All language subtitles for Would.You.Kill.For.Me.The.Mary.Bailey.Story.2023.1080p.YAS.Eng

I was always told...

that every story has two sides.

But for my mama,
grandma, and me,

there were three.

And they all led...

to what would become
the worst night of our lives.

Damn glasses.

Willard.

You think I wouldn't find out
what really happened?

Oh for the love of God, Willard.

- Not in front of your kids.
- My kids?

Now I can't trust this slut
to take care of my jeep.

Mary.

Why trust her with anything else?

- Willard.
- It's okay.

Just try to calm down.

Oh, is that what you want?
You want me to calm down?

Sammy, Mary, come here.

- No, you got things twisted.
- Now, enough with the lies!

I'm not lying.

Please.

People all over town are saying,

there's another man
crashed my jeep.

- No, no, no. Just listen.
- Exactly as I thought.

Willard please, just listen.

As if you were being
faithful to me...

when I was on my trucking runs.

No. No, Willard.
Please, just listen.

- Now, come here!
- Willard, no!

No. Stop.

It's time to remind
everybody who's in charge.

- Daddy.
- Willard, no!

No, stop.

- How many men been inside my jeep?
- Willard!

Please!

How many men been inside you?

No!

Is he dead?

- What now, Veronica?
- Just give me a minute.

Mama?

Leave me be, Mary.

Come here. It's okay.

911, what's the nature
of your emergency?

911?

That's right.

I wanna report a murder.

Okay.

Um...

I just shot my husband.

Can you give me your address?

- Watch through.
- Watch through around perimeter.

Let's do it.

Now, go. Go, go!

To the back.

- Sheriff, where are you?
- Ready?

Open it.

Go.

- Where's the victim?
- Please, we're not the ones who--

Was this weapon used tonight?

We got a body.

Call it in.

Was that rifle used tonight?

She can't hear you.

She's deaf in one ear.

Who are you?

I'm, I'm the one
who called 911.

Took you long enough.

I've been out trying
to get help from a neighbor.

It's okay, Mary.

Mama's here.

You called 911?

Only I didn't tell everything true.

It wasn't me who shot my husband.

It was my daughter, Mary.

No.

Sheriff.

Victim's still alive.

- Discharged, Mrs. Johnson?
- Yeah. I'll be here if you need me.

It ain't right,
they're not in a holding cell.

Why don't you find out
if we got a corpse first?

Go check with the doctor.

Willard's my husband.

So shouldn't I be knowing
what's going on around here?

- Veronica.
- What?

These cops don't fool me
with their fake concern.

Ain't nobody ever came to
our rescue for all these years.

Which is exactly why we had--

Why you had to what?

Veronica?

Sheriff.

Victim didn't make it.

Willard Simms is dead.

Uh, let's move these three
down to the station.

I told you it wasn't me
who shot my husband.

Sheriff ordered gunshot
residue tests for all three of you.

All three?

You ain't gonna find nothing.

Who's next?

Next.

Mama?

You got nothing
to worry about, Mary.

Okay. Thanks.

And?

Two of them handled the rifle
that killed Willard Simms.

Which means two different explanations.

You're free to go.

I'm arresting you for
the murder of Willard Simms.

I wanna sue for false imprisonment.

You have the right
to remain silent.

Anything you say can and
will be used against you...

in a court of law.

Do we get to go home now?

Not exactly.

I told you.

Mary is the one who done it.

- Mary.
- Mama.

Don't worry, Mary.
I'm gonna tell 'em everything.

I wanna tell everything too.

You shouldn't say anything...

until you've been assigned
a court appointed attorney.

That's the same as a lawyer?

It's exactly the same, Mary.

I'm here for your benefit.

To see you through the upcoming
trial and its outcome.

Why do I need a court
appointed attorney if...

I already know to tell the truth?

Well that's the thing, Mary.

I already told them,
you're not gonna testify.

You're not even gonna be
in the courtroom.

What?

I was there when Willard was shot.

I'm gonna suggest...

that you never repeat that.

No one knows what happened
the way that I do.

I'm the one been living
this nightmare for 10 years.

It's important for
everyone concerned,

including the deceased,
that you share every detail.

We need to know,

not only who killed
Willard Simms,

but also the events
that led up to his shooting.

Don't be afraid, Veronica.

Tell us everything.

Who's the most beautiful baby girl
in the whole wide world?

You are, Mary Bailey.

I'm gonna make sure
you don't want for nothing.

That mean you're gonna start
helping with expenses around here?

You know I'd do anything
for my baby girl, Mama.

Except, get her father
to leave his wife,

and admit that Mary is his baby.

I told you, I know
what I did was sin.

That don't make Mary one.
Look at her.

I'm gonna find Mary a new daddy.

A man who takes pride in family.

Ain't no such thing
in this god forsaken town.

There you are!

I'll figure something out, Mama.
You'll see.

For you, for me,

and especially for Mary.

You still got some
growing up to do, Veronica.

Just try to do it with the right
kind of people this time.

Just seems like being
a volunteer counselor...

at church summer camp is
a good place to start.

Maybe.

But if anybody could
screw that up it'd be you.

Whatever you do
when you grow up,

don't end up like her.

And now, we'll head downstairs,

and I'll show you the rooms
for arts and crafts,

and indoor play when
the weather's not so nice.

Uh, and Veronica,

I'll pair you with
this young man.

- I'll leave you both to it then.
- Yeah.

- Be good now.
- Hold on a second.

Well that's better.

Um, I'm Willard...

Willard Simms.

- Hi.
- Hi.

I'm Veronica Bailey.

Do you believe in destiny,
Veronica Bailey?

What?

You know, when two people
are meant to be as one?

Are you for real?

Why do you ask?

Do I seem too good
to be true?

Do we have to bring baby Mary
with us everywhere we go?

You'll understand one day
when you have a baby.

Ain't nothing like it, Susan.

Count me out.

I'm gonna move away
and never look back,

once I find me someone
who's as old as he is rich.

Better off relying on ourselves
than any man.

Well, don't that depend
on the man?

Uh, not polite to eavesdrop.

Hi Willard.

I wasn't eavesdropping.

Just passing by.

You on your way to the bakery?

Maybe.

Well, whatever you're having,

whatever you want,
it's my treat.

Not used to people
being nice to you,

taking care of you?

It's time you realize...

how special you are,
Veronica Bailey.

I'm the one who's gonna
make sure of it.

Ain't that right,
sweet little Mary?

See you there, ladies.

What happened to
"not relying on any man"?

Ma went to sears portrait studio...

to take photos of her
and the baby.

She's gotten kinda
possessive with Mary.

I told you that's a good thing.

Hi, Willard.

Now, you are too young
and beautiful to have a kid.

Didn't pastor McCall say:

No fraternizing between
camp counselors?

He also said no drinking.

Oh, can I get an amen?

Amen!

I, uh...

thought I asked you to stop
telling everyone you got a kid.

Well, those are my friends.

They spend plenty of time with Mary.

My baby will never be
no dirty little secret.

I'm proud to be her mama.

So, you're okay with people
thinking you're a slut?

It's what I hear other
people saying, that's all.

I only wanna protect you.

Got a funny way
of showing it sometimes.

Damn, you're beautiful.

Here.

Take a sip.

You know, I'm not old enough.

Don't you trust me to know
what's best for you?

You really take a drink.

Hey, Todd!

Hey!

Hey.

Listen dude, I'm, like,
drunk as a skunk.

Hey, do me a favor
and kiss Veronica.

- Huh?
- What?

Yeah, tell me if you can
taste the booze on her lips.

Or her tongue.

For real?

Willard.

I, I mean, I'm willing if you are.

What are you doing?

Proving I always got your back.

Veronica.

At least, let me apologize.

The, the way I was acting was...

What?

Willard, wait.

Are you shaking?

What happened with Todd,

it scares me.

I would never do, I...

But I've already been
with one bad man,

I can't make the same
mistake twice.

Not now that I got Mary.

Is that what you think I am?

A bad man?

Well, you got my parents
to thank for messing me up.

Drinking, fighting,

punching.

You know, I swore
I'd never be like them, but...

I guess the more you try
to run away from something,

the faster it catches up to you.

Willard, wait.

I guess...

I don't really have
the best track record myself.

Um...

Dating a married man,

and having a baby
nobody wants but me.

My mama reminds me all the time
of what a mess-up I am.

Don't you ever say that again,
Veronica.

There's nothing about you
that's messed up.

Don't you see this is why
I wanna protect you?

I wanna be with you forever.

You are the only one
on this earth...

who can save me from myself.

Veronica!

Do you know
what time it is?

You never fail to disappoint me.

Wait. You got the wrong idea about
what's going on out here, ma'am.

I know what boys your age
are interested in.

Especially, when it comes to girls...

who ain't got no moral compass.

-Mama!

Way past your bedtime,
Veronica Bailey.

Do yourself a favor, and
steer clear of my daughter.

Ain't no good's come to anyone
who's ever known her.

Let's go.

Hi. I'm picking up a cake
for Veronica Bailey.

Coming up short?

Willard.

So, you do remember my name.

Now, I've seen you around town
lots over the past year,

but you don't even
as much as say hi.

Well, my mama, she--

Besides, I heard you moved on
and got married.

As if moving on is even possible...

after meeting someone
as amazing as you.

What are the balloons for anyway?

Oh.

I got them for Mary's birthday.

I was trying to get a cake too.

Will this cover it?

Heard you's about to be a daddy.

Ever hear of someone trying
to mend a broken heart?

By getting my former best friend,
Susan, pregnant?

I'd leave her in an instant...

if it meant we'd be together again.

Look, I don't care
what your mama says,

or Susan or anyone else neither.

I'm in it for you and me.

And Mary?

I'm trying to buy her a cake,
ain't I?

I don't know, Willard.

Who says we're not wrong
for each other...

after what happened
last year at church?

I apologized for that.

I even made up with Todd.

Do you forget?

You're the only one
who can save me from myself.

I, Veronica Jo Bailey,

take thee Willard Simms...

to be my lawfully wedded husband,

to have and to hold
from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish...

No wait, I remember.

To love and to cherish...

'till death do us part.

I can't say that
Willard wasn't trying.

Um, keeping us fed.

Paying the bills.

Making me feel protected.

He was doing...

little things to show his affection.

- For me?
- Yeah.

But...

Will-Willard...

He had another side.

One that would show up
without warning.

He blamed it on,

overreacting when he was scared,

on account of him being abused
when he was little.

Willard always promised
to do better.

That, uh, that
he was gonna change.

And I prayed on it.

I hoped on it.

I committed myself to it...

because of the wedding vows
I took in front of god.

But...

Willard's promises never
seemed to take for very long.

- Mama?
- Oh, Mary.

Hi.

Mm.

Hi, Mama.

Do something
to deserve that shiner?

Nobody deserves
to be beaten, Mama.

Not even me.

We watch what we say
around Mary.

Well, here's an idea.

Why don't you take her
to live with you and Willard,

so I don't have to
raise her anymore?

You know there's not
enough room at Willard's.

It's not always safe for Mary
to be around him.

Hey, you know what?

Why don't we pick out
your favorite color,

and we can paint
each other's nails?

Mm-hm.

Red is my favorite color too.

Why don't you wait for me
downstairs, okay?

- Okay.
- Okay.

Mary's here for her own safety...

'till I can find a way
to leave Willard,

so that he doesn't, maybe,
come after me or Mary, or...

or even you.

Willard Simms don't scare me.

What I do find frightening
is that a child I raised...

would grow up to be like you.

It turns out,
I'm not the only one,

who's disappointed in the kind
of person you turned out to be.

Nothing a little nail polish
can't fix, right?

Pretty.

Yes, you are, Mary Bailey.

Don't you ever forget
how much I love you, okay?

Don't forget that one day,

we're gonna be together.

Yeah?

Mm-hm. Yeah.

Safe and happy...

without anyone telling us
how to live our lives.

It's just you and me, baby girl.

That's all that matters.

There we go.

Admit it.

You're trying to cut me out.

Out of what exactly?

Mary,

she misses living with me.

I was just trying
to show her some love.

Yeah, what about me?

I mean, don't I deserve love?

I wish you knew
how much I had for you.

Mary'll love you too
if you let her.

Maybe, we start thinking
about giving Mary a brother.

Or sister.

Mm. Yeah, one day.
For sure.

Come on, there's no time
like the present.

- I'm cooking.
- Mm.

Come on baby,
we'll prove our love.

To Mary, your mama.

Willard.

The whole damn world.

Please, Willard.
Not like this.

No, not this way.

- Please, don't do this.
- Come on baby, prove our love.

- You and me.
- Stop.

Please, stop.

What you described,

is that how you became
pregnant with Mary's brother?

Mary's half brother.

Sammy.

His conception was...

no act of love, but...

still...

love...

love was all I had
for my new baby boy...

once he got here.

I'm not sure how, Sammy,

but I'm gonna give you
and your sister, Mary,

the best life that I can manage.

Mama?

- Baby brother?
- Mm-hm.

Sure is, Mary.
This is Sammy.

Hi, Sammy.

I love him.

Oh, and he loves you.

You'll never get away
from Willard now.

Not after having his boy.

Pastor McCall says
there's always a way.

Church don't offer the kind
of sanctuary you think it does.

Sunday school is fun.

I know it is, Mary.

We're gonna be spending lots
more time there at church too.

You wait and see, okay?

Yeah.

From me for you.

Aw.

Paid with my, um...

allowance.

Ain't you the sweetest.

Who, me?

Did you get those outta the trash?

Come on, Mary.

Let's leave your mama to
the family she chose over you.

- Mama!
- Well, am I wrong?

- You can't say something like that.
- She knows what's going on.

- I raised her...
- But, if you keep talking...

negative like that, it's gonna
start rubbing off on her.

I'm sorry, but she's a smart girl.

- She knows what's going on.
- I didn't think...

- Excuse me.
- you'd say something like that...

- What, am I lying?
- Of course, you--

- You know what?
- Willard!

Oh, Mary and I was just playing.

Ain't that right?

My handsome little man.

You done good.

Don't you worry none, Sammy.

I'm sure your daddy
just got held up at work.

Or something important like that.

Yeah. It's okay.

I told you to be here
by 3:30, Willard.

So, what's got you so...

Susan.

You're the last person
I'd expect to pick me up.

Willard didn't leave me
much of a choice.

I told you I could drive.

I knew you was carrying on
behind my back, but...

you kept at it even while
I was having Willard's baby?

I tried warning you he was
no good all those years ago.

Yeah, but then you went
and had a kid with him...

when he and I was broken up.

And here you are!

Following my lead.

Don't you need a ride?

Did you put the baby down?

Yes, he's fine.

Let's just focus on Willard.

What's the baby's name?

Sammy.

Sammy?

You mean Susan.

My two best girls.

Willard, don't.

What? You think
you can boss me around?

Huh?

You tell me what to do?

Disrespect me in front
of the woman I love.

- Willard.
- What?

It's true, isn't it?

I don't gotta take this.

Well, you wanna leave,
then leave.

You're gonna do it
the way you came.

With nothing.

- No.
- Let her take her baby.

It ain't hers to take.

No!

No!

No!

If you take my baby,
I swear I'll...

What?

What are you gonna do, huh?

Your own mama loves you
less than I do.

You leave and your kids will
become wards of the state.

So, I'd think long and hard...

before you start making threats
that don't add up to nothing.

So, ultimately you never left?

Even as your kids grew older.

Even as the abuse extended to them.

Well, honestly, I didn't know
how to leave him.

I was flat broke.

I had to choose between...

being free from Willard...

and feeding my babies.

Wasn't there anyone
you could ask for help?

Like your mother?

My pastor.

And you sure you ain't
gonna say nothing...

to anyone, pastor McCall?

What you share here stays
between us, and the Lord.

Willard says he's gonna
take Sammy away...

if I try and get divorced.

Sammy's only six years old,
it wouldn't be safe.

You familiar with Ephesians?

Chapter four, verse three?

"Make every effort to keep
the unity of the spirit...

"through the bond of peace."

Peace?

No disrespect, but...

I ain't know peace in years.

I mean, it's bad enough
Mama's always riding me,

even though, we pay the bills.

She gambled all her savings away.

Then, there's Willard's cheating, and...

This way of living ain't right.

Especially, not for Mary or Sammy.

I, uh, it's probably...

a mistake, bringing all this up...

- with you. I'm...
- No.

- Maybe, if I spoke to Willard.
- Oh, no.

Promise you won't.

I know Willard can come off
all sweet and polite, but...

He's got a real dark side, and
I don't want you getting hurt.

Alright?
I got my hands full...

trying to keep him
from beating Mary.

Is that why you've been bringing
Mary by the church so often?

Yeah, well she feels safe here.

It makes her less combative.

Sometimes, she can be scary
protective of me around Willard.

I've noticed, she has
a lack of patience,

and even compassion at times.

She's always saying...

that one day she's gonna
try and stop Willard.

You don't think
she'd actually harm...

anyone, do you?

Honestly?

I don't know.

Can I do the next box?

Yeah, you can do them later.
It's not your turn.

You two aren't getting
in the way, are you?

We're helping, Mama.

I know you are.

And what about you, Sammy?

Well, he wanted to do
all the heavy lifting.

But, I told him to leave it to me.

Well, you and your sister
should go get your coats on...

before your daddy gets here, okay?

You know, he don't like
to be kept waiting.

Okay.

Come on.

You always keep this place
looking so good.

Not as good as you, Veronica.

Oh, Perkins.

Don't you know lying is a sin?

Especially, in church?

A new car?

A new car.

Yeah, it's time I drove something...

a little more rugged
to match my style.

That there's a fine vehicle,
Willard.

I didn't know we could afford
something like this.

I got my first check from
that cross-country trucking gig.

Isn't that cool?

Even though, I can barely
manage the grocery bills?

How is you being too stupid...

to keep up with a bank
account my problem?

Hey, Sammy.

What do you say?
You wanna check it out?

- Yeah.
- Yeah? Come on.

Get in the back.

Hey, hey, hey!

Careful, you ungrateful brat.

This car is worth way more
than you'll ever be.

- Oh, Willard.
- What?

Nothing to see here, Bo.

Wait in the car.

- Where are you gonna go?
- Where do you think?

I'm gonna do what I always do.

Protect you.

- Mama.
- It's okay. It's okay.

Willard.

Bet you're, uh,

loving how that vehicle
handles mountain passes.

Kinda like how you love...

when I'm outta town
on my trucking runs.

Jesus!

Oh, Jesus! What?

No, please!

I'll kill you for looking at my wife.

And then I'll kill her too.

What on God's earth?

Willard Simms,
what's gotten into you?

Just helping out my fellow man,
pastor McCall.

You alright?

Yeah. Just...

fell.

Were you ever afraid for your life,
Veronica?

My children's lives.

That's who I was most
worried about,

the weekend Willard said
that I was gonna die.

How long you been screwing
the man who wrecked my jeep?

It wasn't a man, Veronica.

Aren't you supposed to be
watching your brother?

Mom needs help.

Willard's talking crazy.

Some might argue your mom
invites this kinda thing on herself.

Willard you know
I'd never do you wrong.

- Come on, tell me!
- Willard, no!

You really think
you got what it takes...

to end this nightmare, Mary?

I'll do whatever I have
to do to save mama.

What'd you do
to set him off this time?

Mama, no!

Oh!

No!

No.

- Oh.
- Don't get up. Hear me?

Unless you want another
reason to stay down.

Why don't you believe
it was me...

that crashed your jeep?

More than one person told me,

it was another man driving
when it got all banged up.

The same man
that's been bedding you.

But you and me is a team,
Willard.

Except, when I overhear you
talking to Mary.

Trying to work out
some kinda plan to leave me...

When I always promised...

- to protect you!
- Leave my mama alone!

This ain't your concern, Mary.

Get your grandma and get out.

It's between me and your mama.

You brought all this on yourself,

and now the rest of us
are suffering because of it.

Because of you.

I can't risk Willard taking Sammy,
and never let me keep him.

He said he'd kill me first.

Ain't nothing or no one
can save me now.

No.

You're supposed to be in bed.

I don't want you
hearing any of this.

Somebody's gotta do something.

Well, don't look at me, Mary.

You're the one always saying
you're gonna fix everything.

What in God's name?

You're not actually buying
any of this, are you, Your Honor?

I loved him.

I never wanted him to die.

Mary shot Willard, not me.

I look like I'm guilty.

- I need you to calm down, okay?
- I want order in this court.

I respect that, Your Honor.

I said order!

I know, look at me.

- Oh, my God!
- Hey, hey, hey. Hey.

Not surprisingly,

your daughter's testimony
is full of lies and half-truths.

You prepared to reveal
what really happened?

Or you let your 12-year-old
granddaughter take the blame,

and be convicted of
killing your son in law?

The people call Ella Bailey
to the stand.

Is your recollection
of what transpired...

the same as your daughter's?

Mrs. Bailey?

Okay.

Your Honor, the witness is
hard of hearing on her left side...

because of an injury sustained
at the hands of Willard Simms.

How is this, any better?

Is your version of what happened
the same as your daughter's?

My daughter told her...

truth.

Now, I'll tell mine.

Okay.

Mama, you can feed
Mary just for a little bit.

I'm late meeting Willard.

Look, you know,

I'll do anything for you
and Mary, sweetheart.

But is hanging out with
Willard Simms really a good idea?

Look, Mama.

You just hate it, don't you?

That I'm young and pretty,

and I got my whole life
ahead of me.

And yours is practically over

Except for the time
you spend at church.

But now, you got a new pastime,

raising Mary.

But, she's your child, Veronica.

Mama, you know good and well.

If I realized I was pregnant...

- before Mary was due...
- Don't you say it.

Why not?

This baby is the last thing
I need in my life right now.

So now, that Mary is here,

she's your problem, not mine.

Bye now.

Oh, oh.
Don't worry, Mary.

You can always count on me.

God willing.

Are we gonna wake your mama?

No, it's fine.

Hey, hey.

So? You gonna do it?

Aw, I knew you was too chicken.

No, I'm up for anything.

That goes double for me.

Prove it.

Veronica!

What has gotten into you?

Thought you said,
your mama wouldn't hear us.

It's that damn baby,

keeps waking up,
crying all the time.

Mary's wrecking all of our lives.

Get in this house.

Make me.

Do I have to remind you,
you're still underage?

You can try and control me
all you want, old woman,

but it ain't never gonna take.

You know the reason
I'll never stop trying?

Because I'll never stop loving you.

See y'all tomorrow?

Have a good evening,

Mrs. Bailey.

I'll pray for you,

- Willard Simms.
- Bye-bye.

Don't bother.

Already going straight to hell.

So, you warned your daughter
repeatedly about...

the dangers of her involvement
with the deceased?

Objection, Your Honor.

Prosecution is leading the witness.

Willard Simms was dangerous.

But so was...

So is my daughter.

Putting the two of them
together was like...

mixing gasoline with fire.

That walk to church
ain't so bad, right?

Yes. And Sunday school is fun.

What is it, Grandma?

It just makes me so happy...

that you love church
as much as I do, Mary.

Ow!

You stay here.

Veronica?

Stupid thing.

Come on.

- What on earth--?
- It broke.

Mama?

Leave me be, Mary.

How about you go down
to the kitchen...

and get a cookie
out of the cookie jar?

- But...
- We'll be along in a minute.

Can I help you find something?

Have you got anything
stronger than this?

Something that seems natural,

but taking in a giant dose would be
powerful enough to kill someone?

Kill someone?

Or kill Willard?

You know you can leave him,

and move back in here
with me and Mary.

I can't exactly jump ship now
that I'm pregnant with his son.

What?

The more kids I have, the more
money I get from the state.

But, Willard's never gonna
let me leave with his baby.

Not that I'm sure this kid
I'm carrying's even his.

So, I gotta consider other options.

Like poison?

Whatever it takes
to erase him from my life,

and with any luck, the planet.

Wait. Okay.

This is not like you, Veronica.

You don't know me.
You never did.

I'm my own person,

and I'm gonna do
whatever it takes...

to live the kinda life
that I deserve.

Are you drunk?

I'm high.

Not that I'd expect you
to know the difference.

You got any poison or not?

Let's go, Mary.

You're the one that said,
I could move back in with you.

Yeah, but I didn't think
it'd be with Willard.

Look, do you really think
he's a good influence on Mary?

Well, find me that poison,
and we can discuss other options.

Where's my little man?

Hi, buddy.

Hey.

It's mighty good of you
to make room for us,

Mom.

It don't make you feel old
when I call you that, does it?

I just hope you do right
by Mary and me, Willard.

And the rest of your family.

Why does your mom
treat me like the enemy?

Gee, I don't know.

If it walks, looks,
and quacks like a duck,

what do you think?

I think your mama don't know
what kinda handful you are.

Don't think I won't take Sammy,

and leave you high and dry,

you worthless slut.

That's right.
That'd mean less welfare.

You ain't got the guts.

Hey, you seen my glasses?

No, I have not.

I work in a factory
that makes this doll.

Two bucks is too much.

I'm very sorry, sir,

- but your company charged...
- I know it was you, Mary.

You hiding my glasses?

Tell me, and I'll
turn the TV back on.

I could help you find them,

Daddy.

What'd you call me?

You're Sammy's daddy.

And...

- you're my daddy too.
- No, I ain't your daddy.

I ain't never gonna be
your daddy.

Now, don't you go
and start crying.

There is nothing
for you to cry over.

Unless, you want
a reason to cry.

- No.
- Hm?

Hey, don't you raise a hand...

Mary! Mary, no!

Get off.

Grandma!

Mary, honey.

It's okay.

Ow.

911. What's the nature
of your emergency?

Yeah. My, uh, son in law's
been threatening...

my grandchildren
with physical violence.

Are the children hurt?

No. Well--

- Ma'am, I'm sorry.
- No, but--

- Ma'am, please.
- Well, earlier--

I'm sorry, we can't help.

- No, please.
-You'll have to call social services.

Hello?

No one's coming, is they?

Don't look so scared.

I'm not the boogeyman.

No one wants to be
the bad guy, you know?

I'm not proud of my struggle.

You understand that, right?

Mom?

No.

Whether you do or not,
listen to me clear, old woman.

Try and call for help again,
you will live to regret it.

You don't scare me,
Willard Simms.

No, maybe not.

What about your granddaughter, Mary?

Hm?

I know how to hurt you.

Things were worse than
I imagined they ever could be.

And I've been through a lot in life.

You say, you made it
your mission to protect Mary.

Well, my daughter wouldn't.

So, I had to.

Or...

at least, I tried.

But, by the time Mary
was a young lady,

she was already helping me
more than I could ever help her.

Mary cooked, cleaned,
and took care of all of us.

Especially, Sammy.

Her love for her baby brother
was something to treasure.

Alright, here's breakfast.

And lunch?

Am I right?

We're not due for more
food stamps until week's end.

Willard didn't leave any cash...

when he went on
his last trucking run.

Don't worry, grandma.

Willard's my daddy, not yours.

Still makes you my brother.

- And I love you Sammy.
- Gross!

You can't go without eating,
Mary.

Done it plenty of times before.

Enough's enough.

It's time you start
treating your kids...

more than a way
to get an allowance...

- from the state, Veronica.
- Leave me be, I was up late.

You don't think I know that?

You don't think
I hear strange men...

coming in and out of this house
all hours of the night?

You're imagining things.

What if I was Willard?

Willard's not due back
from the road 'till week's end.

- I need my beauty rest.
- No, what we need is food.

Now, you take Willard's jeep,
go down to the piggly wiggly,

and see if we have
any credit left.

I can't.

Your kids are starving.

The jeep's not here.

A friend borrowed it.

You let somebody
borrow Willard's jeep?

He needed cigarettes.

He promised he'd
bring it right back.

And how long ago was that?

I don't know.

It's been hours.

Yeah.

That your friend with the jeep?

There was an accident.

The jeep crashed, and
it got dented up real bad.

Willard's gonna kill me
when he gets home,

and finds out
his new jeep's wrecked.

Especially, if he knows
another guy was driving it.

You think I wouldn't find out
what really happened?

Oh, for the love of God, Willard.

Not in front of your kids.

What, my kids?

Now, I can't trust this slut
to take care of my jeep.

- No, you got things twisted.
- Now, enough with the lies!

This is the weekend you die.

Veronica, no.

What other choice have we got?

How many times you call the cops?

And?

Nothing.

Willard don't make
any sense anymore.

All he wants to do is hurt us.

He said, I'm gonna die
this weekend.

Which is why I need you
to kill him for me, Mary,

while he's passed out
drunk in front of the TV.

Veronica, please!

I can't, Mama.

I don't even know
how to use a gun.

Sure, you do.

We've been over it lots.

Do you hear yourself?

What you're asking
your little girl to do?

Mary's practically all grown up.

You'd do anything for me,
wouldn't you?

You gotta shoot Willard
in the head.

- Kill him before he kills me.
- Mary, don't listen to her.

One of us has to use this rifle
before Willard wakes up.

I'll leave it to God
to decide who's guilty.

But, I do know
who's not innocent.

You've confirmed
battered woman syndrome.

And we heard from
the gentleman who testified,

the accused asked him
to kill the victim...

three years ago.

But,

you haven't yet revealed...

what actually took place
in the room...

the moment the deceased was shot.

Not to mention who
actually pulled the trigger.

What we've heard thus far
is hearsay, at best.

I see no choice but to have
the daughter of the accused testify.

No. No.

I won't do it.

I love my mama. I don't want
anything bad to happen to her.

You wouldn't be testifying
against anyone, Mary.

You'd be telling your side of things.

Helping everyone understand
what really happened.

The decision's yours, Mary.

No one else's.

If you won't testify,

we'll have no other choice
but to prosecute you.

Now, come on.

She's under arrest for the same
murder charge as her mother.

I'm sorry, Mary.

They got us in the crosshairs.

So, what's it gonna be?

Tell everything you know in court,

or go on trial for murder yourself?

- Mary!
- I'm sorry.

Can you give a little more details?

You okay?

Shouldn't your foster brothers and
sisters bring in their own dishes?

I help my grandma plenty at home.

Which is lovely.

But you know, it's okay to have
fun every now and then, right?

Come here.

What--? Ooh!

Stop.

I can't imagine all the emotions...

you must be feeling right now.

I'm worried for my mama.

I'm sure she's worried
about you too.

Which is why she'd want you
to do what's right.

You mean...

testify?

I just want all this to go away.

So, I could go back to being
with Mama, Sammy and Grandma.

I don't wanna go to jail, but...

I don't want it for Mama either.

Nobody knows how
all of this will turn out.

But, if they don't have
the full story...

Maybe, if you spoke to your mom.

If they let me,

will you drive me
to jail to see her?

Mary, your mom's
been out on parole...

since the day of the arrest.

Since the day you came
into foster care.

That can't be true.

I assumed you knew.

Why wouldn't she come see me?

Parole can be complicated.

- Maybe, she got busy, and she--
- I'd like to be alone now.

I understand, sweetheart.

- If you need anything--
- No.

The people call Mary Bailey
to the stand.

We don't want
your mother's story,

or your grandmother's story.

We want your story, Mary.

I always loved my mama.

And...

I always wanted to be with her.

It seemed like, I was
always waiting for her, though.

I couldn't understand why
Mama lived life the way she did.

But,

I figured she had her reasons.

We haven't got all night.

- Shh!
- Shh.

Keep it down.

You're gonna wake my mama up.

Let's wake her up.

What we need is another drink.

Mama?

Mary, what are you doing up?

You're supposed to be in bed.

I wanna be with you, Mama.

Need me to handle this?

No, no, it's good.
We're good.

Listen.

Go on now.

Get back to bed, okay?

Next time, I'm over...

I'm gonna paint
your fingernails, okay?

- Can they be red?
- Uh-huh.

That's my favorite.

All these stories in town,

- you're saying it's all a lie?
- What do you mean?

- Willard, I love you and only you.
- Usually,

it was me watching
over my mama,

instead of the other way around.

Oh.

Why do people fight?

I wish I knew, baby girl.

Your step-daddy keeps promising
that he's gonna do better,

but then,
that promise never sticks.

Willard's always...

talking about me being...

the only one that can
save him from himself.

But...

it just don't seem
to be anyone around...

to save you and me, Mary.

I thought a lot
about running away,

ever since I could remember.

But I figured if I left,

who would take care of Mama?

What made you feel you needed
to protect your mother...

from Willard Simms, Mary?

Being scared of my step-daddy...

was something me
and her had in common.

Because he'd beat you both?

Yes, ma'am.

Beat everyone in the family.

A lot.

But, those weren't the only
times we were scared.

Somebody better find my glasses.

There was no guessing what
my step-daddy might say or do.

Could be sweet as
a baby bird one minute,

and mean as
a rattlesnake the next.

Where are you, Mary?

Sorta like a firecracker...

that would go off
all by itself without warning.

Gotcha.

Sounds like a frightening
way to live life.

I hid.

A lot.

Uh...

I promised after last time, I...

I wouldn't hurt you.

Not again.

Think I don't know
where you get to...

when you should be in school,
Mary Bailey?

I was hiding from Willard.

Then, decided I...

couldn't take the teasing
I was getting in class...

for wearing the same clothes, and...

never having lunch money.

Oh, Mary.

My heart breaks for you.

But you know,
I don't like the idea...

of you missing your lessons.

You're not gonna tell Mama,
are you?

Or Willard?

Get your shoes on.

Are you taking me
to the principal's office?

No. You'll see.

Some of you know
my granddaughter, Mary.

Who sometimes decides
her place isn't in school.

Thought we might
be able to help her...

feel more accepting of herself.

So that all the teasing
she gets in class...

don't bother her so much.

Welcome, Mary.

We were just telling some jokes.

In church?

I like to keep things light...

between my Sunday
and Wednesday sermons.

Uh, okay, I got one.

What do pirates
call Noah’s boat?

The arrrrrk.

It's, it's okay to laugh, Mary.

Try telling a funny joke.

Guess I'll try harder
next week, won't I?

All of a sudden, I wasn't
thinking about hiding so much.

I finally felt like
I had a place I fit in.

A place I belonged.

If only I didn't have
to go home to Willard...

in between being at church.

You telling me what to do?

- Would you let me explain?
- No, you're done explaining.

Please, listen to me.

No, I'm not listening to anything
you say anymore, Veronica.

I am sick and tired of this.

Come here!

Now, you need to
respect me, Veronica.

I'm sorry, okay?

Now, I'll show you
what happens...

when you don't.

They're gonna hear you.

-Shh! Shh!

Willard, no!

Stop it, stop it.

Sammy?

I'm scared.

Yeah, come in.

What the hell is
going on in here?

Nothing.

- We was just--
- Wasn't talking to you, Mary.

I was talking to someone
who matters.

Did she tempt you in here?

- What?
- I had a nightmare.

So, who should I hit first?

Me!

Hit me.

I told Sam to come here
'cause I was scared.

You got more guts than
most people in this town.

I peed.

You have nothing
to worry about, Sammy.

Accidents happen.

Here, you can wear these.

Thanks, Mary.

You're welcome.

I prayed hard
for things to get better.

And I spent lots of time
at church too.

So, which is it today, Mary?

You skipping school, or
you here 'cause you wanna be?

I'd be here every day if I could.

Given more thought
about getting baptized?

I want to.

But...

Now, I know for a fact...

your grandma would love
for you to identify with Christ.

It's Mama.

And Willard.

He...

More spankings?

We can't always know...

where the path we're on
will lead us, Mary.

Some call our challenges
a test from God.

Like he's getting us
ready for something.

Like what?

Won't know 'till it happens.

When it does,

you gotta be ready.

For yourself...

and for everyone you love.

I wanna be ready,
pastor McCall.

When god calls on me to do
what I need to do,

I'm gonna be ready.

Is it ready yet?

Oh, it's ready.

Mm. Smells good.

It's perfect, Grandma.

Well,

I can't think of anything
I want for Christmas...

more than to spend it
with you and Sammy.

Well, if this ain't
a Norman Rockwell painting.

Merry Christmas.

And same to you, Mary.

It's real nice of you, Willard,
to pay for the turkey...

and all the fixings
for Christmas dinner.

I'm glad you think so.

Come on, Sammy,
get your coat on.

Where are we going?

Uh, we ain't going nowhere.

We're going to my girlfriend...

Your, uh, mother's girlfriend,
Susan's house.

What?

We got a kid there too, so...

Don't spill any of this
on the way to the car.

Here buddy.

What are you doing?

I promised Susan,
we'd bring Christmas dinner.

Forget who paid for this bird?

It's not fair.

Well, keep being naughty...

and it won't be Santa
who punishes you for it.

I said coats on, let's go.

Sammy, come on, let's go.

Come on, get your coat on.

Let's go.

Remember what we learned
from pastor McCall, Grandma?

Christmas ain't about gifts.

Or even special dinners
with all the fixings.

It's about Jesus, right?

You've got a beautiful soul,
Mary Bailey.

What I got...

is the best gift ever.

My grandma.

I don't think there's
a person in this courtroom...

who isn't inspired
by your ability...

to recall the happier times, Mary.

But now, we need to talk
about the bad times.

Can you tell us
about the events...

occurring in February
of 1987, Mary?

A new car?

A new car.

Yeah, it's time I drove something...

a little more rugged
to match my style.

Hey, what do you think
you're doing?

But, there's mud all over.

Hey, this here car's worth
more than you'll ever be.

I'm sorry, I, I was just trying...

- And what'd I say about sassing me?
- Willard, no! Don't.

Not in front of...

What the hell
are you looking at?

That's when I finally
figured out why no one,

not even other grown-ups,

stopped him from
being how he was.

Everyone was right
terrified of Willard Simms.

He was a bad man.

Is that why you decided to do
what you did to him?

Do you understand
the question, Mary?

I never decided to do
what I did.

I was asked.

Well,

told what to do.

Look, Mama.

Leave me be, Mary.

What if you said that
you crashed the jeep?

Willard knows I don't drive.

Besides, you don't think
he'd hurt me for messing up his car?

I can't really blame the guy
who crashed it for leaving town.

I wish he took me with him.

And what about
Mary and Sammy?

I'm not able to collect
welfare without them.

That's the very reason
I can never leave Willard.

I lose the checks
if I lose the kids.

Except you, Mary.
Willard don't even want you.

- Veronica.
- What?

I bet he's drunk enough
to kill us all.

Damn glasses.

You think, I wouldn't find out
what really happened?

Now, Willard.

- You got things twisted.
- Now, enough with the lies.

Now, people all
over town are saying,

there's another man
who crashed my jeep.

Exactly like I thought.

As if you were faithful when
I was on my trucking runs.

There's my number one son.

Come here, buddy.

Hey, come here, buddy.
It's okay.

- Sammy.
- Sammy,

- sweetheart.
- Sammy.

Okay.

Was your mama kissing
one of her friends?

Or maybe another man
when I was away on the road?

-No.

Did you trained him like a parrot?

Just try and calm down.

Is that what you want, huh?
For me to calm down.

Actually, that's a fine idea.

Willard, wait.

Wait.

I was gonna tell you.

I just didn't know
how to talk to you,

how to contact you.

For the love of God, Willard.
Not in front of your kids.

My kids?

My kids?

I can't trust this slut
to take care of my jeep.

Why should I trust her
with anything else?

How do I know Sammy's
really my blood, huh?

Maybe, I should kill him and see...

- if his real daddy steps forward.
- Leave Sammy be!

- What's gotten into you?
- Tell me if he's really my son!

Stop it.

I swear to God, Veronica.

I will snap his neck
right here in front of you!

- No!
- Please, stop.

Please, let him go.

It's a weak man who can't
control his own family.

Guess it's time to remind
everybody who's in charge.

No.

Who's first?

Daddy?

This is the weekend you die.

Go put your brother
to bed, okay?

Yes, Mama.

- Is he passed out?
- Yeah.

We gotta get outta here.

And go where?

What happens
when he wakes up?

Who says,
we're gonna let him?

Things were quiet,

but in a bad way.

Sammy's sleeping.

Is your step-daddy
still passed out?

Far as I could tell.

So, this is the weekend
that I'm gonna die.

I wish prayer served us better.

There's only one way out.

Willard's gotta die first.

Mary, you're too innocent
to be hearing all this.

Mary.

You remember
how to use this gun?

- No.
- Veronica!

I'd fire the rifle if I could.

I'm too broken to hold it.

You're not, Mary.

You're strong.

I need you to save me.

Killing's a sin.

But not if it's to keep
someone else alive,

someone you love.

Veronica.

What jury's gonna
convict a little girl...

of trying to protect her mama?
Mary'd never go to jail.

It's one bullet to the head,
that's all it'd take.

No.

- It's--
- To the chest then.

Just shoot him in the chest.

Just make sure he's dead.

Come on.

Ow. Oh!

Uh, pick it up, Mary, please.

You can do this for me,
right Mary?

You can do this for me,
can't you Mary?

The gun won't fire.

Give it here.

It's loaded.

Here.

Here.

What are you waiting for?

Go.

Go.

It's not working.

Oh, for the love of--

The safety was still on.

I'd do anything for you,
Mama, but not this.

We got no other choice, Mary.

Think of your baby brother.

Do you want Sammy dead?

Please, let the gun fire.

Oh!

Is he dead?

What now, Veronica?

Just give me a minute, Mama.

Mama?

Leave me be, Mary.

911. What's the nature
of your emergency?

I wanna report a murder.

I just shot my husband.

Can I get your address?

It's 16 Tanner Trail.

Okay now, ma'am.

You all hold tight there.

It's okay, Mary.

It's okay.

Veronica?

Where are you going?

We don't got the fastest cops.

I'm gonna head on
down the road...

to my girlfriend's, to celebrate.

What's that?

What's what?

TV's still on.

- We gotta get Sammy and go!
- What?

Willard. He--

I don't understand.

Please, Grandma, he's coming.

-Where's the victim?

Please, we aren't
the ones who--

Was this weapon used tonight?

We got a body.

Call it in.

Who's the real victim here?

The abusive man who's now dead,

or the woman on trial who
didn't even pull the trigger.

Both are responsible
for another crime.

The crime of taking away
a young girl's childhood.

Not simply by the monstrous act
she was compelled to do,

but all those years before it.

When will Mary Bailey
be allowed to be a little girl?

One man's been convicted
for his abuse in God's eyes.

The other abuser's fate
lies in your hands.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

Guilty.

With mercy.

Meaning, no death penalty.

Ten years in prison.

No chance for parole.

Order!

Deputy,

you can escort Mary Bailey
to her foster parent.

Mary!

Mary, will you ever
forgive your mother?

Do you think you can
trust her again?

Got a joke for you.

Yeah?

What kinda car
would Jesus drive?

Um...

A christ-ler.

I'll use that one in church.

Ah, we miss you there, Mary.

Ain't nearly the same
without you.

Kinda surprised, my brother
and Grandma aren't here.

Well, your brother's being adopted...

by the foster family
he's been staying with.

And, uh, your grandma...

I wish, I weren't the one
to have to tell you this.

- Something happen?
- No, your grandma's fine.

Only she...

she moved out of state...

to live with your mom's brother.

Are you here to adopt me?

My wife and I looked into it.

But, we're told that...

it's best you're not raised in town.

You should be where
no one knows your...

your history.

You got the kinda strength
none of us do, Mary.

I'm afraid you're gonna have
to rely on it a spell longer.

I don't wanna be strong anymore.

I wish you was my daddy.

Me too.

Don't ever lose hope.

Pastor McCall...

Is it a sin that
I still love my mama?

You kidding me?

That's God working through you, Mary.

If we hate those who wronged us,

we're no better than them.

And I know, deep down,

your mama must love you.

It's a gift you're giving yourself
if you remember that.

Now, you decide...

how or what could represent
that bond you and...

she might still share.

No one has to know...

but you.

Except,

maybe, one day, Mama?

Maybe, so, Mary.

Maybe, so.

Been waiting a long
damn time for this day.

Well...

You're the last person
I'd expect...

to pick me up
and take me in.

Hi, Mama.

Alright, I know it's not
all that much.

I got you a towel
and a toothbrush.

Um...

But...

I hope you'll be comfortable.

Wait. So...

Is this how it's
gonna be now? Just...

being civil with one another?

light words now and then,
nothing more than that?

It's alright, Mary.

I know after everything
that's happened.

Actually,

why don't you come with me.

Let's sit.

That's my favorite.

Nothing a little nail polish can't fix.

I wasn't sure if you
could forgive me for--

Forgive?

Yes.

Forget, never.

I've been through a lot
to get to where I am today.

Most of which Sammy and I
should've never been...

put through to begin with.

But, that don't mean
I'm not able to move on.

To...

live life.

To find peace.

I can't expect
to move on myself if...

I'm not ready to offer you
the same kind of grace.

I love you, Mary Bailey.

I love you too, Mama.

You wanna go first?

Okay.