else comes up.
Thank you, Detective.
Piece of advice.
Listen to your mother.
They usually have our
best interest in mind.
Luck might not be on
your side, next time.
I'll show myself out.
Please just relax, just
for one night. Please.
But I, I have to go
see Frank in the morning.
I can assist you with that.
Did you not hear
the detective?
Patti's right, Grandpa.
Scott can loan you his car.
Are you sure?
He has nowhere pressing to
be. Isn't that right, Scott?
It's a stunning
property you have here.
Thank you.
I take solace in the
quiet and natural beauty.
A life beyond legal documents.
This is everything I
could gather in a rush.
A couple days into trial,
everything came to a halt.
I combed through everything
last night after our phone call.
Situation's perplexing,
to say the least.
I, I really appreciate this.
You know, Stephanie was
adamant about her innocence.
She reiterated numerous times
that she was not
involved in the murder.
She claims she was home,
dealing with a migraine.
Meds knocked her out.
Allegedly, she slept
through the night.
Do you have confirmation
of the prescription?
All documented, straight
from the physician's mouth.
Interesting.
More so when you realize
the store manager confirmed
that Linda wasn't
up for a raise.
A raise?
Peter Andrew Bryson, the
man who's gun shot Linda,
he admits to being there, but,
says that Stephanie's the
one that pulled the trigger.
He claims that Stephanie
was envious of the raise
Linda was supposedly gonna get.
It's all laid out in there,
along with the list of witnesses
the prosecution was banking on.
Barbara Lewis was their star.
What was her testimony?
She never had the
chance to testify.
There were plenty of
avenues I could've explored
to cast significant doubt.
I could've easily
dismantled Bryson's claims.
And what happened
to Bryson afterward?
Serial offender.
News just came in
he was involved in
another armed robbery.
Except this time,
there was a casualty.
Really?
If you like, I can make
a call. Get you inside.
That would be great.
Maybe he knows something
about Barbara Lewis.
It's the least I can do.
I fought Stephanie,
tooth and nail.
The girl just wouldn't budge.
My biggest regret as a lawyer?
I couldn't make her see reason.
Why do you think that is?
My hunch?
Someone threatened her.
Was she in
contact with anyone?
Any visits in jail?
Not a soul.
Not even a phone call.
You're digging into
something crucial, Rylee.
I, I'm
looking into things.
I'm not really digging.
Maybe you should.
I really appreciate you
seeing me on such short notice.
Miss Kerrigan.
Please be careful.
Someone wants this
case buried forever.
You got a visitor.
Well, well. Ain't
you a sight for sore eyes?
Third time's a charm. Man.
Boy, if I'd known you'd
have been representing me,
I would've committed my third
armed robbery, years ago.
Wow.
I heard you shot
someone this time, Peter.
Yeah. Just a little mishap.
Occupational hazard, you know?
For you, or the
person you gunned down?
Truth is, Mr. Bryson,
I'm not here to talk about
your current charges.
I'm interested in learning more
about events from years ago.
What's your relationship
with Barbara Lewis?
Hey, that's ancient
history, babe.
It's Rylee Kerrigan.
And Barbara Lewis
was a key witness
in the Linda Turpin case.
Prosecution intended on using
her statement to support your
claims of having a relationship
with Stephanie Jefferies.
Yeah, because I did.
You also stated
that you and Stephanie
had been at your apartment
all day, drinking.
Yeah. All day long.
Hm.
Well, there was no alcohol
or empty containers
found in Stephanie's place.
Who sent you here?
Ballistics also confirmed that
your weapon was used in
Linda Turpin's murder.
Yeah. Stephanie.
A pistol, she was.
You know, it was
in my belt. She swiped it.
Shot that Linda
girl dead. It's...
Come on.
-Certain about that?
-I think I would know.
Her prints weren't
found on the weapon.
The whole story
is documented, lady.
Why don't you go
ahead and read it?
I did.
Why did you frame
Stephanie for this murder?
Why? I'll tell you why.
You keep digging, you'll
find yourself six feet under,
then you can go ahead
and ask Linda yourself!
You thirsty?
I think Peter Bryson
killed Linda Turpin
and framed Stephanie for it.
I know that you knew her
better than anyone back then.
Did she have any enemies?
Hm.
Delicious.
Was there anyone
she was afraid of?
No. No, it needs some salt.
Honey, can you pass
me salt, please?
Mom, did you hear
anything I just said?
Stephanie confessed to murder
and it doesn't make any sense.
Exactly.
So, maybe that's a sign
for you to let it go
and focus on the present.
Now, come on. Eat.
Your food's getting cold.
Come on!
Mm-hm.
Stephanie told Frank
she didn't recognize
the name Barbara Lewis.
I see.
Closed case this dated?
Unless there's a formal
appeal and it gets approved,
they'll never subpoena this.
I'm trying to find her,
but I'm coming up empty.
Find who?
Look out, folks.
Mr. Computer Wizard has entered
the building.
Rylee needs a hand.
I don't wanna take
up any of your time.
Oh, you're not. I, um...
I was just bringing
Grandpa lunch.
It's a vegan lasagna.
There's plenty out there.
-You cook?
-I'm learnin'.
I just have so much time on
my hands, I figured I'd, uh,
give it a whirl.
-Must be nice.
-What's that?
Having all that free time.
So, who are you
trying to find?
Barbara Lewis.
She's the top witness
the prosecution listed
on the Linda Turpin case.
Last night, I found 40 women
with the same name in the
greater Cincinnati region.
I'm just not sure we
should be doing this.
You heard the
detective and your mom.
I know, Scott. I do.
But Barbara, she's the
only lead we've got, okay?
And if there's a chance she
knows something crucial,
I can't just ignore it.
I have to see this through.
Even if I have to do it alone.
Did you check their ages?
No.
Then we can rule out
anybody who wasn't born yet.
Anyone who was too young
to testify in 1996?
That'll shorten the list.
I can run a residency search.
I'm sure some of 'em didn't
live in the area, at the time.
You can do that?
Hello?
Collect call
from Ohio State Prison.
Do you accept the charges?
Yes.
Hello?
Stephanie. I'm, I'm
so glad you called.
Just stop!
-What?
Back off the case.
Why? Did something happen?
Do not contact me again!
Excuse me?
Yeah?
I'm looking for
Barbara Porter?
Used to go by Barbara Lewis?
Mom!
Who are you?
I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
I'm an attorney. I'd like
to ask you some questions.
What'd that numbskull do now?
Actually, I'm
looking into a murder
that happened almost
three decades ago.
The victim's name
was Linda Turpin.
I don't remember
anything about that.
You were listed as a
witness for the prosecution.
You were going to testify.
Yeah. Just that I saw
that woman, the killer.
Stephanie Jefferies?
Right.
Her and Pete were in the
liquor store that day.
Buying vodka.
You were 18 at
the time, correct?
Yeah, I think so.
So, why were you
at the liquor store,
when the drinking age is 21?
We're done here.
Hey!
I missed work yesterday
because of you.
Yeah? Yeah, so sue me, Mom.
What part of "We're done
here" did you not understand?
Stupid.
Get inside.
Got it.
Car's registered to
him. Cody Andrew Lewis.
Mother's maiden name.
Seems like she never
married his father.
-Did you just say Andrew?
-Yeah.
Cody Andrew Lewis.
Peter Bryson's
middle name is Andrew.
Are you thinking that Cody
is Peter and Barbara's son?
It's a possibility.
The fact that the case hinges
on the supposed relationship
between Bryson and Stephanie
is already suspicious.
But if Cody is their child,
it adds a new layer to this.
If he's Bryson's son.
She called him Pete.
Everyone I've spoken to
has called him Peter,
but she called him Pete.
She must know him. Cody
has to be their son.
Slow down a minute.
Maybe we start by
telling the police
that you found the
car that hit you.
Yeah, of course we will.
But look, given the
legal constraints
around accessing
DNA on a closed case
without Stephanie
asking for an appeal,
only one thing left to do.
And what's that?
Go to Barbara's
and ask her directly.
No way. That's way too risky.
Right.
It's my car.
I ran into Scott at
the grocery store today.
So, I invited him and Tucker
over for barbecue next weekend.
That was nice of you.
Yeah.
You know, he really
is quite charming.
And handsome, too.
Really? Haven't noticed.
Yeah?
Haven't you two been working
closely together lately?
Yeah, actually.
He, uh, helped me find
Stephanie's parents.
Please tell me we're not
gonna disrupt those poor people,
because they have already
been through so much.
What? How so?
Including the obvious,
when they left town, right
after the sentencing,
they cut themselves off
from everyone they know.
Uh, okay? Is there anything
else you haven't told me?
I think you're getting
in way over your head.
Mom, you sound
like everyone else
I've talked to about this.
Everyone that's suspected
of wrongdoing, that is.
Wow. And what,
what's that supposed to mean?
I'm sorry.
For what?
For not understanding
what's at stake here?
I'm sorry. I'm gonna go.
I have to get to work
early in the morning, so...
Mom, wait.
I, I can get those.
He is helpful.
Who?
Scott.
I don't like that he's
living in a spare bedroom,
not working, and apparently
just plays games all day.
He also made Tucker buy all this
fancy new computer
equipment for the firm.
Well, you are in Cherry Hill.
If you wanted to find a
guy with a fancy career,
you should've taken that
job in in Cincinnati.
You're right. I've
made my decision.
You're so much
like your father.
That makes me proud.
Proud enough to trust
my decisions?
Do I really have a choice?
Thank you.
You just gotta be careful.
I love you.
Love you.
Mom, the lawyer lady's back!
And she brought a friend.
Stay inside, Madison.
What do you want now?
We didn't finish our
conversation about Linda Turpin.
Yes, we did.
Does the DA
know you were pregnant
with Peter Bryson's son?
Get off my property!
How does being charged
with vehicular assault sound?
Leaving the scene
of an accident?
You don't understand
what you're messing with,
but I can assure you
that you can't handle it!
Come on, Rylee.
At least one of
you has a brain!
Who's that?
Where have you been?
You are just like your father.
Are you
okay? Are you hurt?
Why are you still
here? Get away from me!
It's an emergency!
Some crazy lady and her
boyfriend are attacking my mom!
No, we weren't!
We're trying to help.
-67 Mockingbird!
-Let's go, Rylee.
I'm gonna file a
restraining order against you!
You hear me?
Let's go!
You hear me?
What are you doing?
You could've been caught.
But I didn't.
Look what I found.
A receipt for a wire transfer.
To Barbara?
Yeah. For $10,000.
She was a very special lady.
I mean, she had to be. She put
up with Grandpa for 60 years.
Don't give me that.
I see how much you love him.
Yeah, I do. I admit it.
It was really hard
on him when she died.
They were soulmates. I
mean really soulmates.
I wasn't sure how long he'd
be around after she was gone.
Is that why you
moved in with him?
A couple months after
Grandma died, he had a stroke.
We all thought we
were gonna lose him.
I tried to convince him to
retire and move to Texas,
but he wouldn't hear any of it.
I think the firm's the only
thing keeping him going.
You deserve a lot
of credit for that.
Ah.
Just don't know how many more
years I have left with him.
So, here I am.
That must have been
really difficult,
leaving everything
behind like that.
No.
Not even a job?
Nope.
Well, uh, you weren't
working there either, then?
You think I'm soaking
the old man, don't you?
I mean--
You think I'm
a freeloading mooch.
I didn't say that.
You thought it.
I work for Cipher
Guard Solutions.
-The security firm?
-Yeah.
One of the most in demand
security firms in the country.
I figure I work remote, so,
why not work from
Grandpa's spare bedroom?
Wow. I am so embarrassed.
I couldn't put my finger
on it, but I knew you were
silently judging
me for something.
Well, I blame Tucker.
He's the one who told
me you spent all day
playing on your computer.
Well, yeah.
Anytime spent on the computer
to a Grandpa is "playing".
Uh, so I'm assuming that
you are the one who bought
all of the computers and
equipment for the firm, then?
Here I am, thinking
you're one thing
and turns out you're
completely the opposite.
And what's that?
Special delivery for Scott
and his very special friend.
Roger, you promised the
pizza, not the commentary.
What can I say? I'm a
full service provider.
-Enjoy, you two.
-Thank you.
Really know everyone
around here, don't you?
Only the ones that matter.
Roger's been trying
to marry me off,
ever since I moved back here.
Just doing my part
for the community.
Thank you, Roger.
-Wow.
-Wait till you try it.
Thank you.
All right. Let's test this out.
Well?
Mm.
Oh, yeah.
Best pizza in the world.
See? I told ya.
Maybe you shouldn't
form an opinion,
until you have all the facts.
Oh, yeah?
I think I learned that lesson
a couple times tonight.
Yeah. I think so.
We still have to
visit the Jefferies tomorrow.
Well, I
gotta hand it to you.
You are one tenacious woman.
Good evening,
Scott. How are you?
Hey. It's good
to see you, Mayor.
-Hey, how's Tucker doing?
-He's doing great.
In fact, he just hired
his first counselor.
-This is Rylee Kerrigan.
-Ma'am, nice to meet you.
-Hi, nice to meet you.
-Good to see you, Mayor.
Well, excuse me.
Business calls.
-Nice to meet you too.
-Have a great evening.
Earlier today,
Congresswoman Elizabeth
Wright Gallagher
and her mother, Lynn Wright...
Oh, it looks like some more
publicity for the Dynamic Duo.
They're practically residents
at Stricker's Grove.
Yeah, well, for good reason.
Which aims
to prevent and reverse
wrongful convictions.
You okay?
Uh, yeah.
Just something about the
congresswoman looks different.
Stay tuned for more.
Looks the same to me.
Yeah. It's probably nothing.
Ready to go?
Yeah.
From my
esteemed mother, Lynn Wright,
who, as the dedicated
spouse to my father,
Congressman Timothy Wright,
I am honored to announce
the establishment
of a new task force
committed to the prevention
and reversal of
wrongful convictions.
Innocent individuals
languish in prison.
Someone put this
in your mailbox?
-It was Barbara.
-Rylee.
It was.
How would they
know where you live?
They knew where I
was already, okay?
They ran me off the road.
They probably went there,
when we stopped for pizza.
You guys went out for pizza?
I know what you're thinking
and we can't confront her.
First of all, she might've
filed a restraining order,
and second, this says
"Back off the Turpin case,
or you'll end up dead, too."
She was just
trying to scare me.
Why wasn't I
invited for pizza?
What if
Barbara killed Linda?
Well, that's all the
reason not to go back.
You think Barbara killed
Linda? Let's hear your math.
Barbara gets pregnant with
Peter's baby. She loves him.
Then Peter starts
seeing Stephanie,
as described in the case notes.
Go on.
Barbara gets jealous,
kills Linda with Peter's gun,
while framing Stephanie
for the crime.
Why does Peter back her story?
Deep down, he loves
her. She's having his baby.
He's even flattered
by the gesture.
The gesture of murder?
Of course.
He places himself at the crime
scene, while taking a lesser
charge for testifying
against Stephanie.
Does all much add up.
Yeah, except why
did Stephanie confess?
That is the million
dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah. One we're
never gonna answer.
This is a death threat, Rylee.
Grandpa, tell her she
can't go back to Barbara's.
Okay. Rylee, you can't
go back to Barbara's.
That's not up for debate.
We should be
calling the police.
Fine. Just let me talk to
Stephanie's parents first.
No, no, no, no, no. I don't
think that's a good idea.
Tucker!
Grandpa!
Oh, don't look at
me like that. Um...
Okay.
You can't go back to Barbara.
That's not up for debate.
But I don't see why
you shouldn't
see Stephanie's parents.
They knew your
mother, after all.
-Thank you.
-I cannot believe this.
I just have one
important question.
-Anything.
-What was on the pizza?
Let's go, Rylee. I'm driving.
Pepperoni?
Sausage? Don't tell
me there was bacon.
Scott won't let me
within six feet of bacon!
Bye, Grandpa.
Bye, Tucker.
Here I am, eating
chicken with orange juice.
You sure you wanna do this?
Yeah. I'm sure.
Stephanie's parents
are literally
the only lead I have left.
Yes?
Hi, uh,
Gina Jefferies?
Yes.
You must be Charles.
Uh, hi. I'm Rylee Kerrigan.
You knew my mother,
Patti Lawrence?
Whatever this is about,
we're not interested.
Look, I understand
your hesitance.
However, I think I can
get Stephanie a new trial.
Why would you do
that? She confessed.
Look, I believe
that she's innocent
and if we can convince her
to withdraw her confession
and file an appeal--
That, that's ridiculous.
She wouldn't be stupid
enough to do that.
It's not a matter of
intelligence, Mrs. Jefferies,
but rather, a legal strategy.
I reviewed the case and I'm
convinced that new evidence
and legal arguments
can cast doubt
on the existing conviction.
Really?
Running around
with that wild boy.
She got what she
had coming to her.
Peter Bryson?
We sold our home, moved away
from everyone we ever knew,
because of the shame
she put us through.
We want nothing to
do with her ever.
Ever.
Now...
Please, just, just
leave us alone.
It's like they buried
their own flesh and blood
without second thought.
Where to now?
My sister.
She lives in Washington,
DC. Call her.
Don't tell Gina I gave you that.
Hi. Mrs. Jefferies?
Mrs. Jefferies?
I'm sorry to be calling so late.
I'm Rylee Kerrigan. I'm an
attorney at Stackhouse Law.
My brother said
you'd be calling.
I got the
impression from Charles
that he thought you
might be helpful.
Gina wasn't exactly forthcoming.
Not surprised.
But I'm not sure what I can do.
I haven't spoken to
Stephanie in years.
When she went away,
everything changed.
I can't imagine
what she went through.
What she still goes through.
The family
dynamics were troubled,
long before Stephanie's
legal issues.
It was such a shame.
She was such a delight
when she was living here.
She lived with you?
During her junior year.
Stephanie rebelled.
There was a party.
Booze.
A boy took advantage
of her, and...
And what?
She got pregnant.
Gina was furious. Kicked her
daughter out of the house.
I couldn't believe it.
Of course I took her in.
I even gave her a
job at my office.
That year
was a complicated time.
I only wanted to do
what was best for her.
I didn't mean for her
to lose her baby girl.
What do you mean, "lose"?
I'm sorry.
I've already said too much.
Wait, Miss...
Honey.
I didn't know you were
coming here this morning.
Why are you hiding things
about Stephanie from me?
Why not tell me the
actual truth for once?
What?
She had a baby?
Francine told me that's
where she went, junior year,
to live with her aunt.
A baby?
You knew, didn't you?
Does that have anything to
do with why she confessed?
Mom, she was your best friend.
Why are you so
against helping her?
Okay.
I'll tell you the truth.
You were right. What
you said before.
I did know Stephanie
better than anyone,
and she wasn't jealous
or angry or petty,
and she certainly wasn't
capable of murder.
So you always believed
she was innocent?
Yeah.
I knew she didn't kill
Linda over a raise.
Don't you get it?
If someone scared her
enough to confess,
who's to say that same
someone won't come after you?
And they already are, Rylee.
That's why you were so
against me looking into things.
I lost your father.
I won't lose you.
But don't you see?
I can't walk away now.
If Barbara framed Stephanie,
then that means the
killer's still out there.
I owe it to Stephanie and Linda.
Justice has been
waiting long enough.
But at what cost?
Honey.
Rylee, your
argument in there was solid.
So, how can
they charge Alan?
As the property owner,
he holds no culpability
for items found in a
tenant's rented space.
This legal proceeding lacks
the fundamental principle
of equity and fairness.
Well, we'll establish
reasonable doubt for the jury.
Jury will have it out for
me, just like the judge.
Alan, don't lose
heart so soon.
That goes for you, too.
Wait a second.
Alan, has anyone identified
the second person
in the pawn shop
surveillance footage?
You know it's
gotta be this kid
he's been bumming around with.
Some messed up kid.
He's actually around
your age, Miss Kerrigan.
Lewis?
Yeah.
Cody Lewis.
Shouldn't be hard
to find, either.
His mom just sent
him off to rehab.
Well, it's the
50th anniversary
of the founding of the
bank, and the guest of honor
will be the president of
the entire organization,
Mr. Cornelius Heatherington Jr.
Oh, the
name even sounds rich!
I'm
gonna get this off.
I don't wanna get it wrinkled.
Edith? Who's Edith?
Oh,
she's the sixth owner,
and she's got a
heavy date tonight.
Open up! It's
Detective O'Connor.
Detective.
-What's going on?
-Ms. Kerrigan.
Seems you didn't take my advice.
Sorry?
I need
you to come with us
to answer some questions.
Now?
Is this about the Trailblazer?
No.
This is about the murder
of Barbara Lewis Porter.
Ms. Kerrigan, I
have heard enough
about your historical case.
My concern lies with the
recent events involving a woman
you've been known to
have confrontations with,
who's now been found strangled
in her own residence.
But sir, I went
there to look into--
So many times,
her daughter claimed
you were forced to leave.
Only twice, Detective.
Nevertheless, the
situation escalated enough
for her daughter to
contact law enforcement.
I hope you're not implying
that I'm a suspect here.
We'll need
to collect a DNA sample
to eliminate you
from our inquiries.
I advise you not to
say another word, Rylee.
Remove those photos.
Show some respect!
What're you
doing here, Tucker?
I'm representing Ms. Kerrigan,
and if there are no formal
charges, we'll be leaving now.
Very well. You may go.
Keep your phone available
for further contact.
He said Barbara was strangled
in her bed around midnight,
which means--
Probably didn't kill Linda.
No. Probably not.
Rylee, I
think it's time to step away.
Are you serious? I can't.
Not now. It's finally all
starting to come together.
She's right.
Cody is clearly a criminal,
and someone must have
paid him to keep me quiet.
The $10,000 wire transfer.
Exactly.
Even if Barbara wasn't involved
in harming Linda physically,
it doesn't mean that
she wasn't involved
in the coverup somehow.
Are you thinking
that maybe Peter
wasn't lying to protect her,
but was being protected by her?
And someone
wanted to make sure
that she would never
tell the truth.
Perhaps the same someone
who's making sure
Stephanie doesn't, either.
Scott, we need to
trace that money.
Rylee, that's way too risky.
Please, Scott,
Stephanie needs our help,
and we've come too
far to give up now.
All right.
Get in the car.
Thank you.
I'll grab the files on the
computer and I'll be back.
I'm coming with you.
Grandpa, lock the car.
That's it. I'm
calling the police.
Call Detective O'Connor.
Everyone physically unharmed?
Yes.
Any items been disturbed
since the incident?
Just, just the doorknob.
Evidence of forced entry?
Any structural damage?
Was Barbara
Porter's house ransacked?
Yeah, it was.
Papers everywhere.
I don't know what
they wanted to find.
Nothing of value was taken.
Actually, my
laptop is missing.
Hm.
Looks like maybe you
stumbled on something
with that Linda Turpin
case, after all.
We're gonna need
your notes on that.
They're on the laptop?
Yeah, but uh, it's all in
the cloud. Thanks to Scott.
The firm has been
ransacked, too.
Everything's been searched.
Is that so?
Any other missing
items you can recall
without tampering
with the scene?
-A letter.
-A letter.
What kind of letter?
A, a death threat.
Warning me to back off
the Linda Turpin case.
Rylee.
You didn't
think to report this note?
I was waiting to
gather more context.
Context?
Such as Barbara
Porter's dead body.
The premises need processed.
You got somewhere
you can stay tonight?
She'll
be staying with me.
I'm gonna cancel my shift.
No, Mom, please. I don't
wanna put you in any danger.
She's right, Ms. Kerrigan.
She should stay with us.
I don't wanna disrupt--
It's not up for debate.
We'll go tomorrow and
get you some clothes
and whatever else you
need to be comfortable.
Thank you, for everything.
I, uh, didn't have much luck
tracing those wire transfers.
You need a warrant for most of
those financial institutions.
It's probably for
the best, anyway.
That doesn't sound like the
tenacious woman that I met
a couple weeks ago.
I think after Barbara, and
the firm getting destroyed,
I had a much needed
wake up call.
None of that happened
because of you.
Whoever did this is to blame.
We'll figure out what the
next best thing to do is.
But right now, let's
just keep you safe.
You know, I always dreamed
of working at a big fancy firm.
Working my way up to partner.
Becoming part of Cincinnati's
elite.
What changed?
After my dad passed,
a couple years ago,
my priority shifted.
My mom needed me.
Of course she hates that I gave
up that dream 'cause of her.
Well, I know my grandpa's
lucky to have found you.
Still.
I shouldn't be saying
this, but he's already having
fantasies about handing
the firm over to you.
Really?
You may not be
partner in Cincinnati,
but I think Kerrigan Law has
a pretty nice ring to it.
Speaking of rings...
It was one of the last
gifts my dad gave me.
Never take it off.
It's Francine.
Hello, Francine?
Uh, no. This is
Detective Newsham.
MPDC.
MPDC?
Metropolitan Police
District of Columbia.
What, what happened?
Francine's body was
found, just a few hours ago.
Strangled.
Who is this?
Rylee Kerrigan.
What's going on?
Is Francine okay?
Your number was the
last one dialed on her phone.
She never sent the call.
She had the opportunity
to dial 911,
and she was calling you.
And I need
to understand why.
Are you available
tomorrow afternoon?
Of course.
Great.
I'll be in touch.
Uh...
Francine's dead.
What have I done?
Rylee.
Rylee?
Hi, guys, needed to
meet O'Connor at the apartment
and didn't wanna wake you.
Be back soon. Rylee.
Everything okay?
O'Connor asked Rylee
to meet at her apartment.
-This early?
-Yeah.
She's not answering her phone.
How didn't I see it?
I only wanted to do
what was best for her.
I didn't mean for her
to lose her baby girl.
She's adopted.
No!
Come on.
Come here.
Rylee?
Rylee?
Where are you taking me?
You'll never get away with it!
Is that what you strangled
Barbara Porter with?
If you don't shut your mouth,
I'm gonna show you
exactly how it works.
Somebody help!
Come on, answer.
O'Connor.
Detective O'Connor.
Is Rylee with you?
No. Why would she be?
Rylee Kerrigan's
been abducted.
She left a note saying
she was meeting with you.
I never talked to Rylee.
You don't think that
the person that called her
posed as you, to abduct her?
Look, we have combed through
each of the crime scenes.
Francine's, Barbara's, Rylee's.
Turned up nothing substantial.
No leads, no witnesses.
You're saying you
have three crime scenes
and not a single clue?
How about tracing that call
for the person that
claimed to be you?
These things take time.
Time is what we don't have.
How about Stephanie?
Has anyone spoken to her?
Stephanie Jefferies
has been isolated
since the night of the murder.
No calls, no visitors.
She is a dead end.
She knows a lot
more than she's leading on.
Look, Scott, I
understand your concern,
but trust me, we've got this.
Let's go, Scott.
No.
I don't think so.
I want double the
cash, tonight. Okay?
No more wires.
I don't care.
This happens where and
when I say it does,
or this thing's
gonna go sideways.
You know, just so we're
clear? I'm not asking.
I'll call you with
further instructions.
This way.
We appreciate this, Carol.
We know visiting hours are over.
Anything for you, Tucker.
My name is Tucker. This
is my grandson Scott.
We're from Stackhouse Law.
A short while ago, you had
a visit from Rylee Kerrigan.
She's been abducted.
Is she, um...
We don't know.
Two people are already dead.
Dead?
Barbara and your
aunt Francine.
No.
And Rylee will be next,
if we don't find her.
So, if you know somethin',
now's the time to talk.
You're real lucky
you're not already dead.
You're more valuable
to me alive.
Sit tight, counselor.
Show's just getting started.
Stephanie, please.
My mother was furious.
She told me I
disgraced the family.
She forbade me to tell
anyone and she kicked me out.
My aunt was there for me.
She took me in until
the baby was born.
She knew powerful people in DC.
A couple struggling
with infertility.
The woman faked a pregnancy.
Timed it right along with mine.
They were rich.
My baby would never
want for anything.
So, your baby was adopted?
Yeah.
I came back to Ohio.
Empty.
Shamed.
I took a job at that store.
Linda was my friend.
I would never hurt her.
Never.
Then why did you confess?
A guard brought me a letter.
It said, "Stop this trial.
Plead guilty,
or your daughter
will end up dead."
How many people know
who adopted your baby?
Only Francine.
And you.
Yes.
And me.
I never contacted them.
Stephanie, please.
Who adopted your baby?
Oh, Rylee.
Look at all the
trouble you've caused.
You monster!
I've always admired
your willingness
to do whatever it takes
to get what you want.
Nobody's willing to
go farther than me.
Thanks, Carol.
Okay. Thanks.
Shoot.
Apparently, Wright left DC
this afternoon in a private jet
and the company won't
disclose the location.
Now what?
What're you doin'?
Finding Rylee.
Okay, Lynn.
Where's my money?
I wouldn't do
that, if I were you.
But then again,
you seem to have developed
a mind of your own today.
Tell me, what was so
difficult about executing her,
dumping her body in some
precarious crime-ridden
neighbourhood and collecting
your wire transfer?
Double. Now.
That's what.
You...
You wired the money to Barbara.
Now, see, Rylee, I
knew that, eventually,
you would piece the
puzzle together.
So, I had to act.
Why do all that to your
biological daughter's mother?
Because I couldn't risk
tarnishing her impeccable image
as the daughter of some
high school dropout tramp.
So, when my sources
confirmed that Stephanie
had indeed identified
myself and my husband
as the loving parents
who embraced her
fatherless daughter,
I had no alternative.
Lynn's jet landed in
Cincinnati an hour ago.
Well, let's
head for the airport.
Wait.
Yes. I breached Lynn
Wright's cell account.
What? How?
By exploiting XQL
vulnerabilities,
I bypassed security to retrieve
Lynn's chauffeur's contact.
Well, let's call him.
Ask him where they took her.
Way ahead of you, Grandpa.
You framed her for murder!
Yeah. Well, that
wasn't the original plan.
Still struggling to
connect the dots.
You know, I...
I overestimated your intellect.
To kill Stephanie?
Bravo.
You see, Linda wasn't
supposed to work that night.
Stephanie was, but
Stephanie called in sick.
So, Linda took her shift.
And when Peter and Barbara went
in to carry out the plan...
They killed the wrong girl.
Yes.
And I knew that if
the trial persisted,
one of those imbeciles
would falter.
So, I took the necessary steps
and I convinced
Stephanie to admit guilt.
I mean, if I couldn't
eliminate her physically,
ensuring a lifetime behind bars
was the next pragmatic choice.
Wouldn't you agree?
You're disgusting!
You know...
I think, deep down,
you know that's not true.
Look at all the positive
impact I've had.
This was simply a
regrettable,
yet essential action.
My hands were tied.
I think you can relate.
Enough, you three
wanna sit here,
cause all this
attention, go ahead,
I'm getting outta
the country, Lynn,
and I want my cash now.
Or you can kill her yourself.
Got it.
I'm able to see GPS for the
limo that picked up Lynn.
Go, Scotty.
Of course.
O'Connor.
We know where Rylee is.
Yeah, maybe I'll
kill her right here.
Yeah.
Yeah. Step right up, kids!
Okay, enough!
Give me the money.
There.
Now, back to the original plan.
And make it quick.
Yes, ma'am.
You know, you would've
made a good lawyer, Rylee.
Too good, in fact.
Too bad it was all for nought.
Execute the plan.
All right. Thanks, Lynn.
Pleasure doing business.
All right, kid. Let's go.
I appreciate the participation,
but time's up. Get up.
Hey, I said up.
No, no, no, no.
Sorry.
Let's go.
Let's go!
My ankle!
Get up.
Get up!
Stop!
Stop.
How many times...
Wait a minute.
Fuck.
Stay, stay.
Stop!
-Get your hands up!
-Get your hands up!
Turn around
and put your hands up!
Okay!
Hands up!
Get your hands up.
It's all right.
Attention in the
courtroom, Patti.
Rylee delivered a compelling
argument during Lynn's trial.
She was sensational.
I have to admit,
it felt pretty great
to win my first case.
Mark my words, Stephanie
won't just secure an appeal.
Her conviction will be quashed
with immediate release.
I did read this morning
that Congresswoman Gallagher
vowed to help Stephanie every
step of the way, so thank you.
I knew she was the
real deal, all along.
Speaking of real deals, when
are you gonna ask him out?
Ask who out?
Um...
Actually, Scott and I have
been seeing each other
for a couple weeks now.
Oh.
And if it goes like I think
it will, we won't even have
to change the name of the
firm, when Rylee takes it over.
Okay!
Hey, you didn't put orange
juice on those, did you?
Come on, Rylee.
I have an idea.
And what's, what's
with the orange juice?
He puts orange juice on
everything. Meat, chicken.
Well,
it's good vitamin C.
Yeah, but not on meat.
-Bacon, orange juice?
-Oh, no.
-That doesn't sound great.
-That's pretty rude, yeah.
But he is trying
to take care of you.
He certainly is.
And he's
succeeding, I think.