Original subtitles

(call ringing tone)

(birds chirping)

- You've reached Jason Davis. Leave me a message.

(voicemail beeps)

- Dad, it's Leigh.

Why are you not picking up your phone?

You're making me worry.

Just call me back, please.

Kids, pack up, we're leavin'.

- What, why?

- Papa still isn't answering his phone

and he hasn't returned any of my messages.

- Look, it's probably nothing but we just gotta make sure.

- Hustle. We're gonna get there after dark as it is.

- All right.

- Buckle up.

- You've reached Jason Davis. Leave me a message.

(voicemail beeps)

- Dad, it's Leigh. I haven't heard from you

in four days.

We're all worried.

(call ringing tone)

- You've reached Jason Davis. Leave me a message.

(voicemail beeps)

(Leigh): Dad, it's me.

What's goin' on?

I still haven't heard back from you.

You gotta call me back.

(call ringing tone)

- You've reached Jason Davis. Leave me a message.

(voicemail beeps)

- Dad, it's Leigh.

We've decided to cut the trip short.

We're on our way back.

(Jason on video): Hey, Robert, give your mom a hand.

(Robert): Oh.

- Hey, you too, kid. Drive safely!

(Allie): Bye, Papa! Bye!

(rain pattering)

(brakes squeal)

(engine stops)

- Hey, stay in the car.

(Leigh): Dad? Dad!

Dad! (hand bangs on glass)

(keys jingle)

(lock clicks)

(Leigh): Dad! (Luis): Jason!

- Dad!

(indistinct whisper)

- Storm must have knocked the power out.

Dad! - Jason!

I'm gonna check upstairs.

- Dad!

(object clunks)

Luis!

- Yeah?

- I found Dad's phone.

He didn't get any of my voicemails.

- Oh.

Babe... look.

- Is that blood?

(ominous music)

Dad!

Dad!

Dad!

(siren wails)

(Leigh sighs)

(knock on door)

- Hey, my...

my guys combed the area. No sign of him.

(sighs)

- But his car's still here.

So were his keys. (Luis): Yeah.

- Is there a safe upstairs? Any valuables?

- He worked for the post office for 40 years.

This house was my grandfather's.

- And that, I checked. I mean, it doesn't look like

anybody stole anything.

- Well, we called all the hospitals

and there's no record of a Jason Davis

being admitted in the last week.

- Oh... Well, where'd the blood come from?

- I understand your concern, ma'am.

We're gonna keep looking for him.

(Allie on video): Papa, look what I got for Christmas!

- I hope you thanked Santa.

- I'm filming you!

(Leigh): Allie, honey...

It's so late.

(Luis on video): I see that, mija.

Where's your mom?

(Leigh sighs)

- Hey, Robert, give your mom a hand.

- Oh.

- Get up.

- It's okay. It's all right. I'm fine.

Just...

(Jason): Hey, you too, kid.

(Allie): She said she's fine.

- Well, in case you haven't noticed, your mom is not

real good at standing up for herself.

- Ugh!

(Leigh): Ready?

(Jason): Drive safely! - Love you, Dad!

- Bye, Papa!

(Allie): Bye, Papa! Bye!

(soft music)

(Leigh sighs)

- Where the hell is he?

(sighs)

(phone rings)

(Leigh): Detective Haywood. Hello, hi.

(Haywood): Good news, we found him.

(Leigh sighs) He's doing just fine.

- Okay.

Oh, that is such a relief. - You got a pen?

- Yeah.

Okay.

(unsettling music)

(birds chirping)

(breathing nervously)

- Dad? Dad!

Dad.

- Angeleigh?

(Jason grunts) - Hi.

- Oh, mmm.

Oh, it's good to see you, sweetheart.

- I was so worried about you.

- Yeah. Still a little dizzy from the concussion.

- Yeah.

What the hell happened?

- Yeah, well it was, uh...

well, I don't know what day it was.

I slipped, hit my head.

And you were on that trip and well, it was bleeding,

so I called 911.

- The hospital had no record of you.

- The hospital put me in as Davies.

- Oh. - I tried to tell them,

but they said, well, that's the way it was called in, so...

- Hmm. 911 screwed up.

- I wanted to call you, but...

I didn't know your number by heart

and didn't have my damn phone.

- Oh, well, speaking of which.

- Yeah. - Hey.

It's like a party in here, huh?

What, did you get sick of us?

(Jason chuckles) How'd you wind up in here?

- Well, I'm still a little fuzzy on that, but...

There was this woman at the hospital.

Janet, uh, Timms.

- Excuse me, uh, ma'am, sir,

you need to sign in at reception.

- Oh. Um, does Janet Timms work here?

- She does not.

But she is here today,

so I can show you where you can find her.

- Oh, great. - After you sign in.

- Yeah, okay. - Hmm.

- Bill, I refer you over 20 patients a month.

You will get Alison Wong in

to get fitted for her dentures.

Yes, you can pick the time. Okay.

- Excuse me, are you Janet Timms?

I-I'm Jason Davis' daughter.

- Oh, it's nice to meet you. Hi.

- I'm Luis, her husband. - Hi.

- Dave Timms. Pleasure.

- Hi. Um, so I'm sorry, what exactly do you do?

- Why don't we have a seat? Let's talk inside.

The probate court, they appoint a guardian,

like a helper for vulnerable people who are in need.

- Oh, my dad doesn't need any help.

- Well, the doctors who treated him thought differently.

Your dad suffered a serious concussion, Ms. Delgado.

And you weren't there.

No one could get in touch with you.

- Well, I was-- - We was--

- We were on vacation.

- Totally understand.

You guys have your own life.

- So, the-the doctors told the courts to call you?

- Someone like me. And then the judge granted me

temporary guardianship over Jason.

- Oh.

- Your dad is in very, very good hands.

- This is my brother. He had to say that.

I pay him a lot. (all chuckle)

- Okay, well, thank you so much.

(Janet): Of course.

- But I think we'll take him home now.

- Jason can't go home now.

Your dad needs rest and care.

But don't worry, I'm gonna make sure that he gets that.

- Well, we'll take care of him. - Yeah, absolutely. I mean--

- He can't leave without my permission.

- What? (chuckles awkwardly)

Says who?

- The court.

When they granted me guardianship,

he became my full responsibility.

- What if he doesn't want that?

- Well, then, you just gotta talk to the court.

See if they'll end the guardianship.

I'm sure they'll know what's in your father's best interest.

- Oh.

- All right, so we... - Okay, thank you.

- Nice to meet you.

(birds chirping)

- You have reached the Clark County Probate Court.

All operators are busy. Please stay on the line.

(gentle music plays)

(Leigh sighs heavily)

- The Sex Jackals?

- It's just some guys at school putting together a band.

- Well, you're a good guitarist.

- Not in front of people and stuff.

- You know, you can do anything you wanna do--

(both): If you work hard for it.

- Okay, Mom. - I mean, Sex Jackals

is a terrible name. - Uh-huh.

- You have reached the Clark County Probate Court.

- Hello?

- You have reached the Clark County Probate Court.

Goodbye.

- Damn it!

(hold music plays)

- I'd get me a cougar claw. (laughs).

- Do you know what you're having?

- What's good? - Well, um,

everyone loves our grilled cheese,

but if you're looking for breakfast,

we've got the biscuits and gravy.

- What are your specials, darlin'?

- That's not on the menu, sir.

I'll give you all a minute.

(customer chuckles)

- Hey, hey, come here.

Am I paying you to be on the phone?

- Oh, Mack, I'm sorry. My father is stuck

in this nursing home and I just, I-I...

I haven't been able to sort it out.

Get anybody, a human being.

- And how come you gotta be rude to people?

- Well, I don't mean to be rude, Mack!

- Be nice.

Give 'em that sexy smile of yours

once in a while.

(Leigh sighs)

(woman on phone): Probate Court. Hello?

- Oh, I'm here! I'm here! - Hello?

- Don't hang up! Don't hang up! Hello? Hello, I'm here.

Yeah, I-I-I've been calling all week

about my father's guardianship case.

Yeah, you keep transferring me

from one department to the other,

and then hanging up. Like, a lot.

- Well, you know, we're very busy here.

- Yeah, it's just, it's such a simple mistake to fix.

If you could just look up my father's case.

It's um, it's Davis, Jason L. Davis.

- Okay, there's a hearing for permanent guardianship

January 31st at 11.

- Today?

That's in less than an hour.

Ugh, okay. Okay, okay, I'll be there.

I'll be there.

Mack, I'm sorry. I gotta go.

I-I'll make it up to you, I promise.

- Not even gonna clock out?

(tense music building)

(gavel bangs)

(judge): Okay, next up is in re Jason Davis,

motion for permanent guardianship.

Janet, what you got?

(Janet): Thank you, Your Honor. I'm here today to discuss

Mr. Jason Davis, who I'm requesting

for permanent guardianship.

He suffered a concussion recently.

We tried to get in touch his family.

- Sir, Judge. - Relatives, his daughter to--

- Judge. Uh, sorry, I'm...

I'm Leigh Davis Delgado.

I'm Jason's daughter.

There's been a mistake.

- There has not been, Your Honor.

I have met with the daughter,

and it is still my professional opinion

that Mr. Davis will benefit from permanent guardianship.

Mr. Davis is unable to care for himself.

- No, that's a lie!

- Mr. Davis has been deemed mentally incapacitated

by the ER doctor, Melinda McGreevy.

And two other medical professionals.

I'd like to submit their sworn statements.

- Incapacitated. - Ms. Timms, what are you doing?

- I also have credit card receipts.

Thousands of dollars that Mr. Davis

charged to fly-by-night animal charities.

- H-He likes animals. Is that so wrong?

I mean, Dad, tell him your story.

- I'm afraid that's not possible at this hearing,

Mr. Davis, given your status in the eyes of the court.

- Wait, he can't even testify

to why what you're doing is wrong?

- Ms. Delgado, you may approach.

So, do you have any evidence to refute

Ms. Timms' affidavit supporting guardianship?

- I'll be his guardian, if that's what it takes.

- Unfortunately, Your Honor, that's not possible.

Ms. Delgado has a criminal record,

grand theft auto.

- What? No.

Okay, that's a misunderstanding.

I borrowed a friend's car,

her dad didn't know about it and called the police.

I was 18. It was 25 years ago.

- Guilty plea, suspended sentence.

- But they said I had to plead guilty,

otherwise I would face jail time.

- Ms. Delgado.

Ms. Delgado, it is the opinion of this court

that you're not qualified to become

your father's guardian.

- But that's not fair!

- Janet Timms is the best in the business.

Your father's in good hands.

Ms. Timms' motion for permanent guardianship

is granted. - Thank you, Your Honor.

(gavel bangs) (judge): Next case.

- It all happened so fast,

and I spent weeks now fighting it.

Adult protective services, division of aging services,

the office of the court services.

All these services that don't serve us.

- Ms. Delgado, it's very difficult

to reverse a guardianship once it's permanent.

- My father is desperate to get out of that home.

He's willing to pay whatever it takes.

- Your father doesn't have any money.

- I mean, not much, but his pension is good.

- I mean, it's not his money anymore.

Under guardianship, your father can't make

healthcare decisions, he can't choose where to live,

and he can't handle his own money.

Legally, his guardian controls it.

He or... she? - She.

- ...is unlikely to authorize

an expenditure to remove herself.

(sighs) - Well, then,

I guess my husband and I

will have to pay for your help.

- Sure.

I'll need a $5,000 retainer to start working.

- $5,000? That's...

(sighs) That's gonna be tough.

- Are there assets you can liquidate?

Stocks? Bonds?

- No, nothing like that.

- That's okay.

Many clients find it more convenient

to take out a second mortgage on their home.

- We rent.

(somber music)

(birds chirping)

- How can a perfect stranger take control of your life?

I'm gonna give that woman a what for when I see her.

I'm a Marine, damn it!

- I know, Dad. I know.

- How you doing, Jay? - Uh, not bad, yourself?

- I am great. Thank you for asking.

I have that book that you asked for.

- Teresa, you are a godsend.

- Ah, it's true, it's true.

- No, I mean it.

You know, you really do make a difference.

- Well, thanks.

It's been so crazy here.

We've been understaffed for months.

I never know if anything makes a difference.

I'll see ya.

- She told me that...

if I didn't do what she said,

she'd call the police.

- Janet? - Mm-hmm.

I didn't know how to stop it.

I should have fought. - Dad, you had a concussion.

- I just want to be at my own house.

Sleep in my own bed.

- I know. Dad, I tried. I did,

All the lawyers say the same thing.

We just can't afford it right now.

- I'm sure you did the best you could.

- You should have seen the look on his face.

- Hey, can you stop being so hard on yourself?

You're doing everything you can.

- He was just so upset.

- We'll figure it out. I promise.

(gentle music)

- Hey.

You're not going upstairs in these clothes, mister.

(Luis chuckles)

- Take it off? - I think that'd be a good idea.

- Oh, yeah? - Mm-hmm.

- Why can't I see my medical file?

Doesn't make any damn sense.

- Because they're a bunch of fascists. It's your turn.

- Ah...

- You sure you don't want to keep that ace?

- What I want is to go home.

- Hmm.

- Time for meds. Let's go.

- Oh, you kept us waiting an hour. Now you're in a hurry.

They're just trying to drug us into submission.

I uh, think I'll take mine with juice.

(clears throat)

Power to the people.

- Hippie.

(Albert laughs)

- You wanted to see your medical report?

- Power to the people. - Right on.

(both chuckle)

(guitar strums)

- That sounds nice.

- Thanks.

I joined that band.

- The Sexy Jackals?

- Los Chacalos de sexo. - Oh.

Well, I'm proud of you, Robert. Excuse me.

(phone rings)

Hey, Mel. - Leigh, there's something

going on at your dad's. - Whoa, whoa, what?

- There's furniture on the lawn.

- Wait, slow down. What's going on at dad's house?

- I think you should get over here.

(brakes squeal)

(birds chirping)

(melancholy music)

- Ooh, that's fun.

- You can't have that. - Hey!

You can bid on it like everyone else.

- Ladies, ladies, ladies. - It's my father's!

- Ladies, ladies, this item has already been reserved.

Sorry about that.

- How dare you?

- I know it's hard,

but it's standard practice to auction household items.

- But you didn't ask him. You didn't even ask me.

- This is not about you, Ms. Delgado.

This is about what's best for your father.

- Well, I mean, you think selling off a lifetime

of memories is what's best?

- $40,000.

That's the average yearly nursing home cost in the area.

- He shouldn't even be in a nursing home.

- Would you rather he save his money for you?

- No, I... no. I don't want his money.

- Didn't he just give you $3,000 not too long ago?

- That was a loan

and we've almost paid it all back by now.

- Maybe I missed that.

(woman): Is there a price?

- Oh. Right here.

This one is 45. It's a nice one.

My mom was 86 and blind and dying of cancer.

My sister Denise talked such a good game

about taking care of everything.

She stole everything Mom had.

My mom died in squalor.

After that, I told myself I would never let something

like that happen to anyone again, you understand?

I'm just the neutral party here.

I promise you,

Jason's best interest is my priority.

Excuse me.

(footsteps thud away)

(door slams shut)

(somber music)

(pump hisses)

- Hmm.

Anything bothering you?

- Yeah, plenty.

And I got pins and needles on this foot

from not exercising enough.

- Let's see.

Just a little hot is all.

Hmm.

(curious music)

See you later, Jay. - Later.

All right...

:Patient exhibits

aggressive and antisocial behavior."

Lies.

Oh, come on, that's ridiculous.

- Hey, are you enjoying your dinner? Great job.

Hey. Sorry you haven't been able to see your dad yet.

I'm not sure what the holdup is.

- That's okay.

I don't really wanna tell him that his guardian

sold everything he had to pay for this place.

- Well, not just for this place.

- Wha...

What do you mean?

What else is she using his money for?

- Look, um...

It's none of my business...

but I... I got a friend in accounting.

Janet charges for every phone call.

- Who's he calling?

- No, no, I mean all her calls,

including with you.

(sighs)

- My dad's the one paying.

Is she the guardian for any other residents here?

- You didn't hear it from me.

(indistinct chatter)

(Teri): A drink.

(Belinda): I was in surgery at 6:00 this morning.

- Mmm. This drink is amazing.

- You probably need it more than me.

- So sorry. I got held up at a showing.

- Hey, Dave, I want you to meet Dr. Belinda McGreevy.

- Oh, the ER doctor. - Mm-hmm.

- Sure. Hey, thanks about the tip about Jason Davis.

- You sure? I hear his daughter's a handful.

- You know, most of these families

have a hard time adjusting. - Always.

- But where were they when their relatives needed them?

The truth is, this country doesn't even value our seniors.

When you get right down to it,

most of them have nobody looking out for them.

- Well, except for you.

- I try.

Cheers to that.

(medical machine beeping)

- So you know, he was very agitated earlier.

He had to be medicated.

(unsettling music)

- Dad?

Dad, can you hear me?

You're soaking wet.

Why didn't he change you?

I'm here.

(alarm beeps)

(Leigh): Hey, I'm sorry I didn't make it home last night.

(Luis): It's all good.

- Dad complained about his medical report

so they drugged him.

- Serious?

- His roommate said that residents that cause trouble

tend to be more medicated. It's easier for the staff.

- Mm-hmm.

They're all lazy bunch of bastards, except Teresa.

- Babe, that sounds horrible.

- Luis,

it's not just the house that's gone.

Janet closed all of Dad's bank accounts. All of them.

- That's the kids' college fund.

(Jason): Leigh?

- Babe, I gotta go.

Hey. Hi, I'm here.

Yeah, Teresa let me spend the night,

but don't tell Ms. Windham.

(grunts) - Ms. Windham is a bitch.

(grunts)

- I'm glad you're feeling better. You hungry?

Go get you something to eat?

(grunts)

- Guess what?

Your old man really is old.

Hand me that thing over there.

(sighs)

(somber music)

- She's selling my home?

- I'm so sorry, Dad.

- How... how can she just sell it?

- I don't know.

I don't understand any of it.

- Mrs. Delgado,

your father should not be eating anything.

He needs to take his medication on an empty stomach.

(Luis): Alicia Timms-Dickerson.

- Yep. - She's the head

of the auction company?

- Yeah, and you'll never guess who she is.

Janet Timms' cousin.

And the realtor selling Dad's house?

Her brother Dave.

And Judge Bean seems to know Janet very well.

- Hey, so...

- You know, it's a whole system.

Private guardians and real estate companies

and nursing homes and auction houses.

Everyone's benefiting somehow.

My dad can't be the only victim.

- Hey, you're just one person.

With me, two people.

It's not enough to untangle that entire web.

- Well, what am I supposed to do? Take it to the news?

(music stops)

Mack, I'm sorry, I'm running late.

Yeah, I'll be there soon. Okay, come on.

Just a quick stop. I promise.

(Allie): I'm not in a rush.

(Leigh): Mitch Young? - Uh, yes.

- Hi.

- How did you get in here?

- Uh, my kid is super cute.

Listen, um...

My father has been basically kidnapped by a private guardian.

- Kidnapped. - Yeah. And forced

into a nursing home. And I saw that piece you did

on nursing homes and COVID. It was really good.

- Well, then you know we already covered it.

- Yeah, but this is different. Let me explain. So--

- Ma'am,

I'm on the air in 12 minutes. - Look, just--

- I can't. - ...hear me out.

- Financial abuse?

- Yeah, and it's happening all over the country.

And you'll never guess how much money is involved.

- You're gonna tell me? - $2.9 billion

stolen every year by people like Janet Timms.

- Guardians.

- Mom's got like, a flowchart.

- You guys rehearse this?

- She's right, I do have a... a flowchart of sorts.

I mean, there's so many people. Look at this,

it-it starts with Janet, but it branches out.

It's her brother. I mean, these are all the folks

that are making money off one private guardianship.

And it's not just my dad.

Janet has dozens of other wards, as they call them,

in this same home.

- Ms. Delgado, one nursing home is not a conspiracy.

I need a bunch of homes. Dozens of victims.

This is a lot of shoe leather.

Station's not gonna give me the budget for it.

- Well, what if I do it? I'll find them, other victims.

- You got investigative experience?

(director): Thirty seconds to air, Mitch.

- I have kids. I mean, I...

I'm used to trying to get truthful answers out of people.

(cameraman): Camera, clear.

- You can try.

No promises.

(Leigh sighs) - Can I please go to school now?

- Yeah. Okay, thank you. Thank you.

(tense music)

(Leigh): Mr. Waters? I understand that Janet Timms

sent your wife to the Happyville Nursing Home.

If we could just talk?

Janet Timms is my father's--

I would love to talk to you a little bit about Janet Timms.

(man): Don't call here.

- She got my dad, too.

- I don't want anything to do with that woman.

- But if I could--

(sighs)

Hi. Hi there. My name is Leigh Delgado

and I'd love to talk to you about Janet Timms.

(speaking Spanish)

(Kwame): My grandmother was always real independent.

You know, she just fell that one time,

didn't even break anything.

All it took was one visit to the hospital.

You know, a nurse or somebody

must have tipped off Ms. Timms.

- I bet that's what happened with my father.

- Mm-hmm. You should talk to Casey Hilder.

Her mother was in the same home as my grandma.

- Oh. And you want fries with that?

- Yeah. - Okay.

(sighs)

(unsettling music)

- Do you want me to call Dr. Maida?

See if they can fit you in?

(Teresa): Ms. Timms switched his doctor.

- Why?

- Different insurance.

Don't ask me why.

- Well, what did the new doctor say?

Dad?

- So, they upped the pain meds and started him

on some anti-anxiety drugs.

He's not leaving the room for meals

and he should probably see a specialist about that foot.

- Okay, uh... H-How do I do that?

- That's Janet's department, too.

(Leigh sighs)

- You know, I've been wanting to talk to you.

Um...

I'm talking to the press

about Janet's guardianship business,

and uh, I'm not asking you to talk to anyone.

I just, um... if you know anyone who would.

(neon sign buzzes)

(bell on door jingles)

Oh, I'm sorry. We're closed.

How do you know where I work?

- I heard you've been looking for me.

- Well, I'm worried about my dad.

- Sorry to hear that.

How about a cup of coffee?

- Sure.

You know, my dad's having problems with circulation.

In his foot. And it's gotten a lot worse this week.

- Who told you that?

- Does it matter?

He needs to see a specialist.

- Well, specialists are quite expensive,

but I'll certainly see what I can do.

- When?

- It's been brought to my attention

that you've been pestering my other families.

Some of them are quite upset.

You know, the more you stir them up,

the less time I'll have for your father.

You understand.

- You know you should be in jail

for what you're doing to my dad. What you're doing all of them.

(laughs) - Go to jail for what?

The law is on my side, Ms. Delgado.

Don't be so shortsighted.

(sinister music)

(knock on door)

- Casey? Hi, Leigh. - Hi, hi.

- Hi. - Nice to meet you. Come on in.

- Thank you.

(Casey): Just through here.

Janet makes you feel like you're crazy.

Like taking your mom is normal.

Locking her in a home is normal.

I used to be a corporate attorney.

I worked for two years to free mom.

- And she got out. You got her out?

- God freed her. Not me.

- Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry.

- She died in that home.

I quit my firm a month later.

I haven't practiced since.

The law's the damn problem.

Ms. Delgado,

I wish you the best of luck, but I don't really know

what I can do at this point.

- You could talk to a reporter.

(upbeat country music)

(inaudible conversations)

(♪)

(♪)

(inaudible conversation)

- Tostadas again?

- Baby, your mom's working late tonight and you like tostadas.

Right?

- We like Mom's tostadas.

- Why don't you wait until your mom gets home then, huh?

(foreboding music plays)

(truck speeding)

(police sirens)

(officer): You sure you want to refuse an ambulance?

(Leigh): Yeah, I'm sure.

- She says she's okay. Thanks, guys.

- Leigh, we really should see a doctor.

- I'm just bruised.

- Did you get a good look at the vehicle?

- It was an SUV. Maybe black?

I didn't really get a good look.

Just felt like they had it in for me.

- You're saying this car ran you off the road?

- I-- I'm not sure. It just felt intentional.

- No offence, ma'am. Why would someone do that?

(Luis): They basically called you a drama queen.

- That's offensive. I'm a beauty queen.

- Babe...someone tried to hurt you.

Do you really think it was Janet Timms?

- I don't know. Uh, maybe it was just some stupid drunk.

- Hmm.

(Luis sighs.)

- Your friend at the garage?

- Yeah, the whole thing will cost two grand.

- That's the emergency fund and then some.

- You know that emergency fund is already gone.

(tense music playing)

- Spreadsheets, victims of Janet and their families,

contact info, descriptions, and here's a separate list

of people I found under guardianship,

not just Janet's clients.

- Well, I already heard from a handful of people.

Looks like you got a lot more.

- Yeah, 32 altogether.

I'm guessing a bunch will talk if you go to them.

Oh, and here's a...here's a thumb drive with all the info.

- Not bad, Leigh. We might be able to get some traction

on this, but we've got a lot of work to do.

- You said we.

(Mitch chuckles.)

- Are you going to work today?

- Cherise is covering for me.

- Oh.

How's the band going, buddy?

- Not bad. We should be ready by next week, so.

- Hey. Yeah, that's good.

- What's next week?

- It's a competition at school, kinda like a talent show.

- Oh, why didn't you tell us about that?

- He did.

- Oh. Well, I want a seat in the front row. All right.

Do you want an apple or a clementine?

- Uh, clementine.

- Oh, I knew it.

(suspenseful music)

- Hey Leigh, the specialist saw Jason today. Oh, it's not good.

Complications from diabetes. I thought you should...

I gotta go.

- Teresa.

- Yes?

- Ms. Timms made it very clear his records

are to be kept confidential.

- Oh, I'm sorry, I just--

- Do I need to remind you of our protocols?

- No, no.

- Okay.

- So, we're gonna do this in stages, Ms. Hilder.

First, we get your story, then we tape an interview.

- Thank you so much for doing this.

(recording): Thank you so much for doing this.

- Seems like it's working.

It's an little journal trick, ABT, always be taping.

- Oh, I could see how that could be useful.

- Your mother developed numerous medical problems

at the nursing home, is that correct?

- High blood pressure. A heart murmur. Bed sores.

- Did the nursing home document any of these conditions?

- Well, they did.

- And where are they... those records?

- What does that matter now?

- Casey, I need those files.

- I threw them out, okay?

I threw them in the trash right after the funeral.

- Well, I can't just take your word for it.

- Hey. Can I talk to you?

Go easy.

- She's a woman with a good story and zero proof.

- She is a human being who just lost her mom.

And she thinks it's all her fault.

If only she had done more.

If...if only she were better, or smarter, or richer,

then you know, maybe her mom would be free,

and she'd be getting the help she needed.

- Noted.

Okay, I'm sorry about that. Let's start over.

- Oh.

- Okay.

- Hey.

- Hey. You look nice.

- Oh yeah, my son's in a school talent show.

I can't believe it. Is it okay if I go in?

- I'm sorry. You uh, you have to go.

- Well, if he's asleep, I'll just wake him up.

- Jason's guardian has informed us that he...

he no longer wants to see you.

- You know that's not true.

- It's a decision his guardian has made.

- Teresa, you know this isn't right.

You can't just let her do this.

- My mom's on disability and I have three younger brothers.

I can't help you anymore.

I'll do my best for him though, I promise.

- Please don't do this.

- Ma'am, you need to leave.

- Teresa, Mrs. Jackson's call light's on.

(Teresa sighs.)

(Leigh): Janet Timms, please.

(Receptionist): May I ask who's calling?

- Leigh Delgado it's urgent.

- One moment.

Ms. Timms is in a meeting. Can I take a message?

- Just forget it.

(suspenseful music)

- It's called neuropathy, Dad. That's the pain in your foot.

- Yeah, the specialist told me.

I'm not an idiot. I asked him for a copy the--

- Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes in both feet.

Condition in right foot compounded by serious peripheral

artery disease. Amputation?

- Mm-hmm. Keep reading.

- Oh, good. They're recommending the stem cell treatment.

Oh, thank God.

Dad.

- I'm just so tired, sweetheart.

- You were right. She's here.

(officer): Ma'am, you have to leave.

- You don't understand. He's my father.

- This woman is trespassing.

- Why does she have to go?

- Dad, it's okay.

- Step away from the patient.

- I want her to stay.

- Can't you see you're upsetting him?

- That's enough.

(Jason): Hey! Hey!

- Why can't I see my dad? Get off of me!

(Jason): Leave her alone!

- Come on, what are you doing?

- Where are you taking her?

- Dad! - Leigh!

- Dad, Dad, it's gonna be okay.

- Leigh!

(fingerprint squelches)

(camera shutter thunders)

(somber music)

- I'm gonna be home late tonight. I'm working two sites.

- Do you have to?

- Your bail was three grand, Leigh. Yeah, I have to.

- I'm sorry.

(sad music)

- Hey, Rob.

(car horn honking)

- Damien's here. I gotta go.

- I won the talent show.

(Leigh sighs.)

- Robert, I'm so sorry. Something came up

and it became an emergency.

- You got arrested because you trespassed.

- I did. And I'm really sorry I missed your show.

- Did Dad tell you that he sold his bike?

- What? Why?

- To get you out of jail, Mom.

(Leigh sighs.)

- Mack, I'm sorry. I'm on my way. I promise.

No, just-- just give me another chance. Mack--

I understand. Okay.

(sighing)

- Wilson Merrick, 82, broken arm, and we got him

in room 907. All right, thanks Belinda.

So, did you get her in line?

- I spoke to her. And there won't be any more slip ups.

- You said that last time.

- Teresa has a good heart. Our residents love her.

- Well, I think she's careless. She likes discipline.

You wouldn't want me to have my wards moved to another facility

on her account, now, would you?

Dave...I suppose I can have them all moved.

- Within a week. Tomorrow if needed.

- That's good to know.

- I'll take care of it.

- Thank you.

- No problem.

(depressed music)

(worker): I'm sorry.

- I'm sure gonna miss the heck outta you.

- I'm gonna miss you too, Albert.

Hey, listen, um, they won't let me back up,

so can you tell Jay I said goodbye?

(tense music)

(engine rumbles)

(birds chirping)

- Yeah, I think I found one other woman to help us.

Mary Beth O'Connell. Mitch, can you hold on a second?

- Dad? Hi.

- Janet's scheduled surgery for me.

Amputation below the knee.

- What are you talking about? You're getting the drugs.

The stem cell, whatever.

- No, Janet says it's too expensive.

Irresponsible, she calls it. Surgery's in two weeks.

- No, where's Teresa? Teresa will help us.

- No, Teresa's gone. She got fired.

- Oh.

Okay. Okay, okay, I'll talk to Janet.

- No, you...you can't talk to that woman.

You gotta do something, Leigh.

(Ms. Windham): I'll take that, Mr. Davis.

- Oh, Dad, it's gonna be okay. Dad? Dad?

- Your guardian has instructed us to limit your phone calls.

She said it upsets you too much.

- You're the one upsetting me.

- This is only temporary, Mr. Davis.

(Luis): Hey, babe.

(water flowing from the tap)

What's this?

- Early on, I found this man online lives in Los Angeles.

His grandmother was in a guardianship in Nevada.

Last month, he hired a couple of ex-military to extract

his grandmother from the nursing home.

- Extract?

That's crazy.

- Yeah, but once they got her across state lines,

the guardian couldn't touch her.

I mean, of course, they can never go back to Vegas.

- Wait. Are you trying to hire some ex-military?

- No, we can't afford ex-military. I'm gonna do it.

We could throw a rock from our house

and hit the Kentucky border.

(scoffs) - That's kidnapping.

- It's a rescue. My dad is never getting out of there.

- Baby, you don't know that.

- I will not allow that woman to hold my dad hostage

and slowly kill him.

- And what will our children do while you're in prison?

- I won't get caught.

- That one time in jail wasn't enough?

- He's my dad. - And I'm your husband!

And Robert and Allie are your children.

And for months, I've done everything that I can for you.

I've worked double shifts, triple shifts.

I've worked weekends. And we're still broke.

And I thought that's okay, that's fine,

because we don't need my money because we've got family.

But now you want to destroy that too.

Look, your family needs you, Leigh. All your family.

(water splashing)

What's it gonna take for you to see that?

(knock on door) - Mom?

(Leigh): Hey.

- Hey. Don't know if I made it right but--

- That's very sweet.

- Did your dad leave for work already?

- Yeah, a while ago.

- Yeah, well, I should get ready for work, too.

- You got fired. Dad told me.

- He did.

- Why aren't you out there fighting for Papa?

- It's complicated. Your father didn't exactly love my plan.

- So, make a new one.

- I've tried.

- I'm part of a band now.

I have a girlfriend. You wanna know why?

- You have a girlfriend?

- Because you told me I can do anything I want,

I can be anything I want if I worked hard for it.

You gonna tell me you lied?

- No. No, I didn't lie to you.

- Mom...

you can do anything you want if you worked hard for it.

So, come on. Get up off your butt and get out there.

All right?

(Mitch): So, you went to your grandmother's nursing home

and Ms. Timms wouldn't let you in to see her?

(Kwame): She said I was too upset. Said she'd call the cops

if I didn't leave.

- You have to move up the piece.

- Hello, is how I usually like to start.

- The amputation is in less than a week.

- Well, I don't control the network schedule.

This is human interest, not breaking news.

Plus, the piece isn't gonna change Janet's mind, unfortunately.

- Yeah, but it might change a judge's mind, you know,

if it kicks up enough bad publicity.

- You're going to court?

- I'm going to court.

But getting this piece on the air is key.

Will you at least try?

- Well, I'll see what I can do,

but how are you getting into court?

- No idea.

That's Teresa. Wait, turn it up. Turn the sound up.

- 32-year-old Manning woman Teresa Williams was struck

by a driver who fled the scene.

This is the second hit and run reported in the last few weeks.

- She was just here the other day.

(Leigh): Oh, my goodness.

- So, I was run off the road a few weeks ago,

and then my father's health aide dies in a hit and run?

I mean, that can't be a coincidence, can it?

- You filled out a police report?

- Yeah.

I think it's all connected to my father's guardian,

Janet Timms.

- That's quite the allegation.

- I know. Just look into it.

- I heard about Teresa.

I'm sorry.

- Yeah. It's awful.

Luis...

I am so sorry. You do so much for all of us.

I don't even know where to start.

I know I don't say it enough.

(chuckles) - You don't.

- I love you.

- I love you.

Babe, you know it's you and me, right?

Ride or die. You know that.

(gentle music)

Do I wanna know?

- Well, I'm trying to figure out the probate court rules.

To get into court you have to file a motion.

It's like asking for an invitation to a club

they don't want you in.

- What about one of those people that you brought

to Mitch? Wasn't one of them a lawyer?

(Casey): Hey, Leigh.

(Leigh): Hey, can I come in? - Yeah, come on in.

- I need an emergency court hearing to stop Janet.

- Okay, well, you can have a lawyer write a petition.

- Well, you're a lawyer, right?

- Not anymore, Leigh. I gave up my license a year ago.

- Well, can you get it back?

- These things don't happen overnight. I'm sorry.

- Because I can't afford a lawyer.

And I-- I can't afford to give up.

- You could file a motion pro se, represent yourself.

- The last time I did that, the judge granted Janet

permanent guardianship. I can't argue this case myself.

- Sure you could. With the right help.

(alarm beeping)

(Jason wincing)

- You've got to turn over. You'll get bed sores.

(Jason): I'm trying.

- Where's George?

- Hey, I've got good news.

I got us an emergency hearing tomorrow at noon.

- Leigh, that's great. Hey, I have news, too.

- Airing at tomorrow at noon would be perfect.

You know, as much heartburn as we can generate for

Judge Bean and you know, get other outlets interested.

- They killed it.

The producers, they killed the story.

I heard the station owner got involved himself.

I'm sorry, Leigh.

(sighing)

- Think you're the only ones in here?

(Jason groans.)

- What's that for?

- Making sure you get your eight hours.

You're welcome.

(Jason wheezing)

(Albert gasping)

(Jason): Help him.

(Albert gasping)

Help him!

(alarm beeping)

Help him.

Help him.

Help. Help.

(alarm beeping)

- So, what does Casey think about our chances?

- I mean, she won't come out and say it,

but without Mitch's story--

(phone rings)

- Dad? Dad, what's wrong?

(Jason): Leigh, please come get me.

- What's going on? What...what's happening?

- Nobody...nobody came. And Albert's gone.

Since Albert it's me.

I'm next. Albert...is me.

- Dad, put someone on the phone. Anyone.

- Get me out!

(receptionist): One moment. Ms. Timms is in a meeting.

Can I take a message?

Hey!

Hey, excuse me. You can't go in there.

- I need to talk to you.

- I'm sorry, Ms. Timms.

- It's fine, Monique. - Is it?

Ms. Delgado, this can't wait for court?

- I'll drop everything. I'll stop talking

to other families. I'll stop talking to the press.

Just leave my father alone.

- That's insulting.

- I'll even stop talking to the police.

- What are you suggesting?

- No. I'm not letting Jason go back to the people

that abandoned him and caused him to be injured.

- Well, he's still got a few more dollars left

for you to take.

- We're settling this in court.

- I think you better leave.

- Judge Bean might take my side. Why take the chance?

- Judge Bean wouldn't dare rule against me.

He's got to get elected in six months.

- So, Judge Bean is in your pocket, too.

- Call it whatever you want.

Now get out my office before I tell the judge

I need a restraining order.

- Get out.

Now!

(supenseful music)

(man): Yeah.

You got this. Okay? Come on.

(suspenseful music)

(Judge): So, then we took a shopping cart, fashioned it

down to a makeshift wheelchair, and that's how we got around

Mardi Gras for the last three days. It was crazy.

(gavel bangs) All right, y'all.

In the matter of Jason L. Davis motion to enjoin a surgical

procedure and dissolve his guardianship.

Ms. Timms, I'd like to hear from you first,

since you're our expert here.

- Thank you.

- He isn't supposed to do that. It's your motion.

- Your Honor, I got into

the field of private guardianship

over 10 years ago to help save lives. And I have.

Hundreds of them. Mothers, fathers, grandmothers,

grandfathers, and now I'm here to help save Jason Davis' life.

I'm sure Ms. Delgado here is well-meaning,

and I'm sure she loves her father.

But she has a high school degree. Not a medical one.

Jason Davis needs surgery.

I'd like to enter into evidence Exhibits 1 through 19.

These are Mr. Davis' medical records and the recommendation

of his surgeon. Thank you.

- Uh judge, she can't enter anything into evidence

until we've presented our argument.

- We're pretty informal here.

Let's save some time. Just go ahead and enter that.

(stirring music)

Okay, Ms. Delgado, it's your turn.

- Yes, Sir, Your Honor,

we don't have documents like Ms. Timms. We have people.

- Judge Bean, these are family members of other clients

of mine. This has nothing to do with Jason Davis' case.

- Tend to agree.

Ms. Delgado, do you have anything else?

- In that case, I'd like to enter evidence, too.

- You need to be a little more specific, Ms. Delgado.

(Janet scoffs)

- It's a recording of Janet Timms.

May I?

(Janet on recording): Judge Bean wouldn't dare rule against me.

He's got to get elected in six months.

- Your Honor, this is outrageous and illegal.

- The state has a one-party consent statute regarding

the recording of conversations. And I consented.

- Proceed.

(Leigh on recording): So, Judge Bean is in your pocket, too.

(Janet on recording): Call it whatever you want.

Now get out my office before I tell the judge

I need a restraining order.

- You'd better get a camera crew in here.

- This court is called to recess.

(gavel bangs)

- As his guardian, Janet Timms is supposed to protect

my father.

But under her so-called care, my father has gotten

steadily worse. And it's not just my dad.

Janet has over 300 wards. Many of them have had

the same experience. There's Gabby Rivera's father,

and Kwame Reese's grandmother, and Casey Hilder's mother.

All of them were forced out of their homes,

robbed of their assets, and isolated from their families.

Many of them died within two years.

- Objection, Your Honor. Judge Bean, she has no proof

of any of this.

- Get to your point, Ms. Delgado.

- Because of her neglect, my father is in a healthcare

crisis that never should have happened.

And now she is ordering to have his leg amputated.

Not because it's the only option or because a doctor

recommended it. But because it's cheaper.

- You can't be serious. That is defamatory, Your Honor.

- Not if it's true, it's not.

(murmurs in the crowd)

(Leigh): Your Honor, Janet Timms is not a guardian.

She's a predator.

- Well, in light of the arguments that have been

presented, this court finds in favor...

of the petitioner, Ms. Delgado.

(gavel bangs)

Court adjourned.

(blissful music)

- Nice one.

- Actually unbelievable.

- You're incredible.

(Leigh): Ah, my babies.

- Did you win any money?

(chuckles)

- Hey...

(relieved sigh)

(Janet): Do you know what? He's gonna have to see me again.

He's gonna have to see me.

The audacity of him to go against us.

Knowing that all I do is keep

people's best interests at heart.

(reporters): Ms. Timms! Do you have anything to say about the verdict?

(Mitch): Ms. Timms, do you have something to say about

the mistreatment of wards under your care?

- You know, some families just can't face the reality

that their loved ones are on the decline.

- Get in closer.

- They will blame anyone but themselves.

(officer 1): David Timms?

- And that's what you're seeing here today.

- David Timms?

You're under arrest for the murder of Teresa Williams.

- David? David, what did you do?

- She was gonna hurt you, Jan. You don't get that?

- Come on.

(officer 2): You have the right to remain silent.

(Mitch): Ms. Timms! (Officer 2): If you give up the right

to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used

against you in a court of law.

(Mitch): Ms. Timms, do you have any comment

on your brother's arrest?

(reporter 1): Did you know Teresa Williams?

(reporter 2): Ms. Timms, would you like to make a statement?

(Mitch): Ms. Timms, did you have something to do with the murder

of Teresa Williams?

(Leigh): Dad. Daddy. We won.

We won. The surgery is off.

- Oh, thank God. Thank goodness.

- Yeah. And the judge ended the guardianship.

- I...I'm free?

- Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's get your things together.

- Nah, forget about my things. Let's get outta here.

(Mitch): The case of Delgado vs. Timms was only the beginning

of a guardianship scandal that has rocked the county probate

court in the last weeks.

Janet Timms is under investigation and state police

have launched an inquiry into patterns of abuse

by predatory guardians.

Her brother David Timms is facing criminal charges

for the murder of health aide Teresa Williams,

though Ms. Timms is not a suspect at this time.

- We need to get you some more hangers.

- Here, give me that.

- Robert must have taken them all.

- Kid already gave up his room.

The least you can do his let him have the hangers.

(chuckles)

- You know, Casey said we might be able to get some

of your things back.

- Hmm. Not the house.

- No, not the house.

You ready to get this party started?

(happy chuckles) Let's go.

- Dad said you got a new job. What's a pair of eagles?

- Paralegal. I'll tell you about after the party.

All right, ready?

All right, cake time!

(Allie): Come on!

Do you need help?

- No, no.

(pleasant music)

(Leigh): Ready?

♪ Ha-- - I don't want any singing.

I just wanna make a toast.

To my daughter, Leigh. I am so proud of you, sweetheart.

I am so proud to be your father.

And Luis, you're one heck of a guy.

(chuckling)

- All right. You ready? Make a wish, Dad.

- To Jason, hmm?

- To Dad.

- To Papa. - To Jason.

(country music)

Subtitling: difuze