Witness Unprotected (2018) - full transcript
A freelance investigator decides to check on the person she is watching and ends up in trouble with the law. But things are more serious than she imagined, putting her and the people she is close to in danger, of a killer.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
Oh, come on.
Mm.
Oh!
It's about time.
So...
we have three bathrooms.
-Yeah.
-Attached.
And I cannot wait
to show you the bedrooms.
-Have they been broken in yet?
-Not yet.
Ooh, when the cat's away.
Hmm.
[cellphone buzzing]
Oh.
Hey, Laurie. What's up?
Thought you were
coming home early tonight.
Yeah.
Last minute assignment,
honey, um...
I couldn't pass it up.
It shouldn't be that long.
[Laurie]
What is it this time?
I really shouldn't
talk about it.
I'll bet.
What a way to make a living.
Sometimes I wonder how you
manage to sleep at night.
Uh, I manage to sleep
at night just fine
knowing that someone's college
tuition is paid through spring.
Alright, I take that back.
-Thank you.
-Have you eaten today?
Yes. Yes, I have.
Probably some sort of
fast food garbage.
No, not at all.
And I'm not gonna be lectured
by a 19-year-old.
I think I know
what's good for me.
Do you really?
Unfortunately for you
wisdom is not
a by-product of age.
Ha-ha, so funny.
Let me remind you
that I'm the adult
and you're the child.
I think that's
for you to remember.
Oh, my God,
you're hilarious. Whatever.
Anyway, um, this won't be long
and you don't have to wait up
for me if you don't want to.
I wouldn't dream of it.
-Bye, honey.
-Good night, mom.
Hope they make this quick.
[instrumental music]
Hurry up.
It's not polite to keep
your date waiting.
[music continues]
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
Two go in and one comes out.
[Joe]
What do you got, Sam?
Hey. Hey, Joe, so, uh
yeah, our girl was here
and, uh, she wasn't alone,
just like you thought.
Maybe there's something
to our guy's story after all.
Joe, I don't mind
taking a picture
of the, some faded
movie star at the airport.
I mean, I don't even mind
interrupting their dinner
at the Ivy Wine,
but this whole sneaking around
chasing bad guys,
it's just not my bag.
I mean, it just
leaves a bad taste.
If you got everything we need,
you should wrap it up.
But I got her
going into the house, but...
But what?
Well, the boyfriend just
drove off without her.
Just get out of there.
Joe, what if someone's hurt?
I'll see you in the morning.
[sighs]
Okay, you're the boss.
Probably gonna hate myself
for this.
Wow, nice house.
Wonder what they want for it.
[intense music]
Oh, boy.
Freeze!
Hands in the air.
Oh, yeah, I hate myself.
Down on the floor now.
[Matthew]
You're in a very tight spot,
Ms. Roberts.
I already told you,
I didn't do anything.
That might be hard to prove.
Hmm, that might be hard
to disprove, too.
Why were you in that house?
As I told you,
the man came out alone
and sped off in the car.
Call it curiosity,
I just had to know.
Couldn't help myself.
[clears throat]
Is this the woman you saw
going into the house last night?
Yeah, could be, it was dark
but may be.
Who is she?
So you can't ID her?
I am sorry,
I'm trying to help you.
I...
Can I ask you a question?
How on earth did your boys
make it so fast to the scene?
Neighbor reported someone
prowling around.
Wow, that's amazing
response time
like I am so impressed.
-We try.
-Ah!
-And did you find her car?
-About a half mile up.
On the side of the road.
So, is there anything else?
I don't think so.
-So, I can go.
-For now.
But we are gonna have to hold on
to your memory card
from your camera.
Yeah, yeah, of course.
Let me know if you, uh
think of anything else.
This is my private cell number.
Private number? Wow.
Yeah, I-I mean,
I'm not at the building
most of the time, so...
Yeah, of course.
Um, I will call you
if I think of anything...
Matthew.
-Hey!
-Mom.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
I'm fine, thanks for coming.
What else can you do when
the cops pick up your mother?
Ha-ha, I didn't
do anything, alright.
It was just a wrong place,
wrong time kinda thing.
I'm sure.
Anyway, I picked up your car
from the police impound.
Oh, great, let's get
out of here.
Please sign here,
Ms. Roberts.
-My pleasure.
-Thank you.
Mom, can you tell me
what this is all about?
-I deserve to know.
-I can, just not here.
Of course, but...
I'll tell you everything
you wanna know.
Just no lectures, alright?
I wouldn't dream of it.
[sighs]
You have a lot
of explaining to do.
Oh, yeah, and if I can't
you're gonna ground me
for a week?
This isn't funny.
You could've
gotten yourself killed.
-You're overreacting.
-And what is this?
-This is a lifesaver.
-Eww!
Who's gonna mess
with a half-eaten burrito, huh?
You promised you'd start
eating healthier.
And I will, honey,
starting tomorrow
but right now,
this really paid off.
I switched out my camera card
when they wanted me
to get my license
out of the car.
So, can we go home?
-Yes.
-It's been a long night.
Who are you?
You know, you could get into
a lot of trouble
for not turning that card
over to the police.
I am gonna turn this over.
I just need to make
some hard copies
that's what they pay me for.
Mom, could you please tell me
what's going on?
And no more dodging.
Okay. Alright, um...
Here it is.
A male client
who must remain nameless
was blackmailed
by this Sheila Grant.
And, uh, he seems to think
that she had a partner
someone who had
an inside track on him.
And he's paid us to try
and find out who it is.
-And did you?
-I don't know.
The man I saw
could've been her partner
but it also could've been
one of her victims
just pushed to his limit.
You know,
this might be dangerous.
You don't wanna make me
an orphan, do you?
[chuckles]
You're too old to be an orphan.
Well, if something
happens to you
who will I have to look after?
Aww. Nothing's gonna
happen to me, honey.
Don't worry, I'm just gonna...
print this out, get them to Joe
collect my pay, and then
come clean with the cops.
Oh! I'm sure
they'll appreciate that.
I'll come up with some story
they'll believe in.
Besides, I didn't do anything.
[knocking on door]
Oh, I got it.
-Good afternoon, Ms. Roberts.
-Detective.
You making house calls now,
or, uh...
you here to arrest me again?
No, I just wanted to,
uh, return your SD card.
Oh. Thanks.
That's what I call
public service.
It was blank.
Yeah, I told you it was really
really dark, and I
probably didn't have it
seated in the camera properly.
-I--
-Why don't I wanna believe you?
-I have that kinda face.
-Maybe.
So, you've got nothing
to add to all this?
I'm trying, detective,
I really am.
Yeah, I appreciate that.
As insincere as you may sound.
And you, you came all the way
out here just to return this?
Why don't I wanna believe you?
Well, let's just say I was, uh
looking for an excuse to get out
of the office for a while.
-And I'm your alibi?
-Sort of.
Okay. You got it.
However, I do need you
to come down in a few days
and look through our database
to see if any of the faces
jump out at you.
Unless you'd, uh,
care to come down now.
Yeah, no, I've had enough of
police hospitality for one day.
I'll come by tomorrow,
and, um...
It was, you know, like I said.
-It was very dark.
-Yeah, it was dark.
Here's her card, in case
you think of anything.
[Matthew]
Thanks, I just might.
Hey, mate.
Ms. Roberts,
this is my partner
Detective Walker.
Good afternoon, ladies.
Detective.
You guys, uh, know each other?
No. No, I don't believe we do.
Uh, no, of course not. Um...
Maybe I saw you
in the police station.
Maybe.
Hey, Matty, we're okay
on that, uh, search warrant.
Call me if you wanna talk
about, you know, any of this.
I will.
He's handsome. And tall...
Get in the house.
Wow, what a grouch.
You know, this is what happens
when you don't eat right.
Get in the house. Come on.
You look spooked.
No, I'm fine.
It's... it's just a feeling.
Hey, uh...
We can, um, drop these off
after lunch
and go shopping, if you like.
Shopping? Now you're talkin'.
But first, let's eat.
I'm starving...
for, uh, something healthy.
Oh, finally, someone around here
listens to me.
Oh, I listen to you.
All the time.
I just, you know,
choose to ignore you.
Now you're trying
to give me a complex.
So, it all boils down to this.
Everything I shot right there.
Good work.
Now, you could be in contempt
for holding back evidence.
[Joe]
These photographs
are very likely of the guy
that killed Sheila Grant.
No kidding. What do you think
I should do?
Give me a day to finish up
with the client
turn the memory card
over to the police.
They got no real beef with you.
I'm sure they'll forget
about everything.
And besides, I think that
Detective Carlton likes you.
-Laurie.
-At least he's good-looking.
He has a job,
and no wedding ring.
-Unlike some of your other--
-Laurie!
Please.
You got a little mother hen
right there.
She's her mother's keeper.
[giggles]
Oh, yeah, let's not forget.
Oh...
Thanks.
Whoa.
A little extra
for good behavior.
Well, I guess, uh,
shopping's on me today.
Finally, something we agree on.
[indistinct chatter on radio]
-Anything?
-Whole lot of nothing.
Huh. Take it to the back.
Well, she surely lived well
for a realtor.
Yeah, but ask yourself...
what do we really
know about her?
Real estate? Could be a front
for something else.
Drugs?
Yup. Maybe.
What we do know
is that she was using
her unsold properties
to, uh, hook up.
Yeah, but why?
That we don't know.
So, we should probably
get search warrants
for her other properties
as well.
Yeah.
Never married.
Four years at Clark State,
nothing too scandalous.
Well, but her fortune started
to change around three years ago
when she started
buying some real estate.
Look at that.
She was developing some
very, very expensive properties.
Huh, and maybe
some expensive habits.
Mm-hmm.
Don't you just hate a painting
that won't hang straight?
My wife absolutely
hates a painting
that doesn't hang straight.
Huh.
Oh, here's why.
What is it?
[Tom]
Looks like photos.
Very, very...
naughty photos.
Let me see.
Whoa.
This is quite the collection.
Wonder if our guy's
in here somewhere.
Well, could be.
[chuckles]
Let me see.
-Hard to digest but, uh...
-And that one.
...something to start with,
right?
Yup. See definitely took yoga.
Matt.
Look what I found
in the back of her closet.
Blackmail?
Well, could be,
I mean, it's all cash
and we do have about
a dozen suspects here.
Yeah, maybe more.
She was a very busy woman.
Very.
Now, all we have to do is...
identify these suspects.
I think I may know
someone who could help.
Yeah? Here.
Be back.
-Make sure you log that down.
-Yeah.
So, when do you
go back to campus?
Carrie's picking me up at 3:30.
Oh, my God, that's so soon.
I was hoping
you could stay longer.
With everything you have
going on here
you really don't need me
hanging around.
-Who says? I like the company.
-Really?
I always imagined
you couldn't shuffle me off
to school fast enough.
Excuse me, bite
your tongue, lady.
That was a very
awkward time, okay?
Your dad wanted
a life without me
and I was just
chasing him around
thinking that I could
make things better.
It was just sad.
It was ugly.
And you got caught
in the middle, and I'm so sorry.
But don't you ever think
I don't want you around.
I know, mom.
It must be tough being alone.
Especially at your age.
[giggles]
-Excuse me?
-I'm just kidding.
Look, you could change all that
if you really wanted to.
I can think of a few
hot-looking guys
who might go
for a divorcee like you.
Oh, thanks.
No, thanks. I'm good.
If I want a man,
I'll, I'll find a man.
-Uh-huh.
-But forget about me.
What about you? Anyone new
and interesting in your world?
Mom, no. College boys
are way overrated.
You can't trust any one of them
out of your sight.
Yeah, they're just
like your dad.
But let's face it.
That's what keeps
people like me in business.
Speaking of which, I've been
doing a lot of thinking lately
and I've come
to the conclusion that
I think you need to investigate
a new line of work.
What? Why?
Because this is dangerous.
Sooner or later,
you're gonna take
a photograph of someone
and it's gonna lead
to a whole lot of trouble.
What would you have me do?
I don't know,
maybe wedding photos
or baby pictures.
Baby pictures?
It'll be a whole lot safer.
[Samantha]
They pay a whole lot less.
You know, you're pretty
expensive sometimes.
[Laurie]
That is so unfair.
You know, I only have
one more year of school left
and after that,
maybe you think about it.
Okay, honey,
I'll think about it, I promise
but now, how 'bout a new dress?
You don't have to twist my arm.
Well, I'd like to...
[cellphone buzzing]
Yeah.
Did you do
what I asked you to?
Good.
[sighs]
-Wish you didn't have to leave.
-Gotta roll.
You know what they say, "Time
and taxes wait for no man."
Well, you don't have to
act so happy about it.
Wow. You're starting to sound
just like me.
Hey, that's not fair.
You're right. Mom, I'm sorry.
You just seem so tensed lately
like something's wrong.
You're not holding out
on me, are you?
No. Of course not.
Nothing's wrong.
Nothing you wanna tell me about.
Why? You can trust me,
you know that.
I know, it's just
some things are better
left out of the conversation.
I'll work it out, honey,
don't, don't worry.
How can I not worry?
You're the only child I have.
One of these days, pow!
Right to the moon.
Oh, yeah? You and what army?
[car horn honking]
Oh, Carrie's here.
Ugh, so soon?
No, no, right on time.
-Hi, Ms. Roberts.
-Hi, Carrie.
-Nice car.
-Thanks.
-My dad got it for me.
-Oh.
Let me get the trunk.
[sighs]
Hmm. There's not
much room in here.
I like to travel light.
[sighs]
Well, drive safely, and, um...
don't pick up any strange boys.
[giggles]
Of course.
I'll call you later.
And if you wanna talk
about what's bothering you
please think of me.
[chuckles]
Okay, mom, I will.
I will.
Bye.
Bye, guys.
[car approaching]
What, did you forget something?
Not exactly.
But I was hoping I could,
uh, maybe talk to you.
If you could spare the time.
-Is this official?
-Not yet.
I just thought maybe you could
help me with something.
Sort of, off the record.
How much off the record?
This much.
Alright, you wanna
come inside, I guess.
Nah, I was hoping we could
go get a cup of coffee.
I know this great little cafe
down the road.
Yeah, I know that place.
Alright, well,
I'll get my purse.
Great.
Mm. They make a damn fine
cup of coffee here.
Yeah, I hear they grind
their own beans.
So, how do you even
know this place?
'Cause this is, um,
a little out of your territory.
Unless, what? They give freebies
to cops or something?
Mm, I wouldn't know.
I'm strictly plain clothes,
remember?
Oh, that's right.
You're a detective.
That sounds so important.
I guess it's better than wearing
one of those uniforms all day.
Never discount the value
of the uniform
of the officer, Ms. Roberts.
They're the backbone
of the entire force.
My father wore a uniform.
Oh! Is he retired?
No.
He didn't make it that far.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
He lived the life
that he wanted. Thank you.
Mm, everybody knows the risks.
Listen, since we're being all
unofficial and everything
call me Sam.
Alright, Sam.
Let me get right to this.
You were staking out
Sheila Grant for a reason.
I wanna know what it was.
Look, like I said--
No, I-I, please.
You're a professional
photographer, right.
No picture, no pay.
And I understand the whole
concept of confidentiality
but a woman was murdered.
I need your help.
Well, I don't wanna send you
down the wrong path.
So, you do have an idea
of who she might have been with.
Maybe.
Look, these pictures
are more than a little risque
but... if you don't mind
takin' a look.
[Samantha]
Wow.
Wow, you're not kiddin'.
Can you recognize anyone?
Well, yeah, I recognize her.
But none of the guys?
No. Sorry.
Your client was the only person
that we can link directly
to Sheila Grant.
Look, it was
a last-minute assignment.
I don't...
I wish I could help you.
Ask my boss.
He'll know.
Hmm.
I intend to.
I guess I was just hoping
for a faster solution.
[clears throat]
Well, you should have
plied me with something
stronger than coffee and donuts.
I will. If there's a next time.
I'd like that.
What's this all about?
I'm not sure.
Why should I believe you?
What's that supposed to mean?
I don't know,
but I plan to find out.
-What's going on here?
-Officer, what's this all about?
What is going on?
Why are you in my house?
-Oh, Matt.
-Tom?
What are you doin' here?
Search warrant.
Signed by Judge Evans.
What? This is ridiculous!
On what grounds?
Probable cause, ma'am.
Assume a little, Matt.
-Who pushed this through?
-I did.
We're gonna talk
about this later.
Oh, my God. Good cop, bad cop.
-Is that it? Hmm?
-What?
You lure me away from my house,
so your men
can turn it upside down?
God, I'm so stupid. "I know
a nice cafe down the road."
Wait, you don't think that
I had anything to do with this.
-Do you?
-Please!
You won't get away with this,
I have my rights!
[whispers]
Excuse me.
Sam, believe me, okay?
I didn't know about this.
God, I'm so glad my daughter
isn't here to see this.
Unless, maybe, you had her
picked up on the way outta town?
Trust me, I'm gonna get
to the bottom of it.
Matt.
You should take a look at this.
Does this belong to you?
-No.
-It's been fired three times.
Th-th-it's, that's not my gun!
We found this in the back
of your dressing drawers, ma'am.
That is crazy! I have never
seen that gun in my life!
Sheila Grant was shot
three times with... a 38.
I told you! It's not mine!
Oh, my God.
I don't believe this,
you're tying to pin this on me.
If this is the gun
that killed Miss Grant
we're gonna find out.
[exhales]
I told you it was not mine.
But I know whose it is.
Okay... Whose is it?
It's his.
[Samantha]
He killed her.
-Detective Walker?
-Yeah.
I wasn't sure at first,
but I am now.
He's the one I saw getting
out of the car last night.
I hope you know
what you're saying.
It's a very serious
accusation, ma'am.
All things considered.
Consider this.
Have your boys fire that up.
He's wearing glasses
in the photos
but I know it's him.
I thought you said you didn't
get anything last night.
So, I made a mistake.
Look at it.
I will.
Are you guys all through here?
[Tom]
Yeah, I think so.
Gents, let's wrap it up.
We're gonna have to take
her laptop as well.
Yeah, understood.
Look, I'm sorry, Sam, but, uh...
I might have to take you in.
What? I don't-I don't
believe this.
Mike, would you escort
the lady out to your car?
Yes, sir. Let's go, ma'am.
-Oh!
-Come with me.
[exhales]
I have a good lawyer!
You're gonna need one.
Hey.
Everything in order?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, you do great work.
In fact, it's prefect.
Right down to the last letter.
Now, you mind telling me
what the hell this is all about?
I'm not sure what you mean.
But you look angry.
Oh, you think so?
Since when does my own partner
go around me
for a search warrant?
You don't even ask me
about this before you act?
Look, Matt...
I'm sorry, but I tried
to contact you
you never got back to me,
and you weren't here, alright?
[Tom]
I was concerned that there
was a-a vital evidence
that might be destroyed.
So, we had to act fast.
So... I made a decision.
Vital evidence? Alright, wh-what
put that thought in your head?
Come on, we're cops, alright?
The, uh, blank SD card
that we found in her camera?
She tricked us, alright?
'Cause no pro
would have missed that.
Now, why would she do that?
If she didn't have
something to hide?
Okay, keep going.
Well, do the math,
what do you do
when someone is tryin'
to hide evidence from you?
You get a search warrant, right?
No, no, you call me
and we talk about it.
And then, if we both agree
we go forward.
Look, Matt...
I'm sorry if you think
that I was trying
to go around your back.
I didn't mean to, alright?
I just felt that,
that somebody had to act fast.
Now, maybe, maybe I, uh,
jumped to conclusions.
But maybe not.
Just don't go behind
my back, period. Okay?
I don't care
what the circumstances are.
Look, I apologize!
Alright? I did try
to contact ya.
Couldn't locate you.
I mean, where the hell
were you anyway? Huh?
I was followin' up on a hunch.
A hunch?
And you didn't share it
with your partner.
In the meantime,
look what we did get, alright?
[inhales]
She did have another SD card
despite what she said,
and that gun...
now, it might take a couple
of days to confirm this
but I bet you
a dollar to a donut
that that is the gun
that killed Sheila Grant.
Alright, maybe.
But it still doesn't make sense.
Why would a photographer
get involved in a murder?
A single mother? Her daughter
home for the weekend?
Just doesn't add up.
And it doesn't add up
that she accuses me of murder.
But it happened.
Alright? Face it, pal.
The woman's grasping
at straws here.
I just don't think
she could have done it.
Hey.
[Tom]
Get real, Matt.
Anybody, and I do mean anybody
is capable of murder
at any time, under
the right circumstances
and you, of all people,
should know that.
Yeah, you're right.
Okay, but I'm still not
convinced that Samantha...
I just don't buy it.
You hear yourself?
Samantha?
Huh. Listen to me.
You're my partner.
You're my best friend.
And I love you like a brother.
But remember this, and please
do not take this the wrong way
but we are cops first.
Don't forget that.
Yeah.
You don't need to remind me.
Where you goin'?
I got somethin' important
I need to take care of.
[telephone ringing]
West Coast.
Joe, listen up, it's Sam.
I'm in jail,
and I have one phone call.
What's the charge?
They think I killed
Sheila Grant.
That's ridiculous,
you couldn't kill anyone.
It's gotta be that guy
in the photographs.
Yeah, I know, but they found
this gun in my house
and it does not
look good for me
but it's not my gun, I swear!
You don't have
to convince me, Sam.
[Joe]
Okay, what do you
need me to do?
I need you to call
my lawyer, J.L. Jacobs
and tell him to get down here
as soon as he can.
J.L. Jacobs.
Okay. What about Laurie?
No, no, I don't want
to worry her
until I know how
this thing's gonna play out.
Alright, anything else?
Those photos I gave you,
I'm gonna need the prints back.
-What?
-Yeah, I lost my memory card.
And I have a pretty good idea
it's gonna be wiped clean.
Those prints might be
the only proof
of who really
killed Sheila Grant.
Sam, I don't have them anymore.
I turned all the prints
over to the client, Reynolds.
That's our policy.
And we don't keep copies.
I know, I know, okay,
I'm just gonna have to
get it from him,
I guess. Directly.
You can try.
He's at 555, Courtney Lane.
Okay. Alright, thanks.
Hey, Sam. Hang tough.
You'll be outta there
in no time.
Joe Johnson?
-Can I help you?
-I'm Detective Tom Walker.
Robbery Homicide.
You have a minute?
Sure, what can I do for you?
We have a, uh, woman
that we're holding
and, uh, she said that she'd
done some surveillance work
for your agency recently.
Name is, uh, Samantha Roberts.
[Tom]
You know her?
-Samantha Roberts?
-Mm-hmm.
She does some, uh,
freelance for us.
Once in a while.
Uh, recently?
Recently, uh... maybe.
Did she, by chance,
drop off some photographs
to you yesterday?
Maybe.
I would really love to look
at those photographs.
They could be very important
for our case.
Sorry, I don't
have them anymore.
I mean, sir, they-they-they
might help prove
her case and her innocence.
I'm sure it would, but we sent
the only copies to our client.
And it's our policy
not to keep any duplicates.
Well... that is a very good
policy to have, sir.
Well, I'll tell you what.
You just give me
your client's name
I'll contact him myself.
No can do, if I
compromise my client
my business won't be
worth a dime.
Never have. Never will.
You're saying you,
you can't help me, sir?
Let's just say I won't help you.
Ha, and, uh...
nothing I could say, or do,
would change your mind?
What do you think?
[chuckles]
I think you're...
you're a tough guy, sir.
Uh...
One last question, if I might.
Did you, by any chance,
look at those photographs?
I did.
That is a shame.
[gunshot]
I'm very sorry
you made me do that, sir.
But that's the trouble
with integrity.
Comes at such a... high price.
You don't have to answer
these questions
if you don't want to.
They can't force you.
That's alright, let's just
get on with this.
Thank you.
Now, we already know
that you have
a concealed carry permit.
And there's
a 38 J-frame revolver
registered to you.
Yeah, a lot of people
in my line of work
have something like that.
And that's not the gun
that killed Sheila Grant.
We know. We checked.
What we found in your residence
is what we call a throwdown.
An unregistered weapon
that you're supposed to
throw down and walk away from,
after you use it.
That's true,
and if I had done that
you boys couldn't have
planted it in my house.
Yes. Yeah, you said it.
And why do you have
my underwear in there?
They were wrapped around this.
A thousand dollars in cash.
Don't get excited, J,
it's just my fee
for staking out Sheila.
A thousand dollars?
Yeah, a thousand dollars,
what, does that seem
too... what? Little? Too much?
Uh, that depends.
On... oh, right.
'Cause you think I killed Sheila
for a thousand dollars!
Really, I'm not that cheap.
I didn't say you were.
Just take me to dinner sometime.
You'll find out.
And what about... this?
Yeah, that's mine.
Joe gave it to me to ID her.
Because scoping out
the wrong person
would be counterproductive.
And you still maintain
that Detective Tom Walker
is the man you saw
with Sheila Grant last night?
Yeah. At first, I wasn't sure.
But now that I know he's planted
all this stuff in my house
to frame me
yeah, he's your guy.
Look, I've known
Detective Walker for years.
He has a spotless record.
A family.
I think I would know if he--
Oh, please, I'm sure every one
of those sorry bastards
in those photos that you found
had a spotless record.
That's what they wanna protect!
I mean, anyone can find
themselves in a tight spot
especially if they have help.
Don't say too much, Samantha.
Just-just stick with
a yes or a no answer.
Why? So they can just fill
in everything that I don't say?
Look, Ms. Roberts,
I want you to be innocent.
Please believe me.
You've a funny way
of showing it.
Help me help you.
[sighs]
Just... just look
at the card, okay?
Just look at the card,
and tell me who is innocent.
We already looked at it.
-And?
-It was blank.
Just like the other card
you gave us.
Why did I know
you were gonna say that?
Don't you see? It's perfect.
Walker was in my house
before we got there.
He just switched my card out
with a blank one,
and waited for me
to make a fool of myself.
Do you have a backup?
No, I-I don't.
I didn't get a chance.
[exhales]
Hey, can I keep those?
I've a feeling that I'd be
here for a while.
Look, don't worry, Samantha.
Someone arranged your bail.
You can leave as soon
as we're done here.
Go on. I-I can't hold you.
Better luck next time.
[clears throat]
Okay.
Alright, well, thanks
for the hospitality, guys.
I'll, uh, come back
when I can stay longer.
Thank you, my dear.
Keys, and phone is dead.
You think you could've
charged it, fellas.
By the way, who posted my bail?
I think you know Mr. Roberts.
[sighs]
Oh, no.
Thought you'd be
a little happier to see me
under the circumstances.
I could've taken care
of my own bail.
I do own a house.
[scoffs]
How could I forget?
I paid for it.
Ah, that's right.
Well, if you'll excuse me
I've gotta get back
to the office.
Run while you can.
Call me later.
He contacted me, and said
you were in trouble.
What would you expect me to do?
Rescue me, that's what
all the great ex-husbands do.
[sighs]
Can we not argue here?
I covered your bail. I'm not
looking for any thanks.
Isn't that enough?
Yeah. I'm sorry, Jim. I just...
It's been very stressful.
They think I killed someone
last night.
That's insane!
Why would they think that?
Because they found
the murder weapon in my house.
What? Are you serious?
Yeah, someone planted it.
-Does Laurie know?
-No.
I'll tell her when I know
what's going on.
Don't wait too long, this will
find its way into the news
sooner than later.
Well, thanks for the advice.
Are we done?
Yeah, I guess so.
Mr. Roberts,
they're ready for you
to sign off
on the bail agreement.
Alright.
I hope you work this out.
I will.
Thanks.
Thank you.
No problem.
Oh, God.
Oh, my God.
[clears throat]
You need a ride?
[Samantha]
Uh... Y-y-yeah, I do.
But... not from you.
Wait, why not?
Well... officially,
you're enemy number one.
And, uh, B, isn't that
a conflict of interest?
Not for me.
I just recused myself
from your case.
You did? Why?
Too much familiarity
with the person of interest.
-You mean me?
-That's correct.
Yeah, so, how about that ride?
I mean, I was headed
your way already, so...
Whoa! That's convenient.
And it's true.
I'm pretty much done here.
And, look at that.
It's almost happy hour.
And you know
a great little place.
Where have I heard that before?
It's the best offer
you're gonna get today.
Yeah, no kidding.
[inhales]
[exhales]
Okay.
I could use a drink.
You're buying.
Mr. Roberts.
-Yeah.
-Phyllis, what do we have here?
Uh, his paperwork.
Here, let me see.
Yeah, I'll take care
of that, okay? Okay?
-Oh, yes, sir.
-Thank you.
Alright. Here, why don't we
get you to sign this right now?
It's for your wife's release.
-Ex-wife.
-Ex-wife, oh.
Well, then, she's very lucky
to have you, uh, bail her out.
[scoffs]
Well, don't tell her that.
She still hates me.
[laughs]
Exes, huh?
Yeah, they're a lot
like head colds.
It's hard to shake 'em,
but when you finally do
they still kinda stick around.
[laughs]
Women are very complicated
creatures, that is for sure.
Like my father always said
"Women, you can't live with 'em
and you sure as hell
can't shoot 'em."
[laughter]
-You said it.
-Hey, you have a great day.
-Alright? Alright.
-Thanks.
[cellphone ringing]
Dad? What's wrong?
What makes you think
there's something wrong?
You wouldn't be calling
if there wasn't.
Alright, you got me.
Uh... Your mom was just
released from City Jail.
-City Jail?
-She's fine.
But she really
needs you right now.
Can you go home for a few days?
I just left there, but yeah
I could probably talk Carrie
into dropping me off.
Okay, good, I just don't think
she should be alone right now.
I can be there in an hour.
Perfect.
Yeah. She'll really
appreciate it.
Alright, better get movin'.
You know, sometimes,
it really does just pay
to mind your own business, Matt.
I should have left
when Joe told me to.
And I was about to,
when your guys showed up.
Hey, that part still puzzles me.
What?
How fast the officers arrived
at the scene.
You said that someone
reported a prowler
a... neighbor.
No, I-I know,
but checking it out
there's no record of that
actually happening.
I'm not sure anybody
did really report it.
At least, not outside
the department.
That's what I've been saying.
It's Walker. I-I...
He probably phoned it in
the minute he ditched her car.
Yeah, but why? I mean, he didn't
even know that you were there.
Maybe he didn't
maybe he did.
I mean, that was perfect timing
to set me up.
There's just one catch.
I didn't have any motive.
I barely even knew
who Grant was.
Yeah, but hypothetically,
you could have been paid
by one of her blackmail targets,
to get rid of her.
Well, hypothetically.
But if you believe that
we wouldn't be sitting here,
right now.
Hypothetically, you're
absolutely right.
Here you go.
Thank you, you wanna
get a table?
Yeah.
[laughs]
-Oh, my God.
-That's...
Look at me.
Do I look like a hitman?
[scoffs]
-No.
-Ha-ha-ha.
Of course not.
And I like you.
I like you a lot.
But I just...
I'm having trouble
wrapping my head around
this whole Walker thing.
[sighs]
Matt.
If you like me, look into this.
Look into his alibi.
Or better yet,
look into his bank account.
If he was a target,
you're gonna see
big chunks of money
leaving that account.
Unless, of course,
he was a partner.
-Wait, a partner?
-Yeah.
Who better than him
to get the inside track
on people's dirty laundry?
Hell, in his position,
he could create dirty laundry
where there wasn't any.
Uh, I don't follow.
Okay, imagine
a married guy, okay?
Couple of kids, happily married.
He gets set up
with a fake prostitute.
Sheila Grant.
Walker busts him in the act.
And then, decides, out of
the goodness of his heart
not to book 'em.
But that hook has been set.
And that guy's whole world
is on the line.
You do realize
you're talking about
one of our finest
detectives here, right?
Will you face it?
Walker could have been a target.
Then, he could have been forced
to reel in the others.
Yeah, and how are you
you gonna prove that?
I mean, it's your word
against his
since you don't have
the photographs.
Who says I don't?
Well, well, you said.
I didn't have a backup.
But someone else might.
Can we go?
I need to get home.
Yeah.
[engine rumbling]
The lights are on.
[exhales]
Oh, maybe the, uh,
officers left them on.
Yeah, maybe.
Would you mind coming inside
for a few minutes
while I looked around?
I'd be happy to.
[sighs]
Okay.
Don't get any ideas.
[door creaks]
Do your guys usually leave
the front door unlocked
when they're done
raiding a place?
No, they don't.
You want me to, uh
check it out
to make sure we're alone?
Yeah. Yeah.
Okay.
Be careful.
[door creaks]
[scoffs]
Nice work, boys.
Very neat, very tidy.
Hope everyone had fun.
[exhales]
Oh.
[Samantha exhales]
-Well?
-Ha. Well, it's a huge mess.
But, you know,
everything seems alright.
[inhales]
Good.
[sighs]
My daughter would say
"Clean up your room,"
right about now.
-Um...
-Laurie.
Right, you know.
She seems like a very
well-adjusted young lady.
-Yes.
-You must be very proud of her.
Yes, I am.
Yes, she is all I have.
She's everything I wasn't.
[inhales]
It's amazing how she turned out
as well as she did.
It's a mystery.
Well, she obviously
had a very good teacher.
Me? Yeah, hardly.
I mean, yeah,
maybe I taught by example.
What not to be,
I'm the one person
you do not want
your kids to be like.
Oh, God, don't you think
you're being a little
too hard on yourself?
Mm. You don't know me.
Well, not, not well.
Not yet, anyway.
[laughs]
Are, uh... all these yours?
Yeah, these are,
I put them up there
just to remind myself
that I used to have a vision.
I used to think photography
was, you know, an art form
and... a way to express myself
but now, it's just another tool.
But it does, um, pay the bills
and it puts Laurie
through college, so...
Well, they're very subtle.
They leave you wanting more.
I'll show you the rest
another time.
Not tonight, I got
so much to clean up
but I'm really tired.
Yeah, of course.
Yeah, well, you know.
Call me if you need any--
I will. Hey, uh.
Look into Walker.
He's your man.
Alright.
But I'm still gonna need proof.
I'll get you proof.
And then you can do your thing.
You got it.
Well, goodnight.
Good night.
Thanks.
-Lock this door.
-I will.
[sighs]
Trouble, trouble.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[gasps]
What the...
You just couldn't leave...
well enough alone, could you?
You...
What do you want?
You had... every opportunity
every chance to just...
walk away from this.
I still can.
If you let me.
[laughs]
How could I do that?
Hmm?
You're an eyewitness.
You have to bring me down...
in order to save yourself,
and I...
I-I can't let that happen.
I don't have the photos.
You do.
And it's your word against mine.
And my word is...
so much better
than yours, right?
Yes, that's what I'm thinking.
Yeah.
Well, now that you've...
thrown all this
suspicion on me...
Now that my...
my best friend, my partner...
is looking into my past
digging...
how long do you think
it's gonna take?
A day? A week?
A month?
Maybe even longer.
But... he will
eventually get there.
Because he's that good.
And...
He likes you.
No, Ms. Roberts.
You have ruined me.
You've ruined my career.
[Tom]
You've ruined my... marriage.
And you've ruined my life.
So now I've no choice but to...
ruin you.
You can't just kill me.
No, I don't plan to.
You're gonna commit suicide...
tonight, with this.
It's a tragedy, really.
The two of you had such
a promising future ahead of you.
The photographs...
There's another set out there.
They'll finish you.
If... they ever turn up.
See, I'm thinking
that whoever has them...
is just so damn... glad
to be out from under
the hammer of blackmail...
that they'll just never surface.
They'll just...
disappear.
Mom? Mom?
[gasps]
Hey!
[grunting]
Argh! Ah!
Ugh!
[gunshot]
Mom?
[grunting]
Ugh. Argh.
[groans]
[screams]
Come here.
[grunts]
[screams]
[crying]
Get away from me!
[whimpers]
[groans]
Laurie!
[Matthew]
This is Matt.
Matt...
Matt, come quick, please.
-What's wrong?
-Just hurry.
[Matt]
I'm on my way.
Laurie!
Are you sure you don't want to
go to the hospital?
Yeah, I'm alright.
-Uh, you don't look alright.
-I'm okay.
-You got it?
-Yeah, I got it.
Oh, God, it was him.
He was here waiting for me.
[Matt]
Look, are you positive
that it was Walker?
I mean, it was dark, could it
have been anybody else?
When are you gonna accept
that your partner
wants to kill me?
I mean, we talked, he...
he tried to shoot me.
-And then Laurie came in.
-Wait, Laurie?
Yeah, I don't even know
what she was doing here.
Well, ha-have you talked to her?
No.
I haven't known what to say.
Do you know where she is now?
I hope she got away.
Yeah, me too.
Hey, get on the horn.
And see if you can raise up
Detective Walker.
Let me know if you do.
And don't say anything
about this.
Yes, sir.
Hey, if he's out there...
we're gonna find him.
Do you think he got her?
I don't know.
You just keep trying her
on her cell, alright?
[Matt]
Maybe she'll answer.
Right now, I need to go
follow up on some leads.
Are you gonna be okay?
Yeah.
I'll leave an officer behind
just in case he comes back.
Matt...
Yeah?
Be careful, please.
[sighs]
[Matt]
When's the last time
you heard from Tom?
Uh, it was the day
before yesterday.
[female #1]
He called to tell me
he was working late.
[Matt]
And what time was that?
Seven-thirty.
He seemed like
he was in a hurry.
What's going on, Matt?
I'm not sure, exactly.
Not yet, anyway.
Has Tom been acting, uh...
different lately?
Different?
Yeah, you know, uh,
nervous, anxious?
Uh, anything unusual?
Anything... that you
can't explain?
Well, that's hard to say, Matt
he hasn't been around much.
He hasn't been
coming home at night?
He was on stake-out
all last week. And then...
He told me he was on an
important assignment with you.
I didn't think to question him,
why would I?
No reason.
[Matt]
We're trying to account
for some lost time.
It's been hard to confirm
his whereabouts.
You mean, you don't know
where he is?
We haven't seem or heard from
Tom since early this morning.
And...
you haven't either?
No... he hasn't
called home at all.
He usually does,
this is not like him.
There's a lot of things
going on right now
that don't seem like Tom.
Is... he in trouble?
I don't know.
Hey, can you
do something for me?
If I can.
Can you check your
online bank account?
Alright.
What would I be looking for?
I'll know when I see it.
Please come to the den.
[keys clacking]
I usually leave
all the banking to Tom.
You know, we each have
our own little duties
to do around the house.
Tom likes to handle
the finances.
I understand.
Gosh, it's been forever since
I've logged onto this account.
I'd forget the password
if it wasn't the date
Tom and I got married.
[female #1]
Here it is.
Anything jumping out at you?
Not that I can see.
What about the savings account?
Do you have one of those?
Yeah, I'd almost
forgotten about that.
The savings account is empty.
How can that be?
It's been drained.
A large withdrawal
every three weeks
for the past... four months.
Can you explain that?
I'm sorry, but I just can't.
What does this mean?
[sighs]
I can't say right now.
Did-did Tom ever gamble?
No.
Drugs?
Of course not, you know Tom,
he's not the type.
Yeah, of course.
[phone buzzing]
[clears throat]
Excuse me.
This is Matt.
Okay.
[sighs]
Yeah, I got it.
[Matt]
I'm on my way.
Margaret, please let me know
right away if he calls you.
I'd like to help him if I can.
And please don't say
that I was here.
Can't you tell me anything?
I'm sorry, but...
I can't right now.
[phone buzzing]
[Samantha]
Oh, my God.
Laurie.
Baby, where are you?
Mama, please help me.
I will, I will, just tell me
where you are.
She's right here with me...
[Tom]
Ms. Roberts.
Safe and sound.
Snug as a bug.
What have you done
to my daughter?
Nothing... yet.
Now, what happens next
that's completely up to you.
What do you want?
Samantha, please.
Do not act stupid.
You know exactly what I want.
[Tom]
I want those photographs.
Now... I am losing
my patience here.
I-I can get them,
I just need a little time.
That's just how much time
your daughter has, very little.
Don't hurt her, she has
nothing to do with this.
I know, I know, this is all
very unfortunate.
But I have faith that we can
work all of this out.
Now, you know what I want.
How do we make this happen?
I can get them, I'll get them
first thing in the morning.
Good, you do that,
and once you do
you call Laurie's phone
and I 'll give you
the next step.
Okay, just don't hurt her.
The only people
that I ever hurt...
are people that tried
to hurt me.
But in your daughter's case...
I might make an exception.
Now, are we good?
Yeah, we're good.
And Samantha...
Don't involve Matt in this.
I'd really hate to see
something bad happen to him.
Okay. Okay.
[sighs]
[Tom]
Easy, Laurie, easy.
There you go.
This might be over... real soon.
As long as your mom doesn't...
do something stupid.
You know...
I really...
I really don't wanna hurt you.
I never wanted to hurt anybody.
Let me show you this.
You see her?
That is my Margaret.
Best damn woman
any guy could ever want.
And she's never given me
any trouble.
Waits on me hand and foot,
gave me two beautiful kids...
but... I wasn't satisfied.
Guys never are.
And...
I screwed up...
and...
you make one more bad decision.
One bad decision...
after another.
And down the rabbit hole you go.
You know what I'm talking about?
Yeah. I thought you might.
You know...
you remind me of my daughter...
[chuckles]
except she talks
a lot more than you.
[indistinct radio chatter]
-Anything moved?
-No.
We haven't disturbed anything,
except to check to see
if the victim was still alive.
He's not.
You're a little out of your
jurisdiction, aren't you, Matt?
Consider me an interested party.
Hm.
-Anything missing?
-Well, that's hard to say.
This place is a mess.
They could have taken something.
They could have torn
the whole place up. Who knows?
How do you make it?
Eh, single shot.
If I had to guess,
nine millimeter.
Through the doorway.
Yeah, a guy in his line of work
probably makes a few enemies
along the way.
[man]
There's not a lot
to go on here, Matt.
Do you mind?
Don't get me in trouble now.
[Matt]
Doesn't feel like a robbery.
-I wonder what the motive was.
-I think I might know.
-Can I help you?
-Hi. Is, uh, Mr. Reynolds home?
It's kind of early.
Is he expecting you?
Well, no,
but it's kind of important.
-Please.
-Alright.
Come on in.
I'll let him know you're here.
[sighs]
-Can I help you?
-My name is Sam Roberts.
I'm with
West Coast Confidential.
What do you want?
Uh, I'm the one
who took those photos.
I thought
our business was finished.
It was,
now someone's been killed
and I need the photos back.
I paid a lot of money
to get those photos.
I can get you your money back,
but I need the photos.
No, I-I'm sorry,
but I can't help you.
Look, the woman
who's been blackmailing you
she is dead, okay?
It's all over, it's ended
but those photos show
who killed her
and so if I can't get it back
I'm gonna have
to tell the police
where to come find 'em.
Can you keep me out of this?
Yeah.
Wait here.
-Yeah.
-I have the photos.
Good, good, I knew you could do
it if you put your mind to it.
Now what?
I'll make it easy on you.
11:30 a.m. at the Promenade
at Central Mall.
Be there
and we'll make the trade.
-11:30?
-Be alone.
I will, but so help me,
if you hurt my daughter--
Just be there.
Ah, I'm probably gonna
hate myself for this.
-Good morning, detective.
-Good morning.
-Any word on Walker?
-Nothing yet.
-Did you try callin' his house?
-We did.
His wife says
she hasn't heard from him.
Hm. Alright.
Keep a man posted out front
and let me know
if that APB turns up anything.
-Yes, sir.
-I need a lead.
[cell phone buzzing]
Come on.
It's far enough.
-Laurie, are you okay?
-I'm okay.
Do you have the photographs?
Put 'em on that table
and step away.
Alright, step back.
That's right. Come on.
Yeah. That's right.
That's your gun.
That would be tragic,
wouldn't it?
[mumbles]
[sighs]
No copies, right?
Hand her over.
I will. Ah.
-As soon as we get to Mexico.
-Mexico?
I'll let her go somewhere
in the Rosarito Beach area.
-She can call you from there.
-What?
It's about a four-hour drive
with traffic.
Just go home
and you wait by the phone
and you wait for it to ring.
You bastard!
You have no idea...
no idea
what I've had to go through...
but I don't expect you to.
Nobody should have to endure
what I've had to endure.
Sheila Grant...
she got what was coming to her.
She ruined a lot of lives.
She was an evil woman
and she needed to die...
except there's just
one teeny little problem.
You came alone.
Now...
I have lost everything...
my money, my career.
I've lost my wife, my family.
I got nothing left to lose.
So, lady, please,
don't make me kill you.
[grunting]
-Ah.
-Come on.
Move.
[woman screaming]
Police! Out of the way!
Back out of the way, lady.
Stand away!
-Oh, my God.
-Get out of the way.
Stop right there, Tom.
[panting]
Matt.
Drop the gun and put your hands
behind your head.
-Alright, alright, buddy.
-Please.
Alright, buddy, d-don't shoot.
I'm gonna drop it.
[gunshot]
See what you made me do?
[siren wailing]
[chuckles]
I guess Mexico's
out of the question now.
Now it's a shame.
[gun clicks]
[siren wailing]
J-Frame has only five rounds.
-Mom, are you okay?
-Yes, yes, honey. Go get help.
[Matt groaning]
-Alright. Everybody alright?
-Yes, yes, except for you.
[chuckles]
Uh, it's nothing two doctors
can't patch up.
-I've seen worse.
-You have?
Yeah, on TV. Late-night show.
Shh, just be quiet.
I'm gonna take you
to a great little place I know.
-Oh, yeah? Where's that?
-The hospital.
[laughs]
Okay.
Ha.
[Matt groaning]
Here's to a bright new career
as the department's
first female
police photographer.
Sounds so important.
I hope I don't embarrass you.
I don't think you could
even if you tried.
Don't challenge her, Matt.
She can't resist a challenge.
Quiet, you.
Let's remember
who saved whose life.
Alright, stop bragging.
Lunch is served.
-Whoa.
-Wow.
Beef salad with goat cheese.
Nice. What a starter.
Yes, Laurie is trying
to reinvent my entire diet.
Can I get a smile?
Eat all your vegetables
and you'll get a smile.
Would you rather duck out for a
cheeseburger and some fries?
I know a great little place.
Yeah, I would
but we can't because she worked
so hard on this.
-So I'll tell you what?
-What?
I'll take a rain check.
♪ ♪
[music continues]
Oh, come on.
Mm.
Oh!
It's about time.
So...
we have three bathrooms.
-Yeah.
-Attached.
And I cannot wait
to show you the bedrooms.
-Have they been broken in yet?
-Not yet.
Ooh, when the cat's away.
Hmm.
[cellphone buzzing]
Oh.
Hey, Laurie. What's up?
Thought you were
coming home early tonight.
Yeah.
Last minute assignment,
honey, um...
I couldn't pass it up.
It shouldn't be that long.
[Laurie]
What is it this time?
I really shouldn't
talk about it.
I'll bet.
What a way to make a living.
Sometimes I wonder how you
manage to sleep at night.
Uh, I manage to sleep
at night just fine
knowing that someone's college
tuition is paid through spring.
Alright, I take that back.
-Thank you.
-Have you eaten today?
Yes. Yes, I have.
Probably some sort of
fast food garbage.
No, not at all.
And I'm not gonna be lectured
by a 19-year-old.
I think I know
what's good for me.
Do you really?
Unfortunately for you
wisdom is not
a by-product of age.
Ha-ha, so funny.
Let me remind you
that I'm the adult
and you're the child.
I think that's
for you to remember.
Oh, my God,
you're hilarious. Whatever.
Anyway, um, this won't be long
and you don't have to wait up
for me if you don't want to.
I wouldn't dream of it.
-Bye, honey.
-Good night, mom.
Hope they make this quick.
[instrumental music]
Hurry up.
It's not polite to keep
your date waiting.
[music continues]
[dramatic music]
[instrumental music]
Two go in and one comes out.
[Joe]
What do you got, Sam?
Hey. Hey, Joe, so, uh
yeah, our girl was here
and, uh, she wasn't alone,
just like you thought.
Maybe there's something
to our guy's story after all.
Joe, I don't mind
taking a picture
of the, some faded
movie star at the airport.
I mean, I don't even mind
interrupting their dinner
at the Ivy Wine,
but this whole sneaking around
chasing bad guys,
it's just not my bag.
I mean, it just
leaves a bad taste.
If you got everything we need,
you should wrap it up.
But I got her
going into the house, but...
But what?
Well, the boyfriend just
drove off without her.
Just get out of there.
Joe, what if someone's hurt?
I'll see you in the morning.
[sighs]
Okay, you're the boss.
Probably gonna hate myself
for this.
Wow, nice house.
Wonder what they want for it.
[intense music]
Oh, boy.
Freeze!
Hands in the air.
Oh, yeah, I hate myself.
Down on the floor now.
[Matthew]
You're in a very tight spot,
Ms. Roberts.
I already told you,
I didn't do anything.
That might be hard to prove.
Hmm, that might be hard
to disprove, too.
Why were you in that house?
As I told you,
the man came out alone
and sped off in the car.
Call it curiosity,
I just had to know.
Couldn't help myself.
[clears throat]
Is this the woman you saw
going into the house last night?
Yeah, could be, it was dark
but may be.
Who is she?
So you can't ID her?
I am sorry,
I'm trying to help you.
I...
Can I ask you a question?
How on earth did your boys
make it so fast to the scene?
Neighbor reported someone
prowling around.
Wow, that's amazing
response time
like I am so impressed.
-We try.
-Ah!
-And did you find her car?
-About a half mile up.
On the side of the road.
So, is there anything else?
I don't think so.
-So, I can go.
-For now.
But we are gonna have to hold on
to your memory card
from your camera.
Yeah, yeah, of course.
Let me know if you, uh
think of anything else.
This is my private cell number.
Private number? Wow.
Yeah, I-I mean,
I'm not at the building
most of the time, so...
Yeah, of course.
Um, I will call you
if I think of anything...
Matthew.
-Hey!
-Mom.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
I'm fine, thanks for coming.
What else can you do when
the cops pick up your mother?
Ha-ha, I didn't
do anything, alright.
It was just a wrong place,
wrong time kinda thing.
I'm sure.
Anyway, I picked up your car
from the police impound.
Oh, great, let's get
out of here.
Please sign here,
Ms. Roberts.
-My pleasure.
-Thank you.
Mom, can you tell me
what this is all about?
-I deserve to know.
-I can, just not here.
Of course, but...
I'll tell you everything
you wanna know.
Just no lectures, alright?
I wouldn't dream of it.
[sighs]
You have a lot
of explaining to do.
Oh, yeah, and if I can't
you're gonna ground me
for a week?
This isn't funny.
You could've
gotten yourself killed.
-You're overreacting.
-And what is this?
-This is a lifesaver.
-Eww!
Who's gonna mess
with a half-eaten burrito, huh?
You promised you'd start
eating healthier.
And I will, honey,
starting tomorrow
but right now,
this really paid off.
I switched out my camera card
when they wanted me
to get my license
out of the car.
So, can we go home?
-Yes.
-It's been a long night.
Who are you?
You know, you could get into
a lot of trouble
for not turning that card
over to the police.
I am gonna turn this over.
I just need to make
some hard copies
that's what they pay me for.
Mom, could you please tell me
what's going on?
And no more dodging.
Okay. Alright, um...
Here it is.
A male client
who must remain nameless
was blackmailed
by this Sheila Grant.
And, uh, he seems to think
that she had a partner
someone who had
an inside track on him.
And he's paid us to try
and find out who it is.
-And did you?
-I don't know.
The man I saw
could've been her partner
but it also could've been
one of her victims
just pushed to his limit.
You know,
this might be dangerous.
You don't wanna make me
an orphan, do you?
[chuckles]
You're too old to be an orphan.
Well, if something
happens to you
who will I have to look after?
Aww. Nothing's gonna
happen to me, honey.
Don't worry, I'm just gonna...
print this out, get them to Joe
collect my pay, and then
come clean with the cops.
Oh! I'm sure
they'll appreciate that.
I'll come up with some story
they'll believe in.
Besides, I didn't do anything.
[knocking on door]
Oh, I got it.
-Good afternoon, Ms. Roberts.
-Detective.
You making house calls now,
or, uh...
you here to arrest me again?
No, I just wanted to,
uh, return your SD card.
Oh. Thanks.
That's what I call
public service.
It was blank.
Yeah, I told you it was really
really dark, and I
probably didn't have it
seated in the camera properly.
-I--
-Why don't I wanna believe you?
-I have that kinda face.
-Maybe.
So, you've got nothing
to add to all this?
I'm trying, detective,
I really am.
Yeah, I appreciate that.
As insincere as you may sound.
And you, you came all the way
out here just to return this?
Why don't I wanna believe you?
Well, let's just say I was, uh
looking for an excuse to get out
of the office for a while.
-And I'm your alibi?
-Sort of.
Okay. You got it.
However, I do need you
to come down in a few days
and look through our database
to see if any of the faces
jump out at you.
Unless you'd, uh,
care to come down now.
Yeah, no, I've had enough of
police hospitality for one day.
I'll come by tomorrow,
and, um...
It was, you know, like I said.
-It was very dark.
-Yeah, it was dark.
Here's her card, in case
you think of anything.
[Matthew]
Thanks, I just might.
Hey, mate.
Ms. Roberts,
this is my partner
Detective Walker.
Good afternoon, ladies.
Detective.
You guys, uh, know each other?
No. No, I don't believe we do.
Uh, no, of course not. Um...
Maybe I saw you
in the police station.
Maybe.
Hey, Matty, we're okay
on that, uh, search warrant.
Call me if you wanna talk
about, you know, any of this.
I will.
He's handsome. And tall...
Get in the house.
Wow, what a grouch.
You know, this is what happens
when you don't eat right.
Get in the house. Come on.
You look spooked.
No, I'm fine.
It's... it's just a feeling.
Hey, uh...
We can, um, drop these off
after lunch
and go shopping, if you like.
Shopping? Now you're talkin'.
But first, let's eat.
I'm starving...
for, uh, something healthy.
Oh, finally, someone around here
listens to me.
Oh, I listen to you.
All the time.
I just, you know,
choose to ignore you.
Now you're trying
to give me a complex.
So, it all boils down to this.
Everything I shot right there.
Good work.
Now, you could be in contempt
for holding back evidence.
[Joe]
These photographs
are very likely of the guy
that killed Sheila Grant.
No kidding. What do you think
I should do?
Give me a day to finish up
with the client
turn the memory card
over to the police.
They got no real beef with you.
I'm sure they'll forget
about everything.
And besides, I think that
Detective Carlton likes you.
-Laurie.
-At least he's good-looking.
He has a job,
and no wedding ring.
-Unlike some of your other--
-Laurie!
Please.
You got a little mother hen
right there.
She's her mother's keeper.
[giggles]
Oh, yeah, let's not forget.
Oh...
Thanks.
Whoa.
A little extra
for good behavior.
Well, I guess, uh,
shopping's on me today.
Finally, something we agree on.
[indistinct chatter on radio]
-Anything?
-Whole lot of nothing.
Huh. Take it to the back.
Well, she surely lived well
for a realtor.
Yeah, but ask yourself...
what do we really
know about her?
Real estate? Could be a front
for something else.
Drugs?
Yup. Maybe.
What we do know
is that she was using
her unsold properties
to, uh, hook up.
Yeah, but why?
That we don't know.
So, we should probably
get search warrants
for her other properties
as well.
Yeah.
Never married.
Four years at Clark State,
nothing too scandalous.
Well, but her fortune started
to change around three years ago
when she started
buying some real estate.
Look at that.
She was developing some
very, very expensive properties.
Huh, and maybe
some expensive habits.
Mm-hmm.
Don't you just hate a painting
that won't hang straight?
My wife absolutely
hates a painting
that doesn't hang straight.
Huh.
Oh, here's why.
What is it?
[Tom]
Looks like photos.
Very, very...
naughty photos.
Let me see.
Whoa.
This is quite the collection.
Wonder if our guy's
in here somewhere.
Well, could be.
[chuckles]
Let me see.
-Hard to digest but, uh...
-And that one.
...something to start with,
right?
Yup. See definitely took yoga.
Matt.
Look what I found
in the back of her closet.
Blackmail?
Well, could be,
I mean, it's all cash
and we do have about
a dozen suspects here.
Yeah, maybe more.
She was a very busy woman.
Very.
Now, all we have to do is...
identify these suspects.
I think I may know
someone who could help.
Yeah? Here.
Be back.
-Make sure you log that down.
-Yeah.
So, when do you
go back to campus?
Carrie's picking me up at 3:30.
Oh, my God, that's so soon.
I was hoping
you could stay longer.
With everything you have
going on here
you really don't need me
hanging around.
-Who says? I like the company.
-Really?
I always imagined
you couldn't shuffle me off
to school fast enough.
Excuse me, bite
your tongue, lady.
That was a very
awkward time, okay?
Your dad wanted
a life without me
and I was just
chasing him around
thinking that I could
make things better.
It was just sad.
It was ugly.
And you got caught
in the middle, and I'm so sorry.
But don't you ever think
I don't want you around.
I know, mom.
It must be tough being alone.
Especially at your age.
[giggles]
-Excuse me?
-I'm just kidding.
Look, you could change all that
if you really wanted to.
I can think of a few
hot-looking guys
who might go
for a divorcee like you.
Oh, thanks.
No, thanks. I'm good.
If I want a man,
I'll, I'll find a man.
-Uh-huh.
-But forget about me.
What about you? Anyone new
and interesting in your world?
Mom, no. College boys
are way overrated.
You can't trust any one of them
out of your sight.
Yeah, they're just
like your dad.
But let's face it.
That's what keeps
people like me in business.
Speaking of which, I've been
doing a lot of thinking lately
and I've come
to the conclusion that
I think you need to investigate
a new line of work.
What? Why?
Because this is dangerous.
Sooner or later,
you're gonna take
a photograph of someone
and it's gonna lead
to a whole lot of trouble.
What would you have me do?
I don't know,
maybe wedding photos
or baby pictures.
Baby pictures?
It'll be a whole lot safer.
[Samantha]
They pay a whole lot less.
You know, you're pretty
expensive sometimes.
[Laurie]
That is so unfair.
You know, I only have
one more year of school left
and after that,
maybe you think about it.
Okay, honey,
I'll think about it, I promise
but now, how 'bout a new dress?
You don't have to twist my arm.
Well, I'd like to...
[cellphone buzzing]
Yeah.
Did you do
what I asked you to?
Good.
[sighs]
-Wish you didn't have to leave.
-Gotta roll.
You know what they say, "Time
and taxes wait for no man."
Well, you don't have to
act so happy about it.
Wow. You're starting to sound
just like me.
Hey, that's not fair.
You're right. Mom, I'm sorry.
You just seem so tensed lately
like something's wrong.
You're not holding out
on me, are you?
No. Of course not.
Nothing's wrong.
Nothing you wanna tell me about.
Why? You can trust me,
you know that.
I know, it's just
some things are better
left out of the conversation.
I'll work it out, honey,
don't, don't worry.
How can I not worry?
You're the only child I have.
One of these days, pow!
Right to the moon.
Oh, yeah? You and what army?
[car horn honking]
Oh, Carrie's here.
Ugh, so soon?
No, no, right on time.
-Hi, Ms. Roberts.
-Hi, Carrie.
-Nice car.
-Thanks.
-My dad got it for me.
-Oh.
Let me get the trunk.
[sighs]
Hmm. There's not
much room in here.
I like to travel light.
[sighs]
Well, drive safely, and, um...
don't pick up any strange boys.
[giggles]
Of course.
I'll call you later.
And if you wanna talk
about what's bothering you
please think of me.
[chuckles]
Okay, mom, I will.
I will.
Bye.
Bye, guys.
[car approaching]
What, did you forget something?
Not exactly.
But I was hoping I could,
uh, maybe talk to you.
If you could spare the time.
-Is this official?
-Not yet.
I just thought maybe you could
help me with something.
Sort of, off the record.
How much off the record?
This much.
Alright, you wanna
come inside, I guess.
Nah, I was hoping we could
go get a cup of coffee.
I know this great little cafe
down the road.
Yeah, I know that place.
Alright, well,
I'll get my purse.
Great.
Mm. They make a damn fine
cup of coffee here.
Yeah, I hear they grind
their own beans.
So, how do you even
know this place?
'Cause this is, um,
a little out of your territory.
Unless, what? They give freebies
to cops or something?
Mm, I wouldn't know.
I'm strictly plain clothes,
remember?
Oh, that's right.
You're a detective.
That sounds so important.
I guess it's better than wearing
one of those uniforms all day.
Never discount the value
of the uniform
of the officer, Ms. Roberts.
They're the backbone
of the entire force.
My father wore a uniform.
Oh! Is he retired?
No.
He didn't make it that far.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
It's okay.
He lived the life
that he wanted. Thank you.
Mm, everybody knows the risks.
Listen, since we're being all
unofficial and everything
call me Sam.
Alright, Sam.
Let me get right to this.
You were staking out
Sheila Grant for a reason.
I wanna know what it was.
Look, like I said--
No, I-I, please.
You're a professional
photographer, right.
No picture, no pay.
And I understand the whole
concept of confidentiality
but a woman was murdered.
I need your help.
Well, I don't wanna send you
down the wrong path.
So, you do have an idea
of who she might have been with.
Maybe.
Look, these pictures
are more than a little risque
but... if you don't mind
takin' a look.
[Samantha]
Wow.
Wow, you're not kiddin'.
Can you recognize anyone?
Well, yeah, I recognize her.
But none of the guys?
No. Sorry.
Your client was the only person
that we can link directly
to Sheila Grant.
Look, it was
a last-minute assignment.
I don't...
I wish I could help you.
Ask my boss.
He'll know.
Hmm.
I intend to.
I guess I was just hoping
for a faster solution.
[clears throat]
Well, you should have
plied me with something
stronger than coffee and donuts.
I will. If there's a next time.
I'd like that.
What's this all about?
I'm not sure.
Why should I believe you?
What's that supposed to mean?
I don't know,
but I plan to find out.
-What's going on here?
-Officer, what's this all about?
What is going on?
Why are you in my house?
-Oh, Matt.
-Tom?
What are you doin' here?
Search warrant.
Signed by Judge Evans.
What? This is ridiculous!
On what grounds?
Probable cause, ma'am.
Assume a little, Matt.
-Who pushed this through?
-I did.
We're gonna talk
about this later.
Oh, my God. Good cop, bad cop.
-Is that it? Hmm?
-What?
You lure me away from my house,
so your men
can turn it upside down?
God, I'm so stupid. "I know
a nice cafe down the road."
Wait, you don't think that
I had anything to do with this.
-Do you?
-Please!
You won't get away with this,
I have my rights!
[whispers]
Excuse me.
Sam, believe me, okay?
I didn't know about this.
God, I'm so glad my daughter
isn't here to see this.
Unless, maybe, you had her
picked up on the way outta town?
Trust me, I'm gonna get
to the bottom of it.
Matt.
You should take a look at this.
Does this belong to you?
-No.
-It's been fired three times.
Th-th-it's, that's not my gun!
We found this in the back
of your dressing drawers, ma'am.
That is crazy! I have never
seen that gun in my life!
Sheila Grant was shot
three times with... a 38.
I told you! It's not mine!
Oh, my God.
I don't believe this,
you're tying to pin this on me.
If this is the gun
that killed Miss Grant
we're gonna find out.
[exhales]
I told you it was not mine.
But I know whose it is.
Okay... Whose is it?
It's his.
[Samantha]
He killed her.
-Detective Walker?
-Yeah.
I wasn't sure at first,
but I am now.
He's the one I saw getting
out of the car last night.
I hope you know
what you're saying.
It's a very serious
accusation, ma'am.
All things considered.
Consider this.
Have your boys fire that up.
He's wearing glasses
in the photos
but I know it's him.
I thought you said you didn't
get anything last night.
So, I made a mistake.
Look at it.
I will.
Are you guys all through here?
[Tom]
Yeah, I think so.
Gents, let's wrap it up.
We're gonna have to take
her laptop as well.
Yeah, understood.
Look, I'm sorry, Sam, but, uh...
I might have to take you in.
What? I don't-I don't
believe this.
Mike, would you escort
the lady out to your car?
Yes, sir. Let's go, ma'am.
-Oh!
-Come with me.
[exhales]
I have a good lawyer!
You're gonna need one.
Hey.
Everything in order?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, you do great work.
In fact, it's prefect.
Right down to the last letter.
Now, you mind telling me
what the hell this is all about?
I'm not sure what you mean.
But you look angry.
Oh, you think so?
Since when does my own partner
go around me
for a search warrant?
You don't even ask me
about this before you act?
Look, Matt...
I'm sorry, but I tried
to contact you
you never got back to me,
and you weren't here, alright?
[Tom]
I was concerned that there
was a-a vital evidence
that might be destroyed.
So, we had to act fast.
So... I made a decision.
Vital evidence? Alright, wh-what
put that thought in your head?
Come on, we're cops, alright?
The, uh, blank SD card
that we found in her camera?
She tricked us, alright?
'Cause no pro
would have missed that.
Now, why would she do that?
If she didn't have
something to hide?
Okay, keep going.
Well, do the math,
what do you do
when someone is tryin'
to hide evidence from you?
You get a search warrant, right?
No, no, you call me
and we talk about it.
And then, if we both agree
we go forward.
Look, Matt...
I'm sorry if you think
that I was trying
to go around your back.
I didn't mean to, alright?
I just felt that,
that somebody had to act fast.
Now, maybe, maybe I, uh,
jumped to conclusions.
But maybe not.
Just don't go behind
my back, period. Okay?
I don't care
what the circumstances are.
Look, I apologize!
Alright? I did try
to contact ya.
Couldn't locate you.
I mean, where the hell
were you anyway? Huh?
I was followin' up on a hunch.
A hunch?
And you didn't share it
with your partner.
In the meantime,
look what we did get, alright?
[inhales]
She did have another SD card
despite what she said,
and that gun...
now, it might take a couple
of days to confirm this
but I bet you
a dollar to a donut
that that is the gun
that killed Sheila Grant.
Alright, maybe.
But it still doesn't make sense.
Why would a photographer
get involved in a murder?
A single mother? Her daughter
home for the weekend?
Just doesn't add up.
And it doesn't add up
that she accuses me of murder.
But it happened.
Alright? Face it, pal.
The woman's grasping
at straws here.
I just don't think
she could have done it.
Hey.
[Tom]
Get real, Matt.
Anybody, and I do mean anybody
is capable of murder
at any time, under
the right circumstances
and you, of all people,
should know that.
Yeah, you're right.
Okay, but I'm still not
convinced that Samantha...
I just don't buy it.
You hear yourself?
Samantha?
Huh. Listen to me.
You're my partner.
You're my best friend.
And I love you like a brother.
But remember this, and please
do not take this the wrong way
but we are cops first.
Don't forget that.
Yeah.
You don't need to remind me.
Where you goin'?
I got somethin' important
I need to take care of.
[telephone ringing]
West Coast.
Joe, listen up, it's Sam.
I'm in jail,
and I have one phone call.
What's the charge?
They think I killed
Sheila Grant.
That's ridiculous,
you couldn't kill anyone.
It's gotta be that guy
in the photographs.
Yeah, I know, but they found
this gun in my house
and it does not
look good for me
but it's not my gun, I swear!
You don't have
to convince me, Sam.
[Joe]
Okay, what do you
need me to do?
I need you to call
my lawyer, J.L. Jacobs
and tell him to get down here
as soon as he can.
J.L. Jacobs.
Okay. What about Laurie?
No, no, I don't want
to worry her
until I know how
this thing's gonna play out.
Alright, anything else?
Those photos I gave you,
I'm gonna need the prints back.
-What?
-Yeah, I lost my memory card.
And I have a pretty good idea
it's gonna be wiped clean.
Those prints might be
the only proof
of who really
killed Sheila Grant.
Sam, I don't have them anymore.
I turned all the prints
over to the client, Reynolds.
That's our policy.
And we don't keep copies.
I know, I know, okay,
I'm just gonna have to
get it from him,
I guess. Directly.
You can try.
He's at 555, Courtney Lane.
Okay. Alright, thanks.
Hey, Sam. Hang tough.
You'll be outta there
in no time.
Joe Johnson?
-Can I help you?
-I'm Detective Tom Walker.
Robbery Homicide.
You have a minute?
Sure, what can I do for you?
We have a, uh, woman
that we're holding
and, uh, she said that she'd
done some surveillance work
for your agency recently.
Name is, uh, Samantha Roberts.
[Tom]
You know her?
-Samantha Roberts?
-Mm-hmm.
She does some, uh,
freelance for us.
Once in a while.
Uh, recently?
Recently, uh... maybe.
Did she, by chance,
drop off some photographs
to you yesterday?
Maybe.
I would really love to look
at those photographs.
They could be very important
for our case.
Sorry, I don't
have them anymore.
I mean, sir, they-they-they
might help prove
her case and her innocence.
I'm sure it would, but we sent
the only copies to our client.
And it's our policy
not to keep any duplicates.
Well... that is a very good
policy to have, sir.
Well, I'll tell you what.
You just give me
your client's name
I'll contact him myself.
No can do, if I
compromise my client
my business won't be
worth a dime.
Never have. Never will.
You're saying you,
you can't help me, sir?
Let's just say I won't help you.
Ha, and, uh...
nothing I could say, or do,
would change your mind?
What do you think?
[chuckles]
I think you're...
you're a tough guy, sir.
Uh...
One last question, if I might.
Did you, by any chance,
look at those photographs?
I did.
That is a shame.
[gunshot]
I'm very sorry
you made me do that, sir.
But that's the trouble
with integrity.
Comes at such a... high price.
You don't have to answer
these questions
if you don't want to.
They can't force you.
That's alright, let's just
get on with this.
Thank you.
Now, we already know
that you have
a concealed carry permit.
And there's
a 38 J-frame revolver
registered to you.
Yeah, a lot of people
in my line of work
have something like that.
And that's not the gun
that killed Sheila Grant.
We know. We checked.
What we found in your residence
is what we call a throwdown.
An unregistered weapon
that you're supposed to
throw down and walk away from,
after you use it.
That's true,
and if I had done that
you boys couldn't have
planted it in my house.
Yes. Yeah, you said it.
And why do you have
my underwear in there?
They were wrapped around this.
A thousand dollars in cash.
Don't get excited, J,
it's just my fee
for staking out Sheila.
A thousand dollars?
Yeah, a thousand dollars,
what, does that seem
too... what? Little? Too much?
Uh, that depends.
On... oh, right.
'Cause you think I killed Sheila
for a thousand dollars!
Really, I'm not that cheap.
I didn't say you were.
Just take me to dinner sometime.
You'll find out.
And what about... this?
Yeah, that's mine.
Joe gave it to me to ID her.
Because scoping out
the wrong person
would be counterproductive.
And you still maintain
that Detective Tom Walker
is the man you saw
with Sheila Grant last night?
Yeah. At first, I wasn't sure.
But now that I know he's planted
all this stuff in my house
to frame me
yeah, he's your guy.
Look, I've known
Detective Walker for years.
He has a spotless record.
A family.
I think I would know if he--
Oh, please, I'm sure every one
of those sorry bastards
in those photos that you found
had a spotless record.
That's what they wanna protect!
I mean, anyone can find
themselves in a tight spot
especially if they have help.
Don't say too much, Samantha.
Just-just stick with
a yes or a no answer.
Why? So they can just fill
in everything that I don't say?
Look, Ms. Roberts,
I want you to be innocent.
Please believe me.
You've a funny way
of showing it.
Help me help you.
[sighs]
Just... just look
at the card, okay?
Just look at the card,
and tell me who is innocent.
We already looked at it.
-And?
-It was blank.
Just like the other card
you gave us.
Why did I know
you were gonna say that?
Don't you see? It's perfect.
Walker was in my house
before we got there.
He just switched my card out
with a blank one,
and waited for me
to make a fool of myself.
Do you have a backup?
No, I-I don't.
I didn't get a chance.
[exhales]
Hey, can I keep those?
I've a feeling that I'd be
here for a while.
Look, don't worry, Samantha.
Someone arranged your bail.
You can leave as soon
as we're done here.
Go on. I-I can't hold you.
Better luck next time.
[clears throat]
Okay.
Alright, well, thanks
for the hospitality, guys.
I'll, uh, come back
when I can stay longer.
Thank you, my dear.
Keys, and phone is dead.
You think you could've
charged it, fellas.
By the way, who posted my bail?
I think you know Mr. Roberts.
[sighs]
Oh, no.
Thought you'd be
a little happier to see me
under the circumstances.
I could've taken care
of my own bail.
I do own a house.
[scoffs]
How could I forget?
I paid for it.
Ah, that's right.
Well, if you'll excuse me
I've gotta get back
to the office.
Run while you can.
Call me later.
He contacted me, and said
you were in trouble.
What would you expect me to do?
Rescue me, that's what
all the great ex-husbands do.
[sighs]
Can we not argue here?
I covered your bail. I'm not
looking for any thanks.
Isn't that enough?
Yeah. I'm sorry, Jim. I just...
It's been very stressful.
They think I killed someone
last night.
That's insane!
Why would they think that?
Because they found
the murder weapon in my house.
What? Are you serious?
Yeah, someone planted it.
-Does Laurie know?
-No.
I'll tell her when I know
what's going on.
Don't wait too long, this will
find its way into the news
sooner than later.
Well, thanks for the advice.
Are we done?
Yeah, I guess so.
Mr. Roberts,
they're ready for you
to sign off
on the bail agreement.
Alright.
I hope you work this out.
I will.
Thanks.
Thank you.
No problem.
Oh, God.
Oh, my God.
[clears throat]
You need a ride?
[Samantha]
Uh... Y-y-yeah, I do.
But... not from you.
Wait, why not?
Well... officially,
you're enemy number one.
And, uh, B, isn't that
a conflict of interest?
Not for me.
I just recused myself
from your case.
You did? Why?
Too much familiarity
with the person of interest.
-You mean me?
-That's correct.
Yeah, so, how about that ride?
I mean, I was headed
your way already, so...
Whoa! That's convenient.
And it's true.
I'm pretty much done here.
And, look at that.
It's almost happy hour.
And you know
a great little place.
Where have I heard that before?
It's the best offer
you're gonna get today.
Yeah, no kidding.
[inhales]
[exhales]
Okay.
I could use a drink.
You're buying.
Mr. Roberts.
-Yeah.
-Phyllis, what do we have here?
Uh, his paperwork.
Here, let me see.
Yeah, I'll take care
of that, okay? Okay?
-Oh, yes, sir.
-Thank you.
Alright. Here, why don't we
get you to sign this right now?
It's for your wife's release.
-Ex-wife.
-Ex-wife, oh.
Well, then, she's very lucky
to have you, uh, bail her out.
[scoffs]
Well, don't tell her that.
She still hates me.
[laughs]
Exes, huh?
Yeah, they're a lot
like head colds.
It's hard to shake 'em,
but when you finally do
they still kinda stick around.
[laughs]
Women are very complicated
creatures, that is for sure.
Like my father always said
"Women, you can't live with 'em
and you sure as hell
can't shoot 'em."
[laughter]
-You said it.
-Hey, you have a great day.
-Alright? Alright.
-Thanks.
[cellphone ringing]
Dad? What's wrong?
What makes you think
there's something wrong?
You wouldn't be calling
if there wasn't.
Alright, you got me.
Uh... Your mom was just
released from City Jail.
-City Jail?
-She's fine.
But she really
needs you right now.
Can you go home for a few days?
I just left there, but yeah
I could probably talk Carrie
into dropping me off.
Okay, good, I just don't think
she should be alone right now.
I can be there in an hour.
Perfect.
Yeah. She'll really
appreciate it.
Alright, better get movin'.
You know, sometimes,
it really does just pay
to mind your own business, Matt.
I should have left
when Joe told me to.
And I was about to,
when your guys showed up.
Hey, that part still puzzles me.
What?
How fast the officers arrived
at the scene.
You said that someone
reported a prowler
a... neighbor.
No, I-I know,
but checking it out
there's no record of that
actually happening.
I'm not sure anybody
did really report it.
At least, not outside
the department.
That's what I've been saying.
It's Walker. I-I...
He probably phoned it in
the minute he ditched her car.
Yeah, but why? I mean, he didn't
even know that you were there.
Maybe he didn't
maybe he did.
I mean, that was perfect timing
to set me up.
There's just one catch.
I didn't have any motive.
I barely even knew
who Grant was.
Yeah, but hypothetically,
you could have been paid
by one of her blackmail targets,
to get rid of her.
Well, hypothetically.
But if you believe that
we wouldn't be sitting here,
right now.
Hypothetically, you're
absolutely right.
Here you go.
Thank you, you wanna
get a table?
Yeah.
[laughs]
-Oh, my God.
-That's...
Look at me.
Do I look like a hitman?
[scoffs]
-No.
-Ha-ha-ha.
Of course not.
And I like you.
I like you a lot.
But I just...
I'm having trouble
wrapping my head around
this whole Walker thing.
[sighs]
Matt.
If you like me, look into this.
Look into his alibi.
Or better yet,
look into his bank account.
If he was a target,
you're gonna see
big chunks of money
leaving that account.
Unless, of course,
he was a partner.
-Wait, a partner?
-Yeah.
Who better than him
to get the inside track
on people's dirty laundry?
Hell, in his position,
he could create dirty laundry
where there wasn't any.
Uh, I don't follow.
Okay, imagine
a married guy, okay?
Couple of kids, happily married.
He gets set up
with a fake prostitute.
Sheila Grant.
Walker busts him in the act.
And then, decides, out of
the goodness of his heart
not to book 'em.
But that hook has been set.
And that guy's whole world
is on the line.
You do realize
you're talking about
one of our finest
detectives here, right?
Will you face it?
Walker could have been a target.
Then, he could have been forced
to reel in the others.
Yeah, and how are you
you gonna prove that?
I mean, it's your word
against his
since you don't have
the photographs.
Who says I don't?
Well, well, you said.
I didn't have a backup.
But someone else might.
Can we go?
I need to get home.
Yeah.
[engine rumbling]
The lights are on.
[exhales]
Oh, maybe the, uh,
officers left them on.
Yeah, maybe.
Would you mind coming inside
for a few minutes
while I looked around?
I'd be happy to.
[sighs]
Okay.
Don't get any ideas.
[door creaks]
Do your guys usually leave
the front door unlocked
when they're done
raiding a place?
No, they don't.
You want me to, uh
check it out
to make sure we're alone?
Yeah. Yeah.
Okay.
Be careful.
[door creaks]
[scoffs]
Nice work, boys.
Very neat, very tidy.
Hope everyone had fun.
[exhales]
Oh.
[Samantha exhales]
-Well?
-Ha. Well, it's a huge mess.
But, you know,
everything seems alright.
[inhales]
Good.
[sighs]
My daughter would say
"Clean up your room,"
right about now.
-Um...
-Laurie.
Right, you know.
She seems like a very
well-adjusted young lady.
-Yes.
-You must be very proud of her.
Yes, I am.
Yes, she is all I have.
She's everything I wasn't.
[inhales]
It's amazing how she turned out
as well as she did.
It's a mystery.
Well, she obviously
had a very good teacher.
Me? Yeah, hardly.
I mean, yeah,
maybe I taught by example.
What not to be,
I'm the one person
you do not want
your kids to be like.
Oh, God, don't you think
you're being a little
too hard on yourself?
Mm. You don't know me.
Well, not, not well.
Not yet, anyway.
[laughs]
Are, uh... all these yours?
Yeah, these are,
I put them up there
just to remind myself
that I used to have a vision.
I used to think photography
was, you know, an art form
and... a way to express myself
but now, it's just another tool.
But it does, um, pay the bills
and it puts Laurie
through college, so...
Well, they're very subtle.
They leave you wanting more.
I'll show you the rest
another time.
Not tonight, I got
so much to clean up
but I'm really tired.
Yeah, of course.
Yeah, well, you know.
Call me if you need any--
I will. Hey, uh.
Look into Walker.
He's your man.
Alright.
But I'm still gonna need proof.
I'll get you proof.
And then you can do your thing.
You got it.
Well, goodnight.
Good night.
Thanks.
-Lock this door.
-I will.
[sighs]
Trouble, trouble.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[sighs]
[music continues]
[gasps]
What the...
You just couldn't leave...
well enough alone, could you?
You...
What do you want?
You had... every opportunity
every chance to just...
walk away from this.
I still can.
If you let me.
[laughs]
How could I do that?
Hmm?
You're an eyewitness.
You have to bring me down...
in order to save yourself,
and I...
I-I can't let that happen.
I don't have the photos.
You do.
And it's your word against mine.
And my word is...
so much better
than yours, right?
Yes, that's what I'm thinking.
Yeah.
Well, now that you've...
thrown all this
suspicion on me...
Now that my...
my best friend, my partner...
is looking into my past
digging...
how long do you think
it's gonna take?
A day? A week?
A month?
Maybe even longer.
But... he will
eventually get there.
Because he's that good.
And...
He likes you.
No, Ms. Roberts.
You have ruined me.
You've ruined my career.
[Tom]
You've ruined my... marriage.
And you've ruined my life.
So now I've no choice but to...
ruin you.
You can't just kill me.
No, I don't plan to.
You're gonna commit suicide...
tonight, with this.
It's a tragedy, really.
The two of you had such
a promising future ahead of you.
The photographs...
There's another set out there.
They'll finish you.
If... they ever turn up.
See, I'm thinking
that whoever has them...
is just so damn... glad
to be out from under
the hammer of blackmail...
that they'll just never surface.
They'll just...
disappear.
Mom? Mom?
[gasps]
Hey!
[grunting]
Argh! Ah!
Ugh!
[gunshot]
Mom?
[grunting]
Ugh. Argh.
[groans]
[screams]
Come here.
[grunts]
[screams]
[crying]
Get away from me!
[whimpers]
[groans]
Laurie!
[Matthew]
This is Matt.
Matt...
Matt, come quick, please.
-What's wrong?
-Just hurry.
[Matt]
I'm on my way.
Laurie!
Are you sure you don't want to
go to the hospital?
Yeah, I'm alright.
-Uh, you don't look alright.
-I'm okay.
-You got it?
-Yeah, I got it.
Oh, God, it was him.
He was here waiting for me.
[Matt]
Look, are you positive
that it was Walker?
I mean, it was dark, could it
have been anybody else?
When are you gonna accept
that your partner
wants to kill me?
I mean, we talked, he...
he tried to shoot me.
-And then Laurie came in.
-Wait, Laurie?
Yeah, I don't even know
what she was doing here.
Well, ha-have you talked to her?
No.
I haven't known what to say.
Do you know where she is now?
I hope she got away.
Yeah, me too.
Hey, get on the horn.
And see if you can raise up
Detective Walker.
Let me know if you do.
And don't say anything
about this.
Yes, sir.
Hey, if he's out there...
we're gonna find him.
Do you think he got her?
I don't know.
You just keep trying her
on her cell, alright?
[Matt]
Maybe she'll answer.
Right now, I need to go
follow up on some leads.
Are you gonna be okay?
Yeah.
I'll leave an officer behind
just in case he comes back.
Matt...
Yeah?
Be careful, please.
[sighs]
[Matt]
When's the last time
you heard from Tom?
Uh, it was the day
before yesterday.
[female #1]
He called to tell me
he was working late.
[Matt]
And what time was that?
Seven-thirty.
He seemed like
he was in a hurry.
What's going on, Matt?
I'm not sure, exactly.
Not yet, anyway.
Has Tom been acting, uh...
different lately?
Different?
Yeah, you know, uh,
nervous, anxious?
Uh, anything unusual?
Anything... that you
can't explain?
Well, that's hard to say, Matt
he hasn't been around much.
He hasn't been
coming home at night?
He was on stake-out
all last week. And then...
He told me he was on an
important assignment with you.
I didn't think to question him,
why would I?
No reason.
[Matt]
We're trying to account
for some lost time.
It's been hard to confirm
his whereabouts.
You mean, you don't know
where he is?
We haven't seem or heard from
Tom since early this morning.
And...
you haven't either?
No... he hasn't
called home at all.
He usually does,
this is not like him.
There's a lot of things
going on right now
that don't seem like Tom.
Is... he in trouble?
I don't know.
Hey, can you
do something for me?
If I can.
Can you check your
online bank account?
Alright.
What would I be looking for?
I'll know when I see it.
Please come to the den.
[keys clacking]
I usually leave
all the banking to Tom.
You know, we each have
our own little duties
to do around the house.
Tom likes to handle
the finances.
I understand.
Gosh, it's been forever since
I've logged onto this account.
I'd forget the password
if it wasn't the date
Tom and I got married.
[female #1]
Here it is.
Anything jumping out at you?
Not that I can see.
What about the savings account?
Do you have one of those?
Yeah, I'd almost
forgotten about that.
The savings account is empty.
How can that be?
It's been drained.
A large withdrawal
every three weeks
for the past... four months.
Can you explain that?
I'm sorry, but I just can't.
What does this mean?
[sighs]
I can't say right now.
Did-did Tom ever gamble?
No.
Drugs?
Of course not, you know Tom,
he's not the type.
Yeah, of course.
[phone buzzing]
[clears throat]
Excuse me.
This is Matt.
Okay.
[sighs]
Yeah, I got it.
[Matt]
I'm on my way.
Margaret, please let me know
right away if he calls you.
I'd like to help him if I can.
And please don't say
that I was here.
Can't you tell me anything?
I'm sorry, but...
I can't right now.
[phone buzzing]
[Samantha]
Oh, my God.
Laurie.
Baby, where are you?
Mama, please help me.
I will, I will, just tell me
where you are.
She's right here with me...
[Tom]
Ms. Roberts.
Safe and sound.
Snug as a bug.
What have you done
to my daughter?
Nothing... yet.
Now, what happens next
that's completely up to you.
What do you want?
Samantha, please.
Do not act stupid.
You know exactly what I want.
[Tom]
I want those photographs.
Now... I am losing
my patience here.
I-I can get them,
I just need a little time.
That's just how much time
your daughter has, very little.
Don't hurt her, she has
nothing to do with this.
I know, I know, this is all
very unfortunate.
But I have faith that we can
work all of this out.
Now, you know what I want.
How do we make this happen?
I can get them, I'll get them
first thing in the morning.
Good, you do that,
and once you do
you call Laurie's phone
and I 'll give you
the next step.
Okay, just don't hurt her.
The only people
that I ever hurt...
are people that tried
to hurt me.
But in your daughter's case...
I might make an exception.
Now, are we good?
Yeah, we're good.
And Samantha...
Don't involve Matt in this.
I'd really hate to see
something bad happen to him.
Okay. Okay.
[sighs]
[Tom]
Easy, Laurie, easy.
There you go.
This might be over... real soon.
As long as your mom doesn't...
do something stupid.
You know...
I really...
I really don't wanna hurt you.
I never wanted to hurt anybody.
Let me show you this.
You see her?
That is my Margaret.
Best damn woman
any guy could ever want.
And she's never given me
any trouble.
Waits on me hand and foot,
gave me two beautiful kids...
but... I wasn't satisfied.
Guys never are.
And...
I screwed up...
and...
you make one more bad decision.
One bad decision...
after another.
And down the rabbit hole you go.
You know what I'm talking about?
Yeah. I thought you might.
You know...
you remind me of my daughter...
[chuckles]
except she talks
a lot more than you.
[indistinct radio chatter]
-Anything moved?
-No.
We haven't disturbed anything,
except to check to see
if the victim was still alive.
He's not.
You're a little out of your
jurisdiction, aren't you, Matt?
Consider me an interested party.
Hm.
-Anything missing?
-Well, that's hard to say.
This place is a mess.
They could have taken something.
They could have torn
the whole place up. Who knows?
How do you make it?
Eh, single shot.
If I had to guess,
nine millimeter.
Through the doorway.
Yeah, a guy in his line of work
probably makes a few enemies
along the way.
[man]
There's not a lot
to go on here, Matt.
Do you mind?
Don't get me in trouble now.
[Matt]
Doesn't feel like a robbery.
-I wonder what the motive was.
-I think I might know.
-Can I help you?
-Hi. Is, uh, Mr. Reynolds home?
It's kind of early.
Is he expecting you?
Well, no,
but it's kind of important.
-Please.
-Alright.
Come on in.
I'll let him know you're here.
[sighs]
-Can I help you?
-My name is Sam Roberts.
I'm with
West Coast Confidential.
What do you want?
Uh, I'm the one
who took those photos.
I thought
our business was finished.
It was,
now someone's been killed
and I need the photos back.
I paid a lot of money
to get those photos.
I can get you your money back,
but I need the photos.
No, I-I'm sorry,
but I can't help you.
Look, the woman
who's been blackmailing you
she is dead, okay?
It's all over, it's ended
but those photos show
who killed her
and so if I can't get it back
I'm gonna have
to tell the police
where to come find 'em.
Can you keep me out of this?
Yeah.
Wait here.
-Yeah.
-I have the photos.
Good, good, I knew you could do
it if you put your mind to it.
Now what?
I'll make it easy on you.
11:30 a.m. at the Promenade
at Central Mall.
Be there
and we'll make the trade.
-11:30?
-Be alone.
I will, but so help me,
if you hurt my daughter--
Just be there.
Ah, I'm probably gonna
hate myself for this.
-Good morning, detective.
-Good morning.
-Any word on Walker?
-Nothing yet.
-Did you try callin' his house?
-We did.
His wife says
she hasn't heard from him.
Hm. Alright.
Keep a man posted out front
and let me know
if that APB turns up anything.
-Yes, sir.
-I need a lead.
[cell phone buzzing]
Come on.
It's far enough.
-Laurie, are you okay?
-I'm okay.
Do you have the photographs?
Put 'em on that table
and step away.
Alright, step back.
That's right. Come on.
Yeah. That's right.
That's your gun.
That would be tragic,
wouldn't it?
[mumbles]
[sighs]
No copies, right?
Hand her over.
I will. Ah.
-As soon as we get to Mexico.
-Mexico?
I'll let her go somewhere
in the Rosarito Beach area.
-She can call you from there.
-What?
It's about a four-hour drive
with traffic.
Just go home
and you wait by the phone
and you wait for it to ring.
You bastard!
You have no idea...
no idea
what I've had to go through...
but I don't expect you to.
Nobody should have to endure
what I've had to endure.
Sheila Grant...
she got what was coming to her.
She ruined a lot of lives.
She was an evil woman
and she needed to die...
except there's just
one teeny little problem.
You came alone.
Now...
I have lost everything...
my money, my career.
I've lost my wife, my family.
I got nothing left to lose.
So, lady, please,
don't make me kill you.
[grunting]
-Ah.
-Come on.
Move.
[woman screaming]
Police! Out of the way!
Back out of the way, lady.
Stand away!
-Oh, my God.
-Get out of the way.
Stop right there, Tom.
[panting]
Matt.
Drop the gun and put your hands
behind your head.
-Alright, alright, buddy.
-Please.
Alright, buddy, d-don't shoot.
I'm gonna drop it.
[gunshot]
See what you made me do?
[siren wailing]
[chuckles]
I guess Mexico's
out of the question now.
Now it's a shame.
[gun clicks]
[siren wailing]
J-Frame has only five rounds.
-Mom, are you okay?
-Yes, yes, honey. Go get help.
[Matt groaning]
-Alright. Everybody alright?
-Yes, yes, except for you.
[chuckles]
Uh, it's nothing two doctors
can't patch up.
-I've seen worse.
-You have?
Yeah, on TV. Late-night show.
Shh, just be quiet.
I'm gonna take you
to a great little place I know.
-Oh, yeah? Where's that?
-The hospital.
[laughs]
Okay.
Ha.
[Matt groaning]
Here's to a bright new career
as the department's
first female
police photographer.
Sounds so important.
I hope I don't embarrass you.
I don't think you could
even if you tried.
Don't challenge her, Matt.
She can't resist a challenge.
Quiet, you.
Let's remember
who saved whose life.
Alright, stop bragging.
Lunch is served.
-Whoa.
-Wow.
Beef salad with goat cheese.
Nice. What a starter.
Yes, Laurie is trying
to reinvent my entire diet.
Can I get a smile?
Eat all your vegetables
and you'll get a smile.
Would you rather duck out for a
cheeseburger and some fries?
I know a great little place.
Yeah, I would
but we can't because she worked
so hard on this.
-So I'll tell you what?
-What?
I'll take a rain check.
♪ ♪