Notorious Finster, The (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[buzzing]

[hissing]

[clanking]

[soft squeaking]

[electricity crackling]

-[whirring]

-[fire whooshing]

[crickets chirping]

[engine rumbling]

[hip-hop music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

-[man] ...f*cking get out.

-Oh, sh*t! God damn it!

[men talking indistinctly]

[engine revving]

[gasps]

[heavily breathing]

[grunts]

[ominous music]

-[echoing breathing]

-[high-pitched ringing]

[keys jingling]

[door opens and creaks]

-[sighs]

-[rattling]

[whirring]

[soft splashing]

[clattering]

[crickets chirping]

[door creaks]

[soft buzzing]

[door creaks shut]

[sighs]

[light ominous music]

[gasps and sighs]

[soft clicks]

[soft creaking]

[man sighs]

[footsteps approaching]

[music increases]

[soft clicks]

-[sharp ringing]

-[choking]

[dramatic music]

[engine rumbling]

-[crickets chirping]

-[dog barking]

[engine revving]

[sighs]

-[lock clicks]

-[door creaks]

[keys jingling]

[light suspenseful music]

-[clattering]

-[thud]

[thud]

f*cking-- [shouts] Billie!

God damn it! Billie!

Billie!

Get up! God damn it,

get the f*ck up--

[gasps] What-- Oh, my God!

[screaming] Oh, my God!

No! No! No way! No!

What the f*ck!

Dear Jesus, no!

Oh, my God, oh, my God!

What in the heaven--

in the f*ck is this?

[screams]

[suspenseful music]

-[phone ringing]

-[chiming]

Conrad say sorry

it took so long.

Man, your sh*t is not

the only sh*t he's working on.

Well, play it.

[sighs]

-Just this little button here...

-[beeps]

...that says "play."

-[Finster]

Hello, Detective Brady.

-[sighs]

Did you miss me?

I realize you can't

respond honestly.

But I know that my hiatus

left you with a void.

A void you could not fill.

-I was your focus, wasn't I?

-[thunder rumbling]

And then I went away

and you had nothing.

I believe, for both of us,

the notorious Finster is back.

[ominous music]

-[indistinct chatter on radio]

-[officer] Ma'am,

you need to leave now.

[woman]

Not yet, not yet!

-[officer] Grab her.

-[woman] What are you doing?

-[shouting] No!

-[officer] Stop fighting!

-[woman crying] Please, no!

-[Finster] Billie Miles was

a drugged up wh*re

wasting space.

-[woman] No! God damn! No! No!

-Ma'am-- ma'am, you don't

need to fight us.

[woman]

No! My girl!

-[yelling] No, my girl!

-[officer] Stop resisting.

[Finster]

So I simply helped her

to end her misery

-and brought her

her ultimate peace.

-[woman] God damn it!

Let go of me!

God damn it! Billie!

[woman screams]

No!

[engines rumbling]

[horn honks]

[birds chirping]

Read your book.

Really?

I hope that it helped.

Not really.

Sorry.

Why you think he stopped

k*lling before?

I don't know. A lot of people

thought he was arrested

-for something else.

-You didn't think that, did you?

No, I didn't.

Is that why you're writing

about him again?

I like to think that I'm writing

more about his victims.

[sighing] Yeah.

He's worse this time, isn't he?

I don't know how one m*rder

can be worse than another.

It is when it's your daughter.

[dog distantly barking]

Right. You're right.

I missed a call from her

that night.

I didn't miss it.

I ignored it.

Just figured she was wasted.

She's always wasted.

Hate talking to her

when she's like that.

Words mean nothing.

Now...

[sighs] I think that she had

something important to tell me.

Or she needed a ride.

Maybe this would've

never happened.

There's no way of knowing that.

[deeply exhales]

It's unbearable.

[shakily breathing]

The hell did she go through

with that monster?

It's all I think about.

I can't sleep.

[sniffles]

I don't understand any of it.

I just want them to find him.

I promise you

that they are doing

-everything that they can.

-No.

No, not the f*cking cops!

I'm not talking about the cops,

I'm talking about

some other f*ck

finding him first!

And everything he did

to my girl,

I want done

to that piece of sh*t.

I want him to feel

the same pain,

same fear.

[ominous music]

All of it.

And then I want

his f*cking head blown off!

Put that in your book.

[birds chirping]

[cow mooing]

[crickets chirping]

[engine rumbling]

Looks smaller than before.

[door creaking]

[crickets chirping]

-There she is.

-Hey.

-How was the nap?

-Why'd you let me sleep so long?

-You needed it.

-No, I slept too much.

-I should be helping you

with dinner.

-[sighs]

Actually, you can. You mind

watching this for a minute?

I need to run to town.

I forgot the stupid noodles.

Oh, I can just go.

I mean, you just woke up.

I actually feel like

getting out.

Or we can both go.

No, that's silly. I can just go.

You think I'm gonna stop

and get something.

No, that's not it.

-I can't believe this.

-I said that's not it.

Egg noodles if they have 'em.

[suspenseful music]

[crickets chirping]

[blinkers clicking]

[car door closes]

[birds chirping]

-[beeps]

-[car unlocks]

[shouts] Oh, my God!

[tense music]

What are you doing?

I just wanna apologize

for taking your spot before.

-[chuckling] I didn't see

you waiting there.

-Get out of my car.

Get out! What are you doing?

Get out of my car!

-I'm trying to apologize.

-What are you doing?

-Apologizing--

-Get out of my car!

You're, uh... [chuckles]

-...you're not

from around here, are you?

-Get out of my car!

Okay.

Okay.

I'm sure, uh, we'll

be seeing each other around.

You really should keep

your doors locked.

Bit dangerous world out here.

Get out of my car, now.

[music increases]

[panting]

-[Roger] He got in your car?

-Yes, it was terrifying.

Okay, let's go. I want you

to show me this b*stard.

No, that's not what I want,

just leave it alone.

Hell, no! I'm not gonna let

this son of a b*tch

-get away.

-Please, Roger,

just leave it alone.

All right, fine.

I still want to find out

who this guy is.

I don't think that's gonna be

hard to figure out.

Hmm. Maybe you can ask around

at your meeting tomorrow.

[light suspenseful music]

[all chanting]

God grant me the serenity

to stop beating myself up

for not doing things perfectly,

the courage to forgive myself

because I am working

on doing better

and the wisdom to know

that you already love me

just the way I am.

Okay.

I have a couple of things

I wanted to go over real quick.

[indistinct whispering]

Okay, everyone, quiet down.

I see that we don't have

everyone signed up.

to bring something

for Saturday's potluck.

I don't see Greg's name.

I don't see Chuck's name.

[whispering continues]

-[man clears throat]

-There's a bunch of you missing.

This isn't

a soup kitchen, folks.

I'll leave this out

and I want everyone

to put their name down

for something

before we leave here tonight.

[indistinct chatter]

Frank!

Eyes over here.

Sorry, Miss Ava.

We were just talking about

how pretty you look tonight.

Mm-hmm.

Come on, folks,

let's get it together.

We've had

a couple of good weeks,

let's keep it going.

Especially since,

in case you haven't noticed,

we have a new face here tonight.

Oh, we noticed.

Welcome to our home

away from home.

As you can see,

we're kind of an informal group.

So, we just ask

that you say a few words,

you don't have to deep dive

unless you want to.

Sure.

Hi.

I'm Annie Sullivan

and I'm an alcoholic.

[all]

Hi, Annie.

Well, my story is not so unique.

I just moved here from the city,

me and my husband.

We were looking

for a quieter place

to refocus ourselves and...

...this looked like a good fit.

[light melancholic music]

I've been sober for 42 days.

-Yay!

-[clapping]

[Ava]

That's wonderful, Annie.

Sounds like you're heading

in the right direction.

Hopefully, we can be here

to help you on this journey.

Yeah.

[deeply sighs]

But I, um, I do struggle.

I struggle every day

with the urge.

I thought that it was gonna

get easier after a month,

but it hasn't,

at least not yet. [chuckles]

But, um,

I'm hopeful.

No, I'm, I'm, I'm confident

that moving here,

things are gonna change.

[Ava]

Okay. Thank you, Annie.

[indistinct chatter]

Hey!

Hold up there, pretty lady.

[chuckles] Don't run off.

Hey, I just wanna say

it's really nice having you

in the group tonight.

Hope we didn't scare you off.

No, it was interesting.

Look, since you're new to town,

if you need to know anything,

where to go, where not to go,

I'm your guy.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

And I just so happen to be

a really good host.

[woman]

Frank.

-What are you doing? Mm.

-Just talking

to our new friend here.

-Just talking?

-Yep.

Offering my services.

Didn't you hear

she's married, Frank?

[birds chirping]

She didn't say happily.

Come on, ladies,

it's a joke. Lighten up.

Don't you have to get home

to your mother, Frank?

Doesn't she freak out

when you're late?

Yes, I do take care

of my invalid mother,

and yes, she does worry

about me when I'm late.

Thank you, Reyna.

Mm-hmm.

Ladies.

Sorry about him. [laughs]

He's harmless,

don't let him scare you away.

Uh, I'm Reyna.

-Annie. Thanks for that.

-Of course.

Um, I really connected

with what you said

in there tonight.

I was all over the place,

you know?

No. [laughs]

I know the struggle.

I mean, I guess,

technically, we all do,

but I, uh,

could really hear it

in your voice.

I, uh, I was clean for 62 days.

That's great, really.

Yeah, "was." I'm...

...back to two. [laughs]

-Oh. That's-- well, uh, I guess

I'll see you on Saturday.

-Uh, yeah, sorry.

Um, could I get a ride

to my house?

Um, okay, sure.

Where do you live?

Oh, I'm in your direction.

[laughing] Yeah.

You guys bought

the Owens house, right?

Yeah, I'm just up the hill.

[melancholic music]

[crickets chirping]

[birds hooting]

[footsteps approaching]

-Hey.

-Hey, babe.

I'm heading out.

You're back Wednesday, right?

Yeah, should be.

If everything goes well.

How do I look?

Snazzy.

-Oh, good one.

-[Annie chuckles]

I'll take it.

Enjoy your fortress of solitude.

-Call me if you get bored.

-Actually, I'm heading out later

to meet Brady.

Oh, yeah? Anything new?

Not really,

just exchanging information.

I'll be glad when you're done

with that damn book.

Roger, please.

Sorry.

Enjoy your meeting.

[foreboding music]

[horns honking]

[engines rumbling]

[Brady]

Savage.

Just plain savage.

After 20 f*cking years.

I still can't figure out

how someone can do this

to another human being.

Better yet,

how does a person do it

time after time

and leave nothing behind?

No trace, no DNA,

no witnesses, no f*cking sh*t.

He's the perfect k*ller.

Nobody is perfect.

Can I hear the message?

Oh, yeah.

That's yours.

I had them burn you a copy.

I remember when you wouldn't

even confirm you received

a message.

[laughing] Yeah, well,

I remember when you were

a bratty know-it-all

-just trying

to make us look bad.

-You didn't need my help.

[laughs]

Anything new here?

No. Same MO.

He knows who they are,

where they came from,

who they're f*cking with

or not f*cking.

We know sh*t.

Oh, I interviewed Billie's mom.

Very intense. I made you a copy.

[Brady]

Jesus, what the hell is this?

It's a flash drive,

just plug it into your computer.

I hate this sh*t.

[thunder rumbling]

-[sighs]

-Well, thanks for the ride.

Sure.

-[soft clinking]

-[laughs]

You sure you don't want one?

I can't believe you.

What?

I really was just going

in there to get tampons.

-[chuckles] These were

an impulse buy!

-Right.

Stopping on the way home

from AA to get alcohol.

That's just freaking beautiful.

Actually, do you mind if I drink

a couple before I go in?

Helps me deal

with the roommates.

Sure, why not?

-[sighs]

-Do you need something

to chase that with?

Oh, okay. I guess not.

-Oh, Jimmy f*cking crickets!

-[sighs] Right.

Whoo! [sharply exhales]

Sorry. Is this hard for you?

No, not at all.

[chuckles] You're awesome.

To the head!

You don't mess around, do you?

[gulps]

Oh!

Oh! [sharply exhales]

So you're still coming to see

my horses this weekend, right?

Do you think

you're gonna be up to that?

Oh, please!

[laughing]

This is a tiny relapse.

-I'll be back on it tomorrow.

-No, I'm serious.

I told you I'm already nervous,

I've never been riding before.

I promise.

I promise I will be

completely clean.

Hand to God.

-[burps and chuckles]

-[chuckles]

-[laughs]

-I, I don't know.

You're gonna be fine.

Yeah, you're gonna be fine.

Okay, all right.

[suspenseful music]

[crickets chirping]

[phone ringing]

-[phone ringing]

-[groans]

Stop calling!

-[chimes]

-[sighs]

-[car unlocks]

-[phone ringing]

[banging on car]

[dramatic music]

[gasping]

[cable tightening]

[blood spilling]

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

[phone ringing]

[ringing continues]

[Finster]

Hello, Detective Brady.

There's been a little

horrible,

albeit inevitable tragedy.

-[indistinct chatter]

-I'm relieved to inform you

that Sonja Johnson

is no longer struggling

with the consequences

of her double life.

-In one...

-[phone ringing]

...a good mother, a good wife.

In the other, she chose

to walk with the devil.

-'Sup, Cleo?

-[man on phone]

Man, who the f*ck's this?

[screaming]

[woman]

What the f*ck?

[Finster]

Now the world knows

who she really was...

-[woman shouting] Oh, my God!

-...a lying wh*re.

[woman screams]

[birds chirping]

[light eerie music]

[Annie laughs]

That was awesome!

I told you.

Good boy, Ringo.

Good boy! [chuckles]

-He really seems to like you.

-Really? You think so?

-Uh, how do you know?

-Well, for one thing,

-you're still on the saddle,

so... [laughs]

-What?

Wait, I, I thought you said

that he was a good horse.

And he is! He's a great horse...

...if he likes you.

And if he doesn't?

But he does.

-Reyna!

-[horse neighs]

Look, I wouldn't have

put you on him

if I thought he wouldn't

be good with you, okay?

Great,

now I'm freaking out again.

[laughing] Oh, my God. Look,

I shouldn't have said

anything, okay?

You're fine.

He mostly just hates men, so--

I don't like to be tested,

Reyna.

He was abused, Annie.

Oh, my God! Really?

Yeah, I rescued him

from his previous owner.

Just a complete as*h*le.

I mean, what kind of a monster

abuses a beautiful animal

like that?

[horse neighs]

Does he live here?

Unfortunately.

[ominous music]

So then, he goes to prison

for attempted kidnapping.

He tried to take a girl

right over in Rockhill.

I mean, she escaped

and they nailed him,

like, right away.

But they let him out

after only five years.

I mean, how stupid is that?

He should've never seen

the light of day again.

Uh-- he gets life

if he's successful

at kidnapping her.

But because he f*ck it up,

he gets out?

I mean, tell me

how that makes any sense.

Did you grow up with him?

I knew him,

he's a little bit older.

He's kinda like

your typical girl-chasing,

beer-drinking douchebag.

But his parents had money,

so he thought he was

something special.

I thought he was an a*s

even back then.

It's a big jump

from being an a*s

to kidnapping women

and abusing animals.

[Reyna]

Yeah, I know, right.

So he went to the army

after high school

and the rumor is,

is that he shot

some local villager

in Afghanistan.

Should've been court-martialed.

Instead, he gets

a dishonorable discharge

and slips

through the cracks again.

He just comes back here

and is just being

a hateful prick to everybody.

[light tense music]

[crickets chirping]

Uh, let me get this straight.

So, she, she put you

on a wild animal and d--

-didn't even tell you about it?

Just stuck you up there?

-You're missing the point.

-Ringo was abused

by the same guy that--

-No, I'm not missing

the point, Annie.

This guy's a prick

and I'm not at all surprised

that he's been to prison.

It's the number one reason

to avoid him at all cost.

And I'mma be honest,

I don't like this girl

you're hanging out with either.

-She's wild and crazy.

-No she's not, she's really not.

She made you stop for alcohol

after an AA meeting.

You said so yourself,

that's messed up.

Well, I, I know,

but she is struggling.

I'm struggling.

We're all struggling.

Annie... [exhales sharply]

...just do it for me.

-Stop seeing her, please.

-I can't.

-Why not?

-Because I'm kind of her ride.

-I thought you said

she's 28 years old.

-[phone ringing]

Doesn't she have

a vehicle or some--

-It's Sam. I gotta take this.

-[phone ringing]

Hey, Sam, give me a second.

[sighs]

-What's up?

-[Brady] Did you see the news?

[ominous music]

[keyboard clacking]

[beep]

[keyboard clacking]

[keyboard clacking]

[keyboard clacking]

[clicks]

[beeps]

[clicks]

[engines rumbling]

Carlock was caught and jailed

at exactly the same time period

that Finster stopped k*lling.

Exactly.

He was arrested July 23rd, 2010,

just two months after

the Jordan Reeves m*rder.

And he was released

August 23rd, 2014,

just two months before

the Emma Harrison m*rder.

-Okay.

-Yeah. And then,

h-- he was

dishonorably discharged

from the Army in 2002.

Finster's first m*rder

was in 2003.

He lives in a nearby town

to all the murderers,

he's violent, he abuses animals,

he's a loner.

You know, we actually talked

to this Carlock character

back in 2010.

I mean, not me personally,

but someone on the task force.

There just wasn't anything else

tying him to any of the victims.

[Annie]

But that doesn't mean

it's not possible, right?

Yeah, of course,

but he didn't come back

on our radar after his release.

But what about now,

with all this information?

You really think there's

something here, don't you?

-I do.

-[deeply inhales and exhales]

You know how many

two-bit sex offenders

are dotting our hillsides?

I do.

But you think

this little prick is special.

[laughs] I really do.

[suspenseful music]

[sighs] Okay.

We'll check him out.

[birds chirping]

-[door opens]

-[Reyna grunts]

[sighs]

Welcome to my humble abode.

Well, the roommate's

humble abode.

-It's nice.

-Yeah, sorry about the smell.

We had a little rat problem

and had to put out some poison.

k*lled the rat,

now I just can't find the body.

Okay, well, I think I know

where the body is.

but now I just can't get to it

without digging a hole

through the wall.

[Reyna sighs]

-You okay, honey?

-What?

Uh, you know, you just haven't

really seemed yourself.

-You've been really quiet.

-Oh.

Yeah, sorry. Just got

some stuff going on at work.

Well, if you need to talk,

I'm right here.

And believe it or not,

I'm actually

a pretty good listener.

Go ahead, you know,

make yourself at home.

-So...

-[pouring drink]

...where were we?

Well, I was just wondering

if you knew of anything else

with Carlock's past.

You know, like,

any other violence

or did he have fascination

with unusual weapons?

Like a garrot?

You think he's Finster,

don't you?

-How did you--

-Oh, come on girl,

I googled you.

Oh, okay, yeah. I think

that there's a possibility.

I know, I know.

What are the odds? But--

-What does your husband think?

-Roger?

I mean, he trusts me,

but I don't think

he believes it's really him.

Are you guys good or--

Yeah, no. [laughs]

Why do you even ask that?

I don't know, I mean,

nothing, you're jus--

-you're in AA.

I wasn't sure if--

-Yeah, no, no, no.

-I mean, if anything,

he's my rock...

-Yeah.

...and he keeps me sane.

[grunts] Well,

I know he doesn't like me.

He hasn't even met you yet.

And I'm working on him.

Just give me some time.

That stuff doesn't help.

Mm. That went fast.

-[laughs]

-Well, I don't really have

anything else on Carlock.

But... [sighs] my mom

still talks to his mom.

I mean, maybe if she's

in a good mood, I could get her

to tell me something.

I would love that.

I'd love to speak

with her myself

if that's possible.

Sure you're good?

[crickets chirping]

[soft pouring]

[ominous music]

[birds chirping]

[engine rumbling]

[crickets chirping]

You wanna get your head

out of that piece of sh*t

so we can get this over with?

Yeah.

You know, I'm just getting

more background, Sarge.

-I gave you his background.

-[sighs]

Yes. Yes, no, you said he was...

...a bad guy.

He is.

The rest is just noise.

All right. Let's roll!

[suspenseful music]

Starting to think this guy

doesn't like visitors.

We are in the city

no more, rook.

These people don't like us,

trust us. Be ready.

I was born ready.

Just check around back,

will you?

[cans rattling]

Police!

[dog barking]

Police!

-[barking continues]

-Damn!

-[Brady] Anything?

-Those dogs, damn dogs,

just scared the hell out of me.

-I did see

a back door open, though.

-[dogs barking and snarling]

-I swear I heard

the f*cking key.

-[door opens]

Detective Brady,

Detective Price.

You're wasting your time

coming out here, boss.

I don't talk to cops.

Speak to my lawyer.

Enjoy the ride back.

[door creaks shut]

f*ck.

[Brady]

f*ck.

[country music playing]

[cows mooing]

Oh, country road

-Mm, mm [laughs]

-There's nowhere

I want to go home

-My mama is scared that

I wanted to roam [laughs]

-[Annie humming]

-[indistinctly singing]

-Oh, country road, oh--

-Yeah, country road.

Oh, country road

-[indistinctly singing]

-[laughing]

-Is that the words? [laughs]

-Hey, you can really sing.

-Mm, shut up.

No, I'm serious,

you can really sing.

Oh, God. No, I told you

I can't take compliments--

I know, I know,

but you should, you shou--

hey, you should sing

around here.

-No, I don't think so.

-No.

-Mm, I don't like,

I don't like--

-No, no, no, no! But--

-I don't like these people.

-I, I don't care,

it doesn't matter,

it doesn't matter.

Here's what you should do, okay?

-Okay.

-You should get a band

and sing around here.

I mean, you're pretty,

-you can sing, can you act?

-Uh--

-[snorts]

-[laughing] What was that?

I don't care what anybody

around here thinks of me, okay?

I don't want, I don't want

to sing to these people.

Well, come on.

Come on. Come on. I know,

I know what you can do.

-You can go to Nashville...

-What? Okay, tell me.

-...or you can go to Hollywood.

-Mm-hmm.

Nashville. Really?

That's what Nashville needs.

An alcoholic 30-year-old...

[laughing] singer.

Well, you'd be

outta here, right?

You're forgetting

about one very important thing.

-Money?

-[snorts]

-[laughs]

-Okay, yeah. Uh, so,

uh, so, that too.

But uh, right, my horses.

Oh, yeah, right,

that's kind of important.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, that is

kind of a problem.

-Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

-Uh, okay, okay, here's,

-here's a wild idea. I know.

-Mm.

Ideas, yeah. Go ahead.

-You could get a job.

-[laughs]

-I have a job.

-No, no, no.

-Taking care of my horses.

-That's not a job.

-Oh-- i--

-I mean, a real job.

A job that pays you something.

-Mm. Yeah, I tried that.

-A real job.

-I didn't like it.

-I'm serious, Reyna.

Oh, my God, Annie,

I know what my problem is.

I need to stop drinking

so I can get a job

and, like, get some money

and get a life.

But because

I'm so f*cking miserable here,

I drink!

I drink. I drink.

So, therefore what?

[chuckles]

I'm stuck here.

[gentle music playing on radio]

[crickets chirping]

-Oh, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no...

-It's okay. It's okay.

-...no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no--

-It's okay.

[laughs and squeals]

[laughing] Stop!

What are you doing?

-Stop it!

-[laughing] You're funny--

-[Annie] Jesus, Roger!

You have to be quiet.

-Tell him Rina says "Hi."

-[shushes] Stop it. [shushes]

-[laughing] Okay, I'll be good,

I'll be good.

-Okay. [shushes]

-H-- hey, baby.

-[Roger] Hi, darling.

What're you doing?

-[Reyna giggling]

Just working.

I, I hope I'm not

interrupting anything.

No. Not at all.

[laughing]

Yeah? Uh, how's that going?

Good! You know, just,

uh, putting stuff together.

What did Brady think about

your idea with Carlock?

Oh, he thinks I'm crazy,

but, you know,

he's gonna put some stuff

together for me.

I know, it's, like,

it's-- it's a one

in a million shot, right?

Hey, if, if you feel good

about it, I feel good about it.

-How's work going?

-It's good.

-[giggles]

-I should be

out of here on time.

[Reyna laughs]

Great. I love you.

Mm-hmm. I love you too, babe.

-That's my girl.

-It's great.

You don't like it

when I'm gone, do you?

No.

All right, I've gotta run.

Good night, babe.

[softly] Good night. Bye.

[mocking]

"I'll see you soon,

okay? I love you."

-[laughing] Shut up!

You're such a jerk.

-[laughs]

[laughs]

Your husband, you see him,

like, a thousand times.

[both laughing]

[laughing]

That you love so much--

Here. Yeah. There you go.

There you go. You're good.

[suspenseful music]

[crickets chirping]

[birds chirping]

[phone ringing]

-Hey, Sam.

-[Brady] There you are.

I've been trying

to reach you all day.

Sorry, I,

I couldn't find my phone.

-What? The last two weeks?

-What are you talking about?

I mean, you call

every other day for two months

-and then all of a sudden--

-[chuckles] I'm sorry,

-I've just been

a little bit busy.

-Busy?

What the hell do you think

this is, little lady?

-Okay, I said I'm sorry, Sam.

-Fine. All right.

You're busy.

So, on my free time,

I found this Mandy girl

you were looking for.

Really? Y-- you found her?

Yeah, I found her.

-That's awesome, Sam.

-She's Mandy Foster now.

Married,

living over in Shortpole.

Um, can you just text me

her number and address?

Jesus Christ, Annie. Just--

-grab a f*cking pen, will you?

-Okay, just hold on a second.

All right, I'm ready.

[engine rumbling]

Uh, Sam,

I'll call you right back.

[Roger]

Greetings, my lady!

-Wow! You're home early!

-[chuckling]

No, I'm right on time.

And you're not ready.

Ready?

Oh, so-- sorry, I--

I know I said

not to be in a rush.

Uh--

[sighs] I was gonna wait

until after dinner, but...

...thought you might wanna

open it now, hmm?

Wha-- what?

Why?

[suspenseful music]

Oh, G-- oh, God.

I-- it's our anniversary?

No--

-Next Wednesday is

the 17th, right?

-No, baby.

Baby, today is the 17th.

Oh, God, I can't believe this.

-It's all right,

it's not a problem.

-I'm, I'm sorry, Roger. I just--

the days are getting all jumbled

and I'm stuck inside

writing all day, I'm sorry.

Please, forgive me.

There's nothing to forgive.

[melancholic music]

-Mm. I missed you.

-[Annie chuckles]

Babe, wait a second.

You have to swear on my life

to answer me honestly.

-What are you talking about?

-Just swear to me.

Okay, sure, of course.

-Have, have you been drinking?

-Drinking? God, no.

-Why are you-- why would you--

-You swore on my life.

No! God, no. Why,

why are you even asking that?

-Just smelled something.

-I don't know

what you smell, okay?

I, I just ate,

I brushed, I'm not--

Honey, okay, relax. I trust you.

Mm, otherwise

I'd be dead, right?

I haven't been drinking, Roger.

[softly] All right. Okay.

That's how I trust you.

[laughter]

[country music playing]

Oh, man, so you forgot

your f*cking anniversary.

Yes, I'm a horrible person.

-Oh, come on. Stop it.

-A horrible wife.

I'm serious. This is

the wake up call that I needed.

Stop! Annie!

You're being too hard

on yourself, all right, girl?

-sh*t happens.

-No. I've gotta stop drinking.

Oh, yeah, me too.

No, I'm serious.

This is my last night.

It has to be.

Okay.

Then this will be

our last night.

-To our last night.

-No, Reyna.

Now come on, I told you.

We're in this together.

[slurping]

Oh, um, I forgot to tell you,

I found Mandy Giblin.

-That name sounds so familiar.

-Yeah, it should.

[gasps] The girl!

-The girl that Carlock

tried to kidnap.

-Mm-hmm. Yeah.

-Oh, Mandy Giblin, f*ck!

-Yeah, she's married now.

[Reyna] And she's okay

with being interviewed

after all this time?

Well, she wasn't at first,

but after I convinced her

about the possible link

to Finster, she was all in.

Dude. Well,

this should be interesting.

-You need an assistant?

-No, it's usually easier

on them one-on-one.

Yeah. I get it.

[chuckles] Good luck.

Oh, speaking of, um,

any luck with your mom?

Mm.

Yeah, a bit.

In fact, we're supposed

to go get lunch tomorrow.

I told her I was thinking

about going back to school

and that got her all excited.

You're gonna go back to school?

-No.

-[laughs]

[knocking]

-[sighing] Oh, Jesus!

-Peekaboo. I see you.

[indistinct chatter]

Here to drink. [sighs]

Well, well, well.

I guess I didn't get the memo

that our meetings are here now.

-Hi, Frank.

-We would appreciate it

if this didn't get back

to the group.

You no speaky, me no speaky.

-Uh--

-What are we speaking

about anyhow?

Actually, we're

kind of in the middle

of something here, okay?

Oh, come on.

Just one drink

with our new friend here.

[Reyna]

Maybe another time.

-No, I think this is

the perfect time.

-Oh, my God! Frank,

will you please

just leave us the f*ck alone?

You know, you're starting

to piss me off.

She is starting to piss me off.

Frank, this is actually

a private conversation.

Maybe another time. All right?

All right.

-Well, f*ck you all.

-Oh.

-Yeah, great.

-Cool.

-Cool.

-See you on Saturday, Frank.

-[Frank] Whatever.

-[whispers] Such an as*h*le.

[somber music]

[birds chirping]

[Mandy]

I haven't been back here since.

Never thought I would.

Thank you for doing this.

This is it.

This is where it all happened.

-[deeply exhales]

-Did you come here often?

Oh, yeah, all the time.

I came here to get high.

All sorts of sh*t.

I, uh, got into a fight

with my boyfriend.

He accused me

of taking his drugs,

which I did.

And as usual,

I got angry and stormed off

and ended up here.

[sighs] It was weird,

I didn't hear or see anything.

All I remember is just feeling

him breathing

on the back of my neck.

And the knife to my throat.

[light ominous music]

Violence wasn't new to me.

I've been beaten,

r*ped.

This was--

this was so different.

[sniffles] He was different.

This is real evil.

You thought

he was gonna r*pe you?

Yeah, sure,

and probably k*ll me.

[deeply inhales and exhales]

It's weird,

I just had this feeling

that he just

wanted to see me suffer.

Do you remember

what he said to you?

He said I was worthless,

that I didn't deserved

to be alive,

and that I'm lucky

that he came...

[shakily breathes]

and crossed my path

so he could end my misery.

[chuckles and sniffles]

That's horrible.

[music continues]

[crying] And at the time...

...at the time, I thought

he was right, because I was...

[sharply inhales]

...pathetic.

I would do anything

to get my fix.

[sobbing] I didn't like me.

Look at you now.

Look at me now.

I think you're an inspiration.

Thank you.

[urinating]

-[girl] Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!

-[knocking on door]

-Mommy! Mommy!

-[knocking continues]

[indistinct mumbling]

[woman]

Nicky, stop.

-[Nicky shouts] Mama! Mama!

-[banging door]

Open the door!

Open the door, please!

-[door rattling]

-[indistinct mumbling]

Nicky, quiet!

I'll be out in a minute.

-[rattling continues]

-[screaming] Mommy!

[shouting] Mommy! Mommy!

-[crying] Listen to me--

-[banging on door]

-Nicky, shut up!

-[muffled crying]

Mama! Mom!

[crying] Mama! Mama!

-[banging on door]

-Mama!

-[banging continues]

-[muffled crying]

-[crying]

-Nicky, stop it!

[sobbing]

[ominous music]

[Nicky sobbing]

I'll be out.

[dramatic music]

[Finster]

Hello, Detective Brady.

I wish to report a run-in

with another young lady.

-Katie Lamar was living

a difficult life.

-[indistinct shouting]

-...for ten minutes already.

-Already the mother

of four illegitimate children,

two already removed

for her lack of parental skills.

Where is your lazy,

no good, Mama?

-[indistinct chatter]

-She was devastated

with the news

of another unwanted pregnancy.

This news left her

desperately inconsolable,

-literally on the edge.

-[gasping]

[shouts] Katie!

So I simply helped her

step off of that edge.

[music increases]

[sobbing]

[crying] Katie? Oh!

[sobbing]

[Finster]

The world sees me as a monster.

But I wonder

if you feel the same.

I believe, deep down,

you relate to my struggle.

Yes, my methods are harsh

and brutal.

But I'm confident

that you understand

the disease

that I'm fighting against.

The unfit, the undesirables.

I imagine that you've had

your own fantasies

of simply stopping the cycle

with a simple b*llet

to the brain.

But you are constrained

by the societal norms

of the weak.

Luckily, those two

don't apply to me,

the notorious Finster.

[beep]

[birds chirping]

[engine rumbling]

[suspenseful music]

[humming]

Jesus! What the heck

are you doing here?

Uh, waiting for you

for, like, an hour.

You really shouldn't be here.

Roger's coming home today.

It's kind of important.

I need you to give me a ride

into the city to drop this off.

It's not a good time, Reyna.

There's been another m*rder.

You haven't asked me

who this is for.

[engines rumbling]

[horns honking]

[Mrs. Carlock]

Your mother is

such a sweet lady.

She remembered!

These are my favorite.

[chuckling] Yeah, very sweet.

Um, and she told me you're

up here looking at universities.

-Mm-hmm.

-Oh, I think that's great.

I knew you'd

figure it out eventually.

You're gonna make

your mom very proud.

Yeah, well,

I just wanna make her proud.

[laughing]

-And I'm sorry, Annie? Is it?

-Yes.

And are you up looking

at universities as well?

-No, I'm just

Reyna's ride today.

-[gasps]

Oh, that's so kind of you

to drive her

all the way up here.

Actually, I wanted to come.

Uh, Reyna mentioned

who you were and I thought

maybe it would give us

a chance to speak.

Speak? [chuckles]

I don't understand.

Well, I hope that this doesn't

come off as much of a surprise,

but I was wondering

if I could talk to you

about your son Vincent.

What about my son?

Well, I know

that he was involved

with a pretty serious incident

a few years ago

and I thought that maybe

it would give us a chance

to talk about that.

That was so long ago.

There is nothing else to say.

I understand, but I was hoping

maybe you can just give me

a better understanding.

Maybe he--

-[alarm beeping]

-Oh! I'm sorry.

-I have to get that.

-[beeping continues]

She didn't seem too happy

about that, did she?

She's probably

calling my mom right now.

I think it's time

for you two ladies to leave.

Please, Mrs. Carlock,

People are dying

and your son may know

something about it.

-[c*ck g*n]

-I am not asking again.

[ominous music]

[bell chiming]

This is what we call...

[deeply inhales] a relapse.

[gentle music playing]

[slurps]

Mm.

We'll be good.

Starting tomorrow.

Promise.

-I'm sorry I put you

in the middle of this.

-No.

I put myself

in the middle of this, remember?

Besides, it's...

[sighs] probably a blessing.

Every girl wants a relationship

with her mom but,

at some point,

you just have to realize

when something just doesn't fit.

[reporter on TV]

Police have not provided

any additional information.

The victim, Katie Lamar,

a mother of four young children,

is being mourned tonight

with a candlelight vigil

by her family, friends,

and the local community

of West Andale.

Our Brian Shaw is reporting

live from the ceremony

that just finished up

and had a chance to speak

with Katie's sister.

-Brian?

-[Brian] Thanks, Debra.

Well, tonight was not only

a time for healing,

but a time

for reflection of a young...

Well, well, our pretty

little comrades in arms.

I heard you went

on a little adventure.

Oh, yeah, talking

to your mom is an adventure.

I was just asking her

some questions.

You wanna f*ck with me?

Fine. You got the cops

knocking at my door.

You can ask any one

of these morons

anything you want.

You start messing

with my family,

that's when this sh*t gets real.

-What are you

so afraid of, Carlock?

-I'm not worried about you,

-you're a worthless

piece of sh*t.

-Jus-- okay, just leave her

-out of it.

I'm just doing my work.

-[Reyna mumbles]

But you, Little Miss Writer,

let me give you a little advice.

You f*ck with someone's family,

they will f*ck you back.

-Do you understand?

-Did Mandy's family

f*ck you back?

-No one's talking to you, c**t.

-[Annie] Listen,

I'm just doing my job!

Well, if your job is bullshit

and you're wading

into my mother's home,

then your job is bullshit!

-Leave us alone, Carlock.

-[Annie] What are you

so afraid of, huh?

I'm not the one

who should be afraid.

Oh, yeah,

big f*cking man over here.

-Threatening two women alone--

-I said shut the f*ck up!

You shut the f*ck up!

Listen to me.

This is a big country.

-People go missing every day.

-[Reyna] Leave us alone,

-Carlock.

-I promise this much, I smell

in the air sh*t is brewing

-and you'll regret the moment--

-I said get the s--

f*ck away from her!

-f*ck!

-[clattering]

-[grunting]

-You want--

-Stop it!

-The only difference is

-no one will give a sh*t

if you disappear.

-[gasps]

-[Annie shouts]

Get off of her! Get off of her!

-Hey! Get your hands off of her!

-Hey, get your hands

off of her, man.

-[Annie] Get off of her! Get o--

-[Reyna gasping]

-Get off her, man!

Get out of here, man.

-Cool it, man.

What are you doing?

-[glass clinking]

-[Reyna panting]

-Check your f*cking cameras!

-b*tch threw a drink in my face.

-[Reyna] f*ck you!

f*ck you, you f*cking psycho!

-Call the cops!

-[sobbing]

[crickets chirping]

[sighs]

How long have you been

drinking again?

The truth, this time.

For the love of God, the truth!

Two, maybe three weeks.

It's because of her, isn't it?

I told you. No, I,

I b-- I begged you

not to hang out with her.

No. It's not just her.

Then what?

Are you not happy here?

Are you not happy with me?

You know that's not it.

Then what is it?

I'm tired, Annie!

I'm tired of trying to help you,

and everything I do,

it's like it, it doesn't matter.

It... [sighs] matters

more than you know.

Does it really?

Because I'm not seeing it.

You're not to hang out

with her again.

Do you understand?

And you are not

to play detective again.

Do you understand?

You're a writer,

a damn good writer,

but you're not a cop!

You do your job

and let them do theirs.

[Roger sighs]

[bangs table]

[somber music]

[birds chirping]

[crickets chirping]

[Reyna muffled]

Annie!

[grunts] Annie!

-[grunts]

-[soft clatter]

[slurred] Annie.

-[grunts] Oh, f*ck.

-[soft clatter]

[grunts]

[crickets chirping]

-[soft clatter]

-Help me, Annie!

Annie! [grunts]

[light tense music]

-[grunts]

-[soft clatter]

[muffled shout] Annie!

Hey!

-[door creaking]

-Jesus! What are you doing?

-Whoa!

-Come here.

-[moans]

-What happened to you?

I fell out of a tree.

-Oh, my God!

-And I hit, I hit my head.

What were you doing in a tree?

-[laughing] I climbed it.

-Just-- Oh, Jesus! Sit down!

-Careful

-Mm-hmm.

-Okay, why were you

climbing a tree?

-I'm sit.

I... [laughing] I was spying

on our little friend.

-Tell me he didn't see you.

-No! God, I don't think so.

-Annie,

what the hell is going on?

-[Annie] Oh, Jesus!

It's like two o'clock

in the morning.

-Uh--

-[gasps] The cable man.

-Reyna, this is--

-Uh--

-What happened to her?

She fell out of a tree

and hit her head.

-[Reyna moans]

-Let me see. Just--

-Hey--

-Reyna, this is Roger,

my husband.

Oh, you hate me.

-I don't hate you.

She is wasted.

-I know.

-[whispers] Okay.

[in normal voice] Hold still.

-[groans]

-This doesn't look good.

-Why do you hate me so much?

I don't hate you. Hey, hey,

did you lose consciousness?

-Mm, for sure. [laughs]

-She needs to go

to the hospital.

-I'm gonna call an ambulance.

-[groans] We-- No, no, no, no,

no. I don't have insu--

-I don't have insurance.

I don't have--

-It's okay, it's okay,

-we'll take care of it.

It's okay.

-No I'm fine!

It's okay.

Let me take care of it.

Let me take her.

-Let me take her--

-You have

your conference tomorrow.

-Look, this is my problem,

let me handle it.

-Okay. I'll, I'll,

I'll grab a towel.

-[deeply inhales] He's mad.

-It's okay.

[moans]

[birds chirping]

[engine rumbling]

I want you to come stay with me

for a couple of days.

No.

I just need to get home.

You have a serious concussion.

You need to be around someone.

[sighs] I said I'm fine.

Apparently, I have

an unusually hard head.

-Roger is gone,

I'll feel a lot better--

-Annie, I'm fine.

My parents are gonna

look in on me. I'll be fine.

Plus, I have to get back

to my horses.

You put those g*dd*mn horses

above everything else.

They're all I've got.

[melancholic music]

Call me if you need anything.

-And no riding.

-Yes, mother.

[sighs]

[engine rumbling]

[beeping]

[birds chirping]

[ominous music]

[blinkers clicking]

[dialing phone]

[phone ringing]

-[ringing continues]

-[beeping]

sh*t!

[beep]

-[phone ringing]

-[call ends]

[beeping]

[blinkers clicking]

[music continues]

[phone ringing]

-[Brady]

I was just calling you--

-Sam, I think this is--

We hit the jackpot, little lady.

We got DNA, kid.

We got DNA

from our little mark, girl.

-Oh, my God.

-Son of a b*tch got sloppy.

-That's incredible.

-Son of a b*tch got sloppy!

-How long is it gonna take?

-They're running

everything right now.

How long is it gonna take,

Sam, for them to match it?

Hours. Maybe a day at most.

I'll let you know

as soon as I hear something.

[hangs up]

[crickets chirping]

[sighs]

[deeply sighs]

[soft clicking]

[phone ringing]

-[Reyna] Hey.

-Hey, you!

Just checking in on you.

I'm good.

I could use a little pick-me-up.

-[chuckles] Reyna, please.

-I know. I, um, I'll make do.

[deeply inhales]

Plus, they gave me

some pretty sweet painkillers.

-So that's helping a bit.

-Great, that's all you need.

What the hell am I

gonna do with you?

I thought you were

through with me.

-Reyna, please don't.

-I'm sorry.

-[sighs]

-I didn't mean that.

I know that it's my fault

and sorry for last night

and sorry I made this

your problem.

Listen, you need

to stay away from him, okay?

I don't want you

to stress anymore,

but I think he was following me

when I dropped you off

this morning.

No f*cking sh*t!

[deeply exhales]

Yeah, I, I can't say anymore.

I just think things

are about to explode,

so you've gotta just stay away.

-[whispers] Wait.

-[cow mooing]

-[in normal voice]

Hold on a second.

-Reyna--

That's weird. I thought

I heard someone at the door,

-but no one's there.

-Rey-- Reyna, God damn it,

if you're messing with me--

No, I'm-- in fact, you're

freaking the sh*t out of me.

I'm grabbing my g*n.

[ominous music]

-Jesus, what are

you doing here--

-Reyna?

[Reyna gasps]

Okay, okay, just,

just stay right there.

-I'm about to get to you, okay?

-[yells] God, no!

-Annie! [choking]

-Reyna?

-[shouts] Reyna? Reyna?

-[phone dialing]

[operator]

911, what is your emergency?

Send someone

to 802 Manford Road!

-Ma'am?

-He's k*lling my friend!

Send someone

to 802 Manford Road now!

All right, ma'am,

we have someone en route.

Stay on the phone with me.

[dramatic music]

[crickets chirping]

[engine rumbling]

[panting]

[shouting] Reyna! [panting]

Fu-- Reyna, where are you?

God damn it!

Where are you? [panting]

[dripping]

[panting]

Reyna! Reyna! Reyna!

[panting]

[screaming]

[screaming]

[panting]

[screaming]

[fire crackling]

[crying and sobbing]

[sirens wailing distantly]

[screams]

[loudly sobbing]

[sirens increase]

[indistinct chatter on radio]

[Brady]

Holy f*cking sh*t.

[siren wailing]

[radio chatter continues]

[crickets chirping]

-Detective, glad you're here.

-Where is she?

She's in the back

of the unit over here.

Here. She's a little worked up.

-[shouting] Where were you?

-I got here as soon as I could.

-Where were you? Get off of me!

Get off of me!

-Hey, Annie!

I'm sorry about your friend,

Annie. Let her go, let her go!

-No, where were you?

-I'm sorry about your friend.

-No! I told you!

-Annie!

-I told you and nobody listened!

-I know.

Not you, not the police, nobody!

[crying] Nobody listened

except Reyna and now she's dead!

[sobbing] She's dead, Sam.

She's dead.

He'd cut her head off

and put it in the fire

for me to see.

[melancholic music]

I will never

be able to unsee that.

Do you know what that means?

Do you know what that's like?

[softly] Yeah, I do.

-[sobbing]

-I do.

-[whispers] I'm sorry.

-[sobbing]

So sorry, kid.

I'm so sorry.

[echoing sobbing]

[music continues]

[crickets chirping]

I want you to know something,

young lady.

I'm so very sorry

for the loss of your friend.

I can't imagine after all

this journey you've been on,

it had to end this way for you.

Although I know

it matters little right now,

I want you to know

from the bottom of my heart,

none of this would've

been possible if not for you.

It's because of your focus,

your work, your...

[softly chuckles] badgering,

that this is finally over.

You will forever have my respect

and admiration, Annie.

Thank you, Detective.

Good night, Detective.

[door creaks shut]

[sighs]

[softly] Listen.

I want you to take these tonight

and they'll help you sleep.

But, hey, they're,

they're really strong,

so I'm, I'm gonna ask,

for your own safety,

you haven't had

anything to drink, have you?

Not that you'd be wrong

if you did.

No.

Good girl.

[grunts]

I'm just gonna clean up a bit

and I'll take you upstairs,

okay?

[grunts]

[faucet running]

[soft clattering]

[sighs]

Hey, babe, uh,

I'm really sorry about Reyna.

[sighs] I know

I was pretty tough on her

and I stand by that, but...

[grunts]

...I don't think

she was helping you--

Roger, please, not now.

[crickets chirping]

Yeah, you're right.

I, I'm sorry.

[somber music]

You understand I feel helpless.

I don't know what to say or do.

There's nothing left to say.

It's over.

And Brady was right,

though, you did this.

Look, I, I was so caught up

in everything else

that was going on,

I moved my job and...

...then you started

drinking again and...

...I was worried

about her influence on you

and all the while,

you were closing in

on this monster.

And you felt it. You,

you felt it from day one

and I should've

trusted your intuition and--

And Brady was right.

You did this.

And, and you got your man.

You put that rope

around his neck.

How did you know

that he hung himself?

[glass clinking]

Brady told me.

Roger, Sam doesn't tell

anybody anything

that's not officially released.

Well, he, he told you.

That took five long years,

to earn that trust.

[chuckles] Uh,

he must have slipped up.

Sam doesn't slip up.

Well, what do you

want me to say, Annie?

I-- I'm just trying

to understand how you knew

he hung himself.

And I'm telling you,

someone must have told me.

Uh, maybe when he called me

to come pick you up.

I don't know. This,

this day hasn't exactly been

easy on anyone, babe.

[music increases]

Why did Reyna call you

"the cable man"?

What?

When she came over

after falling out of the tree,

she called you "the cable man."

[scoffs] I've no idea.

Maybe because she was drunk

and she'd just fallen

on her f*cking head.

No, I, I asked her

about it the next morning

and she swears that she saw you

dressed as the cable man,

walking towards Carlock's house.

Yeah, maybe she was drunk then.

She wasn't drunk.

-How can you possibly know that?

-Because she told me.

Yeah, drunks never lie.

Not to each other.

So what are you trying to say?

You tell me.

You know how Carlock died.

Reyna said she saw you

at Carlock's.

I, I just don't understand.

How did you know?

Roger?

How did you know?

[music continues]

[crying] Answer me.

f*ck.

[grunts] Roger!

[softly chuckles]

[sharply exhales]

[sighs] Carlock wasn't Finster.

[ominous music]

What?

No.

No, that's not possible.

No, you're not Roger!

[sobbing] Who are you?

Who are you?

-No! No! No!

-[indistinct mumbles]

[echoing birds chirping]

[Roger]

It wasn't supposed

to go like this.

Carlock was going to take

the fall for everything.

[light ominous music]

It was going to be okay

for us again.

[shakily breathing]

I brought you Carlock, didn't I?

And put him right in your lap.

He's dead because of me.

How can you care

about that piece of sh*t?

-He deserved to die.

-And how is that your decision?

I made it my decision,

just as I did for all of them.

How many have you k*lled?

How many, Roger?

[sniffles]

[softly] How many, Roger?

How many have you k*lled?

[scoffs]

[crying] How many?

You know them all.

[sniffles]

All but one.

How did, how did you do it?

How d-- how did you get

his DNA on the scene?

Just as you said...

[chuckles] you gave him to me.

[music continues]

I patched into his cable line.

Let's me into his world.

As expected,

he was in true sh*t-zone.

Trolling, hardcore porn,

sending d*ck pics.

A serious f*cking piece of work.

Perfect to catfish.

Had him convinced

he was going to meet

the girl of his dreams.

So while Finster

was putting his DNA

at the Lamar girl's place,

he was sitting in his car

two blocks away,

waiting for his imaginary wh*re.

-[dog barking]

-It was almost perfect.

I went back the next day

to get my equipment.

That's when Reyna

must've seen me.

I didn't realize

she was spying for you.

When she called me

the cable man,

I knew she had to go.

In case you haven't

figured it out, that was me

following you home

from the hospital.

[engine rumbling]

[music continues]

What if Reyna

had come home with me?

But she didn't.

For what it's worth,

I didn't know you'd be

on the phone with her.

-[bird cawing]

-And I didn't want you to see

what did happened to her.

[echoing door opening]

That was not for you to see.

-[cable whooshing]

-[echoing gasps]

I knew they would be

at Carlock's doorstep

after they found her.

But I got to him first.

[clatter]

[noose creaking]

[music continues]

-[crickets chirping]

-[birds cawing]

[soft clicks].

Good girl.

[deeply inhales and exhales]

Who's the one?

The one I don't know about.

Just a girl.

Wrong place, wrong time.

Who was she, Roger?

[light somber music]

[sighs]

He was always there.

He's always been there

i-- in my head.

I, I was a child,

he was there, always,

making me think

about this stuff.

Hurting people.

I remember asking my mom if,

if I was normal.

I told her I,

I had these bad thoughts.

She told me bad thoughts

are the devil.

Don't let the devil win.

So I didn't.

I fought him.

I fought him for years.

In a weird way,

my struggle to control him

kept me focused.

And before I knew it,

I'd actually made

something of myself.

[music continues]

That life wasn't everything

I dreamed, but it was good.

For a while...

...I beat the devil.

But then you never really beat

the devil now, do you?

It was summertime.

Hot sticky summer,

I-- I don't know

why that sticks in my head.

I'd been in what I thought

was a good relationship,

only to find that the girl

that I thought loved me,

decided I wasn't good enough

for her anymore.

But, why her? I, I mean,

I've been hurt many times.

Why did she make me weak?

It was the crack he needed.

In a matter of days,

I went from,

from planning my life with her

to driving the streets

endlessly looking for someone.

Something.

[music continues]

Eventually, I found it.

It's this young, innocent girl.

She was carrying a backpack

in her arms

like she was coming home

from the library or something.

I pulled up next to her

and asked her

if she'd seen my dog.

And she said...

[imitating]

"What's he look like?"

[scoffs] I didn't even have

an answer ready for that.

I just started talking.

[ominous music]

She got closer...

...and closer...

...and close enough.

It was like watching

someone else inside my body

as he attacked her.

He attacked with such anger,

such hate.

I could barely keep from turning

the knife on myself,

but it was too late,

it was done.

I crossed the line of no return.

[softly] It was disgusting.

[somber music]

Messy.

No words.

And I, I knew, uh, that I had

to have been seen, right? Th--

that they'd be coming for me.

So I waited and I waited.

[softly] No one came.

No one ever came.

But I knew then it could

never be like that again.

I'd allowed him to destroy

an innocent young girl

and it nearly k*lled me.

So I knew

if I couldn't control him,

then I had to work with him.

If there was to be a next one,

it would be someone

who completely deserved it.

Nobody deserved

to die like that.

Oh, a lot of us deserve

exactly that and more.

But I made their deaths quick.

I didn't wanna hear 'em scream.

[music continues]

It's only a show.

A show

for the whole world to see.

Exactly what the world wants.

A spectacle.

That's all anyone

ever listens to.

Blood, death, evil.

So that's what I gave 'em.

But why women?

Why humiliate

these women like that?

For everyone, for,

for their families to see?

Was it a sexual thing?

God, no!

[deeply inhales]

I was disgusted by the way

they lived their lives.

I chose women

not because they're weak,

but because they're strong.

Men need strong, smart women.

Women are the nurturers,

the creators of life.

Men are already

simple and stupid,

but these wh*res,

these drug addicts,

these soulless creatures,

they're destroying our world.

-But you can't see that!

-No.

Because I choose to see

the good and the hope.

-[scoffs]

-Even for people

who are messed up,

maybe even more for them.

Mm, compassion.

That is a dirty little word.

It blinds us

from seeing the truth.

It makes us weak

and ineffective.

What about for me, your wife?

What are you gonna do with me?

I'm trying not to be blind.

[birds chirping]

[crickets chirping]

[Roger]

Hey.

Hey, Annie.

-You gotta wake up.

-[softly grunts]

-[Roger] Annie.

-[grunts]

Wake up.

Brady's called,

like, three times.

You gotta call him back.

[Annie sighs]

What should I say?

What would you say?

I would ask what is going on

with the investigation,

-with Carlock.

-Well, then that's what you say.

Hey.

Be smart.

-[Brady] There you are.

-Hey.

For crying out loud,

I was getting worried about you.

I was just about to head over

and find out what the hell

was going on.

Uh, I'm sorry. Just trying

to get through all of this.

Oh, no worries.

Look, they've been asking

for you to come down

and do another interview,

but I put them off.

I think you've given enough

on this whole thing for now.

Yeah, I guess that's good.

It's over, little lady.

Is it really, Sam?

Yeah. I'm really pissed off

he took the easy way, though.

Wanted to see

the son of a b*tch's face

when I was putting

the cuffs on him.

I-- it's definitely him, right?

Yes, Annie.

It's him.

We found a ton of stuff

in his basement.

[laughing] Seriously.

What are the odds

you moved down the street

from the k*ller himself?

[scoffs] Impossible, right?

As you always said,

things happen for a reason.

Take care of yourself, kid.

-I'll be in touch.

-I hope so.

[light ominous music]

You did good.

[door creaks shut]

[lock clicking]

[birds chirping]

[somber music]

[crickets chirping]

[clattering]

Did you plan all of this?

Us meeting and getting married.

-Because of my book?

-[chuckles]

No.

Not at all. Uh,

I mean, yeah,

I wanted to meet you

because of your book, yeah.

You had written so much

about Finster's crimes.

[chuckles] You knew so much,

but you, you knew so little.

I, I was intrigued.

I was this close

to writing to you as Finster.

But then, by chance,

I saw that you were going

to Bernie Richard's

New Year's Eve party.

I had no idea

we had mutual friends.

-[urinating]

-I thought

it would be interesting

meeting someone

who was writing about...

[music continues]

...well, me.

And t-- but then

I saw you and we met

and I don't know,

uh, something changed.

[sighs] For a while, uh...

...I had control again.

Finished?

[pills rattling]

[music continues]

[loudly swallows]

Is that why you stopped k*lling?

Because of me?

Yes, I stopped k*lling

because of you, Annie.

[loudly swallows]

Why did you start again?

It's because

of my drinking, wasn't it?

It just wasn't going to be

happily ever after for us.

[handcuffs jingles]

[handcuffs clicking]

Roger.

Are you going to k*ll me?

I don't wanna k*ll you.

You didn't answer the question.

I'm not sure either of us

are ready to hear the answer.

[breathes deeply]

Carlock is Finster, remember?

[sniffles]

They all think he was Finster

and now Finster is dead.

But now you know

about the first one.

[footsteps receding]

[door creaking]

[door closes]

[lock clicks]

[crickets chirping]

[shakily breathing]

[suspenseful music]

[gagging and coughing]

[retching]

[retching]

[spitting and moaning]

[groaning and panting]

[panting]

[moans]

[retching and coughing]

[moans]

[music increases]

[gagging]

[coughing]

[groans]

[coughing]

[gasping]

[groaning and panting]

[panting]

[gagging]

[moaning and panting]

[loudly swallows and pants]

[crickets chirping]

[birds chirping]

[engine starts]

[engine rumbling]

[tense music]

[panting]

[grunts and pants]

[chickens clucking]

[ominous music]

[engine rumbling]

[Annie panting]

[clattering]

[muffled shouting]

[sobbing]

[echoing crying]

[chickens clucking]

[birds chirping]

[crickets chirping]

[handcuffs clicking]

[engine distantly rumbling]

[suspenseful music]

[indistinct chatter]

[clattering]

[panting]

[softly grunting]

[door closes]

[footsteps approaching]

[keys jingling]

[lock clicks]

-[sharply breathes]

-[door creaks]

[whispers] Do you still love me?

Promise?

[belt unbuckling]

[clattering]

Prove it.

[melancholic music]

[panting]

[grunting]

[breathing heavily]

[moaning]

[whimpering and moaning]

-[whispers] I love you.

-[moans]

-Look at me.

-[moaning]

-[grunting]

-[moaning]

[grunting and moaning]

[moaning]

[panting]

[whimpers]

[crickets chirping]

[footsteps approaching]

-[lock clicks]

-[door creaking]

[sniffles] Sorry.

[ominous music]

[opens zipper]

[music increases]

-[glass breaking]

-[thud]

Ow!

-[grunting]

-[thudding]

[grunting]

[panting]

[Annie grunts]

[Roger groans]

[keys jingling]

[panting]

-[grunts]

-[groans]

[Annie loudly groans]

[panting]

[shouts] You were supposed

to die in your sleep!

[crying] Please don't!

I-- I love you.

I love you, Roger.

I'm your wife.

[softly] Now we do it his way.

[panting]

[dramatic music]

[glass shattering]

[gasps]

[groaning]

[panting]

[groans]

[moaning and panting]

[door bangs]

-[grunts]

-[screaming]

[screaming]

-[grunting]

-[screaming]

[grunting]

-Stop fighting me!

-[screaming]

[screaming]

[music increases]

[screaming]

[groaning]

-[shouting]

-[grunting]

[shouts]

-[gasping]

-[grunts]

-[choking]

-[screaming]

[gasping and coughing]

[coughing]

[panting]

[choking]

[gurgling]

[panting]

[Annie]

Obviously, Roger was

a very disturbed man.

And maybe I don't even

really know how disturbed.

[gentle music]

Even after

our last week together.

But, as strange

as it sounds to hear,

I still think that there was

someone inside that was good.

[chuckling] And please,

don't misunderstand.

I, I'm not trying

to make an excuse

for anything he did.

But it's not as easy as saying

that he's a monster

and I hate him for what he did.

I hate what he did.

But I wasn't going to hold

my son accountable

for his father's actions.

He was clearly

living a double life.

Do you feel like you even knew

the real Roger?

I don't know.

Maybe we never

really know each other.

Maybe everyone is

just playing a part

and we never really know

the other person.

I hope that that isn't true.

But I can't help but think

that that might be

the real lesson

through all of this.

At least for me.

You think you know someone...

...until you don't.

[ominous music]

["Like A Good Girl Should"

by Barbara Nesbitt]

Maybe my baby called

Maybe he's changed his mind

I'd better get back inside

Maybe my baby's here

Maybe he's coming down

the drive

I'd better get this one back

I'll work it so carefully

Ooh, ooh, ooh

'Till he can't live

Without me

-Maybe, maybe there's time

to turn around

-Ooh

-Lord knows

-Ooh

Lord knows I would

if I could

-Shut my mouth

ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

-Ooh

Put the bottle down

And behave

Like a good girl should

Maybe he's at the door

Maybe the sun

will shine again

Lord knows

how dark it's been

I'll work it so carefully

Ooh, ooh, ooh

'Till he can't live

Without me

-Maybe, maybe there's time

to turn around

-Ooh

And behave

Like a good girl...

...should