The Secrets of Comfort House (2006) - full transcript
In Los Angeles, psychologist Wendy Brown witnessed her abusive brother-in-law beat up her sister, who eventually died from her injuries. During that incident, Wendy shot him dead in self-defense. To get away from that nightmare, she has moved to the small town of Corinth, Oregon, located in an emerging ski area. In Corinth, she has temporarily opened up her home, which she calls Comfort House, as a refuge for battered women, while she builds a more permanent Comfort House on her acreage. She has found that there is a culture of wife beating in Corinth, especially among the hyper-masculine hunting crowd. The police do nothing about reports of abuse as the sheriff, "Bear" Trapp, is included within that hunting crowd, his friends who are among the accused wife beaters, most of that crowd's wives who are currently residing at Comfort House. When one of those husbands is found shot dead in his home, Sheriff Trapp, taking the path of least resistance, rules the death a suicide, and refuses to follow-up. However, his deputy, a man named Curtis who has just started dating Wendy, believes it was murder. Curtis' murder theory gains greater plausibility when another husband of a Comfort House resident is found dead. At the same time, Wendy notices that she is being stalked by someone driving a dark colored pickup truck, she believing her stalker's end goal being to implicate her as the murderer. Wendy and Curtis try to find out who is killing the husbands, and whether more are targeted in order to protect Wendy both from her stalker and from Trapp, who already does not like Wendy and will use whatever excuse to charge her. If Wendy and Curtis do discover the truth, they will find a plot more complicated than they first imagined.
You're not going anywhere!
Oh!
[grunt]
[smack!] OW!
[THUD]
- Stupid bitch!
- NO! NO!
You think you can defy me?
[WHOMP!]
Geez!
- I'm never coming back!
- I'll kill you!
DONNA!
[tinkle, crash]
[panicked crying]
[music]
You'll get it like a whore!
Oh...
[crashing thuds]
You're not going to do
anything but drop that knife,
you sonofabitch!
Oh, yeah?
And what are you going to do
Go all Kung Fu on me?
Want to fight me?
[thunk]
I'll show you how to hurt.
[bash!]
Ooofff!
[gunshot!]
- You missed me!
- No! No!
[scuffle]
Ohhh...!
UH! [thud!]
UH! [bash!]
[kick!]
OH! [kick!]
[gasping pants]
[music]
[music]
[varoom!]
[music]
[music]
[short burst of siren]
[music]
[knock, knock, knock...]
Walter.
[interior sound of TV]
Walter, it's Curtis and Bear.
[knock, knock, knock...]
We've got to serve you
with a restraining order
to stay away from Beth.
It's almost six.
He's drunk.
Wa-a-a-lter!
Walt!
Curtis: Where are you Walt?
What I'd tell you?
Blind stinking drunk.
Walter.
[TV in background]
Come on, shake it up, buddy.
[thwack]
[background TV]
Let's...
Aw! Aw!
Crisp!
Phoo!
Ohhh...
Geez! Never would have
figured Walt for a suicide.
[TV]
What are you doing?
Checking evidence.
Ah...!
That's whisky, all
Hey, we got to dust
that for fingerprints.
- Fingerprints?
- Yeah, in case we're
looking at a murder here.
Sheriff: There hasn't been
a murder in Corinth for
thirty-five years.
Not since Merle Stoat shot
his old man and called it
a hunting accident.
Well, this ain't
no hunting accident.
Don't give me any of
that CSI crap, Curtis.
This ain't Portland.
[click]
You want a murderer?
Talk to his wife.
[footsteps]
Hey, what about Walter?
It's late.
He's not going
anywhere...'til morning.
It's a cool night.
[footsteps]
[plunk]
Whoo.
[footsteps]
[music]
Beth: I'm sorry, but I
just can't see Paul Newman
kissing Robert Redford
on the side of a mountain.
Missy: That is my point.
Today's actors are more
dedicated to their craft.
Beth: Kissing a man
doesn't make you dedicated.
- It makes you gay.
- Oh.
Joanie: I think
that's right, Missy.
I'd take Paul Newman over those
two young cowboys any day.
[footsteps]
Those boys weren't cowboys.
They were sheep herders.
Beth: Uh... they were
herding more than sheep.
[laughter]
[knock, knock, knock...]
Wendy: I'll get it.
[footsteps]
- Curtis.
- Hi, Wendy.
[click]
What brings you
here at this hour?
Ladies.
Beth, do you mind if
I have a word with you?
Um... whatever it is
I'd prefer you say it
to all of us.
Curtis: Okay, um...
Uh... Beth, we just...
we just found
Walter up at the house.
He's dead.
[music]
Well, forgive me
if I don't break down.
[music]
You've been here all day, Beth?
Yes, she has.
We all have.
Look, I don't like
this any more than you do.
But the abused wife of a
murdered husband has got
- to be considered a suspect.
- He was murdered?
Yeah.
He was shot in the
Okay.
We're going to want to get
your statement in the morning.
I'm not going anywhere.
[music]
[background traffic]
So, uh... we're still
on for Saturday night?
Absolutely not.
Oh.
Aw, you're kidding.
Of course I'm kidding.
I'm not going to let you
off the hook that easy.
All right then.
Saturday night it is.
[music]
[music]
[bar music]
Carl: You going after that
buck contest this year, Bear?
Think you'd be tired
of losing by now, Carl.
I'm always happy
to take your money.
Ha, ha, ha.
Not this year.
I don't want to scare you
but I saw a twelve-pointer
sitting right on the
edge of my property.
Like hell you did.
Twelve points is a
hell of a rack, Carl.
Ha, ha, ha.
Tell you what.
I'll take it over the rack
of that Wendy Brown
down at that Comfort House.
Ha, ha.
Well, maybe that's why your
wife's staying there, huh?
Harley: I'd kill Cindy
before I'd ever let her stay
at that city woman's place.
Speaking of the contest,
Walt won't be part of it.
Shot himself in the head
with a twelve gauge.
[laughter]
Well, you think
that's funny, do you?
Well, it's a joke, right?
[laughter]
He's dead, Carl.
I just came from his place.
He really killed himself?
That's right.
[bar music]
[dog barks]
[footsteps]
Sharon: Here's the nail gun.
I found it in a box
under a pile of Gary's
old disco albums.
Wendy: Thanks, Sharon.
Are you sure h
- me borrowing it?
- Absolutely not.
He hasn't used it
since we moved west.
Well, this should
speed things up.
I'm tired of paying
out money in rent.
Spoken like a true city girl.
Do you miss Boston?
No, not really.
I was out there
last month and...
everything about it just...
reminds me of our son Bradley.
How old was he?
When he got sick?
Seventeen.
He was about to start
at Boston College on
a scholarship to be
a photojournalist.
- Are those his?
- Yeah, they're all Bradley's.
- Oh, they're beautiful.
- Yeah.
Yeah, he loved going out
into the country and shoot...
Photographing old farm houses.
Yeah, he loved the textures
of the old hand-made things.
He used to say that all the
secrets of the house were
revealed in their textures.
Well, they're true works of art.
Yeah.
Oh.
This...
This is Bradley.
Right after we moved here.
I lost my younger
sister about a year ago.
- Oh.
- That's why I moved here.
How did she...?
Oh, uh...
[whomp!]
It was, uh...
a drunk driver.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
[music]
Wendy: Ready? One, two, three.
[grunts of exertion]
Joanie: I can't believe
we're actually building a house.
Why is that so hard to believe?
Carl's a carpenter and
he's always going on about
how hard the work is.
Well, you don't need
a man for anything.
Beth: Well. I can think of
one thing you need him for.
Wendy: Yeah.
But that's still a choice,
not a need.
Looks dead on perfect to me.
[music]
Good job, ladies.
I don't think you could have
done it any better
if you were men.
[giggles]
[slap]
Okay, let's go
frame another one.
[click of door]
[footsteps]
Finally.
Problem, Fallon?
Oh, come on, Fallon.
If you can't hold your breakfast
just go sit in the car.
Curtis: Huh.
What the hell's
your problem, Curtis?
My problem is he's got
no hair on his wrists.
Sheriff: Well, maybe
he can't grow it there.
Sheriff, this is Walter Jackson.
The man's got a pelt on
him like a woodchuck.
Whatever hair he had
there, got ripped out.
You know, I'm no doctor,
but I tend to lean
towards cause of death...
shotgun to the head
over missing wrist hair.
No. I think his arms were
taped down when he was shot.
I mean, if you look at the
angle of the head wound,
it would imply to me
the gun was held at
this sort of angle, right?
Now, if Walter shot himself,
he would h
Don't tell me how
Walt Jackson held a gun.
I hunted with the man since
he was ten years old.
If Walt wanted to kill
himself he could have done it
six ways to Sunday.
Doesn't mean it was suicide.
His wife left him.
He was drunk, miserable.
lonely, and renovating.
Maybe we should call the
State Troopers in anyway.
Just see what they think.
This is our town, our business.
Now I don't know what the
hell you think you see here,
but I'm the Sheriff,
and I see a suicide.
Come on, Fallon.
[music]
[bang!]
[scream]
[bang!][scream]
[bang!]
[scream]
That damn scarecrow moved!
It would help if
you'd kept your eyes open.
Joanie, you just need
to pretend that it's Carl.
Impossible...
with that zucchini?
Okay, Missy.
Come on.
You're up.
No.
I... I don't want to touch it.
A gun can't hurt you if
you know what you're doing.
I grew up in Philadelphia
where everyone has a gun,
knew what they were doing,
and it didn't stop people
- from getting killed.
- This is about
protecting yourself.
[sound of approaching car]
I moved to Oregon after
college to protect myself.
I met and married Peter.
You see how that's worked out.
Um...
I've got a bad feeling
about this.
Why don't you ladies go
pick up the tools and lock
them up in the barn and
I'll talk to Curtis.
Curtis: Looks like I
interrupted something.
Building self-esteem is 24/7.
I mean teaching these
women to shoot a handgun.
Their husbands all have guns.
Yeah. But you don't hunt
with a nine mill Glock.
You don't get beat up when
you're holding one, either.
Fair enough.
So, you think you're
qualified to teach them?
[click]
[gunshots]
[scream from Joanie]
[gunshots]
Joanie: Whahoo.
Wow.
[claps]
Works for me.
Although I'd be expecting
a little fallout from
their husbands.
We're building a shelter
out here for battered women.
I'm trying to teach them how
to be independent and not
worry about 'fallout' from
their abusive husbands.
When did you move out to Oregon?
- Nine months ago.
- Yeah.
You see, I don't think you
realize just how rank
some of these guys can be.
I realize they beat their wives.
Look.
I didn't come here to argue.
Why did you come here?
The Sheriff
doesn't agree with me.
He'd rather trust his
gut than the evidence.
I think someone murdered
Walter Jackson.
I'll need to ask Beth
a few more questions...
about making arrangements
for Walter's body,
not her involvement.
I'll let that go.
Damn, woman.
I thought you were a
psychologist, not a lawyer.
[music]
I'll see you later.
Might want to think about
joining the Rod 'n' Gun Club.
I tried.
It's good ol' boys only.
You ready to do it again?
[giggles]
Ohmigawd, its head's off.
Aim for his heart.
Harley: Sn
[running footsteps]
Carl: You know, I'm truly
sick of all these foreigners
coming up here and
buying our property.
Sheriff: Oh, what do you
care, Carl.
You get plenty
of work from them.
Carl: It's all nickel and
dime handyman crap there.
You know sometimes I'm
tempted to go on unemployment
just so I don't have
to look at them.
Harley: I'm sure they feel
the same way about your
ugly puss, Carl.
[laughter]
Carl: You know what, Harley?
Harley: What's that?
Not everybody likes
kissing Portland ass
like you do.
[pow!]
Carl: Oooof.
[thud]
[thock]
All right, Harley.
That's enough.
Now that's funny.
[laughter]
[footsteps]
Wendy:
Wendy: It's no wonder
there's so much abuse up here.
Who do those little
boys have to look up to?
Oh, it's tradition like
how they start drinking
after they kill something.
Animals sense fear, Missy.
Men like that... they're
nothing more than animals
preying on your fear.
Ignore them, you take
away their power.
[running footsteps]
Joanie ready to come home yet?
No, Carl, she's not.
Oh, oh.
You know, accidents have
a way of happening up here,
especially during
hunting season.
Sheriff: Better watch
yourself, Carl.
You wouldn't want to give
Miss Brown the wrong idea.
About hunting season.
Although if you are going
to be near the woods,
it's a good idea to
wear something red.
Come on, boys.
Coffee.
Get out of my way.
Harley: Curtis tells me you
know how to handle a weapon.
Maybe you can teach me.
[laughter]
[giggles]
Thank you.
Missy: How did you learn
how to build a house?
Wendy: Books.
Anything you want to learn
you can read about it.
The last book that Joanie
read was 'Green Eggs and Ham'.
That's only because Carl
needed me to read it to him.
It doesn't hurt that I have
an uncle who's a contractor.
Missy, can you give me a hand?
[footsteps]
Beth: So have you
heard from Carl lately?
Joanie: No.
But to tell you the truth
I'm starting to miss him.
Missy: I wish I could stand
up to Peter the way you
stood up to those guys
at the market.
You will.
When you're ready.
No, I don't even have
the courage to face him.
It's amazing what a
little self-esteem will do.
It's not that.
I like myself okay.
It's just...
I know what Peter would
do if he ever found me.
When you're ready, maybe
we can talk about Peter.
Pull the pants off that
monster, as my psych professor
used to say.
[rattle of door wheels]
[zing!]
Wendy: Oh!
[screech of car tires]
Wendy: Missy! Stay covered!
[music]
[]
[slam]
Where's Curtis?
Uh....
Search me.
Sheriff!
Someone just took a shot at me.
Well, if I was ten years
younger I'd take a shot at...
They tried to kill me.
- How did this happen?
- They shot at me from
the woods behind my barn
and barely missed me.
- Did you see anybody?
- No, I didn't.
They took off in some
dark-colored pick-up truck
before I could see who it was.
Anyway, I find it a little
coincidental that Carl chose
this morning to school me
on hunting accidents.
Are you accusing Carl
of trying to shoot you?
Does Carl drive a
dark-coloured pick-up truck?
Miss Brown.
It's hunting season.
People are firing guns in
the woods all the time.
I don't scare easy, Sheriff.
And I sure as hell won't be
intimidated enough to turn my
back on Joanie.
[music]
Wendy: He was trying
to scare me.
If he wanted to kill me,
he could have.
- I'll talk to him.
- No, it's okay.
I can handle Carl.
Although I don't know if I
can handle the local hoedown.
It's the annual fund raiser
for the fire department.
You said you wanted the people
of this town to accept you.
Trust you, right?
Square da
Well, it's... as long as
you don't start rapping.
[country music]
Whoooah!
Let's have some fun!
Say hello to your partner.
Allemande left your corner,
now face your partner,
do-si-do your partner,
allemande left your corner,
face your partner,
right and left around
hand over hand.
Meet your partner,
promenade that gal
and when you're home,
face it.
Square your set,
and yell, all right!
Everyone: All right.
[applause, laughter]
So, whew.
Fun, huh?
Yeah.
Oh, come on, you'll feel
differently after the
Sadie Hawkins acey-deucey.
That does not
sound like a dance.
Oh, excuse me.
I'll be right back.
Sharon: Ah, huh!
Oh, I was hoping you'd come.
Yeah, wel
But I guess I have to brush
up on my square dancing skills
before anyon
Yeah, well.
I know how that feels.
Everybody manages to avoid
me since Bradley died.
Caller: Seasoned dancers
only to the dance floor.
I'll talk to you after.
[multi-footsteps]
Curtis: You have
got to try this.
Wendy: Did you make them?
Caller: Mr. Music, please.
No, I didn't make them.
[laughter]
[country music]
Sheriff: Whooo.
[country music]
Now, bow to your partner.
And bow to your corner.
And circle to the left,
now here we go.
Dance all night, and here we go.
Allemande left your corner lady,
Quickly promenade your baby.
He is quite the caller.
Oh, yeah.
He knows what he's doing.
Sheriff: And when you're
home, back to your square.
Re-adjust your underwear.
Whooo.
[music]
Yes, I moved here from
Los Angeles nine months ago.
So you're an Angelino, then.
I guess you could call it that.
Although I'd love
to shake that title.
You can't change what you are.
I'm fifth generation.
Bob is sixth,
and won't let me forget it.
Wendy: So Sharon finally
came, huh?
It's not like h
She usually stays away
from large gatherings.
Do you think it's because
people are so uncomfortable
with their son dying?
I wouldn't know.
[music]
Beth Jackson told me about you.
She said I can trust you.
Absolutely. Would you
like to go outside and talk?
No. I... I don't think
I could do that.
Would you like to come by
Comfort House and visit Beth?
Are people allowed to do that?
Of course they are.
It's not a place to hide out.
It's just an optr women
who want to make a change
in their life and don't
know how to do that.
How would someone...
I mean if they wanted...
Harley: Cindy, let's go!
- Hi, honey.
- This is Wendy Brown.
- I know who this is.
This is the first time
Carl's ever missed a dance.
Why do you suppose that is?
Maybe because he's
humiliated by the way
he treats his wife.
He treats his wife
the same way I do.
Like a wife.
I said, let's go!
Get the kids!
Carl beat Joanie just
like Walt beat Beth.
Is that how you treat your wife?
That's how I treat
anybody who gets in my way.
You got that?
Let's go!
[background music]
What was that all about?
I'm pretty sure that
was a spitting contest.
Oh, come on.
[music]
[music]
[car approaches]
Curtis: You made it.
I was worried the square
dancing might have
scared you off.
They can get a bit hicky.
[car door clicks open]
On the contrary.
I thought your do-si-do
was wicked sexy.
Oh.
[laughs]
Well, if you think that was
sexy you should see me
on disco night.
Come on in.
I just took the bread
out of the oven.
- You made bread?
- Yeah. What else are you
supposed to have with
lamb chops and plum sauce?
Ho, ho, ho.
And lamb chops.
If I didn't know any better
I'd think you were looking
to get lucky.
Oh, well, you
brought red and white.
I could say the same about you.
[laughter]
[footsteps]
[door clunks closed]
Wendy: Those lamb
chops were wonderful.
Where did you learn
to cook like that?
My mom.
She was a frustrated chef.
Never got the training
to follow her dream.
What about you?
You're smart, educated,
kind of cute.
You could have started
a shelter anywhere.
Why here?
My grandparents had
a farm not far from here.
I used to come visit
them during the summers.
I always thought this
place was heaven.
And then, one time,
when I was nine,
I saw this woman at the
market who's face was all
beat up, bruised.
And she had the most
beautiful green eyes.
They were so sad.
She caught me looking at her.
And she smiled.
Completely unaware
of why I was staring.
And then her husband came up
behind her and she quickly
turned away like she was
afraid that I might try
to talk to her.
And when they were leaving,
she looked back...
kind of embarrassed.
And somehow I realized
in that moment,
she wasn't sad because
someone beat her.
She was sad because
she was trapped.
And that image
has never left me.
I just wanted to be able
to help women like her
who didn't have anywhere to go.
Did you know that a third of
all homicides against women
are committed by their
husbands or their boyfriends?
But what we have here is
a murdered husband and a wife.
Do you think Beth killed him?
Somebody did.
Well, if she did, she was
acting in self-defense
under the laws of our country.
It's sounds like you
are condoning murder.
I'm condoning protecting
yourself by whatever
means possible.
Well, I hope you don't
ever feel the need to
protect yourself from me.
[music]
Why would I need to
protect myself from you?
No.
I just meant...
- I'm sorry.
- No, it's...
I'm sorry.
Oooph...
Thank you for dinner.
[kiss]
Good night.
[footsteps]
[sound of car engines]
[click]
[slam]
[car engine starts]
[footsteps]
[rev, rev]
[varoom]
[laughter]
Beth: Ohhh... look who's
sneaking in after curfew.
Joanie: We were getting
worried about you.
All alone...
in that cabin with that
animal, Deputy Curtis.
[giggles]
Do you know anyone who
drives a black pick-up truck?
Beth: Every guy up
here drives a pick-up.
Every guy we know, anyway.
Where's Missy?
Beth: Oh, she's working at
the art gallery in Eugene
until ten.
Wendy
Wendy: We need to find
her a job around here.
Beth: Um... where's the
carving knife?
You can't cut a pizza
with a carving knife.
Sheriff Trapp came by today.
He's asking all kinds of
questions about Walt.
Where I was.
If Walt ever talked about
killing himself.
Why I was staying here.
He knows damn well
why you're staying here.
Did you tell him how
Walt used to beat you?
He thinks we're all living
in some kind of lesbian
commune or something.
[giggles]
You know, the truth is.
I'm glad Walt's dead.
For the first time
since I married him,
I can sleep through the night.
[music]
[music]
[BANG!]
[THUD!]
[]
Curtis: Rod Morwick and
his brother found him
a little while ago.
Rifle shot to the head.
Looks like somebody
was hunting him.
- How do you get that?
- I found some boot prints
about 30 yards
in that direction.
The position of Carl's body
and the angle of the head
wound indicates that that's
where the kill shot came from.
Sheriff: Boot prints?
Curtis: Yeah.
I make it out to be a
military boot, about size ten.
Every hunter in this dumb
No, these aren't the kinds
of boots that hunters wear.
Oh, is that right?
And what kind of boots
do hunters wear, Mr. CSI?
All right.
Dead body in the woods.
Must be hunting season.
Who'd want to kill Carl?
I think the list of who
wouldn't want to kill Carl
- might be a little shorter.
- His wife, Curtis. Joanie.
Oh, come on.
You can't think Joanie
would kill him like this.
I might.
If it wasn't for the fact
that it's the second dead
husband of a wife that's
staying at that Comfort House.
And I think it's time we
talked to your girl friend.
[music]
Beth.
Beth.
We have company.
Do you know where Wendy is?
Yeah. She went for
a run up the street.
Why?
Is there a problem?
I'd say there's a problem.
Joanie,
somebody shot Carl.
[music]
[music]
[screech]
[car horn blares]
[music]
So you're saying you
had no reason to want to
- see Carl dead?
- No!
I mean Carl would get drunk
and he'd hit me.
But I loved him.
You loved him.
I see.
So what are you
doing here, Joanie?
Because he beat me, Sheriff.
And nobody seemed
to care about that.
Except Wendy.
And she was kind enough
to take you in and
- give you a place to hide.
- Yes.
Beth: That's right.
- What else did she
- do for you, Joanie?
- What do you mean?
Sheriff: Maybe she tried to
eliminate your problems?
One at a time?
Wendy did not
kill Walt and Carl.
Well, it's a hell of
a coincidence, don't you think?
They both move in here,
and both their husbands
turn up dead.
What about you, Missy?
Your husband dead yet?
[door clicks open]
[footsteps]
What's going on?
We found Carl shot dead
in the woods this morning.
He was out hunting.
Wasn't an accident.
Where were you
at daybreak today?
Wendy: Sleeping.
You got proof to back that up?
Do I need proof to back that up?
I don't like what you do here.
Men and women disagree,
they work things out.
It's just part of being married.
Someone like you comes along.
Sticks her nose into
private business.
Starts people thinking.
Wives move out.
Husbands turn up dead.
Who the hell are
you helping, anyway?
The women who don't know
that they have a choice.
To be happy.
Sheriff: Are Beth
and Joanie happy now?
I don't think Beth and
Joanie have been happy for
a long time, Sheriff.
And maybe you thought
a couple of dead husbands
- would change things.
- Are you implying that
I had something to do
with their deaths?
I guess that depends
if whether they'd be dead
if their wives weren't
staying here.
Ladies.
[footsteps]
[door slams]
Wendy: I'm so sorry, Joanie.
We're going to run
a background check on her.
[car doors open]
Sheriff: Find out
where she's from.
Who she knows.
And what she did.
She didn't do it, Bear.
How the hell would you
know what she did?
What do you really
know about her?
Better watch yourself, Curtis.
[starts car]
Or one morning you might wake
up just like Carl and Walt.
[sound of car receding]
You don't think I had
anything to do with it?
You saved me.
I mean, being able
to come to this place.
Carl was completely out of
control and he was only
getting worse.
He would have killed me.
Wendy. If you need an alibi,
we're all here for you.
[music]
[bam, bam, bam...]
Curtis: Hey.
You look like you
could use a drink.
Thanks.
Wow, it's looking good.
You too.
Just hope I get to finish it.
If you're worried about
Bear coming after you, don't.
I won't let him.
It's not Sheriff Trapp
I'm worried about.
There's been a pick-up truck
hanging outside Comfort House
and I have a feeling
that it's the same guy.
And I think whoever it is,
killed Carl and Walter Jackson.
What makes you say that?
Remember when someone
took a shot at me?
Yeah, you thought that was Carl.
Well, I did at the time
because he all but threa
me with a hunting accident
outside BJ Market.
But now, I think it was
meant to look like he took
a shot at me, giving me
a motive to kill him.
I think somebody's
setting me up, Curtis.
Okay, who would want to do that?
I don't know.
But whoever's in that truck,
they've been watching me
and they know my schedule.
And they killed Carl and Walt
when they knew I wouldn't
have an alibi.
Look, you'd better
be careful, Wendy.
I don't want to find you
in the woods like I di
Gary and Sharon's kid.
Bradley?
Yeah. He was shot in a
hunting accident last year.
He didn't die of an illness?
No.
We never figured out who did it.
He was a good kid.
No enemies.
He was out wandering in the
woods without a hunting vest.
It's tragic, but it happens.
What made you think
he died of an illness?
His mother.
Sheriff: The point is, Fallon,
you want to kill the thing,
not destroy it.
I mean nobody wants to be
picking buckshot out of their
turkey leg on Thanksgiving.
Oh, oh.
Looks like somebody
gave you a ticket, Bear.
Ha, ha.
What are you sniffin', Fallon?
We give the tickets.
Yeah, I know that.
It was just a joke.
Better not be.
[rip]
"She's killed before."
[crinkle]
Get Curtis on the radio.
Tell him to meet us
back at the station.
[rustle of paper]
"Social worker Wendy Brown
was exonerated of
all charges in relation
to the death of Jack Dubois,
her brother-in-law."
Your girlfriend
tell you about that?
She's not my girlfriend.
- And no, she didn't.
- That doesn't surprise me.
Not with the sudden influx
of dead bodies around here.
Well, this doesn't
mean she was involved.
Involved?
Oh, Curtis.
Wake up and smell
the pheromones.
She is an angry woman with
a history of murdering men
she doesn't like.
This says it was self-defense.
Oh, well, I'm sure
a social worker gets a lot
of leeway in the legal
system in California.
But what happened to Carl
and Walt had nothing to do
with self-defense.
Where'd you get this?
Fallon: Oh, we found it
on the...
Sheriff: Internet.
Fallon dug it up.
Research, Curtis.
I told you I was going
to look into her past.
It just turned up a hell of
a lot more than I expected.
What if somebody's
trying to set her up?
- Who'd have a motive?
- You said it yourself.
Somebody from her past.
Hey, you're right.
Maybe we should be looking
for Mr. DuBois,
the abusive husband.
$gM250Fellon: Oh, uh...
I don't think you read
that whole article, Bear.
Uh... DuBois is dead.
Well, that is one
hell of a piece of
detective work, Fallon.
Geez, between you and Curtis,
I tell you, we got ourselves
one hell of a CSI unit.
Hell, we should start our
own TV show. Ha, ha, ha.
Curtis: The point is
there's no way to tie her to
the murders up here.
This article means nothing.
Nothing.
The woman killed a man.
She leaves her town
to start a new life.
Two of my friends
wind up murdered.
In my book, that makes
her worth investigating.
All right, I'll agree with
you on that basis, but let me
talk to her first.
Sheriff: Why
should I do that?
Because she'll
tell me the truth.
Well, she didn't tell you
the truth about killing Dubois.
That's because I didn't ask her.
[music]
By the way, it's
pronounced 'doo-bwa'.
It's French.
The 's' is silent.
[whack!]
[sound of approaching car]
[whack!]
[car door closes]
Wendy: Hi, Curtis.
I thought you asked
me out here for business.
I did.
Winter's coming and the
only heat I have is from
the wood stove.
So...
Just busting
your chops a little.
So, what's this new
information you have
to talk to me about.
[rustle of paper]
[music]
Wendy: Jack DuBois.
He'd been beating up my
sister for a long time.
Of course, I had no
idea how bad it was.
You know, that's the
thing about abused women.
They get really good at
hiding what's happening.
Anyway, my sister called me.
She was scared to death
that he was going to kill her.
So I rushed over there.
UH! [thud!]
UH! [bash!]
[BANG!]
[music]
Wendy: Donna...
Donna...
[sob]
My sister died in the
hospital three days later,
from abdominal trauma.
That's when the DA decided
not to press charges against me.
Why didn't you tell me?
Because I moved up here
to put that part of my life
behind me.
It's nothing personal, Curtis.
I just didn't feel the need
to talk about something so
horrible when it has nothing
to do with my life now.
And you've got Sheriff
Trapp looking for any way
he can tie you to Walt
and Carl's murders.
So he went digging in
my past to find something
to incriminate me with.
He's just doing his job.
That is not his job.
The man can't stand me
because I offer these women
a different option other
than getting beaten up by
a bunch of sorry ass
excuses for men.
He's on a witch hunt.
Look, Wendy...
The Sh
The Sheriff's just had two of
his best friends murdered,
whose wives just happened
to be staying with you.
It doesn't take a whole lot
of cynicism to at least
- consider you a suspect.
- He doesn't consider
me a suspect.
He considers me a killer.
[scrunch]
Why don't you just take your
article back to your boss
and you
figure out a way to nail me.
[music]
Wendy!
Wendy!
- Wendy, come on.
- Leave me alone.
I am on your side, Wendy.
I don't need you
to be on my side.
I can take care of myself.
And I sure as hell
don't need a man to...
[music]
[music]
I got a bad feeling
about this, Bear.
It's been too long.
It hasn't been that long.
How can you just sit there?
We're in the middle of a
double homicide investigation.
And for all we know our main
suspect could have killed
Curtis and run off
to Canada by now.
[sigh]
Mmmm...
Whew... If I didn't feel so
good I'd have to take you in
on abuse charges.
[laughter]
Is that an insult
or a compliment.
Well, that is a rave.
Hm.
So you don't mind
sleeping with a killer?
No.
I don't fit the profile of y
With them, there was
no sexual activity.
And I'm not married to
one of your house guests.
I guess that just
leaves Missy's ex-husband.
Well, what about
Missy's ex-husband.
He could be the next victim.
I don't know anything about him.
She never talks about him.
Except that he doesn't
know where she is.
[music]
Maybe he's found her.
If he has, he could
be the guy in the truck.
[music]
[music]
- May I help you?
- Yes, I'm looking for
- Peter Cramer?
- Your name?
- Wendy Brown.
- I'll take it from
here, Hilary.
I'm Peter.
How can I help you?
Wendy: Do you know who I am?
Yes, I believe I do.
Why don't we speak in my office.
[music]
I know exactly
who you are, bitch.
You think I don't know what
you're doing to my wife
in that place?
We have a little argument and
the next thing I know she's
living with you and
telling me that it's over.
No one tells me that it's over.
No one.
I tell them.
[click of door opening]
Peter: Thanks again... so much
for coming in, Miss Brown.
[music]
[click]
[music]
[door bell rings]
[music]
Beth: It's Cindy.
Cindy: I didn't
know where else to go.
Come in.
Come in.
You did the right
thing by coming here.
Joanie, could you get me
a wet washcloth and a towel.
That bastard.
- How bad are you hurt?
- Please, no, I'll be okay.
Can you tell us what happened?
I can't.
It's okay. It's okay.
You're safe now.
You'll stay here tonight.
Okay? And tomorrow, you can
decide if you want to
report him to the police.
Beth: No. No.
You're going to leave
that sick bastard,
and you're going to
move in here with us.
That's what you're going to do.
Joanie: That's right, Cindy.
He has no right
to do this to you.
Okay, let's just give her
a little space for now.
Why don't you go lay down,
and we'll get some
ice for that eye.
[car horn blares]
Harley: Open up, Gary!
[honk]
It's about time.
[clunk]
Open the damn door!
Gary: We are closed,
Harley, you know that.
Harley: Not...
[thud!]
Not for me.
This is my damn bar.
If I give you a drink
I'll lose my licence.
I don't give a damn.
Go home, Harley or
I'll call the Sheriff.
[music]
[music]
Harley is a psycho.
He beats those poor
boys of his like dogs.
Walt used to say, if he
couldn't kill animals,
he'd be killing his neighbors.
Does Sheriff Trapp know that?
The only difference between
Harley and Bear is the badge.
I mean,
I mean, boys are raised
killing things...[CRASH!]
Harley: CINDY!
Where's my wife!
I know she's here.
Harley, you need to calm down.
Where's my wife?
She's fine.
She... she's sleeping.
She's had a really rough night.
CINDY!
WHERE'S MY CINDY!
[sobs]
Cindy, I want you to stay in
here no matter what you hear
downstairs, you understand?
Joanie, lock the door.
[slam]
[click]
Harley: Where's the other one?
Wendy: I'm right here,
Mr. Barnes.
Don't move,
or I'll have to shoot you.
And I would be well
within my rights to do so.
CINDY!
Cindy is staying here tonight.
Beyond that it's up to her,
not you.
You are trespassing.
So you leave now or
I call the police.
Harley: This ain't over.
Not by a long shot.
You know, it gets pretty
dangerous jogging with
them headphones on.
[slam]
[slam]
[starts truck engine]
People have been known to
get run down like that.
[sound of engine recedes]
Beth: Shall we
call the police?
No. No. We'll handle
our business ourselves.
Wendy.
That was incredible.
Wendy: Did you see his truck?
That's the one that's
been stalking us.
[music]
[music]
[clatter of falling objects]
Freaking cow.
Won't let me see Cindy.
[clang, clang, clang...]
[music]
[music]
[rattle of chains]
[music]
[music]
[swoosh]
HUH HIP!
UHHH... OHHH...!
[music]
[music]
Cindy: Good morning.
Beth: Oh, hey.
Here, have some coffee.
[gurgle of coffee]
Did you get any sleep?
Wendy: I hope you're hungry.
The first breakfast
is always pancakes.
- It's my own little tradition.
- Can I call my boys?
They're at their gammy's.
I'm sure they're worried.
Of course you can.
There's a phone in
the living room.
I'll show her.
[music]
[truck engine]
[door squeaks open]
[slam]
Hey, Harley! Harley!
You out here?
Harley!
Where are ya?
Hey, Harley, where'd you go?
[music]
Ach!
Hell.
[music]
Cindy: I feel like
I'm staying at a hotel.
Trust me, it won't be like
this if you decide to stay.
Missy: We take turns,
cooking and cleaning.
And we work on the new
Comfort House we're building.
No, I don't think
I could actually...
stay.
I think you should
consider getting
a restraining order against him.
What good would that do?
If he tried to come near
you again, he would
be arrested and jailed.
How near?
[laughter]
[music]
Sheriff: Finally.
[music]
Policeman: It doesn't
look like your little
heart-to-heart did much good.
Fellon: We left him
hanging there 'til you could
see him, Curt.
Sheriff: Watch your step.
He bled all over the floor.
[music]
Now Harley's a good 250 pounds.
Take a hell of a strong man
to hoist him up like that.
Curtis: Oh. So you don't
think it was Wendy, then?
Well, not by herself.
[clank]
A ten-year-old kid could
lift him up with this rig.
Geez, Curtis, you're not
doing your girlfriend
any favours.
I'm using the evidence
to solve the case.
Not shape it to
fit my suspicions.
Oh, is that right?
Well, maybe you'd like to
have a look at this evidence.
Fallon.
[music]
Now that...
cut his throat.
Look familiar?
No, it doesn't.
Looks like a
carving knife to me.
The kind my wife used
to carve a turkey.
Then maybe we should
question your wife.
- You son-of-a-bitch.
Fallon: Calm down, Bear,
he didn't mean nothing.
Sheriff: I don't have to
take that crap from you!
You are suspended!
Suspended for what?
Not wanting to railroad
an innocent woman?
Insubordination to
a superior officer.
Is that what you call
searching for the truth?
Insubordination.
Sheriff: You wouldn't know
the truth if it beat you on
the ass.
Unless her name was Weeenndy.
[pow!]
[chuck]
[clunk]
[thunk]
Wendy: Is this a bad time?
Yeah, you could say that.
Cindy's in the car.
We're here for a restraining
order on Harley.
Well, she isn't
going to need it.
We found him dead in his
garage this morning...
with his throat cut.
[music]
[music]
Are you sure
this is a good idea?
Nope. But I know Trapp's
going to try and pin it
on me and I'm going to do
my own investigating and
see what I can find.
It's Peter, isn't it?
That's why I'm here.
You think it's Peter.
We'll talk about it later.
For now, just keep
an eye out for me.
[music]
[clatter of junk]
[scared breathing]
[music]
[music]
[crinkle, crinkle]
Wendy: Huh!
[shriek!]
Missy: Oh!
I'm sorry.
I just thought I should help.
You scared the hell out of me!
[gasps]
I don't know what
I'm doing here,
and I feel like I'm
wasting my time.
[music]
Missy: What is it?
Wendy: I don't know.
[music]
Rossy?
Sharon: This is Bradley's.
So what was it doing hanging
in Harley Barnes' garage?
Sharon: Wendy...
Gary's got this deep
resentment for Harley,
and Walt and Carl.
Wendy...
He believes they killed
Bradley and then pulled off
his vest to make it look
like a hunting accident.
Why would they do that?
I didn't believe him.
I couldn't.
I thought he was bitter for
the way they treated us
when we bought The Broken Leg.
They didn't want their
watering hole run by
outsiders moving in
here to change things.
Ohh!
They killed my baby!
[wails]
Wendy: Why not?
Curtis: Because Gary's
a friend of mine and I don't
believe that he'd
murder three people.
But I would?
No, I didn't say that.
Look, even if Harley did
shoot Bradley, there's
nothing to say that it
wasn't an accident.
Then why hide the vest?
Curtis: Because
he was scared.
Look, as ugly as it sounds
that kind of things goes
on up here.
These guys get drunk,
go out hunting and shoot
anything that moves,
including people.
I see.
To hell with justice.
Look. What is it
that you want me to do?
Go up to him and say,
"Hey, Gary, how's it goin?
By the way did you murder
Walt, Carl and Harley?"
Yes.
Look, take your case and
your evidence to the Sheriff,
all right?
I'm suspended.
I don't have any evidence.
Well, that could be
a problem if you're accusing
people of murder.
I know how you
could help me get some.
Curtis: Hey, Gary.
Gary: Hey, Curtis.
Wendy.
Are you here to drink or eat?
Curtis: We're on
business, actually.
Yeah?
We found Harley
murdered in his garage.
Murdered?
How?
Someone cut his throat,
the night that Cindy
moved in with Wendy.
The thing is, Gary, we f
the garage that may indicate
that... you were involved.
Hah.
Me?
Ha, hah.
[clatter of ice jugs]
That's ridiculous.
Maybe so, but I'm still
going to need a DNA sample
from you.
Okay.
Ha, ha.
[clatter of ice jugs]
[click!] It's not
go
Gary, what the
hell are you doing?
They killed my boy.
They got what they deserved.
Curtis: Gary, put
the dam
It doesn't matter any more.
I did it for Bradley.
Once a man starts
killing it doesn't stop.
- Put the gun down, Gary.
- I can't do that, Curtis.
I'm too full of hate
to care anymore.
Bradley would never
say something like
What do you know about Bradley?
I've seen his work.
His art.
I know that he showed us
how he viewed the world
through his photographs.
Gary, your son...
was about love.
And life.
Not hate.
Please don't ruin his
legacy with your anger.
[slap]
Huh.
I'm sorry.
I knew they did it.
They had to die.
[music]
Oh, Gary.
What about Sharon?
Does she know about this?
No.
No, she has no idea.
She gave up on me
after we buried Bradley.
She gave up on our marriage.
[music]
I'm sorry...
sorry.
[music]
[knock, knock, knock...]
[music]
[ding-dong]
[music]
Sharon?
[music]
Hello?
[music]
Sharon?
[music]
Sharon...
I came by to see how
you were holding up.
[music]
I was glad when Walt
Jackson was found dead.
And Carl.
I've been lying about
Bradley's death for so long.
I forgot the truth.
I didn't have the
courage to live with it.
Parents are supposed to
protect their children.
My son was murdered.
And I blame my husband
for not protecting him.
You did what you had to do...
to survive.
By denying the truth?
Blaming my husband?
Lying to everyone.
I lied to you
about how my sister died.
It wasn't a drunk driver.
The truth is her husband beat
her to death in front of me.
[gasps]
And I shot him.
Shot him dead.
I understand why
Gary did what he did.
And I certainly understand
why you lied about it.
I felt like I was
cheating Bradley by lying.
I didn't know what else to do.
[music]
[varoom!]
Wendy: Oh!
[squeal of tires]
Oomph!
[music]
Curtis, it was no drunk
and it was no accident.
Someone tried to kill me.
Okay, look.
Don't get testy.
I'm just trying to get
the facts straight.
Like for starters, why?
Because somebody wants
something about Bradley's
death to stay buried.
Gary already confessed
to killing the three guys
who shot his son.
Who's left?
Apparently whoever was
in that truck that tried
to kill me.
[deep sigh]
All right, what do
you want me to do?
You saw the place where
Bradley was killed, right?
Yeah.
We had to bag him.
What can you tell me about it?
It was a spot in the woods.
No different than any other.
Although I do remember it
being a little suspicious
- at the time, I guess.
- Why?
His mother said he liked
to take pictures of
farm houses, right?
We never found a camera.
And there was a farmhouse
nearby that burnt down,
the same day.
The same day?
Yeah.
We had no reason to think
they were connected.
I mean...
- Who owned the house?
- I don't know.
They sold it shortly
after the fire.
Well, that's where we start.
I'll go talk to
the owners and...
You can't.
There's nobody there.
The new owners never rebuilt.
Well, how do we
find out who bought it?
I guess, the only realtor
in town, Ann Hoffman.
Ann: Okay...
Ahh!
Oh, of course!
Alice and Ray Burke.
They didn't want to sell it.
But after the fire
they had no choice.
They didn't have the money
What do you mean they
didn't want to sell it?
They loved that house.
Raised four kids in it.
But once the fire burnt up
all their memories, it was
easy to walk away.
The same thing happened
to the Leach House,
not three months later,
a quarter mile down the road.
You're kidding.
I never kid when it
comes to real estate.
Were they bought
by the same person?
Um...
Let's see.
[clicking of keys]
[thwack]
The uh...
okay.
The Burke house was
bought by Margie Malaprop.
And...
[clicks]
the Leach House was
bought by Season Gratton.
Ann, could you give me
a print-out of all the
properties in that area
bought in the past few years?
Do you think they
may be connected?
[click of door opening]
Hello?
Beth?
Joanie?
Joanie?
Missy?
"...Cindy's until six."
[music]
[music]
[dialing beeps]
[phone rings]
Hello.
Wendy: You're not going
to believe this.
There were six properties
bought all in the same area
of that farmhouse in a
little more than a year.
Two burnt down.
One was evicted.
And another one died
in a car accident.
All six buyers turned around
and sold their property to uh...
Triple A Development just a few
weeks after purchasing them.
What's Triple A development?
Well, according to their
Website it's a development
company planning on building
a large condominium complex
in an area centrally located
to a number of ski resorts
- in Oregon.
- You mean like Corinth?
Sure does look like it.
Do you think they're
involved in Bradley's death?
I'd bet my life on it.
I just don't know how.
I need you to take me to
where his body was found.
Yeah.
Be there as soon as I can.
[beep]
[clunk]
Oh, Bradley.
How do you fit into this?
[music]
[footsteps]
This was where
we found his body...
face down.
Like I said, this spot's no
different from any other.
Which way to the farmhouse?
[footsteps]
They could have easily
carried Bradley's body
through these woods and no
one would have seen them.
Tough to prove that now.
This is it.
This was where he was shot.
- You think?
- Yeah, I'm certain of it.
He came here to
photograph that house.
And something happened.
I don't know what.
But he saw something.
[music]
Sharon: What is it that
you're looking for?
Wendy: I don't know.
Inspiration? Clues?
A photograph of the
farmhouse I just saw.
- Well, is it one of these?
- No, it's not.
But, do you have the camera
he used to take these?
No. He took it with
him that morning.
But... it wasn't with him
when they found his body.
Wendy: I'm going
back to the farmhouse.
[music]
[music]
[telephone rings]
[clatter of wood]
[phone's ringing]
- Hello.
Wendy: Curtis, I found it!
I found Bradley's camera
in the exact same spot
- we were in yesterday.
- Is there any film in it?
No, it's digital.
Somebody smashed it up
pretty good, and the
memory card is missing.
But that shouldn't matter.
If Sharon can confirm that
it's his, then that
ties him to that farmhouse
- burning down.
- It sure as hell does.
I'm on my way
over there right now.
Listen, can you call Sheriff
Trapp and tell him that
I'll bring it in as
soon as she IDs it?
Curtis: You got it.
- Thanks. [beep]
Sharon: It's his.
We gave it to him on
his sixteenth birthday.
What does it mean?
It means that Bradley's
death was no hunting accident.
[weeps]
Sharon.
Can I see his vest again?
Oh, yeah.
[footsteps]
What are you doing?
When I found the camera,
the memory card was missing.
And I was hoping...
Oh.
[sound of approaching car]
[door opens, closes]
[footsteps]
Missy: Hey.
- Hey, where are you headed?
I have a job interview,
in Portland.
That's great.
Beth and Joanie still inside?
No, they took Cindy
grocery shopping.
Her boys come back home today.
So I'll be back in a couple
of hours, and wish me luck.
Good luck.
[sound of car recedes]
[footsteps]
[music]
[clicking of keyboard]
[clicking of camera]
[music]
[clanking of gas can]
[music]
Carl: Hey, hey, hey.
Who's that?
He's got a camera.
Harley: Hey. Hey.
Who's that kid?
Is he local?
Sheriff: Harley.
Harley, what are you doing?
Harley!
Sheriff: You just couldn't
leave it alone, could you?
Three men dead.
Widows.
Kids without fathers.
A loving husband in jail
for the rest of his life.
And it all started
when you moved up here.
It all started when you
killed an innocent boy.
Sheriff: Harley!
Yeah.
That was unfortunate.
[click, click]
Poor kid was in the wrong
place at the wrong time.
But... business is business.
[BANG!]
[THUD!]
[thump]
[scrunch, crackle]
[grunts]
Carl: Harley...
Harley: Come on.
It's only a kid.
Come on, get him out of sight.
Harley and Walt dragged him
back into the woods
and took his vest.
Damned idiots were
supposed to burn it.
[music]
And it was all just
a hunting accident.
Until you came along.
It was arson.
Bradley saw it.
Why?
They wouldn't sell.
Idiots.
And they got a fair offer on it.
My job was to try to find
a way and make it happen.
You're on the payroll
of Triple A Development?
And you...
are just a little
too well informed...
[whack]
Ooh, Ahh.
[music]
[music]
[BANG!]
[tinkle]
[BANG!]
Did I get you, Wendy?
[music]
Yes I did.
[music]
I wish I could say it was
just business, Wendy.
But to tell the truth,
I'm going to chalk
this one up...
as personal pleasure.
[thump]
[click]
OH!
Ahhhh...
Why don't you chalk
it up to idiot hunter
- drops gun and lives.
- Huh, huh.
[thunk]
[music]
Here you go.
Hope you like potato soup.
It's my mom's recipe.
Well, if it's anything
like your lamb chops,
I just might marry you.
Oh!
So, tell me what happened.
He confessed everything.
Two counts of arson.
The kickbacks.
Bradley's murder.
Even w
Even what he did to
you up at your farm.
He's trying to cut a
deal, turn State's evidence
against Triple A, but...
either way, he's going
away for a long time.
[music]
I guess that means
there's a Sheriff's position
opening up, doesn't it?
I don't know if I'm quite
ready to call out those
square dances just yet.
[laughter]
Oh, but I have some good news.
[rustle of paper]
Ann Hoffman has been
taking up a collection
to help you finish the
new Comfort House.
Look at that.
And this, it's a list
of donations for
materials and labor.
Looks like the people of
Corinth are embracing what
you're doing after all.
So, I guess this means
I'm not an Angelino any more.
Well, let's not
go too far too fast.
[music]
This is incredible.
Oh. No.
This, uh...
This... is incredible.
Ummmm....
- That's good.
- Yeah?
As good as my lamb chops?
I'll let you know
that in the morning.
[music]
[music]
Oh!
[grunt]
[smack!] OW!
[THUD]
- Stupid bitch!
- NO! NO!
You think you can defy me?
[WHOMP!]
Geez!
- I'm never coming back!
- I'll kill you!
DONNA!
[tinkle, crash]
[panicked crying]
[music]
You'll get it like a whore!
Oh...
[crashing thuds]
You're not going to do
anything but drop that knife,
you sonofabitch!
Oh, yeah?
And what are you going to do
Go all Kung Fu on me?
Want to fight me?
[thunk]
I'll show you how to hurt.
[bash!]
Ooofff!
[gunshot!]
- You missed me!
- No! No!
[scuffle]
Ohhh...!
UH! [thud!]
UH! [bash!]
[kick!]
OH! [kick!]
[gasping pants]
[music]
[music]
[varoom!]
[music]
[music]
[short burst of siren]
[music]
[knock, knock, knock...]
Walter.
[interior sound of TV]
Walter, it's Curtis and Bear.
[knock, knock, knock...]
We've got to serve you
with a restraining order
to stay away from Beth.
It's almost six.
He's drunk.
Wa-a-a-lter!
Walt!
Curtis: Where are you Walt?
What I'd tell you?
Blind stinking drunk.
Walter.
[TV in background]
Come on, shake it up, buddy.
[thwack]
[background TV]
Let's...
Aw! Aw!
Crisp!
Phoo!
Ohhh...
Geez! Never would have
figured Walt for a suicide.
[TV]
What are you doing?
Checking evidence.
Ah...!
That's whisky, all
Hey, we got to dust
that for fingerprints.
- Fingerprints?
- Yeah, in case we're
looking at a murder here.
Sheriff: There hasn't been
a murder in Corinth for
thirty-five years.
Not since Merle Stoat shot
his old man and called it
a hunting accident.
Well, this ain't
no hunting accident.
Don't give me any of
that CSI crap, Curtis.
This ain't Portland.
[click]
You want a murderer?
Talk to his wife.
[footsteps]
Hey, what about Walter?
It's late.
He's not going
anywhere...'til morning.
It's a cool night.
[footsteps]
[plunk]
Whoo.
[footsteps]
[music]
Beth: I'm sorry, but I
just can't see Paul Newman
kissing Robert Redford
on the side of a mountain.
Missy: That is my point.
Today's actors are more
dedicated to their craft.
Beth: Kissing a man
doesn't make you dedicated.
- It makes you gay.
- Oh.
Joanie: I think
that's right, Missy.
I'd take Paul Newman over those
two young cowboys any day.
[footsteps]
Those boys weren't cowboys.
They were sheep herders.
Beth: Uh... they were
herding more than sheep.
[laughter]
[knock, knock, knock...]
Wendy: I'll get it.
[footsteps]
- Curtis.
- Hi, Wendy.
[click]
What brings you
here at this hour?
Ladies.
Beth, do you mind if
I have a word with you?
Um... whatever it is
I'd prefer you say it
to all of us.
Curtis: Okay, um...
Uh... Beth, we just...
we just found
Walter up at the house.
He's dead.
[music]
Well, forgive me
if I don't break down.
[music]
You've been here all day, Beth?
Yes, she has.
We all have.
Look, I don't like
this any more than you do.
But the abused wife of a
murdered husband has got
- to be considered a suspect.
- He was murdered?
Yeah.
He was shot in the
Okay.
We're going to want to get
your statement in the morning.
I'm not going anywhere.
[music]
[background traffic]
So, uh... we're still
on for Saturday night?
Absolutely not.
Oh.
Aw, you're kidding.
Of course I'm kidding.
I'm not going to let you
off the hook that easy.
All right then.
Saturday night it is.
[music]
[music]
[bar music]
Carl: You going after that
buck contest this year, Bear?
Think you'd be tired
of losing by now, Carl.
I'm always happy
to take your money.
Ha, ha, ha.
Not this year.
I don't want to scare you
but I saw a twelve-pointer
sitting right on the
edge of my property.
Like hell you did.
Twelve points is a
hell of a rack, Carl.
Ha, ha, ha.
Tell you what.
I'll take it over the rack
of that Wendy Brown
down at that Comfort House.
Ha, ha.
Well, maybe that's why your
wife's staying there, huh?
Harley: I'd kill Cindy
before I'd ever let her stay
at that city woman's place.
Speaking of the contest,
Walt won't be part of it.
Shot himself in the head
with a twelve gauge.
[laughter]
Well, you think
that's funny, do you?
Well, it's a joke, right?
[laughter]
He's dead, Carl.
I just came from his place.
He really killed himself?
That's right.
[bar music]
[dog barks]
[footsteps]
Sharon: Here's the nail gun.
I found it in a box
under a pile of Gary's
old disco albums.
Wendy: Thanks, Sharon.
Are you sure h
- me borrowing it?
- Absolutely not.
He hasn't used it
since we moved west.
Well, this should
speed things up.
I'm tired of paying
out money in rent.
Spoken like a true city girl.
Do you miss Boston?
No, not really.
I was out there
last month and...
everything about it just...
reminds me of our son Bradley.
How old was he?
When he got sick?
Seventeen.
He was about to start
at Boston College on
a scholarship to be
a photojournalist.
- Are those his?
- Yeah, they're all Bradley's.
- Oh, they're beautiful.
- Yeah.
Yeah, he loved going out
into the country and shoot...
Photographing old farm houses.
Yeah, he loved the textures
of the old hand-made things.
He used to say that all the
secrets of the house were
revealed in their textures.
Well, they're true works of art.
Yeah.
Oh.
This...
This is Bradley.
Right after we moved here.
I lost my younger
sister about a year ago.
- Oh.
- That's why I moved here.
How did she...?
Oh, uh...
[whomp!]
It was, uh...
a drunk driver.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
[music]
Wendy: Ready? One, two, three.
[grunts of exertion]
Joanie: I can't believe
we're actually building a house.
Why is that so hard to believe?
Carl's a carpenter and
he's always going on about
how hard the work is.
Well, you don't need
a man for anything.
Beth: Well. I can think of
one thing you need him for.
Wendy: Yeah.
But that's still a choice,
not a need.
Looks dead on perfect to me.
[music]
Good job, ladies.
I don't think you could have
done it any better
if you were men.
[giggles]
[slap]
Okay, let's go
frame another one.
[click of door]
[footsteps]
Finally.
Problem, Fallon?
Oh, come on, Fallon.
If you can't hold your breakfast
just go sit in the car.
Curtis: Huh.
What the hell's
your problem, Curtis?
My problem is he's got
no hair on his wrists.
Sheriff: Well, maybe
he can't grow it there.
Sheriff, this is Walter Jackson.
The man's got a pelt on
him like a woodchuck.
Whatever hair he had
there, got ripped out.
You know, I'm no doctor,
but I tend to lean
towards cause of death...
shotgun to the head
over missing wrist hair.
No. I think his arms were
taped down when he was shot.
I mean, if you look at the
angle of the head wound,
it would imply to me
the gun was held at
this sort of angle, right?
Now, if Walter shot himself,
he would h
Don't tell me how
Walt Jackson held a gun.
I hunted with the man since
he was ten years old.
If Walt wanted to kill
himself he could have done it
six ways to Sunday.
Doesn't mean it was suicide.
His wife left him.
He was drunk, miserable.
lonely, and renovating.
Maybe we should call the
State Troopers in anyway.
Just see what they think.
This is our town, our business.
Now I don't know what the
hell you think you see here,
but I'm the Sheriff,
and I see a suicide.
Come on, Fallon.
[music]
[bang!]
[scream]
[bang!][scream]
[bang!]
[scream]
That damn scarecrow moved!
It would help if
you'd kept your eyes open.
Joanie, you just need
to pretend that it's Carl.
Impossible...
with that zucchini?
Okay, Missy.
Come on.
You're up.
No.
I... I don't want to touch it.
A gun can't hurt you if
you know what you're doing.
I grew up in Philadelphia
where everyone has a gun,
knew what they were doing,
and it didn't stop people
- from getting killed.
- This is about
protecting yourself.
[sound of approaching car]
I moved to Oregon after
college to protect myself.
I met and married Peter.
You see how that's worked out.
Um...
I've got a bad feeling
about this.
Why don't you ladies go
pick up the tools and lock
them up in the barn and
I'll talk to Curtis.
Curtis: Looks like I
interrupted something.
Building self-esteem is 24/7.
I mean teaching these
women to shoot a handgun.
Their husbands all have guns.
Yeah. But you don't hunt
with a nine mill Glock.
You don't get beat up when
you're holding one, either.
Fair enough.
So, you think you're
qualified to teach them?
[click]
[gunshots]
[scream from Joanie]
[gunshots]
Joanie: Whahoo.
Wow.
[claps]
Works for me.
Although I'd be expecting
a little fallout from
their husbands.
We're building a shelter
out here for battered women.
I'm trying to teach them how
to be independent and not
worry about 'fallout' from
their abusive husbands.
When did you move out to Oregon?
- Nine months ago.
- Yeah.
You see, I don't think you
realize just how rank
some of these guys can be.
I realize they beat their wives.
Look.
I didn't come here to argue.
Why did you come here?
The Sheriff
doesn't agree with me.
He'd rather trust his
gut than the evidence.
I think someone murdered
Walter Jackson.
I'll need to ask Beth
a few more questions...
about making arrangements
for Walter's body,
not her involvement.
I'll let that go.
Damn, woman.
I thought you were a
psychologist, not a lawyer.
[music]
I'll see you later.
Might want to think about
joining the Rod 'n' Gun Club.
I tried.
It's good ol' boys only.
You ready to do it again?
[giggles]
Ohmigawd, its head's off.
Aim for his heart.
Harley: Sn
[running footsteps]
Carl: You know, I'm truly
sick of all these foreigners
coming up here and
buying our property.
Sheriff: Oh, what do you
care, Carl.
You get plenty
of work from them.
Carl: It's all nickel and
dime handyman crap there.
You know sometimes I'm
tempted to go on unemployment
just so I don't have
to look at them.
Harley: I'm sure they feel
the same way about your
ugly puss, Carl.
[laughter]
Carl: You know what, Harley?
Harley: What's that?
Not everybody likes
kissing Portland ass
like you do.
[pow!]
Carl: Oooof.
[thud]
[thock]
All right, Harley.
That's enough.
Now that's funny.
[laughter]
[footsteps]
Wendy:
Wendy: It's no wonder
there's so much abuse up here.
Who do those little
boys have to look up to?
Oh, it's tradition like
how they start drinking
after they kill something.
Animals sense fear, Missy.
Men like that... they're
nothing more than animals
preying on your fear.
Ignore them, you take
away their power.
[running footsteps]
Joanie ready to come home yet?
No, Carl, she's not.
Oh, oh.
You know, accidents have
a way of happening up here,
especially during
hunting season.
Sheriff: Better watch
yourself, Carl.
You wouldn't want to give
Miss Brown the wrong idea.
About hunting season.
Although if you are going
to be near the woods,
it's a good idea to
wear something red.
Come on, boys.
Coffee.
Get out of my way.
Harley: Curtis tells me you
know how to handle a weapon.
Maybe you can teach me.
[laughter]
[giggles]
Thank you.
Missy: How did you learn
how to build a house?
Wendy: Books.
Anything you want to learn
you can read about it.
The last book that Joanie
read was 'Green Eggs and Ham'.
That's only because Carl
needed me to read it to him.
It doesn't hurt that I have
an uncle who's a contractor.
Missy, can you give me a hand?
[footsteps]
Beth: So have you
heard from Carl lately?
Joanie: No.
But to tell you the truth
I'm starting to miss him.
Missy: I wish I could stand
up to Peter the way you
stood up to those guys
at the market.
You will.
When you're ready.
No, I don't even have
the courage to face him.
It's amazing what a
little self-esteem will do.
It's not that.
I like myself okay.
It's just...
I know what Peter would
do if he ever found me.
When you're ready, maybe
we can talk about Peter.
Pull the pants off that
monster, as my psych professor
used to say.
[rattle of door wheels]
[zing!]
Wendy: Oh!
[screech of car tires]
Wendy: Missy! Stay covered!
[music]
[]
[slam]
Where's Curtis?
Uh....
Search me.
Sheriff!
Someone just took a shot at me.
Well, if I was ten years
younger I'd take a shot at...
They tried to kill me.
- How did this happen?
- They shot at me from
the woods behind my barn
and barely missed me.
- Did you see anybody?
- No, I didn't.
They took off in some
dark-colored pick-up truck
before I could see who it was.
Anyway, I find it a little
coincidental that Carl chose
this morning to school me
on hunting accidents.
Are you accusing Carl
of trying to shoot you?
Does Carl drive a
dark-coloured pick-up truck?
Miss Brown.
It's hunting season.
People are firing guns in
the woods all the time.
I don't scare easy, Sheriff.
And I sure as hell won't be
intimidated enough to turn my
back on Joanie.
[music]
Wendy: He was trying
to scare me.
If he wanted to kill me,
he could have.
- I'll talk to him.
- No, it's okay.
I can handle Carl.
Although I don't know if I
can handle the local hoedown.
It's the annual fund raiser
for the fire department.
You said you wanted the people
of this town to accept you.
Trust you, right?
Square da
Well, it's... as long as
you don't start rapping.
[country music]
Whoooah!
Let's have some fun!
Say hello to your partner.
Allemande left your corner,
now face your partner,
do-si-do your partner,
allemande left your corner,
face your partner,
right and left around
hand over hand.
Meet your partner,
promenade that gal
and when you're home,
face it.
Square your set,
and yell, all right!
Everyone: All right.
[applause, laughter]
So, whew.
Fun, huh?
Yeah.
Oh, come on, you'll feel
differently after the
Sadie Hawkins acey-deucey.
That does not
sound like a dance.
Oh, excuse me.
I'll be right back.
Sharon: Ah, huh!
Oh, I was hoping you'd come.
Yeah, wel
But I guess I have to brush
up on my square dancing skills
before anyon
Yeah, well.
I know how that feels.
Everybody manages to avoid
me since Bradley died.
Caller: Seasoned dancers
only to the dance floor.
I'll talk to you after.
[multi-footsteps]
Curtis: You have
got to try this.
Wendy: Did you make them?
Caller: Mr. Music, please.
No, I didn't make them.
[laughter]
[country music]
Sheriff: Whooo.
[country music]
Now, bow to your partner.
And bow to your corner.
And circle to the left,
now here we go.
Dance all night, and here we go.
Allemande left your corner lady,
Quickly promenade your baby.
He is quite the caller.
Oh, yeah.
He knows what he's doing.
Sheriff: And when you're
home, back to your square.
Re-adjust your underwear.
Whooo.
[music]
Yes, I moved here from
Los Angeles nine months ago.
So you're an Angelino, then.
I guess you could call it that.
Although I'd love
to shake that title.
You can't change what you are.
I'm fifth generation.
Bob is sixth,
and won't let me forget it.
Wendy: So Sharon finally
came, huh?
It's not like h
She usually stays away
from large gatherings.
Do you think it's because
people are so uncomfortable
with their son dying?
I wouldn't know.
[music]
Beth Jackson told me about you.
She said I can trust you.
Absolutely. Would you
like to go outside and talk?
No. I... I don't think
I could do that.
Would you like to come by
Comfort House and visit Beth?
Are people allowed to do that?
Of course they are.
It's not a place to hide out.
It's just an optr women
who want to make a change
in their life and don't
know how to do that.
How would someone...
I mean if they wanted...
Harley: Cindy, let's go!
- Hi, honey.
- This is Wendy Brown.
- I know who this is.
This is the first time
Carl's ever missed a dance.
Why do you suppose that is?
Maybe because he's
humiliated by the way
he treats his wife.
He treats his wife
the same way I do.
Like a wife.
I said, let's go!
Get the kids!
Carl beat Joanie just
like Walt beat Beth.
Is that how you treat your wife?
That's how I treat
anybody who gets in my way.
You got that?
Let's go!
[background music]
What was that all about?
I'm pretty sure that
was a spitting contest.
Oh, come on.
[music]
[music]
[car approaches]
Curtis: You made it.
I was worried the square
dancing might have
scared you off.
They can get a bit hicky.
[car door clicks open]
On the contrary.
I thought your do-si-do
was wicked sexy.
Oh.
[laughs]
Well, if you think that was
sexy you should see me
on disco night.
Come on in.
I just took the bread
out of the oven.
- You made bread?
- Yeah. What else are you
supposed to have with
lamb chops and plum sauce?
Ho, ho, ho.
And lamb chops.
If I didn't know any better
I'd think you were looking
to get lucky.
Oh, well, you
brought red and white.
I could say the same about you.
[laughter]
[footsteps]
[door clunks closed]
Wendy: Those lamb
chops were wonderful.
Where did you learn
to cook like that?
My mom.
She was a frustrated chef.
Never got the training
to follow her dream.
What about you?
You're smart, educated,
kind of cute.
You could have started
a shelter anywhere.
Why here?
My grandparents had
a farm not far from here.
I used to come visit
them during the summers.
I always thought this
place was heaven.
And then, one time,
when I was nine,
I saw this woman at the
market who's face was all
beat up, bruised.
And she had the most
beautiful green eyes.
They were so sad.
She caught me looking at her.
And she smiled.
Completely unaware
of why I was staring.
And then her husband came up
behind her and she quickly
turned away like she was
afraid that I might try
to talk to her.
And when they were leaving,
she looked back...
kind of embarrassed.
And somehow I realized
in that moment,
she wasn't sad because
someone beat her.
She was sad because
she was trapped.
And that image
has never left me.
I just wanted to be able
to help women like her
who didn't have anywhere to go.
Did you know that a third of
all homicides against women
are committed by their
husbands or their boyfriends?
But what we have here is
a murdered husband and a wife.
Do you think Beth killed him?
Somebody did.
Well, if she did, she was
acting in self-defense
under the laws of our country.
It's sounds like you
are condoning murder.
I'm condoning protecting
yourself by whatever
means possible.
Well, I hope you don't
ever feel the need to
protect yourself from me.
[music]
Why would I need to
protect myself from you?
No.
I just meant...
- I'm sorry.
- No, it's...
I'm sorry.
Oooph...
Thank you for dinner.
[kiss]
Good night.
[footsteps]
[sound of car engines]
[click]
[slam]
[car engine starts]
[footsteps]
[rev, rev]
[varoom]
[laughter]
Beth: Ohhh... look who's
sneaking in after curfew.
Joanie: We were getting
worried about you.
All alone...
in that cabin with that
animal, Deputy Curtis.
[giggles]
Do you know anyone who
drives a black pick-up truck?
Beth: Every guy up
here drives a pick-up.
Every guy we know, anyway.
Where's Missy?
Beth: Oh, she's working at
the art gallery in Eugene
until ten.
Wendy
Wendy: We need to find
her a job around here.
Beth: Um... where's the
carving knife?
You can't cut a pizza
with a carving knife.
Sheriff Trapp came by today.
He's asking all kinds of
questions about Walt.
Where I was.
If Walt ever talked about
killing himself.
Why I was staying here.
He knows damn well
why you're staying here.
Did you tell him how
Walt used to beat you?
He thinks we're all living
in some kind of lesbian
commune or something.
[giggles]
You know, the truth is.
I'm glad Walt's dead.
For the first time
since I married him,
I can sleep through the night.
[music]
[music]
[BANG!]
[THUD!]
[]
Curtis: Rod Morwick and
his brother found him
a little while ago.
Rifle shot to the head.
Looks like somebody
was hunting him.
- How do you get that?
- I found some boot prints
about 30 yards
in that direction.
The position of Carl's body
and the angle of the head
wound indicates that that's
where the kill shot came from.
Sheriff: Boot prints?
Curtis: Yeah.
I make it out to be a
military boot, about size ten.
Every hunter in this dumb
No, these aren't the kinds
of boots that hunters wear.
Oh, is that right?
And what kind of boots
do hunters wear, Mr. CSI?
All right.
Dead body in the woods.
Must be hunting season.
Who'd want to kill Carl?
I think the list of who
wouldn't want to kill Carl
- might be a little shorter.
- His wife, Curtis. Joanie.
Oh, come on.
You can't think Joanie
would kill him like this.
I might.
If it wasn't for the fact
that it's the second dead
husband of a wife that's
staying at that Comfort House.
And I think it's time we
talked to your girl friend.
[music]
Beth.
Beth.
We have company.
Do you know where Wendy is?
Yeah. She went for
a run up the street.
Why?
Is there a problem?
I'd say there's a problem.
Joanie,
somebody shot Carl.
[music]
[music]
[screech]
[car horn blares]
[music]
So you're saying you
had no reason to want to
- see Carl dead?
- No!
I mean Carl would get drunk
and he'd hit me.
But I loved him.
You loved him.
I see.
So what are you
doing here, Joanie?
Because he beat me, Sheriff.
And nobody seemed
to care about that.
Except Wendy.
And she was kind enough
to take you in and
- give you a place to hide.
- Yes.
Beth: That's right.
- What else did she
- do for you, Joanie?
- What do you mean?
Sheriff: Maybe she tried to
eliminate your problems?
One at a time?
Wendy did not
kill Walt and Carl.
Well, it's a hell of
a coincidence, don't you think?
They both move in here,
and both their husbands
turn up dead.
What about you, Missy?
Your husband dead yet?
[door clicks open]
[footsteps]
What's going on?
We found Carl shot dead
in the woods this morning.
He was out hunting.
Wasn't an accident.
Where were you
at daybreak today?
Wendy: Sleeping.
You got proof to back that up?
Do I need proof to back that up?
I don't like what you do here.
Men and women disagree,
they work things out.
It's just part of being married.
Someone like you comes along.
Sticks her nose into
private business.
Starts people thinking.
Wives move out.
Husbands turn up dead.
Who the hell are
you helping, anyway?
The women who don't know
that they have a choice.
To be happy.
Sheriff: Are Beth
and Joanie happy now?
I don't think Beth and
Joanie have been happy for
a long time, Sheriff.
And maybe you thought
a couple of dead husbands
- would change things.
- Are you implying that
I had something to do
with their deaths?
I guess that depends
if whether they'd be dead
if their wives weren't
staying here.
Ladies.
[footsteps]
[door slams]
Wendy: I'm so sorry, Joanie.
We're going to run
a background check on her.
[car doors open]
Sheriff: Find out
where she's from.
Who she knows.
And what she did.
She didn't do it, Bear.
How the hell would you
know what she did?
What do you really
know about her?
Better watch yourself, Curtis.
[starts car]
Or one morning you might wake
up just like Carl and Walt.
[sound of car receding]
You don't think I had
anything to do with it?
You saved me.
I mean, being able
to come to this place.
Carl was completely out of
control and he was only
getting worse.
He would have killed me.
Wendy. If you need an alibi,
we're all here for you.
[music]
[bam, bam, bam...]
Curtis: Hey.
You look like you
could use a drink.
Thanks.
Wow, it's looking good.
You too.
Just hope I get to finish it.
If you're worried about
Bear coming after you, don't.
I won't let him.
It's not Sheriff Trapp
I'm worried about.
There's been a pick-up truck
hanging outside Comfort House
and I have a feeling
that it's the same guy.
And I think whoever it is,
killed Carl and Walter Jackson.
What makes you say that?
Remember when someone
took a shot at me?
Yeah, you thought that was Carl.
Well, I did at the time
because he all but threa
me with a hunting accident
outside BJ Market.
But now, I think it was
meant to look like he took
a shot at me, giving me
a motive to kill him.
I think somebody's
setting me up, Curtis.
Okay, who would want to do that?
I don't know.
But whoever's in that truck,
they've been watching me
and they know my schedule.
And they killed Carl and Walt
when they knew I wouldn't
have an alibi.
Look, you'd better
be careful, Wendy.
I don't want to find you
in the woods like I di
Gary and Sharon's kid.
Bradley?
Yeah. He was shot in a
hunting accident last year.
He didn't die of an illness?
No.
We never figured out who did it.
He was a good kid.
No enemies.
He was out wandering in the
woods without a hunting vest.
It's tragic, but it happens.
What made you think
he died of an illness?
His mother.
Sheriff: The point is, Fallon,
you want to kill the thing,
not destroy it.
I mean nobody wants to be
picking buckshot out of their
turkey leg on Thanksgiving.
Oh, oh.
Looks like somebody
gave you a ticket, Bear.
Ha, ha.
What are you sniffin', Fallon?
We give the tickets.
Yeah, I know that.
It was just a joke.
Better not be.
[rip]
"She's killed before."
[crinkle]
Get Curtis on the radio.
Tell him to meet us
back at the station.
[rustle of paper]
"Social worker Wendy Brown
was exonerated of
all charges in relation
to the death of Jack Dubois,
her brother-in-law."
Your girlfriend
tell you about that?
She's not my girlfriend.
- And no, she didn't.
- That doesn't surprise me.
Not with the sudden influx
of dead bodies around here.
Well, this doesn't
mean she was involved.
Involved?
Oh, Curtis.
Wake up and smell
the pheromones.
She is an angry woman with
a history of murdering men
she doesn't like.
This says it was self-defense.
Oh, well, I'm sure
a social worker gets a lot
of leeway in the legal
system in California.
But what happened to Carl
and Walt had nothing to do
with self-defense.
Where'd you get this?
Fallon: Oh, we found it
on the...
Sheriff: Internet.
Fallon dug it up.
Research, Curtis.
I told you I was going
to look into her past.
It just turned up a hell of
a lot more than I expected.
What if somebody's
trying to set her up?
- Who'd have a motive?
- You said it yourself.
Somebody from her past.
Hey, you're right.
Maybe we should be looking
for Mr. DuBois,
the abusive husband.
$gM250Fellon: Oh, uh...
I don't think you read
that whole article, Bear.
Uh... DuBois is dead.
Well, that is one
hell of a piece of
detective work, Fallon.
Geez, between you and Curtis,
I tell you, we got ourselves
one hell of a CSI unit.
Hell, we should start our
own TV show. Ha, ha, ha.
Curtis: The point is
there's no way to tie her to
the murders up here.
This article means nothing.
Nothing.
The woman killed a man.
She leaves her town
to start a new life.
Two of my friends
wind up murdered.
In my book, that makes
her worth investigating.
All right, I'll agree with
you on that basis, but let me
talk to her first.
Sheriff: Why
should I do that?
Because she'll
tell me the truth.
Well, she didn't tell you
the truth about killing Dubois.
That's because I didn't ask her.
[music]
By the way, it's
pronounced 'doo-bwa'.
It's French.
The 's' is silent.
[whack!]
[sound of approaching car]
[whack!]
[car door closes]
Wendy: Hi, Curtis.
I thought you asked
me out here for business.
I did.
Winter's coming and the
only heat I have is from
the wood stove.
So...
Just busting
your chops a little.
So, what's this new
information you have
to talk to me about.
[rustle of paper]
[music]
Wendy: Jack DuBois.
He'd been beating up my
sister for a long time.
Of course, I had no
idea how bad it was.
You know, that's the
thing about abused women.
They get really good at
hiding what's happening.
Anyway, my sister called me.
She was scared to death
that he was going to kill her.
So I rushed over there.
UH! [thud!]
UH! [bash!]
[BANG!]
[music]
Wendy: Donna...
Donna...
[sob]
My sister died in the
hospital three days later,
from abdominal trauma.
That's when the DA decided
not to press charges against me.
Why didn't you tell me?
Because I moved up here
to put that part of my life
behind me.
It's nothing personal, Curtis.
I just didn't feel the need
to talk about something so
horrible when it has nothing
to do with my life now.
And you've got Sheriff
Trapp looking for any way
he can tie you to Walt
and Carl's murders.
So he went digging in
my past to find something
to incriminate me with.
He's just doing his job.
That is not his job.
The man can't stand me
because I offer these women
a different option other
than getting beaten up by
a bunch of sorry ass
excuses for men.
He's on a witch hunt.
Look, Wendy...
The Sh
The Sheriff's just had two of
his best friends murdered,
whose wives just happened
to be staying with you.
It doesn't take a whole lot
of cynicism to at least
- consider you a suspect.
- He doesn't consider
me a suspect.
He considers me a killer.
[scrunch]
Why don't you just take your
article back to your boss
and you
figure out a way to nail me.
[music]
Wendy!
Wendy!
- Wendy, come on.
- Leave me alone.
I am on your side, Wendy.
I don't need you
to be on my side.
I can take care of myself.
And I sure as hell
don't need a man to...
[music]
[music]
I got a bad feeling
about this, Bear.
It's been too long.
It hasn't been that long.
How can you just sit there?
We're in the middle of a
double homicide investigation.
And for all we know our main
suspect could have killed
Curtis and run off
to Canada by now.
[sigh]
Mmmm...
Whew... If I didn't feel so
good I'd have to take you in
on abuse charges.
[laughter]
Is that an insult
or a compliment.
Well, that is a rave.
Hm.
So you don't mind
sleeping with a killer?
No.
I don't fit the profile of y
With them, there was
no sexual activity.
And I'm not married to
one of your house guests.
I guess that just
leaves Missy's ex-husband.
Well, what about
Missy's ex-husband.
He could be the next victim.
I don't know anything about him.
She never talks about him.
Except that he doesn't
know where she is.
[music]
Maybe he's found her.
If he has, he could
be the guy in the truck.
[music]
[music]
- May I help you?
- Yes, I'm looking for
- Peter Cramer?
- Your name?
- Wendy Brown.
- I'll take it from
here, Hilary.
I'm Peter.
How can I help you?
Wendy: Do you know who I am?
Yes, I believe I do.
Why don't we speak in my office.
[music]
I know exactly
who you are, bitch.
You think I don't know what
you're doing to my wife
in that place?
We have a little argument and
the next thing I know she's
living with you and
telling me that it's over.
No one tells me that it's over.
No one.
I tell them.
[click of door opening]
Peter: Thanks again... so much
for coming in, Miss Brown.
[music]
[click]
[music]
[door bell rings]
[music]
Beth: It's Cindy.
Cindy: I didn't
know where else to go.
Come in.
Come in.
You did the right
thing by coming here.
Joanie, could you get me
a wet washcloth and a towel.
That bastard.
- How bad are you hurt?
- Please, no, I'll be okay.
Can you tell us what happened?
I can't.
It's okay. It's okay.
You're safe now.
You'll stay here tonight.
Okay? And tomorrow, you can
decide if you want to
report him to the police.
Beth: No. No.
You're going to leave
that sick bastard,
and you're going to
move in here with us.
That's what you're going to do.
Joanie: That's right, Cindy.
He has no right
to do this to you.
Okay, let's just give her
a little space for now.
Why don't you go lay down,
and we'll get some
ice for that eye.
[car horn blares]
Harley: Open up, Gary!
[honk]
It's about time.
[clunk]
Open the damn door!
Gary: We are closed,
Harley, you know that.
Harley: Not...
[thud!]
Not for me.
This is my damn bar.
If I give you a drink
I'll lose my licence.
I don't give a damn.
Go home, Harley or
I'll call the Sheriff.
[music]
[music]
Harley is a psycho.
He beats those poor
boys of his like dogs.
Walt used to say, if he
couldn't kill animals,
he'd be killing his neighbors.
Does Sheriff Trapp know that?
The only difference between
Harley and Bear is the badge.
I mean,
I mean, boys are raised
killing things...[CRASH!]
Harley: CINDY!
Where's my wife!
I know she's here.
Harley, you need to calm down.
Where's my wife?
She's fine.
She... she's sleeping.
She's had a really rough night.
CINDY!
WHERE'S MY CINDY!
[sobs]
Cindy, I want you to stay in
here no matter what you hear
downstairs, you understand?
Joanie, lock the door.
[slam]
[click]
Harley: Where's the other one?
Wendy: I'm right here,
Mr. Barnes.
Don't move,
or I'll have to shoot you.
And I would be well
within my rights to do so.
CINDY!
Cindy is staying here tonight.
Beyond that it's up to her,
not you.
You are trespassing.
So you leave now or
I call the police.
Harley: This ain't over.
Not by a long shot.
You know, it gets pretty
dangerous jogging with
them headphones on.
[slam]
[slam]
[starts truck engine]
People have been known to
get run down like that.
[sound of engine recedes]
Beth: Shall we
call the police?
No. No. We'll handle
our business ourselves.
Wendy.
That was incredible.
Wendy: Did you see his truck?
That's the one that's
been stalking us.
[music]
[music]
[clatter of falling objects]
Freaking cow.
Won't let me see Cindy.
[clang, clang, clang...]
[music]
[music]
[rattle of chains]
[music]
[music]
[swoosh]
HUH HIP!
UHHH... OHHH...!
[music]
[music]
Cindy: Good morning.
Beth: Oh, hey.
Here, have some coffee.
[gurgle of coffee]
Did you get any sleep?
Wendy: I hope you're hungry.
The first breakfast
is always pancakes.
- It's my own little tradition.
- Can I call my boys?
They're at their gammy's.
I'm sure they're worried.
Of course you can.
There's a phone in
the living room.
I'll show her.
[music]
[truck engine]
[door squeaks open]
[slam]
Hey, Harley! Harley!
You out here?
Harley!
Where are ya?
Hey, Harley, where'd you go?
[music]
Ach!
Hell.
[music]
Cindy: I feel like
I'm staying at a hotel.
Trust me, it won't be like
this if you decide to stay.
Missy: We take turns,
cooking and cleaning.
And we work on the new
Comfort House we're building.
No, I don't think
I could actually...
stay.
I think you should
consider getting
a restraining order against him.
What good would that do?
If he tried to come near
you again, he would
be arrested and jailed.
How near?
[laughter]
[music]
Sheriff: Finally.
[music]
Policeman: It doesn't
look like your little
heart-to-heart did much good.
Fellon: We left him
hanging there 'til you could
see him, Curt.
Sheriff: Watch your step.
He bled all over the floor.
[music]
Now Harley's a good 250 pounds.
Take a hell of a strong man
to hoist him up like that.
Curtis: Oh. So you don't
think it was Wendy, then?
Well, not by herself.
[clank]
A ten-year-old kid could
lift him up with this rig.
Geez, Curtis, you're not
doing your girlfriend
any favours.
I'm using the evidence
to solve the case.
Not shape it to
fit my suspicions.
Oh, is that right?
Well, maybe you'd like to
have a look at this evidence.
Fallon.
[music]
Now that...
cut his throat.
Look familiar?
No, it doesn't.
Looks like a
carving knife to me.
The kind my wife used
to carve a turkey.
Then maybe we should
question your wife.
- You son-of-a-bitch.
Fallon: Calm down, Bear,
he didn't mean nothing.
Sheriff: I don't have to
take that crap from you!
You are suspended!
Suspended for what?
Not wanting to railroad
an innocent woman?
Insubordination to
a superior officer.
Is that what you call
searching for the truth?
Insubordination.
Sheriff: You wouldn't know
the truth if it beat you on
the ass.
Unless her name was Weeenndy.
[pow!]
[chuck]
[clunk]
[thunk]
Wendy: Is this a bad time?
Yeah, you could say that.
Cindy's in the car.
We're here for a restraining
order on Harley.
Well, she isn't
going to need it.
We found him dead in his
garage this morning...
with his throat cut.
[music]
[music]
Are you sure
this is a good idea?
Nope. But I know Trapp's
going to try and pin it
on me and I'm going to do
my own investigating and
see what I can find.
It's Peter, isn't it?
That's why I'm here.
You think it's Peter.
We'll talk about it later.
For now, just keep
an eye out for me.
[music]
[clatter of junk]
[scared breathing]
[music]
[music]
[crinkle, crinkle]
Wendy: Huh!
[shriek!]
Missy: Oh!
I'm sorry.
I just thought I should help.
You scared the hell out of me!
[gasps]
I don't know what
I'm doing here,
and I feel like I'm
wasting my time.
[music]
Missy: What is it?
Wendy: I don't know.
[music]
Rossy?
Sharon: This is Bradley's.
So what was it doing hanging
in Harley Barnes' garage?
Sharon: Wendy...
Gary's got this deep
resentment for Harley,
and Walt and Carl.
Wendy...
He believes they killed
Bradley and then pulled off
his vest to make it look
like a hunting accident.
Why would they do that?
I didn't believe him.
I couldn't.
I thought he was bitter for
the way they treated us
when we bought The Broken Leg.
They didn't want their
watering hole run by
outsiders moving in
here to change things.
Ohh!
They killed my baby!
[wails]
Wendy: Why not?
Curtis: Because Gary's
a friend of mine and I don't
believe that he'd
murder three people.
But I would?
No, I didn't say that.
Look, even if Harley did
shoot Bradley, there's
nothing to say that it
wasn't an accident.
Then why hide the vest?
Curtis: Because
he was scared.
Look, as ugly as it sounds
that kind of things goes
on up here.
These guys get drunk,
go out hunting and shoot
anything that moves,
including people.
I see.
To hell with justice.
Look. What is it
that you want me to do?
Go up to him and say,
"Hey, Gary, how's it goin?
By the way did you murder
Walt, Carl and Harley?"
Yes.
Look, take your case and
your evidence to the Sheriff,
all right?
I'm suspended.
I don't have any evidence.
Well, that could be
a problem if you're accusing
people of murder.
I know how you
could help me get some.
Curtis: Hey, Gary.
Gary: Hey, Curtis.
Wendy.
Are you here to drink or eat?
Curtis: We're on
business, actually.
Yeah?
We found Harley
murdered in his garage.
Murdered?
How?
Someone cut his throat,
the night that Cindy
moved in with Wendy.
The thing is, Gary, we f
the garage that may indicate
that... you were involved.
Hah.
Me?
Ha, hah.
[clatter of ice jugs]
That's ridiculous.
Maybe so, but I'm still
going to need a DNA sample
from you.
Okay.
Ha, ha.
[clatter of ice jugs]
[click!] It's not
go
Gary, what the
hell are you doing?
They killed my boy.
They got what they deserved.
Curtis: Gary, put
the dam
It doesn't matter any more.
I did it for Bradley.
Once a man starts
killing it doesn't stop.
- Put the gun down, Gary.
- I can't do that, Curtis.
I'm too full of hate
to care anymore.
Bradley would never
say something like
What do you know about Bradley?
I've seen his work.
His art.
I know that he showed us
how he viewed the world
through his photographs.
Gary, your son...
was about love.
And life.
Not hate.
Please don't ruin his
legacy with your anger.
[slap]
Huh.
I'm sorry.
I knew they did it.
They had to die.
[music]
Oh, Gary.
What about Sharon?
Does she know about this?
No.
No, she has no idea.
She gave up on me
after we buried Bradley.
She gave up on our marriage.
[music]
I'm sorry...
sorry.
[music]
[knock, knock, knock...]
[music]
[ding-dong]
[music]
Sharon?
[music]
Hello?
[music]
Sharon?
[music]
Sharon...
I came by to see how
you were holding up.
[music]
I was glad when Walt
Jackson was found dead.
And Carl.
I've been lying about
Bradley's death for so long.
I forgot the truth.
I didn't have the
courage to live with it.
Parents are supposed to
protect their children.
My son was murdered.
And I blame my husband
for not protecting him.
You did what you had to do...
to survive.
By denying the truth?
Blaming my husband?
Lying to everyone.
I lied to you
about how my sister died.
It wasn't a drunk driver.
The truth is her husband beat
her to death in front of me.
[gasps]
And I shot him.
Shot him dead.
I understand why
Gary did what he did.
And I certainly understand
why you lied about it.
I felt like I was
cheating Bradley by lying.
I didn't know what else to do.
[music]
[varoom!]
Wendy: Oh!
[squeal of tires]
Oomph!
[music]
Curtis, it was no drunk
and it was no accident.
Someone tried to kill me.
Okay, look.
Don't get testy.
I'm just trying to get
the facts straight.
Like for starters, why?
Because somebody wants
something about Bradley's
death to stay buried.
Gary already confessed
to killing the three guys
who shot his son.
Who's left?
Apparently whoever was
in that truck that tried
to kill me.
[deep sigh]
All right, what do
you want me to do?
You saw the place where
Bradley was killed, right?
Yeah.
We had to bag him.
What can you tell me about it?
It was a spot in the woods.
No different than any other.
Although I do remember it
being a little suspicious
- at the time, I guess.
- Why?
His mother said he liked
to take pictures of
farm houses, right?
We never found a camera.
And there was a farmhouse
nearby that burnt down,
the same day.
The same day?
Yeah.
We had no reason to think
they were connected.
I mean...
- Who owned the house?
- I don't know.
They sold it shortly
after the fire.
Well, that's where we start.
I'll go talk to
the owners and...
You can't.
There's nobody there.
The new owners never rebuilt.
Well, how do we
find out who bought it?
I guess, the only realtor
in town, Ann Hoffman.
Ann: Okay...
Ahh!
Oh, of course!
Alice and Ray Burke.
They didn't want to sell it.
But after the fire
they had no choice.
They didn't have the money
What do you mean they
didn't want to sell it?
They loved that house.
Raised four kids in it.
But once the fire burnt up
all their memories, it was
easy to walk away.
The same thing happened
to the Leach House,
not three months later,
a quarter mile down the road.
You're kidding.
I never kid when it
comes to real estate.
Were they bought
by the same person?
Um...
Let's see.
[clicking of keys]
[thwack]
The uh...
okay.
The Burke house was
bought by Margie Malaprop.
And...
[clicks]
the Leach House was
bought by Season Gratton.
Ann, could you give me
a print-out of all the
properties in that area
bought in the past few years?
Do you think they
may be connected?
[click of door opening]
Hello?
Beth?
Joanie?
Joanie?
Missy?
"...Cindy's until six."
[music]
[music]
[dialing beeps]
[phone rings]
Hello.
Wendy: You're not going
to believe this.
There were six properties
bought all in the same area
of that farmhouse in a
little more than a year.
Two burnt down.
One was evicted.
And another one died
in a car accident.
All six buyers turned around
and sold their property to uh...
Triple A Development just a few
weeks after purchasing them.
What's Triple A development?
Well, according to their
Website it's a development
company planning on building
a large condominium complex
in an area centrally located
to a number of ski resorts
- in Oregon.
- You mean like Corinth?
Sure does look like it.
Do you think they're
involved in Bradley's death?
I'd bet my life on it.
I just don't know how.
I need you to take me to
where his body was found.
Yeah.
Be there as soon as I can.
[beep]
[clunk]
Oh, Bradley.
How do you fit into this?
[music]
[footsteps]
This was where
we found his body...
face down.
Like I said, this spot's no
different from any other.
Which way to the farmhouse?
[footsteps]
They could have easily
carried Bradley's body
through these woods and no
one would have seen them.
Tough to prove that now.
This is it.
This was where he was shot.
- You think?
- Yeah, I'm certain of it.
He came here to
photograph that house.
And something happened.
I don't know what.
But he saw something.
[music]
Sharon: What is it that
you're looking for?
Wendy: I don't know.
Inspiration? Clues?
A photograph of the
farmhouse I just saw.
- Well, is it one of these?
- No, it's not.
But, do you have the camera
he used to take these?
No. He took it with
him that morning.
But... it wasn't with him
when they found his body.
Wendy: I'm going
back to the farmhouse.
[music]
[music]
[telephone rings]
[clatter of wood]
[phone's ringing]
- Hello.
Wendy: Curtis, I found it!
I found Bradley's camera
in the exact same spot
- we were in yesterday.
- Is there any film in it?
No, it's digital.
Somebody smashed it up
pretty good, and the
memory card is missing.
But that shouldn't matter.
If Sharon can confirm that
it's his, then that
ties him to that farmhouse
- burning down.
- It sure as hell does.
I'm on my way
over there right now.
Listen, can you call Sheriff
Trapp and tell him that
I'll bring it in as
soon as she IDs it?
Curtis: You got it.
- Thanks. [beep]
Sharon: It's his.
We gave it to him on
his sixteenth birthday.
What does it mean?
It means that Bradley's
death was no hunting accident.
[weeps]
Sharon.
Can I see his vest again?
Oh, yeah.
[footsteps]
What are you doing?
When I found the camera,
the memory card was missing.
And I was hoping...
Oh.
[sound of approaching car]
[door opens, closes]
[footsteps]
Missy: Hey.
- Hey, where are you headed?
I have a job interview,
in Portland.
That's great.
Beth and Joanie still inside?
No, they took Cindy
grocery shopping.
Her boys come back home today.
So I'll be back in a couple
of hours, and wish me luck.
Good luck.
[sound of car recedes]
[footsteps]
[music]
[clicking of keyboard]
[clicking of camera]
[music]
[clanking of gas can]
[music]
Carl: Hey, hey, hey.
Who's that?
He's got a camera.
Harley: Hey. Hey.
Who's that kid?
Is he local?
Sheriff: Harley.
Harley, what are you doing?
Harley!
Sheriff: You just couldn't
leave it alone, could you?
Three men dead.
Widows.
Kids without fathers.
A loving husband in jail
for the rest of his life.
And it all started
when you moved up here.
It all started when you
killed an innocent boy.
Sheriff: Harley!
Yeah.
That was unfortunate.
[click, click]
Poor kid was in the wrong
place at the wrong time.
But... business is business.
[BANG!]
[THUD!]
[thump]
[scrunch, crackle]
[grunts]
Carl: Harley...
Harley: Come on.
It's only a kid.
Come on, get him out of sight.
Harley and Walt dragged him
back into the woods
and took his vest.
Damned idiots were
supposed to burn it.
[music]
And it was all just
a hunting accident.
Until you came along.
It was arson.
Bradley saw it.
Why?
They wouldn't sell.
Idiots.
And they got a fair offer on it.
My job was to try to find
a way and make it happen.
You're on the payroll
of Triple A Development?
And you...
are just a little
too well informed...
[whack]
Ooh, Ahh.
[music]
[music]
[BANG!]
[tinkle]
[BANG!]
Did I get you, Wendy?
[music]
Yes I did.
[music]
I wish I could say it was
just business, Wendy.
But to tell the truth,
I'm going to chalk
this one up...
as personal pleasure.
[thump]
[click]
OH!
Ahhhh...
Why don't you chalk
it up to idiot hunter
- drops gun and lives.
- Huh, huh.
[thunk]
[music]
Here you go.
Hope you like potato soup.
It's my mom's recipe.
Well, if it's anything
like your lamb chops,
I just might marry you.
Oh!
So, tell me what happened.
He confessed everything.
Two counts of arson.
The kickbacks.
Bradley's murder.
Even w
Even what he did to
you up at your farm.
He's trying to cut a
deal, turn State's evidence
against Triple A, but...
either way, he's going
away for a long time.
[music]
I guess that means
there's a Sheriff's position
opening up, doesn't it?
I don't know if I'm quite
ready to call out those
square dances just yet.
[laughter]
Oh, but I have some good news.
[rustle of paper]
Ann Hoffman has been
taking up a collection
to help you finish the
new Comfort House.
Look at that.
And this, it's a list
of donations for
materials and labor.
Looks like the people of
Corinth are embracing what
you're doing after all.
So, I guess this means
I'm not an Angelino any more.
Well, let's not
go too far too fast.
[music]
This is incredible.
Oh. No.
This, uh...
This... is incredible.
Ummmm....
- That's good.
- Yeah?
As good as my lamb chops?
I'll let you know
that in the morning.
[music]
[music]