A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story (2023) - full transcript
It follows the crimes of serial wife-killer Randy Roth and the lady who ultimately fetched him to justice.
(mellow music)
- I have this dream,
I lie in sombre.
Water surrounds me.
I breathe no longer.
Death approaches,
extending its hand.
Now a friend I did not plan.
But in this dream, I never wake.
Tragedy now becomes my fate.
(tense music)
(muffled scream)
(woman humming)
(indistinct background chatter)
(humming continues)
(background chatter continues)
(soft music)
Thank you.
- I'm so sorry.
(sniffles)
(sighs)
You want me to kick
everybody out of here?
(chuckles)
How about I get
this little guy to bed?
- Yeah.
(sighs)
(water running)
(dishes clattering)
- Hey... You wanna turn in?
I can finish the rest.
- What am I supposed to do now?
This wasn't supposed to happen.
(sniffles)
I can't do this.
(sobs)
- Look at me. Yes, you can.
- No, I can't.
- I'm gonna be here.
For you and tyson.
And I will always be here.
Do you hear me?
I promise you.
You're my best friend.
- Okay.
(sobs)
I know.
(sobs)
I got you. I got you.
I know.
I know.
(eerie music)
(sighs)
(soft music)
(sighs)
- Sun.
Spun.
Fun.
Autumn.
(water running)
ah, it smells so good!
- Coffee's ready!
- Ah, I can't wait.
- Ooh! Did you write
anything good this morning?
- Maybe.
- Well, can I read it?
- No.
- And what is the point
of poetry
if you're not gonna share it?
- This isn't just poetry,
it's my journal,
And I'm just... Not ready to...
Lori, I told you, you don't need
to pay me rent.
You stayed.
- Oh, stop.
- You do this every month.
- Yeah, and every month, I win.
Come on, just let me contribute
until I find my own family.
Speaking of, it's grocery day,
So if you want anything special,
just let me know.
- Pancakes, always.
- Yes, that's a given.
- Also, would you mind
running by the bank for me?
I need tyson's birth certificate
for his passport.
- Yeah, of course.
Oh, did you decide
where you guys are gonna go?
- No, but we need to go
somewhere.
Like an adventure.
If tom were here, he would've
taken him somewhere.
- Somewhere amazing, I know.
- Yeah.
(gasps)
There he is! The little slugger.
- Tyson! Tyson! Tyson!
- Guys, it's just a game.
- Just a game? What?
This is the season opener!
(joyfully exclaims)
- Look at that.
- Thanks, lori.
- Hey!
Why don't we hit the cages
one more time
before the big game?
- Yes, please.
- Yes.
(intriguing music)
(cheers)
(laughter)
(cheering)
- Yes! Tyson!
(cheers, applause)
Tyson!
Oh, I'm sorry.
(cheers, applause)
- Yes, tyson! Come on!
- Hi!
- Hi.
- Can I get a hot dog, please?
- A hot dog, please.
- That's your boy, right?
- Yep.
- He's a fine hitter.
- Thanks. He loves the game.
- You know, hitting a baseball
Is one of the hardest things
to do in sports.
You ever think about getting him
on a travel league?
- Oh, um, no, not really.
- You gotta get
through try-outs,
But it opens up possibilities.
Colleges, scholarships.
- You think tyson could make it?
- Well... I am the coach, so...
(laughter)
(cheers, applause)
- Yes!
- Here's your hot dog.
- Thank you.
- Hey, dad.
- Hey.
- Oh, can I have one?
- Sure.
- Ma'am, uh... Wanna go
on a date with my dad?
- Oh.
(laughs)
- Greg.
- What? She's cute.
- Oh, well.
- Sorry.
My... My son's very forward.
- Well, he's very polite.
- Yes.
I'll get you one, okay?
And...
...If you'd be open to it,
I'd like to see you again.
- Oh, I'm... I...
I don't know.
- Tell you what,
I'll give you my number, and...
...If you wanna call me,
I'd like that.
(soft music)
I'm randy, by the way.
(voice echoing): Randy roth.
(muted background cheering)
(clears throat)
- Bye!
(laughs)
oh, my god. Oh, my god.
(crickets chirping)
(sighs)
Okay.
(phone ringing tone)
(clears throat)
- Hi there, you've reached
randy and greg roth.
Leave a message.
And if this is the beautiful
lady I met at the game today,
Please don't hang up,
I wasn't kidding.
I'd really like
to see you again.
(soft music)
(clears throat)
- 555-9187. Call me.
(beep!)
(sighs)
Oh, my god.
(chuckles)
(birds chirping)
(knocking)
- Hi, I'm randy.
- Yeah, I know, I... I'm lori.
Come on in.
- Thanks.
Yeah, cindy mentioned
she had a roommate.
- Yeah, it's an unusual
arrangement,
But we make it work.
- Uh-huh.
- Cindy will be right down.
- Great.
So, you two own this place
together, or...?
- Oh, actually,
this is cindy's house.
I just pay a little rent.
- Hmm, she must have
a really good job.
- Well, actually, her late
husband was very successful.
- Oh.
- Do you wanna have a drink
or anything before you go?
- Oh, I don't drink or smoke.
Single parent, don't really have
time for those kinds of things.
- And what do you do?
If you don't mind me asking?
- I'm a mechanic
at the perry dealership.
There she is!
- Ooh!
- You look... Wow!
(chuckles)
- I was afraid this old thing
was devoured by moths.
- These are for you.
- Ah, thank you.
- You're welcome.
I'm really glad you called.
Greg was pretty happy too.
- Aww, he's a cute kid.
- Well, I will put these
in water for you.
- Thank you.
- And you two kids have fun.
- We will.
I'll be sure to have her home
before midnight.
(chuckles)
What kind of food do you like?
- Any food.
- Feel like italian?
- I love italian.
- That's my specialty.
(spy movie music on tv)
- What?
- You okay?
- Yeah.
- You know you can
talk to me, right?
- I mean... It's a little weird.
Mom on a date.
But she should get to have
a little fun too, I guess.
I always got you, right?
- You bet, kid.
Popcorn fight!
(laughs)
(mellow music)
- You're sure
you don't want some?
- Oh, no,
I really don't do sugar,
But don't let me stop you.
(clicks tongue)
- so...
Greg seems like a nice boy.
- He sure is.
You can ask me if you want to.
(chuckles)
- You got me.
Is greg's mom
still in the picture?
Because I would never...
- No.
We lost her.
Janis.
That was her name.
She was a great mom.
(sighs)
- I'm sure.
- Cindy.
There is something
I need to tell you.
I really would like a bite
of that ice cream.
(laughs)
- It is really good.
- Yeah?
Oh, my gosh!
- Mm-hmm.
I tried telling you.
- It is so good!
(car approaching)
Anytime.
I'll call you.
- Bye.
(knocks)
- Okay, it either went
Amazing or absolutely awful
If you're already
writing about it.
(gasps)
- No, no peeking!
(laughter)
I'm not done with it yet.
- Okay, well, then,
give me the play by play.
- Oh, he's...
He's... So charming,
And thoughtful,
And, I mean,
he really listens,
Which is no small feat
for a man.
(chuckles)
What can I say? He's...
(sighs)
...He's amazing.
- I'm waiting for the "but."
- Well, he lost his wife.
- He's a widower?
- Two years now.
- Really?
I didn't get that from him.
- Well... We both know
how difficult that can be,
don't we?
- Sure.
- You don't think I'm making
a terrible mistake, do you?
- No.
- You approve?
(laughs)
- Not so fast, we'll see.
(soft music)
(birds chirping)
(children laughing)
- Hi! Oh, you must be
the best friend, lori, right?
- That's me. And you are?
- Hi.
I'm megan.
This is my husband, john,
And that's our...
Well, john's daughter, dana.
- Oh, it's nice to meet you.
- Good to meet you.
- How long have you guys
known randy?
- Ah, it's going on five years
now for me.
- Yeah, randy and john
are thick as thieves.
Oh, dana, honey.
Dana, come meet someone.
Dana?
- Dana!
- Uh, teenagers, right?
And the divorce adds to it too,
you know.
Well, I better deliver
the salad.
It's so good to meet you.
- Don't dress them
until they've been cut.
That way,
the oil soaks in better.
Then, some olive oil.
And...
...A touch of salt.
- I can't wait.
Oh, and I started eating spinach
With my eggs in the morning,
just like you showed me.
- And you feel full longer,
right?
- Yeah, all the way until lunch.
- It's good, sweetheart.
Hey, would you do me a favour
and go inside and get me
some more tin foil?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hmm.
- I know,
she's like a second kid.
- I wasn't gonna say anything.
- She had a rough patch.
It was a nasty divorce.
Trouble at school.
It might have had to do with her
struggling with her weight.
I was just showing her
some healthier habits.
- Mm-hmm.
Well, that's very sweet.
(soft music)
(chuckles)
- Her hair had one, not two.
Yeah.
(overlapping chatter)
(laughter)
(indistinct whispering)
...On the wall.
(clinking glass)
- excuse me.
I just... Don't mean
to interrupt.
I just wanted to say
what a pleasure it is
to host you all.
Some of my best
and oldest friends,
And some great new ones too.
And if that wasn't enough
to celebrate,
I just learned here
that this lovely young lady...
...Has lost three pounds.
- Way to go, sweetheart.
- Way to go, dana!
(chuckles)
- We are so very proud of you.
- Randy made a deal with her.
He gives her $100
for every pound.
- Great job, sweetheart.
- Thanks.
(eerie music)
You see this? One, two, three.
(indistinct chatter)
(eerie music)
- Two tours.
Active duty.
Oh, you shouldn't have
to do that.
Greg!
Greg, come in here, son!
Greg!
You take care of these?
- I can take those, ma'am.
- Thank you.
He's so polite.
- That's what we learn
in the service.
Chivalry, honour, order.
It was pretty nasty over there.
- Do you mind if I ask you
how you lost your...
- Janis.
- I'm so sorry.
- Yeah.
It was an accident.
Janis loved climbing.
We were on mount rainier.
She slipped, fell,
dead on impact.
- Uh... I'm... That's horrible.
- Yeah.
(ominous music)
Hey, guys.
- Hey.
- You guys having a good time?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Well, what do you think?
- Uh... Wow!
It's... It's beautiful.
- No, not about the ring,
about the man.
What do you think about randy?
I mean, I know it's only been
a few months,
But I just... I feel like...
Like, this just feels right.
I feel like he's the one.
- Well, you did say
you did just start dating, so...
Maybe it is a good idea
Just to date a few other men,
just to see.
- Are you kidding?
Randy's perfect.
Tyson is finally gonna have
a father again.
- Okay, cindy, I'm just gonna
be honest with you.
Listen, I know he seems nice,
and he's charming.
To you, at least,
and to tyson too,
But other times, he's--
- lori.
(sighs)
I'm okay.
You don't have
to protect me anymore.
I love you.
- I love you too.
(squealing excitedly)
(laughter)
- Alright, everyone, cheers!
To my amazing new family.
(all): Cheers!
- Woo-hoo!
- This cider is so good.
- Thanks, mr. Roth.
- No, it's "dad," now.
Or coach. Either one is fine.
(chuckles)
Greg, would you mind
grabbing another one for me?
- Yes, sir.
- That's good. Yeah.
- That's pretty good.
- So, greg, how are you feeling?
New family, new brother.
- Good, ma'am.
Tyson's cool, and his mom
is, like, really nice.
- Well, having known cindy
for 20 years,
I can say she's amazing.
- Yeah, they always are.
(ominous music)
- Go ahead, son.
I just wanna
let you know that...
You're welcome here
as long as you like.
- What?
- Me and greg, we're moving in.
But, like I said, you can
stay here as long as you want.
No pressure.
Excuse me.
(crickets chirping)
(randy groans)
(cindy yells): No, no! Stop!
(randy groans)
- Hey, buddy, are you okay?
(groaning)
- Cindy! Hey!
What's going on?
(cindy screaming)
Oh, my god! Randy!
Oh my god, randy,
get off of her!
Get off of her! Stop it!
Get off!
(strangled moan)
Cindy! Are you okay?
(panting)
Come here.
Are you okay?
- Honey, I'm so sorry.
- Stay away from her!
- No, lori.
- Get away from her!
- Lori. Lori, it's okay.
- No, are you kidding? No!
- Yes, just go. Please go.
- What?
- Get the hell out of here!
- Go, go, go! Lori, go!
- No, are you kidding?
- Please go!
(heavy panting)
- What?
(groans in pain)
Hey.
(crying)
- You okay?
Shh, it's okay.
It's okay.
Shh, it's okay.
Oh, god.
It's okay.
(randy panting)
- Alright, boys,
10 jumping jacks.
Ready?
(blows whistle)
That's it!
To be the best, you need
to train like the best!
- Cindy, about last night...
- Uh...
Randy has ptsd.
Admittedly, I didn't realize
How severe
those emotions can be.
He saw a lot of bad stuff
over there.
- He was hurting you.
- Yeah.
He's working through it.
- But cindy, you can't just...
- He's my husband.
That's all there is to it.
(whistle blows outside)
(randy): One, two, three, four,
Five, six!
(whistle blows)
high knees!
Come on! You got this!
(dryer tumbling)
- Hey, honey, it's okay.
It's not a big deal.
- I'm sorry.
- Hey.
It's okay, it's okay.
You're okay.
- Are you gonna tell my dad?
- Greg, time for school!
You hear me, bud?
We gotta go.
- Yes, sir.
(tense music)
- Here's some salad.
- Can I have some garlic bread?
- Yes.
- Yeah.
- Here we go!
Veal parmesan with a pesto pasta
And sauce tomate à la...
- Wow, that looks exceptional.
- His veal parm is the best.
- Thank you, honey.
Well, enjoy it while it lasts,
Because for the next five days,
chef randy is going on vacation.
- Buenos aires...
It sounds so fancy.
- We will exclusively
be dining out.
- Don't worry, guys, I'm a star
When it comes to anything
microwaveable.
(chuckles)
- Well, I wouldn't have minded
to watch greg and tyson
While you guys
are on your honeymoon.
Although, I don't mind
the extra help, dana.
- Oh, that's okay,
dana is just trying
To earn some extra money
for senior week.
Speaking of,
There's a scale in the bathroom,
young lass.
- Oh, and actually,
tomorrow is grocery day,
So if you have anything
you want special,
Let me know, besides pancakes.
- Aww.
- That's very generous,
but I've already got it covered.
I only buy organic.
- Randy's more
into eggs and bacon.
- Protein is a healthier way
to start the day,
But I'm sure you knew that.
- Four pounds!
- Dana, you're crushing it!
- Alright!
There you go. Well done.
- Well, I think you look
beautiful either way, honey.
- She sure does.
(tense music)
- Our winter is their summer,
so it's spring-ish right now.
- Do you have enough pink?
(chuckles)
- Don't mess with my pink,
missy.
- Hey, can I ask you a question?
What is the deal
between randy and dana?
- What do you mean?
- He's just awfully friendly
with her, don't you think?
- Randy's helping her through
a difficult part of her life.
What's wrong with that?
- You need a hat.
- I love this!
(chuckles)
Woo!
What do you think?
Buenos aires?
(chuckles)
- yes.
- I guess I'll have to wear it
on the plane.
- How about everything else?
Now that you are
a newly married woman.
- It's great.
Well, you know, you live here.
- Well, I was referring
to other marital things.
(laughs)
- oh, right.
Well, as you know,
randy is very fit.
- Yes, I noticed.
- And vigorous.
- Oh!
- But...
(chuckles awkwardly)
...That vigour hasn't exactly
translated to the marital bed.
- Well, hey,
I'm sure
a sexy little number,
A picturesque honeymoon...
That will change very quickly.
Okay, this is not gonna help
with the vigour,
So this does not go.
(laughter)
- Those were my favourite!
- No.
- And you'll take care of tyson
while I'm gone?
You know he hasn't been
without me since tom.
- You know I will.
- Ooh! And don't forget
he has his game on Saturday.
- Of course.
- And the grocery list
is on the fridge.
- You got it.
- And vitamins at night.
- I know, I know.
- His vitamins are next
to his bed.
- Would you get out of here?
(ominous music)
(vomiting)
(panting)
(vomiting)
(toilet flushes)
- Sorry.
- Excuse me.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Dana, has randy ever hurt you?
Well, I'm just curious
if randy has ever exhibited...
Symptoms of ptsd?
Anything that's dangerous
or worrisome?
- If he did, I would think
his family would support him
about it.
Why are you living here again?
Aren't you, like,
in your forties?
(tense music)
(sighs)
- Wow.
(chuckles)
Wow.
My new wife.
- Aww.
(chuckles)
(chuckles)
- My new husband.
(chuckles)
- Cindy.
Tonight, I want you...
...To bare your all to me.
Will you?
- Hmm... I bare my all.
- You are mine...
(zipper zipping)
...To hold and to feel.
Go on.
- Hmm...
- Say it.
Say it.
(gasps)
say it.
- I...
...I'm yours...
- Say it.
- ...To hold and feel.
(moans)
When you touch me, I'm real.
- Again.
- I am yours to hold
and to feel.
- Yeah.
- When you touch me, I am real.
- Yes. Say it again.
- I bare my all.
- Louder.
- I am yours to hold
and to feel.
(moans)
When you touch me, I am real.
- Yes.
- I bare my all.
- Ah, yes.
- I am yours...
- Yes.
- ...To hold and to feel.
- Yes.
- When you touch me, I am real.
(tense music)
- Ah, shoot.
(clatter)
(groans in pain)
(intriguing music)
Oh, my god.
So... Okay,
how was buenos aires?
- Mmm... Wonderful.
It's elegant and rich
with history and culture.
Yeah, it was really fun.
- And how about
the other marital stuff?
Is it accelerating
the way that you hoped?
- Yeah, it's great.
- Good.
- How was everything here?
- Oh, well, everything
with tyson was fine,
But there was something weird
that happened.
- What?
- Well...
I kinda found this.
(ominous music)
- Oh.
Oh, my god.
- I found it in one of randy's
camping boxes in the basement.
- So, you were snooping
through his stuff?
- What? No, of course not.
- It's kind of a weird thing
to just come across.
- Well, it's kind of
a weird thing
To keep in a plastic bag
in a box in the basement.
I...
- You don't have to do that.
- Do what?
- That. This.
You never have anything nice
to say about randy,
And any opportunity you get
to say something bad,
You jump all over it!
- What would you rather me do?
Would you rather me lie about--
- I want you to be happy for me!
Please.
- Listen, I just don't think
that randy is the one.
We haven't known him that long.
Every single thing I learn
about this guy, I mean...
Greg is being raised
like a soldier.
He's so afraid of his father
he's wetting the bed.
And dana has an eating disorder
randy's basically making worse.
And what kind of a new husband
doesn't want to sleep
with his new wife?
- Hey, that is my husband
you're talking about, okay?!
And what do you know
about marriage?
Or men? Look at you.
You're living in my house
with my kids and my husband!
(tense music)
I think it's time you found
your own place.
I'm sorry.
(sighs)
(haunting music)
(distant sirens wailing)
(phone ringing)
- Hello. Lori.
Oh... Lori baker speaking,
I mean.
- Lori, it's me.
Can you come over right away?
- Hey, are you okay?
(voice continues)
- hold on.
What? I'm gonna be right there.
(ominous music)
- Thanks for coming so quickly.
- Yeah, of course,
I'm happy to help.
Are you okay?
Is tyson okay?
- Yeah, he's good.
I'm good. I'm...
I'm sorry, I don't mean
to worry you.
So...
- Yeah, what's going on?
- I don't know.
You were always so good
with cars.
I just... Can't get it to start.
- Oh, well, did randy
take a look at it?
- Oh, no.
I didn't want to bother him
at work.
- Okay.
Let me check it out.
Alright, let's see.
- Ah, thanks again.
I just... Needed to go
to the store,
Just, you know,
get out of the house,
But then, this happened.
- Huh.
Uh, you know what?
Try it now.
(engine starts)
- You're a life saver.
- It was just a fuse that needed
to be pushed back in.
- Oh.
- Maybe it came loose when you
went over a bump or something.
- Yeah.
- Well, hey, I'd really love
to see you and tyson more
If you maybe wanna grab dinner
on Sunday or this week.
Anytime, really.
Is everything okay?
- It's good, I'm good.
We're... I'm fine.
(chuckles)
- Okay.
Well, dinner this week?
- Yeah, I'll check my calendar.
- Okay.
Alright, well...
I'll see you soon.
- See you soon.
(car starts)
(ominous music)
(randy): What are you doing?!
(cindy sniffles)
Yeah, just what you need,
more crap from the store!
This isn't even organic.
I specifically told you
to stay home!
Look at this.
Here's an idea:
More ugly pink garbage.
Oh, and a small!
That's ambitious!
What did I say, huh?
What did I say?
- Just...
- No more bleaching your hair!
This crap is filled
with chemicals!
I am your husband!
Doesn't that mean
anything to you?
Don't you care about yourself?
When I tell you to do something,
you do it!
(ominous music)
(water running)
(washer and dryer tumbling)
Cindy!
Cindy, get in here!
(sniffles)
- Hey.
- Where were you?
- Just... Laundry.
- You know, I was talking
to the boys
About taking a camping trip
this weekend.
- I was hoping I could see lori
for dinner this Sunday.
- I don't think so.
(tense music)
(radio scratching)
(reporter): Lifeguards
at lake sammamish
Rushed to the aid
of a woman drowning,
But arrived too late
to save the mother of two
Swimming at the lake
with her husband and children,
And what was supposed to be
a day of fun and recreation
Ended in tragedy.
Cynthia baumgartner-roth
was later pronounced dead
At king county
memorial hospital.
Hundreds were gathered
at the lake,
But few saw the tragic
event unfold...
(dramatic music)
Sammamish county received a call
around 12:45
Stating a woman was unresponsive
At a popular swimming spot.
Deputies and first responders
Went to the scene and began
efforts to save...
(broadcast continues)
Where she was later pronounced
dead on arrival.
(ominous music)
- We don't cry.
We don't ever cry.
It's over now.
In the marines, we were taught
to show no fear.
We developed a healthy
short-term memory.
I'm going to teach you.
Okay?
You'll be fine.
Good.
Now, eat up.
(sniffles)
(door creaking)
- I heard on the radio.
It's uh...
I couldn't believe it.
(sobbing)
Is it true?
- It was her idea to go out
to the lake.
- What happened?
- Boys were playing
on the beach,
And she asked if we could
take the raft out.
Thought it'd be romantic,
just the two of us.
Speed boat went by...
And we went over.
I was climbing back on...
She said something
about a cramp...
I looked over...
She was gone.
- Is tyson okay? Can I see?
- We watched a movie.
He's asleep.
I don't want to wake him.
Is there anything else?
- I don't believe it.
- Goodnight, lori.
(door creaking)
(inhales deeply)
- I don't believe you!
(eerie music)
(sinister music)
(sobbing softly)
(cindy): He's...
He's so charming.
Like, this just feels right.
I feel like he's the one.
(lori): He's keeping
his dead wife's ashes
In a plastic bag
in the basement!
- Randy roth's residence.
You know what to do.
(screams)
(dramatic music)
(cindy): You're a good
friend, lori...
(lori): I'm gonna be here
for you and tyson.
Listen, I promise you...
I always will be.
(tyson): I always got you,
right?
(lori): You bet, kid.
(gasps, pants rapidly)
(tense music)
(engine stops)
(clattering)
- Hey!
- Don't hurt me!
- Who are you?
What are you doing here?
- I just... I needed
to talk to you.
I would have come sooner, but...
I hadn't worked up
the courage yet.
Can I bring my cat inside?
- Yeah, sure.
- My name is donna clift.
- I'm lori.
- You're the friend
of that woman who drowned.
- Did you know cindy?
- No.
His name is minx.
I got him after me and randy
divorced.
I needed him after everything
that happened...
Randy tried to drown me.
I should have said something!
Or done something.
I'm so sorry your friend--
- Wait, wait... Hold on.
Wait, please.
Can you please just start
from the beginning?
(exhales softly)
- I was a divorcee.
I met randy at a grocery store.
It was actually that little boy
of his who asked me out.
It was so cute.
We were married
a few months later.
I wanted to get swept up,
like some fairy tale princess.
(chuckles)
Pretty stupid, right?
- Not at all.
- The moment we got married...
The charm was gone.
The want of me... Was gone.
Then we went on this white-water
rafting trip.
We were on our own raft.
My parents were ahead of us.
They rounded this bend
in the river...
Then he got this look
in his eyes,
Like he was analyzing me.
I could never forget it.
And then he... Slammed our raft
into these rocks.
The raft flooded,
we were sinking
And I didn't have a vest on
and I can barely swim.
My dad got there just in time.
He pulled me out of the water.
Randy apologized,
said it was an accident.
But I swear he wanted
to kill me.
- Why didn't you call
the police?
- And say what?
That my husband purposely
tried to drown me
For no reason whatsoever?
My own parents
didn't even believe me!
(scoffs)
- Okay, well, why now?
Why call me?
- I needed to tell somebody.
Because...
Because I know
he'll do it again.
(tense music)
(tense music)
(sighs)
- Boys, get in here!
So you two don't want
to respect the rules.
- I was gonna clean it after...
(clattering)
- What were you gonna say?
Come here.
On the line!
You stay right there.
What do you say?
"yes, sir!"
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
- You know, it's a good thing
I'm here.
Because I need to teach you...
(clattering)
Down on your knees.
Down on your knees! Now!
Clean this up.
I want this floor so clean
That you can eat off of it!
You hear me?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
- Argh!
- You hear me?
(greg grunting)
I want this floor spotless.
Do you understand?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
(boys groan)
- You should know better.
(indistinct chatter)
- Miss baker? Miss baker,
thanks for your patience.
How can I help you?
- And she swears randy
tried to kill her.
- And donna clift,
she'd be willing
To speak with us
about this?
- She's scared,
but she wants to help.
- Okay. But you should know
the medical examiner
Listed cindy's death
as an accidental drowning.
- You don't know randy.
I saw him the night
of cindy's death.
He was totally unemotional.
- People grieve in a lot
of different ways.
- This wasn't shock, and tyson
is still living with him.
I have to get him
out of there.
- You'd prefer
he'd live with you?
- As opposed to a murderer?
He's not safe there!
- Miss baker...
King county looks into
every accidental death
To see if there are
suspicious circumstances.
In this case,
there are none.
- What about his first wife,
janis?
Between her and donna,
and now cindy, come on!
That is a pattern, right?
- We'll look into it, ma'am.
- I'm really sorry.
I wish we could do more.
- I told cindy, I promised her
That I would take care
of her and tyson.
And I failed her.
But I'm not going
to fail her son.
- Look, custody usually goes
to the other parent,
But since cindy and randy
only just got married,
I'd check and see
if there's a preexisting will.
Maybe cindy listed a grandparent
or someone else
To take in her kid.
That's what I would do.
- Thank you, detective peters.
- Soupie. It's sue peters.
Soupie.
- Soupie.
Soupie, please...
Look into janis's death.
Can you do that?
(ominous music)
(rustling)
- See anything you like?
Take whatever you want.
It's just garbage.
- I went by the bank today.
Checked the safety deposit box
that cindy and I shared.
It was empty.
- Lori!
- Hey!
How are you doing?
- Good.
- Tell you what, why don't you,
uh... Come inside?
We're excited to, uh...
See an old friend.
Would you like a cookie?
- There you go, ma'am.
- That's it, boys. You can go
do your homework with dana.
Now...
What's all this about a safety
deposit box?
- I checked the registry.
You were the last one
to sign it out.
- Cindy's my wife.
Or... She was.
So anything that belongs
to her...
...Now belongs to me.
- There was a will in there
And I know cindy
would have made sure
That tyson was taken care of.
- And he is.
- I want tyson back.
- Well, that's interesting
because...
I never thought he was yours
to begin with.
- I've known him
since the day he was born.
I'm practically his mother!
- But you're not, lori.
You're not his mother.
You're not his family.
- When you look at me...
You just see
a lonely woman, huh?
But I'm not alone.
And cindy wasn't the only one
you've done this to.
- Is that right?
So who you've been talking to,
lori?
Who has lori been talking to?
- I'm not afraid of you.
- Get out of my house.
- Lori!
Please don't go.
- Oh, sweetheart.
I'm so sorry. Listen...
Listen to me. Listen, okay?
I am gonna come back
for you, okay?
- Please don't leave.
- I promise you...
That I'm gonna come back, okay?
- Please don't leave...
- Listen, listen to me, okay?
I promise, okay?
I'm gonna come back for you.
- Please don't leave.
- Tyson!
- It's okay...
- Don't make me say it again,
tyson.
- You're doing okay.
- Let's go, boys.
Oh, and I might just go
have a word with your friend.
- Just where do you think
you're going, young lady?
- I'm just going to randy's, I
don't get what the big deal is.
- The big deal is your mother
said you're grounded.
- She's not my mother.
Randy lost his wife;
Greg and tyson
lost their mom.
They need me.
- You get back here right now.
(crying)
Get back here right now!
- I don't know
what your problem is.
He's your friend!
- John!
- Stop!
- Let go! You're hurting me!
- John, stop! Stop, please!
We can't! We can't!
Please! Please.
(panting)
Oh, my god!
(eerie music)
- Hey... Thanks for meeting me
halfway.
- As soon as you said
the name randy roth...
I got my keys.
- So you remember the case
pretty well?
- I'll never forget that one.
- Minx!
Psst, psst!
Minx?
Minxie cat!
Samantha, have you seen minx?
- No, mom!
- Darned scaredy cat...
- Everything here
points to an accident.
- I never had a shred
of hard evidence.
But his story kept on changing.
Where she was, where he was,
how it happened.
A couple of us went up
and walked the trail.
Tried to recreate
how it happened.
When you called and said
another wife had died...
In an accident?
(scoffs)
Let's just say
I wasn't surprised.
(loud meowing)
(tense music)
(gasping)
(gasping)
- There has to be something--
something you can do.
- Janis' death is suspicious,
But like cindy, the official
reports point to an accident.
Donna clift
won't return my calls.
And since randy was legally
cindy's husband,
He had every right to remove
the personal items
From the security deposit box.
- But he's lying!
- Lori, it's not that simple.
- Are you a real cop
or is that badge just for show?
Look, I just...
I need to get tyson
out of there.
- If he finds out that we're
investigating him for murder,
He might destroy what little
evidence is still out there.
- So... You do believe
that he did it?
- Yes, but if I bring this case
to a da now, they will kill it.
Okay, look...
It's not over.
We are checking county records
to see if cindy filed
A copy of the will
with the registrar's office.
- And if she didn't?
- Well, then the only way
To get tyson away from randy
will be to arrest him,
Which we cannot do
without more than just
circumstantial evidence.
(sighs)
- John?
John, honey?
- Ah...
I'll go make some... Lemonade?
(john sniffles)
- I, uh... Sorry about
your loss.
- Thanks. Uh... But I'm not here
about cindy.
I'm here about dana.
- What about her?
- I think that you're not
comfortable with dana and randy.
- Nah. What about it?
I've known randy for years.
- And so that makes it okay
for him to spend
That much time
with your teenage daughter?
- And just what
are you insinuating?
- Dana worships randy.
She's given herself
an eating disorder
Just to gain his approval.
(scoffs)
- I don't even know
what you're talking--
- There's something going on
here, and I think you see that.
I mean, aren't you worried?
Can't you see randy
is grooming her to be some--
- I'm her father!
If anything inappropriate
was going on between randy
And my daughter, don't you think
I'd know about it?
And don't you think
I'd put a stop to it?
I think it's time
for you to leave.
- Uh...
- You're leaving already?
(crying): Please
don't blame him!
John's just...
He's just choosing
To believe what he wants
to believe.
- That his friend would never
betray him.
(sobbing)
Dana couldn't stand me
when I first moved in.
And randy was the only one
who could keep the peace.
So if there's anyone
to blame, it's me.
- There is someone to blame,
and it is not you, or dana.
- She thinks she loves him.
So, if... If we demand
that she stops seeing him,
It will send her running
straight into his arms.
I don't know what to do.
- Then help me.
Help me prove
that randy's dangerous.
Help me get tyson and dana
and greg away from him for good.
- I... I... I don't know
anything.
- Yes, you do.
You've known him for years.
All those women...
All those lies...
Just tell me what you know.
(megan): There was a...
There was a fiancée.
She was... She was just like
the others.
Pretty, blonde.
Widowed, with kids.
Single mom, lonely.
Just like cindy.
They were always like that.
They thought they were getting
this charming husband
And amazing father, but...
That's not what they got.
(scoffs)
not at all.
It was southern,
like mary jane or...
Mary jo. Yeah.
Mary jo philips.
(birds chirping)
(woman mumbling)
- Come on, gang! Let's go!
We're late for school!
- Mary jo philips?
- Yep.
Come on gang, let's go.
Let's go!
- I'm lori baker. I was hoping
to speak with you about--
- Sorry, I don't have time
for whatever you're selling.
- I'm here about randy roth.
You two were engaged, right?
Was it his son who first asked
you out on a date with his dad?
- He was... Charming.
Thoughtful.
He pursued me aggressively and
as a single mom with two kids,
That felt really good.
(chuckles)
Honestly, the relationship
was amazing until...
- Until what?
- He asked me
about life insurance...
His first wife had died
in an accident and...
He wanted to make sure
the kids were taken care of
No matter what, but...
...I'd had ovarian cancer.
I'm uninsurable.
It was after that
that he grew distant.
I... Thought maybe the fear
of marrying another woman
He might lose
that drove him away.
We broke it off
within the month.
- It wasn't the threat of cancer
that drove randy away.
And randy's first wife
did not die in an accident.
Neither did my friend.
- So randy was...
If I had been insurable,
he was going to...
Okay. What can I do?
- Camping is gonna be
so much fun.
- Right? I love making s'mores.
I mean, a nutritious
vegetable sampler...
- Where are we going
camping again?
- Olympia national forest.
- Is it true...
That there are ghost bears
in that forest?
- Maybe!
- Are you afraid of ghost bears?
- No...
- Don't worry.
Dad will beat them up
if they come into our tent.
Isn't that right, dad?
- You bet, sport!
Dana, would you mind finishing
loading up the truck?
We'll be right back.
Thanks.
- Hey, ma'am, uh... You're...
You're really pretty.
You wanna go on a date
with my dad?
- Greg.
Sorry, my son's very forward.
Here, let me help you
with that. Greg?
- Oh, thank you.
- I'm randy. Randy roth.
- Stacey. Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, too.
- My car's over here.
(chuckles shyly)
thanks so much.
- You're welcome.
(stacey): What's your name?
- Greg. Nice to meet you.
- You too.
I have a son too.
His name's liam.
- Liam?
(tense music)
- Soupie, I was about
to call you.
- You were right.
It's the insurance.
Randy updated
the policy on cindy
Before the ink on the marriage
certificate was even dry.
Same thing with janis.
(lori sighs)
- So this is--
- this is good. It's motive.
But it's not why I'm here.
- What is this?
- It's cindy's will.
She registered it
with the county.
- What does it say?
- I think you should read it.
(cindy's voice): In the event
of my death,
I, cynthia baumgartner,
leave all my worldly possessions
To my son tyson baumgartner.
If he is not of legal
guardianship age,
I ask that he be put
in the custody
Of my good friend, lori baker.
Lori hasn't just been
like family to us...
Lori is our family.
As such, I designate lori to be
the sole executor of my estate,
Managing all of my assets,
possessions
And any insurance compensations,
Which are to be put in a trust
until my son is of age.
- Get the hell off my property!
- I'm here for tyson.
- He's my boy now.
- My lawyer called yours.
This is not a negotiation.
He's coming with me--
- He needs discipline!
He's staying here with me.
- Let's go, honey.
Tyson's coming with me
and he's never coming back here.
Come on, honey, let's go.
- Tyson, get in the house!
- It's okay.
- He's not going anywhere.
- Move aside, randy!
- You're gonna make me?
- How about we call the police
and we get them here instead?
- Tyson, come here.
- Do you wanna go with her?
Or do you wanna stay here
with your family?
- I wanna go.
(soft piano music)
- Come here, sweetheart.
Let's get in the car, okay?
- Get out of here
before I change my mind!
(lori's breath trembling)
(suspenseful music)
(clears throat)
- Yes, detective?
- Ma'am, I was wondering
If you had a chance to look over
the files I sent you?
On randy roth?
- Have a seat, detective.
So what do the detectives
in your division call my office?
- Special operations unit
of the deputy prosecutor
for king county.
The office of last resort,
ma'am.
- And how many other prosecutors
Did you take this case to first?
- Quite a few.
- And do you know why
they didn't take your case?
- Well, the evidence is...
- Nonexistent.
Circumstantial at best.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Yes.
But that's not why
they turned down your case.
They turned it down
because they have no balls.
I read your file...
Randy roth is
a cold-blooded killer,
He stalks his prey
and baits them with a smile,
Flowers, and a marriage
proposal.
And once he has them chained
to eternity,
He insures them
and kills them.
He steals from them
and their children.
- So? How do you want to proceed
with the evidence?
- Forget the evidence.
He's too smart.
We'll never get him that way.
No.
No, we get this guy
by making him think he can win.
I will get you a warrant
to search his house.
You just find me enough
that we can hang him
with his own lies.
We catch him in enough lies...
And he'll convince the jury
that he's a predator.
(chuckles)
hell...
We might even get a conviction.
- No. No. It's my turn now.
You are done talking, alright?
You listen to me.
I've got two kids,
a mortgage and a funeral.
I need that money now!
You hear me!
I don't care what some crap
piece of paper says.
I was her husband.
Her... Her soulmate!
I need that money now!
It's mine!
(sirens wailing)
- Randy?
What's happening?
- Take greg
to your parents' house.
Don't say a word.
Not to anyone.
Go!
You're wasting your time.
- We'll see about that.
- Okay, guys... Let's tear
this place apart!
(suspenseful music)
- We've got nothing.
Nothing!
(sighs)
(soupie scoffs)
- Okay, guys.
Let's wrap it up and head home.
Thank you.
Hey... Uh-uh!
We tried.
- Yeah.
(exhales)
(sighs)
(chair clattering)
(crickets chirping)
(tense music)
(indistinct whispering)
(clears throat)
- Please.
(exhales)
- mr. Roth.
I do apologize for the way
that you've been treated.
There were inconsistencies
In what has officially been
reported as an accidental death
That led my colleagues
in the police department
To start looking for something
That most likely
doesn't even exist.
Certain people
may have overstepped.
- You think?
- I know. But if you could
just be so kind
To answer a few questions,
I believe that we can just clear
this matter up today.
- Certainly.
Whatever you ladies need.
- Thank you.
(crying)
(knocking on door)
- dana?
- Someone's here to see you.
- Hey, dana.
Hey, greg.
- Greg, honey, why don't you
come with me?
(tense music)
- So, your previous
relationship,
With mary jo philips.
Did that end organically?
- It just wasn't a good match.
She was really the one
who ended things.
- Okay.
But you were married
prior to that, correct?
To donna clift?
Why did that end?
- Donna's kid and my son greg
just didn't get along.
Donna's a lovely woman,
but you know,
It just didn't make sense
to stay together.
Especially when there's
disharmony in the home.
- Oh yeah, I can imagine.
- I'm sorry to ask.
My brothers both served...
But we heard you were struggling
with some post-traumatic stress?
- Sometimes.
But that's the cross we bear
to protect this great country.
I just hope you ladies never
have to see those types
of things.
- Well, thank you
for your service.
- Yes, absolutely.
- He was in the marines.
He was a file clerk
in north carolina.
He was never in combat.
He never even left the country.
(dana sniffles)
- Do you know what this is?
- A promise ring?
(sniffles)
- randy promised me...
He promised me
that he would marry me
As soon as I was old enough.
He told me he loved me!
- No...
- No, he promised me!
- Listen, dana.
- He promised me...
- You did nothing wrong.
Do you hear me? Nothing!
Oh, honey, it's going
to be okay.
- So, your relationship with
cynthia, it was good then?
- Our marriage?
It was perfect.
- You and cindy were
in the honeymoon phase still?
- Oh, for sure.
I was very happy.
And cindy, she was...
Oh, she was ecstatic.
Over the moon.
Yeah, we were deeply in love
right up until...
(voice breaking): I'm sorry...
(soft music)
- Mom, dad...
- Come here, baby.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you.
- You'll take care of greg?
- Of course.
(crying)
- Mr. Roth, I would like
to read you a passage
From cynthia's diary.
She made two entries
the day before she died.
And the first one, mr. Roth...
...The first one is to you.
"randy does not love cindy.
Randy hates cindy.
Randy hates cindy's makeup,
her blonde hair.
He hates her cold fingers,
her ugly toes.
Randy hates the things
she wears,
And everywhere she goes.
He hates her favourite
colour, pink.
He hates to even
watch her drink.
He hates the way
she wakes from bed.
His every look
fills her with dread."
Now... That doesn't sound like
a woman who's "over the moon."
Does it?
- Mr. Roth.
Can you explain the nature
of your relationship
With your friend's daughter,
dana carlson?
(sighs)
- What are they doing here?
(exhales sharply)
- They're here to make
their statements.
(soupie): Let's get you back
to your cell.
Better get comfortable in there.
(ethereal music)
(indistinct chatter)
(cindy's voice): In this dream,
I never wake.
Tragedy now becomes my fate.
For I am with you always.
A mother's love never subsides.
I dream to hug you, kiss you,
touch you.
To hear your heartbeat
just once more.
Until we meet again, my child,
I love you forevermore.
- Is everything okay?
- I'd like to read you something
from your mom. Is that okay?
"to my beloved son, tyson.
I have this dream,
I lie in sombre..."
(music swelling)
- I have this dream,
I lie in sombre.
Water surrounds me.
I breathe no longer.
Death approaches,
extending its hand.
Now a friend I did not plan.
But in this dream, I never wake.
Tragedy now becomes my fate.
(tense music)
(muffled scream)
(woman humming)
(indistinct background chatter)
(humming continues)
(background chatter continues)
(soft music)
Thank you.
- I'm so sorry.
(sniffles)
(sighs)
You want me to kick
everybody out of here?
(chuckles)
How about I get
this little guy to bed?
- Yeah.
(sighs)
(water running)
(dishes clattering)
- Hey... You wanna turn in?
I can finish the rest.
- What am I supposed to do now?
This wasn't supposed to happen.
(sniffles)
I can't do this.
(sobs)
- Look at me. Yes, you can.
- No, I can't.
- I'm gonna be here.
For you and tyson.
And I will always be here.
Do you hear me?
I promise you.
You're my best friend.
- Okay.
(sobs)
I know.
(sobs)
I got you. I got you.
I know.
I know.
(eerie music)
(sighs)
(soft music)
(sighs)
- Sun.
Spun.
Fun.
Autumn.
(water running)
ah, it smells so good!
- Coffee's ready!
- Ah, I can't wait.
- Ooh! Did you write
anything good this morning?
- Maybe.
- Well, can I read it?
- No.
- And what is the point
of poetry
if you're not gonna share it?
- This isn't just poetry,
it's my journal,
And I'm just... Not ready to...
Lori, I told you, you don't need
to pay me rent.
You stayed.
- Oh, stop.
- You do this every month.
- Yeah, and every month, I win.
Come on, just let me contribute
until I find my own family.
Speaking of, it's grocery day,
So if you want anything special,
just let me know.
- Pancakes, always.
- Yes, that's a given.
- Also, would you mind
running by the bank for me?
I need tyson's birth certificate
for his passport.
- Yeah, of course.
Oh, did you decide
where you guys are gonna go?
- No, but we need to go
somewhere.
Like an adventure.
If tom were here, he would've
taken him somewhere.
- Somewhere amazing, I know.
- Yeah.
(gasps)
There he is! The little slugger.
- Tyson! Tyson! Tyson!
- Guys, it's just a game.
- Just a game? What?
This is the season opener!
(joyfully exclaims)
- Look at that.
- Thanks, lori.
- Hey!
Why don't we hit the cages
one more time
before the big game?
- Yes, please.
- Yes.
(intriguing music)
(cheers)
(laughter)
(cheering)
- Yes! Tyson!
(cheers, applause)
Tyson!
Oh, I'm sorry.
(cheers, applause)
- Yes, tyson! Come on!
- Hi!
- Hi.
- Can I get a hot dog, please?
- A hot dog, please.
- That's your boy, right?
- Yep.
- He's a fine hitter.
- Thanks. He loves the game.
- You know, hitting a baseball
Is one of the hardest things
to do in sports.
You ever think about getting him
on a travel league?
- Oh, um, no, not really.
- You gotta get
through try-outs,
But it opens up possibilities.
Colleges, scholarships.
- You think tyson could make it?
- Well... I am the coach, so...
(laughter)
(cheers, applause)
- Yes!
- Here's your hot dog.
- Thank you.
- Hey, dad.
- Hey.
- Oh, can I have one?
- Sure.
- Ma'am, uh... Wanna go
on a date with my dad?
- Oh.
(laughs)
- Greg.
- What? She's cute.
- Oh, well.
- Sorry.
My... My son's very forward.
- Well, he's very polite.
- Yes.
I'll get you one, okay?
And...
...If you'd be open to it,
I'd like to see you again.
- Oh, I'm... I...
I don't know.
- Tell you what,
I'll give you my number, and...
...If you wanna call me,
I'd like that.
(soft music)
I'm randy, by the way.
(voice echoing): Randy roth.
(muted background cheering)
(clears throat)
- Bye!
(laughs)
oh, my god. Oh, my god.
(crickets chirping)
(sighs)
Okay.
(phone ringing tone)
(clears throat)
- Hi there, you've reached
randy and greg roth.
Leave a message.
And if this is the beautiful
lady I met at the game today,
Please don't hang up,
I wasn't kidding.
I'd really like
to see you again.
(soft music)
(clears throat)
- 555-9187. Call me.
(beep!)
(sighs)
Oh, my god.
(chuckles)
(birds chirping)
(knocking)
- Hi, I'm randy.
- Yeah, I know, I... I'm lori.
Come on in.
- Thanks.
Yeah, cindy mentioned
she had a roommate.
- Yeah, it's an unusual
arrangement,
But we make it work.
- Uh-huh.
- Cindy will be right down.
- Great.
So, you two own this place
together, or...?
- Oh, actually,
this is cindy's house.
I just pay a little rent.
- Hmm, she must have
a really good job.
- Well, actually, her late
husband was very successful.
- Oh.
- Do you wanna have a drink
or anything before you go?
- Oh, I don't drink or smoke.
Single parent, don't really have
time for those kinds of things.
- And what do you do?
If you don't mind me asking?
- I'm a mechanic
at the perry dealership.
There she is!
- Ooh!
- You look... Wow!
(chuckles)
- I was afraid this old thing
was devoured by moths.
- These are for you.
- Ah, thank you.
- You're welcome.
I'm really glad you called.
Greg was pretty happy too.
- Aww, he's a cute kid.
- Well, I will put these
in water for you.
- Thank you.
- And you two kids have fun.
- We will.
I'll be sure to have her home
before midnight.
(chuckles)
What kind of food do you like?
- Any food.
- Feel like italian?
- I love italian.
- That's my specialty.
(spy movie music on tv)
- What?
- You okay?
- Yeah.
- You know you can
talk to me, right?
- I mean... It's a little weird.
Mom on a date.
But she should get to have
a little fun too, I guess.
I always got you, right?
- You bet, kid.
Popcorn fight!
(laughs)
(mellow music)
- You're sure
you don't want some?
- Oh, no,
I really don't do sugar,
But don't let me stop you.
(clicks tongue)
- so...
Greg seems like a nice boy.
- He sure is.
You can ask me if you want to.
(chuckles)
- You got me.
Is greg's mom
still in the picture?
Because I would never...
- No.
We lost her.
Janis.
That was her name.
She was a great mom.
(sighs)
- I'm sure.
- Cindy.
There is something
I need to tell you.
I really would like a bite
of that ice cream.
(laughs)
- It is really good.
- Yeah?
Oh, my gosh!
- Mm-hmm.
I tried telling you.
- It is so good!
(car approaching)
Anytime.
I'll call you.
- Bye.
(knocks)
- Okay, it either went
Amazing or absolutely awful
If you're already
writing about it.
(gasps)
- No, no peeking!
(laughter)
I'm not done with it yet.
- Okay, well, then,
give me the play by play.
- Oh, he's...
He's... So charming,
And thoughtful,
And, I mean,
he really listens,
Which is no small feat
for a man.
(chuckles)
What can I say? He's...
(sighs)
...He's amazing.
- I'm waiting for the "but."
- Well, he lost his wife.
- He's a widower?
- Two years now.
- Really?
I didn't get that from him.
- Well... We both know
how difficult that can be,
don't we?
- Sure.
- You don't think I'm making
a terrible mistake, do you?
- No.
- You approve?
(laughs)
- Not so fast, we'll see.
(soft music)
(birds chirping)
(children laughing)
- Hi! Oh, you must be
the best friend, lori, right?
- That's me. And you are?
- Hi.
I'm megan.
This is my husband, john,
And that's our...
Well, john's daughter, dana.
- Oh, it's nice to meet you.
- Good to meet you.
- How long have you guys
known randy?
- Ah, it's going on five years
now for me.
- Yeah, randy and john
are thick as thieves.
Oh, dana, honey.
Dana, come meet someone.
Dana?
- Dana!
- Uh, teenagers, right?
And the divorce adds to it too,
you know.
Well, I better deliver
the salad.
It's so good to meet you.
- Don't dress them
until they've been cut.
That way,
the oil soaks in better.
Then, some olive oil.
And...
...A touch of salt.
- I can't wait.
Oh, and I started eating spinach
With my eggs in the morning,
just like you showed me.
- And you feel full longer,
right?
- Yeah, all the way until lunch.
- It's good, sweetheart.
Hey, would you do me a favour
and go inside and get me
some more tin foil?
- Mm-hmm.
- Hmm.
- I know,
she's like a second kid.
- I wasn't gonna say anything.
- She had a rough patch.
It was a nasty divorce.
Trouble at school.
It might have had to do with her
struggling with her weight.
I was just showing her
some healthier habits.
- Mm-hmm.
Well, that's very sweet.
(soft music)
(chuckles)
- Her hair had one, not two.
Yeah.
(overlapping chatter)
(laughter)
(indistinct whispering)
...On the wall.
(clinking glass)
- excuse me.
I just... Don't mean
to interrupt.
I just wanted to say
what a pleasure it is
to host you all.
Some of my best
and oldest friends,
And some great new ones too.
And if that wasn't enough
to celebrate,
I just learned here
that this lovely young lady...
...Has lost three pounds.
- Way to go, sweetheart.
- Way to go, dana!
(chuckles)
- We are so very proud of you.
- Randy made a deal with her.
He gives her $100
for every pound.
- Great job, sweetheart.
- Thanks.
(eerie music)
You see this? One, two, three.
(indistinct chatter)
(eerie music)
- Two tours.
Active duty.
Oh, you shouldn't have
to do that.
Greg!
Greg, come in here, son!
Greg!
You take care of these?
- I can take those, ma'am.
- Thank you.
He's so polite.
- That's what we learn
in the service.
Chivalry, honour, order.
It was pretty nasty over there.
- Do you mind if I ask you
how you lost your...
- Janis.
- I'm so sorry.
- Yeah.
It was an accident.
Janis loved climbing.
We were on mount rainier.
She slipped, fell,
dead on impact.
- Uh... I'm... That's horrible.
- Yeah.
(ominous music)
Hey, guys.
- Hey.
- You guys having a good time?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Well, what do you think?
- Uh... Wow!
It's... It's beautiful.
- No, not about the ring,
about the man.
What do you think about randy?
I mean, I know it's only been
a few months,
But I just... I feel like...
Like, this just feels right.
I feel like he's the one.
- Well, you did say
you did just start dating, so...
Maybe it is a good idea
Just to date a few other men,
just to see.
- Are you kidding?
Randy's perfect.
Tyson is finally gonna have
a father again.
- Okay, cindy, I'm just gonna
be honest with you.
Listen, I know he seems nice,
and he's charming.
To you, at least,
and to tyson too,
But other times, he's--
- lori.
(sighs)
I'm okay.
You don't have
to protect me anymore.
I love you.
- I love you too.
(squealing excitedly)
(laughter)
- Alright, everyone, cheers!
To my amazing new family.
(all): Cheers!
- Woo-hoo!
- This cider is so good.
- Thanks, mr. Roth.
- No, it's "dad," now.
Or coach. Either one is fine.
(chuckles)
Greg, would you mind
grabbing another one for me?
- Yes, sir.
- That's good. Yeah.
- That's pretty good.
- So, greg, how are you feeling?
New family, new brother.
- Good, ma'am.
Tyson's cool, and his mom
is, like, really nice.
- Well, having known cindy
for 20 years,
I can say she's amazing.
- Yeah, they always are.
(ominous music)
- Go ahead, son.
I just wanna
let you know that...
You're welcome here
as long as you like.
- What?
- Me and greg, we're moving in.
But, like I said, you can
stay here as long as you want.
No pressure.
Excuse me.
(crickets chirping)
(randy groans)
(cindy yells): No, no! Stop!
(randy groans)
- Hey, buddy, are you okay?
(groaning)
- Cindy! Hey!
What's going on?
(cindy screaming)
Oh, my god! Randy!
Oh my god, randy,
get off of her!
Get off of her! Stop it!
Get off!
(strangled moan)
Cindy! Are you okay?
(panting)
Come here.
Are you okay?
- Honey, I'm so sorry.
- Stay away from her!
- No, lori.
- Get away from her!
- Lori. Lori, it's okay.
- No, are you kidding? No!
- Yes, just go. Please go.
- What?
- Get the hell out of here!
- Go, go, go! Lori, go!
- No, are you kidding?
- Please go!
(heavy panting)
- What?
(groans in pain)
Hey.
(crying)
- You okay?
Shh, it's okay.
It's okay.
Shh, it's okay.
Oh, god.
It's okay.
(randy panting)
- Alright, boys,
10 jumping jacks.
Ready?
(blows whistle)
That's it!
To be the best, you need
to train like the best!
- Cindy, about last night...
- Uh...
Randy has ptsd.
Admittedly, I didn't realize
How severe
those emotions can be.
He saw a lot of bad stuff
over there.
- He was hurting you.
- Yeah.
He's working through it.
- But cindy, you can't just...
- He's my husband.
That's all there is to it.
(whistle blows outside)
(randy): One, two, three, four,
Five, six!
(whistle blows)
high knees!
Come on! You got this!
(dryer tumbling)
- Hey, honey, it's okay.
It's not a big deal.
- I'm sorry.
- Hey.
It's okay, it's okay.
You're okay.
- Are you gonna tell my dad?
- Greg, time for school!
You hear me, bud?
We gotta go.
- Yes, sir.
(tense music)
- Here's some salad.
- Can I have some garlic bread?
- Yes.
- Yeah.
- Here we go!
Veal parmesan with a pesto pasta
And sauce tomate à la...
- Wow, that looks exceptional.
- His veal parm is the best.
- Thank you, honey.
Well, enjoy it while it lasts,
Because for the next five days,
chef randy is going on vacation.
- Buenos aires...
It sounds so fancy.
- We will exclusively
be dining out.
- Don't worry, guys, I'm a star
When it comes to anything
microwaveable.
(chuckles)
- Well, I wouldn't have minded
to watch greg and tyson
While you guys
are on your honeymoon.
Although, I don't mind
the extra help, dana.
- Oh, that's okay,
dana is just trying
To earn some extra money
for senior week.
Speaking of,
There's a scale in the bathroom,
young lass.
- Oh, and actually,
tomorrow is grocery day,
So if you have anything
you want special,
Let me know, besides pancakes.
- Aww.
- That's very generous,
but I've already got it covered.
I only buy organic.
- Randy's more
into eggs and bacon.
- Protein is a healthier way
to start the day,
But I'm sure you knew that.
- Four pounds!
- Dana, you're crushing it!
- Alright!
There you go. Well done.
- Well, I think you look
beautiful either way, honey.
- She sure does.
(tense music)
- Our winter is their summer,
so it's spring-ish right now.
- Do you have enough pink?
(chuckles)
- Don't mess with my pink,
missy.
- Hey, can I ask you a question?
What is the deal
between randy and dana?
- What do you mean?
- He's just awfully friendly
with her, don't you think?
- Randy's helping her through
a difficult part of her life.
What's wrong with that?
- You need a hat.
- I love this!
(chuckles)
Woo!
What do you think?
Buenos aires?
(chuckles)
- yes.
- I guess I'll have to wear it
on the plane.
- How about everything else?
Now that you are
a newly married woman.
- It's great.
Well, you know, you live here.
- Well, I was referring
to other marital things.
(laughs)
- oh, right.
Well, as you know,
randy is very fit.
- Yes, I noticed.
- And vigorous.
- Oh!
- But...
(chuckles awkwardly)
...That vigour hasn't exactly
translated to the marital bed.
- Well, hey,
I'm sure
a sexy little number,
A picturesque honeymoon...
That will change very quickly.
Okay, this is not gonna help
with the vigour,
So this does not go.
(laughter)
- Those were my favourite!
- No.
- And you'll take care of tyson
while I'm gone?
You know he hasn't been
without me since tom.
- You know I will.
- Ooh! And don't forget
he has his game on Saturday.
- Of course.
- And the grocery list
is on the fridge.
- You got it.
- And vitamins at night.
- I know, I know.
- His vitamins are next
to his bed.
- Would you get out of here?
(ominous music)
(vomiting)
(panting)
(vomiting)
(toilet flushes)
- Sorry.
- Excuse me.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Dana, has randy ever hurt you?
Well, I'm just curious
if randy has ever exhibited...
Symptoms of ptsd?
Anything that's dangerous
or worrisome?
- If he did, I would think
his family would support him
about it.
Why are you living here again?
Aren't you, like,
in your forties?
(tense music)
(sighs)
- Wow.
(chuckles)
Wow.
My new wife.
- Aww.
(chuckles)
(chuckles)
- My new husband.
(chuckles)
- Cindy.
Tonight, I want you...
...To bare your all to me.
Will you?
- Hmm... I bare my all.
- You are mine...
(zipper zipping)
...To hold and to feel.
Go on.
- Hmm...
- Say it.
Say it.
(gasps)
say it.
- I...
...I'm yours...
- Say it.
- ...To hold and feel.
(moans)
When you touch me, I'm real.
- Again.
- I am yours to hold
and to feel.
- Yeah.
- When you touch me, I am real.
- Yes. Say it again.
- I bare my all.
- Louder.
- I am yours to hold
and to feel.
(moans)
When you touch me, I am real.
- Yes.
- I bare my all.
- Ah, yes.
- I am yours...
- Yes.
- ...To hold and to feel.
- Yes.
- When you touch me, I am real.
(tense music)
- Ah, shoot.
(clatter)
(groans in pain)
(intriguing music)
Oh, my god.
So... Okay,
how was buenos aires?
- Mmm... Wonderful.
It's elegant and rich
with history and culture.
Yeah, it was really fun.
- And how about
the other marital stuff?
Is it accelerating
the way that you hoped?
- Yeah, it's great.
- Good.
- How was everything here?
- Oh, well, everything
with tyson was fine,
But there was something weird
that happened.
- What?
- Well...
I kinda found this.
(ominous music)
- Oh.
Oh, my god.
- I found it in one of randy's
camping boxes in the basement.
- So, you were snooping
through his stuff?
- What? No, of course not.
- It's kind of a weird thing
to just come across.
- Well, it's kind of
a weird thing
To keep in a plastic bag
in a box in the basement.
I...
- You don't have to do that.
- Do what?
- That. This.
You never have anything nice
to say about randy,
And any opportunity you get
to say something bad,
You jump all over it!
- What would you rather me do?
Would you rather me lie about--
- I want you to be happy for me!
Please.
- Listen, I just don't think
that randy is the one.
We haven't known him that long.
Every single thing I learn
about this guy, I mean...
Greg is being raised
like a soldier.
He's so afraid of his father
he's wetting the bed.
And dana has an eating disorder
randy's basically making worse.
And what kind of a new husband
doesn't want to sleep
with his new wife?
- Hey, that is my husband
you're talking about, okay?!
And what do you know
about marriage?
Or men? Look at you.
You're living in my house
with my kids and my husband!
(tense music)
I think it's time you found
your own place.
I'm sorry.
(sighs)
(haunting music)
(distant sirens wailing)
(phone ringing)
- Hello. Lori.
Oh... Lori baker speaking,
I mean.
- Lori, it's me.
Can you come over right away?
- Hey, are you okay?
(voice continues)
- hold on.
What? I'm gonna be right there.
(ominous music)
- Thanks for coming so quickly.
- Yeah, of course,
I'm happy to help.
Are you okay?
Is tyson okay?
- Yeah, he's good.
I'm good. I'm...
I'm sorry, I don't mean
to worry you.
So...
- Yeah, what's going on?
- I don't know.
You were always so good
with cars.
I just... Can't get it to start.
- Oh, well, did randy
take a look at it?
- Oh, no.
I didn't want to bother him
at work.
- Okay.
Let me check it out.
Alright, let's see.
- Ah, thanks again.
I just... Needed to go
to the store,
Just, you know,
get out of the house,
But then, this happened.
- Huh.
Uh, you know what?
Try it now.
(engine starts)
- You're a life saver.
- It was just a fuse that needed
to be pushed back in.
- Oh.
- Maybe it came loose when you
went over a bump or something.
- Yeah.
- Well, hey, I'd really love
to see you and tyson more
If you maybe wanna grab dinner
on Sunday or this week.
Anytime, really.
Is everything okay?
- It's good, I'm good.
We're... I'm fine.
(chuckles)
- Okay.
Well, dinner this week?
- Yeah, I'll check my calendar.
- Okay.
Alright, well...
I'll see you soon.
- See you soon.
(car starts)
(ominous music)
(randy): What are you doing?!
(cindy sniffles)
Yeah, just what you need,
more crap from the store!
This isn't even organic.
I specifically told you
to stay home!
Look at this.
Here's an idea:
More ugly pink garbage.
Oh, and a small!
That's ambitious!
What did I say, huh?
What did I say?
- Just...
- No more bleaching your hair!
This crap is filled
with chemicals!
I am your husband!
Doesn't that mean
anything to you?
Don't you care about yourself?
When I tell you to do something,
you do it!
(ominous music)
(water running)
(washer and dryer tumbling)
Cindy!
Cindy, get in here!
(sniffles)
- Hey.
- Where were you?
- Just... Laundry.
- You know, I was talking
to the boys
About taking a camping trip
this weekend.
- I was hoping I could see lori
for dinner this Sunday.
- I don't think so.
(tense music)
(radio scratching)
(reporter): Lifeguards
at lake sammamish
Rushed to the aid
of a woman drowning,
But arrived too late
to save the mother of two
Swimming at the lake
with her husband and children,
And what was supposed to be
a day of fun and recreation
Ended in tragedy.
Cynthia baumgartner-roth
was later pronounced dead
At king county
memorial hospital.
Hundreds were gathered
at the lake,
But few saw the tragic
event unfold...
(dramatic music)
Sammamish county received a call
around 12:45
Stating a woman was unresponsive
At a popular swimming spot.
Deputies and first responders
Went to the scene and began
efforts to save...
(broadcast continues)
Where she was later pronounced
dead on arrival.
(ominous music)
- We don't cry.
We don't ever cry.
It's over now.
In the marines, we were taught
to show no fear.
We developed a healthy
short-term memory.
I'm going to teach you.
Okay?
You'll be fine.
Good.
Now, eat up.
(sniffles)
(door creaking)
- I heard on the radio.
It's uh...
I couldn't believe it.
(sobbing)
Is it true?
- It was her idea to go out
to the lake.
- What happened?
- Boys were playing
on the beach,
And she asked if we could
take the raft out.
Thought it'd be romantic,
just the two of us.
Speed boat went by...
And we went over.
I was climbing back on...
She said something
about a cramp...
I looked over...
She was gone.
- Is tyson okay? Can I see?
- We watched a movie.
He's asleep.
I don't want to wake him.
Is there anything else?
- I don't believe it.
- Goodnight, lori.
(door creaking)
(inhales deeply)
- I don't believe you!
(eerie music)
(sinister music)
(sobbing softly)
(cindy): He's...
He's so charming.
Like, this just feels right.
I feel like he's the one.
(lori): He's keeping
his dead wife's ashes
In a plastic bag
in the basement!
- Randy roth's residence.
You know what to do.
(screams)
(dramatic music)
(cindy): You're a good
friend, lori...
(lori): I'm gonna be here
for you and tyson.
Listen, I promise you...
I always will be.
(tyson): I always got you,
right?
(lori): You bet, kid.
(gasps, pants rapidly)
(tense music)
(engine stops)
(clattering)
- Hey!
- Don't hurt me!
- Who are you?
What are you doing here?
- I just... I needed
to talk to you.
I would have come sooner, but...
I hadn't worked up
the courage yet.
Can I bring my cat inside?
- Yeah, sure.
- My name is donna clift.
- I'm lori.
- You're the friend
of that woman who drowned.
- Did you know cindy?
- No.
His name is minx.
I got him after me and randy
divorced.
I needed him after everything
that happened...
Randy tried to drown me.
I should have said something!
Or done something.
I'm so sorry your friend--
- Wait, wait... Hold on.
Wait, please.
Can you please just start
from the beginning?
(exhales softly)
- I was a divorcee.
I met randy at a grocery store.
It was actually that little boy
of his who asked me out.
It was so cute.
We were married
a few months later.
I wanted to get swept up,
like some fairy tale princess.
(chuckles)
Pretty stupid, right?
- Not at all.
- The moment we got married...
The charm was gone.
The want of me... Was gone.
Then we went on this white-water
rafting trip.
We were on our own raft.
My parents were ahead of us.
They rounded this bend
in the river...
Then he got this look
in his eyes,
Like he was analyzing me.
I could never forget it.
And then he... Slammed our raft
into these rocks.
The raft flooded,
we were sinking
And I didn't have a vest on
and I can barely swim.
My dad got there just in time.
He pulled me out of the water.
Randy apologized,
said it was an accident.
But I swear he wanted
to kill me.
- Why didn't you call
the police?
- And say what?
That my husband purposely
tried to drown me
For no reason whatsoever?
My own parents
didn't even believe me!
(scoffs)
- Okay, well, why now?
Why call me?
- I needed to tell somebody.
Because...
Because I know
he'll do it again.
(tense music)
(tense music)
(sighs)
- Boys, get in here!
So you two don't want
to respect the rules.
- I was gonna clean it after...
(clattering)
- What were you gonna say?
Come here.
On the line!
You stay right there.
What do you say?
"yes, sir!"
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
- You know, it's a good thing
I'm here.
Because I need to teach you...
(clattering)
Down on your knees.
Down on your knees! Now!
Clean this up.
I want this floor so clean
That you can eat off of it!
You hear me?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
- Argh!
- You hear me?
(greg grunting)
I want this floor spotless.
Do you understand?
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
(boys groan)
- You should know better.
(indistinct chatter)
- Miss baker? Miss baker,
thanks for your patience.
How can I help you?
- And she swears randy
tried to kill her.
- And donna clift,
she'd be willing
To speak with us
about this?
- She's scared,
but she wants to help.
- Okay. But you should know
the medical examiner
Listed cindy's death
as an accidental drowning.
- You don't know randy.
I saw him the night
of cindy's death.
He was totally unemotional.
- People grieve in a lot
of different ways.
- This wasn't shock, and tyson
is still living with him.
I have to get him
out of there.
- You'd prefer
he'd live with you?
- As opposed to a murderer?
He's not safe there!
- Miss baker...
King county looks into
every accidental death
To see if there are
suspicious circumstances.
In this case,
there are none.
- What about his first wife,
janis?
Between her and donna,
and now cindy, come on!
That is a pattern, right?
- We'll look into it, ma'am.
- I'm really sorry.
I wish we could do more.
- I told cindy, I promised her
That I would take care
of her and tyson.
And I failed her.
But I'm not going
to fail her son.
- Look, custody usually goes
to the other parent,
But since cindy and randy
only just got married,
I'd check and see
if there's a preexisting will.
Maybe cindy listed a grandparent
or someone else
To take in her kid.
That's what I would do.
- Thank you, detective peters.
- Soupie. It's sue peters.
Soupie.
- Soupie.
Soupie, please...
Look into janis's death.
Can you do that?
(ominous music)
(rustling)
- See anything you like?
Take whatever you want.
It's just garbage.
- I went by the bank today.
Checked the safety deposit box
that cindy and I shared.
It was empty.
- Lori!
- Hey!
How are you doing?
- Good.
- Tell you what, why don't you,
uh... Come inside?
We're excited to, uh...
See an old friend.
Would you like a cookie?
- There you go, ma'am.
- That's it, boys. You can go
do your homework with dana.
Now...
What's all this about a safety
deposit box?
- I checked the registry.
You were the last one
to sign it out.
- Cindy's my wife.
Or... She was.
So anything that belongs
to her...
...Now belongs to me.
- There was a will in there
And I know cindy
would have made sure
That tyson was taken care of.
- And he is.
- I want tyson back.
- Well, that's interesting
because...
I never thought he was yours
to begin with.
- I've known him
since the day he was born.
I'm practically his mother!
- But you're not, lori.
You're not his mother.
You're not his family.
- When you look at me...
You just see
a lonely woman, huh?
But I'm not alone.
And cindy wasn't the only one
you've done this to.
- Is that right?
So who you've been talking to,
lori?
Who has lori been talking to?
- I'm not afraid of you.
- Get out of my house.
- Lori!
Please don't go.
- Oh, sweetheart.
I'm so sorry. Listen...
Listen to me. Listen, okay?
I am gonna come back
for you, okay?
- Please don't leave.
- I promise you...
That I'm gonna come back, okay?
- Please don't leave...
- Listen, listen to me, okay?
I promise, okay?
I'm gonna come back for you.
- Please don't leave.
- Tyson!
- It's okay...
- Don't make me say it again,
tyson.
- You're doing okay.
- Let's go, boys.
Oh, and I might just go
have a word with your friend.
- Just where do you think
you're going, young lady?
- I'm just going to randy's, I
don't get what the big deal is.
- The big deal is your mother
said you're grounded.
- She's not my mother.
Randy lost his wife;
Greg and tyson
lost their mom.
They need me.
- You get back here right now.
(crying)
Get back here right now!
- I don't know
what your problem is.
He's your friend!
- John!
- Stop!
- Let go! You're hurting me!
- John, stop! Stop, please!
We can't! We can't!
Please! Please.
(panting)
Oh, my god!
(eerie music)
- Hey... Thanks for meeting me
halfway.
- As soon as you said
the name randy roth...
I got my keys.
- So you remember the case
pretty well?
- I'll never forget that one.
- Minx!
Psst, psst!
Minx?
Minxie cat!
Samantha, have you seen minx?
- No, mom!
- Darned scaredy cat...
- Everything here
points to an accident.
- I never had a shred
of hard evidence.
But his story kept on changing.
Where she was, where he was,
how it happened.
A couple of us went up
and walked the trail.
Tried to recreate
how it happened.
When you called and said
another wife had died...
In an accident?
(scoffs)
Let's just say
I wasn't surprised.
(loud meowing)
(tense music)
(gasping)
(gasping)
- There has to be something--
something you can do.
- Janis' death is suspicious,
But like cindy, the official
reports point to an accident.
Donna clift
won't return my calls.
And since randy was legally
cindy's husband,
He had every right to remove
the personal items
From the security deposit box.
- But he's lying!
- Lori, it's not that simple.
- Are you a real cop
or is that badge just for show?
Look, I just...
I need to get tyson
out of there.
- If he finds out that we're
investigating him for murder,
He might destroy what little
evidence is still out there.
- So... You do believe
that he did it?
- Yes, but if I bring this case
to a da now, they will kill it.
Okay, look...
It's not over.
We are checking county records
to see if cindy filed
A copy of the will
with the registrar's office.
- And if she didn't?
- Well, then the only way
To get tyson away from randy
will be to arrest him,
Which we cannot do
without more than just
circumstantial evidence.
(sighs)
- John?
John, honey?
- Ah...
I'll go make some... Lemonade?
(john sniffles)
- I, uh... Sorry about
your loss.
- Thanks. Uh... But I'm not here
about cindy.
I'm here about dana.
- What about her?
- I think that you're not
comfortable with dana and randy.
- Nah. What about it?
I've known randy for years.
- And so that makes it okay
for him to spend
That much time
with your teenage daughter?
- And just what
are you insinuating?
- Dana worships randy.
She's given herself
an eating disorder
Just to gain his approval.
(scoffs)
- I don't even know
what you're talking--
- There's something going on
here, and I think you see that.
I mean, aren't you worried?
Can't you see randy
is grooming her to be some--
- I'm her father!
If anything inappropriate
was going on between randy
And my daughter, don't you think
I'd know about it?
And don't you think
I'd put a stop to it?
I think it's time
for you to leave.
- Uh...
- You're leaving already?
(crying): Please
don't blame him!
John's just...
He's just choosing
To believe what he wants
to believe.
- That his friend would never
betray him.
(sobbing)
Dana couldn't stand me
when I first moved in.
And randy was the only one
who could keep the peace.
So if there's anyone
to blame, it's me.
- There is someone to blame,
and it is not you, or dana.
- She thinks she loves him.
So, if... If we demand
that she stops seeing him,
It will send her running
straight into his arms.
I don't know what to do.
- Then help me.
Help me prove
that randy's dangerous.
Help me get tyson and dana
and greg away from him for good.
- I... I... I don't know
anything.
- Yes, you do.
You've known him for years.
All those women...
All those lies...
Just tell me what you know.
(megan): There was a...
There was a fiancée.
She was... She was just like
the others.
Pretty, blonde.
Widowed, with kids.
Single mom, lonely.
Just like cindy.
They were always like that.
They thought they were getting
this charming husband
And amazing father, but...
That's not what they got.
(scoffs)
not at all.
It was southern,
like mary jane or...
Mary jo. Yeah.
Mary jo philips.
(birds chirping)
(woman mumbling)
- Come on, gang! Let's go!
We're late for school!
- Mary jo philips?
- Yep.
Come on gang, let's go.
Let's go!
- I'm lori baker. I was hoping
to speak with you about--
- Sorry, I don't have time
for whatever you're selling.
- I'm here about randy roth.
You two were engaged, right?
Was it his son who first asked
you out on a date with his dad?
- He was... Charming.
Thoughtful.
He pursued me aggressively and
as a single mom with two kids,
That felt really good.
(chuckles)
Honestly, the relationship
was amazing until...
- Until what?
- He asked me
about life insurance...
His first wife had died
in an accident and...
He wanted to make sure
the kids were taken care of
No matter what, but...
...I'd had ovarian cancer.
I'm uninsurable.
It was after that
that he grew distant.
I... Thought maybe the fear
of marrying another woman
He might lose
that drove him away.
We broke it off
within the month.
- It wasn't the threat of cancer
that drove randy away.
And randy's first wife
did not die in an accident.
Neither did my friend.
- So randy was...
If I had been insurable,
he was going to...
Okay. What can I do?
- Camping is gonna be
so much fun.
- Right? I love making s'mores.
I mean, a nutritious
vegetable sampler...
- Where are we going
camping again?
- Olympia national forest.
- Is it true...
That there are ghost bears
in that forest?
- Maybe!
- Are you afraid of ghost bears?
- No...
- Don't worry.
Dad will beat them up
if they come into our tent.
Isn't that right, dad?
- You bet, sport!
Dana, would you mind finishing
loading up the truck?
We'll be right back.
Thanks.
- Hey, ma'am, uh... You're...
You're really pretty.
You wanna go on a date
with my dad?
- Greg.
Sorry, my son's very forward.
Here, let me help you
with that. Greg?
- Oh, thank you.
- I'm randy. Randy roth.
- Stacey. Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, too.
- My car's over here.
(chuckles shyly)
thanks so much.
- You're welcome.
(stacey): What's your name?
- Greg. Nice to meet you.
- You too.
I have a son too.
His name's liam.
- Liam?
(tense music)
- Soupie, I was about
to call you.
- You were right.
It's the insurance.
Randy updated
the policy on cindy
Before the ink on the marriage
certificate was even dry.
Same thing with janis.
(lori sighs)
- So this is--
- this is good. It's motive.
But it's not why I'm here.
- What is this?
- It's cindy's will.
She registered it
with the county.
- What does it say?
- I think you should read it.
(cindy's voice): In the event
of my death,
I, cynthia baumgartner,
leave all my worldly possessions
To my son tyson baumgartner.
If he is not of legal
guardianship age,
I ask that he be put
in the custody
Of my good friend, lori baker.
Lori hasn't just been
like family to us...
Lori is our family.
As such, I designate lori to be
the sole executor of my estate,
Managing all of my assets,
possessions
And any insurance compensations,
Which are to be put in a trust
until my son is of age.
- Get the hell off my property!
- I'm here for tyson.
- He's my boy now.
- My lawyer called yours.
This is not a negotiation.
He's coming with me--
- He needs discipline!
He's staying here with me.
- Let's go, honey.
Tyson's coming with me
and he's never coming back here.
Come on, honey, let's go.
- Tyson, get in the house!
- It's okay.
- He's not going anywhere.
- Move aside, randy!
- You're gonna make me?
- How about we call the police
and we get them here instead?
- Tyson, come here.
- Do you wanna go with her?
Or do you wanna stay here
with your family?
- I wanna go.
(soft piano music)
- Come here, sweetheart.
Let's get in the car, okay?
- Get out of here
before I change my mind!
(lori's breath trembling)
(suspenseful music)
(clears throat)
- Yes, detective?
- Ma'am, I was wondering
If you had a chance to look over
the files I sent you?
On randy roth?
- Have a seat, detective.
So what do the detectives
in your division call my office?
- Special operations unit
of the deputy prosecutor
for king county.
The office of last resort,
ma'am.
- And how many other prosecutors
Did you take this case to first?
- Quite a few.
- And do you know why
they didn't take your case?
- Well, the evidence is...
- Nonexistent.
Circumstantial at best.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Yes.
But that's not why
they turned down your case.
They turned it down
because they have no balls.
I read your file...
Randy roth is
a cold-blooded killer,
He stalks his prey
and baits them with a smile,
Flowers, and a marriage
proposal.
And once he has them chained
to eternity,
He insures them
and kills them.
He steals from them
and their children.
- So? How do you want to proceed
with the evidence?
- Forget the evidence.
He's too smart.
We'll never get him that way.
No.
No, we get this guy
by making him think he can win.
I will get you a warrant
to search his house.
You just find me enough
that we can hang him
with his own lies.
We catch him in enough lies...
And he'll convince the jury
that he's a predator.
(chuckles)
hell...
We might even get a conviction.
- No. No. It's my turn now.
You are done talking, alright?
You listen to me.
I've got two kids,
a mortgage and a funeral.
I need that money now!
You hear me!
I don't care what some crap
piece of paper says.
I was her husband.
Her... Her soulmate!
I need that money now!
It's mine!
(sirens wailing)
- Randy?
What's happening?
- Take greg
to your parents' house.
Don't say a word.
Not to anyone.
Go!
You're wasting your time.
- We'll see about that.
- Okay, guys... Let's tear
this place apart!
(suspenseful music)
- We've got nothing.
Nothing!
(sighs)
(soupie scoffs)
- Okay, guys.
Let's wrap it up and head home.
Thank you.
Hey... Uh-uh!
We tried.
- Yeah.
(exhales)
(sighs)
(chair clattering)
(crickets chirping)
(tense music)
(indistinct whispering)
(clears throat)
- Please.
(exhales)
- mr. Roth.
I do apologize for the way
that you've been treated.
There were inconsistencies
In what has officially been
reported as an accidental death
That led my colleagues
in the police department
To start looking for something
That most likely
doesn't even exist.
Certain people
may have overstepped.
- You think?
- I know. But if you could
just be so kind
To answer a few questions,
I believe that we can just clear
this matter up today.
- Certainly.
Whatever you ladies need.
- Thank you.
(crying)
(knocking on door)
- dana?
- Someone's here to see you.
- Hey, dana.
Hey, greg.
- Greg, honey, why don't you
come with me?
(tense music)
- So, your previous
relationship,
With mary jo philips.
Did that end organically?
- It just wasn't a good match.
She was really the one
who ended things.
- Okay.
But you were married
prior to that, correct?
To donna clift?
Why did that end?
- Donna's kid and my son greg
just didn't get along.
Donna's a lovely woman,
but you know,
It just didn't make sense
to stay together.
Especially when there's
disharmony in the home.
- Oh yeah, I can imagine.
- I'm sorry to ask.
My brothers both served...
But we heard you were struggling
with some post-traumatic stress?
- Sometimes.
But that's the cross we bear
to protect this great country.
I just hope you ladies never
have to see those types
of things.
- Well, thank you
for your service.
- Yes, absolutely.
- He was in the marines.
He was a file clerk
in north carolina.
He was never in combat.
He never even left the country.
(dana sniffles)
- Do you know what this is?
- A promise ring?
(sniffles)
- randy promised me...
He promised me
that he would marry me
As soon as I was old enough.
He told me he loved me!
- No...
- No, he promised me!
- Listen, dana.
- He promised me...
- You did nothing wrong.
Do you hear me? Nothing!
Oh, honey, it's going
to be okay.
- So, your relationship with
cynthia, it was good then?
- Our marriage?
It was perfect.
- You and cindy were
in the honeymoon phase still?
- Oh, for sure.
I was very happy.
And cindy, she was...
Oh, she was ecstatic.
Over the moon.
Yeah, we were deeply in love
right up until...
(voice breaking): I'm sorry...
(soft music)
- Mom, dad...
- Come here, baby.
- I'm so sorry.
- Thank you.
- You'll take care of greg?
- Of course.
(crying)
- Mr. Roth, I would like
to read you a passage
From cynthia's diary.
She made two entries
the day before she died.
And the first one, mr. Roth...
...The first one is to you.
"randy does not love cindy.
Randy hates cindy.
Randy hates cindy's makeup,
her blonde hair.
He hates her cold fingers,
her ugly toes.
Randy hates the things
she wears,
And everywhere she goes.
He hates her favourite
colour, pink.
He hates to even
watch her drink.
He hates the way
she wakes from bed.
His every look
fills her with dread."
Now... That doesn't sound like
a woman who's "over the moon."
Does it?
- Mr. Roth.
Can you explain the nature
of your relationship
With your friend's daughter,
dana carlson?
(sighs)
- What are they doing here?
(exhales sharply)
- They're here to make
their statements.
(soupie): Let's get you back
to your cell.
Better get comfortable in there.
(ethereal music)
(indistinct chatter)
(cindy's voice): In this dream,
I never wake.
Tragedy now becomes my fate.
For I am with you always.
A mother's love never subsides.
I dream to hug you, kiss you,
touch you.
To hear your heartbeat
just once more.
Until we meet again, my child,
I love you forevermore.
- Is everything okay?
- I'd like to read you something
from your mom. Is that okay?
"to my beloved son, tyson.
I have this dream,
I lie in sombre..."
(music swelling)