Danger in the Dorm (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Bye. See you guys. Take care.

- Okay, bye!

- Bye, guys.

[tense music builds]

[wood cracking]

[eerie deep breathing]

[sinister swell]

[students laughing]

[Man]: Okay, okay.

[threatening music

builds suddenly]

[shrill sound]

No, no, no!

No...

[female student screams]

[thudding blow]

[upbeat, campy music]

[Narrator]: Welcome to

Brighton University,

a school dedicated

to the education

and well-being of our students.

We may be a school of thousands

but you'll never feel lost here.

We're a family and it shows.

On our campus, young

men and women interact,

study, and grow together in a

safe and serene environment.

[popcorn maker clacking]

I don't know if it's possible

but I've never

been more excited.

You're telling me.

[Carol]: Okay, this

is the last of them.

Girls, is that really the

best use of your time?

Yeah, shouldn't you two be

preparing for your classes?

I think we're good.

Moms, as you know,

Kathleen and I

have a longstanding movie

night date on Thursdays.

I'm well aware.

Oh, these girls

loved their stories.

We needed to make sure that

the popcorn maker was working.

And since we're

college students now,

we are more than capable

of our own time management.

So, you're gonna

have to trust us.

Well, you girls are

going to have to show

that you're trustworthy

and can make good decisions

if you're going to

live on your own.

I think you mean now that

we're living on our own.

We're very trustworthy, Joanne.

Mm-hmm.

Oh yeah, you two are taking

a huge step into womanhood.

I mean, look how mature we are.

Lamby! How I missed you.

Kathleen, can I talk

to you for a minute?

I'm good, thanks.

Good morning!

Kathleen Roberts

and Becky Swafford?

Yep, Becky Swafford, that's me.

Ha, ha. I'm Becky.

Good to meet you.

You too. I'm Sarah.

[Becky]: Hi.

The resident advisor

on this floor.

Welcome to Brighton University,

the New South dorms.

If you guys have any questions

about your rooms or dorm policy,

classroom sign-ups, or what to

do with extra buttered popcorn,

I'm just down the hall.

- Um, I have a question.

- Yeah?

Club sign-ups, where do we go?

[Sarah]: Head to the

Grant Thompson atrium.

It's the one with the

mural of an old white guy

who donated tons of money to

the school before we were born.

How ironic, we're signing up

for the Women Empowerment Club.

And I'm sure there's lots of

other great clubs, too. Huh.

Sure are. I'm in Dance Troupe,

as well as an editor

for The Wildcat Gazette.

That's our school paper.

- Wow.

Yeah, well, enjoy, ladies.

You're gonna love it here.

Bye!

- Bye.

- Thank you.

- Bye.

[indistinct chatter]

[Kathleen]: Oh, sorry,

you can take it.

You sure? I-I wouldn't

wanna ruin your future

in aeronautical engineering

flight of... of the future.

[chuckles]

- Heaven forbid, right?

Hmm.

- I'm Patrick, by the way.

Hi, I'm Kathleen.

So uh, what, what clubs

are you gonna join?

I actually don't know yet.

Heh. Cool.

I'll see ya around then.

- Yeah.

- Yeah, yeah.

[somber music plays]

[sighs]

[Becky]: I love you, Mom.

[Carol]: I love you, too. Aw.

- Can I walk you to the car?

- Yes.

[giggles happily]

Okay, bye Kathleen.

- Bye.

- Bye.

So, good luck.

I'm just a phone call

away if you need anything.

- Mm-hmm.

- Or an hour drive.

You can come home

whenever you need.

- I know.

- Well, why didn't you tell me

you were thinking of doing it?

- Mom. Now?

I'm sorry, we need

to talk about this.

Look, it was one time

and you weren't supposed

to be home. Okay?

I took the day off

to surprise you.

It's not a big deal.

It's an incredibly big

deal. It's your virginity!

Mom!

You are special.

[huffs]

- I don't have to listen.

I don't have to

listen to this, okay?

- Yes, you do!

- Nope.

I'm a college student and I

have classes to prepare for.

Okay? Goodbye.

- Amazing.

[ominous music plays]

[Becky grunts]

[Kathleen]: Just ask me.

Is everything good

with you and Joanne?

Yep. Fine. So good.

You know, she's

not totally wrong.

Oh, my God. You too?

[scoffs] Can you

and, and my mom

and everyone stop telling

me how immature I am?

I just... I didn't wanna

come to college afraid. Okay?

Afraid?

Kate, you're never afraid.

[Kathleen scoffs]

That's a lot of clubs.

I know. I know.

It's just, I wanna

take it all in.

You know, try everything.

Are you gonna do

all of these clubs?

I dunno.

It's just, I mean,

look at all this stuff

and look at this place.

It's time to spread

our wings, you know?

Okay.

You're so bold and

brave and independent.

I get it.

But we're still gonna do the

Women Empowerment Club, right?

That's what we decided?

- Of course.

Yes!

[worrying music plays]

Hey.

Got an extra pen?

What color?

Blue.

Thanks.

Future lawyer?

Undecided.

I don't recognize

you. You a freshman?

There's 15,000 people

that attend this college.

Still, I'd recognize you.

You're clearly smart.

Makes sense why you'd

take this course.

Dean Carrigan teaches

this class himself.

Is that right?

Yeah, but the TAs

do the real work.

It's a tough class.

Putting together a study group.

If you wanna join, jot

down your info for me.

For the study group.

Yeah. No other purpose.

Actually, I'm having

a get together

at our dorm tonight.

You should join us.

- Oh.

[Becky]: Hey, Kath!

What did I miss?

Nothing yet.

Um, I didn't know you

wanted to take this class.

Yeah, I just thought it'd be fun

if we had all our

classes together.

Huh. [chuckles]

Okay, good morning, everyone.

Let's dive right in.

Social... contract.

Where do our rights end and the

rights of our neighbors begin?

That is the fundamental

question of this class.

[light music]

There's so many clubs here.

[button clicks]

[Joanne]: Hey, honey, it's Mom.

I'm sorry. I don't

like how that ended.

Can you call me when

you get a chance?

This is gonna take a minute.

[Joanne]: Love you!

- I can stay.

I'll meet you in the cafeteria?

Okay.

[sighs]

[phone rings]

[Kathleen]: Mom.

- Kathleen.

How's the big first week going?

Did you get all your books?

All used copies, except

for the Dean's class.

He makes everyone

buy the new issue.

How's Becky?

She's good. More or less.

You know Becky.

She's actually being more

Becky than I expected.

Honestly, she's

driving me kinda nuts.

It's a big school.

She's not as

independent as you are.

That's an understatement.

How are the boys?

Really? Didn't

we just do this?

I was young once, too.

I know how a fun night with

a cute guy can turn into...

The kid you never wanted.

I never said that.

Well, that's the choice that

you're talking about, isn't it?

I just want you to be careful.

I'm not you. Got it?

Anyway, have a good time.

I love you.

And I'll talk to you soon, okay?

- Sounds good.

- Bye.

[slams down receiver]

[sighs]

Sarah!

Um, I do have one

question about the rooms.

[slow music]

[sighs]

[Becky]: Hey! [Kathleen]: Hi.

I missed you at the caf.

Ah, I'm sorry.

I was the intro for

the dance squad.

They told me about

this new sandwich place

and I got you one. With

the sprouts, like you like.

I didn't even know

that you liked dance.

Yeah, I guess that's the point.

I'm, uh, I'm... I

wanna try new things.

Okay.

Remember when we were ten at

sleepaway camp in the Poconos?

With the cold showers?

Yeah, the freezing showers.

[chuckles]

- Yeah.

I called my mom

after one night there

and asked her to

come pick me up.

What?

Yeah, I hated that place.

I didn't know

anyone there but you

and I couldn't wait

to get outta there.

You know what Mom told me?

She said go ask Kathleen

to pick you on her team

for whatever game

she's doing next.

[Kathleen chuckles]

I did and we played

never have I ever.

We had the best time.

And I called Mom the next day

and said I was okay to stay.

I had no idea.

I know. I just...

I just want you to

know that I love you.

You rock.

- [laughs]

Stop it.

You've always been

my best friend and...

[phone rings]

And...

- Hello?

Bayside at the Poconos.

Becky speaking.

[Kathleen chuckles]

It's Wade.

Ahem.

You have Kathleen.

Um... maybe, one sec.

Becks, how would you feel

about doing something fun?

[upbeat dance music]

[indistinct cheering]

I don't know about this.

Come on, it's a party.

You love this

song. Let's dance!

Woo!

[indistinct chatter]

Go on and back

it up start it

Let me breathe

Girl, what you sayin'

Let's get this

goin' [Yeah]

I got this feeling

you want me

You know I'm all for you

Let me show you something.

I know you want me too

I see you gazin'...

[Kathleen chuckles]

You're not gonna like, ask

me to watch a movie, are ya?

Trust me, you're

gonna like this.

No way.

[dance music resumes]

Baby I'm just dancin'

We got some things

to lay on top

You ain't got to do nothing

[music fades out]

- Kathleen?

Dean Mikey Carrigan,

destruction of school

property, 1982.

Can you believe that crusty man

was once partying and breaking

rules like the rest of us?

This was probably his bed.

Gross.

- Huh.

Hey, nice moves, hot

stuff. Wanna dance?

Kathleen!

I don't think she's

around anymore.

But I am.

- Look, just get out of my way.

What's your problem? I'm

just tryin' to talk to you.

- Get outta my way!

- Listen, b*tch...

Heh.

I wonder if he ever brought back

any wild and

beautiful girls here?

Well, he was a rule breaker.

Hey, what... what's goin' on?

Beat it, creep.

Are you okay?

[teary]: Kathleen?

- Uh...

- I should get back.

Hey.

Do you wanna go out some time?

Maybe.

[chuckles]

Hey, if you're looking for

your friend, she dipped.

- What?

- Yeah, she left.

I gotta go.

- You sure?

- Yeah, thanks for the invite.

See you in class

with Dean Mikey.

- Yeah.

- Yo.

[Becky sniffling]

Becky?

Becks.

[Becky]: So, you

just abandon me now?

Hey, I'm sorry.

But you're never gonna

believe what I saw.

You left me.

You convinced me

to go to some party

where I didn't know

one single person

and then when I turned my

back, you just disappeared.

Do you know what could

have happened to me?

Do you know how

dangerous that is?

Danger? What danger?

It was a dorm party.

Yeah, there were boys

there but I mean, grow up.

No, you never leave a

friend alone at a party.

[scoffs]

Your mom was right,

you can't be trusted.

I was gone for

five minutes, okay?

Can you not go five

minutes without me?

I'd rather you just

not be here at all.

I picked this college and

you just followed me here.

We never should

have been roommates.

I'm way ahead of you.

I already talked to Sarah

about getting my own room.

[Becky exhales]

Becky.

- Leave me alone!

[door slams]

Gah!

[Kathleen exhales]

[strange ethereal music plays]

You sure you want a single room?

Yeah, for sure.

Okay. Well, if

you need anything,

I'm just two floors down.

[somber music plays]

The American justice

system, it's a complex...

Hey, where's your friend?

She dropped this class.

And every other class

we were in together.

Oh, sorry.

Enforce laws and

um... Mr. Mullins.

Would you like to

share your thoughts

on the 1st Amendment freedom

of speech as it pertains

to my lecture period?

- No, Dean Mikey.

[Kathleen chuckles]

- Excuse me?

No, Dean Carrigan.

Right, so the social contract.

[unsettling music plays]

Hey, Becks!

You ready to change

the world today?

- Sure.

- That all you got?

Feminism, it's more

than just advocacy.

It's a time for change.

Time for equality.

Heck yeah! [Conor]:

Hey ladies.

Hey, Tammy.

Ugh, you know that guy?

Conor Miller, I know.

I thought he was kind of a

perv at the beginning of school

but then he asked

about the group

and I said he

should check it out.

I guess not every

male is against us.

[indistinct chatter]

[Sarah]: All right, ladies,

we are only five weeks away

from our first performance.

- Uh, in front of people?

Just 7,000 or so.

Come on, it's gonna be fun.

Guys, let's start with

a group warmup, okay?

Follow me. Music, please.

Okay. [peppy dance

music starts]

And five, six, seven, eight.

Right, left.

Right, left.

[music continues]

All I need [All I need]

All I needed

[somber ethereal music

builds then fades]

- Hey.

- Hey.

It's Patrick from Wade's party.

You're Becky, right?

- Mm-hmm.

- Movie night?

- Yeah.

What are you watching?

Some romantic comedy.

Oh, man, I, I really love those.

Would you want some company?

Oh, um, it's kind

of a girls' thing.

Sorry.

- Sure, yeah.

No, I'll... I'll see ya around.

Boo! [Kathleen gasps]

Wade, you scared me.

Dang, sweet notes.

Can I borrow them?

Do your own work.

Well, if you change your

mind or just wanna hang out,

my cube is just right there, so.

You know, school

motto study hard...

[Both]: Play harder.

[Kathleen]: I know.

You need to work

on the first one.

Go back to your cube.

[tender music plays]

[firecrackers popping]

[Man]: Come on, pizza boy!

[indistinct chatter]

Dancing pizza, I'm

a dancing pizza

[gasps]

- You guys are jerks.

Oh, I was just pledging

for one of the frats.

You should see what they're

making them do over at the gym.

Hey... hey, I'm talking to you.

Hey, aren't you...

- Get off of me!

Hey, pizza boy, come back!

[students laughing]

[mysterious music plays]

Boo!

[movie playing]

[Man]: Are you okay?

[Woman]: Uh, yeah.

- How are you? I'm Ryan.

- I'm Jen.

Nice to meet you.

[knock on door]

Kathleen.

Hey.

[sinister music

swells then fades]

What do you think happened?

Drugs? Maybe an overdose?

Oh, my God.

[Security]: Sorry, you

gotta... you can't come in.

[Kathleen]: Hey, what happened?

I dunno. Something on my floor

but they won't tell me anything.

[Security]: We don't have

any information, okay?

I'm sorry.

I know, I'm sorry you

have to wait here.

We understand. We

appreciate your cooperation.

[breathes nervously]

- Becky.

That's my... that's

my friend's room.

That's my friend!

[ominous music swells]

[camera shutter snaps]

[somber monotonal music plays]

[]

[girls giggling]

Wait, I need to

know what happened.

I need to know what

happened. I... I know her.

We were friends. I'm Kathleen.

We, we were neighbors and I,

and I... is she, is she...

Yes.

I'm sorry for your loss.

You need to tell

me what happened.

I'm going to want to talk

to you more soon, okay?

Until then, just know we're

doing everything we can.

Let's try to stay calm, okay?

Nobody knows anything yet.

Just try to rest.

Call your parents.

[disorienting swell]

[music continues]

[Joanne]: Carol?

Carol? [hand taps on glass]

What's going on?

You okay?

What happened?

What's going on?

[phone ringing]

[Joanne]: Please pick up,

Kathleen. Please pick up.

Pick up, pick up. Dammit!

Dammit!

[phone ringing]

Please pick up.

Come on, pick up!

Please pick up!

[phone ringing]

[Becky, echoing]: Your mom was

right, you can't be trusted.

You never leave a friend alone.

Do you know what could

have happened to me?

Do you know how

dangerous that is?

You just disappeared.

[somber music continues]

[Dean Carrigan speaks warbly]

[normally]: rules

of our communities.

Dean Carrigan?

Yeah.

A student died on

campus last night.

One of your students.

[indistinct whispering]

Becky Swafford.

She died in her dorm room.

Why are we not

talking about that?

Um...

Miss, I assure you,

everything is being handled

with the utmost...

Why are we just going along

as if nothing happened?

Come on.

Excuse me.

Miss Roberts, wait!

I'm very sorry about your

friend, but rest assured,

the situation is being

handled with the utmost care

and integrity by the

authorities and the university.

We're bringing in grief

counselors and therapists.

I don't wanna talk

to a therapist.

I wanna know what

happened to my friend.

I understand but it's

best not to panic

in a situation like this.

- Panic? Panic?

Why would we panic?

Uh, the authorities are

investigating every possibility.

Was... was Becky

m*rder*d? [bell rings]

I, uh... I'm sorry

for your loss.

[ominous music plays]

Excuse me, Kathleen, right?

I'm Detective Jessica Harken.

We never officially

met last night.

I'm sure this has been

incredibly difficult for you.

Yes.

You and Becky,

you knew her well?

Since before I can remember.

We did daycare together.

My first memory of her is

with red connector blocks.

And you stayed

closed since then?

For sure.

Ridiculously close,

I guess, sometimes.

We like, planned our

entire lives together.

I... I never thought...

I never thought...

Did Becky have any

strange interactions

since you were at this school?

- I don't think so.

- Anyone threaten Becky?

So, she was k*lled.

Becky was a good person.

Kind and generous. She

was nice to everybody.

Like, why, why would

someone ever do that to her?

Kathleen, why'd you

switch dorm rooms?

Bad timing, wasn't it?

You leaving her alone like that.

Doesn't seem like the

kinda thing friends do.

Did you ever argue?

Well, well yeah, but you don't

think, you don't think...

I heard

that you and Becky had quite the

argument the day you moved out.

It wasn't that bad.

Bad enough for her to

switch out of every class

you had together.

They took all her things.

Why'd they have to

take her things?

[sniffles]

It's evidence.

I'm sure you'll get it back.

[somber music plays]

It's just not fair.

It's not fair.

No, it's not.

Carol, I'm so sorry.

[Carol, teary]: I have to go

meet with the police again.

They want me to see her.

You know... identify the body.

She was stabbed.

Oh, my God.

I'm sorry. So sorry.

I'll go with you.

Thank you. [sobbing]

[Carol sighs]

[Carol]: You were

such a good friend.

[Kathleen cries]

I'm just so thankful that you

weren't here when it happened.

It's so lucky to think that you

could have been k*lled, too.

It's too much.

Okay, I better go.

Carol...

Becky and I had a

fight and I moved out.

And that's why she was alone.

So, my Becky was here?

Living all alone?

Yes.

[shaky]: Carol, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to...

- I need to go see my daughter.

[Joanne]: Carol!

Mom, I didn't, I didn't mean...

I didn't mean to do that.

[sobs] Mom, she's gone!

Mom, she's gone.

And it's all my fault.

No. No. No!

No.

- Yes, it is.

She was clingy and she had

anxiety and she was just scared

and she needed me

and I abandoned her.

I abandoned her.

I'm her best friend

and I abandoned her.

- No, no, you didn't.

No, you didn't. Listen to me.

Listen to me.

Sometimes bad things happen

and there's nothing

we can do about it.

"First-year student Becky

Swafford died in her dorm room

Thursday evening."

I'm sorry.

- No, it's fine.

I wanna know. What's it say?

"A police investigation

is underway

but the authorities believe

this to be an isolated incident.

That there's no further

danger to the community."

I don't... understand.

How can the police

say we're safe?

They don't know anything yet.

They are the police.

They wouldn't say we're

safe if we're not. Right?

[somber music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[loud crackle]

[Man]: Sorry. I got it.

Just... sorry.

[music continues]

[knock at door]

Kathleen.

The authorities aren't

looking out for us.

We need to do something.

We should include that

Becky was stabbed to death.

Right. I can't believe

the news withheld that.

How can the police just assume

this was an isolated incident?

Are you sure about this?

I mean, this could

be really incendiary.

We're not saying

anything that's not true.

Yeah, but the police haven't

disclosed this information yet.

They're saying there's

no cause for alarm

and we're basically

saying the opposite.

Look, this whole

school, 15,000 students,

most of which are girls, are

just going about their lives.

Most don't even know

there was a m*rder.

If there's any chance

that they're in danger,

they deserve to know.

And they need to know

who they can trust.

And who they can't?

Okay.

[keys clacking]

School's not gonna like this.

Good.

And I've got another idea.

[dark, stirring music]

[Radio DJ]: Nobody

knew Becky Swafford

better than her best

friend, Kathleen Roberts.

Kathleen's with us here now.

Kathleen?

Becky Swafford came to Brighton

in the belief that this place

would make her a better person.

And then in turn,

she would make the world

a better, brighter place.

But instead she was m*rder*d.

k*lled in her dorm room.

Becky trusted this place.

She trusted the students here.

And we failed her.

I failed her.

[boys laughing]

- Hey, quiet.

[Kathleen]: And someone on

this campus took her life.

That person is still out there.

And until they've been caught,

until Becky has justice,

I refuse to accept that

any of us are safe.

[dryer buzzes]

[DJ]: Thank you.

Stay safe, everybody.

[sinister music swells]

[headphones clatter]

[students chattering]

- I'm scared.

- Did you hear about Tammy?

- Will she live?

I heard she was in a coma?

Is she gonna be okay?

- It's not safe here.

- I can't stay here any longer.

- Police really have no idea.

- There's a k*ller.

[disorienting music and voices]

Isn't anyone going

to do anything?

[Wade]: I was studying

in the library.

[Harken]: 'Til what time?

'Til maybe one a.m.

Anyone see you there?

Uh... yeah.

[tense music plays]

Conor Miller?

We are doing

everything in our power

to keep the university safe.

Now that said, for any student

who wishes to leave campus,

we are allowing you to drop

the semester without penalty

and an opportunity to re-enroll

when you're ready to return.

[Sarah]: I was supposed to be

responsible for these girls.

Tammy, Becky.

I don't know why anyone

would wanna hurt them.

[sighs]

I bet it was a man, though.

It's always a man.

I haven't seen Tammy

for at least a week.

- How about Becky Swafford?

- Um, Becky?

Uh...

last time I saw her was uh, at

the campus convenience place.

I think it was last Thursday.

She was buying a

popcorn and diet soda,

for like, a movie night.

You had this exchange

this past Thursday?

- Yeah.

- The night she died.

Mm-hmm.

Was she at the

store with anyone?

Um...

I don't think so.

I mean, Becky did say that, um,

that, that she was

watching the show.

It's like a girls' thing.

So, maybe she was

meeting a girlfriend.

I don't know.

[button clicks] [beeps]

[Joanne]: Kathleen, it's Mom.

Please call me. I

can't believe this.

[button clicks off]

[deep inhale and exhale]

[dial tone buzzes]

[receiver clunks]

[loud rock music plays]

Please take these

new rules seriously.

Curfew goes into effect tonight

so all dorms will be

locked as of nine p.m.

The library will

close at eight now,

along with all other

school buildings, gym,

campus caf, store, along

with all classrooms.

Police help line is

posted in the elevators.

Okay.

It's anonymous, so if you see

anything or know anything,

please call the police.

We all want this to be

over as soon as possible.

Okay? [Girls]: Okay.

Okay. We were too late.

[Kathleen]: Yeah.

I am so mad at the school

right now, and the police.

Me too. At least

everyone knows now.

But it seems like

a lot of people

are getting out of danger.

- Yeah.

You uh, thinking about leaving?

No. I'm on scholarship.

I have to stay on campus

or I lose the tuition.

Besides, someone needs

to stay for these girls.

Okay.

[Joanne]: I have been

calling and calling.

- I know.

- Do you know

how scared I've been?

As if Becky wasn't enough,

and now another attack?

And you won't answer

my phone calls?

I knew that if I answered

you'd just tell me

to come home.

- Damn right!

- I can't just leave.

- Do you know that last night

I was driving home.

I was thinking about

how you said that you got into

a fight and you switched room.

And I thanked God because

it saved your life!

If I would've been there,

I could've done something.

Becky would have probably

still been alive.

Well, maybe you'd be right

alongside her on a slab

at the morgue!

Look, I know this is

hard, I know it's awful.

It's too awful for someone your

age ever to have to experience,

but you're a smart girl and

this campus is not safe.

- Mom.

- I am your mother.

It is my job to keep you safe.

And I've been doing it since I

was younger than you are now.

Nineteen years, clothed,

fed, educated, successful.

Safe. Do you understand me?

Come on, let's go

pack your things.

[huffs]

[somber music plays]

You're gonna feel so much

better when we get home.

Hey.

[footsteps shuffle and stop]

- No.

- What?

I can't leave the

other girls here.

- Kathleen, don't do this.

- Gonna have to trust me.

I'm not leaving.

Wait.

[tender music plays]

[music turns sinister]

[exhaling deeply]

[security radio chatter]

[Wade]: Hey.

It's like a w*r zone here.

You're leaving too?

- Actually, no.

I'm staying.

- I'm glad.

It's sad enough around

here. If you left too, um...

Hey, I'm really sorry.

I know you and Becky

were super close.

It's a big school but

it can be a family, too.

If you need anything, your

friends are here for you.

Thank you.

It's just all so crazy, right?

Detectives lined up half

the school for questioning.

They must think it's a student.

Terrible thought, huh?

That detective

questioned me, too.

'Cause Becky and I had a fight.

Damn. I'm sorry.

Friends get into it sometimes.

And anyway, they shouldn't waste

their time questioning you.

You were at the library.

We hung out, remember?

We were studying at the

library when it happened?

- Hmm.

- So, we have an alibi.

Right. Right.

But I checked on

you before I left

and where'd you go?

I um...

I can't tell you.

[knock on door] [Sarah]: Hey.

I thought you were leaving?

- Nope.

Picked up a few things.

I like this.

[Kathleen exhales]

[whistle screeches]

Okay, I think we all know

how to blow a whistle.

Now guys, remember, the

best form of protection

is to avoid being alone.

Use the buddy system,

especially at night.

And just be aware of

your surroundings. Yeah?

- Yeah, okay.

- Kathleen,

are you sure about this? Pepper

spray is really dangerous.

This guy jacked my mom's

car when I was a kid.

He had no idea I was

in the back seat,

and he also didn't know

that my mom had pepper spray

in her purse. She

sprayed him in the face

and he cried until

the cops showed up.

Damn. Okay, we're doing this.

Who's ready to

defend themselves?

[Girl]: We are.

[energizing music]

Can we help?

Is this your frat?

I believe in fairness,

decency, and good manners.

I will endeavor to retain

the spirit of youth.

I will try to make my college,

the Sigma Sigma

Delta Fraternity,

and my own chapter respected

and honored by all men and women

and more beloved and

respected by my own brothers.

All right.

Put you to work.

[music resumes]

[Joanne]: Excuse me.

[Harken]: Yes, ma'am.

I'm the mother of

a student here.

Your office wouldn't give me any

information so I wanted to ask.

Ma'am, there are a

lot of scared parents

but I can't give out

any details on the case.

Of course. I just want to

know how much danger she's in.

I tried to get her to come

home, but she wouldn't.

So, I don't know if

you have a daughter?

No, but I had a mother.

And I remember our

relationship around this age.

What I can tell you is that

we've got a ton of

resources here now.

Around-the-clock units

are patrolling the campus

and the students are

getting active, too.

See that girl there?

She left class alone.

There are boys at every building

volunteering to chaperone girls

back to their dorms.

- Wasn't it your department

that said this was

an isolated incident?

That there was no evidence

of further danger?

And now there's a girl in a

coma with her head pummeled in.

Who's your daughter?

Kathleen Roberts.

We'll do our best to keep her

and every other girl here safe.

These volunteers,

these chaperones,

how do we know one of

them isn't the k*ller?

[Joanne sighs]

[Kathleen]: Hey, I

got more whistles

donated from the coach's office.

Ms. Roberts, will you

come join us, please?

I have no problem with whistles,

but pepper spray is

not allowed on campus.

It's a weapon.

- What about knives?

Like the one that

k*lled Becky Swafford?

Or... or bricks like the

k*ller used on Tammy Bennet?

Until this campus is safe,

I think that the women

living in it have a right

to protect themselves.

Or you can collect

the pepper spray

and then read in the

school paper tomorrow

about how the university would

prefer its female students

unarmed and vulnerable.

We could add a blurb

about how you advised us to

remain calm after Becky's death,

only for another student to

be bludgeoned a day later.

Okay, you've made your points.

Just be careful.

There's a big difference

between taken effective action

and escalating an

atmosphere of panic.

You're playing with fire whether

you realize it yet or not.

I think you and I need

to have another talk.

[worrying music plays]

I spoke with your mom earlier.

Is she still here?

She's as hard-nosed as you are.

I like what you're doing,

buddy system, r*pe whistles.

Even the pepper spray.

[scoffs]

This school needs to be safe.

Someone has to provide trust

and security to the student body

if the institution isn't willing

or capable of providing it.

That's an interesting

perspective

for someone your age.

We have to look

out for each other.

I want you to tell me

about Becky Swafford.

About your time here.

Where you two went.

How you met.

You think Becky knew her k*ller?

Enough to open the door.

So, you trust me now. Okay.

What do you want to know about?

Let's start with Wade Mullins.

Becky had an incident at a party

first week, hosted at his dorms.

She freaked 'cause she

thought I left her alone.

I was just in another room.

- Which room was that?

Wade's bedroom.

But we didn't... you know.

Did Becky and Wade

have any interaction?

Yeah, a bit, but he didn't

do this. He couldn't have.

Because he was at

the library with you.

He was in the library

when I was there

but we weren't with each other.

Your student access cards

which log entry and exit times

at every school building

show you and Wade

both leaving after the

time of Becky's death.

Right.

But it would be pretty

easy for someone

to slip out and return without

swiping their card again.

Don't you think?

- Maybe.

Did you personally see

Wade the entire time

you were at the library?

I went to say goodbye

to him before I left.

His books were still there.

He was gone.

He's a good guy.

Is he?

A concerned student

showed me this.

It's making the rounds.

What?

Good guy, hmm?

[energetic hip-hop music plays]

This is disgusting.

[indistinct cheering]

[Wade]: Kathleen.

What the hell is wrong with you?

- You said stay in large groups.

- You are such an idiot!

Hey, nothing stops Sigma Delts

from partying 'til they die.

- I can't believe you.

- I thought, I don't know.

It's been crazy and stressful.

People need to blow

off a little steam.

This is wrong!

And you know it!

- Whoa, whoa, easy, b*tch.

- Uh!

- Dude...

- Lose my number.

Kathleen, wait.

[Conor]: What the hell?

Hope you and your jerk

friends enjoy the spotlight.

This is going in

the school paper.

Oh, come on, it's just a party!

b*tch! [music continues

in background]

[sinister music plays]

[door slams shut]

Hey.

Hey, open this door.

[pounding on door]

Come on, open this

door. This isn't funny.

No!

Somebody help! Help me!

[pounding intensifies]

[pepper spray hisses]

[Conor groans]

Wait!

No!

It was him! No!

Ow!

- I'm sorry!

- Don't touch me.

Sorry, please just

let me explain.

The frat made us do it but

I should have known better.

I don't care what

you have to say!

[all screaming]

[Sarah]: It was him! [panting]

Ow, please, my eyes!

Consider yourselves

on suspension

until the school board can

vote on your expulsion.

Your frat is on probation.

Tell your brothers they

might lose their charter.

Dude, my parents are

gonna k*ll me, man.

We're done here.

Yo!

[Dean]: Miss

Roberts, you're next.

[tense music plays]

Have a seat.

I just want you to know that

I was only at that party

to tell them how

disgusted I was with it.

I know. Your friend Wade

made that very clear.

I told you this was dangerous.

If there's a punishment,

I'll accept it.

No. No, there's

no need for that.

Detective Harken would

like to have a word.

I'll see you in class.

Trouble seems to follow

you. [Kathleen]: Yeah.

Have any new thoughts

about our friend Wade?

I dunno.

Even if you can't remember

seeing him in the library

before you left, he

swears you were there.

In fact, he's the only one who

swears they know where you were

at the time of Becky's death.

Why do you think he'd do that?

Detective, do you think

it was another student

that k*lled Becky?

Maybe.

Maybe two.

You just be careful out there.

Hey, Kathleen.

Where ya headed?

Need a chaperone?

I can walk you back

to the dorms, library,

wherever you need to go.

Um, yeah.

Um, New South.

You got it!

[Sarah]: It's a terrible thought

but I guess we all probably knew

it was another

student, or students.

Even if we hoped it wasn't.

Yeah.

- You don't understand.

- We're gonna get expelled.

Dude, I was trying to...

No, you don't even

understand, man!

Probation.

But I heard they're

mulling over expulsion.

What they did was

way out of line.

[Conor breathing heavily]

Ah!

[starts sobbing]

What else can we do?

You know the... the

whistles, the chaperones.

None of that helps if it's

someone we think is our friend.

Can I have a minute?

I, um, I just wanted to say...

Do you know why women are

supposed to yell, "Fire!"

instead of "r*pe"?

It's because if you yell r*pe,

it scares away

potential rescuers.

Because people are more

likely to help if they think

they're in danger

too, like with a fire.

But if it's just

one girl in danger,

they might as well

just stay away.

[door crashes open]

- I'm sorry.

[Conor gasping] Conor!

Someone call an ambulance!

[Kathleen]: He's been choked.

He must still be inside.

Conor! Kathleen, wait!

Help!

[Conor, strained]: Help.

Somebody!

There's no one here.

Clean this up, will ya?

[guards chat indistinctly]

[plastic crinkles]

I grabbed the

first weapon I saw.

It's not like I wanted

to chase her in there.

I just... I couldn't let

her go in there alone.

[tense music plays]

[Kathleen]: I don't know

what I was thinking.

I wanted to help. I

wanted this to be over.

Is he okay? Conor?

He was strangled pretty

badly but he'll be fine.

Did you know Conor was in

Becky's Women Empowerment Club?

So was Tammy Bennet.

Conor was in a number

of juvenile incidents

in high school,

drinking, fighting.

We've also had two

students corroborate

a physical altercation that

occurred between him and Becky

at a dorm party.

Becky never said anything.

Why do you think

the k*ller decided

to attack your friend Conor?

- I never said he was my friend.

I don't know.

It's very unusual.

To go from attacking young

women in a private space

to strangling a strong, young

man in a public setting.

You said no one else came

through those kitchen doors

after Conor.

You and Wade went

in right after.

How could the k*ller

escape? How could he?

[door opens]

[Joanne]: Excuse me?

Kathleen, this

interview is over.

[Kathleen]: Mom!

- Get up!

Ma'am, we were just talking.

Do you think I don't

know what you're doing?

You interrogate my daughter

again without a lawyer present,

I sue you and the department.

- Uh...

- Do you understand me?

Let's go!

[exhales]

Sit down.

I hired a lawyer.

They called the department.

You're a person of interest.

Do you know what that means?

It means you're a suspect.

- I didn't k*ll my friend.

- Of course you didn't.

Do you think they care

about that? Care about you?

I just wanted to help

the investigation,

not slow anything down.

They will arrest whoever they

have the most evidence against,

whether it's the real k*ller

or the former, naive roommate.

You are so eager to prove

that you're not afraid.

That you can do this alone,

that you don't need anyone.

That's why I can't trust you.

I blame myself. I

failed as a parent.

Now, I can't force you to come

home but what I won't do is

allow you to endanger yourself

any more than you already have.

Here's the lawyer's number.

So, don't call me.

Don't call me back.

Fine.

But if those police come on

you again, call this number.

It is so honorable that

you wanna take care

of all your friends

and stay here.

Okay?

Women are at a disadvantage

physically,

biologically, culturally.

You can't change that.

You don't have to.

You're tougher, you're smarter.

You have to be.

It's how we survive.

Okay? So, that's it.

I got your message. Why'd

you wanna meet here?

I couldn't come to your place.

Look, Conor and Becky had some

sort of fight at your party.

And he was also in the

Women Empowerment Club

with Becky and Tammy Bennet.

- Wait a minute.

You don't think...

Conor joined the group

'cause he thought it'd be

a smart way to meet chicks.

I'm not saying he's smart,

but I don't know,

he's just screwed up.

But he would never

hurt anyone like that.

Okay then,

how did he get strangled

in that kitchen?

There was nobody in it.

- I don't know.

I'll talk to him, okay?

- Do it in public, in the day,

with lots of people watching.

- You worried about me?

I just don't wanna see

anyone else get hurt.

I'm really sorry about

the party. It was dumb.

I really messed up.

- Huh.

Yeah, you did.

[Wade]: Hey, hey, it's okay.

[Conor]: My parents

are gonna k*ll me, man.

- I'm sorry.

- I'm so stupid, man.

- You're not stupid.

- I'm so stupid.

- You're not stupid, okay?

- My parents are gonna k*ll me.

We'll figure it out.

I swear. Okay?

I can't believe that he

would hurt himself like that.

The fear he must have felt to

strangle himself that badly.

He thought if he was a victim,

the school would go easy on us.

Keep us from getting expelled.

- I'm sorry.

- He promised me he'd be okay.

Maybe the school will let

him come back next semester.

If there even is

a next semester.

Yeah.

[footsteps thud approaching]

Can I have a word?

- I'll see you later.

- Yeah.

I had a feeling you

were behind this.

I'm not supposed to talk to you.

I'll do all the talking.

You went around my back and

spoke to a leading suspect

in a homicide investigation,

directly involving

yourself in the case.

Thank you.

Could've wasted a lot

of time and resources

looking into Conor.

Instead, he came to us.

Confessed about faking the

strangulation and opened up

about the confrontation he

had with Becky at the party.

Huh.

He propositioned her for

a dance, she said no,

he called her a nasty

name, and she left.

A jerk but not a k*ller.

It seems so.

We also ran down Conor's alibi.

Several people swore

they were with Conor

at the time of Becky's death.

So, the real k*ller is...?

I'm still working on it.

I guess we both are.

But please, stop. Leave

it to the professionals.

[somber music play]

[disorienting swell]

[knock at door]

[knocking on door]

[teary]: Mom.

I miss her so much.

I know. I know.

I can't believe you're here.

Come on.

Thanks for being so tough.

You're like kind of badass.

Like, when you went at

that cop, I had no idea.

Believe it or not, I

wasn't always like, a mom.

I was on the

freshman dance squad.

- No.

- Yes.

[laughs]: Hmm, honestly?

- No.

It was you.

It was when I had you I realized

I had to be there for you.

Every minute, every day.

You're the one who

made me a badass.

[Kathleen chuckles softly]

[tender music plays]

[tense music plays]

[students laughing]

[music quickens]

No, no, no!

[female student

screams] [thudding blow]

Hey, hey!

Help! Help! Over here!

Stop right there!

Somebody stop that guy!

[Males]: Get him! Get him!

[Radio DJ]: It should be

another beautiful day today.

Highs in the mid-70s.

And speaking of that, here's

another hit from the mid-70s.

I remember that one.

- We were like ten, right?

- Nine.

We had spring break at the

lake when you made this.

- Hmm.

- What was that thing called?

That boat thing? Tubing.

Oh. [laughs]

You and Becky went

together the first time

and your heads got

totally dunked underwater,

never letting go of the rope,

dragging behind the boat.

We didn't know we were

supposed to let go!

I was screaming for

Carol to slow down.

[laughs]

I think I drank like a gallon

of lake water that day.

You guys were lucky

to have each other.

Yeah, we were.

[Radio DJ]: And now an

important news bulletin.

If you didn't hear this

yet, there's big happenings

coming out of the Brighton

County Police Department.

After another campus

as*ault last night,

this time at

Summerland University,

the authorities

finally have good news.

This time, the attacker

who was in the act

of assaulting a third female

student was apprehended.

After the assaults on

the Brighton campus

that led to the

hospitalization of Tammy Bennet

and the death of Becky Swafford,

students at neighboring

Summerland University

were on high alert

leading to the heroic

capture of the attacker.

And a little over an hour ago,

police confirmed

that the suspect has confessed

to all three attacks.

Ha! [Kathleen gasps]

[Joanne]: Oh, my God!

Oh, my God, they got him!

[serene music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[Kathleen]: Where are we going?

- You'll see.

I've had about as much mystery

as I think I can handle.

I was here earlier and I thought

it might be nice if

we came together.

So, kids have been

leaving notes, photos.

I left some pictures

here earlier

and I brought a candle

for you to light.

I know Becky sometimes felt like

she was alone, but she wasn't.

She had you.

She loved you.

And you loved her.

You always will.

[teary]: Thank you.

Come here.

This is... this

is really nice.

It's beautiful.

[Joanne]: So, you comin'

home for Thanksgiving?

No.

- Ha, ha.

- Hmm.

Have I taken you to

the cafeteria here?

It makes your

stuffing look amazing.

Very funny.

Seriously, though,

I'll be there.

Maybe we should

say goodbye here.

I love you.

I know. I love you, too.

Even though I don't

say it enough.

But hey, I trust you.

You're making the

right decisions,

even if I don't always

agree with them.

Thanks, Mom.

Hmm.

- Love you.

I love you, too.

- Bye.

- Bye.

I don't think your

mom likes me much.

Did you tell her about my party?

- No.

That's just how she

looks at any guy I like.

Oh.

Just try not to get a big

ego about it or anything.

I'll try. No promises.

'Cause um, I'm...

I shouldn't even be

talking to you right now.

Oh, 'cause I remember

bravely following you in

while you were chasing

after a k*ller, so.

Was... was that brave?

'Cause you were actually

bringing up the rear, so.

It was still pretty

brave, all right?

[Kathleen chuckles] I

can't believe it's over.

Just like that.

Neither.

The detectives said that

it never feels fair.

Guess not.

Well, I'll see ya in class?

- Wade...

where'd you go that

night in the library?

[scoffs]

- It was a rush thing.

I had to streak

naked in the gym.

[laughs]

- Frats.

Yeah, frats.

[Kathleen giggles]

[Sarah]: Hey, I was

just looking for you.

We're starting dance

practices again.

You wanna come?

- Um...

Come on. It'll be fun.

Yeah. Sounds good.

I just have to do one thing.

I'll meet you at the gym?

- Great. See ya there.

[tender music plays]

[Becky]: I just want you

to know that I love you.

[music continues]

[Patrick]: Kathleen!

- Oh, hi.

- Hey.

- It's uh, Patrick, right?

- Yeah.

You need a chaperone? I

can walk you wherever.

Uh, I don't think we're doing

the chaperone thing anymore.

Didn't you hear?

They caught the guy

over at Summerland.

Yeah, no, it's... thank God.

Yeah.

It's just... I still

think it's a nice idea,

the whole chaperoning thing.

It's very, I don't

know, gentlemanly.

[Kathleen chuckles]

But no worries.

Oh, I'm headed to the gym.

Oh, this way.

It's faster if we cut

through the admin building.

You understand you have

the right to an attorney

and you've waived

that right, correct?

I already did this

with the other cop.

I told them everything,

so you can get lost.

I did what I did.

End of story.

No, it's not.

You don't get to just hurt

people like that and walk away

when you decide you're over it.

The victims and their families

deserve justice and that means

you behind bars and it

means an explanation.

Let's start with Becky Swafford.

Yeah, fine.

Becky.

[disorienting swell]

[camera shutter snaps]

I did her with a knife.

I stabbed her.

How did you gain

access to her building?

It's a dorm. Some

kid let me in.

So, uh, Patrick, uh,

did you end up

joining any clubs?

Like aeronautical engineering?

[chuckles]

- Good memory.

And no, I didn't end

up joining anything.

Um, I get like,

nervous in groups.

New people, you know.

It's a big school.

Yeah, it's not the

big part I mind.

You can get lost in it.

That's okay with me.

Hmm.

You should join, though.

Find your group.

Maybe you'll like

the new people.

[chuckles]

I know, I... I should.

You know, I... I'm

good at building stuff

and computers, too.

Anything with a

circuit, I'm your guy.

Oh yeah?

What's your secret?

Do you volunteer with the

school administration, or what?

So, how does your thing work?

It's just a magnetic strip.

Like a driver's license.

- You make fake IDs?

Fake IDs? On a college campus?

Never.

- Huh.

But if I did,

I could tell you,

it's not very hard.

And these are even easier.

All you need is the right

magnetic strip to copy and...

[lock beeps open] Boom.

Open sesame.

[exhales deeply]

[Kathleen]: So, you can go

anywhere you want on campus

and leave no trace?

- Why do you ask?

It's just cool.

No, it leaves a trace but

just to a different student,

a faculty member, janitor.

Whoever's card I could swipe

to make the copy, really.

Wait, could, uh, you make

me a fake ID sometime?

I'd love to get into bars.

- Sure, yeah.

Would... would you

want one right now?

- Well, I've gotta go to my...

- No, no,

it just takes a minute.

I've got my gear with me.

- Great!

[lock beeps open]

- Step into my office.

[worrying music builds slowly]

And why did you decide

to k*ll Becky Swafford?

What, I need a reason?

Let's talk about Tammy Bennet.

Yeah, why not?

[lock beeps open]

[music continues]

So, you have everything

here to make an ID?

Yeah, it's how I

supplement my allowance.

Huh.

All you need is a magnetic

strip reader, laptop,

you know, card stock,

and uh, a camera.

Hmm.

I usually charge for these

but uh, you're so cool so...

I'll give it to you for free.

- Thanks. Um...

While you're getting all set up,

I'm just gonna check my email.

Mm-hmm.

How did you get access

to the building?

Are you stupid or something?

I just told you.

Tell me about your

as*ault of her.

I hit her in the back

of the head with a pipe.

Okay? What else is there

to tell? Can I go now?

So you crept up behind Tammy

Bennet and hit her with a pipe?

Yeah.

Was it a steel pipe

like you used last night

or something else?

- Steel.

[Tammy thuds to floor]

[papers rustle]

Get our people back on

the Brighton campus, now.

Tammy Bennet was

attacked with a brick.

This guy's a copycat.

[tense music plays]

[keys clacking]

[Patrick]: Who are you emailing?

Just my law professor. We

have an exam coming up.

Hey, as long as it's

not your boyfriend.

[both chuckle nervously]

You don't have one, do you?

Me, no.

[keys clacking]

Hey, I just need a good photo.

You're so pretty.

Huh.

I bet you never

take a bad photo.

You're... you're too kind.

Okay.

Just like that.

And don't smile.

Uh.

[camera shutter snapping]

[sinister swell]

How is it?

Perfect. I just

need a few minutes.

Yeah.

[keys clacking]

[music intensifies]

[printer zipping]

Boom!

I, uh...

it's your same... same name

so it's easy to remember

and I made you 23 so

it's not that obvious

and people won't know.

- Great, you know, actually,

I'm super late for

dance so, ahem.

Wait!

Here's your ID. [Kathleen

exhales nervously]

Just don't tell the cops.

I could get in trouble

for making fake IDs.

Right, of course. I won't

tell anyone, I promise.

[door slams]

It was the lamb.

I should have thrown

it away, shouldn't I?

What's that?

[chuckles nervously]

It's your friend's

stuffed animal.

Uh, I don't think so. Um,

it's super cute, though.

You think I'm stupid, don't you.

No. Uh, what?

No.

- Yeah, you do.

You smile and you flirt

but you're all just a

bunch of mean b*tches.

You, and Tammy, and

your friend Becky.

Becky was never mean to you.

Well...

I helped her when

that douchebag Conor

was hitting on her at a party.

She should've thanked me.

She should've appreciated

what I did for her.

And all I wanted was to

watch a movie with her.

Why'd you bring a

knife into her room?

This knife?

[breathes shakily]

You feel powerful, don't you?

Carrying a weapon around.

Beating up on girls.

You know, some people think that

women are at a disadvantage.

That we're weaker

and we're smaller.

That the... the rules

aren't set up for us to win

but I don't care about all that.

Because... because we're

tougher. And, and we're smarter.

[sinister swell]

[pepper spray hisses]

[Patrick screaming]

That's for my friend,

you piece of sh*t.

[Patrick gagging]

Down! On the ground, now!

[Patrick grunting]

[Harken]: Kathleen,

Kathleen, look at me.

Are you all right?

[Officer]: Come on!

You did good. [Patrick growls]

- That's my daughter!

- Mom! Mom!

Oh, my God.

Mom! Mom, he did it.

He k*lled her.

- I know.

I know. And you stopped him.

Yeah.

You took care of yourself

and every other girl here.

[exhales] Oh God,

I have never been more scared

and more proud at the same time.

Oh, my God.

Let's go home.

[Kathleen sobs]

[uplifting music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[school bell rings]

- Bye, guys.

See ya.

Can I have a minute?

I'll catch up later.

- Yeah, sure.

[sighs]

So, things are sort of

back to normal on campus.

Classes are going well.

Dean Carrigan gave me

an A on my last paper.

Well, an A minus but...

I'm with Wade now.

Like, a real relationship.

And we're gonna wait,

if you were wondering.

[chuckles] I know.

Oh, look at me, I'm

so adult, right?

He's really funny.

You'd like him.

I'm down to just two clubs now,

dance and the Women

Empowerment one.

I would've joined with you,

huh, once I came to my senses.

But you already know that.

Anyway...

Yeah, I... I think

you'd be proud.

[teary exhale]

And...

and I know this place

is never gonna know you

like I did.

And that's their loss.

But in a way, I kinda feel

like you saved us all.

So, thanks.

[sniffles]

Oh.

[bell on Lamby rattles]

Hmm.

[music]