The Neighbor in the Window (2020) Movie Script
1
How you holding up?
The things
they're accusing me of...
I don't even know
who that person is.
Look at that girl.
She has no idea
what's ahead of her.
I wish I could warn her.
They're going to see
the real you today
and this whole thing
will be over.
And if they don't...
-You can't think like that.
If they don't,
I could go away
for 10 years, Scott.
I wouldn't be there for Miles,
or for you.
I don't know
how I'm supposed to handle this.
I'm ready!
Hey, that's great.
Miles, hey,
I'm going to take you
to school today, okay?
I want Mommy to take me.
Moo, I wish I could.
But I have a very important
appointment today.
I want you to go have fun
with your friends, okay?
I'll see you there.
Hi.
Can I pick my room?
Slow down, buddy.
We don't know
if this is our house yet.
I wish I had that much energy.
Yeah, he's turned house hunting
into a competitive sport.
I like the cul-de-sac
on this one.
Seems safe for playing outside.
Yeah!
You're right.
It's a great
family neighborhood.
Lots of kids.
And there's a great
elementary school
just two miles away,
It's one of the top-rated
in Seattle.
All right, shall we?
I like this siding here.
It's a nice touch.
Okay, here we are.
Just watch your step there.
Come on in.
Can I explore upstairs?
Go ahead, Moo,
just don't make a mess.
Looks like
we're the first ones in.
Yeah...
They...
They haven't staged
the house yet,
but I promise
I'll make it a blank slate
before you move in...
If you're interested.
That's okay.
I think we're capable of using
a little imagination.
Yeah, this one's
a master decorator.
She's probably already
picking out new curtains.
The good news is,
the owners
are very motivated to sell...
And you wanted to move in
before the school year, right?
Yeah. Well,
I'm already working in town,
so the sooner we can get
Karen and Miles settled down,
the better for everyone.
Okay, I am...
I am so sorry about this.
Okay, as you can see,
this is a real chef's kitchen.
It's got the granite countertop,
and the six-burner stove there.
Perfect for big family meals.
Is there a chef in the family?
Yeah, well,
Karen's never met a souffl
or a roasted whatever
that she didn't have to make
on her own.
I do like the stovetop,
but these windows...
Wow...
these windows are stunning.
Why would anyone block out
all this lovely light?
Migraines.
I think some people
are photo-sensitive.
Not me.
Scott.
Miles could play outside
while I'm making dinner
at the same time.
I love the sound of that.
You know...
A couch could go right here,
a little play area
for Miles over there,
maybe a cozy reading chair
over here,
your flat screen right there.
A little love, a little work.
You want to do this?
I don't know why anyone
would leave
such a perfect house behind,
but they want out,
we want in.
Maybe it was meant to be.
Maybe.
So many pillows.
Which one's your favorite?
Hi!
I'm Susie.
Your neighbor across the street.
I just saw you drive in
and wanted to come say hi
and make sure to give you these.
- They're my special
carrot and apple muffins...
Vegan in case you were.
Well, we're omnivores
around here,
but thank you,
I'm sure they're delicious.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm Karen.
This is Miles.
Hi, Miles.
- And this is?
- This is Finn.
He's six.
Do you want to play in my room?
Go ahead, guys.
Cool.
Let's go upstairs.
Come on in.
Wow, that's so great.
Finn is usually
much more tentative
around new friends.
Miles has been starving
for someone his own age
to play with since the move.
It's so nice
you guys live so close.
Wow.
You've been busy.
Everything looks
so fresh and new.
Thank you.
Scott and I are determined
to make this our dream home.
Hey, how's it going?
Did he go down all right?
He missed you at bedtime.
Yeah.
With these new work hours,
bedtime's going to be
a little tough.
We knew that would be the case.
Lucky for you,
you have
such an amazing wife at home.
That's for sure.
Scott, wait.
I think someone's watching us
from that balcony.
Maybe it's just a shadow.
But, honey, come on,
let's take this upstairs.
Away from the window.
- Hi.
- Hi.
You must be the new neighbors.
- Yeah.
- I'm Lisa Beasley.
I live on
the other side of the street,
and we share a backyard.
Of course.
I'm so glad you came by.
I'm Karen Morgan.
This is Miles.
Hi. Hello.
This is just a little "Welcome
to the Neighborhood" gift.
That's so nice of you, Lisa.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
Mommy, can we go inside?
Of course.
Would you like to come in?
Sure.
- Please, yes.
- Okay.
Go ahead, Miles.
You want to lead the way?
So, he's about 6?
Dorothy Peacock?
That's right.
Do you have kids?
Yeah. My son, Elliot.
I think he'll probably be
in the same class.
Is he home?
He should come over.
It's practically
his backyard, too.
Okay. I'll just text
my daughter, Allie.
She's at home with him
right now.
Okay.
Okay...
Wow...
My gosh.
You've gotta give me
your decorator's number.
This is gorgeous.
Thank you.
Actually,
I don't have a decorator.
It's all me.
It's kind of a hobby.
Wow.
That's Allie.
He's coming over.
Good.
He'll be so happy.
They're getting along?
I swear, you give a boy a ball,
and he's occupied for hours.
Allie, who's 12 going on 40,
has always had a taste
for the finer things.
Speaking of which,
that is a stunning necklace.
Thank you.
My husband, Scott,
got it for me.
Anniversary?
Dan... that's my husband...
Always goes overboard
for our anniversary.
No, it wasn't
a wedding anniversary.
More like a keepsake.
Before Miles,
we had another baby,
a little girl who died.
I'm sorry.
Do you want to talk about it?
SIDS.
Our little girl, Rose,
was eight weeks old
when she died.
I remember being so grateful
that I got four hours of sleep,
but when I went into her room
in the morning,
she wasn't breathing.
I know I didn't cause it...
but I can't help thinking
that if I had just did
one thing differently,
it would have made a difference.
I'm sorry.
No.
I didn't mean
to dump this on you.
It's been seven years.
You wouldn't think
I would be so...
this.
But Scott got me this because...
we feel like
she's always with us.
You just don't know
how much that means to me.
We also...
had a daughter, Annabelle.
Five weeks. SIDS.
My God.
Lisa, I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
It's like you said, you're fine.
But you still really wonder
about, like,
what could have been.
Yeah.
I can't believe
we both went through this.
I've always felt so alone,
but...
here you are.
Right in your backyard.
Literally.
Yeah.
I can't believe
school starts on Monday.
I don't know if I'm ready
for Miles to be gone all day.
Mom, I'm going!
Please come over
and say hi first.
Teenagers.
Karen, thank you
so much for hosting.
Of course.
And, Lisa, I can't believe
you've been one street over
the whole time we've lived here.
Hello.
Allie. This is Allie.
Please say hello to Mrs. Morgan
and Mrs. Marino.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi, Allie.
Okay, now, where are you going?
Laura's mom is taking her
back-to-school shopping
and they invited me.
Can I have some money?
Is your room clean?
Yes.
And you took out the trash?
I will when I get back.
Okay, but that trash
better go out tonight.
You know, if you want to earn
some money after school, Allie,
and if it's okay with your mom,
I could use someone
to keep an eye on Miles.
Just a few extra hours a week,
but it could keep
some cash in your pocket.
Okay.
Thanks, Mrs. Morgan.
Of course.
Bye, honey.
I'm sorry. I hope
I wasn't interfering there.
Not at all.
It will be so good for her.
But it does give me an idea.
What do you say
to a little back-to-school
shopping for moms?
You think Allie's around
to babysit this weekend?
- Yeah!
- Cheers to that.
Susie...
would it kill you
to show a little skin?
That blouse is something, Lisa.
- Your husband better be careful.
- It's not bad, right?
Wow.
That dress is made for you.
It's a little more bold
than I usually go.
It is absolutely your color,
and you must get it.
It's got your name on it.
Right?
Okay.
- Okay, okay.
- I've decided.
Thank you.
Morning!
Good morning.
I'm Karen Morgan
and this is my son, Miles.
Hi, Miles.
Welcome to Room A.
- Hi.
- Welcome, Mom.
Here are a few things
you'll need to know
for the year ahead.
Thank you.
Great dress, by the way.
Thank you so much.
We just moved to town,
and I want to do anything I can
to help Miles get acclimated.
Do you need parent volunteers?
I welcome every
and all parent volunteers.
In fact,
we could use someone right now
to read with the class
one day a week.
Done. Just tell me when.
Well, I look forward to it then.
My information is in the folder.
Okay. Thank you.
Miles, I'll pick you up
this afternoon.
- Okay? Big hug.
- Okay, Mommy.
- Can I go play now?
- Of course.
Lisa?
Karen, my God.
I'm so embarrassed.
That dress
looked so good on you,
so I went back the next day
and got it,
and I never dreamed
we would wear them
on the exact same day.
Great minds must think alike.
You look beautiful.
- Hi. You must be Miss Carmen?
- Yes, I am.
My son's Elliot.
He's my monster...
My very special monster.
Hey, Karen,
I'm glad I caught you.
I just wanted to say sorry for
the whole dress mix-up again.
You really did wear it better.
It happens.
Dan and I were thinking about
having some people over
to celebrate
the first week of school.
Would you be interested?
We would love to come!
Just let me know
what I can bring.
Okay, great.
Thank God, the kids
are back in school?
Okay, enjoy your freedom, Mom.
Bye.
Whitney?
Hi. It's Karen Morgan.
No. Everything's great here.
You actually came to mind
because I'm thinking about
getting my real estate license
in Washington.
Yes, I would love to come in.
Next week is great.
Okay, I'll see you then.
Thanks.
Bell pepper bite, anyone?
Karen, these are the sweetest.
Where do you even find
these little flags?
Karen really could find
a needle in a haystack,
especially if there's
something cute
to make with that needle.
I am so excited for you guys
to try Dan's ribs.
They are a family recipe.
"Secret" recipe.
Secret recipe.
Well, here's to surviving
the first week of school.
And to the Morgans.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Karen has some exciting news
to share as well.
Go ahead, honey.
Well, since Miles has adjusted
so nicely to kindergarten,
I've decided to go back to work.
I'm going to get my real estate
license in Washington.
- Congratulations.
- That's great.
Congratulations!
Cheers.
That's awesome.
- That's great.
- Yeah.
All right,
who's up for some ribs?
Me.
Anyone else need a new drink?
Yeah.
I'll give you a hand.
Karen...
that is so great.
You know,
I was just talking to Dan
about maybe I'll go back to work
now that Elliot's older,
and he suggested real estate.
That's great.
Maybe you guys
can work together.
That would be great.
Karen,
with your eye for staging,
you are going to be selling
houses left, right and center.
I think I like that part
just as much as selling.
Well, thanks to you,
I can attest to the power
of the right throw pillow.
You know, Karen,
you really have to come over
and help me decorate.
Or maybe you'll be too busy now.
Let's schedule it
for next week, then.
You know,
before it gets too busy.
And then, speaking of which...
that is a stunning necklace.
My husband, Scott,
got it for me...
My husband, Scott,
got it for me...
Anniversary?
Dan... that's my husband...
Mor e l ike a keepsake.
Definitely start
in the living room first.
Karen?
Yes.
Um, I'm just going to go get
the potato salad.
Excuse me.
So back to work...
That's fantastic.
Yeah.
Those look amazing.
Thanks.
You know your ribs?
My mom used to have a recipe,
but I haven't made it in years.
Next time,
we should have a rib-off.
You bring your recipe
and I'll do mine.
Yeah.
You know, I have to say,
I'm really happy
that you and Lisa have struck up
such a friendship.
It's hard on Lisa sometimes,
connecting with other moms.
You mean, after Annabelle?
Annabelle?
Your baby...
Like Scott and I...
The angel wing necklace?
I'm sorry.
You must have misunderstood.
My brother and his wife
lost a baby Annabelle to SIDS,
not me and Lisa.
We've only ever had
Allie and Elliot.
You must have gotten the wires
crossed somewhere there.
Honey, how's your head
feeling now?
The room has stopped spinning,
so that's good.
Yeah.
I still can't figure out
where I got it wrong.
I know what she told me, Scott.
I believe you.
It's her
that I'm not sure about.
I mean, she got
the same necklace as me,
without even telling me.
I mean, how did it
not even occur to her
that that would hurt me.
There's something wrong
with this whole thing.
I have to believe
that Lisa has her own reasons
for doing what she did.
The only thing I can do
is find grace for her.
Well, you're
a better person than me,
and that's why I love you.
"The lion roared
his biggest roar."
Can you guys show me
your biggest roar?
Roar!
Those are great roars.
"And the zookeeper
was very afraid."
Can you show me
your afraid faces?
Very good.
Let's find out what happened
to the lion and the zookeeper.
It's the alligator twins.
"And they made the elephant
very nervous."
Can you do a nervous face?
Good job.
Thank you so much.
The kids clearly loved
having you.
Thank you.
It made my day.
Can we all say thank you
to Miles's mom, Mrs. Morgan?
Thank you, Mrs. Morgan.
Thank you, class.
I'll see you next Thursday.
- See you on Thursday.
- Bye.
Looks like somebody did
some retail therapy.
I actually needed
some new work clothes.
Cool.
Mommy?
Can I go out on my scooter?
Well, we're gonna be out here
for, what, another 20 minutes.
He's welcome to join us.
Okay, Moo, just until
dinnertime, all right?
Look at your stuff.
Hey, is Allie okay
watching Miles
after school tomorrow?
I have a work commitment.
- I'm sure it will be fine.
And if anything, I'm home,
so we'll watch him together.
Thank you.
Team Mom,
we've gotta stick together.
Have fun, buddy.
All right, kids.
- Thanks again.
- No problem.
Guys, you're going to be late.
Don't you worry about us,
Miss Washington
real estate agent.
Just trying to dress the part.
Thank you for taking him.
Of course. Miles, wish Mom
good luck at work.
Good luck, Mommy.
Thank you.
It might rain today,
so take this.
And don't forget
that Allie's going
to bring you home
after school, okay?
Have a good day.
Let's go, Moo.
Race you to the car.
Hey.
Nice orchid.
I know this isn't
the most private space.
It's great.
So when are you writing
the exam?
Six weeks.
-That's perfect.
We'll get you out in the field
shadowing me
and you can do
your coursework here.
Whitney, thank you.
Don't thank me.
Just sell houses for me.
- On it.
- Okay!
I mostly studied
and fielded
a few incoming calls,
but, Scott, it felt so good
to be back at work.
Congratulations, babe.
I'm really happy
that you're making this happen.
Jeez, this rain
is really coming down.
No...
Scott?
Shoot.
I can't remember
if we brought Miles' rain jacket
in from the car
to the school this morning.
Sorry about that.
I hope he made it home okay
with Allie.
Yeah, me too.
Miles?
Allie!
Karen!
My God.
It's pouring.
Get in here.
Is Miles here?
Yeah. He's right on the couch.
Why didn't anyone call me?
I'm sorry.
Allie was just worried.
They got soaked,
and so I wanted to get him here
and into some dry clothes,
get him some hot chocolate
so he didn't get a cold.
Right?
Yeah. He's fine.
- I mean, he forgot his raincoat.
- Hi, Mom.
At school.
This is Seattle.
Yeah...
Hey, Moo.
I was worried.
How did you get so wet?
Allie and I ran home
after the bus,
but I guess the rain got us.
I'm sorry I wasn't there, bud.
-That's okay.
It was kind of fun.
I mean, he borrowed
some of Elliot's clothes,
but it totally doesn't matter.
Give them back whenever.
Do you want
a hot chocolate, too?
I can't believe
you're really going through
with the whole
real estate thing.
That is so great.
I'm proud of you.
It's a little busy,
but it's good to do something
outside of the house
that doesn't revolve
around Miles.
Yeah.
I've got to say,
Susie and I
miss you on the block.
Team Mom just isn't the same
without you.
Actually, maybe you could
clear something up for me
in the spirit of Team Mom.
Do you remember when I told you
about my daughter, Rose?
Karen...
Dan told me you guys spoke,
and I have a confession to make.
It's been really hard
to keep this a secret,
especially from you.
I have Parkinson's.
Parkinson's?
Yeah, they caught it early.
I was at the hospital today
for more blood work.
This is...
all my upcoming appointments.
I just made
a little book of them
so I can know
where they all are,
and I won't forget any of them,
and it will be fine.
So your baby, Annabelle?
Not being able
to keep your facts straight
is one of the symptoms...
which is really embarrassing.
I am so sorry if I upset you.
I never intended to do that.
Lisa, I'm so sorry.
Please...
please let me know if there's
anything I can do to help you.
My gosh.
Parkinson's?
- Wow, that's horrible.
- I know, right?
Poor family.
What?
Well, don't get mad at me
for saying this,
but, you know, isn't it
a little convenient?
Why would she lie about that?
Well, she didn't bring it up
until you busted her
on lying about the baby, right?
Right...
but she had a bandage
on her arm,
and she seemed so busy
with all these treatments
coming up.
Well, if it is Parkinson's,
then I feel terrible
for the whole family.
It does make me feel better
about the whole
baby mix-up thing.
Poor thing...
She must be so confused
all of the time.
Makes me appreciate
how lucky we are.
Yeah.
Mommy!
Miles, are you okay?
What is it?
Scott!
My God.
What the hell was someone doing?
I can't believe
someone would do this.
It's only our yard.
This feels personal.
So, what happened?
I wish I knew.
Police think it could have been
teenagers having fun.
They said crimes like this
in suburbs
are usually random.
Gosh, I hope they find
who did it.
-Me too.
The whole thing
makes my stomach turn.
-Speaking of,
did you hear about
Lisa's illness?
Parkinson's.
I was so shocked.
Maybe we should start
a meal train...
Wait. Parkinson's?
Lisa told me that it was Lupus.
Okay, now I'm confused.
I thought we could use
the living room more.
What's wrong?
It's Lisa.
Why am I not surprised?
She told Susie she has Lupus.
I thought you said
she has Parkinson's?
Because that's what she told me.
I don't know
what to believe anymore.
I thought it sounded suspect.
I was willing to give her
the benefit of the doubt.
I don't even want to be
in our kitchen anymore.
I feel like she watches us
through those windows.
Did I ever tell you
about Seth Spellman?
He was my roommate
freshman year in college.
He was a nice guy.
We got along.
He was funny, charismatic.
Had a story for everything.
It took me a while,
but, eventually,
I realized he was
a compulsive liar.
He couldn't help it.
I would say one thing,
he would have to top it...
Every time.
What did you do?
Well, I tried confronting him
about it once,
but he just blew up at me,
and then the lying didn't stop.
So I realized
he wasn't going to change.
I just gave him a lot of space
and didn't take anything
he said as truth.
But it's more than that
with Lisa.
There's something
I'm not getting.
Hey, I'm going to go
watch TV in our family room,
because one neighbor
is not going to ruin our night.
Join me.
You're right.
I'm going to give her space.
Two-minute warning, Miles.
Miles, this is
your lunch from yesterday.
Why didn't you eat it?
-I don't know.
Weren't you hungry?
All right, well, today,
I'm giving you
turkey and avocado pinwheels
and carrots and dip.
I want you to eat it
so you don't feel hungry later,
all right?
- Okay, Mommy.
- -Okay.
I finished my lunch,
just so you know.
Well, aren't you a good boy?
Bye, buddy.
Have a good day.
Bye, Mommy.
Okay, I hope you're ready
to get busy.
Here's a few inquiries
you can follow up on.
I'm excited to dive in.
After lunch.
I'm starving,
and I cannot have
another sad desk salad.
Grab your coat.
After you.
All right.
Wait, the same dress?
Who does that?
I know.
And I thought it was
just a coincidence.
No, no,
that's not a coincidence.
This one is
a verified piece of work.
Did the people selling the house
ever mention anything?
The Raffertys?
I wish could say
they had given us warning,
but they did everything
through a broker.
Tell me about
some great date night spots
in Seattle.
Scott and I have hardly
seen the city together.
Well, that depends
what you consider a date night.
I would say
sushi on the waterfront...
Trick or treat!
Miles, come on,
you've got to put on
your jacket.
It covers my costume.
I know,
but I don't want you
getting sick.
Come on.
Thank you.
Hey!
Is Lisa not coming?
She asked me to watch Elliot.
I think Allie needed help
getting ready
for a party or something.
Well, Scott's
in his happy place,
handing out candy,
so should we hit up
the first house, boys?
- Let's go.
- Let's do it. This way.
Across the street.
Go, go, go, go, go.
Happy Halloween...
Lisa.
Are the boys here?
No. No.
They're with Karen and Susie.
Do you mind if I come in
and use your washroom?
No, sure, yeah.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Thank you.
What kind of candy
do you guys have?
Full-size candy bars.
Why is there always one house
with the full-size candy bars
that makes
everybody else's candy
look small?
You know, I bet Karen and Susie
aren't that far along
if you wanted
to catch up to them.
Happy Halloween!
My gosh, how cute!
Look, a little gumball machine
and a little...
Okay, here you go.
Trick or treat.
I've always wondered
what it is about Dracula's kiss
that makes everybody so crazy.
Historically,
Dracula's kiss is equated
with the kiss of death,
so maybe you don't want
to find out.
I should go find Elliot.
That's a good idea.
All right, here we go.
I mean, that is the school zone
that you want to be in, right?
It's perfect for the kids.
Come on in.
Have a seat,
and Karen here
is going to help you
get your offer in order.
- All right.
- Okay?
Please, take a seat.
Okay...
I'll walk you through this.
It's fairly simple.
Congratulations
on your new home.
No, thank you.
Lisa!
Scott should have
been home by now.
I'm sorry, Allie,
to keep you so late.
Is everything okay?
Totally.
Allie just said
that Miles was ravenous,
so I brought over
some extra mac and cheese.
That's so nice
and thoughtful of you.
Miles, did you eat
your lunch today, hon?
Well, Allie, it's getting late,
and I'm sure
you have homework to do.
Thank you.
And, Lisa, thank you again
for bringing food for the boys.
I'll pick up a couple
of extra boxes of mac and cheese
for you when I'm at the store
this week.
No problem.
Thanks, Mrs. Morgan.
See you next week.
Bye.
Um...
can we talk?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm sorry.
If this is about Allie...
- Scott should have been here.
- It's not about Allie.
It's about Dan.
He lost his job
and I don't know what to do.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure
he'll find something soon.
It's been over a month
and he hasn't.
And my medical bills
are starting
to eat into our savings,
and I was wondering
if there's any way
that Dan and I
could borrow $5000.00?
And we'll pay you back
as soon as we get back
on our feet,
and you know we're good for it.
Lisa, I am...
I'm so sorry about Dan's job,
and your medical bills,
but...
I was taught never to mix
money and friendships.
I know you have it.
I've seen how you spend money.
Frankly, Lisa,
how I spend my money
is none of your business.
And beyond that,
how do I know
that Dan really lost his job,
or what medical bills
you're paying for exactly?
Do you have any idea
how hard it was
for me to come here
and ask you that?
Little Miss Perfect Everything?
I was going to talk to Scott
about it on Halloween,
but it was pretty clear
his mind was elsewhere.
And what's that
supposed to mean?
-What it means is,
I'm used to men
and their wandering eyes,
but I thought at least
a woman would hear me out.
Okay, I think we're done here.
Agreed.
Elliot, come on, we're going.
Still good for me
to read to them tomorrow?
Mrs. Morgan,
I'm afraid there's been
a few calls about you
in our office.
A concerned parent is saying
that Miles
is being neglected at home.
What?
Who called?
That's ridiculous.
As ridiculous as it may seem,
you understand we have to take
every call seriously.
I understand that,
but neglected?
Who would actually call
and say that?
I'm not at liberty to say.
But what I can tell you
is that they say
that he doesn't have
warm enough clothes,
and that he always goes hungry.
How would this person
even know this?
I feed my son.
You've seen his lunch bag.
I'm sorry...
but until this issue
is resolved,
I can't have you volunteer
in the classroom.
And how do we resolve this?
Well, we have a meeting
with Principal Franklin
tomorrow at 9:00.
And from there,
we'll decide
if Social Services
needs to be called.
Social Services?
You're going to drop this on me
and then make me wait 24 hours?
This is absolutely insane.
Sorry.
Karen? What's wrong?
Someone made a call about Miles.
They think we're actually
neglecting our son.
What?
Who called?
They won't tell me who.
Someone called the school.
Now they won't even
let me volunteer.
They're taking this
seriously, Scott.
They think we're actually
neglecting our son.
Okay, okay.
We'll figure this out, okay?
Miles's file is flagged.
Whatever happens now,
everything that happens
at that school,
every stomach ache,
every skinned knee,
everything will be
scrutinized differently.
I can't believe someone thinks
we actually don't feed our son.
Hey, that's just ridiculous.
Okay, they know you, Karen.
They know our family.
We're new to town, Scott.
They don't really know us.
We have to meet
with the principal tomorrow,
and from there,
she'll decide whether or not
to call Social Services.
-Okay, well, that's something.
Okay? We'll show them
a unified front
and that
we're not neglecting Miles.
Okay, we can resolve
this whole thing
in one simple meeting.
We got this, honey.
Susie, hi.
I'm glad I caught you.
-What's up?
The strangest thing happened.
Someone called Miles's school
and said that
we're neglecting him.
You? That's crazy.
-I know, right?
You know us pretty well.
You don't think we could...
-Karen, my goodness,
you're the most thoughtful
human being I've ever met.
I can't imagine
anyone saying that about you.
Anyone?
Not even Lisa?
Not even Lisa.
-Susie?
I know you don't want
to talk badly about anyone,
but the school might call
Social Services
because of this person now.
They could take my son.
I need to know what she said.
I don't know
that Lisa made that call, okay?
I can't imagine her
doing such a thing.
But she did say
that Miles was eating
Elliot's lunch at school,
and that
you've been working so much,
she was worried about Miles.
That's all I know.
Thank you, Susie.
I appreciate it.
-Of course.
-Okay.
Bye.
-Mrs. Morgan,
your care for your child
is quite evident
to us at Dorothy Peacock.
But you have to understand
we have to take any and all
concerning accusations
like the call about Miles
seriously.
It was Lisa Beasley, wasn't it?
Can we at least
be honest about that?
Mrs. Morgan, we can't reveal...
Regardless of the call
and who may
or may not have made it,
what do we do next?
We love our son.
That's the bottom line here.
And I can see that in class.
We love having Mrs. Morgan
read to the kids,
and they really love it, too.
Well, at this point,
I don't see enough evidence
to warrant us
calling Social Services,
but that doesn't mean
that the person
who called us won't.
She can do that?
Anyone can do it
if they deem it necessary
and in the child's
best interest.
So you're saying that
Social Services could show up
at our house at any time?
What if they don't like
what they see?
If they don't approve,
then they could take Miles away.
Now, usually,
in cases between
disagreements with parents,
I would encourage you
to contact the person
who you think
is behind these calls.
And if these calls
are just threats,
maybe you can figure out
why she's doing this.
That's what
I've been trying to do.
I think
we can take it from here.
Thank you, Principal Franklin.
And the reading?
It's not a good idea right now.
Maybe in the new year.
I don't understand
how one person can do
so much damage.
I have to get
to my 10:00 meeting.
You'll be okay today?
I think I'm going
to work from home today.
Well, hey, they're not calling
Social Services.
That's good news.
But I'll always wonder
if she will.
She won't, okay?
Lisa Beasley's
just looking for attention.
Scott, you have not seen her
like I have.
Okay, look, I have to get going,
but I'll try to be home early.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hell, no.
Get out of the car, Lisa.
Karen, you seem upset.
I am not upset.
I am livid.
I know you made that call.
I thought you didn't have
any money, Lisa,
but you went out
and you got my car.
Tell the truth!
What is your problem with me?
You're scaring the kids.
- Leave my family alone!
- Karen, let's go.
Let's talk.
That's not
a great look on you, hon.
Let's take a little time-out?
I shouldn't have
yelled like that,
but she threatened my family.
That was pretty bad?
Well, it wasn't great.
But, bitch stole your look,
I'd get mad, too.
I've just never had anything
like this happen before.
Alan Levine, Attorney?
Alan's my guy.
I have his office
run background checks
on all my employees,
anyone babysitting the kids.
Can't be too careful these days.
If I could just find out
why Lisa is so set against me,
I'm sure
we could just talk it out.
You could do that.
Then call Alan.
I thought you wanted
to talk to a few people.
I just want to go home.
I wanna stay!
Please, get in the car, okay?
Hey, we'll get you
something yummy
when we get home, okay, buddy?
Hop in there.
And buckle up, okay?
Okay.
Hey, what's going on?
I messed up today.
Lisa got the same car as us,
and I yelled at her
in the parking lot.
- God.
That's the last thing we need.
-I know.
I said I messed up, all right?
-She gets under your skin.
You can't let that happen.
She said you were ogling her
on Halloween.
Is that true?
-Ogling? What?
Come on, Karen.
Have a little faith.
Of course not.
She was being flirty,
and, honestly, it was sad.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I just feel like
this woman has something new
planned for us every day.
It's exhausting.
And that's why we have to be
a good team,
and not turn on each other.
And, you know,
maybe don't yell at her
in public.
What now?
You've got to be kidding me.
Are you Mr. and Mrs. Morgan?
Yeah.
How can we help you?
We have a restraining order
filed against Karen Morgan.
If you step within 100 feet
of Mrs. Lisa Beasley
or her property,
a warrant for your arrest
will be issued.
That means
I can't go in my backyard.
If Mrs. Beasley
is within a hundred feet,
then, no, you can't.
Five-minute warning.
Come on down
and have some breakfast.
I'll take him today.
Lisa? I didn't hear you
come in.
You ready to go, Moo?
Lisa, this isn't funny.
I'm taking my son to school.
Don't worry, Team Mom.
I got him.
Miles, come back here right now.
Can you hear me?
Moo!
Miles! Can you hear me?
Miles!
Hey...
everything's okay.
-Is Miles...
I've already
taken him to school.
He's fine.
I thought you should sleep.
Here, you're gonna need that.
We have to see
that attorney today.
Thank you for seeing us.
What can I do for you?
I don't know
what we need, exactly.
I'm having trouble
with a neighbor.
-So it seems.
This all stems from you
attacking her in her car?
Is this true?
I yelled at her, yes,
but I never put a hand on her.
This woman has systematically
been copying me,
and, frankly,
it's making me crazy.
I never would yell
at someone like that.
It's like she's trying
to push me over the edge.
- This contains
a no trespass order
for the entire Morgan family.
You have one son?
Yes, Miles.
The Beasley daughter
sometimes babysits him.
No, I'd cut that out today.
Yeah, no one in your family
is supposed to set foot
on the Beasley property.
Karen, you specifically,
can't be within a hundred feet
of Mrs. Beasley,
no matter where you are.
Well, what can we do?
Can we file
our own restraining order?
I mean, this woman
has been harassing my wife.
She threatened to call
Social Services about our son.
Is there a reason
to call Social Services?
Of course not.
-Okay, well,
it appears that you have won
the annoying neighbor lottery.
So, yes, you could file
a restraining order against her.
It creates a paper trail
of mutual disagreement,
but...
look, I want to be honest.
It's not going to change much.
Even after
everything she's done...
The harassment?
I mean, Lisa got
the same car as us.
She even has the same clothes,
the same jewelry as me.
Yeah, it's creepy, for sure,
but it's not illegal.
So there's nothing we can do?
What I suggest
is you abide by the order,
and you just go about your life.
Now, in the background,
I'll look into this,
and I'll get a sense
of what we're up against.
You could start a log
with any other off-color
activities on her part.
- I can do that.
- Good.
And if this woman
wants to escalate things,
we'll be ready.
Hey, Mrs. Morgan.
Did you still want me
to babysit today?
That won't be necessary, thanks.
I think it's best
if I stay home with Miles
for now.
So next week?
I'm sorry, hon.
I think we're just gonna put
babysitting on pause
for a little while.
Hey.
Come on, Moo,
let's get you out of the cold.
Can I go on my scooter?
I'm sorry, hon.
We can't today.
Why not?
I want to play
with Elliot and Finn.
-I'm sorry, I said we can't.
But why?
Because I said so.
Hello?
Daddy's home.
I'm glad you came home so early.
I said that my wife
was cooking up something special
and I needed to be home.
Any chance you're cooking up
something special?
How does pasta sound?
Special.
How you doing?
You look...
tired.
I'm hanging in there.
Miles, what are you doing?
Come on over.
Coming.
Miles?
Miles!
- Miles!
Miles, stop!
- Sorry, Mommy.
- It's okay.
We can't live like this anymore.
Let me see
if I can't handle this
once and for all.
Come on, let's go inside.
Hey, Dan.
Thanks for coming.
What are you drinking?
Nothing.
I can't stay long.
Well...
I was thinking
we could talk about our wives
and this whole mess.
Your wife came at mine,
with my kids in the car.
Not much else to say.
You're right,
there isn't anything else to say
except that we both
want this to stop.
Don't you?
Look, I know my Lisa.
Her problem is
she just wants to be
friends with everyone,
but some women can't handle her.
She can be intimidating,
looking like that.
Looking like what?
I'm proud to say it,
my wife is hot.
Other women are jealous of her.
So you think that
Karen is jealous of Lisa
and that's why they're arguing?
Wouldn't be the first time.
How many times has this
happened to Lisa, exactly?
You know,
maybe I will have a beer.
Hey, bud, can I get a beer?
How many times, Dan?
It's been happening
her whole life practically,
since she was a cheerleader
in high school.
Well, Karen was literally
the Homecoming Queen,
so if you think this is
about a beauty contest,
I think Karen can hold her own.
So what are you saying?
You're saying that
Lisa brought this on herself?
That Lisa made Karen yell at her
in front of our kids?
No, I'm saying that she's lying,
and she's been lying
since we moved in.
Look, we're both married men.
We know what our wives tell us
and what's true.
This isn't about looks.
Karen and I have been together
for 17 years.
She's a level-headed
and honest woman.
Can you really say
the same about Lisa?
You're home late.
It's 9:30.
Well?
He says
Karen didn't do anything.
Well, that's a big surprise.
He says you're lying.
Well, I hope
you stuck up for your wife.
He also asked me
how many times
this has happened before.
Dan, I hope you know
that anything you say
they're going to try
to use against me.
I hope you didn't say
anything stupid.
Of course, I didn't...
but...
Dan?
Well, honey, it got me thinking,
this kind of thing
does happen to you a lot.
I mean, the people
that lived in the house
before Karen and Scott.
And before that...
-So you believe her over me?
What?
Yeah...
You believe some psychotic bitch
over your own wife?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
-No. No...
You want her more than me.
- No...
- Yes.
You're going
to leave me for her.
-I didn't say that.
Dan, don't leave me!
Don't leave me.
Dan, don't leave me.
Please...
Look at me.
Look at me.
-I can't.
Look at me.
I love you.
- I believe you.
- Okay.
I always believe you.
I'm sorry.
Sweetheart,
let's just get you to bed.
Okay?
- I love you.
- I know, I love you, too.
I'm sorry.
Good morning!
What am I looking at?
-Lisa's garage.
You think I did that?
I was in bed
sleeping with my husband
last night.
Right, she said that
you would probably say that.
Look, I don't want to get
in the middle of this,
but maybe it's time
to let it go, Karen.
I have never spraypainted
anything in my life.
You have to believe me.
Lisa probably did this
to herself.
I have a hard time
believing that.
Maybe you should apologize.
I didn't do anything!
And you'll do
the whole
back of the house, too?
We do
the whole perimeter, Ma'am.
Would you like a cup of coffee?
That'd be great, thanks.
-You got it.
Going all right out there?
Yep.
I just feel better knowing
what's going on around us.
Here you go.
Thanks, that definitely helps.
Morning.
Is everything okay?
I thought we were all done?
No, I just wanted
to thank you for your referral.
Excuse me?
-Your neighbor behind you.
She said
you were telling everyone
how much you loved the service,
and she wanted the same package.
Of course she did.
Thanks.
Nice job this week.
A little commission check
for you.
Nice job on that Craftsman.
Charm always sells.
I hope you treat yourself
to something nice
with that check.
You deserve it.
Right now,
the only thing I can think of
is a cheeseburger.
I forgot lunch.
Maybe I'll pick up dinner
for my boys.
Thank you.
Careful with that.
My God.
God!
Lisa! My God!
Are you okay
Karen, please don't hurt me!
Please!
Let me see your foot.
It looks okay.
You want to try and stand up?
I'm not okay!
You tried to run me over
with your car!
Allie, please call 911!
No, no, no.
Don't call the police.
Nothing happened.
Allie! Give me the phone!
The police are going to find out
what you just tried to do to me.
Hello? Hi.
- My God.
- I need to report an assault.
Please help me.
My God.
I'm glad you're here.
We want to get this sorted out.
May we come in?
Yeah. Please.
Ma'am, you are
Mrs. Karen Morgan?
Yes.
- And were you driving
a silver Mercedes sedan
this evening on Crockett Court?
Yes.
Have you been drinking?
Have you been doing
any illegal substances?
What?
No.
I have a warrant
for your arrest.
I need you to turn around
and put your hands
behind your back.
What?
I didn't do anything.
- You have the right
to remain silent.
This is ridiculous.
Anything you say can
and will be used against you.
Scott!
She did this to me.
She didn't do anything.
You can't do this.
You're arresting
the wrong person.
Hey!
Karen! I'll call the lawyer.
We'll get you out
as soon as we can.
I'll see you at the station.
Honey, it's going to be okay.
Did you really
have to bring him?
I didn't have time
to find a babysitter.
How bad is it?
Well, she's claiming
you tried to run her down.
Prosecutor's going for
attempted murder.
This whole thing is so insane.
I didn't...
What does that mean for me?
Worst case,
possibly 10 years in prison.
There were witnesses.
Susie, I saw her watching
from across the street.
I saw her.
She will testify.
-I spoke with her...
She won't testify.
Sorry.
This is Alan.
Susie!
I need to talk to you.
She's not home, Karen.
Drea, her car
is in the driveway.
She doesn't want to talk.
I'm sorry.
-What are you sorry for?
Sorry Susie won't talk to me
or sorry she won't testify
that Lisa is a crazy bitch.
Come on, Drea, we all know it.
I could go to jail for years.
I know Susie saw what happened.
She can help me.
I see you in there, Susie.
The least you can do
is talk to me.
I'm sorry, Karen.
I can't get involved.
Ten years, Susie.
That's how long
Lisa's manipulation
could send me to jail for.
I would miss
Miles's entire childhood.
I just need you
to tell the truth.
I see what this has done to you.
What she's done to you.
I don't want to be next.
I have to protect my family.
Who says
you're not next anyways?
He wet the bed.
I'm just letting him watch
some TV in our room
while I change the sheets.
He hasn't done that
in over two years.
The poor thing.
He must be so confused.
Let me help you.
Hey, how was Susie's?
Can she help us?
I think I was wrong about her.
-She didn't see anything?
About being my friend.
I'll check on Miles.
These make a lot more sense now.
Hi, Miles Moo.
Can Mommy come snuggle
with you for a bit?
I know it's a lot
that's been going on.
Is there anything
you want to ask me?
Why is Mrs. Beasley mad at you?
Because she thinks
Mommy tried to hurt her,
but you know I would never do
anything to hurt anyone, right?
Is she going to be okay?
Mrs. Beasley's body
is going to be just fine.
It's her mind that needs help.
But that's nothing
you need to worry about, okay?
Let's try your bed.
I'm sure Daddy
fixed it up really nice.
Goodnight, baby.
My God.
It's a psychological condition
called "False Victim Syndrome".
Listen to this.
"When presented with the facts,
the False Victim Syndrome
stalker
will rationalize and manipulate
everything he can
and ignore
even a direct question
in order to preserve his fantasy
of being a victim.
He will initiate conflicts
and proceed to twist them
in his favor
in an attempt to gain
positive attention for himself."
This is Lisa to a "T"!
Wow, there's actually
a name for this.
And she's definitely
done it before,
Dan said so himself.
Okay, well, if there's
a history to this behavior,
I'll look into it.
The Raffertys...
The people who lived
in the house before us.
She must have
gotten to them, too.
-Okay.
This False Victim Syndrome
is very difficult
to prove in court,
but if we can establish
a pattern of her history,
then we can get out of
this she said/she said
stagnation.
We can beat this, right?
Well, I never give guarantees.
But this woman
is clearly insane.
Then I'll make sure
the jury sees that.
Was it me
or did he not seem
that confident?
I just think lawyers
are hesitant to make promises.
That's not good enough.
I'm going to go to the office.
I'm going to go see
if I can find
where the Raffertys ended up.
Maybe they'll testify.
I can't find
the Rafferty family anywhere.
There's no listing for them
after our address.
Let me call their broker.
She might know
how to contact them.
But if you're not finding
their names listed anywhere,
maybe they didn't want
to be found.
I'm starting to understand why.
I'm not sure
how I'm going to get
these ghosts
to testify in court.
There's one other thing.
I got another notice
while I was out.
Your reviews are in.
Somebody doesn't like you.
My gosh.
And it's more than one?
One star.
Two stars.
"I only gave her two stars
because she's pretty."
What the hell?
It's got your neighbor
written all over
each one of those.
She uses the same words
in multiple reviews.
I'm so sorry, Whitney.
Lisa is trying
to dismantle my life
step by step.
Hey, don't apologize to me.
I've seen you with clients,
I know you're good at this.
But, given everything at home,
and with the trial,
and now this...
I think you need
to take a back seat here
until this all dies down.
I wish it didn't
have to be this way,
but I understand.
Right before
we were going to have
a really strong spring.
-Yeah. I know.
Listen, go home,
be with your family,
show this woman who's boss.
All right, Mr. Man,
time for bed.
I'll take him.
You put your feet up.
Mommy, are you not happy?
I'm always happy
when I'm with you.
- I love you.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,
welcome.
You are here to determine
whether my client, Karen Morgan,
tried to kill the prosecution,
Lisa Beasley.
Karen says she did not,
Lisa says she did,
so we find ourselves
in a she said/she said
situation.
Now, during this trial,
I will not only present evidence
that proves that, in fact,
my client did not plan to,
or even accidentally hurt
Mrs. Beasley,
I will also show
my client's credibility.
Thank you.
Well, you heard it,
my colleague
would have you believe
that this is a simple case
of she said/she said.
I wish it were that easy,
I really do.
Unfortunately,
what we have here today
is the systematic breaking down
and betrayal
of an innocent person...
my client, Lisa Beasley...
who welcomed her new neighbors
with open arms,
introduced them
around the neighborhood,
whose own daughter
has even babysat
for the defendant,
and who has done nothing
but offer her friendship
and trust,
only to be violated
and attacked by Karen Morgan.
Thank you.
In your statement,
you swore that you never saw
Mrs. Beasley
get hit by your car, correct?
That's correct.
I had drinks in my car,
so I was purposely driving
really slowly,
so there's no way
I could have sped up
or slammed on my brakes
like she said.
No further questions
at the moment.
Mrs. Morgan,
there's a pattern
of aggressive behavior
coming from you
towards my client, Mrs. Beasley,
is there not?
A pattern?
I don't think...
Isn't it true
you attacked Mrs. Beasley's car
in the parking lot
of Dorothy Peacock Elementary,
with her two
small children inside,
isn't that correct?
I got mad at Lisa
because she bought
the same car as me,
among other things.
It happened once.
- Let's talk about
some of those other things.
Perhaps you're referring
to the concerned call
that someone made about your son
to his kindergarten?
Now, you assumed
that Mrs. Beasley
placed that call,
even though that has never
been substantiated?
Isn't that correct?
No, it's not.
The school dismissed that call.
-Okay.
So, someone...
We don't know who...
Witnessed enough interactions
between you and your son
to warrant a concerned call
on your behalf?
And instead of asking
your friendly neighbor for help,
instead of looking at
your own parenting,
you jumped to the conclusion,
with no evidence,
that she's what...
Out to get you?
Is that it?
-Let me be clear,
I love my son.
I always have
his best interests at heart.
I did talk to a neighbor,
Susie Marino...
-Susie Marino, right,
who isn't here today
to testify on your behalf.
That's interesting.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
Mrs. Beasley,
could you please
give us a history
of your relationship
with Mrs. Morgan?
Well, the truth is...
she's been harassing me
for months.
She dresses like me,
she's isolated me
from my friends
in the neighborhood...
and she practically attacked
me and my children
at their school.
By "attack,"
you mean that
she banged on your car window?
-And yelled.
Yes. And yelled.
That is correct, yes.
To which
Mrs. Morgan has testified.
I just want to make sure
that we have the facts straight.
Maybe you can help me
with one more fact.
Do you have Parkinson's,
like you mentioned
to Mrs. Morgan?
Well...
The testing...
Just a reminder,
any statement you make
about your medical history
in court,
we can subpoena
your medical records.
So let's try that again.
Do you have Parkinson's disease?
No.
-Do you have Lupus?
No.
Gosh...
Considering this is
a she said-she said
type of case,
that is a handful of lies
right off the bat, Mrs. Beasley.
No further questions.
Lisa...
do you consider yourself
a nice neighbor?
I do.
Tell me why.
I bought Karen a bottle of wine
when they moved in.
My husband and I
hosted a potluck
to commemorate
the first week of school.
- And how would you describe
your friendship with Karen?
I thought Karen and I
were going to be
life-long friends.
But she thought I called
the school on her,
and the relationship
soured from there.
I had to take out
a restraining order against her
after she got violent with me
with my children in the car.
I mean, it was
just for our own protection.
And that day,
when she was driving...
I mean, we hadn't been
speaking a lot
because of
the restraining order,
but I just never expected
that she would...
I'm sorry.
So, I saw her
at the intersection...
and she was about
a block and a half away,
but she was driving slowly,
so I thought we had time
to cross the street.
So, Allie and I,
we stepped
into the intersection,
and Karen sped up.
And I was so concerned
with protecting Allie,
that I didn't even know
that I was hit
until seconds afterwards.
I just can't believe
she's saying that
I would do this to myself.
I can't exercise,
I can't go up the stairs
in my own house.
Why would I do that to myself?
Why, indeed?
Thank you.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
This has been difficult for you,
but can you please tell us
what happened
on the 16th of May?
I was crossing an intersection
with my mom,
and, suddenly, Mrs. Morgan
hit my mom with her car.
-Then what happened?
-My mom's foot was broken,
and I was really scared.
She was screaming at Mrs. Morgan
to stop hurting her.
-Thank you.
No further questions.
It must have been very scary,
seeing your mom like that.
Did you go to the hospital
with her afterwards?
No.
Because you were looking after
your little brother?
Allie, did your mother
go to the hospital?
Allie, did your mother
go to the hospital
or see a doctor
after she was
supposedly hit by a car?
No, she didn't.
Well, who put that boot
on her foot?
My dad.
Must be nice
to have a doctor at home.
He's not a doctor.
Right.
Maybe you can help me
understand one more thing.
Where were you and your mother
coming from
that day you were
crossing the street?
Home?
- So you were going somewhere?
No.
Just out for a walk?
Allie, how long
were you and your mother
waiting on the corner
before Mrs. Morgan's car
came along?
I guess about 20 minutes.
- 20 minutes.
That's a really long time.
What were you doing
during that time?
We were having
a mother-daughter conversation.
Mrs. Beasley, please.
Allie?
Allie, what were you doing
on that corner with your mom
for 20 minutes?
That's a long time
to be standing outside
doing nothing.
Allie?
We were waiting
for Mrs. Morgan.
-You were waiting?
Why?
We were waiting
for Mrs. Morgan's car
so...
Mama could hurl herself into it.
Thank you for your honesty.
No further questions.
We the jury
find the accused, Karen Morgan,
not guilty
of the charges against her.
You're free to go.
Thank God.
It's over.
Thank you.
Good work.
I am so glad that this is over
and that we can finally
put this behind us.
Here's to new beginnings.
I've missed these windows.
It's over.
We're free.
She's never
going to stop, is she?
How you holding up?
The things
they're accusing me of...
I don't even know
who that person is.
Look at that girl.
She has no idea
what's ahead of her.
I wish I could warn her.
They're going to see
the real you today
and this whole thing
will be over.
And if they don't...
-You can't think like that.
If they don't,
I could go away
for 10 years, Scott.
I wouldn't be there for Miles,
or for you.
I don't know
how I'm supposed to handle this.
I'm ready!
Hey, that's great.
Miles, hey,
I'm going to take you
to school today, okay?
I want Mommy to take me.
Moo, I wish I could.
But I have a very important
appointment today.
I want you to go have fun
with your friends, okay?
I'll see you there.
Hi.
Can I pick my room?
Slow down, buddy.
We don't know
if this is our house yet.
I wish I had that much energy.
Yeah, he's turned house hunting
into a competitive sport.
I like the cul-de-sac
on this one.
Seems safe for playing outside.
Yeah!
You're right.
It's a great
family neighborhood.
Lots of kids.
And there's a great
elementary school
just two miles away,
It's one of the top-rated
in Seattle.
All right, shall we?
I like this siding here.
It's a nice touch.
Okay, here we are.
Just watch your step there.
Come on in.
Can I explore upstairs?
Go ahead, Moo,
just don't make a mess.
Looks like
we're the first ones in.
Yeah...
They...
They haven't staged
the house yet,
but I promise
I'll make it a blank slate
before you move in...
If you're interested.
That's okay.
I think we're capable of using
a little imagination.
Yeah, this one's
a master decorator.
She's probably already
picking out new curtains.
The good news is,
the owners
are very motivated to sell...
And you wanted to move in
before the school year, right?
Yeah. Well,
I'm already working in town,
so the sooner we can get
Karen and Miles settled down,
the better for everyone.
Okay, I am...
I am so sorry about this.
Okay, as you can see,
this is a real chef's kitchen.
It's got the granite countertop,
and the six-burner stove there.
Perfect for big family meals.
Is there a chef in the family?
Yeah, well,
Karen's never met a souffl
or a roasted whatever
that she didn't have to make
on her own.
I do like the stovetop,
but these windows...
Wow...
these windows are stunning.
Why would anyone block out
all this lovely light?
Migraines.
I think some people
are photo-sensitive.
Not me.
Scott.
Miles could play outside
while I'm making dinner
at the same time.
I love the sound of that.
You know...
A couch could go right here,
a little play area
for Miles over there,
maybe a cozy reading chair
over here,
your flat screen right there.
A little love, a little work.
You want to do this?
I don't know why anyone
would leave
such a perfect house behind,
but they want out,
we want in.
Maybe it was meant to be.
Maybe.
So many pillows.
Which one's your favorite?
Hi!
I'm Susie.
Your neighbor across the street.
I just saw you drive in
and wanted to come say hi
and make sure to give you these.
- They're my special
carrot and apple muffins...
Vegan in case you were.
Well, we're omnivores
around here,
but thank you,
I'm sure they're delicious.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm Karen.
This is Miles.
Hi, Miles.
- And this is?
- This is Finn.
He's six.
Do you want to play in my room?
Go ahead, guys.
Cool.
Let's go upstairs.
Come on in.
Wow, that's so great.
Finn is usually
much more tentative
around new friends.
Miles has been starving
for someone his own age
to play with since the move.
It's so nice
you guys live so close.
Wow.
You've been busy.
Everything looks
so fresh and new.
Thank you.
Scott and I are determined
to make this our dream home.
Hey, how's it going?
Did he go down all right?
He missed you at bedtime.
Yeah.
With these new work hours,
bedtime's going to be
a little tough.
We knew that would be the case.
Lucky for you,
you have
such an amazing wife at home.
That's for sure.
Scott, wait.
I think someone's watching us
from that balcony.
Maybe it's just a shadow.
But, honey, come on,
let's take this upstairs.
Away from the window.
- Hi.
- Hi.
You must be the new neighbors.
- Yeah.
- I'm Lisa Beasley.
I live on
the other side of the street,
and we share a backyard.
Of course.
I'm so glad you came by.
I'm Karen Morgan.
This is Miles.
Hi. Hello.
This is just a little "Welcome
to the Neighborhood" gift.
That's so nice of you, Lisa.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
Mommy, can we go inside?
Of course.
Would you like to come in?
Sure.
- Please, yes.
- Okay.
Go ahead, Miles.
You want to lead the way?
So, he's about 6?
Dorothy Peacock?
That's right.
Do you have kids?
Yeah. My son, Elliot.
I think he'll probably be
in the same class.
Is he home?
He should come over.
It's practically
his backyard, too.
Okay. I'll just text
my daughter, Allie.
She's at home with him
right now.
Okay.
Okay...
Wow...
My gosh.
You've gotta give me
your decorator's number.
This is gorgeous.
Thank you.
Actually,
I don't have a decorator.
It's all me.
It's kind of a hobby.
Wow.
That's Allie.
He's coming over.
Good.
He'll be so happy.
They're getting along?
I swear, you give a boy a ball,
and he's occupied for hours.
Allie, who's 12 going on 40,
has always had a taste
for the finer things.
Speaking of which,
that is a stunning necklace.
Thank you.
My husband, Scott,
got it for me.
Anniversary?
Dan... that's my husband...
Always goes overboard
for our anniversary.
No, it wasn't
a wedding anniversary.
More like a keepsake.
Before Miles,
we had another baby,
a little girl who died.
I'm sorry.
Do you want to talk about it?
SIDS.
Our little girl, Rose,
was eight weeks old
when she died.
I remember being so grateful
that I got four hours of sleep,
but when I went into her room
in the morning,
she wasn't breathing.
I know I didn't cause it...
but I can't help thinking
that if I had just did
one thing differently,
it would have made a difference.
I'm sorry.
No.
I didn't mean
to dump this on you.
It's been seven years.
You wouldn't think
I would be so...
this.
But Scott got me this because...
we feel like
she's always with us.
You just don't know
how much that means to me.
We also...
had a daughter, Annabelle.
Five weeks. SIDS.
My God.
Lisa, I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
It's like you said, you're fine.
But you still really wonder
about, like,
what could have been.
Yeah.
I can't believe
we both went through this.
I've always felt so alone,
but...
here you are.
Right in your backyard.
Literally.
Yeah.
I can't believe
school starts on Monday.
I don't know if I'm ready
for Miles to be gone all day.
Mom, I'm going!
Please come over
and say hi first.
Teenagers.
Karen, thank you
so much for hosting.
Of course.
And, Lisa, I can't believe
you've been one street over
the whole time we've lived here.
Hello.
Allie. This is Allie.
Please say hello to Mrs. Morgan
and Mrs. Marino.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi, Allie.
Okay, now, where are you going?
Laura's mom is taking her
back-to-school shopping
and they invited me.
Can I have some money?
Is your room clean?
Yes.
And you took out the trash?
I will when I get back.
Okay, but that trash
better go out tonight.
You know, if you want to earn
some money after school, Allie,
and if it's okay with your mom,
I could use someone
to keep an eye on Miles.
Just a few extra hours a week,
but it could keep
some cash in your pocket.
Okay.
Thanks, Mrs. Morgan.
Of course.
Bye, honey.
I'm sorry. I hope
I wasn't interfering there.
Not at all.
It will be so good for her.
But it does give me an idea.
What do you say
to a little back-to-school
shopping for moms?
You think Allie's around
to babysit this weekend?
- Yeah!
- Cheers to that.
Susie...
would it kill you
to show a little skin?
That blouse is something, Lisa.
- Your husband better be careful.
- It's not bad, right?
Wow.
That dress is made for you.
It's a little more bold
than I usually go.
It is absolutely your color,
and you must get it.
It's got your name on it.
Right?
Okay.
- Okay, okay.
- I've decided.
Thank you.
Morning!
Good morning.
I'm Karen Morgan
and this is my son, Miles.
Hi, Miles.
Welcome to Room A.
- Hi.
- Welcome, Mom.
Here are a few things
you'll need to know
for the year ahead.
Thank you.
Great dress, by the way.
Thank you so much.
We just moved to town,
and I want to do anything I can
to help Miles get acclimated.
Do you need parent volunteers?
I welcome every
and all parent volunteers.
In fact,
we could use someone right now
to read with the class
one day a week.
Done. Just tell me when.
Well, I look forward to it then.
My information is in the folder.
Okay. Thank you.
Miles, I'll pick you up
this afternoon.
- Okay? Big hug.
- Okay, Mommy.
- Can I go play now?
- Of course.
Lisa?
Karen, my God.
I'm so embarrassed.
That dress
looked so good on you,
so I went back the next day
and got it,
and I never dreamed
we would wear them
on the exact same day.
Great minds must think alike.
You look beautiful.
- Hi. You must be Miss Carmen?
- Yes, I am.
My son's Elliot.
He's my monster...
My very special monster.
Hey, Karen,
I'm glad I caught you.
I just wanted to say sorry for
the whole dress mix-up again.
You really did wear it better.
It happens.
Dan and I were thinking about
having some people over
to celebrate
the first week of school.
Would you be interested?
We would love to come!
Just let me know
what I can bring.
Okay, great.
Thank God, the kids
are back in school?
Okay, enjoy your freedom, Mom.
Bye.
Whitney?
Hi. It's Karen Morgan.
No. Everything's great here.
You actually came to mind
because I'm thinking about
getting my real estate license
in Washington.
Yes, I would love to come in.
Next week is great.
Okay, I'll see you then.
Thanks.
Bell pepper bite, anyone?
Karen, these are the sweetest.
Where do you even find
these little flags?
Karen really could find
a needle in a haystack,
especially if there's
something cute
to make with that needle.
I am so excited for you guys
to try Dan's ribs.
They are a family recipe.
"Secret" recipe.
Secret recipe.
Well, here's to surviving
the first week of school.
And to the Morgans.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Karen has some exciting news
to share as well.
Go ahead, honey.
Well, since Miles has adjusted
so nicely to kindergarten,
I've decided to go back to work.
I'm going to get my real estate
license in Washington.
- Congratulations.
- That's great.
Congratulations!
Cheers.
That's awesome.
- That's great.
- Yeah.
All right,
who's up for some ribs?
Me.
Anyone else need a new drink?
Yeah.
I'll give you a hand.
Karen...
that is so great.
You know,
I was just talking to Dan
about maybe I'll go back to work
now that Elliot's older,
and he suggested real estate.
That's great.
Maybe you guys
can work together.
That would be great.
Karen,
with your eye for staging,
you are going to be selling
houses left, right and center.
I think I like that part
just as much as selling.
Well, thanks to you,
I can attest to the power
of the right throw pillow.
You know, Karen,
you really have to come over
and help me decorate.
Or maybe you'll be too busy now.
Let's schedule it
for next week, then.
You know,
before it gets too busy.
And then, speaking of which...
that is a stunning necklace.
My husband, Scott,
got it for me...
My husband, Scott,
got it for me...
Anniversary?
Dan... that's my husband...
Mor e l ike a keepsake.
Definitely start
in the living room first.
Karen?
Yes.
Um, I'm just going to go get
the potato salad.
Excuse me.
So back to work...
That's fantastic.
Yeah.
Those look amazing.
Thanks.
You know your ribs?
My mom used to have a recipe,
but I haven't made it in years.
Next time,
we should have a rib-off.
You bring your recipe
and I'll do mine.
Yeah.
You know, I have to say,
I'm really happy
that you and Lisa have struck up
such a friendship.
It's hard on Lisa sometimes,
connecting with other moms.
You mean, after Annabelle?
Annabelle?
Your baby...
Like Scott and I...
The angel wing necklace?
I'm sorry.
You must have misunderstood.
My brother and his wife
lost a baby Annabelle to SIDS,
not me and Lisa.
We've only ever had
Allie and Elliot.
You must have gotten the wires
crossed somewhere there.
Honey, how's your head
feeling now?
The room has stopped spinning,
so that's good.
Yeah.
I still can't figure out
where I got it wrong.
I know what she told me, Scott.
I believe you.
It's her
that I'm not sure about.
I mean, she got
the same necklace as me,
without even telling me.
I mean, how did it
not even occur to her
that that would hurt me.
There's something wrong
with this whole thing.
I have to believe
that Lisa has her own reasons
for doing what she did.
The only thing I can do
is find grace for her.
Well, you're
a better person than me,
and that's why I love you.
"The lion roared
his biggest roar."
Can you guys show me
your biggest roar?
Roar!
Those are great roars.
"And the zookeeper
was very afraid."
Can you show me
your afraid faces?
Very good.
Let's find out what happened
to the lion and the zookeeper.
It's the alligator twins.
"And they made the elephant
very nervous."
Can you do a nervous face?
Good job.
Thank you so much.
The kids clearly loved
having you.
Thank you.
It made my day.
Can we all say thank you
to Miles's mom, Mrs. Morgan?
Thank you, Mrs. Morgan.
Thank you, class.
I'll see you next Thursday.
- See you on Thursday.
- Bye.
Looks like somebody did
some retail therapy.
I actually needed
some new work clothes.
Cool.
Mommy?
Can I go out on my scooter?
Well, we're gonna be out here
for, what, another 20 minutes.
He's welcome to join us.
Okay, Moo, just until
dinnertime, all right?
Look at your stuff.
Hey, is Allie okay
watching Miles
after school tomorrow?
I have a work commitment.
- I'm sure it will be fine.
And if anything, I'm home,
so we'll watch him together.
Thank you.
Team Mom,
we've gotta stick together.
Have fun, buddy.
All right, kids.
- Thanks again.
- No problem.
Guys, you're going to be late.
Don't you worry about us,
Miss Washington
real estate agent.
Just trying to dress the part.
Thank you for taking him.
Of course. Miles, wish Mom
good luck at work.
Good luck, Mommy.
Thank you.
It might rain today,
so take this.
And don't forget
that Allie's going
to bring you home
after school, okay?
Have a good day.
Let's go, Moo.
Race you to the car.
Hey.
Nice orchid.
I know this isn't
the most private space.
It's great.
So when are you writing
the exam?
Six weeks.
-That's perfect.
We'll get you out in the field
shadowing me
and you can do
your coursework here.
Whitney, thank you.
Don't thank me.
Just sell houses for me.
- On it.
- Okay!
I mostly studied
and fielded
a few incoming calls,
but, Scott, it felt so good
to be back at work.
Congratulations, babe.
I'm really happy
that you're making this happen.
Jeez, this rain
is really coming down.
No...
Scott?
Shoot.
I can't remember
if we brought Miles' rain jacket
in from the car
to the school this morning.
Sorry about that.
I hope he made it home okay
with Allie.
Yeah, me too.
Miles?
Allie!
Karen!
My God.
It's pouring.
Get in here.
Is Miles here?
Yeah. He's right on the couch.
Why didn't anyone call me?
I'm sorry.
Allie was just worried.
They got soaked,
and so I wanted to get him here
and into some dry clothes,
get him some hot chocolate
so he didn't get a cold.
Right?
Yeah. He's fine.
- I mean, he forgot his raincoat.
- Hi, Mom.
At school.
This is Seattle.
Yeah...
Hey, Moo.
I was worried.
How did you get so wet?
Allie and I ran home
after the bus,
but I guess the rain got us.
I'm sorry I wasn't there, bud.
-That's okay.
It was kind of fun.
I mean, he borrowed
some of Elliot's clothes,
but it totally doesn't matter.
Give them back whenever.
Do you want
a hot chocolate, too?
I can't believe
you're really going through
with the whole
real estate thing.
That is so great.
I'm proud of you.
It's a little busy,
but it's good to do something
outside of the house
that doesn't revolve
around Miles.
Yeah.
I've got to say,
Susie and I
miss you on the block.
Team Mom just isn't the same
without you.
Actually, maybe you could
clear something up for me
in the spirit of Team Mom.
Do you remember when I told you
about my daughter, Rose?
Karen...
Dan told me you guys spoke,
and I have a confession to make.
It's been really hard
to keep this a secret,
especially from you.
I have Parkinson's.
Parkinson's?
Yeah, they caught it early.
I was at the hospital today
for more blood work.
This is...
all my upcoming appointments.
I just made
a little book of them
so I can know
where they all are,
and I won't forget any of them,
and it will be fine.
So your baby, Annabelle?
Not being able
to keep your facts straight
is one of the symptoms...
which is really embarrassing.
I am so sorry if I upset you.
I never intended to do that.
Lisa, I'm so sorry.
Please...
please let me know if there's
anything I can do to help you.
My gosh.
Parkinson's?
- Wow, that's horrible.
- I know, right?
Poor family.
What?
Well, don't get mad at me
for saying this,
but, you know, isn't it
a little convenient?
Why would she lie about that?
Well, she didn't bring it up
until you busted her
on lying about the baby, right?
Right...
but she had a bandage
on her arm,
and she seemed so busy
with all these treatments
coming up.
Well, if it is Parkinson's,
then I feel terrible
for the whole family.
It does make me feel better
about the whole
baby mix-up thing.
Poor thing...
She must be so confused
all of the time.
Makes me appreciate
how lucky we are.
Yeah.
Mommy!
Miles, are you okay?
What is it?
Scott!
My God.
What the hell was someone doing?
I can't believe
someone would do this.
It's only our yard.
This feels personal.
So, what happened?
I wish I knew.
Police think it could have been
teenagers having fun.
They said crimes like this
in suburbs
are usually random.
Gosh, I hope they find
who did it.
-Me too.
The whole thing
makes my stomach turn.
-Speaking of,
did you hear about
Lisa's illness?
Parkinson's.
I was so shocked.
Maybe we should start
a meal train...
Wait. Parkinson's?
Lisa told me that it was Lupus.
Okay, now I'm confused.
I thought we could use
the living room more.
What's wrong?
It's Lisa.
Why am I not surprised?
She told Susie she has Lupus.
I thought you said
she has Parkinson's?
Because that's what she told me.
I don't know
what to believe anymore.
I thought it sounded suspect.
I was willing to give her
the benefit of the doubt.
I don't even want to be
in our kitchen anymore.
I feel like she watches us
through those windows.
Did I ever tell you
about Seth Spellman?
He was my roommate
freshman year in college.
He was a nice guy.
We got along.
He was funny, charismatic.
Had a story for everything.
It took me a while,
but, eventually,
I realized he was
a compulsive liar.
He couldn't help it.
I would say one thing,
he would have to top it...
Every time.
What did you do?
Well, I tried confronting him
about it once,
but he just blew up at me,
and then the lying didn't stop.
So I realized
he wasn't going to change.
I just gave him a lot of space
and didn't take anything
he said as truth.
But it's more than that
with Lisa.
There's something
I'm not getting.
Hey, I'm going to go
watch TV in our family room,
because one neighbor
is not going to ruin our night.
Join me.
You're right.
I'm going to give her space.
Two-minute warning, Miles.
Miles, this is
your lunch from yesterday.
Why didn't you eat it?
-I don't know.
Weren't you hungry?
All right, well, today,
I'm giving you
turkey and avocado pinwheels
and carrots and dip.
I want you to eat it
so you don't feel hungry later,
all right?
- Okay, Mommy.
- -Okay.
I finished my lunch,
just so you know.
Well, aren't you a good boy?
Bye, buddy.
Have a good day.
Bye, Mommy.
Okay, I hope you're ready
to get busy.
Here's a few inquiries
you can follow up on.
I'm excited to dive in.
After lunch.
I'm starving,
and I cannot have
another sad desk salad.
Grab your coat.
After you.
All right.
Wait, the same dress?
Who does that?
I know.
And I thought it was
just a coincidence.
No, no,
that's not a coincidence.
This one is
a verified piece of work.
Did the people selling the house
ever mention anything?
The Raffertys?
I wish could say
they had given us warning,
but they did everything
through a broker.
Tell me about
some great date night spots
in Seattle.
Scott and I have hardly
seen the city together.
Well, that depends
what you consider a date night.
I would say
sushi on the waterfront...
Trick or treat!
Miles, come on,
you've got to put on
your jacket.
It covers my costume.
I know,
but I don't want you
getting sick.
Come on.
Thank you.
Hey!
Is Lisa not coming?
She asked me to watch Elliot.
I think Allie needed help
getting ready
for a party or something.
Well, Scott's
in his happy place,
handing out candy,
so should we hit up
the first house, boys?
- Let's go.
- Let's do it. This way.
Across the street.
Go, go, go, go, go.
Happy Halloween...
Lisa.
Are the boys here?
No. No.
They're with Karen and Susie.
Do you mind if I come in
and use your washroom?
No, sure, yeah.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Thank you.
What kind of candy
do you guys have?
Full-size candy bars.
Why is there always one house
with the full-size candy bars
that makes
everybody else's candy
look small?
You know, I bet Karen and Susie
aren't that far along
if you wanted
to catch up to them.
Happy Halloween!
My gosh, how cute!
Look, a little gumball machine
and a little...
Okay, here you go.
Trick or treat.
I've always wondered
what it is about Dracula's kiss
that makes everybody so crazy.
Historically,
Dracula's kiss is equated
with the kiss of death,
so maybe you don't want
to find out.
I should go find Elliot.
That's a good idea.
All right, here we go.
I mean, that is the school zone
that you want to be in, right?
It's perfect for the kids.
Come on in.
Have a seat,
and Karen here
is going to help you
get your offer in order.
- All right.
- Okay?
Please, take a seat.
Okay...
I'll walk you through this.
It's fairly simple.
Congratulations
on your new home.
No, thank you.
Lisa!
Scott should have
been home by now.
I'm sorry, Allie,
to keep you so late.
Is everything okay?
Totally.
Allie just said
that Miles was ravenous,
so I brought over
some extra mac and cheese.
That's so nice
and thoughtful of you.
Miles, did you eat
your lunch today, hon?
Well, Allie, it's getting late,
and I'm sure
you have homework to do.
Thank you.
And, Lisa, thank you again
for bringing food for the boys.
I'll pick up a couple
of extra boxes of mac and cheese
for you when I'm at the store
this week.
No problem.
Thanks, Mrs. Morgan.
See you next week.
Bye.
Um...
can we talk?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm sorry.
If this is about Allie...
- Scott should have been here.
- It's not about Allie.
It's about Dan.
He lost his job
and I don't know what to do.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sure
he'll find something soon.
It's been over a month
and he hasn't.
And my medical bills
are starting
to eat into our savings,
and I was wondering
if there's any way
that Dan and I
could borrow $5000.00?
And we'll pay you back
as soon as we get back
on our feet,
and you know we're good for it.
Lisa, I am...
I'm so sorry about Dan's job,
and your medical bills,
but...
I was taught never to mix
money and friendships.
I know you have it.
I've seen how you spend money.
Frankly, Lisa,
how I spend my money
is none of your business.
And beyond that,
how do I know
that Dan really lost his job,
or what medical bills
you're paying for exactly?
Do you have any idea
how hard it was
for me to come here
and ask you that?
Little Miss Perfect Everything?
I was going to talk to Scott
about it on Halloween,
but it was pretty clear
his mind was elsewhere.
And what's that
supposed to mean?
-What it means is,
I'm used to men
and their wandering eyes,
but I thought at least
a woman would hear me out.
Okay, I think we're done here.
Agreed.
Elliot, come on, we're going.
Still good for me
to read to them tomorrow?
Mrs. Morgan,
I'm afraid there's been
a few calls about you
in our office.
A concerned parent is saying
that Miles
is being neglected at home.
What?
Who called?
That's ridiculous.
As ridiculous as it may seem,
you understand we have to take
every call seriously.
I understand that,
but neglected?
Who would actually call
and say that?
I'm not at liberty to say.
But what I can tell you
is that they say
that he doesn't have
warm enough clothes,
and that he always goes hungry.
How would this person
even know this?
I feed my son.
You've seen his lunch bag.
I'm sorry...
but until this issue
is resolved,
I can't have you volunteer
in the classroom.
And how do we resolve this?
Well, we have a meeting
with Principal Franklin
tomorrow at 9:00.
And from there,
we'll decide
if Social Services
needs to be called.
Social Services?
You're going to drop this on me
and then make me wait 24 hours?
This is absolutely insane.
Sorry.
Karen? What's wrong?
Someone made a call about Miles.
They think we're actually
neglecting our son.
What?
Who called?
They won't tell me who.
Someone called the school.
Now they won't even
let me volunteer.
They're taking this
seriously, Scott.
They think we're actually
neglecting our son.
Okay, okay.
We'll figure this out, okay?
Miles's file is flagged.
Whatever happens now,
everything that happens
at that school,
every stomach ache,
every skinned knee,
everything will be
scrutinized differently.
I can't believe someone thinks
we actually don't feed our son.
Hey, that's just ridiculous.
Okay, they know you, Karen.
They know our family.
We're new to town, Scott.
They don't really know us.
We have to meet
with the principal tomorrow,
and from there,
she'll decide whether or not
to call Social Services.
-Okay, well, that's something.
Okay? We'll show them
a unified front
and that
we're not neglecting Miles.
Okay, we can resolve
this whole thing
in one simple meeting.
We got this, honey.
Susie, hi.
I'm glad I caught you.
-What's up?
The strangest thing happened.
Someone called Miles's school
and said that
we're neglecting him.
You? That's crazy.
-I know, right?
You know us pretty well.
You don't think we could...
-Karen, my goodness,
you're the most thoughtful
human being I've ever met.
I can't imagine
anyone saying that about you.
Anyone?
Not even Lisa?
Not even Lisa.
-Susie?
I know you don't want
to talk badly about anyone,
but the school might call
Social Services
because of this person now.
They could take my son.
I need to know what she said.
I don't know
that Lisa made that call, okay?
I can't imagine her
doing such a thing.
But she did say
that Miles was eating
Elliot's lunch at school,
and that
you've been working so much,
she was worried about Miles.
That's all I know.
Thank you, Susie.
I appreciate it.
-Of course.
-Okay.
Bye.
-Mrs. Morgan,
your care for your child
is quite evident
to us at Dorothy Peacock.
But you have to understand
we have to take any and all
concerning accusations
like the call about Miles
seriously.
It was Lisa Beasley, wasn't it?
Can we at least
be honest about that?
Mrs. Morgan, we can't reveal...
Regardless of the call
and who may
or may not have made it,
what do we do next?
We love our son.
That's the bottom line here.
And I can see that in class.
We love having Mrs. Morgan
read to the kids,
and they really love it, too.
Well, at this point,
I don't see enough evidence
to warrant us
calling Social Services,
but that doesn't mean
that the person
who called us won't.
She can do that?
Anyone can do it
if they deem it necessary
and in the child's
best interest.
So you're saying that
Social Services could show up
at our house at any time?
What if they don't like
what they see?
If they don't approve,
then they could take Miles away.
Now, usually,
in cases between
disagreements with parents,
I would encourage you
to contact the person
who you think
is behind these calls.
And if these calls
are just threats,
maybe you can figure out
why she's doing this.
That's what
I've been trying to do.
I think
we can take it from here.
Thank you, Principal Franklin.
And the reading?
It's not a good idea right now.
Maybe in the new year.
I don't understand
how one person can do
so much damage.
I have to get
to my 10:00 meeting.
You'll be okay today?
I think I'm going
to work from home today.
Well, hey, they're not calling
Social Services.
That's good news.
But I'll always wonder
if she will.
She won't, okay?
Lisa Beasley's
just looking for attention.
Scott, you have not seen her
like I have.
Okay, look, I have to get going,
but I'll try to be home early.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hell, no.
Get out of the car, Lisa.
Karen, you seem upset.
I am not upset.
I am livid.
I know you made that call.
I thought you didn't have
any money, Lisa,
but you went out
and you got my car.
Tell the truth!
What is your problem with me?
You're scaring the kids.
- Leave my family alone!
- Karen, let's go.
Let's talk.
That's not
a great look on you, hon.
Let's take a little time-out?
I shouldn't have
yelled like that,
but she threatened my family.
That was pretty bad?
Well, it wasn't great.
But, bitch stole your look,
I'd get mad, too.
I've just never had anything
like this happen before.
Alan Levine, Attorney?
Alan's my guy.
I have his office
run background checks
on all my employees,
anyone babysitting the kids.
Can't be too careful these days.
If I could just find out
why Lisa is so set against me,
I'm sure
we could just talk it out.
You could do that.
Then call Alan.
I thought you wanted
to talk to a few people.
I just want to go home.
I wanna stay!
Please, get in the car, okay?
Hey, we'll get you
something yummy
when we get home, okay, buddy?
Hop in there.
And buckle up, okay?
Okay.
Hey, what's going on?
I messed up today.
Lisa got the same car as us,
and I yelled at her
in the parking lot.
- God.
That's the last thing we need.
-I know.
I said I messed up, all right?
-She gets under your skin.
You can't let that happen.
She said you were ogling her
on Halloween.
Is that true?
-Ogling? What?
Come on, Karen.
Have a little faith.
Of course not.
She was being flirty,
and, honestly, it was sad.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I just feel like
this woman has something new
planned for us every day.
It's exhausting.
And that's why we have to be
a good team,
and not turn on each other.
And, you know,
maybe don't yell at her
in public.
What now?
You've got to be kidding me.
Are you Mr. and Mrs. Morgan?
Yeah.
How can we help you?
We have a restraining order
filed against Karen Morgan.
If you step within 100 feet
of Mrs. Lisa Beasley
or her property,
a warrant for your arrest
will be issued.
That means
I can't go in my backyard.
If Mrs. Beasley
is within a hundred feet,
then, no, you can't.
Five-minute warning.
Come on down
and have some breakfast.
I'll take him today.
Lisa? I didn't hear you
come in.
You ready to go, Moo?
Lisa, this isn't funny.
I'm taking my son to school.
Don't worry, Team Mom.
I got him.
Miles, come back here right now.
Can you hear me?
Moo!
Miles! Can you hear me?
Miles!
Hey...
everything's okay.
-Is Miles...
I've already
taken him to school.
He's fine.
I thought you should sleep.
Here, you're gonna need that.
We have to see
that attorney today.
Thank you for seeing us.
What can I do for you?
I don't know
what we need, exactly.
I'm having trouble
with a neighbor.
-So it seems.
This all stems from you
attacking her in her car?
Is this true?
I yelled at her, yes,
but I never put a hand on her.
This woman has systematically
been copying me,
and, frankly,
it's making me crazy.
I never would yell
at someone like that.
It's like she's trying
to push me over the edge.
- This contains
a no trespass order
for the entire Morgan family.
You have one son?
Yes, Miles.
The Beasley daughter
sometimes babysits him.
No, I'd cut that out today.
Yeah, no one in your family
is supposed to set foot
on the Beasley property.
Karen, you specifically,
can't be within a hundred feet
of Mrs. Beasley,
no matter where you are.
Well, what can we do?
Can we file
our own restraining order?
I mean, this woman
has been harassing my wife.
She threatened to call
Social Services about our son.
Is there a reason
to call Social Services?
Of course not.
-Okay, well,
it appears that you have won
the annoying neighbor lottery.
So, yes, you could file
a restraining order against her.
It creates a paper trail
of mutual disagreement,
but...
look, I want to be honest.
It's not going to change much.
Even after
everything she's done...
The harassment?
I mean, Lisa got
the same car as us.
She even has the same clothes,
the same jewelry as me.
Yeah, it's creepy, for sure,
but it's not illegal.
So there's nothing we can do?
What I suggest
is you abide by the order,
and you just go about your life.
Now, in the background,
I'll look into this,
and I'll get a sense
of what we're up against.
You could start a log
with any other off-color
activities on her part.
- I can do that.
- Good.
And if this woman
wants to escalate things,
we'll be ready.
Hey, Mrs. Morgan.
Did you still want me
to babysit today?
That won't be necessary, thanks.
I think it's best
if I stay home with Miles
for now.
So next week?
I'm sorry, hon.
I think we're just gonna put
babysitting on pause
for a little while.
Hey.
Come on, Moo,
let's get you out of the cold.
Can I go on my scooter?
I'm sorry, hon.
We can't today.
Why not?
I want to play
with Elliot and Finn.
-I'm sorry, I said we can't.
But why?
Because I said so.
Hello?
Daddy's home.
I'm glad you came home so early.
I said that my wife
was cooking up something special
and I needed to be home.
Any chance you're cooking up
something special?
How does pasta sound?
Special.
How you doing?
You look...
tired.
I'm hanging in there.
Miles, what are you doing?
Come on over.
Coming.
Miles?
Miles!
- Miles!
Miles, stop!
- Sorry, Mommy.
- It's okay.
We can't live like this anymore.
Let me see
if I can't handle this
once and for all.
Come on, let's go inside.
Hey, Dan.
Thanks for coming.
What are you drinking?
Nothing.
I can't stay long.
Well...
I was thinking
we could talk about our wives
and this whole mess.
Your wife came at mine,
with my kids in the car.
Not much else to say.
You're right,
there isn't anything else to say
except that we both
want this to stop.
Don't you?
Look, I know my Lisa.
Her problem is
she just wants to be
friends with everyone,
but some women can't handle her.
She can be intimidating,
looking like that.
Looking like what?
I'm proud to say it,
my wife is hot.
Other women are jealous of her.
So you think that
Karen is jealous of Lisa
and that's why they're arguing?
Wouldn't be the first time.
How many times has this
happened to Lisa, exactly?
You know,
maybe I will have a beer.
Hey, bud, can I get a beer?
How many times, Dan?
It's been happening
her whole life practically,
since she was a cheerleader
in high school.
Well, Karen was literally
the Homecoming Queen,
so if you think this is
about a beauty contest,
I think Karen can hold her own.
So what are you saying?
You're saying that
Lisa brought this on herself?
That Lisa made Karen yell at her
in front of our kids?
No, I'm saying that she's lying,
and she's been lying
since we moved in.
Look, we're both married men.
We know what our wives tell us
and what's true.
This isn't about looks.
Karen and I have been together
for 17 years.
She's a level-headed
and honest woman.
Can you really say
the same about Lisa?
You're home late.
It's 9:30.
Well?
He says
Karen didn't do anything.
Well, that's a big surprise.
He says you're lying.
Well, I hope
you stuck up for your wife.
He also asked me
how many times
this has happened before.
Dan, I hope you know
that anything you say
they're going to try
to use against me.
I hope you didn't say
anything stupid.
Of course, I didn't...
but...
Dan?
Well, honey, it got me thinking,
this kind of thing
does happen to you a lot.
I mean, the people
that lived in the house
before Karen and Scott.
And before that...
-So you believe her over me?
What?
Yeah...
You believe some psychotic bitch
over your own wife?
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
-No. No...
You want her more than me.
- No...
- Yes.
You're going
to leave me for her.
-I didn't say that.
Dan, don't leave me!
Don't leave me.
Dan, don't leave me.
Please...
Look at me.
Look at me.
-I can't.
Look at me.
I love you.
- I believe you.
- Okay.
I always believe you.
I'm sorry.
Sweetheart,
let's just get you to bed.
Okay?
- I love you.
- I know, I love you, too.
I'm sorry.
Good morning!
What am I looking at?
-Lisa's garage.
You think I did that?
I was in bed
sleeping with my husband
last night.
Right, she said that
you would probably say that.
Look, I don't want to get
in the middle of this,
but maybe it's time
to let it go, Karen.
I have never spraypainted
anything in my life.
You have to believe me.
Lisa probably did this
to herself.
I have a hard time
believing that.
Maybe you should apologize.
I didn't do anything!
And you'll do
the whole
back of the house, too?
We do
the whole perimeter, Ma'am.
Would you like a cup of coffee?
That'd be great, thanks.
-You got it.
Going all right out there?
Yep.
I just feel better knowing
what's going on around us.
Here you go.
Thanks, that definitely helps.
Morning.
Is everything okay?
I thought we were all done?
No, I just wanted
to thank you for your referral.
Excuse me?
-Your neighbor behind you.
She said
you were telling everyone
how much you loved the service,
and she wanted the same package.
Of course she did.
Thanks.
Nice job this week.
A little commission check
for you.
Nice job on that Craftsman.
Charm always sells.
I hope you treat yourself
to something nice
with that check.
You deserve it.
Right now,
the only thing I can think of
is a cheeseburger.
I forgot lunch.
Maybe I'll pick up dinner
for my boys.
Thank you.
Careful with that.
My God.
God!
Lisa! My God!
Are you okay
Karen, please don't hurt me!
Please!
Let me see your foot.
It looks okay.
You want to try and stand up?
I'm not okay!
You tried to run me over
with your car!
Allie, please call 911!
No, no, no.
Don't call the police.
Nothing happened.
Allie! Give me the phone!
The police are going to find out
what you just tried to do to me.
Hello? Hi.
- My God.
- I need to report an assault.
Please help me.
My God.
I'm glad you're here.
We want to get this sorted out.
May we come in?
Yeah. Please.
Ma'am, you are
Mrs. Karen Morgan?
Yes.
- And were you driving
a silver Mercedes sedan
this evening on Crockett Court?
Yes.
Have you been drinking?
Have you been doing
any illegal substances?
What?
No.
I have a warrant
for your arrest.
I need you to turn around
and put your hands
behind your back.
What?
I didn't do anything.
- You have the right
to remain silent.
This is ridiculous.
Anything you say can
and will be used against you.
Scott!
She did this to me.
She didn't do anything.
You can't do this.
You're arresting
the wrong person.
Hey!
Karen! I'll call the lawyer.
We'll get you out
as soon as we can.
I'll see you at the station.
Honey, it's going to be okay.
Did you really
have to bring him?
I didn't have time
to find a babysitter.
How bad is it?
Well, she's claiming
you tried to run her down.
Prosecutor's going for
attempted murder.
This whole thing is so insane.
I didn't...
What does that mean for me?
Worst case,
possibly 10 years in prison.
There were witnesses.
Susie, I saw her watching
from across the street.
I saw her.
She will testify.
-I spoke with her...
She won't testify.
Sorry.
This is Alan.
Susie!
I need to talk to you.
She's not home, Karen.
Drea, her car
is in the driveway.
She doesn't want to talk.
I'm sorry.
-What are you sorry for?
Sorry Susie won't talk to me
or sorry she won't testify
that Lisa is a crazy bitch.
Come on, Drea, we all know it.
I could go to jail for years.
I know Susie saw what happened.
She can help me.
I see you in there, Susie.
The least you can do
is talk to me.
I'm sorry, Karen.
I can't get involved.
Ten years, Susie.
That's how long
Lisa's manipulation
could send me to jail for.
I would miss
Miles's entire childhood.
I just need you
to tell the truth.
I see what this has done to you.
What she's done to you.
I don't want to be next.
I have to protect my family.
Who says
you're not next anyways?
He wet the bed.
I'm just letting him watch
some TV in our room
while I change the sheets.
He hasn't done that
in over two years.
The poor thing.
He must be so confused.
Let me help you.
Hey, how was Susie's?
Can she help us?
I think I was wrong about her.
-She didn't see anything?
About being my friend.
I'll check on Miles.
These make a lot more sense now.
Hi, Miles Moo.
Can Mommy come snuggle
with you for a bit?
I know it's a lot
that's been going on.
Is there anything
you want to ask me?
Why is Mrs. Beasley mad at you?
Because she thinks
Mommy tried to hurt her,
but you know I would never do
anything to hurt anyone, right?
Is she going to be okay?
Mrs. Beasley's body
is going to be just fine.
It's her mind that needs help.
But that's nothing
you need to worry about, okay?
Let's try your bed.
I'm sure Daddy
fixed it up really nice.
Goodnight, baby.
My God.
It's a psychological condition
called "False Victim Syndrome".
Listen to this.
"When presented with the facts,
the False Victim Syndrome
stalker
will rationalize and manipulate
everything he can
and ignore
even a direct question
in order to preserve his fantasy
of being a victim.
He will initiate conflicts
and proceed to twist them
in his favor
in an attempt to gain
positive attention for himself."
This is Lisa to a "T"!
Wow, there's actually
a name for this.
And she's definitely
done it before,
Dan said so himself.
Okay, well, if there's
a history to this behavior,
I'll look into it.
The Raffertys...
The people who lived
in the house before us.
She must have
gotten to them, too.
-Okay.
This False Victim Syndrome
is very difficult
to prove in court,
but if we can establish
a pattern of her history,
then we can get out of
this she said/she said
stagnation.
We can beat this, right?
Well, I never give guarantees.
But this woman
is clearly insane.
Then I'll make sure
the jury sees that.
Was it me
or did he not seem
that confident?
I just think lawyers
are hesitant to make promises.
That's not good enough.
I'm going to go to the office.
I'm going to go see
if I can find
where the Raffertys ended up.
Maybe they'll testify.
I can't find
the Rafferty family anywhere.
There's no listing for them
after our address.
Let me call their broker.
She might know
how to contact them.
But if you're not finding
their names listed anywhere,
maybe they didn't want
to be found.
I'm starting to understand why.
I'm not sure
how I'm going to get
these ghosts
to testify in court.
There's one other thing.
I got another notice
while I was out.
Your reviews are in.
Somebody doesn't like you.
My gosh.
And it's more than one?
One star.
Two stars.
"I only gave her two stars
because she's pretty."
What the hell?
It's got your neighbor
written all over
each one of those.
She uses the same words
in multiple reviews.
I'm so sorry, Whitney.
Lisa is trying
to dismantle my life
step by step.
Hey, don't apologize to me.
I've seen you with clients,
I know you're good at this.
But, given everything at home,
and with the trial,
and now this...
I think you need
to take a back seat here
until this all dies down.
I wish it didn't
have to be this way,
but I understand.
Right before
we were going to have
a really strong spring.
-Yeah. I know.
Listen, go home,
be with your family,
show this woman who's boss.
All right, Mr. Man,
time for bed.
I'll take him.
You put your feet up.
Mommy, are you not happy?
I'm always happy
when I'm with you.
- I love you.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,
welcome.
You are here to determine
whether my client, Karen Morgan,
tried to kill the prosecution,
Lisa Beasley.
Karen says she did not,
Lisa says she did,
so we find ourselves
in a she said/she said
situation.
Now, during this trial,
I will not only present evidence
that proves that, in fact,
my client did not plan to,
or even accidentally hurt
Mrs. Beasley,
I will also show
my client's credibility.
Thank you.
Well, you heard it,
my colleague
would have you believe
that this is a simple case
of she said/she said.
I wish it were that easy,
I really do.
Unfortunately,
what we have here today
is the systematic breaking down
and betrayal
of an innocent person...
my client, Lisa Beasley...
who welcomed her new neighbors
with open arms,
introduced them
around the neighborhood,
whose own daughter
has even babysat
for the defendant,
and who has done nothing
but offer her friendship
and trust,
only to be violated
and attacked by Karen Morgan.
Thank you.
In your statement,
you swore that you never saw
Mrs. Beasley
get hit by your car, correct?
That's correct.
I had drinks in my car,
so I was purposely driving
really slowly,
so there's no way
I could have sped up
or slammed on my brakes
like she said.
No further questions
at the moment.
Mrs. Morgan,
there's a pattern
of aggressive behavior
coming from you
towards my client, Mrs. Beasley,
is there not?
A pattern?
I don't think...
Isn't it true
you attacked Mrs. Beasley's car
in the parking lot
of Dorothy Peacock Elementary,
with her two
small children inside,
isn't that correct?
I got mad at Lisa
because she bought
the same car as me,
among other things.
It happened once.
- Let's talk about
some of those other things.
Perhaps you're referring
to the concerned call
that someone made about your son
to his kindergarten?
Now, you assumed
that Mrs. Beasley
placed that call,
even though that has never
been substantiated?
Isn't that correct?
No, it's not.
The school dismissed that call.
-Okay.
So, someone...
We don't know who...
Witnessed enough interactions
between you and your son
to warrant a concerned call
on your behalf?
And instead of asking
your friendly neighbor for help,
instead of looking at
your own parenting,
you jumped to the conclusion,
with no evidence,
that she's what...
Out to get you?
Is that it?
-Let me be clear,
I love my son.
I always have
his best interests at heart.
I did talk to a neighbor,
Susie Marino...
-Susie Marino, right,
who isn't here today
to testify on your behalf.
That's interesting.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
Mrs. Beasley,
could you please
give us a history
of your relationship
with Mrs. Morgan?
Well, the truth is...
she's been harassing me
for months.
She dresses like me,
she's isolated me
from my friends
in the neighborhood...
and she practically attacked
me and my children
at their school.
By "attack,"
you mean that
she banged on your car window?
-And yelled.
Yes. And yelled.
That is correct, yes.
To which
Mrs. Morgan has testified.
I just want to make sure
that we have the facts straight.
Maybe you can help me
with one more fact.
Do you have Parkinson's,
like you mentioned
to Mrs. Morgan?
Well...
The testing...
Just a reminder,
any statement you make
about your medical history
in court,
we can subpoena
your medical records.
So let's try that again.
Do you have Parkinson's disease?
No.
-Do you have Lupus?
No.
Gosh...
Considering this is
a she said-she said
type of case,
that is a handful of lies
right off the bat, Mrs. Beasley.
No further questions.
Lisa...
do you consider yourself
a nice neighbor?
I do.
Tell me why.
I bought Karen a bottle of wine
when they moved in.
My husband and I
hosted a potluck
to commemorate
the first week of school.
- And how would you describe
your friendship with Karen?
I thought Karen and I
were going to be
life-long friends.
But she thought I called
the school on her,
and the relationship
soured from there.
I had to take out
a restraining order against her
after she got violent with me
with my children in the car.
I mean, it was
just for our own protection.
And that day,
when she was driving...
I mean, we hadn't been
speaking a lot
because of
the restraining order,
but I just never expected
that she would...
I'm sorry.
So, I saw her
at the intersection...
and she was about
a block and a half away,
but she was driving slowly,
so I thought we had time
to cross the street.
So, Allie and I,
we stepped
into the intersection,
and Karen sped up.
And I was so concerned
with protecting Allie,
that I didn't even know
that I was hit
until seconds afterwards.
I just can't believe
she's saying that
I would do this to myself.
I can't exercise,
I can't go up the stairs
in my own house.
Why would I do that to myself?
Why, indeed?
Thank you.
No further questions,
Your Honor.
This has been difficult for you,
but can you please tell us
what happened
on the 16th of May?
I was crossing an intersection
with my mom,
and, suddenly, Mrs. Morgan
hit my mom with her car.
-Then what happened?
-My mom's foot was broken,
and I was really scared.
She was screaming at Mrs. Morgan
to stop hurting her.
-Thank you.
No further questions.
It must have been very scary,
seeing your mom like that.
Did you go to the hospital
with her afterwards?
No.
Because you were looking after
your little brother?
Allie, did your mother
go to the hospital?
Allie, did your mother
go to the hospital
or see a doctor
after she was
supposedly hit by a car?
No, she didn't.
Well, who put that boot
on her foot?
My dad.
Must be nice
to have a doctor at home.
He's not a doctor.
Right.
Maybe you can help me
understand one more thing.
Where were you and your mother
coming from
that day you were
crossing the street?
Home?
- So you were going somewhere?
No.
Just out for a walk?
Allie, how long
were you and your mother
waiting on the corner
before Mrs. Morgan's car
came along?
I guess about 20 minutes.
- 20 minutes.
That's a really long time.
What were you doing
during that time?
We were having
a mother-daughter conversation.
Mrs. Beasley, please.
Allie?
Allie, what were you doing
on that corner with your mom
for 20 minutes?
That's a long time
to be standing outside
doing nothing.
Allie?
We were waiting
for Mrs. Morgan.
-You were waiting?
Why?
We were waiting
for Mrs. Morgan's car
so...
Mama could hurl herself into it.
Thank you for your honesty.
No further questions.
We the jury
find the accused, Karen Morgan,
not guilty
of the charges against her.
You're free to go.
Thank God.
It's over.
Thank you.
Good work.
I am so glad that this is over
and that we can finally
put this behind us.
Here's to new beginnings.
I've missed these windows.
It's over.
We're free.
She's never
going to stop, is she?